Collapsible Wall Feature Patents (Class 220/666)
  • Patent number: 5255808
    Abstract: In a foldable bottle, two lines of the outer surface located opposite one another are provided as folding lines. Each of these folding lines intersects a bead-type lower folding line, running round transversely to the folding line, at a point of intersection, and intersects a bead-type upper folding line, running round transversely to the folding line, at a point of intersection. Below the point of intersection, each folding line branches into two bead-type folding lines which are arranged in a V-shape and continue from the lower portion of the bottle down to the bottom surface. Above the point of intersection, each folding line branches into two bead-type folding lines which are arranged in a V-shape and extend in the upper portion of the bottle up to the top surface. When the outer surface is folded flat between the folding lines to form a two-ply layer, the upper portion an the lower portion can be folded flat simultaneously on the principle of a folding bottom, as with paper bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1993
    Assignee: Supermatic Kunststoff AG
    Inventor: Viktor Tobler
  • Patent number: 5246122
    Abstract: A storage a pair of outer surfaces, a flexible corrugated bottom surface, a head end having a closeable filling opening, and horizontal standing edges which connect the outer surfaces to the bottom surface. The storage bottle is made from synthetic material and is stable in an unfilled state, and the bottom surface conforms to a surface upon which it is placed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Joh. A. Benckiser GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Schick, Volker Reimann-Dubbers
  • Patent number: 5240130
    Abstract: A compressible body comprising a container and a flexible annular wall member, and the container, in turn, includes a cylindrical side wall and a prestressed locking member. The side wall of the container forms an upper edge and defines a cylindrical space having a given circumference, and the locking member of the container is mounted on the upper edge of the side wall and is inherently biased radially inwardly toward a position inward of that given circumference. The wall member of the bottle is mounted inside the container of the bottle, and that wall member has extended and compressed positions. In the extended position, the wall member extends upward from the container; and in the compressed position, the wall member is at least substantially contained within the container and the upper portion of the wall member is below the locking member of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1993
    Inventor: Georg Osbakk
  • Patent number: 5226551
    Abstract: This invention relates to reusable and re-collapsible containers, and particularly to a one-piece container having a peripheral side wall which is arranged to include areas of differential wall thickness and diameter to thereby permit collapse of the container from an extended to a collapsed condition by reason of a telescoping relationship between the various portions of the peripheral side wall. Holders are also disclosed for optional use with the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5224613
    Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for forming a collapsed and folded thin-walled container. In collapsed and folded form, the container has first and second folded portions concentrically adjacent one another in generally surrounding relationship to tapered shoulder and reduced diameter neck portions of the container. The apparatus includes inner and outer, concentrically arranged and relatively movable pusher members for forming the first and second folded portions, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5211284
    Abstract: A jewelry chain holder includes two tube-like structures joined together by a common partition wall in a side-by-side disposition, each tube defining a channel-like cavity and a longitudinal slit running the full tube length and preferably located on a portion of the tube somewhat opposite from the partition wall. The length of each tube approximates half the total chain length, and the cross-section of each cavity is sufficiently large to contain a cross-section of the chain within. Preferably the tube-like structures are transparent and made of a slightly resilient material that permits a user to force approximately half the chain length into each cavity through the longitudinal slit. The result is that substantially the entire chain is maintained in a stretched out disposition within the two cavities, the partition wall separating the two chain halves. So held, the chain is visible from 360.degree. and is protected by the exterior of the tube-like structures from dust, scratching and other damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Gail H. Parks
  • Patent number: 5211317
    Abstract: A low pressure aerosol dispensing can which is distinguished from existing high pressure aerosol dispensing cans. The generally cylindrical can has a thin wall thickness, like that of a carbonated beverage can, which can be distorted by finger pressure but whose shape is maintained by internal gas pressure. The liquid contents to be dispensed and the propellant gas are mixed in the can. The dispensing valve at the top of the can dispenses the liquid contents and propellant in a controlled manner. The valve may include an additional narrow bore vapor tap between the gaseous propellant head space in the can and the valve chamber for delivering extra gas for atomizing the liquid and propelling it from the nozzle. The gas pressure in the can is coordinated with the can wall and bottom thickness so that the can will have sufficient distortion resistance and burst resistance at elevated temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventors: George Diamond, Ralph Helmrich
  • Patent number: 5209372
    Abstract: A collapsible container has a sidewall comprised of a plurality of adjacent raised spirals defining grooves therebetween. Each spiral is comprised of a top side of a first vertical cross section plane length (width) and a shorter bottom side meeting at a fold line. When sufficient force is applied, the bottom side folds inwardly under the upper side, thus collapsing the sidewall and the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Inventor: Peter M. Norwood
  • Patent number: 5201438
    Abstract: A multi-faceted collapsible container has a sidewall of joined-together rings comprised of pyramidal segments having peaks extending outwardly. Each segment is comprised of four polygonal facets; the upper pair of facets is longer than the lower pair. Sufficient vertical force causes the smaller lower facets to fold under the longer upper facets, collapsing the rings and the sidewall of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Inventor: Peter M. Norwood
  • Patent number: 5199588
    Abstract: A biaxially blow-molded bottle-shaped container (1) of synthetic resin includes a generally square cross-sectional body portion (2). A panel wall (3) for absorbing a reduced pressure generated in the bottle-shaped container is provided on a flat wall portion at each side of the body portion. Depressed cross grooves (5) are provided spaced apart in parallel in a ridge line portion between the adjacent panel walls (3, 3). The body portion may be cut-off at corners thereof to provide vertically elongated flat surfaces (4), and depressed cross grooves (5) may be provided spaced apart in parallel in each flat surface (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Yoshino Kogyosho Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5199590
    Abstract: A collapsible device for securing a cover over a swimming pool includes an elongated container body having a pair of substantially rigid foot portions, each having a flat bottom wall, connected by an axially collapsible bellows portion. The device may be either extended and filled with a liquid for use in weighting a pool cover, or emptied and collapsed for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Inventors: Lance Grandahl, Gary Jeanfaivre
  • Patent number: 5174469
    Abstract: A partially collapsible container adapted to contain beverages or other dispensable fluids is disclosed in which the collapsible portion of the container provides for the automatic deployment of either a drinking straw or a pour spout mounted within the container. In its non-collapsed state, the straw or spout is hidden within the container; however, upon manual manipulation of the collapsible portion of the container, that portion comes into contact with the upper segment of the straw or spout, thereby causing the straw or spout to penetrate a weakened opening of the exterior surface of the container, thereby exposing the straw or spout for use. Also disclosed is a stopping mechanism to prevent the collapsed portion of the container from elastically springing back toward its original position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Inventor: Nini E. Policapelli
  • Patent number: 5174458
    Abstract: A collapsible container having substantially planar front and rear walls and interconnecting side walls that define inwardly extending V-shaped panels. A plurality of transversely extending stiffening grooves are provided in the front and rear panels to minimize outward bulging of the front and rear panels when the bottle is filled with a liquid material. A plurality of bridging members is formed in the side panels to bridge the adjacent side panels at a longitudinal fold line to minimize outward bulging of the side wall when the container is filled with liquid. To collapse the container the front and rear panels are urged together, and the side panels move inwardly about the longitudinal hinge line so that the bottle assumes a flat condition. The flattened bottle occupies considerably less space in waste disposal facilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventor: Umberto D. I. Segati
  • Patent number: 5158123
    Abstract: A fluid fill cap is provided including an intermediate, flexible extensible and retractable bellows housing mounting a cap therein, wherein the cap receives a plurality of spring clip members to maintain the bellows in a compressed configuration. A bottom cap of the organization is formed with a cylindrical conduit adapted for securement to an associated structural component of an automotive internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Inventor: Robert D. Senko
  • Patent number: 5092474
    Abstract: A lightweight plastic jar having outwardly convex front end and back walls, each having a relatively large radius of curvature, and a pair of side walls having relatively large planar portions capable of controlled inward deflection to accommodate decreases in the interior volume of the jar. The jar is configured to facilitate dispensing of product while also providing strength, efficient use of space in packing with like containers, and an attractive appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1992
    Assignee: Kraft General Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank P. Leigner
  • Patent number: 5090588
    Abstract: A portable containment (10) is illustrated for field use in containing pesticides and other toxic chemicals and the like. Containment (10) includes a floor (12) and integral side walls (16, 18, 20, 22). Resilient side braces (A), bracing straps (B), and compressible top braces (C), provide resiliency so that the upstanding walls deform to allow a wheeled vehicle or aircraft (13) to roll onto and off of the containment in the field. Elastic corners (D) allow the side walls and corners to be deformed outwardly or inwardly without tearing or damage of the corners or upstanding walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Portable Containment, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward W. Van Romer, Brian R. Flood
  • Patent number: 5054631
    Abstract: A one-piece container for potable liquids (e.g., beverages) includes a body portion formed of a plastics material and sized to accommodate a predetermined volume of potable liquid, and a drinking straw in fluid communication with the potable liquid within the body portion. A flexible bellows member interconnects the straw to the body portion so as to allow the straw to be foldable between a stowed position (e.g., during periods of nonuse) and an erected position (e.g., during periods of use). A recess may be formed in the body portion (e.g., in a side wall and/or an upper portion thereof) so as to accommodate the drinking straw in its stowed position. Longitudinal rigidity and stability may be provided by a series of circumferentially spaced-apart ribs integrally formed on the otherwise flexible (and collapsible) body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5052319
    Abstract: An on-board oil disposal and recovery system for emergency response to an oil spill comprising one or a plurality of wheeled oil disposal bladders, one or a plurality of bladder support brackets disposed about the periphery of the vessel and means to interconnect the oil transfer system of the vessel and a bladder of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Louis Beyrouty
  • Patent number: 5052579
    Abstract: A container is provided, which comprises a supporting frame including rod-like elements of a relatively rigid, dimensionally stable material, and a flexible sleeve member forming a receptacle for substances, materials, goods and the like to be packaged. The supporting frame includes at least three circumferential planes, a top plane and a bottom plane. A rod-like element is provided at the transition of a circumferential plane to an adjacent circumferential plane. The sleeve member is provided with at least three flexible loop members each extending around a rod-like element and being attached to the sleeve member at two places spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the sleeve member. Each loop member has a length, measured from one place of attachment to the sleeve member to the other, which is a multiple of the circumference of the enveloped rod-like element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Gerardus A. M. Boots
  • Patent number: 5037002
    Abstract: An integral self-supporting and recyclable liquid container is disclosed. The container includes an expandable plastic bag and a reinforced assembly which together define an expandable and self-contained liquid chamber from which the contents can be dispensed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Assignee: Liqui-Box/B-Bar-B Corporation
    Inventor: M. Stephen Tschanen
  • Patent number: 5027963
    Abstract: A container having a thin film flexible container body includes upper and lower portions defining a predetermined longitudinal extent of the container so as to establish an interior region adapted to hold selected contents. The container body integrally includes, between the upper and lower portions, at least one rigid annular band so as to impart lateral strength and stability to the container. Preferably, the upper and lower portions of the container body are rigid (i.e., self-supporting) and are unitarily formed with the thin film flexible container body together with the annular rigid bands thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Inventor: Edward S. Robbins, III
  • Patent number: 5002193
    Abstract: A collapsible, expansible, plastic hollow article having a top and a base joined by a substantially cylindrical side wall integral therewith and an aperture in the top, comprising a plurality of substantially circular bellows formed by conical sections integrally joined to create at least a portion of the article side wall, the conical sections comprising alternating short portions and long portions, said short portions being at a greater angle to the article axis than said long portions, and the lesser diameter junctures of the long portions with the short portions being formed to create fold rings for said substantially circular bellows.A handle means comprising a clip snugly fits in between adjacent conical sections joined by a lesser diameter juncture, and a grip having a further support at a lower point of the side wall. Thus the hollow article can be held in a straight configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 26, 1991
    Inventor: William N. Touzani