Collaspible container

• US 20060043090A1
• Filed: 08/11/2004
• Published: 03/02/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jonathan B. Ferrini
• Original Assignee: Jonathan B. Ferrini
• Inventors: Ferrini, Jonathan B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,296,704 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 220/6
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2203/10 Transponders
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2590/0083 Computer or electronic system, e.g. GPS systems
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/121 ISO containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/522 all side walls hingedly connected to each other or to another component of the container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/524 and one or more side walls being foldable along an additional median line
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 88/78 for use in or under water manholes, inspection openings, covers therefor B65D90/10
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/00 Component parts, details or accessories for large containers B65D88/34 - B65D88/78 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 90/22 Safety features floating covers B65D88/34; arrangements of indicating or measuring devices B65D90/48; fire-fighting A62C

Abstract

A collapsible container is equipped with a global positioning system and a radio transmitter to ease in locating the container when lost. The collapsible container includes some reflective means or bright coloration such that it is easily seen upon open waters. The container may include means for recording when the container has been opened and closed. The container is sealed and substantially watertight and is made up of interchangeable sections including a bottom, at least one side panel capable of collapsing, a top panel, and at least one door.

Claims

1. A collapsible container comprising:

a bottom;

at least one side panel connected to said bottom capable of collapsing;

a top panel connected to said at least one side panel; and

at least one door connected to said collapsible container.

2. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said at least one door is removable.

3. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least one side panel collapses using a hinge.

4. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said at least one side panel attaches using a pin-rod.

5. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said at least one side panel, said top panel, said bottom panel, and said at least one door are connected using at least one hinge.

6. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said at least one side panel, said top panel, said bottom panel, and said at least one door are connected using at least one pin rod.

7. The collapsible container of claim 6, wherein said at least one pin rod is removable.

8. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said at least one side panel, said top panel, said bottom panel, and said at least one door are interchangeable with replacements.

9. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container further includes a global positioning system.

10. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container further includes a wireless transmitter.

11. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container further includes a radio frequency transmitter.

12. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is substantially watertight when assembled.

13. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is manufactured using aluminum.

14. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is manufactured using plastics.

15. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is manufactured using steel.

16. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is manufactured using photo-reactive material.

17. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is manufactured using photo-reactive materials that are substantially transparent to ultra violet light.

18. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the exterior of said collapsible container includes photo-reflective material.

19. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is used as a refuse receptacle.

20. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container further includes of at least one wheel to aid in transport.

21. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container further includes cooperating with a garbage collection apparatus.

22. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is used as a storage container.

23. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is small enough for residential use.

24. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container is large enough for use in intercontinental shipping.

25. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein said collapsible container further includes a device for monitoring and recording the times at which said collapsible container has been opened and closed.

26. The collapsible container of claim 25, wherein said collapsible container further includes a device for transmitting to a database said recorded times at which said collapsible container has been opened and closed to a database.

27. The collapsible container of claim 9, wherein said collapsible container further includes a device for maintaining a record of the global position of the collapsible container.

28. The collapsible container of claim 9, wherein said collapsible container further includes of a device for transmitting a record of the global position of the collapsible container to an external data storage device.