CN210735066U

CN210735066U - Hinge device and folding container with same

Info

Publication number: CN210735066U
Application number: CN201921220392.7U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 廖德亮; 李升奇; 赵建刚
Original assignee: Guangdong Xinhui CIMC Special Transportation Equipment Co Ltd
Current assignee: Guangdong Xinhui CIMC Special Transportation Equipment Co Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-30
Filing date: 2019-07-30
Publication date: 2020-06-12
Anticipated expiration: 2029-07-30

Abstract

The utility model provides a hinge means and have its foldable container. The hinge device includes a fixed hinge, a pivoting mechanism, a living hinge, and a locking mechanism. The pivoting mechanism is used for pivoting the fixed hinge and the movable hinge so that the movable hinge can move between a first position and a second position; the locking mechanism comprises a locking block, when the movable hinge is located at the second position, the locking block is clamped between the movable hinge and the fixed hinge, and the locking mechanism can move between a locking position for locking the movable hinge and a releasing position for releasing the movable hinge. When the movable hinge pivots from the first position to the second position, the movable hinge can abut against the locking block and push the locking block away from the locking position until the movable hinge is located at the second position, the locking block returns to the locking position under the action of automatic restoring force, and the locking block can be always kept at the locking position under the action of no external force. According to the utility model discloses a potential safety hazard has been avoided to foldable container, reduces the damage to hinge means.

Description

Hinge device and folding container with same

Technical Field

The utility model relates to a container technical field especially relates to a hinge means and have its foldable container.

Background

In the existing folding container, a folding end frame is hinged to an underframe through a hinge device, and after the end frame is erected, a bolt of the hinge device needs to be manually operated to lock the end frame. The hinge device generally comprises a movable hinge fixedly connected to the lower end of the end frame, and fixed hinges fixedly connected to both sides of the end portion of the bottom frame, wherein the movable hinges are hinged to the fixed hinges through hinge pins, so that the end frame of the container can be turned over at a folding position folded on the bottom frame and an opening position along the vertical direction. When the end frame of the container is in the opening position, an operator inserts the bolt from the inner side of the fixed hinge outwards into the corresponding hole or gap of the movable hinge and the fixed hinge, so that the movable hinge is fixed on the fixed hinge, and the end frame can not be turned over from the opening position to the folding position under the action of external force. When the end frame of the container needs to be turned from the open position to the folded position, the operator needs to pull out the bolt in advance.

In addition, current collapsible containers have the pivoting mechanism (e.g., the roll-over pin) of the hinge assembly remote from the end frame of the container so that the end frame of the container can stand in an open position to facilitate the operation of the latch by an operator without requiring other operators to hold the end frame. However, in some cases, the operator may forget to lock the latch in place and may be difficult to find because the latch is in the plane of the outer profile of the housing in both the open and locked positions. If the latch of the hinge assembly is not locked in place, there are significant safety concerns for the personnel on site, the container, the cargo and the equipment that operates the container when the operator operates the collapsible container.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a hinge device and a foldable container having the same to at least partially solve the above problems.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

In the summary section a series of concepts in a simplified form is introduced, which will be described in further detail in the detailed description section. The inventive content does not imply any attempt to define the essential features and essential features of the claimed solution, nor is it implied to be intended to define the scope of the claimed solution.

To solve the above problem at least partially, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a hinge device including:

fixing the hinge;

a pivoting mechanism;

a living hinge, the pivoting mechanism pivotally connecting the fixed hinge and the living hinge such that the living hinge is movable between a first position and a second position; and

the locking mechanism comprises a locking block, and when the movable hinge is positioned at the second position, the locking block is clamped between the movable hinge and the fixed hinge;

the locking mechanism can move between a locking position for locking the movable hinge and a releasing position for releasing the movable hinge, when the movable hinge pivots from the first position to the second position, the movable hinge can abut against the locking block and push the locking block away from the locking position until the movable hinge is located at the second position, the locking block returns to the locking position under the action of automatic restoring force, and the locking block can be always kept at the locking position under the action of no external force.

According to the utility model discloses a hinge device, through setting up locking mechanical system, can be when the activity hinge pivot to the second position automatically with the activity hinge locking at the second position, convenient operation reduces the damage to hinge device, has reduced the cost of maintenance of product.

Optionally, the living hinge includes a protrusion disposed at an outer end of the living hinge, the protrusion includes a support surface, when the living hinge pivots from the first position to the second position, the protrusion can abut against the lock block and push the lock block away from the locking position, and when the living hinge is at the second position, the support surface can abut against the lock block.

Optionally, the projection further comprises an abutment surface capable of abutting against and pushing the lock piece away from the locking position during pivoting of the living hinge from the first position to the second position.

Optionally, the abutment face is disposed obliquely upwardly towards the outer end of the hinge device when the living hinge is in the second position.

Optionally, the fixed hinge includes a wall plate with a notch open toward an outer end, and the locking piece is held between the support surface and a top surface of the notch in a height direction when the movable hinge is in the second position.

Optionally, a clamping block is arranged at the top of the notch, the clamping block is fixedly connected with the wall plate, and when the movable hinge is located at the second position, the locking block is clamped between the supporting surface and the bottom surface of the clamping block along the height direction.

Optionally, the locking mechanism is pivotably connected to the fixed hinge.

Optionally, the locking mechanism includes a bracket and a bracket pin, the bracket is pivotally arranged on the fixed hinge via the bracket pin, and the locking block can movably hold the bracket.

Optionally, the support includes the sideboard and connects the end plate of sideboard, the sideboard sets up the side of activity hinge and sets up the wallboard with between the activity hinge, the locking piece movably card is held the sideboard with between the end plate.

Optionally, the contact surfaces of the side plate and the end plate with the locking block are arc-shaped surfaces protruding outwards, or the contact surfaces of the locking block with the side plate and the end plate are arc-shaped surfaces protruding outwards, so that the locking block can turn over around the support pin shaft and can turn over around itself,

and/or the like and/or,

the bottom surface of the fixture block is inclined inwards and downwards relative to the outer end of the fixed hinge,

and/or the like and/or,

when the movable hinge is located at the second position, the supporting surface and the bottom surface of the locking block matched with the supporting surface are horizontally arranged or are inclined inwards and upwards relative to the outer end of the fixed hinge, the top surface of the locking block faces the bottom surface of the locking block, and the bottom surface of the locking block matched with the supporting surface faces the supporting surface.

The locking mechanism further includes a pull ring pivotally disposed on the lock block, the locking mechanism integrally moving relative to the outer hinge when the pull ring is pulled outwardly and being movable from the locked position to the released position.

Optionally, an avoiding hole for avoiding the pull ring is formed in the end plate, and when the avoiding hole pulls the pull ring outwards, the locking mechanism integrally rotates around the support pin shaft.

Optionally, the hinge device further comprises a positioning assembly for positioning the lock block in the release position.

Optionally, the positioning assembly is disposed on at least one side of the living hinge and is at least partially pivotable relative to the living hinge.

Optionally, the positioning assembly includes a first flipping pin and at least one first blocking pin disposed on the living hinge, a first positioning rod disposed on the first flipping pin, and a first supporting rod disposed on the first positioning rod, the first positioning rod is pivotably disposed on the living hinge via the first flipping pin, and the first blocking pin is used to limit a rotation range of the first positioning rod.

Optionally, the first positioning rod includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion connected to the first extension portion and disposed at an angle, the first flipping pin is disposed at a connection of the first extension portion and the second extension portion, and the first support rod is disposed on the second extension portion.

Optionally, the side plate has a first notch at a bottom side for receiving the first support bar such that the first support bar positions the locking mechanism in the release position.

Optionally, the positioning assembly is at least partially pivotably disposed on the fixed hinge.

Optionally, the positioning assembly comprises at least one second stop pin arranged on the living hinge, a second roll-over pin arranged on the wall board, and a ratchet and a handle arranged on the second roll-over pin, the ratchet and the handle are respectively arranged on the inner side and the outer side of the wall board in a pivoting way through the second roll-over pin, and the second stop pin is used for limiting the rotation range of the ratchet.

Optionally, the ratchet includes a third extension and a fourth extension connected to and angled from the third extension, the third extension being abuttable against the second catch pin and the fourth extension being abuttable against the sideboard to position the locking mechanism in the release position.

Alternatively, the lock mechanism is movable in a horizontal direction integrally with respect to the fixed hinge by an external force.

Optionally, the fixed hinge includes a supporting block, the supporting block is disposed below the clamping block and spaced from the clamping block, the supporting block is fixed to the wall panel, the locking mechanism includes at least one bracket and a spring, the locking block is connected to the bracket, and the spring is disposed between the clamping block and the bracket and/or between the supporting block and the bracket.

Optionally, at least one of the fixture block and the support block is provided with a first spring guide rail, the bracket is correspondingly provided with a second spring guide rail, and two ends of the spring are respectively sleeved on the first spring guide rail and the second spring guide rail.

Optionally, the hinge device further comprises a positioning assembly disposed on at least one side of the living hinge and at least partially pivotable with respect to the living hinge.

Optionally, the positioning assembly includes a third flipping pin and at least one third blocking pin disposed on the living hinge, and a second positioning rod disposed on the third flipping pin, the second positioning rod is pivotably disposed on the living hinge via the third flipping pin, and the third blocking pin is configured to limit a rotation range of the second positioning rod.

Optionally, the second positioning rod includes a fifth extending portion and a sixth extending portion connected to the fifth extending portion and disposed at an angle, and the third flipping pin is disposed at a connection of the fifth extending portion and the sixth extending portion.

Optionally, a second notch is provided on the fifth extending portion, and the locking mechanism includes a second support rod provided on the bracket, and the second notch is configured to accommodate the second support rod, so that the second support rod supports the locking mechanism at the release position.

According to the utility model discloses a second aspect discloses a folding container, including chassis and end frame, be provided with according to above-mentioned first aspect between chassis and the end frame hinge means, the activity hinge with end frame fixed connection, the fixed hinge with chassis fixed connection makes the end frame enough is folding position and perpendicular to on the chassis move between the open position of chassis.

According to the utility model discloses a foldable container, through setting up locking mechanical system, can be when the end frame pivots to the open position automatically with the end frame locking in open position, and need not the manual locking of operating personnel, avoided the potential safety hazard effectively, reduce the damage to hinge means, reduced the cost of maintenance of product.

Drawings

The following drawings of the embodiments of the present invention are provided as a part of the present invention for understanding the present invention. There are shown in the drawings, embodiments and descriptions thereof, which are used to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings, there is shown in the drawings,

fig. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible container according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the end frames in an open position;

fig. 2 is a partial schematic structural view of the collapsible container of fig. 1, showing the securing hinges;

fig. 3 is another partial schematic structural view of the collapsible container of fig. 1, showing the securing hinges;

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic structural view of the hinge assembly of FIG. 1 showing a living hinge and a positioning assembly;

FIG. 5 is a partial schematic view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 1;

fig. 6 is a schematic view of a portion of the collapsible container of fig. 1;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a portion of the positioning assembly of FIG. 1;

fig. 8 is a partial schematic structural view of the collapsible container of fig. 1, with the hinge means shown and the end frames hidden, and with the hinge means positioned to correspond to the end frames in the collapsed position;

fig. 9 is another fragmentary structural schematic view of the collapsible container of fig. 1, with the hinge means shown and the end brackets hidden, and with the hinge means in a position corresponding to the position of the end brackets during pivoting from the collapsed position to the open position;

fig. 10 is another fragmentary structural schematic view of the collapsible container of fig. 1, with the hinge means shown and the end brackets hidden, with the hinge means in a position corresponding to the end brackets being in an open position and the locking mechanism in a locked position;

fig. 11 is another fragmentary structural schematic view of the collapsible container of fig. 1, showing the hinge means and concealing the end brackets, with the locking mechanism in a release position;

fig. 12 is a partial schematic structural view of a folding container according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a fixed hinge and a locking mechanism;

FIG. 13 is a partial schematic structural view of a hinge assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention showing a living hinge and a second stop pin of a positioning assembly;

fig. 14 is a schematic structural view of a positioning assembly according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

figure 15 shows a schematic partial view of a collapsible container according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention, with the hinge means shown and the end frames hidden, and with the hinge means in a position corresponding to the end frames in a collapsed position;

fig. 16 is another partial schematic structural view of a collapsible container according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the hinge means shown and the end brackets hidden, and with the hinge means in position corresponding to the position of the end brackets during pivoting from the collapsed position to the open position;

fig. 17 is another partial schematic structural view of a collapsible container according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the hinge means and concealing the end brackets, the position of the hinge means corresponding to the end brackets being in the open position and the locking mechanism being in the locked position;

fig. 18 is another partial schematic structural view of a collapsible container according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the hinge means and hiding the end frame, with the locking mechanism in a released position;

fig. 19 is a partial schematic structural view of a folding container according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a fixed hinge;

fig. 20 is a partial schematic structural view of a hinge assembly according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing a living hinge and a positioning assembly;

fig. 21 is a partial structural view of a hinge device according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention;

figure 22 shows a schematic partial view of a collapsible container according to a third preferred embodiment of the invention, with the hinge means shown and the end frames hidden, and with the hinge means in a position corresponding to the end frames in a collapsed position;

fig. 23 is another partial schematic structural view of a collapsible container according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the hinge means shown and the end brackets hidden, and with the hinge means in position corresponding to the position of the end brackets during pivoting from the collapsed position to the open position;

fig. 24 is another partial schematic structural view of a collapsible container according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the hinge means and concealing the end brackets, the position of the hinge means corresponding to the end brackets being in the open position and the locking mechanism being in the locked position;

fig. 25 is another partial schematic structural view of a collapsible container according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the hinge arrangement and hiding the end frame, with the locking mechanism in the release position.

Description of reference numerals:

100: the folding container 110: chassis

120: end frame 130: hinge device

140/240/340: fixed hinge 141/241/341: wall board

142: connecting plate 143/243/343: clamping block

144: outer pin shaft hole 150/250/350: movable hinge

151/251/351: protrusion 152/252/352 abutting surface

153/253/353: supporting surface 154/254: pivoting mechanism

160: locking mechanism 161/261/361: lock block

162/262/362: bracket 163/263/363: pull ring

164/264: bracket pin 165/265: side board

166: end plate 167: avoiding hole

168: bracket pin hole 169a/169b/169 c: arc-shaped surface

170/270/370: the positioning assembly 171: first stop pin

172: first tumble pin 173: first positioning rod

174: first support rod 175: first extension part

176: second extension 178: first gap

180: corner fitting 191: annular boss

192: notch 194: projection

271: second stopper pin 272: second turnover pin

273: ratchet 274: handle (CN)

275: third extension 276: the fourth extension part

344: a support block 345: first spring guide rail

364: second support rod 368: spring

369: second spring guide 371: third stop pin

372: third tumble pin 373: second positioning rod

375: the fifth extension 376: the sixth extension part

378: second notch 155: inner pin shaft hole

Detailed Description

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without one or more of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in order to avoid obscuring embodiments of the present invention.

In the following description, a detailed structure will be presented for a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. It is apparent that the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention is not limited to the specific details familiar to those skilled in the art.

First embodiment

As shown in fig. 1, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, a hinge device 130 and a folding container 100 having the same are provided. The collapsible container 100 generally includes a base frame 110 and an end frame 120. The end frames 120 are disposed at both ends of the bottom chassis 110 and can move between a folded position folded on the bottom chassis 110 and an unfolded position perpendicular to the bottom chassis 110. A hinge assembly 130 pivotally connects the end frame 120 to the base frame 110. Specifically, the chassis 110 is configured substantially as a rectangular frame structure. The hinge device 130 is disposed at both sides of the end of the base frame 110 and at one end of the end frame 120.

A collapsible container 100 according to a first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to fig. 1 to 11.

As shown in fig. 1 to 5, the hinge device 130 mainly includes a fixed hinge 140, a movable hinge 150, a pivoting mechanism 154, and a locking mechanism 160. The fixed hinge 140 is fixedly coupled to the bottom frame 110, and the movable hinge 150 is fixedly coupled to the end frame 120. The pivoting mechanism 154 pivotally connects the fixed hinge 140 to the living hinge 150 such that the living hinge 150 can move between a first position and a second position. It should be noted that, in this context, the "first position" of the living hinge 150 corresponds to the "folded position" of the end frame 120, and the "second position" of the living hinge 150 corresponds to the "open position" of the end frame 120. That is, when the living hinge 150 is in the first position, the living hinge 150 is disposed in a generally horizontal orientation, and when the living hinge 150 is in the second position, the living hinge 150 is disposed in a generally vertical orientation.

Specifically, the movable hinge 150 is disposed inside the fixed hinge 140, and the fixed hinge 140 is fixedly coupled to the bottom chassis 110, and the movable hinge 150 is fixedly coupled to the end frame 120. The pivot mechanism 154 may be generally configured as a circular cylindrical structure. The living hinge 150 may be provided with an inner hinge pin hole 155, the fixed hinge 140 may be provided with an outer hinge pin hole 144, and the pivoting mechanism 154 extends through the inner hinge pin hole 155 and the outer hinge pin hole 144 to pivotally connect the living hinge 150 to the fixed hinge 140.

The locking mechanism 160 includes a lock block 161. The locking piece 161 is configured substantially as a rectangular parallelepiped. When the living hinge 150 is in the second position, the lock block 161 is captured between the living hinge 150 and the fixed hinge 140. In the present invention, the locking mechanism 160 is movable between a locking position to lock the living hinge 150 and a releasing position to release the living hinge 150. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the locking mechanism 160 is pivotably connected to the fixed hinge 140. The locking mechanism 160 is disposed on the inner side of the fixed hinge 140 and at the outer end of the bottom chassis 110 with respect to the living hinge 150. When the locking mechanism 160 is in the locked position, the position of the living hinge 150 is locked such that the end frame 120 is locked in the open position. When the locking mechanism 160 is in the release position, the locking of the position of the living hinge 150 can be released so that the end frame 120 can be pivoted from the open position to the folded position. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the locking mechanism 160 may be moved between the locked and released positions along a non-rotational path of movement, as desired.

The utility model discloses in, when the in-process of activity hinge 150 from first position pivot to second position, activity hinge 150 can lean on to lock block 161 and push away lock block 161 from the locking position, and when activity hinge 150 was in the second position, lock block 161 returned to the locking position under the effect of automatic restoring force, and lock block 161 can always keep in the locking position under no exogenic action. Specifically, during pivoting of the end frame 120 from the folded position to the open position, the living hinge 150 pivots from the first position to the second position as the end frame 120 pivots and is able to abut the locking mechanism 160 such that when the end frame is in the open position, the lock block 161 is captured between the living hinge 150 and the fixed hinge 140 to position the locking mechanism 160 in the locked position to lock the end frame 120 in the open position. Thus, the locking mechanism 160 can automatically lock the end frame 120 in the open position when the end frame 120 pivots to the open position without manual locking by an operator, thereby effectively avoiding potential safety hazards, reducing damage to the hinge device 130, and reducing maintenance costs of the product.

The living hinge 150 includes a projection 151. A projection 151 may be provided at one end of the living hinge 150. The projection 151 can include a support surface 153 against which the projection 151 can abut the lock 161 to push the lock 161 outward and push the lock 161 away from the locked position during pivoting of the end frame 120 from the folded position to the open position, i.e., during pivoting of the living hinge 150 from the first position to the second position. When the end frame 120 is in the open position, i.e., the living hinge 150 is in the second position, the support surface 153 can abut against the lock block 161, so that the lock block 161 is captured in the height direction between the protrusion 151 (specifically, the support surface 153) and the fixed hinge 140. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the force of the living hinge 150 on the locking mechanism 160 may also be indirectly transmitted through a transmission mechanism, as desired.

In particular, the projection 151 may include an abutment surface 152. The support surface 153 is disposed obliquely with respect to the abutment surface 152. In this embodiment, the abutment surface 152 is disposed obliquely upward toward the outer end of the hinge device 130 when the living hinge 150 is in the second position. The abutment surface 152 is capable of abutting the lock block 161 and pushing the lock block 161 away from the locked position during pivoting of the end frame 120 from the folded position to the open position, i.e., during pivoting of the living hinge 150 from the first position to the second position.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the fixing hinge 140 includes a wall plate 141, and a notch 192 opened toward the outer end is formed on the wall plate 141. When the living hinge 150 is in the second position, the lock block 161 is captured in the height direction between the support surface 153 and the top surface of the indentation 192. The top of the notch 192 is provided with a latch 143, and the latch 143 is fixedly connected with the wall plate 141. When the living hinge 150 is in the second position, the lock block 161 is caught between the support surface 153 and the bottom surface of the catching block 143 in the height direction. In the present embodiment, the bottom surface of the latch 143 is disposed obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction. Preferably, the bottom surface of the latch 143 is inclined inward and downward with respect to the outer end of the fixing hinge 140. Specifically, the height of the bottom surface of the latch 143 on the side close to the pivoting mechanism 154 is lower than the height on the side away from the pivoting mechanism 154. Alternatively, the support surface 153 is angled inwardly and upwardly relative to the outer end of the fixed hinge 140 when the living hinge 150 is in the second position. That is, when the living hinge 150 is in the second position, the height of the side of the support surface 153 that is closer to the pivoting mechanism 154 is higher than the height of the side that is farther from the pivoting mechanism 154.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the fixed hinge 140 includes a connection plate 142 provided at an upper portion (an upper portion of the rear end in fig. 2) of the wall plate 141. The top surface of the latch 143 is connected to the connection plate 142. Specifically, the living hinge 150 is disposed at an inner side of the wall plate 141. The web 142 may act as a stop for the living hinge 150 such that the living hinge 150 can only rotate about the pivot mechanism 154 through a certain angle. In the present embodiment, the outer pin shaft hole 144 is provided on the wall plate 141, and is at the bottom of the inner end of the wall plate 141 (the bottom of the front end in fig. 2). The inner side of the wall panel 141 is provided with an annular boss 191. Annular boss 191 sets up around outer pin shaft hole 144, not only can strengthen wallboard 141 at the intensity of outer pin shaft hole 144 peripheral region, makes the clearance between activity hinge 150 and the wallboard 141 be predetermined clearance simultaneously to guarantee the stability of activity hinge 150 when the upset, prevent that activity hinge 150 from rocking about.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 5, the locking mechanism 160 is pivotably connected to the fixed hinge 140. The locking mechanism 160 includes a bracket 162 and a bracket pin 164. The bracket 162 is pivotally disposed on the fixed hinge 140 via a bracket pin 164, and the lock block 161 is movably retained on the bracket 162. Specifically, the bracket 162 includes a pair of side plates 165 and an end plate 166 connecting the pair of side plates 165. The pair of side panels 165 are disposed in parallel and on either side of the living hinge 150 and on the inside of the wall panel 141. The bottom of the side plate 165 is provided with a bracket pin hole 168, and the bracket pin 164 may be provided on the fixed hinge 140. The bracket pin 164 extends through the bracket pin hole 168 to pivotally couple the bracket 162 to the fixed hinge 140. In addition, a corner piece 180 is provided at the bottom end of the fixed hinge 140, and the bracket pin 164 may be provided at the top of the corner piece 180 such that the bracket 162 is indirectly pivoted to the fixed hinge 140.

As shown in fig. 5 and 8, the lock 161 is movably captured between a pair of side plates 165 and an end plate 166. Preferably, the contact surfaces of the side plates 165 and the end plates 166 with the locking blocks 161 are arc-shaped surfaces protruding outwards, or the contact surfaces of the locking blocks 161 with the side plates 165 and the end plates 166 are arc-shaped surfaces protruding outwards, so that the contact area of the locking blocks 161 with the side plates 165 and the end plates 166 is small, and further the locking blocks 161 can turn around the support pin shafts 164, and can also turn around themselves, for example, can turn around the direction parallel to the support pin shafts 164 relative to themselves, so as to smoothly enter the locking position.

Specifically, the bottom surface and the side surface of the lock block 161 may contact the outer surface of the side plate 165 and the side surface of the end plate, respectively. More specifically, the bottom surface of the lock block 161 has an arc-shaped face 169a protruding downward. The arc-shaped surface 169a is provided at a position of the lock block 161 corresponding to the position of the side plate 165. That is, the bottom surface of the locking piece 161 may be provided with two spaced apart arc-shaped faces 169 a. The outer surface of the side plate 165 is provided with an arc-shaped face 169b facing the side surface of the lock block 161, and the side surface of the end plate 166 is provided with an arc-shaped face 169c facing the side surface c of the lock block 161. Thus, the lock block 161 can be movably held between the outer surface of the side plate 165 and the side surface of the end plate 166, and the contact area of the bottom surface and the side surface of the lock block 161 with the side plate 165 and the end plate 166 is made small, so that the lock block 161 is smoothly brought into the locking position while facilitating the movement of the lock mechanism 160 to the releasing position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the structures of the locking block 161 and the side plate 165 and the end plate 166 are not limited to this embodiment, and the surface of the side plate 165 opposite to the bottom surface of the locking block 161 may be provided with an arc-shaped surface and the side surface of the locking block 161 may be provided with an arc-shaped surface as needed.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 10, when the living hinge 150 is at the second position, the supporting surface 153 and the bottom surface of the locking piece 161 cooperating with the supporting surface 153 are horizontally disposed or are inwardly and upwardly inclined with respect to the outer end of the fixed hinge 140, the top surface of the locking piece 161 faces the bottom surface of the latch 143, and the bottom surface of the locking piece 161 cooperating with the supporting surface 153 faces the supporting surface 153. It should be noted that "the bottom surface of the lock block 161 cooperating with the supporting surface 153" is located between the two arc-shaped surfaces 169 a. Specifically, the support surface 153, the bottom surface of the lock block 161 and the top surface of the lock block 161 cooperating with the support surface 153, and the bottom surface of the latch 143 may each be configured as a plane, and when the living hinge 150 is in the second position, the support surface 153 may be parallel to the bottom surface of the lock block 161 cooperating with the support surface 153, and the top surface of the lock block 161 may be parallel to the bottom surface of the latch 143. More specifically, the support surface 153 may abut against the bottom surface of the lock block 161 that mates with the support surface 153, or there may be a gap between the support surface 153 and the bottom surface of the lock block 161 that mates with the support surface 153, the gap being less than or equal to more than 2 mm; the top surface of the lock block 161 may abut against the bottom surface of the latch 143, or there is a gap between the top surface of the lock block 161 and the bottom surface of the latch 143, which is less than or equal to 2 mm. Thereby, the lock block 161 can be held between the support surface 153 and the bottom surface of the latch 143 in the height direction.

In this embodiment, the center of gravity of the locking mechanism 160 is located on the side of the vertical plane of the axis of the bracket pin 164 that is adjacent to the pivoting mechanism 154, so that the locking mechanism 160 can automatically return to the locked position under its own weight. In addition, the locking mechanism 160 may also include a biasing member (not shown). A biasing member is disposed on the bracket pin 164 and is capable of applying a biasing force to the bracket 162 such that the locking mechanism 160 is always maintained in the locked position. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other forms of external force may be used to actuate the locking mechanism 160 such that the locking mechanism 160 is maintained in the locked position. As shown in fig. 5, the side plate 165 may also have a projection 194. A projection 194 is provided at the top of the side plate and away from one end of the bracket pin 164. When the locking mechanism 160 is flipped outward away from its locked position, the protrusion 194 can abut the web 142 of the fixed hinge 140 and the web 142 can limit further rotation of the locking mechanism 160 so that the position of the center of gravity of the locking mechanism 160 is always maintained on the side of the vertical plane on which the axis of the bracket pin 164 lies that is adjacent to the pivoting mechanism 154.

As shown in fig. 4 and 7, the hinge assembly 130 further includes a positioning assembly 170, the positioning assembly 170 being configured to cooperate with the bracket 162 to support the locking mechanism 160 in the release position, specifically to position the lock block 161 in the release position. In this embodiment, the positioning assembly 170 is disposed on one side of the living hinge 150 and is at least partially pivotable relative to the living hinge 150. In an embodiment of the present invention, not shown, the positioning assembly 170 may be disposed on both sides of the living hinge 150.

The positioning assembly 170 includes a first flipping pin 172 and at least one first stopper pin 171 provided on the living hinge 150, a first positioning lever 173 provided on the first flipping pin 172, and a first support bar 174 provided on the first positioning lever 173, the first positioning lever 173 being pivotably provided on the living hinge 150 via the first flipping pin 172, the first stopper pin 171 for limiting a rotation range of the first positioning lever 173. Specifically, the first blocking pin 171 and the first tumble pin 172 may be configured substantially in a circular cylindrical structure, and the first blocking pin 171 and the first tumble pin 172 may be disposed in parallel with the pivot mechanism 154. The first positioning rod 173 includes a first extension 175 and a second extension 176 connected to the first extension 175 and disposed at an angle. The angle between the first extension 175 and the second extension 176 may be substantially 90 °. The first turnover pin 172 is provided at a junction of the first extension 175 and the second extension 176, and the first support bar 174 is provided on the second extension 176.

As shown in fig. 5, the locking mechanism 160 further includes a pull ring 163, the pull ring 163 being pivotably disposed on the lock block 161, and when the pull ring 163 is pulled outwardly, the locking mechanism 160 integrally moves relative to the fixed hinge 140 to pull the lock block 161 away from the notch 192 and can move from the locking position to the releasing position. The end plate 166 is provided with an escape hole 167 for escaping the pull ring 163, and when the pull ring 163 is pulled outward through the escape hole 167, the lock mechanism 160 integrally rotates about the holder pin 164.

The side plate 165 has a first notch 178 at the bottom side, the first notch 178 for receiving the first support bar 174 such that the first support bar 174 positions the locking mechanism 160 in the release position (see fig. 11). Specifically, when the pull ring 163 is pulled outward to pivot the locking mechanism 160 and move it away from its locking position, the first positioning rod 173 will rotate under its own weight to automatically enter the first notch 178 and prevent the locking mechanism 160 from automatically returning and maintain the locking mechanism 160 in the release position. The locking mechanism 160 remains in the release position when the pulling force on the pull ring 163 is removed. The positioning assembly 170 moves with it as a whole during pivoting of the living hinge 150 toward the first position, and when the living hinge 150 pivots to a certain angle toward the first position, the first support bar 174 disengages from the first notch 178, and the locking mechanism 160 automatically returns to the locking position under the action of its gravity.

The first extension 175 protrudes obliquely above the wall panel 141 when the living hinge 150 is in the erected state. If the pull ring 163 is pulled by mistake when the living hinge 150 is not pivoted inward, so that the lock block 161 is separated from the notch 192, and the locking mechanism 160 is held at the release position by the first support rod 174, the first positioning rod 173 can be turned over by operating the first extension part 175, so that the first support rod 174 is separated from the first notch 178, and the locking mechanism 160 automatically returns to its locking position under the action of its gravity.

The operation of the hinge device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to fig. 8 to 11.

As shown in fig. 8, when the end frame 120 is in the folded position, the hinge assembly 130 is correspondingly in the folded position. At this time, the position of the center of gravity of the locking mechanism 160 is on the side of the vertical plane on which the axis of the bracket pin 164 is located, which is close to the pivoting mechanism 154, i.e., on the left side in fig. 8. The locking mechanism 160 is maintained in the position shown in fig. 8 by gravity. The first positioning rod 173 naturally droops by gravity.

As shown in fig. 9, when the end frame 120 pivots to a certain angle during the pivoting of the end frame 120 from the folded position toward the open position, the abutment surface 152 of the projection 151 of the living hinge 150 comes into contact with the lock block 161, and thereafter the end frame 120 continues to pivot outward, and the lock block 161 is pressed by the living hinge 150 and moves outward, so that the locking mechanism 160 rotates clockwise outward about the frame pin 164.

As shown in FIG. 10, when the end frame 120 is about to reach or has reached the open position, the abutment surface 15 of the living hinge 150 disengages from the lock block 161. At this time, the center of gravity of the locking mechanism 160 is still not turned over the vertical plane on which the axis of the bracket pin 164 is located, so that the locking mechanism 160 rotates counterclockwise around the bracket pin 164 under its own weight, and simultaneously, the locking piece 161 is fed between the protrusion 151 and the latch 143, i.e., into the notch 192.

When the abutment surface 15 of the living hinge 150 is disengaged from the lock block 161, the pivoting angle of the locking mechanism 160 is less than its maximum preset angle, which is insufficient to allow the first support bar 174 to automatically enter the first notch 178, so that the locking mechanism 160 can automatically enter the locking position under its own weight.

As shown in fig. 11, a pulling force is applied to the pull ring 163 to rotate the locking mechanism 160 clockwise outward about the bracket pin 164, and when the maximum predetermined rotation angle is reached, the first positioning rod 173 is rotated by its own weight to feed the first support rod 174 into the first notch 178 to support the locking mechanism 160 in the release position, at which time the end bracket 120 may be folded inward to pivot the end bracket 120 to the folded position.

Second embodiment

A hinge device of a folding container according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to fig. 12 to 18.

The hinge device according to the second embodiment has substantially the same structure as the hinge device 130 according to the first embodiment except for the positioning member 270, and only the differences will be described in detail herein for the sake of brevity.

In this embodiment, as shown in fig. 12 to 14, the positioning member 270 is at least partially pivotably provided on the fixed hinge 240. Specifically, the positioning assembly 270 includes at least one second stopper pin 271 provided on the living hinge 250, a second turnover pin 272 provided on the wall plate 241, and a ratchet 273 and a handle 274 provided on the second turnover pin 272, the ratchet 273 and the handle 274 being pivotably provided inside and outside the wall plate 241 via the second turnover pin 272, respectively, the second stopper pin 271 serving to limit the rotation range of the ratchet 273. Specifically, the second blocking pin 271 and the second tumble pin 272 may be configured substantially in a circular columnar structure, and the second blocking pin 271 and the second tumble pin 272 may be disposed in parallel with the pivot mechanism 254.

Ratchet 273 includes a third extension 275 and a fourth extension 276 connected to and angularly disposed from third extension 275. The third and

fourth extensions

275 and 276 extend in a plane perpendicular to the second tumble pin 272. The third extension 275 can abut the second catch 271 and the fourth extension 276 can abut the edge plate 265 to position the locking mechanism 260 in the release position.

The operation of the hinge device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to fig. 15 to 18.

As shown in FIG. 15, living hinge 250 is correspondingly in a first position when the end frame is in the collapsed position. At this time, the position of the center of gravity of the lock mechanism 260 is on the side of the vertical plane on which the axis of the bracket pin 264 is located, which is close to the pivot mechanism 254, i.e., on the left side in fig. 15. The locking mechanism 260 is maintained in the position shown in fig. 15 by gravity. The ratchet 273 naturally sags by gravity.

As shown in fig. 16, during pivoting of the end frame from the folded position toward the open position, when the end frame is pivoted to a certain angle, the abutment face 252 of the projection 251 of the living hinge 250 comes into contact with the lock block 261, after which the end frame continues to pivot outward, the lock block 261 is pressed by the living hinge 250 and moves outward, so that the locking mechanism 260 rotates clockwise outward about the support pin 264.

As shown in FIG. 17, when the end frame is about to reach or has reached the open position, abutment surface 252 of living hinge 250 disengages from lock block 261. At this time, the center of gravity of the locking mechanism 260 still does not turn over the vertical plane on which the axis of the bracket pin 264 is located, so that the locking mechanism 260 rotates counterclockwise around the bracket pin 264 under the action of its own gravity, and simultaneously the locking piece 261 is fed between the protruding portion 251 and the locking piece 243. There is no contact between the ratchet teeth 273 and the locking mechanism 260 so that the locking mechanism 260 automatically enters the locked position under its own weight.

As shown in fig. 18, when a pulling force is applied to the pulling ring 263 and the locking mechanism 260 is pivoted outward from its locking position to a maximum preset angle, a force is simultaneously applied to the handle 274 so that the ratchet 273 is rotated about the second turnover pin 272 until the fourth extension 276 reaches below the side plate 265, at which time the third extension 275 contacts the second stopper pin 271 to prevent the handle 274 from further rotating, and the side plate 265 snaps over the fourth extension 276 of the ratchet 273 to prevent the locking mechanism 260 from returning to its original position. At this time, the locking mechanism 260 can be maintained in the release position after the pulling force applied to the pulling ring 263 is removed.

When the locking mechanism 260 is in the release position, application of a force to the handle 274 to rotate the handle 274 in the opposite direction, or pivoting the living hinge toward the folded position, causes the fourth extensions 276 of the ratchet teeth 273 to move away from under the side plates 265 and clear of the side plates 265, the locking mechanism 260 automatically returning to its locked position under its own weight.

Third embodiment

A hinge device of a folding container according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to fig. 19 to 25.

In the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the lock mechanism 360 is movable in a horizontal direction integrally with respect to the fixed hinge 340 by an external force.

As shown in fig. 19, the fixed hinge 340 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same structure as the fixed hinge 140 according to the first embodiment, and in addition to this, as shown in fig. 19, the fixed hinge 340 according to the present embodiment further includes a supporting block 344. The supporting block 344 is disposed below the latching block 343 and spaced apart from the latching block 343. The support block 344 is fixedly disposed with the wall plate 341.

As shown in fig. 21, the locking mechanism 360 includes a bracket 362, and a lock 361 is coupled to the bracket 362. Specifically, the locking piece 361 and the bracket 362 may be integrally formed as one piece or fixedly connected together. The locking mechanism 360 includes at least one spring 368 disposed between the latch block 343 and the bracket 362 or between the support block 344 and the bracket 362. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the locking mechanism 360 includes two pairs of springs 368, wherein one pair of springs 368 is disposed between the latch block 343 and the bracket 362, and the other pair of springs 368 is disposed between the support block 344 and the bracket 362. When the pull ring 163 is pulled outward, the locking mechanism 360 is integrally moved in the horizontal direction.

Specifically, at least one of the latch block 343 and the support block 344 is provided with a first spring guide 345. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the first spring rail 345 is disposed on the latching block 343 and the supporting block 344, respectively, and the second spring rail 369 is correspondingly disposed on the bracket 362. The first spring rail 345 and the second spring rail 369 extend in a horizontal direction and are configured substantially in a circular cylindrical structure. The two ends of the spring 368 are respectively sleeved on the first spring guide 345 and the second spring guide 369. In the present embodiment, the spring 368 is a coil compression spring.

As shown in fig. 20, the positioning assembly 370 includes a third turning pin 372 and at least one third blocking pin 371 provided on the living hinge 350, and a second positioning rod 373 provided on the third turning pin 372, the second positioning rod 373 being pivotably provided on the living hinge 350 via the third turning pin 372, and the third blocking pin 371 being used to limit a rotation range of the second positioning rod 373. Two third catch pins 371 are shown by way of example in this embodiment.

The second positioning rod 373 includes a fifth extension 375 and a sixth extension 376 connected to and disposed at an angle with the fifth extension 375, and a third flipping pin 372 is disposed at the connection of the fifth extension 375 and the sixth extension 376. The fifth extension 375 is provided with a second gap 378. The locking mechanism 360 correspondingly includes a second support bar 364 (see fig. 21) provided on the bracket 362. The second support rod 364 is configured as a circular cylindrical structure and is disposed at an end of the holder 362 away from the locking piece 361. The second notch 378 is configured to receive the second support bar 364 such that the second support bar 364 supports the locking mechanism 360 in the released position.

As shown in fig. 22, when the end frame is in the folded position, the living hinge 350 is correspondingly in the first position, and the second positioning rod 373 naturally hangs down under the action of gravity.

As shown in fig. 23, when the end frame is pivoted to a certain angle during the pivoting of the end frame from the folded position toward the opened position, the abutting surface 352 of the projection 351 of the living hinge 350 comes into contact with the lock 361, and thereafter the end frame continues to pivot outward, and the lock 361 is pressed by the living hinge 350 and moves outward in the horizontal direction, so that the lock mechanism 360 is integrally moved outward in the horizontal direction.

As shown in fig. 24, when the end frame is about to reach or has reached the open position, the abutment surface 352 of the living hinge 350 disengages the lock 361. Because the stroke of the movable hinge 350 to extrude the locking piece 361 is small, the second supporting rod 364 can not enter the second notch 378 all the time, so that the locking piece 361 can be sent between the protrusion 351 and the latch 343 under the action of the elastic tension of the spring 368, that is, the locking mechanism 360 automatically returns to the locking position under the action of the elastic tension of the spring 368.

As shown in fig. 25, when a pulling force is applied to the pulling ring 363, the locking piece 361 can reach a larger stroke position under the pulling force, so that the second supporting rod 364 enters the second notch 378. When the pulling force applied to the pull ring 363 is removed, the second support bar 364 supports the locking mechanism 360 in the release position, at which time the end frame can be folded inwardly, pivoting the end frame to the folded position.

When the locking mechanism 360 is in the release position, an external force is applied to the sixth extension 376 to rotate the second positioning rod 373 in the opposite direction, the second supporting rod 364 is disengaged from the second notch 378, and the locking mechanism 360 automatically returns to the locking position under the elastic pulling force of the spring 368.

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Terms such as "disposed" and the like, as used herein, may refer to one element being directly attached to another element or one element being attached to another element through intervening elements. Features described herein in one embodiment may be applied to another embodiment, either alone or in combination with other features, unless the feature is otherwise inapplicable or otherwise stated in the other embodiment.

The present invention has been described in terms of the above embodiments, but it is to be understood that the above embodiments are for purposes of illustration and description only and are not intended to limit the invention to the described embodiments. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many more modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching and are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A hinge assembly for a collapsible container, comprising:

fixing the hinge;

a pivoting mechanism;

2. The hinge assembly of claim 1, wherein the living hinge includes a projection disposed at an outer end of the living hinge, the projection including a bearing surface, the projection being capable of abutting and pushing the lock piece away from the locking position during pivoting of the living hinge from the first position to the second position, the bearing surface being capable of abutting the lock piece when the living hinge is in the second position.

3. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein the projection further comprises an abutment surface capable of abutting and pushing the lock piece away from the locked position during pivoting of the living hinge from the first position to the second position.

4. The hinge assembly of claim 3, wherein the abutment surface is disposed obliquely upward toward an outer end of the hinge assembly when the living hinge is in the second position.

5. The hinge assembly of claim 2, wherein the fixed hinge includes a wall plate having a notch therein that is open toward an outer end, and wherein the lock block is captured in a height direction between the support surface and a top surface of the notch when the living hinge is in the second position.

6. The hinge assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein a latch is disposed at a top of the notch, the latch is fixedly connected to the wall plate, and when the living hinge is at the second position, the latch is vertically retained between the supporting surface and a bottom surface of the latch.

7. The hinge assembly of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is pivotably connected to the fixed hinge.

8. The hinge assembly of claim 7, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a bracket and a bracket pin, the bracket is pivotally disposed on the fixed hinge via the bracket pin, and the lock block is movably retained on the bracket.

9. The hinge assembly of claim 8, wherein the bracket includes a side plate and an end plate connected to the side plate, the side plate being disposed laterally of the living hinge and between the wall plate and the living hinge, the lock block being movably captured between the side plate and the end plate.

10. The hinge device of claim 9,

the contact surfaces of the side plates and the end plates with the locking blocks are arc-shaped surfaces protruding outwards, or the contact surfaces of the locking blocks with the side plates and the end plates are arc-shaped surfaces protruding outwards, so that the locking blocks can turn over around the support pin shaft and can turn over around the support pin shaft,

and/or the like and/or,

11. The hinge assembly of claim 9, wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a pull ring pivotally disposed on the lock block, the locking mechanism moving integrally relative to the fixed hinge when the pull ring is pulled outwardly and being movable from the locked position to the released position.

12. The hinge device according to claim 11, wherein an avoiding hole for avoiding the tab is provided on the end plate, and when the tab is pulled outward through the avoiding hole, the locking mechanism integrally rotates around the bracket pin.

13. The hinge assembly of claim 9, further comprising a positioning assembly for positioning the lock block in the release position.

14. The hinge assembly of claim 13, wherein the positioning component is disposed on at least one side of the living hinge and is at least partially pivotable relative to the living hinge.

15. The hinge assembly of claim 14, wherein the positioning assembly includes a first flip pin and at least one first stopper pin disposed on the living hinge, a first positioning lever disposed on the first flip pin, the first positioning lever being pivotably disposed on the living hinge via the first flip pin, and a first support bar disposed on the first positioning lever, the first stopper pin being configured to limit a range of rotation of the first positioning lever.

16. The hinge assembly of claim 15, wherein the first positioning rod includes a first extension and a second extension connected to the first extension and disposed at an angle, the first flip pin is disposed at a connection of the first extension and the second extension, and the first support bar is disposed on the second extension.

17. The hinge assembly of claim 16, wherein the side plate has a first notch at a bottom side for receiving the first support bar such that the first support bar positions the locking mechanism in the release position.

18. The hinge assembly of claim 13, wherein the positioning assembly is at least partially pivotably disposed on the fixed hinge.

19. The hinge assembly of claim 18, wherein the positioning assembly includes at least one second stop pin disposed on the living hinge, a second roll-over pin disposed on the wall panel, and a ratchet tooth and a handle disposed on the second roll-over pin, the ratchet tooth and the handle being pivotally disposed on an inner side and an outer side of the wall panel, respectively, via the second roll-over pin, the second stop pin for limiting a range of rotation of the ratchet tooth.

20. The hinge assembly of claim 19, wherein the ratchet includes a third extension adapted to abut the second stop pin and a fourth extension connected to and angled from the third extension and adapted to abut the side plate to position the locking mechanism in the release position.

21. The hinge assembly of claim 6, wherein the locking mechanism is movable in a horizontal direction integrally with respect to the fixed hinge by an external force.

22. The hinge assembly of claim 21, wherein the fixed hinge includes a support block disposed below and spaced apart from the bracket, the support block being fixedly disposed with the wall plate, the locking mechanism including a bracket and at least one spring, the locking block being connected to the bracket, the spring being disposed between the bracket and/or the support block and the bracket.

23. The hinge assembly of claim 22, wherein at least one of the latch block and the support block has a first spring rail disposed thereon, the bracket has a second spring rail disposed thereon, and two ends of the spring are respectively disposed on the first spring rail and the second spring rail.

24. The hinge assembly of claim 23, further comprising a positioning assembly disposed on at least one side of the living hinge and at least partially pivotable relative to the living hinge.

25. The hinge assembly of claim 24, wherein the positioning assembly includes a third flip pin and at least one third stop pin disposed on the living hinge, and a second positioning lever disposed on the third flip pin, the second positioning lever being pivotably disposed on the living hinge via the third flip pin, the third stop pin being configured to limit a range of rotation of the second positioning lever.

26. The hinge assembly of claim 25, wherein the second positioning rod includes a fifth extension and a sixth extension connected to and angled from the fifth extension, and wherein the third flipping pin is disposed at a connection of the fifth extension and the sixth extension.

27. The hinge assembly of claim 26, wherein a second notch is provided in the fifth extension, and wherein the locking mechanism includes a second support bar provided on the bracket, the second notch being configured to receive the second support bar such that the second support bar supports the locking mechanism in the release position.

28. A collapsible container comprising a base frame and an end frame, wherein a hinge arrangement as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27 is provided between the base frame and the end frame, the living hinge being fixedly connected to the end frame and the fixed hinge being fixedly connected to the base frame such that the end frame is movable between a collapsed position folded onto the base frame and an open position perpendicular to the base frame.