Patent ID: 6481591
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: D06F

Abstract:
A partially collapsible hamper having a cylindrical upright state and a polygon expanded state, comprising a top and a bottom circular frame, a plurality of pivoting vertical leg members extending between the top and bottom circular frames, a body of flexible sheet material extending from the top circular frame down to and enclosing the vertical legs and bottom circular frame, said vertical leg members are connected to the top and bottom circular frames by hinges, each vertical leg member divided into three equal parts and joined together by hinges at points a third and two thirds of the length of each leg member, the improvement comprising said hinges that lock said leg members in the vertical position until downward pressure is applied to unlock the hinges and move the top third and bottom third portions of said leg members outward and away from the center to 45-degree angles from the vertical where said hinges again lock in place while the middle third portion of said leg members remain in the upright vertical orientation.