US20050056643A1 - Folding bin - Google Patents
Folding bin Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050056643A1 US20050056643A1 US10/900,906 US90090604A US2005056643A1 US 20050056643 A1 US20050056643 A1 US 20050056643A1 US 90090604 A US90090604 A US 90090604A US 2005056643 A1 US2005056643 A1 US 2005056643A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bin
- liner
- side members
- drawstring
- closed position
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A45—HAND OR TRAVELLING ARTICLES
- A45C—PURSES; LUGGAGE; HAND CARRIED BAGS
- A45C7/00—Collapsible or extensible purses, luggage, bags or the like
- A45C7/0059—Flexible luggage; Hand bags
- A45C7/0077—Flexible luggage; Hand bags collapsible to a minimal configuration, e.g. for storage purposes
Landscapes
- Purses, Travelling Bags, Baskets, Or Suitcases (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/490,262, filed Jul. 28, 2003, the entire content of which is herein incorporated by reference.
- (NOT APPLICABLE)
- The present invention relates to a folding bin and, more particularly, to a folding bin including features that facilitate opening, closing and transport of the bin while capturing but at the same time preventing bin contents from becoming trapped in the corners.
- Folding storage bins have been in existence for a long time. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 191,712 granted in Jun. of 1877. Such bins have been provided with varying means for opening and closing the bin. One such means is provided by way of a drawstring. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 648,182 and U.S. Pat. No. 1,725,526. The drawstring is typically used to draw attached panels through which the drawstring is threaded into a facing relationship to thereby form the sides of the bin.
- A problem occurs, however, in that smaller items in the bin can get caught in the corners of the bin formed by adjacent sides, thereby preventing the bin from closing properly. Another problem results from a construction of the bin sides and bottom, such that there is an “inside” and an “outside,” necessitating that the container can be oriented only one way. Typically, the bin side ends about which the bin sides are pivoted to the closed position are disposed adjacent a bottom member or the like, wherein upon the event that the bin may be folded in an opposite or “inside-out” direction, adjacent portions of the bin sides may be subject to breakage. Another problem with existing folding bins is that, when laid flat, or unfolded such that items may be swept onto the flat surface, cutouts in the corners make a pervious or incomplete surface onto which the contents may be swept; and the contents may not be gathered onto the surface when attempting to pick them up.
- It would thus be desirable to provide a folding storage bin that is easily opened and closed while preventing contents from getting caught in or falling through the bin corners. Additionally, the side members may be positioned relative to a bottom member such that the bin has no specific inside or outside surface, and such that the members are less likely to break in the event the bin is inadvertently folded in an inside-out direction.
- In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a folding storage bin includes a liner having a first side forming an interior surface of the bin. A plurality of side members are attached to a second side of the liner. A drawstring is threaded through the side members and the liner, wherein the bin is positionable via the drawstring between an open position in which the liner and the side members lie in a substantially flat configuration and a closed position in which the side members are disposed substantially end-to-end in a facing relationship. The liner is sized and shaped such that in the closed position, a flexible pocket is formed between adjacent ends of the side members.
- These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the folding storage bin according to the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates the folding bin in its opened position; -
FIG. 3 shows an exterior side of the folding bin with the bin in the opened position; -
FIG. 4 shows the folding bin with an alternative to eyelets; and -
FIG. 5 shows the folding bin with a safety feature. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thefolding bin 10 of the present invention is generally configurable between a closed position (FIG. 1 ) and an open positioned (FIG. 2 ). Thebin 10 includes aliner 12 preferably formed of a soft and flexible material such as vinyl tarpaulin or similar light or heavy duty non-wovens, canvas or similar fabrics. As shown inFIG. 2 , theliner 12 may be formed in an octagonal shape, although those of ordinary skill in the art will certainly contemplate other shapes suitable for the bin of the present invention, and the invention is not necessarily meant to be limited to the illustrated shape. By using a single sheet of fabric for theliner 12, a first or inside surface of theliner 12 can be made smooth so that small parts are prevented from impeding hinge points. This first side of the liner forms an interior surface of thebin 10 in the closed position. - A plurality of
side members 14 are attached to a second or outside surface of theliner 12. Theside members 14 are formed of a more or less rigid material such as cardboard, plywood, corrugated plastic or similar materials that are affixed to the liner by means of adhesives, sewing or other suitable mechanical means that more or less permanently maintains their positions relative to each other. In a preferred arrangement, the bin also includes abottom member 16 also affixed to the second side of theliner 12. In one embodiment, a pair ofliners 12 of identical or varying sizes and shapes are fixed on opposite sides of theside members 14. In all embodiments, theliner 12 performs as an integral hinge that permits the form when folded to become a polygonal container shape. - In the embodiment illustrated in the FIGURES, with the octagonal
shaped liner 12, fourside members 14 are affixed to theliner 12 surrounding a perimeter of a polygonal bottom member 16 (seeFIG. 3 ). With alternative liner shapes, more orfewer side members 14 may be used. Additionally, depending on the material of theliner 12, thebottom member 16 may be omitted. - Each
side member 14 and theliner 12 are provided withholes 18 therein includingeyelets 20. With reference toFIG. 1 , the holes andeyelets side members 14, and adrawstring 22 is threaded through theside members 14 and theliner 12 via the holes andeyelets FIG. 4 ,loops 31 of ribbon or similar material may be sewn or otherwise fixed to the perimeter of theside member 14 in substitution for the holes andeyelets side member 14. - In the open position, the
liner 12 and theside members 14 lie in a substantially flat configuration as shown inFIG. 2 . In order to draw thebin 10 into the closed position, thedrawstring 22 is pulled so that theside members 14 pivot such that they are disposed end-to-end in a facing relationship as shown inFIG. 1 . Thedrawstring 22 preferably includes apull tab 24 that makes pulling thedrawstring 22 easier and more comfortable. Additionally, acord lock 26 of conventional construction secures thebin 10 in the closed position. Thedrawstring 22 is preferably of a length that is slightly longer than necessary such that thecord lock 26 does not get stuck underneath aside member 14 in the open position (seeFIG. 2 ). - By virtue of the size and shape of the
liner 12, as thebin 10 is shifted from the open position (FIG. 2 ) toward the closed position (FIG. 1 ),flexible pockets 28 are formed between adjacent ends of theside members 14. Thesepockets 28 prevent small parts from falling out of the corners of thebin 10. Additionally, being soft and flexible, thepockets 28 are easily folded out of the way if thebin 10 is stored on a shelf or in a cubby. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1 and 3 , theside members 14 are preferably provided withscalloped sides 14 a, which in addition to providing a unique aesthetic, prevent smaller items in the bin from getting caught in the corners, which items would prevent the bin from closing properly. - In one preferred arrangement, with reference to
FIG. 3 , a gap between theside members 14 and thebottom member 16 is set at a distance such that themembers bin 10 is inadvertently folded “inside-out.” In the illustrated embodiment, the gap is about ⅛th inch, although this gap may require adjustment depending on the size/construction of the materials used. -
FIG. 5 incorporates a safety feature that may be included to avoid a strangling hazard. As shown, exterior portions of thedrawstring 22 are fed through arigid tubing member 30, preferably formed of plastic. Thetubing member 30 may be added along two opposite (or all) sides. The tubing member(s) 30 facilitate transport of the bin and prevent the drawstring slack from becoming a strangling hazard. As also shown inFIG. 5 , theside members 14 may be relieved or scalloped between theeyelets 20 to permit theliner 12 to lie more flatly on the floor. - With the folding storage bin of the present invention, the bin can be easily opened and closed while preventing smaller items from getting caught in the bin corners. The bin enables small items such as toys to be easily gathered and stored. Additionally, the smooth liner surface serves as a convenient work/play area and also prevents smaller items from impeding the hinge points.
- While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (1)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/900,906 US20050056643A1 (en) | 2003-07-28 | 2004-07-28 | Folding bin |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US49026203P | 2003-07-28 | 2003-07-28 | |
US10/900,906 US20050056643A1 (en) | 2003-07-28 | 2004-07-28 | Folding bin |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050056643A1 true US20050056643A1 (en) | 2005-03-17 |
Family
ID=34278451
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/900,906 Abandoned US20050056643A1 (en) | 2003-07-28 | 2004-07-28 | Folding bin |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050056643A1 (en) |
Cited By (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100063362A1 (en) * | 1998-12-01 | 2010-03-11 | Frank Bonadio | Wound retractor device |
US20120018427A1 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2012-01-26 | Slingfin, Inc. | Collapsible Durable Outdoor Adventure Container |
US20120067876A1 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2012-03-22 | Thierry Delatour | Packaging device forming a container |
US20140262842A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Jason Beck | Adjustable ammunition magazine pouch |
US20150147446A1 (en) * | 2013-11-26 | 2015-05-28 | George Pul | Filled Dough Producing Method |
US20150296940A1 (en) * | 2014-04-18 | 2015-10-22 | Twinkle Leatherware Co., Ltd. | Folding suitcase |
US20160003598A1 (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2016-01-07 | Hsg, Llc | Magazine retention device |
US11536550B1 (en) | 2021-11-04 | 2022-12-27 | Hsg, Llc | Adjustable carrier device |
US11590400B2 (en) * | 2019-06-19 | 2023-02-28 | Hydrogen Sports LLC | Compact ball launching system and associated methods |
Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US191712A (en) * | 1877-06-05 | Improvement in paper boxes | ||
US268542A (en) * | 1882-12-05 | Bruno ruckert | ||
US343757A (en) * | 1886-06-15 | Jonah e | ||
US648182A (en) * | 1899-07-14 | 1900-04-24 | Henry S Washington | Folding box. |
US1725526A (en) * | 1924-10-17 | 1929-08-20 | Boxboard Products Company | Container and closure therefor |
US2410148A (en) * | 1944-07-13 | 1946-10-29 | Gaylord Container Corp | Heavy-duty paper shipping carton having interlocking end closure |
US3902541A (en) * | 1974-03-11 | 1975-09-02 | George D Wardwell | Disposable self supporting bag |
US3949933A (en) * | 1974-12-30 | 1976-04-13 | Baxter Laboratories, Inc. | Collapsible container |
US4305519A (en) * | 1980-04-28 | 1981-12-15 | Gloria Gerich | Collapsible holder for grocery bags |
US4509645A (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1985-04-09 | Shimano Industrial Company Limited | Portable constant temperature box |
US5482374A (en) * | 1994-02-28 | 1996-01-09 | Innovision, Inc. | Beach towel/carry bag |
-
2004
- 2004-07-28 US US10/900,906 patent/US20050056643A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US191712A (en) * | 1877-06-05 | Improvement in paper boxes | ||
US268542A (en) * | 1882-12-05 | Bruno ruckert | ||
US343757A (en) * | 1886-06-15 | Jonah e | ||
US648182A (en) * | 1899-07-14 | 1900-04-24 | Henry S Washington | Folding box. |
US1725526A (en) * | 1924-10-17 | 1929-08-20 | Boxboard Products Company | Container and closure therefor |
US2410148A (en) * | 1944-07-13 | 1946-10-29 | Gaylord Container Corp | Heavy-duty paper shipping carton having interlocking end closure |
US3902541A (en) * | 1974-03-11 | 1975-09-02 | George D Wardwell | Disposable self supporting bag |
US3949933A (en) * | 1974-12-30 | 1976-04-13 | Baxter Laboratories, Inc. | Collapsible container |
US4305519A (en) * | 1980-04-28 | 1981-12-15 | Gloria Gerich | Collapsible holder for grocery bags |
US4509645A (en) * | 1982-09-22 | 1985-04-09 | Shimano Industrial Company Limited | Portable constant temperature box |
US5482374A (en) * | 1994-02-28 | 1996-01-09 | Innovision, Inc. | Beach towel/carry bag |
Cited By (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100063362A1 (en) * | 1998-12-01 | 2010-03-11 | Frank Bonadio | Wound retractor device |
US20120067876A1 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2012-03-22 | Thierry Delatour | Packaging device forming a container |
US8556101B2 (en) * | 2009-06-02 | 2013-10-15 | Thierry Delatour | Packaging device forming a container |
US20120018427A1 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2012-01-26 | Slingfin, Inc. | Collapsible Durable Outdoor Adventure Container |
US8887935B2 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2014-11-18 | Slingfin, Inc. | Collapsible durable outdoor adventure container |
US20160003598A1 (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2016-01-07 | Hsg, Llc | Magazine retention device |
US9759536B2 (en) * | 2013-02-27 | 2017-09-12 | Hsg, Llc | Magazine retention device |
US20140262842A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2014-09-18 | Jason Beck | Adjustable ammunition magazine pouch |
US9394080B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2016-07-19 | Tyr Tactical, Llc | Adjustable ammunition magazine pouch |
US20160327382A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2016-11-10 | Tyr Tactical, Llc | Adjustable ammunition magazine pouch |
US11506473B2 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2022-11-22 | Tyr Tactical, Llc | Adjustable ammunition magazine pouch |
US20230080751A1 (en) * | 2013-03-14 | 2023-03-16 | Tyr Tactical, Llc | Adjustable ammunition magazine pouch |
US9572352B2 (en) * | 2013-11-26 | 2017-02-21 | George Pul | Filled dough producing method |
US20150147446A1 (en) * | 2013-11-26 | 2015-05-28 | George Pul | Filled Dough Producing Method |
US20150296940A1 (en) * | 2014-04-18 | 2015-10-22 | Twinkle Leatherware Co., Ltd. | Folding suitcase |
US9706822B2 (en) * | 2014-04-18 | 2017-07-18 | Twinkle Leatherware Co., Ltd. | Folding suitcase |
US11590400B2 (en) * | 2019-06-19 | 2023-02-28 | Hydrogen Sports LLC | Compact ball launching system and associated methods |
US11536550B1 (en) | 2021-11-04 | 2022-12-27 | Hsg, Llc | Adjustable carrier device |
US11835327B2 (en) | 2021-11-04 | 2023-12-05 | Hsg, Llc | Adjustable carrier device |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MURRAY & CO., VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAGAN, LUKE D.;MURRAY, CHRISTOPHER;REEL/FRAME:016043/0416;SIGNING DATES FROM 20041026 TO 20041031 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CHILDREN'S FURNITURE COMPANY, THE, VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HAGAN, LUKE D.;MURRAY, CHRISTOPHER;REEL/FRAME:015717/0051;SIGNING DATES FROM 20050120 TO 20050131 Owner name: 5,147,034, LLC, WISCONSIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHILDREN'S FURNITURE CO., THE;REEL/FRAME:015720/0375 Effective date: 20031222 Owner name: MURRAY & CO., VIRGINIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:5147034, LLC;REEL/FRAME:015721/0748 Effective date: 20041222 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |