Stackable wire frame storage bin

Abstract

A storage bin comprises a wire frame having a rectangular wire top element and a slightly smaller rectangular wire bottom element which fits snugly into the top element. The top and bottom elements are interconnected by wire side elements which are angled inwardly as they extend downwardly. Wire corner elements extend across each corner of the top element immediately below its bottom surface. Thus, the bottom of one bin can be placed into the top of another bin and only extend into it by an amount equal to the thickness of the wire. U-shaped handles are located on opposed sides of the top element. The bottom and sides of the bin are covered with a fabric cover. In a preferred embodiment the side elements are releasably attached to the top and bottom elements to permit the bin to be broken down flat.

1 . A stackable bin comprising: 
 (a) a rectangular top element having four corners;    (b) side elements, one of which extends downwardly and inwardly from each corner of said top frame element;    (c) a rectangular bottom element which is attached to said side elements; wherein    (d) said side elements are angled inwardly such that the bottom element of one bin fits snugly into said top element of another bin.    
   
   
       2 . The bin of  claim 1  wherein said top element has an upper surface and a lower surface, including a corner element which extends across each corner of said top element adjacent said lower surface.  
   
   
       3 . The bin of  claim 1  including a fabric cover which extends across said bottom element and between said side elements.  
   
   
       4 . The bin of  claim 1  wherein said top element, bottom element and side elements are made from rigid wire.  
   
   
       5 . The bin of  claim 2  including U-shaped handles which extend outwardly from opposed sides of said top element.  
   
   
       6 . The bin of  claim 4  wherein said side elements are attached to said top and bottom elements by welding.  
   
   
       7 . The bin of  claim 4  wherein said side elements have top extremities which are attached to said top element, and bottom extremities which are attached to said bottom element, and said top extremities are offset outwardly from said bottom elements by a distance which is equal to the thickness of said wire.  
   
   
       8 . The bin of  claim 4  wherein said wire is circular in cross section.  
   
   
       9 . The bin of  claim 1  wherein said side elements are releasably attached to said top and bottom elements.  
   
   
       10 . The bin of  claim 9  including wire stubs which project from each corner of said top element and said bottom element wherein said side elements have openings defined on each end thereof said openings being configured to releasably receive said wire stubs.  
   
   
       11 . The bin of  claim 10  wherein said side elements are hollow cylindrical rods.  
   
   
       12 . A storage bin comprising: 
 (a) A top frame formed from rigid wire having a predetermined thickness, said top frame having a rectangular shape with a first predetermined width and a first predetermined length;    (b) a bottom element formed from said rigid wire having a rectangular shape with a second predetermined width and a second predetermined length;    (c) a plurality of legs which extend between said top and bottom elements; wherein    (d) said first predetermined width is greater than second predetermined width by an amount which is equal to approximately twice the thickness of said wire, and said first predetermined length is greater than said second predetermined length by an amount which is equal to approximately twice the thickness of said wire.    
   
   
       13 . The bin of  claim 12  including corner elements which are formed from said rigid wire, said corner elements extending between adjacent sides of said top element below a bottom surface thereof.  
   
   
       14 . The storage bin of  claim 12  including a fabric cover which extends across said bottom frame element and between said legs.  
   
   
       15 . The storage bin of  claim 12  including U-shaped handles which extend outwardly from opposed sides of said top element.  
   
   
       16 . The storage bin of  claim 12  wherein said legs are formed from said rigid wire and are fixedly attached to said top and bottom elements.  
   
   
       17 . The storage bin of  claim 12  wherein said legs are releasably attached to said top and bottom elements.  
   
   
       18 . The storage bin of  claim 17  including wire stubs which project from each corner of said top element and said bottom element, wherein said side elements have openings defined in each end thereof, said openings being configured to releasably receive said wire stubs.  
   
   
       19 . The bin of  claim 18  wherein said side elements are hollow cylindrical rods.