Progessively collapsible, disposable container

Abstract

Progressively-collapsible disposable container, of the type in which at least part ( 2 ) of the container lateral surface consists of a bellows structure including a plurality of adjacent folds (A-G), each fold being formed by two opposite surfaces of different width, characterised in that the larger-width surface (A-D) is stiffer than the smaller-width one (D-E). Preferably, the greater stiffness of the larger surface of the folds is a shape stiffness, obtained shaping the surface with a stiffening step-rib (A-C), having rounded-off edges, projecting outwards of the container.

1 - 13 . (canceled)  
   
   
       14 . Progressively-collapsible disposable container, of the type in which at least part of the lateral surface of the container consists of a bellows structure comprising a plurality of adjacent folds, each fold being formed by two opposite surfaces of different width, characterised in that the larger-width surface is stiffer than the smaller-width surface.  
   
   
       15 . Container as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the greater stiffness of the larger fold surface is a shape stiffness.  
   
   
       16 . Container as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein said larger-width surface of the folds is shaped so as to form a stiffening rib projecting outwards of the container.  
   
   
       17 . Container as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein said rib is shaped as a rounded-edge step.  
   
   
       18 . Container as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the maximum height of said step-rib is comprised between 20 and 50% of the overall width of the larger surface of the fold in which said rib is formed.  
   
   
       19 . Container as claimed in  claim 17 , wherein the extension of said step-rib is preferably comprised between 60 and 80% of the overall width of the larger surface of the fold in which said rib is formed.  
   
   
       20 . Container as claimed in  14 , wherein said smaller-width surface is arched and its convexity faces towards said larger surface.  
   
   
       21 . Container as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein said adjacent folds are mutually separated, in correspondence of their bottom, by anular sections having a shell-shaped profile.  
   
   
       22 . Container as claimed in  claim 21 , wherein said anular sections comprise a vertical, sub-vertical or arched wall connected to the surfaces of the adjacent folds through horizontal or sub-horizontal connecting walls.  
   
   
       23 . Container as claimed in  claim 22 , wherein the orientation and/or the curvature of such connecting walls is such as to form, with the corresponding surfaces of the adjacent folds, angular areas having an opposite curvature to the one taken up by the same areas when the container is collapsed.  
   
   
       24 . Container as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein, in correspondence of one or both of the connecting areas between the lateral surfaces of said adjacent folds, a plurality of micro-incisions is provided, circumferentially arranged in a symmetrical manner.  
   
   
       25 . Container as claimed in  claim 24 , wherein said micro-incisions are shaped as semi-spherical micro-depressions.  
   
   
       26 . Container as claimed in  claim 14 , characterised in that said container is a bottle apt to contain liquids.