PORTABLE CONTAINER WITH SIMULTANEOUS COLLAPSIBLE SUPPORT FEET

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

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

BACKGROUND

The present technology is generally related to portable containers, and more particularly, to portable containers with simultaneous collapsible support feet.

Portable containers can be used for many different applications such as, for example, portable planters, portable trash cans, portable coolers, and/or portable fire pits. Such portable containers can also beneficially be packed down for easy transportation and/or storage.

In particular, portable containers such as fire pits have become a popular “must-have” for backyard use such as for social gatherings on a summer evening, for providing some light and heat during a cook-out, or for making s'mores with the family. Often, such fire pits are permanent structures, or at the very least—they are heavy, bulky, and difficult to move. Thus, once the fire pit is constructed, the fire pit generally stays in place through the whole season of use, and often still remains in place in the off-season because of the difficulties associated with setting up the fire pit, breaking it down, if needed, or simply moving it to access the yard, such as, to mow the grass.

Conventional portable fire pits have become more prevalent in the market. Notably, fire pits have become popular for a variety of uses in a variety of locations, including at the beach, park, campsites, sporting fields, parking lots, tailgates, and the like, where the fire pit can be set-up for use, but also disassembled for transport in the user's car or truck without occupying too much storage space. However, conventional, portable fire pits are very difficult to move, especially by a single person. Additionally, such conventional portable fire pit designs are commonly very bulky and take up a lot of space, for both transport in a car and storage when not being used. Further, conventional portable fire pits may include support feet or legs where each support foot needs to be moved and positioned from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. Such support feet may take extra time to deploy or install and lead to an increased installation or take down time of the fire pit.

As a result, there remains a need for a collapsible and portable fire pit assembly that improves upon the collapsibility and portability that is desirable for intended uses, especially uses that are temporary that would benefit from a quick assembly and quick disassembly. Further, there is a need for a fire pit assembly that can be easily set up and collapsed, especially by a single user, without requiring tremendous effort to move the fire pit assembly, to set-up and assemble the fire pit assembly for use, to break-down and disassemble the fire pit assembly after use, and all without compromising the structural integrity of the fire pit assembly when is use.

Further, there is a need for such a fire pit assembly that can be set-up for use and then disassembled and collapsed when not in use with minimal effort, again, especially by a single user, without limiting or compromising the structural features of the assembly structure. Still further, there is a need for a fire pit assembly that can be easily set-up in any desirable location without compromising or affecting the safety and structural integrity of the assembly, especially on all types of surfaces, including soft ground and sand.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a portable and collapsible container such as a fire pit assembly that overcomes the problems and drawbacks associated with prior art collapsible containers, fire pit structures, and therefore significantly improves the installation time and take down time of the collapsible container or fire pit assembly.

The present disclosure addresses these issues and provides a means to circumvent the associated drawbacks of such conventional container and fire pit designs.

SUMMARY

Example aspects of the present disclosure include:

An assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a base structure; and one or more support feet for elevating and supporting the base structure, the one or more support feet pivotably attached to the base structure, wherein the one or more support feet are operable to simultaneously move between an expanded configuration and collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising: a turntable assembly having a rotator positioned at a center of the base structure, the rotator operable to rotate about the center of the base structure; and one or more rods, wherein each rod is pivotably connected to a corresponding support foot at a first end and rotatably connected to the rotator as a second end, wherein rotation of the rotator in a first direction rotates each rod about the center of the base structure, pivots each rod at a pivot point, and pivots the corresponding foot at a hinge point, thereby moving the one or more feet from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein each support foot of the one or more support feet includes a body extending from a first end to a second end, and wherein the body has a first width at the first end that is less than a second width at the second end.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein each support foot of the one or more support feet includes a flange extending from opposite edges of the body.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein each support foot of the one or more support feet includes a hinge rod at the second end of the body, the hinge rod positioned in a hinge bracket connected to the base structure, and wherein the hinge rod is configured to rotate within the hinge bracket such that the corresponding support foot can pivot about a hinge point at the hinge bracket.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the one or more support feet are biased to at least one of the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the one or more support feet comprise two or more support feet.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising: a body section comprising a series of interconnected slat members that are connected together and collectively moveable between a set-up condition defining a first volume and a bundled and collapsed condition defining a second volume, wherein the base structure is adapted for supporting the body section when the series of slat members are in the set-up condition.

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

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the assembly comprises a fire pit assembly.

An assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a base structure adapted for supporting the main body section when the series of slat members are in the set-up condition; one or more support feet for elevating and supporting the base structure, the one or more support feet pivotably attached to the base structure; a turntable assembly having a rotator positioned at a center of the base structure, the rotator operable to rotate about the center of the base structure; and one or more rods, wherein each rod is pivotably connected to a corresponding support foot at a first end and rotatably connected to the rotator as a second end, wherein rotation of the rotator in a first direction rotates each rod about the center of the base structure, pivots each rod at a pivot point, and pivots the corresponding foot at a hinge point, thereby moving the one or more feet from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, further comprising a main body section comprising a series of interconnected slat members that are connected together and collectively moveable between a set-up condition defining a first volume and a bundled and collapsed condition defining a second volume.

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

Any of the aspects herein, wherein each support foot of the one or more support feet includes a body extending from a first end to a second end, and wherein the body has a first width at the first end that is less than a second width at the second end.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein each support foot of the one or more support feet includes a flange extending from opposite edges of the body.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein each support foot of the one or more support feet includes a hinge rod at the second end of the body, the hinge rod positioned in a hinge bracket connected to the base structure, and wherein the hinge rod is configured to rotate within the hinge bracket such that the corresponding support foot can pivot about a hinge point at the hinge bracket.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the one or more support feet are biased to at least one of the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the one or more support feet comprise two or more support feet.

Any of the aspects herein, wherein the assembly comprises a fire pit assembly.

A method of deploying a fire pit according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises positioning a base; moving a set of support feet on the base from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, the set of support feet connected to a turntable assembly configured to simultaneously move all support feet of the set of support feet from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration; moving a body from a body 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 fire pit according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

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

FIG. 10 is a front, tilted view of a base according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a side, cross-sectional view of the base taken along line A-A of FIG. 10 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a tilted, cross-sectional view of the fire pit according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top, tilted view of a retention rim according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a bottom, tilted view of the retention rim of FIG. 13 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the fire pit with a turntable assembly and a set of support feet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the fire pit with the turntable assembly and the set of support feet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a bottom, tilted view of the turntable assembly and the set of support feet according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of a support foot according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a detailed view of a rotator of the turntable assembly according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a bottom, tilted view of the turntable assembly and the set of support feet in an expanded configuration according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is a bottom, tilted view of the turntable assembly and the set of support feet in a collapsed configuration according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 22 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 such as, for example, a fire pit (100). The fire pit (100) can move between a deployed or standing configuration (156) (shown in FIG. 1A) for use and a collapsed or packed down configuration (155) (shown in FIG. 9) for transportation and storage. The fire pit (100), when in the collapsed configuration (155) is easy to store and transport to different locations, which enables the use of the fire pit (100) in locations in which a fire pit may be difficult to install or is undesirable to have. For example, the fire pit (100) can be used as a fire pit on a beach for a day, then transported and stored in the collapsed configuration (155). The fire pit (100) is not limited to the use cases and examples described herein. The fire pit (100) is also designed to improve air flow and reduce smoke during use.

Turning to the Figures, FIG. 1A illustrates a tilted view of the fire pit (100) and FIG. 1B illustrates a partial exploded view of the fire pit (100). A set of feet (128) are not shown in FIG. 1B for clarity. The fire pit (100) includes a body (102), a base (104), and a retention rim (106). It will be appreciated that in some embodiments the fire pit (100) may not include the base (104) and/or the retention rim (106). As shown, the fire pit (100) is cylindrical in shape and circular when viewed from a top of the fire pit (100). In other embodiments, the fire pit (100) may be any shape when viewed from the top of the fire pit (100) such as, for example, triangular, square, oval, rectangular, hexagonal, polygonal, or any other geometrical shape. The fire pit (100) may also have any number of sides such as, for example, 12 sides, 20 sides, etc. The fire pit (100) may have an inner circumference of, for example, 46″ inches. In other embodiments, the fire pit (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 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 shown, the inner slat (112) and the outer slat (110) form the slat (108), which has a cavity (151).

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 (155). 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.

Turning to FIGS. 10 and 11, 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. 10, 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 fire pit (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. 1A. 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. 11, the base pan (140) can be a frusto-conically shaped base pan (140). 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 fire pit (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 fire pit (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 ash, burnt wood, coals, or any other debris. 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).

Turning to FIG. 12, a tilted, cross-sectional view of the fire pit (100) is shown without the base pan (140) and one of the inner slats (112) 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. The locking element (146) can include a spring-loaded lever that acts as a lock for the set-up fire pit (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 fire pit (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 fire pit (100).

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

The base (104) further includes support feet (128) (shown in FIGS. 1A, 12, and 15-21) that collectively raise the entire fire pit (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 an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The support feet (128) raise the base (104) (and thus the fire pit (100)) when in the expanded 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 an expanded configuration or a collapsed or 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). A detailed description of at least one embodiment of the support feet (128) will be described further in FIGS. 15-21.

Turning to FIGS. 13 and 14, 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 (156). 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 fire pit (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 fire pit (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 fire pit (100).

Turning to FIGS. 15-22, the support feet (128) according to at least one embodiment will now be described in detail. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate a side view and a bottom view, respectively, of the fire pit (100). The support feet (128) (also referred to as support legs) may be designed to fold or collapse simultaneously using a turntable assembly (160) in which rotational motion of a rotator (162) enables the simultaneous pivoting of the support feet (128) between a collapsed configuration (shown in FIG. 21) and an expanded configuration (shown in FIG. 20).

Turning to FIG. 17, a detailed, tilted bottom view of the turntable assembly (160) is shown. The body (102) and the retention rim (106) of the fire pit (100) are not shown for clarity. As shown, each support foot (128) is connected to the rotator (162) by a rod (164). The rod (164) is connected to the support foot (128) at a rod first end (161) via a first eye bolt (166) and connected to the rotator (162) at a rod second end (163) via a second eye bolt (168). Each support foot (128) is pivotably connected to the base section (104), as will be discussed in detail below.

With reference to FIG. 18, a support foot (128) is shown in detail. Each support foot (128) includes a body (172) extending from a first end (174) to a second end (176). The body (172) may include a flange (178) extending from opposite edges of the body (172) to further provide a platform and support for the base (104). It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the body (172) may not include the flange(s) (178). In the illustrated embodiment, the body (172) has a first width W1 (180) at the first end (174) that is less than a second width W2 (182) at the second end (176). It will be appreciated that in other embodiments, the first width W1 (180) may be equal to or greater than the second width W2 (182). In the illustrated embodiment, each support foot (128) has a cutout (184) near the first end (174), which may aid in gripping the support foot (128) when moving the support foot (128) between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. In other words, the cutout (184) can be used as a handle to move the support feet (128) between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. In other embodiments, each support foot (128) or a subset of support feet (128) may not have the cutout (184).

Each support foot (128) includes a hinge rod (186) at the second end (176). The hinge rod (186) is positioned in a hinge bracket (188) connected to the base (104) and is free to rotate within the hinge bracket (188) such that the support foot (128) can pivot about a hinge point (190). The support foot (128) also includes an eye rod (192) for receiving the first eye bolt (166). The first eye bolt (166) can rotate about the eye rod (192) such that the first end of the rod (164) can pivot about a pivot point (194).

Turning to FIG. 19, the rotator (162) is shown in detail. The rotator (162) rotates about a center (170) of the turntable assembly (160). As shown, the rotator (162) is a circular disc.

However, in other embodiments, the rotator (162) may be any shape such as, for example, triangular, square, oval, star-shaped, or otherwise shaped such that the rod(s) (164) can be connected to the rotator (162) and the rotator (162) can rotate about the center (170) of the turntable assembly (160). The rotator (162) includes at least one post (196) for receiving the second eye bolt (168). Each post (196) may protrude from an extension (198) extending from the rotator (162). In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one post (196) includes three posts (196) (one post (196) for each corresponding support foot (128)), though in other embodiments the at least one post (196) may include one post, two posts, or more than two posts. The second eye bolt (168) may rotate about the corresponding post (196) such that the second end of the rod (164) rotates about the center (170) of the turntable assembly (160).

Turning to FIGS. 20 and 21, the turntable assembly (160) is shown moving into the collapsed configuration from the expanded configuration. As shown, when at least one support foot (128) is moved from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, each support foot (128) hinges at the hinge point (190) such that the first end (174) of each support foot (128) is moved towards the center (170) of the turntable assembly (160) in the direction of a first arrow (200). While the support foot (128) hinges at the hinge point (190), the first end of the rod (164) pivots at the pivot point (194) and the second end of the rod (164) rotates about the center (170) of the turntable assembly (160) in the direction of a second arrow (202). Because each support foot (128) is connected to the rotator (162) via a corresponding rod (164), movement of one support foot (128) causes simultaneous movement of all support feet (128) connected to the rotator (162). It will be appreciated that rotation of the rotator (162) in a first direction moves the support feet (128) from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration and rotation of the rotator (162) in a second and opposite direction moves the support feet (128) from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration.

It will be appreciated that any connection described herein (e.g., rods, brackets, posts, etc.) may be formed from any mechanism. For example, the second end of the rod (164) may include a slider that can slide in a track formed in the rotator (162). Further, any component or connection described herein can be biased. For example, each support foot (128) can be biased to the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration. In another example, the rotator (162) can be biased to the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration. In any example, the support feet (128) can be locked into the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration once the support feet (128) have overcome the bias and have been moved to the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration.

It will also be appreciated that the turntable assembly (160) can be used with any device or assembly where it is beneficial to enable multiple components (e.g., legs or feet) to move simultaneously with movement of one component. The turntable assembly (160) and the support feet (128) may also be used with any device or component. For example, the turntable assembly (160) and the support feet (128) can be installed and used on coolers, trash cans, water coolers, or the like. Such turntable assembly (160) and such support feet (128) can beneficially keep a device or component off the ground. For example, it may be desirable to keep such devices or components off of mud, water, sand, etc. In other examples, the turntable assembly (160) and the support feet (128) may enable additional air to flow under a fire pit such as the fire pit (100) and facilitate intake air flow to the fire pit.

Turning to FIG. 22, a method for setting up a collapsible container that is a fire pit such as the fire pit (100) is provided. In a step (2200), a base such as the base (104) is positioned at a desired location.

In a step (2202), a set of support feet such as the set of support feet (128) are moved from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. Such movement may include moving one of the support feet from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration, which simultaneously moves all support feet from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration. More specifically, a turntable assembly such as the turntable assembly (160) includes a rotator such as the rotator (162) that simultaneously pivots the support feet between the collapsed configuration and the expanded configuration. The rotator is connected to the support feet via a set of rods such as the rods (164) and each support foot is pivotably connected to the base at a pivot point. Rotation of the rotator moves each rod, which pulls each support foot about the pivot point. Rotation of the rotator in a first direction moves the support feet from the collapsed configuration to the expanded configuration and rotation of the rotator moves the support feet from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration.

In a step (2204), a body such as the body (102) of the fire pit may be moved from a collapsed configuration such as the collapsed configuration (155) to a standing configuration such as the standing configuration (156). Once in the standing configuration, the body can be positioned on the base in a step (2206). In a step (2208) a rim such as the rim (106) may be positioned on the body opposite the base to complete setting up the fire pit. 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. 22 may be performed in the reverse steps to move fire pit from a standing position to a collapsed and packable configuration.

Embodiments of the present disclosure described above include a portable and collapsible container. In some embodiments, the collapsible container is a fire pit. As described above, the collapsible container can beneficially move between a deployed or standing configuration for use and a collapsed or packed down configuration for transportation and storage. The collapsible container is also beneficially easy to store and transport to different locations, which enables the use of the collapsible container in locations in which a permanent structure may be difficult to install or is undesirable to have. The collapsible container also includes support feet that are easy to move between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration using a turntable assembly. More specifically, rotational motion of a rotator enables the simultaneous pivoting of the support feet between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration and beneficially reduces the amount of set up time and take down time of the collapsible container.

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.