Reusable Container

Abstract

A collapsible container for stackable items can comprise a hollow cylinder of a resilient material. The cylinder can be open at both ends and can include a retainer at each end. The cylinder can have a plurality of lines of weakness extending along at least a portion of the length of the cylinder such that the container can be collapsed by application of a nominal force.

1 . A collapsible container for stackable items, comprising: 
 a hollow cylinder of a resilient material, open at both ends, including at each end a retainer, the cylinder having a plurality of lines of weakness extending along at least a portion of the length of the cylinder such that the container is collapsible by application of a nominal force.    
   
   
       2 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the retainers is a toggle retainer connected to the cylinder by first and second hinges.  
   
   
       3 . The collapsible container of  claim 2 , wherein at least one toggle retainer is comprised of at least two marginal portions interconnected by at least a third hinge.  
   
   
       4 . The collapsible container of  claim 3 , further comprising jambs adjacent the first, second and third hinges that are angled such that the marginal portions come to rest against the jambs simultaneously when the toggle retainers is moved into the closed position.  
   
   
       5 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the retainer comprises a textured outer surface.  
   
   
       6 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient material is injection moldable.  
   
   
       7 . The collapsible container of  claim 6 , wherein the resilient material is a polypropylene.  
   
   
       8 . The collapsible container of  claim 7 , wherein the resilient material is a co-polymer polypropylene.  
   
   
       9 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the lines of weakness extend the entire length of the cylinder.  
   
   
       10 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the lines of weakness are longitudinal portions of the cylinder having a lesser thickness compared to cylinder portions adjacent to the lines of weakness.  
   
   
       11 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder comprises a window.  
   
   
       12 . The collapsible container of  claim 11 , wherein the window is an opening in the cylinder between the open ends.  
   
   
       13 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the nominal force is less than 12 ounces.  
   
   
       14 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder comprises at least four said lines of weakness.  
   
   
       15 . The collapsible container of  claim 1 , wherein the cylinder comprises at least one offset portion to provide an internal channel and an external protrusion.  
   
   
       16 . The collapsible container of  claim 15 , wherein the offset portion extends substantially the entire length of the cylinder.  
   
   
       17 . A collapsible container for storage of one or more objects, comprising: 
 a plurality of longitudinal segments interconnected by compliant hinges, the longitudinal segments and compliant hinges forming a loop; the loop having a passage extending between first and second openings, the loop having a first configuration permitting storage of objects within the passage and a second configuration wherein the cross-sectional area of the passage is reduced; and    a retainer near each of the first and second openings, each retainer having an open position to allow objects to pass through one of the first and second opening into the passage and a closed position to inhibit movement of objects within the passage from moving out of the passage.    
   
   
       18 . The collapsible container of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the retainers is a toggle retainer connected to the cylinder by first and second hinges, the at least one toggle retainer being comprised of at least two marginal portions interconnected by at least a third hinge, the container further comprising jambs adjacent the first, second and third hinges that are angled such that the marginal portions come to rest against the jambs simultaneously when the toggle retainers is moved into the closed position.  
   
   
       19 . The collapsible container of  claim 17 , wherein the retainer comprises a textured outer surface.  
   
   
       20 . The collapsible container of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the longitudinal segments comprises a window.  
   
   
       21 . The collapsible container of  claim 17 , wherein the collapsible container comprises at least four longitudinal segments.  
   
   
       22 . The collapsible container of  claim 17 , wherein at least one of the longitudinal segments if offset from the adjacent longitudinal segments at the compliant hinges to provide an internal channel and an external protrusion.