Collapsible sewing basket

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a sewing basket for storing thread, pins, needles, scissors, buttons, snaps, measuring tapes, and other sewing tools and accessories. The present invention is further directed to a novel method of collapsing the size of the sewing basket for shipping, storage, and other purposes. The sewing basket of this invention includes a base, an upper frame and a collapsible side walls connecting the base and the upper frame. The basket may switch from a collapsed position with the side walls collapsed bringing the upper frame in proximity to the base and an extended position where the side walls are maintained in an extended position with a plurality of supports.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible basket comprising:
 a base;   a plurality of collapsible sides extending from the base;   a support removably connectable to at least one of the base and the collapsible sides to maintain the collapsible sides in an expanded position, wherein the support may be removed to allow the collapsible sides to retract to a collapsed position; and   wherein the base, the plurality of collapsible sides and the support form a partially enclosed space with an open top.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible basket of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of base walls and a bottom surface forming an inset. 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible basket of  claim 2 , wherein the base further includes a plurality of support receivers to receive the support to maintain the support in an upright position. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible basket of  claim 1  further comprising:
 an upper frame including a plurality of frame walls defining an opening through the upper frame, wherein the upper frame is connected to the collapsible sides. 
 
     
     
         5 . The collapsible basket of  claim 4 , wherein the upper frame includes a plurality of upper support receivers in the plurality of frame walls, wherein each of the supports fit into a corresponding upper support receiver. 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible basket of  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible sides include a sleeve to receive the support. 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible basket of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a lid positionable over the open top to enclose the collapsible basket. 
 
     
     
         8 . The collapsible basket of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a tray positionable within the collapsible basket. 
 
     
     
         9 . The collapsible basket of  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises at least one of a rod, a panel or a scissor-mechanism. 
     
     
         10 . The collapsible basket of  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible sides comprises an inner fabric and an outer fabric with batting positioned between the inner fabric and the outer fabric. 
     
     
         11 . A collapsible basket comprising:
 a base including a plurality of base walls and a bottom surface forming an inset;   an upper frame including a plurality of frame walls with an opening in a middle of the plurality of frame walls;   a plurality of collapsible sides, each of the plurality collapsible sides extending from one of the plurality of base walls to one of the frame walls, the plurality of collapsible sides including a plurality of sleeves;   a plurality of supports; and   wherein the collapsible may be adjusted from a collapsed position and an expanded position, wherein in the collapsed position the plurality of collapsible sides are folded bringing the upper frame in proximity to the base, wherein in the expanded position the plurality of collapsible sides are extended and each support of the plurality of supports is placed through a corresponding sleeve to maintain the plurality of collapsible sides erect.   
     
     
         12 . The collapsible basket of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a lid positionable over the open top to enclose the collapsible basket. 
 
     
     
         13 . The collapsible basket of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a tray positionable within the collapsible basket. 
 
     
     
         14 . The collapsible basket of  claim 11 , wherein the support comprises one of a rod or a panel. 
     
     
         15 . The collapsible basket of  claim 11 , wherein the collapsible sides comprises an inner fabric and an outer fabric with batting positioned between the inner fabric and the outer fabric. 
     
     
         16 . The collapsible basket of  claim 11 , wherein the collapsible sides further include a flap and wherein the flap folds over a top of the support to maintain the plurality of collapsible sides in an upright position.