Abstract:
A collapsible container and a method of using the collapsible container are provided. In one embodiment of the container, the container comprises a collapsible fold area associating a base portion with a nestable portion, the collapsible fold area being structured such that a collapsing of collapsible fold area results in disposal of at least a portion of the nestable portion within the base volume. In one embodiment of the method, the method comprises the steps of nestling the collapsed containers with one another for efficient space storage when said collapsed containers are not in use, and releasing a vacuum or applying a force to return a collapsed container to its full or expanded position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/306,279, filed on Feb. 19, 2010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosure relates generally to a collapsible container, and more specifically to a beverage container, and a method for using such collapsible containers for dispensing beverages. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Containers used for storing various solid and liquid goods are well known. Containers used in fast food and convenience stores for holding beverages are also well known. 
     For some time restaurants and convenience stores have offered relatively large containers that may be filled on premise and removed for holding a liquid or solid, such as a beverage for consumption. While the relatively large size of these containers allows a customer to transport large quantities of their favorite beverage, containers of this size also present the restaurant and convenience store owner with inventory issues in that such containers can be cumbersome and difficult to store. 
     Accordingly, demand exists for a beverage container that can both contain a relatively large quantity of fluid, and be more efficiently stored. 
     SUMMARY 
     According a first preferred embodiment, a method for dispensing beverages is provided. The method comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of collapsed containers, wherein a vacuum in each of said plurality of containers causes said containers to collapse; nestling the collapsed containers with one another for efficient space storage when said collapsed containers are not in use; opening at least one of said collapsed containers, thereby releasing the vacuum and expanding the container to its full position; filling the expanded container with a beverage; and closing the container with a closure cap. 
     In some, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the step of opening at least one of said collapsed containers comprises the step of removing the closure cap. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the nestled collapsed containers are stacked vertically with one another. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the containers are manufactured from shape memory material. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the containers are configured to retain a pressure that is at least two times atmospheric pressure. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the containers are manufactured from a translucent material. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the containers have collapsible sidewalls. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the containers collapse vertically. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the closure cap is a threaded closure cap. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the beverage container is configured to hold about 72 oz of liquid. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the first preferred embodiment, the collapsed container occupies a volume of about 33% of the fully-expanded container. 
     In a second preferred embodiment of the disclosure, a method for dispensing beverages is provided. This method comprises the steps of: providing a plurality of containers, wherein the containers have a collapsed position and an expanded position; nestling at least two collapsed containers with one another for efficient space storage when said collapsed containers are not in use; applying a force to a collapsed container to expand the collapsed container to its expanded position; filling the expanded container with a beverage; and closing the container with a closure cap. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the nestled collapsed containers are stacked vertically with one another. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the containers are manufactured from shape memory material. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the containers are configured to retain a pressure that is at least two times atmospheric pressure. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the containers are manufactured from a translucent material. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the containers have collapsible sidewalls. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the containers collapse vertically. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the closure cap is a threaded closure cap. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the beverage container is configured to hold about 72 oz of liquid. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the method of the second preferred embodiment, the collapsed container occupies a volume of about 33% of the fully-expanded container. 
     In a third preferred embodiment of the disclosure, a collapsible container is provided. The collapsible container comprises: a base portion delimiting a base volume; a nestable portion configured and sized for nestability within the base volume; and a collapsible fold area associating the base portion with the nestable portion, the collapsible fold area being structured such that a collapsing of collapsible fold area results in disposal of at least a portion of the nestable portion within the base volume. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the third preferred embodiment, a material comprising the base portion and a material comprising the nestable portion are more densely constructed than a material comprising the collapsible fold portion. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the third preferred embodiment, a material comprising the base portion and a material comprising the nestable portion are thicker than a material comprising the collapsible fold portion. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the third preferred embodiment, a material comprising the collapsible fold portion is a plastic, the collapsing of the collapsible fold area occurring at a cooling stage of the plastic. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the third preferred embodiment, a material comprising the collapsible fold portion is a plastic, said plastic having been extruded and molded, and the collapsing of the collapsible fold area occurs prior to the hardening of the plastic and instead occurs during the cooling stage of the plastic. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the third preferred embodiment, the container is a beverage container. 
     In a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention, a collapsible container is provided. The collapsible container comprises: a container body delimiting a fluid volume configured for holding a fluid, the container body including a container opening and a container base; and a collapsing zone defined by the container body and configured to allow a relatively horizontal collapsing of at least a portion of the container. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fourth preferred embodiment, the collapsing zone includes a base segment traversing a lateral extent of the base portion, and two vertical segments extending to a vertical extent of the container body, the vertical segments being associated via the base segment and disposed at relatively opposing sides of the container body. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fourth preferred embodiment, the vertical segments terminate at or in proximity to a neck portion defined by the container body, the neck portion defining the container opening. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fourth preferred embodiment, the collapsing zone is a groove extending into the fluid volume and including relatively opposing groove walls, the groove being collapsible via movement of at least one of the opposing groove walls towards the other of the opposing groove walls. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fourth preferred embodiment, the container is a beverage container. 
     In a fifth embodiment of the disclosure, a collapsible container is provided. The container comprises: a bottom portion, said bottom portion having a height that is about ⅓ the total height of the container and wherein said bottom portion has a first diameter; a top portion, said top portion having a second diameter, wherein said second diameter is less than said first diameter; an intermediate portion, said intermediate portion connecting the bottom portion with top portion; a first reinforcing ridge, said first reinforcing ridge connecting the bottom portion with the intermediate portion, and said first reinforcing ridge having a material strength that is greater than the intermediate portion and greater than the bottom portion; and a second reinforcing ridge, said second reinforcing ridge connecting the top portion with the intermediate portion, and said second reinforcing ridge having a material strength that is greater than the intermediate portion and the top portion; wherein the intermediate portion is more pliable than the top portion, wherein the intermediate portion is more pliable than the bottom portion, and wherein a vacuum applied to the container causes the top portion to collapse within the bottom portion. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fifth preferred embodiment, the top portion and the bottom portion comprise rib structures, said rib structures configured to provide structural rigidity to the top portion and the bottom portion, and further wherein the intermediate portion is void of any rib structures. In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fifth preferred embodiment, the ribs are vertical rib structures that are spaced equally apart from one another around the circumference of the container. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fifth preferred embodiment, the top portion comprises a threaded opening, said threaded opening configured to engage with a threaded cap, wherein when said cap is engaged with the opening, an air-tight seal is created within the container. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fifth preferred embodiment, the top portion comprises a handle. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fifth preferred embodiment, the container is cylindrical about its vertical axis. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fifth preferred embodiment, the container is manufactured from a unitary piece of polyethylene. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the fifth preferred embodiment, the container is collapsed, the collapsed container is configured to nest with other similar collapsed containers. 
     In a sixth preferred embodiment of the disclosure, a collapsible container is provided. The container comprises: a cylindrical body about its vertical axis with a round base portion; a collapsible zone, said collapsible zone runs along the base portion and along opposite sides of the cylindrical body; wherein said collapsible zone comprises at least two opposing walls, said two opposing walls being configured to collapse towards one another when a vacuum is applied to the container, causing said container to collapse. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the sixth preferred embodiment, a top of the container comprises a threaded opening, said threaded opening configured to engage with a threaded cap, wherein when said cap is engaged with the opening, an air-tight seal is created within the container. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the sixth preferred embodiment, a top of the container comprises a handle. 
     In yet some other, but not all, embodiments of the container of the sixth preferred embodiment, the container is manufactured from a unitary piece of polyethylene. 
     In a seventh preferred embodiment, a collapsible container is provided. The collapsible container comprises: a top portion, said top portion being about ½ the total height of the container; a bottom portion, said bottom portion being about ½ the total height of the container; handles integrally formed on the top portion; a threaded opening integrally formed on the top of the top portion; and a junction between the top portion and the bottom portion, said junction comprised of material that is more pliable than the top portion; wherein the junction is more pliable that the bottom portion, and wherein when a vacuum is applied to the container, the top portion collapses within the bottom portion and the junction deforms by about 180 degrees as measured from vertical. 
     The reader should appreciate that any of the steps of preferred embodiment one may also be incorporated into steps of preferred embodiment two, and vice versa. Further, the reader should appreciate that any of the particular embodiments of any of the containers disclosed in embodiments three through seven may be used in any of the other preferred embodiments three through seven. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       Referring now to the Figures, exemplary embodiments are illustrated, wherein the elements are numbered alike: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevation view of a collapsible container in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 10  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  is an elevation view of the collapsible container from a top perspective in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  is an elevation view of the collapsible container from a bottom perspective in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  is a partial elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a cap for use with a collapsible container; 
         FIG. 16  is another perspective view of a cap for use with a collapsible container; 
         FIG. 17  is an elevation view of a cap for use with a collapsible container; 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional elevation view of a cap for use with a collapsible container; 
         FIG. 19  is an elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment as shown in stacked association with another collapsible container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 20  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 21  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 22  is an elevation view of the collapsible container from a top perspective in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 23  is an elevation view of a collapsible container in accordance with a another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 24  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 25  is an elevation view of the collapsible container from a top perspective in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 26  is an elevation view of the collapsible container from a bottom perspective in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 27  is a partial elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 28  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 29  is another elevation view of the collapsible container in accordance with another exemplary embodiment; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring first to  FIGS. 1-10 , an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible container  10  is illustrated. In this particular embodiment, container  10  is cylindrical about its vertical axis. The container  10  includes a container body  11  delimiting a volume configured for holding a fluid or solid, a nestable portion  12 , a fold area  14 , and base portion  16 . The nestable portion  12 , which includes a container opening  18  and container handles  20 , extends essentially from the fold area  14  to an upper extent of the container  10 . As shown in the Figures, the fold area  14  connects the nestable portion  12  with the base portion  16 . As will be explained in greater detail below, the base portion  16  and nestable portion  12  are less susceptible to collapsing than fold area  14 . 
     With reference to the differing material construction in the varying portions of the container  10 , it should be noted that there are various options for constructing the material in the fold area  14  such that it is collapsible relative to the nestable portion  12  with the base portion  16 . In one embodiment, an extruded plastic (such as high density (hard) Polyethylene, low density (soft) Polyethylene, or a blend thereof) from which the entire container  10  is constructed is less densely constructed in the fold area  14  than the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16 . This may be achieved via permeation of air into the fold area  14  during extrusion of the plastic, which in turn creates a more porous and less dense region, and enhances pliability of the area  14  relative to the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16 . 
     In addition to or instead of being less densely constructed, the fold area  14  may also be extruded and molded to include a lesser thickness than the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16 . Such a relative thinness in the container wall forming the fold area  14  also serves to enhance pliability of the area  14  relative to the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16 . Of course, the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16  may be further extruded and molded to include support structure that hardens the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16  relative to the fold area  14 . Such support structure may include the rib structures  22  shown at the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16  in the Figures, hardening features inherently created via the design and shape of the handles  20  and threaded opening  18 , and/or a reinforcing ridge  25  disposed at a junction between the base portion  16  and fold area  14  (please see  FIG. 11 ). As can be seen in the particular embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10 , rib structures  22  are spaced equally apart from one another around the circumference of container  10 . 
     In light of the above discussed pliability of the fold area  14  relative to the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16 , the container  10  may be vertically collapsed such that nestable portion  12  is pushed down into a volume  24  delimited by the base portion  16 . This collapsing is best shown in  FIGS. 1-10 , wherein  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4  show the container  10  in a non-collapsed configuration  26 ,  FIGS. 2 ,  9 , and  10  show the container  10  in a collapsed configuration  28 , and  FIGS. 5-8  show the container  10  in intermediate configurations  30  and  32  therebetween. 
     In an exemplary embodiment of container  10 , container  10  is sized to hold 72 oz and in the non-compressed configuration  26  includes a container height  34  of 7.625 inches (please see  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4  in particular). In  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the container  10  is shown to be desirably configured such that the nestable portion  12  is collapsed into the base volume  24  in a manner that reduces the container height  34  by 0.25 inches (down to 7.375 inches). Referring to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the container  10  is shown to be desirably configured such that the nestable portion  12  is collapsed into the base volume  24  in a manner that reduces the container height  34  by 1.5 inches (down to 6.125 inches). Lastly, referring to the fully collapsed container of  FIGS. 2 ,  9 , and  10 , the container  10  is shown to be desirably configured such that the nestable portion  12  is collapsed into the base volume  24  in a manner that reduces the container height  34  by 3.3 inches (down to 4.326 inches). 
     This collapsing of the container  10  shown in configurations  28 ,  30 , and  32  of FIGS.  2  and  5 - 10  serves to reduce potential shipping and storage volume occupied by the container  10 . For example, a container collapsed to a desirable level of configuration  28  (please see  FIGS. 2 ,  9 , and  10 ) shows a reduction of the container height  34  by 43 percent. Of course, any compression between configurations  26  and  28 , and any compression to an extent beyond configuration  28  that is structurally allowable by the respective configurations of the nestable portion  12  and base portion  16  of the nestable portion  24 , may be desirable for shipping and/or storage. 
     Referring back to the above discussed pliability of the fold area  14 , it should be noted that this area is most pliable/collapsible when the extruded plastic comprising this area is at a cooling stage. In other words, the container  10  in general is best suited for collapsibility after the plastic comprising the container  10  has been extruded and molded, but before the plastic is fully set/hardened (i.e., cooling prior to setting/hardening to a point of commercial viability). 
     The above discussed collapsing of the container  10  may be achieved in via various processes, including but not limited to that which is discussed below. In one exemplary embodiment, a vacuum device (not illustrated) may be attached to the opening  18  of a non-collapsed container  10 . Suction created by such a device provides actuation that forces the nestable portion  12  down into the base volume  24  (or the base portion  16  up around the nestable portion  12 ). The container  10  may then be sealed via a seal or twist of cap  36  such as that shown in  FIGS. 15-18 . Sealing in this manner holds the collapsed container at the level to which the container has been collapsed. The container  10  may be vacuumed and sealed for shipping and storage at any desirably collapsed level between configurations  26  and  28  (or structural allowable configurations beyond configuration  28 ). When the container  10  is needed for use, the cap  36  may be removed. The container  10 , which may be constructed of plastic that includes material memory characteristics, will then expand to non-collapsed configuration  26  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 . 
     In another exemplary embodiment, a downward force applied at the opening  18  of the container  10  provides actuation that forces the nestable portion  12  down into the base volume  24 . As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a neck fitment  38  that is inserted into the opening  18  may facilitate this actuation. This fitment  38  includes a lip  40  that is configured to receive a downward force (from, for example, an automated piston element) sufficient enough to force the nestable portion  12  down into the base volume  24 . Internal gas  42  disposed within a volume of the container  10  is forced out of the container  10  through a fitment channel  44  defined by the fitment  38  during the collapsing of the container  10 . Of course, without disposal of the fitment  38  in the opening  18 , this gas  42  would simply escape through the opening  18 . As discussed above, and due to vacuum conditions now present in the container  10 , the container  10  may then be sealed via the seal or twist of cap  36  such as that shown in  FIGS. 15-18 . Again, the container  10  may be compressed and sealed for shipping and storage at any desirably collapsed level between configurations  26  and  28  (or structural allowable configurations beyond configuration  28 ). When the container  10  is needed for use, the cap  36  may be removed. The container  10 , which may be constructed of plastic that includes material memory characteristics, will then expand to non-collapsed configuration  26  shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 , and  4 . 
     Referring more specifically to a “folding” of the fold area  14 , it should be noted that the container  10  collapses via two folds  46  and  48  occurring at fold area  14 . As can be seen in  FIGS. 8 and 10 , folds  46  and  48  deform foldable area  14  slightly less than 180 degrees. In other words, each fold  46  and  48  are configured to deform and fold at about 180 degrees (or deform to form a U-shape), thereby permitting the container to collapse as shown in  FIG. 10 . Referring for example to FIGS.  2  and  5 - 10 , collapsing of the nestable portion  12  into the base volume  24  (via vacuum, applied force, or otherwise) creates fold  46  at a junction between the nestable portion  12  and the fold area  14 , and fold  48  at a junction between the base portion  16  and the fold area  14 . As may be best demonstrated via what amounts to a collapsing progression from  FIGS. 5-10 , the fold area  14  rolls upon itself as the folds  46  and  48  move farther apart and the nestable portion  12  is nested/collapsed deeper into the base volume  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-14 , another embodiment of the disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, container  500  has a bottom portion  501 , a top portion  502 , an intermediate portion  503 , and handles  505 . The reader should appreciate that portions  501 ,  503 , and  502  may be similar to portions  16 ,  14 , and  12 , respectively, of  FIGS. 1-10 . For example, intermediate portion  503  may be made of a more pliable material than that of bottom portion  501  and top portion  502 . Applying a downward force on top portion  502  or creating a vacuum within container  500  may cause container  500  to collapse, such that top portion  502  is within bottom portion  501 . In this embodiment, the diameter of the top portion  502  is different from the diameter of bottom portion  501 , so that top portion  502  can fit within bottom portion  501  when container  500  is in the collapsed position. As intermediate portion  503  joins bottom portion  501  with top portion  502 , intermediate portion is disposed at an angle as measured from vertical. 
     The particular embodiment of  FIGS. 11-14  also show reinforcing ridges  25  at the junction between bottom portion  501  and intermediate portion  503  and at the junction between top portion  502  and intermediate portion  503 . In one exemplary embodiment, reinforcing ridge  25  comprises increased material thickness. In another exemplary embodiment, reinforcing ridge  25  comprises material with improved strength, which is less susceptible to failure when deformed. When container  500  transitions from its full position to its collapsed position, the majority of stress and deformation may occur at these junctions. As a result, adding reinforcing ridges  25  at these junctions may be desirable. 
     As can also be seen in  FIGS. 11-14 , the height of bottom portion  501 , intermediate portion  503 , and top portion  502  may each be about ⅓ of the total height of container  500 . When a downward force is applied to container  500 , as seen from  FIG. 11 , or when a vacuum is applied to container  500 , container  500  collapses such that top portion  502  is within bottom portion  501 , as the pliable material of intermediate portion  503  deforms to allow the transition from full position, as shown in  FIG. 11 , to collapsed position (not shown). 
     Container  500  may also have threaded opening  510 , which is configured to engage a threaded cap  36 , such as the one disclosed in  FIGS. 15-18 . In an exemplary embodiment, when cap  36  is engaged with opening  510 , container  500  is capable of retaining a slight vacuum relative to atmospheric pressure and capable of retaining a carbonated beverage at a pressure greater than two times atmospheric pressure. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-22 , shipping and storage space for the containers  10  may be further conserved via a nesting and stacking of multiple collapsed containers  10 . Such nesting and stacking may be achieved (in a vertical stack  50 ) via complimentary cavities  52  defined by the bases  16  of the containers  10 , and base legs  54  inherently created by cavities  52 . As is shown in  FIG. 19 , the opening  18  (e.g., spout) of a first container  10   a  extends up into cavity  52   b  of a second container  10   b , and base legs  54   b  extend around the nestable portion  12   a  and into the base volume  24   a  of a fully compressed container  10   a . This nesting conserves shipping and storage volume, and aids in stabilization of the stacked containers. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 23-27 , an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible container  100  is illustrated. This container  100  primarily differs from container  10  and container  500  due to its configuration for relatively horizontal collapsibility. The container  100  includes a container body  102  delimiting a fluid volume configured for holding a fluid, a container opening  104 , and a container base  106 . The container  100  is collapsible via collapsing zone  108 , which, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 23-27 , includes a base segment  110  that laterally traverses the container base  106 , and two vertical segments  112  that vertically traverse the container body  102 . The vertical segments  112  are associated with each other via the base segment  110 , are disposed at relatively opposing sides of the container body  102 , and terminate at a neck/spout portion  115  that defines the container opening  104 . 
     In one exemplary embodiment, such as that shown in  FIGS. 23-27 , the collapsing zone  108  is a groove extending into the fluid volume and including relatively opposing groove walls  114 . The groove within collapsing zone  108  is collapsible via movement of opposing groove walls  114  towards each other. Of course, like in the vertically collapsing embodiment discussed above, the container  100  may be constructed such that material in the collapsing zone  108  is more easily collapsible or pliable relative to the rest of the container  100 . In one embodiment, an extruded plastic (such as high density (hard) Polyethylene, low density (soft) Polyethylene, or a blend thereof) from which the entire container  100  is constructed is less densely constructed in the collapsing zone  108  than in the rest of the container  100 . This may be achieved via permeation of air into the collapsing zone  108  during extrusion of the plastic, which in turn creates a more porous and less dense region and enhances pliability relative to the rest of the container  100 . 
     In addition to or instead of being less densely constructed, the collapsing zone  108  may also be extruded and molded to include a lesser thickness than the rest of the container  100 . Such a relative thinness in the container wall forming the collapsing zone  108  also serves to enhance pliability of the collapsing zone  108  relative to the rest of the container  100 . Of course, the non-collapsing portion of the container  100  may be further extruded and molded to include support structure that hardens this area relative to the collapsing zone  108 . Such support structure may include the rib structures (such as ribs  22 , shown and described in  FIGS. 1-10 ) and other features. 
     As an alternative to the grooves of collapsible zone  108  shown in  FIGS. 23-26 , it should be appreciated that the above discussed thinness/lesser density relative to the rest of the container  100  may allow for collapsibility of a zone that merely continues in and includes an arc and/or geometry that is consistent with the rest of the container  100 . Still further, the zone may be constructed in this thinner/less dense manner, and include a consistent arc and/or geometry with creases or other weak points (as opposed to the grooves shown in the Figures) disposed at a relative center of the zone and/or at the junctions between the zones and the rest of the container  100 . 
     Referring specifically now to actuation of collapsibility at the collapsing zone  108 , it should be appreciated that this collapsing is best accomplished via an actuated force applied at areas  130  disposed approximately 90 degrees from the midpoint of each vertical segment  112 . By applying force at these areas  130 , which are also disposed to oppose each other, the opposing walls  114  of each groove  108  will move towards each other in a manner that collapses the groove  108  and the container  100  in general. As shown in the Figures, this force would be optimally applied at a container height disposed below an area of a container handle  132 . This is because (in this embodiment) collapsing zone  108  traverses from the base  106  upward, but not all the way to the top (i.e., neck/spout  115 ) of the container  100 . In fact, due to this non-traversal of collapsing zone  108  to the top of the container  100 , overall collapse of the container  100  will be more dramatic towards the base  106  of the container  100  relative to its top. 
     Following collapse of collapsing zone  108 , the container  100  may be sealed via seal or twist of cap  36  such as that shown in  FIGS. 15-18 . Due to vacuum conditions that may now be present in the collapsed container  100 , the vacuum will hold the container  100  in a collapsed state. The container  100  may be collapsed and sealed for shipping and storage at any desirably collapsed level that is structurally allowable by movement of the opposing groove walls  114  towards each other. Collapsing and sealing the container  100  in this manner serves to reduce potential shipping and storage volume occupied by the container  100  by 33 to 67 percent. When the container  100  is needed for use, the cap  36  may be removed. The container  100 , which may be constructed of plastic that includes material memory characteristics, may then expand to a non-collapsed configuration, when a vacuum is released or when product fills container  100 . 
     It should be appreciated that though the Figures show only two opposing groove walls  114 , additional opposing groove walls  114  are contemplated, and may extend from the base  106  vertically, as shown in  FIGS. 23-26 , or at an angle therefrom. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28 and 29 , an exemplary embodiment of a collapsible container  200  is illustrated. This container  200  includes a top portion  202  that may be collapsed into a base portion  204  via inversion. In this embodiment, an extruded plastic (such as high density (hard) Polyethylene, low density (soft) Polyethylene, or a blend thereof) from which the entire container  200  is constructed may be less densely constructed in the top portion  202  than the base portion  204 . This may be achieved via permeation of air into the top portion  202  during extrusion of the plastic, which in turn creates a more porous and less dense region, enhancing pliability relative to the base portion  204 . 
     In addition to or instead of being less densely constructed, the top portion  202  may also be extruded and molded to include a lesser thickness than the rest of the base portion  204 . Such a relative thinness in the container wall forming the collapsing top portion  202  also serves to enhance pliability of the top portion  202  relative to the base portion  204 . Of course, the base portion  204  of the container  200  may be further extruded and molded to include support structure that hardens this area relative to the top portion  202 . Such support structure may include the rib structures (such as rib structures  22 , shown in  FIGS. 1-10 ) and other features. 
     Actuation of the collapse/inversion of the top portion  202  may be accomplished via a downward force applied at an opening/spout  208  of container  200 . Sealing and maintaining this collapsed form may be achieved via the same cap  36 , as shown in  FIGS. 25-28 , and inherent vacuum conditions (created by collapse) discussed above. The container  200  may return to non-collapsed form via removal of the cap  36  and memory material, or from filling container  200  with product, such as a beverage. In addition, a concave handle  210  may be disposed in the top portion  202  to facilitate carrying the container  200  in its normal position, as shown in  FIG. 28 . Additionally, handle  210  may facilitate pulling the top portion  202  out of the base portion  204 , when container  200  is in the collapsed position, as shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     Also as shown in  FIGS. 28 and 29 , top portion  202  is about the same height as bottom portion  204 , and when container  200  is collapsed, as shown in  FIG. 29 , the collapse container has a total height of about ½ the total height of the container when in its normal position, as shown in  FIG. 28 . In this particular embodiment, a junction  206  integrally joins the top portion with the bottom portion, and is located at about the mid point of container  200 . As shown in  FIG. 29 , junction  206  deforms about 180 degrees (or deform to form a U-shape) as measured from vertical when container transforms from its normal, full-open position (shown in  FIG. 28 ), to the collapsed position shown in  FIG. 29 . In other words, as with folds  46  and  48  of the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-10 , junction  206  and top edge of top portion  202  are manufactured of a deformable material to allow container  200  to collapse, as shown in  FIG. 29 . 
     While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary or preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.