Deployable bin

Abstract

The present disclosed subject matter concerns a bin (20) that is deployable from a collapsed position into an erect position, and having a side wall (24) configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall comprises at least two longitudinal folding zones (68), each disposed between two rigid, though pliable, panels; and a rigid bottom base member (26) attached to the bottom edge; wherein the bottom base member imparts the side wall with a solid tubular shape extending upward from said bottom base member and defining an inside space of the bin.

Description

[0001] DEPLOYABLE BIN

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosed subject matter concerns a bin. More particularly the disclosure is directed to a bin deployable from a collapsed position into an erect position.

[0004] BACKGROUND ART

[0005] References considered to be relevant as background to the presently disclosed subject matter are listed below:

[0006] - US2005 / 230390

[0007] - US7, 011,224

[0008] - US4,903,859

[0009] Acknowledgement of the above references herein is not to be inferred as meaning that these are in any way relevant to the patentability of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0010] BACKGROUND

[0011] US2005230390 Disclosed are rigid-walled collapsible bins having first, second, third and fourth rigid walls attached to form an open-ended rectangular box. The first and third rigid walls are opposite one another and the second and fourth rigid walls are opposite one another. The open ends define a top end and a bottom end of the box. A flexible material is attached over the bottom end of the open-ended rectangular box. The first and third rigid walls are inwardly bendable generally along a fold line such that, when bent, the second and fourth walls approach one another. A removable stiffness panel has outer dimensions substantially equal to the inner dimensions of the rectangular box when the stiffness panel is placed in a plane parallel to the plane of the bottom end of the rectangular box.

[0012] US7, 011,224 discloses a soft storage bin made from flexible material and having a bottom, two first sidewalls, two second sidewalls, and a top opening. A hard full-wall board is embedded in each of the two first sidewalls and at least one set of two hard halfwall boards is embedded in at least one of the second sidewalls. The two half-wall boards are separated from each other by a folding line. A hard bottom board is seated within the interior of the body of the drawer and is supported by the bottom. Each drawer can be collapsed by moving the bottom board away from the bottom to allow the second sidewalls to be folded inward.

[0013] US4,903,859 is directed to an improved flexible semi-bulk container utilizing rigid panels associated with the side walls of the flexible container to provide rigidity and enable the container to stand alone when filled with fluidized material such as fluidized solids, semi-solids, slurries and liquids.

[0014] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0015] According to an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a bin comprising a continuous side wall configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall having one or more integrally formed longitudinal folding zones each extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, and each disposed between two rigid, though pliable, side wall panels and a folding zone therebetween; and a rigid bottom base member attachable to the bottom edge of the side wall; wherein, when attached, the bottom base member imparts the side wall with a solid tubular shape extending upward from said bottom base member and defining an inside space of the bin.

[0016] The term 'bin' as used herein is used in its broad sense and refers to any three- dimensional container configured with at least a bottom base, and useful for a variety of purposes, such as a storage box, trash bin, etc.

[0017] The term "continuous ’ as used herein denotes that the side wall is an endless, closed loop, element, either manufactured as such during a molding process, or in which side edges are made integral with one another.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment of the disclosure, there is disclosed a bin comprising a continuous side wall configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall having one or more integral longitudinal folding zones, each extending between the top edge and the bottom edge, and each disposed between two neighboring rigid, though pliable, side wall panels and between two comers of the bin, and extending parallel with a longitudinal axis of the bin; and a rigid bottom base member attachable to the bottom edge of the side wall; wherein, when attached, the bottom base member imparts the side wall with a solid polygonal shape extending upward from said bottom base member and defining an inside space of the bin. The arrangement is such that the side wall is manipulable between a collapsed, flattened position, and an erect, deployed position, wherein at the collapsed position said side wall panels are disposed substantially parallel to one another, and the one or more folding zones are folded at about 180° ; and at the erect position the side wall is configured into a solid tubular shape, wherein the one or more folding zones are coextensive between two side wall panels at a flat wall configuration.

[0019] It is appreciated that a folding zone is a portion of the panel integral therewith, however configured for easy folding, such as a living hinge.

[0020] According to an example of the disclosure the bin is polygonal, and comprises a rigid, non-foldable front wall and a rigid non-foldable back wall, with at least one foldable side wall disposed between said front wall and said back wall; wherein each side wall is configured of two rigid side wall segments, wherein each rigid segment is pliably connected via a center folding zone along one edge to a neighboring rigid segment at one side, and pliably connected via a comer folding zone along an opposite edge to a respective front wall or back wall.

[0021] The bin can be cylindrical (circular / oval) or polygonal (e.g. triangular, rectangular, i.e. rectangle, square, etc.).

[0022] According to an embodiment, the bin comprises a top rim articulated to a top edge of the side wall, wherein the top rim increases rigidity and stability of the bin at the erect position.

[0023] According to a particular example, the bin comprises a top lid articulated to a top portion of the bin at the erect position; said lid displaceable between a closed position in which the lid bears over a top of the bin, and an open position facilitating access into the inside space of the bin; wherein the lid is pivotally articulated to the side wall via a top rim supporting the side wall when at a solid tubular shape.

[0024] According to yet an example, the bin comprises a top lid assembly having a top rim articulated to a top edge of the side wall of the bin; and a top lid articulated to the top rim and being pivotally displaceable between an open position facilitating access into the inside space of the bin, and a closed position in which the lid bears over a top of the bin, wherein the lid can be pivotally articulated to the side wall via a top rim supporting the side wall upright from the bottom base member.

[0025] At the collapsed position, the bin comprises two four-layer overlapping panels, comprising a panel portion of the back wall, a panel portion of the front wall and two neighboring rigid side wall panels of a side wall; wherein two center folding zones face towards one another in a first direction, and each two comer folding zones of each of the side walls face in a second, opposite direction.

[0026] At a collapsed position of the bin the front wall and the back wall are parallelly disposed, and the side wall panels are parallelly disposed between the front wall and the back wall.

[0027] At a collapsed position of the bin, an inside face of the front panel and of a back panel are disposed against an inside face of a respective side wall panel, and an outside face of two neighboring side wall panels of a side wall panel face one another.

[0028] At a collapsed position, each one or more integral longitudinal folding zones is disposed between inside faces of two opposite panels of the side wall.

[0029] According to a specific example, the bin can be cylindrical (i.e., having a circular or oval cross-section), wherein at the collapsed position the front wall and the back wall are substantially flat and parallelly disposed, and the side wall panels are substantially flat and parallelly disposed between the front wall and the back wall.

[0030] According to another example, when at the collapsed position, the cylindrical bin comprises two flattened over-lapping front and back panels, one of which comprising two back quadrant side wall panels, and the other pf which comprising two front quadrant side wall panels; wherein two side folding zones face towards one another, and a front folding zone faces a back folding zone.

[0031] According to another example, the cylindrical bin comprises a rod receiving groove at the back wall thereof, and the front folding zone faces two back folding zones, each disposed along a respective side edge of said rod receiving groove.

[0032] The present disclosure is further directed to a bin assembly kit comprising: continuous side wall configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall having one or more integrally formed longitudinal folding zones each extending between the top edge and the bottom edge and each disposed between two rigid though pliable side wall panels and a folding zone therebetween; wherein the side wall is manipulable between a collapsed, flattened position, and an erect, deployed position, wherein at the collapsed position said side wall panels are disposed substantially parallel to one another, and the one or more folding zones are folded at about 180°; and at the erect position the side wall is configured into a solid tubular shape, wherein the one or more folding zones are coextensive between two side wall panels at a flat wall configuration; and a rigid bottom base member attachable to the bottom edge of the side wall; wherein at the assembled, erect position, the bottom base member imparts the side wall with a solid tubular shape extending upward from said bottom base member and defining an inside space of the bin.

[0033] According to a specific example, the bin assembly kit further comprises a top lid assembly articulable to a top portion of the bin; said lid assembly comprising a pedal-type lid displaceable between a closed position in which the lid bears over a top of the bin and an open position facilitating access into the inside space of the bin; and a foot pedal is configurable at a front bottom portion of the bin, the foot panel is associated with a lever assembly extending at the bottom base member, with a lid displacing rod articulable at a rear portion of the lever assembly, wherein a top end of the rod is attachable at a rear side of the lid; whereby pressing the front pedal entails corresponding displacement of the lid into an open position.

[0034] The top lid assembly can be attached to the top edge of the side wall.

[0035] Yet another aspect of the disclosure is directed to a bin kit, the kit comprising: a continuous side wall configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall having one or more integrally formed longitudinal folding zones each extending between the top edge and the bottom edge and each disposed between two rigid though pliable side wall panels and a folding zone therebetween; a rigid bottom base member attachable to the bottom edge of the side wall, said bottom base comprising a bottom base; and a ringshaped rigid top base member attachable to the top edge of the side wall.

[0036] The kit can further comprise a set of leg members attachable to the bottom base member, for supporting the bin elevated from a ground surface, and / or a lid assembly pivotally attachable to the top base member.

[0037] Transitioning a bin according to the present disclosure, from its collapsed, flattened position into its erect, deployed position, takes place by radial outward displacement of the folding zones from their overlapping, folded position, into a continues volumetric tubular shape. Setting the bin at its deployed position takes place by attaching at least the bottom base to the bottom edge of the side wall.

[0038] A method for assembling a bin kit according to the present disclosure comprises the following steps: a) Transforming the side wall from its collapsed, flattened position into its erect, deployed position; b) Attaching the bottom base to the bottom edge of the side wall; c) Attaching the top rim to the top edge of the side wall

[0039] Before or after step b) above (or before or after step c) above), support legs can be attached to a bottom face of the bottom base.

[0040] Before or after step c) above, a lid mechanism can be attached to the top rim.

[0041] Any one or more of the following features, designs and configuration can be applied to any one or more of the aspects and embodiments of the bin subject of the present disclosure, separately or in various combinations thereof:

[0042] • The top rim and the bottom base member can be snapingly engageable with a respective top edge and a bottom edge of the side wall;

[0043] • The side wall can be made of a polymeric material;

[0044] • The side wall can be configured into a closed tubular shape by deforming a sheet of material into a tubular shape and attaching respective longitudinal edges to one another;

[0045] • The side wall can be a priori manufactured as a closed tubular shape;

[0046] • The side wall can be manufactured by an extrusion molding process;

[0047] • The side wall can be configured of a homogeneous sheet of material, or it can be made of two or more sheets articulated to one another to form a continuous sheet;

[0048] • The bottom edge of the side wall can be configured for snap engagement with a peripheral portion of the bottom base;

[0049] • The top edge of the side wall can be configured for snap engagement with the top rim;

[0050] • Snap articulation of the bottom edge and the top edge with the bottom base and the top rim, respectively, can be facilitated through an array of openings configured at one or both of the bottom edge, and the top edge and bottom base and the top rim, and an array of snap tongues respectively disposed at the other one or both of the bottom edge, and the top edge and bottom base and the top rim;

[0051] • The lid can be pivotally articulated directly to a top edge of the side wall, or the lid can be pivotally articulated to the top rim secured at the top edge of the side wall; • The bin can further comprise a foot pedal mechanism for hands-free displacing the lid between its closed position and open position;

[0052] • The bin can be configured with a pedal-type lid, wherein a foot pedal is configured at a front bottom portion of the bin is associated with a lever assembly extending at the bottom base member, with a lid displacing rod articulated at a rear portion of the lever assembly, wherein a top end of the rod is articulated at a rear side of the lid; whereby pressing the front pedal entails corresponding displacing of the lid into its open position.

[0053] • The lid displacing rod can be displaceable within a rod receiving groove extending along the back wall of the bin;

[0054] • At the collapsed position the rod receiving groove can be disposed between opposite folding zones;

[0055] • At the collapsed position the rod receiving groove can be disposed flush over an inside surface of the front wall;

[0056] • The lid can be a normally closed lid, displaceable into its closed position under force of gravity;

[0057] • The top rim can comprise a bag holder;

[0058] • The bag holder can be in the form of an inner rim, pivotally articulated to the top rim and configured for securing a garbage bag within the inside space of the bin;

[0059] • The bottom base can be configurable with support legs at a bottom face thereof, for supporting the base elevated from a ground surface;

[0060] • The support legs can be integral with or attachable to the bottom base;

[0061] • A wall surface of the side wall can be ornamented;

[0062] • A wall surface of the side wall can be manufactured at an IML process (inmold-labeling molding);

[0063] • At a folded position the side wall can assume a flattened closed shape, resembling two connected W-like shapes, with rounded corners, wherein the two W-like shapes face each other;

[0064] • At the assembled, erect position, the bottom base and the top rim articulated to the bottom edge and top edge of the side wall, respectively, rigidly secure the side wall at its tubular shape; • The side wall can be made of a one-layer sheet of material;

[0065] • The side wall can be made of a two (or more) layers sheet of material, e.g.,

[0066] 'twin wall hollow sheets';

[0067] • The side wall can be made of a be bi-component sheet material;

[0068] • The side wall can be a sheet material having an overall thickness of about

[0069] 2mm and wherein the folding zones have a thickness of about 1mm;

[0070] • The side wall can be made of a variety of polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polycarbonate;

[0071] • At the collapsed position, the overall thickness of the sidewall can correspond with twice the thickness of the side wall plus the depth of the rod receiving groove;

[0072] • An overall thickness of the bin at its collapsed position can correspond with twice the thickness of the side wall plus the depth of the rod receiving groove, plus the thickness of the bottom base;

[0073] • At a collapsed position, the overall thickness of the bin can correspond with twice the thickness of the side wall plus the depth of the rod receiving groove, plus the thickness of the bottom base;

[0074] • At the collapsed position, the overall thickness of the sidewall can correspond with four the thickness of the side wall plus the diameter of a folding zone;

[0075] • At a collapsed position the bottom base and the top lid assembly can extend coplanar over the flattened side wall;

[0076] • At a collapsed position of the bin, the foot pedal, the lid displacing rod, and the support legs, are received within cavities at the bottom base and the top base assembly, and substantially do not project therefrom;

[0077] • At a collapsed position of a bin configured with an oval or round side wall, the pliable through rigid panels can be disposed parallel with one another, wherein two folding zones face each other with an intermediate folding zone flattened, coextending between rigid panels.

[0078] As used herein, the term "about’ is meant to encompass deviation of ±10% from the specifically mentioned value of a parameter, such as size, angle, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0080] Fig. 1A is a top perspective view of a trash bin according to an example of the present disclosure;

[0081] Fig. IB is a section along plane IB - IB in Fig. 1 A;

[0082] Fig. 1C is an enlargement of the portion marked 1C in Fig. IB;

[0083] Fig. ID is an enlargement of the portion marked ID in Fig. IB;

[0084] Fig. 2A is a top perspective view illustrating the trash bin of Fig. 1A with a lid thereof at an open position;

[0085] Fig. 2B is a section along plane 2B - 2B in Fig. 2A;

[0086] Fig. 2C is an enlargement of the portion marked 2C in Fig. 2B;

[0087] Fig. 3A is a perspective view of a top portion of the bin of Fig. 2A, exposing a bag holder;

[0088] Fig. 3B is a section along plane 3B - 3B in Fig. 3 A;

[0089] Fig. 4A is a rear bottom perspective view of the bin of Fig. 2A;

[0090] Fig. 4B is an enlargement of the portion marked 4B in Fig. 2A;

[0091] Fig- 5 is a respective exploded view of the bin of Fig. 2A;

[0092] Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a side wall of the bin, at an erect, deployed position;

[0093] Fig. 6B is an enlargement of the portion marked 6B in Fig. 6A;

[0094] Fig. 6C is a top view of the portion illustrated in Fig. 6B;

[0095] Fig. 7A is a local section along line 7A - 7A in Fig. 2B;

[0096] Fig. 7B is a local section along line 7B - 7B in Fig. 3B;

[0097] Fig. 8A is a top perspective view of a bottom base of the bin;

[0098] Figs. 8B to 8E are local sections along lines 8B - 8B, 8C -8C, 8D - 8D and 8E - 8E, respectively, in Fig. 8A;

[0099] Fig. 8F is a section along line 8F - 8F in Fig. 2C, of only a bottom portion of the bin; Fig. 9A is a top perspective view of the bin of Fig. 1A, at a fully collapsed, shipping position;

[0100] Fig. 9B is a planar, end view of Fig. 9A;

[0101] Fig. 9C is a planar, end view, of the collapsed side wall;

[0102] Fig. 9D is a bottom, exploded perspective view, of the bin of Fig. 1A, at a fully collapsed, shipping position;

[0103] Figs. 10A to 10C illustrate consecutive steps of deploying the side wall of the bin, into its erect position;

[0104] Figs. 11A to 11G illustrate consecutive steps of assembling the bin of Fig. 1 A;

[0105] Fig. 12A is a perspective view of a first example of a side wall sheet material, at a spread position;

[0106] Fig. 12B is an enlargement of the portion marked 12B in Fig. 12A;

[0107] Fig. 13A is a perspective view of a first example of a side wall sheet material, at a spread position;

[0108] Fig. 13B is an enlargement of the portion marked 13B in Fig. 13 A;

[0109] Fig. 14A is a top perspective view of a bin according to another example of the disclosure, having an oval cross section;

[0110] Fig. 14B is a section along line 14B - 14B in Fig. 14A;

[0111] Fig. 15A is a top perspective view of the bin of Fig. 14A, at a fully collapsed, shipping / boxed position;

[0112] Fig. 15B is a planar, end view of Fig. 15 A;

[0113] Fig. 15C is a perspective view of only the collapsed side wall;

[0114] Fig. 16A is a top perspective view of a bin according to another example of the disclosure, having a round cross section;

[0115] Fig. 16B is a top perspective view of the bin of Fig. 16A, at a fully collapsed, shipping position;

[0116] Fig. 16C is a planar, end view of Fig. 16B;

[0117] Fig. 16D is an enlargement of the portion marked 16D in Fig. 16C;

[0118] Figs. 17 to 20 are directed to a method of manufacturing, packing, and deploying a bin, according to the present disclosure, wherein:

[0119] Fig. 17A schematically illustrates molding a rectangle bin;

[0120] Fig. 17B illustrates the bin molded in Fig. 17 A;

[0121] Fig. 17C is an enlargement of the portion marked 17C in Fig. 17B; Figs. 18A to 18C illustrate how a bin body of Fig. 17B is transformed into a collapsed position;

[0122] Fig. 19 is an exploded view of a bin assembly, at a collapsed position;

[0123] Fig. 20 illustrates the bin at a boxed position;

[0124] Figs. 21A to 21F illustrate consecutive steps of deploying and assembling the bin; and

[0125] Figs. 22A to 22D are directed to another example of a bin according to the present disclosure, the bin having a triangular-shaped body, wherein:

[0126] Fig. 22A is a top perspective view of the body, at a deployed position;

[0127] Fig. 22B is a top view of Fig. 22A;

[0128] Fig. 22C is a perspective view of the body at its collapsed position; and Fig. 22D is a top view of Fig. 22C.

[0129] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0130] Attention is first directed to Figs. 1 A to 5, illustrating a trash bin according to an example of the disclosure, generally designated 20.

[0131] The bin 20 has a rectangle cross section and comprises a tubular side wall 24 (to which particular attention will be directed below) secured to and upwardly extending from a bottom base 26 positioned over several support legs 28, keeping the bottom base slightly elevated form a ground surface. In this example, the bottom base is configured with a foot pedal 30 associated with a lid 48, as will be explained below. The side wall 24 together with the bottom base 26 define an inside space 29 of the bin. The bin 20 is further configured with a top lid assembly 38 that comprises a top rim 42 secured at a top edge of the side wall 24, a bag holder 44 (best seen in Figs. 3A and 3B), and a lid 48 pivotally secured to the top rim 42 and articulated via a manipulating rod 50 to a rear end portion 31 of the foot pedal 30, as will be explained below. Rod 50 is displaceable along a rod receiving groove 51 vertically extending along a back wall 66 of the side wall 24.

[0132] The foot pedal 30 is attachable at a bottom face of the bottom base 26, and is pivotable between a first, normally disposed position (Figs 1 A and IB), at which a front portion of the foot pedal 30 is elevated from ground surface and associated with a normally closed position of the lid 48, and a second position, whereupon the front portion of foot pedal 30 is pressed in direction of arrow 52 (Figs. 2A and 2B), resulting in axial upward displacement of rod 50 (in direction of arrow 54 Figs. 2B and 3B), entailing corresponding pivotal displacement of the lid 48 into its temporary open position (arrow 56 in Figs. 2A and 2B). Releasing pressure from the foot pedal 30 results in displacement of the lid 48 into its normally closed position, under force of gravity.

[0133] Reverting to the bag holder 44, it is also pivotally articulated to the top rim 42, between the lid 48 and the top rim 42, between a closed position and an open position displaced in direction of arrow 47 (Figs. 3A and 3B). The bag holder 44 is configured such that when at a closed position, it bears over a top edge and an inside face of the top rim 42 for clamping holding a top portion of a garbage bag 45 (as seen in Fig. 1C).

[0134] Turning now to the side wall 24, it is made of sheet material either premanufactured in a closed tubular shape, or manufactured as one or more sheets of material manipulated into a closed tubular shape, e.g. by attaching longitudinal edges of the sheets to one another, to form a closed tubular shape, as illustrated and exemplified in Figs. 16C- 16D, wherein the sheet of material has a first edge 55 with a U-shaped end, and is configured for arresting with a U-shaped end of a second edge 57 of the sheet 49. Arresting the U-shaped edges with one another can be by clamping, adhering, welding, etc.

[0135] With reference to Figs. 12A to 13B, there are illustrated several examples of sheet materials for use as a side wall for a bin according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It is appreciated that Figs. 12A and 13A are a spread of a side wall, which is a tubular element, as illustrated in the drawings, with specific reference to the side wall 24 (e.g. Fig 6A).

[0136] In the first example of Figs. 12A and 12B there is illustrated a sheet of material generally designated 60 made of variety of polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, etc. In the illustrated example the sheet of material is multilayered and is ornamented by a thin layer of decorative foil 64 (Fig. 12B), manufactured at an IML process (in-mold-labeling molding), imparting an outside face of the sheet (being an outside face of the bin's side wall) a metallic-like appearance. The sheet 60 comprises six rigid panels, namely front panel 66F, first right-side panel 66Ri second right-side panel 66R2, first left-side panel 66L1, second left-side panel 66L2, and a back panel 66B (which in Fig. 12A is split, though in fact it is a solid panel). Intermediate each of the rigid panels there is a rigid though pliable longitudinal zone, wherein a folding zone 68F1 extends between the front panel 66F and the first left-side panel 66Li; a folding zone 68F2 extends between the front panel 66F and the first rightside panel 66Ri; a folding zone 68R extends between the first right-side panel 66Ri and the second right-side panel 66R2; a folding zone 68B1 extends between the second rightside panel 66R2 and a first end of the back panel 66B; a folding zone 68L extends between the first left-side panel 66L1 and the second right-side panel 66L2; and a folding zone 68B2 extends between the second right-side panel 66L2 and an opposite end the back panel 66B.

[0137] The folding zones are configured for folding neighboring rigid panels over one another in the collapsed position, as will be discussed hereinafter. The folding zones extend vertically along the entire side wall and according to an embodiment of the disclosure, the folding zones are thinned portions, facilitating such overlapping folding of the rigid panels over one another. According to a particular example the rigid panels have a thickness of about 2 mm and the folding zones have a thickness of about 1mm. Also noted in Fig. 12B, the thickness of the sheet material gradually reduces between the rigid panels (e.g. 66F and 66R1) and the folding zone (e.g. 68F2) through transition zones 69 of gradually decreasing thickness.

[0138] Turning now to Figs. 13 A and 13B an embodiment of a single-layered sheet of material generally designated 80 is lustrated, made of variety of polymeric materials, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polycarbonate, etc. Also, in the example the sheet 80 comprises six rigid panels, namely front panel 86F, first right-side panel 86R1 second right-side panel 86R2, first left-side panel 86L1, second left-side panel 86L2, and a back panel 86B (which in Fig. 13 A is split, though in fact it is a solid panel). Intermediate each of the rigid panels there is a rigid though pliable longitudinal zone, wherein a folding zone 88F1 extends between the front panel 86F and the first left-side panel 86L1; a folding zone 88F2 extends between the front panel 86F and the first right-side panel 86R1; a folding zone 88R extends between the first right-side panel 86R1 and the second rightside panel 86R2; a folding zone 88B1 extends between the second right-side panel 86R2 and a first end of the back panel 86B; a folding zone 88L extends between the first leftside panel 86L1 and the second right-side panel 86L2; and a folding zone 88B2 extends between the second right-side panel 86L2 and an opposite end the back panel 86B. It is seen that the folding zones are of similar thickness as of the rigid panels, yet the folding zones are sufficiently pliable for facilitating folding of the rigid panels over one another, as will be explained. As noted in the drawings, the side wall 24 (i.e. the sheet of material 60; 80) is configured near a bottom edge 70 with a plurality of apertures or depressions 76, and the and a top edge 72 is likewise configured with a plurality of chamfered projections 78, suitable for snap engagement with the bottom base 26 and with the top rim 42, respectively, as will be explained hereinbelow.

[0139] The side wall 24 is illustrated in Fig. 6A, at an upright position, expanded into a rectangular tubular shape. The side wall 24 illustrated in Fig. 6A is of the kind disclosed in connection with Figs. 12A and 12B, though it can be of any other type as well. As mentioned hereinabove, and as can best be seen in Figs 6A and 6B, the top edge 72 of panel 66 comprises a plurality of inwardly facing projections 78, configured with a downfacing chamfered wall 79.

[0140] As best seen in Figs. 7A and 7B, the top rim 42 is configured with a downward facing annular grove 43, and is respectively configured with a plurality of openings (or depressions) 100, disposed at an inside wall of the groove and in register with said projections 78. The arrangement is such that placing the groove 43 of top rim 42 over the top edge 72 of the side wall and depressing it downwards entails snap articulation of the top rim 42 over the side wall, thus imparting the side wall rigidity and fixating its rectangular shape, i.e. preventing it from collapsing.

[0141] With further attention made to Figs. 8A to 8F, details of the bottom base 26 are illustrated. The bottom base 26 comprises a peripheral annular groove 110, having a top opening, with an inner inside wall surface of said groove configured with a plurality of projections 112 facing into the groove 110, said projections 112 are configured with a top chamfered surface 116. The projections 112 are disposed in register with the openings 76 disposed near the bottom edge 70 of side wall 24, whereby placing the bottom edge 70 of side wall 24, at its expanded, rectangular tubular shape, over the annular groove 110 of base member 26, and pressing it downwards, entails snap articulation of the bottom edge 70 within annular rim 110, thus imparting the side wall rigidity and fixating its rectangular shape i.e., preventing it from collapsing, and supporting the bin at a solid, erect position.

[0142] Further attention is directed to Figs. 9A to 9D of the drawings. In Fig. 9A the bin 20 is shown at a knock-down, fully collapsed position, rendering it perfect for shipment, as it requires only minimal space. At the folded position the side wall 24 assumes a flattened closed shape, resembling two connected W-like shapes, with rounded comers, wherein the two W-like shapes face each other. At this position the side wall 24 is collapsed and folded over itself, wherein the overall thickness Twof the sidewall 24 corresponds with twice the thickness ti of the side wall, plus the depth dg of the rod receiving groove 51 (Tw= ti * 2 + dg), as can be seen best in Fig. 9C. Otherwise, the overall thickness Twcan be calculated as four times the thickness ti of the side wall plus the diameter Di of the folding zone 68 , or twice the diameter D2 of the folding zone 68.

[0143] At the collapsed position the bottom base 26 and the top lid assembly 38 extend coplanar over the flattened side wall 24. Accordingly, the overall thickness Tt of the bin 20 at its collapsed position, with all parts included, corresponds with overall thickness Twof the sidewall 24, plus the thickness Tb of the bottom base 26 (Tt = Tw+ Tb), as can best be seen in Figs. 9A and 9B. It is appreciated that the thickness of the top lid assembly 38 can be greater than the thickness Tb of the bottom base 26, in which case the overall thickness Tt of the bin 20 would be the overall thickness Twof the sidewall 24, plus the thickness Ttop of the top lid assembly 38 (Tt = Tw+ Ttop).

[0144] In Fig. 9D the bin 20 is seen at a knock-down, collapsed position, illustrating elements disposed at a bottom space under the bottom base 26 and the top lid assembly 38 and within the rod receiving groove 51, said elements including the foot pedal 30, manipulating rod 50 and the support legs 28 (five in the particular example). The arrangement is such that said elements do not add to the overall thickness Tt of the bin 20 at its collapsed position, as said elements are received within cavities (depressed portions) of the bottom base 26, top lid assembly 38 and rod receiving groove 51.

[0145] At the collapsed position the rod receiving groove 51 is disposed flush over an inside surface (53 in Fig. 9C) of the front wall 66F, said rod receiving groove disposed between opposite folding zones 68R and 68L.

[0146] As can be seen (e.g., in Fig. 9C) when the side wall 24 is at the collapsed, flattened position, rigid panels 66F, 66R1, 66R2, 66L1, 66L2 and 66B are disposed substantially parallel to one another, and the folding zones 68L, 68F1, 68B2, 68R, 68F2 and 68B1 are folded at about 180° .

[0147] Figs. 10A to 10C illustrate how the side wall 24 is deployed into its rectangular shape. At the unboxed position (Fig. 10A) the side wall 24 still assumes its flattened position and it is required to exert some force in direction of oppositely facing arrows 120 (Fig. 10B) until the side wall 24 assumes its rectangle shape (Fig. 10C).

[0148] Figs. 11A to 11G illustrate consecutive steps of deploying and assembling a bin 20 according to an example of the disclosure. After unboxing (Fig. 11 A), the bottom base 26 is assembled by snapingly attaching the foot pedal 30 and the support legs 28, at a bottom surface of the base member 26 (Fig. 1 IB). Then, the side wall 24 is placed over the assembled bottom base 26 (Fig. 11C) such that its bottom edge 70 is received within annular groove 110 of the bottom base 26 (Fig. 1 ID) and upon applying force in direction of arrow 126 the side wall 24 snapingly engages with the bottom base 26 (Fig. 1 IF), whereby projections 112 slide over chamfered surface 116 into articulation with openings 76. At this stage the top lid assembly 38 is fitted over the side wall and the top rim 42 is articulated thereto as explained herein before in connection with Figs. 7A and 7B, finally obtaining the erect bin, with a rigid side wall and solid, stand-alone position (Fig. 1 IF), at a final step (Fig. 11G) the manipulating rod 50 is articulated at its bottom end to a rear end of foot pedal 30 and at its top end to a rear end of the lid 48, and the bin 20 is now ready for use.

[0149] Figs. 14 and 15 are directed to another example of a bin 200 according to the present disclosure, the bin having an ovel shape. For sake of simplicity, like elements are designated with like reference numbers, shifted by 200.

[0150] The bin 200 comprises the same principal elements as bin 20, namely an oval side wall 224, an oval bottom base 226 and an oval top lid assembly 238. In addition, it comprises the foot pedal 230, support legs 228 and a manipulating rod 250. In fact, the main difference between bin 200 and bin 20 as discussed hereinbefore resides in the oval shape of the side wall 224, the bottom base 226 and the top lid assembly 238, wherein the bin 200 is assembled in the same way as discussed in connection with bin 20 and for that purpose reference is made back to the preceding drawings and the detailed description.

[0151] The oval shape of the side wall 224 effects its folded position. The side wall 224 is configured with three folding zones 268i, 268ii and 268™ disposed between rigid though pliable panels 266i. 266ii and 266™. As seen in Figs. 14A and 14B, at the upright deployed position, the side wall 224 assumes its oval shape owing to pliability of the pliable panels 266i. 266ii and 266™ which in conjunction with the bottom base 226 and the top rim 242 support the side wall at its oval shape. However, at the collapsed position (Figs. 15A to 15C) the side wall 224 assumes a flat shape, wherein panels 266i. 266ii and 266™ are disposed parallel to one another, wherein folding zones 268i, and 268™ face each other and folding zone 268ii is flattened, coextending between panels 266ii and 266™. At the folded position the overall thickness ‘Twof the sidewall 224 corresponds with twice the thickness ‘ ti of the side wall, plus the depth ‘dg of the rod receiving groove 251 (‘Tw= ‘ti * 2 + ‘dg) Figs. 15B and 15C.

[0152] At the collapsed position the bottom base 226 and the top lid assembly 238 extend coplanar over the flattened side wall 224 (Figs. 15A and 15C). Accordingly, the overall thickness ‘Tt of the bin 220 at its collapsed position, with all parts included, corresponds with overall thickness ‘Twof the sidewall 224, plus the thickness ‘Tb of the bottom base 226 (‘Tt = ‘Tw+ ‘Tb), as can best be seen in Fig. 15B.

[0153] The example of Figs. 16A to 16D refers to a round bin 300, according to yet an example of the present disclosure, wherein for sake of simplicity, like elements as of the first embodiment (Figs. 1 to 13) are designated with like reference numbers, shifted by 300.

[0154] The bin 300 comprises the same principal elements as bin 20, namely a round side wall 324, a round bottom base 326 and a round top lid assembly 338 with lid 348. In addition, it comprises the foot pedal 330. In fact, the main difference between bin 300 and bin 20 resides in the round shape of the side wall 324, the bottom base 326 and the top lid assembly 338, wherein the bin 300 is assembled in the same way as discussed in connection with bin 20 and for that purpose reference is made back to the preceding drawings and the detailed description.

[0155] The round shape of the side wall 324 effects its folded position. The side wall 324 is configured with three folding zones 368i, 368ii and 368™ disposed between rigid though pliable panels 366i. 366ii and 366™. As seen in Fig. 16A, at the upright deployed position, the side wall 324 assumes its round shape owing to pliability of the pliable panels 366i. 366ii and 366™ which in conjunction with the bottom base 326 and the top rim 342 support the side wall at its round shape. However, at the collapsed position (Figs. 16A and 16C) the side wall 324 assumes a flat shape, wherein panels 366i, 366n and 366™ are disposed substantially parallel with one another, wherein folding zones 368i, and 368™ face each other and folding zone 368ii is flattened, coextending between panels 366ii and 366™.

[0156] At the folded position the overall thickness ‘’Twof the sidewall 324 corresponds with twice the thickness ‘’ti of the side wall, plus the depth ‘’dg of the rod receiving groove 351 (‘’Tw= ‘’ti * 2 +4’dg) Fig. 16C.

[0157] At the collapsed position the bottom base 326 and the top lid assembly 338 extend coplanar over the flattened side wall 324 (Figs. 16B and 16C). Accordingly, the overall thickness4,Tt of the bin 320 at its collapsed position, with all parts included, corresponds with overall thickness4,TWof the sidewall 324, plus the thickness4,Tb of the bottom base 326 (4 ,Tt =4 ,TW+4’Tb), as can best be seen in Fig. 16C.

[0158] Figs. 17A to 2 IF illustrate the steps of manufacturing, boxing, unboxing and assembling a container according to an example of the present disclosure. Fig. 17A schematically illustrates the molding of a side wall 400 by injection molding assembly 402, and applying thereto an external decorative external layer 404 by an in-moldlabeling process (IML). The side wall 400 is a closed rectangle shape, i.e. a tubular body, similar to that disclosed herein above, e.g. in connection with the example of Fig. 9C, however as opposed to that embodiment, the side wall 400 is devoid of a rod receiving groove, and extending between a bottom edge 470 and top edge 472. For sake of convenience, like references numbers have been designated as in Fig. 9C, though shifted by 400.

[0159] Once the side wall 400 is obtained (Fig. 18 A) it can now be folded into its folded position by applying force in direction of opposite arrows Fl to folding zones 468L and 468R, so as to displace said folding zones 468L and 468R towards one another, and further pressing the front panel 466F and the back panel 466B towards one another as per arrows F2. At its final, folded position (Fig. 18C), the side wall 400 is substantially flattened, assuming a minimal thickness tmin corresponding with four the thickness t of the side wall plus the diameter D of a folding zone 468 (L or B). At the folded position, an inside surface 466Bi of the back panel 466B and inside surface 466Fi of the front panel 466F bear against respective inside surface of the rounded folding zones 468R and 468L.

[0160] Once the side wall 400 is collapsed into the folded position (Fig. 18C), the assembly 490 can be boxed (Fig. 20), said assembly comprising the collapsed side wall 400, four support legs 428, a lid 448 pivotally articulable to a bag holder 444, which in turn is articulable to a top rim 442, and a bottom base 426, wherein said top rim 442 is articulable to top edge 472, and a bottom base 426 is articulable to bottom edge 470, respectively, as discussed herein above.

[0161] Assembling a bin according to the disclosure takes place by following the steps of: a) Fastening the four support legs 428 to a bottom face of the bottom base 426, at respective corners thereof, e.g. by screw fastening, friction articulation, snap articulation, etc. (Fig. 21A); b) Deploying the side wall 400 into its erect, deployed position by pulling outwards the folding zones 468L and 468R away from one another, in direction of arrows F3 (which are in the opposite direction to arrows F2), positioning the deployed side wall 400 over the bottom base 426 (Fig. 21B) in the direction of arrow F4; c) Snap articulating the bottom edge 470 of side wall 400 over the bottom base 426, whereby the side wall 400 is maintained at its fully expanded deployed position (Fig. 21C); d) Applying the top rim 442 over the top edge 472 of the side wall 400 and snap engaging it thereover, thereby reinforcing stability of the side wall at its erect, deployed position (Fig. 2 ID); e) Pivotally articulating the lid 448 to the bag holder 444 (Fig. 2 IE); f) Snap engaging the bag holder 444 over the top rim 442, thereby obtaining a rigidly assembled bin 401 (Fig. 2 IF)

[0162] Further attention is now directed to Figs. 22A to 22D of the drawings, illustrating yet an example of a side wall according to the present disclosure, useful in configuration of a triangular bin according to the disclosure.

[0163] The triangular side wall 500 is an isosceles triangular tubular body, comprising a first wall 502 articulated with a second wall 504 through a rounded folding zone 508, and a side wall 510 disposed therebetween the first wall 502 and the second wall 504. Said side wall 510 is configured with a first side panel 512 and a second side panel 514, articulated with one another through a folding zone 518, wherein the first side panel 512 is articulated with the first wall 502 through a first folding zone 520 and the second side panel 514 is articulated with the second wall 504 through a second folding zone 522.

[0164] The side wall 500 is disposable between a deployed, expanded, erect position (Figs. 22A and 22B) at which the side wall assumes its triangular body shape, and a flattened, folded position (Figs. 22C and 22D) at which a portion of an inside surface 503 of the first folding zone 502 overlaps an inside surface 513 of the first side panel 512 and a portion of an inside surface 505 of the second folding zone 504 overlaps an inside surface 515 of the second side panel 514, with the folding zone 518 disposed between the first wall 502 and the second wall 504 and faces the rounded folding zone 508.

[0165] At the folded / flattened position the overall thickness of the side wall corresponds to four times the thickness Tt of the side wall plus the diameter D of the folding zone 518. Converting the triangular body between its respective positions and articulating a bottom base and a top base (not shown) take place similarly to the disclosure hereinabove.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bin comprising a side wall configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall comprises at least two longitudinal folding zones, each disposed between two rigid, though pliable, panels; and a rigid bottom base member attached to the bottom edge; wherein the bottom base member imparts the side wall with a solid tubular shape extending upward from said bottom base member and defining an inside space of the bin.

2. The bin of claim 1, wherein the side wall is manipulable between a collapsed, flattened position, and an erect position, wherein at the collapsed position said rigid panels are disposed substantially parallel to one another, and the at least two folding zones are folded at about 180°; and at the erect position the side wall is configured into a solid tubular shape.

3. The bin of claim 1 or 2, wherein the side wall is polygonal, comprising a rigid, non-foldable front wall and a non-foldable back wall, with two foldable side walls disposed between said front wall and said back wall; wherein each side wall is configured of two rigid segments, wherein each rigid segment is pliably connected via a center folding zone along one edge to a neighboring rigid segment at one side, and pliably connected via a corner folding zone along an opposite edge to a respective front wall or back wall.

4. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a top rim articulable to a top edge of the side wall.

5. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a top lid articulated to a top portion of the bin, said lid displaceable between a closed position in which the lid bears over a top of the bin, and an open position facilitating access into the inside space of the bin, wherein the lid is pivotally articulated to the side wall via a top rim supporting the side wall upright from the bottom base member.

6. The bin of claim 5, wherein the lid is pivotally articulated directly to a top edge of the side wall, or the lid is pivotally articulated to the top rim secured at the top edge of the side wall.

7. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a top lid assembly comprising: a top rim articulated to a top edge of the side wall of the bin; anda top lid articulated to the top rim and being pivotally displaceable between an open position facilitating access into the inside space of the bin, and a closed position whereat the lid bears over a top of the bin, wherein the lid is pivotally articulated to the side wall via a top rim supporting the side wall upright from the bottom base member.

8. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at the collapsed position, the bin comprises two four-layer overlapping panels, each four-layer overlapping panels comprising a panel portion of the back wall, a panel portion of the front wall and two neighboring rigid segments of a side wall panel; wherein two center folding zones face away from one another, and each two corner folding zones of each of the side panel walls face towards one another.

9. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the side wall, at the erect, deployed position, is cylindrical, and at a collapsed position the front wall and the back wall are substantially flat and parallelly disposed.

10. The bin of claim 9, wherein at the collapsed position, the side wall comprises two flattened overlapping panels, one comprising two back quadrant wall panel portions, and the other comprising two front quadrant wall panel portions; wherein two side folding zones face towards one another, and a front folding zone faces a back folding zone.

11. The bin of claim 9, wherein the side wall comprises a rod receiving groove at the back face thereof, and the front folding zone faces two back folding zones, each disposed along a respective side edge of said rod receiving groove.

12. The bin of any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the top rim and the bottom base member are snapingly engageable with a respective top edge and a bottom edge of the side wall.

13. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the said side wall is made of a polymeric material.

14. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the wall is manufactured as a closed tubular shape.

15. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the side wall is configured of a homogeneous sheet of material, or made of two or more sheets articulated to one another to form a continuous sheet.

16. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the bottom edge of the side wall is configured for snap engagement with a peripheral portion of the bottom base.

17. The bin of any one of claims 4 to 16, wherein the top edge of the side wall is configured for snap engagement with the top rim.

18. The bin of claim 16 or 17, wherein snap articulation of the bottom edge and the top edge with the bottom base and the top rim, respectively, is facilitated through an array of openings configured at one or both of the bottom edge, and the top edge and bottom base and the top rim, and an array of snap tongues respectively disposed at the other one or both of the bottom edge, and the top edge and bottom base and the top rim.

19. The bin of any one of claims 5 to 18, further comprising a foot pedal mechanism for hands-free displacing the lid between its closed position and open position.

20. The bin of claim 19, comprising a foot pedal operated lid, wherein a foot pedal is configured at a front bottom portion of the bin and is associated with a lever assembly extending at the bottom base member, with a lid displacing rod articulated at a rear portion of the lever assembly, wherein a top end of the rod is articulated at a rear side of the lid; whereby pressing the front pedal entails corresponding displacing of the lid into its open position.

21. The bin of claim 20, wherein at a collapsed position of the bin, the foot pedal and the lid displacing rod are received within cavities at the bottom base and the top base assembly, and substantially do not project therefrom.

22. The bin of claim 20 or 21, wherein the lid displacing rod is displaceable within a rod receiving groove extending along the back wall of the bin.

23. The bin of claim 20 or 21, wherein at a collapsed position of the side wall, the rod receiving groove is disposed between opposite folding zones.

24. The bin of claim 23, wherein at a collapsed position of the side wall, the rod receiving groove is disposed flush over an inside surface of the front wall.

25. The bin of any one of claims 4 to 24, wherein a bag holder is articulated with the top rim.

26. The bin of claim 25, wherein the bag holder is an inner rim, pivotally articulated to the top rim and configured for securing a garbage bag within the inside space of the bin.

27. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the bottom base is configurable with support legs at a bottom face thereof, for supporting the base elevated from a ground surface.

28. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein a wall surface of the side wall is ornamented.

29. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein a wall surface of the side wall is manufactured at an in-mold labeling (IML) process.

30. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein at a folded position the side wall assumes a flattened closed shape, resembling two connected W-like shapes, with rounded corners, wherein the two W-like shapes face each other.

31. The bin of any one of claims 4 to 30, wherein at an assembled, erect position, the bottom base and the top rim articulated to the bottom edge and top edge of the side wall, respectively, rigidly secure the side wall at its tubular shape.

32. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the side wall is made of (i) a one- layer sheet of material, (ii) a two or more layers sheet of material, or (iii) a bi-component sheet material.

33. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the side wall is a sheet material having an overall thickness of about 2mm, and wherein the folding zones have a thickness of about 1mm.

34. The bin of any one of claims 11 to 31, wherein at the collapsed position, the overall thickness of the sidewall corresponds to twice the thickness of the side wall plus the depth of the rod receiving groove.

35. The bin of any one of claims 11 to 34, wherein an overall thickness of the bin at the collapsed position corresponds to twice the thickness of the side wall plus the depth of the rod receiving groove, plus the thickness of the bottom base.

36. The bin of any one of claims 11 to 34, wherein at a collapsed position, the overall thickness of the bin corresponds to twice the thickness of the side wall plus the depth of the rod receiving groove, plus the thickness of the bottom base.

37. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 36, wherein the collapsed position, the overall thickness of the sidewall corresponds to four the thickness of the side wall plus the diameter of a folding zone, or twice the diameter of the folding zone.

38. The bin of any one of claims 7 to 37, wherein at a collapsed position the bottom base and the top lid assembly extend coplanar over a flattened side wall.

39. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 38, configured as a cylindrical shape, wherein at a collapsed position the pliable through rigid panels are disposed parallel to oneanother, wherein two folding zones face each other with an intermediate folding zone flattened, coextending between rigid panels.

40. The bin of any one of claims 1 to 39, wherein the side wall is configured into a closed tubular shape by deforming a sheet of material into a tubular shape and attaching respective longitudinal edges to one another.

41. A bin assembly kit comprising a side wall configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall comprises at least two longitudinal folding zones, each disposed between two rigid panels; wherein the side wall is manipulable between a collapsed, flattened position, and an erect position, wherein at the erect position the side wall is configured into a solid tubular shape, and at the collapsed position said rigid panels are disposed substantially parallel to one another, and the at least two folding zones are folded at about 180° ; and a rigid bottom base member attachable to the bottom edge of the side wall; wherein at the assembled, erect position, the bottom base member imparts the side wall with a solid tubular shape extending upward from said bottom base member and defining an inside space of the bin.

42. A bin assembly kit comprising: a side wall configured with a top edge and a bottom edge, said side wall comprises at least two longitudinal folding zones, each disposed between two rigid panels; wherein the side wall is manipulable between a collapsed, flattened position, and an erect position, wherein at the erect position the side wall is configured into a solid tubular shape, and at the collapsed position said rigid panels are disposed substantially parallel to one another, and the at least two folding zones are folded at about 180° ; a rigid bottom base member attachable to the bottom edge of the side wall; wherein at the assembled, erect position, the bottom base member imparts the side wall with a solid tubular shape extending upward from said bottom base member and defining an inside space of the bin; a top lid assembly articulable at a top portion of the bin; said lid assembly comprising a pedal-type lid displaceable between a closed position whereat the lid bears over a top of the bin and an open position facilitating access into the inside space of the bin; and a foot pedal configurable at a front bottom portion of the bin is associated with a lever assembly extending at the bottom base member, with a lid displacing rod is articulable at a rear portion of the lever assembly, wherein a top end of the rod isattachable at a rear side of the lid; whereby pressing the front pedal entails corresponding displacing of the lid into an open position.

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