COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments provide a container that is collapsible. When collapsed, the space taken up by the container is less than its original size. The container may be expanded from the collapsed state. When expanded, the container may be used to transport and/or store various items, such as food and liquid goods. The container may be expanded to one or more intermediate states that are less than the fully expanded state. The container may consist of a number of sections and may be available in various sizes. The container may have a lid and a handle. According to exemplary embodiments, the container may operate as a cooler and may have insulative properties.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/264,518, filed on Nov. 25, 2009, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to containers for storage and/or transport. More specifically, the disclosure provides a container that is capable of being used for storage and/or transport of various items. The container may possess insulative properties. The container may be capable of being expanded from a collapsed state. The container may be used, in its expanded or collapsed state, to transport various items and/or goods. The items and/or goods may include, but are not limited to, food and liquid goods. The food and liquid goods may be contained within their own separate containers that may fit within the container according to exemplary embodiments. The food and liquid goods may be hot or cold. The container may have a strap and/or wheels to facilitate movement of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Consumers use various containers to transport various items from place to place and to store these items. Consumers typically use containers, commonly referred to as coolers, to transport hot or cold food goods. These coolers are used due to the insulative qualities a cooler possesses, which typically is derived from some form of insulation in the structure of the container, and for their storage capacity and shape. Consumers use these coolers to transport and store the aforementioned food goods to and from various activities, such as picnics, lunches, and tailgating.

However, typical coolers are bulky and hence take up considerable space. These coolers are also of a fixed size and are not collapsible. A consumer must therefore choose an appropriately sized cooler that fits the consumer's transport or storage requirements. Because the cooler size is fixed, the container chosen may have considerable empty space in relation to the food goods being transported. Once the transport or storage is completed, the cooler still occupies the same amount of space, even though the need for it has been completed.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Exemplary embodiments provide a container that is collapsible. When collapsed, the space taken up by the container is less than its original size. The container may be expanded from the collapsed state. When expanded, the container may be used to transport and/or store various items, such as food and liquid goods. The container may be expanded to one or more intermediate states that are less than the fully expanded state. The container may have an interior volume for containing the various items. The container may consist of a number of sections and may be available in various sizes. The sections may be tiered in size such that the upper sections are bigger in size than the lower sections. The sections may be generally rectangular in shape, although other shapes are possible. The sections may have a locking mechanism to enable the container to be free standing when in its fully expanded state. The container may have a lid, a handle, and/or a strap. The container may have insulation. According to exemplary embodiments, the container may operate as a cooler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the examples of embodiments shown in the following figures in which like parts are designated by like reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is front view of a container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container in a collapsed state with the lid removed according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a container with the lid removed and contents therein according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a container depicting the sections ready to be collapsed with the handle and lid removed according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is perspective view of a container in the collapsed state according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a container in the collapsed state according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a container, inverted such that that lid is at the bottom in a carrying position according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a container, inverted such that that lid is at the bottom in a carrying position according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a container with the lid removed according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a container with the lid removed according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a close-up perspective view of a container showing the detail of the sections according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a container in the collapsed state with the lid removed according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of a container in the collapsed state according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a close-up top perspective view of a container in the collapsed state showing the detail of the sections according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a container in a disassembled condition according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a container in the collapsed state with the lid removed in the fully assembled condition according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a close-up perspective view of a container according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a close-up perspective view of a container showing the details of the sections according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a second perspective view of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a side view of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 26 is a second side view of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a top view of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a bottom view of a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a container with the lid removed according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a top view of a container with the lid removed according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 31 is a close-up top perspective view of a container showing the detail of the sections according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a container in the collapsed state according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 33 is a side view of a container in the collapsed state according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a second side view of a container in the collapsed state according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a container in the collapsed state with the lid removed according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a perspective exploded view of a container in a disassembled condition according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 37 is a perspective view of a container with a strap attached according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a perspective view of a container with a strap attached being carried by an individual according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 39 is a side cut-away view of a container with a strap attached according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 40 is a side view of a strap for a container according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 41 is bottom perspective view of a container in the collapsed state with a strap attached according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 42 is top perspective view of a container in the collapsed state with a strap attached according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 43 is a close-up view of an attachment point for a strap according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a side cut-away view of an attachment point for a strap showing the container in the collapsed state according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 45 is a perspective cut-away view of a container with an insulated liner according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 46 is a side view of an insulated liner for a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a top view of an insulated liner for a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an insulated liner for a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 49A-K show a sequence for assembly of an insulated liner for a container according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

These and other embodiments and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the various exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure provides numerous inventive features relating to embodiments of a container that enable a user to transport and/or store various items. According to exemplary embodiments the container may be collapsible.

Various features and alternative embodiments of the disclosure are described with reference to their exemplary use in certain embodiments, but it will be readily appreciated that the features could alternatively be incorporated into other embodiments of containers and other types of storage devices. The disclosure includes these and other variations, as will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the various features described herein may be used separately from one another or in any suitable combination. The present disclosure illustrating various exemplary embodiments is not intended to limit the disclosure in any way.

FIGS. 1-22 provide depictions of a first exemplary embodiment of a container in various states and conditions. These depictions are meant to be exemplary only.

A container 100 according to exemplary embodiments is shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-3. The container 100 may have a body section 102. The body section 102 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the body section 102 may be made of plastic or styrofoam or another suitable material. The container 100 may be manufactured using any appropriate method. The body section 102 may consist of a number of separate sections. For example, the body section may consist of 4 separate sections 104, 106, 108, and 110 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. It should be appreciated that the container 100 may have a body section 102 with different numbers of separate sections; that is, having more or less sections than shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, the container 100 may have a body section 102 with three sections; conversely, the container 100 may have more than 4 sections. By varying the number of body sections, the size of the container 100 may be decreased or increased.

The separate sections may vary in size, such that the separate sections fit into one another in progression from smaller to larger in diameter. For example, the smallest section (110) may fit into the next larger section (108) and so on (106), such that when all the sections are fit together in a collapsed state, only the largest section 104 is visible as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. Conversely, when the container 100 is fully expanded for use, the largest section 104 will be at the top and the smaller sections will be below it, with section 110 at the lower end of the container 100, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 19, the smallest section 110 may have a base 1102. The remaining sections, 104, 106, and 108, may lack a base. That is, those sections may consist of only a wall section that makes up their perimeter.

The sections, 104, 106, 108, and 110, may fit and/or lock together using any suitable means. FIGS. 18 and 22 depict a close-up of the edges of the body sections 104, 106, 108, and 110. Each section may have an upper lip 1802 configured around the upper perimeter of the body section. This lip 1802 is designed to rest and/or mate with a corresponding lower lip (not shown) that may be located at the lower perimeter of each body section. When in a fully expanded state, the lower lip provides support to the upper lip 1802. The upper lip 1802 and the lower lip may lock together to form a secure fit such that the container 100, when fully expanded, does not collapse under the force of gravity. That is, the container 100 may be designed to be free standing once fully expanded. For example, a snap or interference fit may be used. The secure fit may be such that the sections may be unsecured from one another through the application of an external force, such as pressure applied by a user. The upper lip 1802 of the largest section 104 may be designed to fit with a lip 502 on the lid 112 as shown in FIG. 5. This combination of lips 1802 and 502 may provide a seal around the upper perimeter of section 104 to provide a seal for the container 100. FIG. 21 provides a close-up of the container 100 in a collapsed state with the lid removed.

The sections of the container may be different colors. The colors may be for aesthetics. Alternatively, the colors may be functional. For example, the colors may be in a particular sequence to assist the user in assembling the container. Alternatively, the container may be all one color.

The expansion and contraction, or collapsing, of the container may be performed without any disassembly or assembly required by the user, with the exception of possibly removing the lid 112 to expand the container. A handle 114 may optionally be detached, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 19. For example, to expand the container from the fully collapsed state, the user may remove the lid 112, as shown in FIG. 5, and merely apply pressure to the smaller sections, pushing them downward until each is in place. Once each section is pushed downward and mated with the section above it, the container 100 is then in a fully expanded state as depicted in FIGS. 1-4. Likewise, to collapse the container from the fully expanded state, the user may merely apply pressure to the container to push the top section downward such that each of the smaller sections is collapsed inside of it as shown in FIG. 5. These actions may be performed with or without the lid and/or handle affixed.

In alternative embodiments, the container 100 may be partially expanded or contracted to configure the container to a particular size. That is, the container 100 may be configured to a size less than fully expanded.

In some embodiments, sections can be added or removed from the container to increase or decrease the container's expanded size. Such modifications may be performed by the user.

According to exemplary embodiments, the sections of the container may be separatable. For example, a user may disassemble the container to clean the container or to replace a section. FIG. 19 depicts the container 100 in one such disassembled condition, while FIG. 20 depicts the container 100 of FIG. 19 in a fully assembled, collapsed state.

As described above, a handle 114 may be affixed to the largest section 104, as shown in the various Figures, such as FIGS. 1 and 6. The handle 114 may be affixed so that the handle is rotatable in at least one axis. For example, the handle may rotate from side to side of the container. FIGS. 1 and 6 depict the handle in two possible different positions. FIG. 15 provides a close-up of the handle in a position rotated to the side of the container. These positions are provided as non-limiting examples of positions for the handle 114. The handle may be positionable directly above the container to facilitate carrying the container in its fully expanded state in a loaded or unloaded condition, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 and FIG. 8. The container, in the fully collapsed state, with the handle, may be carried in any position. By way of non-limiting example, FIGS. 11 and 12 show the container 100 in one such carrying position.

The handle 114 may be attached to the largest section 104 by two tabs 116a and 116b affixed to opposite ends of the outer perimeter of the largest section 104 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 7 shows the handle 114 in a detached condition. Each tab 116 may be provided with a slot 702 to accommodate a pin-like structure 704 affixed to an extremity 706 of the handle 114. The pin-like structure 704 may be configured and dimensioned to fit into the slot 702. The pin-like structure 704 may lock in place into the slot 702 through any suitable means. For example, a friction fit, an interference fit, or a snap fit may be used. Combinations of locking types may be used. FIG. 7, for example, depicts the slot 702 on the largest section 104 and the corresponding pin-like structure 704 on the handle 114. The handle 114 may be detachable as shown in FIGS. 7 and 19.

The handle may be telescoping (not shown). That is, the handle may be adjustable in size and length to facilitate carrying of the container.

The base of the container may have two or more wheels attached thereto (not shown). The wheels may be used to move the container. To facilitate movement using the wheels, the handle or strap may be used to pull the container.

The container 100 may have a lid 112. The lid 112 may be configured and dimensioned to fit onto the largest section 104. The lid 112 may be used to cover the largest section 104, which in turn covers the body sections that are smaller than section 104 (i.e., sections 106, 108, and 110). FIGS. 5 and 17, for example, depict the lid 112 removed from the container 100, while the container 100 is in the collapsed position. FIGS. 6, 13, and 14 depict the lid 112 removed from the container 100 in the expanded condition.

The lid 112 may be secured to the container 100 by any suitable means. For example, the lid 112 may be snap fit onto the largest section 104 using the same tabs (116) that accommodate the handle as shown in FIG. 1. The lid 112 may have tabs 708a and 708b, as shown in FIG. 7, each having a projection 710 designed to fit into a corresponding slot 712 located on a corresponding tab 116. In alternative embodiments, the lid may be snap fit to the entire upper perimeter of the largest section to provide a tight seal.

When collapsed, the container 100 may be a fraction of its original size. For example, the container may collapse to 20% of its original size. Other fractions, such as 15% to 25% are possible. For example, FIG. 1 depicts the container 100 in a fully expanded state and FIG. 5 depicts the container in a fully collapsed state.

The container 100 may be designed as a carrier and/or storage device for various types of items and/or goods. For example, the container may be used to store dry goods, such as foodstuffs, and/or liquids. The liquids may be in their own container which may fit within the container according to exemplary embodiments. The container 100 may possess insulation. The insulation may minimize heat loss or heating of an item placed into the container 100. The item may be in a heated or cooled state when it is placed into the container 100. When possessing such insulation, the container 100 may be referred to as a cooler.

The insulation may be an integral part of the container structure. The sections of the container may be formed from material possessing insulative properties. For example, the container sections may be made of molded plastic with an insulative core of styrofoam or other material. In some embodiments, a portion of the container may be insulated. For example, the bottom two-thirds of the container may possess insulative properties, while the remaining one-third may be uninsulated.

The container may be available in various sizes to accommodate different quantities of goods. For example, a container 400 may be available to transport up to six 2 liter bottles 402 of liquid. It should be appreciated that the container 400 may be similar in structure and function to the container 100. FIGS. 4 and 6 depict a container 400 according to exemplary embodiments capable of containing up to six bottles of liquid 401. It should be appreciated that a variety of sizes of the container may be available according to exemplary embodiments. For example, a container smaller than the container 400 may be constructed to accommodate a six pack of standard 12 ounce soda cans. The container 400 may also be capable of carrying goods in its collapsed state. For example, a baking dish, such as a typical Pyrex dish, may fit into the container in its collapsed state and be carried therein as shown for example in FIGS. 9 and 10; FIGS. 16 and 17 depict the container 100 with the lid 112 removed to show the interior volume.

FIGS. 23-44 provide depictions of a second exemplary embodiment of a container in various states and conditions. These depictions are meant to be exemplary only. It should be appreciated that the various features of this embodiment may be combined with those of the preceding embodiment described above. Likewise, it should be appreciated that the features of the preceding embodiment may be combined with the features described for this embodiment. For example, this second exemplary embodiment is shown with a strap for carrying the container and the first embodiment is shown with a handle; accordingly, this second exemplary embodiment may incorporate a handle in addition to the described strap. Other such combinations of features are possible and are limited only by the knowledge and skill of one of ordinary skill in the art.

A container 200 according to exemplary embodiments is shown for example in FIGS. 23-26. The container 200 may have a body section 202. The body section 202 may be made of any suitable material. For example, the body section 202 may be made of plastic or styrofoam or another suitable material. The container 200 may be manufactured using any appropriate method. The body section 202 may consist of a number of separate sections. For example, the body section may consist of 4 separate sections 204, 206, 208, and 210 as depicted in FIG. 23. It should be appreciated that the container 200 may have a body section 202 with different numbers of separate sections; that is, having more or less sections than shown in FIGS. 23 through 26. For example, the container 200 may have a body section 202 with three sections; conversely, the container 200 may have more than 4 sections. By varying the number of body sections, the size of the container 200 may be decreased or increased.

The separate sections may vary in size, such that the separate sections fit into one another in progression from smaller to larger in diameter. FIG. 36 depicts the container 200 in an exploded view showing various sections that make-up the body section 202. For example, the smallest section (210) may fit into the next larger section (208) and so on, such that when all the sections are fit together in a collapsed state, only the largest section 204 is visible as shown in FIG. 32. Conversely, when the container 200 is fully expanded for use, the largest section 204 will be at the top and the smaller sections will be below it, with section 210 at the lower end of the container 200, as shown in FIGS. 23 through 26, for example. As shown in FIG. 28, the smallest section 210 may have a base 2802. The remaining sections, 204, 206, and 208, may lack a base. That is, those sections may consist of only a wall section that makes up their perimeter.

The sections, 204, 206, 208, and 210, may fit and/or lock together using any suitable means. FIGS. 29 through 31 depict a locking mechanism for these sections. Each section may have two ridges, 2902A and 2902B, configured at a position along the perimeter of the body section. The ridges 2902 may be designed to rest upon a lip 2904 of the body section immediately below it. In doing so, the ridge 2902 may provide a rigid or semi-rigid support for that body section to keep that section in position. Thus, when in the fully expanded position, as shown for example in FIG. 29, the container may remain in that position without any external assistance, withstanding the force of gravity; that is, the container may be capable of remaining in a free-standing position. Further, in so mating, each body section provides a seal for the body section immediately below it. When the container is extended from a collapsed state to an expanded state, the ridges 2902 may snap into place as each body section is moved upward. The body sections 204, 206, 208, and 210 may be designed to allow for some lateral displacement of the perimeter wall of the side to allow the ridges 2902 to fit into place.

The sections of the container may be different colors. The colors may be for aesthetics. Alternatively, the colors may be functional. For example, the colors may be in a particular sequence to assist the user in assembling the container. Alternatively, the container may be all one color.

The container 200 may have a lid 212. The lid 212 may be configured and dimensioned to fit onto the largest section 204. The lid 212 may be used to cover the largest section 204, which in turn covers the body sections that are smaller than section 204 (i.e., sections 206, 208, and 210). FIG. 35, for example, depicts the lid 212 removed from the container 200, while the container 200 is in the collapsed position. FIG. 27 depicts the container 200 with the lid 212 in place from a top view. FIG. 29 depicts the container 200 with the lid 212 removed in the expanded condition. FIGS. 32 through 34 depict the container 200 with the lid 212 in place in the collapsed condition. FIG. 35 depicts the container 200 with the lid 212 removed in the collapsed condition.

The lid 212 may be secured to the container 200 by any suitable means. For example, the lid 212 may be snap fit or interference fit onto the largest section 204 by fitting over the perimeter of the uppermost section 204. In other embodiments, the lid 212 may be snap fit using the tabs 214. The tabs 214 may be located on each side of the container 200 in a symmetric fashion. For example, the lid 212 may have tabs 708a and 708b, as shown in FIG. 7, each having a projection 710 designed to fit into a corresponding slot 712 located on a corresponding tab 116. In alternative embodiments, the lid may be snap fit to the entire upper perimeter of the largest section to provide a tight seal. The tabs 214 may have a first slot 216 passing therethrough.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 26, for example, the body section 210 may have a second slot 218 passing therethrough located on a lower section of its perimeter. The slot 218 may be positioned on both sides of the container 200 in a symmetrical fashion. The body section 210 may also have a recessed area 2804 extending the width of the base section 2802 and terminating at the slot 218 on either end of the body section 210.

The expansion and contraction or collapsing of the container may be performed without any disassembly or assembly required by the user, with the exception of possibly removing the lid 212 to expand the container. When collapsed, the container 200 may be a fraction of its original size. For example, the container may collapse to 20% of its original size. Other fractions, such as, for example, 15% to 25% are also possible. For example, FIG. 23 depicts the container 200 in a fully expanded state and FIG. 32 depicts the container in a fully collapsed state. For example, to expand the container from the fully collapsed state, the user may remove the lid 212, as shown in FIG. 35, and merely apply pressure to the smaller sections, pushing them downward until each is in place. Once each section is pushed downward and mated with the section above it, the container 200 is then in a fully expanded state as depicted in FIGS. 23-26. Likewise, to collapse the container from the fully expanded state, the user may merely apply pressure to the container to push the top section downward such that each of the smaller sections is collapsed inside of it as shown in FIG. 35. These actions may be performed with or without the lid affixed.

As with the first embodiment described above, the container 200 may be available in a variety of different sizes. The container 200 may be available in various sizes to accommodate different quantities of goods. The container 200 may possess interior volume to carry goods in either the fully expanded state or the collapsed state.

The container 200 may be designed as a carrier and/or storage device for various types of items and/or goods. For example, the container may be used to store dry goods, such as foodstuffs, and/or liquids. The liquids may be in their own container which may fit within the container according to exemplary embodiments. The container 200 may possess insulation. The insulation may minimize heat loss or heating of an item placed into the container 200. The item may be in a heated or cooled state when it is placed into the container 200. When possessing such insulation, the container 200 may be referred to as a cooler.

The insulation may be an integral part of the container structure. The sections of the container may be formed from material possessing insulative properties. For example, the container sections may be made of molded plastic with an insulative core of styrofoam or other material. In some embodiments, a portion of the container may be insulated. For example, the bottom two-thirds of the container may possess insulative properties, while the remaining one-third may be uninsulated.

According to some embodiments, the container 200 may have a strap 250 attached to facilitate carrying of the container as shown in FIG. 37. The strap 250 may be designed to allow a person to carry the container by putting the strap over their shoulder. For example, FIG. 38 shows the container 200 be carried using the strap 250 by an individual 3800. It should be appreciated that there may be other ways to carry the container 200 by using the strap 250. For example, the container 200 may be carried by gathering the strap 250 into an individual's hands for carrying.

The strap 250 may be in the form of an adjustable belt which encircles the container 200 as shown in FIGS. 39 and 42, for example. In some embodiments, the strap 250 may not encircle the container and may terminate at the tabs 214. The strap may adjustable in length. For example, the strap may include a buckle mechanism 3902 that may enable the strap to be lengthened and shortened through appropriate adjustments. The strap 250 may include two buckle mechanisms 3902A and 3902B as shown in FIGS. 39 and 40. The strap 250 may also include a handle structure 3904.

The strap 250 may be made of a variety of materials. For example, the strap 250 may be constructed of leather, nylon, polyester, cloth, rope, cord, or other suitable material, including both man-made and synthetic material, or combinations thereof. The strap 250 may be attached to the container 200 at two or more locations. For example, the strap 250 may be attached on either side of the lid 212, passing through the first slot 216 in the tab 214, and passing through the second slot 218 on the bottom of the container as shown in FIGS. 41 and 44. The strap 250 may be removable. It should be appreciated that the container 200 may have both a handle 114 and a strap 250.

As shown in FIGS. 45 through 48, according to exemplary embodiments, a bag 500 may be provided which may be configured and dimensioned to fit into an interior volume of a container 502. As shown in FIG. 45, the container 502 may be similar in structure to the container 100 or 200 described herein. The bag 500 may be a harmonic bag which is both collapsible and extensible in size to fit within the interior volume of the container 502. For example, the bag 500 may be harmonically structured to extend and collapse in a vertical dimension. The container 502 may be collapsed and expanded with the bag 500 in place, as shown, for example in FIG. 49, which is fully described below. The bag 500 may be neoprene or another suitable, flexible material with insulative properties, such as, for example, plastic material. The bag 502 may have a tension wire 508 mated with a top portion 510 to stretch the bag 500 to fit the full size of the container 502 and to provide rigidity to the top portion 510 of the bag 500 to facilitate loading and unloading of the bag 500. Over the tension wire 508, a frame 506 may be attached. The frame 506 may be sewn or otherwise attached to the bag 500. The frame 506 may be neoprene or another suitable, flexible material, such as, for example, plastic material. The frame 506 may have a closure device 512B on its inner perimeter. The closure device 512B may be a zipper or other suitable closure device, such as, for example, velcro. A bag lid 504 may be configured to mate with the frame 506 and attach to the closure device 512B to provide a seal to the top portion of the bag. For example, the bag lid 504, which may also be neoprene or another suitable, flexible material with insulative properties, such as, for example, plastic material, may have a closure device 512A around its outer perimeter designed to mate with the closure device 512B on the inner perimeter of the frame, for example 512A, which may be a zipper other suitable closure device, such as, for example, velcro. The bag 500 may be removable from the container 502. It should be appreciated that when removed, the bag 500 may be used as a separate container. It should also be appreciated that the container may possess insulative properties and use the bag to provide added insulation.

FIG. 49 shows a sequence for assembling the bag 500. FIGS. 49A-K show the attachment of the bag lid to the top frame of the bag to seal the bag in an expanded container and the subsequent collapsing of the container with the bag in place and sealed with its lid. Starting with FIG. 49A, the components are shown in an exploded view. These components are the same as shown in FIG. 45, for example. In FIG. 49B, the tension wire 508 has been attached to the top portion 510 of the bag 500. In FIG. 49C, the frame 506 has been attached to the top portion 510 of the bag 500, enclosing the tension wire 508. In FIG. 49D, the lid 504 is ready for attachment. In FIGS. 49E and 49F, the attachment of the lid 504 is conducted. As described above, the lid 504 may be attached to the frame by a closure device 512, such as a zipper or velcro. As shown in FIG. 49F, the bag 500 is compressed into the container 502 from its FIG. 49E position. In FIG. 49G, the lid 504 attachment is completed. In FIG. 49H, the bag 500 is extended upward to be at a level with the upper edge of the top section 514 of the container 502. In FIG. 49I, the container 502 is started to be compressed or collapsed. As shown, the top section 522 of the container 502 has been pushed down to be substantially coincident with the next lower section 524. In FIG. 49J, the collapsing of the container 502 continues to a next position. As shown, the sections 522 and 524 have been pushed down to be substantially coincident with the next lower section 526. In FIG. 49K, the container 502 is fully collapsed. As shown, each of the sections 522, 524, and 526 have been collapsed to be coincident with the bottom section 528. Likewise, the bag 500 is fully collapsed, but remains inside of the container and remains sealed with the lid 504.

Other embodiments, uses and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed disclosure. The specification and disclosed embodiments are therefore exemplary.

Claims

1. A collapsible container with an interior volume, comprising:

an uppermost section comprising a first continuous perimeter wall defining a first interior volume;

an upper middle section comprising a second continuous perimeter wall defining a second interior volume being configured to fit inside of the first interior volume of the uppermost section and be detachably mated thereto;

a lower middle section comprising a third continuous perimeter wall defining a third interior volume being configured to fit inside of the second interior volume of the upper middle section and be detachably mated thereto;

a base section comprising a fourth continuous perimeter wall and a bottom section that define a fourth interior volume being configured to fit inside the third interior volume of the lower middle section and be detachably mated thereto; and

a lid being configured to detachably mate with an upper portion of the uppermost section to provide a seal over the uppermost section;

wherein the first interior volume, the second interior volume, the third interior volume, and the fourth interior volume comprise the interior volume of the collapsible container;

the uppermost section, the upper middle section, the lower middle section, and the base section comprising a structure with at least two positions comprising a first position and a second position, wherein the first position comprises the uppermost section, the upper middle section, the lower middle section, and the base section being in a collapsed position such that the interior volume is at a minimum and the second position comprises the uppermost section, the upper middle section, the lower middle section, and the base section being in a fully extended position such that the interior volume is at a maximum.

2. The container of claim 1 further comprising:

a handle affixed to the uppermost section at two attachment points that are laterally separated at opposite ends of the uppermost section.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the handle is movable and positionable through an arc comprising at least 180 degrees and being circumscribed over the uppermost section.

4. The container of claim 2, wherein the handle is detachably mated with the two attachment points.

5. The container of claim 1, further comprising:

an adjustable strap detachably affixed to the uppermost section at two attachment points that are laterally separated at opposite ends of the uppermost section.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the adjustable strap encircles the collapsible container.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid is attached through a snap fit.

8. The container of claim 1, the lid further comprising a gasket located around its perimeter such that the gasket is configured to contact the uppermost portion when the lid is mated with the uppermost section.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the lower middle section and the base section comprise insulative material.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the uppermost section, the upper middle section, the lower middle section, and the base section comprise insulative material.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein approximately 66% of the collapsible container comprises insulative material.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the uppermost section, the upper middle section, the lower middle section, the lid, and the base section comprise plastic material.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the uppermost section, the upper middle section, the lower middle section, and the base section are mated by means of a lip which runs around an upper section of each perimeter and a lower section of each perimeter.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the uppermost section, the upper middle section, the lower middle section, and the base section each comprise a substantially rectangular shape.

15. A collapsible container with an interior volume, comprising:

a plurality of sections that each have a continuous perimeter wall defining an interior volume and capable of being detachably mated to one another, wherein one of the plurality of sections is enclosed on three sides to form a base of the container; and

a lid being configured to detachably mate with an upper portion of one of the plurality of sections;

wherein the plurality of sections comprise a structure with at least two positions comprising a first position and a second position, wherein the first position comprises a collapsed position such that the interior volume is at a minimum and the second position comprises a fully extended position such that the interior volume is at a maximum.

16. The container of claim 15 further comprising:

a handle rotatably and detachably affixed to one of the plurality of sections at two attachment points that are laterally separated at opposite ends of the section.

17. The container of claim 15, further comprising:

an adjustable strap detachably affixed to one of the plurality of sections at two attachment points that are laterally separated at opposite ends of the section.

18. The container of claim 15, wherein the container is at least partially insulated.

19. The container of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of sections is substantially rectangular in shape.

20. The container of claim 15, further comprising:

a detachably and rotabably affixed handle and a detachably and rotabably affixed adjustable strap, wherein both the handle and the strap are affixed to one of the plurality of sections at two attachment points.