US20020070223A1 - Moulded plastic bulk container - Google Patents

Moulded plastic bulk container Download PDF

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Publication number
US20020070223A1
US20020070223A1 US09/734,437 US73443700A US2002070223A1 US 20020070223 A1 US20020070223 A1 US 20020070223A1 US 73443700 A US73443700 A US 73443700A US 2002070223 A1 US2002070223 A1 US 2002070223A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
walls
base
wall
reinforcing ribs
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US09/734,437
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English (en)
Inventor
Marc Elvin-Jensen
Gavin Elvin-Jensen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US09/734,437 priority Critical patent/US20020070223A1/en
Priority to CNB011109157A priority patent/CN1227140C/zh
Priority to BR0102344-6A priority patent/BR0102344A/pt
Publication of US20020070223A1 publication Critical patent/US20020070223A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/0209—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position
    • B65D21/0215—Containers with stacking feet or corner elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/10—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material of polygonal cross-section and all parts being permanently connected to each other
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/20—Details of walls made of plastics material
    • B65D11/22—Reinforcing for strengthening parts of members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
    • B65D19/04—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies moulded or otherwise fabricated in one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
    • B65D2519/00174—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00223—Materials for the corner elements or corner frames
    • B65D2519/00243—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00318—Overall construction of the base surface made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00398—Overall construction reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00402—Integral, e.g. ribs
    • B65D2519/00407—Integral, e.g. ribs on the load supporting surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00398—Overall construction reinforcements
    • B65D2519/00402—Integral, e.g. ribs
    • B65D2519/00412—Integral, e.g. ribs on the base surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00497—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
    • B65D2519/00557—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer without separate auxiliary elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
    • B65D2519/00616—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures not intended to be disassembled
    • B65D2519/00626—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures not intended to be disassembled sidewalls connected via corner posts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/00955—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable
    • B65D2519/0096—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when empty
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00935—Details with special means for nesting or stacking
    • B65D2519/00955—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable
    • B65D2519/00965—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded
    • B65D2519/0097—Details with special means for nesting or stacking stackable when loaded through corner posts

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a plastic container for storage, transport and general handling of large quantities of bulk material such as food products, including fruit.
  • volume ratio the ratio between the internal volume and the cubed external volume
  • a molded plastic bulk container including:
  • At least one of the base or one of the walls is adapted to have an outwardly curved configuration under a neutral load.
  • the container may comprise a base with four walls and, optionally, a lid.
  • the walls may have equal dimensions.
  • a first pair of opposing walls may have different dimensions compared to a second pair of opposing walls.
  • the first pair of opposing side walls may be longer, higher or thicker than the second pair of opposing side walls.
  • the container may be formed as a unitary structure.
  • the container may be made up of two or more separately formed components.
  • the separately formed components may be later affixed together to form the container.
  • the components may be attached by sonics, heat or friction welding or press-fitting.
  • the container is integrally formed in a single molding process.
  • the container may be made using a variety of plastics possessing the necessary properties of strength, abrasion resistance, food contact safety, UV resistance and the like.
  • An example of a suitable polymer is high density polyethylene.
  • the base may be planar as in conventional bulk containers or may have a curved configuration.
  • the base may have an outwardly curved configuration, whereby the surface of the base bulges or bows outwardly thereby to define a substantially concave interior surface.
  • the base is substantially planar, as in conventional bulk containers, the base must necessarily be reinforced with strengthening ribs.
  • the need for reinforcing ribs may be substantially reduced, although not necessarily entirely dispensed with, and the thickness of the base may also be substantially reduced.
  • the internal volume of the container, and hence its produce capacity is increased by making available the area below side edges of the base which are normally reserved for the insertion of forklift tines.
  • the container has an internally concave base whereby the depression extends into the area intermediate the area reserved for insertion of the forklift tines.
  • the concave base may be radially contoured to provide an irregularly concave base.
  • the base may have a central deep bowl inclined radially upwardly towards the lower edge of each wall of the container.
  • the base is made with minimal thickness to save on material and is reinforced by ribs as is conventional in the art. Where a concave base is used, the need for reinforcing ribbing has been found to be reduced because of the geometrically stronger shape of the concave base compared to the conventional planar base.
  • the reinforcing ribs of the base may be in the form of a square or rectangular grid pattern.
  • the reinforcing ribs may be in the form of circular or radiating ribs extending outwardly from a center point of the base.
  • the reinforcing ribs of the base may be a combination of a grid pattern and a circular or radiating pattern.
  • the reinforcing ribs may comprise a series of circular ribs of ever increasing diameter extending away from the center of the base.
  • the concave base may comprise linear ribs radiating outwardly from an area central to the base towards the container walls.
  • the reinforcing ribs are located on the underside of the base.
  • the underside of the base may be configured to provide runners for forklift tines.
  • the runners may be solid or may be formed from reinforcing ribs.
  • the runners may be substantially planar along their length.
  • the runners may include upturned portions at one or both of their ends whereby to receive and guide the tine onto the runner and reduce the likelihood of a potentially damaging collision between the tine tip and another portion of the container.
  • Some of the walls may be planar and reinforced with ribs as is standard in the art. Preferably all of the walls are adapted to have an outwardly curved configuration under a neutral load.
  • a normal load may be considered the load applied to the bearing surfaces of the container including the base and the walls when the container is full of produce.
  • a neutral load may be considered the load applied to the bearing surfaces of the container when the container is empty.
  • the walls may be capable of flexing under a normal load.
  • the walls may be substantially rigid and inflexible whereby they have a permanently outwardly curved configuration whether under load or not.
  • the molding of the walls with a permanent curved configuration may achieve similar strength properties as obtained by a conventional planar wall without the need for the reinforcing ribs required to achieve the necessary strength properties for the walls.
  • the walls may be molded with a far smaller thickness than conventional planar walls with ribs.
  • a conventional planar wall with ribs generally has a thickness of about 40 mm and requires substantial reinforcing ribbing.
  • a wall of the container of the present invention may be formed having a thickness of less than 40 mm, such as 30 mm to 40 mm, or 20 mm to 30 mm, or 10 mm to 20 mm, or 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 3 mm to 6 mm and may require no ribbing at all on the majority of its surface.
  • the curved wall may require no reinforcing ribs on its surface at all.
  • the curved walls do not bow beyond the limit of the cubed volume of the container.
  • Each adjacent pair of walls may be joined at their junctions by corner posts.
  • the corner posts may be partially or fully hollow, or internally porous.
  • the corner posts may be L-shaped, square shaped, circular, rectangular, channel shaped or any other suitable shape in cross section.
  • Preferably the corner posts are hollow, thereby to save on material costs.
  • Preferably the corner posts are circular in cross section.
  • Preferably the corner posts have an overall cylindrical configuration. The inventors have discovered that a cylindrical corner post molded to be hollow by the use of vertical inserts in the manufacturing process, provides a post using a minimal amount of material, whilst possessing optimum strength.
  • the corner posts may be of a substantially constant cross section throughout their lengths.
  • the corner posts may include top and bottom surfaces which are complementary, whereby the bottom surface is adapted to be seated on a complementary top surface.
  • the top and bottom surfaces of the corner post may include a variety of complementary configurations well known to the person skilled in the art.
  • the top of each corner post may include a planar part-circular support surface for seating a corner post base with a corresponding circular configuration.
  • the top of the container may include an upstanding lip extending totally or partially around the periphery of the container.
  • the lateral ribs may form corner ledges abutting the base of the lip at each corner.
  • the corner post base may include a foot with an instep contoured to fit around the corner lip whereby the foot fits snugly onto the corner post top surface and corner lip.
  • each corner post Adjacent the top surface of each corner post there may be a lateral ledge extending on one or both sides to improve the stability of the upper portion of the container and to maintain the curved structure overall.
  • the lateral ledge may extend as bridges between the corner posts.
  • the lateral ledge may taper towards the center of each adjacent wall.
  • the lateral ledge may extend to a point intermediate the length of the top of each adjacent wall.
  • the container may comprise four outwardly curved walls and a minimally reinforced internally concave base together with four hollow cylindrical corner posts.
  • a container represents a structure having considerable strength, being lightweight, and requiring lower amounts of material compared to prior art containers. It may be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the geometry of this shape of the container generates a volume or capacity comparable to a conventional bin with generally flat, planar walls and base.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the top side of a container according to the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of the container
  • FIG. 3 shows side elevation part sections of the container on the entry side and the foot side
  • FIG. 4 shows a part plan view and a part underside plan view of the container.
  • FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the invention comprising a bulk container integrally formed by a single molding process.
  • the container 1 includes a base 10 , four walls 12 a , 12 b extending substantially vertically therefrom and four corner posts 14 interposed at each of the junctions of each pair of walls 12 a , 12 b and a continuous upstanding lip 16 extending around the periphery of the upper region of the container 1 .
  • the walls 12 a , 12 b curve outwardly.
  • the lower edge 22 of each of opposed walls 12 a extends along an arc connected at either end to feet 42 whereby the lower edge 22 lies in the horizontal plane extending between the feet 42 as best shown in FIG. 2.
  • the lower edge 22 is configured to receive either individual corner feet 42 or to receive a single longitudinal foot 23 c extending between the feet 42 along the sides of the container 1 corresponding to walls 12 a .
  • the longitudinal foot 23 c has an internal linear edge 23 and a curved outer edge 23 a which generally follows the contour of the wall 12 a . Inset into the outer edge 23 a is a recess 23 b to avoid transfer of loads onto the walls 12 a , 12 b.
  • the lower edge 24 of opposed walls 12 b is raised, relative to lower edge 22 to enable forklift tines (not shown) to be received under the container 1 .
  • the lower edge 24 follows a similar curved contour to the wall 12 b , which contour is of a substantially constant cross section extending from the lower edge 24 to the upper edge 26 b of the wall 12 b.
  • the posts 14 are substantially hollow cylindrical structures extending from a lower end 41 up to a top post surface 44 .
  • the top post surface 44 is generally of a circular planar configuration adapted to snugly receive a corresponding foot 42 of an identical container 1 to be seated thereon when vertically adjacent containers 1 are to be stacked one on top of the other.
  • each corner post 14 is provided with a recess in the form of an instep 46 to enable vertically adjacent containers 1 to be stably stacked one on top of the other.
  • top post surface 44 Extending in the same plane as top post surface 44 are pairs of laterally extending reinforcing ledges 48 which taper towards the center area of the top wall edges 26 a , 26 b .
  • the lateral reinforcing ledges 48 improve the lateral stability of the top region of the container 1 and provide a lateral bridge between the top edges 26 a , 26 b and the upstanding lip 16 without requiring side molds or inserts during the molding process.
  • the base 10 as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 includes a central bowl region 2 extending radially upwardly to meet the walls 12 a , 12 b at their lower regions but above lower wall edges 22 , 24 .
  • the base 10 is gradually stepped whereby there is provided a steep inclination region 4 towards the center 2 and a shallower inclination in the outer regions 6 of the base 10 as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the shallower region 6 is adapted to accommodate a pair of opposed runners 8 extending in parallel direction adjacent opposed walls 12 a under the base 10 .
  • the central area 4 of the base 10 includes reinforcing ribs 2 a having a radiating pattern corresponding to the contour of the bowl shaped base 10 .
  • the radiating pattern includes a series of circular reinforcing ribs 2 b of increasing diameter extending away from the center portion 2 and linear reinforcing ribs 2 c radially extending outwardly from the center portion 2 .
  • the radiating reinforcing ribs 2 a extend to the lower edges 24 of walls 12 b and the internal edge 8 a of each runner 8 .
  • the central area 2 is configured to depend downwards to within 12.5 mm of the plane occupied by the lowermost points of the container 1 , thereby to maximize the internal volume of the container 1 and make use of the space between the runners 8 .
  • Each runner 8 is formed from a rectangular grid pattern of reinforcing ribs presenting a sufficiently smooth running surface for forklift tines to slide underneath.
  • the runners 8 have upturned ends 9 thereby to facilitate the entry of a forklift tine.
  • the container according to the above described exemplary embodiment of the invention has a range of superior properties compared to conventional bulk containers.
  • the produce tends to apply forces of unequal distribution to the supporting and wall surfaces whereby bruising or other damage to the produce is likely to occur.
  • the inky concave surfaces of the container of the invention provide for a more even distribution of the forces applied by the produce, thereby to minimize damage to the produce.
  • corner posts being in the form of hollow circular columns provides a structure more resistant to buckling than the conventional L-shaped posts and is also most cost effective with regard to capital costs for tooling.
  • the bowl shaped base depending into the space normally reserved under the base for insertion of forklift tines provides a container with an increased capacity in that the volume ratio is increased.
  • One embodiment of the invention also may provide an easily stackable container which is not only convenient but may be essential in particular commercial applications.
  • the preferred embodiment is considerably lighter than conventional plastic bulk containers due to the use of less material per unit.
  • the container of the invention may be easier to mold in manufacture than conventional containers because the need for reinforcing ribs for the side walls may be dispensed with, the reinforcing ribs of the base may be substantially reduced in number and depth and the cylindrical post construction may be easier to form in the molding process than conventional post designs.
  • the cycle time involved in the manufacturing process may be considerably shortened as the deep reinforcements of conventional plastic bulk containers tend to slow down the cycle.
  • the elimination of the reinforcing ribs normally required for the container walls may result in once cycle of the manufacturing process being completely eliminated. That is the side movement of the mold to release the reinforcing ribs on a conventional plastic bulk container's walls may be dispensed with.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Containers Having Bodies Formed In One Piece (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
  • Packaging Frangible Articles (AREA)
US09/734,437 2000-12-11 2000-12-11 Moulded plastic bulk container Abandoned US20020070223A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/734,437 US20020070223A1 (en) 2000-12-11 2000-12-11 Moulded plastic bulk container
CNB011109157A CN1227140C (zh) 2000-12-11 2001-03-06 模压塑料散装货箱
BR0102344-6A BR0102344A (pt) 2000-12-11 2001-06-12 Recipiente volumoso de plástico moldado

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/734,437 US20020070223A1 (en) 2000-12-11 2000-12-11 Moulded plastic bulk container

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US29/143,293 Continuation USD459888S1 (en) 2000-12-11 2001-06-11 Moulded plastic bulk container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20020070223A1 true US20020070223A1 (en) 2002-06-13

Family

ID=24951696

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/734,437 Abandoned US20020070223A1 (en) 2000-12-11 2000-12-11 Moulded plastic bulk container

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20020070223A1 (zh)
CN (1) CN1227140C (zh)
BR (1) BR0102344A (zh)

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050133515A1 (en) * 2003-12-23 2005-06-23 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Plastic boxes and methods for making same
US20050133518A1 (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-06-23 Daniel Chornenky Modified paint can with pouredge and insert
US20080272133A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2008-11-06 Daniel Chornenky Paint can with pouredge
US20110315689A1 (en) * 2010-06-29 2011-12-29 Hoover Materials Handling Group, Inc. Bulk Packaging Container
WO2012031352A1 (en) * 2010-09-06 2012-03-15 Elvinco Technologies Inc. Bulk bin
US20140251991A1 (en) * 2011-09-21 2014-09-11 Eyepods Limited Portable hinged receptacle
US20160075464A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2016-03-17 Macro Plastics, Inc. Shipping Container
US10238208B2 (en) * 2016-11-30 2019-03-26 Sabritas S. De R.L. De C.V. Modular food product display stand
BE1027840A1 (nl) 2019-12-10 2021-07-02 Cossement Bart Palletbox

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104718136A (zh) * 2012-10-16 2015-06-17 Afl电信公司 堆叠装置、堆叠套和套托板
US11555278B2 (en) * 2019-07-08 2023-01-17 Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. Autowidth input for paving operations

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20050133518A1 (en) * 2003-12-22 2005-06-23 Daniel Chornenky Modified paint can with pouredge and insert
US7222745B2 (en) * 2003-12-23 2007-05-29 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Plastic boxes and methods for making same
US20050133515A1 (en) * 2003-12-23 2005-06-23 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Plastic boxes and methods for making same
US20080272133A1 (en) * 2004-12-22 2008-11-06 Daniel Chornenky Paint can with pouredge
US7909201B2 (en) * 2004-12-22 2011-03-22 Daniel Chornenky Paint can with pouredge
US20110315689A1 (en) * 2010-06-29 2011-12-29 Hoover Materials Handling Group, Inc. Bulk Packaging Container
AU2011301168B2 (en) * 2010-09-06 2015-09-03 Elvinco Technologies Inc. Bulk bin
WO2012031352A1 (en) * 2010-09-06 2012-03-15 Elvinco Technologies Inc. Bulk bin
US20130206780A1 (en) * 2010-09-06 2013-08-15 Elvinco Technologies Inc. Bulk bin
US20140251991A1 (en) * 2011-09-21 2014-09-11 Eyepods Limited Portable hinged receptacle
US20160075464A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2016-03-17 Macro Plastics, Inc. Shipping Container
US9957078B2 (en) * 2013-05-22 2018-05-01 Macro Plastics, Inc. Shipping container
US20180208349A1 (en) * 2013-05-22 2018-07-26 Macro Plastics, Inc. Shipping Container
US10723503B2 (en) * 2013-05-22 2020-07-28 Macro Plastics, Inc. Shipping container
US10238208B2 (en) * 2016-11-30 2019-03-26 Sabritas S. De R.L. De C.V. Modular food product display stand
BE1027840A1 (nl) 2019-12-10 2021-07-02 Cossement Bart Palletbox

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN1357480A (zh) 2002-07-10
BR0102344A (pt) 2002-08-06
CN1227140C (zh) 2005-11-16

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