BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally directed to a collapsible container, and preferably a collapsible temperature containment vessel for keeping the contents within the vessel warm or cool.

Description of the Prior Art

Industry standard size “outfitters” ice chests operate similar to recreational ice chests but are generally larger, heavier, and made of stronger materials. These heavy-duty ice chests are typically bulkier in construction so as to withstand rougher handling and extreme weather conditions. They must also be large enough to carry large game or fish. However, the ice chests often take up substantial and valuable space in vehicles and boats, and specifically when in storage. Thus, there is a need for ice chests that are sufficiently durable for outfitters, while also requiring minimal transport and storage space when not in use.

Additionally, household containers, for example plastic storage and food containers, are generally manufactured with rigid construction and occupy significant cabinet and shelf space when not in use. Thus, there is a need for containers, and particularly household containers, that are capable of providing a rigid water and/or air-tight vessel when in use, while requiring minimal storage space when not in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one or more embodiments, the present invention is directed to a collapsible container, shiftable between a collapsed configuration and an assembled configuration. The container comprises a base, a first side panel, a second side panel, a pair of removeable end panels, and a removeable lid. The base comprises an interior upper surface and a barrier wall extending vertically upward from the perimeter of the interior upper surface. The barrier wall comprises at least one first vertical groove formed on a first inward facing surface of the barrier wall and at least one second vertical groove formed on an opposed second inward facing surface of the barrier wall. The at least one first vertical groove comprises a first pivot, and the at least one second vertical groove comprises a second pivot. The first pivot is located at a position farther from the interior upper surface of the base than the second pivot. The first side panel comprises at least one first arm member having an elongated guide formed therein that is rotationally and slidably engaged with the first pivot to allow the first side panel to shift between an upright position when the container is in the assembled configuration and a horizontal position when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The second side panel comprises at least one second arm member rotationally engaged with the second pivot to allow the second side panel to shift between an upright position when the container is in the assembled configuration and a horizontal position between the interior upper surface of the base and the first side panel when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The pair of removeable end panels are adapted to be positioned upright and engage with the base, the first side panel, and the second side panel to define a container cavity when the container is in the assembled configuration and to be positioned horizontally adjacent the first side panel or the second side panel when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The removeable lid is adapted to engage with the first side panel, the second side panel, and the pair of removeable end panels when the container is in the assembled configuration and to engage with the barrier wall of the base when the container is in the collapsed configuration.

In another embodiment, there is provided a temperature containment vessel comprising a base, a pair of side panels, a pair of end panels, and a removeable lid adapted to engage with the pair of side panels and the pair of end panels. The removeable lid comprises a top panel and a lid barrier wall extending vertically downward from the perimeter of the top panel. The lid further comprises at least one passage formed horizontally in the top panel and adapted to allow air to flow therethrough.

In yet another embodiment, there is provided a collapsible container shiftable between a collapsed configuration and an assembled configuration. The container comprises a base, a first side panel, a second side panel, a pair of removeable end panels, and a removeable lid. The base comprises an interior upper surface and a barrier wall extending vertically upward from the perimeter of the interior upper surface and defining a base cavity. The barrier wall comprises at least one first vertical groove formed on a first inward facing surface of the barrier wall and at least one second vertical groove formed on an opposed second inward facing surface of the barrier wall. The at least one first vertical groove comprises a first pivot, and the at least one second vertical groove comprises a second pivot. The first pivot is located at a position farther from the interior upper surface of the base than the second pivot. The first side panel comprises at least one first arm member having an elongated guide formed therein that is rotationally and slidably engaged with the first pivot to allow the first side panel to shift between an upright position when the container is in the assembled configuration and a horizontal position when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The second side panel comprises at least one second arm member having an elongated guide formed therein that is rotationally and slidably engaged with the second pivot to allow the second side panel to shift between an upright position when the container is in the assembled configuration and a horizontal position between the interior upper surface of the base and the first side panel when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The first side panel and the second side panel are of substantially identical construction and are adapted to reside within the base cavity when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The pair of removeable end panels has substantially identical construction and are adapted to be positioned upright and engage with the base, the first side panel, and the second side panel to define a container cavity when the container is in the assembled configuration and to be positioned horizontally adjacent the first side panel or the second side panel when the container is in the collapsed configuration. The removeable lid is adapted to engage with the first side panel, the second side panel, and the pair of removeable end panels when the container is in the assembled configuration and to engage with the barrier wall of the base when the container is in the collapsed configuration.

