GB2494642A - Folding container with stacking member - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible container 10 comprises a base 12, a first pair of opposed walls 14 and a second pair of opposed walls 16. The walls define an opening in the top of the container. The container further comprises at least one stacking member 18 which, when the container is erect, is movable between a stacking position in which the stacking member is positioned to support and provide spacing between the top of the container and the base of a further container positioned thereon and a filling position in which the stacking member is substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container. Preferably the stacking member comprises an elongated supporting element (18a, figure 4) of approximately the same length as the first pair of walls with a leg (18b) extending from each end. Each leg may be pivotally connected to one of the first pair of walls. In the stacking position each leg may form an angle (α) relative to the upper edge of the walls. The angle may be between 45 and 90 degrees, but is preferably between 45 and 70, and more preferably between 45 and 60.

Description

Folding Container The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly, to a container for the transport of consumer products, and their display in a retail outlet.

Coflapsible (or folding) containers are known for use in many applications, including retail delivery. Typically, the containers are formed of plastics material and comprise a base and two pairs of opposed walls, i.e. two long side walls and two shorter end walls. Both the pairs of walls pivot about the base, at the lower edges thereof, so that the container can be collapsed into a substantially flat position when not in use.

In applications where collapsible containers and nesting containers (with smaller base dimensions) are used together, solutions are known that provide stacking rails or bars that enable nesting containers to be stacked onto collapsible containers. In order to get bars sufficiently inboard to allow easy stacking location it is required that the normal method of folding the short ends first, be reversed (see GB 2359066). Using stacking rails (see GB 2431917) gives conventional f&ding but does not allow the rail to come inboard far enough.

Both these issues make handling difficult.

One of the problems associated with collapsible containers is that when the dimensions of the container are reduced, the receiving area of the container is also reduced, For example, the receiving area of the container is limited by the height of the long side walls that can only be equal to or shorter than half of the length of the end wall of the container otherwise the folded side walls of the container overlap with one another. One possible method of increasing the receiving area of the container would be to include a base extension extending perpendicularly from the base of the container and to which the side wall of the container is attached, wherein increasing the height of the base extension, in turn, increases the receiving area of the container. In this case, the hinging mechanism provided between the base and walls of the container would be located at a higher position than that of a conventional collapsible container, such that the walls of the container would not overlap when folded.

However, increasing the height of the base of the container would have the disadvantage that fewer empty folded containers may be stacked upon one another, thus increasing the space taken up by empty containers.

The present application helps to overcome these issues and relates to a collapsible container comprising one or more stacking members, wherein the container is preferably substantially as described in UK Patent Publication No. 2476856 by the same Inventor.

In a first aspect of the invention, the present invention relates to a collapsible container comprising a base, a first pair of opposed walls and a second pair of opposed walls, the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls defining an opening in the top of the container, wherein the container further comprises at least one stacking member which, when the container is erect, is movable between a stacking position in which the stacking member is positioned to support and provide a spacing means between the top of the container and the base of a further container positioned thereon and a filling position in which the stacking member is substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container. The provision of a stacking member that provides a spacing means between the top of the container and the base of a further container positioned thereon has the advantage that an increased height is provided between the base of the container of the present invention and the base of the further container positioned thereon, thus providing a greater receiving area for items to be stored and! or transported within the containers when stacked upon one another.

The greater receiving area provided within the container of the present invention when the stacking member is in the stacking position allows the storage and! or transport of items having a greater dimension than those that are stored in conventional collapsible containers when stacked upon one another. Advantageously, the provision of a spacing means between the top of the container and the base of a further container positioned thereon has the advantage of increasing the receiving area without compromising the height of the folded container.

Preferably, the spacing means is, in use, a vertical spacing means. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one stacking member projects beyond the top of the container when the stacking member is in the stacking position. Preferably, the at least one stacking member is, in use.

positioned above the top of the container when the stacking member is in the stacking position. Thus, in this conformation, the distance between the top of the container and the

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base of a further container supported by the stacking member is increased. Advantageously, a greater receiving area will be provided within the containers when stacked upon one another.

Typically, a nesting or collapsible container can be supported by the at least one stacking member when the stacking member is in the stacking position. Thus, the provision of the at least one stacking member in the stacking position allows the stacking of a variety of containers.

Preferably, the at least one stacking member comprises an elongated supporting element, for example a rod, of approximately the same length as the walls of the first pair of opposed walls and a pair of legs, each leg extending from an end of the elongated supporting element.

Typically, each leg is pivotally connected to one of the first pair of opposed walls, for example, by means of pivot pins. Preferably. a first end of each leg is pivotally connected to one of the first pair of walls, for example, by means of pivot pins. Typically, each pivot pin fits into a slot provided at a lateral edge of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls.

Advantageously, the pivot pins slide within the slot, thus assisting with fitting of the stacking member to a wall of the container.

Additionally, a recess may be located on the at least one leg of the stacking member, which recess is designed to mate with blocks located on the ends of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls when the stacking member is in the filling position. This ensures that the stacking member "clicks" into place as it adopts the filling position. However, the interaction between the blocks and the leg recess is sufficiently weak that the stacking member may be moved into the stacking position from the filling posidon without a user having to exert excessive force.

Preferably, a second end of each leg is attached to the elongated supporting element. Each leg in the stacking position preferably forms an angle a relative to an upper edge of the adjacent walls. In one embodiment, the angle a is between around 45 and 90°, preferably between around 45 and 7Q0 and more preferaNy between around 45 and 600. The provision of the leg at an angle a in the stacking position allows for the slidable engagement of the containers during stacking. Such slidable engagement is advantageous in conditions where the containers are stacked at a higher position relative to the ground than normal.

Preferably. the at least one stacking member is flexible to allow for fitting of the stacking member to the first wall of the container. Advantageously, the flexibility of the stacking member assists in the fitting of the stacking member to the first waH of the container.

In another embodiment, when the at least one stacking member is in the filling position in which the stacking member is substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container, the base of a further container may be positioned adjacent to the top of the container. In the embodiment wherein the stacking member is in the filling position, a smaller distance is provided between the base of the container of the present invention and the base of a further container positioned thereon. This is of benefit in i-educing the amount of wasted space for contents that do not fill the container and allowing more containers to be stacked in a given overall height.

In one embodiment, the stacking member fits substantially within the plane of the first wall of the container. In another embodiment, collapsible containers in accordance with the present invention may further comprise retention means for retaining a stacking member in the p'ane of the wall to which it is pivotally attached. This feature is advantageous when the containers are being washed, typically upside down, in general use, or when the container is being erected or folded.

Preferably. the further container can be positioned adjacent to and stacked upon a top rim of the container.

hi the embodiment wherein the stacking member is in the filling position, the further container is typically a collapsible container.

The retention means may comprise one or more ears extending from the uppermost, in use, surface of the wall and partially surrounding the stacking member. The ear(s) are arranged and constructed so that they prevent the stacking member from pivoting outwardly from the wall (i.e. away from the inner space defined by the erected container). The retention means may further comprise one or more cut backs or accesses to the stacking member in the filling position.

Preferably. the retention means comprises one or more upstands extending from the uppermost, in use. surface of the wall. The upstand(s) are arranged and constructed so that they prevent the stacking member from pivoting inwardly (i.e. towards the stacking position or the inner space defined by the erected container).

When the stacking members are stacking bars, each of the first two recesses may comprise an undercut to receive one end of the stacking bar when the stacking bar is in the stacking position thereby preventing the wall from being folded when the bar is in the stacking position. The stacking bar may comprise a nose which, in use, secures the end of the stacking bar in the undercut.

In a preferred embodiment, the side and end wails of the container are of substantially the same height. This feature is advantageous when the containers are being washed in an upside down configuration.

Preferably, the container is collapsible to a substantially flat configuration. This makes it easier to store such containers when they are not in use.

Collapsible containers according to the present invention will typically be formed from a plastics material. Plastics materials have multiple advantages, including the fact that they are lightweight and easy to clean.

In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a stacking member for use with a container in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, and with reference to the Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a coflapsible container according to a first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a front view of a portion of a stacking member suitable for use with the container of figure 1; figure 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a stacking member suitable for use with the container of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective side view of a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention wherein the stacking member is in the stacking position; Figure 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention wherein the stacking member is in the stacking position; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention wherein the stacking member is in the filling position.

figure 7a is a side view a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention, wherein the stacking member is in the stacking position and a nesting container is stacked thereon; Figure 7b is a side view of a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention, wherein the stacking member is in the stacking position and a collapsible container is stacked thereon; figure 8a is a side view of a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention, wherein the stacking member is in the stacking position and another container is stacked thereon, and wherein dimension A indicates the receiving area of the container; Figure 8b is a side view of a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention, wherein the stacking member is in the filling position and another container is stacked thereon, and wherein dimension B indicates the receiving area of the container; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a portion of a container in accordance with the present invention, wherein the leg of the stacking member in the stacking position is provided at an angle a relative to the upper edge of the adjacent walls; Figure 10 is a side view of a container in accordance with the present invention, wherein the angle a of the leg of the stacking member relative to the upper edge of the adEacent walls allows for slidable engagement of another container stacked thereon.

With reference to Figure 1, the present invention relates to a collapsible container 10 comprising a base 12, a first pair of opposed walls 14 and a second pair of opposed walls 16, the first pair of opposed walls 14 and the second pair of opposed walls 16 defining an opening in the top of the container 10. wherein the container 10 further comprises at least one stacking member 18 which, when the container 10 is erect, is movable between a stacking position in which the stacking member 18 is positioned to support and provide a spacing means between the top of the container 10 and the base of a further container positioned thereon and a filling position in which the stacking member 18 is substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container 10.

Figure 1 illustrates a collapsible container 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container 10 comprises a base 12, a first pair of opposed walls 14 and a second pair of opposed walls 16. The first and second pair of opposed walls 14, 16 are pivotally attached, by hinges (not shown), at their lower edges to the base.

Container 10 is typically formed by injection moulding from a suitable plastics material, with a pattern of openings in the base 12 and walls 14, 16 to minimise the weight of an unfilled container 10. A handle opening is provided in a central, upper area of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14, for use in carrying the container 10. As the skilled person will appreciate, the shape, configuration and dimensions of the container 10, including the relative proportions and thicknesses of the base 12 and waIls 14, 16 are chosen according to the design requirements. The base 12, walls 14, 16 and other parts of the container 10 are typically moulded as separate parts and assembled together by snap-fit connection or otherwise.

Stacking members 18 are located at either end of the container 10. Each stacking member 18 comprises a elongated supporting element I 8a, which may be approximately the same length as the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 and extends across the opening of the container when the stacking member 18 is in the stacking position, and two legs i8b, which extend downwards from either end of the elongated supporting element 18a when the stacking member is in the filling position. Typically, the elongated supporting element iSa is substantially parallel to the upper, in use, edge of the supporting first wall, and the legs 18b are substantially parallel to the lateral edge of the first pair of opposed walls 14. Each stacking member 18 pivots about one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14.

Preferably, the stacking members 18 pivot about the first pair of opposed walls 14. The stacking members 18 may take the form of stacking bars that, when in the stacking position, run parallel to the first pair of opposed walls and support the base of another container.

Typically, pivot pins (not shown) are located at the end of each of the legs 18b. Preferably, the pivot pins may fit into pivot slots provided at a lateral edge of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14. Advantageously, the provision of pivot pins allows the stacking member to pivot and slide within the slots, thus assisting in the fitting of the stacking member to a wall of the container. Additionally. recesses (not shown) may be located on the legs of the stacking bar. which recesses are designed to mate with blocks located on the ends of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 when the stacking bar is in the filling position. This ensures that the slacking bar "clicks" into place as it adopts the tilling position. However, the interaction between the blocks and the leg recesses is sufficiently weak that the stacking bar may be moved into the stacking position from the filling position without a user having to exert excessive force.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a stacking member in accordance with the present invention.

The container 10 is designed such that the stacking members 18 can adopt the stacking position (in which the stacking members 18 rotate forwards such that they are positioned over and, in use, are positioned above the opening in the top of the container 10, as shown in Figures 4 and 5), the filling position (in which the stacking members are aligned within the wall 14, as shown in Figure 6), and inteirnediate positions (between the filling position and the stacking position). When the stacking members 18 are in the filling position, the elongated supporting elements ISa are positioned within the walls of the first pair of walls 14.

The elongated supporting elements 1 8a may be slightly shorter in length than the longest dimension of the walls 14, such that they may be moved within the container and rotated from the filling position to the stacking position, and vice versa. An additional advantage of the present invention is that the elongated supporting element 1 8a fits within the first wall of the container 14.

Preferably, the at least one stacking member 18 is flexible, to assist in fitting the stacking member 18 to the wall 14 of the container 10.

In addition, the container 10 may be partially flexible, thus assisting in the fitting of the stacking member 18 to the wall 14 of the container 10. After the components have been aligned, an operator may apply pressure to the stacking member 18 in order to fit the stacking member 18 to the wall 14 of the container 10.

When the stacking member 18 is in the stacking position, the stacking member 18 provides a spacing means, preferably a vertical spacing means, between the top of the container 10 and the base of a further container positioned thereon. In this embodiment, either a nesting container may be positioned upon the stacking member 18 (as shown in Figure 7a), or a collapsible container may be positioned upon the stacking member (as shown in Figure 7b).

When the stacking member 18 is in the stacking position and another container is positioned thereon, the spacing means provided by the stacking member 18 has the effect that a greater height is provided between the base of a first container and the base of a second container positioned thereon, thus providing a greater receiving area for goods to be stored and! or transported within the stacked containers. When the stacking member is in the filling position, a further container may be positioned adjacent to the top of the container. Typically, the further container is a collapsible container. In this embodiment, the height between the base of the container and that of a container positioned thereon is reduced such that a smaller receiving area for goods to be stored and! or transported is provided. By way of illustration, Figure 8a shows the receiving area (A) provided when the stacking member is in the stacking position and another container is positioned thereon, and Figure 8b shows the receiving area (B) provided when the stacking member is in the filling position and another container is positioned thereon.

Thus, the present invention may aflow for the stacking of containers when the stacking member is in the stacking position, or when the stacking member is in the filling position. In the embodiment wherein the stacking member 18 is in the stacking position and another container is positioned thereon, a larger receiving area is provided within the container. This has the effect that items having a greater dimension may be stored andl or transported within the containers when stacked upon one another. In the embodiment wherein the stacking member 18 is in the filling position and another container is positioned adjacent to the top of the container 10, a smaller receiving area is provided. This has the effect that a greater number of containers may be stacked upon one another in a given overall stack height, increasing stacking efficiency. This situation is a'so advantageous in reducing the amount of wasted space where contents do not fill the container.

In one embodiment, the leg I 8b of the stacking member 18 is provided at an angle a relative to the upper edge of the adjacent walls, as shown in Figure 9. Preferably, the leg 18b is provided at an angle a of between around 45 and 90°, preferably between around 45 and 70° and more preferably between around 45 and 60°. The provision of the leg 18b of the stacking member 18 at an angle a relative to the upper edge of the adjacent walls has the advantage that, when the stacking member 18 is in the stacking position, the angle a assists with the slidable engagement of the containers during stacking. Figure 10 shows the arrangement of two containers during stacking, wherein the stacking members 18 of a first container 10 are in a stacking position and the leg 18b of the stacking member 18 is provided at an angle a to the upper edge of the adjacent wall, and wherein a second container is positioned above the first container and slides along the top thereof, such that the base of the second container slides over and engages with the stacking member 18 of the first container 10. In this embodiment, the leg 18b of the stacking member 18 provides a "ramp" such that, during stacking, a further container may slide over the ramp and subsequently engage with the stacking member IS of the container 10.

In use, at least one stacking member 18 is attached to a wah 14 of a container 10 in accordance with the first aspect of the invention by fitting the legs 18b of the stacking member to a wall of the container. Typically, pivot pins are provided on the legs I Sb of the stacking member, wherein the pivot pins engage with slots provided on a container wall.

After fitting, the stacking member 1 8 may be lifted and rotated to adopt a filling position, wherein the elongated supporting element 18a of the stacking member 18 sits within the wall 14 of the container 10. In this position, the container may be loaded with goods. The stacking member 18 may subsequently be lifted and rotated to adopt the stacking position, wherein the stacking member 18 is positioned above the top of the container 10 such that it may support the base of another container positioned upon the stacking member 18.

Alternatively, the stacking member may be lifted and rotated to adopt the filling position wherein another container may be positioned adjacent to the top of the container. The stacking of a second container upon a first container when the stacking member is in the stacking or filling position provides a different receiving area within the container in each respective conformation, wherein goods having a larger dimension may be stored within the container when the stacking member is in the stacking position and another container is positioned thereon, or a greater number of containers may be stacked upon one another when the stacking member is in the filling position.

Claims (1)

1. <claim-text>Claims I. A collapsible container comprising a base, a first pair of opposed walls and a second pair of opposed walls, the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls defining an opening in the top of the container, wherein the container further comprises at least one stacking member which, when the container is erect, is movable between a stacking position in which the stacking member is positioned to support and provide a spacing means between the top of the container and the base of a further container positioned thereon and a filling position in which the stacking member is substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 1. wherein the spacing means is, in use, a vertical spacing means.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A collapsible container in accordance with claim I or 2, wherein the at least one stacking member projects beyond the top of the container when the stacking member is in the stacking position.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the at least one stacking member is, in use, positioned above the top of the container when the stacking member is in the stacking position.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A collapsible container in accordance any one of the preceding claims, wherein a nesting or collapsible container can be supported by the at least one stacking member when the stacking member is in the stacking position.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A collapsible container in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one stacking member comprises an elongated supporting element of approximately the same length as the walls of the first pair of opposed walls and a pair of legs, each leg extending from an end of the elongated supporting element.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 6. wherein each leg is pivotally connected to one of the first pair of walls, for example, by means of pivot pins.</claim-text> <claim-text>8. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 7, wherein a first end of each leg is pivotally connected to one of the first pair of walls, for example, by means of pivot pins.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 7 or 8. wherein each pivot pin fits into a slot provided at a lateral edge of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 8 or 9, wherein a second end of each leg is attached to the elongated supporting element.</claim-text> <claim-text>11. A collapsible container in accordance with any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein each leg in the stacking position forms an angle a relative to an upper, iii use, edge of the adjacent walls.</claim-text> <claim-text>12. A collapsible container in accordance with claim II, wherein the angle a is between around 45 and 900, preferably between around 45 and 700, and more preferably between around 45 and 60°.</claim-text> <claim-text>13. A collapsible container in accordance with any one preceding claim, wherein the at least one stacking member is tiexible to allow for fitting of the stacking member to the first wall of the container.</claim-text> <claim-text>14. A collapsible container in accordance with any one preceding claim, wherein when the at least one stacking member is in the filling position in which the stacking member is substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container, the base of a further container may be positioned adjacent to the top of the container.</claim-text> <claim-text>15. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 14, wherein the stacking member fits substantially within the plane of the first wall of the container.</claim-text> <claim-text>16. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 14 or 15, wherein the container further comprises retention means for retaining a stacking member within in the plane of the wall to which it is pivotally attached.</claim-text> <claim-text>17. A collapsible container in accordance with claim 14, 15 or 16, wherein the further container can be positioned adjacent to and stacked upon a top rim of the container.</claim-text> <claim-text>18. A collapsible container in accordance with any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the further container is a collapsible container.</claim-text> <claim-text>19. A stacking member for use with a container in accordance with any one of the preceding claims.</claim-text> <claim-text>20. A container as substantially described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text> <claim-text>21. A stacking member as substantialiy described herein and with reference to the accompanying drawings.</claim-text>