Fixedly expandible collapsed beverage container

Abstract

A container is provided in a folded, minimally-sized, configuration. Ends of the container are folded down onto two of four sides to allow folding without bunching or crushing of the sides through the use of predefined preferential folds. Folding a container into a flattened shape is a procedure that is well known in the art, such as in storing, for example, paper bags. A strap is guided slidably by a rectangular ring and lies against the folded container in close proximity. The strap can have any shape, such as a “V” or “W” shape in cross-section, that provides strength and structural integrity to the expanded container. The strap has a locking mechanism, such as a “tooth” or ridge of material, for positively engaging the ring and causing locking to the ring when the container is expanded. In the folded configuration, the strap covers and thereby protects the opening.

1 . In a container used for beverages or other foodstuffs, which container is initially provided in a collapsed or flattened configuration, and which container is to be expanded to hold a desired volume of beverage or other foodstuffs when so desired by the user, wherein the invention comprises:
 providing a strap and locking structure in the form of a substantially rectangular ring for guiding and containing said strap, such that said strap is locked into position when the container is expanded, and said container is thereby prevented from collapsing in normal use.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1 , providing a tooth and cog extension separately on said strap and said ring such that when the strap is pulled beyond a desired point the engagement of the tooth and cog prevents motion of said strap through said ring from being reversed to thereby allow the collapse of said container. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1 , providing a strap with a cross-sectional shape other than flat for said strap for holding said container open when said container is expanded. 
   
   
       4 . In a container used for beverages or other foodstuffs, which container is initially provided in a collapsed or flattened configuration, and which container is to be expanded to hold a desired volume of beverage or other foodstuffs when so desired by the user, wherein the invention comprises:
 providing a strap and locking structure in the form of a substantially rectangular ring for guiding and containing said strap, such that said strap is locked into position when the container is expanded, and said container is thereby prevented from collapsing in normal use, and a suction means such as a tubing of the type commonly referred to as a straw is provided for the expeditious removal of beverage contents of said container.   
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein said straw is translatable into a protective shield so as to protect an entry to said straw from contamination or damage. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 4 , providing a strap with a cross-sectional shape other than flat for said strap for holding said container open when said container is expanded. 
   
   
       7 . In a container used for beverages or other foodstuffs, which container is initially provided in a collapsed or flattened configuration, and which container is to be expanded to hold a desired volume of beverage or other foodstuffs when so desired by the user, wherein the invention comprises:
 providing a strap and locking structure in the form of a substantially rectangular ring for guiding and containing said strap, such that said strap is locked into position when the container is expanded, and said container is thereby prevented from collapsing in normal use, and a suction means such as a tubing of the type commonly referred to as a straw is provided for the expeditious removal of beverage contents of said container, and further providing for inwardly disposed folds in opposing sides of said container for allowing said container to be neatly folded without bunching or wrinkling of the material of the container.   
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein said straw is translatable into a protective shield so as to protect an entry to said straw from contamination or damage. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 4 , providing a strap with a cross-sectional shape other than flat for said strap for holding said container open when said container is expanded.