Progressive volume adjustable container to eliminate unused space within the container

Abstract

Space saver container is a concept of shrinking containers so that its volume matches the volume of the contents. Thus as the contents are progressively consumed the container can progressively reduce in volume freeing up space outside the container for example in the closet or refrigerator where it may be stored. The reduction can be tailored to the situation in which the container is normally used. Thus in the case of say milk cartons the container reduces its foot print but in the case of ice-cream container the height is reduced thus increasing stacking space. The containers available today can create shelf space only when the contents of the containers are gone and when they are ready to be removed for disposal. The concept of space saver container volume reduction is enabled by a collapsible bellow structure that is biased to attain its maximum volume. The user forces the bellow shape to contract thus shrinking the container to match the volume of the content. To keep the shrunken volume stable a restraint means suitable to the type of container is used to balance the bias in the structure that keeps it at maximum volume. The versatility of the concept enables a wide application in situations where material is stored and space is at a premium. Additional functionality of the bellow structure can be designed into the structure to enable it to adopt a freestanding stance suitable to the application.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A container for storage capable of volume adjustment when partially loaded comprising: 
 at least a pair of surfaces,    at least one reversibly collapsible tube means connecting the two surfaces forming a sealed enclosure,    biasing means to enable the collapsible enclosure to assume maximum volume,    at least one access means to the enclosure for loading and unloading material,    restraint means to stabilize the collapsible enclosure in any of the altered shapes.    
     
     
         2 . The container according to  claim 1  wherein the enclosure is provided with a sealing means to seal the access to the enclosure.  
     
     
         3 . The container according to  claim 1  wherein the enclosure is provided with a handle means to be able the lift the container for loading and unloading the contents.  
     
     
         4 . The container according to  claim 1  wherein the enclosure is provided with a seat means to enable the container to be self supporting structure.  
     
     
         5 . A volume adjustable storage container comprising: 
 a. a pair of opposite surfaces    b. at least one compressible collapsible bellow having a variable length, the bellow joining the opposite surfaces to form a sealed enclosure and urging the surfaces apart to define a maximum volume configuration and    c. restraint means for stabilizing the container in at least one altered volume configuration.    
     
     
         6 . The container according to  claim 5 , wherein the restraint means comprises 
 a. a chain    b. first means coupling the chain to one of the surfaces of the container at a first position along the chain; and    c. second means coupling the chain to the other of the surfaces of the container at a second position located at a variable distance from the first position along the chain; wherein the distance between the first and second position on the chain determines the length of the bellow.    
     
     
         7 . The container according to  claim 5 , wherein the bellow is contoured to have substantially planar edges enabling the container to stand on horizontal surface in at least one reduced configuration.  
     
     
         8 . The container according to the  claim 5 , wherein the container comprises an opening for receiving a product and a closure for sealing the opening.  
     
     
         9 . The container according to  claim 5  further comprising a handle for facilitating lifting and tilting of the container.  
     
     
         10 . A volume adjustable storage container comprising: 
 a pair of surfaces connected to each other through at least one compressible collapsible bellow biased for maximum extension forming a sealed enclosure and the surfaces being detachable to create an access to the enclosure, the enclosure capable of maintaining enclosure integrity in the altered volume and in any of the altered positions of the bellow when any suitable restraint is applied to the bellow.