Stackable Foldable Container

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a container and more specifically it relates to a stackable foldable container for effectively containing heavy objects without rupturing that is safe for the environment.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Conventional paper bags have many drawbacks. For example, the paper bags may easily rip or tear due to sharp and/or heavy objects carried inside the paper bag. Moreover, it is difficult to stack paper bags on top of one another when they include contents. For instance, a first paper bag with contents and standing in the upright position will deform when a second paper bag filled with contents is placed on the first paper bag. As a result, either of paper bags may easily fall over and damage or break the contents inside the paper bags.

Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new and improved stackable foldable container for effectively containing heavy objects without rupturing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a container which includes a bottom portion comprising a substantially rigid material, a plurality of foldable walls comprising the substantially rigid material, and an open end opposite the bottom portion when the stackable foldable container is in an open self-standing position. The stackable foldable container is configured to vertically stack with other stackable collapsible containers when in the open self-standing position.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in an open position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in a partially folded position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in a partially folded position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in a folded/collapsible position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts a side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts a side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts a top view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of a plurality foldable containers, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 depicts an isometric view of a plurality foldable containers, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in an open position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in a partially folded position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 14 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in a partially folded position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 15 depicts an isometric view of a foldable container in a folded/collapsible position, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 16 depicts a side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 depicts a side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 19 depicts a top view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 20 depicts an isometric view of a plurality foldable containers, according to various embodiments.

FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a foldable container, according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 through 21 illustrate a stackable foldable container, which comprises a bottom portion comprising a substantially rigid material, a plurality of foldable walls comprising the substantially rigid material, and an open end opposite the bottom portion when the stackable foldable container is in an open self-standing position. The stackable foldable container is configured to vertically stack with other stackable collapsible containers when in the open self-standing position.

A. Embodiments of a Foldable Container in an Open Position

FIG. 1 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of foldable container 100 that is in an open position. Foldable container 100 is configured to be self-standing in an open position and collapse into a folded position.

Foldable container 100, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of foldable walls. The foldable walls are foldable wall 110, foldable wall 120, foldable wall, 130 and foldable wall 140, each of which are connected to bottom portion 150 (as shown in at least FIG. 3). The combination of foldable walls 110, 120, 130, 140 and bottom portion 150 create an open area within foldable container 100 such that contents (not shown) may be placed within foldable container 100 via opening 160 (or open end).

The foldable container 100 is comprised of a material having various properties (e.g., compressive strength, rigidity, flexural strength, modulus of rupture etc.) that enables foldable container 100 to be in a stand-alone open position, as depicted in at least FIG. 1. Additionally, the material of the foldable container provides sufficient strength such that contents within the foldable container are less likely to rupture or puncture the foldable container through the bottom portion and/or foldable walls as compared to a convention paper bag.

Moreover, the material of the foldable container provides sufficient strength that enables the foldable container to maintain its stand-alone open position when one or more other foldable containers (that include contents) are stacked on top of the foldable container.

For example, the foldable walls include a substantially rigid material such that the foldable container does not collapse under the weight of additional foldable container stacked on top of the foldable container (see FIG. 10). The material may slightly flex during the folding to facilitate in collapsing the foldable container.

The material of foldable container can be, but is not limited to, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, etc. It should be appreciated that the material is not required to be a single sheet of paper. Additionally, the material of the foldable container may be recyclable (e.g. recycled cardboard).

In various embodiments, foldable container 100 includes handle 170 and handle 172 to facilitate in carrying foldable container. Handles 170 and 172 may be the same material as the foldable walls and/or bottom portion or may be a different material, such as wire.

Foldable container 100 includes a plurality of foldable seams to facilitate in folding or collapsing foldable container into a collapsed position, similar to the folding of a conventional paper bag into a collapsed position.

For example, foldable wall 110 includes foldable seam 111, foldable wall 120 includes seam 121, foldable wall 130 includes seam 131 (see FIG. 4), and foldable wall 140 includes seam 141 (see FIG. 7).

Moreover, there is a foldable seam at each joint where each foldable wall abuts another. For example, foldable seam 112 at the joint of foldable wall 110 and wall 120, foldable seam 122 at the joint of foldable wall 120 and 130, foldable seam 132 at the joint of foldable wall 130 and foldable wall 140, and foldable seam 142 at the joint of foldable wall 140 and foldable wall 110. Similarly, there is a foldable seam at each joint where each wall abuts bottom portion 150. In one embodiment, the foldable seam is a crease or a fold in the material of the foldable container 100.

In another embodiment, as will be described in further detail below, the foldable seam is a hinge portion that joins the various portions of the foldable container. Additionally, the foldable seam comprises a different material than the material of the foldable walls and/or bottom portion of the foldable container.

Various figures presented herein, provide views of foldable container in an open position. For example, FIG. 6 depicts a side view of foldable container 100, FIG. 7 depicts an opposite side view of foldable container 100 and FIG. 11 depicts a cross-sectional side view of foldable container 100. Moreover, FIG. 8 depicts a top view of foldable container 100.

It should be appreciated that although foldable container 100 has similar features and functionality as a conventional paper bag, foldable container 100 is not a paper bag. Additionally, although foldable container 100 has similar features and functionality as a nesting of conventional paper bags (e.g., doubling up of paper bags), foldable container 100 is not a nesting of paper bags.

It should also be appreciated that foldable container 100 may be configured in various shapes, sizes and colors. Additionally, various logos and/or advertising may be printed on the foldable container.

B. Embodiments of a Foldable Container in a Folded/Collapsed Position

As described herein, foldable container 100 may be folded into a collapsed position such that it is flat. The folding of foldable container 100 is enabled by the various foldable seams, as described above.

FIG. 2 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 100 in a partially folded position. For example, foldable container 100 is partially folded along the various foldable seams, such as foldable seams 111 and 121.

FIG. 3 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 100 in a partially folded position that is continuation of the folding, as depicted in FIG. 2. For example, foldable container 100 is partially folded along the various foldable seams such that foldable container is flat.

FIG. 4 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 100 in a fully folded (or collapsed) position that is a continuation of the folding, as depicted in FIG. 3. For example, foldable container 100 is folded along the various foldable seams such that foldable container is flat.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 100 in a fully folded (or collapsed) position stacked with a plurality of other foldable containers in the same folded position.

C. Embodiments of Stacked Foldable Containers

As described herein, foldable container 100 is able to be vertically stacked with other foldable containers such that foldable container 100 is not deformed from the weight of the other foldable containers stacked on top of foldable container 100.

FIG. 10 depicts an isometric view of foldable containers in a stacked orientation. For example, another foldable container is stacked on top of foldable container 100 such that foldable container 100 does not collapse under the weight of the other foldable container containing contents (not shown).

It is envisioned that foldable containers may be stacked during transport and not fall over. For example, the foldable containers may be stacked in back of a car or in a moving van. As a result, the foldable containers are less inclined to fall over and potentially break or damage the contents within the foldable containers.

D. Additional Embodiments of a Foldable Container in an Open Position

FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of an embodiment of foldable container 200 that is in an open position. Foldable container 200 is configured to be self-standing in an open position and also be manipulated into collapsed folded position. Foldable container 200 is similar in structure and functionality as foldable container 100, as described herein. However, foldable container 200 includes a hinge portion that enables foldable container 200 to fold into a collapsed position, which will be described in further detail below.

Foldable container 200, in one embodiment, includes a plurality of wall sections to form the foldable walls. For example, a first foldable wall comprises wall sections 210-1 and 210-2, a second foldable wall comprises wall sections 220-1, 220-2 and 220-3, a third foldable wall comprises wall sections 230-1 and 230-2 (also see FIG. 21), and a fourth foldable wall comprises wall sections 240-1, 240-2 and 240-3 (also see FIG. 18).

The combination of the first, second, third and fourth foldable walls (as described above) and bottom portion 250 create an open area within foldable container 200 such that contents (not shown) may be placed within foldable container 200 via opening 260 (or open end).

The wall sections of foldable container 200 are comprised of a material having various properties (e.g., compressive strength, rigidity, flexural strength, modulus of rupture etc.) that enables foldable container 200 to be in a stand-alone open position, as depicted in at least FIG. 12.

Additionally, the material of the wall sections, that form the foldable walls, provides sufficient strength such that contents within the foldable container are less likely to rupture or puncture the container through the bottom portion and/or wall sections as compared to a convention paper bag.

Moreover, the material of the wall sections provides sufficient strength that enables the foldable container to maintain its stand-alone open position with one or more other foldable containers (that include contents) stacked on top of the foldable container.

For example, the wall sections include a substantially rigid material such that the foldable container does not collapse under the weight of an additional foldable container stacked on top of the foldable container similar to the stacked orientation of foldable containers in FIG. 10. The material may slightly flex during the folding to facilitate in collapsing the foldable container.

The material of foldable container can be, but is not limited to, cardboard, corrugated cardboard, etc. It should be appreciated that the material is not required to be single sheet of paper similar to a conventional paper bag. Additionally, the material of the foldable container may be recyclable.

Foldable container 200 includes a plurality of foldable seams to facilitate in folding or collapsing foldable container into a collapsed position, similar to the folding of a conventional paper bag into a collapsed position.

In particular, a plurality of hinge portions form the folding seams of foldable container 200. The hinge portions join the plurality of wall sections with one another.

For example, hinge portion 211 joins wall section 210-1 with wall section 210-2 to form a first foldable wall. Hinge portion 221 joins wall sections 220-1, 220-2 and 220-3 with one another to form a second foldable wall. Hinge portion 231 joins wall sections 230-1 and 230-2 together to form a third foldable wall (see FIG. 21). Hinge portion 241 joins together wall sections 240-1, 240-2 and 240-3 to form a forth foldable wall (see FIG. 18).

Accordingly, the hinge portions form a foldable seam at each joint where each wall sections abuts another. Similarly, the hinge portions form a foldable seam at each joint where bottom portion 250 abuts a corresponding wall section.

The hinge portions comprise a flexible material that enables folding of the foldable container and also joins respective wall sections and bottom portion. The hinge portions, in one embodiment, comprise a different material than the material of the wall sections and/or bottom portion of the foldable container. For example, the hinge portions comprise adhesive tape that has adhesive on at least one side of the tape. It should be appreciated that the hinge portions may be applied to a surface of respective wall sections and/or bottom portion or may be integrated within the edges of the respective wall sections and/or bottom portion.

In various embodiments, foldable container 200 includes handle 270 and handle 272 to facilitate in carrying foldable container. Handles 270 and 272 may be the same material as the foldable walls and/or bottom portion or may be a different material, such as wire.

Various figures presented herein, provide views of foldable container 200 in an open position. For example, FIG. 16 depicts a side view of foldable container 200. FIG. 17 depicts another side view of foldable container 200. FIG. 18 depicts a side view of foldable container 200. FIG. 21 depicts a cross-sectional side view of foldable container 200. Moreover, FIG. 19 depicts a top view of foldable container 200.

E. Additional Embodiments of a Container in a Folded/Collapsed Position

As described herein, foldable container 200 may be folded into a collapsed position such that it is flat. The folding of foldable container 200 is enabled by the various hinge portions, as described above.

FIG. 13 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 200 in a partially folded position. For example, foldable container 200 is partially folded along the various hinge portions, such as hinge portion 211.

FIG. 14 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 200 in a partially folded position that is continuation of the folding, as depicted in FIG. 13. For example, foldable container 200 is partially folded along the various hinge portions (or foldable seams) such that foldable container is flat.

FIG. 15 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 200 in a fully folded (or collapsed) position that is continuation of the folding, as depicted in FIG. 14. For example, foldable container 200 is folded along the various hinge portions such that foldable container is flat.

FIG. 20 depicts an isometric view of foldable container 200 in a fully folded (or collapsed) position stacked with a plurality of other foldable containers in the same folded position.

F. Additional Embodiments of Stacked Foldable Containers

As described herein, foldable container 200 is able to be vertically stacked with other foldable containers such that foldable container 200 is not deformed from the weight of the other foldable containers stacked on top of foldable container 200.

For example, similar to stacked foldable containers as depicted in FIG. 10, another foldable container is stacked on top of foldable container 200 such that foldable container 200 does not collapse under the weight of the other foldable container containing contents (not shown).

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods and materials are described above. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Stackable Foldable Container

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