MXPA06003530A - Collapsible container - Google Patents

Abstract

A collapsible container includes a plurality of collapsible walls, each pair of adjacent walls connected by a latch. Each latch can be selectively actuated from contact with the latch both from inside and the outside of the container, and further by inwardly directed forced to the outside of the wall first to collapse. Preferably, the latch includes a recess into which the adjacent wall is disposed when the latch is in the latched position. Preferably, the latch is unlatched by flexing the latch away from the adjacent wall by application of force on an inner release surface, inward of the recess or by actuation of an outer release surface, outward of the recess, or by the application of an inwardly directed forced to the walls that are first to collapse.

Description

FOLDING CONTAINER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates, in general, to a collapsible or collapsible container for the storage and transport of goods. Portable storage devices that fold are well known. Each of the four walls, which is connected through a joint with a base, can be moved selectively around the joint between a position of use, in which the wall is generally perpendicular to the base, and a position folded Various mechanisms have been provided to connect the adjacent walls at each corner in order to selectively fix the container in the position of use. Many of these storage devices open from the outside of the container, which in some cases is more efficient for a user, although it can not be used with automated equipment. Other storage devices open from the inside, which is often desired for use with automated equipment, although it is less convenient for human users. In addition, some containers do not need to be opened at all, but instead are of the collapsible variety that is foldable under adequate strength in the wall to overcome in a R? F. 171356 sufficient the hook or subjection. In addition, these storage devices could have articulation mechanisms that are difficult or inefficient to manufacture or clean. Some collapsible containers have walls that can be folded inwards in order to stack the containers in an efficient way and to conserve space when they are not in use. This efficient storage means is more easily achieved when the container has non-overlapping walls. However, many collapsible containers have relatively high walls, which, when assembled, provide a large volume and depth of the container. Accordingly, when the walls are folded, at least one of the pairs of opposite walls will be superimposed. Unfortunately, overlapping walls usually result in less efficient stacking of collapsed or collapsed containers, because the second overlap wall will be forced to be placed on top of the first wall. Accordingly, the height of the package and the height resulting from the stacking of the folded unit will be relatively high. The containers that attempt to solve the overlap problem have been restricted, often requiring the walls to be folded in a particular sequence or having a non-symmetrical design or walls of varying heights. While some of these solutions may be adequate, they may not provide the desired level of strength and rigidity. Some containers also have a drag rail on their bottom surface that allows a container to be stacked with a similar container when they are assembled, whereby the drag rail of an upper container will settle within the hole defined by the containers. assembled walls of the lower container. While this provides some stability to stacked containers, this design could not be suitable in any situation. Nor would it allow stable stacking of collapsed containers. Accordingly, a collapsible container having versatility in engagement, which is capable of accommodating opposite walls of overlap, is desired so that it can be folded and stacked efficiently and comparably or better than those containers that do not have walls. opposite of superposition. It would also be desirable for the container to provide the desired level of strength and rigidity. Furthermore, it is desired to provide the means through which the assembled or collapsed containers can be stacked with some stability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An objective according to the present invention is to provide a collapsible container having a versatile hook suitable for various scenarios by a user. Another objective according to the present invention is to provide a collapsible container having a container immobilization system in an assembled stack and a folded stack. An objective according to the present invention is to provide a collapsible container that supplies the walls to be folded in an efficient manner and at a relatively low packing height for stacking and storage purposes. Another object in accordance with the present invention is to provide a collapsible container having at least one pair of opposed sidewalls of overlap that are capable of being folded in an efficient manner in order to provide a relatively low packing height. The present invention provides an improved portable storage device with latching mechanisms that connect, selectively, the adjacent walls at the corners where the hooks can be operated from the inside and outside of the packing cage, and that the hook can also be operated in order to define a detachable style device. In this way, this collapsible container can be used with automated equipment while still being efficient for a human user. The present invention is also directed to a portable storage device having at least one immobilization member adjacent to the latch. The locking member is moved inwardly from the outer surface of the wall, so that when the walls are folded over the base, the locking members will not interfere with the vertical fin of the base nor will the base be modified due to to the immobilizations that are necessary, providing in this way a more rigid and robust base. The collapsible container according to the present invention comprises, in general, a base wall and first and second walls generally perpendicular. A latching mechanism is integrally molded with the first wall and connects the first wall with the second wall. The latching mechanism includes a recess, inside which a portion of the second wall is received, whereby the first wall is hooked with the second wall. The latching mechanism further includes an outer release surface facing away from the second wall and an inner release surface into the second wall, thereby allowing the latch mechanism to be selectively disconnected from the second wall. when the walls are assembled based on the application of force on the exterior release surface or the interior release surface, or on the exterior wall surface due to the detachable features of this type of latch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Other advantages of the present invention will be appreciated quickly since they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein: Figure 1 is a view in perspective of the collapsible container according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1, with the end walls in the folded orientation; Figure 3a is an enlarged perspective inside view of a corner of the collapsible container of Figure 1, with the upper part of the container in section; Figure 3b is a top plan view of the portion of the collapsible container of Figure 3a; Figure 4a is a top plan view of the portion of the area shown in Figure 3a with the hook during movement toward the unlatched position;Figure 4b is another top plan view of the area shown in Figure 4a of the hitch moving further towards the unlatched position; Figure 5a is an enlarged perspective internal view of the corner area of Figure 3a, with the end wall in the folded position and the hook in the disengaged position; Figure 5b is a top plan view of Figure 5a; Figure 6a is a side elevational view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 6b is a front elevational view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 7 is an inner bottom perspective view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 8 is a bottom plan view of the container of Figure 1; Figure 9 shows two similar containers according to Figure 1 in an assembled orientation and in a stacked orientation; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the container along line 10-10 of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 with all the walls in the folded orientation; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of two containers stacked together as in Figure 11; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of three containers in a stacked orientation, the lower container is assembled as in the Figure 1, and the upper containers are collapsed as in Figure 11; Figure 14a is a cross-sectional view showing three containers assembled in an orientation stacked in the transverse direction; Figure 14b is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 14a; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the collapsed container showing one of the plurality of inter-clutch characteristics; Figure 16 shows a container similar to the container of Figure 1, although it has a tongue on the end wall; Figure 17 shows a container similar to the container of Figure 1, although it has a base with corrugations; Figure 18 shows the container of Figure 17 fully collapsed; and Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Figure 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES A collapsible container 10 according to the present invention is illustrated in Figure 1. The container 10 has a rectangular shape and is generally symmetrical about each central line. The container 10 includes a base 12 and opposite, perpendicular and vertical side walls 14 and opposite end walls 16. The base 12 includes a floor 18, a first pair of opposite side portions of base 20 defining the lateral base top edges 22 along the sides of the container 10, and a pair of second, opposite end portions of base 24 defining the upper ends of the base end 26 along the ends of the container 10. The side walls 14 are connected to the base 12 through the joints 28, while the end walls 16 are connected to the base 12 through the joints 30. As shown, the side walls -14 and the end walls 16 can be folded by rotating at the ends. Joints 28, 30 on the base 12. As shown in Figures 2 and 11, the packing cage can be folded inward for shipping or storage and can be lifted quickly by rotating the paws. nets 14, 16 about their respective articulations to the position of use, generally perpendicular to the floor 18. The side walls 14 include the tongues 19 which extend above the upper edge 21 of the side walls 14 to provide an inter-clutch characteristic between the stacked containers 10, as discussed further in this document. Each of the side walls 14 includes three areas 23 that are curved outwards, while each of the end walls 16 includes a relatively larger area 25. The end walls 16 include a handle hole 31. In the present modalities, the end walls 16 are first used to collapse against the floor 18 and by reference, although not limitation could generally be referred to as end walls or second walls. Obviously, the teachings of the hooked walls could be the application to lift the walls. The side walls 14 could be referred to as the first walls. The container 10 also includes the latches 34 for joining the adjacent side and end walls at the corners 32. Because the operation of each latch 34 is similar, the operation of the latch 34 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b. Figure 2 illustrates the container 10 with the end walls 18 in the folded position for a better illustration of the latch 34. Figure 3a is an enlarged perspective view of the interior of the corner 32, with the upper part of the container 10 in section . The hitch 34 is integrally molded with the side walls 14, which is preferred to be molded of polypropylene through an injection molding process although obviously it can be formed of any type of plastic applicable for the desired use. As can be seen in Figures 3a and 3b, the latch 34 includes a recess 36 within which an outer narrow portion 38 of the side edge of the end wall 16 is received to join the end wall 16 with the latch 34 and from this the side wall 14. The narrow portion 38 of the side wall 14 helps to define the recess 36 on the outside of the end wall 16. The hook 34 includes an inner release surface 40 extending toward the container, which is generally a plane inclined on a portion 42 which becomes inwardly tapered in the direction of the container 10. In the assembled position, the inner release surface 40 is located inwardly of the recess 36 and the end wall 16. The surface 40 it could be used to activate the coupling 34 and to collapse or fold the container, either by a user or in an automated way. The latch 34 further includes an outer release surface 44, which is the outer portion of the latch arm 45. The surface 44 is located away from the recess 36 and outward from the narrow portion 38 of the side wall 14. The surface The outer release 44 is generally located within the recess 37 of the end wall 16, so that the outer release surface 44 can be accessed through the recess 37. An inner end of the catch 34 includes a slightly reduced portion 46, the which increases the flexibility of the latch 34 and allows it to rotate and flex in the reduced portion 46. FIGS. 4a, 4b, 5a and 5b illustrate the engagement in several positions of the fully engaged position to the disengaged position. In Figures 3a-3b, the end wall 16 is engaged in the side wall 14 through the latch 34. The portion 38 of the end wall 16 is received, securely, in the recess 36 of the latch 34. this mode, the side wall 14 and the end wall 16 are maintained in a generally perpendicular assembled position. In the embodiment shown, the outer release surface 44 is completely contained and wrapped within the recess 37 and does not protrude from the plane of the end wall 16. Therefore, the user could collapse or fold the container by actuating the release surface 44. Opposite the inner release surface 40 and the adjacent wall portion 38, there is a surface 48 of the latch 34 that is shown at an angle to promote a further feature of the latch 34 as a latch. removable style. In this way, if the user wishes to employ the detachable features of the container 10, the user could provide a light force to the outer surface (in the direction of the arrow of Figure 4a), whereupon, it causes the wall 16 and more particularly, the wall portion 38, to make contact with the outer engagement surface 48 and thereby cause the wall 16 to slide along the surface of the wall. angle 48, allowing the latch 34 to flex out of the way so that the wall 16 deflects the latch and collapses on the base 12. These stages are shown in Figure 4a (the end wall 16 makes contact with the surface 48), Figure 4b (the wall 16 deforms the latch as it moves towards the folded position) and Figures 5a-5b (the wall 16 disengages the latch 34 and approaches the folded position). The force needed to operate the detachable feature could vary based on the desired resistance of the hitch. It is noted that while the surface 48 is located at different angles, the surface 48 is only slightly at a sufficient angle to allow it to be disarmed with the desired force. As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3a, the side walls 14 include an integrally molded section 50 positioned outwardly of the latch 34 to prevent excessive outward deformation of the latch 34. The side walls 14 and end walls 16 also include at least one set of locking tab members 52, 53 (see Figure 2), respectively, to increase the stability of the connection between the end walls 14 and the end walls 16 at the corner 32, as well as well as to improve the alignment between them. Three sets of locking members are illustrated in this document: the locking tab members 52, 54, 56 on the side wall 14 immobilize or lock the corresponding locking tab members 53, 55, 57 on the end wall 16. It is noted that these immobilization members are displaced inwardly from the outer surface of the adjacent walls 14, 16 as further described herein. When it is desired to return the container 10 to the folded position, the hook 34 is deflected and bent outwards in the direction of the post 50 by the application of force, either on the outer release surface 44, on the interior release surface 40. or the force directed inwardly on the end wall 16 by means of the detachable feature. This causes the latch 14 to flex and rotate in the reduced portion 46 and to release the portion 38 of the end wall 16 from the recess 36 of the latch. The provision of the outer release surface 44 allows engagement of the catch 34 from the outside of the container 10, which is easier for the user. The inner release surface 40 facilitates operation through automated equipment. The demountable feature promoted by surface 48 allows a rapid means of collapse or folding without manual contact with latch 34 itself. Then, the end wall 16 is able to rotate down towards the folded position (after similar engagement of the latch at the opposite end of the end wall 16). The opposite end wall is disengaged in a similar manner and is rotated towards the folded position, followed by the side walls 14. For the assembly of the container 10 in the use position, the side walls 14 are turned up towards the position of use, generally perpendicular to the floor 18. The end wall 16 is then turned upward, causing the reduced portion 38 of the end wall 16 to contact the interior release surface 40, causing the latch 34 to flex outwardly. as in Figure 4b. When the reduced portion 38 of the end wall 16 passes the inner engaging release surface 40 and the outer engaging surface 4"8, the catch 34 returns to its normal position with the reduced portion 38 that is received in the recess 36 of the coupling 34, thus returning the container to the assembled position of Figure 1.

Figure 6a illustrates a side view of the container 10, while Figure 6b illustrates a front view of the container 10. Figure 7 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the container 10 and Figure 8 shows a bottom plan view thereof. As illustrated, this container does not include a periphery drag rail displacement as is known in other containers, but instead has a generally parallel array of projections 60 extending around the periphery of container 10, extending from of the lower surface of the floor 18, and also includes two sets of parallel shoulders 62, 64 extending in the longitudinal direction through the bottom surface of the floor. The peripheral set of projections 60 defines therein a series of holes 66 for receiving the upper edge tabs of side wall 19 when two similar assembled containers 10, 10 'are stacked together (as in Figures 9-10), with which an inter-clutch characteristic is allowed. A perspective view of the two assembled containers 10, 10 'is shown in Figure 9, while a cross-sectional view showing the inter-clutch between the tabs 19 and the holes 66' of the upper container 10 'is shown in the Figure 10. Further, as shown in Figure 11, when the walls 14, 16 are folded, it is noted that the upper edges 22 of the base side walls 20 have the tabs 69 similar to the tabs 19. Preferably, the tabs 69 are similarly dimensioned and are in vertical alignment with the wall tabs 19, so that when the walls are folded and the similar collapsed containers 10, 10 'are stacked together as shown in Figure 12, the tabs 69 are received in the corresponding holes 66 'of the base 12', with which, they help an inter-clutch between the two. As shown in Figure 13, the tabs 13 and 69 can also work together to promote inter-clutch between a stack having both assembled containers 10 and collapsed containers 10 ', 10. With reference to Figures 14a-14b, it is observed that the tabs 19, 69 are also designed to align with the holes 70 between the respective sets of projections 60, 62, 64 to allow similar collapsed containers to clutch together during transverse stacking See Figure 14 illustrating the bottom part of the container 10 with the tongues 19 'and 19"of the lower containers 10 and 10' located in the holes 70.

Figure 15 illustrates the displacement feature of the locking tab 52, 54 and 56 on the side wall 14. For illustrative purposes only, the tab 52 is used. As shown, the tongue 52 is displaced from the edge of the side wall 14. In this way, when folded downward, the displaced tab 52 does not interfere with the base wall 24, but instead loosens the base wall. 24 and it is placed inside of it. In some containers, the tongue could be flush with the surface of the wall, so that slanted cuts or recesses should be formed in the base to accommodate the immobilization characteristics. These biased cuts and recesses may have a tendency to not be as rigid as possible. Figure 16 is a partial perspective internal view of a container similar to Figure 1, although it has a tongue 103 (similar to the tongue 19 of Figure 1) on the end wall 116. This tongue 103 could serve to provide a additional clutch when similar containers are stacked together. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a container similar to Figure 1, although it has a base with a bottom floor and a pair of corrugations 280 formed on the floor for a more efficient packing height when collapsed or folded. Figure 18 shows the container in the fully folded position. As shown in Figure 19, the corrugations 280 are actually in a height similar to the floor 18 in Figure 1, while the floor 218 is in a plane similar to the sets of shoulders 60, 62, 64 of Figures 7-8. In this way, as shown in Figure 19, the floor 218 defines a correspondingly recessed area on the upper surface of the floor 218 inside the container 210 adjacent the corrugations 280, so that when the walls 216 are folded, they are They are folded into the recessed areas in order to create a more efficient packing height. In addition, the lower portions of the corrugations define a recess 270 for receiving the tabs 219, 269 during transverse stacking similar to that shown in Figures 14a-14b. While the embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and prescribe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that several changes could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There are many different configurations for collapsible containers and many design variations, many of which would benefit from the present invention.

All are considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the latches 34 could be on the end walls 16 instead of the side walls 14. Modifications to the latch 34 for different applications are also possible, while still retaining the benefits of the present invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects or products to which it refers.

Claims (19)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A container, characterized in that it comprises: a base having a floor; a first wall generally perpendicular to the floor when it is in an assembled orientation; a second wall generally perpendicular to the floor and to the first wall when it is in the assembled orientation; and an integrally molded hitch with the first wall for selectively connecting the first wall with the second wall, the hitch includes an outer release surface located outwardly of the second wall, an inner release surface located inwardly. of the second wall, and a second inner release surface located in and adjacent to the second wall, wherein the latch is configured to selectively disconnect the first wall of the second wall based on the drive of the outer surface of release, and wherein the latch is configured to selectively disconnect the first wall of the second wall based on the application of force on the inner release surface, and where the latch is configured to disconnect, so selective, the first wall of the second wall based on the force directed inward of the second wall sufficient to overcome the a intermediate release surface. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the latch includes a recess within which a portion of the second wall is received when the latch is connected to the second wall. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate release surface is opposite to the inner release surface. The container according to claim 3, characterized in that the intermediate release surface is at an angle. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the coupling is flexible outside the second wall in order to disconnect the second wall of the coupling. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer release surface is located out of the recess and the inner release surface is located towards the inside of the recess. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that the second wall includes a portion of reduced thickness that is received within the recess. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the intermediate release surface cooperates with the portion of reduced thickness when the first and second walls for the first and second walls are disconnected. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that the second wall includes a recess on the outer surface of the second wall in the portion of reduced thickness, the outer release surface is accessible within the recess on the outer surface of the wall. second wall. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second walls are connected through articulations with the base and can be moved, selectively, between a folded position generally parallel to the floor and a generally perpendicular use position. to the ground. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second walls include locking tabs. 12. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking tongues are displaced from a side edge of the first wall. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that one of the first wall and the second wall includes a post located outwardly of the coupling to prevent excessive deformation towards the outside of the hook. 14. A folding container, characterized in that it comprises: a floor; a first wall that can be moved around a first joint between a folded position generally parallel to the floor and a position of use generally perpendicular to the floor; a second wall that can be moved around a second joint between a folded position generally parallel to the floor and a position of use generally perpendicular to the floor; and an integrally molded hitch with the first wall for the connection, selectively, of the first wall with the second wall, while the first and second walls are in the use position, the hitch is configured to be disconnected, in a selective manner, based on the application of force from the outside of the container by manually actuating the engagement member and by applying an inwardly directed force on the second wall. 15. The collapsible container according to claim 11, characterized in that the latch includes an outer release surface facing away from the second wall, the latch is configured to selectively disengage the latching of the second wall on the basis of the actuation. Manual of the outer release surface. The collapsible container according to claim 12, characterized in that the latch includes a recess into which a portion of the second wall is placed when the latch is connected to the second wall. 17. The collapsible container according to claim 13, characterized in that the outer release surface is located out of the recess. 18. A folding container, characterized in that it comprises: a floor; a first wall that can be moved around a first joint between a folded position generally parallel to the floor and a position of use generally perpendicular to the floor; a second wall that can be moved around a second joint between a folded position generally parallel to the floor and a position of use generally perpendicular to the floor; and an integrally molded hitch with the first wall for the connection, selectively, of the first wall with the second wall, while the first and second walls are in the use position, the hitch is configured to be disconnected, in a selective manner, based on the application of force from the interior of the container by means of the manual activation of the engagement member and by the application of an inwardly directed force on the second wall. 19. The collapsible container according to claim 11, characterized in that the latch includes an outer release surface inward of the second wall, the latch is configured to selectively disengage the latching of the second wall on the basis of the actuation. Manual of the inner release surface.