EP3911577B1

EP3911577B1 - Foldable container

Info

Publication number: EP3911577B1
Application number: EP20700058.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Christian Delvigne
Original assignee: Smart Flow Europe Sa
Current assignee: Smart Flow Europe Sa
Priority date: 2019-01-15
Filing date: 2020-01-13
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-01-13
Also published as: EP3911577A1; WO2020148212A1; EP3911577C0

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a foldable container and more particularly a foldable pallet container, preferably with an improved ergonomic design.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Foldable containers, such as sleeve packs, are often used in assembly lines for the delivery of goods. Once the container is empty, the foldable container can be folded together and be reshipped to the manufacturer of the goods. The folding of the container saves storage space and transport costs. However, an operator working in such an assembly line, or an operator loading the goods in the foldable container will have to open, close and/or fold a large number of containers per day. Therefore, there is a demand for ergonomic foldable containers, which are easily for an operator to manipulate.
There is also a demand for larger foldable containers, however an operator still needs to be able to manipulate these larger foldable containers.
There is a demand for foldable containers that are stackable; however this requires heavier material, increasing the weight, which decreases the comfort for the operator, having to manipulate them.
There is also a demand for foldable containers with waterproof covers, protecting the goods inside the foldable container from rain and/or splashing water during transport.
DE 94 08039 U1 relates to a foldable packaging container with a base, a front and a rear wall, collapsible side walls and a lid, the base, the side walls and the lid being connected to the rear wall in an articulated manner and the base in the area of the side walls having a web protruding perpendicularly from the base plane which delimits a receiving volume into which the front and rear walls can be lowered.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one of the objects of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate one or more of the aforementioned disadvantages present in the market, or to meet any of the demands that are present in the market.
The present inventors have found that the use of the kinematic chain to connect the container cover to the foldable container makes manipulating the foldable container more ergonomic.
The present inventors have now surprisingly found that one or more of these objects can be obtained by providing a foldable container, having a collapsed state (2) and a deployed state (1), wherein the container comprises:

a base (3);
a sidewall assembly (24) comprising at least four side walls (4) rotatably fixed to one another along their container edges (5),
a hinge (6), connecting one of the side walls to the base along a lower edge of said side wall;
a container cover (7), connected to one of the side walls (4c), pivotable around an upper edge of said side wall;

the container has a substantially cuboid form in the deployed state (1), and the side walls are folded together in the collapsed state;
the container cover (7) is connected to said side wall (4c) by at least one kinematic chain (8);
the kinematic chain comprises n rigid links (9) connected with n-1 kinematic chain joints (10), wherein n is at least 3; and
a first rigid link (9a) is rigidly attached to said side wall (4c);
a last rigid link (9c) is attached to the container cover via a slidable attachment (11).

The kinematic chain joints (10) may be revolute joints. Each revolute joint may have only one-degree-of-freedom of rotation. The axes of rotation of the kinematic chain joints (10) may be mutually parallel. The first rigid link (9a) is rigidly attached to the side wall (4c). The last rigid link (9c) is attached to the container cover via a slidable attachment (11). The slidable attachment (11) may be prismatic. The last rigid link (9c) may comprise at least one, preferably at least two rails (12), preferably at least two parallel rails (12), and each said rails (12) is slidably mounted into a slot (13) in the container cover (7). The last rigid link (9c) may comprise at least one, preferably at least two slots, preferably at least two parallel slots, and a rail on the container cover is slidably mounted into each slot. The rail may comprise a transverse cross-sectional profile extending partially laterally, and the slot contains for at least part of its length a profile complementary to the partially laterally-extending profile into which the rail attachably engages. The base may comprise a discontinuous furrow (14), into which a lower edge of at least some of the sidewalls or one or more tabs thereon can be accommodated in the deployed state (1). The foldable container a may further comprise a pallet (16), connected to the base (3), preferably dismountably connected to the base (3). The base (3) may comprises one or more reinforcing rods, preferably embedded into the base (3). The slidable attachment (11) may comprise one or more stop elements for limiting the sliding movement of the container cover, positioned so that the container cover in an open configuration in the deployed state does not advance beyond the base.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the detailed description and appended claims. In the following passages different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous. (Preferred) embodiments of one aspect of the invention are also (preferred) embodiments of all other aspects of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 provides a view of the foldable container in the collapsed state according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 provides a view of the foldable container in an intermediate state according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 provides a view of the foldable container in an intermediate state according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 provides a view of the foldable container in the deployed state but with a not yet fully closed container cover according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 provides a view of the foldable container in the deployed state but with a not yet fully closed container cover according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 provides a view of the foldable container in the deployed state with a fully closed container cover according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7a provides a detail of the kinematic chain, when the container cover is closed.
Figure 7b provides a detail of the kinematic chain, when the container cover is in between being closed and open.
Figure 7c provides a detail of the kinematic chain, when the container cover is open.
Figure 8a provides a cross section of the lid and the last rigid link as indicated in Figure 7a.
Figure 8b provides a cross section of an alternative embodiment wherein the rails are attached to the container cover and the slots are present in the last rigid link.
Figure 9a provides a detail of an embodiment of the repeatable catch for opening and closing a flap in a sidewall.
Figure 9b provides a cross section of repeatable catch as indicated in Figure 9a.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

When describing the invention, the terms used are to be construed in accordance with the following definitions, unless a context dictates otherwise.
Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are possible and may form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art.
As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a container" means one container or more than one container.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art.
Throughout this application, the term 'about' is used to indicate that a value includes the standard deviation of error for the device or method being employed to determine the value.
The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements). The recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.
In the present description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration only of specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Parenthesized or emboldened reference numerals affixed to respective elements merely exemplify the elements by way of example, with which it is not intended to limit the respective elements. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilised and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention defined by the claims. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.
The invention provides in a foldable container having a collapsed state and a deployed state.
The container comprises:

To close the container cover over foldable container, an operator pulls the container cover in an arc over the upper edge of the side wall whereto the container cover is connected. When a single hinge is used to connect the container cover to the side wall this arc is much more circular, and thus higher, then when a kinematic chain is used for the connection. Especially for larger containers such as Europallets of 1200 by 800 mm, UK pallets of 1200 by 1000 mm or pallets of 1067 by 1067 mm or 1219 by 1219 mm, 1190 by 1150 mm, 800 by 600 mm, 1000 by 600 mm or 1140 by 1140 mm, or 1480 by 1145 mm, to name a few, the arc with a single joint can be too high for an operate to handle. It has been found that the kinematic chain lowers the arc, which may make it possible, even for short people, to open and close the foldable container. The kinematic chain may also allow for a smoother opening and closing of the container, as there are more degrees of freedom for rotation in the connection of the container cover to the side wall. This way one single person can open or close the container cover with one hand. A single person may be able to fold the foldable container from the collapsed state to the deployed state and vice versa.
The term "foldable container" refers to a container which can be folded into a deployed state starting from a collapsed state and vice versa and this multiple times. Preferably, the foldable container is a foldable pallet container.
In some embodiments, the foldable container is a sleeve pack.
The term "vertical container edge" as used herein refers to the vertical edges of the foldable container in a deployed state when only the base rests on the floor.
In some embodiments, the container cover is connected to the side wall by at least two kinematic chains, preferably at least three kinematic chains.
In some embodiments, the side wall connected to the base via the hinge is the same side wall as the side wall connected to the container cover, preferably is said side wall the rear side wall.
In some embodiments, the sidewall assembly comprises four side walls.
In some embodiments, the sidewall assembly comprises in the deployed state opposing rear and front side walls and two opposing lateral side walls. Each lateral side wall is attached in rotational relation to a front and rear side wall along their vertical edges.
The front and rear sides wall are preferably formed each from a stiff panel.
In some embodiments, each lateral side wall is provided with a fold hinge, configured for folding of the lateral side wall preferably in half, parallel to the vertical container edge. The fold hinge preferably limits rotation of the half of the lateral side wall with respect to the other half of the side wall around one axis (i.e. one degree of freedom)
In some embodiments, in the collapsed state,

each lateral side wall is folded inwards along the fold hinge,
the rear and front walls are drawn together,
the sidewall assembly is folded onto the base by rotation round the hinge,
the container cover, is folded onto the sidewall assembly by effecting movement of the kinematic chain.

In some embodiments, the hinge connects the rear side wall to the base. The hinge may be slidably attached to the rear side wall.
In some embodiments, a first end of the kinematic chain is attached to a rear side wall.
A second end of the kinematic chain is attached to the container cover.
Unless otherwise mentioned, all terms such as up, upper, bottom, lower, down, inside and outside are relative to the foldable container in the deployed state wherein only the base of the container rests on the floor. Preferably the term "the back of the container", "back side" or "rear" refers to the side of the container where the sidewall in connected to the base via the hinge. The term "the front of the container", "front side" or "front" refers to the side opposite the back side.
The kinematic chain comprises n rigid links connected with n-1 kinematic chain joints. In some embodiments, n is at least 4. This allows for at least two degrees of freedom for rotation, what reduces the height of the arc made by the cover and allows for a smoother, more flexible movement of the container cover during manipulation.
In some embodiments, the kinematic chain joints are revolute joints. A revolute joint restricts the movement of the joint strictly to rotation. In some embodiments, each revolute joint has one-degree-of-freedom of rotation. This increases the stability of the foldable container, especially in the deployed state. Stability of the foldable container in the deployed state is of great importance when one aims to provide a stackable foldable container. Restricting the movement of the container, so that no sideways movement of the container cover is possible, greatly improves the stability of the foldable container. It also allows for an operator to pay less attention of how he closes or opens the container cover, as the restriction of the movement may result in proper alignment of the cover with the rest of the container even if the operator does not pull in the optimal direction to close or open the container cover.
In some embodiments, the different kinematic chain joints have a mutual parallel axis of rotation. In some embodiments, the axis of rotation of each kinematic chain joint in the kinematic chain are parallel to each other. This restricts the degree of movement of the container cover, which improves that stability of the foldable container in the deployed state. This also favours the correct alignment of container cover versus container during opening and closing of the container. The axes of rotation of the kinematic chain joints are preferably parallel to the base of the container.
As used herein, the rigid links of the kinematic chain are numbered, starting from the rigid link connected to the side wall and ending with the rigid link connected to the container cover. Hence, the first rigid link is the rigid link connected to the side wall, and the last rigid link is the rigid link connected to the container cover, more rigid links, like a second rigid link, are mounted between the first rigid link and the last rigid link.
In some embodiments, the first rigid link is rigidly attached to the rear side wall. This allows for an easy method of attachment, for example by screws, nails, rivets, welding, spot welding and the like.
The last rigid link is attached the container cover via a slidable attachment. This allows for the container cover to slide relative to the last rigid link. This may further reduce the height of the arc that the container cover describes during opening and closing.
In some embodiments, the slidable attachment is prismatic. The term "prismatic" as used herein refers to a slidable movement with only one degree of freedom for sliding. This improves the stability of the foldable container, especially in the deployed state, as it restricts sideways motions and rotations of the container cover. This also favours the correct alignment of container cover versus container during opening and closing of the container.
In some embodiments, the last rigid link comprises at least one, preferably at least two rails, preferably at least two parallel rails. Preferably, these rails are part of the slidable attachment. Said rails are elongated, with one dimension longer than the other dimension. Preferably, the longest dimension of the rail is orientated in the direction of the desired sliding motion. This further reduces undesired movement in other direction as intended, and it reduces rotations.
In some embodiments, each of said rails is slidably mounted in a slot in the container cover. In a preferred embodiment, the slot is positioned on the face of the container cover oriented to the inside of the foldable container when the container is in the deployed state and the container lid is closed. In some preferred embodiments the slots are perpendicular to an edge of the container cover, preferably the front edge and/or the rear edge. A slot has the advantage that it can be provided for without a step of attachment, for example it can be milled into the container cover or can be provided during injection moulding of the container cover. This avoids having to make holes through the container cover, which avoids water permeability through the container cover.
A rail in transverse cross-section contains a laterally-extending profile. A profile or transverse cross-section refers to plane section perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the rail or groove. The lateral extension allows the rail to attachably engage with a groove containing at least along a part of its length a complementary profile. An example of a laterally-extending profile is a "T" or "L" shaped profile. A base of the "T" or top of the "L" is attached to the last link, the arm(s) laterally extend. A slot may contain for at least part of its length a complementary "T" or "L" shaped profile into which the rail engages. By providing slot with intermittent stretches of complementary profile, the rail can be introduced into the slot by pushing the two together rather than by feeding one end of the rail into the slot.
It is appreciated that a reverse arrangement of rail and slot is foreseen. The above-mentioned rail may be provided on the container cover and the above-mentioned slot may be provided on the last rigid link.
In some embodiments, the base comprises a furrow, into which tabs on the lower edge or the lower edge itself of at least some of the sidewalls can be accommodated in the deployed state. In some embodiments, the furrow is a discontinuous furrow. The furrow may comprise discontinuations in the corners and/or along the central axes of the base. The furrow ensures that the side wall assembly does not move, whenever the foldable container is opened or closed.
In some embodiments, the furrow accommodates for one side wall, preferably two side walls, more preferably three sidewalls. In some embodiments, the furrow accommodates for at most one side wall, preferably at most two side walls, more preferably at most three sidewalls.
In some embodiments, there is a furrow in the base for accommodating the lateral side walls and the front side wall.
In some embodiments, the furrow does not accommodate the side wall which is connected to the base via a hinge in a deployed state, preferably the rear sidewall. If there would be a furrow present underneath the sidewall which is connected to the base via a hinge, said hinge would also have to be accommodated in the furrow. A hinge recessed in a furrow prevents the hinge from pivoting. Hence, the presence of a furrow underneath the hinge makes it more difficult to fold the container, as the hinge needs to be first lifted out of the furrow. Especially for the larger foldable container sizes, to lift the hinge out of the furrow, the operator needs to lift up the weight of the sidewalls, and the cover as these are all connected to each other, which can be significant for larger foldable containers. For stackable foldable containers, which are often executed in heavy duty materials, the weight of the sidewalls and container cover can even be more excessive, making it hard or even impossible for the operator to carry out the folding manoeuvre alone.
With the present arrangement, all parts of the foldable container are attached to each other. This prevents loss of the parts during use of the foldable container.
In some embodiments, the foldable container comprises a pallet, connected to the base, preferably dismountably connected to the base. In some embodiments, the pallet is connected to the base by a dismountable connection mechanism, preferably a clip-on system. The pallet allows for easy transport of the foldable container, for example by a fork lift. The advantage is the detachable pallet is that the pallet part may be removed, for example during long term storage or for saving space.
In some embodiments, the hinge connecting the side wall to the base is mounted on the base such that the hinge can be displaced perpendicular to the base. In other words, the hinge may be slidably mounted to the rear side wall. The hinge may be slidable in a direction of the base.
In some embodiments, the base comprises one or more reinforcing rods, preferably embedded into the base. Preferably, a reinforcement rod is a metal rod or plastic rod, more preferably a metal rod. Preferably, the base comprises polymer, preferably polypropylene (PP) and/or polyethylene, more preferably PP. Preferably; the container cover comprises polymer, preferably polypropylene (PP) and/or polyethylene, more preferably PP. Preferably, the hinges and kinematic chain comprises polymer, preferably polyamide (PA) and/or polyoxymethylene (POM). Preferably the side walls comprise polymer, preferably polypropylene (PP), more preferably PP which comprises talc.
In some embodiments, the slidable attachment (11) comprises one or more stop elements, for limiting the sliding movement of the container cover, positioned so that the container cover in an open configuration in the deployed state does not advance beyond the end of base and touch a supporting surface for the container i.e. the floor; preferably so that the container cover does not touch the supporting surface, but the back side edge of the container cover is lower than the hinge. The one or more stop elements may be provided on the rail, slot or both. The back side edge is in this open configuration the edge closest to the floor. This prevents the collapse of the foldable container, when the container cover is pushed backwards to the limit, the backwards edge will engage with the base or the pallet and stop further backwards rotation along the upper edge of the side wall, to which the container cover is connected. This prevents instability caused the weight of the container cover; without the stop elements, the weight of the container cover in the open configuration would cause the side wall assembly tip upwards and collapse. With the stop member, the container cover is balanced in the open configuration with the weight of deployed the side wall assembly, prevent or reducing tipping and destabilising effects.
In some embodiments, the slot in the container cover spans at most 99%, more preferably at most 95% and more preferably at most 90% of the height of the sidewalls in the deployed state. This may prevent the container cover from touching the floor when the container cover is open.
In some embodiments, the container cover comprises a handle, preferably a handle attached to or in the edge, preferably the front side edge. As the arc made during opening and closing can be high, a handle on top of the container cover is often not accessible for the operator during the opening or closing manoeuvre. A handle in the front edge is more accessible.
In some embodiments, the width of the base is at least 500 mm, more preferably at least 600 mm. more preferably at least 800 mm, even more preferably at least 1000 mm and most preferably at least 1100 mm.
In some embodiments, the width of the base is at least 500 mm to at most 2000 mm, more preferably at least 600 mm to at most 1800 mm. more preferably at least 800 mm to at most 1600 mm, even more preferably at least 1000 mm to at most 1500 mm and most preferably at least 1100 mm to at least 1400 mm.
In some embodiments, the length of the base is at least 700 mm, more preferably at least 800 mm. more preferably at least 900 mm, even more preferably at least 1100 mm and most preferably at least 1400 mm.
In some embodiments, the length of the base is at least 700 mm to at most 2000 mm, more preferably at least 800 mm to at most 1800 mm. more preferably at least 900 mm to at most 1600 mm, even more preferably at least 1100 mm to at most 1600 mm and most preferably at least 1400 mm to at least 1500 mm.
In some embodiments, the dimensions of the base are at least 600 mm to at most 1200 mm, by, at least 800 mm to at most 1500 mm.
In some embodiments, the dimensions of the base are 1190 mm by 1150 mm, 800 mm by 600 mm, 1000 mm by 600 mm, 1140 mm by 1140 mm, or 1480 by 1145 mm.
In some embodiments, the container cover comprises one or more stacking elements. Preferably a stacking element comprises a body having a shape complementary to a recesse in the base, or to a void space in a top surface of the pallet.
In some embodiments, the container cover comprises a standing rim, or standing rim sections along the outer edge of the container cover. These rims or rim sections engage with a container stacked on top; it prevents sliding between stacked foldable containers.
In some embodiments, the container cover on an inwards oriented face comprises one or more protrusions projecting into the container, which fits into a recess on the base in the collapsed state. It may provide stability in the collapsed state.
In some embodiments, one or more access flaps are present in one or more side walls. Especially for larger foldable container sizes, these access flaps may be used for better access to goods inside the foldable container.
In some embodiments, the access flaps comprise a repeatable locking mechanism for opening and closing the flap in the side wall. Preferably, the access flap comprises at least one, preferably at least two repeatable catches, whereas the sidewall comprises at least one, preferably at least two congruent repeatable catches, wherein the repeatable catch and the congruent repeatable catch can engages with each other to form a reversible locking mechanism.
The term "repeatable" refers to the ability of elements to be attached and detached a plurality of times.
In some embodiments, the side walls are connected to each other by living hinges. Preferably, two side walls are connected to each other via two parallel living hinges.
In some embodiments, the side walls form a skirt, connected to each other by living hinges.
As used herein the term "living hinge" is a preferably flexible hinge made from the same material as the two ridged pieces it connects. It is typically thinned or cut to allow the rigid pieces to bend along the line of the hinge.
In some embodiments, the foldable container, having a collapsed state (2) and a deployed state (1), comprises:

the container has a substantially cuboid form in the deployed state (1), and the side walls are folded together in the collapsed state; and
the container cover (7) is connected to said side wall (4c) by at least one kinematic chain (8), and
wherein the kinematic chain comprises n rigid links (9) connected with n-1 kinematic chain joints (10), wherein n is at least 3; and,
wherein a first rigid link (9a) is rigidly attached to said side wall (4c); and,
wherein a last rigid link (9c) is attached to the container cover via a slidable attachment (11), and
wherein:
- - the last rigid link (9c) comprises at least one, preferably at least two rails (12), preferably at least two parallel rails (12), and each said rails (12) is slidably mounted into a slot (13) in the container cover (7); or,
- - the last rigid link (9c) comprises at least one, preferably at least two slots, preferably at least two parallel slots, and a rail on the container cover is slidably mounted into each slot.

The invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples, which are included merely for purpose of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

EXAMPLES

Figures 1 to 6 depict different stages of manipulating the foldable container from a collapsed state 2 to a deployed state 1. The foldable container comprises a base 3 which is connected to a pallet 16. To the base 3, is a sidewall assembly 24 connected via a hinge 6, and that via one side wall 4c, the rear sidewall, of the side wall assembly 24. The side wall assembly 24 further comprises two lateral side walls, 4b and 4d, which can be folded in half along fold hinge 25.
The side wall assembly 24 further comprise a front side wall 4a, which comprises a flap 17. Said flap can be opened and closed via a repeatable locking mechanism, which itself comprises repeatable catches 26 and complementary repeatable catches 27. Figures 9a and 9b provide more detail on the repeatable catches 26 and complementary repeatable catches 27. Figure 9b is a cross section as indicated as BB' in Figure 9a of the repeatable catches 26 and complementary repeatable catches 27. The different side walls 4a-4c are connected to each other via living hinges in the vertical container edges 5.
The base 3 comprises two reinforcement elements embedded in the base and that are oriented according to the two central axes of the base 3. The base 3 comprises a furrow 14, receiving the lateral sidewalls 4b 4d and the front side wall 4a, the engagement being in reference to the deployed state 1. No furrow is present underneath the rear side wall 4c. The furrow 14 underneath the lateral sidewalls 4b and 4d, comprises two sections separated from each other, the lateral side walls comprise a recess 15, where the furrow 14 is interrupted.
The container cover 7 is attached to the rear side wall 4c, via a kinematic chain 8. A detail of that connection can also be seen in Figure 7a-7c. The kinematic chain 8 comprises three rigid links 9a, 9b, 9c, which are connected to each other by two kinematic chain joints 10a and 10b, wherein kinematic chain joint 10a connects the first rigid link 9a to the second rigid link 9b, and wherein kinematic chain joint 10b connects the second rigid link 9b to the last rigid link 9c. The kinematic chain joints 10a and 10b are revolute joints. The first rigid link 9a is bolted to the upper edge of the rear side wall 4c. The last rigid link 9c comprises two rails 12, which are slidably mounted into slots 13 in the container cover 7, forming a slidable attachment 11. Each rail extends laterally (is "L"-shaped) and the slot contains a complementary profile (also "L" shaped) for at least part of its length. Figure 8a depicts a cross section as indicated as AA' in Figure 7a through the container cover 7 and the last rigid link 9c, this cross section shows the slidable attachment 11. Figure 8b depicts a cross section of an alternative embodiments wherein the rails 12 are attached to the container cover 7 and the slots 13 are present in the last rigid link 9c, this cross section shows an alternative slidable attachment 11. The container cover 7 further comprises stacking element 18 and a sections of a standing rim 19 at its upper surface. A handle 20 is present in the front edge of the container cover 7. The side edges of the container cover 7 comprise protrusions 21, which in the collapsed state 2 fit into receiving members 22 present in the base 3.
It is to be understood that although preferred embodiments and/or materials have been discussed for providing embodiments according to the present invention, various modifications or changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS

1	deployed state
2	collapsed state
3	base
4	sidewall
5	container edge
6	hinge
7	container cover
8	kinematic chain
9	ridged link
10	kinematic chain joint
11	slidable attachment
12	rail
13	slot
14	furrow
15	recess
16	pallet
17	flap
18	stacking means
19	rim
20	handle
21	protrusion
22	receiving member
24	sidewall assembly
25	fold hinge
26	repeatable catch
27	complementary repeatable catch

Claims

Foldable container, having a collapsed state (2) and a deployed state (1), wherein the container comprises:
- a base (3);

- a sidewall assembly (24) comprising at least four side walls (4) rotatably fixed to one another along their container edges (5),

- a hinge (6), connecting one of the side walls to the base along a lower edge of said side wall;

- a container cover (7), connected to one of the side walls (4c), pivotable around an upper edge of said side wall;
wherein
the container has a substantially cuboid form in the deployed state (1), and the side walls are folded together in the collapsed state;

the container cover (7) is connected to said side wall (4c) by at least one kinematic chain (8);

the kinematic chain comprises n rigid links (9) connected with n-1 kinematic chain joints (10), wherein n is at least 3; and characterised in that:
a first rigid link (9a) is rigidly attached to said side wall (4c);

a last rigid link (9c) is attached to the container cover via a slidable attachment (11).
Foldable container according to claim 1, wherein the kinematic chain joints (10) are revolute joints.
Foldable container according to claim 2, wherein each revolute joint has only one-degree-of-freedom of rotation.
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the axes of rotation of the kinematic chain joints (10) are mutually parallel.
Foldable container according to claim 4, wherein the slidable attachment (11) is prismatic having only one degree of freedom for sliding.
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the last rigid link (9c) comprises at least one, preferably at least two rails (12), preferably at least two parallel rails (12), and each said rails (12) is slidably mounted into a slot (13) in the container cover (7).
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the last rigid link (9c) comprises at least one, preferably at least two slots (13), preferably at least two parallel slots (13), and a rail (12) on the container cover (7) is slidably mounted into each slot (13).
Foldable container according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the rail (12) comprises a transverse cross-sectional profile extending partially laterally, and the slot (13) contains for at least part of its length a profile complementary to the partially laterally-extending profile into which the rail (12) attachably engages.
Foldable container according to claims 6 or 8, wherein the slot (13) in the container cover (7) spans at most 99%, more preferably at most 95% and more preferably at most 90% of the height of the sidewalls (4) in the deployed state (1).
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base comprises a discontinuous furrow (14), into which a lower edge of at least some of the sidewalls (4) or one or more tabs thereon can be accommodated in the deployed state (1).
Foldable container according to claim 10, wherein the furrow (14) accommodates for one side wall (4), preferably two side walls (4), more preferably three sidewalls (4).
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a pallet (16), connected to the base (3), preferably dismountably connected to the base (3).
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the base (3) comprises one or more reinforcing rods, preferably embedded into the base (3).
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the slidable attachment (11) comprises one or more stop elements for limiting the sliding movement of the container cover (7), positioned so that the container cover (7) in an open configuration in the deployed state (1) does not advance beyond the base (3).
Foldable container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the container cover (7) comprises one or more stacking elements