KR100997580B1 - Collapsible container including vertical hinged sidewall sections - Google Patents

Abstract

The upright and collapsible container 10 includes a plurality of side walls, which are coupled along a plurality of wall hinges that provide articulated connections between the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18. The bottom wall is attached to the side wall at an edge hinge that provides an articulation connection between the side wall and the bottom wall 48. At least one flexible gusset portion is provided that extends between the one or more sidewalls and the bottom wall, and the gusset portion 68 is movable with the bottom wall in response to movement of the sidewall and the bottom wall between the folded and upright shapes. Do. A structure is provided for maintaining the sidewalls in an upright shape such that the sidewalls define a generally rigid or semi-rigid structure. A pair of opposing flexible panels 116, 118 extend from the sidewalls to define a bag-shaped upper portion 119 that extends from the support structure and forms a sealable opening 123 for the container.

Containers, Storage Bags, Sidewalls, Bottom Walls, Hinges, Flexible Panels

Description

FOLDABLE CONTAINER INCLUDING VERTICALLY HINGED SIDWALL SECTIONS}

The present invention relates to an upright container, and more particularly to such a container which is capable of being upright in a generally three-dimensional shape in response to a force applied to an external portion of the container from a generally flat folded shape.

The use of storage bags for the containment and protection of items, including the preservation of perishable materials such as food, is generally known in the art. Such a storage bag includes a bag formed of opposing sheets of film material joined together along a peripheral edge to form a semi-sealed container having three sealed or folded edges and one open edge. Open edges are typically provided with closures, such as integrally formed reclosable or reusable seals, as may be provided by integrally formed entanglement seals. The storage bag may conveniently be expanded to accommodate the contents stored in a flat shape and disposed within the bag before use.

With regard to rigid or semi-rigid containers, it is widely recognized that such containers have also realized significant commercial success in providing means for storing a wide range of contents. Such containers typically have openings that remain open to fill and / or empty the contents. Such containers are also often provided with flat bottoms and tops to provide stackability. However, such containers typically use more material than bags, which may limit their disposability. At the same time, the service life of such containers may be limited by damage, contamination or other degradation that occurs naturally in use. This three-dimensional rigid or semi-rigid container may also require a larger storage area than other more flexible containers, since the container generally occupies as much volume as the filled state even when the container is empty.

Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a container that combines the desirable properties of both flexible bags and rigid or semi-rigid storage containers. It would also be desirable to provide such a container that can be self-supported in an open state for filling purposes and that is easily stored by being folded into a compact form.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an upright and collapsible container comprising a plurality of side walls, wherein each side wall is joined to an adjacent side wall by a hinge and each hinge is an articulated connection between adjacent side walls. To provide. The bottom wall is hingedly attached to at least two of the plurality of sidewalls in the hinged attachment position, the hinged attachment position providing an articulated connection between the at least two sidewalls and the bottom wall. At least one gusset structure extends between at least the first pair of sidewalls and the bottom wall, wherein the at least one gusset structure includes a first surface, wherein the first surface is relative to the bottom wall from a first position relative to the bottom wall. Articulated to a second position.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an upright and collapsible container comprising a plurality of side walls, wherein each side wall is joined to an adjacent side wall by a hinge and each hinge is an articulated connection between adjacent side walls. To provide. The bottom wall is hingedly attached to at least two of the sidewalls in the hinged attachment position, the hinged attachment position provides an articulated connection between the at least two sidewalls and the bottom wall, and the bottom wall is articulated with respect to each other. It includes at least two parts movable to. The first and second gusset structures extend between each of the first and second pairs of side walls and the bottom wall, wherein the first and second gusset structures each include a first surface, wherein the first surface is connected to the bottom wall. Articulated from the first position relative to the second position relative to the bottom wall.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided an upstanding and collapsible container comprising a plurality of side walls, wherein each side wall is joined to an adjacent side wall by a hinge and each hinge is articulated between adjacent side walls. Provide a connection. The bottom wall is hingedly attached to at least two of the sidewalls in the hinged attachment position, the hinged attachment position providing an articulated connection between the at least first pair of sidewalls and the bottom wall. At least one gusseted structure extends between at least two of the sidewalls and the bottom wall, wherein the at least one gusseted structure includes a first surface, wherein the first surface is relative to the bottom wall from a first position relative to the bottom wall. Articulated to a second position. A flexible panel portion is attached to the plurality of side walls to define a sealable opening for the container. The container is deformable from a substantially folded shape to a substantially upright shape in response to a force applied to at least one of the plurality of sidewalls.

Although this specification ends with the claims particularly pointed out and specifically claimed, this invention is believed to be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements.

1 is a perspective view of a container illustrating the present invention in an upright shape,

2 is a side view of a container illustrating the invention in a folded shape,

3 is a perspective view of a container illustrating the invention in a partially upright shape;

4 is a plan view of the container of FIG. 3 without a side panel;

4A is a bottom perspective view of an end of a container including an end panel of a first pair of containers;

4B is a bottom perspective view of an end of a container including an end panel of a second pair of containers;

5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1 with no side panels;

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4,

7 is a sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4,

8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4,

9 is a plan view of the container of FIG.

10 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the side panel folded down;

11 is a perspective view of a step of separating the side panel along a dividing line extending along the edge of the side panel;

12 is a perspective view of an additional step of separating the side panel along a separation line extending along a connection between the side panel and the support structure;

13 is a perspective view of the supporting portion of the container after the side panel is removed;

14 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the side panels joined together in a sealed shape.

1 through 3, a container 10 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is shown. The vessel 10 generally includes a support structure 11 that is movable between a shape defining a flexible-resilient structure and a shape defining a rigid or semi-rigid structure. The support structure 11 comprises opposing first and second longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 defining a first and a second vessel side 13, 15, a first and a third vessel side 17. A first pair of end sidewalls including second end sidewalls 16, 18, and a second pair of end portions including first and second end sidewalls 20, 22 defining a fourth vessel side 19. And sidewalls. The first pair of end sidewalls 16, 18 are connected to each other at the intermediate wall hinges 24 and also to the respective longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 at the wall hinges 26, 28. Similarly, the second pair of end sidewalls 20, 22 are connected to each other at the intermediate wall hinges 30 and also to the respective longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 at the wall hinges 32, 34.

3 and 4, the first pair of end sidewalls 16, 18 are articulated relative to each other and to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 at the wall hinges 24, 26, 28, respectively. articulated, the second pair of end sidewalls 20, 22 may be articulated relative to one another and to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 at the wall hinges 30, 32, 34, respectively. The sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 constitute a structure in which the support structure 11 is substantially rigid or semi-rigid from a generally flat folded shape in which the support structure 11 constitutes a flexible-elastic structure. It is articulated to move in an upright three-dimensional shape. In the flat folded shape of the container 10, the inner surfaces 36, 38 of the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 are disposed facing each other, and the inner surfaces of the first pair of end sidewalls 16, 18 ( 40, 42 are disposed facing each other, and the inner surfaces 44, 46 of the second pair of end side walls 20, 22 are disposed facing each other (see FIG. 4). In the upright shape of the container 10, the inner surfaces 36, 38 of the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 are arranged in a spaced apart relationship, and the first pair of end sidewalls 16, 18 are substantially substantially in space with one another. Parallel and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14, and the second pair of end sidewalls 20, 22 are substantially parallel to each other and aligned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14. , Defines a generally rectangular area whose boundaries are determined by sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 (see FIG. 1).

The container 10 further includes a bottom wall 48 extending between the edges 50, 52 of the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 48 is connected to the edges 50 and 52 at the edge hinges 58 and 60 (see also FIG. 8) and extends in parallel with the edge hinges 58 and 60. And 62, first and second bottom sections 54, 56 connected to each other. The width dimensions of each of the bottom sections 54, 56 between the middle bottom hinge 62 and each edge hinge 58, 60 are the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30 and the respective wall hinges 26, 30 and 32,. It is preferred to be substantially equal to the width of the end walls 16, 18, 20, 22 as measured between 34). The middle bottom hinge 62 generally lies in the imaginary plane I (FIG. 5) defined by the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30 in both the folded shape and the upright shape. In the folded configuration, the first and second bottom sections 54, 56 are disposed between the longitudinal side walls 12, 14, wherein the surface 64 (FIG. 8) of the first bottom section 54 is the longitudinal side wall. It is disposed facing toward the inner surface 36 of (12) and the surface 66 of the second bottom section 56 is disposed facing toward the inner surface 38 of the longitudinal side wall 14. In an upright shape, the first and second bottom sections 54, 56 may be aligned substantially parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14. Although a preferred dimensional relationship between the components of the container 10 is described herein, the relative dimensions of the components as well as the degree of displacement of the components relative to each other, the number of components including the wall, the components of each other It should be noted that those skilled in the art will recognize that the match or discrepancy between the dimensions may vary and still maintain functionality within the scope of the present invention.

As can be seen in FIGS. 3-7, the first gusset structure 68 extends from the bottom wall 48 to the first pair of end sidewalls 16, 18, and the second gusset structure 70 is bottomed. It extends from the wall 48 to the second pair of end sidewalls 20, 22. In one configuration of the vessel 10, the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, bottom wall 48, and the inner surfaces of the first and second gusset structures 68, 70 are flexible. And a substantially continuous sheet of flexible material 130. Flexible material 130 includes a pair of opposing, generally planar portions 130a and 130b (FIGS. 6 and 7). The portion 130a of the flexible material 130 extends along the sidewalls 12, 16, 20, and the portion 130b of the flexible material 130 extends along the sidewalls 14, 18, 22. The additional portion 130c of the flexible material 130 extends from the edge of the sidewalls 12, 16, 20 and extends adjacent to the portion 130a, and the additional portion 130d of the flexible material 130 is the sidewall. Extends from the edge of 14, 18, 22 and extends adjacent to portion 130b. The further extending portions 130c and 130d are connected to each other along opposing edges 69 and 71 (Figs. 4A, 4B, 6 and 7), which edges 69 and 71 are connected to intermediate wall hinges 24, Each attached at 30). In addition, portions 130c and 130d are coupled along first and second gusset hinges 80 and 100 (FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 6 and 7). The first gusseted hinge 80 is defined on the first gusseted structure 68 and extends from a position adjacent the end 84 of the middle wall hinge 24 to the middle bottom hinge 62 and the second gusseted hinge 100 ) Is defined on the second gusset structure 70 and extends from a position adjacent the end 104 of the intermediate wall hinge 30 to the intermediate bottom hinge 62.

3, 4 and 4A, the first gusset structure 68 includes movable first and second gusset portions 72, 74 and substantially fixed first and second gusset portions 73, 75). First gusset portions 72, 73 are separated along fold line 82 at inner surface 40. Preferably, the fold line 82 extends from a position adjacent the end 84 of the intermediate wall hinge 24 to the intersection 86 with the end sidewall 16 of the edge hinge 58. Second gusset portions 74, 75 are separated along fold line 88 at inner surface 42. Preferably, the fold line 88 extends from a position adjacent the end 84 of the intermediate wall hinge 24 to the intersection 90 with the end sidewall 18 of the edge hinge 60. Movable gusseted portions 72, 74 extend from respective hinges 76, 78 at the first ends of bottom sections 54, 56 to respective folds 82, 88. The movable gusset portions 72, 74 are articulated with respect to one another along the first gusset hinge 80.

Similarly, referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 4B, the second gusset structure 70 includes movable first and second gusset portions 92, 94, and substantially fixed first and second gusset portions. (93, 95). The first gusset portions 92, 93 are separated along the fold line 102 at the inner surface 44. Preferably, the fold line 102 extends from a location adjacent the end 104 of the intermediate wall hinge 30 to the intersection 106 with the end sidewall 20 of the edge hinge 58. Second gusset portions 94, 95 are separated along fold line 108 at inner surface 46. Preferably, the fold line 108 extends from a position adjacent the end 104 of the intermediate wall hinge 30 to the intersection 110 with the end sidewall 22 of the edge hinge 60. The movable gusset portions 92, 94 extend from each hinge 96, 98 at the second end of the bottom section 54, 56 to each hinge 102, 108. The moveable portions 92, 94 are articulated relative to one another along the second gusseted hinge 100.

The fold lines 82, 88, 102, 108 are defined by one side of the triangle where each fold line 82, 88, 102, 108 is defined by each substantially fixed gusset portion 73, 75, 93, 95. It is substantially fixed by forming the two remaining sides of this triangle are attached to each side wall (16, 18, 20, 22). It should be noted that the fold lines 82, 88, 102, 108 may optionally or additionally be defined by bonding or attachment to the material of adjacent sidewalls 16, 18, 20, 22.

Referring to FIG. 6, the movable first and second gusset portions 72, 74 of the first gusset structure 68 include respective first and second surfaces 72a, 72b and 74a, 74b, respectively. . When the container 10 is in a folded shape, the first gusset structure 68 is disposed between the end sidewalls 16, 18 so that the first and second gusset portions 72, 74 are aligned with the bottom sections 54, 56. It is folded about the first gusset hinge 80 with generally extending parallel and the first surfaces 72a, 74a facing towards the respective inner surfaces 40, 42 of the end sidewalls 16, 18. Referring to FIG. 5, when the container 10 is in an upright shape, the movable gusset portions 72, 74 of the first gusset structure 68 have a folded gusset structure generally parallel to the end sidewalls 16, 18. Foldably movable first and second gusset portions 72, 74 arranged adjacently and extending generally perpendicular to bottom section 54, 56 and second surfaces 72b, 74b end edge sidewalls 16, 18. Are folded relative to the fold lines 82, 88 in opposition to the respective inner surfaces 40, 42 of the < RTI ID = 0.0 >

With reference to FIG. 7, the movable first and second gusset portions 92, 94 of the second gusset structure 70 include respective first and second surfaces 92a, 92b and 94a, 94b, respectively. . When the container 10 is in a folded shape, the second gusset structure 70 is disposed between the end sidewalls 20, 22 such that the first and second gusset portions 92, 94 are aligned with the bottom sections 54, 56. It is folded about the second gusset hinge 100 with generally extending parallel and the first surfaces 92a and 94a facing towards the respective inner surfaces 44 and 46 of the end side walls 20 and 22. 5, when the container 10 is in an upright shape, the movable gusset portions 92, 94 of the second gusset structure 70 have a folded gusset structure generally parallel to the end sidewalls 20, 22. Foldably movable first and second gusset portions 92, 94 arranged perpendicularly adjacent to bottom section 54, 56 and second surfaces 92b, 94b extending end sidewalls 20, 22. It is folded with respect to fold lines 102 and 108 in a state facing toward respective inner surfaces 44 and 46.

The first and second gusset hinges 80, 100 each define a length that is preferably substantially the same as the width of the bottom sections 54, 56. However, as described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the relative dimensions of the components may vary within the scope of the present invention and still provide a functional container. As the container 10 moves from the folded shape to the upright shape, the first and second gusseted hinges 80, 100 are intermediate from the orientation that is substantially collinear with the middle bottom hinge 62. Move substantially toward an adjacent orientation substantially perpendicular to and substantially parallel to the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30. The first and second gusset structures 68, 70 provide a support structure between the first and second pair of end sidewalls 16, 18 and 20, 22 and the bottom wall 48. The first and second gusset structures 68, 70 provide a structure capable of inhibiting pivotal movement of the bottom sections 54, 56 past a predetermined position. As a non-limiting example, the first and second gusset structures 68, 70 have a bottom beyond the plane defined by the edges of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 when the container is in an upright shape. Pivot movement of sections 54 and 56 can be suppressed.

In one embodiment, gusset structures 68 and 70 are formed of a flexible material, such as a flexible film material for constructing vessel 10 as described further below. The flexible gusset structure material varies in distance between the ends 84, 104 of the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30 and the ends of the intermediate bottom hinge 62 during movement of the container 10 between the folded shape and the upright shape. It can be easily articulated or bent to accommodate it, ie buckled or partially folded. Gusset structures 68, 70 may define a continuous flexible membrane between container side 13, 15, 17, 19 and bottom wall 48 to facilitate retention of contents disposed within container 10. .

The container 10 may be provided with a structure for maintaining the container 10 in an upright shape. In the illustrated embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the end sidewalls 16, 20 are each provided with respective extensions 112, 114 extending in overlapping relation to adjacent end sidewalls 18, 22. Extensions 112, 114 may be formed by adjacent end sidewalls to substantially prevent pivotal movement between the first and second pairs of end sidewalls 16, 18, and 20, 22 to maintain container 10 in an upright shape. 18, 22) can be attached or glued. Extensions 112, 114 may be provided with adhesive attachment means to adhere to adjacent end sidewalls 18, 22. The adhesive attachment means may include without limitation pressure sensitive adhesives with or without a peel-off covering strip, and a coagulant, ie an adhesive which is attached only to itself. Alternatively or additionally, tabs in slots, straps, clips, adhesive strips, clamping elements, and snap or other interfitting parts, For example, mechanical means including, without limitation, interlocking dimples and recess elements may be provided to attach extensions 112, 114 to adjacent end sidewalls 18, 22.

Alternatively or additionally, the structure for holding the container 10 in an upright shape may include one or more hinge positions 76, on an extension or extensions (not shown) provided on the bottom sections 54, 56, such as the bottom section. And may include a securing feature including an extension (not shown) that extends beyond 78, 96, 98. Such extensions may extend past each hinge position 76, 78, 96, 98, but would preferably not be sealed, glued, or otherwise connected to the flexible material 130 of the hinge structure 68, 70. . Extensions or extensions (not shown) of the bottom sections 54, 56 extend so that the extension (s) extend longitudinally past one or more of each of the end walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and to these end walls. It may be desirable to have dimensions dimensioned to include opposing surfaces. In an upright shape, the engagement of the extension (s) of the bottom section 54, 56 against the edges of the end walls 16, 18, 20, 22 is pivoting of the bottom section 54, 56 towards the folded shape. Movement can be substantially prevented, thereby fixing the container in an upright shape. A fastening mechanism incorporating the extension (s) of the bottom sections 54, 56 may be provided instead of a fastening mechanism using the extensions 112, 114.

It is to be noted that the structure and operation of the present invention is not limited to the tetrahedral container described herein, and that the principles of the present invention may be applied to a tetrahedral or higher polyhedral container shape. As a non-limiting example of this variant, the container of the present invention may comprise a trihedral container in which two longitudinal side walls are joined at one end by a wall hinge and connected to a pair of end side walls at opposite ends, The movement of the end sidewall pairs can be done in a manner similar to the articulated movement of the end sidewall pairs of the embodiments described above to move the trihedral container from a generally flat shape to an upright shape.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the container 10 comprises two generally planar opposing side panels 116, 118 extending from the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Define flexible bag upper portion 119 for 10. Side panel 116 extends from sidewalls 12, 16, and 20 and side panel 118 extends from sidewalls 14, 18, and 22. Side panels 116 and 118 are attached together along long edge seams 120 and 122, which edge seams 120 and 122 are butt bonded by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, adhesive or other conventional attachment means. butt joints, lap seams, fin seals, or other shapes that are combined and formed. Edge seams 120 and 122 may be disposed substantially colinear with intermediate wall hinges 24 and 30.

The ends of the side panels 116, 118 away from the support structure 11 define an open inlet 123 for the container 10 that allows contents to pass into and out of the container 10. An optional reusable closure 124 is shown disposed at the inlet 123 of the container, the side panel 116, 118 of the side panel 116, 118 to reclosably seal the inlet 123 of the container 10. Illustrated as complementary mating elements 126, 128 attached therein. For example, the reusable closure 124 may comprise a closure closure type closure, which may or may not include a slider for manipulating the opening and closing of the container 10. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated reusable closures, and non-limiting examples of reusable closures that can be employed and information on their manufacture are described in US Pat. Nos. 4,186,786, 4,285,105, 4,363,345, 4,561,109, 5,804,265 and 5,851,070. Mechanical fasteners such as hook-and-loop fasteners, snap closures, grips, clips, and clamps, flap closures, tie flaps flap, drawstring closure, twist-tie closure, and adhesive closures such as pressure sensitive adhesive tapes or strips, mating cohesives, epoxy resin reactive adhesives And additional closure structures including, without limitation, pressure sensitive adhesive buried active films may be embodied to close the inlet 123 of the container 10. Non-limiting examples of pressure sensitive adhesive buried active films that can be used and information on their preparation can be found in US Pat. Nos. 5,662,758 and 6,489,022. Although reusable closures are mentioned as preferred closures, more permanent closures may be desirable in certain applications of the present invention. Full or partial closures or closures other than those specifically mentioned herein may also be provided within the scope of the invention described.

The illustrated embodiment of the container 10 consists of a sheet or sheets of flexible material 130, wherein the term “flexible” is particularly repeated or flexed to be flexible and flexible in response to externally applied forces. Used to refer to a bendable material. Thus, the term "flexible" is substantially opposite in meaning to the term inflexible, rigid or inflexible. Thus, flexible materials and structures may conform to the shape of the object receiving and contacting external forces without losing shape and structure to alter its integrity. The sheet material 130 for forming the container 10 may comprise a polymer film, such as a flexible film material comprising a polypropylene or equivalent material, the polypropylene material being, for example, 0.0127 to 0.127 mm (0.5 to 5 mils). It may be provided in a thickness of).

The sheet or sheets of flexible material 130 forming the container 10 may be a continuous flexible containment material such as sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, bottom wall 48, first and first. Two gusset structures 68, 70 and side panels 116, 118 can be formed. Optionally, flexible material 130 may comprise a bag or tubular structure. In addition, the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and the bottom sections 54, 56 may be pivoted relative to one another at each hinge that may be formed by the flexible material 130 ( 10) to define the surface. In the illustrated embodiment of the container 10, each of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and the bottom sections 54, 56 are flexible materials, for example as shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. It is formed into a layered structure comprising a 130 and a panel of structural material 132 attached to the outer surface of the flexible material 130. In a non-limiting example of the invention, the panel of structural material 132 has a flexural modulus of 1172.1 to 1723.7 MPa (170,000 to 250,000 psi) and a thickness of 0.0127 to 0.25 mm (0.0005 to 0.01 inch) Compared to the sexual material 130, the bending coefficient may include a material in the range of 1172.1 to 1723.7 MPa (170,000 to 250,000 psi) and a thickness of 0.25 to 12.7 mm (0.01 to 0.50 inch). The structural material 132 is preferably more rigid than the flexible material 130, and preferably can be elastically bent and restored to this shape from a predetermined initial shape, such as a generally planar shape. As used herein, the term “bend modulus” means a modulus of bending measured according to ASTM test method D 790. In one embodiment, the structural material 132 may preferably include a polypropylene material. However, additional or inclusive of any known polymeric material including, but not limited to, extruded corrugate polymeric material, carded fibrous material, and fine fluted corrugate Other materials may be used for the structural material 132. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specific stiffness of either the flexible material 130 or the structural material 132 may be adjusted according to the desired end use or application of the container 10.

Structural material 132 is flexible material 130 by mechanical connection, such as ultrasonic welding, or thermal bonding, such as heat sealing, that forms a molecular level bond between structural material 132 and flexible material 130. ) May be attached. Optionally, the structural material 132 and the flexible material 130 may be contacted by an adhesive or flocculant including, without limitation, contact adhesives, or by mechanical connections such as snap fits, clips, rubber bands, mechanical fasteners, grips, staples ( staples, clamps, and / or interference fit connections between two materials, i.e. a tolerance fit, such as placing structural material 132 into a snug fit within flexible material 130, or material together It can be combined by mechanically punching. Such attachment may be continuous or discontinuous, for example as in a series of two or more attachment points.

It should be noted that the structural material 132 constituting the bottom sections 54, 56 may optionally not be attached to the flexible material 130. In this case, the structural material 132 of the bottom sections 54, 56 may be attached to other structures, such as one or more sidewalls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22. In addition, although the illustrated configuration places structural material 132 on the outer surface of flexible material 130, some or all portions of structural material 132 are disposed on the inner surface of flexible material 130. May be Optionally, the bottom sections 54, 56 may be formed without the structural material 132, such that the bottom wall 48 may include relatively flexible regions defined by the flexible material 130.

Optionally, sidewalls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 and / or bottom sections 54, 56 are sidewalls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 covered by structural material 132. And / or smaller than the total area of the bottom sections 54, 56. For example, the side walls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 and / or bottom sections 54, 56 may move between the folded and upright shapes and / or while using the container 10. It may also include a frame member (not shown) disposed to maintain the structural integrity or shape of the sidewalls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 and / or bottom sections 54, 56. Depending on whether solid or perforated sheets or frames or other structural elements are employed, the stiffness greater than that of the flexible material 130 may be determined by the sidewalls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 and / or the bottom section 54, Any configuration capable of providing to 56 may be used, which may be provided with a separate or attached reinforcing structure to the sidewalls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 and / or the bottom sections 54, 56. It should be understood that it is not necessary to include what is provided. For example, the side walls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 and / or bottom sections 54, 56 may be formed of the same sheet of material that makes up the side panels 116, 118, but It may be formed with different material features to affect the stiffness, for example by or increased by different material thicknesses of the material in the sidewalls 12, 14, 16 18, 20, 22 and / or bottom sections 54, 56. May be provided by cross-linking or crystallization, or the material stiffness may be altered or controlled by mechanical means such as forming folds, creases or wavy portions in the material.

Although flexible material 130 has been described as a flexible polypropylene film material, it is primarily a substantially impermeable polymeric material, cellulosic material, aluminum foil, coated paper (depending on whether it is formed into a two-dimensional or three-dimensional structure). Wax coated papers, etc.) and uncoated papers, coated nonwovens, and the like, and substantially permeable materials such as scrims, meshes, wovens, nonwovens, open or closed cell foams, or perforated or porous films. Other materials exhibiting flexible features, including without, may be embodied as flexible material 130. Such materials may comprise a single composition or layer, or may be a composite or laminate structure of a plurality of materials, including a base material used as a carrier of the material. In addition, those skilled in the art will recognize that any material that provides the desired rigidity characteristics for the flexible material 130 may be embodied within the scope of the present invention.

The flexible material 130 is not limited to a configuration formed from the sheet material, and the flexible material portion of the container 10 may be used in any known and suitable manner, such as for producing a bag or storage container in a commercially useful form. It may also be configured in a manner known in the art. Heating or adhesive sealing techniques may be used to couple the various components or elements of the flexible material 130 to themselves or to each other. In addition, the flexible material portion of the container 10 is thermoformed, blown or otherwise formed or formed as a reliable alternative to the folding and bonding technique to construct the flexible material portion from the web or sheet of material. May be

The material selected for either or both of the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132 may exhibit any transparency, translucency, and / or opacity, such as providing a desired degree of visual identification of the contents. And may comprise colored transparent, translucent and / or opaque materials. Transparency, translucency and / or opacity may be further selected to facilitate recording and / or reading text messages, ie container contents and / or instructions on the container 10.

Microwaveable materials are also included among the acceptable materials for forming the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132. In addition, the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132 may include materials and configurations or structures that provide thermal insulation properties to limit the flow of heat between the interior and exterior surfaces of the container 10, such as by a user. It may be provided on the bottom wall 48 or other contacted surface to limit heat transfer to the hand or support surface. Such materials generally have partial or complete fluid, such as air, in a material having a lower mass and / or lower heating / cooling capacity, a smaller mass and / or material structure that affects thermal conductivity and / or thermal capacity. It may comprise a material comprising a void that is enclosed or sealed. Examples of materials that provide the desired thermal properties for the container 10 are small, dispersed over or between them through open or closed cell foamed material, flexible material 130 and / or structural material 132. Small mass portions, such as flexible material 130 and / or structures formed within flexible material 130 and / or structural material 132, such as air trapping material, such as fibers, down, spaced particles, etc. Thinning of the material 132 and / or providing a thermally insulating layer or coating with less heat transfer between the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132. Such material may be in the form of a corrugated or polymeric material structure formed of one or two or more layers with offset areas, which may be formed, for example, by thermoforming, embossing, folding and the like. For example, a single layer material having a multi-layered structure or a selected layer of material formed from two layers comprising at least one layer offset from the plane of another layer is offset from the other region of the material. Provide a large amount of adiabatic air between the surface and the inner surface. Optionally, a thermal barrier may be formed by two or more layers of flexible polymeric material that are optionally sealed or bonded together to create a trapped area of air.

In the folded shape of the container 10, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the container 10 is disposed with the sidewalls 12, 16, and 20 being substantially collinear with each other and the remaining sidewalls 14, 18, 22 are disposed in a substantially collinear relationship with respect to each other and are positioned substantially parallel to and parallel to the side walls 12, 16, and 20, respectively. The bottom sections 54, 56 are disposed adjacent to each other and between the opposing sidewalls 12, 14, and the first and second gusset structures 68, 70 are opposing end sidewalls 16, 18, 20, 22. ) Are arranged between pairs. In addition, the opposing side panels 116, 118 are placed in parallel and adjacent to each other, for example a junction with the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, ie the support structure of the bag-shaped portion 119 ( It may or may not be folded relative to the junction with 11), thereby forming a compact and relatively flat folded shape of the container 10. The support structure 11 constitutes a flexible-elastic structure before completion of the container erecting process, wherein the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and the bottom sections 54, 56 are generally articulated relative to one another. It should be noted that the equation can be moved movable.

According to one method of standing the container 10 upright, force may be applied to the generally oppositely disposed portions of the container 10. The final force applied can be directed generally in opposite directions extending through the vessel 10. As a non-limiting preferred example, a force is applied to the container 10 adjacent to the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30, as indicated by arrows 134, 136 in FIG. 3, thereby applying the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30. You can press inwards towards each other. Substantially simultaneously with the inward movement of the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30, adjacent pairs of end sidewalls 16, 18 and 20, 22 are pivoted relative to each other toward a generally coplanar orientation and also each adjacent sidewall 12, Pivoted inward generally toward 14, so that the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 define a substantially rigid or semi-rigid base structure for the container. Substantially simultaneously with the pivotal movement of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, the bottom sections 54, 56 are pivoted away from the respective side walls 12, 14 such that the intermediate bottom hinge 62 is positioned. It moves in the direction generally indicated by arrow 137 in FIG. 3 to form the bottom wall 48 of the upright vessel 10. In addition, the gusset structure 68, 70 is pivoted in response to the movement of the bottom sections 54, 56 and the relative pivot movement of the pair of end sidewalls 16, 18 and 20, 22, the gusseted portions 72, 74, 92. 94 is generally defined as each fold line 82, 88 as the gusseted hinge 80, 100 is pivoted from an orientation that is substantially parallel to the middle bottom hinge 62, to an orientation that is substantially perpendicular to the middle bottom hinge 62. , 102, 108, respectively.

Force, or force, on one or more of the end side walls 16, 18, 20, 22 to pivot one or more of the end side walls 16, 18, 20, 22 about the adjacent longitudinal side walls 12, 14 Alternative forces, including, may be applied to deform the container 10 from a folded shape to an upright shape. As a further alternative, a force may be applied to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 to move the longitudinal sidewalls outwardly away from each other. As a further alternative, the force is at one or more locations on the bottom wall 48 to cause the bottom wall 48 or sections 54, 56 of the bottom wall 48 to pivot relative to each adjacent sidewall 12, 14. May be applied. It is to be understood that the application of a force to move one or more walls of the container 10 relative to at least one other wall, such as an adjacent wall, can generally cause the remaining walls to be moved toward an upright shape.

Applying force or force to move the container 10 between the folded shape and the upright shape further structures connected with one or more walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 48 of the container 10. For example, it may be facilitated by a structure that may facilitate forming a grip surface and / or applying a leveraged force to it. This additional structure transfers the user's force directly or indirectly to a portion of the container 10 such that the container 10 is moved from the folded shape toward the upright shape or from the upright shape to the folded shape. Tabs, loops, or levers may be included to limit or to apply a restraining anchor force, such as to control the bottom wall position while the container 10 is standing upright. As a non-limiting example, a user grips the extensions 112, 114 associated with the end sidewalls 16, 20 to pivot the extensions 112, 114 toward each other and / or the extensions 112, 114. Press to cause the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 48 of the container 10 to be moved toward an upright shape.

As mentioned above, the extensions 112, 114 of the end sidewalls 16, 20 are shaped so that the container 10 is upright by having the extensions 112, 114 attached to the adjacent end sidewalls 18, 22. Can be used to keep This attachment of the extension keeps the support structure 11 in a substantially rigid or semi-rigid shape to provide the container 10 as a self supporting structure.

The lower portions of the opposing side panels 116, 118 are separated from each other by movement of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 from a generally flat folded shape to an upright shape, and at the same time the side panels ( The upper portion of 116, 118 may also be separated to define an open inlet region for the container 10 through which the article or contents may be provided to or removed from the container 10. In an upright shape, the bent areas 138, 140, 142, 144 (FIGS. 1 and 9) are located within the side panels 116, 118 adjacent the edges defined by the wall hinges 26, 28, 32, 34. The curvature of the bent regions 138, 140 142, 144 tends to structurally strengthen the side panels 116, 118, thereby providing a more open passageway for the vessel 10. 116, 118 are biased in a more aligned orientation with adjacent sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22.

Additional structures may be provided in the side panels 116, 118 to facilitate keeping the side panels 116, 118 more open. This additional structure is disposed in the mid-span location of the width adjacent the edge of one or two of the side panels 116, 118 away from the support structure 11 or at another position of the side panels 116, 118. Stays located along the can include without limitation. The stay or stays may include a flexible or rigid member that generally exhibits significant dead-fold or positionable functionality to hold at least a portion of the side panels 116, 118 in a desired position. Stays exhibiting this function are formed, formed, stamped or cut rigid portions with fibrous paper and boardstock, dead-foldable polymer sheets, and a fixable hinged mechanism. And thin sheet material or metal wires. Other stay materials that exhibit similar functions may also be used.

Optionally or additionally, the structure for biasing or holding the flexible panels 116, 118 in a more open position may include side panels 116, 118 with adjacent sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. It may include a structure that facilitates keeping it more aligned. For example, side panels (including, but not limited to, force transmitting elements or reinforcing elements for transferring forces between sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and side panels 116, 118) Means for modifying the material properties of 116, 118 may be provided.

9-12, the container 10 may further include means for facilitating access to the contents disposed within the container by manipulation of the side panels 116, 118. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of the container 10, the seam edge 120, for example to separate the side panels 116, 118 from each other and / or from the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. An area may be provided comprising a weakened portion 146 (see also FIG. 1) extending along at least one of, 122, and also at the edge of the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. It may also include an adjacently weakened portion 148. According to one method of providing access to the vessel 10, the side panels 116, 118 may be completely or partially separated along the at least one weakened portion 146 (FIG. 11), and the side panels 116, 118 may be folded and / or rolled onto themselves and / or to a position adjacent the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 (see FIG. 10). Optionally, additional weakened portions may be provided, for example, at the other one or another location of the seam edges 120, 122 such that a plurality of sections of the side panels 116, 118 prevent separation of the side panels 116, 118. It may be folded and / or dried to facilitate. Preferably, the separated material is separated into a single part, or optionally into two or more parts. The separated material may be completely removed from the container 10 or may still be attached to one or more points where the material may be pivoted.

According to an alternative method of providing access to the vessel 10, the side panels 116, 118 may be separated along at least one weakened portion 146, as can be seen in FIG. 11, and the side panels ( 116, 118 may be further separated from sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 along weakened portion 148, as can be seen in FIG. It is allowed to be substantially completely removed from these side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 (FIG. 13).

Weakened portions 146 and 148 may be formed by predefined weakened portions or weakened and / or tear-oriented material properties. Examples of predefined vulnerable portions or lines of weakness include perforations, mechanical or laser indentations, intermittent or spaced indentations or embossed vulnerable areas or weak spots, material thinners and / or tears located at or near the desired separation location. Include tapes without limitation. Optionally, the separation may be along an overlap, pin, butt seam or seal, depending on whether it is joined by releasable attachment lines, attachment portions or attachment regions such as adhesives, flocculants, heat seals, welding or other means. As a further alternative, a spanning material, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive tape, may be teared or removed to cause separation of the panel (s). Additionally, without limitation, fastening / pull tags, loops or other tactile means to facilitate the identification of the user for the weakened portion and / or to facilitate gripping and / or force on the container 10. Including means may be provided to facilitate the tear or separation process. The identification of the weakened part or parts may be located at or adjacent to the color part and / or the weakened part, such as the applied or printed color strip (s), and may reveal a difference in opacity or translucency compared to adjacent area (s). Visual including, but not limited to, visually distinguishable material features that may include visual indicators extending along either side of the weakened portion, such as may be provided by a visually identifiable laser engraving or region (s) that represents. It may be further facilitated by an indicator or indicators. In addition, a tear protection structure may be provided adjacent the weakened portion to prevent the tear from propagating past the weakened portion.

Structures that facilitate access to the vessel 10 are not limited to manipulations on the side panels 116, 118. Additionally, such a structure may be provided in the area of the support structure 11 defined by the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and one or more side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, A removable or displaceable structure in connection with 22 may also be employed to allow a portion or portions of the container 10 to be removed, improved or otherwise manipulated to improve access to the interior of the container 10.

In one use of the container 10, the container 10 may be sealed and used to store any contents contained within the container 10. In this use, the edges of the side panels 116, 118 can be joined together, for example, by the reusable closure 124 described above. Coupling or engaging the side panels 116, 118 together is such that the upper portion of the side panels 116, 118 is positioned across the top of the container 10 in the pair of end side panels 16, 18 and 20, 22. The support structure of the side panels 116, 118 is formed by forming the panel gussets 150, 152 (FIG. 14) as they are folded to substantially coincide with the generally straight joints of the side panels 116, 118 extending beyond them. It may involve a certain amount of movement towards (11). The folded state of the side panels 116, 118 defines a generally flat top surface of the container along a plane substantially coincident with the edges of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Thus, other containers may be stacked on the container 10 in a manner similar to the lamination provided by known rigid or semi-rigid storage containers.

The stackability of the container is a top rim that provides additional structure adjacent the top or bottom edge of the side panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, such as a support on which the bottom of the supported container can be placed. ), Some or all of the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are inclined outwardly at their upper or lower edges to provide firm engagement with the engaged lower or upper edges of the supported or supporting container. A ledge engaged with a lower or upper edge of a vessel that is supported or supported in a transverse direction extending from an outwardly extending flange adjacent an upper or lower edge of some or all of the sidewalls or a flared structure. It can be improved by providing an additional structure that includes without limitation a rim that provides. The structure that facilitates the lamination of the container 10 may be located outside or inside the flexible material 130 to provide direct contact with the container being laminated or indirectly through the flexible film to facilitate lamination engagement. Done. Other structures may also be provided that facilitate alignment and / or engagement of the stacked containers.

In general, the side walls and / or bottom walls may be positioned externally or internally to the flexible material 130, i.e., completely on either side of the interior and exterior locations or in combination.

It should be understood that the container 10 of the present invention facilitates the handling of the container 10, such as lifting and / or transporting the container 10. In particular, the support structure 11 provided by at least the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 can provide sufficient rigidity to the container 10 such that the user lifts the container 10 and / or Opposing edges and / or sidewalls, such as opposing longitudinal walls 12, 14, may be gripped for lifting or carrying. The container 10 includes, without limitation, a tab or tabs, handle, or strap formed or attached to the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, or as part of the bottom wall 48. Additional structures may be provided that facilitate handling of (10). For example, the bottom may be configured to accommodate a hand strap, such as one or more fingers of a user, to facilitate lifting of the container through the support of the bottom wall 48 to easily lift and / or carry the container 10 with one hand. Straps provided on the wall 48 may be included.

Handling of the container 10 may also be facilitated by the structure provided on the side panels 116, 118. The container 10 may be lifted and / or lifted and transported by gripping the combined side panels 116 and 118 between the user's fingers, as may be facilitated by a non-slip surface or other gripping surface. . Additional structures that allow the user to grip the side panels 116, 118 include, without limitation, tab or tabs, loop (s), handle hole (s) and / or strap (s) attached or integral. .

In use of the described vessel 10, the vessel may be provided in a folded shape during storage or prior to use. Outer packages may be provided in two or more containers 10 in a folded shape for convenient storage, distribution, sale, and transportation of multiple containers 10. This package may partially or completely seal or enclose the container 10. This package includes any known but not limited to bags, paper or plastic bands, shrinkable packages, shrinkable sleeves, stretchable sleeves or bands, cartonboard packages, flow wrap packages, thermoformed packages, and the like. It may be a package. Preferably, the package encloses, or otherwise displays, depicts or includes a description of the use of the container 10 including the method (s) of uprighting. In a preferred retail package, the package itself is a semi-rigid or rigid container that can be used by the consumer or even an extended upright container 10.

In use, the container 10 may be deformed from the folded shape to an upright shape as described above, wherein the support structure 12 defines a rigid or semi-rigid structure and the upper portion 119 is intended for passage of the contents. Define an openable flexible bag-shaped structure. The contents may be disposed within the container 10 through the opening 123, and the opening 123 may be sealed using the reusable closure 124. The container 10 and its contents may be placed in a refrigerator or freezer as appropriate for storage and may be stacked together with other containers 10 of similar configuration, if desired. In addition, when the container 10 is formed of a material usable in a microwave oven, the container 10 and the enclosed contents can be placed directly in the microwave to directly reheat the content in the container 10.

An optional configuration, such as a container with multiple compartments, is useful in certain situations. For example, where there is a divider that can selectively upright itself, it may extend from the side walls and / or bottom walls to divide the container into two or more compartments. Another example is a container having a plurality of openings.

Without limitation, the present invention may include liquids, solids, particles and combinations of such contents. The contents may be, for example, a non-limiting pallet of materials and particles to be used for personal, household, industrial, automotive, hygienic, agricultural or pet care. Food storage, such as for human or animal use, is a specific example. In addition, the container may be partially or completely folded before use, but instant dry noodles, vegetables, and pets prior to addition of hot water to make oil, popcorn grains, and soup prior to popping. It may also be prepackaged with non-limiting example contents, such as dry food for animals, and seasonings before addition to other food ingredients.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are incorporated herein by reference, and no citation of any document should be construed as an admission to the prior art relating to the invention.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, all such changes and modifications that fall within the scope of the invention are intended to be included in the appended claims.

Claims (10)

As an upright and collapsible container, A plurality of sidewalls, wherein each said sidewall is joined to an adjacent sidewall by a hinge, each said hinge providing articulated connection between adjacent sidewalls, as sidewalls facing each other when the container is folded; The plurality of sidewalls including a first pair of sidewalls disposed and a second pair of sidewalls disposed as sidewalls facing each other when the container is folded; A bottom wall hingedly attached to at least two of the plurality of side walls in a hinged attachment position, wherein the hinged attachment position provides an articulated connection between the at least two side walls of the side walls and the bottom wall. -And, A first gusset structure extending between the first pair of side walls and the bottom wall; A second gusset structure extending between the second pair of side walls and the bottom wall, The first and second gusset structures include gusseted portions, the gusseted portions can be articulated from a first position relative to the bottom wall to a second position relative to the bottom wall, The side walls of the first and second pairs each include an extension extending in an overlapping relationship to hold the container in an upright shape. Vessel. The method of claim 1, The first and second gusset structures include a flexible material Vessel. The method of claim 1, The first and second gusset structures are articulated between the first and second pairs of sidewalls and the bottom wall, respectively. Vessel. The method of claim 1, The bottom wall comprises at least two parts articulated relative to each other. Vessel. The method of claim 1, The gusseted portion is parallel to the bottom wall in the first position and perpendicular to the bottom wall in the second position. Vessel. The method of claim 1, The container is deformable from a substantially folded shape to an upright shape. Vessel. The method of claim 6, The container is deformable from the folded shape to the upright shape in response to a force applied to at least one sidewall of the plurality of sidewalls. Vessel. The method of claim 7, wherein The applied force produces a force acting in the opposite direction on the plurality of sidewalls. Vessel. The method of claim 1, A flexible panel portion attached to the plurality of sidewalls and defining an opening for the container Vessel. The method of claim 9, The flexible panel portion includes a reusable closure for sealing the opening. Vessel.

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