# US 7,210,595 B2 · Storage device > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,210,595 B2 - Document ID: US7210595B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/728,096 - Filed: 2003-12-05 - Published: 2004-08-12 - Granted: 2007-05-01 - Earliest claimed: 2002-12-13 - Assignees: Spin Master Ltd. - Inventors: Ray Smith - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7210595B2 ## CPC - B65D 33/02: Local reinforcements or stiffening inserts, e.g. wires, strings, strips or frames {(B65D33/007 takes precedence)} - B65D 37/00: Portable flexible containers not otherwise provided for - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES ## Abstract A storage device is provided which includes at least first and second frames and a plurality of support members for maintaining the first and second frames at a spaced distance apart. The support members and frames define the shape of the storage device, and sheet material depends between the first and second frames and the support members to form side walls of the device. The device is movable between a flattened condition and an erect condition by user manipulation of the frames. This user manipulation includes rotating the frames relative to each other to twist the device and move the device between the flattened and erected conditions. When the device is in the collapsed or erect conditions, the support members are substantially straight. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A storage device comprising: at least first and second frame means and one or more support members for maintaining said at least first and second frame means at a spaced distance apart, said support members and add frame means defining the shape of the storage device, and sheet material depending between said at least first and second frame means and/or said one or more support members forming at least side walls of the device, said device movable between a flattened condition and an erect condition by user manipulation of said frame means, said user manipulation including rotating at least one of said add frame means relative to another of said frame means to twist the device and move the device between said flattened and erected conditions, and wherein when the device is in the collapsed or erect conditions, the support members are substantially straight, wherein the ends of the support members are located in channels and/or pockets on the device and when the device is in an erect condition the channels and/or pockets are spaced a sufficient distance apart to allow the support members to be substantially straight, and wherein when one of the frame means is rotated relative to another frame means, the distance between the pockets or channels housing at least the ends of each support member located between the frame means is initially reduced which causes each support member to be placed under increased tension causing the same to bend or flex. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein when at least one of the frame means is rotated relative to another of the frame means, the rotated frame means is rotated about a substantially central axis thereof. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the at least first and second frame means are rotated in a substantially opposing direction to each other between said flattened and erect conditions. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein one of the first or second frame means is held in a stationery position and the other of the first or second frame means is rotated relative thereto to move the device between said flattened and erect conditions. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the one or more support members are formed from a flexible material to allow the flexing thereof when one of the frame means is rotated relative to another of said frame means. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A storage device according to claim 5 wherein the support members are resilient so as to return to the substantially straightened condition once force is released therefrom. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein further rotation action causes the distance between the pockets or channels to increase to allow each support member to straighten and resulting in the portion of the device between the frame means to be moved between the erected and collapsed conditions. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the whole or substantial part of the support members are located in a channel or pocket of sheet material. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) A storage device according to claim 8 wherein the channel or pockets which house the ends of a support member are located adjacent the respective frame means which are required to be manipulated relative to each other in order to move the device between said erected and flattened conditions. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 characterised in that the support members are elongated in form. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second frame means form the base and top of the device respectively. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second frame means form first and second spaced side walls of the device. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the first and second frame means are substantially rigid. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein the sheet material moves with the frame means and/or support members between said flattened and erected conditions. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein one or more subframe members are provided which are movable independently of said at least first and second frame means and/or support members between said flattened and erect conditions. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) A storage device according to claim 1 wherein there is provided at least three frame means defining at least two sections within the storage device, each section of the device being collapsed independently of the other section. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) A storage device according to claim 16 wherein in order to collapse a section of the device one of the frame means are twisted relative to the other of the frame means which defines that section thereby moving that section to a collapsed condition. ### Claim 18 A storage device comprising: at least first and second frame means and one or more support members for maintaining said at least first and second frame means at a spaced distance apart, said support members and frame means defining the shape of the storage device, and sheet material depending between said at least first and second frame means and/or said one or more support members forming at least side walls of the device, said device movable between a flattened condition and an erect condition by user manipulation of said frame means, said user manipulation including rotating at least one of said frame means relative to another of said frame means to twist the device and move the device between said flattened and erected conditions, wherein when the device is in the collapsed or erect conditions, the support members are substantially straight, wherein the ends of the support members are located in channels and/or pockets on the device and when the device is in an erect condition the channels and/or pockets are spaced a sufficient distance apart to allow the support members to be substantially straight, and wherein the ratio of the length of the support member and spacing of the pockets or channels for housing at least the ends of the support member is such that the support member is caused to be placed under increased tension on initial relative rotation of the frame means, followed by reduced tension as subsequent increased or decreased rotation of the device takes place.