Foldable container

Abstract

The invention comprises a container comprising a base and at least four sidewalls extending upwardly from the base. A first sidewall and a second sidewall which is opposite the first sidewall each comprise at least a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel are connected to each other by a first seam. The base comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface. The base is thinner in the location of a pattern disposed on the interior surface of the base and the interior pattern comprises an “X” shaped configuration. The base is thinner in the location of a pattern disposed on the exterior surface of the base and the exterior pattern comprises a first line extending from the first seam of the first sidewall to the first seam of the second sidewall.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A container comprising:
 a base; and   at least four sidewalls extending upwardly from the base, wherein a first sidewall and a second sidewall which is opposite the first sidewall each comprise at least a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel being connected to each other by a first seam; and   wherein the base comprises an interior surface and an exterior surface,   wherein the base is thinner in the location of a pattern disposed on the interior surface of the base and wherein the interior pattern comprises an “X” shaped configuration, and   wherein the base is thinner in the location of a pattern disposed on the exterior surface of the base and wherein the exterior pattern comprises a first line extending from the first seam of the first sidewall to the first seam of the second sidewall.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least four sidewalls terminate in a flange. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1  additionally comprising a belt portion that is affixed to the flange, wherein the belt portion is configured to retain the container in a closed configuration. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the belt portion is configured to attach to a latch. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the latch is disposed adjacent the base and a central portion of a third sidewall. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein the at least four sidewalls terminate in a flange and wherein the belt portion comprises a cover portion that is commensurate in size and shape with the flange. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1  additionally comprising a belt portion that is affixed to a third sidewall, wherein the belt portion is configured to retain the container in a closed configuration. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7  wherein the belt portion wraps about the first sidewall and second sidewall when the container is in a closed configuration. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first seam comprises a thinned area of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the thinned area is disposed on an interior surface of the first sidewall and the second sidewall. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the at least four sidewalls include a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall which do not comprise seams. 
     
     
         12 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the first sidewall and the second sidewall additionally comprise a second seam and a third seam, the second seam disposed between the first panel and a first corner of the sidewall opposite the first seam and the third seam disposed between the second panel and a second corner of the sidewall opposite the first seam. 
     
     
         13 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the “X” shaped configuration comprises:
 a line extending from the second seam of the first sidewall to the third seam of the second sidewall; and 
 a line extending from the third seam of the first sidewall to the second seam of the second sidewall. 
 
     
     
         14 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the base is thinner in the location of an additional pattern disposed on the exterior surface of the base, wherein the exterior additional pattern comprises:
 a second line extending from the second seam of the first sidewall to the second seam of the second sidewall; and   a third line extending from the third seam of the first sidewall to the third seam of the second sidewall.   
     
     
         15 . The container of  claim 14 , wherein the second line is offset from a third sidewall and the third line is offset from a fourth sidewall. 
     
     
         16 . The container of  claim 12 , wherein the first corner and second corner are curved. 
     
     
         17 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the base exterior line pattern is disposed in the center of the base. 
     
     
         18 . A method of folding the container of  claim 1  comprising:
 applying pressure to the first seam of the first sidewall and the first seam of the second sidewall; and 
 compressing a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall toward one another. 
 
     
     
         19 . A method of folding the container of  claim 3  comprising:
 applying pressure to the first seam of the first sidewall and the first seam of the second sidewall; 
 compressing a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall toward one another; and 
 wrapping the belt portion about the closed container and affixing the belt portion to a latch. 
 
     
     
         20 . A method of folding the container of  claim 7  comprising:
 applying pressure to the first seam of the first sidewall and the first seam of the second sidewall; 
 compressing a third sidewall and a fourth sidewall toward one another; and 
 wrapping the belt portion about the closed container and affixing the belt portion to a latch.