Collapsible container

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a foldable container including a base wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposing side walls extending therebetween. In an extended configuration, the front wall and rear wall are spaced apart by a first distance, and in a folded configuration of the container, the distance is a second distance shorter than the first distance. At least one of the base wall and side walls is configured to change its state to allow a change in the distance between the first and second distances. The container also includes at least one support strap having a state-changing portion movable between a first position in the extended configuration of the container and a second position in the folded configuration of the container, and being shorter in the first position and longer in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter currently disclosed relates to foldable containers having at least one strap, and more particularly, to thermally insulated foldable containers. Technical Background

[0002] Foldable containers with thermal insulation are disclosed in JP 2023048092, US 20210387790 and US 4,679,242. Utility Model Content

[0003] Based on currently disclosed subject matter, a foldable container is typically provided, having both an extended and folded configuration, and the extended configuration of said container includes at least:

[0004] - A base wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposing side walls extending therebetween, each of the walls except the base wall having a top end and a bottom end; wherein:

[0005] In the extended configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a first distance; in the folded configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a second distance, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

[0006] o At least one of the base wall and the side wall is a state-change wall that can be transferred between a first wall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second wall state other than the first wall state in the folded configuration of the container;

[0007] - At least one support strap, at least in the extended configuration of the container, is operable to help at least one of the front wall and the state-changing wall to maintain its position and / or state, at least when the container is in the folded configuration, the strap having at least a portion attached to at least one of the walls of the container.

[0008] The aforementioned structure of the foldable container of the subject currently disclosed will be referred to as the "basic container structure" in the current general description.

[0009] To facilitate the description of some features of the foldable container according to the subject matter currently disclosed, reference will be made to a front and rear reference plane extending between the front and rear walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the side walls, and a side-to-side reference plane extending between the side walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the front and rear walls.

[0010] A container having the above-described basic structure may be provided with features, some of which are described below, depending on different aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, that facilitate the ability of the container’s support bands (or more) to perform their “support” function without at least interfering with the container’s collapsibility.

[0011] Therefore, according to one aspect of the currently disclosed subject matter, in a foldable container having the above-described basic structure, at least one support strap may have a state-changing portion that extends at least a portion of the state-changing wall at least in its first wall state, together with an adjacent portion of the strap on either side of the state-changing wall, the adjacent portion extending along two additional adjacent walls located on two opposite sides of the state-changing wall in both states of the wall.

[0012] The base wall may be a state-changing wall, and at least one support band may include at least one base support band.

[0013] The base wall may have a first base wall state in which the front end, rear end and opposite side end of the base wall are configured to be adjacent to the bottom end of their respective front wall, side wall and rear wall; and a second base wall state in which at least one of the front end, rear end and opposite side end of the base wall is spaced apart from the bottom end of their respective front wall, side wall and rear wall.

[0014] The base wall can be hinged to the bottom end of the rear wall at its rear end so that it can rotate between a first base wall state and a second base wall state.

[0015] A foldable container having the basic structure described above and optionally any one or more of the additional features described above, wherein the state-changing portion of the support strap is movable between a first position in the expanded configuration of the container and a second position in the folded configuration of the container (spaced apart from the first position at least along one of the reference planes defined above). Furthermore, the state-changing portion of the support strap may have a first length in the first position and a second length in the second position, the second length being longer than the first length.

[0016] The at least one support band may include at least one base support band, which, at least in the extended configuration of the container, has a base bottom and two side sides. The base bottom extends laterally along the underside of the base wall to the front and rear reference planes, and each side side extends parallel to one of the side walls to the front and rear reference planes. The base bottom may constitute a state-changing portion of the base support band, and it is movable between a first position when the base wall is in a first base wall state and a second position when the base wall is in a second base wall state, the second position being spaced apart from the first position along the front and rear reference planes in the direction toward the rear wall.

[0017] The state-changing portion of the base support strip can be at least partially attached to or can be attached to the underside of the base wall so that it can be moved when the base wall transitions from a first base wall state to a second base wall state.

[0018] The base support strip may further include a strip extension that connects to a side portion of the strip at its end distal to the base of the strip, and extends from there, at least in the extended configuration of the container, away from the top of the sidewall. The term "connection" as used in the present description and in the claims relating to different portions of the strip means any type of connection, including a single connection obtained between parts, formed as a single entity.

[0019] When the base portion changes from the position of the first belt to the position of the second belt, the length of the base bottom of the base support belt can be increased by reducing the length of the belt extension portion and by sliding the belt side portion along the height-oriented belt guide.

[0020] The container according to the currently disclosed subject matter can be a portable container, and the base support strap can further include a carryable portion having two ends, each of which can be connected to a corresponding strap extension.

[0021] A collapsible container having any of the above features may have further features, including those features of the aspects of the subject matter currently disclosed below.

[0022] Therefore, according to another aspect of the currently disclosed subject matter, a foldable container having at least the above-described basic structure and optionally having the above-described further features within the framework of the description of the above aspects may have at least one or more belt rails on each of its side walls; wherein at least one support belt may include one or more guide support belts, each guide support belt engaging a corresponding belt rail so as to allow the support belt to maintain its position and orientation as it slides along the rail in the guiding direction.

[0023] The position and orientation of one or more of the above strips can be, for example, one of the following:

[0024] o extends parallel to the front and rear reference planes between the top and bottom ends of the sidewalls in the first and second sidewall states, and at least laterally extends to the front and rear reference planes along the underside of the base wall between the sidewalls in the first base wall state; or

[0025] o surrounds the container along its rear wall, side wall, and front wall in the first and second sidewall states, and is positioned near the top of these walls rather than near their bottom.

[0026] Each support belt guide rail may include at least one groove (channel) wider than the corresponding support belt, thereby allowing the belt to slide along the groove.

[0027] One or more support strips may include at least one base support strip extending along the entire height between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall in a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, and at least along the bottom end of the sidewall below the base wall when the base wall is in the first base wall state. In this case, the one or more guide rails include at least one height-oriented strip guide rail extending along at least a portion of the height of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends on each of the sidewalls.

[0028] The base support strip may have the same characteristics as described above in the previous aspects of the subject matter currently disclosed.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the subject matter currently disclosed, in a container having a basic structure and optionally having one or two of the further features of the previously described aspects, one or more support bands may include, optionally in addition to the base support band, at least one side support band that surrounds the container along the front and rear walls and two opposing side walls in both configurations of the container.

[0030] At least one side support strip may have at least an elastically extendable and retractable portion, which can extend or retract respectively when the sidewall changes between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state.

[0031] At least one side support band can be partially secured to at least one of the front and rear walls of the container.

[0032] At least one side support strap can be at least partially secured to the front wall of the container.

[0033] Each sidewall may include at least one width-oriented band rail extending along at least a portion of the width of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends for engaging with a side support band to allow the side support band to maintain its position and orientation while being slidable along the rail during expansion or retraction.

[0034] Width-oriented guides can be positioned closer to the top of the sidewall than the bottom of the sidewall.

[0035] According to another aspect of the currently disclosed subject matter, in a foldable container having the above-described basic structure and optionally further features of any one or more of the above aspects, the two opposing sidewalls may have a first state, wherein in the extended configuration of the container, the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other by each sidewall to a first degree; and a second state, wherein in the folded configuration of the container, the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other by each sidewall to a second degree, the second degree being shorter than the first degree.

[0036] In this configuration, each sidewall may include two wall assemblies having components hinged together facing the end, the hinges being mounted between the front and rear ends of the sidewall and having a hinge axis extending between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall.

[0037] The hinge described above is operable to allow the corresponding sidewalls to fold around the hinge axis, such that in a first state of the sidewalls, the hinge axes are at a first distance from each other, and in a second state of the sidewalls, the hinge axes are at a second distance from each other that is smaller than the first distance.

[0038] The components of each sidewall are operable at their ends to contact each other along a contact interface in a first state of the sidewall and to be spaced apart from each other in a second state of the sidewall.

[0039] The contact interface has a stepped structure in the cross-section of the sidewall perpendicular to the hinge axis, and may include a first interface portion adjacent to the interior of the container and a second interface portion adjacent to the exterior of the container, the first interface portion and the second interface portion being located at different distances from the front wall and the rear wall.

[0040] Each hinge can be installed on the corresponding sidewall that is adjacent to the second part and spaced apart from the first interface part.

[0041] The sidewalls can be folded between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state so that, in the extended configuration of the container, at least a portion of each of the sidewalls having a first sidewall portion position has a second sidewall portion position in the folded configuration of the container, the second sidewall portion position being closer to the front and rear reference planes than the first sidewall portion position.

[0042] Both sidewalls are foldable around a respective fold line extending between their top and bottom ends, the fold line including a hinge located adjacent to or near the end of at least one highly oriented guide rail side.

[0043] The collapsible container may further include a folding line that provides a structure for secure mounting to the sidewall, and the folding line provides a structure for the hinges included therein.

[0044] The foldable containers of any of the above aspects of the currently disclosed subject matter may have one or more further features described below in any combination thereof.

[0045] The collapsible container may further include a collapsible liner configured to line the inner surface of the container in an extended configuration and store it inside the container in a collapsible configuration. In the collapsible configuration of the container, the liner can be stored between the base wall and the rear wall.

[0046] The collapsible container may further include a lid hinged to one of the front or rear walls; wherein, in the extended configuration, the lid is operable to rotate about the hinged connection between the lid in a direction flush with the respective front or rear wall to which the lid is connected and in a direction parallel to the base wall, to close the container, and in the folded configuration, the lid is configured to be flush with the respective front or rear wall to which the lid is connected.

[0047] The volumetric space occupied by a container in a folded structure can be 30%-50% of the volumetric space occupied by a container in an expanded structure.

[0048] According to the currently disclosed subject matter, all or at least some of the walls of the container, and / or its lid, can be made of a lightweight material, allowing the container to be used as a food carrier. The material can have high thermal insulation properties, thus enabling the container to be used as a thermally insulated container for carrying products that require thermal isolation from the environment, such as hot or cold foods, while maintaining their temperature as much as possible. More specifically, the collapsible container can be a cooler container.

[0049] For example, all or at least some of the container walls and / or its lid may be made of a thermally insulating polymer material. An example of such a material is expanded granular foam, such as EPP (expanded polypropylene). In this case, further components of the collapsible container, such as elements other than the walls, lid, and straps, such as structures mounted on the container and including hinges, connections, or fasteners, may be made of non-foamed polypropylene, allowing the container to be recycled along with these components without having to remove them from the rest of the container for recycling.

[0050] The container may also be made at least partially of other materials, such as polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), etc.

[0051] Further embodiments of the currently disclosed topic of foldable containers are listed below.

[0052] 1. A collapsible container having an expandable and foldable configuration, and the expandable configuration of the container including at least:

[0053] - A base wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposing side walls extending therebetween, each of the front and rear walls and the two opposing side walls having its own top and bottom ends;

[0054] - A front and rear reference plane extending between the front and rear walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the side walls; and a side-to-side reference plane extending between the side walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the front and rear walls; wherein:

[0055] In the extended configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a first distance; in the folded configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a second distance, the second distance being shorter than the first distance.

[0056] At least one of the base wall and the side wall is a state-changing wall that can be transferred between a first wall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second wall state in the folded configuration of the container, so as to allow a change in the distance between the first distance and the second distance;

[0057] - At least one support band having a state-changing portion extending along at least a portion of the state-changing wall at least in its first wall state, and including adjacent portions on either side of the state-changing wall, the adjacent portions extending along two additional adjacent walls located on two opposite sides of the state-changing wall in both states of the wall; wherein the state-changing portion of the support band:

[0058] o is movable between a first position in the extended configuration of the container and a second position in the folded configuration of the container, the second position being spaced apart from the first position at least along one of the reference planes, and

[0059] o has a first length at a first position and a second length at a second position, the second length being longer than the first length.

[0060] 2. The foldable container according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one support strap includes at least one base support strap, which, at least in the extended configuration of the container, has at least one base bottom and two side sides, the base bottom extending laterally along the underside of the base wall to the front and rear reference planes, and each side side extending parallel along one of the side walls to the front and rear reference planes.

[0061] 3. In the foldable container according to embodiment 1 or 2, the base wall is the state-changing wall, which has:

[0062] In a first base wall configuration, the front end, rear end, and opposite side ends of the base wall are positioned adjacent to the bottom ends of their respective front, side, and rear walls; and

[0063] A second base wall state in which at least one of the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall is spaced apart from the bottom end of the respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall.

[0064] 4. According to the foldable container of embodiment 2 or embodiment 3, when it belongs to embodiment 2, the state-changing portion of the base support strip is movable between a first position when the base wall is in a first base wall state and a second position when the base wall is in a second base wall state, and the second position is spaced apart from the first position along a front and rear reference plane in the direction toward the rear wall.

[0065] 5. The foldable container according to embodiment 4, wherein the state-changing portion of the base support strip is at least partially attached to the underside of the base wall so as to be movable with the base wall when the base wall moves from a first base wall state to a second base wall state.

[0066] 6. A foldable container according to embodiment 3 or any of embodiments 4 and 5 when subordinate to embodiment 3, wherein the base wall is hinged at its rear end to the bottom end of the rear wall so as to be rotatable between a first base wall state and a second base wall state.

[0067] 7. A collapsible container according to embodiments 2 to 6, wherein each sidewall includes at least one height-oriented belt guide extending along at least a portion of the height of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends, wherein each of the two belt side portions of the at least one base support belt remains engaged with the corresponding height-oriented belt guide to allow the belt side portion to maintain its position and orientation as it slides along the guide when the base bottom of the base support belt changes its position between the first position and the second position.

[0068] 8. The foldable container according to embodiment 7, wherein the at least one height-oriented belt guide includes at least one groove, the width of which is greater than the width of the side portion of the belt, thereby allowing the belt to slide along the groove.

[0069] 9. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 2 to 8, wherein the base support band further includes a band extension that connects to each of the band sides at a distal end of the base portion of the band and extends from the top end of at least the extended configuration of the container away from the sidewall.

[0070] 10. According to the foldable container of Embodiment 9 when it is subordinate to Embodiment 7 or 8, when the base portion changes from the first belt position to the second belt position, the length of the base bottom of the base support belt can be increased by reducing the length of the belt extension portion and sliding the belt side portion along the height-oriented belt guide.

[0071] 11. A foldable container according to embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the container is a portable container and the base support strap further includes carryable portions having two ends, each portion being connectable to a corresponding strap extension.

[0072] 12. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein each of the two sidewalls is foldable between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, such that at least a portion of each of the sidewalls having a first sidewall portion position in the extended configuration of the container has a second sidewall portion position in the folded configuration of the container, the second sidewall portion position being closer to the front and rear reference planes than the first sidewall portion position.

[0073] 13. A foldable container according to embodiment 12 when subordinate to embodiments 7, 8 or 10, wherein each of the two sidewalls is foldable around a respective fold line extending between its top and bottom ends, the fold line including at least one hinge located adjacent to or near the end of at least one highly oriented guide rail side.

[0074] 14. A foldable container according to embodiment 13, wherein belt guides for the height orientation of at least two different side portions of at least two belts are located near hinges on their opposite sides.

[0075] 15. The collapsible container according to embodiment 13 or 14 further includes a structure providing fold lines arranged along the fold lines of each sidewall, including highly oriented guide rails and at least one of the hinges.

[0076] 16. A foldable container according to embodiment 15, wherein the structure providing the fold lines comprises a material different from the sidewall material.

[0077] 17. A collapsible container according to any one of embodiments 12 to 16, wherein at least one strap includes at least one side support strap that surrounds the container along the front and rear walls and two opposing side walls in both configurations of the container, and a collapsible side wall that constitutes a state-changing wall for the side support strap.

[0078] 18. A foldable container according to embodiment 17, wherein at least one side support strip has at least an elastically extending and retractable portion, capable of extending or retracting respectively when the sidewall changes state between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state.

[0079] 19. A collapsible container according to embodiment 17 or 18, wherein at least one side support strap is at least partially secured to at least one of the front and rear walls of the container.

[0080] 20. A collapsible container according to any one of embodiments 17 to 19, wherein at least one side support strap is at least partially fixed to the front wall of the container.

[0081] 21. In a collapsible container according to any one of embodiments 17 to 20, each sidewall includes at least one width-oriented band rail extending along at least a portion of the width of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends for engaging with a side support band to allow the side support band to maintain its position and orientation while being slidable along the rail during expansion or retraction.

[0082] 22. A foldable container according to embodiment 21, wherein the width-oriented guide rail is closer to the top of the sidewall than the bottom of the sidewall.

[0083] 23. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein:

[0084] The two opposing sidewalls can have a first state, in which, in the extended configuration of the container, the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other to a first degree by each sidewall; and a second state, in which, in the folded configuration of the container, the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other to a second degree by each sidewall, the second degree being shorter than the first degree.

[0085] Each sidewall includes two wall assemblies having an end-facing component connected by a hinge, the hinge being mounted between the front and rear ends of the sidewall and having a hinge axis extending between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall, each hinge being operable to allow the corresponding sidewall to fold about the hinge axis so that, in a first state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a first distance from each other, and in a second state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a second distance from each other that is smaller than the first distance;

[0086] The components of each sidewall are operable towards their ends to contact each other along a contact interface in a first state of the sidewall and to space each other in a second state of the sidewall; and

[0087] The contact interface has a stepped structure in the cross-section of the sidewall perpendicular to the hinge axis, and may include a first interface portion adjacent to the interior of the container and a second interface portion adjacent to the exterior of the container, the first interface portion and the second interface portion being located at different distances from the front wall and the rear wall.

[0088] 24. A foldable container according to embodiment 23, wherein each hinge is provided on a sidewall adjacent to the second interface portion and spaced apart from the first interface portion.

[0089] 25. A collapsible container having an expandable and foldable configuration, and comprising:

[0090] - A base wall, a front wall and a rear wall, and two opposing side walls extending therebetween, a front and rear reference plane extending between the front and rear walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the side walls, and a side-to-side reference plane extending between the side walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the front and rear walls; wherein:

[0091] o The front wall and rear wall, as well as the two opposing side walls, each have their own top and bottom ends;

[0092] The base wall and the opposing sidewall each have their own front end and rear end;

[0093] In the extended configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a first distance; in the folded configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a second distance shorter than the first distance.

[0094] The two sidewalls are transferable between a first sidewall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second sidewall state in the folded configuration of the container, which is different from the first sidewall state.

[0095] The base wall of the container can be transferred between a first base wall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second base wall state different from the first state in the folded configuration of the container;

[0096] - At least one or more guide rails on each of the sidewalls define the guiding direction of the support strips on the sidewalls;

[0097] - One or more guided support straps, each engaging a corresponding strap guide rail to allow the support strap to maintain its position and orientation while being slidable along the guide rail in the guiding direction; the position and orientation is one of the following:

[0098] The support strip extends parallel to the front and rear reference planes between the top and bottom ends of the sidewalls in the first and second sidewall states, and extends laterally along the underside of the base wall between the sidewalls to the front and rear reference planes at least when the base wall is in the first base wall state; or

[0099] The support band surrounds the container along its rear, side, and front walls in the first and second sidewall states, and is positioned near the top of these walls rather than near their bottom.

[0100] 26. A collapsible container according to embodiment 25, wherein the support belt guide includes at least one groove, each groove having a width greater than the width of the supported belt, thereby allowing the belt to slide along the groove.

[0101] 27. A collapsible container according to embodiment 25 or 26, wherein the one or more support straps include at least one base support strap extending along the entire height between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall in a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, and at least between the bottom end of the sidewall below the base wall when the base wall is in the first base wall state, and wherein the one or more guide rails include at least one height-oriented strap guide rail extending along at least a portion of the height of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends on each of the sidewalls.

[0102] 28. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 25 to 27, wherein in a first base wall state, the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall are configured to be adjacent to the bottom end of the respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall; and in a second base wall state, at least one of the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall is spaced apart from the bottom end of the respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall.

[0103] 29. A foldable container according to Embodiment 28 when subordinate to Embodiment 27, wherein the base support strip includes a state-changing portion, the state-changing portion being a strip base bottom that extends laterally along the underside of the base wall to the front and rear reference planes at least in the extended configuration of the container, and two adjacent strip side portions on either side of the state-changing portion that extend parallel to one of the side walls to the front and rear reference planes in two states of the wall; wherein:

[0104] The state-changing portion of the base support strip is movable between a first position in the container expansion structure when the base wall is in the first base wall state and a second position in the folding structure when the base wall is in the second base wall state, the second position being spaced apart from the first position along a front-rear reference plane in the direction toward the rear wall; and

[0105] The state-changing portion of the base support strip has a first length at a first position and a second length at a second position, the second length being longer than the first length.

[0106] 30. A foldable container according to embodiment 29, wherein the state-changing portion of the base support band is at least partially attached to the underside of the base wall so as to be movable with the base wall as it moves from a first base wall state to a second base wall state.

[0107] 31. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 28 to 30, wherein in the second base wall state, the orientation of the base wall is different from that in the first base wall state.

[0108] 32. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 28 to 31, wherein in the second base wall state, the front end of the base wall and the top end of the rear wall are spaced to a shorter degree than the distance in the first base wall state.

[0109] 33. A foldable container according to embodiment 31 or 32, wherein the base wall is hinged at its rear end to the bottom end of the rear wall so as to be rotatable between a first base wall state and a second base wall state.

[0110] 34. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 28 to 33, wherein the base support strip further includes a base extension portion adjacent to each end of the base support strip and extending therefrom at least in the extended configuration of the container away from the top of the sidewall.

[0111] 35. A foldable container according to embodiment 34, wherein when the base portion changes from the position of the first belt to the position of the second belt, the length of the base bottom of the base support belt is increased by reducing the length of the belt extension portion and sliding along the belt side portion of the belt guide rail oriented at a height.

[0112] 36. A foldable container according to embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the container is a portable container, and the base support strap may further include a carryable portion having two ends, each end of which can be connected to one of the respective strap extensions.

[0113] 37. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 25 to 36, wherein the sidewalls are foldable between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, such that in the extended configuration of the container, at least a portion of each of the sidewalls having a first sidewall portion position has a second sidewall portion position in the folded configuration of the container, the second sidewall portion position being closer to the front and rear reference planes than the first sidewall portion position.

[0114] 38. A foldable container according to embodiment 37, wherein both sidewalls are foldable about a respective fold line extending between their top and bottom ends, the fold line including at least one hinge located adjacent to or near the end of at least one highly oriented guide rail side.

[0115] 39. A foldable container according to embodiment 38, wherein belt guides for the height orientation of at least two different belts are located adjacent to hinges on their opposite sides.

[0116] 40. The collapsible container according to embodiment 38 or 39 further includes a structure providing fold lines arranged on the fold lines of each sidewall, including highly oriented guide rails and at least one of the hinges.

[0117] 41. A foldable container according to embodiment 40, wherein the structure providing the fold lines comprises a material different from the sidewall material.

[0118] 42. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 38 to 41, wherein:

[0119] Each of the sidewalls includes two wall assemblies having an end-facing component connected by a hinge, the hinge being located between the front and rear ends of the sidewall and having a hinge axis extending between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall, each hinge being operable to allow the corresponding sidewall to fold about the hinge axis so that, in a first state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a first distance from each other, and in a second state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a second distance from each other that is smaller than the first distance.

[0120] 43. A foldable container according to embodiment 42, wherein the components of each sidewall are operable toward the end to contact each other along a contact interface in a first state of the sidewall and spaced apart from each other in a second state of the sidewall.

[0121] 44. A foldable container according to embodiment 43, wherein the contact interface has a stepped structure in a cross-section of the sidewall perpendicular to the hinge axis and includes a first interface portion adjacent to the interior of the container and a second interface portion adjacent to the exterior of the container, the first interface portion and the second interface portion being located at different distances from the front wall and the rear wall.

[0122] 45. A foldable container according to embodiment 44, wherein each hinge is provided on a sidewall adjacent to the second interface portion and spaced apart from the first interface portion.

[0123] 46. ​​In any one of embodiments 25 to 45, a collapsible container, one or more support straps include at least one side support strap that surrounds the container along the front and rear walls and two opposing side walls in both configurations of the container.

[0124] 47. A foldable container according to embodiment 46, wherein the at least one side support strip has at least an elastically extending and retractable portion, capable of extending or retracting respectively when the sidewall changes state between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state.

[0125] 48. A collapsible container according to embodiment 46 or 47, wherein at least one side support strap is at least partially secured to one of the front and rear walls of the container.

[0126] 49. A foldable container according to embodiment 48, wherein at least one side support strap is at least partially fixed to the front wall of the container.

[0127] 50. A collapsible container according to any one of embodiments 46 to 48, wherein each sidewall includes at least one width-oriented band rail extending along at least a portion of the width of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends for engaging with a side support band to allow the side support band to maintain its position and orientation while being slidable along the rail during expansion or retraction.

[0128] 51. A foldable container according to embodiment 50, wherein the width-oriented guide rail is closer to the top of the sidewall than the bottom of the sidewall.

[0129] 52. A collapsible container having an expandable and foldable configuration, and comprising at least:

[0130] A base wall, a front wall and a rear wall, and two opposing side walls extending therebetween, a front and rear reference plane extending between the front and rear walls and between the top and bottom of the container and located between the side walls, and a side-to-side reference plane extending between the side walls and between the top and bottom of the container and located between the front and rear walls.

[0131] The front wall and the rear wall, as well as the two opposing side walls, each have their own top and bottom ends;

[0132] The base wall has a front end and a rear end;

[0133] Two opposing sidewalls, having a first state in which, in an expanded configuration of the container, the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other to a first degree by each sidewall; and a second state in which, in a folded configuration of the container, the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other to a second degree by each sidewall, the second degree being shorter than the first degree;

[0134] Each sidewall comprises two wall assemblies having an end-facing component connected by a hinge, the hinge being mounted between the front and rear ends of the sidewall and having a hinge axis extending between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall, each hinge being operable to allow the respective sidewall to fold about the hinge axis so that, in a first state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a first distance from each other, and in a second state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a second distance from each other that is smaller than the first distance;

[0135] The components of each sidewall, facing their ends, are operable to contact each other along a contact interface in a first state of the sidewalls and to space each other in a second state of the sidewalls; and

[0136] The contact interface has a stepped structure in the cross-section of the sidewall perpendicular to the hinge axis, and may include a first interface portion adjacent to the interior of the container and a second interface portion adjacent to the exterior of the container, the first interface portion and the second interface portion being located at different distances from the front wall and the rear wall.

[0137] 53. A foldable container according to embodiment 52, wherein each hinge is provided on a sidewall adjacent to the second interface portion and spaced apart from the first interface portion.

[0138] 54. A foldable container according to embodiment 52 or 53, wherein the base wall of the container is transferable between a first base wall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second base wall state different from the first state in the folded configuration of the container, the container further comprising:

[0139] At least one or more guide rails on each of the sidewalls define the guiding direction of the support strips on the sidewalls; and

[0140] One or more guided support straps, each engaging a corresponding strap rail, to allow the support straps to maintain their position and orientation while being slidable along the rails in the guiding direction; the position and orientation is one of the following:

[0141] - The support strip extends parallel to the front and rear reference planes between the top and bottom ends of the sidewalls in the first and second sidewall states, and extends laterally along the underside of the base wall between the sidewalls to the front and rear reference planes at least when the base wall is in the first base wall state; or

[0142] - The support band surrounds the container along its rear wall, side wall and front wall in the first and second side wall states, and is positioned near the top of these walls rather than near their bottom.

[0143] 55. According to embodiment 54, the foldable container includes at least one groove, each groove having a width greater than the width of the supported belt, thereby allowing the belt to slide along the groove.

[0144] 56. A collapsible container according to embodiment 54 or 55, wherein the one or more support straps include at least one base support strap extending along the entire height between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall in a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, and at least between the bottom end of the sidewall below the base wall when the base wall is in the first base wall state, and wherein the one or more guide rails include at least one height-oriented strap guide rail extending along at least a portion of the height of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends on each of the sidewalls.

[0145] 57. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 52 to 56, wherein the sidewalls are foldable between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, such that in an extended configuration of the container, at least a portion of each of the sidewalls having a first sidewall portion position has a second sidewall portion position in a folded configuration of the container, the second sidewall portion position being closer to the front and rear reference planes than the first sidewall portion position.

[0146] 58. A foldable container according to embodiment 57 when subordinate to embodiment 56, wherein both sidewalls are foldable about a respective fold line extending between their top and bottom ends, the fold line including a hinge located adjacent to or near the end of at least one highly oriented guide rail side.

[0147] 59. A foldable container according to embodiment 58, wherein belt guides for the height orientation of at least two different side portions of at least two belts are located near hinges on their opposite sides.

[0148] 60. The collapsible container according to embodiment 58 or 69 further includes a structure providing fold lines arranged along the fold lines of each sidewall, including highly oriented guide rails and hinges therein.

[0149] 61. A foldable container according to embodiment 60, wherein the structure providing the fold lines comprises a material different from the sidewall material.

[0150] 62. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 54 to 61, wherein in a first base wall state, the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall are configured to be adjacent to the bottom end of the respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall; and in a second base wall state, at least one of the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall is spaced apart from the bottom end of the respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall.

[0151] 63. A foldable container according to embodiment 56 or any one of embodiments 57 to 62 when directly or indirectly subordinate to embodiment 56, wherein the base support strip includes a state-changing portion, said state-changing portion being a strip base bottom that extends laterally along the underside of the base wall to the front and rear reference planes, at least in the extended configuration of the container, and two adjacent strip side portions on either side of the state-changing portion that extend parallel to one of the side walls to the front and rear reference planes in two states of the wall; wherein:

[0152] The state-changing portion of the base support strip is movable between a first position in the container expansion structure when the base wall is in the first base wall state and a second position in the folding structure when the base wall is in the second base wall state, the second position being spaced apart from the first position along a front-rear reference plane in the direction toward the rear wall; and

[0153] The state-changing portion of the base support strip has a first length at a first position and a second length at a second position, the second length being longer than the first length.

[0154] 64. A foldable container according to embodiment 63, wherein the state-changing portion of the base support band is at least partially attached to the underside of the base wall so as to be movable with the base wall as it moves from a first base wall state to a second base wall state.

[0155] 65. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 62 to 64, wherein in the second base wall state, the orientation of the base wall is different from that in the first base wall state.

[0156] 66. A foldable container according to any one of embodiments 62 to 65, wherein in the second base wall state, the front end of the base wall and the top end of the rear wall are spaced to a shorter degree than the distance in the first base wall state.

[0157] 67. A foldable container according to embodiment 65 or 66, wherein the base wall is hinged at its rear end to the bottom end of the rear wall so as to be rotatable between a first base wall state and a second base wall state.

[0158] 68. A collapsible container according to any one of embodiments 55 to 67, wherein the base support strip further includes a base extension portion adjacent to each end of the base support strip and extending therefrom at least in the extended configuration of the container away from the top of the sidewall.

[0159] 69. A foldable container according to embodiment 68 when directly or indirectly subordinate to embodiment 63, wherein when the base portion changes from the position of the first belt to the position of the second belt, the length of the base bottom of the base support belt is increased by reducing the length of the belt extension portion and sliding along the belt side portion of the belt guide along the height orientation.

[0160] 70. A foldable container according to embodiment 68 or 69, wherein the container is a portable container and the base support strap may further include a carryable portion having two ends, each end of which can be connected to one of the respective strap extensions.

[0161] 71. A collapsible container according to embodiment 54 or any of embodiments 55 to 61 that are directly or indirectly subordinate to embodiment 54, wherein one or more support straps include at least one side support strap that surrounds the container along the front and rear walls and two opposing side walls in both configurations of the container.

[0162] 72. A foldable container according to embodiment 71, wherein the at least one side support strip has at least an elastically extendable and retractable portion, capable of extending or retracting respectively when the sidewall changes state between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state.

[0163] 73. A collapsible container according to embodiment 71 or 72, wherein at least one side support strap is at least partially fixed to one of the front and rear walls of the container.

[0164] 74. A foldable container according to embodiment 73, wherein at least one side support strap is at least partially secured to the front wall of the container.

[0165] 75. A collapsible container according to any one of embodiments 71 to 74, wherein each sidewall includes at least one width-oriented band rail extending along at least a portion of the width of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends for engaging with a side support band to allow the side support band to maintain its position and orientation while being slidable along the rail during expansion or retraction.

[0166] 76. A foldable container according to embodiment 75, wherein the width-oriented guide rail is closer to the top of the sidewall than the bottom of the sidewall.

[0167] 77. The collapsible container according to any of the preceding embodiments further includes a collapsible liner configured to line the inner surface of the container in an extended configuration and store it inside the container in a collapsible configuration.

[0168] 78. A foldable container according to embodiment 77, wherein, in the folding configuration of the container, the lining is stored between the base wall and the rear wall.

[0169] 79. The collapsible container according to any of the preceding embodiments is a thermally insulated container.

[0170] 80. A collapsible container according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one of the base wall, side walls, front wall and rear wall of the container, and optionally all of them, is formed of a material including expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam.

[0171] 81. A collapsible container according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a lid hinged to one of the front or rear walls; wherein, in an extended configuration, the lid is operable to rotate about the hinged connection between the lid in a direction flush with the respective front or rear wall to which the lid is connected and in a direction parallel to the base wall to close the container, and in the collapsible configuration, the lid is configured to be flush with the respective front or rear wall to which the lid is connected.

[0172] 82. A collapsible container according to embodiment 81, wherein the lid is formed of a material comprising expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam.

[0173] 83. A collapsible container according to embodiment 80 or 82, wherein any element of the container, except its walls and at least one strap—the element being mounted to the container in the expansion and folding configuration of the container—is made of a material comprising a polymer, optionally polypropylene, in a form other than expanded foam.

[0174] 84. The foldable container according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the volume space occupied by the container in the folded configuration of the container can be 30%-50% of the volume space occupied by the container in the extended configuration of the container. Attached Figure Description

[0175] To better understand the subject matter disclosed herein and to illustrate how it can be carried out in practice, non-limiting examples will now be described in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0176] Figure 1A This shows a perspective view of a collapsible container, representing an example of a currently public topic.

[0177] Figure 1B Showing the folded structure Figure 1A A perspective view of the container;

[0178] Figure 2A The perspective view of a collapsible container in an expanded construction, showing another example of the currently disclosed topic;

[0179] Figure 2B Showing the folded structure Figure 2A A perspective view of the container;

[0180] Figure 3A The perspective view of a collapsible container in an expanded construction, showing another example of the currently disclosed topic;

[0181] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A Enlarged view of the area enclosed by B1;

[0182] Figure 3C yes Figure 3A Enlarged view of the area enclosed by B2;

[0183] Figure 4A Showing Figure 3A Bottom perspective view of the collapsible container;

[0184] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Enlarged view of the area enclosed by B3;

[0185] Figure 5A Showing Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the top of a collapsible container with the lid open and the base wall in its first base wall state, shown in full size, i.e., not in cross-section, and the carrystrap is not shown.

[0186] Figure 5B Showing Figure 5A The foldable container has its base wall in an intermediate state between a first base wall state and a second base wall state.

[0187] Figure 5C Showing Figure 5A A foldable container, the base wall of which is in the second base wall state;

[0188] Figure 5D Showing Figure 5A A collapsible container, showing a carrying strap;

[0189] Figure 6A Showing Figure 3A Bottom perspective view of the foldable container, with the base wall in an intermediate state between the first base wall state and the second base wall state;

[0190] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A Enlarged view of the area enclosed by B4;

[0191] Figure 7 The top perspective view shows an example of a structure provided by the folding line, which can be mounted to the side wall of any of the above examples of a foldable container;

[0192] Figure 8A Showing Figure 3A A foldable container, without carrying a strap, with the lid open, the bottom wall in the second base wall state and the side wall in the first side wall state;

[0193] Figure 8B Showing Figure 8A A plan view of a collapsible container;

[0194] Figure 8C yes Figure 8B An enlarged view of the enclosed portion marked A1;

[0195] Figure 9A Showing Figure 8A The foldable container has its sidewalls in an intermediate state between the first sidewall state and the second sidewall state.

[0196] Figure 9B It shows Figure 9A A plan view of a collapsible container;

[0197] Figure 9C yes Figure 9B An enlarged view of the enclosed portion marked A2;

[0198] Figure 10A Showing Figure 8A A foldable container with its sidewalls in a second sidewall state;

[0199] Figure 10B Showing Figure 10A A plan view of a collapsible container;

[0200] Figure 10C yes Figure 10B Enlarged view of the enclosed portion marked A3;

[0201] Figure 11A Showing Figure 3A The top side perspective view of the collapsible container does not show the carrying strap, but side support straps are provided in the corresponding strap rails. The lid has been removed for clarity.

[0202] Figure 11B yes Figure 11A Enlarged view of the area enclosed by D1;

[0203] Figure 12A The top-side perspective view of the foldable container in the foldable construction is shown;

[0204] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A Enlarged view of the area enclosed by D2;

[0205] Figure 13 Showing Figure 8A A collapsible container with the lid in the middle position;

[0206] Figure 14AThe perspective view shows another example of the currently disclosed subject, a collapsible container that may be similar to any of the examples mentioned above, but with the added ability for its lid to receive a cutting board on its lid;

[0207] Figure 14B The perspective view shows another example of the currently disclosed subject, a foldable container that may be similar to any of the examples mentioned above, but with the added ability for its lid to receive flip-up seats and tables;

[0208] Figure 14C Showing Figure 14B A perspective view of the folding chair and table shown;

[0209] Figure 14D Showing Figure 14A A perspective view of the foldable container, seat side down;

[0210] Figure 14E The perspective view shows another example of the currently disclosed subject, a collapsible container that may be similar to any of the examples mentioned above, but adds to its ability to include a textile basket set within it;

[0211] Figure 14F and 14G A perspective view of a collapsible container, showing a further example of the currently disclosed subject, is shown, which may be similar to any of the examples mentioned above, with the addition of its ability to function as a parasol;

[0212] Figure 14H The perspective view shows another example of the currently disclosed subject, a foldable container that may be similar to any of the examples mentioned above, but with the added ability to have wheels and handles for manipulating the container;

[0213] Figure 15A The image shows a perspective view of any of the above examples of a collapsible container with the lid closed.

[0214] Figure 15B Showing Figure 15A The container, with the lid open; and

[0215] Figure 15C Showing the folded structure Figure 15A The container was placed on the user's shoulder with a carrying strap. Detailed Implementation

[0216] Based on two non-restricted examples of the currently disclosed subject matter, each foldable container with both expansion and folding constructions... Figure 1A-2B As shown, each is typically referred to as container 100. Figure 1A and 2A The extended configuration EC of container 100 is shown. Figure 1B and 2BThe folded configuration CC of container 100 is shown. In at least one extended configuration EC of container 100, the container includes a base wall 102, a front wall 104, a rear wall 106, and two opposing side walls 108, 110 extending between the front wall 104 and the rear wall 106. The front wall 104, rear wall 106, and side walls 108, 110 have respective top ends 104a, 106a, 108a, 110a and bottom ends 104b, 106b, 108b, 110b.

[0217] Each container 100 has a fictitious front-rear reference plane FR and a fictitious side-to-side reference plane SS. The front-rear reference plane FR extends between the front and rear walls of each container 100 and between the top T and bottom B of each container 100, located between the side walls 108 and 110. The side-to-side reference plane SS extends between the side walls 108 and 110 and between the top T and bottom B of each container 100, located between the front and rear walls 104 and 106.

[0218] like Figure 1A and 2A As shown, the front wall 104 is spaced from the rear wall 106 by a first distance D1 in the extended configuration EC of each container 100. Figure 1B and 2B As shown, the front wall 104 is separated from the rear wall 106 by a second distance D2 in the folded structure CC of the container. The second distance D2 is shorter than the first distance D1.

[0219] At least one of the base wall 102 and side walls 108, 110 is a state-changing wall that can transition between a first wall state in the extended configuration EC of the container and a second wall state in the folded configuration CC of the container, so as to allow the distance to be changed between a first distance D1 and a second distance D2.

[0220] Each example container 100 further includes at least one support band 130, the state-changing portion 132 of which extends along at least a portion of the state-changing wall at least in its first wall state. The band 130 further includes adjacent portions 134, 136 on either side of the state-changing portion 132, which extend along two other adjacent walls adjacent to the state-changing wall on two opposite sides of the state-changing wall in both states of the wall.

[0221] Between a first position P1 in the extended configuration EC of container 100 and a second position P2 in the folded configuration CC of container 100, the state-changing portion of the aforementioned support belt 130 is movable. The second position P2 is spaced apart from the first position P1 at least along one of the reference planes FR and SS.

[0222] The state-changing portion 132 of the support belt 130 has a first length L1 at the first position P1 and a second length L2 at the second position P2. The second length L2 is longer than the first length L1.

[0223] Typically, in the foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, at least one band can be one support band, two support bands, or more. Two or more support bands can run side by side or adjacent to each other. Alternatively or additionally, there may be multiple support bands, wherein the base wall and one or two side walls are state-changing walls, each wall having one or more support bands, the state-changing portion of which extends at least along its portion.

[0224] exist Figure 1A and 1B In the container shown, the base wall 100 is a state-changing wall that extends along the state-changing portion 132 of the belt, while adjacent portions 134 and 136 extend along their respective sidewalls 108 and 110.

[0225] exist Figure 2A and 2B In the container shown, at least the sidewalls 108 and 110 are state-changing walls, extending at least along the state-changing portion 132 of the belt, while adjacent portions 134 and 136 of the belt 130 extend along their respective front and rear walls 104 and 106.

[0226] Although not shown, each of the containers 100 described above may have two types of support straps, meaning it may have at least one. Figure 1A-1B Support strips of the type shown and at least one Figure 2A-2B Support strip of the type shown.

[0227] Now turning to the examples in 3A-6B, we will now describe further examples of foldable containers based on the currently disclosed subject matter, generally referred to as container 200, which include... Figure 1A-2B The container 100 has the same features as the container 200, with necessary modifications, wherein similar features are indicated by similar reference symbols, except that they are preceded by "200" instead of "100". Thus, for example, at least in the extended configuration EC of the container 200, the container 200 includes a base wall 202, a front wall 204, a rear wall 206, and two opposing side walls 208, 210 extending between the front wall 204 and the rear wall 206.

[0228] Typically, in a collapsible container, according to the currently disclosed subject matter, at least one support strap may include at least one base support strap, wherein one, two, or more base support straps may be included. At least in the extended configuration of the container, the at least one base support strap has at least one base bottom and two side sides, the base bottom extending laterally along the underside of the base wall to the front and rear reference planes, and each side side extending parallel to one of the side walls to the front and rear reference planes.

[0229] In a specific embodiment of container 200, such as Figure 3A , 4A As shown in Figure 4B, the at least one support band is a base support band 230. In the extended configuration EC of the container 200, the base support band 230 includes a base bottom 232 extending laterally along the underside of the base wall 202 to the front and rear reference planes FR, and two side portions 234 and 236 extending parallel to the front and rear reference planes FR along the side walls 208 and 210.

[0230] Typically, in a foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, the base wall can be a state-changing wall having a first base wall state in which the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall are positioned adjacent to the bottom end of their respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall; and a second base wall state in which at least one of the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall is spaced apart from the bottom end of their respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall. The base wall is in the first base wall state in an expanded configuration of the container, and at least in a folded configuration of the container, it is in the second base wall state. The second base wall state may include, for example, folding the base wall adjacent to the front or rear wall, or it may be completely removed from the container, for example, by lifting it.

[0231] Now for reference Figures 5A-5C It shows a partial cut of container 200 to allow full-size visibility of its base wall 202, but does not show the support band 230 for ease of understanding. The base wall 202 has a first base wall state BW1, as... Figure 5A As shown, the second basement wall state BW2, as Figure 5C As shown. Figure 5B The intermediate position of the base wall 202 between the first base wall state BW1 and the second base wall state BW2 is shown.

[0232] In the first base wall state BW1, the front end 202F, rear end 202R and opposite side ends 202S1, 202S2 of the base wall 202 are provided with their respective front wall 204, rear wall 206 and side walls 208, 210 adjacent bottom ends 204b, 206b, 208b, 210b.

[0233] Typically, in the foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, the state-changing portion of the base support strip is movable between a first position in the container's expanded structure when the base wall is in a first base wall state and a second position in the folded structure when the base wall is in a second base wall state, the second position being spaced apart from the first position along a front-rear reference plane in the direction toward the rear wall. This movement of the base support strip toward the rear wall facilitates a more compact stacking of the base support strip and allows for easy folding of the container without the base support strip interfering with the process.

[0234] More specifically, the state-changing portion of the base support strip can be at least partially attached to the underside of the base wall so that it can move upwards when the base wall transitions from a first base wall state to a second base wall state. Alternatively, the state-changing portion of the base support strip can be moved independently of the base wall. The state-changing portion of the base support strip can be attached to the underside of the base wall in the intermediate region on either side of the portion. This attachment can be a permanent fixation via a permanent connecting element or it can be detachable, such as via a button connection or similar.

[0235] like Figure 6A and 6B As shown, in container 200, the base bottom 232 of base support belt 230 is attached to the underside of base wall 202 at two connection points 237 so that it can move with base wall 202 as it moves from the first base wall state BW1 to the second base wall state BW2.

[0236] For example, as can be seen in 4A, 4B, 6A, 6B, and 5D, the first position P1 when the base wall 202 is in the first base wall state BW1 (see... Figure 4A and 4B ) and the second position P2 when the base wall 202 is in the second base wall state BW2 (e.g. Figure 5D As shown, the base support strip 230 moves together with the base 202 between the two positions. The second position P2 and the first position P1 are spaced apart along the front and rear reference plane FR in the direction toward the rear wall 206. As the base wall 202 folds toward the rear wall 206, the base support strip 230 moves accordingly.

[0237] Typically, in a foldable container according to the subject matter disclosed herein, the base wall can be connected to the rear wall by any mechanical means, allowing the base wall to move between a first base wall state and a second base wall state, in which the base wall forms a first angle with the rear wall equal to or close to a right angle, and in the second base wall state, the base wall forms a second angle with the rear wall smaller than the first angle. The second angle can be close to 0 degrees. More particularly, the base wall can be linked to the bottom end of the rear wall at the rear end of the base wall so as to be rotatable between the first base wall state and the second base wall state. In this case, the container may include at least one pivot restraint element, which is operable to prevent the base wall from pivoting from the second state to the first state beyond its desired orientation in the first state. Such an element may, for example, be in the form of a foldable or flexible elongated member, connected to the front end of the rear wall from the top end of the rear wall. Another example of at least one pivot restraint element may be a lid that protrudes laterally from the bottom end of one or each of the rear and front walls so as to be positioned below the base wall when in the first base wall state BW1.

[0238] In a specific embodiment of container 200, such as Figure 5A As shown, the base wall 202 is provided with a hinge 203, which hinges the rear end 202R of the base wall 202 to the bottom end 206b of the rear wall 206. This allows the base wall 202 to... Figure 5A The first base wall state BW1 shown (where the base wall is perpendicular to the rear wall) and Figure 5C Rotation between the second base wall state BW2 shown (where the base wall is parallel to the rear wall).

[0239] The front wall 204 and the rear wall 206 each have corresponding covers 204c and 206c at their bottom ends 204b and 206b, which protrude from their respective walls 204 and 206 toward the opposite walls 206 and 204 of the container, thereby providing front and rear bracket surfaces 204d and 206d. When the base wall is in the first base wall state BW1, the bottom of the base wall 202 can rest on it.

[0240] Typically, the base wall of a foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter may be provided with a handle, a sheet-like pendant, a ring, a strap, or the like, at the distal end of the hinge connection, or, in a specific example, at the proximal end of the front end of the base wall, which can be gripped by a user when the container is in the extended configuration, thereby allowing the user to easily grasp the base wall and pull it from a first base wall state to a second base wall state. The handle, sheet-like pendant, ring, strap, or the like may also be provided with their own fastening elements, such as studs, magnets, hook-and-loop fasteners, or similar fixing elements, capable of connecting to corresponding fastening elements on their respective front or rear walls, with the base wall in the second bottom wall state by means of these corresponding fastening elements. The fastening elements are reversible, allowing the user to easily detach the fastening elements when restoring the container to the extended configuration.

[0241] Typically, guideways can be provided for the base wall to ensure that the state-changing portion of the base support strip stops or ends at the desired position, at least in the first base wall state BW1. For example, such guideways may include recesses, grooves, or recesses. If there are multiple support strips, multiple recesses can be provided.

[0242] In the example of container 200, as can be seen from 5B and 5C, a centrally located groove 202a is provided on the underside of the base wall, extending along it between the opposite side ends 202S1 and 202S2 of the base wall 202, and arranged to receive the base bottom 232 of the base support band 230 in the first base wall state BW1. This facilitates providing support to the underside of the container 200 via the supported base support band 230.

[0243] Typically, in a collapsible container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, each sidewall may include at least one height-oriented belt guide extending along at least a portion of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends; wherein each of the two belt side portions of the at least one base support belt engages with a corresponding height-oriented belt guide so as to allow the belt side portion to maintain its position and orientation while sliding along the guide as the bottom of the base support belt changes its position between first and second positions. For example, if there are multiple base support belts, multiple height-oriented belt guides may be provided, or a single height-oriented belt guide may be provided to guide multiple base support belts.

[0244] Specifically, such as Figure 4A and 7 In the example of container 200 shown, each sidewall 208, 210 is provided with height-oriented guide rails 240a, 240b extending along the sidewall 208 between its top ends 208a, 210a and bottom ends 208b, 210b. In this example, the height-oriented guide rails 240a, 240b are not symmetrical and are therefore mirror images of each other. Although references will be made... Figure 7The enlarged view of the guide rail 240b is used to describe the details of the highly oriented guide rail, but it should be understood that although it is displayed in a mirror image, the same applies. Figure 4A As shown in 240a, at least one base support strip 230 has two strip side portions 234, 236 that engage with corresponding height-oriented strip guides 240a, 240b so that when the strip base 232 of the base support strip 230 changes its position between the first and second positions P1, P2, the strip side portions 234, 236 are allowed to maintain their position and orientation relative to their respective sidewalls 208, 210, while being slidable along the guides 240a, 240b.

[0245] Typically, in a collapsible container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, at least one height-oriented belt guide may include at least one groove, each groove being wider than the width of the belt side portion, thereby allowing the belt to slide along the groove. Such a groove may be an open or closed groove, a partially closed groove, an open groove with a closed portion, a recess, a groove, or any combination thereof.

[0246] like Figure 7 As shown, in a specific example of container 200, the height-oriented guide rail 240b includes a top end 241 and a bottom end 242 and a groove 243 passing through therein. The width W of the groove 243 is greater than the width 236 of the side portion configured to pass through the groove.

[0247] The groove 243 is typically open along its length and intermittently covered by a plurality of bridging structures 246 spaced along its length, including bridging structures 246—approaching each end 241, 242 of the height-oriented guide rail 240b. The bridging structures 246 hold the belt in place within the groove 243 while allowing the belt to slide along the groove.

[0248] When the foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter has grooves or channels for base support bands on the underside and sidewalls of the base wall, these grooves or channels can surround or merge in the corner areas of the container defined by the base wall and sidewalls when the base wall is in the first state. Such corner areas, as well as the corresponding portions of the grooves and / or channels, can be continuously bent.

[0249] In this example, the bottom end of the groove 243 is provided with a curved portion, so that the side portions 234, 236 smoothly transition from the groove around the bottom edge of the container and slide under the base surface.

[0250] Typically, in a foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, each base support band may include a band extension connected at its distal end to each band side portion, remote from the base portion of the band, and extending from its tip remote from the sidewall, at least in the extended configuration of the container. In some examples, the band extension is a continuation of the band side portion, while in other examples, the band extension is a separate component connected to the band side portion. The length of the base base of the base support band can be increased by decreasing the length of the band extension and by sliding the band side portion along a height-oriented band guide when the base portion changes from a first band position to a second band position. In some examples, in the folded configuration of the container, the band extension either extends remotely from the tip of the sidewall to a lesser extent than in the extended configuration, or does not extend remotely from the tip of the sidewall.

[0251] In the example of container 200, such as Figure 4A As shown, the base support strip 230 includes a strip extension 238 for each strip side portion 234, 236, which is a continuation of each strip side portion 234, 236 at its end beyond the base bottom 232 of the strip 230. At least in the extended configuration EC of the container 200, each strip extension 238 extends from its respective strip side portion 134, 136 away from the top ends 208a, 210a of its respective sidewalls 208, 210. When the base portion 232 changes from a first strip position P1 to a second strip position P2, the length of the base bottom 232 of the base support strip 230 can be increased by decreasing the length of the strip extension 238 and by sliding the strip side portions 234, 236 along the height-oriented strip guides 240a, 240b.

[0252] The container can be a portable container, and the base support strap can further include a carryable portion having two ends, each portion connectable to a corresponding strap extension. If there are multiple support straps, there can be multiple carryable portions, and / or each carryable portion can be connected to one or more support straps. The carryable portion can be a continuation of the strap extension or can be a separate component to which it can be attached, optionally in a removable manner. Furthermore, the carryable portion can be provided with a strap length adjuster to adjust the accommodateable length to suit the user. Additionally, a carryable portion can be provided for the user so that the user can more comfortably place the strap on their shoulder when carrying the container.

[0253] like Figure 4A As shown, in the example of container 200, which is a portable container, the base support strap 230 further includes a carryable portion 239 having two ends 239a, each of which can be connected to one of the strap extension portions 238 respectively.

[0254] Typically, in a foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, the two sidewalls are foldable between a first sidewall state when the base wall is in a first base wall state, a second base wall state, or an intermediate state, and a second sidewall state when the base wall is in a second base wall state. The sidewalls are structured such that at least a portion of each sidewall having a first sidewall portion position in the extended configuration of the container has a second sidewall portion position in the folded configuration of the container, the second sidewall portion position being closer to the front and rear reference planes than the first sidewall portion position.

[0255] In a specific example of container 200, such as Figures 8A-8C As shown in 9A-9C and 10A-10C, each of the two sidewalls 208 and 210 is in a state via the intermediate sidewall ( Figure 9A and 9B The first sidewall state SW1 () Figure 8A ) and the second sidewall state SW2 ( Figure 10A The sides are foldable such that the center of each (unspecified) in the extended configuration EC of the container has a first sidewall position SWP1 and a second sidewall position SWP2 in the folded configuration of the container, the second sidewall position SWP2 being closer to the front and rear reference planes FR than the first sidewall position SWP1.

[0256] Typically, in a collapsible container according to the subject matter disclosed herein, two sidewalls are foldable around a fold line extending between the top and bottom ends of the sidewalls. For this purpose, each sidewall may include at least one hinge defining the fold line and located near or proximal to one side of at least one highly oriented band rail. In some examples, if there is more than one support band, highly oriented band rails for at least two different side portions of the support bands are located near hinges on their opposite sides.

[0257] In a specific example of container 200, such as Figures 8A-8C As shown, each of the two sidewalls 208, 210 is foldable around its respective fold line FL, which extends between the top and bottom ends 208a, 210a, 208b, 210b of the sidewalls 208, 210. The fold line FL includes a hinge or a series of hinges 244 located near the proximal end of one side of a groove 243 with a guide rail 240b that is at least highly oriented.

[0258] Typically, a foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter may include a structure providing fold lines for each sidewall, including highly oriented guide rails and at least one hinge thereon. The fold line providing structure may extend from the outer surface of the sidewall, or may be recessed into the sidewall to fully or partially accommodate the fold line providing structure.

[0259] In a specific example of container 200, such as Figure 7-10C As shown, the fold lines provide structures 250 arranged on the fold lines FL of each sidewall 208, 210, including highly oriented guide rails 240a, 240b and at least one hinge 244. In this example, the sidewalls 208, 210 are recessed to partially accommodate the structures 250 so as to be substantially flush with the sidewalls 208, 210. The structures 250 can be secured to their respective sidewalls 208, 210 by suitable connecting means such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners such as pins, anchors, rivets, etc.

[0260] Typically, in foldable containers according to the currently disclosed subject matter, the fold lines provide the structure using a material different from the sidewall material. For example, the material providing the structure for the fold lines is stronger and more flexible than the sidewall material, and it may, optionally, have a lower surface roughness or friction than the sidewall material to facilitate easy sliding of its abutting side surfaces.

[0261] Typically, in a collapsible container according to the subject matter disclosed herein, at least one band may additionally or alternatively include at least one side support band that surrounds the container along the front and rear walls and two opposing side walls in two configurations of the container, and one or both of the collapsible side walls may constitute a state-changing wall for the side support band.

[0262] In the current container 200 example, and referring to Figure 11A-12B At least one band further includes a side support band 260, which surrounds the container 200 along the rear walls 204, 206 and two opposing side walls 208, 210 in both configurations of the container 200.

[0263] Typically, in a foldable container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, at least one side support strap may have at least a resiliently extendable and retractable portion, capable of extending or retracting respectively when the sidewall changes state between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state. For example, the side support strap may comprise a resilient webbing, or a webbing having an extendable resilient portion and a non-extendable portion.

[0264] In the current example of container 200, at least one side support strip has at least an elastically extendable and retractable portion 262, which can extend or retract respectively when the sidewalls 208, 210 change states between the first sidewall state and the second sidewall states SW1, SW2. The elastically extendable and retractable portion 262 is shorter in the first sidewall state SW1 and has a longer length Y2 in the second sidewall state SW2. The portion 263 of the side support strip extending along each sidewall 208, 210 in the second sidewall state SW2 is longer than the portion 263 of the side support strip extending along each sidewall 208, 210 in the first sidewall state SW1.

[0265] Typically, in a collapsible container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, at least one side support strap can be at least partially secured to at least one of the front and rear walls of the container, for example, by means of any suitable fastening element to the front wall of the container. This securing ensures that the extension and retraction of the side support strap occurs at its predetermined, unsecured portion, such as along the side wall of the container.

[0266] In this example, a portion of the strip 260 extending along the front wall 204 is secured to the front wall 204 by a suitable fastening device (e.g., adhesive, pin, rivet, hook, etc.).

[0267] Typically, in foldable containers according to the currently disclosed subject matter, the fixed portion of the side support strap can be used for purposes other than supporting the side walls. For example, it can be formed as a pocket that provides additional storage space beyond the container's interior and can be sealed using known closures (e.g., zippers, magnets, hooks and loops, compression studs, etc.).

[0268] In the current example of container 200, a portion of the strap 260 extending along the front wall 204 is in the form of a pocket 261 (see example). Figure 8A ).

[0269] Typically, in a collapsible container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, each sidewall may include at least one width-oriented band guide extending along at least a portion of the sidewall between the front and rear ends for engaging the side support band to allow the side support band to maintain its position and orientation relative to the sidewall while sliding along the guide during extension or retraction. For example, the guide may include an open groove, a closed or partially closed groove, a recess, multiple retention structures, a ring, or the like.

[0270] In the example of the current container 200, each sidewall 208, 210 includes a width-oriented band guide 209, 211 that extends the width of the sidewall 208, 210 between its front ends 208f, 210f and rear ends 208r, 210r for engaging the side support band 260. This allows the side support band 260 to maintain its position and orientation relative to the sidewall while sliding along the guide 209, 211 during extension or retraction. In this example, the band guide 209, 211 includes recessed grooves or slots. Because the band 260 is resilient, it naturally resides within the recessed band guide 209, 211 without requiring additional retaining structures.

[0271] In some cases, the width-oriented guide rails are located closer to their bottom ends than the top ends of the sidewalls. In the current example of container 200, the width-oriented guide rails 209, 211 are located closer to their bottom ends 208b, 210b than the top ends 208a, 210a of the sidewalls 208, 210.

[0272] Typically, containers according to the currently disclosed subject matter may have guide rails on their rear wall that complement the grooves on the side walls to maintain the position and orientation of the lateral support strips along the entire periphery of the container.

[0273] In this example, guide rails including recessed grooves or slots 207 are provided at least along the rear wall 206, thus connecting at least the grooves 209, 207 and 211 to form continuous or intermittent recessed grooves.

[0274] Typically, the side support strips and base support strips may overlap each other by at least one area on each sidewall of the container, thereby facilitating the retention of one of them by being arranged closer to the surface of the respective sidewall than the other. Alternatively, the guide rail accommodating one strip may include a groove for the passage of another strip through it to facilitate its retention.

[0275] For example, in container 200, such as Figure 3B and 3C As shown, a portion of the strip 260 extending along each sidewall 208, 210 passes behind a portion of the strip side portions 234, 236 retained in the height-oriented guide rails so as to retain it thereon. Furthermore, a portion of the strip 260 extending along each sidewall 208, 210 passes through a slot 245 in the height-oriented guide rails 240a, 240b (see also...). Figure 7 ( ), so that it can be retained separately. The two retention arrangements described above allow the belt 260 to remain closely aligned and close to the sidewalls 208, 210, even in the folded construction described in more detail below.

[0276] Typically, in the container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, two opposing sidewalls have a first state in which, in an extended configuration of the container, the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other to a first degree, and a second state in a folded configuration of the container in which the front and rear walls are spaced apart from each other to a second degree, the second degree being smaller than the first degree. This can include compression, folding, bending, etc., of the sidewalls toward the interior and / or exterior of the container in order to bring the front and rear walls closer together.

[0277] Each sidewall may include two wall assemblies having connecting end-facing components to fold the respective sidewall around at least one folding axis, such that in a first state, their respective axes are at a first distance from each other, and in a second state, these axes are at a second distance from each other, smaller than the first distance. The end-facing components of each sidewall are operable to contact each other along a sidewall contact interface in the first state and spaced apart in the second state. For example, the wall assemblies may be connected by hinges mounted on the front and rear ends of the sidewalls and having at least one hinge axis extending between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall constituting the folding axis.

[0278] The contact interface described above may have a non-collinear portion in the cross-section of the sidewall perpendicular to the folding / hinge axis. More specifically, the contact interface may include a first interface portion adjacent to the interior of the container and a second interface portion adjacent to the exterior of the container, with the first and second interface portions located at different distances from the front and rear walls.

[0279] refer to Figure 8A-10C In the example of container 200, the two opposing sidewalls 208, 210 have a first state SW1, wherein the front and rear walls 204, 206 are spaced apart from each other by a first degree by each sidewall 208, 210, which is a first distance D1 in the extended structure EC of container 200 (see...). Figures 8A-8B In the folded construction CC of a container, such as... Figures 10A-10B As shown, the front and rear walls 204, 206 are spaced apart from each other by a second degree by each side wall 208, 210, which is a second distance D2. The second degree D2 is shorter than the first degree D1. The reduction in spacing is achieved by inward folding of the side walls 208, 210, as will be described below.

[0280] Each of the sidewalls 208 and 210 includes two wall assemblies 270 and 280, each having assemblies facing ends 271 and 281 connected by a hinge 244 located between the front and rear ends 208f, 208r and 210f, 210r of the sidewall. The hinge 244 has a hinge axis HA extending between the top and bottom ends of the sidewalls 208a, 208b, 210a, and 210b, the hinge axis coinciding with the fold line FL. Each hinge 244 is operable to allow the corresponding sidewall 208, 210 to fold about the hinge axis. In a first state SW1 of the sidewalls 208 and 210, the hinge axes HA are at a first distance H1 from each other. In a second state SW2 of the sidewalls, the hinge axes HA are at a second distance H2 from each other, less than the first distance H1.

[0281] In the first state SW1 of sidewalls 208, 210, the components of each sidewall 208, 210 are operable toward ends 271, 281 to contact each other along contact interface CI in the first state SW1 of sidewalls 208, 210 (see... Figure 8C ), and are spaced apart from each other in the second state SW2 of sidewalls 208 and 210 (see Figure 10C ).like Figure 8C , 9C As seen in 10C, the two wall assemblies 270, 280 of each sidewall rotate around hinge 244 between a position where the wall assemblies 270, 280 are parallel and coplanar aligned (first sidewall state SW1) and a position where the wall assemblies 270, 280 are parallel but not coplanar aligned but adjacent to each other (second sidewall state SW2).

[0282] from Figure 8C As can be seen, the contact interface CI has a stepped structure in the cross-section of the sidewall perpendicular to the hinge axis HA. The stepped contact interface CI includes a first interface portion IP1 adjacent to the interior of the container and a second interface portion IP2 adjacent to the exterior of the container. The first and second interface portions IP1 and IP2 are located at different distances from the front and rear walls 204 and 206, respectively. In this example, the first interface portion IP1 is closer to the rear wall 206 and farther from the front wall 204 than the second interface portion IP2.

[0283] Typically, each hinge can be provided on a sidewall near the second interface portion and spaced apart from the first interface portion.

[0284] In this example, hinge 244 is located adjacent to the first interface portion IP1 and away from the second interface portion IP2.

[0285] The contact interface is constructed such that the two wall assemblies overlap in the first sidewall state, thereby providing structural stability, and there is virtually no gap between the wall assemblies. Gap dimensions may be important when considering the thermal insulation function of the container, and this would be improved if heat transfer via convection through the gaps in the sidewalls were prevented. In container 200, the contact interface has a stepped construction, as described above, in the first sidewall state SW1, where the two wall assemblies 270 and 280 overlap.

[0286] Typically, in a container according to the subject matter disclosed herein, two wall assemblies of each sidewall can be connected to the front and rear walls along an edge away from a hinge, which connects the two wall assemblies together. The connection can be a hinged connection, such as, but not limited to, one or more hinges. As the wall assemblies of the sidewall move from a first sidewall state to a second sidewall state, the wall assemblies fold, pivot, or rotate about their hinged connections to the front and rear walls until, in the second sidewall state, the wall assemblies are parallel or adjacent to each of the front and rear walls to which they are connected.

[0287] In this example, for example, Figure 5A As shown in -C and 11A, each wall assembly 270, 280 is equipped with a corresponding hinge connection 274, 284, wherein each wall assembly 270 is connected to the rear wall 206 via hinge connection 274, and each wall assembly 280 is connected to the front wall 204 via hinge connection 284. Since the base wall 202 is folded against the inner surface of the rear wall 206 in this example, the rear wall includes two side portions 206f projecting from the rear wall 206 toward the front wall 204 along each side of the rear wall 206. In the first side wall state SW1, each side wall 206f is coplanar with its respective side wall 208, 210. The side portions 206f project toward the front wall 204 to a length at least equal to the thickness of the base wall, thereby positioning the hinge connection 274 at a distance beyond the folded base wall to allow folding of the side walls 208, 210, and in particular, folding of the wall assembly 270, when the base wall 202 is in the folded position or in the second base wall state BW2.

[0288] Hinge connections 274, 284 may include a single hinge extending along the height of side 206f, or may include multiple hinges. In this example, each hinge connection 274, 284 includes two hinges.

[0289] For example Figure 5B , 5C As shown in Figure 8B, hinge connection 274 is located above the trailing edge surface 206d, therefore in the first sidewall state SW1, the wall assembly 270 is partially supported from below by the trailing edge surface 206d. Similarly, hinge connection 284 is located above the leading edge surface 204d, therefore in the first sidewall state SW1, the wall assembly 280 is partially supported from below by the leading edge surface 204d. Furthermore, for example, as... Figure 10B and 10C As shown, in the second sidewall state SW2, wall assembly 270 is almost entirely supported below by its underlying trailing edge surface 206d, while wall assembly 280 is almost entirely supported below by its underlying leading edge surface 204d. Therefore, in both sidewall states SW1 and SW2, the leading and trailing edge surfaces 204D and 206D support sidewalls 208 and 210, respectively, and additionally, in the first basewall state BW1, basewall 202 is supported.

[0290] Since the base wall 202 is supported by the front and rear bottom edges 204d (206d) in the first base wall state BW1, it cannot move downward below the lower edges of the side walls 208, 210. Therefore, the opposite side ends or edges 202S1, 202S2 of the base wall 202 in the first base wall state BW1 are also used to maintain the side walls 208, 210 in the first side wall state SW1 and prevent the side walls 208, 210 from being able to fold inward to the second side wall state SW2.

[0291] The container according to the currently disclosed subject matter may include reversible fasteners to improve the retention of the wall assembly in a first sidewall state. These may include magnets, hooks and rings, pressure studs, etc., arranged at the end portions of the wall assembly. They may be arranged to secure the first and second wall assemblies at a first interface portion, such that the wall assemblies are connected together by hinges near the exterior of the container and by fasteners near the interior of the container.

[0292] In this example, such as Figure 9A and 9C As shown, magnets 272 and 282 are provided at the ends 271 and 281 of the wall assemblies 270 and 280 of the first interface portion IP1. The magnets are provided in the grooves at the ends 271 and 281 of the wall assemblies 270 and 280, such that a flush fit between the ends 271 and 281 of the wall assemblies 270 and 280 can be achieved in the first sidewall state sw1.

[0293] Magnets 272 and 282 may be provided as a pair, or there may be two, three or more pairs of magnets spaced apart along the height of the sidewall assemblies 270 and 280 to facilitate a stronger and more secure connection between the sidewall assemblies 270 and 280 in the first sidewall state SW1.

[0294] Reversible fasteners can also be provided to improve retention of the wall assembly in the second sidewall state. These can include magnets, hooks and rings, pressure studs, etc., arranged on portions of the wall assembly adjacent to each other in the second sidewall state. These can be arranged on the surfaces between the hinge and the respective adjacent front and rear walls of the container, optionally away from the hinge and close to the front and rear walls, so that the wall assembly is held in the second sidewall position by a hinge along one edge and by fasteners close to the other edge.

[0295] In the example of container 200, such as Figure 8A and 9AAs shown, magnets 273 and 283 are disposed on the outer surface of each wall assembly 270 and 280, close to their respective adjacent front wall 204 or rear wall 206. The magnets are provided in grooves on the outer surfaces of the wall assemblies 270 and 280, such that the wall assemblies 270 and 280 can be parallel and adjacent to each other in a compact position in the second sidewall position SW2.

[0296] Magnets 273 and 283 may be provided as a pair, or there may be two, three, or more pairs of magnets spaced apart along the heights 270 and 280 of the sidewall assemblies to facilitate a stronger and more secure connection between the wall assemblies 270 and 280 in the second sidewall state SW2. In this particular example, each wall assembly 270 and 280 is provided with two magnets 273 and 283, spaced apart from each other, with the first located at the top 270 and 280 of the wall assembly and the second at the bottom 270 and 280 of the wall assembly.

[0297] like Figures 10A-10C As shown, in the folded structure CC of container 200, the front and rear walls 204, 206 face each other, so that the covers 204C, 206 of the front and rear walls 204, 206 come together and optionally abut each other.

[0298] In containers according to the currently disclosed subject matter, reversible fasteners can secure the front and rear walls to each other in a closed configuration when needed. These can include magnets, hooks and rings, pressure studs, etc., arranged on the front and rear walls.

[0299] In this example, such as Figure 4A , 4B As shown in 5B, 5C, 6A, 6B, 8B, 9B, and 10B, magnets 204e and 206e are disposed on the surfaces of the covers 204c and 206c of the front and rear walls 204 and 206, which face each other and are adjacent to each other in the folded structure CC of the container 200. Magnets 204e and 206e may be disposed within grooves on the facing surfaces of the covers 204c and 206c, optionally flush with or protruding from the surfaces. Alternatively, magnets 204e and 206e may be mounted on and protrude from the facing surfaces. When the magnets are flush with the surfaces, the covers 204c and 206c of the front and rear walls 204 and 206 can be connected in adjacent contact. When the magnets protrude from the facing surfaces, the covers 204c and 206c of the front and rear walls 204 and 206 can be connected in adjacent, spaced-apart contact.

[0300] The magnets 204e and 206e can be a single pair, or two, three, or more pairs of magnets spaced apart along the width of the caps 204c and 206c on the front and rear walls 204 and 206, so as to establish a stronger and safer connection between the front and rear walls 204 and 206 in the folded configuration CC of the container.

[0301] Typically, a collapsible container according to the currently disclosed subject matter may include a collapsible liner configured in an extended configuration of the container on the inner surface of the container and stored inside the container in the collapsible configuration. The liner may be formed of a flexible material, optionally a water-permeable material, to ensure that the container walls remain clean in the event of spillage, condensation, etc.

[0302] The liner can be securely attached to the inner surfaces of the container, such as the inner surfaces of the rear and base walls, and releasable to the front wall to ensure the liner does not slip or move during container use. Additionally, all attachments to all surfaces inside the container are releasable, allowing for liner removal, cleaning, and replacement. Secure attachments can include, but are not limited to, adhesives or similar materials, while releasable attachments can include, but are not limited to, magnets, studs, hooks, and appearance fasteners, etc.

[0303] By attaching the liner to the inner surfaces of the rear wall and the base wall, the liner can be easily folded and stored between the base wall and the rear wall as the base wall moves from a first base wall state to a second base wall state, as is the case in the folding construction of the container. For ease of folding and unfolding, the liner can be formed, sewn, or folded in a manner that creates fold memory, so that the liner automatically tends to fold along the same folds and creases each time it is stored.

[0304] According to the currently disclosed subject matter, the container may be provided with an opening facing its lower side, optionally with a removable plug, to facilitate the drainage of any fluid within the container, such as fluid accumulated due to overflow or condensation. For example, the opening may extend through the rear wall of the container, and if a liner is present, it may be fitted into the liner to allow fluid to drain directly from the liner to the outside of the container.

[0305] In the example of container 200, an example of port 290 is... Figure 5A , 11A Figures 12A and 12A show a cap or plug 292 with a sealing opening 290, although the lining is not shown in this specific example.

[0306] Typically, a collapsible container according to the currently disclosed subject matter may include a lid that is fully detachable and removable from the container wall. Optionally or additionally, the lid may be hinged to one of the front or rear walls. At least in the extended configuration of the container, the lid is operable to rotate about the hinged connection between a position where the lid is flush with the respective front or rear wall to which it is attached and a position where the lid is parallel to the base wall, in order to close the container. In the folded configuration of the container, the lid may be configured to be flush with the respective front or rear walls to which it is attached.

[0307] In this specific example, such as Figure 3A , 5A As shown in Figure 13, the collapsible container 200 further includes a lid 212, which is hinged to the rear wall 206 at a hinge connection 212a. Figure 3A , 5A As shown in Figure 13, in the extended configuration EC of container 200, the lid 212 is positioned flush with the rear wall 206. Figure 5A The cover 212 and the base wall 202 are rotatably connected around a hinge 212a. Figure 13 ), so as to close container 200 ( Figure 3A ).

[0308] To improve the tight closure of the lid on the container, various protrusions and / or grooves can be provided for the lid and / or the container wall to allow for a frictional fit between the lid and the wall. Alternatively, complementary releasable fasteners, such as magnets, pressure bolts, hooks and rings, and the like, can be provided for the lid and the container wall to securely close the container lid.

[0309] exist Figure 13 In the example shown, a lid 212 is provided below it, and when the lid 212 is closed, the protrusion 212b is configured to engage with the top 204 of the interior of the container 200 adjacent to the rear wall 206 and the side walls 208, 210. This provides both secure closure of the lid 212 and support for the side walls 208, 210 to prevent accidental damage or inward folding under accidental applied external forces.

[0310] In addition, a plurality of small protrusions 212c are provided in front of the protrusion 212b, which are configured to generate additional frictional engagement between the front wall 204 of the container 200 and the protrusion 212b of the lid 212, thereby ensuring a secure fit of the lid 212 when closed.

[0311] However, it should be noted that such small protrusions may be additionally or alternatively provided on the inner surfaces of the side walls 208, 210, front wall 204 and / or rear wall 206 of the container 200 to achieve the same frictional fit effect.

[0312] For example Figure 3A and 13 As shown, the cover is provided at its front edge and has a recessed portion 212d to facilitate the user to grip the cover 212 and pull it open with the help of frictional force.

[0313] In the folded structure CC of container 200, such as... Figure 10A As shown, cover 212 is flush with the rear wall to which it is attached.

[0314] In containers according to the currently disclosed subject matter, reversible fasteners can be provided to improve the retention of the lid against the rear wall of the container in the closed configuration of the container when needed. These may include magnets, hooks and rings, pressure studs, etc., arranged adjacent to each other on the rear wall portion and the lid in the closed configuration of the container to maintain the position.

[0315] In this example, such as Figure 3A As shown, an upward protrusion 212e is provided at the top front of the cover 212 at the distal end of the hinge connection 212a, and a magnet 212f is provided on its top surface. When the cover 212 is adjacent to it in the folded configuration CC of the container, the magnet 212f is configured to contact a complementary magnet provided on the lower part of the outer surface of the rear wall 206.

[0316] The protrusion 212e serves as a spacer between the surfaces of the cover 212 and the rear wall 206 to accommodate the spacing of the hinge connection 212a at the opposite edges of the cover 212, and also facilitates the user in easily releasing the magnetic connection 212f when the cover 212 needs to be closed.

[0317] Typically, additional features can be provided for the lid. Below are some examples of optional features, described with reference to the inner and outer surfaces of the lid, where "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer surfaces of the lid when the lid is closed on a container in an extended configuration.

[0318] In some examples, for example Figure 14A The example container 300A shown may have a recess 313A on the inner surface 311A ​​of the lid 312A for retaining a cutting board 314A for food preparation. In this regard, the side edges 315A of the recess 313A may include protrusions 316A arranged to engage with the cutting board 314A when placed in the recess 313A, thereby retaining the cutting board 314A in place. Alternatively or additionally, one or more retaining straps using hooks and loops, and / or elastic retaining straps, may be provided to retain the cutting board.

[0319] In some examples, for example Figure 14B , 14CThe example container shown in 14D can have a recess 318B provided on the outer surface 317B of the lid 312B, which has a reversible seat and table 320B disposed therein, with a seat cushion 321B on one side and a smooth table-like surface 322B on the other side. With this arrangement, the foldable container 300B can also selectively function as a seat and table as needed.

[0320] In some examples, a structure can be provided for the outer surface of the lid (when the lid is closed), which is arranged to engage with the support legs of another container to facilitate easy stacking of the foldable container and another such foldable container.

[0321] Typically, the volume space occupied by the container in the folded structure is 30%-50% of the volume space occupied by the container in the expanded structure. For example, 35%-45%, optionally 42%-43%. For example, the container volume in the expanded structure could be 59,790 cm³. 3 In folded constructions, the container volume can be 25,200 cm³. 3 This allows for the storage and transport of more folded containers within the same unit volume, thus providing labor and economic efficiency.

[0322] Other optional features of the container include, for example, Figure 14E As shown, a textile basket compartment 322E is provided attached to the inner surfaces of the front and rear walls 304E and 306E at its tops 304aE and 306aE. This compartment is foldable together with the collapsible container 300E and is suitable for separately storing items, separate from the main internal volume of the collapsible container 300E, in an extended configuration EC. For example, this is useful when storing smaller items that may be lost or mixed with other items inside the container, and / or when storing fragile items, so that they do not come into contact with other items in the main internal volume of the collapsible container in the extended configuration.

[0323] Another optional feature of this container is, Figure 14F and 14G As shown, sunshades 324F and 324G can be provided for containers 300F and 300G.

[0324] like Figure 14F As shown, this can be attached to the two side walls of the container 300F in the form of a roof-type or shading structure 324F, for example, clipped onto the container at a suitable mounting point and then removable from it. Optionally, the sunshade 324F can change direction, for example, using a tilting mechanism.

[0325] Or, such as Figure 14GAs shown, the sun umbrella 324G can be in the form of a parasol-type structure, having an umbrella-shaped shading part 325g, which is supported by a single arm 326G attached to a side wall of the container 300G, for example, clipped onto the container at a suitable mounting point and removable therefrom. Optionally, the arm of the sun umbrella 324G is telescopic and capable of changing direction, for example, using a tilting mechanism or a bending arrangement or joint.

[0326] Another optional feature of the container could be the provision of a mounting adapter to allow the container to be easily carried on a bicycle.

[0327] Another optional feature of the container could be that it includes a bottle opener.

[0328] Another optional feature of the container could be providing compartments for accommodating power banks and / or smartphones.

[0329] Another optional feature of the container could be the provision of solar panels on the lid to charge electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, etc.

[0330] like Figure 14H As shown, another optional feature of the container may be to provide a wheel 327H at the bottom of the rear wall 306H and a retractable handle 328H at the top of the rear wall 306H, so as to allow the container 300H to roll to the ground by tilting the container 300H backward, so that only the wheel 327H is in contact with the ground.

[0331] Typically, containers can be provided with two or more wheels, such as three or four wheels, some of which may be in the form of rotating wheels, and optionally a handle may be provided to allow the container to be pushed or pulled in a direction in which tilting the container is not required.

[0332] Any one or more of the other optional features described above, including those shown only as examples, are not included. Figures 14A-14H The features shown can exist individually or in combination in any container of the currently public topic.

[0333] Although rails are shown and described in the specific example of container 200 described above, these rails are optional features and do not have to be included, as can be clearly seen from the example of container 100.

[0334] Furthermore, examples of this disclosure also include foldable containers that, as described above, include the aforementioned guide rails and have at least one strap that is not necessarily of adjustable length but can slide.

[0335] Furthermore, although described in the specific examples above, the currently disclosed subject also provides a foldable container with folded sidewalls and the aforementioned stepped contact interface, while the extended straps and slider rails are only optional features.

[0336] refer to Figures 15A-15C This shows an example collapsible container 400 in an extended configuration with the lid closed. Figure 15A ), in an extended structure with the lid open ( Figure 15B ), and is in a folded construction, with the carrying strap placed on the user's shoulder ( Figure 15C Although not shown, carrying straps also facilitate the carrying of containers in extended constructions, for example, as... Figure 15A As shown. All the container examples above can be used... Figures 15A-15C Any one or more of the constructions shown.

[0337] In any container according to the currently disclosed subject matter—including containers 100 and 200 described above—the base wall, side walls, front wall, and rear wall of the container and its lid may be made of a thermally insulating material such as expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam.

[0338] When the foldable container of the subject currently disclosed is made of thermally insulating material, it may further include several features that enhance its thermal insulation properties, some of which are described below.

[0339] Therefore, in a container according to the currently disclosed subject matter, support feet projecting downward toward an imaginary lower surface can be provided, upon which the container can rest to reduce the contact area between the two. These feet can be provided in two, three, four, six, eight, or more forms, and optionally can be formed of a material harder than that of the container, thereby reducing wear on the container.

[0340] In the example of container 200, such as Figure 6A As shown, the front and rear covers 204C and 206C of the container each have two supporting feet 204f and 206f at opposite ends. This arrangement provides stability because the feet 204f and 206f are located at one of the four corners of the container 200.

[0341] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the stepped contact interfaces of the sidewalls 208 and 210, relative to the container 200, can promote thermal insulation because there is a more tortuous convection path (if any) for heat transfer between the outside and inside of the container 200.

[0342] Finally, containers can be formed according to the currently disclosed subject matter to allow for recycling at the end of the product's or its parts' lifespan, with minimal disassembly if necessary. For this purpose, most components of the container can be made of materials that can be recycled together. For example, the container walls and optionally its lid can comprise expanded polypropylene (EPP), and hinges, fold lines providing structure, fastening / connection elements, and some other non-wall components can be formed from polypropylene (PP) in a non-expanded foam state to facilitate easy recycling of the container or parts without requiring disassembly of the product.

Claims

1. A collapsible container characterized by, It has an expanding and folding structure, and the expanding structure of the container includes at least: - A base wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two opposing side walls extending therebetween, each of the front and rear walls and the two opposing side walls having its own top and bottom ends; - A front and rear reference plane extending between the front and rear walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the side walls; and a side-to-side reference plane extending between the side walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the front and rear walls; wherein: In the extended configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a first distance; in the folded configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a second distance, the second distance being shorter than the first distance. At least one of the base wall and the side wall is a state-changing wall that can be transferred between a first wall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second wall state in the folded configuration of the container, so as to allow a change in the distance between the first distance and the second distance; - At least one support band having a state-changing portion extending along at least a portion of the state-changing wall at least in its first wall state, and including adjacent portions on either side of the state-changing wall, the adjacent portions extending along two additional adjacent walls located on two opposite sides of the state-changing wall in both states of the wall; wherein the state-changing portion of the support band: o is movable between a first position in the extended configuration of the container and a second position in the folded configuration of the container, the second position being spaced apart from the first position at least along one of the reference planes, and o has a first length at a first position and a second length at a second position, the second length being longer than the first length; The at least one support band includes at least one base support band, which, at least in the extended configuration of the container, has at least one base bottom and two side sides, the base bottom extending laterally along the underside of the base wall to the front and rear reference planes, and each side side extending parallel to one of the side walls to the front and rear reference planes; and Each sidewall includes at least one height-oriented belt guide extending along at least a portion of the height of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends, wherein each of the two belt side portions of the at least one base support belt remains engaged with the corresponding height-oriented belt guide to allow the belt side portion to maintain its position and orientation as it slides along the guide when the base bottom of the base support belt changes its position between the first position and the second position.

2. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein, The base wall is the state-changing wall, which has: In the first base wall state, the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall are configured to be adjacent to the bottom end of their respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall. and A second base wall state in which at least one of the front end, rear end, and opposite side end of the base wall is spaced apart from the bottom end of the respective front wall, side wall, and rear wall.

3. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein, The at least one height-oriented belt guide includes at least one groove, the width of which is greater than the width of the side portion of the belt, thereby allowing the belt to slide along the groove.

4. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein, The base support band further includes a band extension that connects to each of the band sides at the distal end of the base portion of the band and extends from the top end of at least the extended structure of the container away from the sidewall.

5. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein, Both sidewalls are foldable between a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, such that at least a portion of each of the sidewalls having a first sidewall portion position in the extended configuration of the container has a second sidewall portion position in the folded configuration of the container; the second sidewall portion position is closer to the front and rear reference planes than the first sidewall portion position.

6. The foldable container according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two opposing sidewalls have a first state in which, in the extended configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart from each other to a first degree by each sidewall, and a second state in which, in the folded configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart from each other to a second degree by each sidewall, the second degree being smaller than the first degree. Each of the sidewalls includes two wall assemblies having an end-facing component connected by a hinge, the hinge being located between a front end and a rear end of the sidewall and having a hinge axis extending between a top end and a bottom end of the sidewall, each hinge being operable to allow the corresponding sidewall to fold about the hinge axis so that, in a first state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a first distance from each other, and in a second state of the sidewall, the hinge axes are at a second distance from each other that is smaller than the first distance; The components of each sidewall are operable toward the end to contact each other along the contact interface in a first state of the sidewall and spaced apart from each other in a second state of the sidewall; and The contact interface has a stepped structure in the cross-section of the sidewall perpendicular to the hinge axis, and includes a first interface portion adjacent to the interior of the container and a second interface portion adjacent to the exterior of the container, the first interface portion and the second interface portion being located at different distances from the front wall and the rear wall.

7. A collapsible container characterized by, It has an extended and folded construction and includes: - A base wall, a front wall and a rear wall, and two opposing side walls extending therebetween, a front and rear reference plane extending between the front and rear walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the side walls, and a side-to-side reference plane extending between the side walls and between the top and bottom of the container, and located between the front and rear walls; wherein: o The front wall and rear wall, as well as the two opposing side walls, each have their own front end and rear end; The base wall and the opposing sidewall each have their own top and bottom ends; In the extended configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a first distance; in the folded configuration of the container, the front wall and the rear wall are spaced apart by a second distance shorter than the first distance. The two sidewalls are transferable between a first sidewall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second sidewall state in the folded configuration of the container, which is different from the first sidewall state. The base wall of the container is transferable between a first base wall state in the extended configuration of the container and a second base wall state different from the first base wall state in the folded configuration of the container; - A guide rail on at least each of the sidewalls defines the guiding direction of the support strip on the sidewalls; - Guided support strips, each engaging a corresponding guide rail to allow the support strips to maintain their position and orientation while being slidable along the guide rails in the guiding direction; the support strips include At least one base support strip, in a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, extends along the entire height between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall, and when the base wall is in the first base wall state, extends along the underside of the base wall between the bottom ends of the sidewall, wherein the one or more guide rails include at least one height-oriented strip guide rail on each of the sidewalls, extending along at least a portion of the height of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends; and At least one side support band, in both configurations of the container, surrounds the container along the front and rear walls and two opposing side walls; wherein, optionally, the at least one side support band has at least an elastically extending and retractable portion, capable of extending or retracting respectively when the side walls change states between a first side wall state and a second side wall state; and - A lid, hinged to one of the front or rear walls; wherein, in the extended configuration, the lid is operable to rotate about the hinged connection between the lid and the respective front or rear wall to which the lid is connected and the lid being parallel to the base wall to close the container, and in the folded configuration, the lid is configured to be flush with the respective front or rear wall to which the lid is connected.

8. The collapsible container of claim 7, wherein, The supported belt guide includes at least one groove, each groove being wider than the width of the supported belt, thereby allowing the belt to slide along the groove.

9. The collapsible container of claim 7, wherein, The one or more support strips include at least one base support strip that extends along the entire height between the top and bottom ends of the sidewall in a first sidewall state and a second sidewall state, and at least along the bottom end of the sidewall below the base wall when the base wall is in the first base wall state, and wherein the one or more guide rails include at least one height-oriented strip guide rail on each of the sidewalls that extends along at least a portion of the height of the sidewall between its top and bottom ends.

10. The collapsible container of claim 7, wherein, In the first base wall state, the front end and rear end and the opposite side end of the base wall are configured to be adjacent to the bottom end of their respective front wall, side wall and rear wall; and In the second base wall state, at least one of the front end, rear end and opposite side end of the base wall is spaced apart from the bottom end of the respective front wall, side wall and rear wall.

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