Collapsible container
A container ( 2 ) for food and/or beverage type items is at least partially defined by two or more wall portions including at least a first sidewall portion, and at least one thin or foldable wall portion ( 6 ). The container also includes a base portion and a lid ( 4 ). It is convertible between a first substantially flattened storage or transport condition and a second in-use or expanded condition by manipulation of the wall portions and/or base. The thin wall portion ( 6 ) is formed or located between a first sidewall portion and the base, and it is between 0.25 mm and 0.5 mm thick.
1 . A circular container for both storage and preparation of food or beverage items comprising:
two or more wall portions of polypropylene that include a first sidewall portion and at least one thin wall portion;
a base portion; and
a lid,
wherein the circular container is convertible between a first flattened storage or transport condition and a second in-use or expanded condition by manipulation of the two or more wall portions or said base portion,
wherein the at least one thin wall portion is located between the first sidewall portion and the base portion,
wherein the at least one thin wall portion is between 0.25 mm and 0.45 mm thick and the top to bottom length of the at least one thin wall portion is at least 25% greater or longer than the linear distance between the first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion or the base portion, where the linear distance is the horizontal distance between the first sidewall portion and a second sidewall portion or the base portion when viewed in horizontal or plan cross section in said second or in-use or expanded condition such that the at least one thin wall portion forms a region of flexion that bends at one or more points on the area of the thin wall portion so the at least one thin wall portion rolls when moving the circular container between the first flattened storage or transport condition and the second in-use or expanded condition, and
wherein the region of flexion non-linear along its length when viewed in vertical cross section in at least the first flattened storage or transport condition and the second in-use or expanded condition, and
wherein the first sidewall portion and the at least one thin wall portion partition the inside of the circular container into two or more separate compartments for location or separation of food or beverage items when in the first flattened storage or transport condition, said two or more separate compartments concentric with the first sidewall portion, and
wherein the container is formed by single point injection moulding which ensures the correct molecular alignment of the polymer by flowing the polymer across and not around the at least one thin or foldable wall portion; and
wherein the region of the flexion acts as a spring that biases the circular container into the first flattened storage or transport condition or the second in-use or expanded condition.
2 . The circular container according to claim 1 wherein the at least one thin wall portion of polypropylene thickness is 0.31 mm.
3 . The circular container according to claim 1 wherein the circular container is manufactured from polypropylene base material plus plasticiser additives for hot fill, microwave and other food applications.
4 . The circular container according to claim 1 wherein the circular container includes the first sidewall portion and the second side wall portion wherein the at least one thin wall portion is disposed or located between the first sidewall portion and the second side wall portion.
5 . The circular container according to claim 4 wherein the second sidewall portion is attached to or depends from the base portion.
6 . The circular container according to claim 1 wherein as force is applied, the at least one thin wall portion extends into the first sidewall portion and bends, thereby reducing the internal dimension and the force required to form the circular container to the second in-use or expanded condition.
7 . The circular container according to claim 1 wherein said lid is removable to access the items contained therein in use.
8 . The circular container according to claim 1 wherein the two or more wall portions are linear, straight or non-curved when viewed in vertical cross-section.
9 . The circular container according to claim 8 wherein the at least one thin wall portion is more flexible or less rigid than the first sidewall portion.