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 - 41 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . A method of using a collapsible pan, comprising:
 (a) providing a collapsible pan, convertible between a collapsed configuration and a use configuration, the collapsible pan including:
 (i) a base portion and a plurality of side portions attached at edges of the base portion, each of the base portion and the plurality of side portions including a plate comprised of a metal-based material; and 
 (ii) a flexible web, comprised of a silicone-based polymer, arranged at least between edges of the base portion and respective adjoining edges of the side portions, the flexible web facilitating pivotable movement of each side portion relative to the base portion; 
   (b) pivoting the side portions from the collapsed configuration, wherein each of the side portions is arranged to lay generally flat relative to the base portion, to the use configuration, wherein each of the side portions is arranged in a generally upright position relative to the base portion; and   (c) securing the side portions in the generally upright position, thereby retaining the collapsible pan in the use configuration.   
     
     
         13 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the metal-based material includes aluminum. 
     
     
         14 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the collapsible pan further comprises a plurality of flexible tabs at opposite ends of at least some of the plurality of side portions. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the step of securing the side portions in the generally upright position includes fastening the flexible tab of a selected one of the side portions to an adjacent one of the side portions. 
     
     
         16 . The method of claim  1 , wherein an inward pushing force, applied simultaneously at opposite sides of the collapsible pan, releases the side portions from securement. 
     
     
         17 . The method of claim  1 , wherein at least one of the base portion and the plurality of side portions is mechanically bonded to the flexible web. 
     
     
         18 . The method of claim  1 , wherein at least one of the base portion and the plurality of side portions is chemically bonded to the flexible web. 
     
     
         19 . A method of using a collapsible pan, comprising:
 (a) providing a collapsible pan, convertible between a collapsed configuration and a use configuration, the collapsible pan including:
 (i) a base portion and a plurality of side portions attached at edges of the base portion, each of the base portion and the plurality of side portions including a plate comprised of a metal-based material; and 
 (ii) a flexible web, comprised of a silicone-based polymer, arranged at least between edges of the base portion and respective adjoining edges of the side portions, the flexible web facilitating pivotable movement of each side portion relative to the base portion; 
   (b) pivoting the side portions from the use configuration, wherein each of the side portions is arranged in a generally upright position relative to the base portion, to the collapsed configuration, wherein each of the side portions is arranged to lay generally flat relative to the base portion; and   (c) folding the base portion about a seam extending therethrough, thereby reducing the size of the collapsible pan for storage.   
     
     
         20 . The method of claim  1 , wherein the metal-based material includes aluminum. 
     
     
         21 . The method of claim  1 , wherein at least one of the base portion and the plurality of side portions is mechanically bonded to the flexible web. 
     
     
         22 . The method of claim  1 , wherein at least one of the base portion and the plurality of side portions is chemically bonded to the flexible web.