Collapsible Hamper

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application having Ser. No. 63/723,516 filed on Nov. 21, 2024. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is collapsible containers, and especially those containers used for laundry hampers.

BACKGROUND

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Traditional laundry hampers, while functional for containing soiled clothing, often suffer from several limitations that hinder their practicality in modern households. Many conventional designs employ rigid plastic or wicker constructions that occupy significant floor space, making them cumbersome to store or transport, particularly in small living spaces such as apartments or dormitories. Additionally, these hampers typically feature fixed interiors, requiring the sorting of laundry by color, fabric type, or load category, which may require users to transfer items to separate baskets prior to washing. Removable liners, when present, are frequently flimsy bags that lack durability, fail to maintain shape, or cannot be easily carried to a laundry facility. Furthermore, the absence of collapsible features in most hampers exacerbates issues related to shipping, storage, or frequent relocation, contributing to higher material waste and logistical challenges for manufacturers and consumers alike.

Efforts to address these challenges have included the development of pop-up fabric hampers supported by flexible wire frames or elastic mechanisms. However, such designs often compromise stability, with sidewalls prone to sagging under the weight of heavy loads and lack integrated sorting compartments or secure lid mechanisms. Moreover, the materials used—typically uncoated polyester or nylon—may degrade over time due to moisture exposure, leading to odors, mildew, and/or reduced lifespan.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Thus, there remains a need for an improved laundry hamper that combines stability with collapsibility while utilizing one or more removable sorting bags.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides an apparatus that overcomes the limitations of conventional laundry hamper designs by integrating structural stability and effortless collapsibility into a single unit.

In one aspect of the inventive subject matter, a collapsible container is contemplated that includes a body defining an interior space with at least one compartment. The body comprises a rigid frame disposed at a top portion thereof and a fabric material attached to the rigid frame to form one or more sidewalls, wherein the rigid frame includes a lip extending inwardly into the compartment. A plurality of fabric sleeves is attached to the fabric material or rigid frame, each fabric sleeve configured to receive a respective rod for providing vertical support to the body. The compartment is configured to receive at least one removable bag having a metal wire frame extending about its opening, the wire frame configured to rest on and be supported by the lip of the rigid frame, thereby supporting the bag within the compartment. The body is configured to collapse upon removal of the rods from the fabric sleeves.

In certain embodiments, the collapsible container is configured as a laundry hamper. The fabric material defines at least one handle cutout positioned below a bottom surface of the rigid frame. The container further includes at least one lid attached to the rigid frame, configured to open and close via a polyurethane (PU) leather pull tab, for example, with the lid preferably attached via a fabric spine panel connecting the lid to a backside of the rigid frame such that at least a portion of the fabric spine panel is inserted into an underside of the rigid frame. A base board is disposed at a bottom portion of the body within the interior space, comprising a 3 mm corrugated polypropylene (PP) board for structural support, and a plurality of round plastic feet attached to a bottom surface of the base board.

The rigid frame preferably comprises a unibody frame with rounded corners, and the wire frame of the removable bag is configured to rest on at least a portion of frame's lip when the bag is disposed within the compartment. The rigid frame is preferably made of bamboo, and the rods comprise fiberglass rods having a diameter of 9-10 mm, with each rod including a plurality of segments interconnected by an internal elastic cord, such that the segments remain connected when the fiberglass rod is disassembled. Of course, other commercially suitable material(s) could be used without departing from the scope of invention herein.

The fabric material typically comprises a polyester canvas with a polyurethane (PU) coating, and the removable bag comprises a heavy-duty polyester mesh bag including at least one carry strap attached to an upper portion thereof, the strap configured to fold into the bag when not in use. The fabric sleeves include Velcro flaps configured to secure the rods therein, and the body is configured to fold flat for storage or shipping upon removal of the rods.

In embodiments with multiple compartments, the interior space defines a first compartment and an adjacent second compartment, which may be separated by a partition comprising a board inserted vertically therebetween and secured by the fabric material or the rigid frame. The container includes a first lid for the first compartment and a second lid for the second compartment, each independently openable and closable via a PU leather pull tab. A first removable bag is disposed in the first compartment and a second removable bag in the second compartment, each having a metal wire rim configured to rest on an inner ledge of the rigid frame. The rigid frame has a natural wood finish, and the fabric material is colored in a light heather gray, sandy cream, or shadow gray.

Viewed from another perspective, a collapsible laundry hamper is provided that includes a solid frame disposed at a top portion thereof, the frame having an inner ledge and rounded corners; a fabric body attached to the frame and defining an interior space with at least one compartment; a plurality of fabric sleeves sewn into the fabric body, each configured to receive a respective rod for vertical support; at least one removable mesh bag configured to be disposed within the compartment, the bag having at least one carry strap and a metal wire rim sized and dimensioned to rest on the inner ledge when placed inside the compartment; a base board at a bottom of the fabric body; and at least one fabric lid attached to a backside of the frame via a fabric spine panel such that at least a portion of the spine panel is inserted into an underside of the frame. The laundry hamper is configured to collapse flat upon removal of the fiberglass rods.

In some embodiments, the interior space includes two adjacent compartments separated by a partition board, with each compartment accommodating one removable mesh bag. The base board is typically a 3 mm corrugated PP board. The fabric sleeves include Velcro flaps for rod insertion and removal, and each respective rod comprises a plurality of segments interconnected by an internal elastic cord such that the segments remain connected when disassembled. One or more PU leather pull tabs are attached to the fabric lid.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an exemplary double-lidded laundry hamper.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating the removal of two removable mesh bags and fiberglass rods from an exemplary double-lidded laundry hamper.

FIG. 3A is a schematic view of the two removable mesh bags removed from an exemplary double-lidded laundry hamper.

FIG. 3B is a schematic view of an exemplary double-lidded laundry hamper with the two removable mesh bags in their respective compartments.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an exemplary double-lidded laundry hamper in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a close-up schematic view illustrating the construction of an exemplary laundry hamper.

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of an exemplary laundry hamper frame.

FIG. 7 is bottom schematic view of an exemplary laundry hamper frame.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating the construction of an exemplary single-lidded laundry hamper.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating the removal of a removable mesh bag from an exemplary single-lidded laundry hamper.

FIG. 10 is a bottom schematic view of a base board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

The present invention provides a collapsible container comprising a body that defines an interior space with at least one compartment. In a preferred embodiment, the collapsible container is configured as a laundry hamper designed for convenient storage and transport of laundry. Various views of an exemplary embodiments of collapsible laundry hampers are shown in FIGS. 1-10. Specifically, FIGS. 1-3 depict an exemplary embodiment of a double-lidded hamper 100 in its expanded configuration and FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the hamper 100 in its collapsed configuration. FIGS. 5-7 depict various aspects of the hamper 100. FIGS. 8-9 depict an exemplary embodiment of a single-lidded hamper 200 in its expanded configuration.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, the hamper 100 typically features at least one compartment 101 configured to hold one or more removable mesh bags 110 or other containers (See, e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3A). In the double-lidded laundry hamper 100, the removable bags 110 are arranged side-by-side, as shown in FIG. 2. While FIGS. 1-7 depict a double-lidded hamper and FIGS. 8-10 show a single-lidded version, the construction principles described herein also apply to hampers with three or more compartments. In multi-compartment configurations, the interior is preferably divided into two, three, or four adjacent compartments by one or more partition boards, each compartment tailored to accommodate a removable mesh bag 110. The partition board may be constructed of materials such as polypropylene (PP), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, bamboo, hardboard, plastic, or rigid foam core. While the below discussion refers to mesh bags, it is contemplated that the removable bags could be formed from other material(s) and be solid in nature rather than mesh.

Hamper 100 preferably comprises a rigid unibody frame 102 with rounded corners disposed at a top portion of the hamper, and a fabric material attached to the rigid frame 102 to form one or more sidewalls of the hamper. The rigid frame 102 includes an inner lip or ledge 112 extending inwardly into the compartment(s) as shown best in FIG. 5. A top view of an exemplary rigid frame 102 is shown in FIG. 6, and a bottom view is shown in FIG. 7. The rigid frame 102 preferably comprises a unibody construction made of a rigid, yet lightweight material to provide an integrated structure. An exemplary material is bamboo, although other suitable materials such as plastics, metals, or woods may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the rigid frame 102 includes an inner ledge 112 that serves as a support structure for the removable bags 110 and as an alignment feature for the top exterior lids 120. The inner ledge 112 is preferably an integrated component of the unibody frame 102. As depicted in FIG. 7, the underside of the rigid frame 102 may comprise a fabric channel 700 designed to securely hold the fabric material forming the body of the hamper 100.

As discussed above, the fabric material forming the sidewalls of the hamper is securely coupled to the rigid frame 102 via the fabric channel 700 to form the body 104 of the hamper 100, defining an interior space with one or more compartments 101. The fabric material is typically a polyester canvas with a polyurethane (PU) coating for water resistance, though alternatives such as oxford polyester, canvas duck, drill cloth, or other commercially suitable material(s) may also be used, with optional PU coating for enhanced durability. Additionally, the fabric material may include at least one handle cutout 130, positioned below the bottom surface of the rigid frame 102 for easy handling.

As shown in FIG. 5, each removable bag 110 is supported within its respective compartment 101 by a wire frame 501 that extends around a top opening of the removable bag 110. When the removable bag 110 is inserted into the compartment 101, the wire frame 501 rests on the inner ledge 112 of the rigid frame 102. The mesh or fabric of the removable bag 110 preferably drapes into the compartment 101, while the wire frame 501, typically made of metal wire, rests on and is supported by the inner ledge 112. The removable bags 110 may be crafted from heavy-duty polyester mesh and feature at least one carry strap 160 attached to the upper portion, which can be folded into the bag when not in use. While heavy-duty polyester is preferred, other durable, waterproof materials such as nylon ripstop, vinyl-coated polyester, or recycled PET mesh may be used. Regardless of the material used, the bags 110 are designed to be breathable, promoting airflow to maintain freshness.

In some embodiments, the hamper 100 includes one or more top exterior lids 120 configured to selectively close and cover the opening(s) of the compartment(s). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hamper 100 may comprise two or more lids 120 that can be independently opened to provide access to the underlying mesh bag 110 and contents stored therein. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the hamper 200 may comprise a single lid 220. Each lid 120 is preferably opened and closed via a zipper and/or a polyurethane (PU) leather pull tab 300. The lid 120 may also be opened and closed using snap fasteners or buttons. Each lid 120 is attached to the laundry hamper 100 via a fabric spine panel connecting the lid to a backside of the rigid frame 102, with at least a portion of the fabric spine panel inserted into an underside of the rigid frame 102.

To provide vertical structure for the hamper 100 in its expanded configuration (as shown in FIG. 1), the hamper 100 includes a plurality of fabric sleeves 106 attached to the fabric material of the body 104, each sleeve configured to receive a respective fiberglass rod 108 for vertical support. It is contemplated that the rod could be formed from other commercially suitable materials, so long as the rod provides the sufficient support to ensure the hamper 100 maintains its expanded configuration.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hamper 100 may include four such sleeves 106, each configured to receive a rod 108 during assembly of the expanded configuration. The fabric sleeves 106 include Velcro flaps 105 to securely retain the rods 108 therein. The specific number of sleeves 106 may vary based on the dimensions and configuration of the hamper 100. For example, embodiments with three or more compartments may require more than four sleeves 106 and rods 108. The sleeves 106 and rods 108 are configured to tuck under the frame 102, thereby providing the vertical structure of the hamper 100.

In certain embodiments, the rods 108 comprise fiberglass rods having a diameter of 9 mm or 10 mm, with each rod including a plurality of segments interconnected by an internal elastic cord such that the segments remain connected when disassembled. Alternative diameters of 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 13 mm are contemplated depending on the size of the hamper 100. Although fiberglass is preferred, the rods 108 may alternatively be formed of plastic, metal, wood, or other suitable materials. To collapse the hamper 100, the rods 108 are removed from the sleeves 106, allowing the hamper to transition to its collapsed configuration. FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary collapsed configuration of the hamper 100, such as for shipping or storage, wherein the hamper 100 is substantially flat when empty.

Similar to that shown in FIG. 10, the hamper may further include a base board with rounded corners. In some embodiments, the base board comprises a 3 mm corrugated polypropylene (PP) board. Alternative materials such as plywood, pine, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), hardwoods, reclaimed wood, polyurethane, vinyl are also contemplated. The base board provides structure and stability to the hamper 100 and facilitates easy transport via the built-in handles 130 of the fabric body 104. A plurality of round plastic feet is attached to a bottom surface of the base board to enhance grip and prevent slippage on supporting surfaces.

The fabric body 104 of the hamper 100 is preferably held taut by the combination of the rods 108, the rigid frame 102, and the base board, which collectively provide the necessary structural integrity in the expanded configuration. The combination of these elements yields a versatile and practical solution for laundry storage and transport, with the added benefit of easy, flat collapse for convenient storage when not in use.

Another embodiment of a hamper 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, which comprises a single compartment 201 configured to hold a removable mesh bag 210 or other container (see, e.g., FIG. 9). Hamper 200 preferably comprises a rigid unibody frame 202 with rounded corners 502 disposed at a top portion thereof, and a fabric material attached to the rigid frame 202 to form one or more sidewalls. The rigid frame 202 includes an inner lip or ledge 212 extending inwardly into the compartment 201. The rigid frame 202 preferably comprises a unibody construction made of a rigid yet lightweight material to provide an integrated structure. An exemplary material is bamboo, although other suitable materials such as plastics, metals, or woods may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

The inner ledge 212 that serves as a support structure for the removable bag 210 and as an alignment feature for the top exterior lid 220. The inner ledge 212 is preferably an integrated component of the unibody frame 202. The underside of the rigid frame 202 may comprise a fabric channel designed to securely hold the fabric material forming the body of the hamper 200, such as that described above.

The fabric material is securely coupled to the rigid frame 202 to form the body 204 of the hamper 200, defining the compartment 201. The fabric material may comprise a polyester canvas with a polyurethane (PU) coating for water resistance, though alternatives such as oxford polyester, canvas duck, or drill cloth may also be used, with optional PU coating for enhanced durability. Additionally, the fabric material may include at least one handle cutout 230, positioned below the bottom surface of the rigid frame 202 for easy handling.

As shown in FIG. 9, the removable bag 210 is supported within the compartment 201 by a wire frame 901 that extends around the bag's opening and rests on the inner ledge 212 of the rigid frame 202. The removable bag's 210 mesh or fabric drapes into the compartment 201, with the wire frame 901, typically made of metal wire, designed to fit securely on the inner ledge 212. The removable bag 210 may be composed from heavy-duty polyester mesh and feature at least one carry strap 260 attached to the upper portion, which can be folded into the bag when not in use. While heavy-duty polyester is preferred, other durable, waterproof materials such as nylon ripstop, vinyl-coated polyester, or recycled PET mesh may be used. Regardless of the material used, the bag 210 is preferably configured to be breathable, promoting airflow to maintain freshness.

In some embodiments, the hamper 200 includes a lid 220 configured to selectively close and cover the opening of the compartment 201. The lid 220 is preferably opened and closed via a zipper and/or a polyurethane (PU) leather pull tab 900. The lid 220 may also be opened and closed using snap fasteners or buttons. The lid 220 may be attached to the laundry hamper 200 via a fabric spine panel 902 connecting the lid to a backside of the rigid frame 202, with at least a portion of the fabric spine panel 902 inserted into an underside of the rigid frame 202.

To provide vertical structure for the hamper 200 in its expanded configuration (as shown in FIG. 8), the hamper 200 includes a plurality of fabric sleeves 206 attached to the fabric material of the body 204, each sleeve configured to receive a respective fiberglass rod 108 for vertical support. As shown in FIG. 8, the hamper 200 may include four such sleeves 206, each configured to receive a rod 208 during assembly of the expanded configuration. The fabric sleeves 206 may include Velcro flaps 205 to securely retain the rods 208 therein. The specific number of sleeves 206 may vary based on the dimensions and configuration of the hamper 200. For example, embodiments with three or more compartments may require more than four sleeves 206 and rods 208. The sleeves 206 and rods 208 are configured to tuck under the frame 202, thereby providing the vertical structure of the hamper 200.

In certain embodiments, the rods 208 comprise fiberglass rods having a diameter of 9 mm or 10 mm, with each rod including a plurality of segments interconnected by an internal elastic cord such that the segments remain connected when disassembled. Alternative diameters of 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, or 13 mm are contemplated depending on the size of the hamper 200. Although fiberglass is preferred, the rods 208 may alternatively be formed of plastic, metal, wood, or other suitable materials. To collapse the hamper 200, the rods 208 are removed from the sleeves 206, allowing the hamper to transition to its collapsed configuration.

As shown in FIG. 10, the hamper 200 preferably further includes a base board 240 with rounded corners 502 comprising a 3 mm corrugated polypropylene (PP) board. Alternative materials such as plywood, pine, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), hardwoods, reclaimed wood, polyurethane, vinyl are also contemplated. The base board 240 provides structure and stability to the hamper 200 and facilitates easy transport via the built-in handles 230 of the fabric body 204. A plurality of round plastic feet 1000 is attached to a bottom surface of the base board 240 to enhance grip and prevent slippage on supporting surfaces.

The fabric body 204 of the hamper 200 is held taut by the combination of the rods 208, the rigid frame 202, and the base board 240, which collectively provide the necessary structural integrity in the expanded configuration. The combination of these elements yields a versatile and practical solution for laundry storage and transport, with the added benefit of easy, flat collapse for convenient storage when not in use.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value with a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.