A collapsible container consists of three parts: a rigid top rim, a
flexible center band, and a rigid base. This combination of sections
allows the container to easily collapse to about one-third of its
original height. The container is also quite stable when expanded and is
self-supporting. In various embodiments of the invention, for example,
the upper rim may be expandable, the base may include holes or mesh to
serve as a colander or strainer, or the base may be configured as a tube
to function as a funnel.