US20050127074A1 - Collapsible container - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible container with angularly related multiple folding sections, each section extending at an angle to the vertical, and flexure zones between adjacent sections for flexibly moving the sections between a first open position in the expanded container and a second position folded upon itself in the collapsed container, the flexure zones resisting movement of the sections in both the fully expanded container and the collapsed container, as well as any intermediate position wherein only selected flexure zones are in an open position.

Description

• This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/735,724, David Kusuma, filed Dec. 16, 2003.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention generally relates to molded plastic containers of the type commonly used for a variety of purposes including storage of both food items and non-food items, such containers preferably being adapted to receive an appropriate seal or lid. More specifically, the invention is concerned with containers of this type which, rather than being of a rigid construction as with a conventional bowl, are collapsible or foldable to a compact position when empty to facilitate convenient storage.
• Such containers, in the form of cups, bowls, and the like, are generally known in the art and take many forms. These include collapsible cups or glasses wherein the glass is formed of telescopically stacked annular wall elements which slide relative to each other between a fully extended position and a collapsed position. As the wall elements are not integrally formed and slide freely relative to each other, there is a substantial possibility of leakage, and use other than as a temporary drinking vessel is not practical. Another form of collapsible container more pertinent to the present invention is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,128, issued to Fishman on Aug. 8, 1995. In the Fishman container, the wall elements are integrally molded and consist of a series of both vertical and angled elements alternately stacked to define the container wall. The elements, at the angular joint therebetween, are integrally joined by thin film hinges about which the wall elements fold. The actual downward folding and collapsing of the Fishman elements requires that the elements flex in order to accommodate the folding motion. This necessity for an actual flexing of the elements themselves, in addition to the folding at the film hinges, appears to be so significant as to, at least in some instances as illustrated in FIG. 3 of Fishman, require significant central relief grooves in each of the inclined wall elements which would appear to cause an inherent weakening of these wall elements. It will also be noted that, in the Fishman container when collapsed, the alternate vertical wall elements of the open container retain their vertical orientation perpendicular to the base wall. As such the Fishman container is clearly not susceptible to injection molding in the collapsed position as would be commercially advantageous due to great economies in mold production and molding procedures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• A principal object of the present invention is to provide a collapsible container which presents or forms a substantially rigid receptacle in its open or expanded position and which, with an appropriate lid or seal snap-fit thereto, provides a practical watertight storage container for, as an example, an appropriate foodstuff or the like. The container is very convenient and provides a particularly desirable portable solution for food “on-the-go”, such as at picnics, lunches for those who take their own lunch to work, and other instances wherein temporary storage is desired. The collapsible nature of the container, collapsing to a substantially completely compacted configuration of minimal height, particularly with a seal mounted thereon to confine any residue in the now empty container, allows the used container to be conveniently stored or packed away in a “brown bag”, knapsack, picnic hamper, or the like, for subsequent cleaning and reuse.
• In furtherance of the principal object of the invention, it is also an object of the invention to provide a method of molding the container in its collapsed position as a means of achieving maximum economies in mold apparatus and procedures, and in providing a molded product which is compact yet fully expandable to a relatively rigid self-sustaining position.
• A significant aspect of the container of the invention is its capability to fold open in increments, one section at a time, to vary the capacity thereof and at the same time maintain itself in any incrementally folded position.
• Other desired features of the invention include providing a container which can be washed in a dishwasher in its folded position and stacked therein in the same manner as conventional dishes, a container which stays open when in use and stays closed in storage, and a container which maximizes usable space for packing in a shipping carton as well as storage in the home.
• In order to achieve the improved and highly practical container of the invention, the peripheral wall of the container, extending between a substantially rigid base and a substantially rigid top ring adapted to receive a snap-fit seal, includes a series of generally rigid annular or peripherally continuous wall sections joined to adjacent sections at fixed annular apex forming joints which are alternately inwardly and outwardly directed relative to the interior of the container. These sections have annular portions therebetween that are relatively flexible. The wall sections, in the expanded or open position of the container, are themselves alternatively angled inward and outward relative to the interior of the container and relative to the vertical, with the wall sections, sequentially upward from the base to the top ring, each being generally diametrically or peripherally progressively greater than the base. The configuration thus formed for the expanded container will be that of an inverted truncated cone with the wall sections basically outwardly stepped upward-from the base. This in turn allows for a direct downward collapsing of the wall sections into concentric surrounding relation to the base with the top ring surrounding the collapsed folded wall sections.
• The actual folding of the wall sections relative to each other occurs within a flexure portion between the sections where each of the wall sections joins the wall section or sections immediately adjacent thereto and is of a thickness less than that of the thickness of the sections to each side thereof. The thicker sections are both more rigid than the flexure portions and of substantially more limited flexibility. The thinner portions, in the expanded position of the container, form arcuate continuations of the thicker wall sections, forming an arc of greater than 90 degrees and, until physically moved over center during a collapsing of the container, provides a substantial degree of rigidity to the wall sections for the full height of the container wall. Upon the application of a positive physical force collapsing the top ring and base toward each other, the flexible portions between the wall sections will flex laterally in the direction of the fold in the manner of a flexible hinge with this flexure providing for both the actual folding and at the same time, minimizing any tendency for the wall sections to want to laterally flex or move as the wall sections collapse about each other. Each of the flexure zones formed by the thinner wall sections is bordered along each edge thereof by adjacent thicker wall sections. Once the arc of the flexure zone is reduced to less than 90 degrees, moving over center, the inherent resistance to the movement of the flexure zone is overcome and the collapsed zone assumes a dome-like configuration of less than 90 degrees. In moving from the closed to the open state, or vice-versa, each flexure zone is twisted and slightly distorted until it overcomes its stable position and flips to the other position.
• A collapsed molded container in accordance with the invention is such that opposed rigid wall portions define a generally triangular interstitial space formed by two walls diverging from the vertical in a range of from about 8° to about 40°. However, for reasons that shall become apparent hereinbelow, a preferred range is from about 10° to about 16°.
• Expansion of the container from its collapsed position will involve a downward push or pull on the base as the top ring is moved vertically upward therefrom. As the flexure portions unfold and move to arcs of greater than 90 degrees, the wall will tend to rigidify and in effect lock the container in the open position.
• Further features, objects and advantages of the invention will be noted as the construction and details of the invention are more fully hereinafter set forth.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the container of the invention in its open or expanded position;
• FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the container fully collapsed;
• FIG. 3 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the expanded container;
• FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the collapsed container;
• FIG. 5 is an enlarged detailed view of the area designated A inFIG. 3;
• FIG. 6 is an enlarged detailed view of the area designated B inFIG. 4;
• FIG. 5A is a view similar toFIG. 5 illustrating a modified construction;
• FIG. 6A is a view similar toFIG. 6 illustrating the modified construction;
• FIGS. 7, 8 and9 sequentially illustrate one manner of opening, or closing the wall sections utilizing a twisting or sequential ratchet action;
• FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view similar toFIG. 4 with the seal snap-fitted to the collapsed container;
• FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional detail of a modified pressure bump in the base provided with a pull bar; and
• FIGS. 12-22 illustrate a further embodiment and sequentially correspond toFIGS. 1-11.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• In the drawings, the features of the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-11 are referred to by two digit numbers. Similar features in the embodiment ofFIGS. 12-22 are referred to by the same numbers with the number1 as a prefix.
• Referring now more specifically to the drawings, thecollapsible container10 comprises abase12, atop ring14 and afolding wall16 extending therebetween. Thebase12 is a substantially rigid member including abottom18 with a peripheralupstanding base wall20. The base, which may be flat, preferably includes a central slightly upwardly extending pressure area orbump24 of any appropriate configuration, such as a dome, to assist in expanding the container as shall be described subsequently. The base will also preferably have a series of smallfoot defining knobs26 or a continuous foot rib, not shown, depending from thebase bottom18.
• Thetop ring14 includes a continuous orannular ring wall28 with a peripheral horizontally outwardly directedflange30 at approximately mid-height on thering wall28. Thetop ring14, similarly to thebase12, is substantially rigid and is of a greater diameter or other non-circular cross-sectional area than thebase12 to encircle the base in the collapsed position of the container, as inFIG. 4, sufficiently outward thereof to accommodate the folded container wall therebetween. Thetop ring flange30 provides additional lateral stiffness to the top ring, and a convenient means for handling the bowl, especially when filled. In addition, thering flange30, when the collapsed bowl is to be opened, allows a user to easily engage fingers about and under thisflange30 while pressing downward with the thumbs on the basedomed pressure area24 to forcibly vertically expand the base and top ring relative to each other. As an alternative to pressure onarea24, particularly with a large bowl, pressure can be applied sequentially about the base bottom18 immediately adjacent thebase wall20 peripherally thereabout. As desired, and as will be best noted inFIGS. 1 and 2, thering flange30 can be slightly outwardly extended or enlarged at diametrically opposed portions to definegripping handles32.
• The molding of the base and top ring as separate entities from the wall is a preferred method of molding enabling the provision of substantially greater rigidity to these components relative to the wall sections, wherein the actual extending and collapsing action occurs, by utilization of polymers of differing degrees of rigidity, and/or flexibility.
• Thecontainer side wall16 is formed of a series of annular or peripherally continuous wall elements orsections34, the lowermost section encircling and being intimately bonded, such as autogenously during a multi-component molding procedure, to thewall20 ofbase12 and seated on asupport shoulder21 slightly above the base bottom.
• In the embodiment ofFIG. 5A, the lowermost or bottom section, being of a height slightly less than the remaining sections thereabove, is integrally joined to a thin upwardly projectingbase portion22 which, as the container wall folds, will define a flexure zone between this lowermost wall section and the base.
• Thewall sections34, upward from engagement of the lowermost section with the base, are alternately inclined outwardly and inwardly relative to the interior of the container and to the vertical with each section joined to the section immediately thereabove at alternating outwardly and inwardly directed apexes forming, respectively, angle joints as generally designated at36 and38.
• NotingFIG. 5, the uppermost ortop section34 is joined by a flexure portion to an upwardly directedcollar37 received and intimately fixed within the lower portion of thering wall28, for example in the manner suggested with regard to the lowermost section. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 5A and 6A, theuppermost section34 is integral or otherwise intimately peripherally joined to the lower edge portion of thetop ring14.
• Each of the alternately inclined wall sections, noting the open container, is of a predetermined thickness and of limited flexibility relative to flexure zones orportions40 joiningadjacent sections34. Theflexure portions40 are relatively thinner than thesections34 and substantially equal in thickness to the extendingportion22 of the base inFIG. 5A. The flexure zones orportions40 generally define the angled joint,36 or38, between each section and the section immediately adjacent thereto. As noted, the height of these reducedthickness portions40 is substantially less than the height of thesections34. Theseflexure zone portions40, in the expanded or open position of the container, again notingFIG. 5, form, with regard to the outwardlyinclined wall sections34, continuations of the inner face of the correspondingportion34 therebelow, and, with regard to the inwardly inclined wall sections, are continuations of the outer face of the corresponding wall section. So formed, the thicker wall sections to each side of theseflexure zone portions40, and the angle thereof, inherently defining the direction of the folding action, note in particular the folding sequence suggested inFIG. 8. It will also be appreciated that, prior to folding, theflexure zones40 and the positioning of thesezones40 between adjacent sections, provides a degree of over center stability to prevent inadvertent collapse of thewall16. This stability can only be overcome by a applying sufficient positive vertical pressure, forcing the top ring and base vertically toward each other to effect an over center movement of theflexure zones40 and a “snap action” folding action of the zones to the collapsed position. Upon initiating the folding action, eachinvolved flexure zone40 distorts slightly until it moves to what might be considered an over center position, at which point it flips to the folded position. In this manner, any tendency for the container to self close or collapse accidentally, particularly with goods within the container, is minimized.
• As will be noted in the drawings, theadjacent sections34, in the collapsed position of the container, form oppositely facing V-shaped or triangular openings. The center line of each V-shaped opening is generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the collapsed container. This structure is significant in allowing the injection mold to separate to eject the molded piece.
• The angle of divergence between adjacent collapsedsections34 has an overall possible range of 8° to 40°, with the preferred range being 10° to 16°. An angle of 10° is considered optimum in achieving a desired balance between rigidity of the container in the open position and the force necessary to collapse or expand the container. This angle is also considered, as a practical matter, to be the smallest angle that will allow consistent ejection of the molded piece from the mold. As will be appreciated, as the decreases.
• With particular attention toFIGS. 7-9, it will be seen that, if desired, both the opening and collapsing of the container can be facilitated by applying pressure sequentially about the container or by rotating the container as pressure is applied to provide a stepping or ratching effect on thewall sections34 rather than by snap positioning each flexure zone in its entirety at one time.
• FIG. 9 is of particular interest in showing the container partially folded or unfolded for use when a reduced capacity is desired or required. In such a position, the container is fully functional to receive and store foodstuffs and the like, and theseal42, as in the open container ofFIG. 3, is also fully functional in that the top ring is dimensionally stable in every position of the container.
• Noting in particularFIG. 3, it will be seen that the general outward stepping of the sections upward from the base to the top ring forms, in the open container, a generally inverted truncated conical configuration.
• Again notingFIGS. 7-9, as the container is vertically collapsed, theflexure zones40 fold between adjacent sections to assume a generally domed configuration. Thus the adjacent wall sections are folded to bring the thicker major height of the sections into concentric generally parallel relation to each other, with the angle between adjacent sections preferably being approximately 10° to 16°, with the sections laterally aligned and surrounding said base between thebase wall20 and thetop ring wall28. This will best be seen in the cross-sectional detail ofFIG. 6.
• NotingFIGS. 3, 9 and10, it will be seen that theseal42 is capable of being snap-fitted to thetop ring14 in an appropriate manner in any position assumed by the container. To facilitate this engagement, the upper portion of thetop ring wall28, above thecircumferential flange30, may be slightly outwardly inclined for reception within a peripheral downwardly directed groove on the seal. It is to be appreciated that inasmuch as the folded wall sections are, in any position of the container, positioned concentrically inward of the substantially rigidtop ring14, theseal42 functions as an appropriate closure for the open container, the partially expanded container, and the collapsed container wherein a compacted storage position is achieved.
• As previously noted, when the container is to be opened prior to use, one need merely engage fingers about theperipheral flange30 of the top ring and, with one or both thumbs, exert a downward pressure on thebottom push bump24 projecting upwardly from the center of thebase bottom18. Alternately, pressure can be exerted on the bottom itself sequentially about the periphery thereof. Further, rather than relying on direct pressure on thebump24 or bottom18, and notingFIG. 11, a cross bar44 can be provided diagonally across the concave recess or depression formed by the bump in the lower face of the bottom18. This cross bar44 can be physically gripped by the user's fingers for a direct downward pull on the container base, moving the base downward relative to the top ring and expanding the wall sections.
• Again referring toFIG. 6, it will be noted that the lowermostfolding wall section34 will act as a limit to the downward collapsing of the remaining wall sections and top ring relative to the base wall, retaining the sections and top ring slightly above a support plane defined by the base bottom and support feet thereon whereby support of the container, both expanded and collapsed, is on the base and base feet rather than on the much thinner flexure zones.
• Referring now more specifically to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 12-22, the basic components of this embodiment substantially duplicate those of the previously described embodiment, and as such, have been designated by the same reference numbers with the number1 as a prefix. Thus, thecontainer110 is comprised of abase112, atop ring114, and afolding wall116 of alternatingrigid wall sections134 and flexure zones orportions140.
• Thecontainer110, as with the first embodiment, both expands and collapses in the previously described manner and, in the collapsed position, is so configured as to allow for a practical and preferred molding of the container in this position. Pursuant thereto, thewall sections134, in the collapsed position, define oppositely facing V-shaped openings where the angle between the sections, while having a possible range of 8° to 40°, will preferably be in the range of 10° to 16° with an optimum angle of 10°. Each V-shaped opening has the centerline thereof, extending from the apex defined by the convergingsections34, perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the collapsed container. In the expanded or open position of the container, thewall sections134 angle both relative to each other, at greater than 90°, and to the vertical as defined by a perpendicular to the base.
• In order to enhance the folding and unfolding action of thewall sections134, eachwall section134, along the edges thereof, is beveled, as at135, to provide a gradual transition area between thewall section134 and theadjacent flexure portion140. This differs from the rather abrupt transition area of the first embodiment, note in particularFIGS. 5 and 6.
• As with the first embodiment, theflexure zone portions140, in the open position of the container, form, with regard to the outwardlyinclined wall sections134 ofFIG. 16, continuations of the inner face of thecorresponding section134 therebelow. Similarly, theflexure zone portions140, with regard to the inwardlyinclined wall sections134, are continuations of the outer face of thecorresponding wall section134. This relationship, as previously described, will inherently tend to define the direction of the folding action, note in particular the folding sequence suggested inFIG. 19, as well as the previously describedFIG. 8.
• With particular reference toFIGS. 16 and 17, it will be seen that thebottom wall section134 is of a greater height than the wall sections thereabove, and extends for the full height of the peripheralupstanding base wall120. The lower extremity of thislowermost wall section134 is turned under thebottom118 of thebase112 and engaged within a receivingrecess119, thus in effect defining a portion of the support plane of the container. As will be appreciated, the enhanced area of overlap between the lower portion of the container wall and the base enhances the joinder therebetween.
• The engagement of the container wall to the top ring is effected by a laterally directedcollar137 joined to theuppermost wall section134 by theuppermost flexure portion140. Thecollar137 includes an upwardly directedlocking bead139 on the outer edge thereof with both thecollar137 andbead139 being received within a corresponding locking recess found in the base ofannular ring wall128. Thetop ring114, as with the previously describedring14, includes an integral annular outwardly projectingring flange130, providing both lateral stiffness to the top ring and a convenient means for both manipulating and handling the bowl. As a means for facilitating a gripping of the flange, it is proposed that an integral dependinggripping bead131 be provided peripherally about the outer edge portion of theflange130.
• A final area of variance between the embodiments will be seen inFIG. 12, and the various cross-sectional views of thecontainer110. As will be appreciated from a comparison of these figures with the figures of the first embodiment, thebase112 includes a substantially enlarged central upwardly extending pressure area or bump124. This enhances the area upon which opening pressure, in particular, can be applied, facilitating the manipulation of the container and at the same time having a tendency to further strengthen the otherwiseflat bottom118. As noted inFIG. 22, thebottom push bump124 can also be provided with adiagonal cross bar144 for purposes previously noted with regard to cross bar44.
• Also, as described with regard to the first embodiment, anappropriate seal142, capable of being snap-fitted to thetop ring114 can be provided. Such a seal, in light of the manner of collapsing and expanding the container with the concentric folded wall sections, will comprise an appropriate closure for the container whether fully open, fully collapsed, or partially expanded.
• With reference toFIG. 21 in particular, it will be seen that the downwardly collapsedwall sections134, and more particularly the downwardly directedflexure portions140 are retained slightly above the support plane defined by the base bottom and/or support feet, providing a more stable support and avoiding engagement of the substantially thinner flexure zones with a support surface.
• The container as described is designed in a configuration that utilizes a “network” of flexure zones. It is not an accordion shape that stretches to open and close like a spring. Instead, the flat storage container functions to open and close based on a principle of “opposing angles”.
• In known expanding containers, the containers are generally molded in the open or expanded configurations. Open is thus the natural state for those containers, that is those containers would ‘prefer’ to remain open than in any other position. Thus, when one tries to fold or collapse these containers, the containers tend to want to spring back open, that is return to their natural state. This is not the case with the container of the invention wherein the container is preferably molded in a flattened or collapsed position. This is its initial natural state meaning that the container will initially prefer to stay in this closed configuration. There are multiple folds within the network of flexure zones. In the illustrated embodiment three sets of independently activating zones are provided (more can be added to increase capacity if desired). As seen inFIG. 9, each of the independently activatable flexure zones has a second ‘natural’ or at rest state when open wherein the fold will prefer to remain open independently of the remaining folds. In the present structure, both the action of collapsing the container and the action of expanding the container require the folds to be individually manipulated. Positive action is required to both fold and unfold the container. This can be referred to as the principle of “opposing angles”. The angle of the fold in the closed position keeps the fold closed; the angle of the fold in the open position keeps the fold open. To move from the closed to the open state or vice-versa, the flexure zone is twisted and distorted slightly until it overcomes the opposing angle and then flips to the other position configuration. This action results because the diameters of the flexure zones cannot change. There is no other intermediate position for the fold. It is either open or closed, or it is being twisted(one side open and the other side closed). It is not possible in this construction for an individual section to be, as an example, half open while maintaining usable capacity. As previously noted, one easy way to manipulate the flexure zones is to ‘ratchet’ the container, one side at a time to a partial or fully open position.
• The unique structure of the invention allows the container to remain flat when in the closed or collapsed position and remain expanded when in any open or partially open position. Because of the two ‘natural’ states for the flexure zones, the container prefers to remain closed when collapsed flat and prefers to remain open when expanded. With the independent activation of the flexure zones in the network, the container is capable of opening to fixed partial capacities, because the container prefers to remain open in these partial configurations. This is of particular value in maximizing and optimizing storage space as in a refrigerator, and dishwasher space when washing.
• The collapsible container of the present invention has been described in the preferred embodiments as comprising one of molded plastic, i.e. synthetic polymers, having ‘separate entities’ comprising a base, top ring and folding wall. The ‘separate entities’ in a preferred molding method may, for example, be realized by utilization of molding apparatus that enables multiple stage molding of the base; top ring and folding wall, and wherein selection of polymers of varying degrees of substantial rigidity and/or general rigidity may be utilized. This also enables the varying of the color or light transmissivity of the base, top ring and folding wall.
• It will be appreciated that as described in connection with the embodiment ofFIGS. 5A and 6A, the container of the present invention may be molded as a unitary structure in essentially a single molding step. In addition, the described preferred difference in relative rigidity, or general, but more flexible, rigidity of the base and ring vis-a-vis the folding wall, may be achieved in a single molding step by selection of appropriate thicknesses of the several portions. The possibility also exists to provide molding apparatus wherein a mold is configured to provide selected areas of the mold interior with polymers of varying degrees of rigidity or flexibility for the base, top ring and wall.
• It will be appreciated that a mold suitable for injection molding of the wall portion in a collapsed condition will require a plurality of concentric annular interdigitated generally triangular, or V-shaped mold elements, carried by mold halves, corresponding to the number of wall sections folded on each other.
• The foregoing is considered illustrative of the principles of the invention. As modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and manner of use as shown and described. Rather, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims (20)

1. A collapsible container comprising a base, a top ring and a wall peripherally fixed to said base and top ring and extending therebetween, said container being adjustable between an expanded position with the top ring spaced upward from said base and forming a container interior, and a collapsed position with said top ring surrounding said base in outwardly spaced substantially concentric relation thereto, said wall comprising multiple upwardly extending peripherally continuous sections which, in the expanded position of said container, angle alternately outward and inward relative to the container interior, said sections, in the collapsed position of said container, being folded on each other and concentrically received generally between the base and the top ring with the sections encircling the base and in turn being encircled by said top ring.

2. The container ofclaim 1 wherein each said section, in the collapsed position of said container, is at an angle of divergence from 8° to 40° to adjacent sections.

3. The container ofclaim 2 wherein said sections are at an angle of 10° to 16° to adjacent sections in said collapsed position.

4. The container ofclaim 3 wherein said sections are at an angle of 10° to adjacent sections in said collapsed position.

5. The container ofclaim 4 wherein, in said collapsed position, adjacent sections form oppositely facing V-shaped openings, each said opening having a center line perpendicular to said base.

6. The container ofclaim 5 wherein said sections include a lowermost section joined to said base, a topmost section joined to said top ring, and intermediate sections between said lowermost and topmost sections, said sections from said lowermost section to said topmost section each sequentially defining a peripherally encompassed area generally progressively greater than said base.

7. The container ofclaim 6 wherein said sections extend from adjacent sections at obtuse angles in said

8. The container ofclaim 7 including flexure zones joining adjacent sections.

9. The container ofclaim 8 wherein the obtuse angles formed by the joined sections in the expanded position of the container are, upward from the base, oppositely laterally angled inward and outward relative to the container interior and define a series of inwardly directed angles and a series of outwardly directed angles, the angles of each series, sequentially upward from the base are outwardly offset from the next lower angle in that series whereby an upwardly and outwardly extending wall is defined.

10. The container ofclaim 9 wherein said lowermost section surrounds and is fixed to said base.

11. The container ofclaim 8 wherein said base has a bottom surface defining a support plane, said folded sections in the collapsed position of the container being positioned above said defined support plane.

12. The container ofclaim 11 wherein said lowermost section extends to and partially along said base bottom surface within said support plane.

13. The container ofclaim 11 wherein said base includes a bottom with a central upwardly projecting push bump defining an area adapted to accommodate downward pressure thereon for downward movement of the base relative to the top ring and a corresponding expansion of the container wall.

14. The container ofclaim 13 wherein said top ring includes a circumferential outwardly extending flange defining means for grasping the top ring as pressure is applied to the push bump.

15. The container ofclaim 14 wherein said top ring includes a peripheral upstanding wall, said outwardly extending flange being peripherally about said ring wall, a generally rigid collar joined to said uppermost wall section by one of said flexure zones, said collar including an upwardly directing locking bead, said top ring including a downwardly directed recess formed therein and receiving said collar and locking bead for a fixed joinder of said container wall to said top ring.

16. The container ofclaim 15 wherein said top ring flange includes an outer periphery with a downwardly directed gripping bead integral therewith and depending therefrom.

17. The container ofclaim 13 wherein said push bump defines a concave downwardly opening recess in said base bottom, and a manually engageable pull bar fixed transversely across said recess for a manual downward pulling of said base relative to said top ring.

18. The container ofclaim 1 wherein said top ring includes an upwardly extending ring wall, and a separate seal positionable over said top ring and being releasably fixed to said ring wall in both the expanded and collapsed position of said container.

19. The container ofclaim 1 wherein, in said collapsed position, adjacent sections form oppositely facing V-shaped openings, each said opening having a center line perpendicular to said base.

20. The container ofclaim 1, molded in said collapsed position.

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