WO2022167872A1

WO2022167872A1 - Collapsible thermally insulating container

Info

Publication number: WO2022167872A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/050158
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ruary HEWSON
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-01-10
Filing date: 2022-03-10
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2023-07-10
Also published as: US20250326526A1; GB202414949D0; GB2632082A

Abstract

A collapsible container, consisting of a plurality of coaxially arranged telescopic rigid outer ring sections, and a flexible inner liner. Said ring sections offer both grooves and tabs to guide and limit the collapsing motion of the sections, with said grooves containing ridges to further limit and control the action of the given movement. This structure facilitates numerous functions that make it attractive in use, namely but not limited to; multiple lockable heights, offsetting of the inner liner from outer shell leading to greater insulating properties, and a lessening for the need of additional heat sleaves for ease and comfort in use. The inner flexible liner is readily detachable from and affixable to the telescopic ring sections, for ease in cleaning and/or replacing. For use, the inner liner is semi permanently fixated to the upper most ring section.

Description

Title of Invention : Collapsible thermally insulating container

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a means of collapsing containers in relation, but not limited to, foodstuffs.

Background

[0002] There is a growing awareness of the damage that single use items such as; plastic bags, plastic bottles, and disposable cups place on the environment. This is due to the fact they typically have a comparatively short product use cycle, and for the large part are not widely recycled and do not easily biodegrade.

[0003] To combat this detriment to the environment, there has been an increase of emphasis in the use of reusable items, like travel tumblers and reusable bags. Some of these developments and product types in respect to containers for foodstuffs, have adopted offering a collapsing functionality to make them easier to transport, and overall, better facilitate ease in reuse in congruence with day to day living. More specific examples of this take the form of collapsible cups and mugs. There are however some inherent limitations in performance and functionality that said design solutions offer, and the innovative steps taken within the proposed invention seek to address these with a more optimal design solution.

Prior Art

[0004] There are several general forms and given functions as to which the collapsing functionality have been attributed thus far and in reference to previous patents and prior art, and these can be seen as generally in relation to:

[0005] 1. Single walled coaxially arranged telescopic rings - with differing means of interlocking and actioning the collapsing functionality.

[0006] 2. Silicone/rubber based semi flexible body - reliant on an interplay between thick and thin sections of the given material, to utilize both the rigidity incumbent with thick sections when in its expanded form and collapsed nested position, and the flexibility offered with thinner sections to enable the action for movement between the extended and collapsed rested states.

[0007] 3. Alternating flexible and more rigid materials - interposed throughout the body of the design, to experience the rigidity and thermal insulating properties of the rigid material when in its expanded ‘in use’ state, with the flexible material offering the means through which the collapsing mechanism can be actioned either way i.e. from collapsed and nested to expanded for in use, or vice versa.

[0008] 4. Coaxially arranged rigid telescopic outer ring sections, coupled with a flexible inner liner - these are the most similar in function and form to the proposed invetion, but suffer inherent inconsistencies and alternate modes of operation, that prohibit them from experiencing the range of benefits of the proposed design solution and the inventive steps therein. They also implicitly constrict the influence their design solutions have through the claims and respective art, and do not limit the scope of the claims of the proposed invention, which will be expanded upon.

[0009] Examples of respective prior art to groups 1-4, and inherent differences from the proposed invention, are;

[0010] 1. Single walled coaxially arranged telescopic rings - US879753, US1093873, US3285459, US5862932, US8646640,

US20110303659A1 , US6666329, WO2010144568A2 and potentially similar other.

[0011] Said prior art does not interfere with present invention due to respective interlocking functionalities between given coaxially arranged intersecting parts being different in nature and design, and not having an inner liner and/or separating wall of internal contents from outer ring/coaxially arranged intersecting sections. [0012] 2. Silicone/rubber based semi flexible body - DE202014101047U1 , US20200305619A1 , US9723942,

US20050127073A1 , US5384138, US5549213, US20190368799A1 , US9492033 and potentially similar other.

[0013] Given design solutions and art enact the collapsing functionality on very different premise to the proposed invention, namely in that they describe the compression of the upper and bottom most surfaces to facilitate said collapsing function. It also on the basis that there is a variance in thickness of the flexible body material, through which it utilizes both the rigidity to hold its rested positions in both expanded and collapsed states, with the thicker sections and the thinner sections to facilitate the stretching and given movement between said states.

[0014] They also do not experience through description or design any double walled embodiments that offer greater heat retentive qualities, and benefits therein.

[0015] 3. Alternating flexible and more rigid materials - EP2997849A1 , US20130032592A1 , US20180194517A1 and potentially similar other.

[0016] Said embodiments incur similar limitations in function as with the singular flexible material with varying thicknesses, mainly and namely that they do not benefit from any of the insulating properties that are experience through having an offset inner liner from an outer walled structure when in the expanded form. The given rested states to which it is attributed in the; expanded, collapsed and other states, is reached in a fundamentally differing means than that of the proposed invention.

[0017] 4. Coaxially arranged rigid telescopic outer ring sections, coupled with a flexible inner liner - US20110284547A1 ,

US20130264340A1 , US20150291309A1 , US20110248037A1 and potentially similar other.

[0018] Though most similar in; nature, description, and design to that of the proposed invention, there are very notable implicit functional differences that make their influence different in respect to any influence as to the fundamentals of how the proposed invention works. The most important and apparent of these being; the means through which the inner liner is affixed to the outer shell sections, and the description of how each of the coaxially arranged rigid outer sections interrelates and most notably in defining and maintaining the; expanded, collapsed, and intermediary states.

Summary of Invention

[0019] For means of facilitating description and clarity therein for respective feature sets, the terms; ‘upward’, ‘vertical’ and ‘downward’ motions would be taken as that which is in perpendicular in movement from the surface of the base of the structure. Similarly the term ‘lateral’ or ‘horizontal’ movement and/or motion can be taken as to that which would be generally adjacent to the bottom most layer of the bottom ring section.

[0020] The present invention aims to supersede the; performance, utility, and functionality of the prior art design solutions, by offering several design attributes and inventive steps that make it superior to use, and more amenable to the demands of day-to-day life.

[0021] In respect to a general overview of how this is accomplished and the performance features therein, it is by:

[0022] - Having a combination of a rigid outer structure constructed with coaxially arranged telescopic ring sections with an inner flexible liner, means there is maximal expansion from a collapsed state to an expanded one, when in comparison to other purely silicone/flexible material based body structures. This is due to the inherent structural limitations that come with said silicone/flexible material designs, and how each of the thick and thin sections interpose to offer the desired functionality, namely that of collapsing.

[0023] - The inner flexible liner can be offset from the outer walled structure that comprises of coaxially arranged telescopic ring sections, so there is both greater insulating properties for the contents of the container, and there is a lessening in the requirement for an additional heat sleeve to shield the user from the temperature of the contents when carried and/or in use.

[0024] - Further heat retentive qualities are facilitated by having the lid section accommodate a kind of double walled structure, which again exploits the heat retentive qualities of air and limiting convection heat transfer and subsequent loss. [0025] - An arrangement of a plurality of respective tabs and grooves on several of the telescopic ring sections, facilitate a means through which numerous heights can be set. This is further to the end states of rest in both the fully expanded and collapsed states, and makes the end product and invention more deployable in various foodstuff dispensing machines, as well as limiting the form factor to a potentially more desirable size.

[0026] This enhancement in design and given attributes are accomplished through having an outer body shell that comprises of numerous coaxially arranged telescopic rigid ring section, which facilitate the collapsing and expansion of said design, offering the rigidity required when in either of the end states i.e. collapsed and/or expanded, and also intermediary states of rest. Said outer shell is semi permanently affixed to a flexible inner liner at the upper most ring section at the top, and potentially lower most ring section on the inside bottom also to ensure internal structural consistency in performance.

[0027] The means through which the inner liner and outer shell sections are connected, is dependent on the flexibility and respective surface friction coefficient of the contact of both materials of the respective ring section and inner liner, with each the top and potential bottom connections having a male I female connection in some form. For example this could be a plurality of tabs or plugs on the upper most ring section, that insert into respective holes in the inner liner upper section, through which a secure and semi fastening connection is made.

[0028] Likewise with the potential fixation at the bottom of the design, that could be the inner liner offering the male connection, that inserts into a gap through which the flexible material is to cause friction when inserted into. Both examples could operate in a vice versa basis, with the male and female offerings being essentially interchangeable to offer the same fundamental functionality.

[0029] The end states of; the collapsed position, the expanded set state, and intermediary states of rest, are dictated and facilitated through the relation of a plurality of grooves on the inside of given coaxially arranged telescopic ring sections, and plurality of respective tabs that are proximate the top of numerous ring sections and directed effectively outward from the given ring sections. These tabs and respective grooves, limit the movement given to the ring sections when they are being acted upon, either to maintain their current semi-permanent resting state, or are effectively unlocked to move vertically between said numerous resting states.

[0030] Within each of the said grooves on the inside of the telescopic ring sections, there are ridges located proximate to the upper most and lower most rested states, which limit the movement of the tabs in the grooves. This allows for the user to enact whether the rested and nested position should be in use, or whether a change in state is enacted.

[0031] There are essentially two positions and states that the tabs which are nested in the respective grooves can be in, and that is the ‘locked’ position and the ‘unlocked’ position, both of which are only terms of reference and do not express a state that is in any way permanent. It is through the ridges within said grooves, that the limitation of said positions is enacted, and on the users part it is through counter twisting of given telescopic sections to transpose the overall state of the structure from one state to the other, for example ‘locked’ to ‘unlocked’ or vice versa.

[0032] On the base I lower most section, there are means through which to enact this twisting force such as grooves on the bottom surface, and otherwise for the intermediary and upper most telescopic sections the force is generally applied through a pincer and clamping action on the outside general surface of the ring sections. There alternatively could be further outward facing tabs through which this counter twisting is enacted for the intermediary and upper most ring sections, to move the tabs on the inside that are deferential to the inner grooves over the ridges from a ‘locked’ position to ‘unlocked’, or vice versa.

[0033] The ridges that have been hitherto described as being within the grooves on the inside surface of the telescopic rings, are positioned such that they are in effect perpendicular to the bottom surface of the bottom ring section. This limitation precludes and mitigates motion between the ‘unlocked’ and ‘locked’ positions without being actioned by the user, as has been previously noted, and the actionable motion of the tab is offered laterally across the prohibitive ridges.

[0034] The extensive motion that is offered by the grooves and deferential tabs is longitudinal, or rather upward and downward, due to the fact it is when in the ‘unlocked position’ that the transition between rested states is enacted which is larger in scope than when alternating between ‘unlocked’ and ‘locked’ states. There are respectively upper and lower limits within this structure, that prohibit movement beyond a certain extent, to maintain the overall integrity of the design and structure. These limits are either given solely within the grooves, with the grooves themselves prohibiting certain longitudinal motions with the deferential outward facing tabs, or additional structural means facilitating this functionality through other appropriate mechanisms, such as additional tabs on the inner surface of each of the telescopic ring sections limiting motion proximate to the top of the ring sections.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0035] The drawing figures depict one or more implementations in accord with the present concepts, by way of example only, not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements:

[0036] [fig.1 ] shows the invention both in its fully expanded rested state, and fully collapsed rested state.

[0037] [fig.2] shows an exploded view of the three key sections, namely; the lid, the inner silicone and the body.

[0038] [fig.3] is an exploded drawing of all the parts detailing them separately.

[0039] [fig.4] is the invention in its rested states, from fully collapsed to fully expanded, and the numerous states between.

[0040] [fig.5] illustrates the invention in its collapsed rested state, with an exemplary movement of the lower most section to enact the unlocking of the rested position. This the enables the lateral motion required to alter the invention between states.

[0041] [fig.6] is a top view of the internal arrangement of the invention in both its rested semi locked position, and in the position that makes it capable of lateral movement between rested states. This is without any of the lid components or the inner silicone.

[0042] [fig.7] is a more zoomed in view of the locking mechanism in a number of its states in respect to the enactment of the mechanism, with two intermediary sections used to exemplify said function, and more specifically from the collapsed state. The states exemplified are; rested/semi locked, across the limiting ridge and so subsequently unlocked for lateral movement, and part way through transition in between level/height states.

[0043] [fig.8] gives a view of how the locking mechanism is enacted from the perspective of an extended state of the invention. [0044] [fig.9] is two sectional views of an isolated intermediary section, illustrating two alternative embodiments of the functional limitations, and how said functional embodiments fulfill their respective roles.

[0045] [fig.10] shows an isolated section with an alternate embodiment of an intermediate section.

[0046] [fig.11] - is an angled view of sections of the pip area of an isolated atypical intermediary section.

[0047] [fig.12] is an angled view of sections of the pip area of an isolated atypical intermediary section.

[0048] [fig.13] is an angled view of sections of the pip area of an isolated atypical intermediary section.

[0049] [fig.14 shows an exemplary pip proximate to the uppermost edge of the intermediary section.

[0050] [fig.15] shows the invention in an alternative embodiment, in both the fully expanded rested state and fully collapsed rested/semi locked position.

[0051] [fig.16] is a section view of the inner silicone and bottom lid sections, in an exploded and non-assembled state.

[0052] [fig.17] is a section cut view, highlighting the assembled connection between the inner silicone and the bottom lid.

[0053] [fig.18] is a section cut view, highlighting the assembled connection between the inner silicone and the bottom lid, with an alternative embodiment and respective functionality.

[0054] [fig.19] is a close up sectional cut view of the connection between the inner silicone and bottom lid, in a particular embodiment, offering alternative means to fulfill the functionality.

[0055] [fig.20] gives an angled sectional view of the top rim of the bottom lid, giving further clarity as to an alternative embodiment of the design.

[0056] [fig.21] shows two sectional views of the upper most area of the body, when assembled with the inner silicone and when not assembled with the inner silicone. [0057] [fig.22] is two sectional views of an alternative embodiment of the design, that includes both multiple cavities in the silicone for food stuffs, and an additional removable sleave part.

[0058] [fig.23] details a sectional view of the bottom of the silicone, notably without a tongue connection to connect to the bottom section of the body assembly.

[0059] [fig.24] shows both a sectional view of the bottom of the silicone with a tongue and ridges, and a side sectional cut of the same area for further illustration and specificity.

[0060] [fig.25] illustrates the bottom section of the telescopic body sections, with and without the female connection for the tongue from the inner silicone.

[0061 ] [fig.26] is an alternative embodiment of the invention in both the expanded and collapsed states.

[0062] [fig.27] shows to sectional cut views of the assembled lid section, with one more zoomed in to give further clarification of the mouthpiece area.

[0063] [fig.28] is a top view and angled view of the inner lid, to demonstrate its functional and mechanical embodiments.

[0064] [fig.29] is a top view of the assembled lid, showing the mouth plug in a locked and unlocked state.

[0065] [fig.30] is a cross sectional view of the product in its collapsed state.

Description of Embodiments

[0066] The invention pertains to a collapsing thermally insulating container of food stuffs, as illustrated with a preferred embodiment in FIG. 1 , in both the maximally expanded state 102 a, and fully collapsed state 102 b. Fundamentally the invention relies on the interplay and interaction of a number of core constituent product areas and respective functionality types, namely; the lid 201 , the inner sleeve 202, and a plethora of coaxially orientated telescopic sections 203.

[0067] With both the lid section 201 and the body 203, there are also a number of potential constituent parts that facilitate the overall functionality, and in some cases are non exclusive in their functionality type, and others a more optional embodiment. A more expanded view is given in FIG. 3 that details this to some extent in this embodiment.

[0068] When the invention is in its collapsed state 102 b or any of the intermediary states 401, the inner sleeve 202 being flexible in nature, naturally folds and accommodates the change in internal limits and volume placed upon it. The inner sleeve material would be something akin to; liquid injection moulded silicone, compression moulded silicone, TPE, TPU or the like thereof

[0069] The body of the product, which could otherwise be known as the outer shell, consists of numerous coaxially orientated telescopic rings, that enable the product to effectively collapse and expand to a given height. The intermediary sections 305 bear similar core constituent functionality type, with the upper section I bottom lid 304 and bottom section 306 retaining a lot of the features, but differing in some respects as to what they offer the overall functionality.

[0070] It is this similarity of the functionality types of the intermediary sections, which enables the invention to be set and semi permanently locked, at several different heights, as exemplified in FIG. 4.

[0071] The means through which the height is changed, is by actioning the mechanism to its ‘unlocked position’ 701 b, which then puts the design into a state whereby the telescopic rings may freely move vertically 701 c, and height subsequently chosen to be semi permanently locked to. In FIG. 5 this is illustrated as the invention being in its collapsed state, with the bottom most section being actioned from ‘locked’ 501 b to ‘unlocked’ 501 a. In this illustrated embodiment, there are ridges I grooves 502 on the bottom of section 1 , through which the user could use their two forefingers to apply pressure to, whilst holding the bottom lid 304 with the opposing had, to counter rotate each other.

[0072] For the body I outer shell, the intermediary sections 305 have both inner grooves 903 and external tabs proximate to the outer top edge 703. The bottom lid 304 has inner grooves 903 but no tabs 703, and the bottom section 306 has outer tabs 703 but no internal grooves 903. [0073] The function of both the tabs 703 which protrude from the outer surface of the respective telescopic sections, and the complimentary inner grooves 903, is to guide the action of the given sections in respect to their states. These states can be seen respectively as; collapsed and rested/locked 702, collapsed and unlocked 703, moving between height levels 704, expanded and unlocked 802, and expanded and rested I locked 801.

[0074] Within the inner grooves 903 there are ridges toward the top 902 a and bottom 902 b, which limit the movement and enables the mechanism to go from its unlocked 703 to semi permanently locked 702 states, and vice versa. This means that it encourages the situation whereby it is only through intended action on the users part, that these given states are reached and chosen, in order to fulfill a given task, such as the changing of the height

[0075] As there is likely more force available on the users part due to given physiological constraints, and the mechanism would like not have as many other forces enacted on it limiting stability, the ridges toward the bottom of the inner grooves 902 b for when going from unlocked 802 to locked 801 states or vice versa, could be in effect larger than that of the top 902 a ridge for when in the collapsed state. This offers more resistance between the unlocked 802 and locked 801 states, encouraging intentionality and rigidity when in given rested expanded states.

[0076] To make sure that the tabs 703 stay within the confines of the inner grooves 903, there must be a limiting function for both the lateral and vertical movements, so the body remains assembled as intended for on going use. The lateral movements are limited by the tabs 703 protruding past the general inner surface of the respective coaxially orientated telescopic section. For the limitation of the vertical action, there are limits enacted by the embodiment of the grooves toward the bottom of the respective sections 905. Without these limits, when moving from a collapsed state to expanded state, there would be nothing limiting said expansion, and the telescopic sections would in effect come apart.

[0077] For limiting the vertical action when moving from an expanded state to collapsed state, there similarly needs to be limits to make sure the telescopic ring sections remain assembled. There are a number of ways to enact a limitation on this action, and some examples of this are; the limitation enacted through contact of the top of the respective tabs 1402 with top inner surface of the internal groove 901 a, the outer top rim of the respective ring section 803 with an internal limit protruding from the inner surface of the respective ring section 901 b (full assembly of this embodiment can be seen in FIG. 6), and the limits being enacted with an outside protrusion of material 1002 with a contact groove in the respective telescopic ring section 1001.

[0078] To give the protruding tabs 703 more mechanical strength and lessen the chance that they can be sheared off when enacting the given functionality, most notably in the lateral movements across locked states, there could be a respectively large bevel 1102 a or chamfer 1102b. This gives greater contact area with the outer shell surface and the pip, whilst minimizing the size of the pip, meaning there is less turning between unlocked 802 and locked 801 states.

[0079] So that the pip has more strength when moved vertically, there could also be notable bevels and/or chamfers on the bottom of the pip 1401. This maximizes the contact area and so gives a superior size to shear strength ratio. With the bevel and/or chamfers that are to the sides or on the bottom of the pips, there would need to be complimentary space given to accommodate the respective additional space required in the internal grooves 903.

[0080] To facilitate the movement across the limiting ridges (902 a + 902 b) within the internal grooves, the tabs can have a chamfered end 1203 which compliments the smoothness in transition across states. This could be in effect built into the desired functionality of mitigating the shearing when moving laterally, as can be seen in FIG. 13 1102 b.

[0081 ] Greater inward travel for the tabs can be encouraged by having cuts in the material to the side of the pips 1205, which may mean that the tab and respective internal groove ridges can be larger, and so intentionality can be clearer from the users perspective, as to which locked state is desired. The surface area that travels across the internal ridges is minimized 1101, which lowers friction and enhances smoothness of motion when travelling vertically also. [0082] As well as having a hand hold the general bottom lid 304 so that the movement between the unlocked and locked states can be made, there could be an additional protruding tab 1502 through which to hold the bottom lid 1506. This would give the user greater means to fix in position and enact the counter rotational force of the bottom section.

[0083] FIG. 15 details an additional option through which the bottom section 306 can be rotated to take it from an unlocked state to locked or vice versa. Namely there could be protrusions 1503 from the bottom surface through which to enact the given counter rotational force required. Further, this kind of embodiment can offer means through which the bottom section could be pulled away from the top section to expand the assembly 1504. This illustration also gives an example of how the bottom surface groove I ridge embodiment 502 can have a greater plurality 1505.

[0084] There may be a carrying method 1508 which is affixed to the bottom 1506 or top lid sections, through which the product in the given embodiment may be carried. This is through having a hinge like mechanism 1507 or other more permanently affixed attributions.

[0085] In all the embodiments of the design, there needs to be means through which the inner sleeve 202 is semi permanently affixed to the bottom lid, otherwise noted as the uppermost ring section of the body 304. The lid section 201 is screwed onto the bottom lid 304 which creates an effective seal by pinching the sleeve 202 between a bottom edge of the lid 2205 and the top edge of the bottom lid 1605. This seal prohibits and limits content from unintentionally escaping the container.

[0086] There are different methods to affix the sleeve to the bottom lid, which include but are not limited to; a ridge that encompasses the circumference of the top of the bottom lid through which the sleeve over laps and secures onto, a plurality of plugs 1606 that protrude from the top of the bottom lid and secure into respective holes in the sleeve 1601, or a plurality of plugs the protrude from the bottom of the sleeve 1904 into fastening respective holes in the top of the bottom lid 2001. [0087] To make the insertion of the plugs into their respective holes more secure and easy to implement, there may be chamfers at the sides of the holes 1902.

[0088] If there is a significant plurality of plug and respective hole combinations for the fastening of the inner sleeve to the bottom lid, then for ease in use concerning the correct ones to connect, there could be markings to signify which ones are the correct pairings 1604 1603. These could alternate for the holes and plugs, so for example if there are 8 hole and plug connections, 4 could be marked on each the sleeve and the upper most surface of the bottom lid, indicating these should be paired.

[0089] So that the plugs restrict the moving away from the bottom lid top surface 1605, it helps if there is an overhang of material that limits the movement. The overhang would come from which ever part is facilitating the plug functionality, whether the sleeve 1903 or bottom lid 1502 a.

[0090] If the plug is coming from the bottom lid 304, then there may be multiple ways for this to be employed giving alternative functional attributes. For example, the overhang lip of the plug may be pointing inward 1702 a or outward 1702 b. The benefit of it pointing inward is that it will be easier for the user to remove the sleeve, and there may be an adjoining chamfer 1701 on the top outer edge of the bottom lid 304 which makes the edge of the silicone easier to grasp for removal. If the overhang of the plug is pointing outward 1702 b then the benefit is that it better holds onto the sleeve and most notably when contents are in the sleeve during use, as there is more structural integrity to resist inward pulling forces. An interplay of said functionalities may prove to be optimal as a design solution in respect to a final embodiment of the invention.

[0091] When in its assembled state, and especially so when in the fully expanded state 102 a, the inner sleeve when at rest, naturally creates an offset from its outer surface 1703 and the inner surface of the plurality of telescopic body rings 305

[0092] FIG. 21 gives an angled sectional view of the bottom lid and uppermost telescopic intermediary ring section assembled with 2102 b and without 2101 a the inner sleeve. [0093] There can be the option to have a plurality of inner cavities within the inner sleeve 1804, which would give the user more options in respect to what they would like to store in each, and a means through which to separate said contents. Further an additional sleeve 2202 a may be put into said cavities to separate out the given contents. This could be useful for example if the general contents would like to be reheated with a microwave, whilst one portion or more need to remain cold. The user can take the desired cold contents out before reheating the rest of the contents. 2202 b illustrates the sleeve when contained within the assembly and pre removal for reheating.

[0094] In the given embodiment of the bottom lid 1506 with the hinge 1507 and handle 1508, the tab 1502 connected to the bottom lid could also offer means through which the handle can be semi permanently affixed 2203. This would make it potentially more organized to transport when in its collapsed state 1501 a.

[0095] The most important connection of the inner sleeve 202 to the body 203 is with the upper sleeve lip to the bottom lid 2101 b. The bottom of the sleeve can be without any connecting means to the bottom section 2301. In which case the bottom section 306 would not have any complimentary means 2501 of semi permanently affixing the sleeve to the bottom section.

[0096] Alternatively there can be additional support in securing the inner sleeve 202 to the bottom section 306 and subsequently body 203, which could take the form of a male female connection. For example there could be an effective male tongue 2403 that is inserted and clamped into a female aspect 2503 of the bottom lid. There may also be ridges within the female aspect 2502 which further the pinching needed to secure the inner sleeve, whilst offering means of displacement of air with the insertion and securing.

[0097] For the lid section 201 in a particular embodiment, it may be formed of an effective single piece, and have connecting means 2602 to accommodate an additional item 2604. This could for example be used to house cutlery or similar, and be connected through means of a male 2603 female 2602 connection.

[0098] Alternatively, the lid section 201 could comprise of two layers, an upper lid

302 and an inner lid 303 for example. This would be beneficial in that it utilizes the heat insulating properties of air, with an effective air gap given 2706, to limit heat escaping through the lid. Maintenance of a relatively even gap between the upper lid 302 and inner lid 303 could be given by a plurality of struts 2801, which keep the facing surfaces equidistant.

[0099] The connection and fixation of the upper lid 302 to the inner lid 303, could be practice in a number of ways, namely but not limited to; screws, clips, or sonic welding. In the case of sonic welding there would be a raised surface that could be along the outside 2804 and toward the center 2805, to weld to the complimentary cavity to the respective face.

[0100] So the contents of the invention can be easily accessed, most notably when in a liquid form, there could be a movable and actionable mouth plug 301. This can go from an effective closed position 2901 a to an open one 2901 b, so the contents may be accessed. To make sure that the contents are more effectively sealed in when in the closed position 2904 a, there could be a raised section 2803 of the inner lid 303 around the mouth hole.

[0101] To make the inner sleeve 202 flexible material more hydrophobic so easier to clean, and also have a lower coefficient of friction and so less likely to interfere with the internal locking mechanism, there could be a treatment of the surface such as a Parylene coating. Further, to utilize the higher coefficient of friction of the rubber like material that is moulded in certain areas for better functionality, such as the connecting top edge 1602 and the bottom tongue 2403, these can be covered during the coating process so to not lose their desired attributes. In which case the Parylene or other, coating would retain its attributes, but only in the required areas of the inner sleeve surface.

[0102] In terms of a further clarification as to the means through which greater insulating properties can be experienced with the given design solution, the stretching of the inner flexible material when a given fluid is put in there, should necessarily incorporate this into its calculation for expansion. More specifically when the product is vertical, and has fluid inside (equivalent to the density of water), the expansion should not be such that the outside of the inner sleeve makes contact with the inner surface of the intermediary telescopic ring sections. The reason for this is that it is the air gap that acts as the insulating force which the product utilizes.

[0103] To give the product additional strength, this could be given to the outer telescopic rings by creating the grooves in a lattice like structure from one telescopic ring to the next. The reason for this is that the inner groove is where the material is thinnest, and so by having them not in a lattice/alternating structure, as can be seen in Fig. 20, it means the structure is quite vulnerable to being damaged. However if the position of the grooves alternate, as can be seen in Fig. 7, it means there is less exposure of weakness along one linear stretch of the outer body.

[0104] To ensure that there is room for the collapsing inner flexible material 3002, it is important that each of the ring sections from the bottom to the top, increases slightly in height 3001. The reason for this is that this can then create the necessary cavity space 3003, in which the collapsing inner flexible material can fold into.

Claims

[Claim 1 ] A collapsible container comprising; a lid section; an inner flexible sleeve; a body of coaxially orientated telescopic ring sections that facilitates the extending and collapsing motions; a plurality of tab extrusions that are proximate to the outer upper edge of the respective ring sections; a plurality of inner grooves on the internal surface of the respective ring sections which guide and limit the movement of said tabs and respective ring sections when the body is in its assembled embodiment and/or between rested states; said movement can be ascribed to being vertical which is generally perpendicular to the base surface, and lateral which is generally coincident in motion to that of the bottom surface, with the vertical action being employed when in its unlocked expanding or collapsing motions, and the lateral motion when applying a semi-locked or unlocked state, with there being no screw type of motion employed by the mechanism in any of its embodiments; ridges within said internal grooves limit the travel of said tabs so there are rested or semi-locked positions which mitigate undesired movements between rested states, and are employed or unemployed in respect to said lateral motions; said tabs are required to traverse said internal ridges to reach the semilocked rested state from the unlocked state, or vice versa, an unlocked position of said tabs whereby they enable the mechanism to employ said vertical movement between different height levels; the flexible inner sleeve is semi-permanently affixed to the upper edge of body with a combination of fastening plugs and respective holes, or other fastening means such as a lip on the inner sleeve holding onto an upper edge of the upper section of the body; a seal is created when said lid section is semi-permanently affixed to said body upper edge through such means as complimentary screw threads between the body and lid section, and the inner sleeve is compressed between the lid and the body sections;

[Claim 2] The container of claim 1 , with means of semi permanently affixing the inner sleeve to the bottom section of the telescopic body ring sections, such as inner sleeve having an extruded tongue which tightly fits into a complimentary hole provided by the bottom ring section.

[Claim 3] The container of claim 3, wherein there are vertical ridges provided by either the female or male, or both, of the said female male connection.

[Claim 4] The container of claim 1 , where the lid is comprised of two layers, top lid, and inner lid, which offers a contained gap between, which may be held together through; sonic welding, screws, clips or other.

[Claim 5] The container of claim 4, that has a mouth plug that is proximate to a hole provided by said lid section, and movable laterally inward by means of sliding with a digit to open, and effectively slid outward to close.

[Claim 6] The container of claim 5, wherein there is a raised ridge that is around the mouthpiece through which contents are transferred from inside to outside, or vice versa, with the raised ridge either coming from the mouth plug or the lid, in order to give greater sealing of fluid.

[Claim 7] The container of claim 4, wherein one of said layers provides a plurality of extruded nodes that keep the respective inner surfaces more reliably equidistant.

[Claim 8] The container of claim 1 , where the means of counter rotational force being applied to the bottom section is facilitated with retracting flap that requires assembly with a spring or similar.

[Claim 9] The container of claim 1 , whereby the limits of upward movement in its collapsed state to ensure assembly is maintained, is provided by contact 17 of the top of said tabs with the internal top surface of the said internal grooves in the respect ring sections.

[Claim 10] The container of claim 1 , whereby the limits of upward movement in its collapsed state to ensure assembly is maintained, is provided by contact proximate to the top outer edge of respective rings sections with internal tabs of the respective ring section.

[Claim 11 ] The container of claim 1 , whereby the limits of upward movement in its collapsed state to ensure assembly is maintained, is provided by contact of additional tabs that are proximate to the bottom of the outer surface with internal complimentary groove cuts to the respective ring section.

[Claim 12] The container of claim 1 , whereby the some or all tabs have cuts to either side to provide greater ability in movement in the inward lateral motion

[Claim 13] The container of claim 1 , where the tabs have bevels to their adjoining side edges to the respective ring sections, that are greater than half the length of said tabs

[Claim 14] The container of claim 1 , where the tabs have a bevel or bevels to their adjoining bottom edge or edges to the respective ring sections, that are greater than half the length of said tabs

[Claim 15] The container of claim 1 , wherein the lid section provides means of semi permanently affixing an additional item to the top surface, such as a male or female connection, or screw type embodiment, or similar

[Claim 16] The container of claim 1 , whereby there is rotational handle that is connected to the uppermost ring section of the body assembly, which is affixed with a bolt like hinge or similar

[Claim 17] The container of claim 15, wherein the handle can be semi permanently affixed in rotational movement, with complimentary structural means provided by the same ring section that provides the hinge mechanism for the handle

[Claim 18] The container of claim 1 , wherein the counter rotational force applied to the bottom section is provided by offering; ridges, grooves, tabs or other, 18 on the bottom surface, through which the user generally applies said counter force with their digits of their hand

[Claim 19] The container of claim 1 , wherein the upper most connecting edge of the body to inner sleeve, embodies chamfer cuts proximate to the outer edge, to facilitate more efficient means of separating said inner sleeve and body sections by creating an overhanging lip of said inner sleeve through which to appropriate said separating action.

[Claim 20] The container of claim 1 , where in each of the telescopic body sections graduate in height from lower most section, to upper most, whereby the lower most ring is the smallest height and also contains the means to enact the counter rotational for, and the upper most is the tallest and retains that means through which to semi permanently affix the inner liner to its upper most edge, and all the intermediary stages graduate in height from the former to the later, in order to offer a greater volume of area for the folding inner liner when in its collapsed end state

[Claim 21 ] The container of claim 1 , whereby there is an additional tab or tabs, that protrude generally perpendicular to the outer surface, through which counter rotational force can be applied when employing a movement from a semi locked to unlocked state, or vice versa

[Claim 22] The container of claim 1 , wherein there are complimentary indicational marking on the inner sleeve and top surface of the bottom lid, to facilitate clarity in terms of the correct pairing of connections to be made

[Claim 23] The container of claim 1 , whereby the inner sleeve accommodates multiple cavities to hold given contents and keep them separated, though means of contact of the uppermost edge with the bottom internal surface of the lid section.

[Claim 24] The container of claim 23, wherein there is an additional flexible sleeve that can be inserted into one of the cavities, so to enable greater separation of given contents if desired

[Claim 25] The container of claim 1 , whereby each of the telescopic ring sections is slightly taller than the preceding section, from the bottom through to the 19 top, in order to create a cavity space within the product when in its fully collapsed state, in which the inner flexible sleave can be situated, i