Collapsible Container

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application having Ser. No. 63/567,823 filed on Mar. 20, 2024. This and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

The field of the invention is portable storage solutions, and in particular collapsible containers.

The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

Storage containers are generally used for holding, storing, and/or transporting items within the container. Containers can be made from a range of materials and sometimes can have a lid or a handle. One type of container is a portable cooler, which is an insulated container that is designed to be portable while insulating an interior of the container from an ambient environment.

Traditional storage containers have been designed with a focus on rigidity and protection, often resulting in fixed, bulky structures that are not easily stored or transported when not in use. As a result, collapsible containers have been introduced that allow for easier storage of the containers when not in use.

Existing collapsible containers, especially soft-shell containers, often come with a set of challenges. The ability to easily collapse the soft-shell container has generally led to the containers being less insulative because they may utilize materials and construction methods that do not provide adequate insulation to keep contents cold for extended periods. In addition, many collapsible coolers may not maintain their shape well when loaded, leading to potential spillage or damage to the contents.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

Thus, there is still a need for improved, collapsible containers that can be stored away better, carrier easier, and function better, particularly in terms of their collapsibility and the ease with which they can be transitioned between expanded and compacted states.

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems, and methods for collapsible containers designed to offer a convenient and space-efficient solution for the insulated storage and transportation of items. Preferred containers are capable of transitioning between an expanded, open configuration and a compact, closed configuration. Such containers comprise a body having a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surface. The container may also include a top surface or lid that may be coupled to one of the front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surface.

The bottom surface, front surface, back surface, left surface, and right surface collectively define an interior cavity, which can be used to store various goods, for example. Preferably, the interior cavity is insulated from an ambient environment.

Preferred collapsible containers are quickly and easily transitioned from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration, significantly reducing its footprint and making it more convenient for storage in limited spaces. Specifically, the container's fold lines function to guide the material forming the sidewalls to fold inwardly in a predictable manner, simplifying the process and allowing for quick and effortless collapsing and expanding of the container.

It is preferred that the front and back surfaces each comprises a first set of fold lines. The left and right surfaces may comprise a second set of fold lines. The first and second sets of fold lines on the respective surfaces advantageously cause material forming each of the front surface, back surface, left surface, and right surface to fold inwardly when the body is collapsed from an open (upright) configuration to a closed (compacted) configuration. Specifically, the fold lines define lines along which the material will fold when the body is collapsed and bias the material in an inward direction (i.e., toward the interior cavity). The claimed invention's internalized folding technology ensures that the containers fold along the predetermined lines, which helps to prolong the life of the container and maintain a neat appearance when collapsed.

The fold lines may be formed through various methods. As one example, the fold lines may be sewn into the material forming each of the front surface, back surface, left surface, and right surface.

The folding technology described herein is preferably internalized within the container's body, with the body not only providing insulation to contents with the interior cavity, but also intentional folding lines that enable the container to collapse quickly and with minimal effort and result in the material(s) of the sidewalls being folded internally within the container. The collapsible container thereby provides a more user-friendly and space-efficient alternative to existing collapsible coolers.

Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

The present invention pertains to a collapsible container that exhibits a novel approach to portable storage that provides insulation to the stored goods by addressing the challenges associated with traditional rigid and non-collapsible coolers. The invention comprises a collapsible container that can transition between an open configuration, suitable for storing and transporting items, and a closed configuration, which significantly reduces the container's footprint for convenient storage when not in use.

illustrate one embodiment of a collapsible containeror insulated container. The containercomprises a top surfaceand a bottom surfacethat are connected by one or more sides to form the containerand define an interior cavity. Specifically, the collapsible containeris characterized by a bodythat includes the bottom surfaceand a front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surfaceconnected thereto. These surfaces collectively define the interior cavitythat serves as a storage space.

Thus, the collapsible containercan comprise two sets of opposing sidewalls (e.g., front/back surfaces and left/right surfaces). Each set of opposing sidewalls is preferably identical to one another.

The top surfacemay be hingedly or otherwise coupled to one or more of the front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surface. The top surfaceis configured to transition between the closed configuration restricting access to the interior cavity(shown in) to an open configuration allowing access to the interior cavity(shown in). Thus, the top surfaceor cover can be opened or closed as needed. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the top surfacecan be closed via a zipping mechanism, although snaps, straps, and other closure mechanisms could alternatively be used.

As shown in, the collapsible containermay include one or more handlesattached to the bodyto permit ease of carrying of the container.

In some embodiments, the collapsible containermay optionally include an elastic strapthat can be wrapped around at least a portion of the containerwhen collapsed to maintain the containerin its collapsed configuration due to the downward force exerted on the containerby the elastic strap. In the embodiment shown in, the elastic strapis shown attached to opposing ends of the bottom surfaceand wraps around the top surface.

In preferred embodiments, each of the top and bottom surfaces are formed from a rigid material, such as an injection molded plastic or polycarbonate, although any commercially suitable material(s) could be used. In contrast, the sidewalls of the container (i.e., front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surface) are preferably formed of one or more flexible materials. It is contemplated that the containercan be manufactured from eco-friendly materials, such as recyclable materials.

Preferred containers are constructed to be watertight and airtight when closed and utilize high-performance thermal materials to insulate the interior cavityfrom the ambient environment.

illustrates the containerin an expanded configuration, whileillustrates the containerin a collapsed configuration.shows the containerwith the top coveropened (or unzipped) to allow access to the interior cavity.

illustrates an exploded view of the container. An exterior coveringis attached to the bottom surfaceand covers the front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surface. Top surfacecan be coupled to the exterior covering.

The containermay include a rim, which may comprise a rigid upper frame that provides a sturdy structural opening for items to be placed within the interior cavity. In one embodiment, the rimis a rectangular-shaped metal piece with rounded corners.

The containermay further include a waterproof linerthat is configured to be placed within the bodyand line the bottom and sidewalls of the interior cavityto contain any liquid within the interior cavity.

Each of the front surfaceand the back surfacecomprises a first set of fold lines. In the embodiment shown in, the first set of fold linescomprises a first line segmentand a second line segment. The first line segmentextends from a bottom, left portion near the bottom and left surfaces,to a middle region of the front surface. The second line segmentextends from a top, left portion near the left surfaceand opposite the bottom surfaceto the middle region of the front surface. The first line segmentand the second line segmentintersect at a first apex.

The first set of fold linesfurther comprises a third line segmentand a fourth line segment. The third line segmentextends from a bottom, right portion near the bottom and right surfaces,to a middle region of the front surface. The fourth line segmentextends from a top, right portion near the right surfaceand opposite the bottom surfaceto the middle region of the front surface. The third line segmentand the fourth line segmentintersect at a second apex.

The first set of fold linesfurther comprises a fifth line segmentextending between the first apexand the second apex. The fifth line segmentis shown connecting the first apexand the second apexalthough alternative embodiment may have the fifth line segmentnot connecting the first apexand the second apex.

In some embodiments, the left sideof the front surface, the first line segment, and the second line segmentcollectively define a first triangular-shaped region. In a similar manner, the right sideof the front surface, the third line segment, and the fourth line segmentcollectively define a second triangular-shaped region. In such embodiments, the left sideof the front surfacedefines a hypotenuse of the first triangular-shaped region, and the right sideof the front surfacedefines a hypotenuse of the second triangular-shaped region.

Preferably, the first set of fold linesare identically disposed on each of the front surfaceand the back surface.

Each of the left surfaceand the right surfacecomprises a second set of fold lines. It is preferred that the second set of fold linesare identically disposed on each of the left surfaceand the right surface. In the embodiment shown in Figures ID-I, the second set of fold lineson either the left surfaceor the right surfacecomprises a sixth line segmentand a seventh line segment. The sixth line segmentextends from a bottom, left portion near the back and bottom surfaces,to a middle region of the left surface. The seventh line segmentextends from a top, left portion near the back surfaceand opposite the bottom surfaceto the middle region of the left surface. The sixth line segmentand the seventh line segmentintersect at a third apex.

The second set of fold linesfurther comprises an eighth line segmentand a ninth line segment. The eighth line segmentextends from a bottom, right portion near the bottom and front surfaces,to a middle region of the left surface. The ninth line segmentextends from a top, right portion near the front surfaceand opposite the bottom surfaceto the middle region of the left surface. The eighth line segmentand the ninth line segmentintersect at a fourth apex.

The second set of fold linesfurther comprises a tenth line segmentthat horizontally extends across the left surface. It is contemplated that the tenth line segmentintersects both the third apexand the fourth apex.

In some embodiments, the left side of the left surface(nearest the back surface), the sixth line segment, and the seventh line segmentcollectively define a third triangular-shaped region. In a similar manner, the right side of the left surface(nearest the back surface), the eighth line segment, and the ninth line segmentcollectively define a fourth triangular-shaped region. In such embodiments, the left side of the left surfacedefines a hypotenuse of the third triangular-shaped region, and the right side of the left surfacedefines a hypotenuse of the fourth triangular-shaped region. Thus, the hypotenuse of the third triangular-shaped region may be disposed along the back surface, and a hypotenuse of the fourth triangular-shaped region may be disposed along the front surface.

Preferably, the second set of fold linesare identically disposed on each of the left surfaceand the right surface.

The second set of fold linesmay further comprise first and second vertical linesand, which are preferably disposed parallel to one another. It is contemplated that the first vertical linemay intersect the third apexand extend from a top portion of the left surfaceto a bottom portion of the left surface. In a similar manner, the second vertical linesmay intersect the fourth apexand extend from a top portion of the left surfaceto a bottom portion of the left surface.

The first set of fold linesand the second set of fold linesare each strategically placed on the bodyto enable the materials forming the sidewalls of the bodyto fold inwardly (i.e., into the interior cavity), thereby collapsing the containerefficiently from its open configuration to its closed configuration. Specifically, the first and second sets of fold lines,cause the materials forming each of the front surface, back surface, left surface, and right surfaceto fold inwardly when the bodyis collapsed from the open configuration to the closed configuration.

It is contemplated, though not required, that the containerfurther comprises first and second snap hinges, each disposed on opposing sides of the container. The snap hingesassist with maintaining the containerin the expanded configuration and to collapse the containerwhen desired. The snap hingesmay also provide a connection between the bottom surfaceand the rimand provide a snap opening and closing features of the container.

In one example, the snap hingesare comprised of structural grade polymers. As with most hinges, the hingesare comprised of two pieces joined by a metal pin. The hingesproduce a “spring” effect upwards and “snap” sound upon the hingesbeing fully extended. The hingesalso produce a snap sound upon the hingesstarting to collapse. The spring effect and snap sound are caused by a short section of spring steel which is inserted into a slot of each of the two hinges. The hingescan facilitate expanding the containerby pressing the center of the hingesoutward or by a quick upward pull to the handlesor the rim, for example. The hingescan facilitate collapsing the containerby pressing the center of the hingesinwardly.

As shown in, one snap hingemay be disposed on the left surfaceof the bodyand the other snap hingemay be disposed on the right surfaceof the body. Preferably, each snap hingeis disposed between the parallel, vertical fold lines,.

illustrate the containertransitioning from the expanded configuration shown into the collapsed configuration shown in. As shown in, one or more forces F can be applied to the containerto cause the containerto begin to collapse. As the containercollapses, the materials of each of the front surfaceand back surfaceand the left surfaceand right surfacebegins to move inwardly and fold along the first and second sets of fold lines,, respectively. The collapse of the containercontinues in.

illustrates the containerin the collapsed configuration. As can be seen, each of the front surfaceand back surfaceand the left surfaceand right surfaceare folded and disposed within an interior of the container. The front surfaceand the back surfaceare folded to form a trapezoid shape, while the left surfaceand the right surfaceare folded to form a triangle shape.

illustrates an exploded view of the front surfaceand the right surface. As shown, it is contemplated that each of the front surface, back surface, left surface, and right surfacecan be composed of multiple materials. As one example, each of the surfaces,,,may be composed of an inner foil lining, a non-woven material layer, a foam layer, and an outer foil lining. Of course, the specific order of materials, and types of materials, used can vary depending on the application.

In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the first set of fold lineson the front and back surfaces,may be formed by stitching that extends through each of the inner foil lining, a non-woven material layer, a foam layer, and an outer foil liningforming the front and back surfaces,. In a similar manner, the second set of fold lineson the left and right surfaces,may be formed by stitching that extends through each of the inner foil lining, a non-woven material layer, a foam layer, and an outer foil liningforming the left and right surfaces,.

It is further contemplated that the foam layermay be thinner of the left and right surfaces,may be thinner in the region where the snap hingeis disposed. Alternatively, the layer may comprise three separate pieces with the left and right pieces being thicker than the middle piece. In some embodiment, the snap hinge may be disposed outside of the outer foil lining.

illustrates another embodiment of a collapsible containercomprising a top surfaceand a bottom surfacethat are connected by one or more sides to form the containerand define an interior cavity. Specifically, the collapsible containeris characterized by a bodythat includes the bottom surfaceand a front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surfaceconnected thereto. These surfaces collectively define the interior cavitythat serves as a storage space. Each set of opposing sidewalls is preferably identical to one another.

The top surfacemay be hingedly or otherwise coupled to one or more of the front surface, a back surface, a left surface, and a right surface. The top surfaceis configured to transition between the open configuration shown into a closed configuration. It is contemplated that the top surfacecan be closed via a zipping mechanism, although snaps, straps, and other closure mechanisms could alternatively be used.