ES2554240T3 - Container - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible container (10) comprising a base (12), a first pair of opposite walls (14) and a second pair of opposite walls (16), defining the first pair of opposite walls (14) and the second pair of walls opposite (16) an opening in the upper part of the container (10), in which the container (10) further comprises a pair of stacking elements (18) which, when the container (10) is straightened, can move between a stacking position in which the stacking elements (18) are placed to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking elements (18) are removed from the opening in the upper part of the container (10), and in which the container (10) further comprises a pair of releasable locking mechanisms (30), each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) usable to retain a wall of the first pair of opposite walls (14) in an erect position and bl glued on the two walls of the second pair of walls when the walls of the second pair of walls are also in an erect position, and in which the pair of releasable locking mechanisms (30) are independent of the stacking elements (18), each of the second pair of opposite walls comprises a first recess (20) located at each end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposite walls (16), characterized in that each of the first recesses (20) comprises a face inclined (22) extending from the surface of the recess (20) that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking element (18) and with the outermost vertical surface of one of the first pair of opposite walls (14), in which the interaction at each end of one of the first pair of opposite walls (14) with the first recesses (20) pushes the two walls of the second pair of opposite walls (16) outwardly from the vertical.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Container

[0001] 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 exposure in a retail store, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Folding containers are known for use in many applications, including retail delivery. Typically, the containers are formed of plastic material and comprise a base and two pairs of

opposite walls. The two pairs of walls pivot around the base at the bottom edges thereof, so that the container can be folded in a substantially flat position when not in use.

[0003] In applications where folding containers and nestable containers (with 15 smaller dimensions of the base) are used together, solutions are known that provide rails or stacking bars that

they allow nestable containers to be stacked on collapsible containers. In order to obtain sufficiently internal bars to allow easy stacking location, it is required that the normal folding procedure of the short ends be reversed first (see GB2359066A). Using stacking rails (see GB2431917A) offers a conventional folding but does not allow the rail to enter sufficiently. These two problems make manipulation difficult. The present invention helps overcome these problems.

[0004] US2007 / 095842A1 describes a collapsible container that includes a plurality of folding walls on the base. At least one wall has a support pivotally mounted on an upper end portion thereof. The support is pivotal between a support position, where it is partially

25 supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the wall can be pivoted downward on the base, with a portion of the support passing through a channel formed inside the adjacent wall.

[0005] Document GB2438506A describes a packing drawer, which is preferably foldable and includes a wall that has an opening and a retractable support that can move between a retracted position and a

support position. A tongue extends from the retractable support into the opening when the retractable support is in the retracted position. The tongue is accessible through the opening to move the retractable support from the retracted position towards the support position. When they are in the extended position, the retractable supports allow another container to be stacked on them. The retractable support element may also include a second tongue element that extends in a different direction than the first. The tongue elements allow the user to move the support element between the extended and retracted positions.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved collapsible container.

[0007] This object is achieved by a collapsible container according to claim 1. The present invention provides a collapsible container comprising a base, a first pair of opposite walls and a second pair of opposite walls, defining the first pair of opposite walls and the second pair of opposite walls an opening in the upper part of the container, in which the container further comprises a pair of stacking elements which, when the container is straightened, can move between a stacking position in which the elements of stacking are placed to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking elements are removed from the opening in the upper part of the container, and in which the container further comprises a pair of releasable locking mechanisms, each of the releasable locking mechanisms usable to retain a wall of the first pair of op walls placed in an erect and locked position on the two walls of the second pair of walls when the walls 50 of the second pair of walls are also in an erect position, and in which the pair of releasable locking mechanisms are independent of the stacking elements . Each of the second pair of opposite walls comprises a first recess located at each end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposite walls and each of the first recesses comprises an inclined face that extends from the surface of the interacting entrant with the outer edge of the stacking element and with the outermost vertical surface 55 of one of the first pair of opposite walls, in which the interaction at each end of the one of the first pair of opposite walls with the first recesses pushes the two walls from the second pair of opposite walls out beyond the vertical.

[0008] The first pair of opposite walls may form the end walls of the container and the second

Pair of opposite walls can form the side walls of the container. However, the opposite configuration is also possible and can be useful in certain applications.

[0009] Preferably, both the first pair of opposite walls and the second pair of opposite walls 5 are connected to the base by a hinge, such as a flexible hinge or a barrel hinge.

[0010] Preferably, the stacking elements pivot about the first pair of opposite walls. The stacking elements may take the form of stacking bars which, when in the stacking position, run parallel to the first pair of opposite walls to provide surfaces that arrive between the

10 second pair of opposite walls to support the base of another container. Each stacking bar can comprise a rod of approximately the same length as the walls of the first pair of opposite walls and two legs extending downward from each end of the rod with pivot pins located at the end of each of the legs . The pivot pins can fit inside pivot grooves formed at each end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls. In addition, 15 recesses can be located in the legs of the stacking bar, recesses that are designed to engage with blocks located at the ends of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14 when the stacking bar is in position filling. This ensures that the stacking bar snaps into place by clicking when it adopts the filling position. However, the interaction between the blocks and the leg recesses is weak enough that the stacking bar can be removed to the stacking position 20 from the filling position without a user having to exert excessive force.

[0011] The stacking elements may be located within two first opposite recesses in the two walls of the second pair of opposite walls when the stacking elements adopt the stacking position, thus preventing! that the first pair of opposite walls adopt a folded position. This ensures that

The accidental activation of the releasable locking mechanisms will not cause the container to fold when it is supporting the base of another container.

[0012] Alternatively, the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls may comprise inclined faces that interact with the inner faces of the second pair of

30 opposite walls so that when at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls begins to fold the second pair of opposite walls are pushed out beyond the vertical to allow the wall that folds to move freely and / or so that when at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls begins to return to an erect position from a folded position the second pair of opposite walls are pushed out beyond the vertical to allow the wall to return to an erect position 35 move freely. As before, the outermost vertical surfaces of each wall may be the vertical edges of the wall itself and / or may be parts of a stacking element that runs parallel to each wall.

[0013] The first recesses may comprise an inclined face that interacts with the outermost vertical surfaces 40 of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls to allow the wall to be

fold move freely. That is, the outermost vertical surfaces of each wall of the first pair of opposite walls run along the inclined faces of two first opposite recesses when the wall begins to fold as pushed! the second pair of walls facing outward beyond the vertical.

[0014] Each of the second pair of opposite walls may comprise two recesses located at each end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposite walls. The stacking elements may be located within two opposite second entrances when each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls has been folded. This ensures that, if the stacking elements are in an intermediate position between the filling position and the stacking position when the first pair of opposite walls 50 begins to fold, the stacking elements are made to adopt the filling position by interaction. with the opposite two incoming seconds. This helps to fold the first pair of opposite walls of the container.

[0015] The incoming seconds may comprise an inclined face that interacts with the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls to allow a wall that returns to an erect position to move freely. That is, the outermost vertical surfaces of each wall of the first pair of opposite walls run along the inclined faces of two opposite first recesses when the wall begins to return to an erect position from a folded position by pushing like this! the second pair of walls facing outward beyond the vertical.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first pair of opposite walls and the second pair of opposite walls comprise mutual engagement formations that mutually engage each other when the first pair of opposite walls and the second pair of opposite walls are in an erect position. This helps prevent the collapsible container from bursting and folding out.

5

[0017] The mutual gear formations can progressively engage from the lower formations (those formations closest to the base of the container) to the superior ones (those formations furthest from the base of the container) and progressively disengage from the upper parts to the part lower. That is, mutual gear formations can behave like a zipper that closes as one of the

10 walls of the first pair of opposite walls returns to an erect position from a folded position and opens when the same wall moves from an erect position to a folded position. The progressive engagement of the mutual engagement formations helps ensure that the walls adopt the correct position when one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls returns to an erect position from a folded position, and thus helps the container to adopt a straightened position.

fifteen

[0018] Mutual engagement formations may comprise at least one pair of holes located in a pair of opposite walls and at least one pair of pins in the other pair of opposite walls. Preferably, multiple pairs of holes and pins are located in the pairs of walls. In the context of the present invention, the word "pins" is used to describe any protruding shape that can fit inside a hole.

20, such as a pin, and the word "holes" is used to describe any recessed shape within which a corresponding pin can fit, such as an opening formed between two flanges.

[0019] The holes may be located in the first pair of opposite walls and the pins in the second pair of opposite walls or the pins may be located in the first pair of opposite walls and the holes

25 on the second pair of opposite walls. The holes or pins may be located at an end stop or flange that extends perpendicularly from each end of each of the walls of the second pair of opposite walls. The end stops or flanges can help prevent the walls of the first pair of opposite walls from exceeding an erect position and folding outwards away from the base.

[0020] The container may be designed to prevent the stacking elements from rotating "backwards". In the context of the present invention, "forward" refers to the fact that the stacking elements have rotated at an angle such that they are placed over the opening in the upper part of the container to support the base of another container stacked thereon in the filling position (i.e., the stacking elements are in the stacking position), and backwards refers to the stacking elements rotating in the direction

35 opposite. When the walls of the first pair of opposite walls and the walls of the second pair of opposite walls are in an upright position, the stacking elements can be prevented from rotating backwards by means of an end stop or flange extending perpendicular to the second pair of walls opposite. When the walls of the first pair of opposite walls are not in an erect position, the stacking elements can be prevented from rotating backwards by means of flanges formed on each side of each of the walls

40 of the first pair of opposite walls.

[0021] Each releasable locking mechanism may be integrally formed with a wall of the collapsible or separately formed container and then "snap-in" in place. Alternatively, a combination of integrally molded and separately formed features can cooperate to form each mechanism of

45 releasable lock.

[0022] Preferably, each of the releasable locking mechanisms is located in one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls. This allows each releasable locking mechanism to independently control the folding of one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls.

fifty

[0023] Alternatively, a combination of features, at least one located on one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls and at least one located on each of the walls of the second pair of opposite walls can cooperate to form each locking mechanism. releasable For example, features molded integrally into one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls may interact with the

55 located on each of the walls of the second pair of opposite walls.

[0024] In one embodiment, the releasable locking mechanisms comprise an interlocking element; a request means for requesting the interlocking element in an engaged position in which the interlocking element provides a locking gear between one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls

in an erect position and the two walls of the second pair of walls when the walls of the second pair of walls are also in an erect position; and at least one actuator usable against the request means, to move the interlocking element to a disengaged position in which the interlocking element is released to disengage the wall of the first pair of opposite walls and the two walls of the second pair of 5 walls.

[0025] Preferably, the request means is configured to request the interlocking element in an extended position, and the at least one actuator is usable against the request means, to move the interlocking element to a retracted position.

10

[0026] Such actuators may comprise a button which, when pressed, causes the retraction of the locking element. Alternatively, such actuators may comprise a rotary lever that, when rotated, causes retraction of the locking element. Typically, each releasable locking mechanism comprises a single actuator, however, multiple actuators may be preferred for some applications.

fifteen

[0027] The interlocking element may comprise a pair of ratchets which, when the interlocking element is in an engaged position, engage with immobilization with formations in one of the pairs of opposite walls.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least one end of the interlocking element is received in a complementary recess in an adjacent wall or is placed under a hook formation in an adjacent wall. Preferably, both ends of the interlocking element are received in complementary recesses in a pair of opposite walls or are placed under hook formations in adjacent walls.

[0029] The at least one actuator may be located towards the center of one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls, with the interlocking element extending from each side thereof. In one arrangement, the interlocking bar is configured with a bend, which is adapted to slide over a projection, to move like this! the interlocking bar towards the at least one actuator. In this way, the interlocking bar and the button can be formed in one piece. Other procedures are possible and contemplated for connecting the at least one actuator to the interlocking bar, to allow retraction thereof.

[0030] The at least one actuator may be configured to change an orientation of at least one portion of the interlocking element, to reduce its effective length along the lateral direction, parallel to the wall in

35 which is located.

[0031] Alternatively, the interlocking mechanism may comprise a clamp, and the request means requests the clamp to engage with a complementary inlet. The at least one actuator is usable against the request means, to disengage the incoming clamp. The clamp can be pivotally mounted on

40 a wall of one of the pairs of opposite walls, and the recess formed in a wall of the other pair of opposite walls, with the at least one actuator usable to swing the clamp to engage and disengage it from the recess.

[0032] The at least one actuator may be located in a central portion of a wall. The clamp and the recess or hook formation may be provided between one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls and the stop

of end or pestana.

[0033] Preferably, the request means comprises at least one leaf spring, which is compressed against its request action by actuating the at least one actuator. For example, the pier of

The sheet can be compressed against a surface of a wall by any method that resists rotation.

[0034] Preferably, the container is foldable to a substantially flat configuration. This facilitates the storage of such containers when they are not in use.

[0035] Folding containers according to the present invention will typically be formed of a plastic material. Plastic materials have multiple advantages, including the fact that they are light and easy to clean.

[0036] Folding containers according to the invention may also comprise a means of retention for

retain a stacking element in the plane of the wall to which it is pivotally attached. This feature is particularly advantageous when the containers are being washed, typically inverted, during general use or when the container is being straightened or folded.

[0037] The retaining means may comprise one or more lugs that extend, during use, from the highest surface of the wall and partially surround the stacking element. The lug (s) are arranged and constructed so as to prevent the stacking element from pivoting out of the wall (i.e., moving away from the interior space defined by the straightened container). The retention means may also comprise one or more cuts or accesses to the stacking element in the filling position.

10

[0038] Preferably, the retaining means comprises one or more flanges that extend, during use, from the highest surface of the wall. The flange (s) are arranged and constructed so as to prevent the stacking element from pivoting inwards (ie, towards the stacking position or the interior space defined by the straightened container).

fifteen

[0039] Folding containers may comprise one or more ribs extending inward from one or both walls of the second pair of walls. Preferably, the nerve (s) extend, during use, along or adjacent to the upper edge of the wall. When the nerve (s) extend along the upper edge of the wall, they prevent the stacking element from moving over the upper edge of the wall.

20 container when the container is being lifted or placed inverted for washing.

[0040] The first recess formed on the inner face of a wall of the second pair of opposite walls may comprise a groove for receiving one end of the bar rod to secure the stacking bar, when the bar is in the stacking position.

25

[0041] The outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls may comprise one or more adjacent inclined recesses, preferably, during use, to the upper part of said outermost vertical surface. In this embodiment, the stacking element may comprise a flange, by means of which the one or more inclined recesses of the wall can be engaged with the flange. These

30 features prevent the stacking element from separating (in or out) from the plane of the wall to which it is pivotally connected.

[0042] The stacking element may comprise a pair of pivot pins, each pin being able to move within a groove that extends along part of the outermost vertical surface of a wall

35 of the first pair of opposite walls, and in which the groove comprises a protuberance to secure the stacking element in the filling position. Preferably, the protuberance comprises a first and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface being shorter than the second inclined surface. The first shorter inclined surface prevents the bar pivot pin from moving up the groove and secures the bar in the filling position and the second longer inclined surface helps the bar's pivot slide further of the bump inside the lower portion of the groove.

[0043] When the stacking elements are stacking bars, each of the first two recesses may comprise a recess to receive one end of the stacking bar when the stacking bar is in the stacking position thus preventing! that the wall 14 bends when the bar 18 is in the position of

45 stacking. The stacking bar can comprise a tip that, during use, secures the end of the stacking bar in the recess.

[0044] The present invention will be described in more detail below, by way of example only, and with reference to the figures, in which:

fifty

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible container according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of a stacking bar suitable for use in the present invention;

55

Figure 3 is a top view of the collapsible container, showing a stacking element in the stackable position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls

suitable for use in the present invention;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the position of two of the walls when one of the walls begins to fold;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the position of two of the walls when one of the walls continues to fold;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the position of two of the walls 10 when one of the walls has almost completely folded;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a releasable locking mechanism suitable for use in the present invention;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the outer corner;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a second collapsible container according to the invention, showing a stacking element in the filling position;

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the stacking element of Figure 10 in the stacking position;

Figure 12 is a top view of the collapsible container, showing the stacking element of Figure 10 in the stacking position;

25

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the stacking element of Figure 10 between a filling position and a stacking position;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a portion of a stacking bar suitable for use in the container of Figure 10;

Figure 15 is an additional perspective view of a portion of the stacking bar of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a third collapsible container according to the invention, showing a stacking element in the filling position;

Figure 17 is a front view of a portion of a stacking bar suitable for use in the container of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of a portion of a stacking bar suitable for use in the container of Figure 16;

Figure 19 is a perspective view of a portion of one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls suitable for use in the container of Figure 16;

Four. Five

Figure 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the wall of Figure 16, with a stacking bar in the filling position;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a portion of the wall of Figure 16, with a stacking bar 50 between the filling position and the stacking position;

Figure 22 is an additional perspective view of a portion of the wall of Figure 16, with a stacking bar in the filling position;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a portion of the wall of Figure 16, with a stacking bar in the filling position;

Figure 24 is an additional perspective view of a portion of the wall of Figure 16, with a stacking bar between the filling position and the stacking position;

Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth collapsible container according to the invention, showing a stacking element in the stacking position;

Figure 26 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 25, showing a stacking element in the stacking position;

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 25, without the stacking bar; Y

Figure 28 is a perspective view of a portion of a stacking bar suitable for use in the container of Figure 25.

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a collapsible container 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The container 10 comprises a base 12, a first pair of opposite walls 14 and a second pair of walls

15 opposite 16. The first and second pairs of opposite walls 14, 16 are pivotally fastened, by hinges (not shown), by their lower edges to the base 12.

[0046] The container 10 is typically formed by injection molding from a suitable plastic material, with a pattern of openings in the base 12 and the walls 14, 16 to minimize the weight of a container

20 unfilled 10. A handle opening is provided in an upper central area of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14, for use when carrying the container 10. As will be appreciated by the person skilled in the art, the shape , the configuration and dimensions of the container 10, including the relative proportions and the thicknesses of the base 12 and the walls 14, 16 are chosen according to the design requirements. The base 12, the walls 14, 16 and other parts of the container 10 are typically molded as separate parts and assembled together 25 by means of snap fit connection or the like.

[0047] Stacking bars 18 are located at each end of the container parallel to the first pair of opposite walls 14. Each stacking bar 18 comprises a rod 18a, which is approximately the same length as the walls of the first pair of walls. opposite 14 and extends horizontally across the

30 container when the stacking bar 18 is in the stacking position, and two legs 18b, which extend downward from each end of the rod 18a when the stacking bar is in the filling position (see Figure 2) . Each stacking bar 18 pivots around one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14. Pivot pins 18c located at the end of each of the legs 18b fit inside pivot grooves 14a formed at each end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 35 14. Blocks 14b located at the ends of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14 mesh with recesses 18d located on the legs 18b when the stacking bar 18 is in the position of filling (see figure 4).

[0048] When a stacking bar 18 is in the stacking position (see Figure 3), each end of 40 the stacking bar 18 is located within a pair of first recesses 20 within the second pair of

opposite walls 16. This allows the stacking bars to settle in the stacked position and prevents the wall 14 from being folded around the stacking bar 18. However, when the stacking bars 18 are in the position of filled, the walls 14 around which the stacking bars 18 pivot are free to fold (see Figures 5, 6 and 7). In addition, each of the first recesses 45 has an inclined face 22 that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking bar 18 and an adjacent vertical edge of a folding wall 14. The interaction at each end of a folding wall 14 with two first opposite recesses within the second pair of opposite walls 16 pushes the two walls of the second pair of opposite walls 16 out beyond the vertical.

[0049] If a stacking bar 18 is in an intermediate position (between the filling position and the stacking position) when one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14 begins to fold, each end of each stacking bar 18 will interact with a couple of incoming seconds 24 within the second pair of opposite walls 16 and will be pushed into the filling position. In addition, each of the second recesses has an inclined face 26 that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking bar 18 and an adjacent vertical edge 55 of one of the walls of the first pair of walls 14 when the wall 14 returns to a position erect from a folded position. This interaction at each end of the wall 14 which returns to an erect position with two opposite second entrances within the second pair of opposite walls 16 pushes the two walls of the second pair of opposite walls 16 outwardly beyond the vertical.

[0050] The container 10 is designed so that the stacking bars 18 can adopt the stacking position (in which the stacking bars 18 rotate forward so that they are placed over the opening in the upper part of the container 10) , the filling position (in which the stacking bars 18 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the walls of the first pair of walls 14), and intermediate positions

5 (between the filling position and the stacking position). The container 10 is also designed to prevent the stacking bars 18 from rotating backwards. When the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14 and the walls of the second pair of opposite walls 16 are in an upright position, the stacking bars 18 will be prevented from rotating backwards by means of the end stop or flange 28 extending from each end of each of the second pair of opposite walls 16. When the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14 are not in an erect position, the stacking bars 18 are prevented from rotating backwards by means of the flanges 14c formed at each end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14.

[0051] Releaseable locking mechanisms 30 are located within each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14 (see Figure 9). Each releasable locking mechanism comprises a bar of

15 interlock 30a, a request means 30b and two actuators 30c (see Figure 8). When the walls of the first pair of opposite walls 14 are in an erect position, the walls are held in an erect position by both ends of the interlocking bar 30a which are located under hook formations 28 located at the end stop or flange 28 In the end stop or flange 28 there are also multiple pins 32 that engage with holes (not shown) located on the vertical edge of one of the walls of the first pair of 20 opposite walls 14.

[0052] The containers 10 shown in Figures 1 to 10 are generally washed in an inverted position. By doing so, the stacking bars 18 can exit their location, that is, outside the filling or stacking position, and remain hanging, outside the plane of the walls to which they are attached. When they are hanging,

25 the bars 18 may be damaged and cause a jam in the wash basin.

[0053] The container shown in Figures 10 to 15 comprises features for keeping the rod rod 18a seated, during use, above the upper edge of the wall 14 and for preventing the rod 18 from moving above the upper edge of the container 10. In Figure 10, the bar 18 is shown in the filling position with the

30 rod rod 18z placed above the upper edge of the wall 14.

[0054] A retaining means 34 comprises a lug 34a extending from the upper edge of the wall 14 and partially surrounding the bar 18. Preferably, the combined height of the wall 14 and the upper surface of the lug 34a of the lug (s) is equal to or less than the height of the adjacent wall 16. The bar 18 sits

35 between the lug and the upper edge of the wall 14 and the lug 34a prevents the bar 18 from moving above the upper edge of the container 10. Also, when the container 10 is being straightened, the bar 18 is prevented from pivoting towards outside the wall 14. Preferably, the lug 34a comprises a cutout 34b to give access to the rod rod 18a for manual or automated operation.

[0055] An additional retaining means is shown comprising one or more flanges 36 extending from the upper edge of the wall 14. When the container 10 is being folded or straightened, the bar 18 is prevented from pivoting inwards. the wall 14 (towards the stacking position) by means of the flange (s) 36. During use, when the containers are being stacked on top of each other, the bar 18 can be pulled manually over the flange (the) s) 36 to the stacking position.

Four. Five

[0056] The bar 18 could move over the upper edge of the container 10 when the container is being washed inverted but also during general operation or when the container is lifted by grabbing the bars 18 in the stacking position. The container 10, therefore, may comprise one or more ribs 38 extending inwardly from the upper edge of the wall 16 to prevent such movement. He

50 (the) nerve (s) can extend along the inner surface of the wall 16 so that the nerve glides the bar 18 to the filling position. The bar 18 or the rod 18a can comprise a recess 18e (see Figure 15) to fit under the rib 38.

[0057] A first recess 20 can be seen, for example, in Figure 13. The bar legs 18b may comprise a corresponding recess 18f to facilitate the engagement of the bar 18 with the wall 16 for greater

safety, in particular when the rod 18 is rotating between the stacking position and the filling position. Each of the first recesses 20 may comprise a groove 40 for receiving one end of the rod rod 18a to ensure that the rod 18 is in the stacking position. During use, the bar 18 can be lifted out of the groove 40 and pulled into the filling position.

[0058] Therefore, it has been shown that the features described with reference to Figures 10-15 are advantageous when the containers are in an inverted position, for example for washing, and will also protect the bar during general handling because bars are kept within the dimensions

5 totals of the container, even when the container is inverted. This solution will also help prevent the bar leg from being damaged during handling generally.

[0059] Additional advantageous features will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 24. When the containers 10 described above are being straightened, the stacking bar 18 has to be

10 apart, that is, secured within the plane of the wall 14. If the stacking bar 18 falls forward, the side wall will not return to the vertical and the end wall will not be located. The container shown in Figures 16 to 24 comprises features that allow the bar 18 to be kept within the plane of the wall 14 when the container is being straightened and when the container is being washed upside down.

[0060] The stacking bar 18 may comprise a flange 18g on the bar rod 18a or the bar leg 18b, adjacent to the joint between the bar rod 18a and the bar leg 18b. The flange 18g keeps the stacking bar within the plane of the wall 14 interacting with the end of the wall 14. The end of the wall 14 may comprise one or more inclined recesses 14d adjacent to the joint between the end and the upper edge of the wall. wall 14. When the stacking bar 18 is in the filling position and the bar pivot 18c is in the bottom 20 of the pivot slots 14a, the stacking bar is prevented from moving inward towards the stacking position due to the engagement between the flange 18g and the inclined inlet (s) 14d. Preferably, the end of the wall 14 comprises two inclined recesses 14d. The first recess 14d on the side of the wall 14 that gives the interior space of the container 10 allows the stacking bar 18 to rise over the end of the wall 14 when it returns from a stacking position to a filling position. The second recess 14d on the opposite side of the wall 14 engages with the bar flange 18g to secure the stacking bar in the filling position.

[0061] The pivot slot 14a may comprise an extension or a protuberance 14a to prevent the bar pivot pin 18c from rising so that the stacking bar 18 does not move upward beyond

30 of the upper edge of the container. When the stacking bar is turned or raised, the wall 14 of the container 10 is elastically deformed to allow the pivot pin 18c to move beyond the protuberance 14e.

[0062] The protuberance 14e may comprise a first shorter inclined surface to prevent the bar pivot pin 18c from sliding over the groove 14c and securing the bar 18 in the position of

filled and a second longer inclined surface to allow the pivot bar pin 18c, during use, to travel through the groove 14c beyond the protuberance 14e. Therefore, during use, when the stacking bar 18 is raised or pushed towards the stacking position, the bar pivot pin 18c rises along the shorter inclined surface, beyond the protuberance 14e, to along the inclined surface 40 longer to the top of the groove 14c.

[0063] With reference to Figures 25 to 28, when the stacking bar 18 is in the stacking position and the wall 14 is folded towards the base of the container, there may be a tendency of the stacking bar 18 to be pushed towards in front of and above the container and folding cannot be completed. Therefore the

Incoming 20 may comprise a recess 40 to receive the end of the rod rod 18a thus preventing! that the wall 14 bends when the bar 18 is in the stacking position. Preferably, the stacking bar 18 comprises a corresponding tip 18h at the end of the rod rod 18a.

Claims (28)

1. A collapsible container (10) comprising a base (12), a first pair of opposite walls (14) and a second pair of opposite walls (16), defining the first pair of opposite walls (14) and the second pair from 5 opposite walls (16) an opening in the upper part of the container (10), in which the container (10) further comprises a pair of stacking elements (18) which, when the container (10) is straightened, can move between a stacking position in which the stacking elements (18) are placed to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking elements (18) are removed from the opening in the upper part of the container (10), and in which the container 10 (10) further comprises a pair of releasable locking mechanisms (30), each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) usable to retain a wall of the first pair of opposite walls (14) in an erect and locked position in the two walls of the second pair of walls when the walls of the second pair of walls are also in an erect position, and in which the pair of releasable locking mechanisms (30) they are independent Before stacking elements (18), each of the second pair of opposite walls comprises a first recess (20) located at each end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposite walls (16), characterized in that each one of the first recesses (20) comprises an inclined face (22) extending from the surface of the recess (20) that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking element (18) and with the outermost vertical surface of one of the first pair of opposite walls (14), in which the interaction at each end of the first pair of opposite walls (14) with the first recesses (20) pushes the two 20 walls of the second pair of opposite walls (16) towards It was beyond the vertical. 2. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of opposite walls (14) are end walls and the second pair of opposite walls (16) are side walls. 25 3. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both the first pair of walls opposite (14) as the second pair of opposite walls (16) pivot in relation to the base (12). 4. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the stacking elements (18) pivot in relation to the first pair of opposite walls (14). 30 5. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 4, wherein, when the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) and the walls of the second pair of opposite walls (16) are in an upright position, it is prevented that the stacking elements (18) rotate backwards, in relation to the opening of the container (10), by an end stopper or flange (28) extending perpendicular to the second pair of opposite walls 35 (16). 6. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein, when the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) are not in an erect position, the stacking elements (18) are prevented rotate backwards by flanges formed at each end of each of the walls of the 40 first pair of opposite walls (14). 7. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the stacking elements (18) are stacking bars. 45 8. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, in which the elements of stacking (18) are located within two first opposite recesses (20) in the two walls of the second pair of opposite walls (16) when the stacking elements (18) adopt the stacking position, thus preventing! that the first pair of opposite walls adopt a folded position. 50 9. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, in which each of the second pair of opposite walls (16) comprises second recesses (24) located at each end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposite walls (16), and in which the stacking elements (18) are located within two opposite incoming second (24) when each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls has been folded, so that, if the stacking elements are in an intermediate position between the filling position and the stacking position when the first pair of opposite walls begins to fold, the stacking elements are made to adopt the filling position by interaction with the two opposite incoming seconds. 10. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 9, wherein each of the incoming seconds (24) comprises an inclined face (26) extending from a surface of the recess (24) that interacts with the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) when at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) begin to return to an erect position from a folded position. 5 11. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls comprise faces extending from said outermost vertical surface that interact with the inner faces of the second pair of opposite walls. 10 12. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pair of opposite walls (14) comprise first formations and the second pair of opposite walls comprise corresponding second formations (32) that mutually engage with the first formations when the first pair of opposite walls (14) and the second pair of opposite walls (16) are in an erect position for 15 secure the walls (14, 16) in a straightened position. 13. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 12, wherein the mutual gear formations can progressively engage the formations closest to the base (12) of the container to the formations furthest from the base of the container (10) , and progressively disengage from the farthest formations of the 20 base (12) of the container (10) to the formations closest to the base (12) of the container (10). 14. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the mutual engagement formations comprise at least one pair of holes located in a pair of opposite walls (14, 16) and at least one pair of pins (32) on the other pair of opposite walls (14, 16). 25 15. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) is located on one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14). 16. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, in which each of the 30 releasable locking mechanisms (30) is integrally formed with one of the walls (14, 16) of the container Folding (10) or each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) can be formed separately and then snapped into place. 17. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the 35 releasable locking mechanisms (30) comprises: an interlocking element (30a); a request means (30b) for requesting the interlocking element (30a) in an engaged position in which the interlocking element (30a) provides a locking gear between one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) in an erect position and the two walls of the second pair of walls (16) when the walls of the second pair of walls (16) are also in an erect position, and at least one actuator (30c) usable against the request means (30b ), to move the interlocking element (30a) to a disengaged position in which the interlocking element (30a) is released to disengage the wall of the first pair 45 of opposite walls (14) and the two walls of the second pair of walls (16). 18. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 17, wherein the request means (30b) is configured to request the locking element (30a) in a engaged position, and the at least one actuator (30c) is usable against the request means (30b), to move the interlocking element (30a) to a 50 position disengaged. 19. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 18, wherein the at least one actuator (30c) comprises a button which, when pressed, causes retraction of the locking element (30a). 55 20. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 18, wherein the at least one actuator (30c) It comprises a rotating lever which, when rotated, causes the retraction of the locking element (30a). 21. A collapsible container (10) according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the element Interlocking (30a) comprises a pair of ratchets which, when the interlocking element (30a) is in an engaged position, meshes with formations in one of the pairs of opposite walls (14, 16). 22. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, further comprising a retaining means (34) for retaining a stacking element (18) in the plane of a wall of the first pair of opposite walls (14). 23. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 22, wherein the retaining means (34) comprises one or more lugs (34a) extending, during use, from the highest surface of the wall and 10 partially surrounding the stacking element (18). 24. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the retaining means (34) comprises one or more cuts (34b) to allow access to the stacking element (18) in the filling position. fifteen 25. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 22, wherein the retaining means (34) comprises one or more flanges (36) extending from the highest surface of the wall. 26. A collapsible container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which also comprises one or more ribs (38) extending inward from one or both walls of the second pair of walls (16). 27. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 8, wherein one or two of the first incoming (20) comprise a groove (40) to receive one end of the rod rod (18a) to secure the rod (18a) in 25 stacking position. 28. A collapsible container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) comprise one or more inclined recesses (14d) and the stacking element (18) comprises one or more flanges 30 (18g), so that the one or more inclined recesses (14d) can engage with the one or more flanges (18g). 29. A collapsible container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stacking element (18) comprises a pair of pivot pins (18c), each pin (18c) being able to move within a groove (14a) that extends along part of the outermost vertical surface of a 35 wall of the first pair of opposite walls (14), and in which the groove (14a) comprises a protuberance (14e) to secure the stacking element (18) in the plane of the wall. 30. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 29, wherein the protuberance (14e) comprises a first and a second inclined surface, the first inclined surface being shorter than the second 40 inclined surface. 31. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 8, wherein the stacking elements (18) are stacking bars and each of the first two recesses (20) comprises a recess (40) to receive one end of the stacking bar (18) when the stacking bar (18) is in the stacking position. Four. Five 32. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 31, wherein the stacking bar (18) comprises a tip (18h) that secures the end of the stacking bar (18) in the recess (40).