GB2181109A - Collapsible receptacle - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible receptacle includes upright pairs of first 11,12 and second 13,14 wall panels and upright corner panels 15. Foldably connected to the bottom edges of the first and second wall panels 11-14 are respectively first 16,17 and second 23,24 bottom-forming flaps. Extension flaps 18 are connected to opposite sides of each first flap 16,17 and the connection between the side of each first flap 16,17 and each extension flap 18 terminates in an open-end slot X. Each second flap 23,24 has an outer section 23b having laterally extending shoulders 23c for interlocking engagement with the adjacent slots X. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Collapsible receptacle This invention relates to a collapsible receptacle.

Background Of The Invention Various receptacles, including containers, have heretofore been proposed for the bulk handling of various products during shipping and for storage thereof. Such receptacles, however, because of inherent design characteristics are beset with one or more of the following shortcomings: (a) the receptacle is of a complex, costly design and is not readily collapsible when not in use; (b) the receptacle is not capable of providing adequate protection for the accommodated product; (c) where it is of a collapsible type, it is difficult and time-consuming to set up manually and oftentimes, requires special tools and/or fixtures; and (d) the receptacle is not possessed of adequate strength and stability to allow loaded receptacles to be arranged in stacked relation.

Summary Of The Invention Thus it is an object of the invention to provide a collapsible receptacle of the type described which avoids all of the aforenoted shortcomings.

It is a further object to provide a collapsible receptacle which may be utilized in combination with a bag-type liner for the bulk handling of a product, which at least initially may be in a flowable state and thus, will conform substantially to the interior configuration of the receptacle.

It is a still further object to provide a collapsible receptacle wherein the bottom-forming flaps thereof effectively interlock with one another and provide effective support for a variety of bulky and heavy products.

It is a still further object to provide a collapsible receptacle which maintains its stability and strength when subjected to temperature variations over a wide range.

It is a still further object to provide a collapsible receptable which is capable of being reuseable.

Further and additional objects will appear from the description, accompanying drawing and appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an improved collapsible receptacle of the type described is provided which includes pairs of upright, opposed first and second wall panels and corner panels, the latter being interposed adjacent first and second wall panels and foldably connected thereto.

The wall and corner panels coact with one another to define a predetermined area. Foldably connected to the bottom edges of the first and second wall panels are respectively, first and second bottom-forming flaps. Connected to opposite side edges of each first flap are extension flaps that extend laterally therefrom. The connection between each extension flap and the corresponding side edge of a first flap terminates in an open-ended slot. Second bottom-forming flaps are foldably connected to the bottom edges of the second wall panels. Each second flap includes an inner foldably connected to the bottom edge of a corresponding second wall panel and an outer section provided with laterally projecting shoulders.

When the receptacle is to be set up, the wall and corner panels are disposed in inverted upright positions whereby the bottomforming flaps connected thereto project upwardly. The wall and corner panels are folded relative to one another so as to define a predetermined area. The first flaps and associated extension flaps are folded so as to be disposed within the predetermined area and in substantially transverse relation with respect to the wall panels to which the first flaps are connected. When so disposed, the open ends of the corresponding slots are in opposed and aligned relation. The second flaps are then folded so as to overlie the previously folded first flaps and associated extension flaps.The outer section of each second flap is then pushed downwardly against the underlying corresponding portions of the pre-folded first flaps causing the latter to be folded downwardly between the pair of first wall panels until the corresponding distal edges thereof are separated from one another a sufficient amount so that the shoulders of the outer section can pass therebetween. When the pushing force is released, the first flaps and associated extension flaps will automatically return to their transversely related positions relative to the pair of first wall panels.When this return movement occurs the side edges of the inner section of each second flap will enter the corresponding slots whereby the outer section of each second flap will be disposed on one side of the first flap and with the soulders of the outer section projecting beyond the closed ends of the corresponding slots and the inner section will be disposed on the opposite side of the first flap, except for the portions disposed within the aligned slots. Once the first, second and extension flaps are in bottom-forming relation, the set up receptacle is inverted so as to assume its normal upright loading position.

Description For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference is made to the drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective top view of one embodiment of the improved receptacle in its normal upright loading position with a bottom insert piece shown within the receptacle but partially removed and with a pliable bag-like liner shown in phantom lines disposed within the receptacle interior.

Figure la is a perspective top view on a reduced scale of the insert piece partially shown in Fig. 1 and which may be utilized, when setting up the receptacle, so as to maintain the wall and corner panels in proper, spaced, opposed relation.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary plan views, on a reduced scale of the blank for the receptacle shown in Fig. 1.

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the receptacle of Fig. 1 in a collapsed state suitable for storage.

Figures 4-6 are perspective views of successive stages of setting up the improved receptacle from the collapsed state shown in Fig. 3.

Figure 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the receptacle of Fig. 1 but with the insert partially removed so as to reveal the relative positions of the folded bottom-forming flaps.

Figure 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspective view of one corner of the closed bottom of a modified receptacle.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Fig. 1, one embodiment of the improved collapsible receptacle 10 is shown which is particularly suitable for use in the bulk packaging of a variety of heavy, dense products (e.g., cheese). The receptacle 10 is preferably formed from a blank B (Fig. 2) of triple wall corrugated fibreboard material.

Where the accommodated product is at least initially in a flowable state, or is of a granular character, it is desirable to utilize a bag-type liner L formed of heavy plastic film material (e.g. ). The use of a liner is optional and will depend upon the type of product to be packaged.

The receptacle 10 includes a pair of upright, first wall panels 11, 12 arranged in spaced substantially parallel relation. A pair of similar upright, second wall panels 13, 14 are also provided which are disposed in spaced substantially parallel relation and at a right angle with respect to the first wall panels. Interposed adjacent first and second wall panels and foldably connected thereto are a plurality of upright corner panels 15. A conventional glue Flap G may be foldably connected to one of the end panels.

As noted in Fig. 2, the bottom edges of the wall and corner panels have bottom-forming flaps foldably connected thereto. A pair of bottom-forming first flaps 16, 17 are connected to the first wall panels 11 and 12, respectively.

Flaps 16, 17 are of like configuration and each has a pair of extension flaps 18 extending laterally from the opposite end edges thereof. The connection 20 between the end edge and each extension flap, which may be a foldline, terminates at one end in an openended slot X. The opposite end of the connection 20 terminates substantially at the foldline 21 connecting the first flap to the bottom edge of the first wall panel 11, 12. The connection is also in endwise alignment with the foldline connection 22 between a first wall panel 11 and 12 and a corner panel 15.

Bottom-forming second flaps 23, 24 are of like configuration and are foldably connected to the bottom edges of second wall panels 13 and 14. Each flap 23, 24 includes an inner section 23a, 24a having one side thereof connected by foldline 25 to the respective wall panel 13, 14. Integral with the distal edge of inner section 23a, 24a is an outer section 23b, 24b. Each outer section has a pair of shoulders 23c, 24c projecting laterally from opposite ends thereof. If desired and in order to facilitate in the setting up of the receptacle, as will be discussed more fully hereinafter, each shoulder may be provided with a diagonal foldline Y, see Fig. 8.

The side edges 23d, 24d of each inner section 23a, 24a converge outwardly from opposite ends of foldline 25 and terminate at the respective outer section 23b, 24b. The amount of convergence of the side edges may vary, as desired. The length of each slot X will vary according to the amount of convergence of the side edges as will be described more fully hereinafter.

If desired, suitable top closure flaps, not shown, may be provided on the blank B of Fig. 2 which are foldably connected to the upper edges of the wall and corner panels. In the illustrated embodiment of the receptacle 10, a conventional telescoping cover or overwrap, not shown, may be utilized to close the open top subsequent to the receptacle being loaded.

In setting up the receptacle from its collapsed state C, shown in Fig. 3, the pair of wall panels11, 12 are manually spread apart so as to assume a spaced, substantially parallel, opposed relation whereby the receptacle at that stage has a sleeve-iike configuration. To assist in this regard and to maintain the wall and corner panels in their spaced apart relation, an insert piece 26, Fig. 1a, may be utilized. Piece 26 is preferably of triple-wall corrugated material and has a peripheral configuration which conforms substantially to the predetermined area A defined by the wall and corner panels when the receptacle is set up.

Once the wall panels 11, 12 are manually spread apart, and piece 26 has been inserted into the open top end and pushed down into the receptacle interior a predetermined amount so as to retain the receptacle in its sleeve-like configuration, the receptacle is then positioned on a suitable supporting surface (i.e., the floor) so that the bottom-forming flaps 16, 17, 23 and 24 project upwardly, see Fig. 4.

With the bottom-forming flaps so disposed, the first flaps 16, 17 and associated extension flaps 18 are manually folded towards one another into the predetermined area A so as to assume substantially transverse positions relative to their respective wall panel 11, 12, see Fig. 5. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the outer edges 16' and 17' of flaps 16, 17 are disposed in close proximity to one another, thereby effecting, when set up is complete, a substantially full closure of the receptacle bottom even without the use of the insert piece 26.

After the first flaps 16 and 17 have been folded into the positions shown, the second flaps 23, 24 are manually folded inwardly towards one another and downwardly into the predetermined area so as to engage and force downwardly the previously folded first flaps until the distal edges 16', 17' thereof are spread apart a sufficient amount to allow the outer sections 23b, 24b of the second flaps to pass therebetween. When this latter condition occurs, the outer ends of the convergent sides 23d, 24d of the flaps 23, 24 will be aligned with the open ends of the corresponding slots X so that when the manual downward force is released, the outer ends of the convergent sides will automatically interlock with the respective slots. As seen in Fig. 5 and 6, the shoulders 23c, 24c of the flaps 23, 24 project outwardly beyond the closed ends of the slots X formed in the first flaps 16, 17.Thus, the shoulders 23c, 24c coact with the slots X and prevent outward spreading of the lower portions of the upright wall panels 13, 14 when the receptacle is subsequently loaded.

As previously mentioned, the amount of convergence of the side edges 23d, 24d determines the depth of the respective slots.

Thus, the greater the convergence the shallower the slots and vice versa.

The converging foldlines Y provided on each outer section, permit the respective shoulders 23c, 24c to bend upwardly a slight amount as the flaps 23, 24 are manually pushed downwardly against flaps 16, 17 causing the latter to spread apart and allow the outer sections 23b, 24b to pass therebetween. By having the shoulders bend upwardly during this manual manipulation the amount of manual effort required will be reduced.

As seen in Fig. 2, there is a triangularshaped flap 27 connected by foldline 28 to the bottom edge of each corner panel 15.

Each flap 27 is separated from the adjoining extension flap 18 by a diagonal cut Z, see Fig. 2. Flap 27 is optional and may be eliminated, if desired. Where flap 27 is retained, it is folded inwardly into the predetermined area and is subtended by a corresponding extension flap 18 when the receptacle is in position for loading, see Figs. 1 and 7.

As aforementioned when insert piece 26 is utilized, all of the bottom-forming flaps are concealed beneath the piece when the receptacle is set up for loading, see Fig. 7. Before loading commences, the bag liner L, when it is to be used, is manually placed in the receptacle and the bottom thereof spread out over the exposed surface of the insert piece 26.

The sides of the liner are of sufficient length that they can be draped over the upper edges of the wall and corner panels as seen in Fig.

1. Once the liner is in place, the flowable product is poured into the receptacle through the open top and into the interior of the liner.

As aforementioned the liner is preferably formed of a pliable heavy duty plastic film material and will conform to the configuration of the receptacle interior. Where the accommodated product is one that solidifies after a predetermined period of time or due to a temperature change, the set up receptacle will function as a mold. After the flowable product has reached a predetermined level within the receptacle interior (e.g., below the upper edges of the upright panels), the upper portions of the liner sides are undraped and sealed in an overlying relation with respect to the top of the accommodated product.

The open top of the receptacle is then closed by either a telescoping cover, an overwrap, or by closure flaps foldably connected to the upper edges of the wall panels; none of the foregoing closing means being shown but well known in the art.

Once the product and the liner have been removed from the receptacle, the bottom forming flaps can be manually unfolded and the inset piece 26 removed, thereby enabling the receptacle to assume a collapsed state C, as shown in Fig. 3. While in a collapsed state, the receptacle can be readily stored or returned to the loading facility for reuse.

It is to be understood, of course, that the invention herein disclosed and claimed is not intended to be limited to the receptacle as shown, but may be utilized in receptacles having a variety of shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the improved receptacle may be utilized to accommodate a variety of flowable as well as non-flowable products.

Thus, an improved receptacle has been provided which is extremely strong; may be readily collapsed, when desired, for reuse; is of simple inexpensive construction,; is extremely versatile; and can be set up manually without the need for tools and fixtures.

Claims (14)

1. A collapsible receptacle formed from a blank of foldable sheet material comprising upright first wall panels; upright second wall panels; upright corner panels, each corner panel being foldably connected to and disposed intermediate adjoining first and second wall panels, said first, second and corner panels coacting to delimit a predetermined area; bottom-forming first flaps foldably connected to bottom edges of said first wall panels and extending therefrom towards one another into the predetermined area; extension flaps connected to opposite side edges of each first flap and extending laterally therefrom, the connection between each extension flap and a side edge of said first flap terminat ing in an open-ended slot, corresponding extension flaps being foldable with said first flaps whereby corresponding open ends of the slots are disposed in opposed relation and substantially within the predetermined area;; and bottom-forming second flaps foldably con nected to bottom edges of said second wall panels and extending therefrom towards one another into the predetermined area, each sec ond flap having an inner section foldably con nected to the bottom edge of the correspond ing second wall panel and an outer section provided with laterally extending shoulders, said inner sections at least partially subtending corresponding extension flaps and said outer sections being at least partially subtended by corresponding first flaps, the shoulders of each outer section projecting beyond closed ends of the corresponding opposed slots and effecting interlocking engagement therewith.

2. The collapsible receptacle of claim 1 wherein the folding connection of the inner section with the bottom edge of the corre sponding second wall panel extends substantially the full width of said second wall panel.

3. The collapsible receptacle of claim 2 wherein the inner section of each second flaps has elongated side edges extending substantially convergently from the folding connection between said inner section and the bottom edge of a second wall panel and terminating at the outer section thereof.

4. The collapsible receptacle of claim 1 wherein bottom-forming third flaps are fol dally connected to bottom edges of the cor ner panels, each third flap being separate from adjacent first, second and extension flaps and foldable independently thereof.

5. The collapsible receptacle of claim 4 wherein each bottom-forming third flap has a substantially triangular configuration; one side of said third flap being adjacent a correspond ing extension flap and separated therefrom by an elongated cut.

6. The collapsible receptacle of claim 5 wherein one end of the cut terminates at substantially one end of the folding connection between a first wall panel and a bottom-form ing first flap, and the opposite end of said cut terminates at an apex formed in the triangular third flap.

7. A blank of foldable sheet material for a collapsible receptacle having opposed pairs of upright wail panels and opposed pairs of upright corner panels coacting to define a predetermined area, and a plurality of flaps coacting to form a receptacle bottom, said blank comprising a plurality of first wall panels; a plurality of second wall panels alternately arranged in spaced side-by-side relation with said first wall panels; a plurality of corner panels, one of said corner panels being interposed adjacent first and second wall panels and being foldably connected thereto; a plurality of bottom-forming first flaps foldably connected to corresponding bottom edges of said first wall panels; a plurality of bottom-forming second flaps foldably connected to corresponding bottom-edges of said second wall panels; and a pair of extension flaps connected to and extending laterally from opposite side edges of each of said flrst flaps; the connection between each extension flap and a side edge of said first flap terminating in an open-ended slot, each bottom-forming second flap including an inner section foldably connected to a corresponding bottom edge of a second wall panel and an outer section provided with a pair of shoulders extending laterally in opposite directions when said blank is set up to form a receptacle, the wall and corner panels are folded relative to one another to define said predetermined area, the bottom-forming first flaps and the extension flaps connected thereto are disposed within the predetermined area and the open ends of corresponding slots are in opposed relation and the bottom-forming second flaps are disposed within the predetermined area and each inner section thereof at least partially subtends a corresponding extension flap, and the outer section thereof being subtended by corresponding portions of opposed bottom-forming first flaps whereby the shoulders of the outer section of each bottom-forming first flap extends beyond a closed end of a corresponding slot and is in interlocking engagement therewith.

8. The blank of claim 7 wherein bottomforming third flaps are foldably connected to bottom edges of the corner panels; each third flap being separate from adjacent bottomforming first, second and extension flaps and foldable independently thereof.

9. The blank of claim 8 wherein each third flap has a side edge thereof formed by an elongated cut separating said third flap from an adjacent extension flap.

10. The blank of claim 7 wherein the inner section of each bottom-forming second flap has elongated side edges extending substantially convergently from the folding connection between said inner section and the bottom edge of a second wall panel and terminating at the outer section.

11. The blank of claim 10 wherein the distance between the outer end limits of the substantially convergent side edges of the inner section of a bottom-forming second flap substantially corresponds to the distance between closed ends of opposed slots whereby the laterally extending shoulders of the outer section of said second flap interlocking engage the closed ends of the opposed slots when the blank is set up form the receptacle.

12. The collapsible receptacle of claim 1 in combination with a pliable bag type liner for packaging a product which is at least in a flowable state when initially accommodated within the liner; said liner and accommodated product conforming substantially to the interior configuration of the receptacle.

13. The collapsible receptacle of claim 1 in combination with a substantially planar insert having a periphery conforming substantially to the configuration of the predetermined area; said insert engaging interior surfaces of the first, second and corner panels and overlying and being supported by said bottom-forming flaps when the latter are in bottom-forming, interlocking relation.

14. A collapsible receptacle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.