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 support.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible sewing basket comprising:
 a base;   an upper frame including a plurality of frame walls defining an opening through the upper frame;   a plurality of collapsible sides extending from the base to the upper frame;   a support positionable between the base and the upper frame 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 sewing basket of  claim 1 , wherein the base comprises a plurality of base walls and a bottom surface forming an inset. 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 2 , wherein the base further includes a support receiver to receive the support to maintain the support in an upright position. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 1 , wherein the upper frame includes an upper support receiver, wherein the support fits into the upper support receiver. 
     
     
         5 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a lid positionable over the open top to enclose the collapsible sewing basket. 
 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 1  further comprising:
 a tray positionable within the collapsible sewing basket, wherein the tray fits in the collapsible sewing basket in both the expanded position and the collapsed position. 
 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible sewing 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. 
     
     
         8 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 1 , wherein the support comprises a fabric-wrapped cardboard insert having a plurality of walls and an opening at a top and bottom of the plurality of walls. 
     
     
         9 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 8 , wherein the support is foldable to fit inside the collapsible sewing basket in the collapsed state. 
     
     
         10 . A collapsible sewing 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;   a foldable support; and   wherein the collapsible sewing basket 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 the support is positioned between the base and the upper frame to maintain the plurality of collapsible sides expanded.   
     
     
         11 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a lid positionable over the open top to enclose the collapsible sewing basket. 
 
     
     
         12 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 10  further comprising:
 a tray positionable within the collapsible sewing basket, wherein the tray fits in the collapsible sewing basket in both the expanded position and the collapsed position. 
 
     
     
         13 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 10 , wherein the collapsible sides comprises an inner fabric and an outer fabric with batting positioned between the inner fabric and the outer fabric. 
     
     
         14 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 10 , wherein the support comprises a fabric-wrapped cardboard insert having a plurality of walls and an opening at a top and bottom of the plurality of walls. 
     
     
         15 . The collapsible sewing basket of  claim 14 , wherein the support is foldable to fit inside the collapsible sewing basket in the collapsed state.