Collapsible container

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention there is provided devices and methods for an improved collapsible container that includes a base, which has a portion moveable between a collapsed and expanded position, at least one wheel associated with the one side of the base and a body associated with the base, where the body is moveable between a collapsed and expanded position. The container uses a zipper mechanism as a means to retain the moveable portions of the container in its collapsed and expanded positions. The container further includes support members configured to shape and retain the collapsible portion of the body member. The support members may be in the form of removable members or alternatively, the support members may be integrated within or upon the body member.

1 . A collapsible container, said collapsible container comprising: 
 a base member, said base member having a portion movable between a first and second position;    at least one wheel member associated with a first side of said base member; and    a body member associated with said base member, said body member movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position.    
   
   
       2 . The collapsible container according to  claim 1 , wherein said body member further includes at least one support member.  
   
   
       3 . The collapsible container according to  claim 2 , wherein said support member is removable.  
   
   
       4 . The collapsible container according to  claim 2 , wherein said support member is resilient.  
   
   
       5 . The collapsible container according to  claim 1 , wherein said base member includes a hinge, said hinge defining said movable portion.  
   
   
       6 . The collapsible container according to  claim 5 , wherein said wheel member is in association with said movable portion of said base member.  
   
   
       7 . The collapsible container according to  claim 6 , wherein said base member further includes a zipper, said zipper configured to retain said movable portion of said base member in said first and second positions.  
   
   
       8 . A non-rigid collapsible container, said collapsible container comprising: 
 a semi-rigid base member, said base member having a portion movable between a first and second position;    at least one wheel member associated with a first side of said base member;    a body member associated with said base member, said body member movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position; and    a support member, said support member associated with the body member, wherein the support member is configured to support at least a portion of the body member when the body member is disposed in an expanded position.    
   
   
       9 . The collapsible container according to  claim 8 , wherein said support member is resilient.  
   
   
       10 . The collapsible container according to  claim 9 , wherein said base member includes a hinge, said hinge defining said movable portion.  
   
   
       11 . The collapsible container according to  claim 10 , wherein said wheel member is in association with said movable portion of said base member.  
   
   
       12 . The collapsible container according to  claim 11 , wherein said base member further includes a zipper, said zipper configured to retain said movable portion of said base member in said first and second positions.  
   
   
       13 . The collapsible container according to  claim 12 , wherein the base member is generally rectangular.  
   
   
       14 . The collapsible container according to  claim 12 , wherein the base member is generally oval.  
   
   
       15 . The collapsible container according to  claim 12 , wherein the base member is generally square.  
   
   
       16 . A collapsible container, comprising: 
 a semi-rigid base member, said base member having a portion movable between a first and second position, wherein said base member is at least partially covered with a material;    at least two wheel members fixedly attached to a first side of said base member;    a body member associated with said base member, said body member movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position; and    a support member, said support member associated with the body member, wherein the support member is configured to support at least a portion of the body member when the body member is disposed in an expanded position.    
   
   
       17 . The collapsible container of  claim 16 , wherein the base member further includes a zipper assembly, said zipper assembly configured to engage a portion of the body member.  
   
   
       18 . The collapsible container of  claim 17 , wherein said support member is resilient.  
   
   
       19 . The collapsible container of  claim 18 , wherein said base member further include a handle.  
   
   
       20 . The collapsible container of  claim 19 , wherein said body member further includes a handle.