Collapsible container with stowed component

Abstract

A semi-collapsible container has a hollow body with support and collapsible portions, and can be maintained in a collapsed or an expanded condition. The container is useful for storing liquid, and is especially adapted in its collapsed condition for storing relatively small volumes of concentrated liquid, powders or the like, and in its expanded condition for containing larger volumes of liquid. Via a dispenser in the container, a closure assembly is coupled to the container for securing the contents thereof from leakage.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM[0001]This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 217,088, filed Aug. 31, 2005, titled “Semi-Collapsible Container”, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application 60 / 606,085, filed Aug. 31, 2004, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The invention is generally applicable to semi-collapsible containers. More specifically, the invention is applicable to semi-collapsible containers that expand from a relatively minimum internal volume to a larger internal volume to accommodate the addition of liquid or liquid-based solutions. The containers are particularly useful for storage of liquid concentrates, powders and the like in the collapsed condition, and upon addition of a diluting liquid, for the containment of the diluted contents in the expanded condition.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]Many consumer and industrial products are composed of active ingredients dissolved i...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a semi-collapsible container for storing and dispensing products in their concentrated and diluted forms. The container can be collapsed and expanded as needed and is particularly useful for storing small volumes of concentrated liquid or powders. The container has a hollow body with support and collapsible portions, and a closure assembly that prevents leakage. The container is made using a blow molding process and can be made from different materials in different locations within the container. The technical effects of the invention include efficient storage and dispensing of products in their concentrated and diluted forms, as well as improved stability and durability of the container."

Problems solved by technology

This method provides for a fully constituted end product; however, the method also maximizes the volume and weight of the product, which is often undesirable.

However, this method inconveniences the consumer if an adequate package for accommodating the additional liquid is not provided with the concentrated ingredient.

In the absence of an appropriate container, the consumer may have difficulty in utilizing the concentrated product correctly, efficiently, and in some instances, safely.

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