Abstract: An apparatus and a method for carrying beverage containers, such as milk cartons. The apparatus may include a first wall, a second wall, a base, a first device, and a second device. The first and the second walls may be fixed to the base so that the first and the second walls are substantially perpendicular to the base, and the first and the second walls are parallel to each other and separated by a first distance. The first and second devices may be connected to the base so that the first and second devices can rotate with respect to the base. The first and the second devices may be connected to the base so that the first and the second devices can be rotated into a states in which a wall of each is substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the base.

Abstract: The invention concerns a glasses case including a bottom panel, a frame and four side walls, which case has a folded configuration in which a first panel and a second panel of each wall of a first pair of side walls are inclined towards each other pointing outwardly whereas a first panel and a second panel of each wall of a second pair of side walls are inclined towards each other pointing inwardly, and a deployed configuration in which a first panel and a second panel of each side wall are inclined towards each other pointing inwardly, and a first panel and a second panel of each wall of the first pair of side walls bear on the remaining sides of the panels of the second pair of side walls.

Abstract: A collapsible plastic storage and transport container has four sidewalls configured to be collapsible inwardly towards a bottom part. Two opposing first sidewalls have recesses and upper corner regions with a spring clip. The spring clip is fixedly connected to a first sidewall and has a free end with a locking projection. The other two opposing second sidewalls have detents disposed on edges of the two second sidewalls. The free end of the spring clip is moveable in a plane of the first sidewall against a spring force of the spring clip, and the locking projection engages behind a corresponding detent to lock the first sidewalls with the second sidewalls. The upper corner regions of the first sidewalls are double-walled, with a closed outer surface and an inner surface with a grip hole. Each spring element can only be actuated from inside the container.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing articles comprises one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags and a container. The one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags are configured for storing the articles therein. The container configured for storing the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags therein. The container has soft sides made of soft materials. In operation, when air within the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags is evacuated, the one or more vacuum-sealable storage bags, and any articles stored therein, collapses into the container.

Abstract: Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states.

Abstract: A container is provided having a base and a flexible rim having an opening. The base is sized to fit through the opening. A collapsible sidewall extends between the base and the rim. The sidewall is collapsible so that the base may pass through the opening to invert the container and allow adjustments to the shape of the container to fit in small areas such as other containers or tight locations where many standard containers cannot fit.

Abstract: A hot-fill container has a body portion that may utilize interchangeable dome-like top portion. A top portion is located above the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon. A bottom portion is located below the body portion and has a bumper portion located thereon.

Abstract: A container for transporting and storing goods with a container base and at least two foldable sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls, which are foldable on top of one another, are linked to the container base through hinges. Hinge bolt receivers include recesses, so that the hinge bolts are movable in the hinge bolt receivers from a lower end position, in which the folded down sidewall contacts the container base far enough into an upper end position, so that a planar placement of two sidewalls on top of one another is facilitated.

Abstract: A container has a domed shaped top portion that is located above the body portion. The body portion connects with the domed shaped top portion via a waist portion that has a variable distance from the longitudinal axis of the container.

Abstract: A fluid containment apparatus with a floor and a side wall is provided. A wall support is included that supports the side wall and can be moved between an initial supporting position and a collapsed position. The side wall is movable from an initial containment position to a collapsed state to allow access for vehicles or other objects to the floor. The wall support and side wall are subsequently movable back to their initial positions. In some arrangements, the wall support is movable back to the initial supporting position from the collapsed position but is not movable beyond the initial supporting position. Additionally or alternatively, in other embodiments the wall support remains in the collapsed position until a returning force is applied to move the wall support back.

Abstract: A heat set container including a base portion, a shoulder portion, and a sidewall portion extending from the shoulder portion to the base portion. The shoulder portion, the sidewall portion and the base portion cooperate to define a receptacle chamber within the container into which product can be filled. A plurality of vacuum panels are equidistantly disposed about the sidewall portion. A plurality of transition lands are disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of vacuum panels and spaced outwardly relative thereto. The plurality of vacuum panels and the plurality of transition lands cooperate to be inwardly collapsible from a first outside diameter to a second outside diameter in response to at least internal vacuum forces.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible vessel and also a method of reducing waste. The collapsible vessel has a mechanism that maintains its rigidity in its expanded form, yet allows it to be collapsed when desired. The vessel also has a removable lid, and the vessel, lid, or both may carry logos or other images or indicia, particularly those of restaurant or beverage chains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a folding box (1), comprising a base and first and second side walls (2, 3) pivotably connected to the base which, together with the base, form a box open at the top in a folded open state, as well as at least one retaining element (4) disposed on a first side wall (2) and at least one pin (5) mounted so as to be rotatable on a second side wall (3), and the at least one pin (5) has a cross-section that is not circular on at least one pin end (5a, 5b) and the at least one pin end (5a, 5b) locks the first to the second side wall (2, 3) by means of the retaining element (4) in a first rotational position and unlocks said side walls (2, 3) in a second rotational position.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible cover used to protect an open beverage container from tampering. It is compact and easy to carry and use, is attractive and may be decorated with sports team logos or University symbols or other works of art. It has deep enough extended side walls to prevent someone from unobtrusively removing it to contaminate the beverage and is not too cumbersome to carry in a purse or pocket. The collapsible cover is available in different diameters to allow covering beer or soda cans, bottles, mixed drink glasses or wine glasses. It also has an opening for inserting a straw so that the cover does not have to be removed to consume the beverage.

Abstract: A collapsible container and a method of using the collapsible container are provided. In one embodiment of the container, the container comprises a collapsible fold area associating a base portion with a nestable portion, the collapsible fold area being structured such that a collapsing of collapsible fold area results in disposal of at least a portion of the nestable portion within the base volume. In one embodiment of the method, the method comprises the steps of nestling the collapsed containers with one another for efficient space storage when said collapsed containers are not in use, and releasing a vacuum or applying a force to return a collapsed container to its full or expanded position.

Abstract: A light weight golf bag fabricated from a sheet of low-cost polymer film or sheet is described. Although the bag may weigh as little as one pound, it is strong and durable, and sufficiently sturdy to be freestanding, self-supporting, and to contain golf clubs. Embodiments of the golf bag may readily be assembled and disassembled.

Abstract: A plastic, hot-fillable container and systems and methods thereof. The plastic container has one or more moveable portions each comprised of intersecting grooves. Each of the one or more moveable portions is constructed and operative to move outwardly temporarily without permanently deforming responsive to hot-filling the container with a product. The one or more moveable portions also can be constructed and operative to move inwardly to reduce or remove a portion of an internal vacuum within the filled and capped container.

Abstract: A stackable, passive thermally regulated, knockdown shipping container. The container includes (i) a pair of separate and independent interchangeable end panels, each carrying a detachable panel of fragile thermal insulation, and (ii) a plurality of separate and independent sidewall components each having at least two hingedly interconnected structural panels which carry a detachable panel of fragile thermal insulation. The end panels are each configured and arranged with (a) an external set of projections operable for stably supporting the container on a planar surface, and (b) an external set of depressions. The depressions are configured and arranged such that each projection on the panel, if inverted, would nest within a corresponding depression on the panel upon rotation of the inverted set of projections a defined angular distance about a longitudinal axis of the container relative to the set of depressions.

Abstract: A four-sided, clam-shell-like container is formed from a preformed, rigid U-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped member has a base wall and opposing side walls. The base and side walls and the intersection of the base and side walls are rigid. The base wail has a thickness having a slot is formed therein. The slot extends longitudinally along a length of the base wall and is formed in an inner surface thereof into the thickness of the base wall. The slot defines base wall sections adjacent and connected to one another by a portion of the thickness of the base wail. The base wall portions and the side walls adjacent thereto are foldable inward along the slot so as to form a four-sided, generally rectangular shaped cross-section container such that ends of the side walls are near one another and are foldable outward for stacking and storing the U-shaped members.

Abstract: A collapsing garbage can is shown as a feeder for garbage bags. A five sided design is taught where top and bottom punch out sections secure the top section relative to the bottom section. Top sections of the can to be made of absorbent or recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard while the base is made of a water resistant material so it may be used on a variety of surfaces. The sides of the top and bottom section flex so that it may fold flat and be expanded. The top section may be collapsed down inside the bottom section to reach a bag in the bottom section so when the top section is raised; the bag comes up with the top section.

Abstract: A large container (2) comprising: a base component (3); four circumferentially arranged side walls (4, 8) of which at least one is attached to the base component (3) through at least one hinge and the at least one side wall is thus foldable towards the base component (3); at least one locking device at the foldable side wall (4) for attaching the foldable side wall (4) in folded up condition at least at one side wall (8) which joins the foldable side wall (4), wherein the locking device is arranged in a recess (10) of the foldable side wall (4), wherein the recess is configured so that the locking device is actuatable from inside and outside the large container (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a bottomed tubular bottle including an annular groove which is formed so as to be circumferentially and radially recessed inward along the outer peripheral surface of a body of the bottle with a bottle axis as a center and which contracts and deforms the body in the axial direction of the bottle when the internal pressure is reduced. The annular groove is recessed and formed by a first wall surface arranged on a mouth side of the bottle and a second wall surface arranged on a bottom side of the bottle. The body is formed so that the outer diameter on the bottom side is larger than the outer diameter on the mouth side with the annular groove interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A collapsible container assembly comprising a folding container having at least four walls, with the at least four walls being pivotable relative to each other to allow the folding container to collapse in a parallelogram motion, and an inside cellular structure connected to the at least four walls. The cellular structure comprises a plurality of interconnected panels forming a plurality of cells, with the panels being formed of soft, deformable material. The folding container can be folded with the inside cellular structure therein such that the collapsible container assembly will be substantially flat when the folding container is moved to a collapsed position.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base and a plurality of walls pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base. A first wall includes an opening therethrough. A first door selectively covers the opening through the first wall. In one embodiment, the first door is slidable between an open, retracted position away from the opening and a closed position covering the opening.

Abstract: A foldable water bottle has a base, a folding body and a handle device. The folding body is made of silica gel, is mounted on the base and has a connecting ring, a folding segment and a neck. The folding segment is formed on and protrudes from the connecting ring and has multiple folding rings. The neck is formed on the folding segment and has a spout and two inserting mounts. The handle device is detachably connected to the folding body and has an inserting handle and a lid. The inserting handle is connected securely to the neck and has a handle mount and a grip. The lid is connected to the inserting handle and is used to close an opening top of the neck.

Abstract: An expandable container has a bellows portion within its body that permits the container to change volume as the bellows portion expands or collapses.

Abstract: A collapsible container or reservoir including at least one side wall region (4-7) and a basal wall region or base (8) surrounding a containment region having an upper opening or mouth (10) surrounded by a perimeter flange (9) at the ends of the side walls distal from the basal wall region, the side walls include a region of concertina (14) whereby, upon squeezing or compression of the side walls, the basal wall region of the container is compacted more, relative to the extent of the upper opening. The container can be used for dispensing foods such as pet food, sauces, yoghurt, custard or the like, or other liquids or semi fluid materials such as oil, grease, glue or resin.

Abstract: A collapsible, re-usable container of unitary construction is disclosed. The container is able to be locked into a flat, folded configuration as well as locked into an open, unfolded configuration, and includes a base, two opposing end walls that are pivotably attached to the base, and two opposing side walls, which are pivotably attached to both the base and to the side walls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for unlocking foldable side walls (2 to 5) hinged on the floor (6) of boxes and containers (1), the two opposite end walls (4, 5) thereof being lockable to the adjacent side walls (2, 3) and the unlocking taking place by a lifting motion of a yoke-like adjusting member (13) disposed under spring pretension and guided in recesses of stiffening ribs (11, 12) in the outer surfaces of the end walls (4, 5). The adjusting member (13; 130) is designed having motion-diverting means (16, 17) on the two outside ends thereof, said means diverting vertical motion into a horizontal motion unlocking the side walls when the adjusting member (13) is raised, wherein the unlocking bars (19) of the adjusting member act on spring tab-like locking means (10) of the side walls (4, 5) engaged in the end walls (2, 3) and press them out of engaged seating thereof surrounding the end walls (2, 3).

Abstract: The purpose of the invention is to remove the excess air in an opened, partially used bottle containing effervescent beverages. Further use of the invention can be employed when viscous substances are contained. This is achieved by rotating a base of a bottle that is connected to a tab at the bottom of an inner bladder liner that is contained inside a bottle. The invention shows a bottle system for dispensing and maintaining effervescent beverages fresher for a longer period of time after a bottle has been opened. The bottle also improves the dispensing of thick substances found in many products that have viscous properties. The system offers a more efficient, easy solution for the dispensing of such substances from their containers by employing a collapsible inner bladder liner contained inside a bottle.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; and a collapsible cooler wall extending between and attached to the base and the upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler. The cooler wall includes a flexible elastomeric membrane that includes a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The cooler is transitional between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration by bending of the membrane along the hinge lines. Each configuration is a stable configuration of the cooler. The collapsible cooler wall includes peripheral portions thereof that nest within each other when the collapsible cooler wall is fully collapsed. The collapsible cooler wall tapers in extending from the upper rim.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a drink container of the general size of a single, double, or other size shot glass for drinking liquors and spirits having the aesthetic shape and features of a prophylactic condom. The drink container may be made of a rigid plastic or resilient material, such as silicone rubber. The drink container is formed of side walls extending into a rounded closed basal end, with an opening at the opposite lip end, and can include text or graphic labels on the exterior surface. The resilient drink container is inter-convertible between an extended and collapse conformation, and may be packaged in a flat, square-shaped sealed wrapper.

Abstract: A foldable utility box which includes an upper loop formed in a rectangular shape; a pair of side supports each rotatably connected to two sides of the upper loop facing each other to thereby be in a first state in which they are in parallel with the upper loop or a second state in which they are vertical to the upper loop; and a shell member includes at least one door part so as to approach the pair of side supports and formed to enclose the upper loop and the pair of side supports to thereby be folded in the first state and have a hexahedral shape in the second state.

Abstract: A cooler includes a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; a collapsible cooler wall, extending between and attached to said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler, and including a membrane having a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein the cooler is transitional between an expanded configuration for use of the cooler, and a collapsed configuration during nonuse of the cooler, by bending along the hinge lines, each of the configurations corresponding to a stable configuration of the cooler; and a handle for lifting of the cooler, wherein the handle is attached to the base and is configured for rotational movement relative to the base about a pivot axis.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; and a cooler wall extending between said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler. The cooler wall includes inner and outer collapsible walls that extend from the upper rim. The inner collapsible wall also includes an integral bottom wall. Each collapsible wall includes a flexible elastomeric membrane having hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between collapsed and expanded configurations. The membrane preferably is formed from silicone rubber.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; and a cooler wall extending between said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler. The cooler wall includes inner and outer collapsible walls that extend from the upper rim and a common bottom wall. Each collapsible wall includes a flexible elastomeric membrane having hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between collapsed and expanded configurations. The membrane preferably is formed from silicone rubber.

Abstract: A package (10) comprising a tray component (20) and a hood component (30) containing a plurality of products (40). The tray component comprises a bottom panel (21) and at least two opposed outer side panels (22, 23). The hood component (30) is placed within the tray component (20), comprises a top panel (31) and at least two inner side panels (32, 33), wherein said two inner side panels placed respectively in face to face relation with said two outer side panels of said tray component. When no load is applied on the top panel, a gap (G) separates the products from the top panel, and when a load of 1.50 N/cm2 is applied uniformly on the top panel (31), the inner side panels (32, 33) bend inwardly towards the products (40), so that the inner side panels come in contact with the products without the top panel coming in contact with the products.

Abstract: A collapsible bin is provided. The bin includes a pair of opposing side panels. The bin further includes a pair of opposing end panels. At least one of the end panels has a first plurality of male interlocking members extending outward a first distance along an upper portion of a first side edge, and a second plurality of male interlocking members extending outward a second distance greater than the first distance along a lower portion of its first side edge. At least one of the side panels includes a plurality of female interlocking members along a first side edge for receiving the first and second pluralities of male interlocking members extending along the first side edge of the at least one side panel.

Abstract: A collapsible, portable container having a roof, a base, two foldable end walls and two removable side walls. The end walls and side walls of the container are load bearing elements having a twinned wall structure made of rotomolded plastic. The container is collapsed by removing the side walls and inwardly folding the end walls to draw the roof closer to the base. The load bearing capacity of the end walls and the side walls can be increased by arched indentations formed within the twinned wall structure.

Abstract: A crate is provided with a base, sides, front, and back that form an enclosure. The front includes and opening and a door positioned within the opening in the closed position. The door is hung by hinges, which are associated with uninterrupted rails on the top of the crate. To open the crate, the bottom of the door is swung outward and upward to pivot the door toward the horizontal position on the hinges. Then, the door can be slid into the enclosure along the uninterrupted guides. The door may also include locks that can secure the door in the closed position. Both of the sides or both the front and back can be releasably connected with the top and pivotable into the base. After both sides or both the front and back are pivoted into the base, the remaining walls and top can be pivoted to fold into the base as a unit.

Abstract: An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a base defining a bottom portion of the cooler; an upper rim defining an upper portion of the cooler; and a cooler wall extending between the base and the upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler. The cooler wall includes inner and outer collapsible walls each extending between and being attached to the base and the upper rim. Each collapsible wall includes flexible elastomeric membranes joined together by rigid portions, each membrane including a plurality of hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the collapsible wall is transitional between a respective collapsed configuration and a respective expanded configuration by bending along the hinge lines.

Abstract: Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states.

Abstract: A hot-fill PET container or bottle (10) filling with a liquid at an elevated temperature has a side wall (9) extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (11) and a base (21) in its unfolded or pre-fill position. The panel (11) is transversely oriented and has a decoupling or hinge structure (13), an initiator portion (1) and control portion (5) of a steeply angled inverting conical section between 30 and 45 degrees. The control portion enables the inversion of the panel (11) into the container (10) to compensate for vacuum or reduced pressure induced within the container as the liquid cools down. The base (2) can also have a plurality of reinforcing ribs (3).

Abstract: A uniquely designed “My Bakery Box” container that can be made from a variety of materials including corrugated plastics, plastic, or cardboard with an internal component made of a variety of different materials to include plastics and foams. The insert that holds a plate on which the baked goods sit, eliminates the baked goods from touching the outside of the container. A Significant benefits to the consumer includes being able reach under the baked goods to lift the baked goods out securely with their hands under the plate and not touch the actual baked goods. Another feature is that an ice pack can be placed under the insert to eliminate melting and spoilage. “My Bakery Box” outer box consists of three pieces. The outer box consists of two foldable pieces and a cap lid. The entire unit consists of five pieces that can be folded and stored within the lid.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage container includes a bottle having a flexible sidewall of generally circular cross section, a cap for closing a top opening of the bottle, pairs of coupling elements provided on diametrically opposite portions of the sidewall respectively and configured to be pushed towards each other and couple together, thereby partially collapsing the bottle and expelling a predetermined amount of air therefrom. A method of preserving the taste of carbonated beverage in a container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A foldable box includes a floor having a shaft arranged in a base area of an exterior wall area thereof. A guide opening in the fixed exterior wall area and includes a lateral opening section extending from an outside of the fixed exterior wall area inwards. A cam in the base area includes a cam contour which gets into contact with a contact surface of the exterior wall area. When exceeding a boundary angle the shaft is moved inwards. After exceeding the boundary angle a bottom side of the exterior wall is pressed against an internal edge area of the fixed exterior wall area by a force higher than a force by which the bottom side of the exterior wall in the erected vertical position is pressed against a top side of the fixed exterior wall area by the effect of the shaft or the cam.

Abstract: A casket assembly includes a bottom panel, side panels, end panels, and mechanically strengthening insert. The bottom panel is formed of a pliable material. The side panels are formed intrinsically with the bottom panel. Each side panel includes a lower section and an upper section foldably attached thereto. The lower section extends vertically upward from the bottom panel. In a first configuration, the upper section extends upward from the lower section. In a second configuration, the upper section extends in a direction other than vertically upward from the lower section. The mechanically strengthening insert is disposed at least in part adjacent the lower section of at least one side panel. The end panels are formed intrinsically with the bottom panel.

Abstract: A flexible container includes a container body and a flexible cover. The container body defines an interior volume and includes a side wall that defines an opening. The opening is configured to receive a bulk material therethrough such that the bulk material can be disposed within an interior volume of the container body. The flexible cover can be coupled to the side wall about the opening. The cover is configured to fluidically isolate the interior volume from a volume substantially outside of the flexible container.

Abstract: In combination with a collapsible container with a dimension that varies as the container collapses from a full position to an empty position, the bottle cover with a sight opening for viewing of indicia on the bottle to provide an indication as to the extent the bottle is full or empty.