Foldable container

Abstract

A container movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position. The container comprises a substantially rectangular base panel, four side walls hingedly connected to each other and to the base panel, a median fold line crossing opposite two of the four side walls and the base panel so that each of the opposite side walls and the base panel are foldable along the median fold line, and two bottom fold lines formed on the base panel and extending substantially diagonally across the base panel so that the base panel is also foldable along the bottom fold lines. The side walls of the container have top edges defining an open top of the container. The container is formed of a substantially flat, single-piece blank.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to containers in general, and more particularly, to a foldable container. [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art [0004] In an office, store, merchandising or any other environment, many different types of containers are abundantly used for collecting and storing various articles. Typically, known prior art container devices are of a totally rigid, noncollapsible construction and, importantly, few of the known devices are designed to be transported in a disassembled state for ease of portability, while providing a design which is easy to assemble on-site. A totally rigid construction makes the known devices bulky, awkward and difficult to transport from one location to another. Moreover, the containers of a truncated pyramid shape, which are highly desirable as vases due to their stability, are difficult to make in a rigid form (the open neck being narrower than the base). Ther...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a foldable container that can be easily decorated with indicia and used as a promotional container or to convey a message in a commercial or office setting. The container is made of a single-piece sheet of stiff but foldable material and has movable between an expanded position and a folded position. The container has a substantially rectangular bottom wall and four side walls hingedly connected to each other and the bottom wall. The container also has a median fold line and two bottom fold lines for easy assembly and use. The blank of the invention is a flat single-piece sheet of foldable material with a base panel, side panels, and web panels that can be easily decorated and used as a promotional container. The container is simple in design, construction, and operation, and can be easily assembled without tools or fasteners."

Problems solved by technology

A totally rigid construction makes the known devices bulky, awkward and difficult to transport from one location to another.

Moreover, the containers of a truncated pyramid shape, which are highly desirable as vases due to their stability, are difficult to make in a rigid form (the open neck being narrower than the base).

However, it is not always possible to quickly obtain a vase.

The flowers can therefore not be put in water immediately, and the durability of the often expensive bouquet decreases.

Another example may be receptions where the number of flower bouquets can be very large, but the possibility of putting the flowers in water is missing.

This is typically a leaky and unimpressive manner of presentation, albeit inexpensive.

While known foldable containers, have proven to be acceptable for various applications, such devices are nevertheless susceptible to improvements that may enhance their performance and lower cost.

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