CN111902065A

CN111902065A - Collapsible container

Info

Publication number: CN111902065A
Application number: CN201980005574.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 约翰·雷伊·霍利斯; 克里斯蒂娜·安·霍利斯
Original assignee: Design Ford Co ltd
Current assignee: Design Ford Co ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-06
Filing date: 2019-03-06
Publication date: 2020-11-06
Also published as: WO2020180319A1

Abstract

The collapsible container (10) is reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The sleeve assembly (12) has an inner sleeve (16) rotatable relative to an outer sleeve (14). The liner (18) is retained by the sleeve assembly (12). The sleeve (14, 16) has opposed major walls (44, 46, 52, 54) separated by opposed fold line formations (45, 49, 53, 57). An array of curved apertures (66, 68) spans a lateral extent from proximate the respective fold line structure (45, 49, 53, 57) to a central portion of the major wall (44, 46, 52, 54), the aperture density being variable based generally on a distance from the fold line structure (45, 49, 53, 57) to facilitate a perfect circle confirmation of the expanded container (10). A cover structure (28) having a disc (30) and opposing retention tabs (36) is selectively engageable with the liner (18), while a retention strap (20) is pivotally coupled to the sleeve assembly (12) and has a first orientation and a second longitudinal orientation surrounding the sleeve assembly (12). A storage bag (70) having first (82) and second (84) longitudinally disposed struts can receive and further compress the container (10).

Description

Collapsible container

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to collapsible containers. More particularly, disclosed herein is a collapsible container, such as a beverage cup, that can be selectively converted from an expanded use configuration to a collapsed flat configuration by rotation of an outer sleeve relative to an inner sleeve.

Background

The need for containers, such as cups, that are convenient to use and reuse, and that can be conveniently stored and transported, is well recognized. Typical disposable cups are generally limited to single use and are then discarded, which is wasteful and not environmentally friendly. Glass, ceramic and other non-disposable containers can be cleaned and reused, but they are often impractical for storage and transport while traveling. Thus, the portability, usability and convenience of prior art beverage cups and other containers is significantly limited.

A number of skilled inventors have proposed container structures comprising beverage cups having a collapsed configuration for storage and transport and an expanded configuration for use. Duncan Fung, in U.S. patent No. 8,333,296, discloses an insulated collapsible cup. Unfortunately, the cup of the' 296 patent requires assembly and has multiple parts that may be difficult to clean and may inadvertently fall off. Similarly, other prior art collapsible containers have the risk of accidental collapsing, which not only results in the loss of the remaining beverage or other material, but can also result in mess, inconvenience, and potential physical injury and other damage caused by the hot beverage.

Furthermore, many collapsible cups remain cumbersome even in the collapsed configuration. In addition, prior art collapsible cups can be challenging to clean and dry, and difficult to adjust between the collapsed configuration and the use configuration. Collapsible cups that are difficult to clean and dry can result in poor hygiene, unpleasant taste, and potential leakage during storage. Further, the prior art collapsible cups are difficult to elegantly look and do not approximate the look of a conventional cup.

Collapsible cups taught by the prior art attempt to address one or more of the above problems, but there is a continuing effort to simultaneously address these challenges. Thus, the widespread use and commercial success of collapsible containers has been limited.

Recognizing the need for a collapsible structure that overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages, some of the inventors herein have proposed a collapsible container in the present U.S. patent No. 9,694,938. The collapsible container of the' 938 patent is intended to be quickly and easily reconfigurable from a collapsed configuration for storage and transport to an expanded use configuration. The disclosed container is durable and easy to use for hot and cold beverages.

The collapsible cup of U.S. patent No. 9,694,938 represents a useful advance in the art. However, the inventors have found that other advances in the field of collapsible containers are possible and desirable. For example, it would be advantageous to make manufacturing and material use more efficient. A container that stably maintains a generally cylindrical configuration during use, yet still achieves an optimally flat configuration during storage would be further advantageous. In addition, a storage mechanism that not only facilitates safe and convenient storage, but also tends to effect further compression of the container and expulsion of residual moisture would further enhance the collapsible container system.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has therefore been developed with the basic aim of providing a collapsible container which can be brought into a stable and efficient use configuration and which can be quickly and conveniently reconfigured into a collapsed configuration in which the container can be retained for storage and transport.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container which achieves improvements in manufacturing and material efficiency whilst remaining efficient and durable in use.

It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that resists accidental collapsing.

It is a related object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that is capable of receiving and retaining a lid structure to prevent over-insertion and dislodgement.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that can be easily grasped and manipulated between use and collapsed configurations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that can maintain a compact and easily collapsed configuration to resist leakage and contamination between uses.

It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that can be easily disassembled and cleaned.

It is a further object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that is durable and easy to use and can hold hot and cold beverages.

It is another object of embodiments of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that approximates the look and feel of conventional containers while allowing performance characteristics of a collapsible and expandable configuration.

These and other objects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art not only from a reading of the specification, but also from an opportunity to utilize embodiments of the collapsible container disclosed herein. It will be appreciated, however, that while it is possible and certainly preferred to achieve each and every object described above in a single embodiment of the invention, not all embodiments will seek or require to achieve each and every potential object and advantage. Nonetheless, all such embodiments are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.

To achieve one or more of the objects of the present invention, the collapsible container disclosed herein is capable of being reconfigured between an expanded configuration having an open interior volume to hold a volume of material and a collapsed configuration. The collapsible container has a sleeve assembly including an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The sleeve assembly has a top, a bottom, and a longitudinal direction. The inner sleeve has first and second opposed major walls separated by opposed fold line structures, and the outer sleeve has first and second opposed major walls separated by opposed fold line structures. Each fold line structure includes at least one longitudinal fold line, which in one non-limiting example may include a living hinge. A liner of flexible material is provided for being retained by the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, wherein the liner is formed of the flexible material.

The inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are relatively rotatable such that when the opposing fold line structures of the inner sleeve are not aligned with the opposing fold line structures of the outer sleeve, the container may be maintained in an expanded configuration having an open interior volume and a mouth defined by the liner, and when the opposing fold line structures of the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve are aligned, the container may be reconfigured to a collapsed configuration.

An array of curved apertures is disposed in opposing major walls of at least one of the inner and outer sleeves. As disclosed herein, the curved aperture array may be arranged and configured to: the container is assisted in having a substantially right circular shape when in the expanded configuration. The array of curved apertures may be configured to achieve or approximate other shapes for the collapsible container. Embodiments disclosed herein provide an array of curved apertures having an array density and configuration that facilitates a right circular cylindrical configuration of the container when the container is in an expanded configuration.

In an embodiment of the collapsible container, the array of curved apertures may be arranged in opposing major walls of the inner and outer sleeves. Those arrays of curved apertures in the opposing major walls of the inner and outer sleeves may at least partially match in the shape and location of the apertures. In a particular practice of the invention, the at least one aperture in the outer sleeve is aligned with the at least one aperture in the inner sleeve when the collapsible container is in the collapsed configuration. It is further disclosed that the array of curved apertures in each main wall may be symmetrically arranged in the main wall, and that the array of curved apertures in each main wall may span a lateral extent from proximate the respective folded line structure to a central portion of the main wall. A central portion of each major wall of the sleeve in which the array of curved apertures is disposed may be substantially solid.

Each array of curved apertures is disclosed as having an aperture density that varies substantially based on distance from the fold line structure proximate the array of curved apertures. For example, the cell density may increase from near the central portion of each major wall to near the fold line configuration.

The representation of the collapsible container may include a cap structure for selectively engaging a mouth defined by the liner when the collapsible container is in the expanded configuration. The cover structure is built on the disc and at least one retaining tab protruding from the disc. The retention tab has a proximal end retained by the disc and a distal end having a protrusion arranged to face outwardly from the retention tab when the tab is in an upward position extending longitudinally within the container and the disc is arranged in a plane transverse to the container.

The liner can be considered to define a rim having an upper edge when the collapsible container is in the expanded configuration, the length of the at least one retention tab can be considered to be a proximal surface of the protrusion from a proximal end of the at least one retention tab to a distal end of the at least one retention tab, and the thickness of the disc can be considered to be proximate to the at least one retention tab. An annular retention structure may be disposed on the liner for engaging the disc of the cover structure with the retention structure spaced from an upper edge of the rim defined by the liner by approximately the length of the retention tab, the length of the retention tab being the proximal surface of the projection from the proximal end of the at least one retention tab to the distal end of the at least one retention tab. In this way, the at least one retention tab may cooperate with retention structure on the liner to prevent over-insertion of the tray of the lid structure.

Embodiments are disclosed in which the retention strap is retained by a sleeve assembly. The retention strap has a first orientation in which the strap encircles the sleeve assembly in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction and a second orientation in which the strap is disposed generally along the longitudinal direction across a top and a bottom of the sleeve assembly. The belt may be pivotally retained in a first pivot position and a second pivot position, such as by a sleeve assembly, such that there is a first belt section and a second belt section between the pivot positions. Still further, to generally facilitate handling of the strap and gripping of the collapsible container, gripping nubs may be provided along each strap section.

It is further contemplated that the present invention may include a storage bag for holding the sleeve assembly and liner when the collapsible container is in the collapsed configuration. The storage bag has: a body of flexible material having first and second walls, a closed bottom and a mouth; and at least one stay of a rigid, resiliently flexible material retained by the body of the storage bag. The at least one stay may, for example, be V-shaped having a bottom and first and second legs, the at least one stay being retained by the body of the pouch, the bottom of the at least one stay being disposed across the closed bottom of the body of the pouch, and the legs of the at least one stay being aligned with a longitudinal direction of the pouch from the closed bottom of the pouch to the mouth of the pouch. The legs of at least one strut may be arcuate over their length, and further illustrating that the first strut and the second strut may be held substantially parallel. The stays may operate to gradually compress the collapsible container when the container is inserted into the storage bag and potentially the legs of the stays are squeezed towards each other.

According to a manifestation of the invention, the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve may be considered to have a lower end and an upper end, and the upper end of the inner sleeve may extend a given distance beyond the upper end of the outer sleeve such that an upper portion of the inner sleeve forms a rim portion of the sleeve assembly. The liner may have a body portion including a sidewall and a bottom that together form a liquid-tight container having a mouth and an interior volume when the collapsible container is in the expanded configuration, and the rim portion may be disposed in overlapping position with the body portion of the liner to surround the rim portion of the sleeve assembly. In a particular embodiment, the rim portion of the liner has a height approximately equal to the distance that the inner sleeve extends beyond the outer sleeve of the sleeve assembly.

Further, it is illustrated that each fold line configuration may comprise a set of at least two fold lines. Thus, a first side of each sleeve has at least two fold lines and a second side of each sleeve opposite the first side has at least two fold lines, whereby the sleeves have opposite minor walls.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing discussion has outlined rather broadly the more important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. Before explaining embodiments of the invention in detail, it must be understood that the following detailed description and the description of the inventive concept are merely exemplary of the many possible manifestations of the invention.

Drawings

In the present drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible container as taught herein, in an expanded use configuration, and having a container lid;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a collapsible container with the container lid in place;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a collapsible container;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a collapsible container;

FIG. 5 is a lower perspective view of the collapsible container;

FIG. 6 is another lower perspective view of the collapsible container;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the collapsible container in the process of being collapsed;

FIG. 8 is a lower perspective view of the collapsible container in a partially collapsed configuration;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the collapsible container in the process of being secured in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the collapsible container secured in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 11 is a top view of the collapsible container secured in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the collapsible container secured in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the collapsible container in a partially exploded configuration;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the collapsible container in a further exploded configuration;

FIG. 15 is an upper perspective view of a lid structure for a collapsible container;

FIG. 16 is a lower perspective view of a lid structure for a collapsible container;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a collapsible container in an expanded use configuration and having a container bag;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the containment bag in a closed configuration;

FIG. 19 is a bottom view of the container bag;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a collapsible container and container bag and container lid;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the containment bag in an open configuration;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the container bag in a closed configuration; and

fig. 23 is a perspective view of a spring clip for a container bag.

Detailed Description

The collapsible container disclosed herein has different embodiments, each of which is within the scope of the present invention. However, to ensure that those skilled in the art will be able to understand and, where appropriate, practice the invention, some preferred embodiments of the invention broader than those disclosed herein are described below.

Turning more particularly to the drawings, a collapsible container according to the present invention is generally indicated at 10 in fig. 1 to 12. The collapsible container 10 shown in the drawings may have particular application as a cup. However, it should be understood that other types of containers are also included within the scope of the claims unless they may be explicitly limited. The collapsible container 10 is reconfigurable between an expanded or use configuration as shown in fig. 1-6 and a collapsed configuration as shown in fig. 9-12.

Collapsible container 10 is built on a sleeve assembly 12, which sleeve assembly 12 matingly receives a flexible liner 18. The sleeve assembly 12 is comprised of an outer sleeve 14 and an inner sleeve 16 received within the outer sleeve 14. As described further below, the outer sleeve 14 is rotatable relative to the inner sleeve 16. When collapsible container 10 is in the expanded configuration, sleeve assembly 12 is in an annular, generally cylindrical configuration. In the expanded configuration, the outer sleeve 14 and the inner sleeve 16 are concentrically arranged, and the liner 18 is in a tubular configuration with a closed bottom and an opening. When the container 10 is to be reconfigured into a collapsed configuration, the cap structure 28 is removed and the inner sleeve 16 and outer sleeve 14 are pivoted relative to each other to allow the

sleeves

14 and 16 and liner 18 to remain in a flattened relationship. As described further below, the lid structure 28 may be selectively arranged to occupy the opening of the liner 18 when the collapsible container 10 is in the expanded configuration, thereby closing the interior volume defined by the liner 18 and the lid structure 28.

A flexible liner 18 is lined within the sleeve assembly 12. More specifically, the liner 18 is lined in this example in the inner sleeve 16. Thus, when the collapsible container 10 of this embodiment is in the expanded configuration, the outer sleeve 14 and the inner sleeve 16 have respective expanded shapes, such as concentric cylinders, and an open interior volume is defined within the container 10 by the liner 18. By way of non-limiting example, the container 10 is configured as a cup, and the interior volume may be used to retain beverages or other food. The liner 18 and the interior volume defined thereby are likewise flattened when the collapsible container 10 is in the collapsed configuration.

It will be appreciated that the

sleeves

14 and 16 need not be cylindrical when in the expanded configuration. Other expanded shapes are possible. Further, as used herein, reference to a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical configuration will not require an exact annular shape, but shall include, but not be limited to, frustoconical shapes, shapes having a uniform cylinder, and other shapes that include or include a substantially cylindrical portion. Furthermore, reference to a flat configuration would not require:

sleeves

14 and 16 or liner 18 are substantially flat or have a flat configuration or portion. Flattened should only be understood to mean that the

sleeves

14 and 16 and liner 18 are flatter than when in the expanded configuration.

The sleeve assembly 12 and each of its inner sleeve 16 and outer sleeve 14 have an open upper end and an open lower end. The inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14 may be made of the same or different materials. For example, in some embodiments, the inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14 may be made of a polymeric material. For example, the inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14 may be formed from a thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene (pp), or any other material that is reconfigurable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration as disclosed herein.

As can be appreciated by reference to figures 8 and 12 to 14 in combination, for example, in the present embodiment, the lower end of the inner sleeve 16 terminates substantially equally to the lower end of the outer sleeve 14 when the

sleeves

14 and 16 are fully engaged. However, the inner sleeve 16 has an upper portion that extends a given distance beyond the upper end of the outer sleeve 14 such that the upper portion of the inner sleeve 16 forms a rim portion of the sleeve assembly 12.

For example, as shown in fig. 13, the flexible liner 18 has a body portion 60 with generally tubular side walls and a bottom that together form a liquid-tight container having an open top and an interior volume when the collapsible container 10 is in the expanded configuration. The rim portion 62 of the liner 18 is coupled to the body portion 60 along an annular fold line. In the depicted embodiment, the body portion 60 and the rim portion 62 are integrally formed, such as by molding or otherwise. The rim portion 62 may be disposed in a downward position to surround and overlap an upper portion of the body portion 60 to form an overlapping rim. The height of the rim portion 62 of the liner is approximately equal to the distance that the upper portion of the inner sleeve 16 extends beyond the upper end of the outer sleeve 14. The height of the main body portion 60 of the liner 18 is slightly less than the height of the inner sleeve 16.

In this configuration, when the liner 18 is inserted into the sleeve assembly 12, the rim portion 62 may be caused to cover an upper portion of the inner sleeve 16 that extends beyond an upper end of the outer sleeve 14, and the body portion 60 of the liner 18 may extend longitudinally within the inner sleeve 16 to terminate generally slightly below the lower ends of the inner and

outer sleeves

16, 14 and the lower end of the sleeve assembly 12. When desired, the liner 18 may be slid down and out of the inner sleeve 16, for example, to facilitate removal and cleaning of the liner 18. To facilitate such removal and additionally or alternatively cleaning, the rim portion 62 of the liner 18 may be turned upwardly about an annular fold line to extend generally co-linearly with the body portion 60, as desired.

The inner liner 18 is formed of a flexible, liquid-tight material. By way of non-limiting example, the inner liner 18 may be formed from a flexible thermoplastic polymer. Alternatively, the inner liner 18 may be formed of rubber, such as food grade silicone rubber, or any other flexible material. The liner 18 may be easily slid out of the sleeve assembly formed by the inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14, for example, for cleaning.

In this example of the invention, the reconfigurable nature of the sleeve assembly 12 and collapsible container 10 is generally facilitated by forming each of the inner sleeve 16 and outer sleeve 14 from a resiliently flexible material, such as plastic, and forming each

sleeve

14 and 16 into at least two longitudinally folded wire structures. In this example, the outer sleeve 14 is divided into first and second opposed

major walls

44 and 46 by first and second longitudinally disposed

fold line structures

45 and 49, the

fold line structures

45 and 49 being disposed 180 degrees apart. The

fold line formations

45 and 49 allow the opposed

major walls

44 and 46 of the outer sleeve 14 to hinge relative to one another. Similarly, the inner sleeve 16 is divided into first and second opposed

major walls

52 and 54 by first and second longitudinally disposed

fold line structures

53 and 57, the

fold line structures

53 and 57 being disposed 180 degrees relative to one another. The

fold line formations

53 and 57 allow the opposed

main walls

52 and 54 of the inner sleeve 16 to hinge relative to one another. The resiliency of the

sleeves

14 and 16 and the pivoting achieved by the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 allow the

sleeves

14 and 16 to be reconfigured between the expanded and folded configurations.

Each

fold line formation

45, 49, 53 and 57 is formed by at least one fold line disposed longitudinally in the

respective sleeve

14 or 16. In the illustrated embodiment, each

fold line formation

45, 49, 53 and 57 is formed by two closely spaced fold lines. As such, the first 44 and second 46 opposed major walls of the outer sleeve 14 have the

minor walls

48 and 50 interposed therebetween. The

secondary walls

48 and 50 are disposed generally opposite one another on opposite sides of the sleeve 14. Likewise, the first 52 and second 54 opposing major walls of the inner sleeve 16 have

minor walls

56 and 58 interposed therebetween. The

secondary walls

56 and 58 are disposed generally opposite one another on opposite sides of the sleeve 16. The fold lines in each

fold line configuration

45, 49, 53 and 57 are substantially parallel. In this embodiment, the fold lines comprise living hinges integrally formed in the construction of

sleeves

14 and 16.

Within the scope of the invention, more than two fold lines may be provided in each

fold line structure

45, 49, 53 and 57, or each

fold line structure

45, 49, 53 and 57 may have a single fold line, except as may be explicitly limited by the claims. The

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 in a given embodiment may have a different number of fold lines. With three fold lines provided in each set, the outer sleeve 14 may, for example, be divided into a first opposing major wall 44 and a second opposing major wall 46, with the two minor walls 48 of the first set being disposed opposite the two minor walls 40 of the second set. Similarly, the inner sleeve 16 may have a first major wall 52 and a second major wall 54, the first and second

major walls

52 and 54 being oppositely disposed and separated on either side thereof by first and second sets of two

minor walls

56 and 58.

Due to the relative pivotability of the inner and

outer sleeves

16, 14, the elasticity of the material forming the

sleeves

14, 16, and the foldability of the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53, and 57, the collapsible container 10 can be quickly and conveniently reconfigured between an expanded use configuration and a collapsed configuration. The

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 of the inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14 are arranged out of alignment, such as by being spaced apart by about 90 degrees, when the collapsible container 10 is in the in-use configuration. In this manner, the collapsible container 10 is locked in a substantially circular use configuration and an open interior volume is established in the liner 18 for containing beverages, edible materials, or any other substance. When the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 are misaligned, the

main walls

44, 46, 52 and 54 operate to support the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 to prevent folding. The inner sleeve 16 and outer sleeve 14 may be rotated, for example, over a 90 degree interval to align the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 as shown in figures 8, 11 and 12. With the fold lines 45, 49, 53 and 57 aligned, the collapsible container 10 may be reconfigured into a collapsed configuration, such as for shipping and storage.

In the inventor's U.S. patent No. 9,694,938, it may be advantageous to have a collapsible cup with a sleeve whose walls taper towards its edges to facilitate the cup forming a circle when in an expanded configuration and lying flat when in a collapsed configuration. However, such varying thicknesses introduce complexity in forming the sleeve and do not necessarily save on the use of material.

The present inventors have now contemplated that by forming

predetermined arrays

66 and 68 of curved apertures in the

major walls

44, 46, 52 and 54 of the

sleeves

14 and 16, it is possible to simultaneously achieve rounding of the container 10 in the in-use configuration, and possibly flattening of the container 10 into the collapsed configuration and saving material. More specifically, as shown for example in fig. 13 and 14, a first array of flex holes 66 is disposed in the outer sleeve 14 and a second array of flex holes 68 is disposed in the inner sleeve 16. The arrays of

apertures

66 and 68 facilitate the desired bending of the

walls

44, 46, 52, and 54 and the

sleeves

14 and 16 into a perfectly circular configuration, and the arrays of

apertures

66 and 68 facilitate the flattening of the

walls

44, 46, 52, and 54 in a collapsed configuration. The

curved aperture arrays

66 and 68 herein are arranged and configured to facilitate a substantially right circular shape of the container 10 when the container 10 is in an expanded configuration. It is within the scope of the present invention that the

curved aperture arrays

66 and 68 may be configured to achieve or approximate other shapes for the collapsible container 10. Here, the array density and configuration of the

curved arrays

66 and 68 are such as to contribute to the right circular cylindrical configuration of the container 10 when the container 10 is in the expanded configuration.

In each

sleeve

14 and 16, the respective arrays of

apertures

66 and 68 are symmetrically disposed in a portion of the

walls

44, 46, 52 and 54 spanning a given lateral extent from adjacent the respective

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 to a central portion of the

walls

44, 46, 52 and 54, and spanning a given longitudinal extent from adjacent the lower end of the

respective sleeve

14 or 16 to adjacent the upper end of the

respective sleeve

14 or 16. The central portion of each

wall

44, 46, 52 and 54 is substantially solid and the density of the apertures of the

arrays

66 and 68 increases from near the central portion of the

walls

44, 46, 52 and 54 to near the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57. The cell density may be considered as the average open area defined by the cells. In other words, as the

arrays

66 and 68 of apertures approach the respective

fold line structures

45, 49, 53, and 57, the absence of material exhibited by the

arrays

66 and 68 tends to increase on average, provided that it may not increase linearly, and may necessitate the inclusion of solid portions, for example, immediately adjacent the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53, and 57. Thus, the resistance of the

walls

44, 46, 52 and 54 to deflection may be controlled, for example, by causing the resistance of the

walls

44, 46, 52 and 54 to deflection to decrease substantially in proportion to the proximity of the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57. The tendency of the sleeve assembly 12 to achieve a substantially circular configuration upon expansion may thereby be controlled (increased in this embodiment).

In this embodiment, in the overlapping portions of the

arrays

66 and 68 of apertures, some or all of the

arrays

66 and 68 may match in the number, configuration, shape, and location of apertures forming the

arrays

66 and 68. In this way, the inner and

outer sleeves

16, 14 may be biased to exhibit predetermined deflection characteristics based on the bending facilitated by the

arrays

66, 68. The substantially circular shape of the container 10 when in the expanded configuration can be facilitated and the flat, folded condition of the container 10 can be facilitated. At the same time, manufacturing complexity due to tapering wall thickness is eliminated, and material savings are realized, including by eliminating the material required in the holes of

hole arrays

66 and 68. Further, when the inner and

outer sleeves

16, 14 are aligned, as in the collapsed configuration, the apertures of the overlapping portions of the arrays of

apertures

66 and 68 will align to provide visual confirmation of the aligned nature of the

sleeves

16 and 14, and the apertures of the

arrays

66 and 68 will not align when the container 10 is in the expanded configuration, again providing visual confirmation of the fully expanded configuration. By using an array of holes to improve the grip of the container 10, and including by visualizing the main body portion 60 of the liner 18 when in the collapsed configuration and the inner sleeve 16 when in the expanded configuration, a unique design appearance may be achieved. Still further, as shown in fig. 9 and 10, when the

sleeves

14 and 16 are aligned in the folded configuration, the lowermost holes of the

arrays

66 and 68 tend to align and free of the liner 18, such that through holes are provided at the lower corners of the flat container 10 that may allow the container 10 to be conveniently stored, held or carried, for example by hooks, clips, carabiners or other mechanisms.

In this example of the container 10, as best shown in fig. 14, the apertures of the array of apertures 66 of the outer sleeve 14 have a first series of circular apertures of a first size arranged in longitudinal alignment adjacent each

fold line formation

45 and 49 and a second series of circular apertures of a second size smaller than the first size arranged in longitudinal alignment further spaced from each

fold line formation

45 and 49 and interleaved with the first series of apertures. Further, a third series of apertures of a third size, smaller than the first and second sizes, are arranged in longitudinal alignment to alternate between the first series of apertures and the

fold line structures

45 and 49.

Looking again at figure 14, for example, the apertures of the array of apertures 68 of the inner sleeve 16 have a first series of circular apertures of a first size arranged in longitudinal alignment adjacent each

fold line formation

53 and 57 and a second series of circular apertures of a second size smaller than the first size arranged in longitudinal alignment further spaced from each

fold line formation

53 and 57 and interleaved with the first series of apertures. Further, a third series of apertures of a third dimension, smaller than the first and second dimensions, are arranged in longitudinal alignment further spaced from each

fold line structure

53 and 57 and staggered relative to the second series of apertures. Still further, a fourth series of apertures of a fourth size, smaller than the first size and the second size, are arranged in longitudinal alignment to interleave between the first series of apertures and the

fold line structures

53 and 57. In the portions of the

walls

52 and 54 extending beyond the outer sleeve 14, the array of apertures 68 of the inner sleeve 16 also includes generally triangular-shaped contoured apertures having widened aperture openings adjacent the respective

fold line structures

53 and 57, and tapered portions extending therefrom.

The inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14 forming the sleeve assembly 12 incorporate a rotation limiting structure to prevent over-rotation of the outer sleeve 14 relative to the inner sleeve 16. As best shown in fig. 5 and 13, for example, the inner sleeve 16 has one or more retention tabs 42 projecting radially outward from the inner sleeve 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second retention tabs 42 project from the bottom of the

major walls

52 and 54 to each side of the inner sleeve 16. The outer sleeve 14 has a longitudinally extending portion 43 extending from a lower portion thereof. In the outer sleeve 14, a delimiting channel is formed between the ends of the longitudinally extending portions 43. Thus, the inner and

outer sleeves

16, 14 may be rotated relative to each other by a given angular displacement, such as an angular interval of 90 degrees, from a first relative orientation in which the projection 42 contacts the first end of the longitudinally extending portion 43 at the first end defining the channel to a second relative orientation in which the projection 42 contacts the second end of the longitudinally extending portion 43 at the second end defining the channel.

It will be understood that the projections 42 and delimiting channels may be arranged oppositely or differently configured within the scope of the present invention. Without limitation, the delimiting channels may be arranged spaced from the lower ends of the inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14, for example in the form of slots in the outer sleeve 14 or the inner sleeve 16. In other embodiments, for example, the delimiting channels, which may be formed as one or more slots in one sleeve 14 or 16 (e.g., the inner sleeve 16), also include rotation limiting features that guide the relative rotation of the

sleeves

14 and 16 and limit the movement of the inner sleeve 16 relative to the outer sleeve 14. One or more protrusions may be provided on the

other sleeve

14 or 16. Such a slot may limit relative rotation to approximately 90 degrees while retaining the

sleeves

14 and 16 so that the outer sleeve 14 does not inadvertently fall out of the inner sleeve 18.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, when the collapsible container 10 is in the expanded configuration, the lid structure 28 may be selectively engaged with the sleeve assembly 12 and the liner 18 to close the open end or opening of the liner 18 and to fit to define a substantially enclosed interior volume within the collapsible container 10. For example, as shown in fig. 1, and with additional reference to fig. 13, the liner 18 has a retaining structure 26, more specifically a protruding ridge 26 in this embodiment, which ridge 26 surrounds the inner surface of the liner 18 closest to the fold line, and which ridge 26 forms the upper edge of the liner 18 and collapsible container 10 when the rim portion 62 is folded over to cover and surround the main body portion 60 of the liner 18. The ridges 26 are generally disposed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the liner 18 and collapsible container 10. It is within the scope of the present invention that the retaining structure 26 may alternatively be a groove, more than one ridge, or some other structure around the inner surface of the liner 18 adjacent its mouth.

The cover structure 28 is built up on a disc 30 of substantially rigid material, the peripheral shape of the disc 30 corresponding to the shape of the mouth defined by the liner 18 when in the expanded configuration. In this non-limiting example, the mouth of the disc 30 and liner 18 are circular. The disc 30 is sized to have an interference fit within the mouth of the liner 18, such as by having a diameter slightly larger than the relaxed diameter of the mouth of the liner 18. The protruding ridges 26 establish a reduced dimension, such as a reduced diameter and circumference, within the liner 18. The reduced size is smaller than the corresponding size of the disc 30, such as the diameter and circumference.

In this relationship, and in view of the resilient flexibility of the material of the liner 18 and the substantial rigidity of the material of the disc 30, the cover 28 may be inserted into the opening of the liner 18 until the protruding ridge 26 is reached. With the disc 30 in contact with the ridge 26 and the body portion 60 around the liner 18, a fluid tight seal is formed between the cover 28 and the flexible liner 18. Ridges 26 prevent over-insertion of disc 30 of cap structure 28 and urge disc 30 to lie in a plane parallel to the upper edge of sleeve assembly 12 and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of collapsible container 10.

Further, referring again to fig. 1 and 2 in combination, and additionally to fig. 15 and 16, the cover structure 28 includes first and second tabs (tab)36 that are retained by the disc 30 to project from opposite sides thereof. In this embodiment, tab 36 has a proximal end hingedly connected to disk 30 and a distal end including a protrusion (otherwise referred to as hook 38). The length of the tab 36 from its proximal end to the proximal surface of the hook 38 is approximately equal to the distance from the upper surface of the retaining structure 26 to the fold line in the liner 18 that forms the upper edge of the collapsible container 10 and liner 18 when the rim portion 62 of the liner 18 is collapsed, minus the local thickness of the tray 30.

In this embodiment, the tray 30 of the cover structure 28 has a flat lower surface and a contoured upper surface that facilitates the drawing and draining of liquid into the interior volume of the container 10. The drinking holes 32 through the tray 30 are arranged to coincide with the lower part of the undulating upper surface, while the vent holes 34 through the tray 30 are arranged substantially opposite the drinking holes 32. The drinking hole 32 is sized for an interference fit with a straw (not shown), such as a silicone straw, which may also be partially or fully flat. It is further contemplated that one or both of the

bores

32 and 34 may be selectively sealed, such as by one or more plugs (not shown) or other sealing mechanisms, as will be apparent based on this disclosure.

In this configuration, the disc 30 may be inserted into the open liner 18, and the hooks 38 of the tabs 36 will tend to engage the retention structure 26 to prevent over-insertion of the cover structure 28 and ensure proper orientation of the cover structure 28 relative to the liner 18 and sleeve assembly 12. In addition, the tabs 36 facilitate easy removal of the cover structure 28. As shown in fig. 15 and 16, for example, the pivoting nature of the tab 36 allows the cover structure 28 to assume a substantially flat configuration for storage and transport. For example, the lid structure 28 may be easily slid into the flattened liner 18 when the collapsible container 10 is in the collapsed configuration.

As described above, when the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57 of the inner sleeve 16 and outer sleeve 14 are not arranged in alignment, such as by being spaced apart approximately 90 degrees, the collapsible container 10 is arranged in a use configuration in which the sleeve assembly 12 is substantially cylindrical and the liner 18 is maintained in a tubular configuration having an open interior volume. Relative rotation of the inner sleeve 16 and the outer sleeve 14 aligns the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57, which allows the

major walls

44 and 52 to fold toward the opposed

major walls

46 and 54 into a flat folded configuration.

To facilitate a stable expanded configuration and an enhanced collapsed configuration, collapsible container 10 further includes a retaining strap 20, which retaining strap 20 is made of an elastic material such as silicone rubber or other elastomeric material. In this embodiment, one or more portions of the band 20 are retained relative to the sleeve assembly 12. More specifically, the band 20 is rotatably secured to a medial portion of each of the

major walls

44 and 46 of the outer sleeve 14. The band 20 is rotatable about a pivot axis perpendicular to the sleeve assembly 12 and its longitudinal axis. In this embodiment, the pivot axis is formed by first and second retainers 22, each retainer 22 having a central stay and a distal wing for preventing inadvertent displacement of the band 20. In addition to facilitating pivoting of the strap 20, the retainer 22 facilitates predetermined placement of the strap 20 as described herein and prevents loss of the strap 20.

Thus, the band 20 may be disposed in a first orientation as shown in fig. 1-8, for example, wherein the elastic band 20 generally surrounds the

sleeves

14 and 16 and the container 10 in a generally concentric manner. The band 20 thus arranged provides a high friction, protruding surface to allow stable handling and holding of the container 10, and also allows for insulation between the container 10 and the user's hand.

Further, as shown, for example, in fig. 9-12, when the container 10 is reconfigured into a folded configuration, the elastic band 20 may be pivoted, for example, about 90 degrees relative to the

sleeves

14 and 16 such that the band 20 is generally aligned with the longitudinal axis of the container 10 and is generally centrally disposed between and longitudinally aligned with the

fold line structures

45, 49, 53 and 57. The elastic band 20 so disposed will span the mouth of the liner 18 and the upper ends of the

sleeves

14 and 16 approximately between the folded

wire structures

45, 49, 53 and 57, and the elastic band 20 will also span the lower ends of the

sleeves

14 and 16 approximately between the folded

wire structures

45, 49, 53 and 57. As perhaps best shown in fig. 11 and 12, the elastic nature of the strap 20 will thus tend to cinch the upper and lower ends of the

sleeves

14 and 16 into a flat configuration that is desirable for storage and transportation. Thus, the strap 20 thus functions as a closure strap in the second orientation and as a gripping and stabilizing strap in the first orientation.

The belt 20 has first and second thickened, raised gripping nubs (gripping nubs) 24, the gripping nubs 24 being disposed midway along the section of the belt 20 between the pivot axes formed by the retainers 22. Thus, when the band 20 is in the first orientation, the gripping nodules 24 are generally aligned with the

fold line structures

45 and 49 of the outer sleeve 14, and the gripping nodules 24 tend to be generally aligned with the openings at the upper and lower ends of the sleeve assembly 12. The gripping nubs 24 facilitate ergonomic gripping and manipulation of the band 20 (e.g., between the first and second orientations), as well as generally stable gripping and fingertip control of the container 10 (including situations where the container 10 contains a liquid or other material). The nubs 24 can also specifically determine the orientation of the container 10 and possibly the drinking aperture 32, based on the known orientation of the nubs 24 relative to the container 10 and its components.

As described above, when the collapsible container 10 is in the collapsed configuration, the container 10 is easily retained by carabiners, hooks, or by other mechanisms, or the container 10 may be stowed at the user's discretion. However, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention to provide a storage bag 70 that provides a number of benefits for the retention and storage of the container 10. Such a storage bag 70 and its components are shown in fig. 17-23. Therein, it can be seen that the storage pouch 70 is established on a body 72, the body 72 being formed by first and second walls that are joined around three edges and are arranged in facing relationship. The first and second walls define an interior volume bounded on three edges and having an opening into which the collapsible container 10 may be inserted when in the collapsed configuration.

The storage bag 70 has a flap 74 extending from the first wall operable to close the mouth of the bag 70 when folded over the second wall. In this embodiment, a transverse fold line is provided on the first and second walls spaced from the upper ends thereof so that not only the flap 74, but also the distal ends of the first and second walls, can be folded to form a sealed environment within the bag 70. A fastening mechanism is provided to hold the flap in the folded closed position of, for example, fig. 18 and 19. Herein, the fastening mechanism comprises a combination of a section of hook material 76 on the body portion 72 and a section of loop material 78 on the flap 74, but other fastening mechanisms will be apparent after reviewing the present disclosure and are within the scope of the present invention.

In the depicted embodiment, the body 72 and flap 74 are formed of a low friction material that may be formed or treated to be substantially waterproof. The body 72 and flap 74 may be formed of a flexible material. By way of non-limiting example, the material may be a fabric, such as canvas or polypropylene. With the materials of the first and second walls and flap 74 substantially waterproof, the folded distal portion of the pouch 70 thus forms what may be referred to as a dry pouch having a substantially sealed interior volume. The low friction material of the bag 70 will tend to be smoother than the polymeric liner 18 and the retaining band 20 so that a container 10 disposed within the bag 70 may be more easily slid into a storage location, such as a pocket or luggage item.

In addition, the pouch 70 includes first and second struts, indicated at 82 and 84 in FIG. 23, that are retained on or within the first and second walls. In this embodiment, struts 82 and 84 are made of a substantially rigid but resiliently flexible material, such as spring steel or a resiliently flexible plastic, as non-limiting examples. The

struts

82 and 84 are generally V-shaped, but have a flattened proximal end and first and second legs that are each spring biased into an arcuate shape and a spaced apart arrangement. Herein, first and

second struts

82 and 84 are sewn into bag 80 or otherwise retained relative to body 72 of bag 70 such that the legs of

struts

82 and 84 communicate longitudinally in the first and second walls of body 72, and the flattened proximal ends span the proximal ends of the bag formed by the proximal ends of the first and second walls.

Braces

82 and 84 are held in a generally parallel relationship in the walls of body 72 such that when bag 70 is empty of container 10, bag 70 may be folded along a longitudinal midline between

braces

82 and 84 to achieve a more compact configuration. Further, as shown, for example, in fig. 10-12, when retention strap 20 is disposed in the longitudinally aligned orientation, strap 20 is longitudinally aligned with the spacing between

struts

82 and 84 to allow bag 70 and the retained container 10 to achieve the most compact configuration.

Due to the resilient, generally V-shape of

struts

82 and 84, bag 70 tends to be arranged with an open mouth and a gradually narrowing interior volume. As the sleeve assembly 12 is pressed into the V-shaped

struts

82 and 84, insertion of the folded container 10 into the interior space of the bag 70 will tend to further compress the container 10. With the lower end of the container 10 inserted first, the container 10 and its liner 18 will tend to compress gradually from its lower end to its upper end, which tends to force any residual moisture or other matter out of the liner 18. In addition, the legs of

braces

82 and 84 may compress together to drive container 10 into a further folded configuration and more effectively expel residual material. The arcuate nature of the legs of

braces

82 and 84 tends to cause gradual compression of container 10 and liner 18, thereby most effectively venting air and any residual moisture by first compressing the bottom of container 10 and gradually pressing liner 18 together from the bottom of liner 18 to the mouth of liner 18. When the distal portion of the bag 70 and the flap 74 of the bag 70 are folded as shown in fig. 18, 19 and 22, for example, the container 10 within the bag 70 is compressed by the

struts

82 and 84 and the walls of the body portion 72 into a flat configuration that is desirable for storage and shipping. The collapsible container 10 thus stored is protected from contamination and wear and any other leakage from the container 10 to its surroundings is prevented.

With some details and embodiments of collapsible container 10 disclosed herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. This is especially true when it is remembered that the presently preferred embodiments are merely illustrative of the broader invention disclosed herein. It will thus be apparent that one possessing ordinary skill in the art, in view of the principal features of this invention, can devise embodiments that include those principal features but not all of the features included in the preferred embodiments. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that collapsible container 10 may include more or fewer components, functions, or features than the preferred, non-limiting embodiments disclosed herein. While the above-described components and arrangements of components are indeed preferred and advantageous for carrying out one or more of the objects of the present invention, the collapsible container 10 should not be construed as requiring all of the above-described components, as limited by the components of the preferred embodiments, or even as limited by the location and configuration of the components of the preferred embodiments, except as may be explicitly stated in the claims.

Accordingly, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention. Such claims should be understood to include equivalent configurations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following claims may express or be interpreted as expressing an element as a means for performing a specified function, and no structure or material is necessarily required to be described. In accordance with the requirements of law, any such claims should be construed to cover not only the corresponding structures and materials explicitly described in the specification, but also all equivalents thereof which are legally recognized.

Claims

1. A collapsible container (10) that is reconfigurable between an expanded configuration having an open interior volume for containing a volume of material and a collapsed configuration, the collapsible container (10) comprising:

a sleeve assembly (12), the sleeve assembly (12) comprising an inner sleeve (16) and an outer sleeve (14), wherein the sleeve assembly (12) has a top, a bottom and a longitudinal direction, wherein the inner sleeve (16) has first (52) and second (54) opposing major walls separated by opposing fold line structures (53, 57), wherein the outer sleeve (14) has first (44) and second (46) opposing major walls separated by opposing fold line structures (45, 49), and wherein each fold line structure (45, 49, 53, 57) comprises at least one longitudinal fold line;

a liner (18) for being retained by the sleeve assembly (12), wherein the liner (18) is formed of a flexible material; and

an array of curved holes (66, 68), the array of curved holes (66, 68) being in the opposing major walls (44, 46, 52, 54) of at least one of the inner sleeve (16) and the outer sleeve (14);

wherein the inner sleeve (16) and the outer sleeve (14) are relatively rotatable, whereby the container (10) is retainable in the expanded configuration having a mouth defined by the liner (18) and an open interior volume when the opposed fold line structures (53, 57) of the inner sleeve (16) are not aligned with the opposed fold line structures (45, 49) of the outer sleeve (14), and wherein the container (10) is reconfigurable into the collapsed configuration when the opposed fold line structures (45, 49, 53, 57) of the inner sleeve (16) and the outer sleeve (14) are aligned.

2. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 1 wherein there is an array of curved apertures (66, 68) in the opposed major walls (44, 46, 52, 54) of the inner sleeve (16) and the outer sleeve (14).

3. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 2 wherein the array of curved apertures (66, 68) in the opposing major walls (44, 46, 52, 54) of the inner and outer sleeves (16, 14) at least partially match in aperture shape and location.

4. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 3 wherein at least one aperture (66, 68) in the outer sleeve (14) is aligned with at least one aperture (66, 68) in the inner sleeve (16) when the collapsible container (10) is in the collapsed configuration.

5. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 1 wherein the array of curved apertures (66, 68) in each main wall (44, 46, 52, 54) is symmetrically arranged in the main wall (44, 46, 52, 54).

6. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 5 wherein the array of curved apertures (66, 68) in each main wall (44, 46, 52, 54) spans a lateral extent from adjacent the respective fold line structure (45, 49, 53, 57) to a central portion of the main wall (44, 46, 52, 54).

7. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 6 wherein the central part of each main wall (44, 46, 52, 54) of the sleeve (14, 16) where the array of curved apertures (66, 68) is arranged is substantially solid.

8. The collapsible container (10) of claim 7 wherein each curved aperture array (66, 68) has an aperture density that varies substantially based on a distance from the folded line structure (45, 49, 53, 57) proximate the curved aperture array (66, 68).

9. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 8 wherein the aperture density increases from near a central part of each main wall (44, 46, 52, 54) to near the fold line structure (45, 49, 53, 57).

10. The collapsible container (10) of claim 1 wherein the collapsible container (10) further comprises a cover structure (28), the cover structure (28) for selectively engaging the mouth defined by the liner (18) when the collapsible container (10) is in the expanded configuration, wherein the cover structure (28) comprises a disc (30) and at least one retention tab (36) projecting from the disc, wherein the retention tab (36) has a proximal end retained by the disc (30) and a distal end having a projection (38).

11. The collapsible container (10) of claim 10 wherein the liner (18) defines a rim (26) having an upper edge when the collapsible container (10) is in the expanded configuration, wherein a length of the at least one retention tab (36) is a proximal surface of the protrusion (38) from the proximal end of the at least one retention tab (36) to the distal end of the at least one retention tab (36), and wherein a thickness of the disc (30) is proximate the at least one retention tab (36), and further comprising an annular retention structure (26), the annular retention structure (26) being disposed on the liner (18) to engage the disc (30) of the lid structure (28), wherein the retention structure (26) is spaced from the upper edge defined by the liner (18) by approximately the length of the retention tab (36), the length of the retention tab (36) is from the proximal end of the at least one retention tab (36) to a proximal end surface of the protrusion (38) at the distal end of the at least one retention tab (36).

12. The collapsible container (10) of claim 1 wherein the collapsible container (10) further comprises a retention strap (20) retained by the sleeve assembly (12), wherein the retention strap (20) has a first orientation in which the strap (20) encircles the sleeve assembly (12) in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction and a second orientation in which the strap (20) is disposed generally along the longitudinal direction across a top and a bottom of the sleeve assembly (12).

13. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 12 wherein the strap (20) is pivotally retained by the sleeve assembly (12).

14. The collapsible container (10) of claim 13 wherein the strap (20) is pivotally retained by the sleeve assembly (12) in a first pivot position and a second pivot position with a first strap section and a second strap section (22) therebetween.

15. The collapsible container (10) of claim 14 wherein the collapsible container (10) further comprises a gripping nodule (24) disposed along each strap section (22).

16. The collapsible container (10) of claim 1 wherein the collapsible container (10) further comprises a storage bag (70), the storage bag (70) for holding the sleeve assembly (12) and the liner (18) when the collapsible container (10) is in the collapsed configuration, wherein the storage bag (70) has: a body (72) of flexible material, the body (72) having first and second walls, a closed bottom and a mouth; and at least one stay (82, 84) made of a substantially rigid, elastically flexible material, the stay (82, 84) being retained by the body (72) of the storage bag (70).

17. The collapsible container (10) of claim 16 wherein the at least one strut (82, 84) is V-shaped having a bottom and first and second legs, and wherein the at least one strut (82, 84) is retained by the body (72) of the storage bag (70), the bottom of the at least one strut (82, 84) is arranged to span the closed bottom of the body (72) of the storage bag (70), and the legs of the at least one strut (82, 84) are aligned with a longitudinal direction of the storage bag (70), the longitudinal direction of the storage bag (70) being from the closed bottom of the storage bag (70) to the mouth of the storage bag (70).

18. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 17 wherein the legs of the at least one stay (82, 84) are arcuate.

19. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 17 wherein the first stay (82) and the second stay (84) are held substantially parallel.

20. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 1 wherein the inner sleeve (16) has a lower end and an upper end, wherein the outer sleeve (14) has a lower end and an upper end, and wherein the upper end of the inner sleeve (16) extends a given distance beyond the upper end of the outer sleeve (14) such that an upper portion of the inner sleeve (16) forms a rim portion of the sleeve assembly (12).

21. The collapsible container (10) of claim 20 wherein the liner (18) has a body portion (60) and a rim portion (62), wherein the body portion (60) of the liner (18) includes side walls and a bottom that together form a liquid tight container having a mouth and an interior volume when the collapsible container (10) is in the expanded configuration, and wherein the rim portion (62) of the liner (18) is disposable in overlapping position with the body portion (60) of the liner (18) to surround the rim portion of the sleeve assembly (12).

22. The collapsible container (10) of claim 21 wherein the height of the rim portion (62) of the liner (18) is approximately equal to the distance that the inner sleeve (16) extends beyond the outer sleeve (14) of the sleeve assembly (12).

23. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 1 wherein the at least one folding line of each folding line structure (45, 49, 53, 57) of the inner sleeve (16) and the outer sleeve (14) comprises a living hinge.

24. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 23 wherein each fold line structure (45, 49) of the outer sleeve (14) comprises a set of at least two fold lines (45, 49), whereby a first side of the outer sleeve (14) has at least two fold lines (45, 49) and a second side of the outer sleeve (14) opposite to the first side has at least two fold lines (45, 49), whereby the outer sleeve (14) has opposite minor walls (48, 50).

25. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 24 wherein each fold line structure (53, 57) of the inner sleeve (16) comprises a set of at least two fold lines (53, 57), whereby a first side of the inner sleeve (16) has at least two fold lines (53, 57) and a second side of the inner sleeve (16) opposite to the first side has at least two fold lines (53, 57), whereby the inner sleeve (16) has opposite minor walls (56, 58).

26. A collapsible container (10) that is reconfigurable between an expanded configuration having an open interior volume for containing a volume of material and a collapsed configuration, the collapsible container (10) comprising:

a sleeve structure (12) comprising a first sleeve (14, 16), wherein the sleeve structure (12) has a top, a bottom and a longitudinal direction, wherein the first sleeve (14, 16) has a first opposing major wall (44) and a second opposing major wall (46) separated by opposing fold line structures (45, 49), and wherein each fold line structure (45, 49) comprises at least one longitudinal fold line (45, 49);

a liner (18) retained by the sleeve structure (12), wherein the liner (18) is formed of a flexible material; and

a retention strap (20) retained relative to the sleeve structure (12), wherein the retention strap (20) has a first orientation in which the strap (20) encircles the sleeve structure (12) in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction and a second orientation in which the strap (20) is arranged generally along the longitudinal direction to span across a top and a bottom of the sleeve structure (12).

Wherein the container (10) is retainable in an expanded configuration having an open interior volume and a mouth defined by the liner (18), and wherein the container (10) is reconfigurable into the collapsed configuration.

27. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 26 wherein the strap (20) is pivotally retained by the sleeve structure (12).

28. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 27 wherein the strap (20) is pivotally held by the sleeve structure (12) in a first and a second pivot position (22), with a first and a second strap section between the pivot positions (22).

29. The collapsible container (10) of claim 28 wherein the collapsible container (10) further comprises a gripping nodule (24) disposed along each band segment.

30. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 26 wherein the sleeve structure (12) further comprises a second sleeve (14, 16), wherein the first sleeve comprises an inner sleeve (16), wherein the second sleeve comprises an outer sleeve (14), and wherein the outer sleeve (14) has a first opposing major wall (44) and a second opposing major wall (46) separated by opposing fold line structures (45, 49), wherein each fold line structure (45, 49) comprises at least one longitudinal fold line (45, 49).

31. The collapsible container (10) of claim 30 wherein said collapsible container (10) further comprises an array of curved apertures (66, 68) in said opposing major walls (44, 46, 52, 54) of at least one of said inner sleeve (16) and said outer sleeve (14).

32. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 31 wherein the array of curved apertures (66, 68) in each main wall (44, 46, 52, 54) is symmetrically arranged in the main wall (44, 46, 52, 54) to span a lateral extent from the vicinity of the respective fold line structure (45, 49) to a central portion of the main wall (44, 46, 52, 54).

33. The collapsible container (10) of claim 26 wherein the collapsible container (10) further comprises a storage pocket (70), the storage pocket (70) for retaining the sleeve structure and the liner (18) when the collapsible container (10) is in the collapsed configuration, wherein the storage pocket (70) has: a body (72) of flexible material, the body (72) having first and second walls, a closed bottom and a mouth; and at least one stay (82, 84) made of a substantially rigid, elastically flexible material, the stay (82, 84) being retained by the body (72) of the storage bag (70).

34. The collapsible container (10) of claim 33 wherein the at least one strut (82, 84) is V-shaped having a bottom and first and second legs, and wherein the at least one strut (82, 84) is retained by the body (72) of the storage bag (70), the bottom of the at least one strut (82, 84) is arranged to span the closed bottom of the body (72) of the storage bag (70), and the legs of the at least one strut (82, 84) are aligned with a longitudinal direction of the storage bag (70) from the closed bottom of the storage bag (70) to the mouth of the storage bag (70).

35. Collapsible container (10) according to claim 34 wherein the first stay (82) and the second stay (84) are held substantially parallel.

36. A collapsible container system having a collapsible container (10), the collapsible container (10) being reconfigurable between an expanded configuration having an open interior volume for containing a volume of material and a collapsed configuration, the collapsible container system comprising:

a collapsible container (10) comprising a sleeve structure (12) and a liner (18), the sleeve structure comprising a first sleeve (14, 16), wherein the sleeve structure (12) has a top, a bottom and a longitudinal direction, wherein the first sleeve (14, 16) has a first opposing major wall (44) and a second opposing major wall (46) separated by opposing fold line structures (45, 49), and wherein each fold line structure (45, 49) comprises at least one longitudinal fold line (45, 49), the liner (18) for being retained by the sleeve structure (12), wherein the liner (18) is formed of a flexible material, wherein the container (10) is retainable in an expanded configuration having an open interior volume and a mouth defined by the liner (18), and wherein, the container (10) being reconfigurable into the folded configuration; and

a storage pocket (70) for holding the collapsible container (10) when the collapsible container (10) is in the collapsed configuration, wherein the storage pocket (70) has: a body (72) of flexible material, the body (72) having first and second walls, a closed bottom and a mouth; and at least one stay (82, 84) made of a substantially rigid, elastically flexible material, the stay (82, 84) being retained by the body (72) of the storage bag (70).

37. The collapsible container system of claim 36 wherein the at least one strut (82, 84) is V-shaped having a bottom and first and second legs, and wherein the at least one strut (82, 84) is retained by the body (72) of the storage bag (70), the bottom of the at least one strut (82, 84) is arranged to span the closed bottom of the body (72) of the storage bag (70), and the legs of the at least one strut (82, 84) are aligned with a longitudinal direction of the storage bag (70) from the closed bottom of the storage bag (70) to the mouth of the storage bag (70).

38. The collapsible container system of claim 37 wherein the first brace (82) and the second brace (84) are held substantially parallel.

39. The collapsible container system of claim 36 further comprising a retaining strap (20) retained relative to the sleeve structure, wherein the retaining strap (20) has a first orientation in which the strap (20) encircles the sleeve structure in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal direction and a second orientation in which the strap (20) is disposed generally along the longitudinal direction across the top and bottom of the sleeve structure (12).

40. The collapsible container system of claim 39 wherein the strap (20) is pivotally retained by the sleeve structure (12).

41. The collapsible container system of claim 36 wherein the sleeve structure (12) further comprises a second sleeve (14, 16), wherein the first sleeve comprises an inner sleeve (16), wherein the second sleeve comprises an outer sleeve (14), and wherein the outer sleeve (14) has first (44) and second (46) opposed major walls separated by opposed fold line structures (45, 49), wherein each fold line structure (45, 49) comprises at least one longitudinal fold line (45, 49).

42. The collapsible container system of claim 41 further comprising an array of curved apertures (66, 68) in the opposing major walls (44, 46, 52, 54) of at least one of the inner sleeve (16) and the outer sleeve (14).