Flexible container with integrated support structure

Abstract

A flexible container is disclosed having a base member and walls extending from the base member. The flexible container is reinforced by a support structure integrally attached thereto, the support having a base support for reinforcing the base of the container and a side support for reinforcing the side walls of the container.

1 . A flexible container, comprising: 
 a base member;    at least one wall extending from the base member, the at least one wall defining a periphery;    a support structure having a base support and a side support, wherein the base support is adapted to reinforce the base member and the side support is adapted to reinforce the at least one wall; and    wherein the base support is integrally attached to the base member.    
   
   
       2 . The flexible container of  claim 1  wherein the base support is molded with base member.  
   
   
       3 . The flexible container of  claim 1  wherein the side support extends completely about the periphery of the at least one side wall.  
   
   
       4 . The flexible container of  claim 1  wherein the side support comprises a plurality of support sections.  
   
   
       5 . The flexible container of  claim 4  wherein the plurality of support section comprises first and second support section adjoining each other, wherein the first and second support section are joined by a coupling member.  
   
   
       6 . The flexible container of  claim 5  wherein the coupling member is bead-shaped.  
   
   
       7 . The flexible container of  claim 5  wherein the coupling member comprises silicone.  
   
   
       8 . The flexible container of  claim 1  wherein the base member comprises cross-members forming an X-shape.  
   
   
       9 . The flexible container of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises stainless steel.  
   
   
       10 . The flexible container of  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a wire assembly having a diameter of about 1.5 to 2 mm.  
   
   
       11 . The flexible container of  claim 1  wherein the support structure is an integral, unitary assembly.  
   
   
       12 . The flexible container of  claim 1  further comprising a lip extending from the at least one side wall, wherein the lip includes an extended portion and wherein the extended portion is adapted to receive a logo therein.  
   
   
       13 . The flexible container of  claim 1  wherein the at least one side wall comprises a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, a lip extends around the periphery, and the lip carries a first extended portion proximal the first wall and a second extended portion proximal the second wall.  
   
   
       14 . A flexible container, comprising: 
 a base member;    at least one wall extending from the base member, the at least one wall defining a periphery;    a support structure having a base support and a side support, wherein the base support is adapted to reinforce the base member and the side support is adapted to reinforce the at least one wall; and    wherein the base support is integrally attached to the base member and the side support comprises at least two support sections joined together by an coupling member.    
   
   
       15 . The flexible container of  claim 14  wherein the coupling member is bead-shaped.  
   
   
       16 . The flexible container of  claim 14  wherein the coupling member comprises silicone.  
   
   
       17 . A method of making a flexible container having an integral support structure, comprising the steps of: 
 providing a support structure assembly;    placing the support structure assembly inside a mold; and    molding the container on the support structure assembly.    
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the support structure comprises a wire assembly and the step of molding the container comprises pouring a mixture comprising silicone onto the wire assembly in the mold.