The present invention relates to container technology and more particularly, to a container formed by folding.

Due to the rapid development of the times, the fast-food industry and out-eaters have developed rapidly. Also, because people want to eat at home easily, they buy disposable bowls and containers for holding foods. Many foods must be placed on a plate for convenience in terms of sight and access. However, it is very inconvenient to pour the food out the container into a dish.

It is a daily practice to make a three-dimensional container by folding the corners of a sheet material. However, the folded parts must be bonded to enhance the the strength of the container. Taiwan Patent Utility Number M255233 discloses a multi-sided paper bowl structure that is formed by folding a circular paperboard (10) into shape. The circular paperboard (10) comprises a circular base portion (11) at the center, an outer polygon (12) disposed outside the circular based portion (11), a plurality of folding lines (13) respectively outwardly extended from respective angles of the outer polygon (12) and defining a plurality of isometrically arranged pressing panels (14) and bonding panels (15). Each pressing panel (14) extends outwardly with a protruding edge (16), and a crease line (17) is formed between the protruding edge (16) and the pressing panel (14). By means of the folding lines (13), the bonding panels (15) are folded up and respectively attached to respective back sides of the respective pressing panels (14) so that the pressing panels (14) and the respective protruding edges (16) are overlapped and respectively bonded together to create a multi-sided paper bowl. However, such containers must be fixedly secured in shape by bonding. After bonding, they cannot be unfolded into a flat shape for application.

Further, US-9,045,246 B2, entitled "Container usable as a deep bottom and shallow bottom type container, and manufacturing method thereof". This design of container is usable as a deep bottom- and shallow bottom-type container by changing between deep bottom- and shallow bottom-type container configurations by folding along prescribed ruled lines, forming a protruding part on the circumferential wall surface and forming undistorted smooth surfaces. This container is usable as a deep bottom- and shallow bottom-type container in which a deep bottom-type container configuration can be changed into a shallow bottom-type container configuration, wherein the deep-bottom type container is obtained by folding, along prescribed ruled lines, a single blank having a part with prescribed ruled lines and corresponding to the bottom surface (referenced by 12D), a part sectioned into compact triangles and quadrilaterals and corresponding to a partition surface, and a part corresponding to an inner folded surface (referenced by 4), and the deep-bottom type container comprises a protruding part formed without distortion on the circumferential wall surface. According to this design, the deep-bottom type container is obtained by folding, and the deep bottom-type container configuration can be changed into a shallow bottom-type container configuration. After folded into shape, the deep bottom-type container configuration does not provide any reinforced parts to prevent the contained foods from being spilled out of the container. Therefore, when the food is contained in the container, the support force around the container is completely insufficient, and there is still inconvenience in application.

The present invention has been accomplished under the circumstances in view. It is the main object of the present invention to provide a container that is shape formed by folding for holding drinking or foods safely and conveniently, and that can be conveniently unfolded into a plate for dish for holding foods.

To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, a container comprises a base panel, at least three first folding panels, a plurality of second folding panels and a plurality of fixation folding panels. Each first folding panel has one end thereof connected to the base panel and defining with the base panel a first folding line therebetween, and an opposite end thereof connected to one respective fixation folding panel. The second folding panels are respectively connected between each two adjacent first folding panels so that the first folding panels and the second folding panels are alternatively arranged around the base panel. Each second folding panel comprises a second folding line radially extended from the junction between two adjacent first folding panels and the base panel. Each fixation folding panel comprises a connection portion.

The first folding panels are inwardly folded up along the respective first folding lines at the junction of the base panel so that the first folding panels are abutted against one another to form a peripheral wall of the container where the peripheral wall and the base panel surround an accommodation chamber. Each second folding panel is folded up outwardly along the respective second folding line to form one respective overlapped portion. Each overlapped portion is biased along connected long side of the respective first folding panel in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and attached to an outer side of the peripheral wall. Each fixation folding panel is folded up outwardly along the respective third folding line and abutted at the overlapped portion of one respective second folding panel overlapped on and secured to the outer side of the peripheral wall of the container.

Preferably, the second folding panels have a kite shape, and the second folding line of each second folding panel is the long diagonal of the kite shape.

Preferably, the connection portion of one fixation folding panel is connected to another fixation folding panel to form a loop, creating a cup mouth of the container.

To achieve this and other objects of the present invention, a container comprises a base panel, a plurality of first folding panels, a plurality of second folding panels and a plurality of fixation folding panels.

Each first folding panel has one short side thereof connected to the base panel and defining with the base panel a first folding line therebetween, and an opposite short side thereof connected to one respective fixation folding panel to form a third folding line therebetween. Each second folding panel is composed of a main folding panel portion and an auxiliary folding panel portion. Each first folding panel has one long side thereof connected to a long side of the main folding panel portion of one second folding panel, and an opposite long side thereof connected to a long side of the auxiliary folding panel portion of another second folding panel. The second folding panels are respectively connected between each two adjacent first folding panels so that the first folding panels and the second folding panels are alternatively arranged around the base panel. Each second folding panel comprises a second folding line located on the junction between the main folding panel portion and the auxiliary folding panel portion thereof and radially extended from the junction between two adjacent the first folding panels and the base panel.

The first folding panels are inwardly folded up along the respective first folding lines so that the first folding panels are abutted against one another to form a peripheral wall of the container where the peripheral wall and the base panel surround an accommodation chamber. Each second folding panel is folded up outwardly along the respective second folding line to overlap the auxiliary folding panel portion on the associating main folding panel portion, and the overlapped auxiliary folding panel portion mand and main folding panel portion are biased along the connected long side of the respective first folding panel in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction and attached to an outer side of the peripheral wall.

Preferably, each fixation folding panel is folded up outwardly along the respective third folding line to form a cup mouth flange. The cup mouth flanges formed of the fixation folding panels are abutted against one another at an outer side of the peripheral wall to create a cup mouth of the container.

Preferably, the cup mouth flange of each fixation folding panel has a bottom side thereof abutted against a top edge of the auxiliary folding panel portion of one respective second folding panel, and a distal end thereof stopped against one side of the main folding panel portion of one respective second folding panel.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will be fully understood by reference to the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference signs denote like components of structure.

• FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of a container in an unfolded condition in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 3 is a sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
• FIG. 4 is a schematic top view of a container in an unfolded condition in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 6 is a sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is a schematic top view of a container in an unfolded condition in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.
• FIG. 9 is a sectional view, in an enlarged scale, taken along line C-C of FIG. 8.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a container 10 that can be unfolded for application in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 10 comprises a base panel 20, 8 first folding panels 30, 8 second folding panels 40 and 8 fixation folding panel 50.

The base panel 20 is octagonal in shape. The first folding panels 30 have the same rectangular shape and size arranged around the base panel 20. The second folding panels 40 have the same kite shape, however, this kite shape is not intended to limit the technical features claimed in the present invention.

The first folding panels 30 have the same rectangular shape and size. Each first folding panel 30 has one short side thereof connected to the base panel 20, forming a first folding line 31 at the junction of the base panel 20.

The second folding panels 40 are respectively connected between each two adjacent first folding panels 30 so that the first folding panels 30 and the second folding panels 40 are alternatively arranged around the base panel 20. Preferably, the sides between each two adjacent first folding panels 30 are long sides that are respectively connected to two opposing long sides of one respective kite-shaped second folding panel 40. Each second folding panel 40 has a second folding line 41 radially extended from the junction between the two adjacent first folding panels 30 and the base panel 20. Preferably, the second folding line 41 of each second folding panel 40 is the long diagonal of the kite shape.

The other short side of each first folding panel 30 is connected to one respective fixation folding panel 50, forming a third folding line 51 at the junction of the fixation folding panel 50. Preferably, each fixation folding panel 50 has a connection portion 53.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first folding panels, the second folding panels, and the fixing folding panels is not limited to eight and may be other numbers such as three or ten, and the number in this embodiment is eight that is simply an example for explanation but not a limitation.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, when the user unfolds the container 10 to form a disk shape, it can be used as a dish to hold the food to be eaten. When the user folds up the disk shape, the desired effect lies in:

At first, as shown in FIG. 2, fold up the first folding panels 30 inwardly along the respective first folding lines 31 at the junction of the base panel 20 so that the first folding panels 30 are abutted against one another to form a peripheral wall 11 of the container 10 where the peripheral wall 11 of the container 10 and the base panel 20 surround an accommodation chamber 13. Thereafter, fold up each second folding panel 40 outwardly along the respective second folding line 41 to form one respective overlapped portion 43, and then bias each overlapped portion 43 along the long side of the respective first folding panel 30 in the clockwise (or counter-clockwise) direction to attach each overlapped portion 43 to the outer side of the peripheral wall 11 of the container 10. Thereafter, fold up each fixation folding panel 50 outwardly along the respective third folding line 51, enabling the fixation folding panels 50 to be overlapped on and secured to the outer side of the peripheral wall 11 of the container 10. Preferably, when folding up the fixation folding panels 50 outwardly, the connection portion 53 of one fixation folding panel 50 is wrapped in one respective adjacent fixation folding panel 50 to form a loop, thereby creating a cup mouth 15 of the container 10. When one fixation folding panel 50 is folded up outwardly, it is abutted against a top edge of one respective overlapped portion 43, as shown in FIG. 3. Thus, the user can provide drink or foods in the accommodation chamber 13 of the container 10 for drinking or eating, achieving the technical characteristics and the effects and purposes of the container 10 claimed in the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. This second embodiment is substantially similar to the aforesaid first embodiment with the exceptions outlined hereinafter.

Each fixation folding panel 50 has a receiving channel 52. The receiving channel 52 has a larger inner diameter of retaining portion 521. The connection portion 53 comprises a retaining block 55. The outer diameter of the retaining block 55 is larger than the receiving channel 52 but smaller than the retaining portion 521. The retaining blocks 55 of the connection portions 53 can be inserted into the receiving channels 52 of the respective adjacent fixation folding panels 50 and retained in the respective retaining portions 521 to form a loop, thereby creating a cup mouth 15 of the container 10. When one fixation folding panel 50 is folded up outwardly, it is abutted against a top edge of one respective overlapped portion 43, as shown in FIG. 5.

In addition to achieving the technical characteristics and the effects and purposes of the container 10 claimed in the present invention, the container 10 can be conveniently unfolded simply by removing the connection portion 53 of one fixation folding panel 50 from the adjacent fixation folding panel 50 for allowing the other fixation folding panels 50 to be extended out one after another.

The invention has the advantages as follows:

1. 1. The invention can maintain the integrity and beauty of the original container or the unfolded container and can achieve a certain sealing effect after the container cover is closed.
2. 2. The invention can utilize the folded indentation and curvature to make the unfolded container have different crease changes, achieving different aesthetic effects.
3. 3. The invention can be made by using a single piece of flat material, or a reinforcing piece can be adhered to the base panel of the shaped container to reinforce the strength of the base panel. Alternatively, the peripheral wall and base panel of the container can be separately made of different sheet materials and then bonded together like the fabrication of a disposable tableware in the market.
4. 4. When the fixation folding panels of the cup mouth are folded up outwardly, they are abutted against the respective top edges of the respective overlapped portions to hold down the respective overlapped portions on the outer side of the peripheral wall of the container without flipping out. When unfolding the container, the overlapped portions can still be conveniently unfolded.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, a container 10A that can be unfolded for application in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 10A comprises a base panel 20A, 8 first folding panels 30A, 8 second folding panels 40A and 8 fixation folding panels 50A.

The base panel 20A is octagonal in shape.

The first folding panels 30A have the same rectangular shape and size. Each first folding panel 30A has one short side thereof connected to the base panel 20A, forming a first folding line 31A at the junction of the base panel 20A.

Each second folding panel 40A is composed of a main folding panel portion 41A and an auxiliary folding panel portion 43A. Each first folding panel 30A has one long side thereof connected to the long side of the main folding panel portion 41A of one respective second folding panel 40A, and an opposite long side thereof connected to the long side of the auxiliary folding panel portion 43A of another second folding panel 40A. Thus, the second folding panels 40A are respectively connected between each two adjacent first folding panels 30A so that the first folding panels 30A and the second folding panels 40A are alternatively arranged around the base panel 20A.

Further, each second folding panel 40A has a second folding line 45A located on the junction between the main folding panel portion 41A and auxiliary folding panel portion 43A thereof and radially extended from the junction between the two adjacent first folding panels 30A and the base panel 20A. Preferably, the overall area of the main folding panel portion 41A of each second folding panel 40A is larger than overall area of the associating auxiliary folding panel portion 43A.

The other short side of each first folding panel 30A is connected to one respective fixation folding panel 50A, forming a third folding line 51A at the junction of the fixation folding panel 50A.

In this third embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first folding panels 30A, the second folding panels 40A, and the fixing folding panels 50A is eight that is simply an example for explanation but not a limitation, i.e., other numbers such as three, four, five, six, seven, nine or ten can be selectively employed.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the user unfolds the container 10A to form a disk shape, it can be used as a plate or dish for food.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9 again, when the user is going to fold up the disk shape into the container 10A, performs the steps outlined hereinafter. At first, fold up the first folding panels 30A inwardly along the respective first folding lines 31A at the junction of the base panel 20A so that the first folding panels 30A are abutted against one another to form a peripheral wall 11A of the container 10A where the peripheral wall 11A of the container 10A and the base panel 20A surround an accommodation chamber 13A. Thereafter, fold up each second folding panel 40A outwardly along the respective second folding line 45A to overlap the auxiliary folding panel portion 43A of each second folding panel 40A on the associating main folding panel portion 41A, and then bias the overlapped auxiliary folding panel portion 43A and main folding panel portion 41A of each second folding panel 40A along the long side of the respective first folding panel 30A in the clockwise (or counter-clockwise) direction to attach he overlapped auxiliary folding panel portion 43A and main folding panel portion 41A of each second folding panel 40A to the outer side of the peripheral wall 11A of the container 10A. Thus, the user can provide drink or food in the accommodation chamber 13A of the container 10A for drinking or eating.

Further, each fixation folding panel 50A is folded up outwardly along the respective third folding line 51A to form a cup mouth flange 53A that is overlapped on and secured to the outer side of the peripheral wall 11A of the container 10A. Thus, the cut mouth flanges 53A are connected to form a loop, creating a cup mouth 15A of the container 10A. Preferably, the bottom side of the cup mouth flange 53A of each fixation folding panel 50A is abutted against the top edge of the auxiliary folding panel portion 43A of one respective second folding panel 40A and the distal end of the cup mouth flange 53A of each fixation folding panel 50A is stopped at one side of the main folding panel portion 41A of one respective second folding panel 40A. Most preferably, a first imaginary distance D1 is defined between the cup mouth 15A of the container 10A and the distal end of the main folding panel portion 41A of each second folding panel 40A and a second imaginary distance D2 is defined between the cup mouth 15A of the container 10A and the distal end of the auxiliary folding panel portion 43A of each second folding panel 40A where the first imaginary distance D1 is shorter than the second imaginary distance D2.