U.S. patent application number 12/758092 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-13 for collapsible container.
This patent application is currently assigned to 6916783 CANADA INC.. Invention is credited to Rob Roy McGregor.
Application Number | 20110248040 12/758092 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44760197 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110248040 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McGregor; Rob Roy |
October 13, 2011 |
COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a collapsible container
which is movable from a collapsed position having a reduced volume
for storage and transport and an expanded position having
dimensional rigidity and securely holding the contents of the
container. The collapsible container has a plurality of outer wall
segments having a side wall with a first and second edge, the outer
wall segments being movable from a collapsed position wherein the
plurality of outer wall segments are stacked within each other such
that the height of the collapsed container is similar to the height
of the individual outer wall segments and an expanded position for
use of the collapsible container. The outer wall segments are
provided with releasable locking means whereby the outer wall
segments may be locked one to another in the expanded position and
being releasable to allow for the collapsible container to be moved
to the collapsed position. The releasable locking means are a
releasable locking latch means adjacent a first edge of each of the
outer wall segments and a locking latch means receptacle adjacent a
second edge of the outer wall segments, the releasable locking
latch means of an outer wall segment cooperating with the
releasable locking latch means receptacle of an adjacent outer wall
segment to releasably lock the collapsible container in the
expanded position, the releasable locking latch means of an outer
wall segment being disengageable from the releasable locking latch
means receptacle of the adjacent outer wall segment to allow the
collapsible container to be moved to the collapsed position.
Inventors: |
McGregor; Rob Roy; (Toronto,
CA) |
Assignee: |
6916783 CANADA INC.
Toronto
CA
|
Family ID: |
44760197 |
Appl. No.: |
12/758092 |
Filed: |
April 12, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/666 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 21/086 20130101;
A45C 7/0036 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/666 |
International
Class: |
B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02 |
Claims
1. A collapsible container which is movable from a collapsed
position having a reduced volume for storage and transport and an
expanded position having dimensional rigidity and securely holding
the contents of the container, the collapsible container comprising
a plurality of outer wall segments having a side wall with a first
and second edge, the outer wall segments being movable from a
collapsed position wherein the plurality of outer wall segments are
stacked within each other such that the height of the collapsed
container is similar to the height of the individual outer wall
segments and an expanded position for use of the collapsible
container, the outer wall segments being provided with releasable
locking means whereby the outer wall segments may be locked one to
another in the expanded position and being releasable to allow for
the collapsible container to be moved to the collapsed position,
the releasable locking means comprising a releasable locking latch
means adjacent a first edge of each of the outer wall segments and
a locking latch means receptacle adjacent a second edge of the
outer wall segments, the releasable locking latch means of an outer
wall segment cooperating with the releasable locking latch means
receptacle of an adjacent outer wall segment to releasably lock the
collapsible container in the expanded position, the releasable
locking latch means of an outer wall segment being disengageable
from the releasable locking latch means receptacle of the adjacent
outer wall segment to allow the collapsible container to be moved
to the collapsed position.
2. A collapsible container according to claim 1 wherein the
releasable locking latch means comprises a rib on a first surface
of the outer wall segment and the releasable locking latch means
receptacle comprises a groove to accept the rib and securely hold
the rib in the groove.
3. A collapsible container according to claim 1 wherein the
releasable locking latch means comprises a resilient tab formed in
the side wall of the outer wall segment, the resilient tab having a
lug extending from a first surface of the outer wall segment and
the releasable locking latch means receptacle comprises an opening
to accept the lug and securely hold the lug in the opening.
4. A collapsible container according to claim 1 wherein the
collapsible container further comprises a fluid tight inner liner
which is movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position
along with the outer wall segments, the inner liner being attached
to the outer wall segment at the top thereof.
5. A collapsible container according to claim 4 wherein the inner
liner comprises a plurality of inner liner segments, the number of
inner wall segments being equal to the number of outer wall
segments, the uppermost inner wall segment being attached to the
uppermost outer wall segment and the lowermost inner wall segment
being provided with a bottom at the lower end thereof contiguous
with the wall of the inner liner segment, each of the inner wall
segments being joined to the adjacent inner wall segment by a
living hinge to allow the inner wall segments to be moved between
an expanded position to form a liquid tight liner for the
collapsible container and a collapsed position wherein the inner
liner segments pivot about the living hinges joining the adjacent
inner wall segments such that in the collapsed position, the inner
wall segments form a pleated arrangement.
6. A collapsible container according to claim 5 wherein the
collapsible container comprises a removable cover which in a closed
position seals the interior of the container and is releasable to
allow access to the interior of the container.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to a collapsible
container, and in particular a collapsible container which
collapses easily in a cascading manner while maintaining
dimensional ridigity.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Collapsible containers, particularly drinking containers
have been known for a number of years. These containers are
commonly used by hikers and campers where the collapsed container
is easier to carry in a backpack, taking up less space than a
traditional container. Examples of such containers are shown in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,736,285, 6,666,329, 5,575,398, 6,484,897 and
7,048,317 among others.
[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,285 issued May 18, 2004 to Stewart-Stand
describes a collapsible container such as a drinking cup which has
a disk-shaped bottom and a disk-shaped cover which fit within one
another and engage by catches. A molded inner cup body has its base
connected to the bottom and a mouth surrounded by a ring which
seals to the cover and springs up from the bottom to erect the cup
when the catches are released. While the patent describes a
collapsible drinking container, the container in the expanded
configuration does not have dimensional rigidity in that the
sidewalls have to easily collapse to allow the container to be
placed in the collapsed orientation.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,329 issued Dec. 23, 2005, to Charbonneau
describes a collapsible cup with a vented pocket having a base
member for supporting the cup. A plurality of telescoping segments
form a fluid-tight seal by friction fitting the plurality of
telescoping segments together with the outermost telescoping
segment being attached to the base member and the innermost segment
being provided with a vented pocket. As the telescoping segments
are only friction fitted, the cup has no dimensional rigidity and
there is a risk of the cup collapsing during operation.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,398 issued Nov. 19, 1996 to Robbins
describes reusable collapsible container having a bottom wall and a
flexible peripheral side wall being movable between axially
extended and collapsed positions. The side wall has upper and lower
relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner
portion between the upper and lower portions. The intermediate side
wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and the
lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and
downwardly, such that in the collapsed position the lower side wall
portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion,
and the intermediate portion is reverse folded therebetween.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,897, issued Nov. 26, 2002, to Crawley
describes a container of variable volume having an inner flexible
member enclosed in a number of interlocking outer sleeves. The
outer sleeves are moved relative to one another to vary the volume
of the container by rotating screw-threaded outer sleeves, ratchet
mechanism or by using a multi-level bayonet type connection.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 7,048,317, issued May 23, 2006, to Netsch
describes a collapsible scoop having a bellow section of a
plurality of slant wall sections and thin wall sections between
adjacent slant wall sections defining peaks and valleys between the
adjacent slant wall sections. The thin wall sections allow the
bellows to be moved between the collapsed and extended
positions.
[0008] While the above patents describe a number of collapsible
containers, there still remains a need for a collapsible container
which has dimensional rigidity in the expanded position yet is
easily collapsible into the collapsed position and provides for
secure storage of the contents of the container in the expanded
position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to a collapsible container
which is movable from a collapsed position having a reduced volume
for storage and transport and an expanded position having
dimensional rigidity and securely holding the contents of the
container. The collapsible container comprises a plurality of outer
wall segments having a side wall with a first and second edge, the
outer wall segments being movable from a collapsed position wherein
the plurality of outer wall segments are stacked within each other
such that the height of the collapsed container is similar to the
height of the individual outer wall segments and an expanded
position for use of the collapsible container. The outer wall
segments are provided with releasable locking means whereby the
outer wall segments may be locked one to another in the expanded
position and being releasable to allow for the collapsible
container to be moved to the collapsed position. The releasable
locking means comprises a releasable locking latch means adjacent a
first edge of each of the outer wall segments and a locking latch
means receptacle adjacent a second edge of the outer wall segments,
the releasable locking latch means of an outer wall segment
cooperating with the releasable locking latch means receptacle of
an adjacent outer wall segment to releasably lock the collapsible
container in the expanded position, the releasable locking latch
means of an outer wall segment being disengageable from the
releasable locking latch means receptacle of the adjacent outer
wall segment to allow the collapsible container to be moved to the
collapsed position.
[0010] In an aspect of the invention, the releasable locking latch
means comprises a rib on a first surface of the outer wall segment
and the releasable locking latch means receptacle comprises a
groove to accept the rib and securely hold the rib in the
groove.
[0011] In another aspect of the invention, the releasable locking
latch means comprises a resilient tab formed in the side wall of
the outer wall segment, the resilient tab having a lug extending
from a first surface of the outer wall segment and the releasable
locking latch means receptacle comprises an opening to accept the
lug and securely hold the lug in the opening.
[0012] In yet another aspect of the invention, the collapsible
container further comprises a fluid tight inner liner which is
movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position along
with the outer wall segments, the inner liner being attached to the
outer wall segment at the top thereof.
[0013] In a further aspect of the invention, the inner liner
comprises a plurality of inner liner segments, the number of inner
wall segments being equal to the number of outer wall segments. The
uppermost inner wall segment is attached to the uppermost outer
wall segment and the lowermost inner wall segment is provided with
a bottom at the lower end thereof contiguous with the wall of the
inner liner segment. Each of the inner wall segments is joined to
the adjacent inner wall segment by a living hinge to allow the
inner wall segments to be moved between an expanded position to
form a liquid tight liner for the collapsible container and a
collapsed position wherein the inner liner segments pivot about the
living hinges joining the adjacent inner wall segments such that in
the collapsed position, the inner wall segments form a pleated
arrangement.
[0014] In yet another aspect of the invention, the collapsible
container comprises a removable cover which in a closed position
seals the interior of the container and is releasable to allow
access to the interior of the container.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are
illustrated in the attached drawings in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first collapsible cup in
accordance with the present invention in an expanded position;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible cup of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible cup of FIG. 1 in the expanded position;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a perspective view in cross section of the outer
wall of the collapsible cup of FIG. 3;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible cup of FIG. 1 in the collapsed position;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a perspective view in cross section of the outer
wall of the collapsible cup of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second collapsible cup in
accordance with the present invention in an expanded position;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible cup of FIG. 7;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible cup of FIG. 7 in the expanded position;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible cup of FIG. 7 in the expanded position illustrating the
releasable locking mechanism;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible cup of FIG. 7 in the collapsed position;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a perspective view in cross section of the outer
wall of the collapsible cup of FIG. 11;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a collapsible baby bottle
in accordance with the present invention in an expanded
position;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible baby bottle of FIG. 13 in the collapsed position;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible baby bottle of FIG. 13 in the expanded position;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible baby bottle of FIG. 13 in the expanded position
illustrating the releasable locking mechanism;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the outer wall of the
collapsible baby bottle of FIG. 13 in the expanded position
illustrating the releasable locking mechanism;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a perspective view in cross section of outer wall
of the collapsible baby bottle of FIG. 13 in the collapsed
position;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a collapsible water bottle
in accordance with the present invention in an expanded
position;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a perspective view in cross section of the outer
wall of the collapsible water bottle of FIG. 19 in the collapsed
position illustrating the releasable locking mechanism;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a collapsible storage
container in accordance with the present invention in an expanded
position;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible storage container of FIG. 21 in the expanded position
illustrating the releasable locking mechanism;
[0038] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the collapsible storage
container of FIG. 21 in the collapsed position;
[0039] FIG. 24 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible storage container of FIG. 21 in the collapsed position
illustrating the releasable locking mechanism;
[0040] FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of a collapsible suitcase
in accordance with the present invention in an expanded
position;
[0041] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the collapsible
suitcase of FIG. 25 in an expanded position;
[0042] FIG. 27 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible suitcase of FIG. 25 in the expanded position
illustrating the releasable locking mechanism;
[0043] FIG. 28 is a rear perspective view of the collapsible
suitcase of FIG. 25 in collapsed position;
[0044] FIG. 29 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible suitcase of FIG. 25 in the collapsed position
illustrating the releasable locking mechanism;
[0045] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the collapsible suitcase of
FIG. 25 in the expanded position illustrating the use of the
suitcase; and
[0046] FIG. 31 is a perspective view in cross section of the
collapsible suitcase of FIG. 25 in the expanded position
illustrating the use of the suitcase.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0047] The present invention is directed to a collapsible container
which is easily movable from a collapsed position having a reduced
volume for storage and transport and an expanded position having
dimensional rigidity and securely holding the contents of the
container. The collapsible container has a plurality of outer wall
segments having a side wall with a first and second edge, the outer
wall segments being movable from a collapsed position wherein the
plurality of outer wall segments are stacked within each other such
that the height of the collapsed container is similar to the height
of the individual outer wall segments and an expanded position for
use of the collapsible container. The outer wall segments are
provided with releasable locking means whereby the outer wall
segments may be locked one to another in the expanded position and
being releasable to allow for the collapsible container to be moved
to the collapsed position. The releasable locking means are a
releasable locking latch means adjacent a first edge of each of the
outer wall segments and a locking latch means receptacle adjacent a
second edge of the outer wall segments, the releasable locking
latch means of an outer wall segment cooperating with the
releasable locking latch means receptacle of an adjacent outer wall
segment to releasably lock the collapsible container in the
expanded position, the releasable locking latch means of an outer
wall segment being disengageable from the releasable locking latch
means receptacle of the adjacent outer wall segment to allow the
collapsible container to be moved to the collapsed position.
Various preferred embodiments of the present invention are
described below.
[0048] A first embodiment of a collapsible container, namely a
collapsible cup, in accordance with the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 generally indicated by the numeral 10.
The collapsible cup 10 may be used for the transport and
consumption of liquids such as coffee or tea. Once the liquid in
the container has been consumed, the container may be collapsed to
take up less space as the empty container is being transported.
[0049] The collapsible cup 10 has an outer wall 12 constructed of a
plurality of outer wall segments 12A to 12D which are nestable
within one another when the collapsible cup 10 is in the collapsed
position as will be described in detail below. The total number of
outer wall segments is a fraction of the volume required.
[0050] The collapsible cup 10 is also provided with an inner liner
14 which has an upper foldover lip 16 which folds over the top of
the uppermost outer wall segment 12A. The uppermost outer wall
segment 12A is provided with an exterior groove 19 which accepts an
inner rib 21 on the interior of the foldover lip 16 of the inner
liner 14 to securely connect the inner liner 14 to the outer wall
12.
[0051] The collapsible cup may be provided with a removable lid to
allow for the transport and consumption of liquids carried within
the collapsible cup. The removable lid may have an exterior rim to
sit in a friction fit sealing arrangement over the foldover lip of
the inner liner. The upper surface of the lid may be is provided
with an opening to allow the user to consume the liquid in the
collapsible container. The opening may be provided with a closure
means such as a slidable cover to allow the opening to be covered
when not in use to reduce the risk of spillage of the contents of
the collapsible cup.
[0052] The inner liner 14 has an inner wall 18 formed of a
plurality of inner wall segments 18A to 18D. The adjacent inner
wall segments are joined to one another by a living hinge
arrangement 28 which allows the inner liner wall 18 to collapse
with the outer wall 12 as will be described below.
[0053] The inner liner 14 is also provided with a bottom 23 which
is contiguous with the lowermost inner wall segment 18D. The
exterior of the inner wall bottom 23 is provided with a locking
disk 25 which passes through an opening 27 in the bottom of the
lowermost outer wall segment 12D to securely connect the inner wall
bottom to the outer wall bottom.
[0054] The outer wall segments 12A to 12D are provided with
releasable locking means which allow the collapsible cup 10 to be
expanded and locked in the expanded configuration while at the same
time allowing the locking means to be released and allow the
collapsible cup 10 to be collapsed to the collapsed configuration.
One such releasable locking means is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 6
in particular.
[0055] The interior of the outer wall segments 12A to 12C other
than the lowermost segment 12D are provided with an elongated
indent 28 which extends perpendicularly preferably almost the full
height of the outer wall segments 12A to 12C. A releasable locking
latch receptacle, namely a groove 30 is provided adjacent the lower
end of the elongate indent 28. Each of the outer wall segments 12B
to 12D other than the uppermost outer wall segment 12A, are
provided with releasable latching means, namely exterior ribs 32
adjacent the top of the outer wall segment 12B to 12D. The exterior
ribs 32 are of a size and shape to be contained within the elongate
indent 28 on the interior surface of the adjacent outer wall
segment 12A to 12C.
[0056] To expand the collapsible cup 10, starting from the
collapsed configuration as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the uppermost
outer wall segment 12A is gripped and pulled upwardly. The exterior
ribs 32 ride within the elongate indents 28 until they snap into
the grooves 30. This same operation is repeated for each of the
outer wall segments until the collapsible container is in the
expanded configuration.
[0057] To collapse the collapsible cup 10, the top of the cup 10 is
pushed downwardly. For this movement, the cup 10 may be placed on a
surface or the user may push on both the top and bottom of the cup
10 simultaneously. This movement forces the ribs 32 upwardly and
out of the grooves 30 and into the elongate indents 28 until the
ribs 32 rest against the upper edge of the elongate indent. The
collapsible 10 cup is then in the collapsed position.
[0058] During the movement of the collapsible cup 10 into the
collapsed position, the inner liner wall segments pivot about the
living hinges joining the adjacent segments such that in the
collapsed position, the inner wall segments form a pleated
arrangement. During the expansion of the cup, the inner wall
segments pivot about the living hinge to form the full inner liner
in the expanded position as shown in FIG. 2. The liner may also be
substituted for a sack or bag (not shown) of proportions to fit the
cup volume.
[0059] A second embodiment of a collapsible container of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 12. This embodiment
is a collapsible wide-mouth container generally indicated by the
numeral 40. This embodiment of the collapsible container could be
used for the transport and consumption of foods such as soups or
stews and as described below could also be used by hikers and
campers.
[0060] The collapsible wide-mouth container has an outer wall 42
constructed of a plurality of segments 42A to 42C which are
nestable within one another when the collapsible wide-mouth
container 40 is in the collapsed position as will be described
below. The total number of outer wall segments used is a fraction
of the volume required.
[0061] The collapsible wide-mouth container 40 is also provided
with an inner liner 44 which has an upper foldover lip 48 which
folds over the top of the uppermost inner wall segment 42A. The
uppermost outer wall segment 42A is provided with an exterior
rollover lip 60 which accepts an inner groove 41 on the interior of
the foldover lip 48 of the inner liner 44 to securely connect the
inner liner 44 to the outer wall 42.
[0062] The inner liner 44 has an inner wall 46 formed of a
plurality of inner wall segments 46A to 46C. The adjacent inner
wall segments 46A to 46C are joined to one another by a living
hinge arrangement 52 which allows the inner liner wall 46 to
collapse with the outer wall 42 as will be described below.
[0063] The collapsible wide-mouth container 40 may be utilized by
hikers or campers as a cooking container and thus the wide-mouth
container is provided with a suitable bottom to allow it to be used
on a stove or burner. The inner liner 44 is provided with a bottom
43 which is contiguous with the lowermost inner liner wall segment
46C. Similarly, the lowermost outer wall segment 42C is also
provided with a bottom 45. The bottom 43 of the inner liner 46 and
the bottom 45 of the outer wall 42 are both provided with an
annular opening. A top plate 47 and a bottom plate 49 of a suitable
heat conducting material are provided which sandwich the bottom 43
of the inner layer 46 and bottom 45 of the outer wall 42
therebetween. In this way, the heat from a stove or burner is
easily and rapidly transferred through the top plate 47 and bottom
plate 49 and to the contents held within the wide-mouth container
40.
[0064] The outer wall segments 42A to 42C are provided with
releasable locking means 50 which allow the collapsible wide-mouth
container 40 to be expanded and locked in the expanded
configuration while at the same time allowing the locking means 50
to be released and allow the collapsible wide-mouth container 40 to
be collapsed to the collapsed configuration. One such releasable
locking means 50 is illustrated in FIG. 10 in particular.
[0065] Each of the outer wall segments 42A to 42C are provided with
a releasable locking latch means, namely a roll over top lip 60
which rolls over to the exterior of the segment. The uppermost wall
segments 42A and 42B are also provided with a roll over bottom lip
55, also rolling over to the exterior of the container. The wall of
the outer wall segments 42A and 42B immediately above the roll over
bottom lip 55 are provided with a releasable locking latch means
receptacle, namely an annular groove 54 on the interior surface of
the outer wall segments and an annular rib 56 immediately above the
annular groove. In the expanded configuration as shown in the
figures, in particular, FIGS. 8 and 10, the roll over top lip 60 of
the outer wall segment 42B or 42C is contained and held within the
annular groove 54 of the immediately adjacent outer wall
segment.
[0066] To expand the collapsible wide-mouth container 40, starting
from the collapsed configuration as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the
uppermost outer wall segment 42A is gripped and pulled upwardly.
The rollover top lips 60 ride downwardly along the interior wall of
the adjacent inner wall segment, then over the annular rib 56 until
they snap into the annular grooves 54. The same operation is
repeated for each of the outer wall segments until the collapsible
wide-mouth container 40 is in the expanded configuration.
[0067] In order to allow for the necessary movement of the rollover
top lip 60 inwardly and outwardly to seat in the annular grooves
54, the outer wall segments 42B and 42C are provided with slots 62
such that the rollover lip 60 is divided into a plurality of
segments. Each of the segments may move inwardly and outwardly
independent of the other segments thus allowing for the proper
movement of the rollover top lip 60 during the collapsing and
expanding movements
[0068] To collapse the collapsible wide-mouth container 40, the top
of the wide-mouth container 40 is pushed downwardly. For this
movement, the wide-mouth container 40 may be placed on a surface or
the user may push on both the top and bottom of the wide-mouth
container 40 simultaneously. This movement forces the rollover top
lips 60 upwardly over the annular rib 56 and out of the annular
grooves 54 and upwardly along the interior of the adjacent outer
wall segment until the outer wall segments align. The collapsible
wide-mouth container 40 is then in the collapsed position.
[0069] During the movement of the collapsible wide-mouth container
40 into the collapsed position, the inner liner wall segments 46A
to 46C pivot about the living hinges 52A and 52B joining the
adjacent segments such that in the collapsed position, the inner
wall segments form a pleated arrangement. During the expansion of
the wide-mouth container 40, the inner wall segments 46A to 46C
pivot about the living hinges 52A and 52B to form the full inner
liner in the expanded position as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The inner
liner may also be substituted for a sack or bag (not shown) of
proportions and facets to fit the pot volume.
[0070] A third embodiment of a collapsible container of the present
invention is illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 18. This embodiment of the
collapsible container is a collapsible baby bottle or sipping cup
generally indicated by the numeral 70. The collapsible baby bottle
70 has an outer wall 78 constructed of a plurality of outer wall
segments 78A to 78D. The uppermost outer wall segment 78A is
provided with an exterior thread 74 which accepts a standard
retaining ring 72 to hold a nipple 76 or sipping top or other lid
(not shown) on the top of the collapsible baby bottle 70. A
standard baby bottle liner is used in the conventional manner to
hold the formula or other fluid for consumption by the baby or
toddler.
[0071] The outer wall segments 78A to 78D are provided with
releasable locking means which allow the collapsible baby bottle 70
to be expanded and locked in the expanded configuration while at
the same time allowing the locking means to be released and allow
the collapsible baby bottle 70 to be collapsed to the collapsed
configuration. One such releasable locking means is illustrated in
FIGS. 13 to 15 in particular.
[0072] Each of the outer wall segments 78A to 78D has a plurality
of resilient locking tabs 84. The locking tabs 84 are separated
from the wall of the outer wall segment by slots 86. In the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 15, the locking tabs 84 are
downwardly extending and the slots 86 extend upwardly more than
half the height of the outer wall segment. However, as described
below, other configurations are possible.
[0073] The lower end of the resilient locking tab 84 is provided
with a releasable locking latch means, namely a generally
semi-circular lug 82 which fits within a releasable locking latch
means receptacle, namely a generally semi-circular opening 80
provided in an adjacent outer wall segment as will be described.
Preferably, the semicircular lug 82 has a flat base contiguous with
and extending outwardly of the resilient tab 84. The outer surface
of the lug 82 extends upwardly and outwardly to the semicircular
upper edge of the lug 82. Preferably, in order to aid in the
locking and releasing of the lug 82 from the opening 80, the joint
between the outer surface and the semicircular upper edge of the
lug is cambered or rounded over and is not a sharp edge.
[0074] The outer wall segments 78B to 78D are provided with
semicircular openings 80 of a size slightly larger than the size of
the semicircular lugs 82 on the resilient tabs 84. The number of
such semicircular openings 80 are the same as the number of
resilient tabs 84 and semicircular lugs 82 on the adjacent outer
wall segment. In order to allow the semicircular lugs 82 to be
biased inwardly during the collapsing operation, the exterior of
the outer wall segment below the semicircular opening 80 is
provided with an indent extending downwardly from the semicircular
opening 80.
[0075] To expand the collapsible baby bottle 70, starting from the
collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 14, the outermost outer
wall segment 78D is gripped and pulled downwardly. The semicircular
lugs 82 ride upwardly along the interior wall of the adjacent outer
wall segment, then snap into the semicircular opening 80. The same
operation is repeated for each of the outer wall segments until the
collapsible baby bottle 70 is in the expanded configuration.
[0076] To collapse the collapsible baby bottle 70, the semicircular
lugs 82 are pressed inwardly until the top semicircular edge of the
lug 82 passes the top of the semicircular opening. The outer wall
segment is then pushed upwardly so that the resilient tab 84 and
lug 82 cam inwardly and ride downwardly along the interior of the
adjacent outer wall segment until the outer wall segments align.
This process is repeated for each of the outer wall segments until
the collapsible baby bottle 70 is then in the collapsed
position.
[0077] A further embodiment of a collapsible baby bottle 70 of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18. Similar to the
previous embodiment, the collapsible baby bottle 70 has an outer
wall 78 constructed of a plurality of outer wall segments 78A to
78D. The uppermost outer wall segment 78A is provided with an
exterior thread 74 which accepts a standard retaining ring 72 to
hold a nipple 76 or sipping top (not shown) on the top of the
collapsible baby bottle 70. A standard commercially available baby
bottle liner (not shown) is used in the conventional manner to hold
the formula or other fluid for consumption by the baby or
toddler.
[0078] The outer wall segments 78A to 78D are provided with
releasable locking means which similar to the previous embodiment
are a plurality of resilient locking tabs 84. The locking tabs 84
are separated from the wall of the outer wall segment by slots 86.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18, the locking tabs
84 are upwardly extending and the slots 86 extend downwardly more
than half the height of the outer wall segment.
[0079] The upper end of the resilient locking tab 84 is provided
with an inwardly oriented generally semi-circular lug 82 which fits
within a generally semi-circular opening 80 provided in an adjacent
outer wall segment. Preferably, the semicircular lug 82 has a flat
top contiguous with and extending inwardly of the resilient tab 84.
The inner surface of the lug 82 extends downwardly to the
semicircular lower edge of the lug 82. The inner surface of the lug
is at an angle to the interior surface of the outer wall segment
such that one side of the lug is generally contiguous with the
resilient tab. Preferably, in order to aid in the locking and
releasing of the lug 82 from the opening 80, the joint between the
outer surface and the semicircular lower edge of the lug is
cambered or rounded over and is not a sharp edge.
[0080] The outer wall segments 78B to 78D are provided with
semicircular openings 80 of a size slightly larger than the size of
the semicircular lugs 82 on the resilient tabs 84. The number of
such semicircular openings 80 are the same as the number of
resilient tabs 84 and semicircular lugs 82 on the adjacent outer
wall segment. In order to allow the semicircular lugs 82 to be
biased inwardly during the collapsing operation, the exterior of
the outer wall segment above the semicircular opening 80 is
provided with an indent extending upwardly from the semicircular
opening 80.
[0081] To expand the collapsible baby bottle 70, starting from the
collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 14, the outermost outer
wall segment 78D is gripped and pulled downwardly. The semicircular
lugs 82 ride downwardly along the exterior wall of the adjacent
outer wall segment, then snap into the semicircular opening 80. The
same operation is repeated for each of the outer wall segments
until the collapsible baby bottle 70 is in the expanded
configuration.
[0082] To collapse the collapsible baby bottle 70, the outer wall
segments are rotated slightly such that the semicircular lugs 82
are cammed outwardly until the lug 82 is released from the
semicircular opening 80. The outer wall segment is then pushed
upwardly so that the resilient tab 84 and lug 82 rides upwardly
along the exterior of the adjacent outer wall segment until the
outer wall segments align. This process is repeated for each of the
outer wall segments until the collapsible baby bottle 70 is then in
the collapsed position.
[0083] A further embodiment of the collapsible container of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20. This
embodiment is a collapsible water bottle for use in portable water
coolers and the like. The collapsible water bottle 90 has an outer
wall 92 constructed of a plurality of segments 92A to 92C which are
nestable within one another when the collapsible water bottle 90 is
in the collapsed position. In this way, there is a reduction in the
volume occupied by an empty bottle on return to a filling station
by a transport vehicle thereby promoting reduction of vehicle trips
and reduction in fuel consumption in transit.
[0084] In the embodiment illustrated in the figure, the collapsible
water bottle 90 has three segments 92A to 92C. The upper most
segment 92A has at its upper edge an upwardly and inwardly sloping
top to a neck 94 which fits within the receptacle of the water
cooler in the typical manner. The lower most of the segments 92C is
provided at its lower edge with a bottom contiguous with the lower
edge of the segment.
[0085] The collapsible water bottle 90 may be provided with an
inner liner similar to the embodiments described above or the
releasable locking means may be constructed in a manner to maintain
the water bottle in a water tight configuration when in the
expanded position.
[0086] The outer wall segments 92A to 92C are provided with
releasing locking means which allow the collapsible water bottle 90
to be expanded and locked in the expanded configuration while the
same time allowing the locking means to be released and allow the
collapsible water bottle 90 to be collapsed in the collapsed
configuration. One such locking means is illustrated in FIG. 20.
The upper most wall segments 92A and 92B are provided at the lower
edge thereof with releasable locking latch means, namely an annular
ring 96 which extends outwardly of the outer wall segment adjacent
the lower edge. The upper most wall segments are provided with a
releasable locking latch means receptacle 95 for the annular rib of
the immediately adjacent outer wall segment. Preferably as
illustrated in FIG. 20, this releasable locking latch means
receptacle 95 is located adjacent the upper edge of the outer wall
segment and comprises an annular inwardly oriented rib and
immediately above the annular inwardly oriented rib is an outwardly
oriented annular groove. In the expanded configuration of FIG. 19,
the annular rib on the lower edge of an outer wall segment is
contained and held within the annular groove of the immediately
adjacent outer wall segment.
[0087] To expand the collapsible water bottle starting from the
collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 20, the upper most wall
segment 92A is gripped and pulled upwardly, the annular rib rides
upwardly along the interior wall of the adjacent outer wall
segment, then over the annular rib until it snaps into the annular
groove. The same operation is repeated for each of the outer wall
segments until the collapsible the wide mouth water bottle is in
the expanded configuration.
[0088] To collapse the collapsible water bottle 90, the top of the
water bottle is pushed downwardly. For this movement, the
collapsible water bottle 90 may be placed on a surface that the
user may push on both the top and bottom of the water bottle 90
simultaneously. This movement forces the annular rib on the
exterior of the outer wall segment over the annular rib on the
interior of the adjacent outer wall segment and out of the annular
grooves and downwardly along the interior of the adjacent outer
wall segment until the outer wall segments align. The collapsible
water bottle 90 is then in a collapsed configuration.
[0089] A further embodiment of a collapsible container of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 21 to 24. This embodiment
of the collapsible container is a collapsible storage container
generally indicated by the numeral 100. The collapsible storage
container allows the interior volume of the storage container to be
adjusted depending upon the volume of materials to be stored within
the container. In this way, there is a reduction in the amount of
wasted space where the container is used for storage of a smaller
volume of material, yet may be easily expanded to accommodate more
material.
[0090] The collapsible storage container has an outer wall 102
constructed of a plurality of outer wall segments 102A to 102C. The
upper most outer wall segment 102A is provided with a rollover
upper lip to permit a cover 104 to be snapped or friction fitted
onto the storage container in a conventional manner. The lower most
outer wall segment 102C is provided with a bottom contiguous with
the lower edge of the outer wall segment 102C.
[0091] The outer wall segments 102A to 102C are provided with
releasable locking means which allow the collapsible storage
container 100 to be expanded and locked in the expanded
configuration while at the same time allowing the locking means to
be released and allow the collapsible storage container to be
collapsed in a collapsed configuration. One such releasable locking
means is illustrated in the figures.
[0092] Each of the upper most outer wall segments 102A and 102B are
provided with a plurality of resilient locking tabs 110. The
locking tabs are separated from the wall of the outer wall segment
by slots 112. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the
locking tabs 110 are downwardly extending and the slots extend
upwardly; however, other configurations are possible and would be
immediately apparent to those of skill in the art.
[0093] The lower end of the resilient locking tab 110 is provided
with the releasable locking latch means, namely a generally
semicircular lug 108 which fits within a releasable locking latch
means receptacle, namely a generally semicircular opening 114
provided in an adjacent outward wall segment as will be described.
Preferably, the semicircular lug has a flat base contiguous with
and extended outwardly of the resilient tab 110. The lug extends
upwardly and outwardly from the base to a semicircular upper edge
of the lug. Preferably to aid in the locking and releasing of the
lug from the opening, the joint between the outer surface and
semicircular upper edge of the lug is cambered or rounded over and
is not a sharp edge.
[0094] The outer wall segments 102B and 102C are provided with a
semicircular opening 114 of a size slightly larger than the size of
the semicircular lugs on the resilient tabs. The number of such
semicircular openings are the same as the number of resilient tabs
and semicircular lugs on the adjacent outer wall segment.
[0095] To expand the collapsible storage container starting from
the collapsed configuration as shown in FIG. 24, the outer most
outer wall segment 102A is gripped and pulled upwardly. The
semicircular lugs 108 ride upwardly along the exterior wall of the
adjacent outer wall segment, then snap into the semicircular
opening 114. The same operation is repeated for each of the outer
wall segments until the collapsible storage container is in the
expanded configuration.
[0096] To collapse the collapsible storage container, the
semicircular lugs are pressed outwardly until the base of the lug
passes the lower edge of the semicircular opening. The outer wall
segment is then pushed downwardly so that the resilient tab and lug
cam outwardly and ride downwardly along the exterior of the
adjacent outer wall segment until the outer wall segments align.
This process is repeated for each of the outer wall segments until
the collapsible storage container is then in the collapsed
position.
[0097] A further embodiment of a collapsible container of the
present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 25 to 31. This embodiment
of the collapsible container is a collapsible suitcase generally
indicated by the numeral 120. The collapsible suitcase has an outer
wall 124 constructed of a plurality of outer wall segments 124A to
124C. The upper most outer wall segment 124A is provided with a
releasable and removable cover to permit access to the interior of
the collapsible suitcase in a conventional manner. The lower most
outer wall segment 124C is provided with a bottom contiguous with
the lower edge of the outer wall segment 124C.
[0098] The outer wall segments 124A to 124C are provided with
releasable locking means which allow the collapsible suitcase 120
to be expanded and locked in the expanded configuration while at
the same time allowing the locking means to be released and allow
the collapsible suitcase to be collapsed in a collapsed
configuration. One such releasable locking means is illustrated in
the figures.
[0099] Each of the upper most outer wall segments 124A and 124B are
provided with a plurality of resilient locking tabs 130. The
locking tabs 130 are separated from the wall of the outer wall
segment by slots 132. In the embodiment illustrated in the figures,
the locking tabs 130 are downwardly extending and the slots 132
extend upwardly; however, other configurations are possible and
would be immediately apparent to those of skill in the art.
[0100] The lower end of the resilient locking tab 130 is provided
with the releasable locking latch means, namely a generally
semicircular lug 128 which fits within a releasable locking latch
means receptacle, namely a generally semicircular opening 134
provided in an adjacent outward wall segment as will be described.
Preferably, the semicircular lug 128 has a flat base contiguous
with and extending outwardly of the resilient tab 130. The lug 128
extends upwardly and outwardly from the base to a semicircular
upper edge of the lug. Preferably to aid in the locking and
releasing of the lug 128 from the opening of the joint between the
outer surface and semicircular upper edge of the lug is cambered or
rounded over and is not a sharp edge.
[0101] The outer wall segments 124B and 124C are provided with a
semicircular opening 134 of a size slightly larger than the size of
the semicircular lugs 128 on the resilient tabs 130. The number of
such semicircular openings 134 are the same as the number of
resilient tabs 130 and semicircular lugs 128 on the adjacent outer
wall segment.
[0102] To expand the collapsible suitcase 120 starting from the
collapsed configuration as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the outer most
outer wall segment 124A is gripped and pulled upwardly. The
semicircular lugs 128 ride upwardly along the exterior wall of the
adjacent outer wall segment, then snap into the semicircular
opening 134. The same operation is repeated for each of the outer
wall segments until the collapsible suitcase 120 is in the expanded
configuration.
[0103] To collapse the collapsible suitcase 120, the semicircular
lugs 128 are pressed outwardly until the base of the lug 128 passes
the lower edge of the semicircular opening 134. The outer wall
segment is then pushed downwardly so that the resilient tab 130 and
lug 128 cam outwardly and ride downwardly along the exterior of the
adjacent outer wall segment until the outer wall segments align.
This process is repeated for each of the outer wall segments until
the collapsible storage container is then in the collapsed
position.
[0104] As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, the collapsible suitcase
120 may be provided with a plurality of storage inserts to maximize
the storage and organization of the contents of the collapsible
suitcase. Such storage inserts may include compartmentalized insets
140 and garment hangers 146.
[0105] The compartmentalized inserts 140 are preferably of a height
equal to the interior height of the collapsible suitcase in the
expanded configuration. The compartmentalized inserts 140 are
provided with side walls, top, bottom and back walls and an open
front constituted of flexible material such as fabric and the like
to facilitate collapse into a compact size. The interior of the
compartmentalized inserts 140 are divided into a plurality of
individual compartments 142 by suitably placed dividers. In this
way, clothing and accessory items may be organized in individual
compartments so they are easily seen and accessible to the user.
For example, shoes, shirts, socks, underwear, etc. may be placed in
individual compartments making the selection of the desired items
easier. The compartmentalized inserts 140 may be provided with a
hanging hook 144 on the top to allow the insert to be removed from
the suitcase 120 and hung in a closet for easy access.
[0106] In addition to the compartmentalized inserts 140, the
collapsible container may also be provided with garment hangers 146
to hang and keep from being crushed or wrinkled garments such
suits, dresses, etc. The garment hangers 146 include suitable
hangers 148 for the garments. The collapsible suitcase may be
provided with a means for holding a hanging hook 148 which also
allows the garments to be hung in a closet for easy access. Wheels
126 and retractable handle 122 are shown for illustration
purposes.
[0107] The collapsible container of the present invention provides
for a collapsible container which is easily movable from a
collapsed position having a reduced volume for storage and
transport and an expanded position having dimensional rigidity and
securely holding the contents of the container. As described above,
the collapsible container of the present invention may be adapted
for many different uses.
[0108] The collapsible container of the present invention has
dimensional stability in the expanded position, a property which is
of special importance when the container is used to store and
transport heavier items such as when being used as a suitcase. In
order to provide the dimensional stability, the outer wall segments
are preferably constructed of a suitable material which provides
for the dimensional stability while also allowing for the
resiliency required for the releasable locking means. The material
from which the outer wall segments may be constructed include a
suitably dimensioned metal as well as suitable polymeric materials.
Among the suitable polymeric materials are polyamides such as
nylon, polyvinylchloride, polypropylene, etc. Preferably, the outer
wall segments are a polyamide such as nylon.
[0109] The inner liner, particularly those used in collapsible
containers used for food or beverage storage are preferably
constructed of a food grade polymeric material such as silicon,
polypropylene, etc. Preferably, in order to also provide for the
capability of heating food or beverage in the container, the inner
liner is constructed of a food grade silicon which will withstand
the temperatures encountered in heating of the food or beverage
contained in the container.
[0110] Although various preferred embodiments of the present
invention have been described herein in detail, it will appreciated
by those of skill in the art that variations may be made thereto
without parting from the spirit of the invention or the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *