Patent Publication Number: US-11390418-B2

Title: Foldable case

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to foldable cases, and methods of making same. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Conventional foldable paper cases are typically either in a folded or an unfolded configuration. They are not collapsible between an open position for holding materials and a closed position for storage. Collapsing a conventional folded paper case typically results in disassembling the case to an unfolded sheet of paper. An adhesive means would be required to return the paper case to the folded configuration. 
     There is a general desire for a foldable case that is easily collapsible between an open position and a closed position without having to disassemble the case to an unfolded configuration, and more particularly, a collapsible foldable case that can be used for cooking or baking. 
     The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related thereto are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements. 
     One aspect of the invention provides a foldable case. The foldable case is collapsible between an open position and a closed position. The foldable case comprises a sheet of material. The sheet of material has a central portion, opposing first and second portions, and opposing third and fourth portions. First and second portions adjoin a length of respective top and bottom edges of the central portion. Third and fourth portions adjoin a length of respective left and right edges of the central portion. 
     The sheet of material has a number of folding lines, including: a first folding line separating the first and central portions; a second folding line separating the second and central portions; a third folding line separating the third and central portions; a fourth folding line separating the fourth and central portions; a fifth folding line extending lengthwise from a terminal end of the third portion to a terminal end of the fourth portion; a sixth folding line extending diagonally from a first point at the top edge or the left edge to a second point at the bottom edge or the right edge of the central portion; and a seventh folding line extending diagonally from a third point at the top edge or the right edge to a fourth point at the bottom edge or the left edge of the central portion. 
     In some embodiments, the sheet of material has opposing first and second connecting flaps adjoining a length of respective left and right edges of the first portion, and opposing third and fourth connecting flaps adjoining a length of respective left and right edges of the second portion. The first, second, third and fourth connecting flaps may be arranged to adhere first and second portions to the third and fourth portions. 
     One aspect of the invention provides methods for making foldable case. The method involves folding the sheet of material along first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh folding lines to form creases, and adhering first and second portions to the third and fourth portions. In some embodiments, the method involves adhering the first and third connecting flaps to a surface of the third portion, and adhering the second and fourth connecting flaps to a surface of the fourth portion. 
     In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following detailed descriptions. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a foldable case in an unfolded configuration. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the  FIG. 1  foldable case in a folded configuration, in an open position. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation view of the  FIG. 2  foldable case. 
         FIG. 4  is a side elevation view of the  FIG. 2  foldable case. 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom plan view of the  FIG. 2  foldable case. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 2  foldable case. 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 1  foldable case in a folded configuration, in a closed position. 
         FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the  FIG. 7  foldable case. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear elevation view of the  FIG. 7  foldable case. 
         FIG. 10  is side elevation view of the  FIG. 7  foldable case. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     Throughout the following description specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding to persons skilled in the art. However, well known elements may not have been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense. 
     An aspect of the invention relates to a foldable case. The foldable case is collapsible between an open position for holding materials and a closed position for storage without needing to disassemble the case into an unfolded configuration. The foldable case is substantially flat in the closed position. The foldable case may be collapsed and opened using a respective single folding and unfolding action. The foldable case may be made of heat-resistant paper. In an example embodiment, one or more food ingredients (e.g. baking ingredients) are loaded into the foldable case when the case is in its open position. The ingredients may be mixed in the foldable case. The ingredient-loaded foldable case may be loaded in a microwave or conventional oven to cook the ingredients to produce a finished food product. 
       FIG. 1  is a top plan view of a foldable case in an unfolded configuration according to an example embodiment. Foldable case  10  has a central portion  12 . Central portion  12  has a top edge  14 , an opposing bottom edge  16 , a left edge  18  and a right edge  20 . Left  18  and right edges  20  each extends from top edge  14  to bottom edge  16 . The lengths of top edge  14 , bottom edge  16 , left edge  18  and right edge  20  are denoted as L CT , L CB , L CL  and L CR  respectively. 
     A first portion  22 , a second portion  24 , a third portion  26  and a fourth portion  28  may adjoin central portion  12  at a length of top edge  14 , bottom edge  16 , left edge  18  and right edge  20  respectively. In the illustrated embodiments, first  22 , second  24 , third  26  and fourth portions  28  each adjoin a full length L CT , L CB , L CL  and L CR  of top, bottom, left and right edges  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20 . This is not mandatory; however. First, second, third and fourth portions  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  may adjoin central portion  12  at a partial length L CT , L CB , L CL  and L CR . Central  12 , first  22 , second  24 , third  26  and fourth  28  portions may be a unitary sheet of material. 
     A first folding line  30  separates first portion  22  from central portion  12 . First folding line  30  may coincide with top edge  14 . A second folding line  32  separates second portion  24  from central portion  12 . Second folding line  32  may coincide with bottom edge  16 . A third folding line  34  separates third portion  26  from central portion  12 . Third folding line  34  may coincide with left edge  18 . A fourth folding line  36  separates fourth portion  28  from central portion  12 . Fourth folding line  38  may coincide with right edge  20 . 
     A fifth folding line  38  may extend lengthwise across third portion  26 , central portion  12  and fourth portion  38  from a terminal end  35  of third portion  26  to a terminal end  37  of fourth portion  28 . Terminal ends  35 ,  37  of third  26  and fourth  28  portions are opposite to one another and are positioned at a point along respective left  39  and right  41  edges of third  26  and fourth  28  portions. Fifth folding line  38  may be separated into fifth folding line  38 T, fifth folding line  38 C and fifth folding line  38 F to define the fifth folding line  38  which extends lengthwise across the respective third portion  26 , central portion  12 , and fourth portion  28 . 
     A sixth folding line  40  and a seventh folding line  42  may extend diagonally across central portion  12  to intersect at a point P. For sake of reference, an imaginary line L-L is provided on  FIG. 1 . Imaginary line L-L extends parallel to left and right edges  18 ,  20  and intersects top and bottom edges  14 ,  16  at the midpoints of lengths L CT  and L CB  (i.e. L CT /2, L CB /2). Point P may or may not be positioned along imaginary line L-L. In some embodiments point P is positioned at a midpoint along imaginary line L-L (i.e. at L-L/2). In some embodiments fifth folding line  38  intersects sixth and seventh folding lines  40 ,  42  at point P. 
     Sixth folding line  40  may extend diagonally from a point along top edge  14  or left edge  18  to a point along bottom edge  16  or right edge  20 . Seventh folding line  42  may extend diagonally from a point along top edge  14  or right edge  20  to bottom edge  16  or left edge  18 . In some embodiments sixth folding line  40  extends diagonally from a top left corner  44  to a bottom right corner  46  of central portion  12 . In some embodiments seventh folding line  42  extends diagonally from a top right corner  48  to a bottom left corner  50  of central portion  12 . In such embodiments point P is located at substantially a midpoint along imaginary line L-L. In some embodiments a mirror image of the folding lines in central portion  12  is generated when taken along imaginary line L-L. 
     Sixth folding line  40  and seventh folding line  42  separate fifth folding line  38 C into fifth folding lines  38 C T ,  38 C F . Fifth folding line  38 C T  is the line adjoining fifth folding line  38 T and fifth folding lines  38 C F  is the line adjoining fifth folding line  38 F. In some embodiments, fifth folding line  38  intersects at substantially midpoint along lengths L CL  and L CR  of central portion  12  (i.e. L CL /2, L CR /2). Fifth folding line  38  may however intersect at any point along lengths L CL  and L CR  of central portion  12 . 
     The folding lines (fifth folding line  38 C, sixth folding line  40  and seventh folding line  42 ) divide central portion  12  into six sections. Sixth  40  and seventh  42  folding lines divide central portion  12  into a first section  88 , a second section  90  opposite to first section  88 , a third section  92  between first  88  and second  90  sections and a fourth section  94  opposite to third section  92 . Fifth folding line  38 C further divides third  92  and fourth  94  sections into respective fifth  96  and sixth  98  sections, and seventh  100  and eighth  102  sections. In some embodiments first  88 , second  90 , third  92 , and fourth  94  sections have substantially the same shape and size (i.e. substantially equal length and height or radius), and fifth  96 , sixth  98 , seventh  100  and eighth  102  sections have substantially the same shape and size. In such embodiments the sizes of fifth  96 , sixth  98 , seventh  100  and eighth  102  sections are smaller than the sizes of first  88 , second  90 , third  92 , and fourth  94  sections. In some embodiments first  88 , second  90 , third  92 , and fourth  94  sections have different shapes and sizes. 
     In the illustrated embodiments first  88 , second  90 , third  92 , fourth  94 , fifth  96 , sixth  98 , seventh  100  and eighth  102  sections (collectively, sections  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98 ,  100 ,  102 ) each has a triangular shape. This is not mandatory. Sections  88 ,  90 ,  92 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98 ,  100 ,  102  can be any other suitable shapes, including but not limited to polygons, curved shapes, etc. 
     In some embodiments a first connecting flap  52  and an opposing second connecting flap  54  optionally adjoin respective left and right opposing edges  56 ,  58  of first portion  22 . In such embodiments an eighth folding line  60  separates first connecting flap  52  from first portion  22 , and a ninth folding line  62  separates second connecting flap  54  from first portion  22 . Eighth folding line  60  may coincide with left edge  56  of first portion  22 . Ninth folding line  62  may coincide with right edge  58  of first portion  22 . 
     In some embodiments a third connecting flap  64  and an opposing fourth connecting flap  66  optionally adjoin respective left and right opposing edges  68 ,  70  of second portion  24 . In such embodiments a tenth folding line  72  separates third connecting flap  64  from second portion  24 , and an eleventh folding line  74  separates fourth connecting flap  66  from second portion  24 . Tenth folding line  72  may coincide with left edge  68  of second portion  24 . Eleventh folding line  74  may coincide with right edge  70  of second portion  24 . 
     First  52  and third  64  connecting flaps are adhesable to an inner  76  or outer surface (not shown) of third portion  26 . Second  54  and fourth  66  connecting flaps are adhesable to an inner  80  or outer surface  82  of fourth portion  28 . In the illustrated embodiments connecting flaps  52 ,  64  are provided to connect first  22  and second  24  portions to third portion  26 , and connecting flaps  54 ,  66  are provided to connect first  22  and second  24  portions to fourth portion  28 . Connecting flaps  52 ,  54 ,  64 ,  66  are optional. First  22  and second  24  portions may be connected to third  26  and fourth  28  portions by any other suitable means (e.g. using an adhesive means to adhere left edges  56 ,  58  of the respective first  22  and second  24  portions to the opposing edges of third portion  26 , and to adhere right edges  58 ,  70  of the respective first  22  and second  24  portions to the opposing edges of fourth portion  28 ). 
     In some embodiments central, first, second, third and fourth portions  12 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  (collectively referred to hereinafter as portions  12 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ) each has a quadrilateral shape (i.e. any polygon with four edges and four vertices such as square, rectangle, parallelogram, rhombus, kite, parallelogram, trapezoid, etc.). In the illustrated embodiments central portion  12  has a square shape, and each of first  22 , second  24 , third  26  and fourth  28  portions has a trapezoid shape. Portions  12 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  may, however, be any suitable two-dimensional shape. For example, portions  12 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  may be any polygons (i.e. shapes made with straight lines such as triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, etc.) or curved shapes (e.g. circle, semi-circle, ellipses, etc.). Portions  12 ,  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28  may have the same shape as each another or have different shapes from one another. 
     The size (e.g. lengths, heights and radius) of first  22 , second  24 , third  26  and fourth  28  portions may be the same. In some embodiments the size of first  22  and second  24  portions are the same as one another but are different from the size of third  26  and fourth  28  portions. 
     Optional first, second, third and fourth connecting flaps  52 ,  54 ,  64 ,  66  (collectively, connecting flaps  52 ,  54 ,  64 ,  66 ) each has a shape suitable to facilitate connection between first  22  and second portions  24  and the respective third  26  and fourth  28  portions. In the illustrated embodiments connecting flaps  52 ,  54 ,  64 ,  66  each has a quadrilateral shape with a maximum length defined as L flap . Length L flap  may be less than half (½) of the length of third  26  or fourth  28  portion, including any lengths therebetween e.g. 1/20, 1/15, 1/10, ⅛, ⅙, ¼, ⅓, etc. 
     An aspect of the invention relates to a method of making a foldable case.  FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the foldable case in a folded configuration according to an example embodiment.  FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6  show respective front elevation, side elevation, bottom plan and top plan views of the  FIG. 2  foldable case. The folded case shown in  FIG. 2  is assembled using the unfolded sheet of material shown in  FIG. 1 . Referring to both  FIGS. 1 and 2 , foldable case  10  may be assembled by folding along folding lines  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 ,  42 , and optionally folding lines  60 ,  62 ,  72 ,  74  in any suitable order to create crease lines. First  22  and second  24  portions are then connected to third  26  and fourth  28  portions. In embodiments in which connecting flaps  52 ,  54 ,  64 ,  66  are provided, connecting flaps  52 ,  64 ,  54 ,  66  are adhered to the surfaces  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82  of third  26  and fourth  28  portions respectively. 
     Foldable case  10  is collapsible between an open position and a closed configuration. The open position of foldable case  10  is the folded configuration as shown in  FIGS. 2 to 6 . In the open position, materials can be loaded into foldable case  10 .  FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10  show respective top plan, front elevation, rear elevation and side elevation views of the foldable case of  FIG. 2  in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments foldable case  10  is collapsible between the open and closed positions using a respective single unfolding action and folding action. In one embodiment to collapse foldable case  10  from the open position (e.g.  FIG. 2 ) to the closed position (e.g.  FIG. 8 ), a user may use one finger from each hand to push each of third  26  and fourth  28  portions at any point along fifth folding line  38   T ,  38   F  towards one another (e.g., in the direction of the arrows A PUSH  shown in  FIG. 2 ). Third  26  and fourth  28  portions each form a first segment  84 A,B and a second segment  86 A,B. First  84 A,B and second  86 A,B segments formed by folding along the respective fifth folding lines  38   T ,  38   F  of third  26  and fourth  28  portions overlap. The overlapping first  84 A,B and second  86 A,B segments are folded towards the respective fifth folding lines  38 C T ,  38 C F  such that a region of fifth folding lines  38   T  and  38   F  touch the respective fifth folding lines  38 C T ,  38 C F . First  88  and second  90  sections are folded into their respective shapes (i.e. triangles in the illustrated embodiments). First section  88  and the opposing second section  90  are opposite to each other and overlap. When folded, first  84 A,B and second  86 A,B segments are positioned between first  88  and second  90  sections. In the closed position, foldable case  10  is substantially flat, as best shown in  FIGS. 8 and 10 . 
     To open foldable case  10  from the closed position (e.g.  FIG. 8 ) to the open positon (e.g.  FIG. 2 ), a user can unfold all of fifth  38 , sixth  40  and seventh  42  folding lines by one pulling action. In one embodiment a user may grasp opposing edges  56 ,  58 ,  68 ,  70  of first  22  and second  24  portions with each hand and pull first  22  and second  24  portions in a direction away from one another as shown with the arrows A PULL  in  FIG. 10 . 
     The mechanisms of opening and closing foldable case  10  explained above are merely examples. It is understood that foldable case  10  can be opened and closed in any manner, and using as many pushing or pulling actions as the user requires. 
     Foldable case  10  may be constructed from a sheet of material. The sheet of material may be paper. In some embodiments the paper is suitable for cooking or baking, e.g., in a microwave or oven. The paper may be heat-resistant and/or moisture-resistant and/or grease-proof and/or have non-stick surfaces. The paper can be wax paper, baking paper, cellulose-based paper, parchment paper. The paper may have sufficient thickness and/or weight to hold the loaded materials (e.g., cooking or baking ingredients). In some embodiments the paper has a thickness in a range of between 0.05 mm to 0.50 mm, including any value therebetween e.g. 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45 mm etc. In some embodiments the paper has a thickness in a range of between 0.10 to 0.30 mm, including any value therebetween e.g. 0.12, 0.14, 0.16, 0.18, 0.20, 0.22, 0.24, 0.26, 0.28 mm, etc. 
     In some embodiments foldable case  10  may be used as a disposable baking container in which a cake mix can be placed when foldable case  10  is in the open position. The cake can be baked in foldable case  10  using a microwave or conventional oven. 
     Interpretation of Terms 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims:
         “comprise”, “comprising”, and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to”;   “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof; elements which are integrally formed may be considered to be connected or coupled;   “herein”, “above”, “below”, and words of similar import, when used to describe this specification, shall refer to this specification as a whole, and not to any particular portions of this specification;   “or”, in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list;   the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” also include the meaning of any appropriate plural forms.       

     Words that indicate directions such as “vertical”, “transverse”, “horizontal”, “upward”, “downward”, “forward”, “backward”, “inward”, “outward”, “vertical”, “transverse”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “back”, “top”, “bottom”, “below”, “above”, “under”, and the like, used in this description and any accompanying claims (where present), depend on the specific orientation of the apparatus described and illustrated. The subject matter described herein may assume various alternative orientations. Accordingly, these directional terms are not strictly defined and should not be interpreted narrowly. 
     Specific examples of systems, methods and apparatus have been described herein for purposes of illustration. These are only examples. The technology provided herein can be applied to systems other than the example systems described above. Many alterations, modifications, additions, omissions, and permutations are possible within the practice of this invention. This invention includes variations on described embodiments that would be apparent to the skilled addressee, including variations obtained by: replacing features, elements and/or acts with equivalent features, elements and/or acts; mixing and matching of features, elements and/or acts from different embodiments; combining features, elements and/or acts from embodiments as described herein with features, elements and/or acts of other technology; and/or omitting combining features, elements and/or acts from described embodiments. 
     It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions, omissions, and sub-combinations as may reasonably be inferred. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole. 
     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments are discussed herein, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. 
     While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.