HK1108873A - Container including a removable upper portion formed of a flexible material - Google Patents

Description

Container comprising a removable upper portion formed from a flexible material

Technical Field

The present invention relates to storage containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to such containers wherein the container includes a removable portion that facilitates use of the interior of the container.

Background

The use of storage bags to contain and protect items, including the preservation of perishable items such as food, is well known in the art. Such storage bags include bags formed from opposing sheets of film material. The sheets of material are joined together along peripheral edges to form a semi-enclosed container. The container has three sealed or folded edges and one open edge. The opening edge typically has a closure, such as an integrally formed reclosable or reusable seal, as may be provided by an integrally formed interlocking seal. Such storage bags are easily opened and resealed, and may be formed of low cost materials, making disposability of such bags practical.

As regards rigid or semi-rigid containers, it is well known that such containers have also achieved considerable commercial success in providing means for storing a wide variety of contents. Such containers typically have an opening that remains open for filling and/or removal of the contents, and this opening may be resealably closed by a removable top. Such containers also often have flat bottoms and tops to provide stackability. However, such containers typically use more material than bags, such that their disposability is limited. At the same time, the useful life of such containers may be limited by damage, soiling, or deterioration that naturally occurs in use.

It is therefore desirable to provide a container that combines the advantages of both flexible bags and rigid or semi-rigid storage containers.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention, a container is provided that includes a structure. The structure includes a sidewall portion and a bottom wall portion. An upper portion comprising a sheet of material is integrally connected to the structure. The upper portion defines a closable opening of the container. A frangible portion is defined between the upper portion and the structure, thereby forming a predefined portion for separating at least a portion of the sheet of material from the structure.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a container is provided that includes a structure. The structure includes a sidewall portion and a bottom wall portion. An upper portion comprising a sheet of material is integrally connected to the structure. The upper portion defines a closable opening of the container. The frangible portion is located along the upper portion. The frangible portion extends from the opening toward the structure and forms a predefined portion for separating adjacent portions of the sheet of material.

According to another aspect of the invention, a container is provided that includes a structure. The structure includes a sidewall portion and a bottom wall portion. The side wall portion includes an edge remote from the bottom wall portion. An upper portion comprising a sheet of material defining opposing panels is integrally connected to the structure, the upper portion defining a closable opening of the container. A frangible portion is defined between the upper portion and the structure, thereby forming a predefined portion for separating at least a portion of the sheet of material from the structure.

Drawings

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container illustrating the present invention in an erected configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the container illustrating the present invention in a collapsed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container illustrating the present invention in a partially erected configuration;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 3, without the side panels;

FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of one end of the container, including a first pair of end pieces of the container;

FIG. 4B is a bottom perspective view of one end of the container, including a second opposing end piece of the container;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 1, without the side panels;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the side panels folded downwardly;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of a step of separating the side panel along a separation line. The separation line extends along an edge of the side panel;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another step of separating the side panel along a separation line. The separation line extending along a junction between the side panel and the support structure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the support portion of the container after the side panels have been separated; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with the side panels joined together in a sealed configuration;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a container illustrating another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 15 illustrating the step of folding the side panels and securing the side panels in the folded position using an interlocking structure;

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are perspective views of the embodiment of FIG. 15 illustrating the step of folding the side panels and securing the side panels in the folded position using a pocket structure; and

fig. 20 is a perspective view of a container illustrating another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1 through 3, a container 10 is shown consistent with the teachings of the present invention. The container 10 generally includes a support structure 11. The support structure is movable between a configuration defining a flexurally elastic structure and a configuration defining a rigid or semi-rigid structure. The support structure 11 includes: opposing first and second longitudinal side walls 12, 14. The longitudinal side walls define first and second container sides 13, 15; a first pair of end side walls including first and second end side walls 16, 18. The end side walls define a third container side 17; and a second pair of end side walls including first and second end side walls 20, 22. The end side wall defines a fourth container side 19. The first pair of end side walls 16, 18 are connected to each other at a medial wall hinge 24 and also to the respective longitudinal side walls 12, 14 at wall hinges 26, 28. Similarly, the second pair of end side walls 20, 22 are connected to each other at a medial wall hinge 30 and also to the respective longitudinal side walls 12, 14 at wall hinges 32, 34.

Referring to fig. 3 and 4, the first pair of end sidewalls 16, 18 may be articulated relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 at wall hinges 24, 26, 28, respectively, and the second pair of end sidewalls 20, 22 may be articulated relative to each other and relative to the longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 at wall hinges 30, 32, 34, respectively. The sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 are articulatable to move from a substantially flat collapsed configuration (wherein the support structure 11 comprises a flex-elastic structure) to an erected three-dimensional configuration (wherein the support structure 11 comprises a substantially rigid or semi-rigid structure). In the flat collapsed configuration of the container 10, the inner faces 36, 38 of the longitudinal side walls 12, 14 are positioned facing each other, the inner faces 40, 42 of the first pair of end side walls 16, 18 are positioned facing each other, and the inner faces 44, 46 of the second pair of end side walls 20, 22 are positioned facing each other (see fig. 4). In the erected configuration of the container 10, the inner faces 36, 38 of the longitudinal side walls 12, 14 are positioned in spaced apart relation to one another, the first pair of end side walls 16, 18 are aligned substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal side walls 12, 14, and the second pair of end side walls 20, 22 are aligned substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal side walls 12, 14, thereby defining a generally rectangular region circumscribed by the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 (see fig. 1).

The container 10 also includes a bottom wall 48 extending between edges 50, 52 of the longitudinal side walls 12, 14. In the illustrated embodiment, bottom wall 48 may be formed with first and second bottom portions 54, 56. The base portions are connected to the edges 50, 52 at side hinges 58, 60 (see also fig. 8) and to each other at an intermediate base hinge 62 extending parallel to the side hinges 58, 60. The width dimension of each of the bottom portions 54, 56 (between the intermediate bottom hinge 62 and the respective side hinge 58, 60) is preferably substantially equal to the width of the end walls 16, 18, 20, 22. The width is measured between the intermediate wall hinges 24, 30 and the respective wall hinges 26, 28 and 32, 34. In both the collapsed configuration and the erected configuration, the medial bottom hinge 62 lies generally in an imaginary plane I (fig. 5) defined by the medial wall hinges 24 and 30. In the collapsed configuration, first and second bottom portions 54, 56 are located between longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14 with surface 64 (fig. 8) of first bottom portion 54 positioned facing interior face 36 of longitudinal sidewall 12 and surface 66 of second bottom portion 56 positioned facing interior face 38 of longitudinal sidewall 14. In the erected configuration, first and second bottom portions 54, 56 may be aligned generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to longitudinal sidewalls 12, 14. It should be noted that while the preferred dimensional relationships between the components of the container 10 are described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that the relative dimensions of the components, as well as the degree of displacement of the components relative to each other, the number of components making up the wall, the consistency or non-consistency of the dimensions of the components relative to each other, may vary within the scope of the present invention and still maintain their functionality.

As shown in fig. 3-7, a first gusset structure 68 extends from the bottom wall 48 to the first pair of end sidewalls 16, 18, and a second gusset structure 70 extends from the bottom wall 48 to the second pair of end sidewalls 20, 22. In one construction of the container 10, the inner surfaces of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, the bottom wall 48, and the first and second gusset structures 68, 70 comprise a substantially continuous piece of flexible material 130. The flexible material 130 includes a pair of opposing generally planar portions 130a and 130b (fig. 6 and 7). A portion 130a of the flexible material 130 extends along the side walls 12, 16, 20 and a portion 130b of the flexible material 130 extends along the side walls 14, 18, 22. Another portion 130c of the flexible material 130 extends from an edge of the side wall 12, 16, 20 and extends adjacent the portion 130a, and another portion 130d of the flexible material 130 extends from an edge of the side wall 14, 18, 22 and extends adjacent the portion 130 b. The other two extended portions 130c and 130d are connected to each other along opposite edges 69, 71 (fig. 4A, 4B, 6 and 7), the edges 69, 71 of which are connected at the medial wall hinges 24, 30, respectively. In addition, portions 130c and 130d are joined along first and second gusset hinges 80, 100 (see fig. 4, 4A, 4B, 6, and 7). A first gusset hinge 80 is defined on the first gusset structure 68. The structure extends from a location adjacent one end 84 of the medial wall hinge 24 to the medial bottom hinge 62, and a second gusset hinge 100 is defined on the second gusset structure 70. The structure extends from a location adjacent one end 104 of the medial wall hinge 30 to the medial bottom hinge 62.

Referring to fig. 3, 4 and 4A, the first gusset structure 68 includes first and second movable gusset portions 72, 74 and first and second substantially fixed gusset portions 73, 75. The first gusset portions 72, 73 are separated along a fold line 82 at the inner face 40. Preferably, the fold line 82 extends from a location adjacent the end 84 of the medial wall hinge 24 to an intersection 86 of the edge hinge 58 and the end side wall 16. The second gusset portions 74, 75 are separated along a fold line 88 at the inner face 42. Preferably, the fold line 88 extends from a location adjacent the end 84 of the medial wall hinge 24 to an intersection 90 of the edge hinge 60 and the end side wall 18. The movable gusset portions 72, 74 extend from respective hinges 76, 78 at first ends of the bottom portions 54, 56 to respective fold lines 82, 88. The movable gusset portions 72, 74 are connected for articulation relative to one another along a first gusset hinge 80.

Similarly, referring to fig. 3, 4 and 4B, the second gusset structure 70 includes first and second movable gusset portions 92, 94, and first and second substantially fixed gusset portions 93, 95. The first gusset portions 92, 93 are separated along a fold line 102 at the inner face 44. Preferably, the fold line 102 extends from a location adjacent an end 104 of the medial wall hinge 30 to an intersection 106 of the edge hinge 58 and the end side wall 20. The second gusset portions 94, 95 are separated along a fold line 108 at the inner face 46. Preferably, a fold line 108 extends from a location adjacent the end 104 of the medial wall hinge 30 to an intersection 110 of the edge hinge 60 and the end side wall 22. The movable gusset portions 92, 94 extend from respective hinges 96, 98 at second ends of the bottom portions 54, 56 to respective hinges 102, 108. The movable portions 92, 94 are connected for articulation relative to each other along a second gusset hinge 100.

The fold lines 82, 88, 102, 108 are substantially fixed in that each of the fold lines 82, 88, 102, 108 forms one side of a triangle defined by the respective substantially fixed gusset portion 73, 75, 93, 95. The remaining two sides of the triangle are connected to respective side walls 16, 18, 20, 22. It should be noted that the fold lines 82, 88, 102, 108 may alternatively or additionally be defined by joints or connections to the material adjacent the side walls 16, 18, 20, 22.

Referring to fig. 6, the first and second movable gusset portions 72 and 74 of the first gusset structure 68 each include respective first and second surfaces 72a, 72b and 74a, 74 b. When the container 10 is in its collapsed configuration, the first gusset structure 68 is positioned between the end sidewalls 16, 18 and is folded about the first gusset hinge 80, wherein the first and second gusset portions 72, 74 extend generally parallel to the bottom portions 54, 56, and wherein the first surfaces 72a, 74a face toward the inner faces 40, 42 of the respective end sidewalls 16, 18. Referring to fig. 5, when the container 10 is in its erected configuration, the movable gusset portions 72, 74 of the first gusset structure 68 are folded about fold lines 82 and 88, wherein the folded gusset structure is positioned generally parallel to and adjacent the end side walls 16, 18, wherein the folded first and second movable gusset portions 72, 74 extend generally perpendicular to the bottom portions 54, 56 and wherein the second surfaces 72b, 74b face toward the inner faces 40, 42 of the respective end side walls 16, 18.

Referring to fig. 7, the first and second movable gusset portions 92 and 94 of the second gusset structure 70 each include respective first and second surfaces 92a, 92b and 94a, 94 b. When the container 10 is in its collapsed configuration, the second gusset structure 70 is located between the end side walls 20, 22 and folds about the second gusset hinge 100, wherein the first and second gusset portions 92, 94 extend generally parallel to the bottom portions 54, 56, and wherein the first surfaces 92a, 94a face toward the inner faces 44, 46 of the respective end side walls 20, 22. Referring to fig. 5, when the container 10 is in its erected configuration, the movable gusset portions 92, 94 of the second gusset structure 70 are folded about fold lines 102 and 108, with the folded gusset structure being positioned generally parallel to and adjacent the end side walls 20, 22, with the folded first and second movable gusset portions 92, 94 extending perpendicular to the bottom portions 54, 56 and with the second surfaces 92b, 94b facing toward the inner faces 44, 46 of the respective end side walls 20, 22.

First and second gusset hinges 80, 100 each define a length that is preferably substantially equal to the width of bottom portions 54, 56. However, as noted above, those skilled in the art will recognize that the relative dimensions of the components may vary and still provide a functional container within the scope of the present invention. As container 10 is moved from the collapsed configuration to the erected configuration, first and second gusset hinges 80, 100 move from an orientation substantially collinear with intermediate bottom hinge 62 to an orientation substantially perpendicular with respect to intermediate bottom hinge 62 and substantially parallel to and adjacent medial wall hinges 24, 30, respectively. The first and second gusset structures 68, 70 provide structural support between the first and second pairs of end side walls 16, 18 and 20, 22 and the bottom wall 48. The first and second gusset structures 68, 70 provide a structure. The structure may resist pivotal movement of the bottom portions 54, 56 beyond a predetermined position. By way of non-limiting example, the first and second gusset structures 68, 70 resist pivotal movement of the bottom portions 54, 56 beyond a plane defined by the edges of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 when the container is in the erected configuration.

In one embodiment, the gusset structures 68, 70 are formed of a flexible material, such as a flexible film material used in the construction of the container 10 as will be described further below. The flexible gusset structure material can be easily articulated or bent, i.e., bent or partially doubled over, to accommodate variations in the distance between the ends 84, 104 of the medial wall hinges 24, 30 and the ends of the medial bottom hinge 62 during movement of the container 10 between the collapsed configuration and the erected configuration. The gusset structures 68, 70 may define a continuous flexible membrane between the container sides 13, 15, 17, 19 and the bottom wall 48 to facilitate retention of the contents located in the container 10.

The container 10 may have structure for holding the container 10 in its erected configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the end side walls 16 and 20 each have a respective extension 112, 114 for extending in overlying relation to the adjacent end side walls 18 and 22, see FIG. 2. The extensions 112, 114 may be connected or adhered to the adjacent end side walls 18, 22 such that pivotal movement between the first and second pairs of end side walls 16, 18 and 20, 22 is substantially prevented to maintain the container 10 in its erected configuration. The extensions 112, 114 may have adhesive members for adhering to the adjacent end sidewalls 18, 22. The adhesive means may include, without limitation, pressure sensitive adhesives (with or without a release cover strip), and cohesive adhesives, i.e., adhesives that adhere only to themselves. Alternatively or additionally, mechanical components may be provided for attaching the extensions 112, 114 to the adjacent end sidewalls 18, 22, including without limitation tab and slot fittings, tapes, clips, adhesive tapes, gripping elements, and snap or otherwise inter-fastening components such as interengaging dimple and groove elements.

Alternatively or additionally, the structure for maintaining the container 10 in the erected configuration may include a locking feature provided to the bottom portions 54, 56, including one or more projections (not shown), such as a projection (not shown) on the bottom portion that extends beyond one or more of the hinge locations 76, 78, 96, 98. Such extensions may extend beyond the respective hinge locations 76, 78, 96, 98, but are preferably not sealed, adhered, or otherwise connected to the flexible material 130 of the hinge structures 68, 70. One or more projections (not shown) of the bottom portions 54, 56 are preferably sized such that the projections extend longitudinally beyond one or more of the respective end walls 16, 18, 20, 22 and include one or more engaging surfaces that abut against the end walls. In the erected configuration, engagement of the projections of the bottom portions 54, 56 against the edges of the end walls 16, 18, 20, 22 substantially prevents pivotal movement of the bottom portions 54, 56 towards the collapsed configuration, thereby locking the container in the erected configuration. Instead of using the locking mechanism of the extensions 112, 114, a locking mechanism of the extensions introduced into the bottom portions 54, 56 may be provided.

It should be noted that the structure and operation of the present invention is not limited to the quadrangular-bottomed containers described herein, and the principles of the present invention are applicable to five or more sided polygonal-bottomed container configurations. By way of non-limiting example of such a variation, the container of the present invention may comprise a container of a trilateral bottom wall, wherein two longitudinal side walls are joined at one end by a wall hinge and connected at the opposite end to a pair of end side walls, wherein the effect of the movement of the pair of end side walls may be similar to the articulation of the two pairs of end side walls of the above-described embodiment, thereby moving the trilateral bottom wall container from a substantially flat configuration to an erected configuration.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the container 10 includes two generally planar opposing side panels 116, 118. The side panels extend from the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 to define a flexible bag-like upper portion 119 of the container 10. Side panels 116 extend from the side walls 12, 16 and 20, and side panels 118 extend from the side walls 14, 18 and 22. The side panels 116, 118 are joined together along elongated edge seams 120, 122, wherein the edge seams 120, 122 may be formed by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing, adhesives, or other conventional attachment means, joined in a butt joint, lap seam, fin seal, or other configuration. The edge seams 120, 122 may be positioned substantially collinear with the medial wall hinges 24, 30.

The ends of the side panels 116, 118 remote from the support structure 11 define an opening 123 of the container 10. The opening serves as a passage for the contents into and/or out of the container 10. An optional, reusable closure 124 is shown at the opening 123 of the container and is illustrated as complementary engagement elements 126, 128 connected to the interior of the side panels 116, 118. The closure is used to recloseably seal the opening 123 of the container 10. For example, the reusable closure 124 may comprise an interlocking seal type closure, and it may or may not include a slide for manipulating the opening and closing of the container 10. The present invention is not limited to the illustrated reusable closures, but non-limiting embodiments of reusable closures that can be used, and information regarding their manufacture, are described in U.S. Pat. nos. 4,186,786, 4,285,105, 4,363,345, 4,561,109, 5,804,265 and 5,851,070. Additional closure structures may be introduced for closing the opening 123 of the container 10. Including without limitation, mechanical fasteners such as hook and loop fasteners, flap closures, clips, and clamps, sheet-form closures, lacing sheets, drawstring closures, tape-wrap closures, and adhesive closures such as pressure sensitive adhesive tapes or strips, cooperative cohesive adhesives, epoxy reactive adhesives, and pressure sensitive adhesive embedded activated films. Non-limiting examples of pressure sensitive adhesive embedded activated films that may be used, and information regarding their manufacture, can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,662,758 and 6,489,022. While reusable closures have been mentioned as preferred closures, more permanent closures may be preferred in certain applications of the invention. Full or partial closures, or no closures, other than those specifically mentioned herein may also be provided within the scope of the described invention.

The illustrated embodiment of the container 10 is constructed from one or more sheets of flexible material 130, where the term "flexible" is used to refer to such materials: are capable of being flexed or bent (particularly repeatedly) so that they are pliable and yieldable in response to an applied force. Thus, "flexible" is in meaning substantially opposite to the terms inflexible, rigid, or unyielding. Thus, flexible materials and structures can be altered in shape and structure to accommodate external forces and to conform to the shape of objects with which they come into contact without losing their integrity. The sheet material 130 used to form the container 10 may comprise a flexible film material, including a polymeric film, such as polypropylene or similar material, wherein the polypropylene material may be provided having a thickness of, for example, 0.013mm (0.5 mil) to 0.13mm (5 mil).

The sheet or sheets of flexible material 130 forming the container 10 may form the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, the bottom wall 48, the first and second gusset structures 68, 70, and the side panels 116, 118 as a continuous flexible containment material. Alternatively, the flexible material 130 may comprise a bag or tube-like structure. Further, the sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and bottom portions 54, 56 define the surfaces of the container 10. The surfaces are pivotable relative to each other at respective hinges, which may be formed of a flexible material 130. In the illustrated embodiment of the container 10, each of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and bottom portions 54, 56 is defined by a layered structure comprising a flexible material 130 and a sheet of structural material 132. The structural material is attached to the outer surface of the flexible material 130, for example, as shown in fig. 6-8. In one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the piece of structural material 132 can comprise one material. The material has a flexural modulus in a range between 1172.1MPa (170,000psi) and 1723.7MPa (250,000psi) and a thickness between 0.25mm (0.01 inch) and 13mm (0.50 inch), in contrast to flexible material 130 having a flexural modulus between 1172.1MPa (170,000psi) and 1723.7MPa (250,000psi) and a thickness between 0.013mm (0.0005 inch) and 0.25mm (0.01 inch). The structural material 132 is preferably harder than the flexible material 130 and is preferably capable of elastically flexing from and returning to some predetermined initial shape (e.g., a generally planar shape). The term "flexural modulus" as used herein refers to the flexural modulus as determined according to ASTM test method D790. In one embodiment, the structural material 132 may preferably comprise a polypropylene material. However, additional or other materials for the structural material 132 may be used, including without limitation any known polymeric materials including extruded creped polymeric materials, carded fibrous materials, and slot creped materials. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the specific stiffness of either the flexible material 130 or the structural material 132 may be adjusted depending on the desired end use or application of the container 10.

The structural material 132 may be attached to the flexible material 130 by a mechanical attachment method that forms a molecular level bond between the structural material 132 and the flexible material 130, such as by ultrasonic welding, or a thermal bond, such as heat sealing. Alternatively, the structural material 132 and the flexible material 130 may be joined by an adhesive or cohesive bonding, including without limitation contact adhesives, or by a mechanical attachment means such as a snap, clip, elastic, mechanical fastener, clip, staple, clamp, and/or an interference fit connection between the two materials, i.e., a tolerance fit, such as by locating the structural material 132 within the flexible material 130 in a tight fit, or mechanically stamping the materials together. Such a connection may be continuous or discontinuous, such as being connected in a series of two or more connection points, for example.

It should be noted that the structural material 132 comprising the bottom portions 54, 56 may optionally not be attached to the flexible material 130. In this case, the structural material 132 of bottom portions 54, 56 may be attached to other structures, for example, to one or more of side walls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22. Also, while the illustrated construction has the structural material 132 on an outer surface of the flexible material 130, some or all of the structural material 132 may be on an inner surface of the flexible material 130. Optionally, bottom portions 54, 56 may be shaped without structural material 132 such that bottom wall 48 may include a relatively flexible region defined by flexible material 130.

Alternatively, the sidewalls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or bottom portions 54, 56 may be shaped such that the entire area of the sidewalls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or bottom portions 54, 56 is not completely covered by the structural material 132. For example, the side walls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or the bottom portions 54, 56 may include frame members (not shown). The members are suitably positioned so as to maintain the structural integrity or shape of the side walls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or bottom portions 54, 56 during movement between the collapsed configuration and the erected configuration and/or during use of the container 10. It should be understood that any configuration capable of providing a stiffness to the side walls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or bottom portions 54, 56 that is greater than the stiffness of the flexible material 130 may be used, whether a solid or perforated sheet or frame or other structural element is used, and that configuration need not necessarily include providing separate or connected stiffening structures to the side walls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or bottom portions 54, 56. For example, the side walls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or bottom portions 54, 56 may be formed from the same sheet of material as the sheet of material making up the side panels 116, 118, but with different material properties to affect the stiffness of the material, such as may be provided by different material thicknesses or by increased cross-linking or crystallization of the material in the side walls 12, 14, 1618, 20, 22 and/or bottom portions 54, 56, or the material stiffness may be altered or controlled by mechanical means, such as by forming folds, creases or corrugations in the material.

Although the flexible material 130 has been described as a flexible polypropylene film material, other materials exhibiting flexible properties may be incorporated as the flexible material 130, including without limitation substantially impermeable polymeric materials, cellulosic materials, aluminum foil, coated (waxed, etc.) and uncoated paper, coated nonwovens, etc., as well as substantially permeable materials such as scrims, meshes, wovens, nonwovens, open or closed cell foams, or perforated or porous films, whether they are primarily two-dimensional in nature or formed into three-dimensional structures. Such materials may comprise a single composition or layer, or may be a composite material, or may be a laminate structure composed of multiple materials including a substrate material that serves as a carrier for a substance. Moreover, one skilled in the art will recognize that any material that provides the desired stiffness characteristics of the flexible material 130 may be incorporated within the scope of the present invention.

The flexible material 130 is not limited to configurations formed from sheet material, and the flexible material portion of the container 10 may be configured in any known and suitable manner, such as those known in the art for making commercially available forms of bags or storage containers. The various components or elements of the flexible material 130 may be bonded to themselves or to one another using heat or adhesive sealing techniques. In addition, the flexible material portion of the container 10 may be thermoformed, blown, or otherwise formed or molded as an alternative to conventional folding and bonding techniques to construct the flexible material portion from a web or sheet of material.

The materials selected for either or both of the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132 may exhibit any degree of transparency, translucency, and/or opacity, for example, may be selected to provide a desired degree of visual identification of the contents, and may include colored transparent, translucent, and/or opaque materials. The degree of transparency, translucency and/or opacity may additionally be selected to facilitate writing and/or reading of textual information on the container 10, i.e., the contents and/or instructions of the container.

Microwave-useable materials are also included among the materials that may be used to form the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132. Moreover, the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132 may include materials and constructions or structures that provide insulative properties for limiting the flow of heat between the exterior and interior surfaces of the container 10, such as may be provided to the bottom wall 48 or other contacted surface to limit heat transfer to a user's hand or support surface. Such materials may include those materials that typically have a material structure with low thermal conductivity, low heat/cold capacity, less mass, and/or that affects thermal conductivity and/or heat capacity, such as materials that include void spaces within the material for either partially or fully encapsulating or enveloping some fluid (e.g., air). Examples of materials for providing the container 10 with the thermalizable properties include (without limitation): open or closed cell foams; small entrapped gas materials, such as fibers, fluff, spacer particles, and the like, dispersed in, on, or between the flexible material 130 and/or the structural material 132; a low mass portion defined in the flexible material 130 and/or the structural material 132, such as a thinned portion of the flexible material 130 and/or the structural material 132, and/or a thermal insulating layer or coating that provides low thermal conductivity between the flexible material 130 and the structural material 132. Such materials may be in the form of corrugated paper or in the form of a polymeric material structure formed from one or two or more layers having offset regions, such as may be formed by thermoforming, embossing, folding, and the like. For example, a multi-layered structure formed from two layers, at least one of which includes regions offset from the plane of the other layer, or a single layer of material, wherein selected regions of the material are offset from other regions of the material to provide a volume of insulating air between the outer and inner surfaces of the container. Alternatively, the heat shield may be formed from two or more layers of flexible polymeric material. The layers are selectively sealed or bonded together to create an area of entrained air.

In the collapsed configuration of the container 10, as illustrated in fig. 2, the container 10 is substantially flat with the sidewalls 12, 16, 20 positioned in generally collinear relationship with one another, and with the remaining sidewalls 14, 18, 22 positioned in generally collinear relationship with one another and positioned parallel to and adjacent to the sidewalls 12, 16, 20, respectively. The base portions 54, 56 are positioned adjacent to one another and between the opposing side walls 12 and 14, and the first and second gusset structures 68, 70 are positioned between the opposing pairs of end side walls 16, 18 and 20, 22, respectively. In addition, the opposing side panels 116, 118 are generally parallel to and positioned adjacent to each other and may or may not be folded, such as at the junctions with the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, i.e., at the junctions of the pouch-like portions 119 with the support structure 11, to form a compact, relatively flat collapsed configuration of the container 10. It should be noted that the support structure 11 comprises a flex-spring structure prior to completion of the process of erecting the container, wherein the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and bottom portions 54, 56 may be substantially articulated and moved relative to each other.

According to one method of erecting the container 10, the method may be applied to generally oppositely positioned portions of the container 10. The resultant of the applied forces may be directed in generally opposite directions extending through the container 10. By way of non-limiting preferred embodiment, a force may be applied to the container 10 adjacent the medial wall hinges 24, 30 (as indicated by arrows 134, 136 in FIG. 3) to urge the medial wall hinges 24, 30 inwardly toward one another. Substantially simultaneously with the inward movement of the medial wall hinges 24, 30, the two pairs of adjacent end side walls 16, 18 and 20, 22 pivot relative to each other toward a substantially coplanar orientation while also pivoting substantially inward toward the respective adjacent side walls 12, 14 such that the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 define a substantially rigid or semi-rigid base structure of the container. Substantially simultaneously with the pivotal movement of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, the bottom portions 54, 56 pivot away from the respective side walls 12, 14 such that the intermediate bottom hinge 62 moves in a direction generally indicated by arrow 137 in fig. 3 to form the bottom wall 48 of the erected container 10. In addition, the gusset structure 68, 70 pivots in response to movement of the base portions 54, 56 and relative pivotal movement of the two pairs of end side walls 16, 18 and 20, 22, wherein the gusset portions 72, 74, 92, 94 each rotate generally about the respective fold line 82, 88, 102, 108 as the gusset hinges 80, 100 pivot from an orientation substantially parallel to the intermediate base hinge 62 to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the intermediate base hinge 62.

Alternative forces may be applied to deform the container 10 from the collapsed configuration to the erected configuration, including (without limitation) applying a force or forces to one or more of the end side walls 16, 18, 20, 22 to pivot one or more of the end side walls 16, 18, 20, 22 relative to the adjacent longitudinal side wall 12, 14. As another alternative, a force may be applied to the longitudinal side walls 12, 14 to move the longitudinal side walls outwardly away from each other. In another alternative, a force may be applied to one or more locations on the bottom wall 48 to pivot the bottom wall 48 or portions 54, 56 of the bottom wall 48 relative to the respective adjacent side walls 12, 14. It should be understood that the application of a certain force to move one or more walls of the container 10 relative to at least one other wall (e.g., a certain adjacent wall) may substantially cause the remaining walls to move toward the erected configuration.

Applying a force or forces to move the container 10 between the collapsed configuration and the erected configuration may be facilitated by additional structure associated with one or more walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 48 of the container 10, such as structure that may facilitate forming a gripping surface and/or applying a leveraged force thereto. Such additional structure may include, without limitation, a tab, collar, or lever for directly or indirectly transmitting a force from a user to a portion of the container 10. The structure is for moving the container 10 either from the collapsed configuration toward the erected configuration or from the erected configuration toward the collapsed configuration, or for applying a restraining anchoring force to control the position of the bottom wall when the container 10 is erected. By way of non-limiting example, a user may grasp the extensions 112, 114 associated with the end side walls 16, 20 to pivot the extensions 112, 114 and/or push the extensions 112, 114 toward one another to move the walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 48 of the container 10 toward the erected configuration.

As described above, the extensions 112, 114 of the end side walls 16, 20 may be used to maintain the container 10 in the erected configuration by attaching the extensions 112, 114 to the adjacent end side walls 18, 22. This attachment of the extensions maintains the support structure 11 in a substantially rigid or semi-rigid configuration, thereby making the container 10 a self-supporting structure.

Movement of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 from the substantially flat, collapsed configuration toward the erected configuration causes lower portions of the opposing side panels 116, 118 to separate from one another, and at the same time upper portions of the side panels 116, 118 may also separate to define an open area of the container 10 through which articles or contents may be provided to or removed from the container 10. In the erected configuration, curved regions 138, 140, 142, 144 (fig. 1 and 9) are defined in the side panels 116, 118 adjacent the corners defined at the wall hinges 26, 28, 32, 34, wherein the curvature of the curved regions 138, 140, 142, 144 tends to structurally stiffen the side panels 116, 118, thereby biasing the side panels 116, 118 into a more aligned orientation with the adjacent side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, thereby providing a more open channel for the container 10.

Additional structure may be provided to the side panels 116, 118 to facilitate maintaining the side panels 116, 118 in a more open condition. Such additional structure may include (without limitation) braces located at mid-span locations adjacent the edges of one or both of the side panels 116, 118, away from the support structure 11, or located elsewhere along the side panels 116, 118. One or more struts may comprise flexible or rigid members. The members typically exhibit some dead fold or position with lockable functionality for holding at least a portion of the side panels 116, 118 in a desired position. Braces exhibiting such functionality may comprise metal wire or thin sheet materials, including fibrous paper and paperboard, dead-fold polymer sheets, and molded, formed, stamped or cut rigid parts with lockable hinge-like mechanisms. Other stay materials exhibiting similar functionality may also be used.

Alternatively or additionally, the structure for biasing or holding the flexible panels 116, 118 in a more open position may include structure for facilitating the holding of the side panels 116, 118 in more alignment with the adjacent side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. For example, means for altering the material properties of the side panels 116, 118 may be provided, including but not limited to force transmitting elements or stiffening elements for transmitting forces between the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and the side panels 116, 118.

Referring to fig. 9-12, the container 10 may also include features that facilitate access to the contents located therein by manipulation of the side panels 116, 118. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of the container 10, the area for separating the side panels 116, 118 from each other and/or from the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may be provided, including, for example, a frangible portion 146 (see also fig. 1) extending along at least one of the seam edges 120, 122, and may also include a frangible portion 148 extending adjacent an edge of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. According to one method of providing use of the container 10, the side panels 116, 118 may be separated fully or partially along the at least one frangible portion 146 (fig. 11), and the side panels 116, 118 may be folded and/or rolled over onto themselves and/or folded into a position adjacent the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 (see fig. 10). Optionally, another frangible portion may be provided, such as at the other of the seam edges 120, 122 or another location, to allow portions of the side panels 116, 118 to be folded and/or rolled over to facilitate separation of the side panels 116, 118. Preferably, the material to be separated is separated in one piece, or alternatively, into two or more pieces. The separated material may be completely removed from the container 10 or may remain attached at one or more points about which the material may pivot.

According to an alternative method of providing for use of the container 10, the side panels 116, 118 may be separable along at least one frangible portion 146 (as shown in fig. 11), and the side panels 116, 118 may also be separable from the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 along a frangible portion 148 (as shown in fig. 12) to allow for substantially complete removal of the side panels 116, 118 from the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 (fig. 13).

The frangible portions 146, 148 may be formed by predefined portions or lines of weakness and/or tear-oriented material properties. Examples of predefined portions or lines of weakness include, without limitation, perforations located at or near the desired separation location, mechanical or laser scoring, intermittent or spaced-apart scored or embossed regions or weak points, thinned portions of material, and/or tear strips. Alternatively, separation can occur along lines, portions or areas of releasable attachment, such as lap joints, fins, butt seams or seals, whether joined by adhesive, cohesive, heat seal, weld joint or other means. As another alternative, the bridging material (e.g., pressure sensitive adhesive tape) may be torn or removed to allow the sheets to separate. Additionally, features for facilitating the tearing or separation process may be provided, including without limitation anchoring/stretching buttons, collars, or other tactile features that facilitate user identification of the frangible portion and/or facilitate grasping and/or applying force to the container 10. Identification of the one or more frangible portions may also be facilitated by one or more visual indicators, including (without limitation) colored portions, such as applied or printed colored bands and/or visually distinguishable material properties, which may be positioned at or near the frangible portion, and may include visual indicators extending along both sides of the frangible portion. The indicia may be provided, for example, by visually identifiable laser grooves or regions exhibiting differences in opacity or translucency relative to adjacent regions. Also, a tear prevention structure may be provided adjacent the frangible portion to prevent the tear from propagating beyond the frangible portion.

The structure for facilitating use of the container 10 is not limited to manipulation of the side panels 116, 118. Additional structure may be provided to the area of support structure 11 defined by sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and may include removable or replaceable structure associated with one or more of sidewalls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. The structure allows one or more portions of the container 10 to be removed, reconfigured, or otherwise manipulated to improve access to the interior of the container 10.

In one use of the container 10, the container 10 may be sealed to facilitate storage of any contents contained in the container 10. In such use, the edges of the side panels 116, 118 may be joined together, for example by the reusable closure 124 described above. The joining or connecting together of the side panels 116, 118 may be accompanied by some amount of movement of the side panels 116, 118 toward the support structure 11. The movement results in the formation of panel gussets 150, 152 (fig. 14) because the top of the side panels 116, 118 are folded to substantially conform to the generally straight junctions of the side panels 116, 118. The junction is at a location where the top of the container 10 extends beyond the two pairs of end side panels 16, 18 and 20, 22. The folded condition of the side panels 116, 118 defines a substantially planar top surface of the container along a plane substantially coincident with the edges of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22. Thus, other containers may be stacked on the container 10 in a manner similar to the stackability provided by known rigid or semi-rigid storage containers.

The stackability of the container may be enhanced by providing additional structure. The structure includes (without limitation) additional structure adjacent to the top or bottom edges of the side panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, such as: a top flange providing a support function upon which the bottom of a supported container may rest; a horn-shaped structure. The structure includes some or all of the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 flared outwardly at their upper or lower edges to provide positive engagement with the engaged lower or upper edges of the supported or supported container; or a flange extending laterally from an outwardly extending flange adjacent some or all of the upper or lower edges of the side wall. The flange provides a projection for engaging the lower or upper edge of a supported or supported container. Structures to facilitate stacking of the containers 10 may be located on the exterior or interior of the flexible material 130 to function through direct or indirect contact of the flexible film with the stacked containers to facilitate stacking engagement. Other structures for facilitating alignment and/or engagement of stacked containers may also be provided.

In general terms, the side and/or bottom walls may be located externally or internally, or entirely externally or internally, or in a combination of internal and external locations, of the flexible material 130.

It should be appreciated that the present container 10 facilitates handling of the container 10, thereby facilitating carrying and/or carrying of the container 10. In particular, the support structure 11 provided by at least the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 may provide sufficient rigidity to the container 10 such that a user may grasp opposing edges and/or side walls (e.g., opposing longitudinal walls 12, 14) to carry and/or carry the container 10. The container 10 may have additional structure to facilitate operation of the container 10. The structure includes, without limitation, one or more tabs, handles or straps shaped as part of or attached to the side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 or bottom wall 48. For example, hand straps may be included to facilitate single-handed lifting and/or carrying of the container 10, such as providing straps to the bottom wall 48 to accommodate one or more fingers of a user to facilitate carrying of the container by support of the bottom wall 48.

Handling of the container 10 may also be facilitated by the structure provided on the side panels 116, 118. The container 10 may be carried and/or carried by grasping the combined side panels 116, 118 between the fingers of a user, such as may be facilitated by a non-slip or other grip enhancing surface. Additional structure for enabling a user to grasp the side panels 116, 118 may include, without limitation, connected or integral tabs, loops, handle apertures, and/or straps.

In one use of the container 10, the container may be provided in a collapsed configuration during storage or prior to use. Two or more containers 10 in the collapsed configuration may have an overwrap for facilitating storage, dispensing, sale, and transport of the plurality of containers 10. The package may partially or completely enclose or enclose the container 10. The package may be any known package including, but not limited to, a bag, a paper or plastic tape, a shrink wrap, a shrink sleeve, a stretch sleeve or tape, a carton package, a flow wrap package, a thermoformed package, and the like. Preferably, the package envelope either displays itself, illustrates it, or contains instructions for use of the container 10, including the method of erection. In a preferred retail store package, the package itself may be either a consumer usable semi-rigid or rigid container, or may even be an erected container 10 that is already erected.

During use, the container 10 may be deformed from a collapsed configuration to an erected configuration (as described above), wherein the support structure 12 defines a rigid or semi-rigid structure, and the upper portion 119 defines a flexible bag-like structure that may be opened to allow passage of contents. The contents may be placed into the container 10 through the opening 123, and the opening 123 sealed using the reusable closure 124. The container 10 and contents may be stored in a refrigerator or freezer, if appropriate, and stacked with other similarly configured containers 10, if desired. Moreover, because the container 10 is formed from microwave usable materials, the container 10 and enclosed contents may be placed directly into a microwave oven to directly reheat the contents within the container 10.

Referring to fig. 15-19, another embodiment of a container 210 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated, wherein elements generally corresponding to elements described with respect to container 10 are identified by the same reference numerals increased by 200. The container 210 generally includes a support structure 211 and a pouch-like upper portion 319 integrally connected to the support structure 211. The illustrated support structure 211 includes four sides 213, 215, 217, 219 and a bottom wall 248, wherein the sides 213, 215, 217, 219 and the bottom wall 248 can be substantially fixedly connected together to provide a substantially rigid structure.

The upper portion 319 may include a pair of side panels 316, 318 formed of a flexible material and including a reusable closure 324. The closure includes, for example, interlocking elements 326, 328 or any other closure element as described above with respect to container 10. The side panels 316, 318 may be joined along edge seams 320, 322. Moreover, the material forming the upper portion 319 and the support structure 211 may comprise a material substantially similar to the material described above with respect to the corresponding elements of the container 10, wherein the material of the sides 213, 215, 217, 219 and the bottom 248 may have a hardness substantially greater than a hardness of the material forming the upper portion 319. As in the embodiment described with respect to container 10, upper portion 319 can be folded to a substantially flat configuration when closure 324 is in the closed position. The configuration extends substantially parallel to the plane of the upper edges of the side faces 213, 215, 217, 219 (i.e. the plane away from the bottom wall 248).

Referring particularly to fig. 16-19, the container 210 may also include features in the container that facilitate access to the contents by manipulation of the side panels 316, 318. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of the container 210, portions for separating the side panels 316, 318 from each other and/or from the side surfaces 213, 215, 217, 219 may be provided, including, for example, one or more frangible portions 346 extending along at least one of the edge seams 320, 322, and may also include another frangible portion 348 extending adjacent an upper edge of the side surfaces 213, 215, 217, 219. It should be noted that the frangible portion or portions 346 are not necessarily limited to the location of the edge seams 320, 322 and may extend along either or both of the side panels 316, 318 toward the support structure 211 at an angle or along a curved path.

According to one method of providing use of the container 210, the side panels 316, 318 may be separated, either completely or partially, along the at least one frangible portion 346, and the side panels 316, 318 may be folded and/or crimped along the sides 213, 215, 217, 219 toward the bottom wall 248, as illustrated in fig. 16. In addition, edge portions of the side panels 316, 318 including the reusable closure 324 may be folded back toward the open end of the container 210 and held in place by a securing structure such that an outwardly facing surface 360 of the upper portion 319 (defined by the inner surfaces of the side panels 316, 318) is overlapped or covered by one or more portions of the side panels 316, 318. Optionally, another frangible portion may be provided, such as at the other of the seam edges 320, 322 or at another location, allowing portions of the side panels 316, 318 to be folded and/or rolled over to facilitate separation of the side panels 316, 318.

As shown in fig. 16 and 17, the securing structure for retaining the folded edge portions of the side panels 316, 318 may include one or more portions of an interlocking closure element 362 on the surface 360 of the upper portion 319. For cooperating with and with at least one of the elements 326, 328 of the reusable closure 324. For example, after the upper portion 319 is folded along the exterior of the support structure 211 toward the bottom wall 248, the edge portions of the side panels 316, 318 that include the reusable closure 324 can be folded back toward the open end of the container 210 to position the reusable closure 324 in interlocking engagement with the interlocking closure elements 362 on the surface 360.

Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate alternative securing structures for maintaining the folded edge portions of the side panels 316, 318 in the folded position. The securing structure may include a pocket structure 364 defining one or more pockets located on the support structure 211. The pocket structure 364 is illustrated as a triangular structure and may be located, for example, on one or more of the sides 213, 215, 217, 219 and defines one or more slots 366 (or similar structure) after the upper portion 319 is folded along the exterior of the support structure 211 toward the bottom wall 248. The slits are used to accommodate corners 368 formed by folding edge portions of the side panels 316, 318 toward the open end of the container 210. Maintaining upper portion 319 in the folded configuration is not limited to the use of the mechanisms described above, and may include other mechanisms, including without limitation, materials that retain a recess or aperture, hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, including pressure sensitive adhesives, snap-fit connectors, clips, rubber bands, mechanical fasteners, clips, and/or clamps.

In use of the container illustrated in fig. 16-19, the upper portion 319 formed by both side panels 316, 318 need not be folded entirely toward the bottom wall 248, e.g., half of the upper portion 319 (as defined by one of the side panels 316, 318) may be folded to provide use of the container through one side of the upper portion 319. Alternatively, the side panels 316, 318 may be cut or torn along additional locations to provide access to the container through an area that is smaller or larger than the area defined by one of the side panels 316, 318.

According to an alternative method of providing for the use of the container 210, the side panels 316, 318 may be separated along one or more of the frangible portions 346, and the side panels 316, 318 may also be separated from the sides 213, 215, 217, 219 along another frangible portion 348 to allow for substantially complete removal of the side panels 316, 318.

Referring to fig. 20, another embodiment of a container 410 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated, wherein elements generally corresponding to elements described with respect to container 10 are identified by the same reference numerals increased by 400. The container 410 generally includes a support structure 411 and a pouch-like upper portion 519 integrally connected to the support structure 411. The illustrated support structure 411 may comprise a molded structure, such as a molded plastic structure. The structure defines a substantially rigid structure including integrally formed side wall portion 421 and bottom wall portion 448.

The upper portion 519 may include a pair of side panels 516, 518 formed of a flexible material and including a reusable closure 524. The closure includes, for example, interlocking elements 526, 528 or any other closure element as described above with respect to container 10. The side panels 516, 518 may be joined along edge seams 520, 522. Moreover, the material forming the upper portion 519 and the support structure 411 may comprise a material substantially similar to the material described above with respect to the corresponding elements of the container 10, wherein the material of the side portion 421 and the bottom portion 448 may have a hardness that is substantially greater than the hardness of the material forming the upper portion 519. As in the embodiment described with respect to container 10, upper portion 519 is foldable to a substantially flat configuration when closure 524 is in the closed position. The configuration extends substantially parallel to the plane of the upper edge 570 of the side portion 421.

The container 410 may be provided with frangible portions 546 and 548 in a manner similar to the embodiments shown above with container 10 and container 210, thereby providing improved use of the container by separating the upper portion 519 along one or more of the frangible portions 546, 548.

Depending on the design application of the container 410, the size of the side portion 421 from the bottom 448 to the edge 570 of the side portion 421 adjacent the open end of the container 410 can be selected to provide a more bowl-like support structure 411 or a more dish-like support structure 411. Moreover, the particular shape of side 421 need not be a polygonal shape, but can include circular, rectangular, oval, and other shapes.

Alternative configurations are suitable in certain situations, such as containers with multiple compartments. For example, a dividing wall (which itself optionally may stand up) may extend from the side and/or bottom walls (if any) to divide the container into two or more compartments. Another embodiment is a container with multiple openings.

Without intending to be limiting, the present invention may contain liquid contents, solid contents, particulate contents, and combinations of these contents. The content may be an indefinite variety of articles and articles to be used, for example for personal, domestic, industrial, automotive, hygiene, farming or pet maintenance purposes. Food storage (e.g. for human or animal purposes) is a specific example. Moreover, the container may be partially or wholly collapsed prior to use, with only the contents prefilled, such as these non-limiting examples: oil and popcorn kernels before popping, dry instant noodles and vegetables before adding hot water to produce a soup, pet food before adding water, and flavorings before adding other food ingredients.

All citations in the detailed description of the invention are incorporated herein by reference. The citation of any document is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior art with respect to the present invention.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims (10)

1. A container, the container comprising:

a structure including a side wall portion and a bottom wall portion;

an upper portion comprising a sheet of material integrally connected to the structure, the upper portion defining a channel for the channel

A closable opening of the container; and

a frangible portion defined between the upper portion and the structure, the frangible portion forming

A predefined portion for separating at least a portion of the sheet of material from the structure.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the frangible portion comprises a predetermined weak portion in the sheet of material.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the frangible portion comprises a score line.

4. The container of claim 1, comprising another frangible portion positioned along the upper portion, the other frangible portion extending from the opening toward the structure and forming a predefined portion for separating adjacent portions of the sheet of material.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material is foldable along the sidewall portion.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material has a flexural modulus of between 170,000psi and 250,000psi and a thickness of between 0.0005 inches and 0.01 inches.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the structure has a flexural modulus between 170,000psi and 250,000psi and a thickness between 0.01 inches and 0.50 inches.

8. The container of claim 7, wherein the sheet of material comprises a flexible material.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the sheet of material includes a closure member for closing the opening.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the upper portion includes opposing tabs and the closure component includes interlocking elements on the opposing tabs.