Laterally Collapsible Or Foldable Patents (Class 220/9.3)
  • Patent number: 11939156
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for flexible container pods for use with robotic systems. In one embodiment, an example flexible container pod may include a center plate having a plurality of apertures, a first member coupled to an upper end of the center plate, a second member coupled to the upper end of the center plate, and a base coupled to the center plate. The flexible container pod may include a first net extending from the first member to the base, a second net extending from the second member to the base, a first shelf member coupled to the first net, and a second shelf member coupled to the second net. A container can be removably positioned on the first shelf member and the second shelf member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William Scott Kalm, Kevin Senh Ly
  • Patent number: 11932299
    Abstract: A collapsible cart may include a first frame member, a second frame member, a front spacing member, a rear spacing member, and a base member. The front and rear spacing members are configured to separate the first frame member and the second frame member for a predetermined distance to create a receiving space for the cart when it is in a fully open status. The base member may have a plurality of base connecting bars and a center unit that has four opening to pivotally engage with the base connecting bars, and the center unit and the four base connecting bars are positioned on the same plane surface when the cart is in a fully open status. The user can start collapsing the cart by simply pushing down the center unit to disengage the center units with the base connecting bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: MAXTON ENGINEERING LTD.
    Inventor: Shou Qiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 11834090
    Abstract: The invention combines the best features of a cargo carrier with an upright dolly in a single unit to allow a user to safely offload heavy cargo from a carrier and transport that cargo to a final destination. The carrier includes a loading platform that engages a pair of loading hooks on the carrier and automatically locks the carrier to the loading platform. To offload the cargo, a user releases a self-locking latch with a lever and pivots the carrier around a loading bar until supported by a pair of wheels on the underside of the carrier. The rotational movement simultaneously disengages the loading hooks from the loading bar allowing the user to push the carrier away from the loading platform so that the carrier and its cargo may be transported to a final destination with the same ease with which a user would transport cargo on a dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Jeffrey Bryan Shapiro
  • Patent number: 11638480
    Abstract: A luggage rack that includes a frame and a storage compartment, with the frame comprising two legs that have a first end, an upper portion, and a second end; said legs being joint at a first and second pivot point, the pivot point being between the ends and the upper portion; at least one support band attached to the upper portions of both legs; the storage compartment comprising a top, bottom, and two outer walls; and at least one support strap releasably attached to the upper portion of the first leg and the upper portion of the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Whitmor, Inc.
    Inventors: Sandy A. Felsenthal, Gil Gaska
  • Patent number: 11369239
    Abstract: A telescopic toilet for children includes a base and a seat. A first sleeve ring is fixed on the base, and a second sleeve ring is provided in the first sleeve ring. The second sleeve ring is liftable relative to the first sleeve ring, and a third sleeve ring is provided in the second sleeve ring. The third sleeve ring is liftable relative to the second sleeve ring, and a fourth sleeve ring is provided in the third sleeve ring. The bottom of the seat is fixedly connected to the fourth sleeve ring, and the fourth sleeve ring is liftable relative to the third sleeve ring. The seat is provided with a toilet bowl opening. The seat can be adjusted to different heights according to the height of children.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: XIAMEN BABY PRETTY PRODUCTS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jianbo Yang
  • Patent number: 11014592
    Abstract: A collapsible cart may include a first frame member, a second frame member, a front spacing member, a rear spacing member, and a base member. The front and rear spacing members are configured to separate the first frame member and the second frame member for a predetermined distance to create a receiving space for the cart when it is in a fully open status. The base member may have a plurality of base connecting bars and a center unit that has four opening to pivotally engage with the base connecting bars, and the center unit and the four base connecting bars are positioned on the same plane surface when the cart is in a fully open status. The user can start collapsing the cart by simply pushing down the center unit to disengage the center units with the base connecting bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Inventor: Shou Qiang Zhu
  • Patent number: 10625902
    Abstract: A collapsible support structure can be used with a container assembly. The collapsible support structure includes four corner connectors rotationally connected to one another with connector plates and a locking mechanism. A leg attached to each of the four corner connectors by a vertical tube. All legs are rotationally connected to a central support assembly which can rotate around a vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Inventor: Samir Morcos
  • Patent number: 10227724
    Abstract: A removable hanging laundry storage container such as a bag or hamper including a pair of substantially C-shaped handles extending upwards from opposites sides of the top of the hamper or bag. The C-shaped handles define interior regions for receiving a horizontal support to hang the hamper or bag thereon. The handles are sized and shaped to provide for a grasping surface on the opposite side of the handle end to allow the handle to be readily grasped when the storage container is hanging from a horizontal support to facilitate the lifting of the handle and hamper off the horizontal support. The hamper or bag may have cut-away sections matching the interior of the handles to provide an open area to facilitate placement and removal of the hampers on the horizontal support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: NEATFREAK GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Bertrand Barre, Francis Lepage
  • Patent number: 10080701
    Abstract: A walker is disclosed providing motorized height adjustment and having U-shaped lower and upper frames, each with left and right members. Both the left and right lower and upper member front ends mutually connect. Both frames are horizontally oriented, with the upper frame generally above the lower frame, which includes wheels. Generally vertical left and right double scissor mechanisms interposed between the upper and lower members maintain the alignment of the upper and lower frames. At least one powered, user-controllable linear actuator with a pneumatic lift spring and position memory raises and lowers the upper frame. The upper frame has three positions: the raised position, ready for a person to use; the lowered position, ready for a person to sit or stand, and collapsed position for storage and transportation. A width adjustment mechanism spreads or contracts the rear ends of the members to best fit any size person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Inventor: Kourosh Bagheri
  • Patent number: 9908694
    Abstract: A commercial dumpster includes a bag, a frame that supports the bag in an upright manner, and wheels that are attached to the frame. In some embodiments, the bag includes an open top and a first pair of sleeves that extend from opposing sides of a top edge of the bag. The frame includes a pair of top side bars that extend through the sleeves of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Waste Container Systems L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jason John Christenson
  • Patent number: 9580095
    Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile cart that may include, in some instances, a framework assembly comprising an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, at least two wheels attached to the framework assembly, and a removable liner secured to the framework assembly in a removable fashion. The removable liner may include a collapsible floor, at least three collapsible sides extending vertically from the collapsible floor, and at least one retaining member. The mobile cart may include at least three corners and the at least one retaining member may be configured such that the removable liner can be selectively removed from and secured to the framework assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Academy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Henry Vargas, II, Robert Stewart DuPriest, II
  • Patent number: 9545137
    Abstract: A foldable frame that can unfold into a complete open structure, and is convenient for converting into a storage container with an upward facing opening. The upper frame body and lower frame body are connected with the central pillars and support rods on both sides, and form a 6-pillar support structure at both ends of the frame, so that the frame can support more weight, realize multi-layer stacking or support other articles, such as desktop or seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: Zenithen USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew David Frankel, Shi-Ping Zheng, Tian-Xia Zheng
  • Patent number: 9428206
    Abstract: A ball cart for holding sporting equipment is disclosed. The cart may be capable of opening for use and closing into a shape that is more convenient for storage and transportation purposes. The cart consists of multiple folding parts and a dropstep pedal to efficiently collapse a sporting equipment cart. First springs bias the cart toward an open position. Second springs bias a handle that releases the cart from a closed position and allows the bias of the first springs to open the cart. The dropstep may be operated with a user's foot and does not require the use of hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: TACHIKARA U.S.A., INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Morton
  • Patent number: 9414987
    Abstract: An apparatus having an upper frame adapted to at least partially encircle a person and including a lower frame and two double scissor mechanisms for coupling the upper frame to the lower frame, wherein the distance between the upper frame and the lower frame can be varied by adjusting the double scissor mechanisms, and the walker is raised or lowered. Scissor lift assemblies housed in the lower frame, each powered by a motor or compressor, raise and lower each double scissor mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Entropy Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Kourosh Bagheri
  • Patent number: 9409586
    Abstract: A support rack for holding a plurality of pans includes a first side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member, and a second side frame including a first vertical support member and a second vertical support member. A hinge assembly couples the first and second side frames and is operable to position the rack in a first position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel and spaced a predetermined distance apart, a second position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are nonparallel, and a third position in which the first side frame and the second side frame are parallel but closer in proximity than the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: SPG INTERNATIONAL LLC
    Inventors: Arturo Gonzalez, Steven M. Kessell, Michael D. Potter, Jerry Vance Foster, III
  • Patent number: 9357823
    Abstract: Frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) for luggage pieces (100) formed of one or more frame supports (110, 210) and one or more frame elements (108) may be assembled with the luggage piece. Luggage pieces may include an outer layer (102), an inner layer (104), and at least one frame structure (106a, 106b, 206) with one or more frame elements (108) and one or more frame supports (110, 210). The frame elements (108) may be joined to the inner layer (104), the outer layer (102), or both, and may be arranged between the outer layer (102) and the inner layer (104). The frame supports (110, 210) may be joined to the outer layer (104), and one or more frame elements (108) may be joined to the frame supports (110, 210). The frame structures (106a, 106b, 206) may provide support and/or reinforcement to the luggage piece (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a.r.l.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Boldetti, Davide Caimi
  • Patent number: 9259066
    Abstract: Soft sided bags having a flexible frame system are disclosed and described herein. A plurality of structure forming frame members engage guides in the bag body to provide the soft sided bag with a resilient structure, and to further provide content protection and accessibility. Soft sided bag may use structure forming frame members with varying levels of stiffness to provide a desired structure to the soft sided bag. A unique structure forming frame member is disclosed which includes an outer sheath and inner rod that gives the bag body structure, durability, flexibility, resiliency, and differing degrees of restorative force along one continuous member. Various non-limiting configurations are disclosed that provide the soft sided bag with a desired shape as well as the ability to collapse to smaller configurations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Inventor: Michael James Pratt
  • Patent number: 9050691
    Abstract: A flexible fuel bladder structure for an aircraft includes one or more sleeves extending along an exterior of the fuel bladder. The one or more sleeves are receptive of one or more rods to at least partially suspend the fuel bladder in the aircraft. An aircraft includes a fuselage and a flexible fuel bladder disposed in the fuselage. One or more rods are installed through a portion of the fuel bladder and into a fuselage member. The flexible fuel bladder is at least partially suspended from the one or more rods. A method of installing a fuel bladder in an aircraft includes inserting a flexible bladder into a fuselage space of the aircraft. One or more rods are installed through one or more fuselage members and one or more sleeves of the fuel bladder. The one or more rods at least partially suspend the fuel bladder in the fuselage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Steven Bofill
  • Patent number: 8955704
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Inventor: Soon Buem Kwon
  • Patent number: 8919589
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a bulk bin for use with a liner bag. The bulk bin includes a sub-structure that is configured to receive forktines of lifting machinery for moving the bulk bin and a collapsible upper assembly that can support a bag with an entrance thereof in an upwardly facing orientation for filling. The bulk bin also includes at least one self supporting stiffened lid, and suitably a pair of lids. The lids may be pivoted from a closed position to an open position by orienting the bin into an inclined position in which the lids can open under gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Materials Handling Systems Australia Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gary Hill
  • Patent number: 8887935
    Abstract: A collapsible durable outdoor adventure container is constructed of polymer sheeting having holes in flaps of the sheeting. The sheet is bendable and bent by a user to a selected tubular configuration to align through holes along a seam line in flaps of the sheet or sheeting assembly with cable tie clamping elements clamping said flaps together through the holes. A strap coupled to at least several of the clamping element running along the seam line acting as an outside wrapping and/or tensioning element to contain the clamped flaps and fully or partially contain the contents of the container providing a connection tensioning element between adjacent clamping elements as connected along the seam line of the flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Slingfin, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Steven Zemitis, Jonathan William Buck
  • Publication number: 20140284328
    Abstract: A collapsible portable tank for storing liquids has a liquid impervious liner. The side walls of the liner are supported by a collapsible frame. A plurality of hand grips in a zigzag pattern on the floor panel of the liner facilitates manipulation of the liner to collapse the liner with the frame. The liner floor panel is of heavier material than the side walls and is heat sealed along its entire perimeter to the liner side walls, affording a more durable floor while eliminating clumsy excess liner material at the corners of the tank. Another hand grip on the floor panel opposite a drain in the liner side walls facilitates evacuation of stored liquid from the tank prior to collapsing the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Jay V. Claeys
  • Patent number: 8746478
    Abstract: A collapsible portable tank for storing liquids has a liquid impervious liner. The side walls of the liner are supported by a collapsible frame. A plurality of hand grips in a zigzag pattern on the floor panel of the liner facilitates manipulation of the liner to collapse the liner with the frame. The liner floor panel is of heavier material than the side walls and is heat sealed along its entire perimeter to the liner side walls, affording a more durable floor while eliminating clumsy excess liner material at the corners of the tank. Another hand grip on the floor panel opposite a drain in the liner side walls facilitates evacuation of stored liquid from the tank prior to collapsing the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventor: Jay V. Claeys
  • Patent number: 8733579
    Abstract: An improvement to a collapsible liquid holding tank includes a chute which extends outwardly from an opening in one of the tank side walls. The chute is formed by a bottom panel and side walls of collapsible material, the bottom panel perimeter being reinforced by a hinged frame which swings between “vertical” and “horizontal” conditions in which the opening is “closed” and “opened,” respectively. A clamp hinged on the top rail of the tank secures the chute in the “closed” condition in which the bottom panel of the chute extends across the opening. To drain the tank, the clamp is rotated clear of the frame and the chute is swung to the “opened” condition by the weight of the liquid in the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Jay Claeys
  • Patent number: 8490811
    Abstract: A compactly foldable storage pouch includes a pair of resilient wire loops, a front fabric panel disposed over and covering the interior portion of the first wire loop, a rear fabric panel disposed over and covering the interior portion of the second wire loop, at least one sidewall fabric panel joining the wire loops, the side fabric panel circumscribing at least a portion of the periphery of the wire loops and defining an opening between the front and rear fabric panels and the opposing lateral ends of the sidewall fabric panel and a plurality of removeable lateral cross-members are positionable between the pair of wire loops to maintain the foldable pouch in an expanded configuration. Upon removal of the cross-members, adjacent wire loops can be twisted into a figure-8 configuration and folded over on itself to assume a compact, generally circular flat configuration for packaging, shipment and eventual storage by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Water Tech LLC
    Inventors: Guy Erlich, Steven R. Myers
  • Patent number: 8485209
    Abstract: A collapsible mosquito spring net assembly includes a support structure having a front support ring, a back support ring, and a spring coil support. A mosquito net covers the support structure. The collapsible mosquito spring net assembly further includes closure elements and a net cover assembly including a net, an elastic element, and an elastic pull for opening and closing the spring net assembly. The collapsible mosquito spring net optionally comprises an outer lower cover. A method for protecting users from exposure to insects includes: providing a collapsible mosquito spring net assembly; setting up the mosquito spring net assembly on the floor, ground, or other surface by releasing the closure elements; and securing the net cover assembly from inside the mosquito spring net assembly by pulling taut the elastic pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Montessori School of Denver
    Inventor: Christopher J. Imhof
  • Patent number: 8453862
    Abstract: A foldable storage box comprises a soft walled body open at its top end and closed at the opposing end, a top frame being mounted with the walled body and contiguous to the open top end, and a bottom frame being mounted with the walled body and contiguous to the closed opposing end; wherein the top frame are provided with attachment elements respectively on its bottom and side surfaces, the bottom frame are provided with attachment elements respectively on its top and side surfaces, such that separate boxes can be held in stacks or side by side with the attachment elements. A plurality of supporting bars are provided within the walled body to each serve as a support between the top and bottom frames to form a container. The supporting bars can be detached from the both frames to enable the walled body to be folded into a flat pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Wen-Tsan Wang
  • Patent number: 8256635
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo container assembly includes a collapsible skeleton framework defining a front, rear and opposite sides of the container assembly and includes a plurality of generally parallel ribs spaced from and generally planar to each other when the container assembly is in an open condition. A plurality of articulated braces are connected to and extend between the ribs to hold the ribs in spaced relationship in the open condition of the container assembly. The articulated braces are foldable to position the ribs in juxtaposition alongside each other in a collapsed condition of the container assembly. A flexible cover is positioned substantially about the collapsible framework and is fixed thereto for folding therewith as the framework moves back-and-forth between the open and collapsed conditions thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Aero Containers International, LLC
    Inventors: David W. Schardein, Lawrence F. Bender
  • Patent number: 8251209
    Abstract: A golf bag has a bottom base, multiple supporting rods, a top frame, a covering and multiple crossbeam assemblies. The supporting rods are mounted between the bottom base and top frame and are covered by the covering. Each crossbeam assembly has a pair of crossbeam members mounted between adjacent two supporting rods. Each crossbeam member has an engaging slot and an engaging protrusion engaged respectively with the engaging protrusion and engaging slot of the other crossbeam member to prevent the golf bag from inadvertently twisting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Kun-Lin Shiao
  • Publication number: 20120193354
    Abstract: A flexible container assembly and methods for making and using such an assembly are disclosed herein. The assembly is configured to hold an amount of material, such as heavy and/or bulky material (e.g., industrial, job or work site waste material). In some embodiments, the assembly includes a support structure and a flexible container structure configured to interface with, so as to be supported at least in part by, the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: EDWARD JOHN CAVENAGH, KAREN LEE MACDONALD, ALDEN DALE FRIESEN, SELAMAWIT TEDESSE DESTA
  • Patent number: 8201702
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular and foldable recycling apparatus for home use. The apparatus contains multiple modules attached in series, which can be separated into individual modules. Each module is made of a foldable frame to hold a container, such as a bag, for the containment, separation and transport of recyclable materials. The apparatus can be folded like an accordion to allow for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Harleman Products, LLC
    Inventor: David P. Harleman
  • Patent number: 8137330
    Abstract: A liquid receptacle made of a wire frame and a disposable and biodegradable material that is substantially impervious to water. The liquid receptacle is capable of being expanded and collapsed for ease of transportation and storage. For ease of use, the liquid receptacle is shaped with a flat bottom allowing it to stand without support, and equipped with a flap surrounding a top opening of the receptacle. For ease of transportation after use, a cord is supplied around the flap for closing the top opening of the liquid receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Janet C. Fields
  • Patent number: 8047391
    Abstract: A foldable and portable frame is disclosed. The foldable and portable frame comprises twelve posts and eight flexible joints or linkages. The foldable and portable frame can be easily erected to be a stable substantially rectangular structure, and folded to a collapsed state to be portable. A foldable and portable frame with coverings is also disclosed. The foldable and portable frame with coverings can be erected and folded in a same fashion as the erecting and folding of the foldable and portable frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Xiamen Sunnypet Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kongzhi Lu
  • Patent number: 8006855
    Abstract: A collapsible container defined by a continuous rigid structure and an integrated internal truss system. The continuous rigid structure is preferably four-sided such that it defines four continuous surfaces of a cube. The continuous rigid structure is collapsible due to at least one scoring line defined on at least one surface thereof. The internal truss system includes at least one inelastic member that is threaded through the surfaces of the continuous rigid structure to form a symmetrical and unitary support. A liner may be integrally affixed to each of the four sides and additionally provides a fifth side that forms the bottom of the container. A protective cover may be secured to the exterior of the continuous rigid structure for protecting the contained materials against the elements. The cover can be selectively sealed for rendering the container of the present invention substantially impervious to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Wrangler Corporation
    Inventor: John Lapoint, III
  • Patent number: 7988681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable waste containment device that is rapidly deployable. The waste containment device allows containment of liquid or semi-liquid waste until permanently disposed. The present invention also provides a portable waste containment system wherein the waste containment device is enclosed within a package for storage and when pulled from the package the waste containment device is ready for use. Still further, the present invention provides a method of using the portable waste containment device of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Inventors: Kermetta M McGarity, Howard C McGarity, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20100320203
    Abstract: A liquid storage device includes a rigid upper top, a rigid lower base and compliant collapsible/expandable bladder in which the bladder fits intermediate the top and base and is movable between a collapsed form with the top and the base nesting so as to form a transportable package for the device and an expanded form with the top and base drawn apart so as to provide a reservoir and storage for liquid in which the top, base and bladder are held in juxtaposition by an open frame interposed between the top and base with the bladder being confined by the frame and base and in which the open frame includes a lower ring adapted for fitting within an open channel formed in the base, an upper ring adapted for mounting the top of the bladder and a plurality of vertical struts interposed between the lower and upper rings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: NOVATANK PTY LTD
    Inventors: Jonathan Lex Moodie, John Petschel
  • Patent number: 7845507
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Bajer Design & Marketing, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Kellogg, Dean B. Krotts
  • Publication number: 20100294759
    Abstract: A portable structure (1), configurable between stored and erected conditions, comprises a base (4), one or more sides (5), a resilient frame (2) and one or more spacing members (6). The base (4) and the one or more sides (5) comprise a flexible material. The resilient frame (2) is located at the interface of the base (4) and the one or more sides (5). The resilient frame (2) is connected to the flexible material to provide a shape to the base (4) in the erected condition. The one or more spacing members (6) support the flexible material of the one or more sides (5) in a raised manner in the erected condition so as to form a container, bounded by the flexible material of the base (4) and the one or more sides (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: Prime Honour Development Limited
    Inventor: Teresa Yu
  • Patent number: 7815372
    Abstract: Pop-up disposable bag is formed of light-weight disposable bag assembly capable of self erecting and self-standing. It does not require any stakes, poles, ropes or additional supports or frame to support it. The entire bag assembly is flexible and can be folded to a compact form for packaging and sale and can easily be opened into a self-standing position by removing the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventors: John William Stanton, Ronald Ghee Jin Ong
  • Publication number: 20100140263
    Abstract: A collapsible portable tank for storing liquids has a liquid impervious liner. The side walls of the liner are supported by a collapsible frame. A plurality of hand grips in a zigzag pattern on the floor panel of the liner facilitates manipulation of the liner to collapse the liner with the frame. The liner floor panel is of heavier material than the side walls and is heat sealed along its entire perimeter to the liner side walls, affording a more durable floor while eliminating clumsy excess liner material at the corners of the tank. Another hand grip on the floor panel opposite a drain in the liner side walls facilitates evacuation of stored liquid from the tank prior to collapsing the tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventor: Jay V. Claeys
  • Patent number: 7708160
    Abstract: A collapsible container having a base with top and bottom surfaces, a plurality of support members, legs attached to the base and configured to support a second collapsible container placed on a first collapsible container and a plurality of side panels, wherein at least one of the side panels is configured to lock in place in at least one position, wherein at least one of the side panels has both a foldable portion and a fixed portion and wherein the system provides for load bearing members for securing another collapsible container or device on top of a first collapsible container in either the folded or the extended configuration. Some embodiments of the collapsible container include an anchor member configured to anchor the collapsible container to a surface. Methods of stacking and methods of manufacturing the above embodiments are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventors: Gary E. Booth, Scott R. Bombaugh, Terry M. Cossin, Edward S. Mascali, Paul E. Vogel, Ralph E. Walker
  • Patent number: 7699212
    Abstract: A collapsible storage device includes a collapsible container and a lid for the container. The container includes a plurality of resilient wall panels and a flexible hinge connecting each adjacent pair of wall panels. The container may be foldably converted between a substantially flat collapsed position and a substantially rectangular prismatic expanded position by articulating the wall panels about the flexible hinges. One side of the lid is adapted to cover an opening into the container when the container is in an expanded position. The opposite side of the lid is adapted to receive the substantially flat collapsed container within a recess in the lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais, Sanjay Dhall
  • Patent number: 7661558
    Abstract: A sachet may include at least two sealed compartments. The sachet may include first and second opposite main walls, a partition separating an inside of the sachet into two compartments, and first and second foldable side walls situated on respective sides of the partition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Vincent De Laforcade
  • Publication number: 20090321435
    Abstract: A water handling system features collapsible containers which have ports on either side. The ports allow multiple containers to be connected together so that they can be filled in sequential order. The ports have quick-connect fittings by means of which a cap, an inter-container connector, and/or a spout member can be connected to the containers. Dissolving electrolyte-providing members are suitably provided to be inserted into the containers so that pure water collected, e.g., from an atmospheric moisture harvester can be remineralized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Max
  • Publication number: 20090127257
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular and foldable recycling apparatus for home use. The apparatus contains multiple modules attached in series, which can be separated into individual modules. Each module is made of a foldable frame to hold a container, such as a bag, for the containment, separation and transport of recyclable materials. The apparatus can be folded like an accordion to allow for convenient storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: Harleman Products, LLC
    Inventor: David P. Harleman
  • Publication number: 20090114648
    Abstract: A collapsible structure having a top panel, bottom panel, side panels, a front panel, and a rear panel releasably attached and forming an enclosure having a door. Each top, bottom, and side panel comprises a two-ply web of material and a removably seated continuous loop frame. One or more handles may be attached to the structure or formed within one or more of the panels. A method of making and collapsing the structure is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Inventors: Michael S. Kellogg, Dean B. Krotts
  • Publication number: 20080056625
    Abstract: Pop-up disposable bag is formed of light-weight disposable bag assembly capable of self erecting and self-standing. It does not require any stakes, poles, ropes or additional supports or frame to support it. The entire bag assembly is flexible and can be folded to a compact form for packaging and sale and can easily be opened into a self-standing position by removing the retainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Applicant: MarketMinds LLC
    Inventors: John William Stanton, Ronald Ghee Jin Ong
  • Patent number: 6953127
    Abstract: A portable rapidly deploying hazardous material containment device is disclosed, which is adapted to receive and retain hazardous materials. The containment device includes a framework may be easily and rapidly manipulated between an erect open configuration and a collapsed compact configuration. The framework of the containment device includes rods, hubs, and a canopy. Each rod pivotally joins to another rod by a scissors-type connection intermediate the rod ends. In addition, the end portion of each rod pivotally joins to a hub, where each hub may receive a plurality of rods. As configured, each rod enjoys pivotal movement in relation to the hub along a single axis of revolution. The rods rotate about this single axis of revolution from the collapsed compact configuration, where the rods are substantially parallel to one another, to the erect open configuration, where the rods radiate outwardly from one another and the framework of the containment device includes four side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: TVI Corporation
    Inventor: Richard A. Esser
  • Patent number: 6851439
    Abstract: A collapsible structure has at least three foldable frame members, each having a folded and an unfolded orientation. The structure has a fabric material covering portions of each frame member to form a panel for each frame member, with each panel further including a left side, a bottom side and a right side, with the left side of each panel coupled to the right side of an adjacent panel, and the right side of each panel coupled to the left side of another adjacent pane. The bottom side of at least one panel is positioned at a higher vertical level than the bottom side of at least one other panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Patent Category Corp.
    Inventor: Yu Zheng
  • Publication number: 20030157308
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a folded sheet product comprising a folded sheet having a first set of folds and a blister strip attached to a segment of said sheet. A stiff portion may be provided at a corner segment of the sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: George Wallace McDonald