Handle for collapsible container

Abstract

A collapsible container adapted to allow a person to manually carry items within the container by use of at least one handle connected to the container. The container has a plurality of flexible loop frames each contained in a pocket connected to form sides of the container in an expanded configuration. The handle has a first end extending through a buttonhole in one of the pockets and encircling the flexible frame and the pocket portion containing the flexible frame. The handle may further have a second end extending through another buttonhole in the pocket or an adjacent pocket and encircling the flexible frame and the pocket portion containing the flexible frame. The edge of the buttonholes is preferably finished with strengthening structure.

1 . A collapsible container, comprising a plurality of frame members defining an enclosure, wherein each of the frame members is contained in a pocket and the container is collapsible by twisting and folding the frame members, the container further comprising at least one handle having two distal ends, with at least one end extending through at least one buttonhole formed in at least one of the pockets and passing through the pocket to encircle the frame member and to encircle a portion of the pocket. 
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of side panels each being encircled by the corresponding pocket. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 2 , further comprising a bottom fastened to the side panels. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 2 , further comprising a top to at least partially enclose one end of the container. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein each of the buttonholes has an edge finished with a strengthening structure. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5  wherein the strengthening structures include satin stitches. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein:
 the pocket includes an inner surface and an outer surface extending at two sides of the frame member contained therein; and   each of the buttonholes includes two aligned holes formed in the inner and outer surface, respectively.   
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein each of the hole has an edge finished with individual strengthening structure. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 8 , wherein the edges of the aligned holes are joined together to form the corresponding buttonhole. 
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a flat strap with the distal ends so sized to extend through the buttonholes. 
   
   
       11 . A collapsible container, comprising:
 a plurality of side panels defining an enclosure;   a plurality of pockets, each extending around a periphery of the corresponding side panel;   a plurality of flexible loop frame members contained within the corresponding pockets;   a pair of first buttonholes formed in at least one of the pockets; and   a first handle having two distal ends extending through the pocket via the first buttonholes and encircling the frame member contained in the pocket.   
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the first buttonholes are formed in the pocket between the corresponding frame member and side panel. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the first buttonholes are formed in the pocket of the same side panel at two spaced apart locations. 
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the first buttonholes are formed in the pockets of two adjacent side panels. 
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the buttonholes have edges finished with strengthening structure. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the distal ends are fastened to the first handle after extending through the pocket. 
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a second pair of buttonholes formed in the pocket opposite the first pair of buttonholes; and   a second handle having two distal ends extending through the opposite pocket via the second buttonholes and encircling the frame member contained in the opposite pocket.   
   
   
       18 . A collapsible container adapted to allow a person to manually carry items within the container by use of at least one handle connected to the container, the container having a plurality of flexible loop frames each contained in a pocket connected to form sides of the container in an expanded configuration, the handle comprising a first end extending through a buttonhole in one of the pockets and encircling the flexible frame and the pocket portion containing the flexible frame. 
   
   
       19 . The container of  claim 18 , wherein the handle further comprises a second end extending through another buttonhole in the pocket or an adjacent pocket and encircling the flexible frame and the pocket portion containing the flexible frame. 
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 18 , wherein the buttonhole has an edge finished with strengthening structure. 
   
   
       21 . A collapsible object, comprising:
 at least one panel;   a pocket connected to a periphery of the panel, the pocket having a first buttonhole perforating therethrough;   a flexible loop frame extending around the panel and contained within the pocket;   a handle, having a first end extending through the buttonhole and fastened to the handle to encircle a first part of the frame and the pocket containing the first part of the frame.   
   
   
       22 . The object of  claim 21 , wherein:
 the pocket further comprising a second buttonhole perforating therethrough; and   the handle further comprising a second end extending through the second buttonhole and fastened to the handle to encircle a second part of the frame and the pocket containing the second part of the frame.