초록 ▼

A segmented collapsible container for containing a liquid and collapsing when no liquid is present. The container is segmented into a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The three segmented portions form a uniform annular sidewall, with each separate portion of the sidewall having

A segmented collapsible container for containing a liquid and collapsing when no liquid is present. The container is segmented into a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The three segmented portions form a uniform annular sidewall, with each separate portion of the sidewall having a different thickness or material than the other portions. The middle second portion includes a relatively thinner break point in the sidewall to facilitate collapsing. It is this variation in rigidity and integrity of the sidewalls that allows the segmented collapsible container to collapse. The segmented collapsible container includes an airtight seal formed in the first portion that restricts fluids, such as but not limited to, air from entering or leaving the segmented collapsible container. The segmented collapsible container may more easily return to its original shape after collapsing. This facilitates cleaning and reusability of the container.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A segmented collapsible container comprising: a first portion including a neck defining a mouth, said first portion being configured to control a flow of a fluid, said neck including a groove surrounding said mouth;a second portion, said second portion being configured to receive a predetermined

1. A segmented collapsible container comprising: a first portion including a neck defining a mouth, said first portion being configured to control a flow of a fluid, said neck including a groove surrounding said mouth;a second portion, said second portion being configured to receive a predetermined quantity of liquid, said second portion further being configured with a sidewall;a third portion, said third portion being configured to provide a base for said segmented collapsible container; anda coupling mechanism for sealing the container, the coupling mechanism including an annular retainer, an annular sleeve and a cap, said annular retainer being located on an internal side of said first portion and said annular sleeve being located on an external side of said first portion opposite to said internal side, said annular sleeve being seated within said groove and said cap threadingly engaging said annular sleeve,said annular retainer and said annular sleeve being aligned with each other on opposite sides of said first portion,a height of said annular retainer being at least equal to a height of said annular sleeve. 2. The segmented collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said second portion is configured to collapse. 3. The segmented collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said annular retainer restricts movement of solids. 4. The segmented collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said first, second and third portions are made of silicone. 5. The segmented collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said annular retainer includes a top diameter portion and a bottom diameter portion, said top diameter portion being larger than said bottom diameter portion, said top diameter portion extending radially outwardly from said first diameter portion. 6. The segmented collapsible container of claim 5, wherein said annular sleeve includes a plurality of flat portions extending around an inner circumference of said annular sleeve. 7. The segmented collapsible container of claim 6, wherein there are 16 flat portions extending around the inner circumference of said annular sleeve. 8. The segmented collapsible container of claim 6, wherein an outer circumference of said annular sleeve includes threads. 9. The segmented collapsible container of claim 5, wherein said top diameter portion has a dimension in a range of 25 mm to 60 mm, and the bottom diameter portion has a dimension in a range of 20 mm to 55 mm. 10. A segmented collapsible container comprising: a first portion including a neck defining a mouth, said first portion being configured to control a flow of a fluid, said neck including a groove surrounding said mouth;a second portion, said second portion being configured to receive a predetermined quantity of liquid, said second portion further being configured with a sidewall;a third portion, said third portion being configured to provide a base for said segmented collapsible container, an exterior surface of said base having a convex shape; anda coupling mechanism for sealing the container, the coupling mechanism including an annular retainer, an annular sleeve and a cap, said annular retainer being located on an internal side of said first portion and said annular sleeve being located on an external side of said first portion opposite to said internal side, said annular sleeve being seated within said groove and said cap threadingly engaging said sleeve,said annular retainer and said annular sleeve being aligned with each other on opposite sides of said first portion,a height of said annular retainer being at least equal to a height of said annular sleeve. 11. The segmented collapsible container of claim 10, wherein said second portion is configured to collapse. 12. The segmented collapsible container of claim 10, wherein said first, second and third portions are made of silicone. 13. The segmented collapsible container of claim 10, wherein said annular retainer includes a top diameter portion and a bottom diameter portion, said top diameter portion being larger than said bottom diameter portion. 14. The segmented collapsible container of claim 13, wherein said annular sleeve includes a plurality of flat portions extending around an inner circumference of said annular sleeve.