Patent Publication Number: US-2023159222-A1

Title: Collapsible shape-retaining containers

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/806,039 filed Mar. 2, 2020 which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/789,599, filed Oct. 20, 2017, now abandoned. The entire disclosures are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to shape-retaining collapsible containers. More particularly, a collapsible container for holding bulk liquid, a collapsible bottle, a collapsible tub, a collapsible basket and a collapsible food container are provided. 
     BACKGROUND 
     To have a large capacity, containers necessarily must be large. However, when such containers are not in use, such containers unnecessarily occupy a large volume. Hence, a need exists for containers that can be stored in a compact configuration when empty. 
     Containers that are in use often have excess capacity relative to the volume actually being used inside the containers. These containers may then occupy an excessive amount of space while in use. Consequently, a need exists for containers whose size and capacity can be altered to better match the volume of their contents. 
     Various types of capacity adjustable containers are known in the art, but they have numerous drawbacks. In particular, it has been found that these containers may be difficult to expand or collapse, particularly if they are large. Also, it has been found that these containers may not collapse or expand uniformly and easily, particularly if they have corners. Therefore, a need also exists for capacity adjustable containers that readily and easily expand and collapse uniformly and easily. 
     Another drawback of past capacity adjustable containers is that they are difficult to make watertight cost-effectively when they have to be made from two or more separate pieces. Accordingly, a need also exists for cost-effective watertight capacity-adjustable containers made from separate parts. 
     Capacity adjustable containers often have less capacity than the equivalent non-adjustable container. A need exists for capacity adjustable containers of the same or similar capacity when expanded compared to non-adjustable containers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of collapsible containers are provided in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment, the collapsible container has a generally annular, stiff upper tier and an opening in an upper portion of the upper tier, a stiff lower tier, and a collapsible wall section connected to the upper tier and the lower tier. The collapsible wall section has at least first, second and third generally annular collapsible wall section tiers. The collapsible wall section also has an upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the upper tier, a lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the lower tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges. The first and second collapsible wall section tiers are connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges. The second and third collapsible wall section tiers are connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges. The first tier is located above the second tier and the second tier is located above the third tier. The size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the collapsible wall section from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the collapsible wall section from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration. The collapsible wall section is at least partially located within one of the upper and lower tiers and the other of the upper and lower tiers is at least partially located within the collapsible wall section when the collapsible wall section is in the collapsed configuration. 
     In one aspect of the invention, the second tier is adjacent the first and third tiers. Additionally, the first and third tiers are flexible and the second tier is stiff. In the collapsed state, the collapsible wall section is folded along the living hinge between the first and second tiers and along the living hinge between the second and third tiers. 
     In another aspect of the invention, in the collapsed state, the collapsible wall section is folded along the upper living hinge and along the lower living hinge. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the first, second and third tiers are substantially vertical in the expanded configuration and in the collapsed configuration. 
     In still another aspect of the invention, the lower tier has a generally annular first portion and a second portion. The first and second portions are secured together by an overmolded thermoplastic layer at least partially covering the first and second portions. Preferably, one of the first and second portions has a female member, the other of the first and second portions has a corresponding male member, and the male member is inserted in the female member. Preferably, the lower tier has an interior wall exposed to the interior of the container and the interior wall includes at least a portion of the male member. 
     Typically, the second portion has an imperforate base. The collapsible container may have a faucet and a faucet passageway through the lower section through which the faucet extends, for use as a beverage container or water jug, for example. 
     The second portion may be generally annular. Typically, the container also has a bottom tier below the lower tier and a second collapsible wall section connected to the lower tier and the bottom tier. The second collapsible wall section has at least fourth, fifth and sixth generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, a second upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the lower tier, a second lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the bottom tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges. The fourth and fifth collapsible wall section tiers are connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges. The fifth and sixth collapsible wall section tiers are connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges. The fourth tier is located above the fifth tier and the fifth tier is located above the sixth tier. The size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the second collapsible wall section from a second collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the second collapsible wall section from the second expanded configuration to the second collapsed configuration. The second collapsible wall section is at least partially located within one of the lower and bottom tiers and the other of the lower and bottom tiers is at least partially located within the second collapsible wall section when the second collapsible wall section is in the second collapsed configuration. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the second portion is generally annular. Typically, the container also has a bottom tier below the lower tier and a second collapsible wall section connected to the lower tier and the bottom tier. The second collapsible wall section has at least fourth, fifth and sixth generally annular collapsible wall section tiers, a second upper living hinge adjacent the lower edge of the lower tier, a second lower living hinge adjacent the upper edge of the bottom tier, and at least two intermediate living hinges. The fourth and fifth collapsible wall section tiers are connected to each other by one of the intermediate living hinges. The fifth and sixth collapsible wall section tiers are connected to each other by the other of the intermediate living hinges. The fourth tier is located above the fifth tier and the fifth tier is located above the sixth tier. The size of the container volume can be increased by unfolding the second collapsible wall section from a second collapsed configuration to a second expanded configuration and can be decreased by folding the second collapsible wall section from the second expanded configuration to the second collapsed configuration. The second collapsible wall section is at least partially located within one of the lower and bottom tiers and the other of the lower and bottom tiers is at least partially located within the second collapsible wall section when the second collapsible wall section is in the second collapsed configuration. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the collapsible container also has a rim having an underside, a flexible rim component and a rigid rim underside component. Typically, the container also has a lid having a plurality of peripheral flaps for securing the lid to the container. Typically, the upper tier, lower tier, collapsible wall section and the flexible rim component are made of an elastomer and the flexible rim component is connected to the upper tier. More preferably, the flexible rim component is directly connected to the upper tier. The rigid rim underside component may be made of a non-elastomeric plastic. Each of the peripheral flaps may have a hook for securing the lid to the container and each flap is adjustable from a hooked position in which the hook is hooked to the underside of the rim to an unhooked position. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the collapsible container also has a flexible spout having a spout living hinge. The spout is foldable downwardly along the spout living hinge. The spout is thereby at least partially located within the lower tier when the lower tiers and pour spout are in the collapsed configuration. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the container has a removable lid covering and securable over the opening. Preferably, the lid includes a plurality of peripheral flaps for securing the lid to the container. Preferably, the lid has a selectively openable vent. Preferably, the collapsible container is watertight when the removable lid is secured over the opening. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the container has a plurality of apertures. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the container has a handle that is attached to the upper tier. 
     In yet another aspect of the invention, the container volume is defined by the upper and lower tiers and the collapsible wall section. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the opening is configured to be opened and closed to selectively allow and restrict the flow of fluid into and out of the container body through the top opening. 
     In still another embodiment, a method of manufacturing a collapsible container is provided. The method includes placing a container body comprising a stiff first tier, a stiff second tier, and a collapsible wall section in a mold; assembling the container body with a matching container component to close one end of the container body; placing the container component in the mold; and overmolding a thermoplastic layer around at least a portion of the container body and around at least a portion of the container component in the mold to join the container body and the container component. Preferably, the joining is permanent. The assembly may occur inside or outside of the mold. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the method also includes collapsing the collapsible wall section to collapse the container body before overmolding. The overmolding occurs on the collapsed container body. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the method also includes forming the collapsible wall section with a plurality of circumferential wall sections and a plurality of circumferential lines of thinned material for living hinges between the circumferential wall sections. 
     In another aspect of the invention, the method also includes overmolding the collapsible wall section onto the first tier and the second tier. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is top plan view of a collapsible bulk liquid container in a fully expanded state according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevation view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1    with a handle moved to another position. 
         FIG.  4    is a side elevation view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1    in a fully collapsed state. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1    in a fully collapsed state. 
         FIG.  6    is a bottom plan view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  7    is an inverted perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  8    is an inverted perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1    in a fully collapsed state. 
         FIG.  8 A  is an exploded view of the bottom of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  9    is a front sectional view taken on line  9 - 9  of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  10    is a front sectional elevation view taken on line  10 - 10  of  FIG.  1    of the container of  FIG.  1    in a fully collapsed position. 
         FIG.  11    is an exploded view of the faucet with a fragmentary view of the collapsible container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of the container lid together with a fragmentary view of a portion of the collapsible container shown in  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  13    is a front sectional elevation view taken on line  13 - 13  of  FIG.  1    of the container of  FIG.  1    in a first partially collapsed state. 
         FIG.  14    is a front sectional elevation view taken on line  14 - 14  of  FIG.  1    of the container of  FIG.  1    in a second partially collapsed state. 
         FIG.  15    is top plan view of a collapsible container or bottle in a fully expanded state according to a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  16    is a side elevation view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  17    is a perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  18    is a bottom plan view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  19    is a cross-sectional elevation view of the collapsible container of  FIG.  15    taken along line  19 - 19  of  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  20    is a cross-sectional elevation view taken on line  20 - 20  of  FIG.  15    in which the top half of the collapsible container of  FIG.  15    is in a collapsed state. 
         FIG.  21    is a cross-sectional elevation view taken on line  21 - 21  of  FIG.  15    in which the bottom half of the collapsible container of  FIG.  15    is in a collapsed state. 
         FIG.  21 A  is an enlarged cutaway side elevation view of a portion of  FIG.  21    as indicated in  FIG.  21   . 
         FIG.  22    is a cross-sectional view taken on line  22 - 22  of  FIG.  15    in which the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  15    is in a fully collapsed state. 
         FIG.  23    is a partially exploded cutaway view taken on line  23 - 23  of  FIG.  15    of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of the cap of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  15   . 
         FIG.  25    is top plan view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  15    without the cap. 
         FIG.  26    is top plan view of a collapsible container or tub in a fully expanded state according to a third embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  27    is a side elevation view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  26   . 
         FIG.  28    is a perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  26   . 
         FIG.  29    is a bottom plan view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  26   . 
         FIG.  30    is a cross-sectional side view along line  30 - 30  of  FIG.  29    of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  26   . 
         FIG.  31    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  31 - 31  of  FIG.  29    of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  26    in a first partially collapsed state. 
         FIG.  32    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  32 - 32  of  FIG.  29    of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  26    in a second partially collapsed state, more collapsed than the first. 
         FIG.  33    is a cross-sectional view taken along line  33 - 33  of  FIG.  29    of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  26    in a fully collapsed state. 
         FIG.  34    is top plan view of a collapsible container or basket in a fully expanded state according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  35    is a side elevation view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  36    is a perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  37    is a bottom plan view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  38    is a cross-sectional elevation view along line  38 - 38  of  FIG.  34    of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  34   . 
         FIG.  39    is a cross-sectional elevation view along line  39 - 39  of  FIG.  34    of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  34    in a fully collapsed state. 
         FIG.  40    is top plan view of a collapsible food container in a fully expanded state according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG.  41    is a side elevation view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  40   . 
         FIG.  42    is a perspective view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  40   . 
         FIG.  43    is a bottom plan view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  40   . 
         FIG.  44    is a cross-sectional view taken on line  44 - 44  in  FIG.  40   . 
         FIG.  45    is a cross-sectional view taken on line  45 - 45  of the collapsible container of  FIG.  40    in a fully collapsed state. 
         FIG.  46    is an exploded side elevation view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  40   . 
         FIG.  47    is a top plan view of view of the collapsible container depicted in  FIG.  40    without a lid. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Collapsible containers in accordance with the present invention are described in detail herein. 
     Referring to the Figures generally, a collapsible bulk liquid container  10  is depicted in  FIGS.  1 - 14   , a collapsible bottle  110  is depicted in  FIGS.  15 - 25   , a collapsible tub  210  is depicted in  FIGS.  26 - 33   , a collapsible basket  310  is depicted in  FIGS.  34 - 39   , and a collapsible food container  410  is depicted in  FIGS.  40 - 47   . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 14   , bulk liquid container  10 , generally in the form of a jug, is especially suited for containing water or other beverages or liquids, is illustrated as a multi-tiered container including a stiff or rigid upper tier  12  (sometimes described herein as top tier  12 ), a stiff or rigid lower tier  14  (sometimes described herein as bottom tier  14 , and a collapsible wall section  16  connecting upper tier  12  to lower tier  14 . Tier  12 , tier  14  and collapsible wall section  16  combine to form a container shell  18 . 
     Top tier  12  has a handle  20 , a top opening  22  (sometimes described herein as opening  22  or main opening  22 ), and a lid  24 . Handle  20  may be pivotably connected to top tier  12  by means of male members received in openings in top tier  12 . Main opening  22  has a rim  30  that is located below the top of tier  12 . Rim  30  may have one or more drainage channels (not shown). 
     Lid  24  may be secured to opening  22  by any suitable method including threaded engagement between lid  24  and opening  22 , which may be configured to form a watertight seal when fully secured or screwed into opening  22 . In that regard, a suitable gasket may also be utilized (not shown). As illustrated in  FIGS.  3  and  12   , located above rim  30  are one or more catches  32 , each of which has a downwardly extending protuberance  35 . Lid  24  has two notches  34  which when aligned with catches  32  allow the lid to be placed onto rim  30 . Lid  24  also has protrusions  36  that engage catches  32  when lid  24  is rotated counterclockwise so that protrusions  36  pass under protuberances  35  to secure lid  24  over opening  22 . Preferably, lid  24  has a handle  38 , which is pivotally attached to lid  24  and a recess  40  in which the handle can rest. 
     Bottom tier  14  has a base portion  42  and a sidewall portion  44 . Base portion  42  has no less than three feet  50 , an upstanding circumferential male portion  52  and a circumferential and radially extending flange  54 . Sidewall portion  44  has a female portion  56  and a circumferential and radially extending flange  58 . Male portion  52  extends into and frictionally engages female portion  56  forming a watertight seal. Flange  54  abuts flange  58  and include respective step  59  and step  60 . The exterior of the combination of flanges  54  and  58  is covered by a stretched elastomeric layer  61 , which holds base portion  42  and sidewall portion  44  together. Elastomeric layer  61  covers at least partially male portion  52  and female portion  56 . Preferably, base portion  42  and sidewall portion  44  are secured to each other without any adhesives, the use of which adhesives can leach an off-flavor or toxins potentially to the contents of container  10 . 
     Bottom tier  14  also has an opening  64  and a spigot or faucet  66  as shown in  FIG.  11   . Opening  64  is located in sidewall portion  44  and a faucet  66  of any suitable design extends through opening  64 . As illustrated, faucet  66  is secured to sidewall portion  44  by a nut  67  and an o-ring  6 T on the inside of sidewall portion  44  and faucet flange  68  and an o-ring  68 ′ on the outside of sidewall portion  44 . Faucet  66  has a rotatable and tiltable handle  69  connected to spring-loaded stem  70  that is covered by an elastomeric seal  71 . Handle  69  may be rotated for ease of use and compaction during non-use. Indeed handle  69  is shown as extending outwardly in  FIGS.  1 ,  2 ,  3 ,  6  and  7    in which bulk liquid container  10  is illustrated in a fully expanded configuration and as extending inwardly in  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  8  and  8 A  in which bulk liquid container  10  is illustrated in a fully collapsed configuration. Any suitable faucet or spigot may be used in accordance with the invention. If desired, faucet  66  and opening  64  could be eliminated and liquid could be dispersed merely by pouring from opening  27 . A suitable pour spout could also be included along opening  64 , such as pour spout  128 , described hereafter, for example. 
     Collapsible wall section  16  may be collapsed and expanded to vary the overall height dimension of container shell  18  and thus the available volume within shell  18  for liquids, particularly for water or beverages, and ice. Wall section  16  includes a stiff middle tier  72  between two flexible tiers  74  and  76 . Wall section  16  has four living hinges  78 . Living hinge  78   a  is located between top tier  12  and flexible tier  74 . Living hinges  78   b  and  78   c  are located between tiers  72  and  74  and between tiers  72  and  76 , respectively. Living hinge  78   d  is located between bottom tier  14  and flexible tier  76 . Additional tiers and living hinges may be included in the collapsible wall section, preferably adhering to the alternating arrangement in which a flexible tier is connected above and below each stiff tier with living hinges between the tiers. 
     Container  10  is illustrated in two stable states or configurations, one fully expanded and one fully collapsed. A fully expanded container  10  is illustrated in  FIGS.  2 ,  3 ,  7 , and  9   , showing living hinges  78  in their substantially unfolded configurations while a fully collapsed state of container  10  is illustrated in  FIGS.  4 ,  5 ,  8  and  10   , showing living hinges  78  in folded configurations. In its fully expanded state, container  10  provides its maximum volume capacity and in the illustrated embodiment when at maximum capacity and height is about 270 millimeters (mm) high (excluding the handle) and a maximum diameter of about 325 mm, while in its fully collapsed state, container  10  is about 80 millimeters tall (excluding the handle) for the illustrated embodiment, about a 70% reduction from the maximum height at its most compact state, which is particularly convenient for storage and transportation. At least two partially collapsed states of container  10  are also possible (not shown), in which only hinges  78   a  and  78   b  are folded or only hinges  78   c  and  78   d  are folded. 
     Shell  18  in combination with faucet  66  and lid  24  is watertight and is adapted to retain water or other liquids in its interior volume, generally defined as the space above the interior bottom surface  80  of bottom tier  14  and below top opening  22 . 
     Referring generally to  FIGS.  15 - 25   , bottle  110  is illustrated as a multi-tiered container including a stiff or rigid upper tier  112  (sometimes described herein as top tier  112 ), an upper collapsible wall section  114 , a stiff or rigid middle tier  116 , a lower collapsible wall section  118 , and a stiff or rigid lower tier  120  (sometimes described herein as bottom tier  120 ). Tiers  112 ,  116  and  120  and collapsible wall sections  114  and  118  combine to form a container shell  122 . 
     Top tier  112  has a top opening  124 , a lid  126  and a spout  128 . Opening  124  has a throat  130  having a plug support or basket  132 , which is best seen in  FIG.  25   . Lid  126  may be of any suitable structure. As illustrated particularly in  FIGS.  23  and  24   , lid  126  has a handle  134 , a plug body  136  having a pronged end  137 . Opening  124  may be partially opened by lifting lid  126  allowing a liquid contained in bottle  110  to flow out around lid  126 . Pronged end  137  in conjunction with basket  132  prevent the accidental complete removal of lid  126 , but do not prevent the complete removal of lid  126 . Spout  128  has a living hinge  138  around which spout  128  can be folded as shown in  FIGS.  20  and  22   . 
     Upper collapsible wall section  114  has three principal generally annular tiers  140  and four living hinges  142 . Living hinges  142   a  and  142   d  are located proximal to stiff or rigid tiers  112  and  116 . Living hinges are  142   b  and  142   c  are located between and connect tiers  140   a  and  140   b  and are located between and connect tiers  140   b  and  140   c , respectively. Tiers  140  are substantially vertical when bottle  110  is substantially upright. Tiers  140  have a sloping top surface  144 , a sloping bottom surface  146 , exterior surfaces  148 , and interior surfaces  150 . Surfaces  144  and  146  are preferably substantially parallel. Surfaces  148  and  150  are preferably substantially parallel and substantially vertical. The thickness  152  of tier  140  between one exterior surface  148  and the adjacent interior surface  150  is significantly greater than the thickness  154  of collapsible wall section  114  between one top surface  144  and the adjacent bottom surface  146  such that a living hinge  142  exists at the top and bottom of each tier  140  as illustrated in  FIG.  21 A . Thus, each living hinge (e.g.,  142 ) can be composed of an annular ring of material that is thinner than the upper and lower regions adjacent the living hinge (e.g.,  142 ). Alternatively, the living hinge (e.g.,  142 ) could be constructed of material more flexible than the material in regions above and below the living hinge (e.g.,  142 ). Tiers  140  are arranged stepwise with small horizontal steps between tiers  140  and with respect to tiers  112  and  116 . By having vertical tiers  140  vertically oriented, it is possible to maximize the capacity of wall section  114  and container  110  for a given container diameter. 
     Middle tier  116  has a generally annular first or top portion  156 , a generally annular second or bottom portion  158  and a stretched elastomeric sleeve or layer  160 . Top portion  156  is connected to collapsible wall section  114  and has a generally annular male portion  162 . Bottom portion  158  is connected to collapsible wall section  118  and has a generally annular female portion  164 . Alternatively, portion  156  was the female portion  164  and portion  158  has the male portion  162 . Male portion  162  extends into and frictionally engages female portion  164  forming a watertight seal. The exterior of the combined or overlapped male and female portions  162  and  164  is at least partially covered by elastomeric layer  160 . Preferably, portions  156  and  158  are secured together without adhesive, which can leach an off-flavor or toxins to the contents of container  110 . Middle tier  116  also has an circumferential slot  165  for accepting a generally annular matching projection  165 ′ of elastomeric layer  160  to better keep elastomeric layer  160  in place. Layer  160  is also beneficial as it makes bottle  110  easier to grip around middle tier  116 . 
     Lower collapsible wall section  118  has three principal generally annular tiers  166  and four living hinges  168 . Tiers  166  are substantially vertical when bottle  110  is substantially upright. Tiers  166  have a sloping top surface  169 , a sloping bottom surface  170 , exterior surfaces  172 , and interior surfaces  174 . Surfaces  169  and  170  are preferably substantially parallel. Surfaces  172  and  174  are preferably substantially parallel and substantially vertical. Collapsible wall section  118  is substantially similar to wall section  114 ; the principal difference is that wall section  118  is inverted when compared to wall section  114 . 
     Bottom tier  120  has a generally annular sidewall  176 , a bottom  178 , and a skirt  180  for stability. 
     Bottle  110  is illustrated in four stable states or configurations. A fully expanded container  110  is illustrated in  FIGS.  16 ,  17 ,  19  and  23    showing living hinges  142  and  168  in their substantially unfolded configurations.  FIG.  22    shows bottle  110  fully collapsed with living hinges  142   a ,  142   d ,  168   a  and  168   d  in folded configurations. Spout  128  is also folded and is partially inserted into middle tier  116 . In its fully expanded state, bottle  110 , about 225 mm high (with spout up) and about 75 mm wide and 95 mm long in the illustrated embodiment, provides its maximum volume capacity, while in its fully collapsed state, about 75 mm high (including the spout folded down) or about a 67% reduction in height from the maximum height, bottle  110  is at its most compact, which is particularly convenient for storage and transportation. Two partially collapsed states of bottle  110  are also shown in  FIGS.  20  and  21   . In  FIG.  20   , the top half  182  of bottle  110 , which includes top tier  112 , collapsible wall section  118 , and top portion  156 , is in a fully collapsed state in which hinges  142   a  and  142   d  and spout  128  are folded, but the bottom half  184  of bottle  110  is fully expanded. In.  FIG.  21   , top half  182  is fully expanded while bottom half  184  is in a fully collapsed state in which living hinges  168   a  and  168   d  are folded. Other partially collapsed states are possible in which either top half  182  or bottom half  184  are partially collapsed and the other half is fully expanded, partially collapsed, or fully expanded. If top half  182  is partially collapsed, one of hinges  142   b  and  142   c  are folded. If bottom half  184  is partially collapsed, one of hinges  168   b  or  168   c  are folded. Partial collapse states are further discussed with respect to tub  210 . Bottle  110  may be closed with lid  126  and partially collapsed to minimize headspace over a liquid to reduce carbonation loss if the liquid is carbonated, to minimize oxidation if the liquid is oxidation sensitive, or to minimize evaporation heat losses if the liquid is hot. 
     Each tier of shell  122  is imperforate, and the attachment regions joining neighboring tiers are water impermeable, so that shell  122  is adapted to retain water or other liquids in its interior volume, generally defined as the space above the interior surface of bottom  178  and below opening  124 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  26 - 33   , collapsible tub  210  is illustrated as a multi-tiered container including a stiff or rigid upper tier  212  (sometimes described herein as top tier  212 ), a collapsible wall section  214 , and a stiff or rigid lower tier  216 . Tiers  212  and  216  and collapsible wall section  214  combine to form a container shell  222 . 
     Top tier  212  has a top opening  224 , end walls  226 , sidewalls  228  and handles  230 . Handles  230  may be covered with a plastic or elastomeric material that is softer than the material of end walls  226  and sidewalls  228 . Top tier  212  has a generally annular shape. 
     Collapsible wall section  214  has three principal generally annular tiers  240  and four living hinges  242 . Living hinges  242   a  and  242   d  are located proximal to stiff or rigid tiers  212  and  216 . Living hinges are  242   b  and  242   c  are located between tiers  240   a  and  240   b  and between tiers  240   b  and  240   c , respectively. Tiers  240  are substantially vertical when tub  210  is substantially upright. Tiers  240  have a sloping top surface  244 , a sloping bottom surface  246 , exterior surfaces  248 , and interior surfaces  250 . Collapsible wall section  214  is substantially similar to wall section  114  except that wall section  214  is inverted relative to wall section  114 . 
     Lower tier  216  has a generally annular portion  256  and a bottom portion  258 . Annular portion  256  has two opposed sidewalls  260  and two opposed end walls  262 . Bottom portion  258  has feet  264 , which may include a soft plastic or elastomeric covering. Apart from the covering, lower tier  216  may be unitary having been made in a single molding operation. 
     Tub  210  is illustrated in four stable states or configurations. Tub  210  has many uses, for example as a laundry basket, a wash tub, a container for holding various types of objects. A fully expanded tub  210  (tub height of about 300 mm, length of about 525 mm and width of about 420 mm) is illustrated in  FIGS.  26 - 30    showing living hinges  242  in their substantially unfolded configurations. Two partially collapsed states and a fully collapsed state are illustrated in  FIGS.  31 - 33   .  FIG.  31    shows a partially collapsed state in which living hinges  242   c  and  242   d  are folded.  FIG.  32    shows a partially collapsed state in which living hinges  242   b  and  242   d  are folded.  FIG.  33    shows a fully collapsed state (tub height about 120 mm, about a 50% height reduction) in which living hinges  242   a  and  242   d  are folded. A possible collapsed state, which is not illustrated, is one in which hinges  242   b  and  242   c  are folded. This possible collapsed state is one that is unlikely to occur without specifically manipulating the container to so collapse because downward pressure on tub  210  typically causes hinge  242   d  to fold first when hinges  242  have the same thickness because hinge  242   d  provides the least resistance to folding as it has the shortest circumferential length. Tub  210 , optionally with a lid not shown, may be used for storage or transport and partially collapsed to better match the size of tub  210  to its contents, which is particularly beneficial when trying the efficiently use space in a vehicle or a storage space, for example. 
     Tub  210  can be watertight except for top opening  224  and handles  230 . Alternatively, any or all of sidewalls  228  and  260 , end walls  226  and  262 , and bottom portion  258  may have various apertures. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  34 - 39   , collapsible basket  310 , which may be used as a laundry basket or for containing articles as desired, for example, is illustrated as a multi-tiered container including a stiff or rigid upper tier  312  (sometimes described herein as top tier  312 ), a collapsible wall section  314 , and a stiff or rigid lower tier  316 . Tiers  312  and  316  and collapsible wall section  314  combine to form a container shell  322 . 
     Top tier  312  has a top opening  324 , end walls  326 , sidewalls  328 , handles  330  and  331 , and a rim  332 . Handles  330  may be made of any suitable material including plastic or metal. Handles  330  are pivotally attached to rim  332 . Handles  331  are similar to handles  230 . Top tier  312  has a generally annular shape. End walls  326  and side walls  328  have a plurality of apertures  334 . Apertures  334  are optional. 
     Collapsible wall section  314  has three principal generally annular tiers  340  and four living hinges  342 . Living hinges  342   a  and  342   d  are located proximal to stiff or rigid tiers  312  and  316 . Living hinges are  342   b  and  342   c  are located between tiers  340   a  and  340   b  and between tiers  340   b  and  340   c , respectively. Tiers  340  are substantially vertical when basket  310  is substantially upright. Tiers  340  have a sloping top surface  344 , a sloping bottom surface  346 , exterior surfaces  348 , and interior surfaces  350 . Collapsible wall section  314  is substantially similar to wall sections  114  and  214 . 
     Lower tier  316  has a generally annular portion  356  and a bottom portion  358 . Annular portion  356  has two opposed sidewalls  360  and two opposed end walls  362 . Bottom portion  358  has feet  364 , which may include a soft plastic or elastomeric covering. Apart from the covering, lower tier  316  may be unitary having been made in a single molding operation. 
     Basket  310  is illustrated in two stable states or configurations. A fully expanded basket  310  (height of about 260 mm, length of about 500 mm and width of about 420 mm) is illustrated in  FIGS.  34 - 38    showing living hinges  342  in their substantially unfolded configurations.  FIG.  39    shows a fully collapsed state (basket height of about 120 mm, a reduction of about 60%) in which living hinges  342   a  and  342   d  are folded. Additionally basket  310  has partially collapsed states that are the same as tub  210 . 
     With reference to  FIGS.  40 - 47   , collapsible and microwavable food container  410  is illustrated as a multi-tiered container including a stiff or rigid upper tier  412  (sometimes described herein as top tier  412 ), a collapsible wall section  414 , and a stiff or rigid lower tier  416 . Tiers  412  and  416  and collapsible wall section  414  combine to form a container shell  418 . Container shell  418  includes a container body  420  and a removable lid  422 . Container body  420  may be made from an elastomeric material such as silicone as illustrated and may be made in a single molding operation. 
     Top tier  412  has a top opening  424 , end walls  426 , sidewalls  428 , a rim  432  and removable lid  422 . Top tier  412  has a generally annular shape. Rim  432  has three components, a rigid top component  434 , a stiff middle component  436 , and a rigid bottom component  438 . Rigid top component  434  and rigid bottom component  438  provide rigidity to rim  432 , which is missing from middle component  436  if it is made of an elastomeric material. Middle component  436  may be part of container body  420  and made with body  420  in a single molding operation. Rim components  434  and  438  form a rigid hook  439  on the underside of rim  432  and may be joined to middle component  436  by any suitable method including ultrasonic welding, overmolding and adhesives, but preferably not. Alternatively, rim component  438  forms rigid hook  439  without rim component  434 . Indeed, rim component  438  may provide sufficient rigidity to rim  432  that rim component  434  can be omitted. Lid  422  includes a lid body  440  peripheral flaps  442 , living hinges  444 , peripheral seal  446 , cavity  448 , vent  450  and recess  451 . Peripheral flaps  442  are connected to lid body  440  by living hinges  444 . Flaps  442  have one or more pronged hooks  447  for engaging hook  439  to secure lid  422  over opening  424 . Seal  446  is preferably made of an elastomeric material and is housed inside cavity  448 . Seal  446  preferably has a plurality of fingers  452  extending towards rim  432 . Vent  450  has an opening  454  and a plug  456 . Plug  456  has a handle  458 , a stepped cylindrical body  460 , and a hollow end  462 . Body  460  has a first tier  464  for blocking opening  454  and a second tier  466  for partially opening vent  450 . End  462  may be pronged or hooked to removably retain plug  456  within opening  454 . Vent  450  allows the contents of container  410  to be microwaved and to allow steam to escape while lid  422  is secured over opening  424 . 
     Collapsible wall section  414  has three principal generally annular tiers  470  and four living hinges  472 . Living hinges  472   a  and  472   d  are located proximal to stiff or rigid tiers  412  and  416 . Living hinges are  472   b  and  472   c  are located between tiers  470   a  and  470   b  and between tiers  470   b  and  470   c , respectively. Tiers  470  are substantially vertical when container  410  is substantially upright. Tiers  470  have a sloping top surface  474 , a sloping bottom surface  476 , exterior surfaces  478 , and interior surfaces  480 . Collapsible wall section  414  is substantially similar to wall sections  114  and  214 . 
     Lower tier  416  has a generally annular portion  486  and a bottom portion  488 . Annular portion  486  has two opposed sidewalls  490  and two opposed end walls  492 . Bottom portion  488  has a plurality of feet  494 . 
     Container  410  is illustrated in two stable states or configurations. A fully expanded container  410  (about 65 mm high with lid, 180 mm long and 130 mm wide) is illustrated in  FIGS.  40 - 44 ,  46  and  47    showing living hinges  472  in their substantially unfolded configurations.  FIG.  45    shows a fully collapsed state (container  410  is about 32 mm high with lid, a reduction in height of about 50% from the fully expanded height) in which living hinges  472   a  and  472   d  are folded. Additionally container  410  has partially collapsed states that are the same as tub  210 . 
     A preferred method of manufacturing collapsible containers is now discussed. A stiff or rigid first tier of a first material is made, by any suitable method. A stiff or rigid second tier of a second material is made, by any suitable method. The first and second tiers may correspond to a top, middle or bottom tier of any of the containers discussed herein. Both the first and second material may be the same or different and may be polypropylene or metal, for example. If the first or second material is plastic then the respective first and/or second tier is preferably made by injection molding. The first and second tiers are put into a first mold and a collapsible wall section is overmolded over end portions of the first and second tiers in the first mold to form a container body including the first and second tiers and the collapsible wall section between the two tiers. The collapsible wall section may have three generally annular tiers. It may correspond to any of the collapsible wall sections discussed herein. One end of the container body has a male or female member. The container body is then placed in the second mold. A container component having a female or male member opposed to the male or female member of the container body are assembled together in the second mold, which includes mating the male and female members together. The container body may be fully collapsed in the second mold before the assembly. The second mold is closed. Next a thermoplastic elastomer layer is overmolded over at least a portion of the exterior of the combined male and female members and over and in contact with at least a portion of the container body and the container component. The thermoplastic elastomer layer is in tension after the overmolding and thereby holds the container component and the container body together. The method herein is applicable to the manufacture of collapsible containers generally and particularly to containers  10  and  110 , whose elastomeric layer  61  and  160  may be overmolded in accordance with this method. The collapsible containers of the invention can provide a height reduction from the fully erect or extended position to the fully collapsed state of, for example, 50%, 66%, 70% or more. 
     Of course, in the context of containers according to the present invention, it will be understood that “stiff,” “rigid,” and “flexible” are relative terms. Thus, unless further specified, referring to a tier of a wall structure as “stiff” herein simply means, at a minimum, that the tier is stiff enough to impart a force to its neighboring flexible tier or tiers sufficient to fold the flexible tier or tiers between relatively folded and unfolded stable positions (optionally causing the flexible tiers to “snap” between positions), without itself folding (i.e., without inverting its vertical orientation, with respect to the top and bottom of the container). On the other hand, a tier that is considered “rigid” for purposes of the invention typically will not even appreciably yield or deform, let alone fold, in the direction of the force imparted to fold the flexible tiers, in response to either that force or other typical loads associated with normal use of the container. Still further, a rigid tier preferably will not appreciably deform in any direction during normal use of the container. A “rigid” tier that exhibits the latter characteristic of not appreciably deforming in any direction is typically formed of a different material than the flexible tiers, rather than the same material in a different size or geometric configuration. 
     Although each flexible tier of the various containers described herein is illustrated as having only two stable positions, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide one or more flexible tiers having a plurality of stable partially expanded positions, for example by providing one or more flexible tiers having a stepped profile comprising a series of accordion-like pleats of flexible material, the pleats comprising peripheral bands of material oriented in alternating directions and connected to adjacent bands by living hinges, so that each pleat can be independently folded and unfolded (not shown), being stable in either state. Also, a wall structure of a container according to the invention need not have the exact shapes of the containers shown in the Figures, but may have any suitable shape, such as round, oval, rectangular with rounded corners, or other shape as desired. For example, successive accordion pleats may be stable in relatively “bent” orientations, in which part of the circumferential length of a pleat is folded and the remainder of the length is unfolded. 
     Containers according to the invention may be constructed of any suitable materials that impart relative stiffness or rigidity to the top tier, middle tier, and bottom tier; and relative flexibility to the flexible tiers, while permitting the tiers to be durably attached to their neighboring tiers. For example, in the respective shells or bodies  18 ,  122 ,  222 ,  322  and  420  of the illustrated containers, the top tier, bottom tier, and/or middle tier may be rigid and composed of polypropylene or other suitable material, the flexible tiers being a thermoplastic elastomer overmolded onto the polypropylene or other suitable material. Alternatively, the top tier, bottom tier, and/or middle tier may be rigid and composed of metal or nylon or other suitable material, the flexible tiers being a silicone material overmolded onto the metal or nylon or other suitable material with a suitable adhesive or glue between the two materials to strengthen their connection. Alternatively, the entire body of a container may be made of an elastomer including a thermoplastic elastomer or silicone and the walls of the top and bottom tiers are thicker than the walls of the collapsible wall sections. Tiers and collapsible wall sections may be connected to each other by any suitable method including overmolding, ultrasonic welding or adhesive connection. The connection may watertight if desirable. Lids and handles may be made of any suitable materials and may even be made of a plurality of materials. 
     In the respective insert containers, on the other hand, for which rigidity is less likely to be crucial (especially of the middle tier), considering that the rigidity of the non-folding tiers of the outer shell will protect the insert container and its contents, the middle tier may be merely stiff as opposed to rigid, and may be composed of the same resilient material as the flexible tiers, but simply thicker and/or more vertically aligned (i.e., less tapered or not tapered at all in its relaxed state) to resist folding under vertical compressive forces. 
     Moreover, the structural strength and shape retention provided by a rigid middle tier of a different material is only one of many advantages provided by indoor and outdoor containers of the present invention. Thus, where desired, components that are merely “stiff,” and optionally made of the same material as the flexible tiers, but formed with shapes, alignments, and/or dimensions that resist folding, may be substituted in the place of “rigid” components of containers of the invention, not only in the inserts but even in the shells, while still retaining other advantages over existing containers. 
     In the context of containers according to the present invention, it will be understood that a living hinge is made of the same material as the stiff or rigid pieces it connects. Generally, the hinge is thinner than the surrounding material. Living hinges may be made of any suitable material permitting the hinge to be repeatedly folded and unfolded including polypropylene, silicone and thermoplastic elastomer. 
     While the invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements, and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.