MXPA00011355A - Collapsible merchandising container - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible display container includes a base and a pair of opposed side walls each pivotably attached to the base. The side walls are orientable between an assembled position and a second position. At least one of the side walls includes a display member which is mounted to it. The display member is movable between an open position and a closed position. Thus, when the display member is in the open position and at least one side wall is in the assembled position, the interior of the container is accessible through the at least one side wall.

Description

FOLDING MARKETING CONTAINER • FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a container for folding, multi-purpose marketing, adaptable for storage, transportation, and display of agricultural goods and other items. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Folding containers and boxes are commonly used to transport and store a variety of items. Such boxes are typically formed of injection molded plastic and are frequently adapted to receive perishable food items, such as agricultural products. When they are assembled, such containers are rectangular in shape and have a flat base surrounded by four vertical side panels that are attached to the flat base. When the containers are not in use, the foldable feature of the containers allows the containers are folded or otherwise reduced Ref: 125213 in size, which provides a desirable compact size when storage space is minimal. The current folding containers, however, are not very suitable for displaying their contents, particularly at the point of sale. The task of investigating the contents of a particular plegaole container is even more difficult in a situation where the containers are stacked one on top of the other. Under these circumstances, the containers must typically be unstacked in order to discover and access their contents. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved collapsible container which is suitable for display purposes. The improved container should allow improved visibility of the contents of the container, as well as access to the contents of the container. The improved container should also be capable of being stacked with similar containers when assembled and fitted with similar containers when folded. The container must also allow visibility and access under conditions where the containers are stacked. The container must also have a • «--- --- ailáiiu robust construction and properties to support load. • DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a display, merchandising, folding container, which provides access to the contents of the container, particularly when the container is in an orientation stacked with a similar container or when conventional access to the container through its upper opening is difficult or inconvenient. Another objective according to this The invention is to provide a collapsible display container which provides access and visibility to the contents of the container from the side, even when the side walls of the container are in an assembled orientation and vertical. Still another object according to the present invention is to provide a collapsible display container incorporating an access panel to the contents of the container, which is movable between an open and a closed state with relative ease. Another additional objective according to the present invention is to provide a container of ' folding display that is stackable with similar containers, when assembled, and nestable with similar containers when folded. In addition, an objective according to the present invention is to provide a container of • 10 folding display that is inexpensive to manufacture and efficient to assemble. In addition, a further object according to the present invention is to provide a collapsible display container that is capable of being fitted with similar containers when in a folded position, and that is also capable of being stacked with similar containers when in the assembled position. . Another additional objective according to the The present invention is to provide a container having a bottom that is robust and having a design that is sufficiently capable of supporting the load placed on it. In carrying out the objectives, Previous features and advantages according to the present invention, a collapsible display container is provided which includes a base and a pair of opposite side walls, each pivotably coupled to the base. The side walls 5 are orientable between an assembled position and a second position (folded or down position). At least one of the side walls includes a display member which is mounted to the wall. The display member ^ 10 is movable between an open position and a closed position. Thus, when the display member is in the open position and at least one side wall is in the assembled position, the interior of the container is accessible through minus one side wall. The display member is preferably pivotably coupled to at least one side wall. The display member can also be liberally mounted to at least one side wall.

In a preferred embodiment, when the display member is in the closed position and the side wall is in the assembled position, the display member is generally coplanar with the side wall. In a modality, when the member of display is in the closed position and the side wall is in the assembled position, one of the display member and the side wall includes • one bolt member and the other includes a gap to receive the bolt member. The display panel member is movable between the range of about 0 ° to 180 °, and in one embodiment the open display panel member is parallel to the plane of its corresponding side wall. The display member has a top edge 10 of the display member and the side wall has an upper edge of the side wall, wherein, when the display member is in the closed position and at least one side wall is in the position assembled, the upper edge of the display member is substantially collinear with the upper edge of the side wall. Also, when the display member is in the open position and at least one side wall is in the assembled position, the upper edge of the member of display does not project below the plane of the base. The collapsible container described herein also preferably includes a second pair of opposite side walls, each coupled in pivot to the base and orientable between a position 1-JIHMUJI.MtHMt assembled and a disassembled position. Each of the second pair of opposite side walls is • releasably mounted to an adjacent pair of opposite side walls. One of the pair of opposite side walls 5 and the second pair of opposite side walls each includes a pair of opposite side tabs projecting inward from and integral with these, each side tab having a latch receiver # 10 formed therein, the latch receiver includes an opening and a flexible latch hinge and having a latch release member operable by a user. The other pair of opposite side walls and the second pair of walls Opposite sides each include a pair of opposite side edges, each side edge having a hook member coupled thereto. In this way, when the container is oriented in an assembled position, each lateral flange borders on an adjacent lateral edge, so that each opening receives a corresponding latching member which is held in position by the latch hinge, forming a secure coupling between the first and second pairs of walls opposite sides. Also, in order to return the container to a folded position from the assembled position, each release member of the • latch is actuated by the user in order to release the latch member fastened thereto. The base of the container includes a first and a second pair of opposite edges. The pair of opposite side walls and the second pair of opposite side walls are pivotably coupled to a corresponding one of the first and • 10 second pair of opposite edges. In one embodiment, one of the first and second pairs of opposite edges are each defined by a vertical base wall. When the pairs of side walls are oriented in the second position, they are oriented in one of an inwardly folded orientation or an outwardly folded orientation. The container preferably has a pair of opposing display panel members coupled to the opposite side walls, and can also have a third or fourth display panel members on the remaining side walls. The above objects and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following a detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates a perspective view of the collapsible container according to the present invention, oriented in an assembled state; Figure 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates an extreme elevation view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 4 illustrates a top plan view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the container, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4; Figure 6 is a sectional view of the container, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 4; Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of the collapsible container of Figure 1 with the goods panel in a downward position; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 showing the opposing display panels of the side walls in an open position; Figure 10 illustrates two similar containers according to the present invention, in a stacked orientation, with the display panels of each container in an open position; Figure 11 illustrates the container of Figure 1 with the side walls in a folded orientation with outward direction; Figure 12 illustrates the container of Figure 1, with the side walls in an inwardly folded orientation, wherein the opposite side walls are first folded inward and then the opposite end walls are folded inwardly; Figure 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the end wall portion of Figure 12, illustrating the hinge mechanism according to the present invention, for retaining the side walls and the end walls to the base of the container; Figures 14a and 14b illustrate a partial view of a second embodiment of a container according to the present invention, showing the display panel between the open position (Figure 14a) and the closed position (Figure 14b), wherein in the closed position (Figure 14a) the display panel member is enclosed within the side wall, and does not extend towards an outer edge of the side wall; Figures 15a and 15b illustrate a partial view of a third embodiment of the container according to the present invention, wherein the display panel member is slidably received within its corresponding side wall between a closed position (Figure 15a) and a position open (Figure 15b); Figure 16 is a top plan sectional view of the assembled hooking system according to the present invention, and taken along the line 16-16 of Figure 8, for engaging together the side walls and the end walls, according to the present invention: Figure 17 is a top plan sectional view of the hooking system of Figure 16 in a disassembled orientation, with the side wall shown spaced apart from the end wall; perspective of the base and bottom surface according to the present invention, illustrating its design to allow the nesting or fitting of similar containers one or the other when they are in inwardly folded orientation, as in Figure 12; ^ Figure 19 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers according to the present invention, which are folded inwardly as shown in Figure 12 and which are shown in FIG. on stacked together in one orientation stacked; Figures 20a, 20b, and 20c, illustrate a plan view of two similar containers according to the present invention in the. orientation folded inward and fitted into each other, as shown in Figure 19, for illustrative purposes showing the bottom surface of a container, in solid lines and the end walls of the underlying container in dashed lines, such that the surface design of the container The bottom engages with and accommodates the corresponding outer surface of the inwardly folded end walls, to provide a stable and secure fitted configuration, wherein FIGS. 20a-c illustrate that the bottom design 5 can accommodate various heights of the polyhedron. extreme, including a relatively short first end wall height (Figure 20a), a second intermediate end wall height (Figure 20b), and a relatively long third end wall height ^ 10 (Figure 20c); Figure 21 is a perspective view of a corner portion of the container LO according to the present invention; Figure 22 is a sectional view along the line 22-22 of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a sectional view similar to that shown in Figure 22, but with the end wall in an outwardly folded orientation; Figure 24 is a sectional view taken along line 24-24 of Figure 21; and Figure 25 is a sectional view similar to that shown in Figure 24, but with the side wall in a folded-away orientation.

BEST MODALITY TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION • With reference to Figure 1 of the drawings, a folding display container 10 according to the present invention is illustrated here. The components of the container 10 are typically formed of various types of plastic or polymeric material via an injection molding process or other plastic molding process, suitable for this application. The container 10 can be used for the storage, transportation and display of articles, and can also be referred to as a folding box. While the container 10 is suitable for many uses, the container 10 is particularly suitable for storage, transportation and display of agricultural products such as fruits and vegetables, where air circulation and / or refrigerated gas is necessary to maintain the 20 fresh agricultural product and consumable while it reaches the market. This circulation is promoted through the plurality of openings 13 provided in the base 12 of the container 10, such as, are shown as annular holes in Figures 1, 4 and 7, and as 25 slots in Figures 18-21. - ^ - -jAáaiM.

The container 10 includes a base member 12 having a lower panel 14 which serves as the • bottom support of the container. As best shown in the top plan view of Figure 4 and in the bottom silver view of Figure 7, the bottom or bottom panel 14 is generally rectangular in shape and has four edges - namely a pair of opposite side edges 16 and 18, and pair of opposite end edges 20 and 22. The base 12 ^^ 10 also includes vertical, integrally molded tabs 24 and 26 (or the base walls) oriented perpendicular to the bottom panel 14, each defining an upper side edge 25 and 27, respectively. As is well understood in the In the art, the wall thickness of each of the walls and components illustrated and described herein may vary depending on the intended use and other desired characteristics of the container 10. With reference to Figure 5, it is illustrated in FIG. present a sectional view of the container 10, taken along the transverse centerline 5-5 of Figure 4. As seen therein, the bottom panel 14 is curved between the edges 16 and 18, such that it is bulged upward with a relatively slightly arched shape, instead of having a typical flat profile. This bulged feature of the bottom panel 14 serves to add stability to the container and increase the life of the container, as well as to provide protection to the contents of the containers stacked beneath it. Particularly, when the container 10 is filled or has articles placed therein, the weight • of the articles will exert load on the bottom panel 14. Under this load, the domed design of the panel 14 will tend to cause the bottom 14 to flatten. This is desirable in the comparison to a container having a typically flat bottom which, under the same load described above, will tend to collapse and bulge downward, thereby decreasing the strength, stability, and life of the container, and also possibly causing damage to the contents of the container beneath it. As shown in Figures 1-2 and 11, the The container 10 also includes a first pair of opposite side walls 28 and 30, which are located opposite one another through the bottom panel 14. The side walls 28 and 30 are each pivotally coupled to the base 12 a way of a hinge configuration or system 37 (best seen in Figure 13), located at the edges (16, 18) of the bottom panel 15. In this way, the side walls (28, 30) are folded or moved pivoted relative to the base 12 at the edges 16 and 18. Such a hinge system 37 allows the side walls 28 and 30 to be foldably placed in three orientations: the orientation of the assembled container as illustrated in Figures 1 and 8; the folding orientation outwards, as illustrated in Figure 11; and the foldable inward orientation, as illustrated in Figure 12. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the hinge system 37 does not extend the length of the base 14 but terminates at a distance away from each flange vertical 24 and 26, as well as a distance away from a corresponding, adjacent corner line 31. As illustrated in Figures 1-3 and 11, the container 10 further includes a second pair of opposite sidewalls 32 and 34. For ease of reference and discussion, the second pair of opposite sidewalls is herein referred to as a pair of walls. opposite ends 32 and 34. Like the side walls 28 and 30, the end walls 32 and 34 are similarly pivotally coupled to the base 12 in the manner of a hinge mechanism 39 that is similar in structure to the hinge mechanism 37 described • above, and as shown in Figure 13. However, contrary to the side walls 5, the end walls 32 and 34 are folded relative to the base 12 at a distance away from the bottom panel 14. ' Particularly, the end walls 32 and 34 are pivotally coupled to the vertical flanges 24 and 26, respectively, of the ^ 10 base 12, close to the upper edges 25 and 27, respectively, at a distance away from the bottom panel 14. The height of the flanges 24, 26 of the vertical base wall defines the aforementioned distance from which the end walls 32 and 34 are remote from the bottom panel 14. As with the other walls discussed herein, the end walls 32 and 34 are orientable in three positions: assembled shown as in Figures 1 and 8; folded towards out as in Figure 11; and folded inwards as in Figure 12. As best shown in Figures 1, 11 and 12, each end wall 32 and 34 has a U-shaped cross section formed by a portion of The main end wall 40, and two shorter flange portions 42 and 44 integrally coupled to the main end wall portion 40 and located on each side of the main end wall portion 40. The flange portions 42 and 5 44 are each one oriented perpendicular to the main end wall portion 40 and, in the assembled orientation of Figure 1, are directed inwardly toward the other end wall (32 or 34) and the side walls 28 and • 10 30. In an assembled orientation, the outer surface of the flange portions is coplanar with the side walls 28, 30. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the container 10 also includes a securing or latching system for engaging the side walls (28, 30) together with the end walls (32, 34) to achieve the desired stability when the container 10 is oriented in the assembled orientation, as in FIG.

Figure 1. With reference to Figure 11, on each side edge (48, 50) and (52, 54) of the side walls 28 and 30, respectively, a latch or hook member 56 extending with direction is provided. out from these.

By way of example with respect to Figures 5, 9 and 11, for the purpose of crosslinking or • latch, the shorter tabs 42, 44 of the end walls 32, 34 have a latch reception system 58 provided to receive the latch member 56 therein. The latch receiving system 58 includes a receiving member 59, the latch receiving aperture 60 and an active hinge 62. The aperture 60 is appropriately sized and suitably shaped to firmly receive the latch member 56. receiving member 59 is positioned adjoining aperture 60. Receiving member 59 is coupled to end wall 32, 34 by the active hinge 62, thereby allowing it to be flexible over its length, and particularly operable in the side-to-side direction. In this way, as a side wall (28 or 30) is raised in an upward direction and a wall adjacent end (32 or 34) is raised in an upward direction to receive the latch member 56 in the assembled orientation, the opening 60 slidably receives the latch member 56, flexing the active hinge 62 laterally causing the receiving member 59 to move from its rest position (see Figure 17) from the rest position. • As illustrated in the upper sectional sectional views of Figures 16-17, and particularly in the final assembled position of Figure 16, a projection member 61 is placed on the receiving member 59 to be received by a corresponding opening 57 formed on the latch member 56. During the state Assembled, the projection 61 retains the latch member or latch 56 in a secure manner and provides the desired stability to hold the container 10 in the assembled position. The depth of the flanges 42, 44 allows the receiving thereon a longer latch member 56 than would otherwise be possible. As illustrated in the upper sectional sectional views of Figures 16 and 17, in order to fold the container 10 from the orientation assembled towards the folded orientations of Figures 11 and 12, the outer release member 55 (accessible from the outside of the container 10) of the receiving member 59, is driven and moved laterally by the user, and the projection 61 is consequently raised towards the opening 57 in the latch member 56, allowing the latch member 56 (shown in dotted line in the Figure 16) is released from the latch receiver 58. The release member 55 is best illustrated in ' Figures 1, 3 and 12. The reduced tension concentration of the latch mechanism as provided according to the present invention is further illustrated in Figures 2, 6 and 10. For example, referring to the ^^ 10 line 81 which is formed by coupling the side edges of the side wall 28 and the end wall 32 (for example, the line 81 defined by the side edge 48 of the side wall 28 and the flange 42 of the end wall 32) . He The sprocket that takes place is separate from the corner line 31 that is otherwise typically subjected to relatively higher stress concentration forces. In addition to the latch member 56, each The lateral edge (48, 50) and (52, 54) of the side walls 28 and 30, respectively, may also include a first tongue member 45, shown as relatively large and elongated, which projects from a lower portion of the tongue. its edge of the side walls 28 and 30 for alignment purposes. In an assembled container 10, the tongue member 45 is received by a • corresponding opening 47 which resembles a narrow slot on shorter flanges 42, 44. The opening receives the first tab member 45 in a secure fit to provide a way by which to align and orient the connecting walls, as well as help secondarily to ensure • the retaining side walls (28 and 30) and the end walls (32 and 34) vertically together during the assembled orientation. In addition, the upper portion of the side edges (48, 50) and (52 and 54) of the side walls 28 and 30, respectively, may also include a second tab member 49 which is relatively smaller than the first tab member 47. Like the first tab member 47, in the second assembled orientation, the tab member 49 is received by a tab opening 51, , formed in the flanges 42 and 44 of the end wall 32 and 34. The tongue member 49 is generally provided for alignment purposes, as well as to provide an additional point of coupling between the walls attached.

In accordance with the present invention, the container 10 also includes at least one display panel member 70 (or merchandising panel member) to provide visibility and access to the contents of the container 10 under circumstances when access to the container may not be otherwise available. Such circumstances may include a container having similar containers stacked thereon, or • 10 has other objects placed on it, such that conventional access through the upper opening of the container is difficult or inconvenient. In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-12 herein, the container 10 includes a plurality of display panel members, one embodiment of which is the pair of opposing panel members 70 and 72 illustrated in Figures 1 and 9-10, wherein the container 10 is shown symmetrical about its center lines. Figure 1 illustrates the panel member 70 in a closed orientation, and Figure 8 illustrates the display member 70 in an open orientation, which allows visibility and access to the contents of the container 10. Figures 9-10 illustrate the display panels 70 and 72 in an open position, which allows access and visibility to the container 10 from both sides. In particular, . the side walls 28 and 30 each include a corresponding display panel 70, 5 72 which is generally rectangular and pivotally pivots about its respective side wall between the closed position of the open position. For purposes of an example, the following description refers to the display panel 70, but the description is equally applicable to the panel 72. As best seen in the first embodiment of the container 10 and with reference to Figures 1 and 8, the display panel 70 is placed inside the side wall 28 and includes an upper edge 74 which serves as the upper edge of the side wall 28 and is generally at the coplanar level with the upper edge of the other portions of the container 10, such as the upper edge 73 of the end walls 32, 34 and the upper edge 29 of the rest of the side walls 28, 30. Note that the upper edge 74 of the display panel 70 is generally collinear with the upper edge 29 of the side panel 28. itÜ-MUtaÉt-tii.

As further illustrated, when the panel member 70 is in its open position (see Figures 8-10), the upper surface 74 of the panel member 70 is designed in terms of positioning and height, 5 so that it is not projected below the plane defined by the bottom surface 14, but rather it is preferably shorter than or at a level with the bottom surface 14, so that the panel member 70 in the open position does not interfere with the stability of the base 12 on the remaining surface or interfere with its stacking capacity with other containers. The panel member 70 is pivotably coupled to its respective side wall by a hinge portion 75, and which is preferably an integral active hinge, integrally molded, but can be any other type of hinge feasible according to the desfor the coupling of the panel member 70 to its corresponding side wall 28.

For example, the panel member 70 may be coupled to its corresponding side wall in the manner of hinge portions 37 or 39 which are used to mount the walls to the base 12 therein. Of course, the panel member 70 can also be removably coupled to its respective side wall. Figures 8-10 illustrate panel member 70 in an open position in which it is parallel to its corresponding side wall 28, such that it is folded to approximately 180 ° and lies generally in a plane parallel with its adjacent side wall 28. However, it is contemplated that the panel member 70 may be foldable and adjustable at any angle between 0 ° and 180 °, as desired. Further, while the panel member 70 is shown in Figures 8-10 as folded outwardly, it is also contemplated that the panel member 70 may cooperate with its corresponding side wall 28 such that it is able to fold towards in, again, at any angle between approximately 0 ° and 180 °. Further, while the panel member 70 is pivoted relative to a substantially horizontal axis, it is also contemplated that the panel member 70 may also be coupled to its corresponding side wall such that the latter pivots about and in relation to a vertical axis. Referring again to Figure 8, it is noted that the panel members 70, 72 each include a lower edge 76 which corresponds to and meets the intermediate edge 77 of the side wall 28, 30 at the site of the active hinge 75. When in its closed orientation, the panel member 70 is securely coupled (again, preferably integrally) to its corresponding side panel 28. Figures 8-10 illustrate a method for securely locking the other portions. of the display panel • 10 70 to the side wall 28. Particularly, the panel member 70 has a pair of opposite recessed edges 78 and 80 at its outer edges, which correspond to and engage a pair of opposite members 82 and 84 of the side wall 28, respectively. Particularly, the opposite members 82, 84 are integrally formed with outer portions 64, 66 of the side wall 28.

• The outer portions 64, 66 are those portions of the side wall 28 that are assembled with the end walls 32, 34 and which are releasably mounted to the panel member 70. The opposing members 82, 84 project in an inward direction from a corresponding edge 86, 88 of the side wall 28. The recessed edges 78, 80 of the panel member 70 each include a first and a second alent member 90 and 92, respectively, and a latch member 94 of • panel. As the panel member 70 is moved between the open position of Figures 8-10 towards the closed position of Figure 1, the alent members 90, 92 are received within the corresponding openings 96, 98 of the outer portions 64. , 66, respectively, for the alent of the panel 70 with its corresponding side wall * "^ 10. Referring now to Figures 1 and 6, it is illustrated that the panel member 70 also includes a panel latch mechanism which is preferably Operable with your finger to open the panel member 70. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the panel member 70 is opened by releasing the latch member 94 from the latch mechanism from its corresponding aperture 100 formed in the latch members. side wall members 82, 84. As further shown in Figure 2, for example and without limitation, the latch release mechanism 102 includes a finger operated portion 104 and a spring portion 106 that engage a and cooperate with latch 94, such that when a --- * - •••••••• - • user pulls the portion 104 in an inward direction, this compresses the spring 106 and • acts to release latch 94 from its secured position in opening 100, thereby allowing panel member 70 to open. Of course, it is fully contemplated that various methods according to the present invention can be practiced to retain and engage the display members 70, 72 to their respective wall. • 10 lateral. Accordingly, as illustrated, the panel member 70 is movable and pivotable independently of its corresponding side wall 28 to which it is attached. While that a plurality of panel members 70 and 72 are illustrated being coupled to and cooperating with the side walls 28 and 30, respectively, it is fully contemplated that the container according to the present invention can cooperate with one or more end walls (28, 30, 32 and 40) such that the container can have one, two, three or four display panels, as desired, and that is practicable according to the application and use. As illustrated in Figures 1-4 and 8-11, The container 10 preferably includes a plurality of recesses 17 (or notches) around its perimeter formed in the upper edges 29, 73 and 74 of the container. As illustrated in Figure 10, the container 10 is in an assembled orientation 5 and is stacked with a similar container 10 'underlying it. The components of the container 10 'similar to those of the container 10 are correspondingly numbered, with the addition of a prime designation ('). The container 10 is stacked directly above the container 10 ', such that each of its plurality of leg tabs 15 are aligned with and received within the corresponding recesses 17' of the container 10 '. Such alignment between the leg tab 15 and the recess 17 'provides additional stability and alignment to the container 10 when it is in an orientation stacked with the similar container 10'. Note that when panel member 70 is shown as open in a stack of containers 10, such The stability and alignment between the stacked containers exists on the rest of the walls assembled between the corresponding legs 15 and the recesses 17 '. Gaps 17 are shown placed and located in various places including the upper surface 74 of the panel members 70, 72. In the case where one or more panel members 70 are included in the container 10, and as desired • that the panels 70 are in their open position, the recesses 17 and the corresponding legs 15 can also be located towards the corners (e.g., exterior portions 64, 66 of the side walls 28, 30 and the end flanges 42, 44 ) and away from the corresponding panel members 70, so that such alignment and stability can ^^ 10 be improved. With reference to Figure 11, the container is illustrated in a folded configuration towards J outside where the side walls 28, 30 and the end walls 32, 34 are folded and collapsed in an outward orientation. This configuration provides a low profile. Referring now to Figure 12, the container 10 is shown therein. • having side walls 28, 30 and end walls 32, 34 oriented in an orientation collapsed or folded inwards. Again, the term inwards designates a general direction of movement of the various walls towards the base 12 and the background panel 14. As indicated in the Figure 12, the design according to the present invention allows the container 10 to be folded compactly for storage and transportation. In this orientation, the side walls 28 and 30 are pivoted inwardly by means of the hinge mechanism 37, 39 and folded in a layered manner over the top of the bottom panel 14. Figure 12 illustrates the folded side wall 28 first and the side wall 30 subsequently folded after it. Subsequently, the end walls 32 and 34 are folded inwardly toward the top of the side walls 28 and 30 by means of the latch system 39. With reference to Figure 19 as described herein, the container 10 can be fitted with a similar container when it is in this folded orientation with inward direction. As shown in Figures 1-3 and 11, each of the side walls (28, 30) and the end walls (32, 34) include a hand opening 41 and 43, respectively, ideally designed to be used as a handle for the purpose of transporting the container 10. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the container 10 also includes a pair of flexible vertical tabs 93, integrally formed with the side walls 28, 30, so that a label, card index or other identifier can be inserted and fastened in it. With respect to the hinge systems of the container 5, shown in association with the base 12 of Figure 13, are the hinge systems 37 (for side walls) and 39 (for end walls). Specifically, the hinge systems 37 and 39 include a plurality of members of • 10 lower hinge, integrally formed with the base 12, to engage with and join the upper hinge members included on the respective side walls. These hinge members are spaced and centered throughout the respective edge length. The coupling hinge portions are spaced apart and centered along their respective lower edges of the side walls (28, 30) and the end walls (32, 34) to engage with the members of the coupling hinge. corresponding bottom base hinge of the base. Of course, this type of hinges are shown by way of example and not limitation, such as the hinge system used which can be of any known type or. contemplated, let it be feasible for this use.

As illustrated in the partial perspective view of Figure 21, the base 12 includes either at the end of the vertical flange 24, 26 a vertical corner portion 33 (or mounting post) 5 projecting upwards beyond of the upper edges 25 and 27 and is integrally formed with the vertical flanges 24 and 26. Each corner portion 33 includes two openings 19 and 21 formed therein. Each corner portion 33 also defines a ^ 10 corner line 31. The opening 19 is located relatively lower and the opening 21 is located relatively higher along the height of corner portion 33. Each collinear pair of openings 19 is provided to receive a corresponding projection 36 (shown in broken lines in Figures 22 and 23) provided at each end of a corresponding side wall (28, 30) to provide an additional pivot point for each side wall with respect to the base 12. Conversely, each collinear pair of openings 21 share an axis generally adjacent to the upper surface (25, 27) of the vertical wall 24, 26. As shown in the sectional views of Figures 22 and 23 , the openings 21 are provide to receive a screening - < * - * corresponding or other member (similar to projection 36) provided at each end of each • end wall (32, 34) whereby each end wall is allowed to pivot with respect to the base 12. In this way the openings 19 and 21 provide an additional pivot point and an anchor point as required. along the lateral sides of each wall, thus allowing a stable hinge configuration. ^ 10 As illustrated in the sectional views of Figures 24 and 25, the bottom edge of each side wall may include a relatively small stop (or flange) 23 that is received in a corresponding channel in the base 12. With reference again to FIGS. 22 and 23, the side walls may include a projection 53 extending along the edge of the side wall that engages and corresponds to the corner portion 33, and is received by a channel. coupling 38. These projections allow interference between the walls with the corresponding base and corner portions, such that when the walls are moving between the assembled and folded orientations, the walls They preferably do not fall freely, but rather require help from the user (albeit minimal). In this way, during container assembly,. the user does not need to support all four walls when trying to assemble the container. As shown in Figures 5 and 11, the side walls (28, 30) have a portion 35 extending toward the corner area and projecting outwardly beyond the edge 48, 50 and including the portions that move in pivot relative to the corner portion 33. Figure 7 is a schematic, bottom plan view of the container 10 allowing the fitting of similar containers 10 on top of each other when these are in the orientation folded inwards (as in Figure 12). This design allows a container 10 folded inward to be stacked • on top of a similar folded container, so that the resulting stack is stable (see Figure 19). Particularly with reference to Figures 18-20, another embodiment of a container 310 according to the present invention is illustrated, and particularly such that the container 310 includes a different base and wall design, but is otherwise similar to previous modalities. The components similar to those of the first modality are -fü correspondingly numbered, with the addition of a prefix of "3". Figures 19-20 show the engaging orientation of the bottom surface 363 of the bottom panel 314 by coupling the end walls 332 ', 334' of an underlying, nested container 310, the end walls having a corresponding design, allowing similar receptacles 310 and 310 to be used. 'fit into each other securely. A more detailed illustration of the bottom surface 363 of the base 312 is illustrated in the perspective view of Figure 18, illustrating its design to allow the engaging similar containers when in the folded inward orientation, as shown in Figure 12. Figure 19 is a perspective view of a plurality of containers 310 and 310 'in accordance to the present invention, which are folded inwardly as shown in Figure 12, and which are in an orientation engaged with one another. Figures 20a-20c illustrate embedding of the embodiment of the container of Figure 19.

Specifically, Figures 20a-c illustrates a plan view of two similar containers 310 and 310 'in the inwardly folded and nested orientation, w as shown in Figure 19. For ease of reference, the bottom surface 363 of the The container 310 is illustrated in solid lines, while the folded end walls 332 ', 334' of the underlying container 310 'are shown in dashed lines, such that the design of the bottom surface 363 engages and accommodates the the corresponding outer surface of the end walls 332 ', 334' folded inward, to provide a stable and secure fitted configuration. Following the present invention, it is completely contemplated that the bottom surface 363 of base 12 (best shown in Figure 18) can be designed to provide suitable rib patterns and gaps, to be able to accommodate various extreme wall heights, including a first extreme wall height relatively short (Figure 20a), a second intermediate end wall height (Figure 20b), and a third relatively long end wall height (Figure 20c). In the top plan view, schematic of Figure 7, the bottom surface 63 includes a drag rail 68 having a plurality of openings 69 positioned and spaced therein to provide clearance for engagement of the end walls 32, 34 when the containers 10 and 10 'are in a one-way fitted orientation. other. With reference to Figures 14a and 14b, a second embodiment of a container 110 according to the present invention is described therein. The components similar to those of the first modality are correspondingly numbered, with the addition of a prefix "1". As illustrated, container 110 includes a display panel member 172 movable between a first closed position (Figure 14a) and a second open position (Figure 14b). In the closed position, the display panel member 172 of this embodiment is positioned within its corresponding side wall 130, and is surrounded by it. Thus, while the first embodiment of the container -10 illustrates the panel member 72 having an upper surface 74 level and generally coplanar with the remaining upper side wall surfaces, in this embodiment, the upper surface 174 of the member of panel 172 does not extend towards and is not at coplanar level with the upper surfaces of the container, remnants. Accordingly, when the container 110 is assembled in a stacked orientation with similar containers, its legs 115 are engageable with each of the corresponding recesses 117 of the underlying lower container because no recesses 117 are absent due to a folded display panel. 172. This serves to improve the stability and integrity of the container stack 110. ^^ 10 Note that in the assembled orientation, the upper portion 111 of the side wall 130 is independent of the panel member 172 and remains in an assembled orientation when the panel member is open -or closed. It is contemplated according to the teachings of the present invention that a display panel member may be coupled to its corresponding side wall in various ways, in order to achieve the objectives and goals of the present invention. For example, as illustrated in Figures 15a and 15b, a partial container view of a third embodiment of container 210 is shown having a panel member 272. Components similar to those of the first modality are correspondingly numbered, with the addition of a prefix "2". The panel member 272 is a sliding panel and which is slidably received by and within its corresponding side wall 230. As illustrated, the panel member 272 moves slidably in a closed position (Figure 15a) and the open position (Figure 15b) to allow access to the container, in the direction designated by the arrow illustrated in Figure 15a. Of course, depending on the size and orientation of the mechanism and of the sliding components, the panel member 272 may be coplanar or in a plane parallel to its side wall 230. As in the second embodiment shown in Figures 14a and 14b, the display panel member 272 may also be placed within its corresponding side wall 230, such that its top surface is not coplanar with its top surface 229 of the side wall, but rather so that its top surface is positioned below of the upper surface of the side wall. It is understood, of course, that while the forms of the invention shown and described herein include the best embodiment contemplated to carry out the present invention, it is not intended that they illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that • words used are descriptive rather than limiting, and that 5 changes can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed below.

It is noted that in relation to this date the best method known to the applicant ^ 10 to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers.

Claims (23)

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, and claimed as property contained in the following claims:

1. A collapsible container, characterized in that it comprises: a base; and a pair of opposite side walls, each pivotably coupled to the base and orientable between an assembled position and a second position, at least one side wall including a display member mounted thereto movable between an open position and a closed position, when the display member is in the open position and at least one side wall is in the assembled position, the interior of the container is accessible through at least one side wall.

2. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the display member is pivotably coupled with at least one side wall.

3. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that the display member is pivotable about a horizontal axis.

4. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that when the display panel is in the closed position and at least one side wall is in the position • Assembled, the display member is in general coplanar with at least one side wall.

5. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the member of 15 display is releasably mounted to at least one side wall.

• The container according to claim 1, characterized in that when the display member is in the closed position and at least one side wall is in the assembled position, one of the display member and at least one side wall includes a member of the latch, and the other of the exhibition member and at least one - * ii ^ Uli.k ^ M side wall, includes a recess to receive the latch member.

7. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the display panel is movable between the range of 0 ° to 180 °.

8. The container in accordance with • 10 claim 1, characterized in that the display member has an upper edge of the display member, and at least one side wall has an upper side wall edge, wherein, when the display member is in the closed position and 15 less a side wall is in the assembled position, the upper edge of the display member is substantially collinear with the upper edge of the side wall.

9. The container according to claim 8, characterized in that when the display member is in the open position and at least one side wall which is in the assembled position, the upper edge of the Display is not projected below the plane of the base.

10. The container according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a second pair of opposite side walls, each pivotally coupled to the base and orientable between an assembled position and a disassembled position, each of the second pair of opposite side walls being releasably mounted to and adjacent to one of the pair of opposite side walls.

11. The container according to claim 10, characterized in that one of the pair of opposite side walls and the second pair of opposite side walls each includes a pair of opposite side tabs projecting inward from and integral with these, each side tab having a latch receiver formed therein, the latch receiver includes an opening and a flexible latch hinge, and having a latch release member operable by a user.

12. The container according to claim 11, characterized in that the other pair of opposite side walls and the second pair of opposite side walls each includes a pair of opposite side edges, each side edge has a latch member coupled thereto, wherein, when the container is oriented in an assembled position, each lateral flange borders an adjacent lateral edge, so that • each opening receives a corresponding latch member that is held in place by the latch hinge, thereby forming a secure coupling between the first and second pairs of opposite side walls, and where, for 15 returning the container to a folded position from the assembled position, each latch release member is actuated by the user in order to release the latch member fastened thereto.

13. The container according to claim 10, characterized in that the base includes a first and a second pair of opposite edges, the pair of opposite side walls and the second pair of opposite side walls are pivotally coupled to a corresponding one of the first. and second pair of opposite edges.

14. The container according to claim 13, characterized in that one of the first and the second pair of opposite edges are each defined by a vertical base wall.

15. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that when the pair of side walls are oriented in a second position, they are oriented in one of an inwardly folded orientation or an outwardly folded orientation.

16. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the display member is slidably received by its corresponding side wall.

17. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the base has an outwardly directed curve formed therein.

18. A folding container, orientable between an assembled position and a folded position, characterized in that it comprises: a base; a pair of opposed first side walls pivotally coupled to the base, at least a first side wall is movable between an assembled position and a folded position, and that has an orientable display member 10 engaged therein in a closed position and in a open position; a pair of opposing second side walls pivotally coupled to the base and releasably coupled to the pair of opposed first side walls, wherein, when the display member is in the closed position and at least one first side wall is in the assembled position , the display member is positioned within at least one first side wall, and is generally coplanar with it, and when the display member is in the open position and at least one first side wall is in the assembled position, the The interior of the container is accessible through at least one first side wall. 25 mtm Éíllím • * M-la-a ---- a- ^ É_É_MiH

19. The container according to claim 18, characterized in that the pair of P first opposed side walls has a first latch portion, and the pair of second opposite side walls has a latching portion for the coupling of the first latches. side walls and the second side walls when in the assembled position. ^^ 10 20. The container according to claim 19, characterized in that the pair of opposing second side walls each have a pair of flanges that hang inwardly, from these, each flange has an opening and a portion thereof. 15 release actuatable by the user, each flange is coupled with a first corresponding side wall having a latch member placed thereto, the opening is sized to slidably receive the latch member

20 corresponding as the container is moved from the folded position to the assembled position, such that to release the container from the assembled position, the release portion operable by the user is operated by a user to release the latch member therefrom.

21. The container according to claim 20, characterized in that the base includes a plurality of corner portions oriented perpendicular to the base and integral with it, wherein each of the first side walls and the second side walls are • 10 pivoted to the corner portions.

22. A collapsible container, characterized in that it comprises: a base having first and second pairs 15 of opposite edges, one of the first and second pairs of opposite edges defined by a vertical base wall, and each of the first and second pairs of opposite edges include a plurality of lower hinge members; 20 a first pair of opposite side walls, each having a plurality of top hinge members for pivotal mounting to a corresponding one of the plurality of lower hinge members of the first pair of edges 25 opposite, at least one of the first pair of opposite side walls includes a display member mounted thereto movable between an open position and ^ B »a closed position; and a second pair of opposite side walls 5 releasably coupled to the first pair of opposite side walls, each of the second pair of opposite side walls having a plurality of upper hinge members for pivotal mounting to a corresponding one of the plurality of 10 lower hinge members of the second pair of opposite edges, wherein the upper hinge members and the lower hinge members are pivoted to move the first and second pair of 15 opposite side walls between an upper position and a lower position, and wherein when the display member is in the open position and at least one of the first pair of opposite side walls is in the 20 closed position, the interior of the container is accessible through at least one side wall.

23. The container according to claim 22, characterized in that each of the 25 second pair of opposite side walls has a and? * * flange member with an opening and a latch receiver positioned therein, such that when oriented • in the assembled position, the flange member limits with an adjacent side edge of a corresponding one of the first pair of opposite side walls, so that the opening receives a corresponding latch member from the side edge. • • "• • • -" - • 'lili • IillMirífi íiíli