Origami Container

Abstract

The origami container is a flat square of fabric that can be folded into various configurations while maintaining its folded structure. The structural integrity is maintained through the use of cords and battens, which construct a mechanical seam along the edge or hem of the fabric square. In virtue of binding various seams to one another, it is possible to maintain the location of folds, prevent the container from dispensing its contents, allow temporary access to the contents of the container, and connect fabric squares to one another to create containers of varying shapes and sizes.

1 . An origami container, comprising:
 a piece of fabric capable of being folded and tied together by a user, the piece of fabric having a perimeter;   a hollow hem that extends along the perimeter and that has openings that allow access to the interior; and   rigid battens within the hollow hem.   
     
     
         2 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is a square. 
     
     
         3 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the fabric is a rectangle. 
     
     
         4 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein multiple containers are combined by binding multiple pieces of fabric together at their seams. 
     
     
         5 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the hems are formed by heat-pressing one piece of fabric with a folded perimeter against a second piece of fabric. 
     
     
         6 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the battens are rigid, flat, and have holes to permit stitches. 
     
     
         7 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the battens are circular. 
     
     
         8 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the battens are round rods. 
     
     
         9 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the battens are semi-rigid wires. 
     
     
         10 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the ends of battens are connected to each other to ensure that there is no gap in the seam when pressing them together. 
     
     
         11 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein a seam is created from multiple hems by stitching together holes in the fabric and battens. 
     
     
         12 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein a seam is created from multiple hems by folding the hems over one another. 
     
     
         13 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein a seam is created from multiple hems by binding them together with a clip. 
     
     
         14 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the hems are created on the interior of the fabric in addition to the perimeter. 
     
     
         15 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the hems are created with narrow strips of fabric or cord. 
     
     
         16 . The origami container of  claim 1 , wherein the hems are merely folded and not sealed.