Patent ID: 6089394
Filing Date: 2000-07-18
Classification: D06F

Abstract:
In a collapsible hamper having top and bottom generally stiff frames, a body of flexible sheet material secured to and extending lengthwise between said frames for defining an enclosure, and a plurality of generally stiff legs each having top and bottom ends, said hamper having collapsed and assembled states, each leg positionable transversely between and engaging said top and bottom frames with its top and bottom ends respectively for urging said frames apart and thereby stretching said body in the lengthwise direction when said hamper is in its assembled state, said frames being moved toward each other and said body folded when said hamper is in said collapsed state, the improvement comprising elastic hinge means fixedly attaching the top end of each leg to said top frame, each of said legs being movable between a first position with said leg extending transversely from said top frame and the leg's bottom end releasably engaging said bottom frame when said hamper is in its assembled state, to a second position with said leg pivoted to be generally parallel and closely adjacent said top frame and the leg's bottom end separated from said bottom frame when said hamper is in its collapsed state, said hinge means, when said leg is pivoted, urging said leg to return to said first position.