Collapsible container

Abstract

A collapsible container is formed from a unitary structure which is selectively movable between a folded compact storage position and an extended operating position without assembling or disassembling components of the container. A positive locking component is provided to selectively retain the container in its compact folded position. The container has a liquid impervious inner lining which is foldable and extendable together with the container.

Description

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND ART

The present invention is directed to a foldable container, and in particular a foldable container having a liquid impervious inner lining to permit the container to be used as a water bucket in its extended position. More particularly, the foldable container in accordance with the present invention is of particular use in confined spaces, such as on a boat or sailboat where space is extremely limited.

Typical collapsible containers known to the art are exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,133,648; 1,533,636; 1,928,976; 2,019,636; 3,337,086; and 5,752,649.

It is the primary object of the present invention to provide an improved collapsible container which is selectively movable between an extended operating position and a folded compact position in which the container can be stored.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container formed from a unitary structure to avoid assembling or disassembling different components when the container is moved between its collapsed and extended positions.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container having a liquid impervious liner which is movable, together with the container, as the container is moved between its folded and extended positions.

Other objects and advantages of the collapsible container in accordance with the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A collapsible container is formed from a unitary structure having upper and lower container sections. The container sections are movable relative to each other, at the selection of a user, between an extended operating position and a folded compact storage position. In a first embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower container sections are joined together by resilient elements cooperating with hinge means for pivoting the upper and lower sections between extended and folded positions of the container. In a second embodiment of the invention, the upper and lower container sections are joined by integrally defined deformable elements which permit the upper and lower container sections to be selectively moved relative to each other between an extended operating position and a folded compact storage position.

Locking means associated with the container are provided for selectively retaining the container in its compact storage position and/or its extended operating position.

The container may also include an inner surface or liner formed from a liquid impervious material so that the container, in its extended position, can be used as a water bucket. The inner surface of the container will preferably be formed from a pliable material so that it is movable, together with the container, between the folded and extended positions of the container.

The collapsible container in accordance with the present invention is advantageously formed from a unitary structure so as to eliminate the need to assemble or disassemble components as the container is moved between its extended operating position and its folded, compact, storage position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a illustrates, in perspective, a collapsible container in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, shown in its extended operating position;

FIG. 1b illustrates the container shown in FIG. 1a, in its folded storage position;

FIG. 2 illustrates, in perspective, the mechanical means employed for collapsing and expanding the container in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the upper and lower frames of a container in accordance with a first embodiment of a container;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of the collapsible container in accordance with the present invention, as seen from a side perpendicular to the side illustrated by FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view, similar to that illustrated by FIG. 3, showing an inner lining within the container;

FIG. 6a illustrates a sectional view of the mechanical means illustrated by FIG. 2;

FIG. 6b illustrates sectional view of the portion of the container illustrated by FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a collapsible container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates the mechanical means for moving the container shown by FIG. 7 between an expanded operating position and a folded storage position; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a modification to the embodiment of the container of FIG. 2 in its extended configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1a and 1b illustrate one example of a collapsible container in accordance with the present invention. The container, which is generally designated by the reference numeral 2, is square and formed from a pair of equal opposed sides 4, a pair of equal opposed sides 6, and a bottom generally designated by reference numeral 8. The top 12 of the container is opened. In its extended operating position as illustrated by FIG. 1a, hooks 10 are attached to and extend downwardly from the top 12 of the container 2. These hooks are adapted to selectively engage retaining means, as for example, U-bolts 14 extending outwardly from the bottom 8 of the container 2, to selectively retain the container in its folded storage position as illustrated by FIG. 1b. An outer lining of the container, designated by reference numeral 16, which can be formed from any suitable foldable material, as for example, canvas, defines the shorter and longer pairs of opposed sidewalls 6 and 8.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of the structure and structural arrangement of the container 2 for moving the container between its extended operating position (FIG. 1a) and its folded storage position (FIG. 1b). A first arm 18 is formed from sections 20 and 22 which are joined together by an intermediate spring 24. The remote end of lower section 22 is coupled to a hinge 26 mounted to the bottom surface 8 of the container, while the remote end of upper section 20 is coupled to a hinge 28 mounted to the top 12 of the container. An opposed arm 30 is formed from sections 32 and 34 coupled together by an intermediate spring 36. The remote end of lower section 34 is coupled to a hinge 38 mounted to the bottom surface 8, while the remote end of upper section 32 is coupled to a hinge 40 mounted to the top 12. A plurality of loops, each designated by reference numeral 42, extend from the top 12 and bottom 8 of the container 2, and are oriented along sidewalls of the container perpendicular to the plane of the sidewalls of the container from which the U-bolts 14 extend. The loops 42 are provided for securing straps or cables, supplementing the retaining force of the hooks 10 received in the U-bolts 14, to selectively retain the container in its extended position (FIG. la) to keep the container from racking in its extended position.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of the container 2 without an inner lining received within the container. As illustrated by FIG. 3, the bottom surface 8 of the container can be formed from metal (steel) grating, generally designated by reference numeral 44.

FIG. 4 illustrates two criss-crossing straps 46 which are received in the loops 42 extending from the top and bottom surfaces, 12 and 8, of the container 2. Each strap 46 has a collar crimp 48 to provide a permanent preset tension condition. As noted above, the straps 46 extend along opposed sidewalls of the container 2 which are oriented perpendicularly to the sides of the container from which the U-bolts extend (FIG. 2).

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view, similar to that shown by FIG. 3, except that an inner liner, designated by reference numeral 50, is received within the container. The inner liner 50 is preferably formed from a pliable liquid (water) resistant material such as rubber or PVC so as to be foldable and unfoldable with the container as the container is moved between its extended operating position and its folded storage position.

FIG. 6a illustrates a sectional view of the container as seen through one of the equal sidewalls 6. The outer lining 16, which as noted above may be formed from canvas, extends along the outer surface of the sidewall 6 defined by the outer lining, while the inner lining 50, which as noted above can be formed from rubber or PVC, extends proximate to the inner surface of the sidewall 6 defined by the outer lining. The inner lining 50 is located inside the arm 30, while the outer lining 16 is located outwardly from the arm 30. Sections 32 and 34 of arm 30 are coupled together by the intermediate spring 36. The upper end of upper section 32 is mounted to an upper hinge 40, while the lower end of lower section 34 is mounted to a hinge 38. Upper and lower Velcro strips 52 mounted to the top and bottom surfaces of the container, are provided to hold the outer material in place and to support the inner lining and prevent it from caving in.

FIG. 6b illustrates a section of sidewall 4 of the container along which straps 46 criss-cross (FIG. 4). The inner lining 50 extends proximate to the inner surface of the sidewall 4. The sidewall 4, like the sidewall 6 (FIG. 6a), is defined by the material forming the outer lining 16 of the container. Upper and lower Velcro strips 54 are provided to hold the outer material in place and to support the inner lining and prevent it from caving in.

The collapsible container illustrated by FIGS. 1-6b of the drawings operates as follows. The springs 24 and 36 are selected so as to bias the arms 18 and 30, respectively, upwardly to urge and maintain the container 2 in its extended operating position (FIG. 1a). The tension on the criss-crossing straps 46 extending along the sidewalls of the container which are oriented perpendicularly to the plane of the arms 18 and 30, and has preset tension provided by the collar crimps 48 to maintain the spring tension exerted by springs 24 and 36 urging the container into its extended operating position. When it is desired to fold the container into its compact storage position (FIG. 1b), the user exerts a downwardly directed force on the top 12 of the container, overcoming the upwardly directed resilient force of the springs 24 and 36. The top of the container 12 is depressed until the snap hooks 10 are moved in alignment with and sufficiently close to the U-bolts 14 to permit the hooks to engage the U-bolts. Engagement of the hooks 10 with the U-bolts 14 overcomes the upwardly opposing resilient force of the spring 24 and 36 to releasably lock the container into its folded storage position. Both the outer liner 16 and the inner liner 50 of the container are formed from foldable material so that the outer and inner linings fold together with the container. The criss-crossing straps 46, extending along the sides of the container oriented perpendicularly to the arms 18 and 30, are not needed at this time. The upper and lower pairs of Velcro strips 52 and 54 prevent the outer material and inner liner from disengaging the upper and lower parts of the container when the container is in its collapsed position.

Although not shown in the drawings, a pair of handles can be mounted to the top of the container to permit the container to be carried when it is folded into its compact storage position, and also to be carried in its extended position with liquid contained therein.

To move the container from its folded position to its extended position, the steps recited above are reversed. The hooks 10 are disengaged from the U-bolts 14. The resilient forces exerted by the springs 24 and 36 bias the container into its extended position when the hooks are disengaged from the bolts and when the tension on the straps is reached. The container remains in its extended operating position until a downward force overcoming the resilient bias of the springs 34 and 36 is applied to the top surface of the container, and the hooks 10 are re-engaged with the U-bolts 14.

When the container is in its extended operating position, the hooks 10 are disengaged from their corresponding retaining means (i.e., the U-bolts 14). Therefore, if desired, the hooks 10 can be used to releasably attach other articles to the container when the container is in its extended operating position.

FIGS. 7-8 illustrate a second embodiment of a collapsible container in accordance with the present invention. Unlike the first embodiment, the second embodiment eliminates the use of resilient elements for moving the collapsible container between its extended operating position and its folded storage position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a collapsible container, generally designated by reference numeral 56, in its extended operating position. An inner lining, generally designated by reference numeral 58, is supported in its extended position by loops 62 which extend from the top of a plastic ring 63, which are releasably engaged by hooks 64 which extend either from the side posts 60 of the container or the handle 66 of the container. Each of the side posts 60 includes a pivot element designated by reference numeral 68, and a sleeve, designated by reference numeral 70. The sleeve is selectively slideable over the pivot, or away from the pivot, as desired by the user. The bottom of the container is generally designated by reference numeral 72.

When the container is in its extended operating position as illustrated by FIG. 7, the sleeves 70 are slid over the pivots 68 to maintain the side posts 60 in an upwardly extending, erect position, and the hooks 64 engage the loops 62 to maintain the lining 58 in its extended position. When the container is to be moved into its folded compact position, the hooks 64 are disengaged from the loops 62 to permit the liner 58 to be folded in a downward direction, resting on the bottom surface 72 of the container. Thereafter, the sleeves 70 are slid away from the pivots 68, thereby permitting each of the side posts 60 to be pivoted downwardly into a folded position.

FIG. 8 illustrates in detail, a portion of the container illustrated by FIG. 7, when the container is folded into its compact storage position. The loop 64 attached to the top of the plastic ring 63 (FIG. 7) has been slid beneath the pivot 68, and the sleeve 70 has been slid away from the pivot 68, thereby enabling the portion of the side post 60 above the pivot 68 to be pivoted substantially 90 degrees into a folded position into which it extends along a plane parallel to the plane of the bottom 72 of the container. A strap 74 having a loop 76 at the remote end thereof, is attached at its opposed end to the bottom 72 of the container. A hook 78 is attached to a portion of the side post 60 and arranged so that the hook 78 is proximate to the loop 76 when the side post 60 is pivoted into its folded position. Thereafter, the hook 78 engages the loop 76 to releasably retain the side post 60 in its pivoted, folded position.

To move the container from its folded position into its extended position, the steps described above are reversed. Hook 78 is disengaged from loop 76, and side post 60 is pivoted 90 degrees into its upright position. Sleeve 70 is slid over the pivot 68 to maintain the side post 60 in its upright position. Loop 62, with the plastic ring 63 (FIG. 7) attached to it, is moved upwardly along the side post 60 to the hook 64, and the hook 64 releasably engages the loop 62 to maintain the lining 58 in its extended operating position.

The preferred embodiments of the invention primarily show the container in a square configuration, for illustrative purposes. However, it is within the scope of the present invention to employ containers of any configuration, including but not limited to square, rectangular, circular, and oval shaped.

Although the preferred embodiments of the invention discussed herein employ a tension spring as the means for moving the container into its extended operating position, other means are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, a hoop formed from spring steel, or gas driven cylinder may also be employed to move the container from its folded storage position to its extending operating position, at the selection of the user.

FIG. 9 illustrates a modification to the first embodiment of the container illustrated by FIGS. 1-6 when the container is in its extending operating position. Common elements of structure have been desigated by the same reference numerals. FIG. 9 shows the container in its extended operating position, in which a reinforcement structure is inserted within the container to enhance the structural stability thereof when the container is in its extended operation position. In this manner, the container can, at the selection of the user, be employed as a seat.

The reinforcement structure inserted into the extended container is formed from four (4) vertical struts designated by reference numeral 80 received in each corner of the extended container. Each strut 80 has a top platform section designated by reference numeral 82, and a bottom platform section designated by reference numeral 84. The top and bottom platform sections 82 and 84 are generally triangular in configuration, and are adapted to be received in the corner sections of the top 12 of the container, and the corner sections of the bottom 8 of the container, respectively. Adjacent vertical struts 80 are coupled together by horizontal rods 86 which are received in suitable connector elements 88 located at the approximate midpoints of the respective vertical struts 80. Preferably, the length of the horizontal rods connecting adjacent vertical struts 80 is slightly greater than the distance between the respective vertical struts so that the rods apply a continuous outwardly directed force against the vertical struts to maintain the structural integrity of of the overall reinforcement structure. The reinforcement structure defined by the vertical struts 80 and the horizontal rods 86 is removably insertable, as a unit, into the container in its extended operating position to enhance the structural stability of the container in its extended position. The reinforcement structure is removably received within the extended container, and is held in its reinforcing position by the upper and lower supporting platforms 82 and 84 of the vertical struts which are received within the top and bottom corners of the extended container so that the vertical struts advantageously reinforce the extended container at its corners.

Other modifications of the collapsible container disclosed and illustrated herein within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the discussion and illustration of the preferred embodiments of the invention herein are intended to be illustrative only, and not restrictive of the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by the following claims and all equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. A collapsible container comprising:

top and bottom surfaces, and at least one sidewall disposed between said top and bottom surfaces, to form a unitary container;

said at least one sidewall formed from a foldable material; and

means for selectively moving said container between an extended operating position and a compact folded position.

2. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said means for selectively moving said container between said extended and folded positions comprises at least one supporting arm formed from two sections, and a resilient element disposed between said two sections; one of said sections having a remote end connected to a first hinge on said bottom of said container, the other of said sections having a remote end connected to a second hinge on said top of said container.

3. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 2 wherein said resilient element has a spring coefficient sufficient to bias said container into said extended operating position.

4. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 3 further including means for releasably retaining said container in said folded position.

5. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 4 wherein said means for releasably retaining said container in said folded position comprises releasable locking means for overcoming the bias of said resilient element urging said container into said extended operating position.

6. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 5 wherein said releasable locking means comprises at least one hook extending from one of said top and bottom surfaces of said container, and at least one loop extending from the other of said top and bottom surfaces of said container for engaging said hook for releasably retaining said container in said folded position.

7. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 6 wherein said at least one hook extends from the top of said container and said at least one loop extends from the bottom of said container, said one hook being disengaged from said one loop when said container is in said extended operating position, said one hook adapted to releasably attach an article to said container when said container is in said extended operating position and when said one hook is disengaged from said one loop.

8. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said top surface of said container defines an opening.

9. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 1 wherein said container includes an inner lining, formed from a liquid impervious material, said inner lining being disposed adjacent to said at least one sidewall and said bottom of said container.

10. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 9 wherein said inner lining is formed from a foldable material such that said inner lining is foldable and unfoldable together with said at least one sidewall of said container when said container is moved between said folded and extended positions.

11. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 3 further including means for controlling the resilient force exerted by said resilient element for biasing said container into said extended operating position.

12. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 1 further including means for selectively moving said container between said extended and folded positions comprises at least one supporting post for said at least one foldable sidewall of said container; said at least one supporting post comprising two sections, and a pivot element disposed between said two sections for pivoting one of said two sections relative to the other of said two sections; one of said two sections having a remote end connected to the top surface of the container, and the other of said two sections having a remote end connected to the bottom surface of said container; wherein said container is movable between said extended and folded positions by pivoting one of said two sections relative to the other of said two sections.

13. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 12 wherein said remote end of said section connected to said top surface of said container is operatively associated with means for releasably retaining the top of said at least one foldable sidewall of said container in said extended position of said container.

14. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 12 further including means for selectively preventing said pivot element from pivoting to maintain said two sections of said supporting post in alignment with each other to retain said container in said extended operating position.

15. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 14 wherein said means for selectively preventing pivoting of said pivot element comprises a sleeve element slideable on said supporting post over said pivot element when said two sections of said supporting post are in alignment and said container is in said extended operating position.

16. A collapsible container comprising:

top and bottom surfaces, and at least one sidewall disposed between said top and bottom surfaces, to form a container;

said at least one sidewall formed from a foldable material; and

means for selectively moving said container between an extended operating position and a compact folded position.

17. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 16 wherein said means for selectively moving said container between said extended and folded positions comprises at least one supporting arm formed from two sections, and resilient means disposed between said two sections; one of said two sections of said supporting arm having a remote end connected to a first hinge on said bottom of said container, the other of said two sections of said supporting arm having a remote end connected to a second hinge on said top of said container.

18. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 16 wherein said means for selectively moving said container between said extended and folded positions comprises at least one supporting post forming said at least one foldable sidewall of said container; said at least one supporting post comprising two sections, and a pivot element disposed between said two sections for pivoting one of said two sections relative to the other of said two sections; one of said two sections having a remote end connected to the top surface of the container, and the other of said two sections having a remote end connected to the bottom surface of said container; wherein said container is movable between said extended and folded positions by pivoting one of said two sections relative to the other of said two sections.

19. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 18 further including means for selectively preventing said pivot element from pivoting to maintain said two sections of said supporting post in alignment with each other to retain said container in said extended operating position.

20. The collapsible container as claimed in claim 19 wherein said means for selectively preventing pivoting of said pivot element comprises a sleeve element slideable on said supporting post over said pivot element when said two sections of said supporting post are in alignment and said container is in said extended operating position.

21. The container as claimed in claim 1, further including reinforcement means removably insertable into said container when said container is in said extended position for enhancing the structural stability of said container in said extended position.

22. The container as claimed in claim 16, further including reinforcement means removably insertable into said container when said container is in said extended position for enhancing the structural stability of said container in said extended position.