FOLDABLE SEALING CONTAINER APPARATUS

Abstract

A storage, shipping or instant usage, for food consumption or the like, containment system formed from one sheet of material or combination of materials, wherein the walls thereof fold onto a base to lay flat. The walls are disposed to fold onto the base, out from the base, or onto adjacent folded walls. Further, the folded walls contain a mechanism to stabilize said walls during usage in a box form.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation-in-part application and claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/898,009 filed on May 20, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, and also claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/919,974 filed on Dec. 23, 2013 the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present system pertains to storage, consumption and transport systems of for commonly stored items.

2. Description of Concurrent Art

Presently, storage systems, food containment systems and shipping containment systems are difficult to assemble and require a goodly amount of space for assembly. Many systems also require a goodly amount space for storage on shelves or floors in homes, offices, warehouses and the like. Commonly, containers are used for storage of clothing, shoes, home goods, bathroom items, tools, golf items, construction materials, and food etc. Containers are made of cardboard, plastic, glass, wood, combinations of materials and the like.

Also commonly, containers include a box structure and a cover structure wherein the cover may be connected to the box or separate. A box which folds to become small enough to store easily would clearly be desirable. To create a flat box, several walls of a container may fold out and others fold in. This would be particularly useful for cardboard boxes used for storage and shipping of products.

Presently storage containers are sold individually in stores as different sizes, shapes, brands, colors, etc. People require different sizes and shapes to store different amounts of materials. Stores sell storage containers and boxes as multiple units stacked into each other. Larger units are shaped such that it is difficult to stack them. The amount of volume required is often taxing on store shelves as well as in the home. It would be desirable to possess a container system that can be stored in a flat arrangement to take up minimal space in a store and in a home. It would further be desirable to possess a cover attached to a container for easy storage and to find it easily. It would be further desirable to have a cover and box fold to be flat.

Present technology uses stacking and attaches covers to a container to minimize problems with storage of containers for food but even then, to store small, medium and large sizes is difficult without taking up a lot of space and requiring a lot of work. Often, people get frustrated and simply throw containers into draws hoping to find them later. Companies attempt to coordinate containers so that the containers fit into other containers within a company's own brand. People often have many containers and are not looking to buy extensive sets of containers. They often buy one or two containers if the need arises. The ones they buy rarely are of the same brand, same shape or sizes as their previous ones so storage is difficult. It would be desirable to have a container that can be collapsed flat for easy storage separate from the ones a person presently owns.

Concurrent containers are difficult to store and the inherently differing sizes, various shapes and separate covering apparatuses render storing containers cumbersome, as many containers do not fit together, consequently, storage requires a lot of space.

Presently cardboard boxes are sold in stores to be assembled by the buyer or at point of shipping in stores or warehouses. The cardboard box and cover are sold not connected. Each is folded in a difficult manner which makes assembly difficult for a buyer or shipper. The assembly of cardboard boxes is so difficult that instructions are not much help. The process is time consuming and frustrating for a user.

Additionally, many cardboard boxes used to ship goods through the mail and shipping services currently come in a flat form and to activate, the box is open to form four walls with four panels on the top and four panels on the bottom. The four panels on the bottom are folded inward such that opposite panels are folded and then the adjacent panels folded inward to form a bottom to the box. Tape, or other such retaining mechanism is often applied over the junction of the opposite panels to secure them.

The strength of the box bottom, in such an embodiment, thus plainly depends upon the tensile strength of the tape, as well as the ability of the tape to remain in place on the box securely. Continuing, the contents to be shipped are placed in a box and protective padding, or stuffing, is placed around the goods, in order to minimize movement and damage to contents in the box. The top opposite panels are folded in followed by the adjacent panels. The top panels are then taped for final closure.

Thus with the parameters described above, it is not uncommon for a box to split open during the rigors of shipping and thus it would be desirable to have a box which simply opened by raising its sides and folded by simply collapsing its sides. Presently, systems which collapse the sides result in unstable walls. It would be desirable to use a technique which quickly and automatically stabilizes side walls. It would be further desirable to have the base of a box solid to support its contents and not require taping or folding.

Present folding boxes are limited in strength, ease of use, size and shape, as for example, a box might have to be cube shaped in order for folding to properly occur. The design of the fold of a folded box inherently weakens support or stacking of packages or storage containers. Present folding boxes are not intuitive to the point that a box can be open by simply raising the sides. There is usually a secondary step required.

It would be desirable to have a shipping box which only requires raising its sidewalls for assembly. It would be further desirable to use a box with limited use of tape or no tape. Use of pre applies adhesive could eliminate the need for tape to secure the top and or bottom of a box.

In the case of food storage, presently, food is transported or stored in sealed containers made of glass or plastic. Containers include Ziploc® bags and various shapes of bowl like containers such as Rubbermaid, Tupperware® Etc. Leftover food is stored in sealed containers in a refrigerator, on counter tops or in cabinets. Adults and children bring food to school, the work place, on trips or the like in sealed containers. Often, containers are not returned to the owner as occurs when people bring food to someone else's house for a holiday. Children often transport containers to school and dislike the responsibility of, or plainly forget to bring the containers home.

Many food storage containers comprise a box or bowl with four sides. A top covers the container with a friction or snap on fit. It is difficult to store food containers as they vary in size, have separate covers and different shapes. Kitchen drawers are usually not big enough to store containers so cabinets or oversized drawers are used. People buy containers individually and often buy different brands, shapes and materials. The attempt to store these different containers creates a disorganized array of containers that are hard to find and often difficult to match up with their covers. People find it frustrating.

Food containers are sold individually in stores as different sizes, shapes, brands, colors, etc. People require different sizes and shapes to store different amounts of leftovers or to transport food. Food is transported for company events, family get together, to lunch, for children's lunch boxes, and the like which requires different sizes. Stores sell some as multiple units stacked into each other. The amount of volume required is extensive on store shelves as well as in the kitchen. It would be desirable to have a container that can be stored flat to take up minimal space in a store and in a kitchen. It would further be desirable to have a cover reversibly attached to a container for easy storage and to find it easily. It would be further desirable to be able to store a container within its cover.

Present technology uses stacking and attaches covers to a container to minimize these problems but even then, to store small, medium and large sizes is difficult without taking up a lot of space and requiring a lot of work. Often, people get frustrated and simply throw containers into draws hoping to find them later. Companies attempt to coordinate containers so that the containers fit into other containers within a company's own brand. People often have many containers and are not looking to buy extensive sets of containers. They often buy one or two containers if the need arises. The ones they buy rarely are of the same brand, same shape or sizes as their previous ones so storage is difficult. It would be desirable to have a container that can be collapsed flat for easy storage separate from the ones a person presently owns.

Concurrent containers are difficult to store and the inherently differing sizes, various shapes and separate covering apparatuses render storing containers difficult, as many containers do not fit together, consequently, storage in kitchen cabinets, drawers and pantries requires a lot of space. Ziploc® bags provide sealed storage of food however, it's collapsible nature make it difficult to store foods which contain liquid, and soft or gel like material such as mashed potatoes or stew. Ziploc® bags do not provide or maintain a suitable shape to eat food directly from the bags alone, and often require support. They do, however, take little storage space on a store shelf or in a kitchen cabinet as the fold compactly into a box. It would be desirable to have storage containers do the same.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant apparatus and system, as illustrated herein, is clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. The versatile system, method and series of apparatuses for creating and utilizing a folded storage container system are illustrated. Thus the several embodiments of the instant apparatus are illustrated herein.

It is a primary object of the present multifunctional apparatus to reveal an easily storable, flat sheet containment mechanism which folds to become a storage or shipping container.

It would be further desirable to reveal a version of the instant apparatus and system which is inexpensive and disposable in order to meet with the current recycling nature of society. Said disposable container system would be useful for transportation of items sold on the internet or in stores which require mailing or shipping.

It would be further desirable to reveal a version of the instant apparatus and system which allows reuse to eliminate waste.

It would be further desirable to reveal a version of the instant apparatus and system which is easy to assemble and uses no tape. It would be further desirable to have shipping or storage containers with a base which is a solid unit and does not require tape to solidify as is presently required by most present mailing boxes.

It would be further desirable to provide a container which is easily assembled and disassembled and provides a disposable or reusable storage or shipping container which is easily stored when not in use.

It is a primary object of the present system to provide a foldable storage or shipping container which when assembled affords the rigidity and strength. For easy identification of various sizes, containers may be color tinted, labeled or the like.

It is an object of the present system to provide a container that may be used for storage or shipping of items ranging from construction items e. g. screws and nails, to consumer and household goods including clothing, housewares, food, shoes, and numerous products requiring storage including food. It is a further object of the present system to provide containers that are constructed on any common storage container material such as polymer and various plastics, cardboard, composite combinations and any other suitable material.

It would be further desirable to introduce a foldable food container with living hinges that could contain liquids or be air tight when assembled. It would be further desirable to introduce a foldable container with four walls and a base all connected as one solid piece. In one alternative, living hinges are placed with the walls of the container and at the junction of walls. It would be further desirable to introduce a foldable container for food which has no creases or junction of corner panels for easy cleaning.

In an alternative method of manufacture, a uniform sheet of plastic as is commonly done with polypropylene, polyethylene or like materials is molded with living hinges creating an inexpensive container. Living hinges are created by injection molding and enhanced by coining.

It would be desirable to have walls which divided into panels with hinges allowing folding inward or inward and outward. It would further be desirable to have an internal or external panel used to stabilize side folding wall panels.

It would be desirable to have a solid cover or to have a split cover attached to side walls so a cover is not lost and easily placed on to the box. It is desirable to have a cover attached for stability during use, storage or shipping.

The foregoing has outlined the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood, and the present contributions to the art may be more fully appreciated. It is of course not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations or permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel architecture described below is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the versatile integrated foldable container system and series of accompanying systems and apparatuses and embodiments in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practice and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a foldable box and an attached cover in the closed position of this invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a foldable box with the attached cover raised up of this invention

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of a foldable box with the cover raised and the cover sides open of this invention

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a foldable box half open and the cover raised open.

FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a foldable box fully open and a cover open.

FIG. 6 illustrates a top and side view of an alternative foldable container of this invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of an alternative foldable container with a split cover of this invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of an alternative foldable container with a split cover closing of this invention

FIG. 9 illustrates a side view of an alternative collapsible wall of a folding box of this invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of various alternatives of collapsing side walls and associated stabilizing panels of a folding box

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a folding box with a cover on top.

FIG. 12 illustrates a side top view of a folding box with a cover attached and open.

FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of an alternative folding container with snaps.

FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of a folding box partially folded.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of a folding box fully collapsed.

FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of an alternative fully folded box with no cover attached.

FIG. 17 illustrates a top view of a folding box partially unfolding.

FIG. 18 illustrates a top view of a folding box almost fully formed

FIG. 19 illustrates a top view of a folding box fully formed.

FIG. 20 illustrates a top side view of an alternative folding box open.

FIG. 21 illustrates a top side vied of an alternative folding box folded.

FIG. 22, illustrates alternative methods of stabilizing the wall after unfolding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides a container which when constructed possesses enough rigidity to form a sealed or unsealed container and concurrently serve as a vessel for general storage, shipping and transportation. The container may be constructed of a uniform material with hinges or constructed of multiple various materials. In one embodiment, the instant container may include four walls and a base which are joined together and preferably formed as one piece with hinges at the junction of each wall and the base. Hinges may exist between each adjacent wall to wall. At least two opposing walls may possess hinges disposed within the walls to allow folding of the wall inward toward the center or outward. The base and four walls may thus feature a contiguous construction.

In several embodiments, the instant system may comprise a wall connected to adjacent walls and a base with hinges to the walls, folds inward or outward as a result of at least two hinges within each wall of opposing walls. The two hinges in a wall extend from the edge connected to the base to the top of the wall. Ideally, the hinge within each wall of opposite walls starts at the corner of the box. The inter-wall hinges are at an appropriate angle to the base that when folded, the walls lay flat onto the base or onto the adjacent wall which is on the base. If the opposite walls with hinges within, fold out the adjacent walls lay flat on the base. The adjacent walls collapse onto the folding walls as a result of the folding walls pulling them down. The hinges of the adjacent walls to the base are of such a dimension that the adjacent walls fold onto the hinged walls which are on top of the base.

The side walls and base can be square, rectangular, trapezoidal, oval or any common geometric shape and include four or more walls. The angles of side walls to the plane of the base will determine the angles required for hinges within the side walls.

Referring to FIG. 1, a folded box and cover 1 consists of a box 4 and an attached cover 2 which is flat when closed. Side walls fold inward and between the base and the cover.

Referring to FIG. 2, a foldable box and cover 10 as seen in FIG. 1, consists of cover 12 which is in the raised position. Cover 12 is attached to box 16 by panel 14. Panel 14 is attached to box 16 on the outer surface of wall 15 half way up the wall. Panel 14 rotates up or down allowing cover 12 to fit onto box 16 in the closed or open position. The cover will lay flat on top when folded and when the box is formed panel 15 rotates up to allow cover 12 to seal and cover box 16.

Referring to FIG. 3, a foldable box and cover 20 as seen in FIG. 1, consists of cover 22 and box 36. Cover 22 has side walls 24, 26 and 28 which hinge to cover 22. Side wall 26 is divided by hinges into three panels 30, 32, and 34. Hinged panels 30, 32, and 34 collapses inward or alternatively outward to collapse walls 24, 26 and 28 flat onto cover 22. Foldable box 36 has side walls 38 and 39 which are raised to open box 36.

Referring to FIG. 4, foldable box and cover 40 as seen in FIG. 1, consists of cover 42 and foldable box 51. Foldable box 51 consists of side walls 45, 50, 52 and 56 which are hinged to base 60 and internal panels 41 and 58. Side walls 45 and 56 consist of three hinged panels allowing all walls to collapse and open. Side wall 45 consists of panels 44, 46 and 48. Internal panel 41 is attached to center panel 46 such that it moves with wall 45 during opening and closing of box 51. Internal wall 41 has Velcro 39 which can also be snaps, adhesive, clips, inserts, reversible glue, glue, magnets or the like on its corners and facing the adjacent side wall 45. The materials are constructed to be reversible or irreversible methods of stabilizing a wall. The outside panels 44 and 48 of side wall 45 has Velcro or other materials mentioned previously placed inside such that when internal panel 41 presses onto them the Velcro matches in position to hold the internal panel 41 against side wall 45 to prevent collapsing. The box is folded by pressing inward on center panel 46 which collapses side wall 45 separating the Velcro allowing box 51 to fold.

The box mechanism may comprise side walls which are divided into three panels separated by hinges while adjacent walls have no hinges within the wall. The two hinges in a wall extend from the edge connected to the base to the top of the wall. Ideally, the hinge within each wall of opposite walls starts at the corner of the box. When the side walls are rectangular, a 45 degree angled internal wall hinge is used. As the center panel is pressed inward, the adjacent panels provide a junction to the adjacent walls and hinge them downward toward the base. When the walls are pulled up to form a box, the center panel is pulled up by the connecting side panels. The side panels do not stay in the same plane as the center panel which allows closure.

An additional internal wall is attached to the center panel of the three panel walls. The internal wall has means to attach and detach from the side panels using methods such as Velcro, snaps, adhesives, or the like. The internal panels 44 and 58 are tapered on the outer edges to allow the adjacent walls of the box to collapse without interference. As the internal panel collapses into the box during folding the side walls collapse simultaneously reducing the space between opposite walls.

Referring to FIG. 5, foldable box and cover 66 as seen in FIG. 1, consists of foldable attached cover 68 and foldable box 71. Foldable box 71 consisted of hinged base 78, side walls 70,72, 74, and 80 and internal wall 76 and 82. Walls 74 and 80 are constructed of three panels with internal walls 76 and 82 attached to the center panel and reversibly attached to the outer adjacent panels to stabilize the walls.

Referring to FIG. 6, foldable box and cover 85 as seen in FIG. 1, consists of cover 88 which rotates onto box 90. In advanced versions, cover 88 seals onto box 90 by having an internal adhesive layer, snaps, clips, Ziplock®, glue, reversible fugitive glue or the like.

Referring to FIG. 7, foldable box 92 consists of base 102, split cover 94 and 96, internal panels 98 and 106, collapsing three panel side walls 100 and 104, side walls 97 and 99. Split cover 94 and 96 are attached and hinged to side walls 97 and 99 and lay flat when closed and then rotate to cover the box.

Referring to FIG. 8, collapsible box 110 as seen in FIG. 7, has split cover 112 and 114 which rotate from the side of box 116 to form a cover. The cover can have pre applied adhesives, snaps, tongue and groove or Ziplock® like seals of the like to self close and provide a sealed container if desired. The covers can may comprise sides to cover the outside areas of a box 116 and can overlap each other on the top for strength and easier sealing. Each split cover can be the entire width of the container if desired by overlapping on closure.

Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative three panel collapsible side wall 120 has center panel 126 and outer panels 124 and 128, and slot 130. Snap bar 122 consists of bar 131 and end snaps 132 and 134. Snap bar 131 fits securely or is fixed into slot 130 at center panel 126 while snap ends 132 and 134 snap to hold and unsnap to allow rotation of outer panels 124 and 128 of side wall 120 as seen in section 121. Alternatively, the center panel has extension going out each side as if the bar was present.

Referring to FIG. 10, three panel side wall 140 and internal panel 142 are shown. Internal panel 142 is connected to side wall 140 at the center panel and rotates up and down as the box is opened and closed. The rotation or all side walls at the same time decreases the width between walls such that the outer edges 144 and 146 must be tapered in relation to base 148. If inner panel 142 is square or not tapered sufficiently, it would hit adjacent side walls and prevent opening and closing of the box.

In an alternative embodiment, three panel side wall 150 shows recessed area 154 which allows placement of internal panel 152 to exist in parallel or the same plane, and thus flush with the side wall. The internal panel may utilize Velcro, snaps, adhesive or the like or may be snapped into position with just the outer edge engaging the matching recessed wall in the side wall.

Additionally, the three panel wall 160 reveals snaps 164 which may extend the whole length of the top or just partially, such that snaps 166 or inner panel 162 engage and snap.

Referring to FIG. 11, collapsible box 170 consists of cover 172 and collapsible box 174. If side walls of the box collapse inward, the height of the box is limited to half the size of the base otherwise, the walls hit each other preventing closure. The alternative box 170 allows more height as two opposite three panel walls fold outward pulling adjacent walls inward.

Referring to FIG. 12, collapsible box 176 as seen in FIG. 11, includes cover 178 which is attached to outer panel 186. Outside panels 186 and 180 are attached to three panel side walls 184 at center panel 182. When the three panel side walls 184 are pressed outward, outside panel 186 and 180 unsnap allowing the box to fold flat.

Referring to FIG. 13, as seen in FIG. 11, folding box 190 has base 204, side walls 196 and 198, three panel side walls 200 and 202, outer walls 192 and 194, and cover 214. Side walls 196, 198, 202 and 200 hinged to base 204. Side walls 200 and 202 have three panels with internal hinges including center panels 208 which are attached to outside panel 192 and 194, and outer panels 206 and 210 which have snaps 212 that snap into snap components in outside panels 192 and 194. When center panels 208 are pressed outward, snaps 212 unsnap releasing outside panels 192 and 194 from side walls 200 and 202 allowing them to fold outward. Outer panels 206 and 210 are pulled by center panels 208 which in turn pull side walls 196 and 198 inward to lay flat on base 204. Cover 214 has sides which collapse and lay flat.

Referring to FIG. 14, foldable box 220 as seen in FIG. 11, shows hinged side walls 226 and 224, hinged base 228, outside panels 222 and cover 230. When outside panels are pulled outward to lay flat, three panel side walls 224 are pulled outward which in turn pull side walls 226 inward hinging to base 228.

Referring to FIG. 15, folding box 240 as seen in FIG. 11, is showing in the fully flat folded position. Outer panels 242 and 244 are pulled down which are joined to center panels which when folded are below outer panels, hinged to outer panels 250 and 252 of side walls 258 and 256. Outer panels 250 and 252 hinge to side walls 246 and 248 which pull these walls inward to lie on the base of the box. Cover 253 sides collapse and it can be folded under or on top of the folded flat box.

Referring to FIG. 16, folded box 260 has side walls 262, 264, 271 and 273. Side walls 271 and 273 have outer panels 270 and 272 which are folded to cover center panels of walls 271 and 273 underneath. Side walls 262 and 264 are hinged to outer panels 270 and 272. When side walls 262 and 264 are raised, side walls 271 and 273 are raised simultaneously.

Referring to FIG. 17, folding box 276 has outside panel 280 which is connected to center panel 282 of side wall 283 and moves integrally with it. Outer panels 281 and 284 of side wall 283 are hinged to center panel 282 of side wall 283 and hinged to side walls 288 and 290. Side walls 283, 288, and 290 are hinged to base 286 such that all walls form a solid box. As side walls are raised to form a box, outside panel 280 comes closer to outer panels 281 and 284 such that snaps or Velcro 296 and 292 of outer panel 208 engage snaps of Velcro 294 and 298 of outer panel 281 and 284 side wall 283. When snaps or Velcro engages, the side wall requires intentional force to collapse. The box becomes stable during use and collapsible on demand. The Velcro can be so secure that each Velcro connection is required to be separated individually and cannot be done by simply pressing outward on a side wall.

Referring to FIG. 18, folding box 300 is formed by raising side walls 304, and 306 which hinge to base 308. Outside panels 302 are connected to the center panel of side walls 304 and are raised with the wall until it is fully formed.

Referring to FIG. 19, folding box 310 has outside panels 312 which are connected to side walls 314. When folding box 310 is fully formed outside panels engage side walls 314 with Velcro, snaps, adhesive or any common method of joining to provide reversible or irreversible support. Side walls 314 are connected to side walls 318 all of which hinge on bas 316 and are supported and stable when adjacent walls and panels engage.

Referring to FIG. 20, folding container 320 has trapezoid side walls 322, 324, 326 and 328. The side walls diverge as they approach the top of the container making access easier especially when eating food.

Referring to FIG. 21, folding container 330 is open container of FIG. 20. Side walls 332, 334, 336 and 338 hinge to unfold open and form walls beyond ninety degrees to base 340. The open diverging nature of the side walls allows easy access. A panel, bar or like structure, not shown, but previously described can be used to stabilize the three panel side walls.

Referring to FIG. 22, three panel side walls 346, 360 and 377 show alternative methods of stabilizing the wall after unfolding. Three panel side wall 346 has center panel 348 which is hinged to outer panels 354 and 356 which in turn are hinged to adjacent container walls not shown in these figures. Center panel 348 has extensions 350 and 352 which act as snaps, clips, Velcro, magnets or like structures which stabilizes the hinges between outer panels 356 and 354 and center panel 348.

Three panel side wall 360 has center panel 366 which are hinged to outer panels 364 and 368 which are in turn hinged to adjacent folding box side walls not shown. Side wall 360 has insert 370 with which accepts a panel not shown to clip or snap into position stabilizing hinges. The panel many be fixed to the center panel or be removable.

Three panel side wall 377 has center panel 382 hinged to outer panels 378 and 380. Bar 384 is joined to center panel 382 at the top. Sides 386 and 388 of bar 382 snap, clip or the like onto the top of outer panels 378 and 380 and stabilize the hinges to keep the folded box open.

In one embodiment, the instant invention discloses a container system, wherein the container system comprises at least four walls and a base portion. The container system further includes a set of hinges, wherein the at least four walls are joined together and preferably formed as one piece with the set of hinges at the junction of each wall and the base and wherein the base and four walls may thus feature a contiguous construction and wherein the hinges are positioned within at least two opposing walls allow folding of the wall inward toward the center or outward.

Another embodiment discloses a container system, wherein the container system comprises at least two folding wall members with a set of adjacent wall members. It also includes a set of hinge members, including a base member, wherein the set of hinges is in communication with base member and the set of folding wall members, wherein each individual in the set of folding wall members comprises at least two hinge members and wherein the folding wall members are disposed to fold inward or outward as a result of at least two hinge members within each individual wall of the folding wall members.

In the container system each individual of the set of hinge members located in an individual wall in the set of folding walls, extends from the edge connected to the base to the top of the wall. Included in the container system, each of the set of hinge members within each of the folding walls originates at the corner of the box. Also within the container system of claim the container system comprises of a set of inter-wall hinges disposed at an appropriate angle to the base. When folded, the walls lay flat onto the base or onto the adjacent wall, which is on the base, and wherein if the opposite walls with hinges within fold out, the adjacent walls lay flat on the base.

In another embodiment, the instant invention discloses a foldable enclosure system, wherein the foldable enclosure system comprises of a box apparatus. The box apparatus comprises of a base portion which includes at least four wall portions, and a cover mechanism in mechanical communication with the box apparatus, wherein the side walls fold inward and between the base and the cover mechanism.

The foldable enclosure system further comprises of a panel member where the panel member is attached to the box apparatus on an outer surface of an individual wall portion of the at least four wall portions wall at a midpoint in the outer surface of the individual wall portion. The panel member is rotatably disposed, to allow upward or downward movement of the cover mechanism to fit properly onto the box apparatus in the closed or open position.

Also, within the foldable enclosure system, the cover mechanism comprises at least three side walls in hinged communication with the cover mechanism and wherein an at least one individual of the at least three side walls is divided into a set of three individual panels in hinged communication. The set of three individual panels in hinged communication are disposed to collapse, either inwardly or outwardly, to allow the at least four wall portions to collapse flat onto the cover mechanism and wherein the side walls are raised to open the box apparatus.

The foldable enclosure system further comprises at least two internally disposed panels and wherein at least two of the at least three side walls is divided into a set of three individual panels in hinged communication. An individual of the at least two internal panels is attached to a center panel such that the individual of the at least two internally disposed panels moves in conjunction with the at least three side walls during opening and closing of box apparatus. Additionally, the individual of the at least two internal panels and the center panel comprises of a retaining system selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, adhesive, clips, inserts, reversible glue and glue.

Moreover, the instant invention discloses a storage and containment system, wherein the storage and containment system comprises of a foldable box. The Storage and containment system also includes a foldable cover attached to the foldable box. The foldable box comprises a hinged base, a set of at least four side walls and at least two internal walls, wherein at least two side walls in the set of at least four side walls comprise three panels, a left panel, a center panel and a right panel. The internal walls are attached to the center panel and reversibly attached to the outer adjacent panels to stabilize the set of at least four side walls.

In the storage and containment system, the foldable cover seals onto the foldable box by the attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of an internal adhesive layer, snaps, clips, Ziplock®, glue, and reversible fugitive glue.

In the storage and containment system, the foldable cover may comprise a split cover in hinged communication with the set of side walls. The split cover is disposed in a flat manner on an upper edge of the set of side walls in the open position and the split cover is disposed parallel to the uppermost of the set of side walls when the foldable box is in a closed position.

Additionally, within the storage and containment system, the split cover comprises a retaining mechanism selected from the group consisting of pre-applied adhesives, snaps, tongue and groove mechanisms, and seals. The split covers comprise of side members to cover the outsides of the foldable box wherein an individual of the side members is disposed to overlap a subsequent individual of the side members to provide strength and enhanced sealing.

The storage and containment system further comprises a snap bar apparatus comprising of a bar and at least two end snaps. The storage and containment system also includes a receiving slot disposed within the center panel wherein the snap bar apparatus fits securely into the receiving slot and wherein the at least two snap ends removably retain the outer panels and unsnap to allow rotation of outer panels.

In another embodiment, the instant system discloses a storage and containment system, wherein the storage and containment system comprises at least two static wall members; at least two dynamic wall members, each comprising of a three panel construction; and, an internal panel comprising at least two tapered sections. The internal panel is connected to the side wall at the center panel and is disposed to rotate up and down as the storage and containment system is opened and closed. The storage and containment system also comprises a base member.

In the storage and containment system each individual of the at least two dynamic wall members comprises a recessed area disposed to allow for placement of the internal panel to be flush with the side wall. The internal panel comprises a retaining mechanism selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, adhesive, clips, inserts, reversible glue, and glue, and are disposed to snap into position with just the outer edge engaging the matching recessed wall in the at least two dynamic wall members.

Further, in the storage and containment, the side walls may be disposed to collapse inwardly and wherein the height of the at least two static wall members and the height of the at least two dynamic wall members is limited to half the size of the length dimension of the base member.

The storage and containment system may further comprise a cover mechanism, a first outer panel, a second outer panel and, a set of three panel side walls. In the storage and containment system, the cover mechanism is attached to the first outer panel. The first outer panel and the second outer panel are attached to the set of three panel side walls at a center panel of the set of three panel side walls such that when the three panel side walls are pressed outward, the first outer panel and the second outer panel unsnap allowing the storage and containment system to fold flat.

In another embodiment, the instant system may disclose a folding box system, wherein the folding box system comprises a base, at least two outside panels, a proximal side wall comprised of a center panel and at least two outer panels, a distal side wall comprised of a center panel and at least two outer panels and at least two median side walls. The at least two outside panels are connected to the center panels of the proximal side wall and the distal side walls respectively and move integrally with the center panel of the proximal side wall and the center panel of the distal side wall respectively.

The at least two outer panels of the proximal side wall and the two outer panels of the distal side wall are hinged to the center panel of the proximal side wall and the center panel of the distal side wall respectively and hinged to at least two median side walls. The proximal side wall and distal side wall are hinged to the base such that all walls form a solid box

The folding box system may further comprise a set of retaining mechanisms located on an upper portion of an inner side of the at least two outside panels. It may also comprise a set of retaining mechanisms locate on an upper portion of an outer side of the at least two outer panels of the proximal side wall and an upper portion of an outer side of the at least two outer panels of the distal side wall. As the side walls are raised to form a box, the at least two outside panels are disposed to move closer to the at least two outer panels of the proximal side wall and the at least two outer panels of the distal side wall such that the retaining mechanisms mate. Moreover the force required to separate the retaining mechanisms is greater than an attractive force of the retaining mechanisms.

In another embodiment, the instant system discloses a folding food containment apparatus, wherein the folding food containment apparatus comprises at least four trapezoidal side wall members and a base member. The at least four trapezoidal side wall members diverge as the at least four trapezoidal side wall members approach an upper portion of the folding food containment apparatus. The at least four trapezoidal side wall members comprises hinges to unfold open and form walls at an angle greater that ninety degrees in relation to the base member.

The folding food containment apparatus may further comprise a snap bar apparatus comprising of a bar and at least two end snaps and a receiving slot disposed within at least two of the at least four trapezoidal side wall members. The snap bar apparatus fits securely into the receiving slot and wherein the at least two snap ends.

In another embodiment, the instant system may disclose a method of utilizing a folding box, wherein the method of utilizing a folding box comprises a set of foldable side walls comprising a set of outer panels and a center panel. The set of outer panels are hinged to center panel of side wall and hinged to side walls and are comprised of a set of engaging mechanisms. And, the at least two outside walls comprise a set of engaging mechanisms, at least two static walls and a base.

The method of utilizing the folding box may comprise the following steps: initiating constructing in a fully flat folded position, exerting an upward force on the at least two outside walls and the outer panels of the set of foldable side walls, exerting an inward force on the at least two outside walls and the outer panels of the set of foldable side walls to form a box shape and exerting an additional inward force on the at least two outside walls to actuate the set of engaging mechanisms of the at least two outside walls and the set of engaging mechanisms of the set of foldable side walls.

Additionally, the instant system may comprise a collapsible container, wherein the collapsible container comprises a substantially equilateral base portion and a substantially rectangular front wall in communication with the substantially equilateral base portion via a front hinge. The substantially rectangular front wall comprises a v-shaped hinge wherein the v-shaped hinge allows the substantially rectangular front wall two fold in two degrees of freedom and wherein the substantially rectangular front wall further comprises at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular front wall.

The collapsible container may also include a substantially rectangular rear wall in communication with the substantially equilateral base portion via a rear hinge, wherein the substantially rectangular rear wall comprises an inverse v-shaped hinge and wherein the inverse v-shaped hinge allows the substantially rectangular rear wall two fold in two degrees of freedom. The substantially rectangular front wall may further comprise at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular rear wall. It also includes a first substantially rectangular non-folding side wall in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion, comprising of a proximal end and a distal end.

In addition, the proximal end may be in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular front wall and wherein the distal end is in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular end wall. It further includes a second substantially rectangular non-folding side wall in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion, comprising of a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end is in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular front wall and wherein the distal end is in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular end wall.

Furthermore, the system may feature a substantially rectangular front support member in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion, wherein the substantially rectangular front support member comprises a length and a width equal to the length and the width of the substantially rectangular front wall. And the substantially rectangular front support member may comprise at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular front support member. The at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms are disposed to removably mate with the at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular front wall. Further, the collapsible container includes a substantially rectangular rear support member in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion; wherein the substantially rectangular rear support member comprises a length and a width equal to the length and the width of the substantially rectangular rear wall. The substantially rectangular rear support member comprises at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular rear support member. The at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms are disposed to removably mate with the at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular rear wall.

Thus, when the substantially rectangular front support member support and the substantially rectangular rear support member are mated with the substantially rectangular front wall and the substantially rectangular rear wall, respectively, a void is formed on the upper edges of the substantially rectangular front wall, substantially rectangular rear wall; and, a cover apparatus comprising at least four members wherein the cover apparatus is attached to at least one wall selected from the group consisting of the substantially rectangular front wall and the substantially rectangular front wall.

Claims

1. A container system comprising:

at least two folding wall members;

a set of adjacent wall members;

a set of hinge members;

a base member wherein the set of hinges is in communication with base member and the set of folding wall members, wherein each individual in the set of folding wall members comprises at least two hinge members and wherein the folding wall members are disposed to fold inward or outward as a result of at least two hinge members within each individual wall of the folding wall members and wherein the base, the at least two folding wall members, and the set of adjacent wall members feature a contiguous construction

2. The container system of claim 1 wherein each individual of the set of hinge members located in an individual wall in the set of folding walls extend from the edge connected to the base to the top of the wall and wherein each of the set of hinge members within each of the folding walls originates at the corner of the box.

3. The container system of claim 2 further comprising a set of inter-wall hinges disposed at an appropriate angle to the base that when folded, the walls lay flat onto the base or onto the adjacent wall which is on the base and wherein if the opposite walls with hinges within fold out the adjacent walls lay flat on the base.

4. A foldable enclosure system comprising:

a box apparatus comprising: a base portion; at least four wall portions; and,

a cover mechanism in mechanical communication with the box apparatus, wherein the side walls fold inward and between the base and the cover mechanism.

5. The foldable enclosure system of claim 4 further comprising a panel member where the panel member is attached to the box apparatus on an outer surface of an individual wall portion of the at least four wall portions wall at a midpoint in the outer surface of the individual wall portion; and wherein the panel member is rotatably disposed to allow upward or downward movement of the cover mechanism for proper to fit onto box apparatus in the closed or open position.

6. The foldable enclosure system of claim 4 wherein the cover mechanism comprises at least three side walls in hinged communication with the cover mechanism and wherein an at least one individual of the at least three side walls is divided into a set of three individual panels in hinged communication wherein the set of three individual panels in hinged communication are disposed to collapse, either inwardly or outwardly, to allow the at least four wall portions to collapse flat onto the cover mechanism and wherein the side walls are raised to open the box apparatus.

7. The foldable enclosure system of claim 4 further comprising at least two internally disposed panels and wherein at least two of the at least three side walls is divided into a set of three individual panels in hinged communication and wherein an individual of the at least two internal panels is attached to a center panel such that the individual of the at least two internally disposed panels moves in conjunction with the at least three side walls during opening and closing of box apparatus and wherein the individual of the at least two internal panels and the center panel comprise a retaining system selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, adhesive, clips, inserts, reversible glue and glue.

8. A storage and containment system comprising:

a foldable box; and,

a foldable cover attached to the foldable box, wherein the foldable box comprises a hinged base, a set of at least four side walls and at least two internal walls, wherein at least two side walls in the set of at least four side walls comprise three panels, a left panel, a center panel and a right panel wherein the internal walls are attached to the center panel and reversibly attached to the outer adjacent panels to stabilize the set of at least four side walls.

9. The storage and containment system of claim 8 wherein the foldable cover seals onto the foldable box by the attachment mechanism selected from the group consisting of an internal adhesive layer, snaps, clips, Ziplock®, glue, and reversible fugitive glue.

10. The storage and containment system of claim 8 wherein the foldable cover comprises a split cover in hinged communication with the set of side walls wherein the split cover is disposed in a flat manner on an upper edge of the set of side walls in the open position and the split cover is disposed parallel to the uppermost of the set of side walls when the foldable box is in a closed position.

11. The storage and containment system of claim 9 wherein the split cover comprises a retaining mechanism selected from the group consisting of pre-applied adhesives, snaps, tongue and groove mechanisms, and seals and wherein the split covers comprise side members to cover the outsides of foldable box wherein an individual of the side members is disposed to overlap an subsequent individual of the side members to provide strength and enhanced sealing.

12. The storage and containment system of claim 8 further comprising:

a snap bar apparatus comprising a bar and at least two end snaps; and,

a receiving slot disposed within the center panel wherein the snap bar apparatus fits securely into the receiving slot and wherein the at least two snap ends removably retain the outer panels and unsnap to allow rotation of outer panels.

13. The storage and containment system of claim 8 further comprising:

at least two static wall members;

at least two dynamic wall members, each comprising a three panel construction; and,

an internal panel comprising at least two tapered sections, wherein the internal panel is connected to side wall at the center panel and disposed to rotate up and down as the storage and containment system is opened and closed.

14. The storage and containment system of claim 13 further wherein each individual of the at least two dynamic wall members comprises a recessed area disposed to allow for the placement of the internal panel to be flush with the side wall and wherein the internal panel comprises a retaining mechanism selected from the group consisting of Velcro®, snaps, adhesive, clips, inserts, reversible glue, and glue, and are disposed to snap into position with just the outer edge engaging the matching recessed wall in the at least two dynamic wall members.

15. The storage and containment system of claim 13 wherein the side walls are disposed to collapse inwardly and wherein the height of the at least two static wall members and the height of the at least two dynamic wall members is limited to half the size of the length dimension of the base member.

16. The storage and containment system of claim 13 further comprising:

a cover mechanism;

a first outer panel;

a second outer panel; and,

a set of three panel side walls; wherein the cover mechanism is attached to the first outer panel; and wherein the first outer panel and the second outer panel are attached to the set of three panel side walls at a center panel of the set of three panel side walls such that when the three panel side walls are pressed outward, the first outer panel and the second outer panel unsnap allowing the storage and containment system to fold flat.

17. A folding box system comprising:

a base;

at least two outside panels;

a proximal side wall comprising: a center panel; and, at least two outer panels;

a distal side wall comprising: a center panel; and, at least two outer panels; at least two median side walls; wherein the at least two outside panels are connected to the center panels of the proximal side wall and the distal side walls respectively and move integrally with the center panel of the proximal side wall and the center panel of the distal side wall respectively and wherein the at least two outer panels of the proximal side wall and the two outer panels of the distal side wall are hinged to the center panel of the proximal side wall and the center panel of the distal side wall respectively and hinged to at least two median side walls and wherein the proximal side wall and distal side wall are hinged to the base such that all walls form a solid box.

18. The folding box system of claim 17 further comprising:

a set of retaining mechanisms locate on an upper portion of an inner side of the at least two outside panels; and,

a set of retaining mechanisms locate on an upper portion of an outer side of the at least two outer panels of the proximal side wall and an upper portion of an outer side of the at least two outer panels of the distal side wall; wherein as the side walls are raised to form a box, the at least two outside panels are disposed to move closer to the at least two outer panels of the proximal side wall and the at least two outer panels of the distal side wall such that the retaining mechanisms mate.

19. A folding food containment apparatus comprising:

at least four trapezoidal side wall members; and,

a base member; wherein the at least four trapezoidal side wall members diverge as the at least four trapezoidal side wall members approach an upper portion of the folding food containment apparatus and wherein the at least four trapezoidal side wall members comprises hinges to unfold open and form walls at an angle greater that ninety degrees in relation to the base member.

20. The folding food containment apparatus of claim 19 further comprising:

a snap bar apparatus comprising a bar and at least two end snaps; and,

a receiving slot disposed within at least two of the at least four trapezoidal side wall members wherein the snap bar apparatus fits securely into the receiving slot and wherein the at least two snap ends.

21. A collapsible container, comprising:

a substantially equilateral base portion;

a substantially rectangular front wall in communication with the substantially equilateral base portion via a front hinge, wherein the substantially rectangular front wall comprises a v-shaped hinge; wherein the v-shaped hinge allows the substantially rectangular front wall two fold in two degrees of freedom; wherein the substantially rectangular front wall further comprises at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular front wall;

a substantially rectangular rear wall in communication with the substantially equilateral base portion via a rear hinge, wherein the substantially rectangular rear wall comprises an inverse v-shaped hinge; wherein the inverse v-shaped hinge allows the substantially rectangular rear wall two fold in two degrees of freedom; wherein the substantially rectangular front wall further comprises at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular rear wall;

a first substantially rectangular non-folding side wall in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion, comprising a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end is in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular front wall and wherein the distal end is in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular end wall;

a second substantially rectangular non-folding side wall in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion, comprising a proximal end and a distal end; wherein the proximal end is in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular front wall and wherein the distal end is in hinged communication with the substantially rectangular end wall;

a substantially rectangular front support member in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion; wherein the substantially rectangular front support member comprises a length and a width equal to the length and the width of the substantially rectangular front wall; and wherein the substantially rectangular front support member comprises at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular front support member; wherein the at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms are disposed to removably mate with the at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular front wall;

a substantially rectangular rear support member in hinged communication with the substantially equilateral base portion; wherein the substantially rectangular rear support member comprises a length and a width equal to the length and the width of the substantially rectangular rear wall; and wherein the substantially rectangular rear support member comprises at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular rear support member, wherein the at least two internally disposed affixing mechanisms are disposed to removably mate with the at least two externally disposed affixing mechanisms mounted on an upper portion of the substantially rectangular rear wall;

wherein when the substantially rectangular front support member support and the substantially rectangular rear support member are mated with the substantially rectangular front wall and the substantially rectangular rear wall, respectively, a void is formed on the upper edges of the substantially rectangular front wall, substantially rectangular rear wall; and,

a cover apparatus comprising at least four members wherein the cover apparatus is attached to at least one wall selected from the group consisting of the substantially rectangular front wall and the substantially rectangular front wall.