EP2036825B1

EP2036825B1 - A collapsible container

Info

Publication number: EP2036825B1
Application number: EP08253028.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andrew Christopher Cope; John Stringer
Original assignee: Linpac Allibert Ltd
Current assignee: LA 2012 Ltd
Priority date: 2007-09-13
Filing date: 2008-09-15
Publication date: 2016-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2028-09-15
Also published as: DE202008017658U1; EP2036825A1; GB2452750B; EP2338803B1; EP2338803A1; ES2692330T3; GB0717892D0; ES2606403T3; EP2338803B8; GB2452750A

Description

The present invention relates to a container, and, more particularly, to a collapsible container for consumer-products that has an easily releasable locking mechanism.
Collapsible containers are well known for use in the transport and display of consumer products. Typically, the containers are formed of plastics material and comprise a base, a pair of opposed sidewalls, and a pair of opposed end walls. Both the sidewalls and end walls are hinged to the base at the lower edges thereof, so that the container can be collapsed into a substantially flat position when not in use.
In the container disclosed in co-pending UK Patent application No GB0710088.6 (Attorney Ref: J500390B), the end walls are collapsed by releasing an engagement between the sidewalls and end walls, folding the end walls inwardly by sliding the upper edges of the end walls in arcuate guide channels formed in the inner faces of the sidewalls until the end walls overlie the base, and then folding the sidewalls inwardly to overlie the end walls.
WO 00168099 relates to a collapsible container wherein the side walls and end walls are lockable in an crected position by means of a bolt mechanism. The side walls comprise bolts which engage with corresponding recesses in the adjacent end walls. Resilient fingers or a spring press the bolts towards a locked position and the mechanism is actuated using a "pusb-button" actuator.
EP 1 785 360 describes a collapsible container that may be configured in a collapsed condition or an crected condition. The sidewalls are provided with inwardly extending flanges that help to support the end walls in the erected condition. Each end wall carries a stacking bar which comprises spring elements capable of engaging the flanges.
Various mechanisms are known to provide lockable engagement between the sidewalls and end walls of collapsible containers when in the assembled or erect position. However, known mechanisms can be unreliable or awkward to use, and may require two hands to be used for the release of each end wall. This can make collapsing the containers time-consuming, and may cause irritation to users.
Accordingly, an improved locking mechanism is desired, which provides reliable locking engagement between the sidewalls and end walls of a collapsible container when in the assembled position, but which is more easily released than known mechanisms.
The present invention provides a collapsible container as defined in the claims
The actuator may be mounted above, below or adjacent an aperture in each end wall which defines a handle opening. In this way, the actuators may be easily and simultaneously operated by a user to collapse a container, immediately after handling the container, such as lifting it from one position to another.
The latching mechanism comprises a clip, and the biasing means biases the clip to engage with a complementary recess. The actuator is operable against the biasing means, to disengage the clip from the recess.
In one embodiment, the clip is pivotally mounted on one of a side wall or an end wall, and the recess is formed in the other of the side wall or end wall, and the actuator is operable to pivot the clip to engage and disengage it from the recess.
The actuator may be located in a central portion of an end wall, and the clip and recess provided between the end wall and a flange of the side wall that overlies the end wall in an assembled configuration.
Preferably the biasing means comprises at least one leaf spring, which is compressed against its biasing action by operation of the actuator. For example, the leaf spring may be compressed against a surface of the end wall.
Other preferred and optional features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and accompanying claims.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container;
Figures 10A to 10D are perspective views of a container including a latching mechanism forming a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in different configurations of use;
Figure 11A to 11D are schematic cross sectional views of a first example of a latch for the latching mechanism of Figure 10, in different configurations during disengagement of the latch;
Figure 12A to 12D are schematic cross sectional views along line X-X of the latch of Figure 11, in different configurations during engagement of the latch;
Figure 13A to 13D are schematic cross sectional views of a second example of a latch (bottom view - along line X-X), for the latching mechanism of Figure 10 and the corresponding biasing means and actuator (top view - along line X-X), in different configurations during disengagement of the latch, with the corresponding view of Figures 10A-10D alongside, and
Figure 14A to 14D are similar schematic cross sectional views of the latch, and biasing means and actuator of Figure 13, in different configurations during engagement of the latch, with the corresponding perspective view alongside.

In some of the drawings, for ease of illustration, only parts of a container, and corresponding latching mechanism, are shown and described below. It will be appreciated that the parts not illustrated have a similar or equivalent configuration and operate in a similar manner to the parts shown. In different embodiments, like features have been accorded the same of similar reference numerals.
Figure 1 illustrates a container 10 comprising a rectangular base 12, a pair of opposed sidewalls 14 and 16, and a pair of opposed end walls 18 and 20. Sidewalls 14 and 16, and end walls 18 and 20, are each pivotally mounted by hinges 24, at their lower edges, to the base 12.
Container 10 is typically formed by injection moulding from a suitable plastics material, with a pattern of openings 26 in the base 10 and walls 14 to 20 to minimize the weight of the unfilled container 10. A handle opening 28 is provided in a central, upper area of each side wall 14 and 16 and end wall 18 and 20, for use in carrying the container 10. As the skilled person will appreciate, the shape, configuration and dimensions of the container 10, including the relative proportions and thicknesses of the base 12 and walls 14 to 20 are chosen according to the design requirements. The base 12 and walls 14 to 20, and other parts of container 10, are typically moulded as separate parts and assembled together by snap-fit connection or otherwise.
Container 10 is collapsible from an assembled or erect configuration, as shown in Figure 1, in which a latching mechanism 22 secures the side walls 14, 16 and end walls 18, 20 in locking engagement, to a collapsed position (not shown) in which the end walls 18, 20 are fully folded to overlie the base 12, and the side walls 14, 16 are folded to overlie the end walls 18, 20 so that the container 10 is substantially flat. In particular, the latching mechanism 22 is manually operated by a user to release the end walls 18, 10 from engagement with the side walls 14, 16 so as to permit the end walls to be folded inwardly, by pivoting each end wall about its respective hinge 24 which connects to the base thereof. Once the end walls 18, 20 are fully collapsed to overlie the base 12, the side walls 14, 16 may be folded inwardly to overlie the end walls 18,20.
Figures 10 to 14 show a preferred embodiment of the present invention, which differs from the first and second embodiments in the configuration of the latching member of the latching mechanism as well as in the manner of operation of the latching mechanism. In particular, the latching mechanism operates by rotational movement rather than sliding movement between engaged arc released positions.
In accordance with this third, preferred embodiment, the latching mechanism 222 comprises a latching member, which is configured as a catch 232. In particular, the catch comprises a clip 234, mounted on each end wall 218, 220 (not shown) of a container 210, which is configured to be engaged in complementary hooks 214 formed on the inner faces of the opposed sidewalls 214 and 216. The latching mechanism 222 is operated by a pivotable lever 266 located on the end wall and associated with the catch 232 located at each end of the end wall. Two possible configurations of the catch 232 of the latching mechanism, 222 are described in detail below. As the skilled person will appreciate, other arrangements are possible and contemplated.
As illustrated in Figures 10A-10D, the side walls 214, 216 have an integral flange 227 at each end thereof, which, when the container 210 is in the assembled configuration, overlaps the end walls 218, 220 by a distance sufficient to accommodate engaging parts of the catch 232 between the flange 227 and the adjacent part of the end wall, as described below. As the skilled person will appreciate, it would be equally possible to provide the flanges on the side walls and reposition the catches accordingly.
Figure 11 illustrates one example of a suitable catch 232 for use with the latching mechanism shown in Figure 10. In particular, the catch 232, which is shown in vertical cross section along line X-X of Figure 10A in the drawings of Figure 11, comprises a clip 234' that is pivotally mounted in the end wall 218 and a pair of complementary hooks 224 fixedly mounted on the flanges 227 of each side wall 216.
It should be noted that the clip 234' extends substantially along the length of end wall 218 (although its cross section varies along its length) whilst a hook 224 is provided adjacent each end thereof behind the corresponding flanges 227 of the side walls. Thus, for each end wall, a pair of catches 232 are provided between the end wall and adjacent flange 227. The latching mechanism 222 is operated by a lever associated with the clip 234' to enable simultaneous release both catches, as described below.
Clip 234' comprises a hook member 262 at respective ends of the end wall, which extends from a central portion of the clip and is configured to engage in a recess behind hook 224, an upper spring portion 264 located at either side of the centre of the end wall, and a lower lever portion 266 extending substantially along the length of the end wall. Clip 234' is mounted to the end wall 218 along its length by a substantially horizontally extending hinge 268 behind the hook member 262 to permit pivotal rotation about the hinge 268, and thus engagement and release of the hook member 262 from the hooks 224. Clip 234' is formed integrally from a resiliently deformable material, preferably the same material as the container 210
Figure 11A shows the position of the catch 232 when container 210 is in an assembled or erect position. The catch 232 is engaged so as to lock the sidewalls and end walls together. This is the configuration shown in Figure 10A. In particular, the hook member 262 of clip 234' is engaged by latching in the recess behind hook 224 on the interior surface of flange 227. Of note, the upper edge 270 of spring portion 264 contacts the adjacent surface 218' of end wall 218, and the lower edge of lever portion 266 extends substantially vertically, parallel to the surface of end wall 218. The lower edge of the lever portion 266, which is located on either side of the centre of the end wall, is exposed by an opening 272, as best seen in Figure 10A, to allow manual operation of the lever portion 266 to disengage the catch 232. In the illustrated embodiment, the lever portion 266 is exposed along substantially the full length of the end wall 218, but is conveniently operated from positions either side of the centre of the end wall, below the spring portions 264. Other arrangements are however possible and contemplated.
In particular, and as shown in Figure 11B, the lever portion 266 is pulled outwardly through opening 272, as shown by arrow C, to pivot the clip 234' about hinge 268, and thereby disengage hook member 262 from hook 224. It will be appreciated that in alternative arrangements, the rotation of the lever portion 266 may be achieved by pushing on an associated operating member located on the opposite side of the hinge 268 from the lever portion 266, as shown by arrows C in Figure 10B. Whilst the lever portion 266 is operated, the upper spring portion 264 of clip 234' is compressed against the surface of end wall 218' against its biasing force. This configuration is further illustrated in Figure 10B.
The side walls 214, 216 and end walls 218, 220 are now released from locking engagement, allowing the end wall 218 to be folded inwardly about its lower hinge 224, and thus collapse the container 210, as shown in Figures 10C and 11C. During the collapsing stage, the lever portion 266 may be released, as shown in Figures 10D and 11D, and the biasing force of spring portion 264 returns the clip to its initial configuration.
The collapsed container 210 can be reassembled to the erect configuration by reversing the operation of the latching mechanism, as shown in Figures 12A to 12D, which shall not be described in detail herein. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the container 210 can be assembled without operation of the lever portion 266. In particular, the surface of the edge of the hook member 262 of clip 234' and the surface of the edge of the hook 224 of the catch are shaped with an angle to allow the surfaces to ride over each other when the side and end walls are brought together during assembly, as best seen in Figures 12B and 12C. Thus, the manual force used in erecting the walls of the container causes the automatic engagement of the clip.
Figure 13 illustrates another example of a suitable catch 232 for use with the latching mechanism shown in Figure 10. In particular, the catch 232, which is shown in vertical cross section along lines X-X (top view) and Y-Y (bottom view), comprises a clip 234" that is pivotally mounted in the end wall 218 and a pair of complementary hooks 224 fixedly mounted on the respective adjacent flanges 227 of the side walls 214, 216.
It should be noted that the clip 234" extends substantially along the length of end wall 218 (although its cross section varies along its length), whilst a hook 224 is provided adjacent each end thereof behind the corresponding flanges 227 of the side walls. Thus, for each end wall, a pair of catches 232 are provided between the end wall and adjacent flange 227. The latching mechanism 222 is operated by a lever associated with the clip 234" on either side of the centre of each end wall to simultaneously release both catches, as described below.
Clip 234" comprises an upper, wedge shaped portion 282 which extends substantially along the length of the end wall and is pivotable about an axis 288 opposite a curved surface 282' thereof. The axis 288 is defined by a horizontally extending axle that extends along at least part of the length of the clip and is connected to rotate the wedge shaped portion 282 as described herein. Clip 234" further comprises and a lower lever portion 286 located either side of the centre of the end wall. A biasing member comprising a leaf spring 284, also located on either side of the centre of the end wall, is formed above the wedge portion 282 of the clip (Figure 13A, top view), to bias the clip in an engaged position, where the surface 282' of wedge portion 286 is received within a complementary-shaped recess of hook 224 on the flange 227, as shown in Figure 13A, bottom view. In the illustrated embodiment, leaf spring 284 is formed as an over-centre spring, although other configurations for the biasing member are possible and contemplated.
The lower edge of lever portion 286 is exposed by an opening 272 in the end wall, to allow manual operation of the lever portion 266 to disengage the catch 232. Clip 234" is formed integrally from a resiliently deformable material, preferably the same material as the container 210.
As shown in Figure 13B, the lever portion 286 is pulled outwardly through opening 272, as shown by arrow C, to pivot the clip 234" about axis 288, and thereby disengage wedge portion 282 from hook 224. It will be appreciated that in some arrangements, such as that shown in the perspective view, the rotation of the lever portion 266 may be achieved by pushing on an associated operating member 266' located on the opposite side of the hinge 268 to the lever portion 266, instead of pulling the lever portion 286, as shown by arrows C in Figure 10B. Whilst the lever portion 286 is operated, the upper spring portion 284 of clip 234" is deformed against its biasing force, to "over-centre" the spring, and thus reverse its arcuate shape so that it is compressed against the inner surface 218' of the end wall 218, as shown in Figure 13B.
The side walls and end walls are now released from locking engagement, allowing the end wall 218 to be folded inwardly about its lower hinge, and thus collapse the container 210, as shown in Figures 10C and 11C. During the collapsing stage, the lever portion 286 may be released, whereby the over-centre spring 284 returns to its original shape and biases the clip back to its initial configuration, as shown in Figures 10D and 13D.
The collapsed container 210 can be reassembled to the erect configuration by reversing the operation of the latching mechanism; as shown in Figures 14A to 14D, which shall not be described in detail herein. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the container 210 can be assembled without operation of the lever portion 286. In particular, the curved surface of wedge portion 282 of clip 234' and the surface of the edge of the hook 224 of the catch are shaped with an angle to allow the surfaces to ride over each other when the side and end walls are brought together during assembly, as best seen in Figures 14B and 14C. Thus, the manual force used in erecting the walls of the container causes the automatic engagement of the clip.
As the skilled person will appreciate, the latching mechanism of the embodiment of Figure 10 is convenient to use. In particular, it is possible for a user to hold the container at it ends using respective handle openings, and to release the latching mechanism by simply operating the lever portion of the clip using just the thumb (by pushing on the operating member) or with the fingers (by pulling on the lever). Thus, the user can simply and easily release both ends of the container simultaneously, using only one hand for each end. Conveniently, it is unnecessary for the user to change the position of his or her hands, to collapse the container, immediately after lifting or moving the container using the handles provided in the end walls.
As the skilled person will appreciate, many variations and modifications can be made to the described embodiments. For example alternative locations, orientations and configurations for the catch, according to the embodiment, are possible. Whilst the embodiment has been described with a pair of springs, which form the biasing member, and corresponding lever portions, it would be possible to use just one, or equally three or more.
In addition, the biasing means can take any appropriate form suitable for biasing the latch in an engaged or disengaged position. Furthermore, the actuator can take different forms from those described, where appropriate. Moreover, features of each embodiment can be used in combination with other known configurations. It is intended to include all such variations, modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

A collapsible container (210) having a pair of opposed side walls (214, 216) and a pair of opposed end walls (218, 220) and a base, the container including a latching mechanism for providing locking engagement between the side walls and end walls, the latching mechanism comprising:
a latching member (232);

biasing means for biasing the latching member in an engaged position in which the latching member provides locking engagement between an end wall and the side walls of the container, and

a lever (266, 286) operable against the biasing means, to move the latching member to a disengaged position in which the latching member is released so as to disengage the end wall from the side walls,

characterised in that the latching member comprises a pivotable clip (234', 234"), which is biased by the biasing means to engage with complementary recesses (224), and the lever is operable against the biasing means, to disengage the clip from the recesses and to release the end wall from the side walls simultaneously.
A container (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching member (232) is operable between engaged and disengaged positions by rotational movement.
A container (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip (234' 234") is pivotally mounted on the end wall, and the recesses (224) are formed in the side walls, and the lever (266, 286) is operable to pivot the clip to engage and disengage it from the recesses.
A container (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip (234', 234") and recesses (224) are provided at the end wall (218) and flanges of the side walls (216), respectively.
A container (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the biasing means comprises at least one leaf spring (284), which is compressed against its biasing action by operation of the lever (266,286).
A container (210) as claimed in claim 5, wherein operation of the lever (266, 286)compresses the leaf spring (284) against a surface of the end wall.
A container (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clip (234', 234") extends substantially along the length of the end wall (218).
A container (210) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching member (232) comprises a catch located at each end of the end wall (218).
A container (210) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the latching member (232) is operable to enable simultaneous release of both catches of the end wall (218).
A container (210) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the lever (266, 286) is a pivotable lever for operating the latching member (232), wherein the pivotable lever is located at the end wall (218) and associated with both catches located at each end of the end wall.
A container (210) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lever (266, 286) is located in a substantially central portion of the end wall.
A container (210) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a lever (266, 286) is mounted adjacent an aperture (272) in the end wall which defines a handle opening.