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Collapsible storage device

The present invention generally relates to storage devices, and more particularly to a storage device that can be collapsed into a flat object for easier carry and storage when not in use.

A storage box usually has a rigid form such that, even when it is not in use and empty, it still takes up some space. Therefore, some assembly-type or collapsible storage boxes or devices are developed. However, these collapsible storage devices usually contain quite some parts and are structured rather complicated. Most of the time, a novice user has to spend significant amount of effort and time to get the device assembled and disassembled.

The primary purpose of the present invention is to provide a novel collapsible storage device, which when not in use, can be collapsed into a flat object for easier carry and storage.

The storage device contains two U-shaped lower frame elements, two inverse U-shaped upper frame elements, a casing member, and some resilient element. The form arms of one lower frame element are hinged to the fork arms of the other lower frame element, respectively, such that the two lower frame elements can be closed towards or expanded away from each other. The two upper frame elements have their fork legs jointed to the fork arms of the lower frame elements, respectively. The engagement of the fork legs and arms is buffered by the resilient elements which are provided inside the fork legs, respectively.

To assemble the storage device, the assembled frame structure is placed inside the casing member and the two lower frame elements (along with the upper frame elements) are expanded to brace the casing member. To disassemble the storage device, the storage device is compressed laterally from two opposing sides towards each other. AS the casing member collapses and the two lower frame elements close to each other, the resilient elements allows the fork arms to sink deeper into the fork legs so that the storage device is turned completely into a flat object.

The foregoing object 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.

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view showing the storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention when the storage device is assembled.

FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view showing the frame structure inside the storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view showing the assembly of the upper and lower frame elements of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a sectional schematic view showing the frame structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective schematic view showing the storage device of FIG. 1 when it is completely collapsed.

FIG. 6 is a sectional schematic view showing the frame structure of FIG. 1 when the storage device is collapsed.