Patent Publication Number: US-11643249-B2

Title: Collapsible storage container

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     The disclosure relates to containers for storing cylinder-like objects, for example bread or other similarly shaped consumables, plans, maps, posters, and so on. 
     Description of Related Art 
     Storage containers exist for bread in a variety of forms, most conforming to the standard size and shape of loaf sold in stores and pre-sliced. Other means for storing bread include plastic wrap or aluminum foil, but achieving a good seal and preventing the bread from drying out can be a challenge. Re-wrapping the bread over and over with foil or plastic is also not very effective. 
     Bags are available and provide some delay to bread drying out, but are not a perfect solution for all bread. 
     SUMMARY 
     A collapsible storage container is described with a second sleeve having a wall, a first end and a second end. The wall of the second sleeve encloses a space within the second sleeve and has a length greater than its depth. The first end of the second sleeve is open to enable free access to the space within the second sleeve. The second end of the second sleeve is closed to inhibit access to the space within the second sleeve. There is a third sleeve having a wall, a first end and a second end. The wall of the third sleeve encloses a space within the third sleeve and has a length greater than its depth. The first end of the third sleeve is open to enable free access to the space within the third sleeve. The second end of the third sleeve is closed to inhibit access to the space within the third sleeve. The depth of the third sleeve may be less than the depth of the second sleeve such that the third sleeve engagedly fits within the second sleeve. 
     In another implementation, a collapsible storage container is described with a first sleeve having a wall, a first end and a second end. The wall of the first sleeve encloses a space within the first sleeve and has a length greater than its depth. The first and second ends of the first sleeve are open to enable free access to the space within the first sleeve. A second sleeve has a wall, a first end and a second end. The wall of the second sleeve encloses a space within the second sleeve and has a length greater than its depth. The first end of the second sleeve is open to enable free access to the space within the second sleeve. The second end of the second sleeve is closed to inhibit access to the space within the second sleeve. The depth of the second sleeve is more than the depth of the first sleeve such that the first sleeve engagedly fits within the second sleeve. A third sleeve has a wall, a first end and a second end. The wall of the third sleeve encloses a space within the third sleeve and has a length greater than its depth. The first end of the third sleeve is open to enable free access to the space within the third sleeve. The second end of the third sleeve is closed to inhibit access to the space within the third sleeve. The depth of the third sleeve is less than the depth of the first sleeve such that the third sleeve engagedly fits within the first sleeve. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the gestures and technical advantages of examples according to the disclosure in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described hereinafter. The conception and specific examples disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. Characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, both their organization and method of operation, together with associated advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. Each of the figures is provided for the purposes of illustration and description, and not as a definition of the limits of the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       So that the above-recited features of the disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to aspects, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the description may admit to other equally effective aspects. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. 
         FIG.  1    is a top left perspective view illustrating an expanded storage container enclosing a piece of bread. 
         FIG.  2    is a top left perspective view illustrating an expanded storage container having concentric ridges. 
         FIG.  3    is a top left perspective view illustrating an expanded storage container having a thread pattern. 
         FIG.  4    is a top left perspective view illustrating an expanded storage container having gaskets. 
         FIG.  5    is a top left perspective view illustrating a portion of a storage container with a valve. 
         FIG.  6    is a top left perspective view illustrating a portion of a storage container with a valve. 
         FIG.  7    is a top left perspective view illustrating a partially collapsed storage container. 
         FIG.  8    is a top left perspective view illustrating a fully collapsed storage container. 
         FIG.  9    is a top left perspective view illustrating a non-cylindrical storage container. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based at least in part on the teachings herein, one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure. For example, an apparatus may be implemented, or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. Any aspect of the disclosure may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates bread preserver  100  containing bread  102  inside. Bread preserver  100  includes three sleeves. Sleeve  104  in the center is cylindrical, enclosing the middle of bread  102  (illustrated with dotted lines inside sleeve  104 ), with ends  106   a  and  106   b  both open. Sleeve  108  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  100  and is larger in diameter than sleeve  104 . Sleeve  108  is cylindrical, enclosing an end of bread  102  (illustrated with dotted lines inside sleeve  108 ), and has ends  110   a  and  110   b . End  110   a  is open and able to receive bread  102  as well as sleeve  104 . End  110   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap (which may be similar to end  114   b , see below). Sleeve  112  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  100  opposite to sleeve  108 . Sleeve  112  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  104 . Sleeve  112  is cylindrical, enclosing an end of bread  102  (illustrated with dotted lines inside sleeve  112 ), and has ends  114   a  and  114   b . End  114   a  is open and able to receive bread  102 . End  114   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap (which may be similar to end  110   b ). 
     In one implementation, bread preserver  100  is sized to accommodate a French baguette. A baguette could have a diameter of approximately 2.4 inches with a length of 25 to 39 inches. Narrower and wider loaves of bread should be considered as part of the disclosure, as well as longer and shorter loaves. One characteristic of baguettes is they are longer than they are wide, in a roughly 10:1 ratio of length to diameter, or even greater than 10:1, for example 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1 and 16:1. Bread preserver  100  has an overall length that accommodates baguettes prepared to local customs. Although whole ratios are listed, it should be understood that any partial ratio within the range of baguettes is also part of the disclosure (e.g. 13.5:1, 11.05:1, 14.27:1, etc.). In one implementation sleeves  104 ,  108  and  112  are similar in length. In one implementation sleeves  104 ,  108  and  112  have different lengths from one another. In one implementation sleeves  108  and  112  are a similar length to one another but a different length from sleeve  104 . For example, in order to contain a baguette 36″ in length, the overall length of bread preserver  100  is at least 36″. “Overall length” as used herein means that sleeve  112  is inside sleeve  104  some minimal distance and sleeve  104  is inside sleeve  108  some minimal distance, and with these minimal insertions bread preserver  100  has an overall length that is less than the sum of lengths for each individual sleeve. With an overall length of at least 36″, if each of sleeves  104 ,  108  and  112  are a similar length, then they are each greater than 12″ in length. For example, they may each have a length of 13″, or 14″, or 12.5″, or 14.3″, and so on. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that baguettes come in a variety of lengths and some variation in width, but conform within a range that is accepted for a given region or culture. For example, a baguette that is 90″ is not normally available. For example, bread preserver  100  made for a bread stick may be 1″ in depth with an overall length of 12″. 
     When bread  102  is new (or whole, i.e. uneaten) then bread preserver  100  is in a relatively expanded state when containing bread  102 . Sleeve  104  may be inserted a minimal distance into sleeve  108 , and sleeve  112  may be inserted a minimal distance into sleeve  104 . An end of bread  102  will be near or touching end  110   b  and the opposite end of bread  102  will be near or touching end  114   b . Bread  102  will be contained in bread preserver  100  and have protection from the ambient environment. In the case that bread preserver  100  has an overall length greater than bread  102 , it is optional to collapse bread preserver  100  until the ends of bread  102  are near or touching ends  110   b  and  114   b . Doing so decreases exposure of bread  102  to air. As bread  102  is consumed it shortens, and bread preserver  100  may be shortened in overall length. Bread preserver  102  is shortened when end  106   b  of sleeve  104  is inserted further past end  110   a  of sleeve  108 . Alternatively, or in conjunction with this, end  114   a  of sleeve  104  may be inserted further past end  106   a  of sleeve  104 . 
     The diameter difference between sleeve  104  and sleeve  108  may be enough for friction to provide engagement between the sleeves. In one implementation, there is enough friction between sleeves  104  and  108  to inhibit the free passage of air between them. In one implementation, there is enough friction between sleeves  104  and  108  to prevent, with sleeve  104  at least one third of the way into sleeve  108 , sleeves  104  and  108  from separating due solely to gravity. In one implementation, a similar fit exists between sleeves  104  and and  112 , as between sleeve  104  and  108 . In one implementation, the fit between sleeves  104  and  112  is different from the fit between sleeves  104  and  108 . 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a three-sleeve implementation. It is within the scope of this disclosure to include a two-sleeve implementation, for example without sleeve  104 . In one implementation, sleeve  112  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  108  and fits within sleeve  108  in a manner to restrict the free flow of air from the inside of the joined sleeves to the outside. The sizing and manufacture of bread preserver  100  may be such to allow for sleeve  104  as an optional piece of bread preserver  100 . In another implementation, a bread preserver has no middle sleeve, with only the end sleeves pairing with one another (for example, with respect to  FIG.  1   , sleeves  108  and  112 ).  FIG.  1    illustrates bread  102  within bread preserver  100 , however it should be understood that any appropriately shaped object can be stored in the container, for example maps, posters, plans, blueprints, pictures, etc. Additionally, a collapsible container sized for objects other than bread will have different dimensions than one sized for bread. The length may be more or less, and the depth may be more or less. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates bread preserver  200  with concentric ridges  202 . Bread preserver  200  includes three sleeves. Sleeve  204  in the center is cylindrical with ends  206   a  and  206   b  both open. Sleeve  208  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  200  and is larger in diameter than sleeve  204 . Sleeve  208  is cylindrical and has ends  210   a  and  210   b . End  210   a  is open and able to receive bread (not illustrated) as well as sleeve  204 . End  210   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap (which may be similar to end  214   b , see below). Sleeve  212  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  200  opposite to sleeve  208 . Sleeve  212  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  204 . Sleeve  212  is cylindrical, enclosing an end of a loaf or baguette (not illustrated), and has ends  214   a  and  214   b . End  214   a  is open. End  214   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap or cover (which may be similar to end  210   b ). Sleeve  204  is narrower in diameter than sleeve  208 . Sleeve  212  is narrower in diameter than sleeve  204 . Sleeves  304 ,  308  and  312  may have similar lengths, or their lengths may differ. 
     Concentric ridges  202  on sleeves  204 ,  208  and  212  may have a sinusoidal or other repeating pattern such that as sleeve  204  is inserted into sleeve  208 , ridges  202  on sleeve  204  engage with ridges  202  on sleeve  208 . The amplitude of concentric ridges  202  provides a close-enough fit between sleeves  204  and  208 , or between sleeves  212  and  204 , in order to substantially inhibit the passage of air from within bread preserver  200  to the outside, while at the same time allowing for a fit between the sleeves with an amount of force not resulting in permanent deformation or damage to bread preserver  200 . In one implementation bread preserver  200  is manufactured from a plastic that allows for minor deformation while the sleeves are engaged with respect to one another, for example polyethylene. 
     One of skill in the art will recognize that although ridges  202  are illustrated in  FIG.  2    as completely encircling each of sleeves  204 ,  208  and  212 , fractional enclosures are also possible. For example, there may be a varying pattern such that a specific orientation between sleeves  204 ,  208  and  212  is needed in order to facilitate a fit between them. Along one segment of a sleeve there is one pattern, and on the opposite side there is another pattern, both patterns running along the entire length of a sleeve. In another implementation, concentric ridges may encircle less than an entire sleeve with the remainder being, for example, smooth. Concentric ridges may also be present along the full length of the sleeves, or along a partial length and not along the entire length. For example, sleeve  204  may have a pattern of ridges along the entire length, while sleeves  208  and  212  have a matching pattern along less than their entire length. In another implementation, a fractional enclosure of a sleeve with a pattern may be present along less than the entire length of the sleeve. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a three-sleeve implementation. It is within the scope of this disclosure to include a two-sleeve implementation, for example without sleeve  204 . In one implementation, sleeve  212  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  208  and fits within sleeve  208  in a manner to restrict the free flow of air from the inside of the joined sleeves to the outside. The sizing and manufacture of bread preserver  200  may be such to allow for sleeve  204  as an optional piece of bread preserver  200 . In another implementation, a bread preserver has no middle sleeve, with only the end sleeves pairing with one another (for example, with respect to  FIG.  2   , sleeves  208  and  212 ).  FIG.  2    refers to bread preserver  200 , however it should be understood that any appropriately shaped object can be stored in the container, for example maps, posters, plans, blueprints, pictures, etc. Additionally, a collapsible container sized for objects other than bread will have different dimensions than one sized for bread. The length may be more or less, and the depth may be more or less. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates bread preserver  300  having thread pattern  302 . Bread preserver  300  includes three sleeves. Sleeve  304  in the center is cylindrical with ends  306   a  and  306   b  both open. Sleeve  308  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  300  and is larger in diameter than sleeve  304 . Sleeve  308  is cylindrical and has ends  310   a  and  310   b . End  310   a  is open and able to receive bread (not illustrated) as well as sleeve  304 . End  310   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap (which may be similar to end  314   b , see below). Sleeve  312  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  300  opposite to sleeve  308 . Sleeve  312  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  304 . Sleeve  312  is cylindrical, enclosing an end of a loaf or baguette (not illustrated), and has ends  314   a  and  314   b . End  314   a  is open. End  314   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap or cover (which may be similar to end  310   b ). Sleeve  304  is narrower in diameter than sleeve  308 . Sleeve  312  is narrower in diameter than sleeve  304 . Sleeves  304 ,  308  and  312  may have similar lengths, or their lengths may differ. 
     Thread pattern  302  may be any pattern, for example course or fine and in any pitch, and in either a right or left-handed thread. Inserting, for example, sleeve  304  into sleeve  308  would involve aligning thread pattern  302  of sleeve  304  with thread pattern  302  of sleeve  308 , similar to how the thread pattern of a bolt aligns to the thread pattern of a nut. Once aligned, sleeves  304  and  308  are rotated with respect to one another and in accordance with their pattern, so that sleeve  304  rotatably engages with sleeve  308  and end  306   b  of sleeve  304  approaches end  310   b  of sleeve  308 . In one implementation a similar rotating engagement may occur between sleeve  312  and  304 . In one implementation, bread preserver  300  resists deformation and is manufactured from a harder material than bread preserver  200  of  FIG.  2   . For example, bread preserver  300  may be made from acrylic. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a three-sleeve implementation. It is within the scope of this disclosure to include a two-sleeve implementation, for example without sleeve  304 . In one implementation, sleeve  312  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  308  and fits within sleeve  308  in a manner to restrict the free flow of air from the inside of the joined sleeves to the outside. The sizing and manufacture of bread preserver  300  may be such to allow for sleeve  304  as an optional piece of bread preserver  300 . In another implementation, a bread preserver has no middle sleeve, with only the end sleeves pairing with one another (for example, with respect to  FIG.  3   , sleeves  308  and  312 ).  FIG.  3    refers to bread preserver  300 , however it should be understood that any appropriately shaped object can be stored in the container, for example maps, posters, plans, blueprints, pictures, etc. Additionally, a collapsible container sized for objects other than bread will have different dimensions than one sized for bread. The length may be more or less, and the depth may be more or less. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates bread preserver  400  having gaskets  402 . Bread preserver  400  includes three sleeves. Sleeve  404  in the center is cylindrical with ends  406   a  and  406   b  both open. Sleeve  408  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  400  and is larger in diameter than sleeve  404 . Sleeve  408  is cylindrical and has ends  410   a  and  410   b . End  410   a  is open and able to receive bread (not illustrated) as well as sleeve  404 . End  410   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap (which may be similar to end  414   b , see below). Sleeve  412  is positioned on a side of bread preserver  400  opposite to sleeve  408 . Sleeve  412  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  404 . Sleeve  412  is cylindrical, enclosing an end of a loaf or baguette (not illustrated), and has ends  414   a  and  414   b . End  414   a  is open. End  414   b  is closed, for example with a flat, non-removable cap or cover (which may be similar to end  410   b ). Sleeve  404  is narrower in diameter than sleeve  408 . Sleeve  412  is narrower in diameter than sleeve  404 . Sleeves  404 ,  408  and  412  may have similar lengths, or their lengths may differ. 
     In one implementation gasket  402  of sleeve  408  provides a seal between sleeves  404  and  408 . In one implementation gasket  402  of sleeve  412  provides a seal between sleeves  412  and  404 . In one implementation, gaskets  402  substantially inhibit the passage of air between the sleeves, but not entirely. Collapsing bread preserver  400  in this implementation would force air out of bread preserver  400  and through space between gaskets  402  and either or both of sleeves  404  and  412 . 
     In one implementation, gaskets  402  substantially inhibit the passage of air between the sleeves such that valve  416  is engaged. Collapsing bread preserver  400  in this implementation forces air out of bread preserver  400  and through valve  416 . Expanding bread preserver  400  draws air in through valve  416 . In one implementation the gaskets are made from a rubber or plastic. 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a three-sleeve implementation. It is within the scope of this disclosure to include a two-sleeve implementation, for example without sleeve  404 . In one implementation, sleeve  412  is smaller in diameter than sleeve  408  and fits within sleeve  408  in a manner to restrict the free flow of air from the inside of the joined sleeves to the outside. The sizing and manufacture of bread preserver  400  may be such to allow for sleeve  404  as an optional piece of bread preserver  400 . In another implementation, a bread preserver has no middle sleeve, with only the end sleeves pairing with one another (for example, with respect to  FIG.  4   , sleeves  408  and  412 ).  FIG.  4    refers to bread preserver  400 , however it should be understood that any appropriately shaped object can be stored in the container, for example maps, posters, plans, blueprints, pictures, etc. Additionally, a collapsible container sized for objects other than bread will have different dimensions than one sized for bread. The length may be more or less, and the depth may be more or less. 
       FIG.  5    illustrates partial sleeve  500  of a bread preserver having valve  502 . In one implementation valve  502  is a hole in end  504 . In one implementation the hole is sized to allow air to exit a bread preserver at a reasonable rate during collapse or expansion. The hole may be sized from 1 to 10 mm, for example. 
       FIG.  6    illustrates partial sleeve  600  of a bread preserver having valve  602 . In one implementation valve  602  is a pressure control relief valve. In one implementation valve  602  allows air to exit a bread preserver during collapse, with the pressure in the bread preserver from the sleeves being pushed together opening valve  602 . Prior to expansion of the bread preserver, a user may activate a bypass or otherwise manually open valve  602  to enable air to re-enter the bread preserver during expansion. The construction, implementation, application and use of such valves are well known by those of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates bread preserver  700  in a partially collapsed state. Bread preserver  700  has three sleeves. Sleeve  702  inserts into sleeve  704 . Sleeve  704  inserts into sleeve  706 . Sleeve  702  is more than halfway inserted into sleeve  704 , as indicated by the dotted lines within sleeve  704 . Sleeve  704  is inserted less than halfway into sleeve  706 , as indicated by the dotted lines within sleeve  706 . In one implementation sleeves  702 ,  704  and  706  have similar lengths. In one implementation sleeves  702 ,  704  and  706  have different lengths. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates bread preserver  800  in a fully collapsed state. Bread preserver  800  has three sleeves. Sleeve  802  inserts into sleeve  804 . Sleeve  804  inserts into sleeve  806 . Sleeve  802  is fully inserted into sleeve  804 , as indicated by the dotted lines within sleeve  804 . Sleeve  804  is fully inserted into sleeve  806 , as indicated by the dotted lines within sleeve  806 . In one implementation sleeves  802 ,  804  and  808  have similar lengths. In one implementation sleeves  802 ,  804  and  806  have different lengths. 
       FIG.  9    illustrates non-cylindrical bread preserver  900 . Bread preserver  900  has three sleeves. Similar to previous implementations in this disclosure, sleeve  902  inserts into sleeve  904 . Sleeve  904  inserts into sleeve  906 . Sleeves  902 ,  904  and  906  are a modified cylinder in cross-section. One side of bread preserver  900  is flat, with the remaining walls being round or oval in shape. In one implementation this more closely approximates the shape of a baguette, which being cooked on a flat surface will tend to have a flat edge, with rounded or oval-like walls where the bread rises away from the surface upon which it was baked. Bread preserver  900  may include implementations described in previous parts of the disclosure, including but not limited to concentric ridges, friction, gaskets, valves, etc. Although bread preserver  900  is a modified cylinder, other implementations may include oval, triangle, square, or other mixed shapes in order to accommodate particular items. Reference is made to the length and depth of sleeves generally, and  FIG.  9    illustrates one way of making such measurements, with dimension  908  representing a length and dimension  910  representing a depth. In one implementation dimension  910  for depth is measured across the deepest part of a sleeve, in the case that a sleeve has a non-uniform depth. A cylindrical sleeve has a uniform depth, for example. 
     In one implementation a bread container comprises an elongated tubular body having a hollow interior. A first arm is coupled to the body and is configured to telescopically slide along the length of the body, the first arm having an end proximal to the body and an end distal to the body, the distal end of the first arm being closed. A second arm is coupled to the body and is configured to telescopically slide along the length of the body, the second arm having an end proximal to the body and an end distal to the body, the distal end of the second arm being closed. The first arm may be configured to be removable from the body. The bread container may have a fully extended state and a fully collapsed state, the fully extended state reached with the distal end of the first arm as far from the body as possible while maintaining a connection between the first arm and the body, and the distal end of the second arm as far from the body as possible while maintaining a connection between the second arm and the body. The fully collapsed state may be reached with the distal end of the first arm as close to the body as possible, and the distal end of the second arm as close to the body as possible. The bread container where the body, the first arm and the second arm are sized to enclose a complete baguette while in the fully extended state. The bread container may be sized to enclose one third of a baguette while in the fully collapsed state. 
     Although the examples provided describe a bread preserver or container having all ridges, or all threads, or all gaskets, or all friction, one of skill in the art understands that the means of joining sleeves may be mixed, for example ridges on one sleeve and threads on another sleeve, or valves on one sleeve with threads on another sleeve, or friction on one sleeve with a gasket on another sleeve, and so on. 
     Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, where each claim may stand on its own as a separate example. While each claim may stand on its own as a separate example, it is to be noted that—although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims—other examples may also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are explicitly proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, it is intended to include also features of a claim to any other independent claim even if this claim is not directly made dependent to the independent claim.