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US 5,913,448 AGranted
Collapsible container
AssigneeRubbermaid Incorporated
InventorsDavid G. Mann, Steve Paletti, Kevin Rausch, Rainer B. Teufel
Life of this patent
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AssigneeRubbermaid Incorporated
InventorsDavid G. Mann, Steve Paletti, Kevin Rausch, Rainer B. Teufel
Estimating the term…
A collapsible container (10) includes a first wall (12) and a second wall (14) connected by a collapsible and expandable third wall (16). The third wall (16) includes an interior wall (20) and an exterior wall (22) that are each collapsible and expandable. At least one spring (60) extends between the first wall (12) and the second wall (14) between the interior wall (20) and the exterior wall (22) to urge the first and second walls (12, 14) apart. Straps (62) also extend between the first wall (12) and the second wall (14) to counteract the force of the spring (60). The length of the straps (62) between the first wall (12) and the second wall (14) is adjustable between a fully collapsed and fully expanded position. The length of the straps (62) is adjustable because the straps (62) slidingly engage the second wall (14) and are held with respect to the second wall (14) by locking devices (64). The locking devices (64) normally engage the straps (62) to lock their position with respect to the second wall (14) but may be released to allow the second wall (14) to move away from the first wall (12). The locking devices (64) are also configured such that they do not need to be released for the second wall (14) to be moved toward the first wall (12).
A collapsible container, comprising a substantially rigid base, an upper wall opposing said base, and a third wall joining said base and said upper wall;
A collapsible container, comprising first and second walls;
A collapsible container comprising first and second walls;
A collapsible container, comprising first and second walls, a collapsible and expandable third wall extending between said first and second walls, at least one spring connected to said first and second walls urging said first and second walls apart, locking means for counteracting the force of said spring to maintain the relative positions of said first and second walls at a selected position, and a spring connected to said first and second walls at each side of said first and second walls, said locking means including straps extending between said first and second walls to counteract the force of said springs wherein said springs are oppositely disposed to reduce torque in said third wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.