Abstract: A collapsible container which includes a rectangular bottom wall and sidewalls pivotally joined to respective outer edges of the bottom wall and is changeable between an assembled state in which the sidewalls are raised from the bottom wall and a folded state in which the sidewalls are folded to be superimposed on the bottom wall comprises a pair of band plate members extending along upper edges of a pair of first sidewalls opposed to each other and a band plate hinge mechanism joining the band plate members near to top surfaces of the first sidewalls so that the band plate members are pivotable between a horizontal posture of protruding from the first sidewalls horizontally inward and a rising posture of rising from the first sidewalls vertically upward. The band plate hinge mechanism is capable of positioning the band plate members in the horizontal posture. The band plate members assuming the horizontal posture are arranged as displaced lower relative to the top surfaces of the first sidewalls.

Abstract: A collapsible bottle having at least two independent compartments each connected to provide communication with each other and, preferably, with a non-collapsible channelway leading to an outlet opening for the bottle.

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: 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.

Abstract: A reusable container for frozen goods, and a method of reusably containing ice pops, are disclosed. The reusable container includes at least two telescoping casings having at least an outermost casing that includes an uppermost portion and an innermost casing that includes a lowermost portion, wherein each casing has therein at least one cavity suitably sized for insertion of at least one frozen good into the cavity, and at least one liquid coolant within at least one of the casings. The method includes the steps of telescoping upward at least two telescoping cases to accommodate at least one ice pop, placing the at least one ice pop within the telescoped ones of the at least two telescoping cases, wherein, upon placement of the ice pop within the telescoped ones, the ice pop is at least partially surrounded by a frozen liquid coolant.

Abstract: An extendable container including a container body and a sheet, the container body having a bottom part, a bellows barrel part extendable in a height direction, and a top part having an openable cover, the sheet being wrapped around the outer circumference of the container body to secure the container body, wherein the bellows barrel part includes ring portions, each having a predetermined width and trough portions, the ring portions including projections arranged thereon, and wherein the sheet includes locking holes at positions in alignment with the projections of the ring portion such that the locking holes receive the respective projections when the sheet is wrapped around the bellows barrel part.

Abstract: A collapsible enclosure for protecting food from pests and debris comprises in one configuration at least two flexible structural beams, a cover having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least one opening and at least one flap attached above the opening. The flap is substantially larger in length and width than the opening and has ballast along its base to hold it flush against the at least one opening. In another configuration the collapsible protective food enclosure comprises three or more resilient structural frame loops, a cover having at least one opening and a flap. The structural frame loops are affixed within the cover forming walls. The flap is attached above the opening and has a resilient structural frame loop affixed along its perimeter to allow the flap to fit flush against the at least one opening.

Abstract: A container has a body constructed by a front panel, a rear panel, a top panel, two side panels and a bottom panel. An opening is defined in the top panel and is closed by a cap. Each one of the front, rear and top panels has a thickness larger than that of each one of the side and bottom panels. The top panel has a top folding groove defined in the top panel along a direction perpendicular to the side panels. The bottom panel has a bottom reinforced rib having a bottom folding groove defined in the bottom reinforced rib and parallel with the top folding groove in the top panel. Accordingly, the container that is easily collapsible and recycled.

Abstract: Collapsible bottles and methods of using the collapsible bottles are provided. In an embodiment, the collapsible bottle comprises a top panel having a neck, a middle panel foldable along a fold between the top panel and the middle panel, and a bottom panel comprising a bottom surface defining a molded recess so constructed and arranged for receiving a neck of a second bottle within the molded recess. The bottom panel is foldable along a fold between the middle panel and the bottom panel. The bottle is foldable into a collapsed position wherein the top panel folds into the middle panel and the middle panel folds into the bottom panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat molded, plastic, closable, collapsible container (“Container”). Currently, heat molded containers are used to hold liquids and solids such as laundry detergent and kitty litter. Heat molded, plastic containers are often manufactured at one location and transported to another location to be filled. The cost of shipping may be calculated on a space occupied basis. The present invention will reduce the cost of shipping because the Container can be compressed prior to shipping thereby occupying a smaller space. Additionally, the present invention can be collapsed as the product inside is used to save storage space or after the product inside is consumed so that the discarded Container occupies less volume in the home or commercial recycle bin.

Abstract: A portable cooler assembly includes sidewalls connected by a bottom wall. The sidewalls and bottom wall collectively define an interior space. A rim is attached to a top of the collapsible side walls, and a lid is supported on the rim and encloses the interior space. A base defines a container receiving recess within which the bottom wall is received and supported. A drain conduit defines a passageway in fluid communication with a lower portion of the interior space. When the portable cooler assembly is in a first configuration, the collapsible sidewalls extend outwardly from the container receiving recess. When the portable cooler assembly is in a second configuration, the collapsible sidewalls are completely received within the container receiving recess in a collapsed condition, and an outer peripheral edge portion of the rim is at least partially received within the container receiving recess.

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: An internal baffle apparatus for use within tanks, in particular flexible tanks, for liquids for dampening surges of liquid, and tanks having such baffle apparatus, wherein the baffle apparatus comprising a plurality of panel members connected along a connection line that defines an axis wherein said panel members extend radially from the axis such that each panel member is oriented in a radial plane, and each panel member having a bottom edge, a top edge portion and a remote edge opposite the axis, wherein the bottom edge of each panel includes first connector means operable for connecting the bottom edge at a plurality of connection points to the bottom wall of the tank, and the top edge portion includes second connector means located remote from the axis that are operable to connect the top edge portion to an upper part of the tank.

Abstract: Reconfigurable containers which may adopt two stable configurations are described. In the first configuration, the container is suitable for the storing and transport of goods. When in a second, collapsed configuration, the container occupies a lesser volume than the first configuration and thus requires less shipping space. This is accomplished through the use of at least one deformable active material member that is preferably a shape memory polymer and, optionally, releasable fasteners.

Abstract: A container for shipping, displaying and selling items, such as flower bulbs, includes a base to which four walls are hingeably connected, such that the walls can be collapsed onto the base. A front wall is a substantially open frame, providing access to the interior of the container. A rear wall, opposite the front wall, is hingeably connected to the base. The front wall and rear wall are latchable to a pair of opposed side walls, which are also hingeably attached to the base.

Abstract: A collapsible container having a sealed bottom and a sealable top. The sealable top having a peelable ring peelably adhering to a top ring. The top ring affixed to the container top at a perimeter. The peelable ring removable allowing a top lid to be affixed to the adhesive at the top ring. The adhesive containing a pleasant fragrance. The expanded container receiving a soiled diaper.

Abstract: A collapsible container which is adapted to move between a collapsed position and a deployed position, the container including: a housing in the form of a plurality of walls which in the deployed position are spaced-apart from one another to form a chamber; and a hinge assembly which is connected to a first wall and a second wall so as to provide rotation of the second wall about two or more discrete or continuous spaced-apart axes so as to provide an articulating second wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible liner and bag-in-box container system comprising a collapsible container having a liner attached to the collapsible container, such that when the container is expanded from a collapsed state, the attached liner similarly expands. When the collapsible container is expanded, the liner may expand to substantially conform to the shape of the collapsible container. The liner may further comprise a filler fitting for receiving contents for filling the liner. The filler fitting may comprise one or more annular rings adapted to secure the filler fitting of the liner to an opening in the collapsible container. The collapsible container may be made of corrugated fiberboard. The collapsible container may further include tape having two adhesive sides for securing the collapsible container in an expanded state.

Abstract: A collapsible storage system attachable to an exterior or an interior of an automobile. The storage system may include a front primary panel pivotally connected to a central primary panel at one end of the central primary panel, and a rear primary panel pivotally connected to the central primary panel at an opposite end of the central primary panel. The front, rear and/or central primary panels may include pivotally connected secondary side panels. The front and rear primary panels may be pivotally movable relative to the central primary panel and the secondary side panels may be pivotally movable laterally relative to the front, rear and/or central primary panels in predetermined directions to place the storage system in an assembled configuration, and may be movable in predetermined opposite directions to place the storage system in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A container of a collapsible type for liquid contents, comprising a compartment (4) which is defined by two opposite side walls (2) and a bottom wall (3) and whose volume depends on the relative position of the walls (2, 3). The container comprises a product-enclosing portion (19) which is formed by said walls (2, 3) and which in a filled state of the container extends from said bottom wall (3) to a surface level (20) of the contents held in the container. The product-enclosing portion (19) is arranged to be expanded by said contents to essentially assume the shape of a truncated cone (21) with its narrow end facing away from said bottom wall (3).

Abstract: A portable cooler assembly comprises a base and a collapsible container defining a cooler. The collapsible container includes collapsible walls. The base defines a container receiving recess within which a bottom portion of the collapsible container is received, whereby the collapsible container is removably coupled to the base. When the portable cooler assembly is in a first configuration, the collapsible walls extend outwardly from the container receiving space. When the portable cooler assembly is in a second configuration, the collapsible walls are completely received within the container receiving space in a collapsed condition.

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 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, yogurt, custard or the like, or other liquids or semi fluid materials such as oil, grease, glue or resin.

Abstract: The invention comprises a dish that can be folded to a compact size for use when camping or traveling. The dish is preferably folded along a central axis via living hinges that allow the dish to be collapsed and held in a collapsed position by snaps or other fasteners. In use, the dish is unfolded and formed into a stable position.

Abstract: This is a device, which will allow the storage of laundry in the upright position but also allow the device to be stowed easily when not storing laundry. Because of the ability of the device to be compressed, stowage is easily accomplished. Handles are provided on the top surface of the hamper for ease of storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic substantially tubular package for a semi-liquid or pasty extractable by a finger pressure product comprising a skirt, a head and optionally a cap, wherein said skirt is formed from a wound foil and is provided with a longitudinal weld seam formed by the overlapping of the edges thereof and the head is fixed to the circumference of the skirt end and forms an oval cross-section at the level of the skirt fixing area. The inventive package is characterised in that the end of the longitudinal weld seam contacting the head is located in or near an area where the radius of curvature of the oval cross-section is minimal.

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. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing and removing construction debris at a construction site. The apparatus comprises a base having low side walls and side boards mated therewith to form a construction debris container. The base is preferably molded plastic having collapsible side board stabilizers molded therein. The side boards are preferably conventional sheets of plywood. In the preferred embodiment, the base is delivered to a construction site and the side boards are disposed inside the side walls and secured together with a joiner to form a substantially rigid construction debris container. Once the container is filled with construction debris, the debris is removed from the container using relatively lightweight equipment such as a grapple. The construction debris container is then disassembled and removed from the construction site.

Abstract: A trash container assembly includes a trash receptacle movable between collapsed and expanded positions; and a seat mount for mounting the receptacle on the back of a seat assembly, usually within a vehicle such as an car. Typically, the receptacle includes an accordion type or other collapsible wall and a pair of rigid walls connected to the collapsible wall. A liquid-impermeable trash bag is disposed within the receptacle. A lid is connected to the receptacle and a compartment for pre-moistened wipes or the like is mounted on the lid. The lid and compartment may be positioned atop the receptacle in the expanded position and beside the compartment in the collapsed position. A sidewall of the receptacle may define a recess for receiving the compartment in the collapsed position. The seat mount may include one or more straps for looping around a headrest and the back of the seat assembly.

Abstract: A modular fluid containment system formed of a plurality of fluid containment units and interconnecting channels. The containment units and channels may be comprised of panel units made of flexible non-porous material. The system includes brace members along selected edges of the containment units and panel units which are operative between an operative position in which the edges of the flexible material forming the containment units and panel units are held in an upright position forming side walls defining a containment or channel area and an inoperative position in which the flexible material is allowed to lie along a single plane in flat or folded condition. Connectors are provided along selected edges of the panel units to interconnect the panel units into desired configurations forming the containment system of desired shape and size.

Abstract: The combination of a container for flowable material and at least one restrictor assembly. The container has a peripheral wall bounding a storage space into which flowable material can be introduced and in which flowable material can be confined. The storage space has a volume and is reconfigurable to thereby vary the volume. The at least one restrictor assembly cooperates with the container to control reconfiguring of the peripheral wall.

Abstract: A kit for assembling a portable container at a point of use comprises a base of a predetermined length, a plurality of posts sized and adapted to fit into predetermined sockets located on the base, a back frame configured to prevent wracking of the portable container, a door sized and adapted to fit between two adjacent posts, a roof frame sized and adapted to maintain the plurality of posts in a substantially perpendicular position relative to the base, a plurality of panels sized and adapted to fit upright between two adjacent posts, means for enabling lifting the portable container, and a plurality of fasteners. Typically, each of the plurality of fasteners is sized and adapted to fasten at least one of inside the portable container and under the portable container.

Abstract: A container includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes a shoulder that extends away from a neck of the container, and a grip portion. The grip portion defines an integral logo portion and is recessed within the top portion of the container. A waist or groove is provided on adjacent lateral sides of the grip portion and may include a lateral stiffening rib. The bottom portion of the container includes a plurality of vacuum panels that accommodate for internal forces tending to cause collapse of the vacuum panels during a hot-fill process. Any portion of the internal forces not accommodated by the vacuum panels in the bottom portion of the container is accommodated by an auxiliary vacuum panel, which is provided in the grip portion of the container.

Abstract: A folding container has a base, side support tubes upstanding from the corners of the base, and side panels located between the side support tubes and arranged to bound a storage space. Pivots are arranged to pivotally mount the side panels onto the side support tubes. The pivot for each side panel is disposed in a different horizontal plane to that of any other panel, such that when the container is in a folded state the side panels lie stacked substantially parallel to the base, and when in an unfolded state the side panels are substantially orthogonal to the base.

Abstract: A flexible hot fill container includes a body having a label portion and a flex portion. The flex portion includes flex panels and support structure fields. Both the support structure fields and flex panels deform inwardly upon vacuum conditions. Recess sidewalls in the flex panels provide support.

Abstract: A case for heated appliances. There is a sheath member, a restraining system, and a clip. The sheath member is a single molded piece and includes first and second cradle members and an accordion member coupled to the side edges of the cradle members, thereby forming an enclosure having an opening. The accordion member has a U-shaped cross-section. The restraining system is elongated and is coupled to the sheath by a protruding member through apertures in the restraining system. There is a restraining mode wherein the restraining system compresses the accordion member therebetween. The clip is disposed near an opposite end of the sheath from the restraining system and receives a cord to keep the cord wound about the sheath.

Abstract: A plastic container is provided. The plastic container has a substantially cylindrical sidewall, a base attached to a lower portion of the sidewall, a finish attached to an upper portion of the sidewall, and a vacuum panel located in the sidewall. The container also has a raised island protruding from the vacuum panel and surrounded by the vacuum panel, cross sectional areas of the island being defined as areas in horizontal planes of the container. The island has an upper portion, a middle portion adjacent to the upper portion, and a lower portion adjacent to the middle portion. A cross sectional area of the middle portion is less than a cross sectional area of the upper portion and less than a cross sectional area of the lower portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bin for storing a volume of waste that can be reduced by compaction. The bin includes an apparatus for reducing the pressure exerted in the volume of the bin, under the effect of a vacuum, and ensures that the waste is compacted. The bin includes a tight deformable enclosure in which the waste is collected, optionally contained in a disposable bag, and the tight deformable enclosure includes at least one lateral wall consisting of an assembly of rigid plates or segments (2) which are articulated in relation to each other in such a way as to form a deformable apron that subjects the waste to a compression force between the lateral deformable apron wall and the opposite wall, under the effect of the vacuum being exerted in the enclosure, one of the sides of said enclosure being open for introducing waste, and provided with a tight cover (6).

Abstract: Collapsible structures are provided that have an enclosed interior space that can be used to hold and contain water or other matter. The interior space is defined by an enclosing wall and a base that are both waterproof to prevent leakage of the water or matter contained in the interior space. None, one or more foldable frame members can be provided as part of the enclosing wall and the base, or a foldable frame member can be provided as part of a rim member. The frame members allow the resulting structure to be twisted and folded to reduce the overall size of the structure.

Abstract: A polymer container suitable for hot-filling featuring a pinch-grip vacuum panel combination having a flexible-field and a generally ridged pinch-grip that accommodates vacuum related forces.

Abstract: A bottle-shaped synthetic resin container (1) includes a body portion (3), and a circumferential groove (10) extending along an outer surface of the body portion (3). The circumferential groove (10) is defined by a groove bottom wall (11) and groove side walls (12a, 12b) extending from the groove bottom (11) to the outer surface of the body portion (3). At least one of the groove side walls (12a, 12b) extends substantially linearly, as seen in a longitudinal-sectional plane including a center axis (A) of the body portion (3), and forms an angle (?, ?) of not more than 20° relative to a reference line (L) perpendicular to the center axis (A) of the body portion (3) in the longitudinal-sectional plane of the container (1).

Abstract: A molded polymeric container generally symmetric about a vertical axis includes at least two rows of panels disposed circumferentially around the body, the panels having central portions that are sufficiently flexible to be dimensionally responsive to changes in pressure within the container. At least one row of the panels has a margin having a horizontal width exceeding the vertical height, thus being laterally elongate with a height/width aspect ratio of less than one. The pressure responsive central portion of each laterally elongate panel is a smooth outwardly projecting dome from a peripheral root of a generally radially projecting wall defining the margins of circumferential rings and posts separating the panels. The outwardly projection domes of the laterally elongate panels can have a variety of shapes.

Abstract: A sprayer with a changeable volume includes a container, a pump, a first pipe, a second pipe and a nozzle. The container includes an upper wall and a lower wall. The upper wall can be compressed while not containing water and extensible for containing water. The lower wall is connected to the upper wall. The pump is positioned in a space defined in the lower wall. The first pipe is directed to the pump from a space defined in the upper wall. The second pipe is directed to the exterior of the container from the pump. The nozzle is connected to the second pipe.

Abstract: A collapsible container for retaining and disposing liquids is described. The container includes an expandable liquid retaining portion and an inflatable top ring. As liquid, such as used motor oil, pours into the expandable liquid retaining portion the inflated top ring floats on top of the liquid as the liquid retaining portion expands. A top cover, which may be formed by flexible flaps with zip lock closures, may be included to seal the container for transport. A drain hole may be provided through a bottom portion of the container to drain the liquid out of the container. A handle may be provided to facilitate carrying the container filled with oil.

Abstract: A hot fill, blow molded plastic container adapted for vacuum pressure absorption having a pair of flex panels and a pair of columns. The flex panels being defined in at least part by a central portion and a perimeter wall portion adjacent to and generally surrounding the central portion. The flex panels being movable to accommodate internal thermally induced volumetric and pressure variations in the container resulting from heating and cooling of its contents.

Abstract: A plastic container includes a finish, a shoulder extending from the finish, a closed base, and a sidewall connecting the shoulder to the base. The sidewall is of blow molded construction and generally uniform wall thickness. The sidewall has an array of circumferentially spaced longitudinally extending radially recessed channels, and an array of axially spaced circumferentially extending radially recessed channels intersecting the longitudinally extending channels. The longitudinally extending channels have radially inner portions that lie on an hourglass-shaped common surface of revolution around the axis of the container sidewall. In the preferred embodiments of the invention, a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced land areas are disposed in spaces between the intersecting longitudinally and circumferentially extending channels, with the land areas lying on a common surface of revolution, preferably a cylindrical surface of revolution, around the axis of the container sidewall.

Abstract: A container, suitable as a hot-fill container, includes a controlled deflection flex panel which may invert and flex under pressure, such as hot-fill conditions, to avoid deformation and permanent buckling of the container. The flex panel includes an initiator portion which has a lesser projection than the remainder of the flex panel and initiates deflection of the flex panel.

Abstract: To extremely reduce the capacity of a container body when juice or mineral water in a container body is drunk up and the container body is discarded. The container body includes: a top tap; a small width in a height direction at a bottom; and a horizontal bellows formed on the whole or part in a longitudinal direction of the container body, except the top tap, and the width in the height direction.

Abstract: A container includes a hollow body having a finish extending from the body. The finish has an open end, at least one external thread for securement of a closure, and a pair of spaced external circumferential flanges on a side of the thread remote from the open end of the finish. A bale handle includes a ring having resilient internal tabs captured beneath the lower of the flanges remote from the open end of the finish, and a handle extending from the ring for carrying the container. The upper flange, which preferably has a greater outside diameter than the lower flange, has an undersurface that is free of obstruction from the bale handle and therefore is adapted to perform support functions for the container after attachment of the bale handle to the container finish.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible cup holder 10 having a plurality of hinges 12 intercoupling a plurality of rigid panels 14 and a handle 16 to form a collapsible ring 18. When the ring 18 is in an open position, the cup holder 10 can receive and retain a disposable container. When the ring 18 is in a closed position, the size of the holder 10 is reduced. The ring 18 is uniquely collapsible to provide an exposed, rigid panel surface that can be used to prominently display a decorative feature.