GB2119759A

GB2119759A - Collapsible carrying container

Info

Publication number: GB2119759A
Application number: GB08312670A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Wilfred Kibble
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1982-05-08
Filing date: 1983-05-09
Publication date: 1983-11-23
Also published as: GB8312670D0

Abstract

A carrying container e.g. for pigeons comprises a base (10), a top (16), sides (12, 13) and ends (29). The sides (12, 13) are pivotally connected to the base (10) and top (16) and are themselves foldable about their longitudinal centre by hinge means. The ends (29) can be pivotally folded into the container and the sides thereafter also folded inwardly so that the top can be brought into contact with the base, with the sides and ends concealed therebetween. The container is divided into two halves by a cylindrical pivot rod (21) and these halves can be folded onto each other, when each half is itself collapsed. Each half of the erected container can be closed off by a divider and the halves separated to form two containers. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Carrying container This invention relates to a carrying container, particularly for carrying pigeons.

Pigeon racing is very popular in many countries, and involves transporting many pigeons to a particular location, where they are released to fly back to their respective lofts.

Conventionally the pigeons are transported in basket-like containers made of wicker. However these containers suffer from various disadvantages. Firstly the containers must naturally be large enough to receive several pigeons therein. As a result, therefore, the containers are bulky, and, because of the material used, relatively heavy. However once the pigeons have been released from the containers, the empty containers take up a lot of space, which is unused, and therefore wasted, and are a nuisance, for example, if the empty containers are being transported by rail.

Secondly, the use of wicker makes the containers difficult to clean satisfactorily to remcve the smell of the birds. Additionally the wicker material will eventually rot, making the basket unusable.

Accordingly an object of the invention is to provide a carrying container in which one or more of the disadvantages referred to are minimised or overcome.

According to the present invention, a carrying container comprises a top portion, a bottom portion, and side means therebetween, the side means incorporating hinge means to allow them to move from an unfolded position, when the container is fully erected, to a folded position in which the container is in a folded state.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carrying container of the invention in its fully erected state, Figure 2 is a similar view to Figure 1, but showing the container partly folded, Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the container of Figure 2 in its folded state, Figure 4 is a side view of the erected container, Figure 5 is an end view of the erected container, Figure 6 is an end view of one half of the erected container of Figures 1 to 5, showing how it can be used as a separate container, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view on the line 7-7 of Figure 6.

Figure 1 shows the carrying container in its unfolded or erected position, in the general form of a rectangular box. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , the container is made up of eight parts, each of which is formed of plastics material, for example, polypropylene, and also, for example, by injection moulding. The parts are a base 10, formed by two base halves 1 Oa, 1 or, a top 16, also formed by two halves 1 6a, 1 6b, each with an integral flap 29, and two side members 12, 13, each formed by two side halves 12a,12b and 13a,13b respectively.

The base 10 of the container of Figure 1 is rectangular and has an upstanding lip 11 around its edges. The base 10 is divided transversely and centrally to form said two base halves 1 Oa and 1 or. At the ends of each half its longitudinal sides the base 10 has a pair of spaced, upstanding lugs in the form of bearings. Pivotally connected to the base 10 along said longitudinal sides are said rectangular side members 12, 13. At the ends of each half of its longitudinal sides each member 12, 13 has an upstanding projection. The projections on each of the side members 12, 1 3 fit between the bearings on the base, with a cylindrical pivot pin 1 4 passing through the projections and the bearings to provide the pivotal connection.Like the base 1 0, each of the sides is divided centrally, parallel to its shorter ends, to provide said two side halves 1 2a, 1 2h and 13a, 13b. The side members 12, 13 lie inside the lip 11, as shown in Figure 1.

Each side half is divided along a longitudinal centre line, as shown at 15, and the two halves are pivotally connected together by interengaging lugs 15a and a pivot pin 15b, in a similar manner to the pivotal connection of the side members to the base. The pivotal connection allows the two longitudinal halves of each side to fold down towards the base 10, as will be described. Each side half is provided with ventilation slots 1 7.

At the ends of each half of the upper longitudinal side of each side member 12, 13 are provided further projections, and these interengage between lugs provided at the ends of the respective longitudinal sides at the top 16, in a similar way to that described with the base 1 0.

Pivot pins 18 equivalent to the pivot pins 14 are shown in the figures. Thus as the side members are folded inwardly (Figure 2) the top 1 6 moves downwardly parallel towards the base 10. The top 1 6 has a depending lip 1 9 and, like the base 10, is divided transversely and centrally to form said two top halves 1 6a and 1 6b. At their adjacent edges, however, the halves 1 6a and 1 6b have interengaging generally cylindrical lugs 20a,20b interconnected by a cylindrical pivot rod 21 therethrough, to enable the two halves to pivot relatively to each other, as will be described.The rod 21 is in two parts, with a short headed end part 21 a, being screw threadedly engaged on the main rod part.

At the centre of the transverse division of the top 16, and on respective opposite sides thereof, there are provided recesses 22 which form together an opening for carrying the container by hand around the rod 21. Each top half is provided with upstanding transverse ribs 23 and longitudinal ribs 24. The ribs 24 pivotally support rectangular metal handles 25 and are slotted at 26 to allow the handles to be folded flat as shown in Figure 2, from a raised position shown in Figure 1 for the top half 1 6a.

At the centre of each top half there is a rectangular opening 27 which can be closed by a cover lid 28, which is integrally hinged to a top half at a rib 24. At its outer free edge, the lid 28 is a generally snap-fit in the opening 27 to secure the lid in its closed position. The lid 28 has a finger hole 28a to pull it to an open position.

At its edge remote from the recess 22, each top half has said flap 29 pivotally jointed thereto, inside said lip 19, by means of lugs and pivot pins as mentioned previously for the other pivotal connections. The end flaps are each rectangular and provided with ventilated recesses 30 in a smaller flap 31 pivotted to the main flap 29 along its upper longer edge so as to close a rectangular opening in said flap 29. The flap 29 is prevented at its lower edge by the lip 11 from opening outwardly, whilst the flap 31 is intended to open outwardly. The pivot rod of the flap 31 is movable vertically up or down to lock or release the flap 31 for opening movement.

In the erected state of the container, the end flaps 29 are disposed perpendicularly to the top 1 6. Each end flap can be releasably secured in this positions by virtue of its engagement with the interior of the side members and the base where engaging lugs are suitably provided.

The lip 11 is provided on both sides with a catch 32 which extends across the the division of the base 10 in the erected state of the container as shown in Figure 1. The catch has its one end pivotally secured to the lip on the base half 1 Oa at a pivot 33 and its other end has a slot engageable on a projection 34 on the lip on base half 1 Ob by way of a snap-fit.

The container can be used as described, with the catch securing the two base halves together to give sufficient rigidity to the container once the end flaps 29 are fully swung down as shown in Figure 1.

However, it is possible to provide the container with increased rigidity, as well as dividing the container into two distinct and separate halves.

This is accomplished by the use of a pair of flat plastics material dividers 35, one of which is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Figure 6 shows the inner end of one of the halves of the container formed by dividing the base 10, side members 12, 13 and top 16. This end is formed with a number of channel shaped clips 36 on the respective interiors of the base, and on both side members on each side of the longitudinal hinge. In addition the top 1 6 has a depending transverse rib 37. In use, the divider 35 is fitted at said free end with its upper edges, at opposite sides of a recess 38, engaged behind the rib 37, its side edges 39 engaged in the clips 36, and its lower edge also engaged in a clip 36.

By engaging both of the dividers 35 in this way at the adjacent ends of the two container halves, the erected container of Figure 1 is both strengthened and also divided effectively into two separate baskets. In fact by releasing the catches 32, unscrewing the two parts of the pivot rod 21 and removing it from the lugs 20a,20b, the two baskets can be separated from each other and used independently.

Folding of the container from its fully erected position shown in Figure 1 will now be described, assuming that in Figure 1 the two dividers are not in position, so that the two halves of the container are not separated.

Figure 1 shows the container fully erected. In this state the side members 12, 1 3 are in a vertical plane, perpendicular to the top 1 6 and the base 10, as are the end flaps 29. The container is thus in the form of a rectangular box. The handles 25 would normally be folded down and the lids 28 shut.

As stated, the disadvantage of a conventional wicker basket used for transporting pigeons, is that it wastefully takes up considerable space when empty. With the container of the present invention, this disadvantage is overcome as it can be folded down to occupy a much smaller state than when it is erected.

Figure 2 shows the beginning of the folding process. Firstly each end flap 29, including its smaller flap 31, is swung upwardly into the container about its hinge portions until it is substantially parallel to the top 1 6. The side members 12, 13 are then folded inwardly about their respective longitudinal hinge lines 15, so that the position shown in Figure 3 is reached. If necessary, releasable means could be provided to retain the sides in their erect position, and these would have to be released to allow the folding of the sides.

In the position shown in Figure 3, the depending lip 19 of the top 16 rests on the upstanding lip 11 of the base 10, with the end flaps 26 and side members 12, 13 received in the interior space provided between the top 1 6 and base 10. Although it would be possible to transport the container in this state, it is intended that one further folding operation is carried out.

This involves folding over one half of the flattened container into the other half, as indicated by the arrow shown in Figure 3, about the pivot rod 21, this can be carried out after releasing both catches 32. After such folding, the catches 32 can be engaged again to retain the two halves in this finai folded position. The ribs 24 and 26 on one half engage on the corresponding ribs on the other half. Such folding is, of course, only possible because of the division of each of the base 10, top 16 and sides 12, 13 into two parts, as described hereinbefore. The completely folded container can then be carried by way of the recesses 22 which register to provide a hand hold. Erection of the container is simply the reverse of the folding process.

With the container in this fully folded state, it takes up little space and is far easier to transport than a conventional wicker basket which cannot of course be folded. Accordingly the container of the invention is particularly suitable for transporting pigeons, since it can receive as many pigeons as a conventional wicker basket for transportation of the pigeons, whilst being foldable to occupy minimum space and being easy to carry, once it is empty. In addition it is easily mouldable from plastics material, making it of light weight and easier to clean than a wicker basket. Moreover the plastics material will not rot.

If it is wished to use the dividers 35, these can be fitted in position as follows. Starting from the fully folded position, the catches 32 are released and with one folded half against the other half and the pivot rod 21 uppermost, the two halves are pulled so as to open out the side members of both container halves until the side members are planar. The open inner ends of the two container halves are then disposed uppermost and a divider 35 can be slid into the locations provided by the clips 36 and rib 37 as previously described with reference to Figures 6 and 7, until the position shown in those Figures is reached.

Sliding takes place towards the clip 36 on the base 10.

The two now closed ends adjacent the pivot rod 21 are then brought into juxtaposition by pivoting the two halves together about the rod 21 and the catches 32 are then secured to complete the erected container. Folding is the reverse of the process just described.

If it is wished to use the two halves of the container as independent containers, the two parts of the rod 21 are taken apart and removed from the lugs 20a,20b. The two containers, each closed at one end by the end flap 29 and at the pther end by a divider 35, can then be carried by the handles 25.

In use pigeons are placed in the containers through the lid 28 and if one or both dividers are used birds of opposite sexes are placed in the separate container spaces respectively. By opening the flaps 31, the pigeons can be released.

When not in use, the dividers can be stored in the container when it is in the folded state.

Claims

1. A carrying container comprising a top portion, a bottom portion, and side means therebetween, the side means incorporating hinge means to allow them to move from an unfolded position, when the container is fully erected, to a folded position in which the container is in a folded state.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side means are hingedly connected to the top and bottom portions respectively.

3. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one end of the container has a end portion hingedly connected to the top portion or the bottom portion.

4. A container as claimed in claim 2, wherein said side means are arranged to fold inwardly to lie beneath said top and bottom portions in said folded state of the container.

5. A container as claimed in claim 3, wherein said at least one end is foldable inwardly to lie beneath said top and bottom portions of the container.

6. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in its erected state, said container is of box-like form, with each of the sides thereof being hingedly connected to said top and bottom portions and also having a longitudinal hinge parallel to said top and bottom portions to allow the sides to be folded inwardly between the top and bottom portions as said top and bottom portions are folded relatively towards each other, after respective ends of the container have been folded inwardly about their hinges.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the top and bottom portions and said sides are transversely divided into two parts each forming one half of the container, the two halves being connected together by a pivot rod passing through lugs on the respective top portions of the two halves, such pivotal connection allowing the two halves when each is itself folded, to be further folded one against the other.

8. A container as claimed in claim 7, wherein the end of each of said two parts at a position adjacent said pivot rod has means for removably engaging a divider to close said end.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8, wherein with said dividers engaged at said ends respectively, said pivot rod can be removed to separate said halves of the container so that each half forms an independent closable container.

10. A container as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the hinged ends of the container have an opening therein which can be opened or closed by a pivotable flap.

11. A container as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein said top portion has at least one opening therein which can be opened or closed by a pivotable lid.

12. A container as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11 , wherein a recess is provided at the centre of said top portion for carrying the container.

13. A container as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the top portion of each of said two parts has at least one pivotted handle.

14. A container as claimed inany one of claims 7 to 13, wherein releasable catches are provided on opposite sides of the bottom portion, each of said catches being actuable to secure said two halves of the bottom portion together by extending across aid transverse division thereof.

1 5. A container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein said top portion has a depending lip around its periphery and said bottom portion also has an upstanding lip around its periphery, and in a folded state of the container, said lips contact each other to conceal all the parts of the container disposed between said top and bottom portions in said folded state.

1 6. A carrying container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.