[go: up one dir, main page]

EP1544118B1 - Collapsible container - Google Patents

Collapsible container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1544118B1
EP1544118B1 EP04029385A EP04029385A EP1544118B1 EP 1544118 B1 EP1544118 B1 EP 1544118B1 EP 04029385 A EP04029385 A EP 04029385A EP 04029385 A EP04029385 A EP 04029385A EP 1544118 B1 EP1544118 B1 EP 1544118B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
top ring
wall
sections
base
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04029385A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1544118A1 (en
Inventor
David Kusuma
Peter M. Card
Hector Javier Barea Lugo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Dart Industries Inc
Original Assignee
Dart Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=34527192&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP1544118(B1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Priority claimed from US10/735,724 external-priority patent/US7654402B2/en
Application filed by Dart Industries Inc filed Critical Dart Industries Inc
Priority to SI200430602T priority Critical patent/SI1544118T1/sl
Publication of EP1544118A1 publication Critical patent/EP1544118A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1544118B1 publication Critical patent/EP1544118B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/08—Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/086—Collapsible or telescopic containers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/32—Containers adapted to be temporarily deformed by external pressure to expel contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/40—Details of walls
    • B65D1/42—Reinforcing or strengthening parts or members
    • B65D1/44—Corrugations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
    • B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
    • B65D7/24—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls collapsible, e.g. with all parts detachable

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to molded plastic containers of the type commonly used for a variety of purposes including storage of both food items and non-food items, such containers preferably being adapted to receive an appropriate seal or lid. More specifically, the invention is concerned with containers of this type which, rather than being of a rigid construction as with a conventional bowl, are collapsible or foldable to a compact position when empty to facilitate convenient storage.
  • Such containers in the form of cups, bowls, and the like, are generally known in the art and take many forms. These include collapsible cups or glasses wherein the glass is formed of telescopically stacked annular wall elements which slide relative to each other between a fully extended position and a collapsed position. As the wall elements are not integrally formed and slide freely relative to each other, there is a substantial possibility of leakage, and use other than as a temporary drinking vessel is not practical.
  • Another form of collapsible container more pertinent to the present invention is illustrated in Patent No. 5,439,128, issued to Fishman on August 8, 1995 . In the Fishman container, the wall elements are integrally molded and consist of a series of both vertical and angled elements alternately stacked to define the container wall.
  • the elements, at the angular joint therebetween, are integrally joined by thin film hinges about which the wall elements fold.
  • the actual downward folding and collapsing of the Fishman elements requires that the elements flex in order to accommodate the folding motion.
  • This necessity for an actual flexing of the elements themselves, in addition to the folding at the film hinges, appears to be so significant as to, at least in some instances as illustrated in Figure 3 of Fishman, require significant central relief grooves in each of the inclined wall elements which would appear to cause an inherent weakening of these wall elements.
  • the alternate vertical wall elements of the open container retain their vertical orientation perpendicular to the base wall. As such the Fishman container is clearly not Susceptible to injection molding in the collapsed position as would be commercially advantageous due to great economies in mold production and molding procedures.
  • WO 94/24002 discloses a reusable collapsible container including a bottom wall and a relatively flexible, peripheral side wall extending outwardly from the bottom wall, the side wall moveable between axially extended and collapsed positions.
  • the side wall includes lower and upper relatively thicker portions and an intermediate relatively thinner portion, and the upper portion joins with an annular rim adapted to receive a removable cap.
  • the intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inwardly and downwardly, and a lower side wall portion is tapered radially outwardly and downwardly substantially to the bottom wall, such that in a collapsed position, the lower side wall portion is partially telescoped within the upper side wall portion, with the intermediate portion reverse folded therebetween.
  • US 3,220,544 discloses a container comprising a wafer-like member having a central recessed portion and a series of accordion folds or pleats connected to the recessed portion peripherally thereof, the accordion folds or pleats terminating in an outer rim.
  • the pleats may be unfolded to form a cup which can then be used and disposed of.
  • a principal object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container which presents or forms a substantially rigid receptacle in its open or expanded position and which, with an appropriate lid or seal snap-fit thereto, provides a practical watertight storage container for, as an example, an appropriate foodstuff or the like.
  • the container according to claim 1 is very convenient and provides a particularly desirable portable solution for food "on-the-go", such as at picnics, lunches for those who take their own lunch to work, and other instances wherein temporary storage is desired.
  • the collapsible nature of the container collapsing to a substantially completely compacted configuration of minimal height, particularly with a seal mounted thereon to confine any residue in the now empty container, allows the used container to be conveniently stored or packed away in a "brown bag", knapsack, picnic hamper, or the like, for subsequent cleaning and reuse.
  • a significant aspect of the container of the invention is its capability to fold open in increments, one section at a time, to vary the capacity thereof and at the same time maintain itself in any incrementally folded position.
  • a container which can be washed in a dishwasher in its folded position and stacked therein in the same manner as conventional dishes, a container which stays open when in use and stays closed in storage, and a container which maximizes usable space for packing in a shipping carton as well as storage in the home.
  • the peripheral wall of the container extending between a substantially rigid base and a substantially rigid top ring adapted to receive a snap-fit seal, includes a series of generally rigid annular or peripherally continuous wall sections joined to adjacent sections at fixed annular apex forming joints which are alternately inwardly and outwardly directed relative to the interior of the container. These sections have annular portions therebetween that are relatively flexible.
  • the wall sections, in the expanded or open position of the container, are themselves alternatively angled inward and outward relative to the interior of the container and relative to the vertical, with the wall sections, sequentially upward from the base to the top ring, each being generally diametrically or peripherally progressively greater than the base.
  • the configuration thus formed for the expanded container will be that of an inverted truncated cone with the wall sections basically outwardly stepped upward from the base. This in turn allows for a direct downward collapsing of the wall sections into concentric surrounding relation to the base with the top ring surrounding the collapsed folded wall sections.
  • the actual folding of the wall sections relative to each other occurs within a flexure portion at an apex area between the sections where each of the wall sections joins the wall section or sections immediately adjacent thereto and is of a thickness less than that of the thickness of the sections to each side thereof.
  • the thicker sections are both more rigid than the flexure portions and of substantially more limited flexibility.
  • the thinner portions, in the expanded position of the container form arcuate continuations of the thicker wall sections, forming an arc of greater than 90 degrees and, until physically moved over center during a collapsing of the container, provides a substantial degree of rigidity to the wall sections for the full height of the container wall.
  • each flexure zone formed by the thinner portions is bordered along each edge thereof by adjacent thicker wall sections.
  • a collapsed molded container in accordance with the invention is such that opposed rigid wall portions define a generally triangular interstitial space formed by two walls diverging from the vertical in a range of from about 8° to about 40°. However, for reasons that shall become apparent hereinbelow, a preferred range is from about 10° to about 16°.
  • Expansion of the container from its collapsed position will involve a downward push or pull on the base as the top ring is moved vertically upward therefrom.
  • the flexure portions unfold and move to arcs of greater than 90 degrees, the wall will tend to rigidify and in effect lock the container in the open position.
  • the collapsible container 10 comprises a base 12, a top ring 14 and a folding wall 16 extending therebetween.
  • the base 12 is a substantially rigid member including a bottom 18 with a peripheral upstanding base wall 20.
  • the base which may be flat, preferably includes a central slightly upwardly extending pressure area or bump 24 of any appropriate configuration, such as a dome, to assist in expanding the container as shall be described subsequently.
  • the base will also preferably have a series of small foot defining knobs 26 or a continuous foot rib, not shown, depending from the base bottom 18.
  • the top ring 14 includes a continuous or annular ring wall 28 with a peripheral horizontally outwardly directed flange 30 at approximately mid-height on the ring wall 28.
  • the top ring 14, similarly to the base 12, is substantially rigid and is of a greater diameter or other non-circular cross-sectional area than the base 12 to encircle the base in the collapsed position of the container, as in Figure 4, sufficiently outward thereof to accommodate the folded container wall therebetween.
  • the top ring flange 30 provides additional lateral stiffness to the top ring, and a convenient means for handling the bowl, especially when filled.
  • the ring flange 30 when the collapsed bowl is to be opened, allows a user to easily engage fingers about and under this flange 30 while pressing downward with the thumbs on the base domed pressure area 24 to forcibly vertically expand the base and top ring relative to each other.
  • pressure on area 24 particularly with a large bowl, pressure can be applied sequentially about the base bottom 18 immediately adjacent the base wall 20 peripherally thereabout.
  • the ring flange 30 can be slightly outwardly extended or enlarged at diametrically opposed portions to define gripping handles 32.
  • the molding of the base and top ring as separate entities from the wall is a preferred method of molding enabling the provision of substantially greater rigidity to these components relative to the wall sections, wherein the actual extending and collapsing action occurs, by utilization of polymers of differing degrees of rigidity, and/or flexibility.
  • the container side wall 16 is formed of a series of annular or peripherally continuous wall elements or sections 34, the lowermost section encircling and being intimately bonded, such as autogenously during a multicomponent molding procedure, to the wall 20 of base 12 and seated on a support shoulder 21 slightly above the base bottom.
  • the lowermost or bottom section being of a height slightly less than the remaining sections thereabove, is integrally joined to a thin upwardly projecting base portion 22 which, as the container wall folds, will define a flexure zone between this lowermost wall section and the base.
  • the wall sections 34 upward from engagement of the lowermost section with the base, are alternately inclined outwardly and inwardly relative to the interior of the container and to the vertical with each section joined to the section immediately thereabove at alternating outwardly and inwardly directed apexes or apex portions forming, respectively, angle joints as generally designated at 36 and 38.
  • the uppermost or top section 34 is joined by a flexure portion to an upwardly directed collar 37 received and intimately fixed within the lower portion of the ring wall 28, for example in the manner suggested with regard to the lowermost section.
  • the uppermost section 34 is integral or otherwise intimately peripherally joined to the lower edge portion of the top ring 14.
  • Each of the alternately inclined wall sections, noting the open container, is of a predetermined thickness and of limited flexibility relative to flexure zones or portions 40 joining adjacent sections 34.
  • the flexure portions 40 are relatively thinner than the sections 34 and substantially equal in thickness to the extending portion 22 of the base in Figure 5A.
  • the flexure zones or portions 40 generally define the angled joint, 36 or 38, between each section and the section immediately adjacent thereto. As noted, the height of these reduced thickness portions 40 is substantially less than the height of the sections 34.
  • flexure zone portions 40 in the expanded or open position of the container, again noting Figure 5, form, with regard to the outwardly inclined wall sections 34, continuations of the inner face of the corresponding portion 34 therebelow, and, with regard to the inwardly inclined wall sections, are continuations of the outer face of the corresponding wall section. So formed, the thicker wall sections to each side of these flexure zone portions 40, and the angle thereof, inherently defining the direction of the folding action, note in particular the folding sequence suggested in Figure 8. It will also be appreciated that, prior to folding, the flexure zones 40 and the positioning of these zones 40 between adjacent sections, provides a degree of over center stability to prevent inadvertent collapse of the wall 16.
  • the adjacent sections 34 in the collapsed position of the container, form oppositely facing V-shaped or triangular openings.
  • the center line of each V-shaped opening is generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the collapsed container. This structure is significant in allowing the injection mold to separate to eject the molded piece.
  • the angle of divergence between adjacent collapsed sections 34 has an overall possible range of 8° to 40°, with the preferred range being 10° to 16°.
  • An angle of 10° is considered optimum in achieving a desired balance between rigidity of the container in the open position and the force necessary to collapse or expand the container. This angle is also considered, as a practical matter, to be the smallest angle that will allow consistent ejection of the molded piece from the mold. As will be appreciated, as the angle increases, the rigidity of the open container decreases.
  • both the opening and collapsing of the container can be facilitated by applying pressure sequentially about the container or by rotating the container as pressure is applied to provide a stepping or ratcheting effect on the wall sections 34 rather than by snap positioning each flexure zone in its entirety at one time.
  • Figure 9 is of particular interest in showing the container partially folded or unfolded for use when a reduced capacity is desired or required.
  • the container is fully functional to receive and store foodstuffs and the like, and the seal 42, as in the open container of Figure 3, is also fully functional in that the top ring is dimensionally stable in every position of the container.
  • the flexure zones 40 fold between adjacent sections to assume a generally domed configuration.
  • the adjacent wall sections are folded to bring the thicker major height of the sections into concentric generally parallel relation to each other, with the angle between adjacent sections preferably being approximately 10° to 16°, with the sections laterally aligned and surrounding said base between the base wall 20 and the top ring wall 28. This will best be seen in the cross-sectional detail of Figure 6.
  • the seal 42 is capable of being snap-fitted to the top ring 14 in an appropriate manner in any position assumed by the container.
  • the upper portion of the top ring wall 28, above the circumferential flange 30, may be slightly outwardly inclined for reception within a peripheral downwardly directed groove on the seal. It is to be appreciated that inasmuch as the folded wall sections are, in any position of the container, positioned concentrically inward of the substantially rigid top ring 14, the seal 42 functions as an appropriate closure for the open container, the partially expanded container, and the collapsed container wherein a compacted storage position is achieved.
  • a cross bar 44 can be provided diagonally across the concave recess or depression formed by the bump in the lower face of the bottom 18. This cross bar 44 can be physically gripped by the user's fingers for a direct downward pull on the container base, moving the base downward relative to the top ring and expanding the wall sections.
  • the lowermost folding wall section 34 will act as a limit to the downward collapsing of the remaining wall sections and top ring relative to the base wall, retaining the sections and top ring slightly above a support plane defined by the base bottom and support feet thereon whereby support of the container, both expanded and collapsed, is on the base and base feet rather than on the much thinner flexure zones.
  • the container 110 is comprised of a base 112, a top ring 114, and a folding wall 116 of alternating rigid wall sections 134 and flexure zones or portions 140.
  • the container 110 both expands and collapses in the previously described manner and, in the collapsed position, is so configured as to allow for a practical and preferred molding of the container in this position.
  • the wall sections 134 in the collapsed position, define oppositely facing V-shaped openings where the angle between the sections, while having a possible range of 8 to 40°, will preferably be in the range of 10° to 16° with an optimum angle of 10°.
  • Each V-shaped opening has the centerline thereof, extending from the apex defined by the converging sections 134, perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the collapsed container.
  • the wall sections 134 angle both relative to each other, at greater than 90°, and to the vertical as defined by a perpendicular to the base.
  • each wall section 134 is beveled, as at 135, to provide a gradual transition area between the wall section 134 and the adjacent flexure portion 140. This differs from the rather abrupt transition area of the first embodiment, note in particular Figures 5 and 6.
  • the flexure zone portions 140 in the open position of the container, form, with regard to the outwardly inclined wall sections 134 of Figure 16, continuations of the inner face of the corresponding section 134 therebelow.
  • the flexure zone portions 140 with regard to the inwardly inclined wall sections 134, are continuations of the outer face of the corresponding wall section 134.
  • the bottom wall section 134 is of a greater height than the wall sections thereabove, and extends for the full height of the peripheral upstanding base wall 120.
  • the lower extremity of this lowermost wall section 134 is turned under the bottom 118 of the base 112 and engaged within a receiving recess 119, thus in effect defining a portion of the support plane of the container.
  • the enhanced area of overlap between the lower portion of the container wall and the base enhances the joinder therebetween.
  • the engagement of the container wall to the top ring is effected by a laterally directed collar 137 joined to the uppermost wall section 134 by the uppermost flexure portion 140.
  • the collar 137 includes an upwardly directed locking bead 139 on the outer edge thereof with both the collar 137 and bead 139 being received within a corresponding locking recess found in the base of annular ring wall 128.
  • the top ring 114 as with the previously described ring 14, includes an integral annular outwardly projecting ring flange 130, providing both lateral stiffness to the top ring and a convenient means for both manipulating and handling the bowl.
  • an integral depending gripping bead 131 be provided peripherally about the outer edge portion of the flange 130.
  • the base 112 includes a substantially enlarged central upwardly extending pressure area or bump 124. This enhances the area upon which opening pressure, in particular, can be applied, facilitating the manipulation of the container and at the same time having a tendency to further strengthen the otherwise flat bottom 118.
  • the bottom push bump 124 can also be provided with a diagonal cross bar 144 for purposes previously noted with regard to cross bar 44.
  • an appropriate seal 142 capable of being snap-fitted to the top ring 114 can be provided.
  • Such a seal in light of the manner of collapsing and expanding the container with the concentric folded wall sections, will comprise an appropriate closure for the container whether fully open, fully collapsed, or partially expanded.
  • the container as described is designed in a configuration that utilizes a "network" of flexure zones. It is not an accordion shape that stretches to open and close like a spring. Instead, the flat storage container functions to open and close based on a principle of "opposing angles".
  • the containers are generally molded in the open or expanded configurations. Open is thus the natural state for those containers, that is those containers would 'prefer' to remain open than in any other position. Thus, when one tries to fold or collapse these containers, the containers tend to want to spring back open, that is return to their natural state. This is not the case with the container of the invention wherein the container is preferably molded in a flattened or collapsed position. This is its initial natural state meaning that the container will initially prefer to stay in this closed configuration. There are multiple folds within the network of flexure zones. In the illustrated embodiment three sets of independently activating zones are provided (more can be added to increase capacity if desired).
  • each of the independently activatable flexure zones has a second 'natural' or at rest state when open wherein the fold will prefer to remain open independently of the remaining folds.
  • both the action of collapsing the container and the action of expanding the container require the folds to be individually manipulated. Positive action is required to both fold and unfold the container. This can be referred to as the principle of "opposing angles".
  • the angle of the fold in the closed position keeps the fold closed; the angle of the fold in the open position keeps the fold open.
  • the flexure zone is twisted and distorted slightly until it overcomes the opposing angle and then flips to the other position configuration.
  • the unique structure of the invention allows the container to remain flat when in the closed or collapsed position and remain expanded when in any open or partially open position. Because of the two 'natural' states for the flexure zones, the container prefers to remain closed when collapsed flat and prefers to remain open when expanded. With the independent activation of the flexure zones in the network, the container is capable of opening to fixed partial capacities, because the container prefers to remain open in these partial configurations. This is of particular value in maximizing and optimizing storage space as in a refrigerator, and dishwasher space when washing.
  • the collapsible container of the present invention has been described in the preferred embodiments as comprising one of molded plastic, i.e. synthetic polymers, having 'separate entities' comprising a base, top ring and folding wall.
  • the 'separate entities' in a preferred molding method may, for example, be realized by utilization of molding apparatus that enables multiple stage molding of the base, top ring and folding wall, and wherein selection of polymers of varying degrees of substantial rigidity and/or general rigidity may be utilized. This also enables the varying of the color or light transmissivity of the base, top ring and folding wall.
  • the container of the present invention may be molded as a unitary structure in essentially a single molding step.
  • the described preferred difference in relative rigidity, or general, but more flexible, rigidity of the base and ring vis-a-vis the folding wall may be achieved in a single molding step by selection of appropriate thicknesses of the several portions.
  • a mold suitable for injection molding of the wall portion in a collapsed condition will require a plurality of concentric annular interdigitated generally triangular, or V-shaped mold elements, carried by mold halves, corresponding to the number of wall sections folded on each other.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
  • Making Paper Articles (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
EP04029385A 2003-12-16 2004-12-10 Collapsible container Expired - Lifetime EP1544118B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI200430602T SI1544118T1 (sl) 2003-12-16 2004-12-10 Sestavljiva posoda

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US735724 2003-12-16
US10/735,724 US7654402B2 (en) 2003-12-16 2003-12-16 Collapsible container
US10/899,314 US20050127074A1 (en) 2003-12-16 2004-07-27 Collapsible container
US899314 2004-07-27

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1544118A1 EP1544118A1 (en) 2005-06-22
EP1544118B1 true EP1544118B1 (en) 2007-11-14

Family

ID=34527192

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04029385A Expired - Lifetime EP1544118B1 (en) 2003-12-16 2004-12-10 Collapsible container

Country Status (21)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1544118B1 (zh)
JP (1) JP3929460B2 (zh)
KR (1) KR100896825B1 (zh)
CN (1) CN1325337C (zh)
AR (1) AR046899A1 (zh)
AT (1) ATE378263T1 (zh)
BR (1) BRPI0405339A (zh)
CA (1) CA2488313C (zh)
CZ (1) CZ20041210A3 (zh)
DE (1) DE602004010045T2 (zh)
DK (1) DK1544118T3 (zh)
ES (1) ES2297329T3 (zh)
HR (1) HRP20041163A2 (zh)
IL (1) IL165341A (zh)
IS (1) IS7553A (zh)
MX (1) MXPA04012450A (zh)
NO (1) NO327919B1 (zh)
NZ (1) NZ547597A (zh)
PL (1) PL204425B1 (zh)
RU (1) RU2311327C2 (zh)
SG (1) SG112955A1 (zh)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011115688A1 (de) 2011-10-06 2013-04-11 Arman Emami Faltbarer Behälter
DE102012101080A1 (de) 2012-02-09 2013-08-14 Leifheit Ag Faltbarer Behälter

Families Citing this family (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
SE530562C2 (sv) * 2006-11-08 2008-07-08 Ecolean Res & Dev As Anordning och metod för placering av förpackningar av kollapsande slag i en distributionsenhet
US8215230B2 (en) † 2008-12-05 2012-07-10 Progressive International Corporation Collapsible salad spinner
CN102300784B (zh) 2009-01-29 2013-07-10 株式会社吉野工业所 底壁折回容器
DE102009019461A1 (de) 2009-05-04 2010-11-11 Future Haushaltsprodukte Gmbh Faltbares topfförmiges Gefäß
JP5847372B2 (ja) * 2009-09-30 2016-01-20 小林製薬株式会社 押出容器
JP5517551B2 (ja) * 2009-10-09 2014-06-11 株式会社堀場製作所 蛍光ｘ線分析用試料セル
TW201143672A (en) * 2010-06-01 2011-12-16 Ricco Engineering Internat Inc Foldable water kettle and handholding structure of kettle
JP5525990B2 (ja) * 2010-10-08 2014-06-18 株式会社ダイヤコーポレーション ゴルフティー
JP2012246044A (ja) * 2011-05-31 2012-12-13 Isefuji:Kk 折り畳み式バケツ
JP5887091B2 (ja) * 2011-10-04 2016-03-16 ダイセルパックシステムズ株式会社 折り畳み式容器とその製造方法並びに容器の耐久性改善方法
US8887942B2 (en) * 2012-01-18 2014-11-18 HumanGear, Inc. Collapsible cup assembly with a container lid
DE102012106891B3 (de) 2012-07-30 2013-12-12 Leifheit Ag Faltbarer Behälter
KR200467450Y1 (ko) * 2013-02-25 2013-06-17 최종하 부피 가변형 컵
WO2015185719A1 (en) * 2014-06-06 2015-12-10 The Cookware Company Ltd. Smart cookware accessories
GB2530800A (en) * 2014-10-03 2016-04-06 Tiddler Inc Llp Improved container
KR102319998B1 (ko) * 2015-01-22 2021-11-01 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 볼륨 가변형 도가니를 구비한 증착원
CN104773353A (zh) * 2015-04-16 2015-07-15 佛山东承汇科技控股有限公司 一种可变容积的一次性碗杯
CN111067459B (zh) * 2017-03-07 2021-10-26 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 用于洗碗机的碗篮
IL312113B1 (en) * 2017-09-27 2025-02-01 Microtek Medical Inc Thermal therapy pelvic surgical drape
US20190119000A1 (en) * 2017-10-20 2019-04-25 Sam Tung Tsui Collapsible Shape-Retaining Containers
CN108033096A (zh) * 2017-12-19 2018-05-15 佛山市鼎翘五金有限公司 体积可调节的家用储物盒
CN110834787A (zh) * 2018-08-17 2020-02-25 段睿纮 折叠容器的支撑结构
CN111802774B (zh) * 2019-04-11 2023-04-07 国誉商业（上海）有限公司 收纳盒
CN210913326U (zh) * 2019-08-16 2020-07-03 嘉兴捷顺旅游制品有限公司 可折叠容器
US10669067B1 (en) * 2019-10-08 2020-06-02 Romance Coach On the Go, LLC Toiletry organizer
KR200493585Y1 (ko) * 2020-03-11 2021-04-28 최영진 높이 조절이 가능한 조리 용기
JP7339670B2 (ja) 2020-06-12 2023-09-06 株式会社グルマンディーズ 携帯電子端末保持具
CN112208894A (zh) * 2020-09-17 2021-01-12 微饮(上海)实业有限公司 一种分离式小罐包装容器
CN112267096A (zh) * 2020-10-26 2021-01-26 天长市石峰玻璃有限公司 一种可提高镀膜均匀度的镀膜装置
KR102267549B1 (ko) 2020-11-03 2021-06-21 김선 휴대가 간편한 포켓 텀블러
CN116441150B (zh) * 2023-06-20 2023-09-01 浙江久正工程检测有限公司 一种细筛设备

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1124843A (fr) * 1955-05-20 1956-10-18 Seau pliant
US3220544A (en) * 1963-04-26 1965-11-30 Walter C Lovell Packaging and novel container employed therewith
US5417337A (en) * 1991-11-12 1995-05-23 Robbins, Iii; Edward S. Reusable and re-collapsible container and associated cap
CH685989A5 (de) * 1992-05-12 1995-11-30 Erfis Ag Zusammenfaltbares Gebilde, insbesondere Beholtnis.
DE69410806T2 (de) * 1994-12-30 1999-02-11 The Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati, Ohio Klappbare Schöpfkelle
JP3051331B2 (ja) * 1995-11-30 2000-06-12 パンケミカル株式会社 伸張式容器
JPH10167277A (ja) * 1996-12-13 1998-06-23 Sakai Bika Kogyo Kk 液体食品用小容器
KR20000012981A (ko) 1998-08-04 2000-03-06 이동현 신장식용기
JP2003335318A (ja) 2002-05-13 2003-11-25 Fukuoka Marumoto Kk 包装用容器

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102011115688A1 (de) 2011-10-06 2013-04-11 Arman Emami Faltbarer Behälter
DE102011115688B4 (de) * 2011-10-06 2014-04-10 Arman Emami Faltbarer Behälter
DE102012101080A1 (de) 2012-02-09 2013-08-14 Leifheit Ag Faltbarer Behälter
WO2013117748A1 (de) 2012-02-09 2013-08-15 Leifheit Ag Faltbarer behälter mit abnehmbarem deckel
DE102012101080B4 (de) * 2012-02-09 2014-12-31 Leifheit Ag Faltbarer Behälter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1636833A (zh) 2005-07-13
IL165341A0 (en) 2006-01-15
CA2488313C (en) 2012-04-10
JP3929460B2 (ja) 2007-06-13
EP1544118A1 (en) 2005-06-22
DE602004010045D1 (de) 2007-12-27
RU2004136801A (ru) 2006-05-27
RU2311327C2 (ru) 2007-11-27
CA2488313A1 (en) 2005-06-16
DE602004010045T2 (de) 2008-09-04
BRPI0405339A (pt) 2005-08-30
KR20050061326A (ko) 2005-06-22
AU2004235603A1 (en) 2005-06-30
NO327919B1 (no) 2009-10-19
MXPA04012450A (es) 2005-07-12
AR046899A1 (es) 2005-12-28
DK1544118T3 (da) 2008-03-25
NZ547597A (en) 2008-02-29
ATE378263T1 (de) 2007-11-15
PL204425B1 (pl) 2010-01-29
IL165341A (en) 2010-05-31
IS7553A (is) 2005-06-17
KR100896825B1 (ko) 2009-05-12
NO20045122L (no) 2005-04-18
CN1325337C (zh) 2007-07-11
CZ20041210A3 (cs) 2006-03-15
JP2005200104A (ja) 2005-07-28
PL371759A1 (en) 2005-06-27
HRP20041163A2 (en) 2005-12-31
ES2297329T3 (es) 2008-05-01
SG112955A1 (en) 2005-07-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1544118B1 (en) Collapsible container
US20050127074A1 (en) Collapsible container
EP2653064B1 (en) Collapsible container
US20230159222A1 (en) Collapsible shape-retaining containers
US5384138A (en) Collapsible containers
US4873100A (en) Bistable expandable bottle
MXPA99011916A (es) Dispensador autosellable para bebidas.
WO1996003906B1 (en) Food or drink container
EP1534600B1 (en) Containment vessel
GB2561346A (en) A reconfigurable container
WO2016051208A1 (en) Collapsible plastic container and methods for forming the same
KR200302326Y1 (ko) 즉석음식 포장용 용기
KR20050090169A (ko) 접이식 용기
WO2024243544A1 (en) Foldable container

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR LV MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20051125

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AXX Extension fees paid

Extension state: HR

Payment date: 20051125

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: HR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: LUGO, HECTOR JAVIER BAREA

Inventor name: CARD, PETER M.

Inventor name: KUSUMA, DAVID

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602004010045

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20071227

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: SC4A

Free format text: AVAILABILITY OF NATIONAL TRANSLATION

Effective date: 20080214

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: NV

Representative=s name: A. BRAUN, BRAUN, HERITIER, ESCHMANN AG PATENTANWAE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GR

Ref legal event code: EP

Ref document number: 20080400390

Country of ref document: GR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080214

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2297329

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071114

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071114

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080314

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071114

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080214

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PFA

Owner name: DART INDUSTRIES INC.

Free format text: DART INDUSTRIES INC.#14901 S. ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL#ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32837 (US) -TRANSFER TO- DART INDUSTRIES INC.#14901 S. ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL#ORLANDO, FLORIDA 32837 (US)

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: DART INDUSTRIES INC.

Effective date: 20071231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071231

ET Fr: translation filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: HU

Ref legal event code: AG4A

Ref document number: E003149

Country of ref document: HU

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071114

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071114

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071231

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20080815

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071114

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20071211

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071211

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20071114

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20071210

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: PT

Ref legal event code: MM4A

Free format text: LAPSE DUE TO NON-PAYMENT OF FEES

Effective date: 20090910

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20081217

Year of fee payment: 5

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20110218

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20101125

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20121227

Year of fee payment: 9

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PCAR

Free format text: NEW ADDRESS: HOLBEINSTRASSE 36-38, 4051 BASEL (CH)

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20131210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20131210

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Payment date: 20141119

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: SI

Ref legal event code: KO00

Effective date: 20160830

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151211

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151210

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121210

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151210

PGRI Patent reinstated in contracting state [announced from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Effective date: 20170710

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20181231

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Payment date: 20191128

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: PT

Payment date: 20191121

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20191226

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: HU

Payment date: 20191203

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Payment date: 20191230

Year of fee payment: 16

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20191219

Year of fee payment: 16

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Payment date: 20191230

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191231

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20191231

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DK

Ref legal event code: EBP

Effective date: 20201231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201210

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210611

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20210101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210101

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201211

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20210707

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201231

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20201210

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230614

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20231229

Year of fee payment: 20

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R071

Ref document number: 602004010045

Country of ref document: DE