EP1459993A1 - Caisse pliable - Google Patents

Caisse pliable Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1459993A1
EP1459993A1 EP03394031A EP03394031A EP1459993A1 EP 1459993 A1 EP1459993 A1 EP 1459993A1 EP 03394031 A EP03394031 A EP 03394031A EP 03394031 A EP03394031 A EP 03394031A EP 1459993 A1 EP1459993 A1 EP 1459993A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
crate
side walls
side wall
base
resting
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Withdrawn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
EP03394031A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Patrick Kelly
Adrian Thomas
Duncan Mcinnes
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.)
Aspen Investment (Corporation) Ltd
Original Assignee
Aspen Investment (Corporation) Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Aspen Investment (Corporation) Ltd filed Critical Aspen Investment (Corporation) Ltd
Priority to EP03394031A priority Critical patent/EP1459993A1/fr
Priority to PCT/IE2004/000037 priority patent/WO2004083058A1/fr
Publication of EP1459993A1 publication Critical patent/EP1459993A1/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Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • 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
    • B65D19/08—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 metal
    • B65D19/12—Collapsible pallets
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00059—Metal
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
    • B65D2519/00164—Metal
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00189—Materials for the lid or cover
    • B65D2519/00199—Metal
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00502—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of two or more pieces
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00512—Overall construction of the side walls skeleton type
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
    • B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
    • B65D2519/00611—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls maintained connected to each other by means of auxiliary locking elements, e.g. spring loaded locking pins
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00656—Structures intended to be disassembled by means of hinges separately formed
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00661—Structures intended to be disassembled side walls maintained connected to pallet by means of auxiliary locking elements, e.g. spring loaded locking pins
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00706—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts
    • B65D2519/00711—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts removable lid or covers
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00965—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to crates and more particularly to crates for intermediate bulk containers, (IBC's).
  • IBC's intermediate bulk containers
  • Wooden crates can be disassembled but parts can easily become separated from the unit when a large number of crates are involved, thus rendering the remaining parts of the crate useless. It is also time consuming to assemble and disassemble non-connected parts of a crate adding further expense to the overall haulage operation. Furthermore, wooden crates do not meet the health and safety standards in Europe and therefore an alternative crate is required for the European market. There is clearly a need for a method of reducing the cost involved in returning empty crates to their supplier.
  • the present invention seeks to alleviate the disadvantages associated with existing crates.
  • the present invention provides a collapsible crate which can be adapted between an in-use mode in which the crate is being used to contain produce and a storage mode in which the crate is empty, the crate comprising a base having a plurality of sides and a corresponding number of side walls, wherein when the crate is in the in-use mode, the side walls extend upwardly from the base, generally perpendicular thereto, and when the crate is in the storage mode, the side walls lay resting on each other, parallel to the base, with the lowermost side wall resting on the base.
  • the crate of the invention has the advantage that it folds down to 1/5 to 1/3 of its size in the in-use mode when folded down into the storage mode.
  • the crate includes means for moving the side walls from their in-use position in which the side walls extend upwardly from the base into their storage position in which the side walls lay resting on each other, with the lower most side wall resting directly on the base.
  • the side walls of the collapsible crate are put under substantial outward pressure due to the products stored within the crate and in order to maintain the products in a secure environment, the side walls of the crate must be safely secured together when the crate is full.
  • two of the side walls are held in position by the other two side walls so as to provide the crate with additional structural integrity and reduce the risk of produce contained therein, spilling out of the crate.
  • the means for securely holding the side walls together comprises a locking means provided on the side walls to maintain the side walls in the upright position when the crate is in the in-use mode.
  • the locking means comprises interengaging formations provided on corresponding locations of the side walls.
  • the interengaging formation comprise a plurality of substantially j-shaped hooks provided along two opposing edges of two directly opposed side walls of the crate, and a corresponding plurality of eyes provided along two opposed sides of the other two side walls.
  • the side walls, base and lid are designed to withstand high stress and strain values due to the weight of the crates when full of produce.
  • the IBC's may be stacked up to six crates high. When a crate is full, each crate can weigh up to 2 tonnes with an internal pressure of 6 psi. If the crate contains concentrate, the crate and its contents can be kept in cold storage for up to 6 months, stacked 6 crates high.
  • the crate of the invention has the advantage that it is able to withstand substantial forces, as crates must be able to support other crates, particularly the lowermost crate in a stacked arrangement. Furthermore, the crate of the invention is strong enough to resist bulging of frozen contents.
  • the crate includes a detachable lid which extends across an open top of the crate to seal it fully when the crate is in the in-use mode.
  • the lid includes a tamper evident seal to clearly show if the crate has been opened so that users are made aware of any unauthorised access to the contents of the crate.
  • the lid has an associated locking device.
  • This locking device may incorporate an electronic release mechanism requiring an access code which is transmitted independently of the crate. Thus, access to the contents is prohibited until an appropriate code is entered.
  • the crate incorporates an inflatable compartment.
  • the compartment may be inflated to facilitate discharge of crate contents.
  • a compartment may be provided in each side wall and also in the base.
  • the compartments may also be partially inflated to protect delicate contents where appropriate.
  • the crate incorporates elevation means for raising the crate to a predefined position to facilitate discharge of crate contents.
  • the crate incorporates a draining point.
  • This draining point may be provided as a tap, access pipe or indeed as a connector formed for complementary engagement with a pump or other discharge mechanism.
  • the connector may be formed for engagement with a discharge outlet on a tractor, thus, if the crate is used to transport material intended for spreading by tractor the crate may be simply mounted on the tractor.
  • the use of a draining port reduces the amount of litter such as seed and fertiliser bags scattered around farms.
  • the sealed bags in the crate also remove any possibility of the fertiliser clumping together into unworkable lumps as a result of exposure to the elements.
  • heating and cooling elements may be located on the base of the crate. This allows material such as animal fat or dairy products to be maintained at a desired temperature during transportation and storage.
  • the crate 1 comprises a generally square shaped base 2 which is supported on a pallet 3.
  • the pallet 3 is formed fully integrated with the crate 1.
  • the crate 1 also includes four side walls, namely a first side wall 4, a second side wall 5, a third side wall 6 and a fourth side wall 7.
  • Each of these side walls 4, 5, 6, 7 is moveable between an in-use position which is employed when the crate is being used to transport and store produce and a storage position which is employed when the crate is empty and is itself being transported to a given location or in storage.
  • the side walls 4,5,6,7 When in the in-use position, the side walls 4,5,6,7 are extending upwardly from the base 2 and generally perpendicular thereto, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 and when the crate is in storage mode, the side walls 4,5,6,7, are collapsed and lay horizontally resting on each other, parallel to the base, with the lowermost side wall namely, the third side wall 6, resting directly on the base 2, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.
  • the crate 1 also includes a lid 30 which is fully detachable from the crate 1.
  • the lid fits over the side walls 4,5,6,7, when the side walls are upstanding and assembled in the in-use position and the lid 30 also fits over the collapsed side walls 4,5,6,7 when arranged horizontally on the base 2.
  • Lids 30 can alternatively be stacked together.
  • the lid 30 includes a safety stacking feature, provided by four studs 31, 32 33, 34 standing proud of the lid 30. The manner in which the studs provide a safety-stacking feature will be described below particularly in relation to Figures 15 and 16.
  • the pallet 3 At two sides of the base 2, along which the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 are provided, the pallet 3 includes side beams 34, one side beam 34 at each of the two sides.
  • Each side beam 34 includes a pair of support feet 33.
  • the base 2 includes a pair of side struts 10 extending upwardly along two sides of the base, namely along the sides of the base along which the third side wall 6 and the fourth side wall 7 are provided.
  • the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 are mounted about the base using floating hinges 11, 12 respectively.
  • the floating hinges 11, 12 essentially consist of a slot/cam arrangement comprising a pair of substantially L-shaped slots 13, 14, respectively, provided at opposed ends of each of the side struts 10, together with respective pins 15, 16 carried on triangular shaped arms 17 connected to the first side wall and the second side wall 5, respectively, the respective pins 15, 16 being moveable in the generally L-shaped slots 13, 14 respectively to allow the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 to be moveable between the in-use position and the storage position.
  • the third side wall 6 and the fourth side wall 7 are pivotally mounted on the base 2 by means of hinges comprising five blocks of two roll pins shown clearly in Figure 18.
  • the hinges of five blocks of two roll pins which connect the fourth side wall 7 to the base 2 and allow pivotal movement of the fourth side wall 7 relative to the base 2, are shown in Figure 18 and are indicated by numerals 701, 702; 703, 704; 705, 706; 707, 708; 809, 710.
  • the same arrangement of hinges is provided along the lower edge of the third side wall 6 to allow pivotable movement thereof relative to the base 2.
  • the fourth side wall 7 is provided with five hooks along two edges thereof, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75; 71', 72', 73', 74', 75'. These hooks are interengageable with five "eyes" 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 provided at corresponding locations along generally C-shaped channel members 48, provided at one end of the first side wall 4. Likewise, the five hooks 71', 72', 73', 74', 75' provided at the opposed edge of the fourth side wall 7 are interengageable with five "eyes" 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 provided at corresponding locations along the generally C-shaped channel member 58 provided at one end of the second side wall 5.
  • the fourth side wall 7 is interengageable at one side with the first side wall 4 and at the other side, the fourth side wall 7 is interengageable with the second wall 5.
  • the third side wall 6 is interengageable along one edge thereof with the first side wall 4 by means of five hooks (not shown) provided on the third side wall 6 interengageable with "eyes" 41', 42', 43', 44', 45' provided in generally C-shaped channel member 48'.
  • the third side wall 6 is interengageable with the second side wall 5 by means of five hooks 61', 62', 63', 64', 65' interengageable with five respective eyes (not shown), provided in the generally C-shaped channel member 58'.
  • the lid 30 is removed and the first side wall 4 is firstly moved upwardly and outwardly by means of the floating hinges 11 provided on each of the side struts 10.
  • the upward movement releases the hooks (not shown) of the third side wall 6 and the hooks (71, 72, 73, 74, 75) of the fourth side wall 7 from the respective eyes (41', 42', 43', 44', 45') and (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) at each end of the first side wall 4.
  • the second side wall 5 is then moved upwardly and outwardly about hinges 12 provided on each of the side struts 10, thereby disengaging hooks 71', 72', 73', 74' and 75' on the fourth side wall 7 and hooks (61; other hooks not shown) on the third side wall 6 from the "eyes" provided on the second wall 5.
  • the outward movement of the first side wall 4 and the second side wall 5 provides clearance for, initially, the third side wall 6 to be pivoted about hinges (not shown) from the upright position as shown in Figures 2 to the horizontal position in which it is resting on the base as shown in Figure 4.
  • the fourth side wall 7 is then pivoted about hinges (701 to 710) and moved from the upright position into a horizontal position where it is resting on the already horizontally lying third side wall 6.
  • the first side wall 4 is then moved from the upright position into the horizontal position in which it is resting on the fourth side wall 7 and finally the second side wall 5 is moved into the horizontal position in which it is resting on the first side wall 4.
  • each of the horizontally lying side walls is protected by the side struts 10.
  • the lid 30 is then fitted over the side struts 10 thereby securing the horizontally lying side walls 4,5,6,7, sandwiched between the base 2 and the lid 30.
  • the lid 30 is removed and the second side wall 5 is raised about floating hinges 12 into a generally upright position but extending outwardly from the base as shown in Figures 5.
  • the first side wall 4 is then raised about floating hinges 11 into a generally upright position but extending outwardly from the base 2.
  • the fourth side wall 7 and the third side wall 6 are then raised into an upright position by an operator.
  • the second side wall 5 is pushed inwardly and downwardly so that the hooks 61', 62', 63', 64', 65' on the third side wall 6 and the hooks 71', 72', 73', 74', 75' engage in the respective eyes provided along the generally C-shaped channel members 58, 58' of the second side wall 5 thereby securing the second side wall 5 to the third and fourth side walls 6, 7 repsectively.
  • first side wall 4 is pushed inwardly and downwardly so that the hooks 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 on the fourth side wall 7 engage in the eyes 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 provided along the generally C-shaped channel member 48 of first side wall 4 and the hooks (not shown) on the third side wall 6 engage in eyes 41', 42', 43', 44', 45' provided at the opposed end of the first side wall 4 thereby securing the first side wall 4 to the fourth side wall 7 and to the third side wall 6.
  • the crate 1 is now ready to be loaded with products/produce as shown in Figure 2.
  • the lid 30 may be located in position over the open top of the crate 1 thereby providing a secure environment for the products/produce to be transported/stored in the crate 1.
  • the comer generally C-shaped channel members 48,48', 58,58' can be accommodated in recesses (not shown) provided in the lid 30. As a safety feature, the hooks are visible to an operator and the lid cannot be fitted on unless the side walls 4, 5, 6, 7 are correctly in place.
  • FIG. 14 the stacking arrangement for filled assembled crates will be described.
  • a crate 1 as shown in Figures 14 is stacked on top of another crate 1 as shown in Figure 15.
  • the studs 31 provided on the lid 30 rest inside the feet 33 of the pallet 3 as shown in Figures 15 and shown in more detail in Figure 16.
  • This secure stacking arrangement negates the need for belts or straps around stacked containers.
  • the crate 1 itself must be as light as possible. This is especially important when in the storage mode, so as to reduce shipping costs.
  • the lid 30 is made from plastic material, making it highly robust.
  • the studs 31 provide a safety stacking feature as well as adding strength to the lid.
  • the C-shaped channel members 48, 48', 58, 58' provided at the comers of the crate 1 are made from aluminium.
  • a dispenser is fitted to one of the walls of the crate so that liquid housed in the crate can be dispensed directly from the crate.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
EP03394031A 2003-03-19 2003-03-19 Caisse pliable Withdrawn EP1459993A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03394031A EP1459993A1 (fr) 2003-03-19 2003-03-19 Caisse pliable
PCT/IE2004/000037 WO2004083058A1 (fr) 2003-03-19 2004-03-19 Caisse pliable

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Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1790575A1 (fr) * 2005-11-25 2007-05-30 Intersource Product Development Ltd Conteneur pliable
CN103523328A (zh) * 2012-07-02 2014-01-22 江苏立华塑料制品有限公司 周转筐
CN103625728A (zh) * 2013-10-31 2014-03-12 苏州富士德物流设备有限公司 一种箱式托盘

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997031832A1 (fr) * 1996-03-01 1997-09-04 Cfs Developments Cc Conteneur repliable
US6029839A (en) * 1998-08-05 2000-02-29 Mansouri; Hossein Collapsible shipping container
EP1043239A2 (fr) * 2000-06-16 2000-10-11 VSI Holding A/S Récipient à parois repliables
US6234315B1 (en) * 1997-11-25 2001-05-22 Ladislav Stephan Karpisek Collapsible container with detachably hinged side panels
US6415938B1 (en) * 1998-07-07 2002-07-09 Ladislav Stephan Karpisek Containers
WO2002074642A1 (fr) * 2001-03-16 2002-09-26 Transkool International Pty Ltd Conteneur de fret pliable a base de materiau isolant

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1997031832A1 (fr) * 1996-03-01 1997-09-04 Cfs Developments Cc Conteneur repliable
US6234315B1 (en) * 1997-11-25 2001-05-22 Ladislav Stephan Karpisek Collapsible container with detachably hinged side panels
US6415938B1 (en) * 1998-07-07 2002-07-09 Ladislav Stephan Karpisek Containers
US6029839A (en) * 1998-08-05 2000-02-29 Mansouri; Hossein Collapsible shipping container
EP1043239A2 (fr) * 2000-06-16 2000-10-11 VSI Holding A/S Récipient à parois repliables
WO2002074642A1 (fr) * 2001-03-16 2002-09-26 Transkool International Pty Ltd Conteneur de fret pliable a base de materiau isolant

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1790575A1 (fr) * 2005-11-25 2007-05-30 Intersource Product Development Ltd Conteneur pliable
CN103523328A (zh) * 2012-07-02 2014-01-22 江苏立华塑料制品有限公司 周转筐
CN103625728A (zh) * 2013-10-31 2014-03-12 苏州富士德物流设备有限公司 一种箱式托盘

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