ES2297329T3 - FOLDING CONTAINER. - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible container (10, 110) comprising a base (12, 112), an upper ring (14, 114) and a wall (16, 116) fixed peripherally to said base and upper ring and extending between said elements, said container (10, 110) can be adjusted between an expanded position with the upper ring (14, 114) separated upwards from said base (12, 112) and forming an interior of the container, and a position folded with said upper ring (14, 114) surrounding said base (12, 112) in a substantially concentric and outward relationship with respect thereto, said wall (16, 116) comprising multiple peripherally continuous sections that extend upwardly (34, 134) which, in the expanded position of said container (10, 110), form an angle alternately outwardly and inwardly with respect to the interior of the container, whose sections (34, 134), in the folded position of said container (10, 110), are folded together and concentrically received in general between the base (12, 112) and the upper ring (14, 114) circumscribing the sections (34, 134) to the base (12, 112) and being circumscribed to their once said upper ring (14, 114), characterized in that the container includes bending zones (40, 140) that join adjacent sections (34, 134), the adjacent sections (34, 134) being of limited flexibility with respect to the flex zones (40, 140), and where each flex zone is independently activatable to move between a first open natural state, where the respective adjacent sections are deployed, and a second closed natural state where the respective Adjacent sections are folded so that the container can be adjusted in a fixed, partially expanded position, between said expanded position and said folded position.

Description

Folding container

The present invention generally relates to containers of molded plastic material of the type commonly used for various purposes, including the storage of food and non-food items, being adapted preferably said containers to receive a closure or lid adequate. More specifically, the invention is related to containers of this type that, instead of being of a construction rigid as in the case of a conventional cup, they are foldable for assume a compact position when emptied, to facilitate thus convenient storage of them.

Such containers, in the form of cups, cups and similar, they are generally known in the art and assume many shapes. These include cups or folding glasses where the glass It consists of stacked annular wall elements telescopically they slide relative to each other between a fully extended position and a folded position. Since the wall elements are not fully formed and slide freely with each other, there is an important possibility of leaks and, therefore, in practice, its use cannot be other than that of a Occasional drink container. Another form of folding container more pertinent in relation to the present invention is illustrated in Patent No. 5,439,128, issued to Fishman on August 8, 1995. In the Fishman vessel, the wall elements are fully molded and consist of a series of elements both vertical as angled stacked alternately to define the vessel wall The elements, in the angular union between the themselves, they are united entirely by articulations of thin film around which the elements fold of wall. The real descending folding of Fishman's elements requires that the elements can flex in order to absorb The folding movement. This need for real bending of the own elements, in addition to the folding in the joints of movie, seems to be so important that, at least in some cases as illustrated in figure 3 of Fishman, important are required central grooves in relief in each of the elements of sloping wall, which could be the cause of a weakening inherent in said wall elements. Likewise, it will be observed which, in the Fishman vessel when plagued, the elements Alternate vertical wall open container retains its vertical orientation perpendicular to the base wall. By therefore, the Fishman vessel is clearly not susceptible to injection molding in the folded position as it would be commercially advantageous due to significant economic savings in Mold production and molding procedures.

WO 94/24002 describes a collapsible container reusable that includes a back wall and a side wall relatively flexible peripheral that extends outward from the back wall, being able to move the side wall between axially extended and folded positions. Side wall includes relatively thicker lower and upper portions and a relatively thinner intermediate portion, and the portion upper joins with an annular edge adapted to receive a cap That can be withdrawn. The intermediate side wall portion is tapered radially inward and downward, and a portion of lower lateral wall is tapered radially towards the outside and down almost to the back wall, of so that, in a folded position, the side wall portion bottom assumes a partially telescopic movement within the upper side wall portion, with the back of the portion intermediate folded between them.

US 3,220,544 describes a container that it comprises a wafer type element that has a central portion recessed and a series of accordion folds connected to the portion reduced peripherally with respect thereto, ending the  accordion folds on an outer edge. When you want to use the container, the folds can be deployed to form a cup that can be used then and later discarded

The main object of the present invention it consists of providing a collapsible container that presents or forms a substantially rigid receptacle in its open position or expanded and that, with a suitable cover or closure adjusted to pressure in it, provides a storage container Light weight handy for, for example, a food product or similar suitable. The container according to claim 1 It is very convenient and provides a portability solution particularly desirable for "between meals" meals, such as in snacks, snacks for workers and other cases where Temporary storage is convenient. Folding nature of the container, which folds to a substantially configuration completely compact and of minimum height, in particular with a closure arranged therein to confine any residue in the now empty container, allows the used container to be conveniently stored or transported in a paper bag, backpack, snack basket or similar, for later cleaning and reuse

In addition to the main object of the invention, Another object thereof is to provide a method for mold the container in its folded position as a means to achieve maximum economy in devices and procedures molding, as well as when providing a molded product that It is compact and still fully expandable to a position relatively rigid autonomous.

An important aspect of the container of the invention is its ability to open its folded state so Gradually, each section at a given time, to vary his ability and at the same time keep himself in a position folded incrementally.

Other desired features of the invention include providing a container that can be washed in a dishwasher in its folded and stacked position in it same way as conventional dishes, whose container remains open when used and remains closed when it is saved, and whose container provides maximum usable space for packaging in a transport box as well as for home storage

In order to get the improved container and highly practical of the invention, the peripheral wall of the container, which extends between a substantially rigid base and a substantially rigid upper ring adapted to receive a snap closure, includes a series of wall sections annular or peripherally continuous, generally rigid, joined to adjacent sections in fixed joints that form annular vertices and that they are directed alternately inwards and towards the outside with respect to the inside of the container. These sections they have annular portions between them that are relatively flexible The wall sections, in the expanded position or open of the container, are themselves angled alternately inwards and outwards with respect inside the container and with respect to the vertical, being in general wall sections, sequentially upwards from the base to the upper ring, diametrically or peripherally larger progressively than the base. The configuration thus formed for The expanded container will be that of an inverted cone trunk with the wall sections basically staggered towards the exterior ascending from the base. This in turn allows a direct downward folding of wall sections to a concentric circumferential relationship with respect to the base, surrounding the upper ring to the folded wall sections.

The actual folding of the wall sections about with respect to the others it is presented within a flexible portion in a vertex area between the sections where each of the wall sections joins the wall section or sections immediately adjacent to them and is less than the thickness of the sections on each side of them. Thicker sections are stiffer than portions flexible and substantially more flexible. The thinner portions, in the expanded position of the container, they form arched continuations of the wall sections more thick, forming an angle greater than 90º and, until they move physically through the center during the folding of the container, they provide a substantial degree of stiffness in the sections of wall relative to the total height of the vessel wall. Behind the application of a positive physical force that folds the top ring and base, flexible portions between wall sections will flex laterally in the direction of the fold in the same way as a flexible joint, providing this flex the actual folding and at the same time minimizing any tendency of wall sections to wish to flex or move laterally as the Wall sections fold around each other. Each of the flex zones formed by the thinner portions are limited, along each of its edges, by sections of adjacent thicker wall. Once the arch of the area flexion is reduced to less than 90º, moving through the center, the inherent resistance to movement of the flexure zone is offset and the folded area assumes a type configuration vault of less than 90º. During the movement from the state closed to the open state, or vice versa, each flex zone is twist and distort slightly until it saves its position stable and jump to the other position.

The molded container folded according to the invention is such that the opposite rigid wall portions define a generally triangular interstitial space formed by two walls that diverge from the vertical in a range of around 8º to 40º. However, for the reasons that will come to be apparent then a preferred range is around 10º to 16º.

The expansion of the container from its position folded will involve a downward push or pull on the base to as the upper ring moves vertically up Regarding it. As the bending portions become unfold and move towards arches greater than 90º, the wall will tend to assume rigidity and effectively lock the container in position open

Other features, objects and advantages of the invention may be appreciated as the construction and details of the invention are more fully exposed to continuation.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view from above the container of the invention in its open position or expanded.

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above the fully folded container.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view. of the expanded vessel.

Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view. of the folded container.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detailed view of the area designated by A in Figure 3.

Figure 6 is an enlarged detailed view of the area designated by B in Figure 4.

Figure 5A is a view similar to Figure 5 illustrating a modified construction.

Figure 6A is a view similar to Figure 6 illustrating the modified construction.

Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate sequentially a way to open or close the wall sections using a torsion action or sequential ratchet.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view. similar to figure 4 with the snap fastener on the folded container

Figure 11 is a sectional detail cross section of a modified pressure rail at the base provided with  a pull rod.

Figures 12-22 illustrate another modality and correspond sequentially to the figures 1-11.

Description of preferred modalities

In the drawings, the characteristics of the modality of figures 1-11 are referred to by two digit numbers. Similar characteristics in the modality of figures 12-22 are referred to by the same numbers but with the number 1 as a prefix.

With reference now more specifically to the drawings, the collapsible container 10 comprises a base 12, a ring upper 14 and a folding wall 16 extending between them elements. The base 12 is a substantially rigid element that it includes a bottom 18 with a peripheral erect base wall 20. The base, which can be flat, preferably includes an area or gib of central pressure that extends slightly upward 24 of any suitable configuration, such as a vault, for facilitate the expansion of the container as follows will describe. The base will also preferably have a series of buttons that define small feet 26 or a continuous foot nerve, not illustrated, depending on the bottom 18 of the base.

The upper ring 14 includes a continuous wall or override 28 with a horizontally directed peripheral flange outward 30 at approximately the average height of the wall 28 of the ring, the upper ring 14, similar to base 12, is substantially rigid and is of a larger diameter or other area in non-circular cross section compared to base 12, for circumscribe the base in the folded position of the container, such as in figure 4, sufficiently outwardly thereof, to housing the folded wall of the container between both elements. The tab 30 of the upper ring provides lateral stiffness additional in the upper ring and a convenient means for handle the cup, especially when it is full. On the other hand, the tab 30 of the ring, when the folded box is to be opened, allows the user to easily couple their fingers around this tab 30, and below it, while pressing descending with the thumbs over the domed pressure area 24 of the basis for expanding each other in a mandatory and vertical way the base and upper ring. As an alternative to the application of pressure on area 24, particularly in the case of a cup large, the pressure can be applied sequentially around the bottom 18 of the base in a position immediately adjacent to the wall 20 of the base peripherally around it. Is according you want, and as you will see better in figures 1 and 2, tab 30 of the ring can be extended or enlarged slightly towards the exterior in diametrically opposite portions to define handles clamping 32.

The molding of the base and the upper ring as separate entities from the wall is a preferred method of molding that allows the provision of substantially greater stiffness in these components in relation to the wall sections, in where the real extension and folding action is presented, by the use of polymers of different degrees of stiffness and / or flexibility.

The side wall 16 of the container is consisting of a series of annular wall elements or sections or peripherally continuous 34, where the lower section circumscribes and is intimately linked, just as autogenously during a multi-component molding process, to wall 20 from base 12 and seated on a support shoulder 21 slightly above the bottom of the base.

In the embodiment of Figure 5A, the most section bottom or bottom, which is slightly less than the height remaining sections above it, is attached entirely to a thin base portion 22 that projects towards above and that, as the vessel wall folds, define a flex zone between this wall section more bottom and base.

The wall sections 34, upwards from the coupling of the lower section with the base, are alternately inclined outwards and inwards with respect to the inside of the container and with respect to the vertical, with each section attached to the section immediately located above in vertices or portions of alternate vertices and that direct outward and inward to form, respectively, angular joints as in general are represented by 36 and 38.

Looking at figure 5, the highest section or upper section 34 is joined by a bending portion to a collar directed up 37 and received and fixed intimately within the lower portion of the wall 28 of the ring, by example as suggested with respect to the most section lower. In the embodiment of Figures 5A and 6A, the most section upper 34 is integrated or otherwise connected peripherally of intimate shape with the lower edge portion of the upper ring 14.

Each of the inclined wall sections of alternatively, observing the open container, it is of a thickness predetermined and of limited flexibility with respect to flexion zones or portions 40 joining adjacent sections 34. The flex portions 40 are relatively thicker than sections 34 and of a thickness substantially equal to that of the extension portion 22 of the base in Figure 5A. The zones or bending portions 40 generally define the angled joint, 36 or 38, between each section and the section immediately adjacent to the same. As will be seen, the height of these portions 40 of less thickness is substantially less than the height of sections 34. These flex zones or portions 40, in the expanded position or open the container, looking again at figure 5, form, with respect to wall sections 34 inclined towards the exterior, continuations of the inner face of the corresponding portion 34 located below and, with respect to the sections of wall inclined inwards, are continuations of the face outside of the corresponding wall section. Thus formed, the thicker wall sections on each side of these areas or bending portions 40, and the angle thereof, define of inherent way the direction of the folding action, observe in particular the folding sequence suggested in figure 8. Also it will be appreciated that, before folding, the flex zones 40 and the positioning of these zones 40 between adjacent sections, provides a degree of central over-stability for avoid inadvertent folding of the wall 16. This stability can only be counteracted by application of sufficient positive vertical pressure, forcing the upper ring and the base vertically towards each other to make a central over-movement of flex zones 40 and a folding action by "snap adjustment" of the areas to the folded position. Once the folding action has begun, each bending zone involved 40 is slightly distorted until it moves to what could be considered as a over-position in the center, at which time it jumps to the folded position. In this way, any minimum is reduced tendency of the container to self-close or fold accidentally, particularly with items within the container.

As will be seen in the drawings, the sections adjacent 34, in the folded position of the container, form V-shaped or triangular openings, oriented so opposite. The center line of each V-shaped opening is at general perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the folded container. This structure is important when allowing the mold to be separated. injection to eject the molded part.

The angle of divergence between the sections adjacent folds 34 has a total possible range of 8º to 40º, preferably from 10º to 16º. An angle of 10º is considered optimal when it comes to achieving a desired balance between rigidity of the container in the open position and the necessary force to fold or expand the container. This angle is considered. also, in practice, as the smallest angle that will allow the consistent expulsion of the molded part of the mold. How can you appreciate, as the angle increases, stiffness decreases of the open container.

With particular attention to the figures 7-9, it can be seen that, if desired, both the opening as the folding of the container can be facilitated by the application of pressure essentially around the vessel or turning the container as pressure is applied to provide a staggering or ratchet effect on wall sections 34 instead of placing by snap adjustment each one of the flex zones in their entirety at the same time.

Figure 9 is of particular interest since show the partially folded or unfolded container for be used when less capacity is desired or required. In said position, the container is fully functional to receive and store food and the like, and closure 42, as in the open container of figure 3, is also fully functional since the upper ring is dimensionally stable in each vessel position

Observing in particular Figure 3, you can be seen that the general staggering outwards of the sections ascending from the base to the upper ring form, in the open container, a generally trunk configuration of inverted cone

Looking again at the figures 7-9, as the container is folded vertically, flex zones 40 fold between sections adjacent to assume a generally vaulted configuration. From this way, the adjacent wall sections fold to put the thickest main height of the sections in a relationship concentric generally parallel to each other, the angle between adjacent sections preferably from around 10º to 16º, the sections being aligned laterally and surrounding said base between the wall 20 of the base and the wall 28 of the ring higher. This can be better appreciated in the detail section cross section of figure 6.

Looking at figures 3, 9 and 10, you can see that the closure 42 is capable of snapping on the ring top 14 in an appropriate manner and in any position assumed by the recipient. To facilitate this coupling, the portion upper wall 28 of the upper ring, above the circumferential tab 30, can be tilted slightly towards the exterior for reception inside a peripheral groove directed downwards existing in the closure. It will be appreciated that as long as the folded wall sections, in any position of the container, are located concentrically into the substantially rigid upper ring 14, the closure 42 functions as a suitable closure for the container open, for partially expanded container and for folded container where a compact position of storage.

As indicated above, when the container must be opened before use, only needed engage the fingers around the peripheral flange 30 of the ring upper and, with one or both thumbs, exert pressure descending on the pushbar 24 of the projected bottom up from the center of the bottom 18 of the base. Alternatively, the pressure can be exerted on the bottom itself. sequentially around its periphery. Also, instead of rely on direct pressure on hump 24 or bottom 18, and observing figure 11, a rod can be provided transverse 44 diagonally from side to side of the concave recess or depression formed by the hump on the bottom face of the bottom 18. This  cross rod 44 can be physically held by fingers of the user to perform a pull down action directly on the base of the container, moving the base down with respect to the upper ring and expanding the sections of wall.

With reference again to Figure 6, you can it is seen that the lower fold wall section 34 will act as a limit to the downward folding of the remaining sections of wall and upper ring with respect to the base wall, retaining the sections and the upper ring slightly by above a support plane defined by the bottom of the base and existing support feet in it, so that the support of the container, both expanded and folded is in the base and at the foot of the base instead of over the flexion zones much thinner.

With reference now more specifically to the modality illustrated in figures 12-22, the Basic components of this modality are a substantial replica of those of the modality described above and, therefore, have been designated by the same reference numbers but with the Number 1 as prefix. Thus, the container 110 is consisting of a base 112, an upper ring 114 and a wall of folding 116 of alternating rigid wall sections 134 and zones or bending portions 140.

The container 110, as in the case of the first modality, expands and folds as described above and, in the folded position, it is configured to allow a molding Practical and preferred container in this position. In accordance with this, the wall sections 134, in the folded position, define oppositely oriented V-shaped openings where the angle between sections, although it can be found in an interval possible from 8 to 40º, it will be preferably in the range from 10º to 16º with an optimal angle of 10º. Each opening in the form of V presents its center line, extending from the vertex defined by convergent sections 134, perpendicular to the plane horizontal of the folded container. In the expanded position or open from the container, the wall sections 134 form an angle each other, greater than 90º, and also with respect to the vertical such as defined by a perpendicular to the base.

In order to accentuate the folding action and deployed from wall sections 134, each wall section 134, along its edges, is beveled as in 135, to provide a gradual transition area between the section of wall 134 and adjacent flexure portion 140. This differs from the quite abrupt transition area of the first modality, Note in particular Figures 5 and 6.

As in the case of the first modality, the flexion zones or portions 140, in the open position of the container, form, with respect to the wall sections inclined outward 134 of Figure 16, continuations of the inner face of the corresponding section 134 below the same. Similarly, flexion zones or portions 140, with with respect to the interior inclined wall sections 134, they are continuations of the outer face of the corresponding wall section 134. This relationship, as described previously, it will inherently tend to define the direction of the folding action, observe in particular the sequence of folding suggested in figure 19, as well as figure 8 above described.

With particular reference to figures 16 and 17, it can be seen that the wall section 134 of the bottom is of a height greater than the wall sections located above, and extends all the height of the erect peripheral wall 120 of the base. The lower extremity of this lower wall section 134 rotates below the bottom 118 of the base 112 and engages within a receiver recess 119, thus defining in effect a portion of the container support plane. As you can see, the area enhanced overlap between the lower portion of the wall of the container and base accentuates the union between them.

The coupling of the vessel wall with the upper ring is made by means of a directed collar laterally 137 and attached to the uppermost wall section 134 by the uppermost flexion portion 140. The collar 137 includes a locking heel directed up 139 at the outer edge of the same, receiving both collar 137 and heel 139 within the corresponding lock recess present in the base of the annular wall 128 of the ring. The upper ring 114, as in the case of ring 14 described above, includes a tab integral annular projecting outward 130, which provides both lateral stiffness in the upper ring and a convenient means to handle and handle the cup. As a means to facilitate the attachment of the tab, it is proposed to provide a peripherally dependent integral support heel 131 around the outer edge portion of the flange 130.

A zone of final variation between modalities can be seen in figure 12 and in the various cross-sectional views of container 110. As will be appreciated from the comparison of these figures with the figures of the First mode, base 112 includes an area or pressure bracket enlarged, central, extending upward 124. This emphasizes the area over which opening pressure can be applied, in particular, facilitating the handling of the container and, at the same time, resulting in a tendency to further strengthen the fund on the other hand flat 118. As seen in figure 22, the giba Thrust 124 of the bottom can also be provided with a rod diagonal cross 144 for the purposes indicated above with with respect to the transverse rod 44.

Likewise, as described with respect to the first mode, a suitable closure 142 can be provided, capable of snapping on the upper ring 114. Said closure, with a view to the way of folding and expanding the container With the concentric wall sections folded, you will understand a suitable closure for the container is already fully open, fully folded or partially expanded.

With particular reference to Figure 21, it can be seen that the wall sections folded down 134 and, more particularly, the bending portions directed downwards 140, are retained slightly above the support plane defined by the bottom of the base and / or feet of the support, providing a more stable support and avoiding the coupling of the areas of substantially thinner flexion with a surface of support.

The container as described is designed in a configuration that uses a "network" of areas of flexion. It is not an accordion form that stretches and closes similar to a spring. Instead, the container of Flat storage works to open and close based on principle of "opposite angles".

In known containers that expand, the containers are generally molded in configurations Open or expanded. Thus, open nature is the natural state of said containers, that is, those containers  "prefer" to remain open more than any other position. Therefore, when trying to fold said containers, they tend to open again elastically, that is return to its natural state. This does not happen with the container of the invention wherein it is preferably molded into a flattened or folded position. This is about your natural state initial which means that the recipient will initially prefer stay in this closed configuration. There are multiple folds within the network of flex zones. In the illustrated mode, it they provide three series of independent activation zones (it they can add more to increase capacity, if desired). As shown in Figure 9, each of the flex zones independently activatable presents a second state "natural" or resting when they open, where the fold you prefer to remain open regardless of the folds remaining. In the present structure, both the folding action of the container as the expansion action of the container require that the folds are manipulated individually. Is required a positive action both to fold and to unfold the container. This can be considered as the principle of "opposite angles". The angle of the crease in position closed keeps the crease closed, the angle of the crease in the Open position keeps the crease open. To move from the state closed to open or vice versa, the flex zone is twisted or slightly distorted until it counteracts the opposite angle, to then jump to the other configuration position. This action is obtained because the diameters of the flex zones cannot be changed. There is no other position intermediate for the fold. Either it is open or closed, or It is well twisted (one side open and the other closed). It is not possible in this configuration that an individual section be, by example, semi-open while maintaining its usable capacity. As previously indicated, a mode simple to manipulate the flex zones consists of providing a "ratchet" action in the container, one of the sides in a given moment to a partially or totally position open

The unique structure of the invention allows the container remains flat when it is in position closed or folded and remain in an expanded state when found in any open or partially open position. As a consequence of the two "natural" states of the zones of flexion, the container prefers to remain closed when it is folded to a flat state and prefers to remain open when it is expanded. With the independent activation of the zones of bending in the net, the container is capable of opening to capacities fixed partials, since the container prefers to remain open in said partial configurations. This is of particular value. when it comes to maximizing and optimizing storage space such like in a refrigerator, as well as the space of a dishwasher when washing is done.

The collapsible container of the present invention has been described in the preferred embodiments as comprising a molded plastic material, i.e. synthetic polymers, which presents "separate entities" that comprise a base, a top ring and a folding wall. The "entities separated "in a preferred molding method can be achieved, for example, using a molding apparatus that allows molding in multiple stages of the base, top ring and folding wall, and where a selection of polymers of various types can be used degrees of substantial stiffness and / or stiffness in general. This too allows varying the transmission capacity of color or light of the base, top ring and folding wall.

It will be appreciated that as described in in relation to the embodiment of figures 5A and 6A, the container of The present invention can be molded as a structure unitary essentially in a single molding stage. Besides, the preferred difference described in relative stiffness or stiffness general, but more flexible, of the base and ring vis-a-vis the folding wall, it You can get in a single molding stage by selecting the appropriate thicknesses of the various portions. There is also the possibility of providing a molding apparatus where a mold is configured to provide selected areas of the interior of the mold with polymers of varying degrees of stiffness or flexibility for the base, top ring and wall.

It will be appreciated that a suitable mold for the injection molding of the wall portion in a folded state will require a plurality of annular mold elements concentric, interdigitated, usually triangular or V, involving mold halves, corresponding to the number of wall sections folded together.

The above is considered as illustrative of the principles of the invention. Since for subject matter experts modifications and changes will be evident, no attempt is made to limit the invention to the exact construction and form of use as they have been shown and described. Rather, all the modifications and suitable equivalents can be considered as included within the scope of the invention as it is claimed.

Claims (11)

1. A collapsible container (10, 110) comprising a base (12, 112), an upper ring (14, 114) and a wall (16, 116) fixed peripherally to said base and upper ring and extending between said elements, said container (10, 110) being able to be adjusted between an expanded position with the upper ring (14, 114) separated upwards from said base (12, 112) and forming an interior of the container, and a position folded with said upper ring (14, 114) surrounding said base (12, 112) in a substantially concentric and outward relationship with respect thereto, said wall (16, 116) comprising multiple peripherally continuous sections that extend upwardly ( 34, 134) which, in the expanded position of said container (10, 110), form an angle alternately outwardly and inwardly with respect to the interior of the container, whose sections (34, 134), in the folded position of said container (1 0, 110), are folded together and concentrically received in general between the base (12, 112) and the upper ring (14, 114) circumscribing the sections (34, 134) to the base (12, 112) and being circumscribed in turn by said upper ring (14, 114), characterized in that the container includes bending zones (40, 140) that join adjacent sections (34, 134), the adjacent sections (34, 134) being of limited flexibility with with respect to the flexure zones (40, 140), and where each flexure zone is independently activatable to move between a first open natural state, where the respective adjacent sections are deployed, and a second closed natural state where the respective adjacent sections are folded so that the container can be adjusted in a fixed, partially expanded position, between said expanded position and said folded position. 2. A container according to claim 1, in where each of said sections (34, 134), in the folded position of said container (10, 110), is at an angle of divergence of 8º to 40º with respect to the adjacent sections (34, 134). 3. A container according to claim 2, in where said sections (34, 134) are at an angle of 10º to 16º with respect to adjacent sections (34, 134) in said folded position. 4. A container according to claim 3, in where said sections (34, 134) are at an angle of 10 ° with respect to adjacent sections (34, 134) in said position folded 5. A container according to claim 4, in where, in said folded position, the adjacent sections (34, 134) they form openings in opposite-oriented V configuration, each of said openings having a central line perpendicular to said base (12, 112). 6. A container according to claim 1, in where said base (12, 112) has a bottom surface (18, 118) defining a support plane, said sections being located folded (34, 134) in the folded position of the container (10, 110) above said defined support plane. 7. A container according to claim 1, in wherein said upper ring (14, 114) includes a flange circumferential that extends outwards (30, 130) that defines a means to hold the upper ring as it apply pressure to the base (12, 112). 8. A container according to claim 7, in wherein said upper ring (14, 114) includes a peripheral wall upright (28, 128), said tab being located towards the exterior (30, 130) peripherally around said wall (12, 128) of the ring, a generally rigid collar (137) attached to said uppermost wall sections (134) by one of said flexure zones (40, 140), said collar including a locking heel directed upwards (139), including said upper ring a downward directed recess formed therein and receiving said collar (137) and locking heel (139) for achieving a fixed connection of said wall (16, 116) of the container with said upper ring (14, 114). 9. A container according to claim 8, in wherein said flange (130) of the upper ring includes a periphery exterior with a downward-facing heel (131) integral with it and also depending on it. 10. A container according to claim 1, in wherein said upper ring (14, 114) includes a ring wall that extends upward and a separate closure (42, 142) that is it can be placed on said upper ring (14, 114) and that can be fix releasably on said ring wall both in the expanded position as in the folded position of said container (10, 110). 11. A container according to claim 1, molded in said folded position.