Progressive volume adjustable container to eliminate unused space within the container

摘要

Space saver container is a concept of shrinking containers so that its volume matches the volume of the contents. Thus as the contents are progressively consumed the container can progressively reduce in volume freeing up space outside the container for example in the closet or refrigerator where it may be stored. The reduction can be tailored to the situation in which the container is normally used. Thus in the case of say milk cartons the container reduces its foot print but in the case of ice-cream container the height is reduced thus increasing stacking space. The containers available today can create shelf space only when the contents of the containers are gone and when they are ready to be removed for disposal. The concept of space saver container volume reduction is enabled by a collapsible bellow structure that is biased to attain its maximum volume. The user forces the bellow shape to contract thus shrinking the container to match the volume of the content. To keep the shrunken volume stable a restraint means suitable to the type of container is used to balance the bias in the structure that keeps it at maximum volume. The versatility of the concept enables a wide application in situations where material is stored and space is at a premium. Additional functionality of the bellow structure can be designed into the structure to enable it to adopt a freestanding stance suitable to the application.