HUE026088T2

HUE026088T2 - Container

Info

Publication number: HUE026088T2
Application number: HUE11150405A
Authority: HU
Inventors: Andy Cope
Original assignee: Ifco Systems Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-01-11
Filing date: 2011-01-07
Publication date: 2016-05-30
Also published as: PT2354025E; GB2476856B; DK2354025T3; EP2354025B1; GB201000402D0; EP2354025A2; EP2354025A3; ES2554240T3; GB201016605D0; PL2354025T3; GB2476856A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a collapsible container comprising a pair of stacking members which, when the container is erect, are movable between a stacking position in which the stacking members are positioned to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking members are substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container, and wherein the container further comprises a pair of releasable locking mechanisms, each of the releasable locking mechanisms operable to retain one wall of the first pair of opposed walls in an upstanding position and locked to both the walls of the second pair of walls when the walls of the second pair of walls are also in an upstanding position, and wherein the pair of releasable locking mechanisms are independent of the stacking members.

Description

Description [0001] The present invention relates to a container, and, more particularly, to a containerfor consumer-products that is used for the transport of such products, and their display in a retail outlet, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Collapsible 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. 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.

[0003] 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 2 359 066A). Using stacking rails (see GB 2 431 917 A) gives conventional folding but does not allow the rail to come inboard far enough. Both these issues make handling difficult. The present invention helps overcome these issues.

[0004] US 2007/095842 A1 describes a collapsible container which includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted to an upper end portion thereof. The support is pivotable between a support position, where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the wall can be pivoted downward onto the base, with a portion of the support passing through a channel formed on the interior of the adjacent wall.

[0005] GB 2 438 506 A describes a crate, which is preferably collapsible and includes a wall having an opening and a retractable support that is movable between a retracted position and a support position. A tab extends from the retractable support into the opening when the retractable support is in the retracted position. The tab is accessible through the opening to move the retractable support from the retracted position toward the support position. When in the extended position the retractable supports allow for another container to be stacked thereon. The retractable support member may also include a second tab member which extends in a different direction to the first. The tab members allow for the user to move the support member between extended and retracted positions.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention 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 opposed walls and a second pair of opposed walls, the first pairof opposed walls and the second pairof opposed walls defining an opening in the top of the container, wherein the container further comprises a pairof stacking members which, when the container is erect, are movable between a stacking position in which the stacking members are positioned to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking members are removed from the opening in the top of the container, and wherein the containerfurther comprises a pairof releasable locking mechanisms, each of the releasable locking mechanisms operable to retain one wall of the first pair of opposed walls in an upstanding position and locked to both the walls of the second pair of walls when the walls of the second pair of walls are also in an upstanding position, and wherein the pair of releasable locking mechanisms are independent of the stacking members. Each of the second pair of opposed walls comprise a first recess located at either end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposed walls and each of the first recesses comprise an angled face extending from the surface of the recess that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking member and with the outermost vertical surface of one of the first pair of opposed walls, wherein the interaction at either end of the one of the first pair of opposed walls with the first recesses pushes both of the second pairof opposed walls out past vertical.

[0008] The first pairof opposed walls may form the end walls of the container and the second pair of opposed walls may form the side walls of the container. However, the opposite configuration is also possible and may be useful in certain applications.

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

[0010] Preferably, the stacking members pivot about the first pair of opposed walls. The stacking members may take the form of stacking bars that, when in the stacking position, run parallel to the first pairof opposed walls to provide surfaces reaching between the second pairof opposed walls to support the base of another container. Each stacking bar may comprise a rod of approximately the same length as the walls of the first pair of opposed walls and two legs that extend downwards from either end of the rod with pivot pins located at the end of each of the legs. The pivot pins may fit into pivot slots formed at either end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls. Additionally, recesses 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 stacking bar "clicks" into place as it adopts the filling 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.

[0011] The stacking members may be located within two opposing first recesses on the two walls of the second pair of opposed walls when the stacking members adopt the stacking position thereby preventing the first pair of opposed walls from adopting a collapsed position. This ensures that accidental activation of the releasable locking mechanisms will not cause the container to collapse 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 opposed walls may comprise angled faces that interact with the inner faces of the second pair of opposed walls such that when at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls starts to collapse the second pair of opposed walls are pushed out past vertical to allow the collapsing wall to move freely and/or such that when at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls starts to return to an upstanding position from a collapsed position the second pair of opposed walls are pushed out past vertical to allow the wall returning to an upstanding position to move freely. As above, the outermost vertical surfaces of each wall may be the vertical edges of the wall itself and/or may be parts of a stacking member running parallel to each wall.

[0013] The first recesses may comprise an angled face that interacts with the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls to allow the collapsing wall to move freely. That is, the outermost vertical surfaces of each wall of the first pair of opposed walls run along the angled faces of two opposing first recesses as the wall starts to collapse thereby pushing the second pair of opposed walls out past vertical.

[0014] Each of the second pair of opposed walls may comprise two second recesses located at either end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposed walls. The stacking members may be located within two opposing second recesses when each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls has collapsed. This ensures that, if the stacking members are in an intermediate position between the filling position and the stacking position when the first pair of opposed walls start to collapse, the stacking members are caused to adopt the filling position by interaction with the two opposing second recesses. This assists in the collapse of the first pair of opposed walls of the container.

[0015] The second recesses may comprise an angled face that interacts with the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls to allow a wall returning to an upstanding position to move freely. That is, the outermost vertical surfaces of each wall of the first pair of opposed walls run along the angled faces of two opposing first recesses as the wall starts to return to an upstanding position from a collapsed position thereby pushing the second pair of opposed walls out past vertical.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls comprise inter-engaging formations that inter-engage when the first pairof opposed walls and the second pairof opposed walls are in an upstanding position. This helps prevent the collapsible containerfrom bursting open and collapsing outwards.

[0017] The inter-engaging formations may progressively engage from the bottom formations (those formations closest to the base of the container) to top (those formations furthest from the base of the container) and progressively disengage from top to bottom. That is, the inter-engaging formations may behave like a zip that is done up as one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls returns to an upstanding position from a collapsed position and is undone as the same wall moves from an upstanding position to a collapsed position. Progressive engagement of the inter-engaging formations helps ensure the walls adopt the correct position as one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls returns to an upstanding position from a collapsed position, and thereby helps the container adopt an erect position.

[0018] The inter-engaging formations may comprise at least one pair of holes located on one pair of opposed walls and at least one pair of pins on the other pair of opposed walls. Preferably, multiple pairs of holes and pins are located on the pairs of walls. In the context of the present invention, the word "pins" is used to describe any protruding shape that can fit into a corresponding hole, such as a peg, and the word "holes" is used to describe any recessed shape that a corresponding pin can fit into, such as an aperture formed between two upstands.

[0019] The holes may be located on the first pair of opposed walls and the pins on the second pair of opposed walls or the pins may be located on the first pair of opposed walls and the holes on the second pair of opposed walls. The holes or pins my be located on an end stop or flange extending perpendicular from each end of each walls of the second pairof opposed walls. The end stops or flanges can help prevent the walls of the first pair of opposed walls from overshooting an upstanding position and collapsing outwards away from the base.

[0020] The container may be designed to prevent the stacking members from rotating "backwards". In the context of the present invention, "forwards" refers to the stacking members having rotated at an angle such that they are positioned over the opening in the top of the container to support the base of another container stacked thereon the filling position (i.e. the stacking members are in the stacking position), and "backwards" refers to the stacking members having rotated in the opposite direction. When the walls of the first pairof opposed walls and the walls of the second pair of opposed walls are in an upstanding position, the stacking members may be prevented from rotating backwards by the end stop or flange extending perpendicular of the second pair of opposed walls. When the walls of the first pair of opposed walls are not in an upstanding position, the stacking members may be prevented from rotating backwards by upstands formed at either end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls.

[0021] Each releasable locking mechanism may be integrally formed with a wall of the collapsible container or separately formed and then "snap-fit" into place. Alternatively, a combination of integrally moulded and separately formed features may co-operate to form each releasable locking mechanism.

[0022] Preferably, each of the releasable locking mechanisms are located on one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls. This allows each releasable locking mechanism to independently control the collapse of one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls.

[0023] Alternatively, a combination of features, at least one located on one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls and at least one located on each of the walls of the second pair of opposed walls may co-operate to form each releasable locking mechanism. For example, integrally moulded features on one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls may interact with located on each of the walls of the second pair of opposed walls.

[0024] In one embodiment, the releasable locking mechanisms comprise a latching member; biasing means for biasing the latching member in an engaged position in which the latching member provides locking engagement between one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls in an upstanding position and both the walls of the second pair of walls when the walls of the second pair of walls are also in an upstanding position; and at least one actuator operable against the biasing means, to move the latching member to a disengaged position in which the latching member is released so as to disengage the wall of the first pair of opposed walls and both the walls of the second pair of walls.

[0025] Preferably, the biasing means is configured to bias the latching member in an extended position, and the at least one actuator is operable against the biasing means, to move the latching member to a retracted position.

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

[0027] The latching member may comprise a pair of catches, which, when the latching member is in an engaged position interlock engage with formations on one of the pairs of opposed walls.

[0028] In one embodiment, at least one end of the latching member is received in a complementary recess in an adjacent wall or is located under a hook formation on an adjacentwall. Preferably, both ends of the latching member are received in complementary recesses in a pair of opposed walls or are located under hook formations on adjacent walls.

[0029] The at least one actuator may be located towards the centre of one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls, with the latching member extending from either side thereof. In one arrangement, the latching bar is configured with a kink, which is adapted to slide over a projection, to thereby move the latching bar towards the at least one actuator. In this way, the latching bar and button may be formed in one piece. Other methods for connecting the at least one actuator to the latching bar, to enable retraction thereof, are possible and contemplated.

[0030] The at least one actuator may be configured to change an orientation of at least a portion of the latching member, so as to reduce its effective length along the lateral direction, parallel to the wall it is located on.

[0031] Alternatively, the latching mechanism may comprise a clip, and the biasing means biases the clip to engage with a complementary recess. The at least one actuator is operable against the biasing means, to disengage the clip from the recess. The clip may be pivotally mounted on a wall from a one of the pairs of opposed walls, and the recess formed in a wall from the other pair of opposed walls, with the at least one actuator operable to pivot the clip 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 clip and recess or hook formation may be provided between one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls and the end stop or flange.

[0033] Preferably the biasing means comprises at least one leaf spring, which is compressed against its biasing action by operation of the at least one actuator. For example, the leaf spring may be compressed against a surface of a wall by any method that resists rotation.

[0034] Preferably, the container is collapsible to a substantially flat configuration. This makes it easier to store such containers when they are not in use.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Collapsible containers according to the invention may further comprise retention means for retaining a stacking member in the plane of the wall to which it is pivotably attached. This feature is particularly advantageous when the containers are being washed, typically upside down, in general use or when the container is being erected or folded.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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).

[0039] The collapsible containers may comprise one or more ribs extending inwardly from one or both of the second pair of walls. Preferably, the rib(s) extend along or adjacent the upper, in use, edge of the wall. When the rib(s) extend along the upper edge of the wall, they prevent the stacking member from moving above the top rim of the container when the container is being lifted or is placed upside down for washing.

[0040] The first recess formed on the inner face of a wall of the second pair of opposed walls may comprise a slot for receiving an end of the bar rod for securing the stacking bar, when the bar is in the stacking position.

[0041] The outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls may comprise one or more angled recesses preferably adjacent the top, in use, of said outermost vertical surface. In this embodiment, the stacking member may comprise an upstand, whereby the one or more angled recesses of the wall are engageable with the upstand. These features prevent the stacking memberfrom moving away (inwardly or outwardly) from the plane of the wall to which it is pivotably connected.

[0042] The stacking member may comprise a pair of pivot pins, each pin being movable within a slot extending along part of the outermost vertical surface of a wall of the first pair of opposed walls, and wherein the slot comprises a protrusion for securing the stacking member in the filling position. Preferably, the protrusion comprises a first and a second angled surface, the first angled surface being shorter than the second angled surface. The first shorter angled surface prevents the bar pivot pin from travelling up the slot and secures the bar in the filling position and the second longer angled surface helps the bar pivot to slide past the protrusion into the bottom portion of the slot.

[0043] When the stacking members are stacking bars, each of the two first 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 14 from being folded when the bar 18 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.

[0044] 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 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; Figure 3 is an overhead view of the collapsible container, showing a stacking member in the stackable position;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a portion of one of the walls of the first pair of opposed 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 as one of the walls starts to collapse;

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

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the position of two of the walls as one of the walls has almost completely collapsed; 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 outside comer;

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

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

Figure 12 is an overhead view of the collapsible container, showing the stacking member of Figure 10 in the stacking position;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the collapsible container, showing the stacking member 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 a further 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 member 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 opposed walls suitable for use in the container of Figure 16;

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 between the filling position and the stacking position;

Figure 22 is a further 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 a further 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, show- ing a stacking member in the stacking position; Figure 26 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 25, showing a stacking member in the stacking position;

Figure 27 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 25, without the stacking bar; and 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 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 pairs of opposed walls 14, 16 are pivotally attached, by hinges (not shown), at their lower edges to the base 12.

[0046] 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 minimize 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 walls 14, 16 are chosen according to the design requirements. The base 12, walls 14, 16 and other parts of container 10 are typically moulded as separate parts and assembled together by snap-fit connection or otherwise.

[0047] Stacking bars 18 are located at either end of the container parallel to the first pair of opposed walls 14. Each stacking bar 18 comprises a rod 18a, which is approximately the same length as the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 and extends horizontally across the container when the stacking bar 18 is in the stacking position, and two legs 18b, which extend downwards from either end of the rod 18a when the stacking bar is in the filling position (see Figure 2). Each stacking bar 18 pivots about one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14. Pivot pins 18c located at the end of each of the legs 18b fit into pivot slots 14a formed at either end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14. Blocks 14b located on the ends of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 mate with recesses 18d located on the legs 18b when the stacking bar 18 is in the filling position (see Figure 4).

[0048] When a stacking bar 18 is in the stacking position (see Figure 3), each end of the stacking bar 18 is located within a pairof first recesses 20 within the second pair of opposed walls 16. This allows the stacking bars to settle into the stacked position and prevents the wall 14 about which the stacking bar 18 pivots from collapsing. However, when the stacking bars 18 are in the filling position the wall 14 about which the stacking bars 18 pivot are free to collapse (see Figures 5,6 and 7). Additionally, each of the first recesses have an angled face 22 that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking bar 18 and an adjacent vertical edge of a collapsing wall 14. Interaction at either end of a collapsing wall 14 with two opposing first recesses within the second pair of opposed walls 16 pushes both of the second pairof opposed walls 16 out past 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 opposed walls 14 starts to collapse, either end of each stacking bar 18 will interact with a pair of second recesses 24 within the second pairof opposed walls 16 and be pushed into the filling position. Additionally, each of the second recesses have an angled face 26 that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking bar 18 and an adjacent vertical edge of one of the walls of the first pair of walls 14 as the wall 14 returns to an upstanding position from a collapsed position. This interaction at either end of the wall 14 returning to an upstanding position with two opposing second recesses within the second pairof opposed walls 16 pushes both of the second pair of opposed walls 16 out past vertical.

[0050] The container 10 is designed such that the stacking bars 18 can adopt the stacking position (in which the stacking bars 18 rotate forwards such that they are positioned over the opening in the top 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 (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 opposed walls 14 and the walls of the second pair of opposed walls 16 are in an upstanding position, the stacking bars 18 will be prevented from rotating backwards by the end stop or flange 28 extending from each end of each of the second pair of opposed walls 16. When the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 are not in an upstanding position, the stacking bars 18 are prevented from rotating backwards by upstands 14c formed at either end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14.

[0051] Releasable locking mechanisms 30 are located within each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 (see Figure 9). Each releasable locking mechanism comprises a latching bar 30a, biasing means 30b and two actuators 30c (see Figure 8). When the walls of the first pairof opposed walls 14 are in an upstanding position, the walls are held in an upstanding position by both ends of the latching bar 30a being located under hook formations 28 located on the end stop or flange 28. Also located on the end stop or flange 28 are multiple pins 32 that engage with holes (not shown) located on the vertical edge of one of the walls of the first pair of opposing walls 14.

[0052] The containers 10 shown in Figures 1 to 10 are generally washed in an upside down position. In doing so, the stacking bars 18 can fall out of location, i.e. away from the filling or stacking position, and hanging down, out of the plane of the walls to which they are attached. When hanging down, the bars 18 can be damaged and cause a jam in the tray wash.

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

[0054] A retention means 34 comprises an ear 34a extending from the upper edge of wall 14 and partially surrounding the bar 18. Preferably, the combined height of the wall 14 and ear 34a upper surface of the ear(s) is the same or smaller than the height of the adjacent wall 16. The bar 18 sits between the ear and the top edge of the wall 14 and the ear34a prevents the bar 188from moving above the top rim of the container 10. In addition, when the container 10 is being erected, the bar 18 is prevented from pivoting outwardly from the wall 14. Preferably, the ear 34a comprises a cut back 34b to give access to the bar rod 18a for manual and automated operation.

[0055] A further retention means is shown comprising one or more upstands 36 extending from the upper edge of the wall 14. When the container 10 is being folded or erected, the bar 18 is prevented from pivoting inwardly from the wall 14 (towards the stacking position) by the upstand(s) 36. In use, when the containers are being stacked on top of each other, the bar 18 can be pulled manually over the upstand(s) 36 into the stacking position.

[0056] The bar 18 might move above the top rim of the container 10 when the container is being washed upside down but also in general operation or when the container is lifted by holding the bars 18 in the stacking position. The container 10 may therefore comprise one or more ribs 38 extending inwardly from the upper edge of the wall 16 to prevent such movement. The rib(s) may extend along the inner surface of the wall 16 so that the rib guides the bar 18 into the filling position. The bar 18 or bar rod 18a may comprise a recess 18e (see Figure 15) to fit under the rib 38.

[0057] First recess 20 can be seen for example on 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 added security, in particular when the bar 18 is being rotated between the stacking and the filling position. First recesses 20 may each comprise a slot 40 to receive an end of the bar rod 18a to secure the bar 18 is in the stacking position. In use, the bar 18 can be lifted out of the slot 40 and pulled into the filling position.

[0058] It has therefore been shown that the features described with reference to Figures 10-15 are advantageous when the containers are in an upside down position e.g. for washing, and will also protect the bar during general handling because the bars are retained in the overall dimensions of the container, even when the con-taineris upside down. This solution will also help prevent the bar leg getting damaged during handling generally.

[0059] Further advantageous features will be described with reference to Figures 16 to 24. When the containers 10 described above are being erected, the stacking bar 18 needs to be out of the way, i.e. secured within the plane of the wall 14. If the stacking bar 18 falls forward, the side wall will not move back to vertical and the end wall will not locate. The container shown in Figures 16 to 24 comprises features that enables the bar 18 to be retained within the plane of the wall 14 when the container is being erected and when the container is being washed upside down.

[0060] The stacking bar 18 may comprise an upstand 18g on the bar rod 18a or the bar leg 18b, adjacent the junction between the bar rod 18a and the bar leg 18b. The upstand 18g retains the stacking bar within the plane of the wall 14 by interacting with the end of the wall 14. The end of the wall 14 may comprise or more angled recess 14d adjacent the junction between the end and the upper edge of the wall 14. When the stacking bar 18 is in the filling position and the bar pivot 18c is at the bottom of pivot slots 14a, the stacking bar is preventing from moving inwardly towards the stacking position because of the engagement between the upstand 18g and the angles recess(es) 14d. Preferably, the end of the wall 14 comprises two angled recesses 14d. The first recess 14d on the side of the wall 14 facing the inner space of the container 10 enables the stacking bar 18 to ride up and over the end of the wall 14 when returning from a stacking to a filling position. The second recess 14d on the opposite side of the wall 14 engages with the bar upstand 18g to secure the stacking bar in the filling position.

[0061] The pivot slot 14a may comprise an extension ora protrusion 14e to prevent the bar pivot pin 18c from moving up so that the stacking bar 18 does not move upwards beyond the top rim of the container. When the stacking bar is rotated or lifted, the wall 14 of the container 10 resiliently deforms to allow the pivot pin 18c to move past the protrusion 14e.

[0062] The protrusion 14e may comprise a first shorter angled surface to prevent the bar pivot pin 18c from sliding up the slot 14 c and securing the bar 18 in the filling position and a second longer angled surface to allow the bar pivot pin 18c to travel down, in use, the slot 14c past the protrusion 14e. Therefore, in use, when the stacking bar 18 is lifted or pushed towards the stacking position, the bar pivot pin 18c moved up along the shorter angled surfaced, past the protrusion 14e, along the longer angled surface to the top of the slot 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 forward and above the container and folding cannot be completed. Therefore, the recess 20 may comprise an undercut 40 to receive the end of the bar rod 18a thereby preventing the wall 14 from being folded when the bar 18 is in the stacking position. Preferably, the stacking bar 18 comprises a corresponding nose 18h at the end of the bar rod 18a.

Claims 1. 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 a pair of stacking members (18) which, when the container (10) is erected, are movable between a stacking position in which the stacking members (18) are positioned to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking members (18) are removed from the opening in the top of the container (10), and wherein the container (10) further comprises a pair of releasable locking mechanisms (30), each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) operable to retain one wall of the first pair of opposed walls (14) in an upstanding position and locked to both the walls of the second pair of walls when the walls of the second pair of walls are also in an upstanding position, and wherein the pair of releasable locking mechanisms (30) are independent of the stacking members (18), each of the second pair of opposed walls (16) comprise a first recess (20) located at either end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposed walls (16) charaterised in that each of the first recesses (20) comprise an angled face (22) extending from the surface of the recess (20) that interacts with the outer edge of the stacking member (18) and with the outermost vertical surface of one of the first pair of opposed walls (14), wherein the interaction at either end of the one of the first pair of opposed walls (14) with the first recesses (20) pushes both of the second pairof opposed walls (16) out past vertical. 2. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of opposed walls (14) are end walls and the second pair of opposed walls (16) are side walls. 3. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both the first pair of opposed walls (14) and the second pair of opposed walls (16) pivot relative to the base (12). 4. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the stacking members (18) pivot relative to the first pair of opposed walls (14). 5. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 4, wherein, when the walls of the first pair of opposed walls(14)andthewallsofthesecond pair of opposed walls (16) are in an upstanding position, the stacking members (18) are prevented from rotating backwards, relative to the opening of the container (10), by an end stop or flange (28) extending perpendicular of the second pair of opposed walls (16). 6. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein, when the walls of the first pair of opposed walls (14) are not in an upstanding position, the stacking members (18) are prevented from rotating backwards by upstands formed at either end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls (14). 7. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the stacking members (18) are stacking bars. 8. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, the stacking members (18) are located within two opposing first recesses (20) on the two walls of the second pair of opposed walls (16) when the stacking members (18) adopt the stacking position thereby preventing thefirst pairof opposed walls from adopting a collapsed position. 9. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the second pair of opposed walls (16) comprises second recesses (24) located at either end on the inner face of each of the second pair of opposed walls (16), and wherein the stacking members (18) are located within two opposing second recesses (24) when each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls (14) has collapsed such that, if the stacking members are in an intermediate position between the filling position and the stacking position when the first pair of opposed walls start to collapse, the stacking members are caused to adopt the filling position by interaction with the two opposing second recesses. 10. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 9, wherein each of the second recesses (24) comprise an angled 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 opposed walls (14) when at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls (14) starts to return to an upstanding position from a collapsed position. 11. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 1, wherein the outermost vertical surfaces of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls comprise faces extending from said outermost vertical surface that interact with the inner faces of the second pair of opposed walls. 12. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pair of opposed walls (14) com prises first formations and the second pairof opposed walls comprise corresponding second formations (32) that inter-engage with the first formations when the first pairof opposed walls (14) and the second pair of opposed walls (16) are in an upstanding position to secure the walls (14, 16) in an erected position. 13. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 12, wherein the inter-engaging formations may progressively engage from the formations closest to the base (12) of the container to the formations furthest from the baseofthecontainer(IO), and progressively disengage from the formations furthest from the 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 inter-engaging formations comprise at least one pair of holes located on one pairof opposed walls (14, 16) and at least one pair of pins (32) on the other pair of opposed walls (14, 16). 15. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) are located on one of the walls of the first pairof opposed walls (14). 16. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) are integrally formed with one of the walls (14, 16) of the collapsible container (10) or each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) may be separately formed and then "snap-fit" into place. 17. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the releasable locking mechanisms (30) comprise: a latching member (30a); biasing means (30b) for biasing the latching member (30a) in an engaged position in which the latching member (30a) provides locking engagement between one of the walls of the first pairof opposed walls (14) in an upstanding position and both the walls of the second pair of walls (16) when the walls of the second pair of walls (16) are also in an upstanding position, and at least one actuator (30c) operable against the biasing means (30b), to move the latching member (30a) to a disengaged position in which the latching member (30a) is released so as to disengage the wall of the first pair of opposed walls (14) and both the walls of the second pair of walls (16). 18. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 17, wherein the biasing means (30b) is configured to bias the latching member (30a) in an engaged position, and the at least one actuator (30c) is operable against the biasing means (30b), to move the latching member (30a) to a disengaged position. 19. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 18, wherein the at least one actuator (30c) comprises a button which, when depressed, causes retraction of the latching member (30a). 20. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 18, wherein the at least one actuator (30c) comprises a rotatable lever, which, when rotated, causes retraction of the latching member (30a). 21. A collapsible container (10) according to any of claims 17 to 20, wherein the latching member (30a) comprises a pairof catches, which, when the latching member (30a) is in an engaged position engage with formations on one of the pairs of opposed walls (14, 16). 22. A collapsible container (10) according to any preceding claim, further comprising retention means (34) for retaining a stacking member (18) in the plane of a wall of the first pair of opposed walls(14). 23. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 22, wherein the retention means (34) comprises one or more ears (34a) extending from the uppermost surface of the wall and partially surrounding the stacking member (18). 24. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the retention means (34) comprises one or more cut backs (34b) to enable access to the stacking member (18) in the filling position. 25. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 22, wherein the retention means (34) comprises one or more upstands (36) extending from the uppermost surface of the wall. 26. A collapsible container (10) according to any one of the preceding claim, further comprising one or more ribs (38) inwardly extending from one or both of the second pairof walls (16). 27. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 8, wherein one or both of the first recesses (20) comprise a slot (40) to receive an end of the bar rod (18a) for securing the bar (18a) is in the 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 op posed walls (14) comprise one or more angled recesses (14d) and the stacking member (18) comprises one or more upstands (18g), whereby the one or more angled recesses (14d) are engageable with the one or more upstands (18g). 29. A collapsible container (10) according any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stacking member (18) comprises a pair of pivot pins (18c), each pin (18c) being movable within a slot (14a) extending along part of the outermost vertical surface of a wall of the first pair of opposed walls (14), and wherein the slot 814a) comprises a protrusion (14e) for securing the stacking member (18) in the plane of the wall. 30. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 29, wherein the protrusion (14e) comprises a first and a second angled surface, the first angled surface being shorter than the second angled surface. 31. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 8, wherein the stacking members (18) are stacking bars and each of the two first recesses (20) comprises an undercut (40) to receive an end of the stacking bar (18) when the stacking bar (18) is in the stacking position. 32. A collapsible container (10) according to claim 31, wherein the stacking bar (18) comprises a nose (18h) which secures the end of the stacking bar (18) in the undercut (40).

Patentansprüche 1. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10), der eine Basis (12), ein erstes Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) und ein zweites Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) aufweist, wobei das erste Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) und das zweite Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) eine Öffnung in der Oberseite des Behälters (10) definieren, wobei der Behälter (10) ferner ein Paar von Stapelbaugliedern (18) aufweist, die, wenn der Behälter (10) aufgerichtet ist, zwischen einer Stapelposition, in der die Stapelbauglieder (18) positioniert sind, um die Basis eines anderen darauf gestapelten Behälters zu tragen, und einer Füllposition, in der die Stapelbauglieder (18) von der Öffnung in der Oberseite des Behälters (10) entfernt sind, bewegbarsind, und wobei der Behälter (10) ferner ein Paar von auslösbaren Verriegelungsmechanismen (30) aufweist, wobei jeder der auslösbaren Verriegelungsmechanismen (30) einsetzbar ist, um eine Wand des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) in einer aufrechten Position und auf beide Wände des zweiten Paars von Wänden verriegelt zu halten, wenn die Wände des zweiten Paars von Wänden ebenfalls in einer aufrechten Position sind, und wobei das Paarvon auslösbaren Verriegelungsmechanismen (30) unabhängig von den Stapelbaugliedern (18) ist, wobei jede des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) eine erste Ausnehmung (20) aufweist, die anjedem Ende der Innenseite von jeder des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede der ersten Ausnehmungen (20) eine abgewinkelte Seite (22) aufweist, die sich von der Oberfläche der Ausnehmung (20) erstreckt, die mit der äußeren Kante des Stapelbauglieds (18) und mit der äußersten vertikalen Oberfläche einer des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) in Wechselwirkung steht, wobei die Wechselwirkung anjedem Ende der einen des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) mit den ersten Ausnehmungen (20) beide des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) über die Vertikale hinausdrückt. 2. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem das erste Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) Stirnwände sind und das zweite Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) Seitenwände sind. 3. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei dem sowohl das erste Paar von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) als auch das zweite Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) relativ zu der Basis (12) schwenken. 4. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 1, 2 oder 3, bei dem die Stapelbauglieder (18) relativ zu dem ersten Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) schwenken. 5. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch^, beidem.wenndieWändedesersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) und die Wände des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) in einer aufrechten Position sind, die Stapelbauglieder (18) durch einen Endanschlag oder -flansch (28), der sich senkrecht zu dem zweiten Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) erstreckt, an einem Rückwärtsdrehen relativ zu der Öffnung des Behälters (10) gehindert werden. 6. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 4 oder Anspruch 5, bei dem, wenn die Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) nicht in einer aufrechten Position sind, die Stapelbauglieder (18) durch Aufkantungen, die an jedem Ende jeder Wand des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) gebildet sind, an einem Rückwärtsdrehen gehindert werden. 7. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Stapelbauglieder (18) Stapelriegel sind. 8. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die Stapelbauglieder (18) innerhalb von zwei gegenüberliegenden ersten Ausnehmungen (20) an den zwei Wänden des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) angeordnetsind, wenn die Stapelbauglieder (18) die Stapelposition einnehmen und somit das erste Paar von gegenüberliegenden Wänden daran hindern, eine zusammengeklappte Position einzunehmen. 9. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem jede des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) zweite Ausnehmungen (24) aufweist, die an jedem Ende an der Innenseite von jeder des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) angeordnet ist, und wobei die Stapelbauglieder (18) innerhalb von zwei gegenüberliegenden zweiten Ausnehmungen (24) angeordnetsind, wenn jede der Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) derart zusammengeklappt ist, dass, falls die Stapelbauglieder in einer Zwischenposition zwischen der Füllposition und der Stapelposition sind, wenn das erste Paar von gegenüberliegenden Wänden beginnt, sich zusammenzuklappen, die Stapelbauglieder durch Wechselwirkung mit den zwei gegenüberliegenden zweiten Ausnehmungen veranlasst werden, die Füllposition einzunehmen. 10. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 9, bei dem jede der zweiten Ausnehmungen (24) eine abgewinkelte Seite (26) aufweist, die sich von einer Oberfläche der Ausnehmung (24) erstreckt, die mit den äußersten vertikalen Oberflächen jeder der Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) in Wechselwirkung steht, wenn zumindest eine der Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) beginnt, von einer zusammengeklappten Position zu einer aufrechten Position zurückzukehren. 11. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 1, bei dem die äußersten vertikalen Oberflächen von jeder der Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden sich von der äußersten vertikalen Oberfläche erstreckende Seiten aufweist, die mit den Innenseiten des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden in Wechselwirkung stehen. 12. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem das erste Paar von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) erste Ausformungen aufweist und das zweite Paar von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) entsprechende zweite Ausformungen (32) aufweist, die mit den ersten Ausformungen ineinandergreifen, wenn das erste Paar von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) und das zweite Paar von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) in einer aufrechten Position sind, um die Wände (14, 16) in einer aufgerichteten Position zu sichern. 13. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 12, bei dem die ineinandergreifenden Ausformungen sich von den Ausformungen, die am nächsten zu der Basis (12) des Behälters sind, bis zu den Ausformungen, die am weitesten von der Basis des Behälters (10) entfernt sind, nach und nach in Eingriff nehmen und sich von den Ausformungen, die am weitesten von der Basis (12) des Behälters (10) entfernt sind, bis zu den Ausformungen, die am nächsten zu der Basis des Behälters (10) sind, nach und nach außer Eingriff bringen können. 14. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 12 oder 13, bei dem die ineinandergreifenden Ausfarrrrungen zumindest ein Paarvon Löchern umfassen, die an einem Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14, 16) angeordnet sind, und zumindest ein Paarvon Stiften (32) auf dem anderen Paarvon gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14, 16). 15. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem jeder der auslösbaren Verriegelungsmechanismen (30) an einer der Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) angeordnet ist. 16. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem jeder der auslösbaren Verriegelungsmechanismen (30) einstückig mit einer der Wände (14,16) des zusammenklappbaren Behälters (10) gebildet ist oder jeder der auslösbaren Verriegelungsmechanismen (30) separat gebildet sein kann und dann einrastet. 17. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem jeder der auslösbaren Verriegelungsmechanismen (30) folgende Merkmale aufweist: ein Einrastbauglied (30a); eine Vorspannungseinrichtung (30b) zum Vorspannen des Einrastbauglieds (30a) in einer In-eingriffnahmeposition, in der das Einrastbauglied (30a) eine Verriegelungslneingriffnahme zwischen einerder Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) in einer aufrechten Position und beiden Wänden des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) vorsieht, wenn die Wände des zweiten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (16) ebenfalls in aufrechter Position sind, und zumindest ein Stellglied (30c), das gegen die Vorspannungseinrichtung (30b) einsetzbar ist, um das Einrastbauglied (30a) in eine Außerein-griffnahmeposition zu bewegen, in der das Einrastbauglied (30a) freigegeben ist, um die Wand des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) und beide Wände des zweiten Paars von Wänden (16) außer Eingriff zu bringen. 18. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 17, bei dem die Vorspannungseinrichtung (30b) ausgebildet ist, um das Einrastbaugüed (30a) in einer Ineingriffnahmeposition vorzuspannen, und das zumindest eine Stellglied (30c) gegen die Vorspannungseinrichtung (30b) einsetzbar ist, um das Einrastbauglied (30a) in eine Außereingriffnahme-position zu bewegen. 19. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 18, bei dem das zumindest eine Stellglied (30c) eine Taste aufweist, die beim Niederdrücken ein Zurückziehen des Einrastbauglieds (30a) verursacht. 20. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 18, bei dem das zumindest eine Stellglied (30c) einen drehbaren Hebelaufweist, der beim Drehen ein Zurückziehen des Einrastbauglieds (30a) verursacht 21. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der Ansprüche 17 bis 20, bei dem das Einrastbauglied (30a) ein Paar von Rasten aufweist, die, wenn das Einrastbauglied (30a) in einer Ineingriffnahmeposition ist, Ausformungen an einer des Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14, 16) in Eingriff nehmen. 22. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem dervorhergehenden Ansprüche, derferner eine Zurückhalteeinrichtung (34) zum Zurückhalten eines Stapelbauglieds (18) in der Ebene einer Wand des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) aufweist. 23. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 22, bei dem die Zurückhalteeinrichtung (34) ein oder mehrere Ohren (34a) aufweist, die sich von der obersten Oberfläche der Wand erstrecken und das Stapelbauglied (18) teilweise umschließen. 24. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 22 oder 23, bei dem die Zurückhalteeinrichtung (34) eine oder mehrere Einschnitte (34b) aufweist, um in der Füllposition Zugang zu dem Stapelbauglied (18) zu ermöglichen. 25. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 22, bei dem die Zurückhalteeinrichtung (34) eine oder mehrere Aufkantungen (36) aufweist, die sich von der obersten Oberfläche der Wand erstrecken. 26. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der ferner einen oder mehrere Stege (38) aufweist, die sich von einer oder beiden des zweiten Paars von Wänden (16) nach innen erstrecken. 27. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem eine oder beide der ersten Ausnehmungen (20) einen Schlitz (40) aufweisen, um ein Ende des Riegelstabs (18a) aufzunehmen, zum Sichern des Riegels (18a) in der Stapelposition. 28. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem die äußersten vertikalen Oberflächen von jeder der Wände des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) eine oder mehrere abgewinkelte Ausnehmungen (14d) aufweist und das Stapelbauglied (18) eine oder mehrere Aufkantungen (18g) aufweist, wobei die eine oder mehreren abgewinkelten Ausnehmungen (14d) mit der einen oder mehreren Aufkantungen (18g) in Eingriff genommen werden können. 29. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei dem das Stapelbauglied (18) ein Paar von Schwenkstiften (18c) aufweist, wobei jeder Stift (18c) innerhalb eines Schlitzes (14a) bewegbar ist, der sich entlang eines Teils der äußersten vertikalen Oberfläche einer Wand des ersten Paars von gegenüberliegenden Wänden (14) erstreckt, und wobei der Schlitz (14a) einen Vorsprung (14e) aufweist, zum Sichern des Stapelbauglieds (18) in der Ebene der Wand. 30. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 29, bei dem der Vorsprung (14e) eine erste und eine zweite abgewinkelte Oberfläche aufweist, wobei die erste abgewinkelte Oberfläche kürzer als die zweite abgewinkelte Oberfläche ist. 31. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß Anspruch 8, bei dem die Stapelbauglieder (18) Stapelriegel sind und jede der zwei ersten Ausnehmungen (20) einen Unterschnitt (40) aufweist, um ein Ende des Stapelriegels (18) aufzunehmen, wenn der Stapelriegel (18) in der Stapelposition ist. 32. Ein zusammenklappbarer Behälter (10) gemäß An-

Spruch 31, bei dem der Stapelriegel (18) eine Nase (18h) aufweist, die das Ende des Stapelriegels (18) in dem Unterschnitt (40) sichert.

Revendications 1. Conteneur rabattable (10) comprenant une base (12), une première paire de parois opposées (14) et une deuxième paire de parois opposées (16), la première paire de parois opposées (14) et la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) définissant une ouverture dans la partie supérieure du conteneur (10), dans lequel le conteneur (10) comprend par ailleurs une paire d’éléments d’empilage (18) qui, lorsque le conteneur (10) est redressé, sont déplaçables entre une position d’empilage dans laquelle les éléments d’empilage (18) sont positionnés de manière à supporter la base d’un autre conteneur empilé sur ce dernier et une position de remplissage dans laquelle les éléments d’empilage (18) sont retirés de l’ouverture dans la partie supérieure du conteneur (10), et dans lequel le conteneur (10) comprend par ailleurs une paire de mécanismes de verrouillage pouvant être dégagés (30), chacun des mécanismes de verrouillage pouvant être dégagés (30) pouvant fonctionner pour maintenir une paroi de la première paire de parois opposées (14) dans une position verticale et verrouillée aux deux parois de la deuxième paire de parois lorsque les parois de la deuxième paire de parois se trouvent également dans une position verticale, et dans lequel la paire de mécanismes de verrouillage pouvant être dégagés (30) sont indépendants des éléments d’empilage (18), chacune de la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) comprenant un premier évidement(20)situéà l’une et l’autre extrémité sur la face intérieure de chacune de la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16), caractérisé par le fait que chacun des premiers évidements (20) comporte une face inclinée (22) s’étendant de la surface de l’évidement (20) qui interagit avec le bord extérieur de l’élément d’empilage (18) et avec la surface verticale extrême extérieure de l’une de la première paire des parois opposées (14), où l’interaction à l’une et l’autre extrémité de l’une de la première paire de parois opposées (14) avec les premiers évidements (20) pousse les deux parois de la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) vers l’extérieur au-delà de la verticale. 2. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la première paire de parois opposées (14) sont des parois d’extrémité et la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) sont des parois latérales. 3. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans lequel tant la première paire de parois opposées (14) que la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) pivotent par rapport à la base (12). 4. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 1, 2 ou 3, dans lequel les éléments d’empilage (18) pivotent par rapport à la première paire de parois opposées (14). 5. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 4, dans lequel, lorsque les parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14) et les parois de la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) se trouvent dans une position verticale, les éléments d’empilage (18) sont empêchés de tourner en arrière, par rapport à l’ouverture du conteneur (10), par une butée ou une bride (28) s’étendant perpendiculairement à la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16). 6. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 4 ou la revendication 5, dans lequel, lorsque les parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14) ne se trouvent pas dans une position verticale, les éléments d’empilage (18) sont empêchés de tourner en arrière par des rebords formés à l’une et l’autre extrémité de chacune des parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14). 7. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les éléments d’empilage (18) sont des barres d’empilage. 8. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les éléments d’empilage (18) sont situés dans deux premiers évidements opposés (20) sur les deux parois de la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) lorsque les éléments d’empilage (18) adoptent la position d’empilage, empêchant ainsi que la première paire de parois opposées adopte une position rabattue. 9. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chacune de la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) comprend des deuxièmes évidements (24) situés à l’une et l’autre extrémité sur la face intérieure de chacune de la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16), et dans lequel les éléments d’empilage (18) sont situés dans deux deuxièmes évidements opposés (24) lorsque chacune des parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14) est rabattue, de sorte que, si les éléments d’empilage se trouvent dans une position intermédiaire entre la position de remplissage et la position d’empilage lorsque la première paire de parois opposées commence à se rabattre, les éléments d’empilage sont amenés à adopter la position de remplissage par interaction avec les deux deuxièmes évidements opposés. 10. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel chacun des deuxièmes évidements (24) comprend une face inclinée (26) s’étendant à partir d’une surface de l’évidement (24) qui interagit avec les surfaces verticales extrême extérieures de chacune des parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14) lorsqu’au moins l’une des parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14) commence à retourner en une position verticale à partir d’une position repliée. 11. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les surfaces verticales extrême extérieures de chacune des parois de la première paire de parois opposées comprennent des faces s’étendant à partirde ladite surface verticale extrême extérieure qui interagit avec les surfaces intérieures de la deuxième paire de parois opposées. 12. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la première paire de parois opposées (14) comprend des premières formations et la deuxième paire de parois opposées corn prend des deuxièmes formations (32) correspondantes qui viennent en prise avec les premières formations lorsque la première paire de parois opposées (14) et la deuxième paire de parois opposées (16) se trouvent dans une position verticale pour fixer les parois (14, 16) dans une position redressée. 13. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 12, dans lequel les formations venant en prise les unes avec les autres peuvent venir en prise progressivement des formations les plus proches de la base (12) du conteneur aux formations les plus éloignées de la base du conteneur (10), et se dégager progressivement des formations les plus éloignées de la base (12) du conteneur (10) aux formations les plus proches de la base (12) du conteneur (10). 14. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 12 ou la revendication 13, dans lequel les formations venant en prise les unes avec les autres comprennent au moins une paire de trous situés sur une paire de parois opposées (14, 16) et au moins une paire de broches (32) sur l’autre paire de parois opposées (14, 16). 15. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chacun des mécanismes de verrouillage pouvant être dégagés (30) sont situés sur l’une des parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14). 16. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chacun des mécanismes de verrouillage pouvant être dégagés (30) est formé de manière solidaire avec l’une des parois (14,16) du conteneurrabattable (10) ou chacun des mécanismes de verrouillage pouvant être dégagés (30) peut être formé séparément et ensuite mis en place par "encliquetage". 17. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel chacun des mécanismes de verrouillage pouvant être dégagés (30) comprend: un élément de verrouillage (30a); un moyen de sollicitation (30b) pour solliciter l’élément de verrouillage (30a) dans une position en prise dans laquelle l’élément de verrouillage (30a) crée une venue en prise de verrouillage entre l’une des parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14) dans une position verticale et les deux parois de la deuxième paire de parois (16) lorsque les parois de la deuxième paire de parois (16) se trouvent également dans une position verticale, et au moins un actionneur(30c) pouvant fonctionner à l’encontre du moyen de sollicitation (30b) pour déplacer l’élément de verrouillage (30a) vers une position dégagée dans laquelle l’élément de verrouillage (30a) est dégagé, de manière à dégager la paroi de la première paire de parois opposées (14) et les deux parois de la deuxième paire de parois (16). 18. Conteneurrabattable (10) selon la revendication 17, dans lequel le moyen de sollicitation (30b) est configuré pour solliciter l’élément de verrouillage (30a) dans une position en prise, et l’au moins un action-neur (30c) peut fonctionner à l’encontre du moyen de sollicitation (30b) pour déplacer l’élément de verrouillage (30a) vers une position dégagée. 19. Conteneurrabattable (10) selon la revendication 18, dans lequel l’au moins un actionneur(30c) comprend un bouton qui, lorsqu’il est appuyé sur lui, provoque la rétraction de l’élément de verrouillage (30a). 20. Conteneurrabattable (10) selon la revendication 18, dans lequel l’au moins un actionneur(30c) comprend un levier rotatif qui, lorsqu’il est tourné, provoque la rétraction de l’élément de verrouillage (30a). 21. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications 17 à 20, dans lequel l’élément de verrouillage (30a) comprend une paire de cliquets qui, lorsque l’élément de verrouillage (30a) se trouve dans une position en prise, viennent en prise avec les formations sur l’une des paires de parois opposées (14, 16). 22. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant par ailleurs un moyen de retenue (34) destiné à retenir un élément d’empilage (18) dans le plan d’une paroi de la première paire de parois opposées (14). 23. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 22, dans lequel le moyen de retenue (34) comprend une ou plusieurs oreilles (34a) s’étendant à partir de la surface extrême supérieure de la paroi et entourant partiellement l’élément d’empilage (18). 24. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 22 ou 23, dans lequel le moyen de retenue (34) comprend une ou plusieurs découpes (34b) destinées à permettre l’accès à l’élément d’empilage (18) dans la position de remplissage. 25. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 22, dans lequel le moyen de retenue (34) comprend un ou plusieurs rebords (36) s’étendant à partir de la surface extrême supérieure de la paroi. 26. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant par ailleurs une ou plusieurs nervures (38) s’étendant vers l’intérieur à partir de l’une ou des deux parois de la deuxième paire de parois (16). 27. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 8, dans lequel l’un ou les deux des premiers évidements (20) comprennent une fente (40) destinée à recevoir une extrémité de la tige de barre (18a) pour fixer la barre (18a) dans la position d’empilage. 28. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les surfaces verticales extrême extérieures de chacune des parois de la première paire de parois opposées (14) comprennent un ou plusieurs évidements inclinés (14d) et l’élément d’empilage (18) comprend un ou plusieurs rebords (18g), d’où les un ou plusieurs évidements inclinés (14d) peuvent venir en prise avec les un ou plusieurs rebords (18g). 29. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon l’une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l’élément d’empilage (18) comprend une paire de goupilles de pivotement (18c), chaque goupille (18c) pouvant se déplacerdans unefente (14a) s’étendant le long d’une partie de la surface extrême extérieure d’une paroi verticale de la première paire de parois opposées (14), et dans lequel la fente (14a) comprend une saillie (14e) destinée à fixer l’élément d’empilage (18) dans le plan de la paroi. 30. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 29, dans lequel la saillie (14e) comprend une première et une deuxième surface inclinée, la première sur face inclinée étant plus courte que la deuxième surface inclinée. 31. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 8, dans lequel les éléments d’empilage (18) sont des barres d’empilement et chacun des deux premiers évidements (20) comprend une contre-dépouille (40) destinée à recevoir une extrémité de la barre d’empilage (18) lorsque la barre d’empilage (18) se trouve dans la position d’empilage. 32. Conteneur rabattable (10) selon la revendication 31, dans lequel la barre d’empilage (18) comprend un nez (18h) qui fixe l’extrémité de la barre d’empilage (18) dans la contre-dépouille (40).

Claims

STORAGE INSTRUMENT Claims

A collapsible storage device (10) having a bottom (12), an opposite wall (14) of the first pair and an opposite wall (16) of the second pair, wherein the first pair of opposing walls (14) and a pair of amoodic pairs (16) are the storage means (16). 10) an aperture is defined at the top, wherein the storage device (10) also has a pair of loading members (18) which can be moved between a loading position and a filling position in the case where the storage device (10) is set, where the loading members are (18) in the loading position, the bottom of another storage device placed on them is placed on a support and is removed from the opening at the top of the storage device (10) in the charging position, and wherein the storage device (10) also has a pair of soluble locking means (30), each of which is a detachable locking device ( 30) one of the first pair of opposite walls (14) can be operated in a standing position and when the walls of the second pair wall are also stationary the second pair is locked to both walls of the wall, and wherein the pairs of soluble locking means (30) are independent of the loading members (18), and wherein the walls of the opposite pair (16) of the second pair are each opposite the opposite wall (16). having a first recess (20) at each end of the inner wall of the wall, characterized in that each of the first recesses (20) extends from the surface of the recess (20) to the outer edge of the loading member (18) and the first pair of opposite walls (20); 14) an oblique panel (22) interacting with its outermost vertical surface, wherein the interaction of one of the first pair of opposing walls (14) at the two ends of the wall with the first recesses (20) overlaps the walls of the second wall opposite the wall (16).

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 1, wherein the first pair of opposing walls (14) form end walls and the second pair of opposing walls (16) form side walls.

The folding storage device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both the first pair of opposite walls (14) and the second pair of opposite walls (16) are pivoted relative to the bottom (12).

Folding storage device (10) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the loading members (18) are pivoted relative to the first pair of opposite walls (14).

A collapsible storage device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the first pair of opposite walls (14) and the second pair of opposite walls (16) in the standing position of the loading members (18), with respect to the opening of the storage device (10), are turned backwards. an end stop or flange (28) that extends perpendicular to the opposite wall (16).

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 4 or 5, wherein, in the non-standing position of the first pair of opposite walls (14), the backward rotation of the loading members (18) is provided by protrusions at both ends of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14). inhibit.

A collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading members (18) are loading beams.

A collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading members (18) are located between two opposite recesses (20) on the two walls of the second pair facing wall (16) when the loading members (18) take up the loading position to prevent the first pair of opposite walls from collapsing.

Folding storage device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the walls of the second pair opposite wall (16) have second recesses (24) at each end of each wall of each wall of the opposite wall (16), and wherein the first pair is opposite after the walls of the wall (14) are folded, the loading members (18) are arranged between the two opposite second recesses (24) so that, when the front members are at an intermediate position between the loading position and the loading position, the loading members are in the intermediate position; its interaction with the two opposite recesses triggers the loading of the loading members.

A collapsible storage device (10) according to claim 9, wherein each of the second recesses (24) comprises one of at least one of the walls of the recess (24) and at least one of the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) from the folded position to the standing position. At the beginning of its return, the walls of the first pair of opposite walls (14) have an oblique plate (26) interacting with their outermost vertical surface.

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 1, wherein the walls of the first pair of opposite walls have outermost vertical surfaces extending from the outermost vertical surface and interacting with the inner faces of the walls of the second pair opposite wall.

The collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first pair of opposing walls (14) comprises first shapes for securing the walls (14, 16) in the set position, and the second pair facing wall (16) is opposite the first pair. a wall (14) and a second pair of opposing walls (16) comprise second shapes (32) engaging with the first shapes.

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 12, wherein the engaging shapes gradually clamp to the bottom (12) of the container (12) from the bottom of the container (10) to the shapes furthest from the bottom of the container (10), and furthest from the bottom (12) of the container (10). they are gradually disengaged from shapes to the bottom (12) of the container (10).

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 12 or 13, wherein the engaging shapes at least one pair of holes formed on one of the opposite walls (14, 16) and at least one of the other pair of opposite walls (14, 16) are provided. include a few pins (32).

The collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the detachable locking means (30) is disposed on a wall of the first pair of facing walls (14).

Foldable storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the soluble locking devices (30) is formed as a single piece with one of the walls (14, 16) of the collapsible storage device (10), or each of the soluble locking devices (30) is formed as a separate piece. and then clicked into place.

A collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the detachable locking means (30) comprises: a locking member (30a); a prestressing element (30b) for prestressing the locking member (30a) in an engaging position, wherein the locking member (30a) is a latch between a standing wall of the first pair of opposing walls (14) and a second wall opposite the wall (16) in two equally standing walls. and at least one actuator (30c) operable to disengage the locking member (30a) against the prestressing element (30b) in a disengaged position, in which the locking member (30a) is released, so that one wall of the first pair of opposite walls (14) and the second one two walls of two opposite walls (16) are disengaged.

The folding container (10) of claim 17, wherein the biasing member (30b) is configured to bias the locking member (30a) in an engaging position, and the at least one actuator (30c) is the locking member (30a) in the biasing member (30b). ) can be operated in a disconnected position.

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 18, wherein the at least one actuator (30c) has a push button triggering the retraction of the locking member (30a).

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 18, wherein the at least one actuator (30c) has a pivotable arm for retracting the locking member (30a) when it is pivoted.

A collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking member (30a) comprises a pair of nails, which fingers cling to the interlocking positions (30a) with shapes on one of the pairs of opposite walls (14, 16).

A folding storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a loading member (18) is secured in the plane of the wall of the first pair of opposite walls (14).

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 22, wherein the fastening member (34) comprises at least one tab (34a) extending from the top surface of the wall and surrounding the loading member (18).

A folding storage device (10) according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein the retaining member (34) comprises at least one recess (34b) providing access to the loading member (18) in the loading position.

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 22, wherein the fastener (34) has at least one protrusion (36) protruding from the top surface of the wall.

The collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, which has at least one rib (38) that is inwardly incoming at least one of the walls of the second pair wall (16).

A folding container (10) according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the first recesses (20) comprises a groove (40) for receiving the end of the rod (18a) in the loading position.

A folding container (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outermost vertical surfaces of the first pair of opposing walls (14) comprise at least one oblique recess (14d), and at least one protrusion (18g) of the loading member (18), wherein the at least one oblique recess (14d) and the at least one protrusion (18g) may be interconnected.

A collapsible storage device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading member (18) has a pair of pivot pins (18c), each of the pivot pins (18c) extending in a groove (14a) extending along the outermost vertical surface of the first pair of opposite walls (14). movable, and the groove (14a) has an element (14e) protruding to secure the loading member (18) in the plane of the wall.

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 29, wherein the protruding element (14e) has first and second oblique surfaces, wherein the first oblique surface is shorter than the second oblique surface.

A collapsible storage device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the loading members (18) are loading beams, and each of the first recesses (20) each has a undercut (40) receiving the end of the loading bar (18) at the loading position of the loading bar (18). contain.

The collapsible storage device (10) of claim 31, wherein the loading rod (18) has a nose (18h) securing the end of the loading rod (18) to the undercut (40).