EP0690003A1 - Conteneur repliable - Google Patents

Conteneur repliable Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0690003A1
EP0690003A1 EP95113085A EP95113085A EP0690003A1 EP 0690003 A1 EP0690003 A1 EP 0690003A1 EP 95113085 A EP95113085 A EP 95113085A EP 95113085 A EP95113085 A EP 95113085A EP 0690003 A1 EP0690003 A1 EP 0690003A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
container
walls
base
end walls
sidewalls
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95113085A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Robert M. Blinstrub
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.)
OTTO INDUSTRIES Inc
Original Assignee
OTTO INDUSTRIES Inc
Otto Industries Inc
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
Priority claimed from US08/159,085 external-priority patent/US5398835A/en
Priority claimed from US08/158,755 external-priority patent/US5467885A/en
Application filed by OTTO INDUSTRIES Inc, Otto Industries Inc filed Critical OTTO INDUSTRIES Inc
Publication of EP0690003A1 publication Critical patent/EP0690003A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D7/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal
    • B65D7/12—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls
    • B65D7/24—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of metal characterised by wall construction or by connections between walls collapsible, e.g. with all parts detachable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
    • B65D11/1833—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to the base panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
    • B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
    • B65D19/18—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D25/005—Side walls formed with an aperture or a movable portion arranged to allow removal or insertion of contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00119—Materials for the construction of the reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00139—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318—Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00348—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface of other form
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00636—Connections structures connecting side walls to the pallet
    • B65D2519/00641—Structures intended to be disassembled
    • B65D2519/00646—Structures intended to be disassembled by means of hinges
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00805—Means for facilitating the removal of the load
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00865—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected
    • B65D2519/00875—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls
    • B65D2519/009—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to the base panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/00955—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable
    • B65D2519/0096—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when empty
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/00955—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable
    • B65D2519/00965—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded
    • B65D2519/00975—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded through the side walls

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a material handling container of the type for packaging, shipping, and inventorying goods. More specifically, the invention relates to a reusable, molded thermoplastic container which is collapsible when empty and stackable in either the collapsed or upright position in order to reduce the space required to ship or inventory goods stored in the container.
  • Containers of the type disclosed in the patents listed above are made of plastic and are generally the largest of their class having dimensions ranging from approximately 40-45 inches in width, x approximately 48 inches in length, x approximately 25-39 inches in height.
  • each wall and base of such containers are molded separately using a structural foam molding process. Mold tooling costs are an important factor in the design of a collapsible container. Reducing the number of tools required to mold the walls and base of the container can lower the up-front capital expenditures and therefore the cost of the container.
  • Each of the containers disclosed in the patents listed above also include structure at the juncture between adjacent walls which help hold the walls together when the walls are in their erect and upright position.
  • the Foy et al. '255 patent discloses a series of delta shaped tabs on the sidewalls which are received by corresponding openings or sockets on the end walls when the walls are in their upright, erect position.
  • the tabs are molded so as to create a corresponding series of depressions on the opposite side of the sidewall from the tabs. When the container is in its upright position, these depressions form irregular surfaces on the interior of the container.
  • the subject invention overcomes all of these deficiencies in the prior art and meets the above-identified needs in a durable, light-weight, container which can be molded using common tools with shorter cycle times and is capable of successfully handling liquid in bulk.
  • the subject invention is directed toward a material handling container of the type for packaging, shipping and inventorying goods including a base, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of end walls and, optionally, a lid.
  • a hinge defining an axis is associated with each wall and interconnects each wall to the base.
  • Each of the walls are rotatably moveable about their respective hinge axes between a collapsed position wherein the walls are folded one on top of the other and an upright position wherein the walls are extended vertically upward from the base to define an interior of the container.
  • Such a container may be stacked one on top of the other when the container is in either its upright or collapsed position.
  • the hinge axes for opposed sidewalls are disposed in the same plane such that the planes defined by the opposed sidewalls intersect when the sidewalls are in their collapsed position.
  • the hinge axes for the opposed end walls are disposed on the same plane.
  • the base sides for opposed sidewalls define a pair of ramping surfaces forming oppositely opening acute angles with the hinge axes associated with the hinges for the sidewalls for supporting at least one of the opposed end walls along ramping surfaces when the end wall is in its collapsed position.
  • both sidewalls can be molded using the same set of tools.
  • the same can be said with respect to the end walls.
  • the entire container may be molded using only three sets of tools, one each for the side and end walls and one for the base. This greatly reduces the costs of the tooling expenditures.
  • the sidewalls and then the end walls may be folded to their collapsed position in any order.
  • the ramping surfaces provide adequate support for the end walls even when many containers are stacked one upon the other.
  • the material handling container of the subject invention further includes a wall interlocking system on adjacent side and end walls for providing interlocking engagement therebetween when the walls are in their upright position.
  • the wall interlocking system includes terminal portions disposed along either edge of the sidewalls and which define a plane substantially parallel with the plane defined by the sidewalls.
  • the terminal portions are themselves defined by a pair of marginal members disposed in spaced parallel relationship with respect to one another and are parallel to the plane defined by the associated sidewall.
  • the terminal portions further include a plurality of reinforced flanges extending therebetween so as to form box like sections between the marginal members while presenting a smooth planer surface on the surface of the sidewall facing the interior of the container at the terminal portions when the container is in its upright position.
  • the container may be adapted to receive a liner for transporting and storing liquid in bulk without the danger of damage to the liner from contact with rough, irregular surfaces.
  • the terminal portions further include at least one tab extending from the terminal portions in a direction away from the interior of the container and having arcuately shaped conically converging surfaces defining a truncated cone.
  • the wall locking means also includes corner portions disposed along either edge of the end walls and defining a plane which is parallel to the plane defined by an adjacent sidewall when the adjacent side and end walls are in their upright position.
  • the corner portions include at least one socket having arcuately shaped conically converging surfaces corresponding to the tab on the sidewall and adapted to receive this tab and thereby locking the adjacent side and end walls together when these walls are in their upright position.
  • the subject invention is directed toward a collapsible material handling container of the type for packaging, shipping and inventorying goods and is generally shown at 10 in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the container is molded of a thermoplastic material and includes a base, generally indicated at 12, a pair of sidewalls 14 and a pair of end walls 16.
  • Each of the walls 14, 16 are hingedly connected to the base 12 and moveable between a collapsed position wherein the walls are folded one on top of the other as shown in Figure 9 and an upright position wherein the walls extend vertically upward from the base 12 to define an interior 18 of the container 10 as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
  • the base 12 presents a bottom 20 of the container, a portion of which can be seen in Figure 3, and which can take the form of either a solid planer sheet of plastic or a grid-like configuration wherein the interior 18 of the container 10 is exposed to the environment at the base 12.
  • the bottom 20 can be any combination of solid planer sheets or grid-like configuration.
  • the base 12 further includes a series of legs, generally indicated at 22, extending from the bottom 20 of the container.
  • the series of legs includes corner legs 24 located at each of the four corners of the container 10 and intermediate legs 26 disposed between the corner legs 24 along the perimeter of the base 12.
  • Straps 28 extend between the legs 22 and define channels 29 between predetermined legs 22. More specifically, the straps 28 extend between corner legs 24 and intermediate legs 26 to define a pair of channels 29 on each side of the container for receiving the forks of a forklift to facilitate the raising and lowering of a container 10.
  • the base 12 also includes a pair of oppositely disposed short base sides 30 extending upwardly from and integrally with the bottom 20 of the base 12 and corresponding to the sidewalls 14. Similarly, a pair of opposed base sides 32 corresponding to the end walls 16 also extend upwardly from the bottom 20 of the base.
  • each of the sidewalls 14 is hingedly connected through a tongue and groove type hinge, generally indicated at 34, to the upstanding sides 30 of the base 12.
  • each of the end walls 16 is hingedly connected through a tongue and groove type hinge, generally indicated at 36, to the upstanding sides 32 of the base 12.
  • each hinge 34, 36 includes tongues 38 extending from the walls 14, 16 and which are adapted to be received in corresponding grooves or sockets 40 in the base sides 30, 32.
  • Both the tongues 38 and sockets 40 include aligned apertures which receive a rod which forms a hinge axis about which the side and end walls rotate between collapsed and upright positions.
  • At least one of the sidewalls 14 includes a drop door 42 hingedly connected to the sidewall via a tongue and groove type hinge 44 in the same manner that the walls 14, 16 are hinged to the base 12.
  • the drop door 42 is rotatably moveable between an open position as shown in Figure 2 and a closed position wherein the door 42 is latched to the sidewall 14 via latches 46 shown in Figure 3 as is common in the art.
  • the drop door 42 further includes oval shaped tabs 47 disposed along the edges thereof which are received in corresponding sockets 49 in the sidewall 14 at the opening created by the door 42.
  • the drop door 42 provides access to the interior 18 of the container 10 through a sidewall 14 when the container is in its erect, upright position.
  • wall latches 48 are employed to latch adjacent side and end walls together when they are in their upright position.
  • the container 10 also includes a wall interlocking system, generally indicated at 50, located on adjacent side and end walls 14, 16 for providing interlocking engagement therebetween when the walls are in their upright position.
  • the wall locking system 50 includes terminal portions 52 disposed along either edge of the sidewalls 14 defining planes which are substantially parallel to the plane defined by the sidewall 14 associated with the terminal portions 52.
  • the terminal portions 52 include at least one, but preferable a plurality of, tabs, generally indicated at 54, disposed at predetermined spaced intervals along the terminal portions 52 and extending from the terminal portions 52 in a direction away from the interior 18 of the container 10.
  • the tabs 54 have arcuately shaped, conically converging surfaces 56 which define a truncated cone.
  • the arcuate surfaces 56 form an oval shaped tab 54 when viewed in Figure 6.
  • the oval shaped tabs 54 have a longitudinal axis A which is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the bottom 20 of the base 12 when the walls 14 are in their upright position.
  • the wall interlocking system 50 includes corner portions 58 which are disposed along either edge of the end walls 16. As best shown in Figures 1 and 4, the corner portions 58 form wrap-around edges to the container 10 and thus substantially defines a plane which is parallel to the plane defined by the adjacent sidewalls 14 when the adjacent side and end walls are in their upright position.
  • the corner portions 58 includes at least one, but preferably a plurality of, sockets 60 disposed at predetermined spaced intervals along the corner portion 58 and corresponding to the tabs 54.
  • each of the sockets 60 have arcuately shaped, conically converging, oval shaped surfaces corresponding to the tabs 54 which are adapted to receive the tabs in a snug fashion and thereby lock adjacent side and end walls 14, 16 together when the adjacent walls are in their upright position.
  • the arcuately shaped conically converging surfaces of the tabs 54 and the corresponding sockets 60 aid in the interlocking action of the adjacent side and end walls because there are no sharp corners or angle surfaces which require close tolerances in order to precisely interfit.
  • the arcuate surfaces form continuous interlocks about the entire peripheral surfaces of the tabs 54 and sockets 60 which strengthens the corner of the container 10 when in its upright position.
  • the terminal portions 52 are themselves defined by a pair of marginal members 62 which are disposed in spaced parallel relationship with respect to one another and parallel to the plane defined by their associated sidewalls 14.
  • a plurality of reinforcing flanges 64 extend between the marginal members 62 so as to form open ended box-like sections between the marginal members 62.
  • This arrangement strengthens the terminal portions 52 while presenting a smooth planer surface on the surface 66 of the marginal members 62 facing the interior 18 of the container at the terminal portions 52 when the container is in its upright position.
  • the side and end walls 14, 16 present smooth planer surfaces facing the interior of the container even on the surface 66 of the marginal members 62 of the terminal portions 52 of the sidewalls 14.
  • the container 10 is adapted to receive a liner (not shown) which may be employed to inventory and ship liquid in bulk without the danger that the liner will tear, rip or otherwise leak due to contact with sharp or irregular, non-smooth surfaces facing the interior of the container.
  • a liner (not shown) which may be employed to inventory and ship liquid in bulk without the danger that the liner will tear, rip or otherwise leak due to contact with sharp or irregular, non-smooth surfaces facing the interior of the container.
  • the hinges 34 for opposed sidewalls 14 define a pair of axes 68 about which the sidewalls are rotatable between their collapsed and upright positions.
  • the hinges 36 for the opposed end walls 16 define a pair of axes 70 about which the end walls are rotatable between their collapsed and upright positions.
  • the hinge axes 68 for the opposed sidewalls 14 are disposed on a common horizontal plane bisecting these axes 68. When the container 10 is in the collapsed position, the sidewalls 14 are rotated to this position first. Because sidewall hinge axes 68 are on the same plane, the planes defined by the opposed sidewalls 14 intersect when in this position. However, the sidewalls 14 are isolated from any loadbearing responsibility and therefore this arrangement does not degrade the structural integrity of the container.
  • hinge axes 70 for the opposed end walls 16 are also disposed on a common horizontal plane bisecting these axes 70.
  • the plane bisecting the hinge axes 68 is spaced vertically from and parallel to the plane bisecting the hinge axes 70.
  • the end walls 16 are supported as will be discussed in further detail below.
  • the base sides 30 for the opposed sidewalls 14 form a pair of ramping surfaces 72 which define oppositely opening arcuate angles with the sidewall hinge axes 68.
  • the base sides 30 also include horizontal surfaces 74 disposed between the two ramping surfaces 72 and parallel to the hinge axes 68.
  • the base sides 32 for the opposed end walls 16 have an upper marginal edge 76 disposed above each hinge axis 68, 70 which forms a platform surface 78 for supporting another container 10 when one container is stacked on another in the collapsed position.
  • the end wall corner portion 58 includes stacking surfaces 80 forming the terminal edge thereof and which are adapted to rest upon and be supported by the ramping surfaces 72 and a portion of the horizontal surface 74 at an angle to the horizontal when the container 10 is collapsed. However, only the stacking surfaces 80 of the first end wall 16 which is collapsed is supported as described above.
  • the second collapsed end wall 16 is supported as follows.
  • the end walls 16 include wall support surfaces 82 disposed in parallel spaced relationship to the stacking surfaces 80 on the opposite sides of the corner portions 58 from the stacking surfaces 80. A portion of the wall support surfaces 82 on the first collapsed end wall are employed to support the other, second collapsed end wall 16 along the second end walls stacking surface 80 when both end walls are in their collapsed position.
  • the collapsible material handling container as described above is preferably molded of a thermoplastic such as high density polyethylene, or Xenoy®, Cycolac®, Cycoly® or Lexan®, the latter four of which are engineering thermoplastics available from General Electric Company GE Plastics division.
  • the container of the subject invention is not formed using a structural foam molding process. Rather, the walls and base of the subject invention are formed via a gas assist, low pressure injection molding process using the methods and apparatuses as described for example in United States Patent No. 4,824,732 issued to Watson et al. for a Process and Apparatus for Injection Moulding and Mouldings Produced Thereby; United States Patent No.
  • the resulting cross-sectional thickness of any wall or portion of the base can be as little as .150 inches. This reduces the weight of the container as compared with the structural foam molding containers of the prior art, which in turn reduces the time needed to cool the part in the mold and therefore reduces the cycle time and labor needed to mold any given part of the container.
EP95113085A 1993-11-29 1994-11-25 Conteneur repliable Withdrawn EP0690003A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US159085 1993-11-29
US08/159,085 US5398835A (en) 1993-11-29 1993-11-29 Collapsible material handling container having improved corner interlock
US08/158,755 US5467885A (en) 1993-11-29 1993-11-29 Collapsible material handling container
US158755 1993-11-29
EP94308709A EP0655392A3 (fr) 1993-11-29 1994-11-25 Conteneur repliable.

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP94308709.8 Division 1994-11-25

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0690003A1 true EP0690003A1 (fr) 1996-01-03

Family

ID=26855350

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95113085A Withdrawn EP0690003A1 (fr) 1993-11-29 1994-11-25 Conteneur repliable
EP95113086A Withdrawn EP0690004A1 (fr) 1993-11-29 1994-11-25 Conteneur repliable
EP94308709A Withdrawn EP0655392A3 (fr) 1993-11-29 1994-11-25 Conteneur repliable.

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95113086A Withdrawn EP0690004A1 (fr) 1993-11-29 1994-11-25 Conteneur repliable
EP94308709A Withdrawn EP0655392A3 (fr) 1993-11-29 1994-11-25 Conteneur repliable.

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (3) EP0690003A1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH07251838A (fr)
KR (1) KR950013920A (fr)
CN (1) CN1112510A (fr)
AU (1) AU7906894A (fr)
BR (1) BR9404779A (fr)

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DE19614530A1 (de) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-16 Beiner Kunststoffvearbeitung U Zusammenklappbarer Transportbehälter
WO1997049613A1 (fr) * 1996-06-24 1997-12-31 Schoeller International Engineering S.A. Charniere et verrouillage des parois laterales d'un recipient repliable en forme de caisse
EP0962396A1 (fr) * 1998-06-05 1999-12-08 Sergio Tontarelli Casier moulé en plastique avec flans pliables
WO2003078259A1 (fr) * 2002-02-15 2003-09-25 Rehrig Pacific Company Caisse pliante
EP1473240A1 (fr) * 2003-04-09 2004-11-03 Georg Utz Holding AG Conteneur empilable
US7017766B2 (en) 2003-03-10 2006-03-28 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container with side wall latching capability
US7059489B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2006-06-13 Rehrig Pacific Company Portable storage device
US7100786B2 (en) 2003-03-21 2006-09-05 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
US7104414B2 (en) 2002-01-12 2006-09-12 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
GB2426237A (en) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-22 Rehrig Pacific Co Collapsible container with a pallet base and walls hinged such that they fold outwards and inwards on different axis
US7195127B2 (en) 2003-05-13 2007-03-27 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
US7717283B2 (en) 2007-11-06 2010-05-18 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
US7726502B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2010-06-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Container
US7896184B2 (en) 2007-11-26 2011-03-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Crate with collapsible wall
US8066147B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2011-11-29 Rehrig Pacific Company Crate with collapsible wall
US8720692B2 (en) 2007-11-21 2014-05-13 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet
US9278775B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2016-03-08 Rehrig Pacific Company Crate with collapsible wall
US10065763B2 (en) 2016-09-15 2018-09-04 Arena Packaging, Llc Wall latching system
US10167110B2 (en) 2010-05-27 2019-01-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Dual height collapsible container
US10703531B2 (en) 2016-03-11 2020-07-07 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible crate with wood appearance
US10913573B2 (en) 2016-11-17 2021-02-09 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
US11597557B2 (en) 2018-10-04 2023-03-07 Rehrig Pacific Company Reconfigurable beverage crate

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GB9522232D0 (en) * 1995-10-31 1996-01-03 Woodall Plastic Products Ltd Collapsible crate
GB2357078A (en) * 1999-12-09 2001-06-13 Lin Pac Mouldings Collapsible container assembly
JP2003020035A (ja) * 2001-07-09 2003-01-21 Sanko Co Ltd 折り畳みコンテナー
DE102008064366A1 (de) 2008-12-22 2010-06-24 Schoeller Arca Systems Gmbh Großladungsträger
CN102530348B (zh) * 2012-02-13 2014-07-30 上海鸿研物流技术有限公司 隐藏式铰链及使用该铰链的容器
JP6045165B2 (ja) * 2012-03-29 2016-12-14 山九株式会社 物品の物流方法
CN102758572B (zh) * 2012-08-07 2015-08-26 上海鸿研物流技术有限公司 铰链固定结构和隐藏式铰链及容器
CN103693264B (zh) * 2013-10-22 2016-08-17 上海鸿研物流技术有限公司 一种可折叠式容器
IL237267B (en) * 2015-02-16 2019-08-29 Dolav Plastic Products Cooperative Soc Ltd Collapsible container for high loads
ES2850548A1 (es) * 2020-02-27 2021-08-30 Macias Alberto Manchon Contenedor plegable

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US4591065A (en) 1984-09-25 1986-05-27 Foy Dennis M Foldable container assembly
EP0211116A2 (fr) * 1985-06-21 1987-02-25 Xytec Plastics Inc. Récipient de stockage pliable
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US4498860A (en) 1982-08-06 1985-02-12 Mouldmaking Design Centre Limited Injection molding apparatus having a sprue holder with an inclined retractable ram
US4824732A (en) 1983-05-11 1989-04-25 Cinpres Limited Process and apparatus for injection moulding and mouldings produced thereby
US4591065A (en) 1984-09-25 1986-05-27 Foy Dennis M Foldable container assembly
US4674647A (en) 1985-06-21 1987-06-23 Xytec Plastics, Inc. Collapsible storage bin
EP0211116A2 (fr) * 1985-06-21 1987-02-25 Xytec Plastics Inc. Récipient de stockage pliable
US4923079A (en) 1987-03-06 1990-05-08 Ropak Corporation Collapsible container
US4740150A (en) 1987-03-16 1988-04-26 Peerless Cinpres Limited Injection moulding apparatus
US4740150B1 (en) 1987-03-16 1995-07-25 Peerless Cinpres Ltd Injection moulding apparatus
US4923666A (en) 1987-04-28 1990-05-08 Cinpres Limited Method of injection moulding
US4923666B1 (en) 1987-04-28 1995-02-14 Cinpres Ltd Method of injection moulding
US4923667A (en) 1987-09-25 1990-05-08 Cinpres Limited Method and apparatus for injection moulding
US4775068A (en) 1988-01-11 1988-10-04 Xytec Plastics, Inc. Collapsible container with removable access panel
US4917255A (en) 1989-02-24 1990-04-17 J.I.T. Corporation Collapsible container
US5094356A (en) 1990-11-13 1992-03-10 Buckhorn Material Handling Group, Inc. Knock down bulk container

Cited By (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19614530A1 (de) * 1996-04-12 1997-10-16 Beiner Kunststoffvearbeitung U Zusammenklappbarer Transportbehälter
WO1997049613A1 (fr) * 1996-06-24 1997-12-31 Schoeller International Engineering S.A. Charniere et verrouillage des parois laterales d'un recipient repliable en forme de caisse
EP0962396A1 (fr) * 1998-06-05 1999-12-08 Sergio Tontarelli Casier moulé en plastique avec flans pliables
US7104414B2 (en) 2002-01-12 2006-09-12 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
WO2003078259A1 (fr) * 2002-02-15 2003-09-25 Rehrig Pacific Company Caisse pliante
US6863180B2 (en) 2002-02-15 2005-03-08 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
AU2003215008B2 (en) * 2002-02-15 2010-02-04 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
US7059489B2 (en) 2002-10-11 2006-06-13 Rehrig Pacific Company Portable storage device
US7017766B2 (en) 2003-03-10 2006-03-28 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container with side wall latching capability
US7100786B2 (en) 2003-03-21 2006-09-05 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
EP1473240A1 (fr) * 2003-04-09 2004-11-03 Georg Utz Holding AG Conteneur empilable
US7195127B2 (en) 2003-05-13 2007-03-27 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
GB2426237B (en) * 2005-05-17 2008-12-24 Rehrig Pacific Co Pallet
US8052000B2 (en) 2005-05-17 2011-11-08 Rehrig Pacific Company Container
GB2426237A (en) * 2005-05-17 2006-11-22 Rehrig Pacific Co Collapsible container with a pallet base and walls hinged such that they fold outwards and inwards on different axis
US7484634B2 (en) 2005-05-17 2009-02-03 Rehrig Pacific Company Container with collapsible wall
US7726502B2 (en) 2005-11-01 2010-06-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Container
US9278775B2 (en) 2006-12-13 2016-03-08 Rehrig Pacific Company Crate with collapsible wall
US8066147B2 (en) 2007-08-28 2011-11-29 Rehrig Pacific Company Crate with collapsible wall
US7717283B2 (en) 2007-11-06 2010-05-18 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
US8720692B2 (en) 2007-11-21 2014-05-13 Rehrig Pacific Company Pallet
US7896184B2 (en) 2007-11-26 2011-03-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Crate with collapsible wall
US10167110B2 (en) 2010-05-27 2019-01-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Dual height collapsible container
US10703531B2 (en) 2016-03-11 2020-07-07 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible crate with wood appearance
US10065763B2 (en) 2016-09-15 2018-09-04 Arena Packaging, Llc Wall latching system
US10913573B2 (en) 2016-11-17 2021-02-09 Rehrig Pacific Company Collapsible container
US11597557B2 (en) 2018-10-04 2023-03-07 Rehrig Pacific Company Reconfigurable beverage crate

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1112510A (zh) 1995-11-29
EP0655392A2 (fr) 1995-05-31
EP0655392A3 (fr) 1995-08-02
EP0690004A1 (fr) 1996-01-03
AU7906894A (en) 1995-06-08
BR9404779A (pt) 1995-08-08
JPH07251838A (ja) 1995-10-03
KR950013920A (ko) 1995-06-15

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