CA2193056A1 - Hinge for a collapsible container - Google Patents

Hinge for a collapsible container

Info

Publication number
CA2193056A1
CA2193056A1 CA 2193056 CA2193056A CA2193056A1 CA 2193056 A1 CA2193056 A1 CA 2193056A1 CA 2193056 CA2193056 CA 2193056 CA 2193056 A CA2193056 A CA 2193056A CA 2193056 A1 CA2193056 A1 CA 2193056A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
leaf
hinge
panels
side wall
internal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA 2193056
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Michael Clee
James Tramontin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of CA2193056A1 publication Critical patent/CA2193056A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)

Abstract

A hinge pivotally connects two side wall panels for use as a collapsible container. The hinge has a first leaf hingedly joined to a second leaf. The first leaf and second leaf each have a pair of spaced prehensile panels for receiving an edge of a side wall panel. The prehensile panels have a plurality of inwardly extending tabs. An internal clip is sized to extend through an aperture along the edge of each of the side wall panels. The internal clip engages the tabs interconnecting the spaced prehensile panels and attaches the first leaf and the second leaf to an edge of each of the two side wall panels.

Description

HINGE FOR A COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER
Field of Invention rhis invention relates to a hinge for connecting rigid panels. In particular, this invention relates to a hinge for a collapsible container.
5 Background of the Invention Returnable/reusable containers for the transportation of goods is widely used. Such containers, or tote boxes, must have sufficient strength to be able to safely transport the goods stored tllerein without damage.
In certain applications, the containers have removable side wall panels which can be 10 folded ~o reduce the volume of the returned carton. The side wall panels are hingedly connected together which allows for the side wall panels to collapse for stacking in the collapsed condition.
The side wall panels have molded plastic hinges which are riveted onto the corrugated plastic panels. Plastic or metal rivets are used which must be fully aligned with holes in the 15 panels alld hinges. The time required to position the hinges for drilling the holes and actually drilling tlle holes limits the speed at which such containers may be produced. If the holes are not aligned, the rivets do not sit flush on the surface presenting an lln~ightly appearance of a finished product. Further, the rivets are susceptible to being damaged during use, particularly if the rivets are not flush with the surface of the side wall panel.
20 Summary of the Invention The disadvantages of the prior art may be overcome by providing a hinge for pivotally connecting side wall panels which is internally connectable thereto.
lt is desirable to provide a hinge which may be assembled and connected to side wall panels in a reduced time period.
It is desirable to provide a hinge which does not have exposed rivet heads for improving the lifespan of an assembly so constructed.
1~ is desirable to provide a hinge which connects to a side wall panel using an internal 5 fastener presenting a clean appearance minimi7~ing the risk of damage to the fastener during use.
I t is desirable to provide a hinge which can be easily repaired and replaced.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge for pivotally connecting two side wall panels. Each of the panels has apertures spaced along opposite end edges tllcreof. The hinge comprises a first leaf hingedly joined to a second leaf. The first leaf 10 and second leaf each have a pair of spaced panels for receiving an edge of one of the side wall panels tllerebetween. An internal fastener is extendable through the aperture and releasably connec~ed between opposite internal faces of the spaced panels for attaching each of the first leaf and the second leaf to the edge of the two side wall panels.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge for pivotally 15 connecting two panels. Eacll panel has an aperture spaced along opposite edges thereof. The hinge llas a first leaf hingedly joined to a second leaf. The first leaf and second leaf each has a pair ol`spaced clips for receiving an edge of one of the panels. An internal fastener extends througll tlle aperture and engages opposite internal faces of the clips for attaching each leaf to the edg~ of the panel.
According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a hinge which pivotally connects two side wall panels for use as a collapsible container. The hinge has a first leaf hingedly joined to a second leaf. The first leaf and second leaf each has a pair of spaced prehensile panels for receiving an edge of a panel in a sandwich-like condition. The panels each has a plurality of inwardly extending tabs. An H-shaped clip is sized to extend through an aperture along the edge of each of the side wall panels. The H-shaped clip engages the tabs interconnecting the spaced prehensile panels and int~rn~lly ~ cllPs the first leaf and the second leaf to all edge of adjacent side wall panels.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of assembling a collapsible container. The method comprises the steps of:
inserting an internal fastener through an aperture along an end edge of a side wall panel, slidably inserting the side wall panel between a pair of spaced panels of a hinge leaf and slidabl!~ eng~gillg the internal fastener with means for receiving the intern~l fastener on the 10 oppositc internal faces joining the spaced panels together and eng~ging the side wall panel.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a collapsible container comprising four side wall panels and four hinges hingedly joining the side wall panels together.
Each of the hinges has a first leaf hingedly joined to a second leaf. The first leaf and the second leaf each have a pair of spaced panels for receiving an edge of one of the side wall panels 15 therebetween. An internal fastener is exte~ ble through an aperture along an end edge of the side wall panels and releasably connected between opposite internal faces ofthe panels together for attaclling each of the first leaf and the second leaf to the side wall panels.
Detailcll Descril)tion of tlle Drawin~
1 n drawings which illustrate embodiments of the invention, 1 igure 1 is a perspective view of the container incorporating the hinge of the present invention;
I `igure 2 is an end view of the hinge of Figure 1;
~igure 3 is an end view of the extrusion for a prehensile panel of the invention of `~- 21 93056 Figure 2;
I igure 4 is a side elevation view of the prehensile panel of Figure 3;
1 ig~lre 5 is an end view of the core of the hinge of Figure 2;
l igure 6 is an end view of an H-shaped clip of the hinge of Figure 2;
I~igure 7 is a side elevational view of a side wall panel of the container of Figure 1, 11`igure 8 is a side elevational view of the container of Figure 1 in a collapsed condition; and l~igure 9 is a side elevational view of a side wall panel of the container of Figure 1.
Detailc(l Description of the Invention l~eferring to Figure 1, the collapsible container 1 incorporating the hinges 10 of the present invention is illustrated. The collapsible container 1 generally has four side wall panels 12 and l 4 with four hinges 10 interconnecting the side wall panels 12 and 14.
Side wall panels 12 are provided with handles 16 for manipulating the collapsible containcr 1. Preferably, side wall panels 12, 14 are made of corrugated plastic. However, it will be readily understood that other rigid panel materials, including cardboard, may also be used witllthe present invention.
Referring to Figures 2 to 6, the hinge 10 and components thereof are more particularly 20 illustratcd. Hinge 10 comprises a leaf 18 and 20 which are pivotally connected together by an extruded core 22. Each leaf 18 and 20 is complementary to each other to interengage in a pivoting manner.
I ach leaf has two spaced apart prehensile panels or sleeves 24, 26 and 28,30 which "- 21 93056 cantilever from a circular core section 32 and 34, respectively. On inside opposite faces of each prehensile panel are inwardly extending tabs 36 and 38, defining an open channel. Tabs 36 and 38 each has a flange 40 wllich are directed towards each other. Flange 40 presents a detent.
An internal fastener for joining the side wall panel 12 to the hinge 10 comprises an S extruded H-shaped clip 42 which has a flange 44, presenting a complementary detent at the distal end of on each arm of the H-shape. Flanges 44 extend outwardly to cooperate and interlock with flanges 40 on tabs 36 and 38. Clip 42 is sized to fully register within tabs 36 and 38 in a sliding or interference fit. Preferably, the height of clip 42 is slightly less than the space between clips 24, 26 and 28, 30 in order to use the natural bias of the material to m~int~in 10 engagement of clips 42 with tabs 36 and 38.
Other shapes of clips are also contemplated within this invention, including arrow shaped clips.
Preferably, the components of hinge 10 are made from an extruded PVC material. As illustrated in Figure 4, the hinge components can be extruded as a continuous piece and then 15 cut to size from a common extrusion. The circular core section 32 and 34 is offset from pair of spaced panels 24,26 and 28 and 30. The circular core section 32 and 34 can be cut out in an alternating pattern to complementarily fit together. As is appalellt, a single or common extrusion can be used for both of the leaves 18 and 20, with the circular core section being cut out in an alternating pattern and then inverted. Once the circular cores sections 32 and 34 are 20 aligned, the core 22 is inserted to hingedly or pivotally connect the leaf 18 to leaf 20. A cap 46 covers the end of the core 22. Optionally, the cap 46 may be integral with the core 22.
Referring to Figure 7, the side wall panel 14 is illustrated. The side wall panel has a series of holes 48 cut along opposite edges thereof. The spacing of the holes relative to the vertical edge of side wall panel 14 coincides with the positioning of the tabs 36 and 38 relative to the circular core section 32, 34.
Referring to Figure 9, the side wall panel 12 is illustrated. The side wall panel has a series of holes 48 cut along opposite edges thereof. Similarly, the spacing of the holes relative 5 to the vertical edge of side wall panel 12 coincides with the positioning of the tabs 36 and 38 relative to the circular core section 32, 34.
To assemble a container 1, clips 42 are placed in holes 48 such that tabs 44 extend out of the face of the side wall panels 12, 14. Each leaf 18 and 20 is slid along the edge of the side wall panels 12 and 14 such that tabs 36 and 38 will align and complementarily fit with tabs 44 10 of clips 42 and interconnect each of opposite prehensile panels 24, 26 and 28, 30. Depending on the relative sizes of the clips 42 and the distance between each opposite prehensile panels 24, 26 and 28, 30, some compression of the prehensile panels 24, 26 and 28, 30 may be required.
Once each leaf 18 and 20 is mounted on each end of the side wall panel 12 and 14, 15 complementary edges of presented together and the circular cores 32 and 34 are aligned. Core 22 is then threaded through the circular cores 32 and 34 to retain the side wall panels 12 and 14 in a hinged relation. Cap 46 is then inserted to close the end of the circular core 32, 34.
Once assembled, the collapsible container 1 may be used together will a pallet in a manner well l~lown in the art.
It is also understood that not all containers are collapsible. A solid extrusion could be used which uses the extruded fastener as described herein.

Altllough the disclosure describes and illustrates the preferred embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the invention is not limited to these particular embodiments.
Many variations and modifications will now occur to those skilled in the art. For definition of the invention, reference is made to the appended claims.

Claims (18)

1. A hinge for pivotally connecting two side wall panels, each of said panels having apertures spaced along opposite end edges thereof, said hinge comprising a first leaf hingedly joined to a second leaf, said first leaf and second leaf each having a pair of spaced panels for receiving an edge of one of said side wall panels therebetween, an internal fastener extendable through the aperture and releasably connected between opposite internal faces of said panels for attaching each of said first leaf and said second leaf to the edge of each of said two side wall panels.
2. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pair of spaced panels each has means for receiving said internal fastener on said opposite internal faces.
3. A hinge as claimed in claim 2 wherein said receiving means is an open channel complementary to said internal fastener.
4. A hinge as claimed in claim 3 wherein said internal fastener is H-shaped.
5. A hinge as claimed in claim 4 wherein said open channel has detent means at distal ends of arms of said H-shape and said internal fastener has complementary detent means, said detent means and said complementary detent means cooperate in a sliding fit to interlock said internal fastener to said open channel.
6. A hinge as claimed in claim 5 wherein a plurality of inwardly extending tabs define said open channel.
7. A hinge as claimed in claim 6 wherein said detent means is a flange at the distal end of each tab.
8. A hinge as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first leaf and said second leaf are made from a common extrusion.
9. A hinge as claimed in claim 8 wherein said common extrusion has a central circular core from which said pair of spaced panels cantilever therefrom.
10. A hinge as claimed in claim 9 wherein said common extrusion has said central circular core cut out in an alternating pattern, such that the central circular core of said first leaf and said second leaf align.
11. A hinge as claimed in claim 10 wherein said hinge further comprising a pin extending through said central circular cores hingedly joining said first leaf to said second leaf.
12. A method of assembling a collapsible container, comprising the steps of:
inserting an internal fastener through an aperture along an end edge of a side wall panel, slidably inserting said side wall panel between a pair of spaced panels of a hinge leaf and slidably engaging said internal fastener with means for receiving said internal fastener on said opposite internal faces joining said spaced panels together and engaging said side wall panel.
13. A method as claimed in claim 12 wherein said internal fastener is H-shaped and said receiving means is an open channel complementary to said internal fastener.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13 wherein said open channel has detent means at distal ends of arms of said H-shape and said internal fastener has complementary detent means, said detent means and said complementary detent means cooperate in a sliding fit to interlock said internal fastener to said open channel.
15. A collapsible container comprising four side wall panels and four hinges hingedly joining said side wall panels together, each of said hinges comprising a first leaf hingedly joined to a second leaf, said first leaf and said second leaf each having a pair of spaced panels for receiving an edge of one of said side wall panels therebetween, an internal fastener extendable through an aperture along an end edge of said side wall panels and releasably connected between opposite internal faces of said panels together for attaching each of said first leaf and said second leaf to said side wall panels.
16. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 15 wherein said side panels each has a plurality of apertures along end edges thereof and each of said hinges has a plurality of internal fasteners extending through said plurality of apertures.
17. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 16 wherein said internal fastener is H-shaped and said receiving means is an open channel complementary to said internal fastener.
18. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 17 wherein said open channel has detent means at distal ends of arms of said H-shape and said internal fastener has complementary detent means, said detent means and said complementary detent means cooperate in a sliding fit to interlock said internal fastener to said open channel.
CA 2193056 1995-12-15 1996-12-16 Hinge for a collapsible container Abandoned CA2193056A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US872795P 1995-12-15 1995-12-15
US60/008,727 1995-12-15

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2193056A1 true CA2193056A1 (en) 1997-06-16

Family

ID=21733316

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA 2193056 Abandoned CA2193056A1 (en) 1995-12-15 1996-12-16 Hinge for a collapsible container

Country Status (1)

Country Link
CA (1) CA2193056A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1152951B1 (en) * 1999-02-09 2006-07-12 Gilroy Clements Mcalpine Collapsible crate and associated connecting means
CN108860923A (en) * 2018-06-13 2018-11-23 苏州隆鑫包装科技有限公司 A kind of turnover box is with applying fixed card buckle
CN113490901A (en) * 2019-02-19 2021-10-08 三星电子株式会社 Hinge module including detent structure and foldable electronic device including the same

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1152951B1 (en) * 1999-02-09 2006-07-12 Gilroy Clements Mcalpine Collapsible crate and associated connecting means
CN108860923A (en) * 2018-06-13 2018-11-23 苏州隆鑫包装科技有限公司 A kind of turnover box is with applying fixed card buckle
CN113490901A (en) * 2019-02-19 2021-10-08 三星电子株式会社 Hinge module including detent structure and foldable electronic device including the same
US11353932B2 (en) 2019-02-19 2022-06-07 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Hinge module including detent structure and foldable electronic device including the hinge module
US11360526B2 (en) 2019-02-19 2022-06-14 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Hinge module including detent structure and foldable electronic device including the hinge module
US11726532B2 (en) 2019-02-19 2023-08-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd Hinge module including detent structure and foldable electronic device including the hinge module

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