U.S. patent application number 10/899314 was filed with the patent office on 2005-06-16 for collapsible container.
Invention is credited to Card, Peter M., Kusuma, David, Lugo, Hector Javier Barea.
Application Number | 20050127074 10/899314 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34653682 |
Filed Date | 2005-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050127074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kusuma, David ; et
al. |
June 16, 2005 |
Collapsible container
Abstract
A collapsible container with angularly related multiple folding
sections, each section extending at an angle to the vertical, and
flexure zones between adjacent sections for flexibly moving the
sections between a first open position in the expanded container
and a second position folded upon itself in the collapsed
container, the flexure zones resisting movement of the sections in
both the fully expanded container and the collapsed container, as
well as any intermediate position wherein only selected flexure
zones are in an open position.
Inventors: |
Kusuma, David; (Orlando,
FL) ; Card, Peter M.; (Plant City, FL) ; Lugo,
Hector Javier Barea; (Orlando, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DART INDUSTRIES INC
P O BOX 779001
ORLANDO
FL
328779001
|
Family ID: |
34653682 |
Appl. No.: |
10/899314 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10899314 |
Jul 27, 2004 |
|
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10735724 |
Dec 16, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/006 |
International
Class: |
B65D 006/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A collapsible container comprising a base, a top ring and a wall
peripherally fixed to said base and top ring and extending
therebetween, said container being adjustable between an expanded
position with the top ring spaced upward from said base and forming
a container interior, and a collapsed position with said top ring
surrounding said base in outwardly spaced substantially concentric
relation thereto, said wall comprising multiple upwardly extending
peripherally continuous sections which, in the expanded position of
said container, angle alternately outward and inward relative to
the container interior, said sections, in the collapsed position of
said container, being folded on each other and concentrically
received generally between the base and the top ring with the
sections encircling the base and in turn being encircled by said
top ring.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein each said section, in the
collapsed position of said container, is at an angle of divergence
from 8.degree. to 40.degree. to adjacent sections.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein said sections are at an angle
of 10.degree. to 16.degree. to adjacent sections in said collapsed
position.
4. The container of claim 3 wherein said sections are at an angle
of 10.degree. to adjacent sections in said collapsed position.
5. The container of claim 4 wherein, in said collapsed position,
adjacent sections form oppositely facing V-shaped openings, each
said opening having a center line perpendicular to said base.
6. The container of claim 5 wherein said sections include a
lowermost section joined to said base, a topmost section joined to
said top ring, and intermediate sections between said lowermost and
topmost sections, said sections from said lowermost section to said
topmost section each sequentially defining a peripherally
encompassed area generally progressively greater than said
base.
7. The container of claim 6 wherein said sections extend from
adjacent sections at obtuse angles in said
8. The container of claim 7 including flexure zones joining
adjacent sections.
9. The container of claim 8 wherein the obtuse angles formed by the
joined sections in the expanded position of the container are,
upward from the base, oppositely laterally angled inward and
outward relative to the container interior and define a series of
inwardly directed angles and a series of outwardly directed angles,
the angles of each series, sequentially upward from the base are
outwardly offset from the next lower angle in that series whereby
an upwardly and outwardly extending wall is defined.
10. The container of claim 9 wherein said lowermost section
surrounds and is fixed to said base.
11. The container of claim 8 wherein said base has a bottom surface
defining a support plane, said folded sections in the collapsed
position of the container being positioned above said defined
support plane.
12. The container of claim 11 wherein said lowermost section
extends to and partially along said base bottom surface within said
support plane.
13. The container of claim 11 wherein said base includes a bottom
with a central upwardly projecting push bump defining an area
adapted to accommodate downward pressure thereon for downward
movement of the base relative to the top ring and a corresponding
expansion of the container wall.
14. The container of claim 13 wherein said top ring includes a
circumferential outwardly extending flange defining means for
grasping the top ring as pressure is applied to the push bump.
15. The container of claim 14 wherein said top ring includes a
peripheral upstanding wall, said outwardly extending flange being
peripherally about said ring wall, a generally rigid collar joined
to said uppermost wall section by one of said flexure zones, said
collar including an upwardly directing locking bead, said top ring
including a downwardly directed recess formed therein and receiving
said collar and locking bead for a fixed joinder of said container
wall to said top ring.
16. The container of claim 15 wherein said top ring flange includes
an outer periphery with a downwardly directed gripping bead
integral therewith and depending therefrom.
17. The container of claim 13 wherein said push bump defines a
concave downwardly opening recess in said base bottom, and a
manually engageable pull bar fixed transversely across said recess
for a manual downward pulling of said base relative to said top
ring.
18. The container of claim 1 wherein said top ring includes an
upwardly extending ring wall, and a separate seal positionable over
said top ring and being releasably fixed to said ring wall in both
the expanded and collapsed position of said container.
19. The container of claim 1 wherein, in said collapsed position,
adjacent sections form oppositely facing V-shaped openings, each
said opening having a center line perpendicular to said base.
20. The container of claim 1, molded in said collapsed position.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
10/735,724, David Kusuma, filed Dec. 16, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to molded plastic
containers of the type commonly used for a variety of purposes
including storage of both food items and non-food items, such
containers preferably being adapted to receive an appropriate seal
or lid. More specifically, the invention is concerned with
containers of this type which, rather than being of a rigid
construction as with a conventional bowl, are collapsible or
foldable to a compact position when empty to facilitate convenient
storage.
[0003] Such containers, in the form of cups, bowls, and the like,
are generally known in the art and take many forms. These include
collapsible cups or glasses wherein the glass is formed of
telescopically stacked annular wall elements which slide relative
to each other between a fully extended position and a collapsed
position. As the wall elements are not integrally formed and slide
freely relative to each other, there is a substantial possibility
of leakage, and use other than as a temporary drinking vessel is
not practical. Another form of collapsible container more pertinent
to the present invention is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,128,
issued to Fishman on Aug. 8, 1995. In the Fishman container, the
wall elements are integrally molded and consist of a series of both
vertical and angled elements alternately stacked to define the
container wall. The elements, at the angular joint therebetween,
are integrally joined by thin film hinges about which the wall
elements fold. The actual downward folding and collapsing of the
Fishman elements requires that the elements flex in order to
accommodate the folding motion. This necessity for an actual
flexing of the elements themselves, in addition to the folding at
the film hinges, appears to be so significant as to, at least in
some instances as illustrated in FIG. 3 of Fishman, require
significant central relief grooves in each of the inclined wall
elements which would appear to cause an inherent weakening of these
wall elements. It will also be noted that, in the Fishman container
when collapsed, the alternate vertical wall elements of the open
container retain their vertical orientation perpendicular to the
base wall. As such the Fishman container is clearly not susceptible
to injection molding in the collapsed position as would be
commercially advantageous due to great economies in mold production
and molding procedures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A principal object of the present invention is to provide a
collapsible container which presents or forms a substantially rigid
receptacle in its open or expanded position and which, with an
appropriate lid or seal snap-fit thereto, provides a practical
watertight storage container for, as an example, an appropriate
foodstuff or the like. The container is very convenient and
provides a particularly desirable portable solution for food
"on-the-go", such as at picnics, lunches for those who take their
own lunch to work, and other instances wherein temporary storage is
desired. The collapsible nature of the container, collapsing to a
substantially completely compacted configuration of minimal height,
particularly with a seal mounted thereon to confine any residue in
the now empty container, allows the used container to be
conveniently stored or packed away in a "brown bag", knapsack,
picnic hamper, or the like, for subsequent cleaning and reuse.
[0005] In furtherance of the principal object of the invention, it
is also an object of the invention to provide a method of molding
the container in its collapsed position as a means of achieving
maximum economies in mold apparatus and procedures, and in
providing a molded product which is compact yet fully expandable to
a relatively rigid self-sustaining position.
[0006] A significant aspect of the container of the invention is
its capability to fold open in increments, one section at a time,
to vary the capacity thereof and at the same time maintain itself
in any incrementally folded position.
[0007] Other desired features of the invention include providing a
container which can be washed in a dishwasher in its folded
position and stacked therein in the same manner as conventional
dishes, a container which stays open when in use and stays closed
in storage, and a container which maximizes usable space for
packing in a shipping carton as well as storage in the home.
[0008] In order to achieve the improved and highly practical
container of the invention, the peripheral wall of the container,
extending between a substantially rigid base and a substantially
rigid top ring adapted to receive a snap-fit seal, includes a
series of generally rigid annular or peripherally continuous wall
sections joined to adjacent sections at fixed annular apex forming
joints which are alternately inwardly and outwardly directed
relative to the interior of the container. These sections have
annular portions therebetween that are relatively flexible. The
wall sections, in the expanded or open position of the container,
are themselves alternatively angled inward and outward relative to
the interior of the container and relative to the vertical, with
the wall sections, sequentially upward from the base to the top
ring, each being generally diametrically or peripherally
progressively greater than the base. The configuration thus formed
for the expanded container will be that of an inverted truncated
cone with the wall sections basically outwardly stepped upward-from
the base. This in turn allows for a direct downward collapsing of
the wall sections into concentric surrounding relation to the base
with the top ring surrounding the collapsed folded wall
sections.
[0009] The actual folding of the wall sections relative to each
other occurs within a flexure portion between the sections where
each of the wall sections joins the wall section or sections
immediately adjacent thereto and is of a thickness less than that
of the thickness of the sections to each side thereof. The thicker
sections are both more rigid than the flexure portions and of
substantially more limited flexibility. The thinner portions, in
the expanded position of the container, form arcuate continuations
of the thicker wall sections, forming an arc of greater than 90
degrees and, until physically moved over center during a collapsing
of the container, provides a substantial degree of rigidity to the
wall sections for the full height of the container wall. Upon the
application of a positive physical force collapsing the top ring
and base toward each other, the flexible portions between the wall
sections will flex laterally in the direction of the fold in the
manner of a flexible hinge with this flexure providing for both the
actual folding and at the same time, minimizing any tendency for
the wall sections to want to laterally flex or move as the wall
sections collapse about each other. Each of the flexure zones
formed by the thinner wall sections is bordered along each edge
thereof by adjacent thicker wall sections. Once the arc of the
flexure zone is reduced to less than 90 degrees, moving over
center, the inherent resistance to the movement of the flexure zone
is overcome and the collapsed zone assumes a dome-like
configuration of less than 90 degrees. In moving from the closed to
the open state, or vice-versa, each flexure zone is twisted and
slightly distorted until it overcomes its stable position and flips
to the other position.
[0010] A collapsed molded container in accordance with the
invention is such that opposed rigid wall portions define a
generally triangular interstitial space formed by two walls
diverging from the vertical in a range of from about 8.degree. to
about 40.degree.. However, for reasons that shall become apparent
hereinbelow, a preferred range is from about 10.degree. to about
16.degree..
[0011] Expansion of the container from its collapsed position will
involve a downward push or pull on the base as the top ring is
moved vertically upward therefrom. As the flexure portions unfold
and move to arcs of greater than 90 degrees, the wall will tend to
rigidify and in effect lock the container in the open position.
[0012] Further features, objects and advantages of the invention
will be noted as the construction and details of the invention are
more fully hereinafter set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the container of the
invention in its open or expanded position;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the container fully
collapsed;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the expanded
container;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the collapsed
container;
[0017] FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailed view of the area designated A
in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 6 is an enlarged detailed view of the area designated B
in FIG. 4;
[0019] FIG. 5A is a view similar to FIG. 5 illustrating a modified
construction;
[0020] FIG. 6A is a view similar to FIG. 6 illustrating the
modified construction;
[0021] FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 sequentially illustrate one manner of
opening, or closing the wall sections utilizing a twisting or
sequential ratchet action;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 with the
seal snap-fitted to the collapsed container;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional detail of a modified pressure
bump in the base provided with a pull bar; and
[0024] FIGS. 12-22 illustrate a further embodiment and sequentially
correspond to FIGS. 1-11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0025] In the drawings, the features of the embodiment of FIGS.
1-11 are referred to by two digit numbers. Similar features in the
embodiment of FIGS. 12-22 are referred to by the same numbers with
the number 1 as a prefix.
[0026] Referring now more specifically to the drawings, the
collapsible container 10 comprises a base 12, a top ring 14 and a
folding wall 16 extending therebetween. The base 12 is a
substantially rigid member including a bottom 18 with a peripheral
upstanding base wall 20. The base, which may be flat, preferably
includes a central slightly upwardly extending pressure area or
bump 24 of any appropriate configuration, such as a dome, to assist
in expanding the container as shall be described subsequently. The
base will also preferably have a series of small foot defining
knobs 26 or a continuous foot rib, not shown, depending from the
base bottom 18.
[0027] The top ring 14 includes a continuous or annular ring wall
28 with a peripheral horizontally outwardly directed flange 30 at
approximately mid-height on the ring wall 28. The top ring 14,
similarly to the base 12, is substantially rigid and is of a
greater diameter or other non-circular cross-sectional area than
the base 12 to encircle the base in the collapsed position of the
container, as in FIG. 4, sufficiently outward thereof to
accommodate the folded container wall therebetween. The top ring
flange 30 provides additional lateral stiffness to the top ring,
and a convenient means for handling the bowl, especially when
filled. In addition, the ring flange 30, when the collapsed bowl is
to be opened, allows a user to easily engage fingers about and
under this flange 30 while pressing downward with the thumbs on the
base domed pressure area 24 to forcibly vertically expand the base
and top ring relative to each other. As an alternative to pressure
on area 24, particularly with a large bowl, pressure can be applied
sequentially about the base bottom 18 immediately adjacent the base
wall 20 peripherally thereabout. As desired, and as will be best
noted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the ring flange 30 can be slightly
outwardly extended or enlarged at diametrically opposed portions to
define gripping handles 32.
[0028] The molding of the base and top ring as separate entities
from the wall is a preferred method of molding enabling the
provision of substantially greater rigidity to these components
relative to the wall sections, wherein the actual extending and
collapsing action occurs, by utilization of polymers of differing
degrees of rigidity, and/or flexibility.
[0029] The container side wall 16 is formed of a series of annular
or peripherally continuous wall elements or sections 34, the
lowermost section encircling and being intimately bonded, such as
autogenously during a multi-component molding procedure, to the
wall 20 of base 12 and seated on a support shoulder 21 slightly
above the base bottom.
[0030] In the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the lowermost or bottom
section, being of a height slightly less than the remaining
sections thereabove, is integrally joined to a thin upwardly
projecting base portion 22 which, as the container wall folds, will
define a flexure zone between this lowermost wall section and the
base.
[0031] The wall sections 34, upward from engagement of the
lowermost section with the base, are alternately inclined outwardly
and inwardly relative to the interior of the container and to the
vertical with each section joined to the section immediately
thereabove at alternating outwardly and inwardly directed apexes
forming, respectively, angle joints as generally designated at 36
and 38.
[0032] Noting FIG. 5, the uppermost or top section 34 is joined by
a flexure portion to an upwardly directed collar 37 received and
intimately fixed within the lower portion of the ring wall 28, for
example in the manner suggested with regard to the lowermost
section. In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 6A, the uppermost
section 34 is integral or otherwise intimately peripherally joined
to the lower edge portion of the top ring 14.
[0033] Each of the alternately inclined wall sections, noting the
open container, is of a predetermined thickness and of limited
flexibility relative to flexure zones or portions 40 joining
adjacent sections 34. The flexure portions 40 are relatively
thinner than the sections 34 and substantially equal in thickness
to the extending portion 22 of the base in FIG. 5A. The flexure
zones or portions 40 generally define the angled joint, 36 or 38,
between each section and the section immediately adjacent thereto.
As noted, the height of these reduced thickness portions 40 is
substantially less than the height of the sections 34. These
flexure zone portions 40, in the expanded or open position of the
container, again noting FIG. 5, form, with regard to the outwardly
inclined wall sections 34, continuations of the inner face of the
corresponding portion 34 therebelow, and, with regard to the
inwardly inclined wall sections, are continuations of the outer
face of the corresponding wall section. So formed, the thicker wall
sections to each side of these flexure zone portions 40, and the
angle thereof, inherently defining the direction of the folding
action, note in particular the folding sequence suggested in FIG.
8. It will also be appreciated that, prior to folding, the flexure
zones 40 and the positioning of these zones 40 between adjacent
sections, provides a degree of over center stability to prevent
inadvertent collapse of the wall 16. This stability can only be
overcome by a applying sufficient positive vertical pressure,
forcing the top ring and base vertically toward each other to
effect an over center movement of the flexure zones 40 and a "snap
action" folding action of the zones to the collapsed position. Upon
initiating the folding action, each involved flexure zone 40
distorts slightly until it moves to what might be considered an
over center position, at which point it flips to the folded
position. In this manner, any tendency for the container to self
close or collapse accidentally, particularly with goods within the
container, is minimized.
[0034] As will be noted in the drawings, the adjacent sections 34,
in the collapsed position of the container, form oppositely facing
V-shaped or triangular openings. The center line of each V-shaped
opening is generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the
collapsed container. This structure is significant in allowing the
injection mold to separate to eject the molded piece.
[0035] The angle of divergence between adjacent collapsed sections
34 has an overall possible range of 8.degree. to 40.degree., with
the preferred range being 10.degree. to 16.degree.. An angle of
10.degree. is considered optimum in achieving a desired balance
between rigidity of the container in the open position and the
force necessary to collapse or expand the container. This angle is
also considered, as a practical matter, to be the smallest angle
that will allow consistent ejection of the molded piece from the
mold. As will be appreciated, as the decreases.
[0036] With particular attention to FIGS. 7-9, it will be seen
that, if desired, both the opening and collapsing of the container
can be facilitated by applying pressure sequentially about the
container or by rotating the container as pressure is applied to
provide a stepping or ratching effect on the wall sections 34
rather than by snap positioning each flexure zone in its entirety
at one time.
[0037] FIG. 9 is of particular interest in showing the container
partially folded or unfolded for use when a reduced capacity is
desired or required. In such a position, the container is fully
functional to receive and store foodstuffs and the like, and the
seal 42, as in the open container of FIG. 3, is also fully
functional in that the top ring is dimensionally stable in every
position of the container.
[0038] Noting in particular FIG. 3, it will be seen that the
general outward stepping of the sections upward from the base to
the top ring forms, in the open container, a generally inverted
truncated conical configuration.
[0039] Again noting FIGS. 7-9, as the container is vertically
collapsed, the flexure zones 40 fold between adjacent sections to
assume a generally domed configuration. Thus the adjacent wall
sections are folded to bring the thicker major height of the
sections into concentric generally parallel relation to each other,
with the angle between adjacent sections preferably being
approximately 10.degree. to 16.degree., with the sections laterally
aligned and surrounding said base between the base wall 20 and the
top ring wall 28. This will best be seen in the cross-sectional
detail of FIG. 6.
[0040] Noting FIGS. 3, 9 and 10, it will be seen that the seal 42
is capable of being snap-fitted to the top ring 14 in an
appropriate manner in any position assumed by the container. To
facilitate this engagement, the upper portion of the top ring wall
28, above the circumferential flange 30, may be slightly outwardly
inclined for reception within a peripheral downwardly directed
groove on the seal. It is to be appreciated that inasmuch as the
folded wall sections are, in any position of the container,
positioned concentrically inward of the substantially rigid top
ring 14, the seal 42 functions as an appropriate closure for the
open container, the partially expanded container, and the collapsed
container wherein a compacted storage position is achieved.
[0041] As previously noted, when the container is to be opened
prior to use, one need merely engage fingers about the peripheral
flange 30 of the top ring and, with one or both thumbs, exert a
downward pressure on the bottom push bump 24 projecting upwardly
from the center of the base bottom 18. Alternately, pressure can be
exerted on the bottom itself sequentially about the periphery
thereof. Further, rather than relying on direct pressure on the
bump 24 or bottom 18, and noting FIG. 11, a cross bar 44 can be
provided diagonally across the concave recess or depression formed
by the bump in the lower face of the bottom 18. This cross bar 44
can be physically gripped by the user's fingers for a direct
downward pull on the container base, moving the base downward
relative to the top ring and expanding the wall sections.
[0042] Again referring to FIG. 6, it will be noted that the
lowermost folding wall section 34 will act as a limit to the
downward collapsing of the remaining wall sections and top ring
relative to the base wall, retaining the sections and top ring
slightly above a support plane defined by the base bottom and
support feet thereon whereby support of the container, both
expanded and collapsed, is on the base and base feet rather than on
the much thinner flexure zones.
[0043] Referring now more specifically to the embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 12-22, the basic components of this embodiment
substantially duplicate those of the previously described
embodiment, and as such, have been designated by the same reference
numbers with the number 1 as a prefix. Thus, the container 110 is
comprised of a base 112, a top ring 114, and a folding wall 116 of
alternating rigid wall sections 134 and flexure zones or portions
140.
[0044] The container 110, as with the first embodiment, both
expands and collapses in the previously described manner and, in
the collapsed position, is so configured as to allow for a
practical and preferred molding of the container in this position.
Pursuant thereto, the wall sections 134, in the collapsed position,
define oppositely facing V-shaped openings where the angle between
the sections, while having a possible range of 8.degree. to
40.degree., will preferably be in the range of 10.degree. to
16.degree. with an optimum angle of 10.degree.. Each V-shaped
opening has the centerline thereof, extending from the apex defined
by the converging sections 34, perpendicular to the horizontal
plane of the collapsed container. In the expanded or open position
of the container, the wall sections 134 angle both relative to each
other, at greater than 90.degree., and to the vertical as defined
by a perpendicular to the base.
[0045] In order to enhance the folding and unfolding action of the
wall sections 134, each wall section 134, along the edges thereof,
is beveled, as at 135, to provide a gradual transition area between
the wall section 134 and the adjacent flexure portion 140. This
differs from the rather abrupt transition area of the first
embodiment, note in particular FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0046] As with the first embodiment, the flexure zone portions 140,
in the open position of the container, form, with regard to the
outwardly inclined wall sections 134 of FIG. 16, continuations of
the inner face of the corresponding section 134 therebelow.
Similarly, the flexure zone portions 140, with regard to the
inwardly inclined wall sections 134, are continuations of the outer
face of the corresponding wall section 134. This relationship, as
previously described, will inherently tend to define the direction
of the folding action, note in particular the folding sequence
suggested in FIG. 19, as well as the previously described FIG.
8.
[0047] With particular reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, it will be
seen that the bottom wall section 134 is of a greater height than
the wall sections thereabove, and extends for the full height of
the peripheral upstanding base wall 120. The lower extremity of
this lowermost wall section 134 is turned under the bottom 118 of
the base 112 and engaged within a receiving recess 119, thus in
effect defining a portion of the support plane of the container. As
will be appreciated, the enhanced area of overlap between the lower
portion of the container wall and the base enhances the joinder
therebetween.
[0048] The engagement of the container wall to the top ring is
effected by a laterally directed collar 137 joined to the uppermost
wall section 134 by the uppermost flexure portion 140. The collar
137 includes an upwardly directed locking bead 139 on the outer
edge thereof with both the collar 137 and bead 139 being received
within a corresponding locking recess found in the base of annular
ring wall 128. The top ring 114, as with the previously described
ring 14, includes an integral annular outwardly projecting ring
flange 130, providing both lateral stiffness to the top ring and a
convenient means for both manipulating and handling the bowl. As a
means for facilitating a gripping of the flange, it is proposed
that an integral depending gripping bead 131 be provided
peripherally about the outer edge portion of the flange 130.
[0049] A final area of variance between the embodiments will be
seen in FIG. 12, and the various cross-sectional views of the
container 110. As will be appreciated from a comparison of these
figures with the figures of the first embodiment, the base 112
includes a substantially enlarged central upwardly extending
pressure area or bump 124. This enhances the area upon which
opening pressure, in particular, can be applied, facilitating the
manipulation of the container and at the same time having a
tendency to further strengthen the otherwise flat bottom 118. As
noted in FIG. 22, the bottom push bump 124 can also be provided
with a diagonal cross bar 144 for purposes previously noted with
regard to cross bar 44.
[0050] Also, as described with regard to the first embodiment, an
appropriate seal 142, capable of being snap-fitted to the top ring
114 can be provided. Such a seal, in light of the manner of
collapsing and expanding the container with the concentric folded
wall sections, will comprise an appropriate closure for the
container whether fully open, fully collapsed, or partially
expanded.
[0051] With reference to FIG. 21 in particular, it will be seen
that the downwardly collapsed wall sections 134, and more
particularly the downwardly directed flexure portions 140 are
retained slightly above the support plane defined by the base
bottom and/or support feet, providing a more stable support and
avoiding engagement of the substantially thinner flexure zones with
a support surface.
[0052] The container as described is designed in a configuration
that utilizes a "network" of flexure zones. It is not an accordion
shape that stretches to open and close like a spring. Instead, the
flat storage container functions to open and close based on a
principle of "opposing angles".
[0053] In known expanding containers, the containers are generally
molded in the open or expanded configurations. Open is thus the
natural state for those containers, that is those containers would
`prefer` to remain open than in any other position. Thus, when one
tries to fold or collapse these containers, the containers tend to
want to spring back open, that is return to their natural state.
This is not the case with the container of the invention wherein
the container is preferably molded in a flattened or collapsed
position. This is its initial natural state meaning that the
container will initially prefer to stay in this closed
configuration. There are multiple folds within the network of
flexure zones. In the illustrated embodiment three sets of
independently activating zones are provided (more can be added to
increase capacity if desired). As seen in FIG. 9, each of the
independently activatable flexure zones has a second `natural` or
at rest state when open wherein the fold will prefer to remain open
independently of the remaining folds. In the present structure,
both the action of collapsing the container and the action of
expanding the container require the folds to be individually
manipulated. Positive action is required to both fold and unfold
the container. This can be referred to as the principle of
"opposing angles". The angle of the fold in the closed position
keeps the fold closed; the angle of the fold in the open position
keeps the fold open. To move from the closed to the open state or
vice-versa, the flexure zone is twisted and distorted slightly
until it overcomes the opposing angle and then flips to the other
position configuration. This action results because the diameters
of the flexure zones cannot change. There is no other intermediate
position for the fold. It is either open or closed, or it is being
twisted(one side open and the other side closed). It is not
possible in this construction for an individual section to be, as
an example, half open while maintaining usable capacity. As
previously noted, one easy way to manipulate the flexure zones is
to `ratchet` the container, one side at a time to a partial or
fully open position.
[0054] The unique structure of the invention allows the container
to remain flat when in the closed or collapsed position and remain
expanded when in any open or partially open position. Because of
the two `natural` states for the flexure zones, the container
prefers to remain closed when collapsed flat and prefers to remain
open when expanded. With the independent activation of the flexure
zones in the network, the container is capable of opening to fixed
partial capacities, because the container prefers to remain open in
these partial configurations. This is of particular value in
maximizing and optimizing storage space as in a refrigerator, and
dishwasher space when washing.
[0055] The collapsible container of the present invention has been
described in the preferred embodiments as comprising one of molded
plastic, i.e. synthetic polymers, having `separate entities`
comprising a base, top ring and folding wall. The `separate
entities` in a preferred molding method may, for example, be
realized by utilization of molding apparatus that enables multiple
stage molding of the base; top ring and folding wall, and wherein
selection of polymers of varying degrees of substantial rigidity
and/or general rigidity may be utilized. This also enables the
varying of the color or light transmissivity of the base, top ring
and folding wall.
[0056] It will be appreciated that as described in connection with
the embodiment of FIGS. 5A and 6A, the container of the present
invention may be molded as a unitary structure in essentially a
single molding step. In addition, the described preferred
difference in relative rigidity, or general, but more flexible,
rigidity of the base and ring vis-a-vis the folding wall, may be
achieved in a single molding step by selection of appropriate
thicknesses of the several portions. The possibility also exists to
provide molding apparatus wherein a mold is configured to provide
selected areas of the mold interior with polymers of varying
degrees of rigidity or flexibility for the base, top ring and
wall.
[0057] It will be appreciated that a mold suitable for injection
molding of the wall portion in a collapsed condition will require a
plurality of concentric annular interdigitated generally
triangular, or V-shaped mold elements, carried by mold halves,
corresponding to the number of wall sections folded on each
other.
[0058] The foregoing is considered illustrative of the principles
of the invention. As modifications and changes may occur to those
skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the
exact construction and manner of use as shown and described.
Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted
to as falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *