Collapsible package, and methods

Abstract

A package having a top or lid and a coordinating container, which at least partially opens itself to expose an item retained therein. The container is configured to readily change from a first, assembled configuration to a second, at least partially collapsed configuration. At least one, and preferably all of the sidewalls or portions of the sidewalls, collapses, open, drops, or otherwise changes from the assembled position when the lid is removed from the container. The sidewall or portion of sidewall that collapses is hinged to another portion of the container.

1 . A package, comprising: 
 (a) a container having a base wall and at least three sidewalls, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall; and    (b) a lid removable from the container, the lid configured and arranged to engage the container sidewalls and retain the sidewalls orthogonal to the base wall.    
   
   
       2 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the container comprises four sidewalls.  
   
   
       3 . The package of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of each of the four sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.  
   
   
       4 . The package of  claim 3 , wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.  
   
   
       5 . The package of  claim 4 , wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotally connected to the base wall with a living hinge.  
   
   
       6 . The package of  claim 3 , wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotally connected with a living hinge.  
   
   
       7 . The package of  claim 1 , wherein the at least a portion of at least one of the sidewalls is pivotally connected with a living hinge.  
   
   
       8 . In combination, a lid configured to engage with and be removable from a container, the container comprising: 
 (a) a base wall;    (b) at least one sidewall connected to the base wall, at least a portion of which is pivotal in relation to the base wall.    
   
   
       9 . The combination of  claim 8 , wherein the container comprises four sidewalls connected to the base wall, and at least a portion of one of the sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.  
   
   
       10 . The combination of  claim 9 , wherein one of the sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.  
   
   
       11 . The combination of  claim 10 , wherein the container further comprises a living hinge between the base wall and the pivotal sidewall.  
   
   
       12 . The combination of  claim 9 , wherein at least a portion of each of the four sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.  
   
   
       13 . The combination of  claim 12 , wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.  
   
   
       14 . The combination of  claim 13 , wherein the container further comprises a living hinge between the base wall and each of the four sidewalls.  
   
   
       15 . A container comprising: 
 (a) a base wall;    (b) four sidewalls, each connected to the base wall, wherein a portion of each of the four sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.    
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 15 , further comprising a living hinge between the portion of each of the four sidewalls that is pivotal in relation to the base wall and a portion of the sidewall that is not pivotal in relation to the base wall.  
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotal to the base wall.  
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 17 , further comprising a living hinge between the four sidewalls and the base wall.