U.S. patent application number 11/489780 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-25 for collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container.
Invention is credited to Andrew Weder, Donald E. Weder.
Application Number | 20070017915 11/489780 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37678114 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070017915 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weder; Donald E. ; et
al. |
January 25, 2007 |
Collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container
Abstract
A collapsible and/or erectable, shape-sustaining substantially
egg-shaped container is selectively moveable from a substantially
erect condition to a substantially collapsed condition and/or from
a substantially erect condition to a substantially collapsed
condition. The collapsible and/or erectable, shape-sustaining,
substantially egg-shaped container may include first and second
portions, wherein at least one of the first and second portions is
provided with at least one condition modifying element to
facilitate erecting and/or collapsing the container. The
collapsible and/or erectable, shape-sustaining, substantially
egg-shaped container may also include a shape-sustaining member for
maintaining the container in a substantially erect condition as
well as a retaining member for maintaining the container is a
substantially collapsed condition.
Inventors: |
Weder; Donald E.; (Highland,
IL) ; Weder; Andrew; (Highland, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DUNLAP, CODDING & ROGERS P.C.
PO BOX 16370
OKLAHOMA CITY
OK
73113
US
|
Family ID: |
37678114 |
Appl. No.: |
11/489780 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60701665 |
Jul 22, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/4.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086 20130101;
B65D 11/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/004.21 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/28 20060101
B65D006/28 |
Claims
1. A collapsible shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container, comprising: a first portion having an upper end, a lower
end, a sidewall, and a receiving space; a second portion having an
upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, and a receiving space; and
wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is
selectively moveable between a substantially erect condition and a
substantially collapsed condition.
2. The collapsible shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the sidewall of
at least one of the first and second portions has at least one
condition modifying element to facilitate collapsing the container
from the substantially erect condition to the substantially
collapsed condition.
3. The collapsible shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 2, wherein the at least one condition modifying
element is selected from the group consisting of score lines,
hinges, concentric sections, interlocking concentric sections,
pivotally interlocking sections, sections of material which are
thinner than the remainder of the container, sections of material
which are more flexible than the remainder of the container,
pleats, folds, perforations, creases, voids, partially or wholly
cut through areas, removed portions of material, a V-shaped or
U-shaped member, excess material, flexible material, stretchable
material, and combinations thereof.
4. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, further comprising a connecting assembly for
matingly connecting the first and second portions.
5. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, further comprising at least one
shape-sustaining member for maintaining the substantially
egg-shaped container in the substantially erect condition.
6. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, further comprising at least one retaining
member for maintaining the substantially egg-shaped container in
the substantially collapsed condition.
7. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, further comprising a joining assembly that
connects the first and second portions together.
8. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, further comprising at least one of a
decorative pattern, decorative design, and color disposed on at
least a portion thereof.
9. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, wherein the collapsible, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is constructed of a material
selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, synthetic
polymers, plastic, foamed polymeric material, cavitated polymeric
material, expanded polymeric material, polymeric materials with
differential densities, polymeric materials with differential
thicknesses, polymeric materials with voids formed therein, paper,
cardboard, cloth, metallized film, foil, metal, clay, feathers,
peat moss, wood, and combinations, aggregates or laminations
thereof.
10. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, wherein the collapsible, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is self erecting.
11. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, wherein the collapsible, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is manually erecting.
12. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, wherein the collapsible, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is self collapsing.
13. The collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 1, wherein the collapsible, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is manually collapsing.
14. An erectable shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container, comprising: a first portion having an upper end, a lower
end, a sidewall, and a receiving space; a second portion having an
upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, and a receiving space; and
wherein at least one of the first portion and the second portion is
selectively moveable between a substantially collapsed condition
and a substantially erect condition.
15. The erectable shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, wherein at least a portion of the sidewall
of at least one of the first and second portions has at least one
condition modifying element to facilitate erecting the container
from the substantially collapsed condition to the substantially
erect condition.
16. The erectable shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 15, wherein the at least one condition modifying
element is selected from the group consisting of score lines,
hinges, concentric sections, interlocking concentric sections,
pivotally interlocking sections, sections of material which are
thinner than the remainder of the container, sections of material
which are more flexible than the remainder of the container,
pleats, folds, perforations, creases, voids, partially or wholly
cut through areas, removed portions of material, a V-shaped or
U-shaped member, excess material, flexible material, stretchable
material, and combinations thereof.
17. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, further comprising a connecting assembly for
matingly connecting the first and second portions.
18. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, further comprising at least one
shape-sustaining member for maintaining the substantially
egg-shaped container in the substantially collapsed condition.
19. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, further comprising at least one retaining
member for maintaining the substantially egg-shaped container in
the substantially collapsed condition.
20. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, further comprising a joining assembly that
connects the first and second portions together.
21. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, further comprising at least one of a
decorative pattern, decorative design, and color disposed on at
least a portion thereof.
22. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, wherein the erectable, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is constructed of a material
selected from the group consisting of natural polymers, synthetic
polymers, plastic, foamed polymeric material, cavitated polymeric
material, expanded polymeric material, polymeric materials with
differential densities, polymeric materials with differential
thicknesses, polymeric materials with voids formed therein, paper,
cardboard, cloth, metallized film, foil, metal, clay, feathers,
peat moss, wood, and combinations, aggregates or laminations
thereof.
23. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, wherein the erectable, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is self erecting.
24. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, wherein the erectable, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is manually erecting.
25. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, wherein the erectable, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is self collapsing.
26. The erectable, shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container of claim 14, wherein the erectable, shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container is manually collapsing.
27. A collapsible shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container, wherein the collapsible shape-sustaining substantially
egg-shaped container is selectively moveable between a
substantially erect condition and a substantially collapsed
condition.
28. An erectable shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped
container, wherein the erectable shape-sustaining substantially
egg-shaped container is selectively moveable between a
substantially collapsed condition and a substantially erect
condition.
29. A method of using an erectable, shape-sustaining substantially
egg-shaped container, comprising the steps of: providing an
erectable shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped container in a
substantially collapsed condition, the erectable shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container comprising a first portion
having an upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, and a receiving
space, and a second portion having an upper end, a lower end, a
sidewall, and a receiving space, wherein at least one of the first
portion and the second portion is selectively moveable between a
substantially collapsed condition and a substantially erect
condition; moving at least one of the first portion and the second
portion of the erectable shape-sustaining egg-shaped container from
the substantially collapsed condition to the substantially erect
condition; disposing at least one object in the first portion of
the erectable shape-sustaining egg-shaped container, wherein the
second portion of the erectable shape-sustaining egg-shaped
container acts as a shield for a portion of the at least one object
disposed in the first portion of the erectable shape-sustaining
egg-shaped container.
30. A method of using a collapsible, shape-sustaining substantially
egg-shaped container, comprising the steps of: providing a
collapsible shape-sustaining substantially egg-shaped container in
a substantially erect condition, the collapsible shape-sustaining
substantially egg-shaped container comprising a first portion
having an upper end, a lower end, a sidewall, and a receiving
space, and a second portion having an upper end, a lower end, a
sidewall, and a receiving space, wherein at least one of the first
portion and the second portion is selectively moveable between a
substantially collapsed condition and a substantially erect
condition; disposing at least one object in the first portion of
the erectable shape-sustaining egg-shaped container, wherein the
second portion of the erectable shape-sustaining egg-shaped
container acts as a shield for a portion of the at least one object
disposed in the first portion of the erectable shape-sustaining
egg-shaped container; removing the at least one object from the
erectable shape-sustaining egg-shaped container; and moving at
least one of the first portion and the second portion of the
collapsed shape-sustaining egg-shaped container from the
substantially erect condition to the substantially collapsed
condition.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of
U.S. Ser. No. 60/701,665, filed Jul. 22, 2005, the contents of
which are hereby expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by
reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0002] FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a collapsible and/or
erectable substantially egg-shaped container constructed in
accordance with the present invention shown in a substantially
erected condition.
[0003] FIG. 2 is a partially cut-away exploded front elevational
view of the collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped
container of FIG. 1.
[0004] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the collapsible and/or
erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 1 shown in a
substantially collapsed condition.
[0005] FIG. 4 is another embodiment of a collapsible and/or
erectable substantially egg-shaped container constructed in
accordance with the present invention shown in a substantially
erected condition.
[0006] FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the collapsible and/or
erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 4 shown in a
substantially collapsed condition.
[0007] FIG. 6 is a partially cut-away front elevational view of
another embodiment of a collapsible and/or erectable substantially
egg-shaped container constructed in accordance with the present
invention shown in a substantially erected condition showing a
hinged connection of two rigid segments of the substantially
egg-shaped container.
[0008] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the
collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container of
FIG. 6 shown in a closed, substantially erected condition.
[0009] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lower portion of the
collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container of
FIG. 7 shown in an open, substantially erected condition.
[0010] FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of another embodiment of
a collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container
constructed in accordance with the present invention shown in a
closed, erected condition showing a hinged connection of two
segments of the substantially egg-shaped container.
[0011] FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the collapsible and/or
erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 9 shown in an
open, erected condition.
[0012] FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 9 shown
in a substantially collapsed condition.
[0013] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the collapsible and/or
erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 9 shown in a
second substantially collapsed condition.
[0014] FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of yet another
embodiment of a collapsible and/or erectable substantially
egg-shaped container constructed in accordance with the present
invention shown in a substantially erected condition.
[0015] FIG. 14 is a partially cut-away exploded front elevational
view of the collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped
container of FIG. 13.
[0016] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 14
shown in a substantially collapsed condition.
[0017] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of yet another
embodiment of a collapsible and/or erectable substantially
egg-shaped container constructed in accordance with the present
invention shown in a substantially erected condition.
[0018] FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 16
shown in a substantially collapsed condition.
[0019] FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of yet another
embodiment of a collapsible and/or erectable substantially
egg-shaped container constructed in accordance with the present
invention shown in a substantially erected condition.
[0020] FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 18
shown in a substantially collapsed condition.
[0021] FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of yet another
embodiment of a collapsible and/or erectable substantially
egg-shaped container constructed in accordance with the present
invention shown in a substantially erected condition.
[0022] FIG. 21 is a front elevational view of the collapsible
and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container of FIG. 20
shown in a substantially collapsed condition.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] The present invention is directed to a collapsible and/or
erectable shape-sustaining container and more particularly, but not
by way of limitation, to a collapsible and/or erectable
substantially egg-shaped shape-sustaining container (also referred
to herein as a substantially egg-shaped container) and/or
decorative egg. It is to be understood that while the terms
"collapsible" or "erectable" may be used herein with respect to a
particular embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg, one of ordinary skill in the art would
easily understand and could easily adapt the substantially
egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs described herein to be
"collapsible", "erectable", or both, and therefore such terms
should be understood as being used interchangeably herein. As such,
collapsible substantially egg-shaped containers and/or decorative
eggs, erectable substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs, and collapsible and erectable substantially
egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs are all fully within
the scope of the present invention, and the use of the term
"collapsible" should be understood to also include containers that
are "erectable", while use of the term "erectable" should be
understood to also include containers that are "collapsible".
[0024] The present invention is directed to an erectable and/or
collapsible substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg
comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein at least
one of the first portion and the second portion are selectively
moveable between a substantially erect condition and a
substantially collapsed condition. The term "substantially erect
condition" as used herein will be understood to include any
condition in which the first portion and second portion are
provided with a receiving space which is capable of receiving an
item or object therein. The term "substantially collapsed
condition" as used herein will be understood to include any
condition that occupies less space and/or volume than the
substantially erect condition, and therefore is not limited to a
flattened or completely collapsed condition.
[0025] In one embodiment, the first portion of the erectable and/or
collapsible substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall, at least a
portion of the sidewall has at least one condition modifying
element to facilitate erecting the first portion of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg from the
substantially collapsed condition to the substantially erect
condition or to facilitate collapsing the first portion of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg from the
substantially erect condition to the substantially collapsed
condition; and the second portion of the erectable and/or
collapsible substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg has an upper end, a lower end, and a sidewall, at least a
portion of the sidewall has at least one condition modifying
element to facilitate erecting the second portion of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg from the
substantially collapsed condition to the substantially erect
condition or to facilitate collapsing the second portion of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg from the
substantially erect condition to the substantially collapsed
condition. In the substantially erect condition, the upper end of
the second portion contactingly engages the lower end of the first
portion to form the erectable and/or collapsible substantially
egg-shaped container.
[0026] The term "condition modifying element" as used herein will
be understood to refer to any element that is capable of
facilitating erecting or collapsing of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg. Examples of condition modifying
elements that may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention include, but are not limited to, score lines, hinges,
concentric sections, interlocking concentric sections, pivotally
interlocking sections, sections of material which are thinner than
the remainder of the container, sections of material which are more
flexible than the remainder of the container, pleats, folds,
perforations, creases, voids, partially or wholly cut through
areas, removed portions of material, a V-shaped or U-shaped member,
excess material, flexible material, stretchable material, and
combinations thereof.
[0027] The lower end of the first portion of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg may further include at
least one opening therein which may function as a drain opening
therein.
[0028] While the condition modifying elements described herein
facilitate erecting or collapsing of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg of the present invention, they may
or may not function to maintain the substantially egg-shaped
containers and/or decorative eggs of the present invention in such
a condition. Therefore, the substantially egg-shaped containers
and/or decorative eggs of the present invention may further include
at least one shape-sustaining member for maintaining the
substantially egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs of the
present invention in the substantially erect condition. The term
"shape-sustaining member" includes any element that is capable of
maintaining the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg in the substantially erect condition. The
shape-sustaining member may be endogenously formed with any portion
of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg,
such as the first portion or second portion (as will be described
in further detail herein below). Examples of shape-sustaining
members that may be utilized in accordance with the present
invention includes, but are not limited to, non-scored areas,
non-hinged areas, ringed areas, ratchets, rolled areas, hinged
areas, domed areas, excess material, adhesive, cohesive, shrink
material, stretch material, expandable material, offset condition
modifying elements, and combinations thereof.
[0029] In addition, the substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs of the present invention may further include at
least one retaining member for maintaining the substantially
egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs of the present
invention in the substantially collapsed condition. The term
"retaining member" includes any element that is capable of
maintaining the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg in the substantially collapsed condition. The
retaining member may be endogenously formed with any portion of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg, such as
the first portion or second portion (as will be described in
further detail herein below). Examples of retaining members that
may be utilized in accordance with the present invention includes,
but are not limited to, adhesive, cohesive or other bonding
material, a latch, a hook and eye assembly, a pair of ribbons, a
pair of strings, Velcro, or any other retaining member capable of
maintaining the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg in a substantially collapsed condition.
[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, the first portion and the
second portion of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg may be provided with a connecting assembly such as,
for example, a male and female member for matingly connecting the
first portion and the second portion of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg. It should be
understood, however, that any connecting assembly may be used for
connecting the first portion and the second portion of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg.
[0031] Further, in another exemplary embodiment, each of the first
portion and the second portion of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg may further include a first section
and a second section connected by a joining assembly. Examples of
the joining assembly include, but are not limited to, a latch, a
hook and eye assembly, a pair of ribbons, a pair of strings,
Velcro, or any other joining assembly capable of connecting the
first section and the second section of each of the first portion
and the second portion, respectively, of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg. One example of a
joining assembly that may be utilized in accordance with the
present invention is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,135, entitled
"HINGED PLASTIC EASTER EGG", issued to Weder et al. on Nov. 7,
1998, the contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated
herein by reference.
[0032] The collapsible and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg may be provided with decorative
patterns, designs and/or colors disposed on at least a portion
thereof. For example but not by way of limitation, the collapsible
and/or erectable substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg may be provided with at least one of a printed
pattern thereon, an embossed pattern thereon, a three-dimensional
pattern thereon, a holographic image thereon, a printed pattern
including shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed
pattern with a three dimensional appearance, a substantially matte
finish thereon, an iridescent finish thereon, a textured finish
thereon, and combinations thereof. Further, when employing a
combination of a printed and embossed pattern, the printed and
embossed pattern may be in register with one another, out of
register with one another, or partially in register and out of
register with one another.
[0033] The first portion and the second portion of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg of the
present invention may be formed of a rigid or substantially
flexible material. Any material that can be provided with at least
one condition modifying element to facilitate in collapsing and/or
erecting the substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg may be utilized in accordance with the present invention. For
example, but not by way of limitation, the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg may be constructed of natural
polymers, synthetic polymers and plastic; foamed, cavitated,
expanded, or other polymeric materials with differential densities,
differential thicknesses or voids formed therein; paper; cardboard;
cloth; metallized film; foil; metal; clay; feathers; peat moss;
wood; or combinations, aggregates or laminations thereof or any
other material capable of providing sufficient structural integrity
to the first portion and the second portion such that the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg may be
selectively moveable between a substantially erected position and a
substantially collapsed position. Further, the substantially
egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs of the present
invention can be decorated in various colors, finishes and
decorative designs, such as but not limited to, printing,
embossing, texturing, matting, iridescent finishes, a
three-dimensional pattern, a holographic image, a printed pattern
including shaded and highlighted areas which provide the printed
pattern with a three-dimensional appearance, and combinations
thereof. Also, at least a portion of the sidewall of the first
portion and/or the second portion of the substantially egg-shaped
containers and/or decorative eggs of the present invention can be
provided with a texture or appearance simulating the texture or
appearance of one or more of the following materials: paper, cloth,
metal, ceramic, wood, rock, cement, concrete, stone, and
combinations thereof. Also, the first portion and/or the second
portion may be substantially smooth, substantially textured, or
combinations thereof.
[0034] The substantially egg-shaped containers and/or decorative
eggs of the present invention may be provided singly, or the
substantially egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs of the
present invention may be provided in the form of an assembly of a
plurality of erectable substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs. When provided in such assembly, the substantially
egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs may further include an
assembly tab for connecting the plurality of erectable
substantially egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs to form
the assembly thereof.
[0035] The substantially egg-shaped containers and/or decorative
eggs of the present invention may be produced by a thermoforming
process, an injection-molding process, a blow-molding process, a
casting process, a drawing process, a stamping process, a rolling
process or combinations thereof. Such methods of production are
well known in the art, and therefore it is clearly within the
ability of a person having ordinary skill in the art to identify
and utilize such known methods to produce the substantially
egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs of the present
invention.
[0036] Particular embodiments of the present invention are
described herein after with respect to the Drawings. However,
before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and the arrangement
of the components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the appended drawings. The invention is capable of
other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various
ways that would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art
as being encompassed by the scope of the presently disclosed and
enabled invention. Also, it is to be understood that the
phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of
description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0037] It is also to be understood that various embodiments shown
herein will be described as being provided with particular
condition modifying elements, such as but not limited to, score
lines, hinges and the like. However, it is to be understood that
any of the condition modifying elements described herein may be
substituted for the particular condition modifying elements
described in conjunction with the Drawings, and therefore the scope
of the present invention includes any of the embodiments
illustrated in the Figures utilized with any of the condition
modifying elements described herein.
[0038] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to
FIGS. 1-3, shown therein is a substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 10 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 10 includes a first portion 12 and a second portion 14, wherein
the first portion 12 and second portion 14 are selectively moveable
between a substantially erected condition (FIGS. 1 and 2) and a
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 3). The first portion 12 is
characterized as having an upper end 16, a lower end 18, and a
sidewall 20. The second portion 14 is characterized as having an
upper end 22, a lower end 24, and a sidewall 26.
[0039] The first portion 12 is connectable to the second portion 14
via a connector assembly 28, shown in FIG. 2. The connector
assembly 28 includes a male member 30 on the upper end 16 of the
first portion 12 and a female member 32 on the adjacently disposed
lower end 24 of the second portion 14. Thus, upon matingly engaging
the male member 30 and the female member 32, the first portion 12
and the second portion 14 of the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 10 are connectable, thereby forming the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 10 which
is selectively moveable between the substantially erected condition
(FIGS. 1 and 2) and the substantially collapsed condition (FIG.
3).
[0040] The sidewall 20 of the first portion 12 defines a receiving
space or first cavity 34 capable of holding at least one object
therein; and the sidewall 26 of the second portion 14 further
defines a receiving space or second cavity 36. In one embodiment,
the first cavity 34 is capable of holding at least one object
therein, while the second cavity 36 functions as a shield for the
at least one object supported in the first cavity 34 of the first
portion 12 of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 10. Alternatively, the object may be held in the
second cavity 36 while the first cavity 34 acts as a shield to an
upper portion of the object.
[0041] The sidewall 20 also includes a plurality of condition
modifying elements such as score lines 38 which permit the first
portion 12 to be selectively moveable between the substantially
erected condition (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the substantially collapsed
condition (FIG. 3). The sidewall 26 further includes a plurality of
condition modifying elements such as score lines 40 which permit
the second portion 14 to be selectively moveable between the
substantially erected condition (FIGS. 1 and 2) and the
substantially collapsed condition (shown in FIG. 3).
[0042] Shown in FIGS. 1-3, the plurality of score lines 38 and 40
are aligned in a manner such that the entire substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 10 is selectively
moveable between the substantially erected condition (FIGS. 1 and
2) and the substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 3). However, it
is to be understood that the plurality of score lines 38 and 40 may
not be aligned, as will be described in more detail herein after,
and still fall within the scope of the present invention. In
addition, while the plurality of score lines 38 and 40 are depicted
as extending generally vertically across the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 10, it is to be
understood that the plurality of score lines 38 and 40 may extend
at any angle along each of the sidewalls 20 and 26, respectively,
such as but not limited to, horizontally or diagonally, so long as
the plurality of score lines 38 and 40 can function in accordance
with the present invention. In addition, while the plurality of
score lines 38 and 40 are shown as extending across the entire
sidewalls 20 and 26 from an upper end to a lower end thereof, it is
to be understood that the plurality of score lines 38 and 40 may
only extend over a portion of the sidewalls 20 and 26,
respectively.
[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, the
substantially collapsed substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 10 of FIG. 3 is also capable, by virtue of the
characteristics of the score lines 38 and 40, of returning to the
substantially erect condition shown in FIG. 1. In another
embodiment, the substantially collapsed substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 10 of FIG. 3 is not capable of
assuming the prior substantially erect condition.
[0044] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, shown therein is another
embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 42 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 42 includes a first portion 44 and a second portion 46. The
first portion 44 and the second portion 46 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 42 are selectively
moveable between a substantially erected condition (FIG. 4) and a
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 5). The first portion 44 is
characterized as having an upper end 48, a lower end 50, and a
sidewall 52; and the second portion 46 is characterized as having
an upper end 54, a lower end 56, and a sidewall 58.
[0045] The first portion 44 is connectable to the second portion 46
via a connector assembly 57 which is similar in both construction
and function to the connector assembly 28 hereinbefore described in
relation to FIGS. 1-3. That is, the connector assembly 57 includes
a male member 59 on the upper end 48 of the first portion 44 and a
female member 61 on the lower end 56 of the second portion 46.
Thus, upon matingly engaging the male member 59 and the female
member 61, the first portion 44 and the second portion 46 are
connectable, thereby forming the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 42 which is selectively moveable between the
substantially erected condition (FIG. 4) and the substantially
collapsed condition (FIG. 5).
[0046] The sidewall 52 of the first portion 44 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 42 defines a receiving
space or first cavity 60 capable of holding and/or retaining at
least one object therein. The sidewall 58 of the second portion 46
further defines a receiving space or second cavity 62 which is
aligned with the first cavity 60 such that, in a substantially
erected condition, the second cavity 62 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 42 functions as a shield
for an upper portion of the at least one object retained within the
first cavity 60. Alternatively, the object may be held in the
second cavity 62 while the first cavity 60 acts as a shield to an
upper portion of the object.
[0047] The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg
42 is further provided with a spring assembly 64 endogenously
formed within the sidewall 52 of the first portion 44 and/or the
sidewall 58 of the second portion 46. The spring assembly 64 may be
substantially helically shaped throughout each of the sidewalls 52
and 58 (as shown in FIG. 4), or the spring assembly 64 may be
positioned horizontally, vertically, or any other arrangement
within the first sidewall 52 and the second sidewall 58 such that
the spring assembly 64 allows the first portion 44 and the second
portion 46 to be collapsible in the manner shown in FIG. 5. While
the spring assembly 64 is described herein as being endogenously
formed within the sidewalls 52 and/or 58, it is to be understood
that the spring assembly 64 may also be disposed adjacent the
sidewalls 52 and/or 58 defining the first and second cavities, 60
and/or 62, respectively.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 6-8, shown therein is another
embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 66 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 66 includes a first portion 68 and a second portion 70 which
are selectively moveable between a substantially erected condition
(FIG. 6) and a substantially collapsed condition (in the same
manner described hereinbefore in relation to either FIG. 3 or FIG.
5). The first portion 68 of the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 66 is characterized as having an upper end
72, a lower end 74, and a sidewall 76. The second portion 70 of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 66 is
characterized as having an upper end 78, a lower end 80, and a
sidewall 82.
[0049] The first portion 68 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 66 is connectable to the second
portion 70 via a connector assembly 84, shown in FIG. 6. The
connector assembly 84 includes a male member 86 on the upper end 72
of the first portion 68 and a female member 88 on the lower end 80
of the second portion 70. Thus, upon matingly engaging the male
member 86 and the female member 88, the first portion 68 and the
second portion 70 are connectable, thereby forming the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 66 which
is selectively moveable between the substantially erected condition
(FIG. 6) and the substantially collapsed condition (described
hereinbefore in relation to FIG. 3 or FIG. 5).
[0050] The sidewall 76 of the first portion 68 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 66 defines a receiving
space or first cavity 77 capable of holding and/or retaining at
least one object therein. The sidewall 82 of the second portion 70
further defines a second cavity 79 which is aligned with the first
cavity 77 such that, in a substantially erected condition, the
second cavity 79 of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 66 functions as a shield for an upper portion of the
at least one object retained within the first cavity 77.
Alternatively, the object may be held in the second cavity 79 while
the fist cavity 77 acts as a shield to an upper portion of the
object.
[0051] The first portion 68 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 66 and the second portion 70 of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 66 are
similar in construction and function. Thus, only the first portion
68 will be described in detail hereinbelow. However, it is to be
understood that the second portion 70 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 66 will be provided with
similar features as described herein below for the first portion
68.
[0052] The first portion 68 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 66 includes a first section 90 and
a second section 92 engagingly connected by one or more hinge
assemblies for permitting opening and closing of the first section
90 and the second section 92, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Shown in
FIGS. 6-8, the first portion 68 includes a first hinge assembly 94
and a second hinge assembly 96; however, it should be understood
that any number of hinge assemblies may be utilized to facilitate
the opening and closing of the first section 90 and the second
section 92, and the use of two hinge assemblies is simply for
illustrative purposes only.
[0053] The second portion 70 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 66 includes a first section (not
shown) and a second section (not shown) engagingly connected by one
or more hinge assemblies in a similar manner as described
hereinbefore in relation to the first portion 68. Shown in FIG. 6,
the second portion 70 includes a first hinge assembly 98 and a
second hinge assembly 100; however, it should be understood that
any number of hinge assemblies may be utilized to facilitate the
opening and closing of the first section and second section of the
second portion 70, and the use of two hinge assemblies is simply
for illustrative purposes only.
[0054] The first portion 68 is further provided with at least one
locking member 102 for securing the first section 90 of the first
portion 68 to the second section 92 thereof. Shown in FIGS. 6-8,
the locking member 102 is a latch; however, it should be understood
that the locking member 102 may be a clasp assembly, a hook and eye
assembly, a pair of ribbons, a pair of strings, Velcro, or any
other locking member capable of connecting the first section 90 of
the substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 66 to
the second section 92 thereof to provide the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 66.
[0055] In addition, it is to be understood that the first and/or
second portions 68 and/or 70 may further collapse. For example but
not by way of limitation, one of the first and second sections 90
and 92 may be formed of an elastic material that will allow the
section to be moved from a concave structure to a convex structure,
and such section may be disposed around the other section (as
described in more detail herein after). Alternatively, the hinge
assemblies may be removable, or may be designed so that one of the
sections 90 and 92 may be rotated approximately 180.degree. and
then be disposed behind the other section. Any of these methods of
collapsing may be used alone or in combination with any other
method(s) of collapsing described herein.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 9-11, shown therein is another
embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 104 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 104 includes a first portion 106 and a second portion 108
(shown in FIG. 10) which are interconnected so that the first
portion 106 and the second portion 108 are selectively moveable
between a substantially erected condition (FIGS. 9 and 10) and a
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 11). The first portion 106
of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104
is characterized as having an upper end 110, a lower end 112, and a
sidewall 114; and the second portion 108 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104 is characterized as
having an upper end 116, a lower end 118, and a sidewall 120.
[0057] The first portion 106 is connectable to the second portion
108 via a hinge assembly 122 which permits opening and closing of
the first portion 106 of the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 104 and the second portion 108 thereof as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, respectively. While only a single hinge
assembly 122 is shown in FIGS. 9-11, it should be understood that
any number of hinge assemblies may be utilized to facilitate the
opening and closing of the first portion 106 and relative to the
second portion 108 thereof.
[0058] The first portion 106 and the second portion 108 is further
provided with at least one locking assembly 123 for securing the
first portion 106 to the second portion 108 thereof. Shown in FIGS.
9-11, the locking assembly 123 is a latch; however, it should be
understood that the locking assembly 123 may be a clasp assembly, a
hook and eye assembly, a pair of ribbons, a pair of strings,
Velcro, or any other locking member capable of connecting the first
section 106 of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 104 to the second portion 108 thereof to provide the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104.
[0059] The sidewall 114 of the first portion 106 of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104
defines a receiving space or first cavity 124. The sidewall 120 of
the second portion 108 of the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 104 further defines a receiving space or
second cavity 126. The first cavity 124 and the second cavity 126
may each be sized and dimensioned such that each cavity 124 and 126
is capable of holding and/or retaining at least one object therein
when in the open condition, as shown in FIG. 10; optionally, the
second cavity 126 may be aligned with the first cavity 124 such
that, in a substantially erected condition, the second cavity 126
of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104
functions as a shield for at least one object disposed in the first
cavity 124, or vice-versa.
[0060] The sidewall 114 of the first portion 106 may further
include a plurality of condition modifying elements such as score
lines 128 which permit the first portion 106 to be selectively
moveable between the substantially erected condition (FIGS. 9 and
10) and the substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 11). The
sidewall 120 of the second portion 108 may further include a
plurality of condition modifying elements such as score lines 130
which permit the second portion 108 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 104 to be selectively moveable
between the substantially erected condition (FIGS. 9 and 10) and
the substantially collapsed condition (shown in FIG. 11). In
addition, while the plurality of score lines 128 and 130 are
depicted as extending generally vertically across the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104, it is to be
understood that the plurality of score lines 128 and 130 may extend
at any angle along each of the sidewalls 114 and 120, respectively,
such as but not limited to, horizontally or diagonally, so long as
the plurality of score lines 128 and 130 can function in accordance
with the present invention. In addition, while the plurality of
score lines 128 and 130 are shown as extending across the entire
sidewalls 114 and 120 from an upper end to a lower end thereof, it
is to be understood that the plurality of score lines 128 and 130
may only extend over a portion of the sidewalls 114 and 120,
respectively.
[0061] Shown in FIGS. 9-11, the plurality of score lines 128 and
130 are aligned in a manner such that the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 104 is selectively moveable between
the substantially erected condition (FIGS. 9 and 10) and the
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 11). Alternatively, as
described hereinbefore in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104 may
include a spring assembly (not shown) endogenously formed within
the sidewall 114 of the first portion 106 and/or the sidewall 120
of the second portion 108. The spring assembly may be substantially
helically shaped throughout each of the sidewalls 114 and 120 (as
shown in FIG. 4) or the spring assembly may be positioned
horizontally, vertically, or any other arrangement within the first
sidewall 114 and the second sidewall 120 such that the spring
assembly allows the first portion 106 and the second portion 108 to
be collapsible and/or erectable in the manner shown in FIG. 5. The
spring assembly may also be disposed adjacent the sidewalls 114 and
120 defining the first and second cavities, 124 and 126,
respectively.
[0062] FIG. 12 illustrates another substantially collapsed
condition of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 104 (FIG. 12A), as well as another method of
collapsing the substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 104 (FIG. 12B). In the substantially collapsed condition of
FIG. 12A, at least the second portion 108 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 104 is formed of a
flexible, elastic material that will allow the second portion to be
turned "inside out"--i.e., moved from a concave shape to a convex
shape. The hinge assembly 122 continues to pivot further from the
structure shown in FIG. 10 while the shape of the second portion
108 is turned "inside out", until at least a portion of the first
portion 106 is disposed adjacent and/or within the second portion
108. In another alternative, instead of constructing the second
portion 108 from an elastic material, the plurality of score lines
130 may be utilized to turn the second portion 108 "inside out". In
addition, this method of collapsing may be utilized in combination
with any of the other methods of collapsing described herein. In
yet another alternative, the second portion 108 rotates 180.degree.
(as shown in FIG. 12B), and then at least a portion thereof is
disposed adjacent and/or within the first portion 106. In this
embodiment, the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 104 may be temporarily disconnected at the hinge
assembly 122, or the hinge assembly 122 may be provided with a
mechanism that will allow the hinge assembly 122 to pivot at least
the 180.degree. required for inverting the second portion 106 or
108, as described herein immediately above.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, shown therein is another
embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 132 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 132 includes a first portion 134 and a second portion 136 such
that the first portion 134 and second portion 136 are selectively
moveable between a substantially erected condition (FIGS. 13 and
14) and a substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 15). The first
portion 134 of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 132 is characterized as having an upper end 138, a
lower end 140, and a sidewall 142. The second portion 136 of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 132 is
characterized as having an upper end 144, a lower end 146, and a
sidewall 148.
[0064] The first portion 134 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 132 is connectable to the second
portion 136 thereof via a connector assembly 150, shown in FIG. 14.
The connector assembly 150 includes a male member 152 on the upper
end 138 of the first portion 134 and a female member 154 on the
adjacently disposed lower end 146 of the second portion 136. Thus,
upon matingly engaging the male member 152 and the female member
154, the first portion 134 and the second portion 136 of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 132 are
connectable, thereby forming the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 132 which is selectively moveable between the
substantially erected condition (FIGS. 13 and 14) and the
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 15).
[0065] The sidewall 142 of the first portion 134 defines a
receiving space or first cavity 156 capable of holding at least one
object therein; and the sidewall 148 of the second portion 136
further defines a receiving space or second cavity 158. The first
cavity 156 is capable of holding at least one object therein while
the second cavity 158 functions as a shield for the at least one
object held Within the first cavity 156 supported in the
first-cavity 156 of the first portion 134 of the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 132. Alternatively, the
object may be held in the second cavity 158 while the first cavity
156 acts as the shield.
[0066] The sidewall 142 further includes a plurality of condition
modifying elements such as score lines 160 which permit the first
portion 134 to be selectively moveable between the substantially
erected condition (FIGS. 13 and 14) and the substantially collapsed
condition (FIG. 15). The sidewall 148 also includes a plurality of
condition modifying elements such as score lines 162 which permit
the second portion 136 to be selectively moveable between the
substantially erected condition (FIGS. 13 and 14) and the
substantially collapsed condition (shown in FIG. 15).
[0067] The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg
132 is similar to the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 10 of FIGS. 1-3 and as described herein before,
except that the plurality of score lines 160 and 162 of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 132 are
offset in a manner such that the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 132 is selectively moveable between the
substantially erected condition (FIGS. 13 and 14) and the
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 15). The offsetting of the
condition modifying elements such as score lines 160 and 162
provides resistance to collapsing, and therefore functions as a
shape-sustaining member. However, it is to be understood that the
use of offset condition modifying elements is not limited to score
lines, and any other element capable of functioning in this manner
may be utilized as shown in FIGS. 13-15. In addition, while the
plurality of score lines 160 and 162 are depicted as extending
generally vertically across the substantially egg-shaped container
and/or decorative egg 132, it is to be understood that the
plurality of score lines 160 and 162 may extend at any angle along
each of the sidewalls 142 and 148 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 132, such as but not limited to,
horizontally or diagonally, so long as the plurality of score lines
160 and 162 are offset from one another and function in accordance
with the present invention.
[0068] Optionally, the plurality of score lines 162 may not extend
to the lower end 146 of the second portion 136 and/or the plurality
of score lines 160 may not extend to the upper end 138 of the first
portion 134; therefore, a horizontal portion of the sidewall 148
and/or a horizontal portion of the sidewall 142 of the
substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 132 may be
free of the score lines 160 and 162.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 17, shown therein is another
embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 150 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 150 includes a first portion 152 and a second portion 154 such
that the first portion 152 and second portion 154 are selectively
moveable between a substantially erected condition (FIG. 16) and a
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 17). The first portion 152
is provided with a plurality of condition modifying elements such
as score lines 156 on a portion thereof, while the second portion
154 is provided with a plurality of condition modifying elements
such as score lines 158 on a portion thereof.
[0070] The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg
150 is similar to the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 10 described herein above, except that the plurality
of score lines 156 and 158 extend in a generally horizontal
direction.
[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, shown therein is another
embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 160 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 160 includes a first portion 162 and a second portion 164 such
that the first portion 162 is selectively moveable between a
substantially erected condition (FIG. 18) and a substantially
collapsed condition (FIG. 19). The substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 160 is similar to the substantially
egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg 150 described herein
above, except that the first portion 162 is provided with a
plurality of condition modifying elements such as score lines 166
on a portion thereof, while the second portion 164 is substantially
free of condition modifying elements, and thus only the first
portion 162 of the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg moves to a substantially collapsed condition, as
shown in FIG. 19.
[0072] Referring now to FIGS. 20 and 21, shown therein is another
embodiment of a substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 170 constructed in accordance with the present
invention. The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative
egg 170 includes a first portion 172 and a second portion 174 such
that the first portion 172 and second portion 174 are selectively
moveable between a substantially erected condition (FIG. 20) and a
substantially collapsed condition (FIG. 21).
[0073] The substantially egg-shaped container and/or decorative egg
170 is similar to the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg 10 described herein above, except that the first and
second portions 172 and 174 of the substantially egg-shaped
container and/or decorative egg 170 are provided with condition
modifying elements that extend in both the horizontal and vertical
directions; in particular, the first portion 172 is provided with a
plurality of horizontally-extending condition modifying elements
such as score lines 176 and a plurality of vertically-extending
condition modifying elements such as score lines 178, while the
second portion 174 is provided with a plurality of
horizontally-extending condition modifying elements such as score
lines 180 and a plurality of vertically-extending condition
modifying elements such as score lines 182.
[0074] Any of the substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs described herein may be erected and/or collapsed
manually, that is, the substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs require energy from an exogenous source to fully
erect and/or collapse the substantially egg-shaped container and/or
decorative egg. Optionally, any of the substantially egg-shaped
containers and/or decorative egg described herein may be
self-erecting and/or self-collapsing. When provided with one or
more condition modifying elements and/or shape-sustaining members
formed therein, the condition modifying element(s) and/or
shape-sustaining member(s) may be provided with any configuration
described herein or any configuration known in the art.
[0075] While all of the substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs are described herein as being formed of two
portions, it is to be understood that the substantially egg-shaped
containers and/or decorative eggs of the present invention may not
be divided into portions but may simply be of uniform construction.
In this instance, the substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs may or may not have a receiving space formed
therein and still fall within the scope of the present invention,
as long as the substantially egg-shaped containers and/or
decorative eggs are capable of collapsing and/or erecting in
accordance with the present invention.
[0076] Other methods of collapsing and/or erecting substantially
egg-shaped containers and/or decorative eggs that fall within the
scope of the present invention are disclosed in U.S. Patent
Application Publication No. US 2005/0178060 A1, entitled
"COLLAPSIBLE AND/OR ERECTABLE FLORAL CONTAINERS," published Aug.
18, 2005, the entire contents of such application being hereby
specifically incorporated herein by reference.
[0077] From the above description it is clear that the present
invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and to attain
the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the
invention. While presently preferred embodiments of the invention
have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be
understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily
suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are
accomplished within the spirit of the invention disclosed.
* * * * *