EP2164760B1 - Container with a wall which can be lowered - Google Patents
Container with a wall which can be lowered Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2164760B1 EP2164760B1 EP08750692.9A EP08750692A EP2164760B1 EP 2164760 B1 EP2164760 B1 EP 2164760B1 EP 08750692 A EP08750692 A EP 08750692A EP 2164760 B1 EP2164760 B1 EP 2164760B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- container
- end wall
- sidewalls
- base
- walls
- 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.)
- Not-in-force
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013601 eggs Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000001746 injection moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- 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
- 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
- B65D11/184—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 and one or more side walls being foldable along a median line
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- 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
- B65D11/20—Details of walls made of plastics material
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- 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
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/28—Handles
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a container, and, more particularly, to a container for consumer-products that is used for the transport of such products, and their display in a retail outlet.
- EP 1 724 198 upon which the preamble of claim is based describes a collapsible container comprising a bottom construction and standing sidewalls.
- a first set of opposite sidewalls is divided into segments so that they can be folded upon themselves and then onto the base.
- the second set of sidewalls is foldable on top of the folded first set of sidewalls.
- DE 91 03 975 describes a collapsible container comprising a base, a pair of longitudinal sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls.
- the short sidewalls may be folded onto the base and the longitudinal sidewalls may be folded onto the folded sidewalls.
- Cardboard and nesting containers are widely used for the bulk transport of consumer-products, such as foodstuffs, and it is often convenient for a retail outlet to utilise the containers in displaying the product for purchase by customers.
- Such containers have a fixed configuration, so that the retailer must design or adapt the display shelving to accommodate the configuration of the containers.
- cardboard containers must be folded and stored for disposed. Such cardboard containers may be bulky, even when folded for disposal, and create considerable waste packaging.
- Reusable nesting container must be nested empty, after use, and may take up valuable space within the retail premises.
- the nesting containers must be transported back to a supplier/distributor for a re-use, and, during transport, also take up valuable space within the transporting vehicle.
- the present invention provides a container according to claim 1.
- the at least one end wall comprises an upper section and a lower section, and the upper section is movable between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position.
- the at least one end wall comprises an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section is movable between a first position in which the upper section is above the lower section, and a second position in which the upper section overlies the lower section so as to reduce the height of the end wall.
- the at least one end wall is typically mounted on guides on the sidewalls, and is adapted to slide between the first position and the second position.
- both end walls are arranged to be lowered.
- the at least one end wall is pivotally mounted to the base.
- the at least one end wall further comprises sliding edges, at each end thereof, for sliding within arcuate recesses formed within the first and second sidewalls, when the at least one end wall is pivotally rotated inwardly. This enables the container to be collapsed, when empty.
- the container has means to prevent the container from collapsing until pressure is applied.
- the at least one sliding edge of the at least one end wall may include a resiliently deformable member, which, when deformed, allows engagement of the sliding edge with an arcuate recess, but which prevents such engagement in its usual, non-deformed configuration.
- the container is adapted to be fully collapsible to a substantially flat configuration.
- Figures 1A to 1E illustrate a container 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the container 10 comprises 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, at their lower edges, to the base 12.
- the lower edges of the base 12 and the upper edges of the side walls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20 have a complementary formation to enable multiple containers 10 to be stacked, one on top of the other.
- the edge of the base 12 is provided with a downwardly extending peripheral rib 22 (shown in Figures 3A and 3B , for example) which is positioned, spaced slightly inwardly form the edge of the base 12, to be accommodated within the upper rim 24 of the container 10, i.e. to locate within the upper edges of sidewalls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20, when stacked.
- a downwardly extending peripheral rib 22 shown in Figures 3A and 3B , for example
- Container 10 is typically formed by injection moulding from a suitable plastics material, such as polypropylene, 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 28 is provided in the form of an opening in a central, upper area of each side wall 14 and 16, for use in carrying the container 10.
- the 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 illustrated configuration is designed to accommodate packaged eggs.
- the base 12 and walls 14 to 20 of container 10, are typically moulded as separate parts and assembled together by snap-fit connection or otherwise.
- Container 10 has three possible configurations, which are illustrated in Figures 1A to 1E .
- a first configuration is the normal configuration for use when loading and transporting consumer-products.
- the sidewalls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20 are secured to extend substantially vertically with respect to the base 12, and end wall 18 is in a first, raised position, whereby an upper portion 30 of the end wall 18 is located to prevent consumer goods contained therein from spilling out through the end of the container 10.
- a second configuration is a configuration for use when merchandising the consumer-products in a retail outlet, for example.
- the sidewalls 14 and 16 and end walls 18 and 20 are secured in place (e.g. by releasable snap-fit clips) to extend substantially vertically with respect to the base 12, and the end wall 18 is in a second, lower position, whereby the upper portion 30 of the end wall 18 is lowered to be substantially level with a lower portion 32 of the end wall 18.
- the upper portion 30 and lower portion 32 have a complementary configuration such that the upper portion 30 can be moved downwardly, towards the base 12, to telescopically overlie the lower portion 32, thereby reducing the height of the end wall 18.
- the lower portion 32 is typically half the height of the end wall 18, and, in the second position, the lower portion 32 is completely recessed within the upper portion 30, so that the overall height of the end wall 18 is reduced by about a half.
- the lower 32 and upper 30 portions of the end wall 18 may have other dimensions and configurations, and the lower portion 32 need not be fully recessed within the upper portion 30.
- the height of the end wall 18 is substantially reduced to enable ease of access by consumers to the contained consumer-products, when the container 10 is situated on shelving in a retail outlet with end wall 18 at the front.
- the upper 30 and lower 32 portions of end wall 18 are each shaped with a cut-out central section 34, further enabling ease of access in the second position.
- the container 10 of this embodiment is, furthermore, completely collapsible to a third, collapsed position, as illustrated in Figure 1E , in which the container 10 is substantially flat.
- Figure 1C shows a first stage of collapsing the container 10 from the second position, as shown in Figure 1B
- Figure 1D shows a second stage of collapsing the container 10.
- end walls 18 and 20 are released (as described in more detail below) and folded inwardly, towards each other and the upper surface of the base 12, about their respective lower hinges, so as to lie flat against the base 12.
- side walls 14 and 16 are folded inwardly, about their respective lower hinges, towards each other to overlie the folded end walls 18 and 20.
- Figure 2 shows an interior perspective view of the corner of end wall 18 and side wall 14 in the second, merchandising position.
- the upper portion 30, which is slidingly mounted on a guide 26 at each end of the wall 18, overlies the lower portion 32 (not shown) of end wall 18, which is fully recessed therein.
- the upper portion 30 is retained in position along guide 26 by interference between the surfaces thereof, and in a vertical orientation by the action of a resiliently deformable member or spring 40, which is integrally moulded on top of the lower portion 32 of end wall 18 as shown in Figures 3A and 3B , and which prevents it from rotating inwardly.
- Flanges 39 extending orthogonally from the bottom outer edges of side walls 14 and 14, prevent the end wall 18 from rotating outwardly.
- the spring 40 projects upwardly above the level of the upper edge of arcuate recess 46, so as to prevent engagement of the sliding edges 42 of the upper and lower portions of end wall 18 therewith, so that the end wall 18 is unable to collapse inwardly when, for example, it is knocked by customers reaching within the container 10.
- Figure 4 shows an interior perspective view of the corner of end wall 18 and side wall 14 immediately prior to the first stage of collapsing the container 10, as illustrated in Figure 1C .
- downward pressure is applied to the upper portion 30 of end wall 18, to compress the spring 40 and resiliently deform the upper portion 30 to contact the lower portion 32 of the end wall 18.
- This enables the sliding edges 42 of the end wall 18, situated at each end of upper portion 30, and lower portion 32 contained therein, to engage in an end of arcuate recesses 46 formed in adjacent side walls 14 and 16, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B .
- Sliding edges 42 are adapted to slide within arcuate recess 46, so as to rotate the end wall 18 about its lower hinge, as is shown in Figures 6 and 7 . It will be appreciated that the sliding edges 42, which engage the arcuate recesses 46, could be formed from the edges of just one of the upper 30 and lower 32 portions of the end wall 18.
- the opposite end wall 20 is released from engagement with sidewalls 14 and 16 by releasing operation of at least one snap-fit fastening (which includes a flange 48 to retain the end wall 20 vertical, in the first position) or other conventional securing mechanism, so that both end walls 18 and 20 may be folded inwardly as shown in Figure 1C . Thereafter, sidewalls 14 and 16 may be folded inwardly, to lie on top of end walls 18 and 20, as shown in Figure 1D .
- at least one snap-fit fastening which includes a flange 48 to retain the end wall 20 vertical, in the first position
- other conventional securing mechanism so that both end walls 18 and 20 may be folded inwardly as shown in Figure 1C .
- sidewalls 14 and 16 may be folded inwardly, to lie on top of end walls 18 and 20, as shown in Figure 1D .
- Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, which is identical to the first embodiment, illustrated in Figures 1 to 7 , except that both end walls 18 and 20 are constructed with the drop down configuration of end wall 18 of the first embodiment. In this way, in the second, merchandising position, access can be gained to the contents of the container 10 from both ends.
- the mechanism for dropping the upper portion 30 to overlie lower portion 32 of each of end walls 18 and 20, is as described above, as is the mechanism for collapsing the end walls 18 and 20.
- Figures 9 and 10 show a container giving background information and not forming a part of the invention.
- the container 10 is similar to the second embodiment, illustrated in Figure 8 , such that both end walls may be lowered, but with a modification in the mechanism for lowering the end wall from the first position to the second position.
- each end wall 18 and 20 in the first position, shown in Figure 9 , and upper portion 30 of each end wall 18 and 20, is situated between sidewalls 14 and 16 above a corresponding lower portion 32.
- the end walls 18 and 20 are secured in place with sidewalls 14 and 16 by conventional snap-fit fastening (not shown) or other suitable mechanism.
- the upper portion 30 is hinged by hinge(s) 52 to pivot outwardly about the lower portion 32, as shown by the arrow in Figure 10 , so that in the illustrated, second position, the upper portion 30 is folded outwardly over the lower portion 32 to lie flush therewith.
- each end wall 18, 20, comprising the folded upper 30 and lower 32 portions, can be pushed downwardly, so that formations are engaged to slide within arcuate recesses 14 in the sidewalls 14 and 16, to enable the container 10 to be collapsed, as previously described.
- Each end wall 18, 20 has a central cut-out 34' so that, in the second position, the central portion of the upper edge of each end wall 18, 20 is lower, to enable ease of access to the contents of the container 10.
- Other alternative designs, such as the relative proportions of the upper and lower portions of the end wall, discussed above in relation to the first embodiment, may be used in conjunction with this container.
- the container is collapsible from the second position, in which the end wall is in a lowered position
- the container it would be equally possible for the container to be collapsible from the first position, in which the end walls are in a raised position.
- the arcuate recesses would extend along the sidewalls in an arc having a larger radius of curvature and from a higher location, corresponding to the path of sliding edges of the upper portion of the end wall, when rotating about its lower hinge.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a container, and, more particularly, to a container for consumer-products that is used for the transport of such products, and their display in a retail outlet.
- A number of foldable containers are described in the literature. For example,
EP 1 724 198 upon which the preamble of claim is based, describes a collapsible container comprising a bottom construction and standing sidewalls. A first set of opposite sidewalls is divided into segments so that they can be folded upon themselves and then onto the base. The second set of sidewalls is foldable on top of the folded first set of sidewalls. -
DE 91 03 975 describes a collapsible container comprising a base, a pair of longitudinal sidewalls and a pair of short sidewalls. The short sidewalls may be folded onto the base and the longitudinal sidewalls may be folded onto the folded sidewalls. - Cardboard and nesting containers are widely used for the bulk transport of consumer-products, such as foodstuffs, and it is often convenient for a retail outlet to utilise the containers in displaying the product for purchase by customers. Typically, such containers have a fixed configuration, so that the retailer must design or adapt the display shelving to accommodate the configuration of the containers. Moreover, once the consumer-products within the containers have been sold, cardboard containers must be folded and stored for disposed. Such cardboard containers may be bulky, even when folded for disposal, and create considerable waste packaging. Reusable nesting container must be nested empty, after use, and may take up valuable space within the retail premises. In addition, the nesting containers must be transported back to a supplier/distributor for a re-use, and, during transport, also take up valuable space within the transporting vehicle.
- Accordingly, an improved container is desired, which overcomes some or all of the above-mentioned disadvantages.
- In the first aspect, the present invention provides a container according to claim 1.
- The lowering of an end wall of the container, relative to the side walls, allows consumers to easily access the contents of the container, when placed on display in a retail outlet, whilst ensuring that the contents are retained between the side walls, within the container.
- The at least one end wall comprises an upper section and a lower section, and the upper section is movable between a first, raised position and a second, lowered position.
- The at least one end wall comprises an upper section and a lower section, wherein the upper section is movable between a first position in which the upper section is above the lower section, and a second position in which the upper section overlies the lower section so as to reduce the height of the end wall. In some embodiments the at least one end wall is typically mounted on guides on the sidewalls, and is adapted to slide between the first position and the second position.
- In some embodiments, both end walls are arranged to be lowered.
- In some embodiments, the at least one end wall is pivotally mounted to the base. In one such embodiment, the at least one end wall further comprises sliding edges, at each end thereof, for sliding within arcuate recesses formed within the first and second sidewalls, when the at least one end wall is pivotally rotated inwardly. This enables the container to be collapsed, when empty. Typically, the container has means to prevent the container from collapsing until pressure is applied. For example, in some embodiments, the at least one sliding edge of the at least one end wall may include a resiliently deformable member, which, when deformed, allows engagement of the sliding edge with an arcuate recess, but which prevents such engagement in its usual, non-deformed configuration.
- In a preferred embodiment, the container is adapted to be fully collapsible to a substantially flat configuration.
- 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:
-
Figures 1A to 1E are perspective views of a container forming a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in different configurations of use; -
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the interior of a corner of the container of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the configuration shown inFigure 1B ; -
Figures 3A and 3B are schematic longitudinal and lateral cross sections of an end wall of the container of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the position of a spring mechanism associated therewith in operation at the position of the container as shown inFigure 2 ; -
Figure 4 is an perspective view of the interior of the corner of a container, equivalent to that shown inFigure 2 , in a configuration when pressure is applied to collapse the end wall; -
Figures 5A and 5B are cross sections, similar to those ofFigures 3A and 3B , illustrating the position of the spring mechanism in operation in a configuration when pressure is applied to collapse the end wall as inFigure 4 ; -
Figure 6 is an perspective view of the interior of a corner of the container, equivalent to that shown inFigure 2 , in a configuration during the collapsing of the end wall; -
Figure 7 is a lateral cross section of the end wall, illustrating the position of the spring mechanism during the collapsing of the end wall as inFigure 6 ; -
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a container forming a second embodiment of present invention, and -
Figures 9 and 10 are perspective views of a container giving background information and not forming a part of the claimed invention. -
Figures 1A to 1E illustrate acontainer 10 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFigure 1A , thecontainer 10 comprises arectangular base 12, a pair ofopposed sidewalls opposed end walls Sidewalls end walls base 12. The lower edges of thebase 12 and the upper edges of theside walls end walls multiple containers 10 to be stacked, one on top of the other. In particular, the edge of thebase 12 is provided with a downwardly extending peripheral rib 22 (shown inFigures 3A and 3B , for example) which is positioned, spaced slightly inwardly form the edge of thebase 12, to be accommodated within theupper rim 24 of thecontainer 10, i.e. to locate within the upper edges ofsidewalls end walls container 10, to enable stacking ofcontainers 10, will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. -
Container 10 is typically formed by injection moulding from a suitable plastics material, such as polypropylene, with a pattern ofopenings 26 in thebase 10 andwalls 14 to 20 to minimize the weight of theunfilled container 10. Ahandle 28 is provided in the form of an opening in a central, upper area of eachside wall container 10. As the skilled person will appreciate, the dimensions of thecontainer 10, including the relative proportions and thicknesses of thebase 12 andwalls 14 to 20 are chosen according to the design requirements. The illustrated configuration is designed to accommodate packaged eggs. Thebase 12 andwalls 14 to 20 ofcontainer 10, are typically moulded as separate parts and assembled together by snap-fit connection or otherwise. -
Container 10 has three possible configurations, which are illustrated inFigures 1A to 1E . - A first configuration, as shown in
Figure 1A , is the normal configuration for use when loading and transporting consumer-products. In this configuration, thesidewalls end walls base 12, andend wall 18 is in a first, raised position, whereby anupper portion 30 of theend wall 18 is located to prevent consumer goods contained therein from spilling out through the end of thecontainer 10. - A second configuration, as shown in
Figure 1B , is a configuration for use when merchandising the consumer-products in a retail outlet, for example. In this configuration, thesidewalls end walls base 12, and theend wall 18 is in a second, lower position, whereby theupper portion 30 of theend wall 18 is lowered to be substantially level with alower portion 32 of theend wall 18. In particular, in this embodiment, theupper portion 30 andlower portion 32 have a complementary configuration such that theupper portion 30 can be moved downwardly, towards thebase 12, to telescopically overlie thelower portion 32, thereby reducing the height of theend wall 18. - As illustrated in
Figures 1A and 1B , thelower portion 32 is typically half the height of theend wall 18, and, in the second position, thelower portion 32 is completely recessed within theupper portion 30, so that the overall height of theend wall 18 is reduced by about a half. The skilled person will appreciate that in other embodiments the lower 32 and upper 30 portions of theend wall 18 may have other dimensions and configurations, and thelower portion 32 need not be fully recessed within theupper portion 30. Thus, in the second position illustrated inFigure 1B , the height of theend wall 18 is substantially reduced to enable ease of access by consumers to the contained consumer-products, when thecontainer 10 is situated on shelving in a retail outlet withend wall 18 at the front.. In addition, as shown inFigures 1A to 1E , the upper 30 and lower 32 portions ofend wall 18 are each shaped with a cut-out central section 34, further enabling ease of access in the second position. - When
container 10 is in the second position, the upper 30 and lower 32 portions of theend wall 18 are secured in place, as described in more detail below in relation toFigures 2, 3A and 3B . - The
container 10 of this embodiment is, furthermore, completely collapsible to a third, collapsed position, as illustrated inFigure 1E , in which thecontainer 10 is substantially flat.Figure 1C shows a first stage of collapsing thecontainer 10 from the second position, as shown inFigure 1B, and Figure 1D shows a second stage of collapsing thecontainer 10. During the first stage,end walls base 12, about their respective lower hinges, so as to lie flat against thebase 12. In the second stage,side walls end walls Figure 1E . In this collapsed configuration,multiple containers 10 can be stacked, with theperipheral rib 22 of one container being accommodated within corresponding recesses in the external surface of the collapsedside walls -
Figure 2 shows an interior perspective view of the corner ofend wall 18 andside wall 14 in the second, merchandising position. Theupper portion 30, which is slidingly mounted on aguide 26 at each end of thewall 18, overlies the lower portion 32 (not shown) ofend wall 18, which is fully recessed therein. Theupper portion 30 is retained in position alongguide 26 by interference between the surfaces thereof, and in a vertical orientation by the action of a resiliently deformable member orspring 40, which is integrally moulded on top of thelower portion 32 ofend wall 18 as shown inFigures 3A and 3B , and which prevents it from rotating inwardly.Flanges 39 extending orthogonally from the bottom outer edges ofside walls end wall 18 from rotating outwardly. In particular, as shown inFigures 3A and 3B , thespring 40 projects upwardly above the level of the upper edge ofarcuate recess 46, so as to prevent engagement of the slidingedges 42 of the upper and lower portions ofend wall 18 therewith, so that theend wall 18 is unable to collapse inwardly when, for example, it is knocked by customers reaching within thecontainer 10. -
Figure 4 shows an interior perspective view of the corner ofend wall 18 andside wall 14 immediately prior to the first stage of collapsing thecontainer 10, as illustrated inFigure 1C . In particular, in order to collapseend wall 18, downward pressure is applied to theupper portion 30 ofend wall 18, to compress thespring 40 and resiliently deform theupper portion 30 to contact thelower portion 32 of theend wall 18. This enables the slidingedges 42 of theend wall 18, situated at each end ofupper portion 30, andlower portion 32 contained therein, to engage in an end ofarcuate recesses 46 formed inadjacent side walls Figures 5A and 5B . Slidingedges 42 are adapted to slide withinarcuate recess 46, so as to rotate theend wall 18 about its lower hinge, as is shown inFigures 6 and 7 . It will be appreciated that the slidingedges 42, which engage thearcuate recesses 46, could be formed from the edges of just one of the upper 30 and lower 32 portions of theend wall 18. - The
opposite end wall 20 is released from engagement withsidewalls flange 48 to retain theend wall 20 vertical, in the first position) or other conventional securing mechanism, so that bothend walls Figure 1C . Thereafter, sidewalls 14 and 16 may be folded inwardly, to lie on top ofend walls Figure 1D . -
Figure 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, which is identical to the first embodiment, illustrated inFigures 1 to 7 , except that bothend walls end wall 18 of the first embodiment. In this way, in the second, merchandising position, access can be gained to the contents of thecontainer 10 from both ends. Thus, the mechanism for dropping theupper portion 30 to overlielower portion 32 of each ofend walls end walls -
Figures 9 and 10 show a container giving background information and not forming a part of the invention. Thecontainer 10 is similar to the second embodiment, illustrated inFigure 8 , such that both end walls may be lowered, but with a modification in the mechanism for lowering the end wall from the first position to the second position. - In particular, in the first position, shown in
Figure 9 , andupper portion 30 of eachend wall sidewalls lower portion 32. Theend walls sidewalls upper portion 30 is hinged by hinge(s) 52 to pivot outwardly about thelower portion 32, as shown by the arrow inFigure 10 , so that in the illustrated, second position, theupper portion 30 is folded outwardly over thelower portion 32 to lie flush therewith. From the second position, eachend wall arcuate recesses 14 in thesidewalls container 10 to be collapsed, as previously described. Eachend wall end wall container 10. Other alternative designs, such as the relative proportions of the upper and lower portions of the end wall, discussed above in relation to the first embodiment, may be used in conjunction with this container. - As the skilled person will appreciate, many variations and modifications can be made to the described embodiments. For example, whilst in the described embodiments the container is collapsible from the second position, in which the end wall is in a lowered position, it would be equally possible for the container to be collapsible from the first position, in which the end walls are in a raised position. In this case, the arcuate recesses would extend along the sidewalls in an arc having a larger radius of curvature and from a higher location, corresponding to the path of sliding edges of the upper portion of the end wall, when rotating about its lower hinge.
- Other modifications will be readily apparent to the skilled person. It is intended to include all such variations, modifications and equivalents which fall within the scope of the present invention, as defined in the accompanying claims.
Claims (9)
- A container (10) comprising a base (12), a pair of opposed sidewalls (14,16), and a pair of opposed end walls (18,20), at least one of the end walls (18,20)being configured to be lowered to allow consumer access to the contents of the container (10); the at least one end wall (18,20) comprising an upper section (30) and a lower section (32), the upper section (30) being movable between a first, raised position, in which the upper section (30) is above the lower section (32), and a second position characterised in that in said second position the upper section (30) telescopically overlies the lower section (32).
- A container (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, in the second lowered position, the lower section (32) is completely recessed within the upper portion (30).
- A container (10) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one end wall (18,20) is mounted on guides (26) on the sidewalls (14,16) and is adapted to slide between the first position and the second position.
- A container (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one end wall (18,20) comprises both end walls (18,20).
- A container (10) as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 4, wherein the at least one end wall (18,20) is pivotally mounted to the base (12).
- A container (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one end wall (18,20) further comprises sliding edges (42), at each end thereof, for sliding within arcuate recesses (46) formed within the first and second sidewalls (14,16) when the at least one end wall (18,20) is pivotally rotated inwardly.
- A container (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one sliding edge (42) of the at least one end wall (18,20) comprises a resiliently deformable member (40), which, when deformed, allows engagement of the sliding edge (42) with an arcuate recess (46), but which prevents such engagement in its usual, non-deformed configuration.
- A container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container (10) is collapsible to a substantially flat configuration.
- A container (10) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container (10) is formed from a plastics material.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0710088A GB2449502A (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2007-05-25 | Collapsible container |
PCT/GB2008/001777 WO2008145977A1 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2008-05-23 | Container |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2164760A1 EP2164760A1 (en) | 2010-03-24 |
EP2164760B1 true EP2164760B1 (en) | 2013-09-04 |
Family
ID=38265381
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP08750692.9A Not-in-force EP2164760B1 (en) | 2007-05-25 | 2008-05-23 | Container with a wall which can be lowered |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2164760B1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2449502A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008145977A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9278775B2 (en) | 2006-12-13 | 2016-03-08 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Crate with collapsible wall |
CA2639156A1 (en) | 2007-08-28 | 2009-02-28 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Crate with collapsible wall |
US7896184B2 (en) | 2007-11-26 | 2011-03-01 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Crate with collapsible wall |
DE102009033108A1 (en) * | 2008-12-06 | 2011-02-03 | Fritz Schäfer GmbH | Device for unlocking swing-action side walls of boxes or containers, has unlocking crosspieces that act on spring-tongue-like locking element of side walls |
US8561836B2 (en) | 2010-08-12 | 2013-10-22 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Crate with collapsible wall |
CN103228546B (en) * | 2010-09-20 | 2015-11-25 | 埃弗科系统有限责任公司 | Transport and display box |
JP5815050B2 (en) * | 2011-02-10 | 2015-11-17 | イフコ・システムズ・ゲゼルシャフト・ミット・ベシュレンクテル・ハフツングIfco Systems Gmbh | Transportation and display crate |
EP2497719B1 (en) * | 2011-03-10 | 2013-11-06 | Gamma Wopla SA | Transport and storage container |
CA2803726A1 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-07-27 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Collapsible container with door |
US10926916B2 (en) | 2013-03-10 | 2021-02-23 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Crate with retractable wall |
FR3003240A1 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2014-09-19 | Decathlon Sa | FOLDING BAG FOR BICYCLE BAGGAGE |
US20170361982A1 (en) * | 2014-12-10 | 2017-12-21 | K. Hartwall Oy Ab | A Storage and Display Device and System |
CA2960500A1 (en) | 2016-03-11 | 2017-09-11 | 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 |
US11884483B1 (en) | 2020-08-27 | 2024-01-30 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Collapsible container with slidable retractable wall |
CA3195236A1 (en) | 2020-09-14 | 2022-03-17 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Crate with retractable wall |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
BE624067A (en) * | 1959-06-12 | |||
CH456438A (en) * | 1965-11-27 | 1968-07-31 | Eupro Anstalt | Collapsible, open transport container |
US5161709A (en) * | 1989-01-30 | 1992-11-10 | World Container Corporation | Hinged collapsible container |
DE9103975U1 (en) * | 1991-04-02 | 1991-09-26 | Gold-Ei Erzeugerverbund GmbH, 6057 Dietzenbach | Egg transport and viewing containers |
DE9305904U1 (en) * | 1993-04-20 | 1993-08-19 | Fritz Schäfer GmbH, 57290 Neunkirchen | Collapsible storage and transport box |
IT242479Y1 (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 2001-06-14 | Tontarelli Sergio | PRINTED BOX IN PLASTIC MATERIALS EQUIPPED WITH FOLDING SIDES INSIDE THE INSIDE |
FR2762300B1 (en) * | 1997-04-22 | 1999-05-28 | Allibert Equipement | CONTAINER PROVIDED WITH A GATEWAY AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF |
CA2365158C (en) * | 2001-01-17 | 2007-05-01 | Sanko Co., Ltd. | Folding container |
NL1029082C2 (en) * | 2005-05-20 | 2006-11-21 | Polyplastic Bv | Storage container. |
JP4718940B2 (en) * | 2005-09-12 | 2011-07-06 | 三甲株式会社 | Folding container |
US7357269B2 (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2008-04-15 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Container |
-
2007
- 2007-05-25 GB GB0710088A patent/GB2449502A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
2008
- 2008-05-23 EP EP08750692.9A patent/EP2164760B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2008-05-23 WO PCT/GB2008/001777 patent/WO2008145977A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2449502A (en) | 2008-11-26 |
EP2164760A1 (en) | 2010-03-24 |
GB0710088D0 (en) | 2007-07-04 |
WO2008145977A1 (en) | 2008-12-04 |
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