Abstract: Collapsible containers and associated methods are disclosed herein. Certain aspects of the invention are directed toward a collapsible container assembly that includes a foldable support member that has a length and a width. The support member has a concave cross-section that causes the support member to resist bending until a threshold force is exceeded. The support member has a folded position and an extended position where the support member is unfolded. The assembly further includes at least one surface member carried by the support member. The assembly has a deployed position where the support member is in the extended position and the at least one surface member forms an enclosure with an interior. The assembly also has a collapsed position where the support member is in the folded position. The container assembly has less exterior volume in the collapsed position than in the deployed position.

Abstract: An alarm clock assembly of an embodiment of the present invention is provided that also turns off a non-integrated, connected lamp or other electrical device based on pushing a button on the clock. The alarm clock assembly also has input means for setting a timer to turn off the connected device and can also be programmed to turn on the connected, non-integrated device at a specified time or after a specific time period has elapsed. The alarm clock assembly can also regulate the electrical current in such a manner to dim or flash a connected device, such as a lamp.