Collapsible insulated container

Abstract

A collapsible and insulated container for storing and transporting items contained therein. The container includes a lid assembly, having a lid member pivotally associated with a lid base, a bottom face, and a plurality of opposed and spaced apart side faces. Each side face includes an upper and a lower panel pivotally connected via a hinge upon which the panels pivot and fold about a horizontal axis when the container is in a collapsed state. The container is configured to selectably alternate between a collapsed state for storage and an expanded state for use and storage of items therein. The collapsibility of the container significantly facilitates retail of the container, as less shelf space is required to display the container.

1 . A collapsible and insulated container for storing and transporting items contained therein, comprising: 
 a lid assembly for providing access to an interior cavity of the container;    a bottom face for engaging a surface upon which the container is placed; and    a plurality of opposed and spaced apart side faces, 
 wherein each side face comprises an upper and a lower panel, and wherein the panels are pivotally connected via a hinge upon which the panels pivot and fold about a horizontal axis when the container is in a collapsed state.  
   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of opposed and spaced apart end faces, wherein each end face is pivotally connected to the lid assembly via a hinge upon which the end face pivots.  
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein an upper portion of the upper panel is pivotally connected to the lid assembly, and wherein a lower portion of the lower panel is pivotally connected to the bottom face.  
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lid assembly comprises a lid member and a lid base, wherein the lid is configured to selectably provide access to the interior cavity of the container, and wherein the lid member is pivotally connected to the lid base.  
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein the end face comprises a handle for transport of the container when in an uncollapsed state.  
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein the handle is a portion recessed into the end face.  
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a handle for transport of the container when in a collapsed state.  
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the lid member comprises a top surface and an interior surface, and wherein the top surface comprises means adapted for retaining a liquid holding device.  
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein the lid member comprises a top surface and an interior surface, and wherein the interior surface comprises means adapted for securing items in proximity to the lid.  
   
   
       10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein the means adapted for securing items in proximity to the lid is a net member associated with the interior surface of the lid member.  
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising at least one elastic strap adapted to extend around a perimeter of container in a collapsed state and retain the container in a collapsed state.  
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 11 , wherein the elastic strap comprises a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end of the strap is affixed to the container.  
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12 , further comprising a second elastic strap comprising a proximal end and a distal end, and wherein the proximal end of the second strap is affixed to the container.  
   
   
       14 . The container of  claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the elastic strap and the distal end of the second elastic strap comprise means adapted for securing the distal ends together.  
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 1  further comprising a water-impervious liner.  
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 15 , wherein the liner is selectably secured to the container, and wherein the liner is configured to collapse into a folded state storable in the container when in a collapsed state.  
   
   
       17 . The container of  claim 16 , wherein the liner is constructed from vinyl.  
   
   
       18 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the container is produced by injection molding.  
   
   
       19 . A container for storing and transporting items contained therein, comprising 
 a lid for providing access to an interior cavity of the container, wherein the lid comprises a top surface and a bottom surface;    a bottom face for engaging a surface upon which the container is placed;    a plurality of opposed and spaced apart side faces; and    a net member secured to the bottom surface of the lid for securably retaining at least one item in proximity to the lid.    
   
   
       20 . The container of  claim 19 , wherein each side face comprises an upper and a lower panel, and wherein the panels are pivotally connected via a hinge upon which the panels pivot and fold about a horizontal axis for collapsing the container.