Expandable container with pull cord

Abstract

An expandable container for holding articles includes a pull cord to facilitate expansion of the container. The container includes at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures. The walls are designed to collapse so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position. A flap attachable to at least one of the walls is capable of pivotable movement with respect to the walls so that pivoting the flap with respect to the walls expands the walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position. The pull cord is attachable to the flap to facilitate expansion of the container from a collapsed position to an expanded position.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to an expandable container movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position and, more particularly, to an expandable container including a pull cord that expands the container walls to their expanded position.

[0002] Conventionally, expandable containers, such as cardboard boxes, can be formed in two positions, expanded or collapsed. The collapsed position typically corresponds to a fully flattened container, such as a box including its bottom, top and sides generally parallel one another. This collapsed position simplifies container storage when not in use and reduces manufacturing complexity since such container may often be constructed from a single piece of material, such as cardboard.

[0003] One drawback associated with such containers is the complexity with which the containers are assembled. Often, container bottoms are formed from multiple portions that fold inward for sealing with tape or glue, forming a container bottom. Assembling such containers requires careful attention to the detailed container construction, requiring deliberate and precise folding of portions to expand the container from a flattened position. Such an assembly often also requires an additional sealing mechanism, such as glue. These containers are not useful for certain applications and users, due to their assembly complexity. This is especially true if such a container is to be used as a novelty item, gift or promotional offering, where the party providing the container wishes that the user use it with little difficulty or complex thought. There is a need, therefore, for a product that incorporates the prior art expandability with an ease of use that would not deter the recipient from operating such a device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Among the several objects and features of the present invention may be noted the provision of an expandable container that readily expands to an expanded position by pulling a pull tab; the provision of such an expandable container that operates easily without complex instructions; the provision of such an expandable container that may be easily stored and transported in its collapsed position; the provision of such an expandable container that may be formed in various shapes and sizes for varied applications; the provision of such an expandable container that may be covered with various designs and pictures to enhance its appearance; and the provision of such an expandable container that may be readily altered between its expanded and collapsed position multiple times.

[0005] In general, an expandable container comprises at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position. The container further comprises a flap attachable to at least one wall and capable of pivotable movement with respect to that wall. A pull cord is attachable to the flap, where pulling the cord pivotably moves the flap with respect to the walls, thereby expanding the walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position.

[0006] In another embodiment of the present invention, an expandable container comprises at least two panels pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position. At least one of the panels is capable of pivotable movement with respect to another of the panels. The container further comprises a pull cord attachable to at least one of the panels. Pulling the pull cord pivotably moves the panel with respect to the other panel, thereby expanding the panels from the collapsed position to an expanded position.

[0007] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, an expandable container comprises at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position. The container further comprises a flap attachable to at least one of the walls and capable of pivotable movement with respect to the at least one wall. The container further comprises a pull cord attachable to the flap, whereby pulling the cord pivotably moves the flap with respect to the walls, expanding the walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position. The walls and flap are capable of folding to a substantially flat, collapsed position wherein the walls are perpendicular to the flap when in the expanded position. Walls adjacent one another are oriented perpendicular to one another when in the expanded position.

[0008] In a final embodiment of the present invention, an expandable container comprises two walls, a flap and a pull cord generally as set forth above. The walls are not perpendicular to the flap when in the expanded position, but are inwardly directed toward one another. The container is generally pyramid-shaped, wherein the flap forms a base of the pyramid and the walls form sides of the pyramid. The walls and flap are capable of folding to a substantially flat, collapsed position.

[0009] Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed our hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective of an expandable container of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the expandable container of FIG. 1 in an expanded position;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position;

[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 1 in an unfolded form;

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective of another version of the expandable container of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 6 is a front elevation of the expandable container of FIG. 6 in an expanded position;

[0016] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 6 in a collapsed position;

[0017] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the expandable container of FIG. 6 in an unfolded form; and

[0018] FIGS. 9-14 are each perspectives of additional versions of the expandable container of the present invention.

[0019] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding numbers and characters throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0020] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, an expandable container of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 21. The container 21 comprises at least two walls 25, preferably four, pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures 29, preferably four. These walls 25 may be formed from cardboard, paper or other stiff material. Preferably, the walls 25 may be covered with photographs, text or graphics (not shown), making the container 21 more visually appealing. The container 21 may be formed in any size, but the preferred embodiment is directed to a container for holding small articles such as pencils, paper clips, a scarf, etc. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the container 21 in an expanded position, where the walls 25 cooperate to form an upwardly opening container including a cavity 33 for holding articles (not shown). When in a collapsed position, as shown in FIG. 3, these walls 25 lie substantially flat and parallel with respect to one another. In the collapsed position, the cavity 33 is no longer apparent and the container 21 cannot hold articles.

[0021] To facilitate altering the container 21 from the collapsed position (FIG. 3) to the expanded position (FIGS. 1 and 2), a flap 37 is attachable to at least one wall 25 along a hinged seam 41 and can pivotably move with respect to the wall about the seam (FIG. 2). Movement of the flap 37 downward, as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2, expands the walls 25 apart from one another, converting the container 21 from its collapsed position to its expanded position. As with the walls 25 alone, the walls and flap 37 also fold together to a substantially flat, collapsed position, so that the container 21 may be more easily stored or shipped. Although designating each part of the container 21 as either wall 25 or flap 37 is preferred, the walls and flap may also be referred to more generally as panels of the container. The term panel may be used throughout as a generic term for any structural portion of the container 21, or any container named herein, including those portions that define walls, flaps or portions of the container.

[0022] At least one wall 25, and preferably all four walls, additionally includes an upwardly folding stop 45 extending from the bottom edge of the wall along a fold line 49. These stops 45 are preferably folded upward for substantially flatwise engagement with their respective wall 25 of attachment. When the flap 37 rotates downward to its expanded position, the stops 45 arrest flap movement at the proper orientation.

[0023] To simplify the process of moving the flap 37 and erecting the container 21, a pull cord 53 is attachable to the flap 37, preferably via two holes 57. Other means for attaching the pull cord 53, such as adhesives or slots in the flap 37, are also contemplated as within the scope of the present invention. Pulling the pull cord 53 downward pivotably moves the flap 37 with respect to the walls 25 to expand the container 21. The pull cord 53 allows a user unfamiliar with the container 21 to erect the container from its collapsed to expanded position quickly and easily. Moreover, the pull cord 53 makes the container 21 readily usable by children, the infirm or users with little time or inclination to study a more complex container. A pull tab 61 attachable to a free end of the pull cord 53 and labeled with text or graphics (not shown) helps guide the user regarding how to use the container 21. For instance, the pull tab 61 may bear the words “Pull Here,” suggesting to the user that pulling on the tab will expand the container 21.

[0024] In the preferred embodiment, the walls 25 and flap 37 are of unitary construction, although the present invention is readily applicable to a container 21 formed from multiple pieces of material attachable to one another. FIG. 4 shows the container 21 in its unfolded form, where the walls 25, flap 37 and stops 45 each are formed from a single piece of material. The unfolded container 21 additionally includes a segment 65 extending from a wall 25 of the unfolded container connectable along only one juncture 29. The segment 65 is designed for flatwise engagement with the wall 25 on the opposite end of the unfolded container 21, for securing the container walls in a continuous series, forming the container perimeter. The segment 65 is attachable to the opposite wall 25 in any number of ways, including adhesives, tab and slot mechanisms, tape, etc.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the walls 25 are preferably oriented perpendicular to the flap 37 when in the expanded position. When expanded, the flap 37 forms the bottom of the container 21 while the walls 25 form the container sides. Moreover, adjacent walls 25 are oriented perpendicular to one another, forming a generally rectangular container 21. Although this represents the preferred embodiment, the walls 25 and flap 37 of the container 21 may lie in any number of orientations without departing from the scope of the present invention. A sampling of such containers will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0026] The present container 21 may be used to hold a small or expandable article, such as a scarf, while in its collapsed position. Such an article may be contained within the container 21 while in the collapsed position, because the article adds little bulk to the collapsed container. The article may then serve as a surprise to the user when expanding the container 21 from its collapsed position to its expanded position for the first time. Because the scarf or other article is capable of expanding to occupy the cavity 33 from a substantially flat, collapsed position, the presence of an article within the previously collapsed container 21 is counterintuitive.

[0027] Turning to another version of the present invention, shown in FIGS. 5-8, an expandable container 121 includes four walls 125 that are not perpendicular to the flap 137 when the container is in the expanded position. More specifically, the walls 125 are inwardly directed toward one another. The container 121 includes similar features of the preferred embodiment, including junctures 129 between the walls 125, a movable flap 137, a hinged seam 141 making the flap connectable to the container and a series of stops 145 for folding into flatwise engagement with the walls along multiple fold lines 149. The container 121 is generally pyramid-shaped, however, wherein the movable flap 137 forms a base of the pyramid and the walls 125 form sides of the pyramid. At least one of the walls 125 defines a void 151, creating an opening near the peak of the pyramid-shaped container 121. When the base of the container 121 is directed downward, the opening is upwardly directed for collection of articles within the container.

[0028] The container 121 further includes a pull cord 153 threaded through holes 157 in the flap 137 and including a pull tab 161 attachable to the free end of the pull cord. The pull cord 153 actuates movement of the flap 137, which includes two portions 169 that fold about one another along a fold line 173. By folding in half, when moving from the collapsed to the expanded position, the flap 137 moves upward toward the opening of the container 121. Because the walls 125 are inwardly directed, the flap 137 must fold so that it can fit within the collapsed container 121. Finally, the container includes a segment 165 shaped and sized for flatwise engagement with the wall 125 on the opposite end of the unfolded container 121, for securing the container walls in a continuous series, forming the container perimeter.

[0029] Referring now to FIG. 9, another version of a collapsible container of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 221. The container 221 includes panels, generally indicated by 223, which include walls 225 joined at junctures 229 and a flap 237. The container 221 functions generally as indicated above, except that the walls 225, rather than pivoting with respect to one another, are capable of bowing outward as the flap 237 is pivoted downward by a pull cord 239, forming the container. The flap 237 is generally circular in shape, so that the bottom of the container 221 is round when in the expanded position. The top of the container 221, however, is not round, because the walls 225 are formed from a stiff material, such as cardboard, folded along the junctures 229 so that the walls bend less that at the bottom, wherein the top of the container retains an oblong shape. The container 221 further includes a pull tab 241 attachable to the pull cord 239 and a stop 243 for arresting pivoting movement of the flap 237.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 10, another version of the collapsible container of the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 251. As before, the container 251 includes walls 253, a flap 255 and a pull cord 257 for erecting the container from a collapsed position to an expanded position, as shown. The container 251 additionally includes a lid 261 attachable to one wall 253 and pivotable with respect to the container. The pull cord 257 is attachable to both the flap 255 and the lid 261, so that pulling on the pull cord to expand the container 251 also pulls the lid partially downward to demonstrate movement of the lid to the user. Moreover, the walls 253′ adjacent the wall 253 connectable to the lid 261 include vertical fold lines 265, facilitating inward folding of the walls when the container is in a collapsed position. By folding inward, these walls 253′ allow the container 251 to collapse to a smaller overall size. In this version, an article such as a compact disc 263 may be placed within the collapsed container 251. As the container expands from the collapsed position to the expanded position, the compact disc 263 rotates with the flap 255, thereby orienting the compact disc within the container. The container 251 further includes a pull tab 267 attachable to the pull cord 257 and a stop 269 for arresting pivoting movement of the flap 255.

[0031] Another version of the collapsible container, shown in FIG. 11, is generally designated by the reference numeral 271. The container includes walls 273, a flap 275 and a pull cord 277 generally as above. Moreover, the container 271 includes a ring-shaped rib 281 attachable to one of the walls 273 and pivotable to a generally horizontal position with the flap 275. The rib 281 is designed to retain the walls 273 of the container in an expanded position. The pull cord 277 is attached to both the rib 281 and the flap 275. Pulling the pull cord 277 pivots the rib 281 and flap 275 from a collapsed position, where the rib and flap lie generally parallel to the walls, to an expanded position, where the rib and flap are generally perpendicular to the walls. The container 271 further includes a lid 283, attachable to and pivotable with one of the walls 273 of the container. The container 271 further includes a pull tab 285 attachable to the pull cord 277 and a stop 287 for arresting pivoting movement of the flap 275.

[0032] Referring now to FIG. 12, yet another version of the collapsible container of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 291. The container includes three walls 295, two of which are connectable to a central wall 295′. As with the previous versions, the container 291 has both a collapsed position and an expanded position. When collapsed, the walls 295, 295′ lie substantially parallel. The two outermost walls 295 are not connectable to one another along a pivotable junction as with the previous version. Rather, the bottom portion of one wall 295 is folded upward to form a crease 303 near the bottom of the wall 295. The bottom edge of the other wall 295 engages the crease 303, whereby the walls 295 may slide with respect to one another along the length of the crease. To expand the container, the user again pulls a pull cord 305 that is threaded through a series of holes 307 formed in the outermost walls 295. As the cord 305 passes through the holes 307, outermost walls 295 move inward toward one another while the crease 303 remains engagable with the bottom edge of the wall, thereby guiding the walls in flatwise, slidable engagement with one another. At the same time, the edges of the central wall 295′ move inward, thereby causing the central wall to bow outwardly. The central wall 295′ is shaped both by the movement of its edges inward and the movement of a semicircular flap 311 downward. The flap is also connectable to the pull cord 305, further shaping the central wall 295′ in a generally arcuate shape. Finally, the pull cord 305 is connectable to a retaining ring 315 that slides downward over the upper portion of the container 291 to further secure the walls 295, 295′ in the desired orientation. The container 291 further includes a pull tab 317 attachable to the pull cord 305 and a stop 319 for arresting pivoting movement of the flap 311.

[0033] Turning to FIG. 13, another version of the collapsible container of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 321. The collapsible container includes a flap 323 that is a generally parallel extension of a panel 327. As with the previous version, actuating a pull cord 329, expands the container 321 to an expanded position. As it expands the container, the flap 323 creates an interference fit between itself and a juncture 333 disposed between two adjacent panels 337, thereby securing the container in the expanded position. Only by disengaging the flap 323 from the interference fit with the juncture 333 can the user alter the container 321 from its expanded position. In addition, the container 312 includes two panels 337′ sized and shaped in an outline reminiscent of a recognizable object, such as a fish, diamond ring, etc., so that the container shape is suggestive of the object. The container 321 further includes a pull tab 339 attachable to the pull cord 329.

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 14, another version of the collapsible container of the present invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 345. The container includes panels 347, each extendable outward from a central panel 347′, or bottom, of the container. These panels 347 comprise the sides of the container 345 when in the expanded position. As depicted in FIG. 14, web panels 353 bridge the gaps between each pair of adjacent panels 347. A pull cord 351 is threadably connectable with at least two, and preferably each of the panels 347. The pull cord 351 includes two free ends extendable from the container 345 for pulling simultaneously to shorten the length of cord threading through the container, thereby expanding the panels 347 from the collapsed position to the expanded position. Preferably, the web panels 353 of the container 345 are directed inward to protect an article within the container, such as a fragile glass ornament or statuette. The web panels 353 may also be directed outward or removed entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention. Here the pull cord 351 may be formed of an attractive material because a portion of the cord is visible while the container is in use.

[0035] In addition to the various containers described herein, other containers of similar design are also contemplated as within the scope of the present invention.

[0036] For instance, the container walls may also slope outwardly (not shown), forming a container with a progressively larger opening as one goes further upward on the container. The container may also be formed with walls in a combination of orientations, for example, inward, outward or vertical. Moreover, containers including a differently shaped flap are also contemplated as within the scope of the present invention (e.g., a triangle-shaped flap, a hexagonal flap, etc.). In sum, a variety of containers formed in various configurations and sizes are well within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.

[0038] When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0039] As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An expandable container comprising:

at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position;

a flap attachable to at least one of said walls and capable of pivotable movement with respect to said at least one wall; and

a pull cord attachable to said flap whereby pulling said cord pivotably moves said flap with respect to said walls, thereby expanding said walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position.

2. An expandable container as set forth in claim 1 wherein said walls and flap fold to a substantially flat, collapsed position.

3. An expandable container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said walls and flap are of unitary construction.

4. An expandable container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said walls are oriented perpendicular to said flap when in said expanded position.

5. An expandable container as set forth in claim 4 wherein said walls that are adjacent one another are oriented perpendicular to one another.

6. An expandable container as set forth in claim 2 wherein said walls are not perpendicular to said flap when in said expanded position.

7. An expandable container as set forth in claim 6 wherein said walls are inwardly directed toward one another.

8. An expandable container as set forth in claim 7 wherein said container is generally pyramid-shaped, wherein said flap forms a base of the pyramid and said walls form sides of the pyramid.

9. An expandable container as set forth in claim 8 wherein at least one of said walls defines a void, creating an opening in the pyramid.

10. An expandable container as set forth in claim 9 wherein said void is located near the peak of the pyramid so that when the base of the container is directed downward, the opening is upwardly opening.

11. An expandable container comprising:

at least two panels pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position, at least one of said panels being capable of pivotable movement with respect to another of said panels; and

a pull cord attachable to at least one of said panels whereby pulling said pull cord pivotably moves said panel with respect to said another panel, thereby expanding said panels from the collapsed position to an expanded position.

12. An expandable container as set forth in claim 11 wherein said pull cord is threadably connectable with at least two panels.

13. An expandable container as set forth in claim 12 wherein said pull cord includes two free ends extendable from the container for pulling simultaneously to expand said panels from the collapsed position to the expanded position.

14. An expandable container as set forth in claim 13 wherein said pull cord is threadably connectable with at least two panels that act as container sides when the container is in the expanded position.

15. An expandable container as set forth in claim 14 wherein said pull cord is threadably connectable with six panels, said panels acting as container sides when the container is in the expanded position.

16. An expandable container as set forth in claim 15 wherein at least one of said panels constitutes a bottom of said container.

17. An expandable container as set forth in claim 11 wherein at least one of said panels acts as a pivotable flap of said container.

18. An expandable container as set forth in claim 17 wherein said panels are oriented generally perpendicular to said flap when in the expanded position.

19. An expandable container as set forth in claim 18 wherein said flap is generally circular, so that at least one of said panels is urged into an arcuate shape, closely corresponding to the outline of the circular flap.

20. An expandable container as set forth in claim 18 wherein said flap is generally semi-circular, a straight portion of said flap attachable to and pivotable with at least one of said panels, wherein another of said panels is urged into an arcuate shape, closely corresponding to the outline of the semi-circular flap, when the container is in its expanded position.

21. An expandable container as set forth in claim 17 wherein said flap is an extension of a panel, wherein expansion of the container to an expanded position creates an interference fit between the flap and a juncture between two adjacent panels, thereby securing said container in the expanded position.

22. An expandable container as set forth in claim 21 wherein at least one of said panels includes an outline of a recognizable object, so that the container shape is suggestive of said recognizable object.

23. An expandable container comprising:

at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position;

a flap attachable to at least one of said walls and capable of pivotable movement with respect to said at least one wall; and

a pull cord attachable to said flap whereby pulling said cord pivotably moves said flap with respect to said walls, thereby expanding said walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position, said walls and flap being capable of folding to a substantially flat, collapsed position and wherein said walls are perpendicular to said flap when in said expanded position and wherein said walls that are adjacent one another are oriented perpendicular to one another when in said expanded position.

24. An expandable container comprising:

at least two walls pivotably inter-connectable along at least two junctures so as to lie substantially flat in a collapsed position;

a flap attachable to at least one of said walls and capable of pivotable movement with respect to said at least one wall; and

a pull cord attachable to said flap whereby pulling said cord pivotably moves said flap with respect to said walls, thereby expanding said walls apart from one another from the collapsed position to an expanded position, wherein said walls are not perpendicular to said flap when in said expanded position and said walls are inwardly directed toward one another when in said expanded position, wherein said container is generally pyramid-shaped, wherein said flap forms a base of the pyramid and said walls form sides of the pyramid, said walls and flap being capable of folding to a substantially flat, collapsed position.