Collapsible pan

Abstract

A collapsible pan includes a base portion, a plurality of side portions, and a flexible connector for connecting each of the side portions to the base portion along edges thereof. Each of the plurality of side portions is configured to be pivotable relative to the base portion, thereby permitting adjustment between a use configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side portions is arranged generally upright relative to the base portion, and a collapsed configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side portions is arranged to lay generally flat relative to the base portion.

1 . A method of using a collapsible pan, comprising:
 a. Providing a collapsible pan, comprising:
 i. a base portion, including a plate comprised of a metal-based material; 
 ii. a plurality of side portions, each side portion including a plate comprised of a metal-based material; and 
 iii. a flexible connector comprised of a silicone-based polymer, for connecting each of the side portions to the base portion along edges thereof; 
 iv. wherein each of the plurality of side portions is arranged to lay generally flat relative to the base portion; 
   b. arranging each of the plurality of side portions in a generally upright position relative to the base portion; and   c. securing the plurality of side portions in the generally upright position relative to the base portion.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the metal-based material includes aluminum. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the collapsible pan further comprises a plurality of tabs at opposite ends of at least some of the plurality of side portions. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the step of securing the plurality of side portions further includes securing adjacent side portions in the plurality of side portions via the plurality of tabs. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , further comprising the step of quick releasing the plurality of tabs, thereby freeing the plurality of side portions for pivotable adjustment. 
     
     
         6 . A method of manufacturing a collapsible pan, comprising:
   (a) providing a flexible web comprised of a silicone-based polymer;   (b) providing a base plate comprised of a metal-based material;   (c) providing a plurality of side plates comprised of a metal-based material;   (d) bonding the base plate and the plurality of side plates to the flexible web.     
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the base plate and the plurality of side plates is mechanically bonded to the flexible web. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein at least one of the base plate and the plurality of side plates is chemically bonded to the flexible web. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , further including the step of pivotably moving each of the plurality of side plates relative to the base plate, thereby permitting adjustment between a use configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side plates is arranged generally upright relative to the base plate, and a collapsed configuration, whereby each of the plurality of side plates is arranged to lay generally flat relative to the base plate. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein at least one side plate in the plurality of side plates includes a plurality of tabs at opposite ends. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , further including the step folding each of the plurality of tabs upon itself and attaching to one of the adjacent side plates so as to releasably secure the plurality of side plates in an upright position relative to the base plate when in the use configuration.