CN1095031A - Reusable and foldable container and cap - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to reusable and repeatedly collapsible containers, and more particularly to a container (10) having a circular sidewall (12). The side wall is arranged to comprise sections of different wall thickness and diameter, and the container is folded from an extended condition to a collapsed condition by telescopic communication between the sections of the circular side wall. Sleeves (130, 170, 192, and 200) are also disclosed. For the optional use of the container. A removable cap (210) is also disclosed.

Description

Reusable and folding container and cap

The present invention relates to reusable and folding container, the monomer container that particularly has circular side wall, its sidewall has the zone that comprises different wall and diameter, makes container can be converted into rugosity from stretch-like by means of the telescopic relation between the circular side wall each several part.

The collapsible container of water glass and so on is well-known.For example, applicant's the U.S. is patent US4 formerly, discloses a kind of thin plastic sheet container of rolling in 930,644, and wherein the main portion of container side wall has the wall thickness of attenuate, so that sidewall can arbitrarily fold.At US Patent U.S4, in 865,211, with a whole sidewall thickness uniformly bottle make this container can be folded by the telescopic movement that a part of sidewall enters into the other parts sidewall.

U.S. Pat 4,875,576 disclose a kind of container, wherein have the structure of bellow-shaped at the centre portion of sidewall, and short this container is easy to folding and stretches.This patent also discloses use helix crease, i.e. spirality or change an angle between the first of container side wall and the second portion is so that the folding effect of sidewall crease part.

U.S. Pat 4,873,100 disclose a kind of dual stable stretched out plastic bottle, and it has a bellow-shaped sidewall, in order to move between rugosity and stretch-like.

U.S. Pat 2,880,902 disclose a kind of folding water glass (or bellows), and wherein sidewall is formed with thin portion by thick that replaces.

The present invention combines the some characteristics that also do not have in the prior art, a kind of simple, easy-to-use and inexpensive container is proposed, the user can describe according to this paper and use and this container of repeated usage, and this container can be deposited under folded state, and its storage volume can reach to greatest extent.Simultaneously, by reducing the sidewall thickness at container middle part, make the plastics inventory of manufacturing the required usefulness of this container obtain reducing.

Or rather, in the various representative instances disclosed herein, every blow-molded container all is made into the substantially the same upper, middle and lower sidewall of axial length, and the wall ratio middle part of its upper and lower is big.For example, centre portion preferably has the wall thickness of about 2-12 mil, and the middle part can be preferably in interior top of about 34-45 mil scope and bottom and do reverse folding, with the activity toward each other of aforesaid stretch mode with respect to about 35 mils are respectively arranged.

Another characteristics of the present invention are that the circular side wall of every kind of container all has is convenient to vessel axis to folding surface topography.In a kind of example, the radially outer part of widening of the lower edge setting of upper portion side wall, as middle part and lower shaft to folding and pack into the guiding face on top.In same embodiment, the face of joint between middle part and the bottom can be bent, and can further facilitate folding effect.

The above-mentioned vessel axis of being convenient to is that to another characteristics of the first folding example middle thin sidewalls partly has the measure of a plurality of oblique slots.When giving slight twisting action, this measure makes centre portion directly folding along with pushing the upper and lower toward each other to one in upper portion side wall and the lower sides or another (perhaps both), and reverse folding self.

Another characteristics of the present invention are at the place, two ends of container grabbing device to be set, to help the user folding in the duration of validity that container uses, launch and Foldable container again, for example, object out hole on vessel top wall has general screw cap structure, below threaded portion, have radially to outer lug, constitute one easy first and grasp the position.In the lower end of container, the bottom of sidewall and bonded assembly position, chassis provide an annular groove, provide second convenience and easy-to-use gripping portion.In a kind of distortion to said structure, lower sides respectively has a radially outer pedestal or flange, and it radially stretches out outside whole lower sides, thereby when being in folded state, and this flange also is used for supporting upper portion side wall.The individual projection or draw ring and chassis of pulling of the grabbing device one of another kind of remodeling forms one, and this projection or draw ring can be turned up and lock into with loosening horizontal, do not become obstacle, so do not influence the stability of container.

In variant embodiment of the present invention, partly provide a plurality of sizes bigger or littler annular strengthening rib to circular side wall up and down, the part that oppose side wall is thicker relatively provides hoop strength, helps the expanding-contracting action of the rugosity of container.

Notice, for realizing above-mentioned flexible/folding effect, the cross-sectional sizes of upper, middle and lower should or be dwindled (or increase) in the opposite direction gradually continuously towards a direction, thereby can obtain single-piece convergent effect.In each part, sidewall also can have the convergent of trace in the same direction.

Other example disclosed in this invention is particularly suitable for the container as 2.5 gallons waters (or other liquid), in the bottom of its circular side wall valve mechanism is set.In these examples, set up inner vacuum by the capacity allocation of container, so just can make container side wall partly automatically folding by means of above-mentioned telescopic action.

Another aspect of the present invention is, provides the outside clamper that selectively uses to various containers, and these clampers also have isolated cold or hot effect, can be used to support vessels, helps to topple over from container article.

Of the present inventionly on the one hand be again, a kind of cap be provided, it be for the application of various containers disclosed herein specially designed.Specifically, this each cap comprises a upper end wall and the threaded sagging overskirt part in surface, is suitable for partly going up formed auxiliary screw thread fit with the thing of uprightly pouring out of container.Improvement about cap structure is that it provides the structure of a plurality of little protrusions, these little protrusions towards sagging overskirt partial interior each other in the position that certain intervals is radially arranged, sagging from the upper end wall of cap.Though the little protrusion of various numbers, even single unremitting little protrusion all can adopt, and in described specific embodiment, provides four so little protrusions.These little protrusions radially are provided with in sagging overskirt at a certain distance, so that these little protrusions link to each other in threaded area with the straight notch portion of container.In other words, the sagging overskirt of cap partly extends to the both sides of the straight notch portion of container basically parallel to each other with the sagging tab of in-to-in.The another kind of mode of these little protrusions is that the relatively thin flexible cell to straight oral region provides thickening, and provides failure-free to be connected between cap and container.See, common cap structure is unfavorable to thin-walled pressure vessel described here, under the sort of situation, their may be because the bending of container/neck and by mistake being cut off, and is for example dropped by accident or is squeezed or relative separation when clashing into other method when container.

Therefore, with regard to its main aspect, the present invention relates to a kind of collapsiblely, the extensible and container that can fold again provides at the one end to have the straight oral area that installation can be taken off the device of cap; Provide the chassis at its relative end; Between straight oral area and chassis, provide circular side wall.Circular side wall comprises having the bottom of first thickness, has the middle part and the top with the 3rd thickness of second thickness; Wherein second wall ratio first and the 3rd wall thickness will approach, so that circular side wall can be movable between folding and stretch-like.Foldable container also comprises with helping the ring device that container axially is folded into rugosity, and this ring device is being one of in the middle of top and the bottom sidewall and the face of joint place of center side wall between partly at least.This container also is included in the radial oriented gripper equipment of lower sides near the place, chassis, and this device helps container from the axial expansion of rugosity to stretch-like.

On the other hand, the present invention relates to a kind of collapsible, extensible, and plastic container that can fold again, it comprises chassis, upper end wall and the circular side wall of launching between chassis and upper end wall.Sidewall has three at least in axially extensible, isometric substantially part, promptly comprises the upper, middle and lower.Wherein, the wall thickness of the wall ratio upper and lower of centre portion is little, and the cross-sectional area of each sidewall sections little by little changes, so that upper portion side wall and lower sides can become therebetween that one on rugosity ground is flexible to be gone inside another along with centre portion oppositely folds into.A straight notch portion is provided on described upper end wall, and it is installed the device that can take off its cap and is centered on.In addition, lower sides comprises that radial oriented being used for grasp the gripper equipment of container, and it helps container to be extended into expansion, not Zhe Die state.

On the one hand, the present invention relates to reusable plastic container again, it comprises chassis, upper end wall and a sidewall.Upper end wall comprises the straight notch portion of a taper shoulder and a definite object out hole.Sidewall comprises the upper, middle and lower.Wherein, the wall thickness of the wall ratio upper portion side wall of center side wall partial sum taper shoulder and lower sides is little.In addition, the cross-sectional area difference of each sidewall, so that sidewall can manually be folded into a kind of folding state that is subjected to axially, wherein upper portion side wall and lower sides be along with centre portion can fold into mutually therebetween, that is, make one flexiblely to go inside another.In addition, these plastic container also comprise gripper equipment, and it can make container be compressed and stretch along axial relative direction.Container is moved between rugosity and expansion shape.Gripper equipment comprises a footpath outward flange that is in lower sides near the place, chassis.

From following detailed, can obviously recognize objects and advantages of the present invention.

Fig. 1 is the Foldable container lateral plan according to the present invention's first representative instance;

Fig. 2 is the schematic partial sectional view that container shown in Figure 1 is in rugosity;

Fig. 3 is the lateral plan that the container of Fig. 1 is in folded state, represents that also the integral body on the container chassis pulls the projection scheme drawing;

Fig. 4 is the container schematic partial sectional view similar to Fig. 2, but has different lower wall/bottom configuration;

Fig. 5 is that the center side wall of container has partly added oblique slot according to container partial view of the present invention;

Fig. 6 is the collapsible container transparent view according to the another representative instance of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is the schematic partial sectional view of container shown in Figure 6, but expression is in folded state;

Fig. 8 is according to the present invention's collapsible container transparent view of an example again;

Fig. 9 is the schematic partial sectional view of container shown in Figure 8, and this container is in folded state;

Figure 10 is according to the present invention's collapsible container transparent view of an example again;

Figure 10 A is part transparent view that Figure 10 container is changed the bottom profile of expression;

Figure 11 is the schematic partial sectional view of container shown in Figure 10, and this container is in folded state;

Figure 11 A is that expression Figure 10 container is in the part cross sectional drawing of folded state, but has base profile shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is according to the present invention's collapsible container transparent view of an example again;

Figure 13 is a container shown in Figure 12 schematic partial sectional view when being in folded state;

Figure 14 is according to the present invention's collapsible container transparent view of an example again;

Figure 15 is a container shown in Figure 14 cross sectional drawing when being in folded state;

Figure 16 is the partial view of the improved type top wall structure of expression container shown in Figure 14;

Figure 17 is the cross sectional drawing that container shown in Figure 14 disposes top wall structure shown in Figure 16, but this container is in folded state;

Figure 18 is the partial view according to the collapsible container of the another example of the present invention;

Figure 19 is the view of collapsible container of the present invention and the combination of collapsible clamper;

Figure 20 is the view of the clamper combination of container of the present invention and remodeling;

Figure 21 is the view of container of the present invention and another typical clamper combination;

Figure 22 is that the holding vessels of container of the present invention is in open mode, the transparent view of the container that allows to pack into;

Figure 23 is according to the transparent view of container closure of the present invention in clam shape clamper;

Figure 24 is the cap transparent view that is applicable to container disclosed herein;

Figure 25 is that cap shown in Figure 24 is contained in the local side view on the container.

Referring to Fig. 1, the container 10 of first representative instance of the present invention comprises circular side wall 12, chassis 14 and upper end wall 16.In this example, upper end wall inwardly comprises radially and goes up the shoulder 18 of oblique tapered shape and have the radially outward straight notch portion or the neck 20 of annular lip 22, and the male thread portion 24 and the object out hole 25(that are suitable for installing conventional spiral cap (not shown) see Fig. 2).

In this example, circular side wall 12 comprises the sidewall sections that three sections axial lengths equate substantially, i.e. top 26, middle part 28 and bottom 30.The minimum wall thickness (MINI W.) of top 26 and bottom 30 is approximately 15 mils.This two-part maximum ga(u)ge is the values of stiffness that depends on that container is required.For example, sidewall sections 26 and 30 typical thickness are at least about 35 mils, are preferably in the 35-45 mil scope.As required, can be relative thicker chassis 14 and straight notch portion 20(threaded portion 24 particularly).The minimum thickness of middle part sidewall 28 can be 2 mils, and preferred thickness is approximately between the 2-12 mil.Like this, though upper side wall 26 and lower wall 30 are flexible, compare with extremely thin center side wall part 28, it be stiff for them relatively to say.This arrangement just makes container fold at an easy rate, to stretch in mode described below and is folding again.Certainly, this structure can also make and manufacture the required amount of plastic of this container and have tangible reduction.The reduction that is in its profile of container of rugosity will make mailing the user will be volume required and reduce.

For playing telescopic action, promptly container can fold, stretch with folding again, in this example, and the upper side wall part 26 from the top to the bottom, center side wall part 28 and lower sidewall portion 30 diameter separately show slightly and reduce.Should point out, adopt " diameter " standard of being expressed as of each sidewall sections to be meant those are essentially hydrostatic column, and for other cross sectional shape, adopt the expression of " cross-sectional area " of each sidewall sections just more suitable.This paper is purpose for convenience and describe hydrostatic column.But the present invention comprises other shapes of containers equally.

Described three sidewall sections 26,28 and 30 can be separated by a pair of transition interval or transition region 32,34.The transition interval on top or transition region 32 comprise the funnel-like part of a radial outward, and as described in below inciting somebody to action, when centre portion 28 oppositely folded in the tops 26, this transition region was to use as leader.

Bottom transition interval or transition region 34 comprise one radially inner, in the form of slot in the recessed edge of Zhe, it helps lower sidewall portion 30 to enter the expanding-contracting action on top 26, and center side wall part 28 is with respect to the reverse invagination or the turnup action of lower sides part 30.

In the lower end of sidewall sections 30, be provided with a circular groove 36, this groove can be as the handgrip of lower sidewall portion in the folding particularly stretching, extension of container.Opposite end place at container provides second handgrip by radial flange 22.

In the upper end of container, the circular protruding lip 40 of upper side wall part 26 and radially inner taper shoulder 18 and the shallow circular groove 42 that is essentially level converge mutually, this help upper end wall 16 described below folding with stretch between downward invagination move.About this point, taper shoulder 18 can have and the similar relatively thinner thickness of the wall thickness of centre portion 28.

See Fig. 5, for further helping to fold/expanding-contracting action, depression or the groove 44 that can a plurality of circular arrangement are provided for centre portion 28, they are with respect to the longitudinal axis angular orientation of container.Thus, rely on lower sides 30 or conversely with respect to upper portion side wall 26() slight twisting action, center side wall part 28 is along with moving toward each other in top 26 and bottom 30, and begins folding simultaneously and oppositely fold into.

Utilize flange 22 and groove 36 to catch container (and nonessential), and apply axle pressure, container 10 can be folded into state shown in Figure 2 at the upper and lower end of container.When this action, cause thin centre portion 28 along with upper and lower part 26 and 30 is flexible each other to the other side the inside, and self is rolled over for twice or the folded inverted folded state that becomes as shown in Figure 2.Should be known in that thin centre portion 28 is pressed from both sides in the middle of the thicker upper and lower sidewall sections 26 in ground and 30.

For realizing folding effect, upper end wall 16(can be comprised radially inner taper shoulder 18 and straight notch portion 20) axially be folded into appearance shown in Figure 2, make straight notch portion 20 can not reach the top of circular protruding lip 40, perhaps straight notch portion 20 is partly reached this lip top.So this just can allow a plurality of said vesses to become awl and/or complete be used for loading and transporting, deposit etc.

By sea firmly other place of the container that originating firm can be come out supplies filling, or further uses for the user.As a result, such container is along with being walked by shipping together such as contents such as enrichedmaterial, powder-mixed classes, and these contents are easy to add after container is in folded state.So when container was done following such expansion, the user can reinstall liquid (water, juice etc.).

For container being become the state of stretching out shape fully or stretching out, the user can utilize radial flange 22 and groove 36 to catch the two ends of container easily, and draws back container simply round about.When sidewall is launched into state shown in Figure 1 fully, the user can be more outside drawing upper end wall 16, reach the state that is unfolded fully as shown in Figure 1.

Need know,, also can adopt another kind of chassis profile in order to help the action of container from the folded state to the extended configuration especially.For example, do not adopt above-mentioned groove 36, and adopt as shown in the figure, lower sidewall portion 30 is ended on a radially outer flange or the base 50 simply, this not only provides one easily on the handgrip for the user, but also the upper side wall part 26 that has increased container and center side wall part 28 are in the stability of folded state.

Fig. 3 represents another kind of handgrip setting, and handle or draw ring 52 wherein are set on the chassis 14 of container.Need know that handle or draw ring 52 can become one with chassis 14, and folding and be locked into horizontality (utilizing groove 53 or other proper device),, make handle be maintained at as shown in the figure position so that in the time need not shaking hands.Because chassis 14 falls in, so handle can not influence the stability of container.

Referring to Fig. 6, its is represented and a kind of " motion bottle " 54 another representative instances that connect together again.It comprises circular side wall 56, chassis 58 and upper end wall 60, said upper end wall 60 limit one by the lid 62(that can take off it can be simple thread type or snap-on type) an and object out hole one or that discerptible straw 64 covers.

In this example, still be that the sidewall 56 with container 54 is divided into top 66, middle part 68 and bottom 70, upper side wall part 66 and lower sidewall portion 70 have than the bigger wall thickness of center side wall part 68.This specific wall thickness is to implement described similar with top first.But, in this example, top 66 and bottom 70 be respectively by 72,74 formation of annular strengthening rib of one, and this provides additional hoop strength (at container in the folding and expansion process, their shape invarianceization) for upper side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion.Do not increase wall thickness by upper side wall part 66 and the lower sidewall portion 70(that strengthens), made things convenient for folding and expanding-contracting action of container side wall part widely.Should see that the upper side wall part 66 and the transition region between lower sidewall portion 70 and the centre portion 68 that have added rib are to use as " folding " of centre portion 68 folded inverted in folding and the stretching process.As the article of reality, for required intensity is provided, circumferential rib only on intermediate thin wall part 68 and below one section short range is arranged.On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, this annulation is provided also can for whole upper side wall part 60 and lower sidewall portion 70.Here, groove 74 extends to the bottom of lower sidewall portion 70, and they provide a handgrip district for the user, thereby saves the needs to isolation channel (as 36) or flange (as 50).If desired, still can use handle or draw ring 52.

Example as previously described, the diameter of the circular side wall 56 of container 54 being made top 66, middle part 68 and bottom 70 little by little reduces to the bottom from the top, like this, under folded state, medial side wall part 68 and lower sidewall portion 70 radially are in the inside of upper side wall part 66 as shown in Figure 7.This is called " bottom fold " structure.

Again in the exemplary embodiments, adopted " top fold structure " in the present invention shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.Wherein, the diameter of each several part sidewall increases from top to bottom gradually.Specifically, container 80 comprises round sidewall 82, chassis 84 and upper end wall 86.Sidewall 82 comprises top 88, middle part 90 and bottom 92, and their wall thickness is similar to example described above, and upper side wall part 88 and lower sidewall portion 92 have circumferential rib 89 and 93 respectively.In this example, upper end wall 86 comprises a taper neck or shoulder 94(thin-walled), and the opening portion 96 of thickening is set.Opening portion 96 has screw thread 98, is used to install common handgrip type cap 100.Upper end wall 86 also has diversion straw 102 one or discrete.Like that, neck and shoulder 94 and straight notch portion 96 can both fold down sidewall locations shown in the cutaway view of Fig. 9, this moment container cap or upper portion 88 that calotte 100 does not reach circular side wall 82 above.In folded state shown in Figure 9, center side wall part 90 and lower sidewall portion 92 look up from the footpath and are in the outside of sidewall sections 88.

Should be known in to propose various annular strengthening rib structures, and they are still all within principle of the present invention and scope.For example, shown in the image pattern 10 to 13, to container side wall than the thin sidewalls part in the middle of telescopically holding like that in the thickness portion (top or bottom), the rib of annular in addition, remaining thick sidewall sections then keeps smooth.Like this, the bottom fold structure shown in Figure 10 and 11 is (being similar to Fig. 6 and 7) like that, makes upper side wall part 88 be coupled with rib, and (be similar to Fig. 8 and 9) in the top fold structure shown in Figure 12 and 13, then has only lower sidewall portion 92 to be added rib.Equally, it mainly is in order to increase particular side wall part and hoop strength that circumferential rib 89 or 93 is provided, and purpose is to help vessel axis to folding.

Keep in the smooth situation (Figure 10 and 11) that a circular groove 95 is set merely to be used as the handgrip district be easily in bottom 92.As previously mentioned, a kind of circular groove of modification as shown in Figure 10 A and 11A, the flange or the base 97 that can adopt radial outward to stretch out as gripper equipment.

It should be appreciated that, according to interface place at least one circumferential rib 89(Figure 10 and 11 is set) in upper side wall part 88 and center side wall part 90, and at least one circumferential rib 93 is set at the intersection of lower sidewall portion 92 and center side wall part 90, just need not be such as transition region 32(Fig. 1 and 2) such guiding face, and be smooth substantially.But, if need, then similar transition region can be located at the inside, zone that is reinforced.In other words, can omit transition region 32,34 and strengthening rib 89,93, for example as the measure of cost saving.But if there are these, they play folding, the folding effect again that is used for strengthening sidewall.

Referring now to Figure 14 and 15,, they represent another one representative instance of the present invention, and the form of 2.5 gallons of fluid (as water) container is taked such as contained in this special design especially easily.With reference to Figure 14, this water container 104 comprises chassis 106 particularly, circular side wall 108 and upper end wall 110, and if necessary, upper end wall 110 is with a handle 112 with its formation one.Circular side wall 108 is divided into upper side wall part 114, and center side wall part 116 and lower sidewall portion 118 still are sidewall sections 116 thick (in the disclosed hereinafter scope) thin in the middle of the wall ratio of top 114 and bottom 118.In this example, draining valve 120 is housed in the lower sidewall portion 118, be used for discharge liquid from container.For above-mentioned structure, when from container 104 discharged liquids, container the inside will be evacuated, then just automatically folding this container, as the function of discharge liquid quantity therefrom.

Said vesse 104 belongs to " top fold " type, because sidewall each several part 114,116 and 118 diameter increase gradually from top to bottom, so upper side wall part 114 and center side wall part 116 telescopically are placed in the lower sidewall portion 118.In the tun of as shown in figure 14 2.5 gallons (or surpassing) types, thick wall part is the high-end place of described scope in the above, it is not important that as illustrated in fig. 1 and 2 the sort of transition region and/or recessed district 32 and 34 are provided respectively, but if other needs are arranged, this zone can be included in wherein.

Container shown in Figure 16 and 17 expression Figure 14 and 15, container 114 ' upper end wall 110 ' aspect and variation (all adding left-falling stroke with reference to digital place) in the digital upper right corner corresponding, it comprises a thin taper shoulder 122, be limited on the flat upper end wall 124, respectively have on this upper end wall the handle 112 of an one '.See as knowing among Figure 17, with above being similar to about Fig. 1 to 4,8,9,12 and 13 described manual modes, collapsible this upper end wall structure.

From previously described example as can be known, top and bottom circular side wall 114,118(and 114 ', 118 ') can have a plurality of circumferential ribs 126,128.Their pictures are extending along the whole length of these partial sums as shown in Figure 18, perhaps be at least near and the interfacial zone of center side wall part 116 extend, to help container as noted earlier and fold.

With regard to all above-described examples, should be understood that the handle and/or the handgrip district that selectively comprise one, will make this container not only can be folded, and can also make it to stretch out and fold again repeatedly, so such container is not limited to the mono-purposes.In other words, follow the intrinsic purposes of container, can also be for any needed this container of purpose repeated use, and collapsible/extensible/characteristics that can repeat to fold help the appearance collection of such container is stored.It will also be appreciated that the present invention can be used for the container of all size, for example from 1 pint up to 5 gallons or bigger.

With reference to Figure 19 to 23, a kind of requirement is arranged here, promptly wish disclosed those containers of any container, particularly Fig. 1 to 13 recited above, be sandwiched in the container set of outside.This cover generally supplies the relevant container of supporting, and helps to pour out from container the article of splendid attire.And in some cases, these containers can also supply heat insulation usefulness, are in heat or cold state to keep the article in the container.

The disclosed a kind of folding expanded polystyrene cover 130 of Figure 19 for example, it has a plurality of annular foamed polyethylene sections or mutually with the ring of telescopic relation assembling.Specifically, cover 130 comprises chassis 132 and sidewall 134.Sidewall 134 comprises side wall sections or side wall ring 136,138 and 140 of the slip contact of three separation.Uppermost side wall ring or side wall sections 136 are limited to upper, open end 142 places of receiving vessel 144.

Usually, three annular sidewall sections or side wall ring 136,138 and 140 are cylindrical (or slightly being taper from top to bottom), but their diameter increases from bottom to top gradually, and promptly the diameter of side wall sections 136 is bigger than the diameter of side wall sections 138, and the diameter of side wall sections 138 is bigger than the diameter of side wall sections 140.

The upper end of lower sides section 140 terminates on the radially outer flange (not shown), and this flange is suitable for being placed in the additional groove (not shown), and this groove is located at the side wall sections 138 interface place near its lower edge.Simultaneously, the upper end of center side wall section 138 ends at (not shown) on the radially outer flange, and flange is suitable for being placed in the additional groove (not shown), and this groove is located at the upper portion side wall section 136 interface place near its lower edge.Lower sides section 140 radially outer flange or bearing 146 also be set bottom; The lower end of center side wall section 138 is provided a similar flange or bearing 148.As seen, the result of this structure is that container set 130 can be locked by above-mentioned radially outer flange and common each groove that cooperates thereof under its situation about all launching.Apply axial force from the cover two ends.This cover is folded simply, makes nethermost side wall sections 140 and center side wall section 138 be stretched in upper portion side wall section 136 fully basically.Under folded state, flange 146 will support center side wall section 138, and flange 148 will support upper portion side wall section 136 and prevent that said each side wall sections axially breaks away from.

Another function of cover 130 is the handgrip 150 that an one is set for the side wall sections 136 of topmost, helps to topple over the splendid attire thing or preserve the splendid attire thing from the container 144 that is supported in these cover 130 the insides.

Formed ring-shaped step or shoulder can be corresponding to the similar steps (as the transition region among Fig. 1 34) between the upper side wall partial sum center side wall of the container part between upper side wall section 136 and the medial side wall 138, and mesh with the latter.Same structure can be present in the side wall sections 138 of cover and 140 interface place, and interrelates with the centre portion and the bottom of container side wall.

In Figure 20, represent not heat-insulating cover 152, it comprises the upper end of chassis (not shown) and opening.Have on the sidewall 154 of cover a plurality of be vertically oriented be fan-shaped zone or shallow slot 156, do not giving the cover affix or doing under the situation of up knob 158, they can help grasping cover 152.Certainly, if desired, can by way of parenthesis this fan-shaped design be used on the handle.In any case, a pair of ring-shaped step or shoulder 160 and 162 all should be arranged on the cover, they have determined the sidewall sections 164,166 and 168 that diameter reduces gradually.Step 160,162 can adapt with the relevant step or the shoulder that interrelate on the container circular side wall, and further support is provided thus.Cover shown in Figure 20 can be made of plastic material or other suitable material, also desirable different shape, and the profile of its medial surface usually is complementary to the side wall profile of container, and this is desirable.The circular side wall 154 of cover as shown in become inwardly taper situation under, the chassis that just can omit cover.In addition, if cover is cylindric substantially, just should be understood that chassis (perhaps being a bracing frame at least) is to be, so that required support to be provided.

Figure 21 discloses the example of another cover that is suitable for, and the cover here is clams shape, and wherein expandable frame cover 170 opens vertically along seam 172, and the while lumps together by the vertical edge line of activity folding 174 along the opposite of an one again; Folding makes cover rotate (being similar to the structure shown in Figure 22) between folding condition.Utilize any door bolt buckle device on folding opposite cover releasably can both be snapped together.Fasten the buckle device advantageous device with a bolt or latch in the inboard of handle 176, common zone at digital 178 indications.

The cover 170 that is in closure state shown in Figure 21 provides an open-frame that is essentially Cylinder, and the major part of it and container side wall interrelates.It is to be noted especially, radially inner step or shoulder 180, it be suitable for and the intermediate thin wall part 184 of this container side wall of upper side wall partial sum of container 182 between respective step interrelate.Cover 170 also has a top taper neck 186, and it is also made an open-frame and ends at upper, open end 188.This upper, open end is suitable for the upper and lower surface of the flange (not shown, but it is similar to the flange 22 among Fig. 1) at radially outwardly projecting to be wrapped flange substantially, so that fasten promptly container of ground.

As shown, cover 170 does not interrelate with the bottom 190 of container side wall.But, if desired, it can be along extending axially thereunto.

Want to take out in cover container, the user throws off door bolt deduction structure simply the time, by rotate one side of something of two mirror images around the folding 174 of axle activity, opens cover 170, can take out container.

Figure 22 represents a kind of modification of cover 170, and the cover 192 here is not made into not the part that interrelates with container neck shown in Figure 21 example.But, its difference is that it is extended axially, and utilizes the horizontal stand 194 that extends radially inwardly from the foot of cover to come the chassis of support vessels.Similar to cover 170, cover 192 can be the plastic member of a band activity folding 196, and this cover is movable between can the folding position.In the example of Figure 22, but can utilize a plurality of inserting columns such outshot 198 with the cover fastening of folding in make position, those outshots are suitable for being snapped in the corresponding hole of the relative part that is arranged on handle (not shown).

At last, referring to Figure 23, the cover 200 of a solid substantially clams type of its expression, it also have an one or by 202 discerptible two halves of bonded assembly of folding of activity, difference is, cover 200 is made into the opening water bottle appearance of with handles 204 and chassis (not shown), and the chassis of the chassis of cover and container 206 interrelates.Certainly, should allow the vertically one folding of layout can easily pack into and take off the container of being got in touch.

Referring to Figure 24 and 25, wherein a kind of cap that is specially adapted to container described herein is 210, and this cap comprises upper end wall part 212 and has the sagging overskirt part 214 of negative thread 216.The complementary threads that screw thread 216 is designed on straight notch portion 220 outside faces with container is suitable.

Compare with common threaded screw, the improvement of above-mentioned cap structure has been to add a plurality of sagging clasps 222, and they link to each other with upper end wall, become one, and radially is positioned at the inside of sagging overskirt part 214.As seen from Figure 24, four this sagging clasp parts 214 are equidistantly to be provided with along the cap circumference, their axial length is corresponding with sagging overskirt part 214 basically, sagging overskirt part 214 and the radial spacing between the clasp 222 will make these clasps 222 be arranged to be close to the inside face of straight notch portion 220 threaded area of container, perhaps even be in contact with it.Like this, these clasps 222 provide radially reinforcement for the straight notch portion 220 of container, just because the setting of these clasps 222 will make said straight notch portion 220 keep circular.Find that such cap structure can prevent that the straight notch portion of container from forming unnecessary distortion, thereby prevent that cap by mistake splits away off from container when container drops accidentally or is subjected to clashing into suddenly.

Must know that also shown in the figure is four clasps 222, but also can adopt other clasp number.For example, cap can be made and have the clasp that two annulars separate.In another kind of type, to cap a continuous clasp is set, promptly stretch 360 ° and nonseptate clasp.It is also understood that the type that cap can adopt snap-fastener to load onto promptly has and is suitable for the friction means that matches with like on the straight notch portion of container, but also needs one or more reinforcement clasps as described above.

Above-mentioned representative instance of the present invention all has lot of advantages from practical viewpoint and space angle.For example, from practical viewpoint, the folding property of container allows actv. to utilize the space, all is useful from shipment, the receipts root of Dahurian angelica and expending of mailer.Simultaneously, be added into the circular sidewall sections in centre as thin as a wafer, can fundamentally reduce the quantity of plastics of manufacturing container effectively.Further advantage is, along with the folding characteristic of container, it can have reusable characteristic, and promptly after using first, the user is time this container of use arbitrarily.And, when not using, can fold, be beneficial to receive expeditiously the root of Dahurian angelica.Fold easily and by hand, stretch and folding again container by constituting this energy, can prolong the life-span of this container widely, seldom have container after use for the first time, just to throw away.Can also reduce the spent volume of mailing user effectively.

From the present the most practical preferred embodiment of considering, the description that the present invention has been done as seen, the present invention is not limited to disclosed example.On the contrary, the present invention can relate to various modification and be included in the principle of dependent claims and the same spline structure in the scope.

Claims (33)

1, a kind of collapsible, stretch and folding again plastic container, comprise

A chassis;

A upper end wall;

Be stretched in the circular side wall between said chassis and the upper end wall, said sidewall has the part of three isometric substantially axial stretching, extensions at least, it is the upper, middle and lower, wherein Zhong Bu wall thickness has littler than the upper and lower, and the long-pending little by little variation of said sidewall each several part cross sections, can be stretched into the other side therebetween and each other along with centre portion oppositely folds in said upper and lower, become folded state;

It is characterized in that:

A straight notch portion is provided on said upper end wall, and the periphery of this straight notch portion can be laid one can take off cap;

Wherein said lower sidewall portion comprise be used for container promptly radial finger to device, help this container to be extended into the non-folded state of expansion.

2, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, said upper end wall comprises a shoulder that terminates in the radial inward of straight notch portion and point to up, said straight notch portion is determined said straight mouthful, and forming the said device of laying removable cap, wherein said shoulder wall thickness is substantially equal to the wall thickness of said center side wall part.

3, a kind of container as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, said upper end wall can be done axial activity between folded state and non-folded state.

4, a kind of container as claimed in claim 3 is characterized in that, the transition region place between said upper side wall part and upper end wall has an annular lip.

5, a kind of container as claimed in claim 4 is characterized in that, in said upper end wall folded state, said straight notch portion does not protrude in said annular lip top.

6, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, described lower sidewall portion comprises a circular groove, and it is near said chassis.

7, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said radial finger to device be the flange that radial outward is pointed to.

8, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said chassis is provided with the handle that can amount to.

9, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said upper side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion has the wall thickness greater than 35 mils.

10, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1, it is characterized in that, comprise a removable cap, fastening is on said placing device, and wherein said cap comprises that a upper end wall, a sagging overskirt partial sum are used for strengthening the mechanism of said placing device.

11, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, said center side wall part and shoulder have the wall thickness that is about between the 2-12 mil.

12, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the wall thickness of said upper side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion is at least about 35 mils, and center side wall part wall thickness is at least about 2 mils.

13, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, each all has the cross-sectional area that reduces to said upper, middle and lower sidewall from the top to the bottom.

14, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, each all has the cross-sectional area of increase to said upper, middle and lower sidewall from the top to the bottom.

15, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the interface place between in upper side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion and the center side wall part is provided with and helps vessel axis to folding device.

16, a kind of container as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, the interface place between upper side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion and center side wall part is provided with and helps the flexible device that arrives the action of folded state.

17, a kind of reusable plastic container, comprise the chassis, upper end wall and sidewall, said upper end wall comprises the straight notch portion of a taper shoulder and a definite object out hole, said sidewall comprises top, middle part and bottom, the wall thickness of wherein said center side wall part and taper shoulder is less than the wall thickness of said upper side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion, and the cross-sectional area difference of said each sidewall sections, make said sidewall can axially manually be folded into a kind of state, promptly along with the center side wall part oppositely folds into therebetween, one of said upper and lower is flexible to another the inside, said reusable plastic container also comprise gripper equipment, be used for along the direction compression of axial opposed and the said container that stretches, container is moved between folding and extended configuration, and said gripper equipment is included in the flange that said lower sidewall portion outwards refers near the footpath at place, said chassis.

18, a kind of container as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, said gripper equipment comprises a radial flange near said object out hole.

19, a kind of container as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, said gripper equipment is included in the circular groove of said circular side wall bottom near place, said chassis.

20, a kind of container as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, the flange that said footpath outwards refers to has than any one all big cross-sectional area of said upper, middle and lower sidewall.

21, a kind of container as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, said upper side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion is harder relatively, and the wall thickness of said center side wall partial sum taper shoulder is approximately between the 2-12 mil.

22, a kind of container as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, said upper side wall has than the bigger cross-sectional area of said center side wall part, and said center side wall partly has than the bigger cross-sectional area of said lower sidewall portion.

23, a kind of container as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, said upper side wall partly has than the smaller cross-sectional area of said center side wall part, and said center side wall partly has the cross-sectional area smaller than said lower sidewall portion.

24, a kind of container as claimed in claim 17 is characterized in that, in said lower sidewall portion the material discharge side is set, and said discharge side is provided with vent valves.

25, a kind of container as claimed in claim 24 is characterized in that, said upper side wall part, center side wall partial sum lower sidewall portion be made into along with the splendid attire thing in the container when said vent valves is discharged, it can automatically fold.

26, a kind of collapsible, stretch and folding again container, comprise,

One end setting be used for laying removable cap device go out the thing part;

At a relative end is the chassis;

The circular side wall that between said discharge unit and chassis, is stretching, this sidewall comprises bottom with first kind of wall thickness, have the middle part of second kind of wall thickness and have the top of the third wall thickness, said first kind of wherein said second kind of wall ratio, the third wall thickness some so that circular side wall can be moved between rugosity and stretch-like;

With helping said vessel axis to the ring device that is converted into said folded state, this device be arranged on said upper side wall part and lower sidewall portion at least one with the interface place of said center side wall between partly;

Said lower sidewall portion near place, said chassis have radial finger to gripper equipment, it is used for making the axial stretching, extension of said container from the folded state to the extended configuration.

27, a kind of container as claimed in claim 26 is characterized in that, said second wall thickness is between the 2-12 mil.

28, a kind of container as claimed in claim 26 is characterized in that, said first kind and the third wall thickness are at least about 35 mils.

29, a kind of container as claimed in claim 27 is characterized in that, described first kind and the third wall thickness are at least about 35 mils.

30, a kind of container as claimed in claim 26, it is characterized in that, utilize the said device that is used to lay removable cap, one cap removably is additional to said object out hole part, wherein said cap comprises upper end wall, strengthens clasp around the sagging overskirt of said upper end wall and at least one, and said reinforcement clasp is radially within said sagging overskirt and object out hole and be provided with.

31, a kind of container as claimed in claim 30 is characterized in that, it comprises four equally spaced each other clasps said at least a reinforcement clasp, partly forms the concentric circles relation with said sagging overskirt.

32, a kind of container as claimed in claim 30 is characterized in that, said at least one reinforcement clasp contacts with the inside face of said object out hole part.

33, a kind of container as claimed in claim 32 is characterized in that, the said device that is used to lay removable cap, and it comprises the parts that can load onto with snap-fastener, these parts are suitable for matching with same parts on the said sagging overskirt inside face.

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