Foldable flexible container

Abstract

The invention provides a foldable flexible container, and belongs to the technical field of container structures. The foldable flexible container comprises a flexible carcass and a support skeleton. The flexible tire body is composed of a side wall with a first opening in the height direction and a bottom provided with a second opening along one radius, and the first opening and the second opening are communicated to form a continuous guide seam, so that the container can be folded outwards along the seam to achieve compact storage. The supporting framework comprises an upper folding supporting ring and a lower folding supporting ring which are arranged in the top end and the bottom end of the side wall, bottom folding supporting pieces which are arranged along the two sides of the second opening and connected with the lower supporting ring, and vertical supporting columns which are connected with the upper supporting ring and the lower supporting ring and used for maintaining the side wall to be vertical and the bottom to be flat during unfolding. The structure integrates portability and use stability, the rigidity, the bearing capacity and the storage efficiency are remarkably improved, cleaning is convenient, and the structure is suitable for various scenes such as bowls, basins and boxes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of container structure technology, and in particular to a foldable flexible container. Background Technology

[0002] Bowls, plates, cups, basins, and storage boxes are widely used in daily life, outdoor activities, emergency rescue, military field operations, and airline meals. Traditional containers are usually made of rigid materials such as ceramics, glass, hard plastics, or metals, with fixed geometric shapes and non-deformable structures. While these containers possess good stability, heat resistance, and load-bearing capacity under normal use, they have significant drawbacks in terms of storage and portability.

[0003] Because of their fixed volume and incompressibility, rigid containers take up a lot of space during storage and transportation. For example, during outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and mountaineering, users need to carry special storage bags, and even then, rigid containers are still easily damaged by impacts. In emergency supply kits or military individual equipment, space is extremely precious, and fixed-shaped containers seriously encroach on the loading space for other necessities. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a flexible container that is foldable, easy to store, and structurally stable during use.

[0005] This invention provides a foldable flexible container, comprising a flexible matrix and a supporting frame; The flexible tire body includes sidewalls and a bottom; The sidewall has a first opening along its height direction; the bottom edge is connected to the bottom end of the sidewall, and the bottom has a second opening extending from the center point to the edge; The first opening and the second opening are interconnected to form a continuous unfolding or folding guide seam, so that the sidewall is cylindrical in the unfolded state and can be rolled outward along the first opening in the folded state. The bottom covers the bottom end of the sidewall in the unfolded state and can be rolled up along the second opening in the folded state. The support frame includes an upper folding support ring, a lower folding support ring, a bottom folding support member, and at least one vertical support column; The upper folding support ring is located inside the top of the side wall, and the lower folding support ring is located inside the bottom of the side wall. The bottom folding support is continuously arranged inside both sides of the second opening, and its two ends are respectively connected to the corresponding ends of the lower folding support ring. The vertical support column is located inside the side wall, with its top end connected to the upper folding support ring and its bottom end connected to the lower folding support ring, and is used to maintain the vertical shape of the side wall when the container is unfolded.

[0006] Furthermore, the upper folding support ring, the lower folding support ring, and the bottom folding support member are all composed of multiple rigid single-unit components that are hinged in sequence, so that the upper folding support ring, the lower folding support ring, and the bottom folding support member can deform between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0007] Furthermore, the upper folding support ring and / or the lower folding support ring are composed of a plurality of first single-unit components that are hinged in sequence; The first single unit includes an arc-shaped body, with a connecting recess on the top of the outer side of one end of the arc-shaped body, and a connecting protrusion extending away from the arc-shaped body at the other end. Two adjacent first single units are connected by the connecting protrusion of one unit and the connecting recess of the other unit through mutual engagement and rotation. The radius of the arc corresponding to the arc-shaped body is the same as the inner radius of the sidewall at the top or the same as the inner radius of the sidewall at the bottom.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom folding support is composed of multiple second single-unit components that are hinged sequentially; The second single unit includes a block-shaped body; a first connecting portion extends from the bottom of one end of the block-shaped body away from the block-shaped body, and a second connecting portion extends from the top of the other end of the block-shaped body away from the block-shaped body. Two adjacent second single units are connected by the first connecting part of one unit and the second connecting part of the other unit through mutual cooperation and rotation; The rotation axes of the first connecting part and the second connecting part are perpendicular to the plane where the bottom is located, so that the bottom folding support can be folded or unfolded along the extension direction of the second opening.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a first locking mechanism; The first locking mechanism is located on both sides of the flexible body along the first opening, and is used to connect the two sides of the first opening to each other when the container is in the unfolded state, so as to maintain the cylindrical shape of the sidewall.

[0010] Furthermore, the first locking mechanism includes a first locking rod, a second locking rod, and a locking assembly; The first locking rod is disposed along one side edge of the first opening, and the second locking rod is disposed along the other side edge of the first opening; The locking assembly includes a first mating part and a second mating part that cooperate with each other. The first mating part is disposed on the first locking rod, and the second mating part is disposed on the second locking rod, for detachably connecting the two sides of the first opening.

[0011] Furthermore, the flexible tire body also includes a first top cover and a second top cover; The outer edges of the first top cover and the second top cover are respectively connected to the top of the side wall; The support frame also includes a first top cover folding support and a second top cover folding support; The first top cover folding support is located inside the inner edge of the first top cover, and the second top cover folding support is located inside the inner edge of the second top cover; When the first top cover folding support and the second top cover folding support move closer to each other and align along the centerline of the top of the side wall, the first top cover and the second top cover together close the top of the side wall. When the first top cover folding support and the second top cover folding support move away from each other and retract to the two sides of the top edge of the side wall, the top of the side wall is opened.

[0012] Furthermore, both the first and second top cover folding supports are composed of multiple third and fourth single-unit units that are alternately hinged in sequence. The third single unit includes a first strip-shaped body, and the two ends of the first strip-shaped body are respectively provided with a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft; The fourth unit includes a second strip-shaped body, and the two ends of the second strip-shaped body are respectively provided with a first shaft hole and a second shaft hole; The adjacent third and fourth unit units are connected by a rotating shaft and a shaft hole, so that the first or second rotating shaft can be rotatably inserted into the corresponding first or second shaft hole, thereby forming a foldable chain support structure.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a second locking mechanism; The second locking mechanism is disposed on the first top cover folding support and the second top cover folding support, and is used to lock the first top cover folding support and the second top cover folding support to each other when the first top cover and the second top cover are closed, so as to maintain the closed state of the top of the container.

[0014] Furthermore, the second locking mechanism includes a fixed shaft, a locking shaft, and a locking tongue; The fixed shaft is disposed on the first top cover folding support, and the locking shaft is disposed on the second top cover folding support; The top ends of the fixed shaft and the locking shaft extend beyond the top end of the side wall; One end of the latch is provided with a rotating hole, which is rotatably fitted onto the fixed shaft, and the other end of the latch is provided with a slot; When the first top cover and the second top cover are closed, the locking shaft is located on the rotation path of the slot, and the locking tongue can rotate to the locking position, so that the slot and the locking shaft engage, thereby locking the first top cover folding support and the second top cover folding support.

[0015] The present invention has the following advantages or beneficial effects: By setting a first opening along the height direction on the sidewall of the flexible container and a second opening along the radius direction at the bottom, and connecting the two to form a continuous unfolding / folding guide seam, the container can be rolled outward or folded along the guide seam, achieving truly compact roll-up storage and significantly reducing storage and carrying volume. At the same time, by setting a support frame including an upper folding support ring, a lower folding support ring, a bottom folding support component, and a vertical support column, the components work together to effectively maintain the cylindrical shape of the sidewall and the circular structure of the bottom when the container is unfolded, significantly improving rigidity, stability, and load-bearing capacity during use, and avoiding the problems of traditional flexible containers being prone to collapse and tipping over. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from a detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a support frame and a first locking mechanism in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the upper or lower folding support ring in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the upper or lower folding support ring in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the bottom folding support in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the bottom folding support member in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first locking mechanism in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 8This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the first or second top cover folding support in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the first or second top cover folding support in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second locking mechanism in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows: 1. Flexible tire body; 2. Support frame; 3. First locking mechanism; 4. Second locking mechanism; 11. Side wall; 12. Bottom; 13. First top cover; 21. Upper folding support ring; 22. Lower folding support ring; 23. Bottom folding support piece; 24. Vertical support column; 25. First top cover folding support; 26. Second top cover folding support. 211. Arc-shaped body; 212. Connecting recessed part; 213. Connecting protruding part; 231. Block-shaped body; 232. First connecting part; 233. Second connecting part; 251. Third unit; 252. Fourth unit; 2511, First strip-shaped body; 2512, First rotating shaft; 2513, Second rotating shaft; 2521, Second strip-shaped body; 2522, First shaft hole; 2523, Second shaft hole; 2524, Limiting protrusion; 31. First locking rod; 32. Second locking rod; 33. Locking assembly; 331. First coordinating part; 332. Second coordinating part; 3321, block; 3322, snap-fit ​​gripper; 3323, protruding handle; 41. Fixed shaft, 42. Locking shaft, 43. Locking tongue. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that the invention will be thorough and complete, and the concept of the exemplary embodiments will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed description will be omitted.

[0020] The terms “a,” “one,” “the,” and “the” are used to indicate the existence of one or more elements / components / etc.; the terms “including” and “having” are used to indicate an open-ended meaning of inclusion and that other elements / components / etc. may exist in addition to the listed elements / components / etc.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment (wherein, the first top cover folding support is in a state of unfolding the first top cover, and the second top cover folding support is in a state of folding the second top cover, but the second top cover is omitted). Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a support frame and a first locking mechanism in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 3 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the upper or lower folding support ring in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the upper or lower folding support ring in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 5 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the bottom folding support in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 6 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the bottom folding support member in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first locking mechanism in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment; Figure 8 This is a first-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the first or second top cover folding support in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 9 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of a portion of the first or second top cover folding support in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a second locking mechanism in a foldable flexible container according to an exemplary embodiment. The above schematic diagram is only for illustrating the structural relationships related to the inventive point and is not intended as a scale representation of an actual product.

[0022] like Figures 1 to 10As shown, this invention discloses a foldable flexible container, which is composed of two main parts: a flexible body 1 and a supporting frame 2. The flexible body 1 adopts an integral molding structure, including a side wall 11, a bottom 12, a first top cover 13, and a second top cover, all made of soft and durable materials such as food-grade silicone or high-density flexible fabric, ensuring that the container is not prone to aging or cracking during repeated folding and use, and has good heat resistance and easy cleaning. The side wall 11 has a longitudinal first opening along its height direction, and the edge of the bottom 12 is seamlessly connected to the bottom end of the side wall 11. The bottom 12 has a second opening extending from the center point to the edge. The first opening and the second opening are interconnected at the bottom end of the side wall 11, forming a continuous unfolding or folding guide seam. When the container is in the unfolded state, the side wall 11 has a complete cylindrical structure, and the bottom 12 covers the bottom end of the side wall 11. When it needs to be stored, the side wall 11 can be rolled outward along the first opening, and the bottom 12 can be rolled up circumferentially along the second opening, ultimately achieving a compact rolled shape, which greatly saves storage space. The support frame 2 is embedded inside the flexible body 1 and includes an upper folding support ring 21, a lower folding support ring 22, a bottom folding support member 23, and multiple vertical support columns 24. The upper folding support ring 21 is located inside the top of the side wall 11, the lower folding support ring 22 is located inside the bottom of the side wall 11, and the bottom folding support member 23 is continuously arranged inside the two sides of the second opening, with its two ends connected to the corresponding ends of the lower folding support ring 22. The multiple vertical support columns 24 are evenly distributed inside the side wall 11, with the top of each vertical support column 24 connected to the upper folding support ring 21 and the bottom of each vertical support column 24 connected to the lower folding support ring 22. Together, they maintain the vertical shape of the side wall 11 when the container is unfolded, preventing it from collapsing due to the filling of liquid or heavy objects.

[0023] The unfolded shapes of the upper folding support ring 21 and the lower folding support ring 22 can be polygonal, rectangular, or circular, etc. The shape of the bottom 12 is adapted to the shape of the unfolded lower folding support ring 22.

[0024] The upper folding support ring 21, the lower folding support ring 22, and the bottom folding support member 23 are all composed of multiple rigid single-unit components that are hinged in sequence, allowing these support components to deform freely between the unfolded and folded states. Each single-unit component is made of rigid plastic or lightweight metal, possessing sufficient rigidity to support the container shape, while achieving flexible folding through the hinged structure.

[0025] Both the upper folding support ring 21 and the lower folding support ring 22 are constructed by sequentially hinged first single-unit structures with the same structure. Each first single-unit structure includes an arc-shaped body 211. One end of the arc-shaped body 211 has a connecting recess 212 on its outer top, and the other end extends outward with a connecting protrusion 213. Two adjacent first single-unit structures are connected by inserting the connecting protrusion 213 of one into the connecting recess 212 of the other, and are rotatably connected by a pin. The sidewall 11 of the connecting recess 212 forms a stepped surface structure. This stepped surface restricts the direction of the hinge movement, so that the upper folding support ring 21 and the lower folding support ring 22 can only be rolled outward and cannot be folded inward, thus ensuring the consistency and reliability of the folding process. In addition, the length of the first single-unit structure used in the upper folding support ring 21 is slightly larger than the length of the first single-unit structure used in the lower folding support ring 22, in order to accommodate the different circumferences of the top and bottom ends of the sidewall 11, ensuring that the top and bottom edges are flat and smooth after unfolding. The radius of the arc corresponding to the arc-shaped body 211 is the same as the inner diameter radius of the side wall 11 at the top (for the upper folding support ring 21) or the same as the inner diameter radius of the side wall 11 at the bottom (for the lower folding support ring 22), so that the support ring fits tightly with the inner wall of the flexible tire body 1, thereby improving the overall structural stability.

[0026] The bottom folding support 23 is composed of multiple second single-unit components that are hinged sequentially. Each second single-unit component includes a block-shaped body 231, with a first connecting portion 232 extending outward from the bottom 12 at one end and a second connecting portion 233 extending outward from the top at the other end. Adjacent second single-unit components are connected by the first connecting portion 232 of one component and the second connecting portion 233 of the other component, and are rotatably connected by a pin. The rotation axes of the first connecting portion 232 and the second connecting portion 233 are perpendicular to the plane of the bottom 12, allowing the entire bottom folding support 23 to smoothly fold or unfold along the extension direction of the second opening. Viewed from the side projection, the second single-unit component has a Z-shaped structure. This geometry ensures both hinge flexibility and sufficient bending stiffness in the unfolded state, preventing the bottom 12 from sagging and deforming under load.

[0027] To ensure that the sidewalls 11 remain closed when the container is unfolded for use, the container is also equipped with a first locking mechanism 3. This first locking mechanism 3 is located at both edges of the flexible body 1 along the first opening, and is used to securely connect the two edges of the first opening when the container is unfolded, maintaining the complete cylindrical shape of the sidewalls 11. The first locking mechanism 3 specifically includes a first locking rod 31, a second locking rod 32, and a locking assembly 33. The first locking rod 31 is at least partially embedded in the flexible body 1 along one edge of the first opening, and the second locking rod 32 is similarly at least partially embedded along the other edge. The locking assembly 33 consists of a first mating part 331 and a second mating part 332 that cooperate with each other. The first mating part 331 is a mating strip with locking teeth on both sides. The side of the locking teeth near the first locking rod 31 is a straight surface perpendicular to the length direction of the mating strip, while the side near the second locking rod 32 is an inclined surface that slopes towards the first locking rod 31, forming an acute angle with the length direction of the mating strip. The second mating part 332 is a strip-shaped block 3321 with mating holes penetrating through both ends. The front surface of the block 3321 has mounting holes at the top and bottom, and the two ends of the locking catch 3322 are fixed in these two mounting holes. When the mating strip is inserted into the mating hole of the block 3321, the two ends of the locking catch 3322 will engage with the locking teeth on both sides of the mating strip. The inclined structure facilitates insertion, while the straight structure prevents retraction, achieving one-way locking. When unlocking is required, the user can pinch the protruding handle 3323 on the surface of the block 3321 and the middle of the latch 3322 with two fingers at the same time, so that the latch 3322 will elastically deform and move its two ends upward and downward respectively, thereby disengaging from the latch teeth and completing the opening operation.

[0028] The container has a first top cover 13 and a second top cover (each a semicircle), the outer edges of which are connected to the top of the side wall 11 to form an openable and closable closed structure. The supporting frame 2 correspondingly includes a first top cover folding support 25 and a second top cover folding support 26, respectively embedded in the inner edges (i.e., at the diameter position) of the first top cover 13 and the second top cover. When the two top cover folding supports move closer to each other and align at the center line of the top of the side wall 11, the first top cover 13 and the second top cover together close the top of the container; when they move away from each other and retract to the two sides of the top of the side wall 11, the top of the container is opened. In one specific embodiment, both ends of the first top cover folding support 25 and both ends of the second top cover folding support 26 are rotatably connected to the upper folding support ring 21 via a pivot, allowing the top cover to open and close freely without detaching from the main body.

[0029] Both the first and second top cover folding supports 25 and 26 are chain-like structures composed of multiple third and fourth unit units 251 and 252, which are alternately hinged. The third unit unit 251 is a first strip-shaped body 2511, with a first pivot 2512 and a second pivot 2513 at each end. The fourth unit unit 252 is a second strip-shaped body 2521, with a first shaft hole 2522 and a second shaft hole 2523 near both ends. Adjacent third and fourth unit units 251 and 252 are rotatably connected by inserting pivots into corresponding shaft holes. A limiting protrusion 2524 is also provided on the outer side of the second strip-shaped body 2521 near the first strip-shaped body 2511. When the first top cover folding support 25 and the second top cover folding support 26 align with the center, the limiting protrusion 2524 abuts against the first strip-shaped body 2511, forcing the third single unit 251 and the fourth single unit 252 to align on the same straight line, so that the first top cover folding support 25 and the second top cover folding support 26 are in a straight line, ensuring a flat and sealed top cover when closed.

[0030] To ensure the lid is closed, the container also includes a second locking mechanism 4. The second locking mechanism 4 is mounted on the first lid folding support 25 and the second lid folding support 26. When the first lid 13 and the second lid are closed, they can lock each other, maintaining the closed state of the container top. The second locking mechanism 4 includes a fixed shaft 41, a locking shaft 42, and a locking tongue 43. The fixed shaft 41 is mounted on the first lid folding support 25, and the locking shaft 42 is mounted on the second lid folding support 26. Both shafts extend beyond the top of the side wall 11 for operation. The locking tongue 43 has a rotating hole at one end, rotatably fitted onto the fixed shaft 41, and a slot at the other end. When the lid is closed, the locking shaft 42 is positioned on the rotation path of the slot. The user can rotate the locking tongue 43 downwards, causing the slot to engage the locking shaft 42, thus locking the lid; rotating it in the opposite direction unlocks the lid.

[0031] When the container is folded, the first locking mechanism 3 and the second locking mechanism 4 are first opened. Then, the first top cover folding support 25 and the second top cover folding support 26 are pulled out to both sides, placing them flat above the top of the side wall 11. Subsequently, the side wall 11 is rolled outward along the first opening, simultaneously causing the bottom 12 to roll up along the second opening, ultimately forming a compact roll structure that is easy to put into a backpack, emergency kit, or kitchen drawer. This design truly achieves the convenient experience of "unfold and use, fold and go," combining high storage efficiency, structural stability, and easy cleaning, making it suitable for various scenarios such as home, outdoor, travel, military, and emergency use.

[0032] This foldable, flexible container is easy to use. Simply close the first and second lids, extend the side walls 11, and then engage the first and second locking mechanisms 3 and 4. The entire structure will automatically take shape, forming a stable and rigid container. It can then be used as a bowl, plate, cup, basin, or even made into a larger bucket-shaped container or storage box. It boasts excellent load-bearing capacity and sealing, fully meeting the needs of daily food, liquid, or other items. When storage or washing is required, simply release the first and second locking mechanisms 3 and 4, open the first and second lids, and the side walls 11 and bottom 12 can be freely folded or laid flat, significantly reducing its size. This not only makes it convenient to carry but also allows for complete unfolding without any blind spots, making washing and drying very easy.

[0033] The entire structure consists of a flexible tire body 1, a rigid support frame 2, and a first locking mechanism 3 and a second locking mechanism 4. These four components work closely together yet operate independently. The flexible tire body 1 itself is not easily damaged. Operation is also very simple; users do not need any tools or complicated steps. It's ready to use with a single click and easy to retract with a single release, making it easy for the elderly and children to master.

[0034] The flexible body 1 is not made of a single material, but can be composed of multiple layers of materials with different functions. For example, the inner layer uses a food-grade non-stick coating, the middle layer is a high-strength tensile and waterproof membrane, and the outer layer is heat-resistant or wear-resistant. Insulation layers, temperature display strips, and even temperature-changing patterns can be added as needed, making it both practical and fun. Furthermore, the upper folding support ring 21 and lower folding support ring 22 in the support frame 2 can unfold into different shapes such as circles, rectangles, or polygons, and the shape of the bottom 12 will precisely match the lower folding support ring 22, ensuring the container is placed stably. This geometric adaptation is ensured by the bending limiting structure of the upper folding support ring 21 and lower folding support ring 22 themselves (such as preset creases or hinge angles), making it both flexible and reliable. Overall, this design balances functionality, durability, and convenience, making it suitable for various scenarios such as home, outdoor, and emergency situations.

[0035] In this embodiment of the invention, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined. The terms "install," "connect," and "fix" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connect" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this embodiment of the invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or unit referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] In the description of this specification, the terms "an embodiment," "a preferred embodiment," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A foldable flexible container, characterized in that, It includes a flexible tire body (1) and a supporting frame (2); The flexible tire body (1) includes a sidewall (11) and a bottom (12); The sidewall (11) has a first opening along its height direction; the edge of the bottom (12) is connected to the bottom end of the sidewall (11), and the bottom (12) has a second opening extending from the center point to the edge; The first opening and the second opening are interconnected to form a continuous unfolding or folding guide seam, so that the side wall (11) is cylindrical in the unfolded state and can be rolled outward along the first opening in the folded state. The bottom (12) covers the bottom end of the side wall (11) in the unfolded state and can be rolled up along the second opening in the folded state. The support frame (2) includes an upper folding support ring (21), a lower folding support ring (22), a bottom folding support member (23), and at least one vertical support column (24); The upper folding support ring (21) is located inside the top end of the side wall (11), and the lower folding support ring (22) is located inside the bottom end of the side wall (11). The bottom folding support (23) is continuously arranged inside the two sides of the second opening, and its two ends are respectively connected to the corresponding ends of the lower folding support ring (22); The vertical support column (24) is located inside the side wall (11), with its top end connected to the upper folding support ring (21) and its bottom end connected to the lower folding support ring (22), and is used to maintain the vertical shape of the side wall (11) when the container is unfolded.

2. The foldable flexible container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper folding support ring (21), the lower folding support ring (22), and the bottom folding support member (23) are all composed of multiple rigid single units that are hinged in sequence, so that the upper folding support ring (21), the lower folding support ring (22), and the bottom folding support member (23) can deform between the unfolded state and the folded state.

3. A foldable flexible container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper folding support ring (21) and / or the lower folding support ring (22) are composed of a plurality of first single units that are hinged in sequence; The first single unit includes an arc-shaped body (211), with a connecting recess (212) on the top of the outer side of one end of the arc-shaped body (211), and a connecting protrusion (213) extending from the other end away from the arc-shaped body (211). Two adjacent first single units are connected by the connecting protrusion (213) of one unit and the connecting recess (212) of the other unit, and are rotatably connected. The radius of the arc corresponding to the arc-shaped body (211) is the same as the inner radius of the side wall (11) at the top or the same as the inner radius of the side wall (11) at the bottom.

4. A foldable flexible container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The bottom folding support (23) is composed of multiple second single-unit components that are hinged in sequence; The second single unit includes a block body (231); a first connecting portion (232) extends from the bottom (12) of one end of the block body (231) away from the block body (231), and a second connecting portion (233) extends from the top of the other end of the block body (231) away from the block body (231). Two adjacent second single units are connected by the first connecting part (232) of one unit and the second connecting part (233) of the other unit through mutual cooperation and rotation; The rotation axes of the first connecting part (232) and the second connecting part (233) are perpendicular to the plane of the bottom (12), so that the bottom folding support (23) can be folded or unfolded along the extension direction of the second opening.

5. A foldable flexible container according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first locking mechanism (3); The first locking mechanism (3) is located on both sides of the flexible body (1) along the first opening, and is used to connect the two sides of the first opening to each other when the container is in the unfolded state, so as to maintain the cylindrical shape of the side wall (11).

6. A foldable flexible container according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first locking mechanism (3) includes a first locking rod (31), a second locking rod (32), and a locking assembly (33); The first locking rod (31) is disposed along one side edge of the first opening, and the second locking rod (32) is disposed along the other side edge of the first opening; The locking assembly (33) includes a first mating part (331) and a second mating part (332) that cooperate with each other. The first mating part (331) is disposed on the first locking rod (31), and the second mating part (332) is disposed on the second locking rod (32), for detachably connecting the two sides of the first opening.

7. A foldable flexible container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flexible tire body (1) also includes a first top cover (13) and a second top cover; The outer edges of the first top cover (13) and the second top cover are respectively connected to the top of the side wall (11); The supporting frame (2) also includes a first top cover folding support (25) and a second top cover folding support (26); The first top cover folding support (25) is located inside the inner edge of the first top cover (13), and the second top cover folding support (26) is located inside the inner edge of the second top cover; When the first top cover folding support (25) and the second top cover folding support (26) move closer to each other and align along the center line of the top of the side wall (11), the first top cover (13) and the second top cover together close the top of the side wall (11); When the first top cover folding support (25) and the second top cover folding support (26) move away from each other and retract to the two sides of the top of the side wall (11), the top of the side wall (11) is opened.

8. A foldable flexible container according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first top cover folding support (25) and the second top cover folding support (26) are both composed of multiple third single unit units (251) and fourth single unit units (252) that are alternately hinged in sequence; The third unit (251) includes a first strip-shaped body (2511), and the two ends of the first strip-shaped body (2511) are respectively provided with a first rotating shaft (2512) and a second rotating shaft (2513); The fourth unit (252) includes a second strip-shaped body (2521), and the two ends of the second strip-shaped body (2521) are respectively provided with a first shaft hole (2522) and a second shaft hole (2523); The adjacent third unit (251) and the fourth unit (252) are connected by a rotating shaft and a shaft hole, so that the first rotating shaft (2512) or the second rotating shaft (2513) can be rotatably inserted into the corresponding first shaft hole (2522) or second shaft hole (2523), thereby forming a foldable chain support structure.

9. A foldable flexible container according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, It also includes a second locking mechanism (4); The second locking mechanism (4) is disposed on the first top cover folding support (25) and the second top cover folding support (26) to lock the first top cover folding support (25) and the second top cover folding support (26) together when the first top cover (13) and the second top cover are closed, so as to maintain the closed state of the top of the container.

10. A foldable flexible container according to claim 9, characterized in that, The second locking mechanism (4) includes a fixed shaft (41), a locking shaft (42), and a locking tongue (43); The fixed shaft (41) is disposed on the first top cover folding support (25), and the locking shaft (42) is disposed on the second top cover folding support (26); The top ends of the fixed shaft (41) and the locking shaft (42) extend out of the top end of the side wall (11); One end of the latch (43) is provided with a rotating hole, which is rotatably fitted onto the fixed shaft (41), and the other end of the latch (43) is provided with a slot; When the first top cover (13) and the second top cover are closed, the locking shaft (42) is located on the rotation path of the slot, and the locking tongue (43) can rotate to the locking position, so that the slot and the locking shaft (42) engage and cooperate, thereby locking the first top cover folding support (25) and the second top cover folding support (26).

Images