WO1996030267A2

WO1996030267A2 - Self-erecting container which is collapsible to be substantially flat

Info

Publication number: WO1996030267A2
Application number: PCT/US1996/004265
Authority: WO
Inventors: Donald E. Weder
Original assignee: Southpac Trust International, Inc.
Priority date: 1995-03-30
Filing date: 1996-03-28
Publication date: 1996-10-03
Also published as: AU5377296A; WO1996030267A3

Abstract

A self-erecting container which is collapsible into a flat storage position. The container includes a top member (12) with an opening into the container, a bottom member (14) and a plurality of walls extending between the top member and bottom member. The walls pivot with respect to the top member and the bottom member. Further, each wall has upper (30) and lower (32) wall sections which pivot with respect to each other. A bracket (16) is suspended within the container by a plurality of elastic members (22). Each elastic member extends between the inner surface of one of the walls and the bracket. The elastic members bias the container into an erected position. When an external influence overcomes the bias, the walls collapse such that the container assumes a flat position. Alternatively, the container may be biased by an elastic band connected to the inner or outer surfaces of the walls of the container.

Description

SELF-ERECTING CONTAINER WHICH IS COLLAPSIBLE TO BE SUBSTANTIALLY FLAT

Background of the Invention

1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the field of containers and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to containers which have a bias for being in an erected position and which assume a flat position when the bias is overcome.

2. Description of Related Art Various types of collapsible, self-erecting novelty devices are known in the art. For example, U. S. Patent No. 4,773,622 issued to Herlin discloses an advertising display device which erects itself from a flat configuration. An advertising or display message panel is mounted to the top of the Herlin device. The Herlin device is closed on all sides when in the self-erected condition. snmιtmι-γ nf the Invention

The present invention provides a container having side walls which are adapted to assume both a substantially flat position and an erected position. Further, the container is biased for maintaining the side walls in the erected position. By supplying an external influence to overcome the erecting bias, the container may be stored with the side walls in the flat position. When the influence is removed, the erecting bias causes the side walls to automatically assume the erected position to place the container in a condition for receiving an item or items. One feature of the present invention is to provide a container which is capable of assuming a substantially flat configuration, but which self-erects into a configuration for receiving an item or items.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide self-erecting containers suitable for receiving a wide variety of items. Other features and advantages of the present invention are apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention with the container in the erected configuration.

Figure 2 is a top view of the self-erecting container of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a side view of the self-erecting container of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a top view of the self-erecting container of Figure 1 with the container in the flat configuration.

Figure 5 is a sectional view of the self-erecting container taken along the lines 5-5 of Figure 4. Figure 6 is a top view of another embodiment of a self- erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention wherein the container is in the erected configuration.

Figure 7 is a top view of the self-erecting container of Figure 6 with the container in the flat configuration. Figure 8 is a top view of another embodiment of a self- erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container is in the erected configuration.

Figure 9 is a top view of another embodiment of a self- erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container has adhesive or cohesive areas and is shown in the flat configuration.

Figure 10 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container has an inner liner suspended from the ring.

Figure 11 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container has an inner liner suspended from the walls of the container. Figure 12 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container has an outer liner.

Figure 13 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a portion of two wall members of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The wall members are connected by a flexible layer.

Figure 14 is a sectional view of another embodiment of a portion of two wall members of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The wall members are joined by an adhesive connection and are adapted to flex at an outer area of the connection.

Figure 15 is top perspective view of another embodiment of a tall self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container is in the erected configuration for receiving a floral arrangement or other items. Figure 16 is a top view of the self-erecting container of Figure 15. The container is shown in the flat configuration.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of a spheroid self- erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container is shown in the erected position.

Figure 18 is a top view of the spheroid self-erecting container of Figure 17. The container is shown in the flat position.

Figure 19 is a perspective view of the spheroid self- erecting container of Figure 17 having a handle and an outer cover for being a pumpkin trick-or-treat basket.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a translucent lantern self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 21 is a perspective view of an Easter basket self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 22 is a perspective view of a self-erecting box container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The box container is shown in the erected position. Figure 23 is a top view of the box container of Figure

22. The box container is in the flat position.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a self-erecting elongated box container constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 25 is a top view of the elongated box container of Figure 24. The elongated box container is in the flat position.

Figure 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container has an exterior band and is shown in the erected position.

Figure 27 is a top view of the container of Figure 26. The container is shown in the flat position.

Figure 28 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a spheroid self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container is shown in the erected position.

Figure 29 is a sectional view of the container of Figure 28. The container is in a position between the erected position and the flat position.

Figure 30 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with the present invention. This container includes foldable members between the side walls of the container. It should be appreciated that the container is in the erect condition and that the foldable members are in a folded condition.

Figure 31 is a sectional view of a portion of the container of Figure 30, illustrating the foldable members in the folded condition.

Figure 32 is a top view of the container of Figure 30 in the flat position, wherein the foldable members are in an unfolded condition. Figure 33 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with the present invention. This container includes stretchable members between the side walls of the container. It should be appreciated that the container is in the erect condition and the stretchable members are in an unstretched condition. Figure 34 is a top view of the container of Figure 33 in the flat position, wherein the stretchable members are in a stretched condition.

Figure 35 is a partly diagrammatical, partly exploded perspective view illustrating a method for applying an inner liner and an outer cover to a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 36 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 35 with the inner liner and outer cover after being allowed to assume the erected condition. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Referring to the drawings in general, and to Figures 1 through 5 in particular, shown therein and designated by the general reference numeral 10 is a self-erecting container, which includes a top member 12, a bottom member 14, a plurality of wall members, a bracket 16 and a plurality of elastic members. The top 12 has an opening 18 sized and shaped for depositing items into the container 10.

It should be appreciated that the one wall member designated by reference numeral 20 is generally representative of the plurality of wall members. Similarly, the one elastic member designated by reference numeral 22 is generally representative of the plurality of elastic members.

Each wall member 20 has a top hinge 24, a wall hinge 26 and a bottom hinge 28. Each top hinge 24 allows the corresponding wall member 20 to pivot with respect to the top 12. Each wall hinge 26 allows the corresponding wall member 20 to bend outward and define an upper wall section 30 and a lower wall section 32. Similarly, each bottom hinge 28 allows the corresponding wall member 20 to pivot with respect to the bottom 14 of the container 10.

With this construction, the container 10 may assume an erected position (Figures 1 through 3) and a flat position (Figures 4 and 5). In the erected position, the container 10 is suitable for receiving an item, such as a flower pot. In the storage position, the wall members 20 of the container 10 are collapsed such that the container 10 is substantially flat. In the storage position, the top 12 and the bottom 14 of the container 10 are moved together and each upper wall section 30 closely overlays the corresponding lower wall section 32.

Each elastic member 22 extends between a corresponding one of the wall members 20 and the bracket 16 to suspend the bracket 16 within the container 10. The bracket 16 has a bracket opening 34 which may be any suitable size and shape for allowing an item or items to be deposited into the container 10.

Each elastic member 22 may be connected to the bracket 16 and the corresponding wall member 20 in any appropriate manner known in the art. Further, each elastic member 22 may be connected to the upper wall section 30, the lower wall section 32, or both the upper and lower wall sections of the corresponding wall member 20.

The elastic members 22 and the bracket 16 cooperate to bias the container 10 into the erected position (Figures 1 and 2). Under an external influence to overcome the bias of the elastic members 22, the container 10 may be collapsed into the flat storage position (Figures 4 and 5). Each wall member 20 moves outward at the wall hinge 26 to stretch the corresponding elastic member 22 as the container 10 is forced to collapse flat.

When the bias-overcoming influence is removed, the elastic members 22 return to the unstretched condition and cause the container 10 to automatically assume the erected position. Thus, the container 10 is self-erecting.

A quantity of the containers 10 may be compressed into the flat storage position, stacked and shipped or stored in a suitable shipping box. Further, one container 10 may be stored in the flat storage position within a sleeve similar to a phono record album cover.

Alternatively, containers 10 may be maintained in a box or shelving having a plurality of mail-slot shelves. Within one of the mail-slot shelves, at least one of the containers 10 is maintained in the flat storage position. When withdrawn from the mail-slot shelf, the container 10 automatically assumes the erected position.

It should be appreciated that any suitable devices known in the art may used for the elastic members 22 as the means for biasing the container 10 into the erected position. Such devices include, but are not limited to, rubber bands, coiled springs and flat springs.

The top 12, bottom 14 and walls 20 of the container 10 may be constructed of a wide variety of materials, such as paper, cardboard, wood, metal, polypropylene and various types of natural and synthetic materials. At least the perimeter of the top 12 and bottom 14 of the container 10 should have enough rigidity to sustain the container 10 in the appropriate shape for the erected position.

If a semi-flexible or semi-rigid material is used for the walls 20, the top hinge 24, the wall hinge 26 and the bottom hinge 28 may simply be bends, folds, scored lines or indented lines in the material. If a substantially rigid material is employed for the walls 20, the upper wall sections 30 and the lower wall sections 32 may be separate panels connected by any conventional hinging mechanism.

At least the walls 20 of the container 10 may be constructed of a material which possesses inherent elastic or memory properties. Materials such as butyl rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and the like have such properties.

The hinges 24, 26 and 28 may be constructed of butyl rubber, PVC, EVA or the like to have an internal bias for forcing the container 10 into the erected position. In such a case, the internal bias of the walls 20 themselves acts as the means for biasing the container 10 into the erected position and the bracket 16 and elastic members 22 are not necessary.

Although shown in Figures 1-5 as being generally hexahedral in shape, the container 10 may be constructed in a wide variety of shapes. It should be understood that the container 10 may be made in any polyhedral or other shape consistent with the concepts and purposes disclosed herein.

Embodiment of Figures 6 through 8

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, shown therein and designated by reference character 10a, is another embodiment of a container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container 10a is like the container 10 in most respects. However, instead of having the bracket 16, the container 10a has elastic members extending from wall to adjacent wall within the container 10a. One of the elastic members is designated by reference character 22a and is generally representative of the elastic members within container 10a. The elastic members 22a extend between adjacent walls 20 within the container 10a to bias and sustain the container 10a in the erected position (Figure 6) and define an opening for receiving items into the container 10a.

When an external influence pushes the top 12 and bottom 14 of the container 10a toward one another, the elastic members 22a stretch as the walls 20 collapse. Eventually, the container 10a may be fully collapsed into the flat storage position (Figure 7). It should be appreciated that any elastic material may be used for the elastic members 22a, as well as coiled springs, flat springs and the like. It should also be appreciated that the elastic members 22a may be attached to the walls in any suitable manner and may be connected to the upper wall sections 30, the lower wall sections 32, or both.

Referring to Figure 8, shown therein and designated by reference character 10b is a container which is similar to the container 10a. However, container 10b includes an elastic loop 22b, such as a rubber band, and a plurality of wall tabs for receiving the elastic loop 22b.

One of the wall tabs is designated by reference numeral 36 and is generally representative of the wall tabs of container 10b. Each wall tab 36 has a tab slot 38 shaped to receive a portion of the elastic loop 22b. Further, each tab slot 38 is shaped such that the corresponding wall tab 36 retains the elastic loop 22b until the elastic loop 22b is manually removed from the tab slot 38.

With this construction, the container 10b functions exactly like container 10a. However, the elastic loop 22b is easily removed and replaced. It should be appreciated that the wall tabs 36 may extend from the upper wall section 30 or the lower wall section 32 of the walls 20 of the container 10b. Further, each wall tab 36 may comprise a first wall tab extending from the upper wall section 30 and a second wall tab extending from the lower wall section 32. In this case, the first and second wall tabs may be connected by an adhesive, a cohesive or in any other suitable manner.

With reference to Figure 9, shown therein and designated by reference character 10c is another embodiment of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container 10c includes a plurality of retaining tabs extending from each wall 20 and complementary retaining tab areas located on each wall 20. One of the retaining tabs is designated by reference numeral 40 and is generally representative of the retaining tabs of the container lOc. Similarly, one of the retaining areas is designated by reference numeral 42 and is generally representative of the retaining areas of the container lOc.

Each retaining tab 40 extends laterally from one side of the corresponding wall 20. Each retaining tab area 42 is located at the opposite side and on the inside surface of the wall 20.

An adhesive or cohesive material is disposed on the outer surface of each retaining tab 40. Further, an adhesive or cohesive material is disposed on each retaining tab area 42.

When the container 10c assumes the erected position, each retaining tab 40 moves into contact with the retaining tab area 42 of the adjacent wall 20. Upon contact, the adhesive or cohesive material on each one of the retaining tabs 40 bonds with the adhesive or cohesive material on the corresponding retaining tab area 42. The bonding of the retaining tabs 40 with the retaining tab areas 42 maintains the container 10c in the erected position.

It should be appreciated that the retaining tab 40 and retaining tab area 42 construction of the container 10c may be applied to any of the various self-erecting embodiments disclosed herein. Alternatively, the container 10c may be erected manually. It should also be appreciated that the adhesive or cohesive of the retaining tabs 40 and retaining tab areas 42 may provide a substantially permanent bond or may provide a weak bond so that the container 10c may be re-collapsed to the flat storage position.

Embodiment of Figures 10 through 12 If the container 10 is to be used for a plant pot cover or a plant pot containing living plants, it is desirable that the container 10 be designed not to leak soil and liquids. Accordingly, container 10 may include a waterproof liner 44.

As shown in Figure 10, the waterproof liner 44 may be suspended from the bracket 16 within the container 10. Obviously, it is preferable that the waterproof liner 44 be flexible in order to collapse when the container 10 is forced to assume the flat storage position.

As illustrated by in Figure 11, the waterproof liner 44 may be suspended from the walls 20 within the container 10. As shown in Figure 12, the waterproof liner 44 may be suspended from the walls 20 outside the container 10 as well. Further, the liner 44 may be suspended from the top 12 of the container 10. It should be appreciated that the waterproof liner 44 may be suspended from the walls or top member to be inside or outside any of the various containers disclosed herein. Further, the liner 44 may be constructed of an elastic material in the shape of the container 10 and attached to the walls 20 inside or outside the container 10. With this construction, the liner 44 may be utilized to bias the container 10 into the erected position. When the container 10 is forced into the storage position, the collapsed walls 20 stretch the liner 44 outward until the container 10 is substantially flat.

Embodiment of Figures 13 and 14 Referring to Figure 13, shown therein and designated by reference numeral 50 is a wall hinge of a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention.

The hinge 50 includes the upper wall section 30 and the lower wall section 32 connected for pivotation by a flexible layer 52. The upper wall section 30 and the lower wall section 32 should be separated such that they may be moved to place the container in both the erected position and in the flat storage position.

The flexible layer 52 may be attached to the wall sections 30 and 32 with an adhesive or a cohesive material, by use of a laminating process, or by any other conventional means.

In one preferred embodiment, the flexible layer 52 comprises butyl rubber, other elastic material or a heat shrinkable or otherwise shrinkable material. During the laminating or shrinking process, the flexible layer 52 is retained at the angle corresponding to the erected position of the container.

With this construction, the flexible layer 52 provides the bias for the container to be in the erected position. When an external influence forces the container into the flat storage position, the flexible and elastic layer 52 stretches. When the external influence is removed, the flexible and elastic layer 52 causes the container to return to the erected position. It should be appreciated that the structures disclosed for the wall hinge 50 may be employed for the top hinge 24, the wall hinge 26 and the bottom hinge 28 of any of the containers disclosed herein.

With reference to Figure 14, shown therein and designated by reference numeral 54 is another type of wall hinge for a self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The hinge 54 includes the upper wall section 30 and the lower wall section 32 joined by an adhesive or cohesive material 55.

With this particular construction, the wall sections 30 and 32 at least at the hinge point should be sufficiently flexible to place the container in either the erected position or the flat storage position. The joined portions of the upper and lower wall sections 30 and 32 may serve as the wall tab 36 disclosed hereinabove and shown in Figure 8.

It should be appreciated that the construction of the hinge 54 may be used for the top hinge 24, the wall hinge 26 and the bottom hinge 28 of any of the containers disclosed herein.

Embodiment of Figures 15 and 16 Referring to Figures 15 and 16, shown therein and designated by reference character lOd is a tall, self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention.

The container lOd is constructed like any of the containers disclosed hereinabove, but has lengthened wall members 20. Thus, the container lOd is particularly useful as a flower vase or other container requiring an elongated shape. It should be appreciated that the container lOd may be provided with any of the hinge and container-biasing structures disclosed herein.

Embodiments of Figures 17 through 20

With reference to Figures 17 and 18, shown therein and designated by reference character lOe is a self-erecting container in the shape of a polyhedral spheroid.

The container lOe is constructed and functions like the containers disclosed hereinabove. However, container lOe has a top 12e and a bottom 14e which have substantially the same outside dimensions.

The container lOe is spheroidal in shape when in the erected position (Figure 17) and substantially flat when in the storage position (Figure 18). It should be appreciated that the container lOe may include any of the hinge mechanisms, structures for biasing the container lOe into the erected position, and other features which are disclosed herein. Referring to Figure 19, shown therein and designated by reference character lOf is the container lOe modified to have a handle 56 and a decorative outer liner 58 resembling a jack-o'-lantern. The decorative outer liner 58 should be flexible to collapse when the container lOf is forced to assume the flat storage position. Further, it may be desirable for the handle 56 to be flexible, collapsible or pivotally mounted for being moved flat against the container lOf when the container lOf is forced to assume the storage position.

The container lOf may be used as a decorative item or as a trick-or-treat container when in the erected position. When forced into the storage position, the container lOf is substantially flat for convenient storage.

With reference to Figure 20, shown therein and designated by reference character lOg is the container lOe provided with translucent walls 20g. A candle 60 or other source of light may be mounted within the container lOg to use the container lOg as a lantern. The container lOg may have strings 62 or any other conventional means for mounting the container lOg to a supporting structure.

Any pattern, design or illustration may be disposed on the walls 20g of the container lOg for decorative, festive or informational effect. Alternatively, the walls 20g of the container lOg may be substantially transparent with a decorative outer liner (not shown in Figure 20) .

Embodiment of Figure 21

Referring to Figure 21, shown therein and designated by reference character lOh is the self-erecting container 10a modified to resemble a basket. The container lOh includes a basket handle 64, a basket brim 66 extending outward from the top of container lOh, and an outer liner 68 resembling a basket.

The basket handle 64 may be flexible, collapsible or pivotable for being flat with the rest of the container lOh when the container lOh is forced to assume the storage position. In place of the outer liner 68, the walls 20 of the container lOh may be provided with an outer appearance resembling a basket.

If the basket is fashioned to be an Easter basket, figures of bunnies, Easter eggs and other Easter symbols may be supported by the upper or lower wall sections 30 and 32 of the basket container lOh. In this way, the Easter symbols lie flat with the walls 20 when the container lOh is in the storage position and pop up when the container lOh assumes the erected position. The basket container lOh may also be designed as a fruit, vegetable, plant or flower basket. In such case, representations of fruit, vegetables, plants or floral groupings may be mounted to the walls 20 of the basket container lOh to be erected or collapsed with the walls 20 of the container lOh. Embodiments of Figures 22 through 25

With reference to Figures 22 and 23, shown therein and designated by reference character lOi is a self-erecting box container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The box container lOi has a rectangular top 12i, a rectangular bottom 14i, and rectangular walls 20i.

The top 12i of the box container lOi has an opening 18i to receive items into the box container lOi. An end flap 70 extends from the top 12i of the box container lOi at each end and a lid 72 extends from the top 12i along at least one side of the box container lOi. It should be appreciated that the end flaps 70 and the lid 72 may be folded over the opening 18i of the box container lOi to close the opening 18i of the box container lOi.

Similar to the embodiments previously disclosed, the end walls 20i of the box container lOi have an upper wall section 30i and a lower wall section 32i which are hinged to pivot with respect to each another and with respect to the top 12i and bottom 14i of the box container lOi. Thus, the box container lOi may assume the erected position for receiving items (Figure 22) or the flat storage position (Figure 23) .

A rectangular bracket 16i is suspended within the box container lOi by a plurality of elastic members 22. Each elastic member 22 extends between the bracket 16i and a corresponding one of the walls 20i. Thus, the bracket 16i and the elastic members 22 cooperate to bias the box container lOi into the erected position shown in Figure 22. When an external influence is applied to the box container lOi to overcome the bias, the elastic members 22 are stretched and the box container lOi is forced to assume the flat storage position illustrated by Figure 23.

The box container lOi may be used as a shipping carton, a gift box, a flower box, a pet litter box, an accessory or litter box for a vehicle, a waste receptacle, a jewelry box, a cake box, a food tray or food service box and many other articles. For some of these uses, it is desirable to provide a flexible, waterproof inner liner (not shown in Figures 22 and 23) which extends from the top 12i to the bottom 14i of the box container lOi to the inside of the bracket 16i. In this way, the liner isolates the contents of the box container lOi from the walls 20i, bracket 16i and elastic members 22. The liner may also be suspended from the bracket 16i or from the walls 20i.

It should be appreciated that any of the hinge structures disclosed herein may be used with the box container lOi. Further, any of the means for biasing the container into the erected position disclosed herein may be employed with the box container lOi.

It should also be appreciated that many shapes of self- erecting containers may be constructed for uses disclosed for the container lOi. For example, self-erecting containers may be in the shape of a cube or in the shape of a wide variety of polyhedrons.

With reference to Figures 24 and 25, shown therein and designated by reference character lOj is a self-erecting tall box container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The tall box container 10j is similar in structure and function to the box container lOi.

The tall box container 10j has a square top 12j, a square bottom 14j, a square bracket 16j and elongated walls 20j. The tall box container lOj may be constructed with or without closure lid and flaps (not shown in Figures 24 and 25).

Embodiment of Figures 26 and 27

Referring to Figures 26 and 27, shown therein and designated by reference character 10k is a self-erecting container having an outer band 74. The container 10k has the top 12, bottom 14 and walls 20 for allowing the container 10k to assume the erected position (Figure

26) and the flat storage position (Figure 27).

As shown in Figure 26, the outer band 74 extends around the outer periphery of the container 10k at the connection between the upper and lower wall sections 30 and 32 of the walls 20. As best seen in Figure 27, the outer band 74 is attached by an adhesive or mechanical connection to each wall 20. Typically, the outer band 74 is attached to the upper wall section 30, the lower wall section 32, or both, at a point about halfway across each wall 20.

The outer band 74 may be constructed of butyl rubber or any conventional elastic material. Alternatively, the outer band 74 may be a coiled or flat spring or any known device which may be stretched or extended with a bias to return to its normal dimension.

When the container 10k is in the erected position (Figure 26), the outer band 74 provides tension to maintain the container 10k in the erected position. When an external influence overcomes the bias of the outer band 74 to collapse the walls 20, the outer band 74 stretches to allow the container 10k to assume the flat storage position (Figure 27). As soon as the external influence is removed, the bias of the outer band 74 returns to its normal dimension and causes the container 10k to automatically assume the erected position. Embodiment of Figures 28 and 29 With reference to Figures 28 and 29, shown therein and designated by reference character 101 is another embodiment of a self- erecting container in the shape of a polyhedral spheroid. The container 101 is like the container lOe disclosed hereinabove, except that the container 101 has a plurality of inwardly hinged middle wall sections 76.

As best seen in Figure 29, two sets of brackets 16 and elastic members 22 are used to bias the container 101 into the erected position. One of the brackets 16 is suspended by the elastic members 22 from the hinges between the upper wall sections 30 and the middle wall sections 76. The other bracket 16 is suspended by the elastic members 22 from the hinges between the lower wall sections 32 and the middle wall sections 76.

Absent any external influence, the brackets 16 and elastic members 22 cooperate to maintain the container 101 in the erected position (Figure 28). In this position, each middle wall section 76 is a substantially flat surface.

Under external influence to flatten the container 101, the elastic members 22 stretch and the walls 20 collapse with the middle wall sections 76 folding inward (Figure 29). As soon as the external influence is removed, the bias of the elastic members 22 causes the container 101 to automatically assume the erected position.

It should be appreciated that any of the structures for hinges disclosed herein may be utilized in conjunction with the container 101. It should also be understood that other means for biasing containers to be self-erecting and other features disclosed herein may be used in connection with the container 101.

Embodiment of Figures 30 through 32

Referring to Figures 30 through 32, shown therein and designated by reference character 10m is another self-erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container 10m includes foldable members between the side walls 20 of the container 10m. One of the foldable members is designated by reference numeral 78 and is generally representative of the foldable members of the container 10m. As best seen in Figure 30, each foldable member 78 extends from the top 12 to the bottom 14 of the container 10m. Further, each foldable member 78 is secured to the upper members 30 and lower members 32 of the walls 20 on both sides of the respective foldable member 78. The foldable members 78 may be secured to the top 12, bottom 14 and respective wall members 30 and 32 in a wide variety of ways. For example, the foldable members 78 may be attached to the inside surface or the outside surface of the top 12, bottom 14 and wall members 30 and 32. Alternatively, the top 12, bottom 14 or wall members 30 and 32 may be constructed in two layers and the foldable members 78 may be secured between the two layers.

The foldable members 78 may be portions of a liner which extends partially or completely around the interior or the exterior of the top 12, bottom 14 or wall members 30 and 32. In the two-layer construction, the foldable members may be portions of a liner which extends partially or completely between the layers of the top 12, bottom 14 or wall members 30 and 32.

Numerous conventional methods for attachment may be used to secure the foldable members 78 in place. Such methods include, but are not limited to, gluing, adhesion, cohesion, heat-sealing, lamination and mechanical connectors of all kinds.

The foldable members 78 may be made of any flexible, semi-rigid or rigid material known in the art which is capable of being placed in the unfolded condition shown in Figure 32 and in the folded condition shown in Figures 30 and 31.

The foldable members 78 may be made of a material which can be constructed to have an internal bias. Examples of such materials are disclosed hereinabove. By constructing the foldable members from such materials to have an internal bias for being in the folded condition, the foldable members 78 may supply part of or all of the means for biasing the container 10m into the erected condition.

If it is desirable for the container 10m to remain in the erected condition on a permanent or semi-permanent basis, the foldable members 78 may be constructed to be adhesive or cohesive. In this manner, the folds of each foldable member 78 will automatically secure themselves together when the container 10m springs from the flat condition into the erected condition.

The container 10m may be used to contain live plants, which require water and soil. Thus, it is desirable that the container 10m be waterproof. Therefore, the wall members 30 and 32 (or at least the lower wall members 32) , the foldable members 78 and the bottom 14 of the container 10m are typically constructed of waterproof materials. If the foldable members 78 are part of a continuous liner which is coextensive with the bottom 14 and the wall members 30 and 32, then the liner need only be waterproof.

In operation, the container 10m is biased to be in the erected condition (Figure 30). In this condition, each foldable member 78 is substantially straight from top to bottom and is folded together (Figures 30 and 31). It should be appreciated that the folds of each foldable member 78 may extend toward the inside, the outside or both the inside and outside of the container 10m.

When external pressure overcomes the bias of container 10m, the container 10m may be forced to assume the flat condition (Figure 32). In this condition, each foldable member 78 is unfolded laterally, but bent over from top to bottom such that a top portion 80 of each foldable member 78 overlays a bottom portion 82 of the foldable member 78.

When the external pressure is removed, the container 10m erects itself. It should be appreciated that any of the means disclosed herein for biasing containers into the erect condition may be employed with the container 10m.

Embodiment of Figures 33 and 34 With reference to Figures 33 and 34, shown therein and designated by reference character lOn is another container constructed in accordance with the present invention. The container lOn is similar to the container 10m. However, the container lOn has stretchable members instead of the foldable members 78. One of the stretchable members is designated by reference numeral 84 and is generally representative of the stretchable members of the container lOn.

Each one of the stretchable members 84 extends between two adjacent walls 20 of the container lOn. The stretchable members 84 may be connected to the top 12, the bottom 14 and the wall members 30 and 32 of the container lOn in any manner disclosed herein. Each stretchable member 84 should be flexible and elastic enough to assume the stretched and folded over condition shown in Figure 34. Thus, the stretchable members 84 may be made of natural or synthetic rubber or any elastic material known in the art. It may desirable that the stretchable members 84 be inherently waterproof or be waterproofed in any conventional manner, so that the container lOn does not leak soil or water.

Further, the stretchable members 84 may be constructed to have an internal bias to return to the non-stretched condition shown in Figure 33. With such construction, the stretchable members 84 may be the sole means for biasing the container lOn into the erected position. In operation, the container lOn is biased to be in the erected condition (Figure 33). In this condition, each stretchable member 84 is in a normal, unstretched condition.

When external pressure overcomes the bias of container lOn, the container lOn may be forced to assume the flat condition (Figure 34). In this condition, each stretchable member 84 is stretched laterally and bent over from top to bottom such that a top portion 86 of each stretchable member 84 overlays a bottom portion 88 of the stretchable member 84. When the external pressure is removed, the container lOn erects itself. It should be appreciated that any of the means disclosed herein for biasing containers into the erect condition may be employed with the container lOn.

When the external pressure is removed, the container lOn erects itself. It should be appreciated that any of the means disclosed herein for biasing containers into the erect condition may be employed with the container lOn.

Embodiment of Figures 35 and 36 Referring to Figures 35 and 36, shown therein and designated by reference character lOp is another collapsible, self- erecting container constructed in accordance with the present invention and a method for applying an inner liner 90 and an outer cover 92 to the container lOp.

As best seen in Figure 35, the upper surface of the bottom 14 of the container lOp is provided with one or more adhesive spots. One of these adhesive spots is designated by reference numeral 94b and is generally representative of the adhesive spots on the bottom 14 of the container lOp.

Similarly, the outer surface of each lower wall member 32 is provided with at least one adhesive spot. One of these adhesive spots is designated by reference character 94w and is generally representative of the adhesive spots on the lower wall members 32 of the container lOp.

It should be appreciated that the container lOp may comprise any of the container embodiments disclosed herein. Further, it should be understood that the container lOp includes any of the means disclosed herein for biasing the container lOp into the erected position shown in Figure 36. For clarity of illustration, such biasing means is not shown in Figures 35 and 36. As shown in Figure 35, a first sheet of material 92s is provided and the collapsed container lOp is placed onto the first sheet 92s. Upon contact with the first sheet 92s, the adhesive spots 94w secure the first sheet 92ε to the lower wall members 32 of the container lOp. It should be appreciated that adhesive spots may also be provided on the lower surface of the bottom 14 of the container lOp to secure the first sheet 92s to the bottom 14 of the container lOp.

Next, a second sheet of material 90s is provided and placed onto the container lOp. Thus, the container lOp is disposed between the two sheets of material 90s and 92s. Upon contact with the second sheet 90s, the adhesive spots 94b secure a portion of the second sheet 90s to the upper surface of the bottom 14 of the container lOp.

When the container lOp is allowed to spring into the erected condition, the second sheet 90s is drawn through the opening 18 into the container 10p as the top 12 separates from the bottom 14 of the container lOp. Thus, the second sheet 90s defines the inner liner 90. By being attached to the lower wall members 32, the first sheet 92s is drawn up around the outside of the container lOp to define the outer cover 92. It should be appreciated that the container lOp may be provided with only the inner liner 90, with only the outer cover 92, or with both the inner liner 90 and the outer cover 92. The sheets 90s and 92s may be provided in a wide variety of colors, decorative patterns and degrees of transparency or opacity. Further, the sheets 90s and 92s may provided in numerous shapes, such as circular, rectangular, polygonal and even irregular shapes.

The sheets 90s and 92s may also be provided in a wide range of sizes. For example, the sheets 90s and 92s may be sized to extend beyond the top 12 of the container lOp, to be substantially even with the top 12 of container lOp, or to extend only part of the way to the top 12 of the container lOp when the container lOp is in the erected condition.

The sheets 90s and 92s should be flexible enough to be drawn into the container lOp and up around the sides of the container lOp when the container lOp springs into the erected condition. However, the sheets 90s and 92s should have sufficient rigidity to assume the desired shape when the container 10ρ erects itself.

Although both the sheets 90s and 92s may be decorative only, it is often desirable that at least one of the sheets 90s and 92ε be waterproof. Thus, the sheets 90s and 92s may be constructed of a poly film, waxed paper, waterproof cloth or the like.

It should be appreciated that the sheets 90s and 92s may be affixed to the bottom 14 and walls 20 (wall members 30 and/or 32) of the container lOp in any way as an alternative to the adhesive spots. For example, any pattern of adhesive or cohesive material, sonic welds or stapling may be used. If waterproofing is desired and stapling or the like is employed, any holes in the sheets of material should be sealed with a waterproof sealant. With this construction, the container lOp with waterproof or decorative inner liner 90 and outer cover 92 may be stored and shipped in the flat condition. When the container lOp is to be used, the container lOp is simply allowed to self-erect and it is ready to receive a plant, floral arrangement, soil, water or any other items. Changes may be made in the combinations, operations and arrangements of the various parts and elements described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of forming a container for covering at least a portion of an item, comprising: providing a container selectively movable between a collapsed position for storage and an erected position wherein the container defines an interior space for receiving at least a portion of the item and thereby covering at least a portion of the item, the container comprising a base having an interior upper surface and an exterior lower surface, a plurality of walls pivotally attached to the base of the container and extending therefrom such that the walls are disposable substantially adjacent the base when the container is in the collapsed position for storage and the walls extend upwardly from the base when the container is in the erected position, the base and the walls cooperating to define the interior space in the container when the container is in the erected position, and biasing means for causing the container to move from the collapsed position to the erected position whereby at least a portion of the item is disposable within the interior space formed between the base and the walls of the container without interference from the biasing means; and converting the container from the collapsed position to the erected position thereby forming the interior space within the container for covering at least a portion of the item disposed within the interior space of the container.

2. A method of covering an item, comprising: providing a container having a base with an interior upper surface and an exterior lower surface, a plurality of collapsible walls attached to the base and extending therefrom, the walls having an adhesive on at least a portion of an exterior surface of at least a portion of the walls and the walls being pivotable such that the container may assume a collapsed position for storage or an erected position having an interior space for containing the item, and biasing means for causing the container to self-erect into the erected position from the collapsed position, the biasing means positioned on the container such that, in the erected position of the container, the item may be disposed into the interior space of the erected container; providing a sheet of material; placing the sheet of material under the container with the container in the collapsed position such that the sheet of material engages the adhesive material on the exterior surface of the walls of the container; converting the container from the collapsed position to the erected position whereby the sheet of material is drawn around the container to provide an outer liner which extends about at least a portion of the container; and disposing at least a portion of the item within the interior space of the container.

3. A method of forming a container for an item comprising: providing a container comprising: a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of collapsible walls attached to the base and extending therefrom, the walls being pivotable from the base such that the container may assume a collapsed position for storage or an erected position for containing the item; biasing means for causing the container to self-erect into the erected position; and a liner material attached to a portion of the base or to at least one of the walls; and converting the container from the collapsed position to the erected position via the biasing means whereby an interior space is formed within the container adapted to receive at least a portion of the item and the liner material is formed into a liner for the container.

4. A method of forming a container for covering an item comprising: providing a container comprising: a base having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of collapsible walls attached to the base and extending therefrom, the walls being pivotable from the base such that the container may assume a collapsed position for storage or an erected position for containing the item; biasing means for causing the container to self-erect into the erected position; and a liner material attached to a portion of the base or to at least one of the walls; converting the container from the collapsed position to the erected position via the biasing means whereby an interior space is formed within the container adapted to receive at least a portion of the item and the liner material is formed into a liner for the container; and disposing the item within the interior space of the erected container.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of providing the container, the base and walls of the container are waterproof.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of providing the container, each of the walls of the container comprises: an upper wall section; and a lower wall section extending between the base of the container and the upper wall section, the lower wall section being pivotable with respect to the base of the container and with respect to the upper wall section.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein, in the step of providing the container, each upper wall section extends angularly outwardly when the container is in the erected position.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein, in the step of providing the container, each upper wall section extends angularly inwardly when the container is in the erected position.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein, in the step of providing the container, the upper and lower wall sections comprise an elastic material having an internal bias providing the biasing means for self- erecting the container into the erected position.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of providing the container, the biasing means comprises; an elastic member attached to at least two of the walls within the container.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims 1-9 wherein, in the step of providing the container, the biasing means comprises: an elastic member extending externally around the walls of the container.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of providing the container, the container has a basket brim extending outwardly from the top of the container to give the container the appearance of a basket when the container is in the erected position.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of converting the container, the liner is suspended from near the biasing means.

14. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of converting the container, the liner is disposed within the interior space of the container.

15. The method of any of the preceding claims 1-12 wherein the container in the erected position is further defined as having an exterior and wherein in the converting step the liner is disposed about the exterior of the container.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the converting step, the container in the erected position has a gap between each wall of the container and wherein at least a portion of each gap is covered by the liner.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the portion of the liner which covers the gap between the walls is folded when the container is in the collapsed position.

18. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein in the step of converting the container, the liner forms a bag within the interior space of the container.

19. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of converting the container, the liner has a visible decorative surface.

20. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein, in the step of providing the container, the liner material is waterproof.

21. The method of any of the preceding claims wherein the item is a flower pot, or a plant.

22. A collapsible, self-erecting container comprising: a bottom member having an upper surface and a lower surface; a plurality of walls pivotally attached to the bottom member and extending therefrom such that the walls may assume a collapsed position for storage or an erected position wherein the bottom and walls cooperate to define an interior space for receiving an item; and biasing means for causing the walls to self-erect into the erected position from the collapsed position, the biasing means positioned so that the item can be positioned within the interior space defined by the bottom and walls without interference from the biasing means.

23. A collapsible, self-erecting container comprising: a bottom member; a plurality of walls attached to the bottom member of the container and extending therefrom, the walls being pivotable such that the container may assume a collapsed position for storage or an erected position for containing items, the container having an interior space when in the erected position; biasing means for causing the container to self-erect into the erected position from the collapsed position; and a liner material attached to a portion of the bottom member or to at least one of the walls of the container such that the liner material is formed into a liner for at least a portion of the interior space of the container when the container is erected into the erected position.

24. A collapsible, self-erecting container defining an interior space when in an erected position within which is disposed at least a portion of an item, the container comprising: a bottom member; a plurality of walls attached to the bottom member of the container and extending therefrom, the walls being pivotable such that the container may assume a collapsed position for storage or the erected position wherein the interior space is provided for containing at least a portion of the item; biasing means for causing the container to self-erect into the erected position from the collapsed position; and a liner material attached to at least a portion of the bottom member or to at least a portion of one of the walls such that the liner material is formed into a liner for at least a portion of the interior space of the container when the container is erected into the erected position.

25. A collapsible, self-erecting container comprising: a bottom member; a plurality of walls attached to the bottom member of the container and extending therefrom, the walls being pivotable such that the container may assume a collapsible position for storage or an erected position having a substantially unrestricted interior space for containing at least a portion of an item and an interior surface formed by the bottom member and the walls of the container when the container is in the erected position; biasing means for causing the container to self-erect into the erected position from the collapsed position, the biasing means positioned so that at least a portion of the item can be disposed within the interior space of the erected container without interference from the biasing means; and means for securing the container in the erected position once the container has assumed the erected position.

26. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein each wall comprises: an upper wall section; and a lower wall section extending between the bottom member of the container and the upper wall section, the lower wall section being pivotable with respect to the bottom member of the container and with respect to the upper wall section.

27. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the container is further characterized as having an interior surface and wherein the biasing means comprises: an elastic member disposed in the interior space of the container and attached to the interior surface of the container.

28. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims further comprising a top member attached to an upper end of each wall.

29. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims further comprising: a basket brim extending outwardly from the container to give the container the appearance of a basket when the container is in the erected position.

30. The container of any of the preceding claims wherein the bottom member and the walls comprise an elastic material having an internal bias providing the means for biasing the container into the erected position.

31. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the liner material is waterproof.

32. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein each upper wall section extends angularly outwardly when the container is in the erected position.

33. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims 22-31 wherein each upper wall section extends angularly inwardly when the container is in the erected position.

34. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the biasing means comprises: an elastic member attached to at least two of the walls within the container.

35. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the liner is suspended within the container.

36. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the liner is suspended from near the biasing means.

37. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the liner is disposed within the interior space of the container in the erected position.

38. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims 22-34 wherein the container is further characterized as having an exterior surface and wherein the liner is disposed about the exterior surface of the container.

39. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the container is further characterized as having a gap between each wall of the container and wherein at least a portion of each gap is covered by the liner of the container.

40. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the portion of the liner which covers the gap between the walls is folded when the container is in the collapsed position.

41. The collapsible, self-erecting container of claim 37 wherein the liner forms a bag within the interior space of the container.

42. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the liner has a visible decorative surface.

43. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims 26-42 wherein the means for securing the container in the erected position comprises: an adhesive tab extending from at least one of the walls to adhesively engage an adjacent one of the walls and secure the container in the erected position.

44. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims 26-42 wherein the means for securing the container in the erected position comprises: a cohesive tab extending from at least one of the walls of the container; and a cohesive area on one of the walls adjacent to the wall having the cohesive tab, the cohesive tab and the cohesive area being located to contact one another and secure the container in the erected position.

45. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims 26-42 wherein the means for securing the container in the erected position comprises: an adhesive tab extending from at least one of the walls of the container; and an adhesive area on one of the walls adjacent to the wall having the adhesive tab, the adhesive tab and the adhesive area being located to contact one another and secure the container in the erected position.

46. The collapsible, self-erecting container of any of the preceding claims wherein the item disposed within the interior space provided in the container when the container is in the erected position is a flower pot or a plant.

47. A collapsible, self-erecting container comprising: a bottom member; a plurality of walls pivotally arranged relative to the bottom member such that the walls are movable between a collapsed position for storage wherein the sidewallε are disposed substantially adjacent the bottom member and an erected position wherein the walls extend away from the bottom member and cooperate with the bottom member to define an interior space adapted to receive an object; and biasing means for moving the sidewalls from the collapsed position to the erected position, said biasing means being arranged such that the interior space defined by the sidewalls and the bottom is substantially unrestricted by the biasing means whereby the object can be positioned in the interior space defined by the bottom and sidewalls when the sidewalls are in the erected position.

48. The container of claim 47 wherein said biasing means includes a bracket having an opening therein for receiving the object and a plurality of elastic members, each elastic member being attached to a respective one of said walls and to said bracket.

49. The container of claim 47 wherein said biasing means includes at least one elastic member which is arranged to exert a force on at least two of said walls which are adjacently disposed with respect to each other to urge said adjacently disposed walls to extend away from said bottom member.