Abstract:
A collapsible portable reusable container having a plurality of sides, gussets and opposing tension folds, as a tension hinge, optionl brackets as needed, with each gusset having a first section and a second section. One section of the gusset is foldably connected to a panel having an opposing tension fold, preferably on an adjacent connected panel, creating a tension hinge. The above gusset and opposing tension fold placements, allow a user to transform the container from a folded, collapsed position to a freestanding, open position in one simple move with no need for a securing mechanism to keep the container in an open position.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a foldable container. More particularly, the present invention relates to a collapsible portable reusable container that can be conveniently stored flat and made erect easily. 
       2. Description of the Related Art 
       [0002]    In today&#39;s society, the need to be mobile and versatile is becoming essential to survival. The need to be on-the-go, has created a demand for products to be portable and reusable. To satisfy this need, however, such products must be reliable as well as inexpensive to warrant a convenient, single or multi-use reusable application. 
         [0003]    Everyday usage requires for a great number of duties and procedures, containers for solids or liquids or a combination of materials which, in the past have generally been made of glass, metal, plastic and the like and are used over and over again serving the needs first of one duty and then another. Containers for usages such as dog bowls, mixing bowls, storage containers and trays, needless to say, require a lot of space and care and in the hyper-mobile society of today, who has the extra time or space. We&#39;re always on the go. 
         [0004]    To eliminate the requirements of storing, reusing and packaging of such solid or liquid holding containers, I have provided a container formed of sheet material which is collapsible portable and reusable and is packaged in such a collapsed, portable condition so as to be readily opened and erected into a container suitable for holding solids, liquids or a combination of materials but not limited to such items. Because my collapsible portable reusable containers are formed from reliable inexpensive, preferably recyclable, sheet materials such as fiberboard, card stock paper, paperboard, cardboard, heavy foil and the like, they can be used not just once but under many conditions multiple times and usages, and when in the collapsed, portable form, can be easily stored and or possibly recycled. Usages include but not limited to traveling dog bowls, water bowls, mixing bowls, serving trays, chips and dip bowls, emergency storage containers, survival kits, etc. 
         [0005]    Think about this, when is the last time you needed a bowl? Really think about it. Everyday! If you have dogs and you walk them, you need a bowl. Who has the space to carry a bowl with them. And that&#39;s just one instance of a need for a portable container to hold items. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    According to embodiment of the present invention, I provide a collapsible portable reusable container which can be easily and readily erected or collapsed as needed. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the container can be rectangular in shape, but is not intended to limit the plurality of panels or gussets, and can comprise of a rectangular bottom panel having a pair of oppositely positioned rectangular side panels and a pair of oppositely positioned rectangular end panels integrally connected to the marginal edges of the rectangular bottom panel. Gusseted corner folds are formed between the adjacent end edges of the side and end panels respectively with an opposing tension fold on a panel opposite the marginal edge of the gusset creating a tension hinge. The container is collapsed into a folded flat position by first folding the side panels inwardly onto the upper surface of the rectangular bottom panel while letting the end panels fold inwardly onto the outer surface of the folded side panels. Grasping the end panels and exerting a first upward and then inward pulling force thereon, brings end panels together. The rectangular container is made open from the collapsed position by first letting end panels fall away from each other then pulling upwards and outwards of side panels from the underlying rectangular bottom panel that lifts the end panels upwardly from the underlying side panels and folding out and downwards resulting in erection of the collapsible portable reusable container into a dimensional open container. By providing dimensioning and configuration for the side panels, end panels and intersecting tension hinge, my collapsible portable container is readily opened without need of support to any panel. 
         [0008]    In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of sides and panels may be added to give a compartmentalized, enclosed or other erect function or feature but not limited to stated functions or features. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment a top is secured to one panel 
         [0010]    In another embodiment a single folding bracket with a single locking hinge is utilized to give additional support to the to side and bottom panels to stabilize container when use for additional usages. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment a single folding bracket with corner locking hinges is utilized to give additional support to the to side and bottom panels to stabilize container when use for additional usages. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment a double folding bracket with a single locking hinge is utilized to give additional support to the to side and bottom panels 
         [0013]    In another embodiment a double folding bracket with corner locking hinges is utilized to give additional support to the to side and bottom panels to stabilize container when used for additional usages. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment of the present invention, and for this example, a rectangle bottom with four panels and four gusseted tension hinges are used. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. 
           [0016]    These and other attendant features and advantages of the present invention will be in part obvious and in part more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the container in an open condition according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the blank from which the container is formed according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the container in a collapsed, portable condition according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the container showing the lifting or folding of the side panels upon first applying an upwardly directed pulling or pushing force on the side panels as the collapsed container is being erected or collapsed according to one embodiment of the invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the container in an open, partially erected condition as an outward and downward pulling force is exerted on the side panels according to one embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the container in an open, erect condition showing how gusset folds attach to end panels and tension folds on adjacent connected panels according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the container in an open, erect condition showing how gusset folds attach to end panels and tension folds on adjacent connected panels according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the container utilizing a single side and bottom bracket but not limiting the plurality of said bracket to add support according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a single bottom bracket utilizing a single central locking hinge showing the single bracket in an unfolded, open position according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a single bottom bracket utilizing a single central locking hinge showing the single bracket in a folded, closed position according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a sing bottom bracket utilizing a double corner locking hinge showing the single bottom bracket utilizing a double corner locking hinge in an unfolded, open position according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a single bottom bracket utilizing a double corner locking hinge showing the single bottom bracket utilizing a double corner locking hinge in a folded, closed position according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the container utilizing a dual side and bottom bracket but not limiting the plurality of said bracket to add support according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a double bottom bracket utilizing a corner locking hinge showing the double bracket utilizing a corner locking hinge in an unfolded, open position according to one embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a double bottom bracket utilizing a corner locking hinge showing the double bracket utilizing a corner locking hinge in an folded, closed position according to one embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0032]    Embodiments of the invention generally provide containers which are easily transformed from a folded form to a usable container to provide improved storage and portability. 
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a collapsible portable and reusable container in an open position according to one embodiment of the invention. The exemplar collapsible portable container described herein can be collapsed down to substantially flat layers of card board to aid in storage and portability of large quantities of the collapsible containers. Although a rectangular collapsible container is illustrated, collapsible containers having other shapes are also contemplated. 
         [0034]    The collapsible portable reusable container of the present invention is comprised from sheet material and preferably is an integral sheet of thin, durable, flexible sheet material, example, sheets of paper, fiberboard, cardboard, polyester or heavy foil, plastic, kraft board, etc. but not limited to said material, are suitable and particularly advantageous results are achieved using a heavy weight card stock paper or kraft board having at least one plastic coated surface, i.e. the surface forming the interior of the collapsible portable reusable container. 
         [0035]    Referring first to  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , there is illustrated a collapsible portable reusable container generally designated by the container blank  13  from which the portable reusable container is formed and the container  11 , as a perspective view of container in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, is in the open and erect position. The container  11  is shown having a rectangular bottom panel  4  integrally connected to a pair of side panels  7  and  8  and a pair of rectangular end panels  5  and  6  along fold lines  14 ,  15 , and  16 ,  17  respectively. 
         [0036]    Referring particularly to the blank  13  illustrated in  FIG. 2 , it is seen that separated parallel fold lines  14  and  15  each intersect separated parallel fold lines  16  and  17  at right angles. The fold lines  14  and  15  define the side edges of the bottom panel  4 , the bottom edges of the side panels  7  and  8  and the end edges of the end panels  5  and  6 . Fold lines  16  and  17  define the end edges of the bottom panel  4 , the bottom edges of the end panels  5  and  6  and the end edges of side panels  7  and  8 . 
         [0037]    An important unit connecting the end edges of end panels  5  and  6  and the end edges of side panels  7  and  8  form gusset  23  each consisting of one triangle-like shaped section x and another triangle-like shaped section y integrally formed as a unit connected together along a common diagonally placed fold line  25  which dissects the angle existent between end edges of side panel  7  and  8  with adjacent end edges of panels  5  and  6  respectively. Fold  27 , an angled fold to the intersections of folds  14  and  15  with folds  16  and  17  respectively on side panels  7  and  8 , together with gusset  23  form a tension hinge for the purpose collapsing or erecting end panels. Angle may be dependant on plurality of sides and panels, for this embodiment of the invention, but not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, a  45  degree angle is used. Fold  28  bisects bottom panel  4  and side panels  7  and  8  at the mid point in order to complete the collapsing of or start the erecting of the completed portable reusable container. 
         [0038]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the collapsible portable reusable container in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention and is formed from the blank illustrated in  FIG. 2  by first folding rectangular side panels  7  and  8  upward along scored lines  14  and  15  and onto the inner surface of the bottom panel  4 . The end panels  5  and  6  are simultaneously folded upward along fold lines  16  and  17  and onto the inner surfaces of bottom panel  4  with gusset  23  formed outside the container by gusset section x and y coming together at fold  25  as illustrated by  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . Gusset  23  is formed by folding section x and y outwardly at fold  25  an adhesive  20  is applied to the inner surfaces of section x of gusset  23  and glued to inner surface of section y of gusset  23 . Repeat for all corner gussets. As shown in FIG,  6  and  FIG. 7 , an adhesive  21  is applied to outside of gusset panel y and gusset  23  is then folded along corner fold of intersection of panels  14 ,  15  and  16 ,  17  respectively and glued to each end panel  5  and  6  to secure gusset panel y of gusset  23  onto end panels  5  and  6 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3 , collapsible portable reusable container as shown collapsed, shows a perspective view of the container in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention and is formed from the perspective view container illustrated in  FIG. 1  by first pushing in side panels  7  and  8  onto bottom panel  4  along folds  14  and  15  folding  45  degree side tension fold  27  inwardly thus causing all panels  5 ,  6 ,  7  and  8  to lie onto bottom panel  4 . With side panels  7  and  8  folded down bring end panels  5  and  6  inwardly together with an upward pull by folding in at fold  28 . You may or not have a securing device  29  on the outside end panels  5  and  6  to keep end panels  5  and  6  together in a closed manner making for ease of portability or desired use according to one embodiment of the invention. Securing device  29  can be made of a hook and loop fastener or some type of adhesive or glue but is not limited to such and might be of any clasp or tie. 
         [0040]    To obtain the collapsed container illustrated in  FIG. 3 , having all the advantageous features of the present invention, the rectangular, bottom  4 , side  7  and  8  and end panels  5  and  6 , although it does need a certain amount of dimensional relationships there could be other uses that may not need those requirements. To this end, the height h of side and end panels  7 ,  8 , and  5 ,  6  preferably being less than one-half the width w of bottom panel  4 , could have other uses that may not need those requirements. 
         [0041]    Referring now particularly to  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5 , the collapsed container  11  illustrated in  FIG. 3  is erected into the open container illustrated in  FIG. 1  by first pulling apart hook and loop securing device or other clasp or tie if used and unfold end panels  5  and  6  downwards at fold  28 . End panels  5  and  6  are unfolded outward and down at fold  28 . As in  FIG. 4  place thumbs on side panels  7  and  8  and pull up and out. Because of the tension hinge, fold  27  and gusset  23 , and pulling up and out on side panels  7  and  8 , all sides become erect. Outward forces exerted on the sides  7  and  8  are sufficient to lift end panels  5  and  6  upwardly into a standing erect position. 
         [0042]    Referring now particularly  FIG. 5 , when the collapsed container  11  illustrated in  FIG. 3  is made erect from  FIG. 4 , while still holding side panels  7  and  8 , take and fold the side panels  7  and  8  exerting a downward force at fold  14  and  15  as in  FIG. 5 . This causes all folds from  FIG. 3  to release and make the container stand erect. The device is now a free standing container. The stiffening strength supplied by the tension hinge, fold  27  along with tension pull from gusset  23  glued to end panels  5  and  6 , is sufficient to prevent side panels  7  and  8  from returning to their folded-down position on the upper surface of bottom panel  4  and forms a tension resistance mechanism. 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of the collapsible portable reusable container  11 , in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, utilizing a single bracket  40  referred to by  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 11  to add support. Said bracket is made of plastic metal wood or other rigid material and incorporating one or more locking hinges  42  to hold shape and give additional support to sides and bottom of container. Side arms  41  and  43  of bracket  40  utilizing locking hinge  42  to open to the determined angle of container side and locking in the open position while incorporating inward hooks to clasp over top of side panels there by increasing the amount of volume or mass that can be held by container. 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  shows a perspective view of the hinged bracket  40  utilizing a single center locking hinge  42  in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention consisting of a single side and bottom bracket  40  in the open position. Said bracket consisting of two angled arms  41  and  43  connected by a center locking hinge  42 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  shows a perspective view of the hinged bracket  40  utilizing a single center locking hinge  42  in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention consisting of a single side and bottom bracket  40  in the closed position aid bracket consisting of two angled arms  41  and  43  connected by a center locking hinge  42 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of the hinged bracket  40  utilizing two corner locking hinges  42  in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention consisting of a single side and bottom bracket  40  in the open position. Said bracket consisting of two arms  47  and  49  and a middle bottom  44  connected by two corner locking hinges  42 , Said arms  47  and  49  incorporating inward hooks to hook over top of side panels. 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  shows a perspective view of the hinged bracket  40  utilizing a dual corner locking hinge  42  in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention consisting of a single side and bottom bracket  40  in the closed position. Said bracket consisting of two arms  47  and  49  and a middle bottom  44  connected by two corner locking hinges  42 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the collapsible portable reusable container  11  in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention utilizing a double bracket  50  referred to by  FIG. 14  to add support consisting of a bottom piece  54  and side arms  55 ,  56 ,  57 ,  58  respectively set to the determined angle of container side connected by locking hinge  52  locked in the open position incorporating inward hooks to clasp over top of side panels to add support. Said bracket is made of plastic metal wood or other rigid material and incorporating one or more locking hinges  52  to hold shape for additional support to sides and bottom of container there by increasing the amount of volume of mass that can be held by container. 
         [0049]      FIG. 14  shows a perspective view of the hinged bracket  50  utilizing a plurality of corner locking hinges  42  in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention consisting of a single side and bottom bracket  40  in the open position. Said bracket consisting of two arms  47  and  49  and a middle bottom  44  connected by two corner locking hinges  42 . Said arms  47  and  49  incorporating inward hook to clasp over top of side panels. 
         [0050]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the hinged bracket  50  utilizing a plurality of corner locking hinge  52  in one embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention consisting of a double bracket  50  in the closed position 
         [0051]    As the container is being erected from its collapsible portable reusable condition shown in  FIG. 3  utilizing actions in  FIG. 4  and  FIG. 5  to achieve its open condition shown in  FIG. 1  with tension hinge, gussets  23  adhered onto end panels S and  6  with adhesive on gusset panel y and fold lines  27 , hold the strength of the corner when in the fully upright open condition shown in  FIG. 1 . In this manner, the container of the present invention is maintained as an integral unit in its fully erected condition depicted in  FIG. 1 , in the collapsed condition depicted in  FIG. 3 , and in its partially erected condition shown in  FIGS. 4  and  FIG. 5 . 
         [0052]    While I have described my invention with particular reference to a preferred and specific embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that various modifications, changes and alterations can be made therein while still remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined within the appended claims.