Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible container which is movable from a collapsed position having a reduced volume for storage and transport and an expanded position having dimensional rigidity and securely holding the contents of the container. The collapsible container has a plurality of outer wall segments having a side wall with a first and second edge, the outer wall segments being movable from a collapsed position wherein the plurality of outer wall segments are stacked within each other such that the height of the collapsed container is similar to the height of the individual outer wall segments and an expanded position for use of the collapsible container. The outer wall segments are provided with releasable locking means whereby the outer wall segments may be locked one to another in the expanded position and being releasable to allow for the collapsible container to be moved to the collapsed position.

Abstract: A container has: a) a collapsible receptacle, the wall of which is designed flexibly such that the internal volume of the receptacle is adapted to the volume of a liquid contained therein, and which has an outlet with an outlet valve; and b) in the receptacle a disinfectant composition in the form of a solution with a content of aliphatic alcohol of at most 20% by weight. It is possible that the disinfectant composition is not contaminated with spores or other germs also after the container has been opened, even upon repeated discharge from the container.

Abstract: A laterally expandable receptacle wherein a greater volume of items, such as trash, linen, laundry, recyclables, grain, and the like, may be contained as compared to conventional receptacles. Side walls and/or corners of the receptacle may comprise resilient expansion means allowing for beneficial lateral displacement. The resilient expansion means may be selected from a variety of structures including, at least one pleat, an accordion configuration, at least one slit, at least one aperture, an expandable material, an expandable material covering at least one aperture, flexible cords, and all legal equivalents thereof. The receptacle of the present invention may further comprise a pressure release means to eliminate a vacuum seal from forming between the receptacle and an optional replaceable liner therein. The receptacle of the present invention may still further comprise a stabilization means for providing a necessary stabilizing force against the receptacle during liner removal.

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 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 gardener's waste can includes a frusto-conical container having a flexible sidewall, a closed bottom end and an open top end defining a circular rim. An arcuate hinge is formed in the sidewall of the container. The hinge has opposite ends respectively intersecting the rim of the container and is arranged such that, when the sidewall of the container is laid against the ground, a hinged portion of the sidewall connected to the hinge and disposed between the two ends thereof swings inwardly into the container and lies generally flat against the ground so that leaves, cuttings on the ground are easily swept over the flat portion of the container sidewall and into the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible drum for transporting materials. The present invention solves problems associated with reusing and efficiently transporting shipping containers designed for retaining bulk materials, including hazardous substances, and insuring reliable structural integrity with every use. The collapsible drum of the present invention is adapted for integration with standard handling equipment, and has a permanently secured, collapsible drum floor and fluted sidewalls that enable an operator to collapse and roll the empty drum into a compact tube.

Abstract: A semi-collapsible container has a hollow body with support and collapsible portions, and can be maintained in a collapsed or an expanded condition. The container is useful for storing liquid, and is especially adapted in its collapsed condition for storing relatively small volumes of concentrated liquid, powders or the like, and in its expanded condition for containing larger volumes of liquid. Via a dispenser in the container, a closure assembly is coupled to the container for securing the contents thereof from leakage.

Abstract: A semi-collapsible container has a hollow body with support and collapsible portions, and can be maintained in a collapsed or an expanded condition. The container is useful for storing liquid, and is especially adapted in its collapsed condition for storing relatively small volumes of concentrated liquid, powders or the like, and in its expanded condition for containing larger volumes of liquid. Via a dispenser in the container, a closure assembly is coupled to the container for securing the contents thereof from leakage.

Abstract: A semi-collapsible container has a hollow body with support and collapsible portions, and can be maintained in a collapsed or an expanded condition. The container is useful for storing liquid, and is especially adapted in its collapsed condition for storing relatively small volumes of concentrated liquid, powders or the like, and in its expanded condition for containing larger volumes of liquid. Via a dispenser in the container, a closure assembly is coupled to the container for securing the contents thereof from leakage.

Abstract: A semi-collapsible container has a hollow body with support and collapsible portions, and can be maintained in a collapsed or an expanded condition. The container is useful for storing liquid, and is especially adapted in its collapsed condition for storing relatively small volumes of concentrated liquid, powders or the like, and in its expanded condition for containing larger volumes of liquid. Via a dispenser in the container, a closure assembly is coupled to the container for securing the contents thereof from leakage.

Abstract: A foldable water tank includes a foldable receptacle having a bottom wall and vertical sidewalls; and a folding frame to support the sidewalls in an upright position. The frame has first, second, third and fourth upper rails joined end-to-end. The frame has a folded position wherein the upper rails are adjacent to each other. First hinges disposed at end portions of said upper rails pivotably connect the upper rails. The second and fourth rails each includes first and second sections having adjacent end portions. Second hinges connect the adjacent end portions to allow the second and fourth rails to fold inwardly to be disposed between the first and third rails in the folded position. The second hinges each includes a shield to cover the adjacent end portions thereby to protect a user's hand from being pinched by the adjacent end portions during unfolding or folding of the frame.

Abstract: A bulk product supply and charging system is described, as well as the main and distinctive parts thereof. The system requires a refillable container, to be filled with a bulk product by the system user at least once; a bulk product delivery device, to provide product into the refillable container; and, an information recording device to charge the bulk product. The container is identified by a delivery device to authorize the product supply in the amount determined by the user. The container may comprise a user identification means to correlate the system user to other recorded products in the charging information recording device at the same time the bulk product payment is carried out, in order to issue commercial promotional vouchers for the user.

Abstract: A container (1) for the storage and transport of waste electrical and/or electronic equipment has at least one tray (17) provided with an array (24) of upwardly projecting resilient locating portions. The tray receives relatively small waste equipment such as electric lamps, mobile telephones or the like in a number of different orientations in which the items will occupy spaces between the locating portions and will be gripped by the locating portions.

Abstract: A foldable portable container is described. The container end walls are hinged to the floor of the container and are attached to the roof by a hinged slide mechanism whereby vertical displacement of the roof causes the simultaneous folding or unfolding of the opposing container end walls.

Abstract: A collapsible vase has a sleeve having an open state in which at least one item can be placed in the sleeve and a flattened state for storage during non-use of the vase. The sleeve has a flap at one end of each side panel of the sleeve. The vase also has a base with slots arranged to securely receive respective flaps when the sleeve is in its open state, whereby the sleeve is retained by the base in a substantially upright position.

Abstract: A plastic container that is adapted for adjustment to internal volumetric changes such as those that typically occur during the hot fill process includes a container body defining an internal space. The container body has a sidewall that is shaped to define at least one flexible panel. The flexible panel has a central longitudinal axis, an upper portion, a lower portion and a central portion. The central portion of the flexible panel has a width that is greater than a respective width of at least one of the upper and lower portions. The flexible panel is substantially flat as viewed in a longitudinal cross-section taken along the central longitudinal axis. Additionally, the central portion has a transverse radius of curvature that is greater than a transverse radius of curvature of at least one of the upper portion and said lower portion.

Abstract: A collapsible container, which maximizes the collapsed height to non-collapsed storage volume ratio, includes four vertical side assemblies, a base member and a top support frame. The base member defines a footprint of “x” length and “y” width. In the collapsed state, the vertical height of the container assembly is equivalent to five thicknesses of the base and in the non-collapsed state, the vertical height is equal to the shorter of “x” and “y.” A collapsible container is further provided in which, in the collapsed condition, all side walls and the top overlie the base and two opposed side walls are folded.

Abstract: An improved stripping basket for fly fishing is disclosed. The stripping basket is easily compacted for stowing while on board a boat, or for packing the stripping basket in a suitcase for travel to a fishing destination. The basket comprises multiple removable line separators and drainage holes in a base plate. The base plate folds towards the front wall of the stripping basket. The front wall has multiple slits that correspond to the arrangement of the line separators. With the line separators still attached to the base plate, the stripping basket can be quickly unfolded for use. This is convenient when on board a boat, awaiting a turn to fish. For longer term storage, such when packing in a suitcase for travel, the line separators can be removed for maximum portability.

Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. The front wall includes an upper section pivotable relative to a lower section. At least one of the adjacent edges of the upper section and the lower section is contoured away from the other when the upper section is in the closed position. The contoured edge provides improved access to the interior of the container when the upper section is in the retracted position.

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) a cooler wall defining an interior storage space of the cooler, the cooler wall including an inner collapsible wall and an outer collapsible wall each comprising 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 respective collapsed configuration and a respective expanded configuration by bending of the membrane along the hinge lines, each of the configurations corresponding to a stable configuration of the cooler; and (b) a bottom wall to which the collapsible inner and outer walls are joined and from which the collapsible inner and outer walls extend. The inner and outer collapsible walls define an intermediate space therebetween for insulating the interior storage space from an exterior of the cooler.

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: 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; a collapsible cooler wall extending between and attached to said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler, the cooler wall including a flexible elastomeric membrane that includes hinge lines at which the membrane is configured to bend such that the membrane is transitional between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration; and one or more bracket members selectively positionable to extend between and interconnect the base and the upper rim for conveying tensional forces between the base and the upper rim upon lifting of the cooler from a location above the cooler wall. The rim preferably includes one or more handles for lifting of the cooler.

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; a collapsible cooler wall extending between and attached to said base and said upper rim and surrounding an interior storage space of the cooler, the cooler wall comprising 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; and a drain conduit comprising a passageway providing fluid communication between an exterior of the cooler and the interior storage space or the intermediate space. 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 configuration corresponding to a stable configuration of the cooler.

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: An expandable and collapsible cooler includes: a cooler wall defining an interior storage space of the cooler, the cooler wall comprising an inner collapsible wall and an outer collapsible wall; and a bottom wall to which the collapsible inner and outer walls are joined and from which the collapsible inner and outer walls extend. The inner and outer collapsible walls define an intermediate space therebetween. Each collapsible wall includes flexible elastomeric membranes joined together by rigid portions, each membrane including 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. Each configuration corresponds to a stable configuration of the cooler.

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 said base and said 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 of the cooler wall along the hinge lines. Each configuration is a stable. The membrane includes an outer surface located on the exterior of the cooler and an inner surface located in the interior storage space of the cooler.

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: The invention comprises a basic frame for a holder for products, comprising of a first beam, fitted with at least a first support, to support the first beam on a basis, a second beam fitted with at least a second support, to support the second beam on the basis, and with the first beam linked at variable distances by at least a spacer, for the parallel positioning of the beams mainly distanced from each other at least in an unfolded position of the basic frame, as well as an arm stretched out in the direction of the second beam for a third support, linked to the first beam, for the support of the basic frame on the basis at a distance of at least a collapsed state of the basic frame from the first beam.

Abstract: A beverage container that is prevented from tipping is provided. The beverage container includes a main unit configured to contain liquid therein, the main unit having a front surface, a bottom end, and a fall-stopping surface formed on the front surface of the main unit, the fall-stopping surface being located at a predetermined position in a range of 20 mm to 70 mm from the bottom end, the fall-stopping surface being located at a position in a front-to-back direction the same as or in front of a surface below the fall-stopping surface.

Abstract: A foldable portable container provided with an integral mechanical mechanism for folding or unfolding the container is described. The integral mechanical drive mechanism is utilized to simultaneously angularly displace the opposing container end walls and the container roof attached thereto to fold or unfold the portable container.

Abstract: A container for handling bulk material comprising a sheet (2) of material defining a base panel (3) and a plurality of side wall panels (4,5,6,7) separated from the base panel by a plurality of fold lines, said sheet being foldable about said fold lines into an erected configuration wherein said side wall panels extend upwardly from said base panel to define an open topped receptacle for holding bulk material, an external framework (20) being provided for supporting the sheet in its erected configuration, said sheet being collapsible to a collapsed configuration to facilitate emptying of said receptacle.

Abstract: A bellows design collapsible polymeric storage tube. The device incorporates separate flexible plastic disks as segregating spacers that are dropped inside the device creating separate spaces for a plurality of items. The spacers lock into the widest part of the bellows securing them in place. The disks are printable/markable for promotional/informative media and labeling. In a first instance of the bellows receptacle, the collapsible bellows tube consists of two threaded ends and two threaded lids. The lids pop open and have their own separate space(s) that also uses a disk to create a separate segregated compartment. When a lid is empty the top of the lid collapses in upon itself thus saving space when the lid is empty and packed away, likewise the body of the tube collapses and expands as it is filled or emptied of the contents inside in order to save space when it is packed away.

Abstract: A container exhibiting superior resistance to unwanted or uncontrolled sidewall deformation has plurality of vacuum responsive panels, generally uniformly spaced around the sidewall periphery, including a panel surface portion radially inset from the sidewall. A post or land is provided between each nearest neighbor pair of vacuum panels, the posts having upper and lower ends joined together upper and lower sidewall edge portions. A margin is located at least at the upper and lower edges of each vacuum panel and extending between the panel surface and the sidewall. At least one of the upper and lower margins of each vacuum responsive panel includes an axially offset portion, which in response to decreasing pressure focuses any initial deflection of the panel surface to that portion of the panel contiguous to the axial offset portion.

Abstract: Containers provide for portability and ease of handling by being constructed of pliable materials such as various polymers and having additional features. The containers may have biasing members such as tension poles to hold the containers in an upright and open top position and/or may have sleeves that can be engaged by a forklift for dumping of the container by a conventional forklift equipped garbage truck. The containers may include additional features such as loops along a top edge to allow grasping of the loops by a lift and loops along a bottom edge to allow dragging of the container such as onto a flatbed hauler. Additional features may include a top cover that can be pulled over the open top and secured such as by a fastener.

Abstract: A plastic bottle that can easily be collapsed after used is provided. The plastic bottle has a body portion that is depressed internally by applying external force, and a depressible portion formed on a circumferential wall of the body portion to protrude externally. The depressible portion is depressed internally by applying external force. Plural depressible portions and plural depression-resistant portions may be formed alternately on the circumferential wall of the body portion in the circumferential direction of the body portion.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of wall panels. Each wall panel is connected to each adjacent wall panel at a hinged connection, and the wall panels are arranged so as to articulate at the hinged connections between a collapsed position and an expanded position defining a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The collapsible container further includes a deformed portion on a side wall disposed across a hinged connection. The deformed portion projects toward an exterior of the collapsible container to releasably lock the hinged connection in a convexly bowed position when the collapsible container is in the expanded position.

Abstract: A collapsible liquid storage tank for use in a freight container for selectively carrying solid freight and bulk liquid freight includes a substantially rigid gantry having a plurality of support posts, a first frame, a second frame suspended from the gantry, a substantially inelastic flexible fabric container having sidewalls connected between the first frame and the second frame, a water impermeable elastic bladder disposed within the fabric container, and a hoist coupled between the gantry and the second frame for lifting the second frame towards the first frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible container that presents the environmentally aware user with a reward on crushing. The invention further provides collapsible containers with a locking means to retain the container in a substantially crushed configuration.

Abstract: A collapsible container according to the present invention comprises a plurality of side panels and a floor panel forming an enclosure having an open top. Each side panel comprises a flexible frame, a web of material, and an edging material. At least one of the panel frames comprises a discontinuous loop. The edging envelops the frame and is coupled to the periphery of the web. One or more handles may be attached to the container or formed within one or more of the side panels. A method of making and collapsing the container is also disclosed.

Abstract: Platform-type container that has different configurations and is adaptable during the stages of loading objects into said container, transporting said objects and returning and/or storing said empty container.

Abstract: A collapsible pan includes a base portion, a plurality of side portions, and a flexible connector for connecting each of the side portions to the base portion along edges thereof. Each of the plurality of side portions is configured to be pivotable relative to the base portion, thereby permitting adjustment between a use configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side portions is arranged generally upright relative to the base portion, and a collapsed configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side portions is arranged to lay generally flat relative to the base portion.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing a dead volume of a microfluidic circuit that includes, in one embodiment, a reservoir, an outlet, and a microfluidic flowpath fluidly connecting the reservoir and the outlet. The method includes providing a variable-volume fluid chamber between the reservoir and the outlet for performing a function and in fluidic communication with the microfluidic flowpath, wherein the variable-volume fluid chamber includes a total volume including a working volume and a dead volume. The working volume is a volume necessary for the variable-volume fluid chamber to perform the function and the dead volume is a volume unnecessary for the variable-volume fluid chamber to perform the function. The method includes configuring the variable-volume fluid chamber to reduce the dead volume, such that the working volume of the component is substantially the same as the total volume.

Abstract: A detachable bamboo material-based storage container includes two side panels each having a substantially rectangular open frame made of bamboo and multiple bamboo slats transversely mounted in the rectangular open frame, a bottom panel detachably coupled between the two side panels by means of a tenon-and-mortise joint, a -shaped bamboo frame bar inserted through one side panel and forced into engagement with the other side panel and used as a handle of the storage container, multiple bamboo rod members detachably connected between the two side panels by means of a plug joint, and pins bilaterally vertically inserted through respective vertical through holes on the bamboo rod members and the -shaped bamboo frame bar and fitted into respective pinholes on the bottom panel.

Abstract: A storage container for paint roller sleeve includes a set of flutes on at least two opposing sides of an interior surface of said cylinder for stabilizing a roller cover in place from rattling inside of the housing and for holding said roller cover in place when extracting a roller frame from said roller cover. Each set of flutes includes three interior flutes that located between said two exterior flutes. The interior flutes include a middle flute that is set back a distance from the other two interior flutes so that when the exterior surface of the container is pressed inward said middle interior flute cuts into a paint roller sleeve housed within the container and the other two interior flutes bend outward around a nap of said roller sleeve to better hold said roller sleeve in place when a roller frame is being extracted from said roller sleeve.

Abstract: A collapsible baby bottle for reducing air-intake during feeding operations includes a body formed from disposable material, a plurality of linear ridges concentrically spanning across a non-uniform circumference thereof, and a coupling threadably attached directly to a top opening of the body. The apparatus further includes a nipple removably attached directly to the coupling, a cap removably affixed directly to the coupling for protecting the nipple from undesirable foreign debris and fluids, and a mechanism for preventing formation of powder formula lumps when mixing the powder formula and water within the body so that a homogenous mixture of the powder formula and the water is obtained. The apparatus further includes a strap tethered directly to the coupling and spaced from the body and the nipple respectively, and a barcode removably affixed directly to a bottom surface of the body for identifying nutritional information about the powder formula.

Abstract: A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. The base includes projections downwardly from each corner of the base for interlocking with a larger container stacked thereunder.

Abstract: A collapsible, soft-sided, insulated cooler or other container having a top, a sidewall having a sidewall top connected to the rim of the top and a bottom connected at a sidewall bottom, opposite the top. The top includes a zipper or other closure that extends from a first point to a second point on the rim of the top in a line along a radial segment, traversing a central region of the top. The sidewall comprises an inner layer, an outer shell and an insulating material disposed therebetween. The sidewall further includes a spring wire that extends between the bottom and top of the container that biases the cooler to a fully expanded configuration for use and that is compressible for storage by pressing down on the top.

Abstract: A flexible fluid storage system for holding large volumes of fluid and a process and apparatus for the handling and transportation of the flexible storage system is provided. The flexible storage system includes a main storage bag with an attachment apron with fingers, a ground sheet, a lay flat tube for fluid circulation, a pressure release port, and fill/drain ports. The flexible storage system is configured for attachment to a trailer and reel system such that the flexible storage system can be mechanically rolled onto or off of a reel on a semi-truck trailer bed for easy transportation, deployment, and storage of the flexible storage system.