The invention relates to a collapsible storage container.

Collapsible storage containers are useful because, while they allow for the storage of goods, they can also be stowed away when not in use without occupying a large amount of space. Containers comprising several storage compartments are convenient when the user wishes to store different items without mixing them up e.g. different items of jewellery.

Collapsible storage containers, with multiple storage compartments, exist which comprise removable partitions. Such containers, as are known in the art, are generally intended for long term storage of items, insofar as they do not allow users to remove items quickly and replace them without considerable inconvenience e.g. the user would have to remove items stored at the top of the compartment before reaching the desired items. Such containers are only operable in two states - one where the container is collapsed and another where it is assembled and operable to store items. There is a need for a storage container that is operable to store items in two states - one closed so as to conserve space and another to allow convenient access to the stored items - in addition to a collapsed state wherein no items are stored.

The invention provides a storage container comprising at least one storage unit including a container wall and a storage receptacle attached to said container wall, said storage receptacle comprising a plurality of side walls around a base, cantilevered from and being configured so as to be collapsible into the plane of the container wall.

The container may include a plurality of storage units wherein the storage receptacle of each storage unit is disposed on a respective container wall such that when the storage container is closed the plurality of storage receptacles are stacked one above the other, the container walls forming the closed storage container.

In order that the invention may be more fully understood an embodiment thereof will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a three dimensional view of a storage unit,
• Figures 2A-D are plan views of the storage unit showing its storage receptacle in sequential stages of opening,
• Figure 3 is a three dimensional view of a storage container made up of four of the storage units in Figure 1, in an open state,
• Figure 4 is a three dimensional view of the storage container in a partially closed state,
• Figure 5 is a three dimensional view of the storage container in a fully closed state,
• Figure 6 is a three dimensional view of the storage container lid, and
• Figure 7 is a three dimensional view of the storage container with the lid placed thereon.

Figure 1 is a view of a storage unit comprising a container wall 110 and a collapsible storage receptacle 120, comprising side walls 130 and base 140, attached to the container wall 110 where the side walls 130 of the storage receptacle 120 are shown in an operational position, the side walls 130 being collapsible into the plane of the container wall 110 as shown in Figure 2. Referring again to Figure 1, the base 140 of the storage receptacle 120 is cantilevered so as to be collapsible into the plane of the container wall 110 and is shown in a semi-raised position. In its operable position the base 140 is perpendicular to each of the plurality of side walls 130. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, there are four side walls 130. However, it should be understood that a person skilled in the art could conceive of an embodiment of a storage receptacle 120 with a different number of side walls 130 without departing from the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the storage receptacle 120 is attached to the container wall 110 using an adhesive between one of the side walls 130 and the container wall 110. In another embodiment, the container wall 110 additionally forms the rear wall of the storage receptacle 120.

Figures 2 A-D are plan views of the storage unit of Figure 1 showing sequentially the process of opening the storage receptacle 120 into its operational position. Figure 2A shows the storage receptacle 120 almost in its fully collapsed state, with both the plurality of side walls 130 and base 140 collapsed into the plane of the container wall 110. Figure 2B shows the storage receptacle 120 where the side walls 130 are in their operational state and where the base 140 is partially raised. Figure 2C shows the next stage of opening, where the base 140 is lowered further. Figure 2D shows the storage receptacle 120 in its fully operational state, where each of the side walls 130 abuts all adjoining side walls perpendicularly. The base 140 is shown additionally in its operable state, being perpendicular to the container wall 110.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment of a storage container 300 in an open state, comprising several of the storage units hinged together, with hinges running along one elongated edge of container walls 110a and 110d and along both elongated edges of container walls 110b and 110c. The storage receptacles 120a-d of each storage unit are positioned so that when the storage container 300 is closed the storage receptacles 120a-d are stacked one above the other. This embodiment requires that successive storage receptacles 120a-d be positioned on the container walls 110a-d in a stepped manner when the storage container is open. In one preferred embodiment magnetic strips 310 are placed on the storage units that are located at opposing ends of the storage container 300 so as to run along the length of the non-hinged elongated edge of the container walls 110a and 110d. The magnetic strips 310 are provided to hold the storage container 300 closed. However, it should be understood that the means for securing the container 300 need not be limited to magnetic strips.

Figure 4 shows the storage container 300 in a partially closed state. The storage receptacles 120a-c are stacked one above the other. The top storage receptacle 120d and container wall 110d are still in the open configuration, while the remaining container walls 110a-c are folded, about their hinges, to form the outer walls of the storage container 300.

Figure 5 shows the storage container 300 in its fully closed state. All four storage receptacles 120a-d are stacked one above the other. The magnetic strips 310 provided along the non-hinged elongated edges of container walls 110a and 110d are engaged so as to hold the storage container 300 closed. A removable lid 600 is additionally provided (Figure 6), to be placed on top of the storage container 300 when the container 300 is in its closed state, as shown in Figure 7.

The storage container 300 can occupy one of three states. The storage receptacles 120a-d can be collapsed into the plane of the container walls 110a-d as shown in Figure 2, this collapsed state being particularly advantageous during transit as it minimises shipping costs. Additionally, when the container 300 is sold, retailers can exploit the collapsed state to minimise the amount of shelf space occupied by the product. In one embodiment of the invention, the storage container 300 is manufactured from a laminated material. This allows the storage container 300 to be folded bidirectionally so that, in addition to folding in the direction required to close the container 300, the container 300 can be folded in the opposite direction along the hinge separating container walls 110b and c, without degrading the container material, to reduce the space that the folded container 300 occupies.

Another state the preferred embodiment of the invention can occupy is the open state, wherein the storage receptacles 120a-d are folded out into their operable state as shown in Figure 3. This is particularly advantageous when the user requires simultaneous access to goods stored in several of the storage receptacles. One illustrative example of the uses of the storage container 300 could be as a jewellery box, with earrings stored in one receptacle 120, a necklace in another and so forth.

Yet another state the preferred embodiment of the invention can occupy is the closed state, with or without the removable lid 600 placed on the storage container 300 as shown in Figures 5 & 7. This state would be of benefit when the user has insufficient space to keep the container 300 in the open state but cannot collapse it as the receptacles 120a-d are full, or for transport. A further advantage of the closed state would be to a retailer who wished to sell retail articles in the container 300, allowing the end user to reuse the container with other items once the original retail articles were exhausted.

The embodiments so far described involve a storage container comprising four walls, with four storage receptacles. However, it should be understood that a container comprising more or less than four walls and receptacles could be produced according to the invention. Examples may include, but are not limited to, hexagonal storage containers with six receptacles or storage containers with curved walls. Indeed, various modifications or enhancements could be made without departing from the scope of the invention.