COLLAPSIBLE AND PORTABLE CONTAINER

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/660,245, filed on Jun. 14, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/716,400, filed on Nov. 5, 2024, each of which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present technology is generally related to containers, and more particularly, to containers that are collapsible and portable.

Containers are useful in many scenarios. For example, containers may be used as trash receptacles, planters, firepits, coolers, etc. However, such containers may be bulky and difficult to transport and store. For example, hundreds or thousands of trash receptacles may be needed for an event. Transportation and storage of such trash receptacles may be costly and inconvenient due to the size and bulk of such trash receptacles. In another example, large planters are useful in the summer growing season, but may not be used during the winter. Thus, in the winter such planters may take up a large amount of storage space. Similarly, firepits are popular for social gatherings, but are bulky and typically permanent installations. Thus, a firepit in certain times of the year may not be used and take up space in, for example, a user's backyard. As such, conventional containers may be bulky and difficult to transport and store.

SUMMARY

Example aspects of the present disclosure include:

A container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a body comprising a body having a series of interconnected slats, each slat operable to be connected to an adjacent slat at a connection; and a base operable to support the body when the body is in a standing configuration, wherein the series of interconnected slats are movable between the standing configuration and a collapsed configuration, and wherein the series of interconnected slats remain connected when moving between the standing configuration and the collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the series of interconnected slats define an interior chamber when in the standing configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the body is cylindrical when the series of interconnected slats are in the standing configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising a retention rim positioned on the body on an opposite end of the base when the body is in the standing configuration, wherein the retention rim has a central opening that opens into the interior chamber.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising at least one foot connected to the base and movable between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the at least one foot raises the base when in the deployed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the connection is formed by a rod on one slat of the series of interconnected slats received by a receiver on an adjacent slat.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the receiver comprises a barrel configured to receive the rod.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the connection comprises at least one of a limited connection or an unlimited connection, wherein the limited connection limits pivotal rotation of adjacent slats and the unlimited connection does not limit pivotal rotation of adjacent slats.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the limited connection is formed by a tab extending from the receiver and limiting rotation of a slat adjacent to the tab.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock the body to the base.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the locking mechanism also locks the body to the rim.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the body includes a pair of handles positioned opposite each other.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising a mechanical tension mechanism that connects the series of interconnected slats and biases the series interconnected slats to at least one of the standing configuration and the collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the mechanical tension mechanism comprises a tension spring.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein each slat of the series of interconnected slats includes an aperture, and wherein the tension spring is positioned through each aperture of each slat of the series of interconnected slats.

A container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a body comprising a body cylindrical in shape when in a standing configuration, the body having a series of interconnected slats, each slat operable to be connected to an adjacent slat to form a wall, wherein the series of interconnected slats are movable between the standing configuration and a collapsed configuration, and wherein the series of interconnected slats remain connected when moving between the standing configuration and the collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising: a base operable to support the body when the body is in the standing configuration; and a retention rim positioned on the body on an opposite end of the base when the body is in the standing configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the series of interconnected slats define an interior chamber when in the standing configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the body is cylindrical when the series of interconnected slats are in the standing configuration.

A method of deploying a container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a body comprising positioning a base and moving a set of support feet on the base from a folded configuration and a deployed configuration; moving a body from a collapsed configuration to a standing configuration; positioning the body on the base; positioning a rim on the body on an opposite side of the base; and locking the body to the base via a locking mechanism.

The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X₁-X_n, Y₁-Y_m, and Z₁-Z_o, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X₁ and X₂) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y₁ and Z_o).

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

Numerous additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the embodiment descriptions provided hereinbelow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

FIG. 1A is a front, tilted view of a container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a front, tilted, partially exploded view of the container of FIG. 1A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a front view of an outer slat according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the outer slat of FIG. 2A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a front view of an inner slat according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the inner slat of FIG. 3A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a body of the container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a top, detailed view of the body of FIG. 4 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top, tilted, detailed view of the body of FIG. 4 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom, tilted view of an alternative embodiment of the body according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a plurality of connections on a body of a container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a tilted view of a container in a collapsed configuration according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A is a front view of a slat according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B is a top view of the slat of FIG. 10A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10C is a side view of the slat of FIG. 10A according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a top view of a series of slats according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the series of slats of FIG. 11 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is another embodiment of a connection between slats according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is another embodiment of a connection between slats according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is another embodiment of a connection between slats according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a front, tilted view of a base according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a side, cross-sectional view of the base taken along line A-A of FIG. 17 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a tilted, cross-sectional view of the container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a top, tilted view of a retention rim according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a bottom, tilted view of the retention rim of FIG. 20 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a front, tilted view of a container according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 23 is a flowchart according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a portable and collapsible container (100) (“container”). The container (100) can move between a deployed or standing configuration (170) (shown in FIG. 1A) for use and a collapsed or packed down configuration (172) (shown in FIG. 9) for transportation and storage. The container (100) has a variety of uses such as, for example, a planter, a cooler, temporary trash receptacles (for, for example, events), or a firepit. The container (100), when in the collapsed configuration (172) is easy to store and transport to different locations, which enables the use of the container (100) in locations in which a permanent structure may be difficult to install or is undesirable to have. For example, the container (100) can be used as a planter in the summer, then stored during winter in the collapsed configuration (172). In another example, the container (100) can be used as a firepit on a beach for a day, then transported and stored in the collapsed configuration (172). The container (100) is not limited to the use cases and examples described herein.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1A illustrates a tilted view of the container (100) and FIG. 1B illustrates a partial exploded view of the container (100). A set of feet (128) are not shown in FIG. 1B for clarity. The container (100) includes a body (102), a base (104), and a retention rim (106). It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the container (100) may not include the base (104) and/or the retention rim (106). For example, in some embodiments, the container (100) may not include the base (104) when the container (100) is used as a planter on top of soil.

As shown, the container (100) is cylindrical in shape and circular when viewed from a top of the container (100). In other embodiments, the container (100) may be any shape when viewed from the top of the container (100) such as, for example, triangular, square, oval, rectangular, hexagonal, polygonal, or any other geometrical shape. The container (100) may have an inner circumference of, for example, 46″ inches. In other embodiments, the container (100) may have an inner circumference of less than or greater than 46″.

The body (102) may include at least one handle (126) for positioning, picking up, or otherwise moving the body (102). The body (102) is formed from a set of slats (108) and each slat (108) is formed by wall portions, such as an outer slat (110) and an inner slat (112), as will be discussed in detail below.

Turning to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a front view and a top view of the outer slat (110) are respectively shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer slat (110) has a slightly arcuate shape and a pair of flanges extending towards the inner slat (112) when viewed from the top. In other embodiments, the outer slat (110) can have any shape when viewed from the top.

Turning to FIGS. 3A and 3B, a front view and a top view of the inner slat (112) are respectively shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner slat (112) is planar and has a rod (114) at one end and a receiver (116) at the other end. The receiver (116) can receive the rod (114) of an adjacent inner slat (112) to form a connection (118) (shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6) between adjacent inner slats (112). In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver (116) is a barrel that can receive the rod (114). It will be appreciated that the connection (118) between adjacent slats (108) can take any form, including various embodiments described below.

Turning to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, a top view, a detailed top view, a tilted, detailed top view, and a tilted, detailed bottom view of the body (102) are respectively shown. The base (104) and the retention rim (106) are not shown for clarity. As previously described, the slats (108) are connected together at the connection (118). The connection (118) can be a limited connection (120) in which the inner slats (112) have a limited range of pivot motion (e.g., within, for example, 10 degrees or less) or an unlimited connection (122) in which the inner slats (112) can pivot to any degree. In general, the connections are designed to facilitate set-up and break-down of the body (102). More specifically, the limited connection (120) is limited by a tab (124) extending from the receiver (116). In the illustrated embodiment, the tab (124) extends a length of the inner slat (112). In other embodiments, the tab (124) may extend a short distance along the inner slat (112), as shown in FIG. 7. Further, the tab (124) facilitates set up of the body (102) in that the tab (124) can guide the slats (108) into the circular shape (or any other shape of other embodiments of the body (102)) when moving to the standing configuration. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the limited connection (120) may be limited in any manner.

Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9 (and with reference to FIGS. 2A-7), a configuration of unlimited connections (122) and limited connections (120) and the body (102) in the collapsed configuration are respectively shown. The unlimited connection (122) is shown and labelled in FIG. 6. The unlimited connection (122) is formed by a series of hinges (175) on adjacent slats (108) connected by a rod. The unlimited connection (122) enables the adjacent slats (108) to rotate or pivot to any degree. As shown in FIG. 8, the body (102) includes two unlimited connections (122) on opposing sides of the body (102) and limited connections (120) in between the two unlimited connections (122). The two unlimited connections (122) are also spaced 90 degrees from two handles (126), though in other embodiments the body (102) may have any number of handles, unlimited connections, and any configuration.

The two unlimited connections (122) spaced on opposite ends facilitate moving the body (102) between the collapsed configuration and the standing configuration. More specifically, the two unlimited connections (122) enable the body (102) to be collapsed at the two unlimited connections (122) such that the body (102) folds flat onto itself. In other words, the body (102) can be folded flat such that the slats (108) form two rows of slats (108) with one row of slats (108) resting on top of the other row of slats (108).

The illustrated configuration enables the body (102) to be folded flat, as shown in FIG. 9, for transportation and/or storage. The body (102), the base (104), and the retention rim (106) can be inserted into and stored in, for example, a bag. Further, the inner slats (112) being planar facilitate a low profile of the body (102) when the body (102) is in the collapsed configuration (172). In the embodiment illustrated, the body (120) is made up of layers of equal number of slats (108). In alternate designs, the slats (108) can be collapsed in an aligned array designed to reduce the footprint of the collapsed body (102). When the body (102) is collapsed, the slats (108) remain connected by, for example, the connection (118) and/or a mechanical tension mechanism (136), as described below. By remaining connected during collapsing and storage, the slats (108) can easily be set up again and moved to the standing configuration.

It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the container (100) may be a larger size than the embodiment illustrated. In such embodiments, the container (100) may have slats (108) that can each have a subassembly such that the slats (108) can be collapsed into a smaller volume or configuration. In other words, for larger sized containers (100), the slats (108) may be collapsible themselves, whether by folding over or collapsing in any other manner. Such subassemblies enable the container (100) to maintain a smaller volume or footprint when in the collapsed configuration (172).

Turning to FIG. 10A-12, another configuration of the slats (108) and the connection (118) of the body (102) are shown. More specifically, FIG. 10A shows a side view of the slat (108), FIG. 10B shows a top view of the slat (108), FIG. 10C shows a front view of the slat (108), FIG. 11 shows a top view of a series of slats (108), and FIG. 12 shows a side view of the series of slats (108). Generally, each slat (108) has the same size, shape, and dimensions, which are based on the overall shape and volume of the body (102) in the standing configuration (170). As shown in FIGS. 10B and 11, each slat (108) is a single unit and has a core box or female profile (130) on one edge and a bull nose or male profile (132) on the other edge. Each of the core box profile (130) and the bull nose profile (132) extend the full length of the slat (108), though in other embodiments, the core box profile (130) and the bull nose profile (132) may extend less than the full length of the slat (108). The connection (118) formed by the core box profile (130) and the bull nose profile (132) can be airtight in the standing configuration (170), which may in some instance prevent, for example, leakage of dirt, smoke, debris, etc. from the container (100).

When a desired number of slats (108) are positioned in a circular pattern (or any pattern that the container (100) may have), the bull nose profile (132) of one slat (108) fits securely into the core box profile (130) of the adjacent slat (108) and allows each slat (108) to pivot on the adjacent slat (108). As illustrated in FIG. 11, the shapes of the bull nose profile (132) and the core box profile (130) are complementary. Such design of the shapes allows for pivoting of one slat (108) relative to the adjacent slat (108) to maintain structural integrity of the body (102) while keeping an airtight connection. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the slats (108) can have any shaped ends that are complimentary.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, each slat (108) includes two apertures (134), though in other embodiments, each slat (108) can include any number of apertures (134) (e.g., one aperture, two apertures, more than two apertures). In the illustrated configuration, one aperture (134) may be positioned approximately two inches from a top of the slat (108) and another aperture (134) may be positioned approximately two inches from a bottom of the slat (108). The two apertures (134) are configured to receive a mechanical tension mechanism (136) that connects the slats (108) and facilitates set-up and break-down of the body (102). In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanical tension mechanism (136) is a tension spring. It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the mechanical tension mechanism (136) can be, for example, a tension spring and a metal cable or any other mechanism that provides tension to hold the slats (108) in a desired configuration (e.g., the standing configuration (170) and/or the collapsed configuration (172)). In embodiments where the mechanical tension mechanism (136) is the tension spring, the tension spring can extend through every slat (108). Alternatively, the tension spring can include a series of tension springs positioned in sections around a circumference of the body (102).

Turning to FIG. 13, the body (102) in the standing configuration (170) is shown. In the standing configuration (170), the slats (108) are positioned in a generally circular pattern and are held together using two mechanical tension mechanisms (136)—one mechanical tension mechanism (136) fed through the upper apertures (134) and another mechanical tension mechanisms (136) fed through the lower apertures (134). In alternate designs, separate mechanical tension mechanisms (136) could be used for each pair of adjacent slats (108), much like hinges between successive members of the series of slats mechanical tension mechanisms (136). As previously described, the two mechanical tension mechanisms (136), such as tension springs or tension springs with metal cables working in conjunction, allows the entire container (100) to be collapsed flat. When collapsed, the slats (108) remain connected to facilitate set-up when needed. Further, when in the standing configuration (170), the mechanical tension mechanisms (136) (or any biasing mechanism) can bias the slats (108) into the standing configuration (170) without also inhibiting collapsing of the slats (108) into the collapsed configuration.

Turning to FIGS. 14-16, another configuration of the slats (108) and the connections (118) are shown. More specifically, in FIG. 14, the connection (118) is a biased hinge (176) that biases the body (102) to the standing configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the biased hinge (176) is a spring-biased piano hinge. In FIGS. 10A and 10B, the connection (118) includes interior folding elements (180) for connecting adjacent inner slats (112) together and exterior connecting elements (182) for supporting the outer slat (110) on the inner slat (112). The outer slat (110) can be slotted on, slid on, snapped onto, riveted onto, adhered to, etc. to the exterior connecting elements (182), as shown in FIGS. 10A (riveted onto) and 10B (slid onto).

Turning to FIGS. 17 and 18, a top, tilted view of the base (104) and side, cross-sectional view taken along line A-A are respectively shown. The base (104) is preferably constructed of the same material as the body (102). In other instances, the base (104) can be a different material than the body (102).

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17, the base (104) has a base body (138) and a base pan (140). The base body (138) is circular in shape and has a diameter slightly larger than a diameter of the body (102). A larger base (104) ensures greater stability in the standing configuration, so that when in use, the risk of the assembly container (100) tipping over is greatly reduced. The base body (138) also includes a sidewall (142) that extends up and is configured to provide support to hold the body (102) within the base (104), as shown in FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the base (104) also contains a channel (144) that runs the outer circumference of the base body (138), allowing the bottom of the body (102) to fit securely in the channel (144) and retaining its desired circular shape when set-up. The channel (144) also helps reduce the risk of the body (102) shifting or collapsing when in use.

As shown in FIG. 18, the base pan (140) can be a frusto-conically shaped base. Additionally, the base (104) forces side wall alignment (for the body (102)) upon installation, and further, can maintain the set-up shape and volume of the body (102) during use of the container (100).

In the illustrated embodiments, the base (104) is independent of the body (102), and can be removed to facilitate set-up, cleaning, transport and storage of the container (100). In alternate embodiments, the base body (138) may be foldable in half by means of a one direction hinge system (not shown) so as to reduce the footprint of the base (104) for storage and transport. In other embodiments, the base (104) may be connected to the body (102) and the body (102) may be configured to fold over the base (104) when in the collapsed configuration.

In general, the base (104) serves as a collection for any debris collecting in the container (100), such as ash, burnt wood, or coals, if used as a fire pit; soil, if used as a planter; ice and water, if used as a cooler; or trash, if used as a trash can. Removal of such debris is simplified by merely removing the body (102) and cleaning the surface of the base body (138) and/or the base pan (140). If used as a cooler, the base (104) could include a plug that can be removed to drain excess water.

Turning to FIG. 19, a tilted, cross-sectional view of the container (100) without base pan (140) and one of the inner slats (112) shown for clarity. As shown, the body (102) can include a locking element (146) that secures the body (102) in its set-up condition to the base (104) and more specifically to the base body (138) and the base pan (140) during use. With the body (102) secured to the base (104), the set-up container (100) can be easily moved and relocated during intended use. The locking element (146) can include a spring-loaded lever that acts as a lock for the set-up container (100). When the locking element (146) is engaged between the base body (138) and the base pan (140), a user can lift and move the container (100) without needed to disassemble the parts. In use, the locking element (146) also acts as a quick-release to disengage the body (102) from the base (104) when the user wants to collapse the container (100).

As shown, the body (102) also includes the handle (126) positioned above the locking element (146). The body (102) also includes a button (145), labelled in FIG. 1A, to actuate the locking element (146). The button (145) may be, for example, a push button. The position of the handle (126) can provide aid in actuating the button (145) to actuate the locking element (146).

The base (104) further includes support feet (128) (shown in FIGS. 1A and 19) that collectively raise the entire container (100) off the ground. This is desirable when using the container (100) on certain surfaces, such as uneven ground, sand, wet grass or mud. Raising the set-up container (100) off the ground is also advantageous for certain intended uses of the container (100), including as a fire pit, where raising the container (100) off the ground can improve air flow into the container (100) through vents formed into the base pan (140). Similarly, when used as a cooler, the container (100) can include a plug on the base pan (140) to drain excess water. Similarly, as noted herein, the container (100) can be used as an article of furniture, such as a table or stool, where it may be desirable to raise the container (100) off the ground.

The support feet (128) can be moveable between a deployed configuration and a stored configuration. The support feet (128) raise the base (104) (and thus the container (100)) when in the deployed configuration. The support feet (128) can be foldable, removable, fixed, adjustable, or the like.

In the illustrated embodiments, the support feet (128) comprise three folding legs that can be folded up for storage, or even removed, as desired. The support feet (128) can include various embodiments such as, for example, a plurality of support feet (128) spread around the circumference of the base (104), a support ring extending around the entire circumference of the base (104) that elevates the body (102) while maintaining stable contact with the ground surface, and support feet (128) which can be folded up about a hinge and stored under the base (104) when not in use. The support feet (128) can also be biased towards a set up configuration and a packed down configuration. In such embodiments, the bias can be, for example, a spring bias. Such bias aids in setting up or packing down the support feet (128).

Turning to FIGS. 20 and 21, a top, tilted view and a bottom, tilted view of the retention rim (106) are respectively shown. In some embodiments, the retention rim (106) is constructed of the same material as the body (102) and the base (104). In other embodiments, the retention rim (106) can be constructed of a different material than the body (102) and/or the base (104). As illustrated, the retention rim (106) is generally circular in shape to complement the shape of the body (102) in the standing configuration (170). More particularly, the retention rim (106) comprises a rim body (148) defining a central opening (150). In the illustrated embodiment, the retention rim (106) has a diameter that is equal to that of the base (104), again to mitigate any risks of the container (100) tipping over during use. In some embodiments, the retention rim (106) can include a channel (154) that runs the outer circumference, allowing the top of the body (102) to fit securely in the channel (154), which assists in maintaining the set-up shape of the body (102). The retention rim (106) also includes a sidewall (152) that extends over a top of the slats (108) and helps hold the retention rim (106) on the body (102).

In an alternative embodiment, the retention rim (106) can be provided with a locking element that secures the body (102) in its set-up condition, especially during use. The locking element can be used in conjunction with one or more carry handles provided on the retention rim (106) which provides leverage for securing the locking element. The one or more carry handles can also act to dissipate heat so that the unit can be carried safely without risk burning injury.

In the illustrated embodiment, the retention rim (106) is independent of the body (102), and can be removed to facilitate set-up, cleaning, transport and storage of the container (100). Like the base (104), the retention rim (106) may be foldable in half by means of a one direction hinge system (not shown) to reduce the overall footprint of the container (100).

Turning to FIG. 22, an embodiment of the container (100) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the retention rim (106) is a solid surface such that a top or upper surface of the body (100) is solid. Such solid surface enables the container (100) to be used as support for, for example, an article of furniture such as a table, a stool, etc. In other words, the container (100) can be a base for a table, a stool, etc. Further, the container (100) can be used as storage. In another embodiment, the container (100) may be a cooler and the solid retention rim (106) may be used to seal or enclose the cooler to reduce leaking water and keep the interior volume cool.

Turning to FIG. 23, a method for setting up a container such as the container (100) is provided. In a step (2100), a base such as the base (104) is positioned at a desired location. The step (2100) may include moving a set of support feet such as the set of support feet (128) from a folded configuration and a deployed configuration. In a step (2102), a body such as the body (102) of the container may be moved from a collapsed configuration such as the collapsed configuration (172) to a standing configuration such as the standing configuration (170). Once in the standing configuration, the body can be positioned on the base in a step (2104). Then a rim such as the rim (106) may be positioned on the body opposite the base to complete setting up the container. In some embodiments, the method may include actuating a locking mechanism such as the locking mechanism (146) to lock the body to the base and/or the rim.

It will be appreciated that the method described in FIG. 23 may be performed in the reverse steps to move container from a standing position to a collapsed and packable configuration.

Embodiments of the present disclosure described above include a portable and collapsible container. As described above, the container can beneficially move between a deployed or standing configuration for use and a collapsed or packed down configuration for transportation and storage. The container is also beneficially easy to store and transport to different locations, which enables the use of the container in locations in which a permanent structure may be difficult to install or is undesirable to have. The container has a variety of uses described herein such as, for example, a planter, a cooler, temporary trash receptacles (for, for example, events), or a firepit, though the container can be used for any purpose.

A number of variations and modifications of the foregoing disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.