Let me respond to the comments to my last post about the collapsible totes. People wanted to know all about the metal frame within the totes - what it looked like, where I got it, and so on. I am happy to share how I made my totes, of course. Unfortunately, I have nowhere to point you guys to as far as frame hardware goes. I essentially took apart a ready-made collapsible tote and used the frame. Not very exciting.
Apparently, these totes are everywhere, but I found mine in a local hardware store and took it home to use in the car. Then, because I didn't care for the boring-looking material it was made with, I thought I'd pretty it up with fabric on the outside. I hesitated initially because it was a LOT of work to unpick everything just to re-cover it, but it was the middle of winter and my house was a construction wreck and it wasn't as if there was a whole lot to do while waiting, so I figured . . . well.
Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Shoulda just mentioned all this in that original post but I didn't know if you guys might be as insane as I was to take apart a not-very-cheap store-bought tote just because you didn't like the fabric it was made of. But maybe we all are a little nuts, we DIY folks, huh? And clearly my own insanity knows no bounds because - looky - I made three of them. And not for the first time, too - some years back I did the same thing with the Reisenthel baskets with which I was so obsessed.
Anyway, here's one source I found online for you guys. And while searching online, I found evidence that they might have been available in stores like Costco and Sam's Club at some point (I haven't seen any there in the last 6 months). Also, it seems the totes come in multiple sizes, so check the dimensions to be sure you're getting the one you want. After that, it's just careful, careful seam-ripping to liberate the frame. While you're taking it apart, you'll probably be able to figure out the construction sequence, too. Good luck!