Storage container

Abstract

A storage container 10 has multiple concertinas 34, said concertinas 34 can individually be clicked down when collapsed and such that when clicked down it is self-maintaining in a collapsed state. This provides improved storage options for when the storage container 10 is not in use.

1 . A storage container having a concertina form thereon, the concertina form defined by a plurality of concertinas, wherein at least some of the concertinas have an overcentre form provided by a non symmetrical shape in section, with one leg being longer than the other in that section, such that said concertinas can individually be clicked down when collapsed and such that when clicked down it is individually self-maintaining in a collapsed state. 
     
     
         2 . A storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the concertinas extend around the vessel generally parallel to the upper opening or base of the vessel. 
     
     
         3 . A storage container according to  claim 1  or  claim 2 , wherein there are between three and fifteen concertinas. 
     
     
         4 . A storage container according to any one of  claims 1  to  2 , wherein there are between 1 and 3 concertinas per 20 mm of extended, at rest, height of the storage container. 
     
     
         5 . A storage container according to any one of  claims 1  to  2 , wherein the concertinas allow the storage vessel to be collapsed to a shorter height than its extended, at rest, state to a fully collapsed height of between 30 and 50% of the uncollapsed height. 
     
     
         6 . A storage container according to  claim 1 , wherein the storage vessel is generally round or oval, or curved at its corners. 
     
     
         7 . A storage container according to  claim 6 , wherein the curvature of the outer extremity of the storage container, as viewed in plan, has a minimum radius of not less than 20 mm. 
     
     
         8 . A storage container according to  claim 7 , wherein the curvature has a minimum radius of not less than 30 mm. 
     
     
         9 . A storage container according to  claim 7 , wherein the curvature has a minimum radius of not less than 45 mm. 
     
     
         10 . A storage container according to  claim 7 , wherein the curvature has a minimum radius of not less than 200% of the amplitude of the corrugations. 
     
     
         11 . A storage container according to  claim 7 , wherein the curvature has a minimum radius of not less than 300% of the amplitude of the corrugations. 
     
     
         12 . A storage container according to  claim 7 , wherein the curvature has a minimum radius of not less than 350% of the amplitude of the corrugations.