US20070108204A1

US20070108204A1 - Foldable container

Info

Publication number: US20070108204A1
Application number: US11/516,875
Authority: US
Inventors: Peter Warhurst; Dave Revelia; Ed Sajdak; Gerd Krohn; Christopher Krohn; Daniel Major
Original assignee: Pods Enterprises Inc
Current assignee: Pods Enterprises Inc
Priority date: 2005-09-06
Filing date: 2006-09-06
Publication date: 2007-05-17
Also published as: WO2007030535A3; WO2007030535A2

Abstract

A container includes side walls and end walls that can be folded to collapse the container for transport and storage. The end walls are hinged to, and can be folded against, the container floor. The side walls are articulated so that they can be folded in half. A sliding coupling secures the side walls in the unfolded position. The side walls also are hinged to, and can be folded against, the container floor and roof. One end forms an opening that can be closed with a door.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from, and incorporates by reference the disclosure of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/714,756, which was filed on Sep. 6, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. The Technical Field
The present invention is directed generally to collapsible containers and more particularly to collapsible shipping and storage containers and methods of using same.
2. The Prior Art
Known shipping and storage containers typically have fixed dimensions and occupy the same physical volume whether full or empty. Although this shortcoming is tolerable when the containers are in use, it adversely affects the cost of storing or transporting the containers when empty. Prior attempts to reduce the volume of an unused container typically involve dismantling the container by removing the sides, ends, and top, and stacking these pieces on the bottom. Such dismantling is labor intensive and time consuming, requires substantial rigging, and yields a number of easily lost and essential loose parts, e.g., the fasteners used in assembling the sides, ends, top, and bottom of the container. As such, there is a need for containers that are sufficiently robust to handle the rigors of shipping and storing voluminous and/or heavy cargo but can be easily and quickly broken down to a self-contained, compact form for storage or transport when empty.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a foldable container in a deployed state according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a foldable container in a partially-collapsed state according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a foldable container in a collapsed state according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the framework of a foldable container in a partially deployed state according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the framework of a foldable container in a deployed state according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the framework of a foldable container according to the present invention;
FIG. 6A is a detail view of a portion of the framework of a foldable container according to the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a detail view of a portion of the framework of a foldable container according to the present invention;
FIG. 6C is a detail view of a portion of the framework of a foldable container according to the present invention; and
FIG. 6D is a detail view of a portion of the framework of a foldable container according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a foldable container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention in deployed, partially-collapsed, and collapsed states, respectively. Foldable container 10 includes floor 12, roof 14, side walls 16,18, rear wall 20, and front end 22. Each of side walls 16,18 typically includes an upper portion 16U,18U and a lower portion 16L,18L. Preferably, upper side walls 16U,18U define the upper half of side walls 16,18 and lower side walls 16L,18L define the lower half of side walls 16,18. Roof 14, side walls 16,18, and rear wall 20 typically include a skin 24R,24SW,24RW, respectively, that protects the contents of container 10 from the elements and provides a barrier to unauthorized access to the interior of container 10.
Front end 22 typically is configured to provide access to the interior of container 10. Preferably, container 10 includes overhead door 26 that can be moved between a first, deployed position wherein door 26 closes an opening defined by front end 22 of container 10 and a second, retracted position wherein door 26 nests with or within roof 12, as will be described further below. In preferred embodiments, door 26 is made from roll-formed metal sheeting as would be used to make a conventional metal roll-up door. Such doors are commonly used on the rear of delivery trucks and in connection with concession service windows at sports stadiums. In alternate embodiments, door 26 can be a conventional single- or multi-panel overhead door (not shown) that may or may not include a swinging service door (not shown), as would be known to one skilled in the art. In other alternate embodiments, door 26 can retract into floor 12. Front end 22 and door 26 can be embodied in other forms as well, as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Means (not shown), such as an integral locking mechanism or hasp for receiving a padlock, can be provided for securing door 26 in a “closed” position to preclude unauthorized access to the interior of container 10.
FIGS. 4-6 illustrate the framework 30 of container 10 in partially-deployed and deployed states, respectively, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, framework 30 includes floor frame 32, roof frame 34, side wall frames 36,38, rear wall frame 40, and front end frame 42. Each of side wall frames 36,38 includes an upper portion 36U,38U and a lower portion 36L,38L.
Floor frame 32 typically includes a perimeter rim defining the sides and ends of floor frame 32. In the illustrated embodiment, the perimeter rim is defined by side rails 44 and joists 46 spanning the ends of side rails 44 crosswise. Additional joists 46 are shown spanning side rails 44 intermediate the ends of side rails 44. In other embodiments, joists 46 can span a pair of end rails lengthwise. Stiffeners, braces, and the like (not shown) can be provided to strengthen floor frame 32, as would be known to one skilled in the art. Decking 28 is installed on floor frame 32 to provide a loadable floor inside container 10. Decking 28 typically is made of a suitable grade and thickness of plywood, but decking 28 could be made of other materials, as well, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Roof frame 34 typically includes perimeter rim 48 defining the sides and ends of roof frame 34 and rafters 50 spanning and connected to perimeter rim 48. Roof frame 34 also can include stiffeners or braces 52 and/or other structural members connected to one or more of perimeter rim 48, rafters 50, and/or other structural members to provide strength to roof frame 34, as would be known to one skilled in the art. Preferably, roof frame 34 also includes a second perimeter rim 48A parallel to and offset from perimeter rim 48 by means of short columns 49. See FIG. 6 (where a portion of perimeter member 48A has been cut away for clarity). This design provides additional volume (compared to embodiments lacking second perimeter rim 48A and short columns 49) within roof frame 34 for receiving door 26 and enclosing and protecting related components, as will be discussed further below.
In preferred embodiments, roof frame 34 includes overhead door tracks 54 which receive the side edge portions of door 26 when door 26 is located in and moved to and from the retracted position. See FIGS. 6 and 6A. In such embodiments, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, roof frame 34 also can include guide rollers 56 to facilitate moving door 26 between the retracted position wherein door 26 is positioned in door tracks 54 associated with roof frame 34, as shown in FIG. 4, and the deployed position wherein door 26 is positioned in door tracks 76 associated with front end 22, as shown in FIG. 1 and as will be discussed further below. Guide rollers 56 typically are connected to perimeter member 48 of roof frame 34 by means of brackets 57. Brackets 57 can fixed to perimeter member 48 or rotatably connected to perimeter member 48 so that bracket 57 and guide rollers 56 can be rotated from a deployed position wherein guide rollers 56 and portions of brackets 57 may extend outside (and, more particularly, below) the volume defined by roof frame 34, as discussed above and as shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, to a stored position (not shown) wherein guide rollers 56 and brackets 57 are more fully enclosed by the volume defined by roof frame 34.
Each of upper side wall frames 36U,38U preferably includes a perimeter rim 58U defining the top, bottom, and ends of the respective upper side wall frame. Typically, perimeter rim 58U includes a bottom member 60U, a top member 62U, and a pair of columns 64U spanning the ends of the bottom and top members. Additional columns 64U may be provided intermediate the columns 64U spanning the ends of bottom member 60U and top member 62U, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Braces and/or stiffeners (not shown) may be included to provide adequate strength to the upper side wall frames, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Upper side wall frames 36U,38U are hinged to roof frame 34 so that upper side wall frames 36U,38U can be folded inwardly and substantially flatly against the bottom of roof frame 34 when container 10 is in the collapsed state and unfolded such that upper side wall frames 36U,38U are substantially perpendicular to roof frame 34 when container 10 is in the deployed state. In the preferred embodiment, one or more conventional hinges 66 are used to connect upper side wall frames 36U,38U to roof frame 34. Alternative embodiments can use any other suitable hinge mechanism, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Similarly, each of lower side wall frames 36L,38L preferably includes a perimeter rim 58L defining the top, bottom, and ends of the respective lower side wall frame. Typically, perimeter rim 58L includes a bottom member 60L, a top member 62L, and a pair of columns 64L spanning the ends of the bottom and top members. Additional columns 64L may be provided intermediate the columns 64L spanning the ends of bottom member 60L and top member 62L, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Braces and/or stiffeners (not shown) may be included to provide adequate strength to the lower side wall frames, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Lower side wall frames 36L,38L are hinged to floor frame 32 so that lower side frames 36L,38L can be folded inwardly and substantially flatly against the top of floor frame 32 when container 10 is in the collapsed state and unfolded such that lower side wall frames 36L,38L are substantially perpendicular to floor frame 32 when container 10 is in the deployed state. In the preferred embodiment, one or more conventional hinges 68 are used to connect lower side wall frames 36L,38L to floor frame 32. Alternative embodiments can use any other suitable hinge mechanism, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Upper side wall frames 36U,38U are hinged to corresponding lower side wall frames 36L,38L so that upper side wall frames 36U,38U can be folded substantially flatly against corresponding lower side wall frames 36L,38L when container 10 is in the collapsed state. When container 10 in the deployed state, upper side wall frames 36U,38U and lower side wall frames 36L,38L are substantially coextensive such that each pair of corresponding upper side wall frames 36U,38U and lower side wall frames 36L,38L defines a substantially planar side wall 16,18. In the preferred embodiment, one or more conventional hinges 70 are used to connect upper side wall frames 36U,38U to lower side wall frames 36L,38L. Alternative embodiments can use any other suitable hinge mechanism, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Rear wall frame 40 includes a perimeter rim 86 that defines the top, bottom, and sides of rear wall frame 40. Perimeter rim 86 includes a bottom member 88, a top member 90, and a pair of columns 92 spanning the ends of bottom and top members, 88,90, respectively. Rear wall frame 40 can include additional columns (not shown) intermediate the columns 92 spanning the ends of bottom and top members, 88,90, a cross-member 94, and additional braces and/or stiffeners (not shown) for strength, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Rear wall frame 40 preferably is hinged to floor frame 32 so that rear wall frame 40 can be folded inwardly and substantially flatly against the top of floor frame 32 when container 10 is in the collapsed state and unfolded so that rear frame 40 is substantially perpendicular to each of floor frame 32, roof frame 34, and side wall frames 36,38 when container 10 is in the deployed state. In the illustrated embodiment, hinge pins 72 are used to connect rear wall frame 40 to floor frame 32. Alternative embodiments can use any other suitable hinge mechanism, for example, conventional leaf-type hinges, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Front end frame 42 includes a perimeter rim 96 that defines the top and sides of front end frame 42. Perimeter rim 96 includes top member 98 and a pair of columns 100 extending from top member 98. Front end frame 42 can further include one or more cross-members (not shown) and braces and/or stiffeners (not shown) for strength, as would be known to one skilled in the art. Any such additional members preferably are located so as to not impede access to the interior of, or create a trip hazard within or near the entry of, container 10.
Front end frame 42 preferably is hinged to floor frame 32 so that front end frame 42 can be folded inwardly and substantially flatly against the top of floor frame 32 when container 10 is in the collapsed state and unfolded so that front end frame 42 is substantially perpendicular to floor frame 32, roof frame 34, and side wall frames 36,38 when container 10 is in the deployed state. In the preferred embodiment, hinge pins 74 are used to connect the lower ends of columns 100 of front end frame 42 to floor frame 32. Alternative embodiments can use any other suitable hinge mechanism, as would be known to one skilled in the art. In preferred embodiments, front end frame 42 includes door tracks 76 (see FIG. 6; door tracks 76 have been omitted from the other drawings for clarity) which receive the side edge portions of door 26 when door 26 is positioned in and moved to and from the deployed position, as shown in FIG. 1.
In preferred embodiments, stop plates 104 are provided at both ends of framework 30 in connection with roof frame 34 and the upper and lower portions of side wall frames 36,38 to prevent rotation of rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42 more than about 90 degrees from the collapsed position against floor 12 so that rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42 can be easily indexed to their respective deployed positions. In such embodiments, stop plates 104 preferably are connected to columns 64 defining the ends of the upper and lower portions of side wall frames 36,38 and the ends of perimeter rim 48 of roof frame 34. Gasket material (not shown), for example, conventional weatherstrip, can be provided in connection with stop plates 104 to provide a form of seal between roof frame 34, side wall frames 36,38, rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42. Gasket material (not shown) also can be provided in connection with the joints between floor 12 and rear wall frame 40, floor 12 and lower side wall frames 36L,38L, lower side wall frames 36L,38L and upper side wall frames 36U,38U, and upper side wall frames 36U,38U and roof frame 34. Further, gasket material (not shown) can be provided at the bottom of door 26, adjacent the side of door 26 and door tracks 76, and along top member 98 of front end frame 42 to form a seal between door 26, floor 12, front end frame 42, and side walls 16,18 when door 26 is in the closed position.
In other embodiments, either or both of rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42 can be completely detachable from floor frame 32, and hinge pins 72 and/or hinge pins 74 (or other, alternate hinge means) can be omitted. In such embodiments, rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42 can be connected to floor frame 32, roof frame 34, and/or side wall frames 36,38 by threaded fasteners or other suitable means when container 10 is in the deployed state and stored against floor 12 when container 10 is in the collapsed state.
One or more lifting lugs 106 can be provided to facilitate deployment and collapsing of container 10 using a crane or other lifting mechanism (not shown). Such lifting lugs preferably would be attached to roof frame portion 34 using fasteners or welded connections but, alternatively, could be attached to other portions of framework 30 by any suitable means.
The detailed design of container 10 and framework 30 as illustrated in the drawings and discussed above is representative, but by no means limiting. One skilled in the art would recognize that that the detailed design for a particular collapsible container according to the present invention is a function of, among other factors, the size of and intended use for the container. One skilled in the art would know how to size and arrange the members (e.g., perimeter rims, joists, rafters, columns, stiffeners, braces, etc.) used to build the various frame portions, select appropriate materials (e.g., tube steel, angle iron, and steel channel) for such members, specify connection details (e.g., brackets, hinge mechanisms, etc.), and specify connection methods (i.e., bolting, welding, etc.).
With container 10 in the deployed state, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, upper and lower side walls 16U,18U and 16L,18L, respectively, are substantially perpendicular to floor 12 and roof 14 and coextensive with each other. Rear wall 20 and front end 22 are substantially perpendicular to floor 12, roof 14, and side walls 16,18. Preferably, at least portions of the outer perimeter of each of rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42 are at least loosely engaged with interior portions of roof frame 34 and side wall frames 36,38, as best shown in FIG. 5, so as to inhibit collapse of roof 14 and side walls 16,18.
In preferred embodiments, as best shown in FIG. 6, corresponding pairs of apertures 78 are provided in adjacent portions of roof frame 34, upper and lower side wall frames 36U,38U and 36L,38L, respectively, rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42 to enable use of fasteners, for example, bolts 80, to interconnect such frame portions when container 10 is in the deployed state. (In practice, more or fewer pairs of apertures 78 than shown in FIG. 6 may be provided.) For example, one or more bolts 80 preferably are inserted through corresponding pairs of apertures 78 in adjacent portions of the foregoing frame members to secure perimeter rim 48 of roof frame portion 34 to perimeter rim 58U of upper side frame portions 36U,38U, perimeter rim 86 of rear frame portion 40, and perimeter rim 96 of front frame portion 42. Similarly, one or more bolts 80 can be used to secure perimeter rim 56U of upper side frame portions 36U,38U to perimeter rim 56L of lower side frame portions 36L,38L (see FIG. 6D), and one or more bolts 80 can be used to secure perimeter rims 56U,56L of upper and lower side frame portions 36U,36L,38U,38L to perimeter rim 86 of rear frame portion 40 and perimeter rim 96 of front frame portion 42.
Preferably, bolts 80 engage with captive nuts 82 associated with one aperture 78 of each of such corresponding pairs of apertures 78. Loose nuts (not shown) can be used in lieu of captive nuts 82, but captive nuts 82 are preferred because they are permanently affixed, for example, welded as bridge weld nuts, to framework 30 and thus do not contribute to the inventory of loose parts (including, e.g., certain bolts 80) that must be controlled when container 10 is in the collapsed state. Apertures 78 can be configured so that bolts 80 are inserted through members to be joined in their entirety. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, bolts 80 extend through the entirety of bottom member 60U of upper side wall frame 38U and top member 62L of lower side wall frame 38L and are fastened to captive nuts 82 (or a loose nut) on the bottom surface of top member 62L of lower side wall frame 38L. In embodiments where at least one of the members to be fastened together has a hollow cross-section (e.g., tube steel), captive nuts 82 preferably are fitted on the inside of such member so that bolt 80 need not extend through the entirety of such member. In all embodiments, bolt 80 preferably is installed into the members to be connected from the interior of container 10 to preclude tampering with bolt 80 from the exterior of container 10.
Although threaded fasteners are preferred for the foregoing mechanical connections, various other forms of fasteners, including quick release fasteners, can be used in lieu of threaded fasteners in certain embodiments, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
Preferred embodiments also include a coupling associated with pairs of corresponding columns 64U,64L of upper and lower side wall frames 36U,38U and 36L,38L, respectively, which helps to secure the upper and lower side wall frames 36,38 in the deployed position. FIGS. 6, 6B, and 6C illustrate one such embodiment wherein columns 64U,64L are members, such as tube steel, having hollow cross sections and coupling 84 is a member, such as steel bar stock or tube steel, sized to fit within columns 64U,64L in sliding engagement. Coupling 84 is movable between a first, retracted position, wherein coupling 84 is engaged with column 64L, but not column 64U, and a second, deployed position wherein coupling 84 is engaged with both column 64L and column 64U, thus inhibiting the collapse of upper and lower side wall frames 36U,38U and 36L,38L.
In preferred embodiments, coupling 84 includes a handle 85 that extends through slot 89 in column 64L. Preferably, handle 85 is a bolt threaded into and staked to a threaded aperture 87 in coupling 84 (or a bolt inserted through an unthreaded aperture in coupling 84 and threaded into and staked to a captive nut attached to coupling 84) so that handle 85 cannot be inadvertently removed from coupling 85. Slot 89 and handle 85 interact to define the extent to which coupling 84 can slide within columns 64L,64U.
In preferred embodiments, coupling 84 includes a number of apertures 91 and corresponding captive nuts 83, and columns 64U,64L include a number of apertures 78 that align with apertures 91 in coupling 84 when coupling 84 is in the deployed position. Coupling 84 can be secured in the deployed position by inserting bolts 80 through apertures 78 in columns 64U,64L and apertures 91 in coupling 84 and threading them into captive nuts 83. Preferably, columns 64U,64L also include a number of apertures 78 that align with apertures 91 in coupling 84 when coupling 84 is in the retracted position. Coupling 84 can be secured in the retracted position by inserting bolts 80 through such apertures 78 in columns 64U,64L and apertures 91 in coupling 84 and threading them into captive nuts 83. One skilled in the art would recognize that coupling 84 and the means for securing coupling 84 to columns 64U,64L could be modified in many ways. For example, apertures 91 in coupling 84 could be threaded and captive nuts 83 could be omitted. Apertures could provided to allow bolts 80 to extend through columns 64U,64L in their entirety and captive nuts could be provided with columns 64U,64L to secure bolts 80 thereto. Alternatively, coupling 84 could be external to columns 64U,64L.
With container 10 in the deployed state, door 26 can be readily moved between the retracted position, wherein door 26 nests within roof frame 34, and the deployed position wherein door 26 closes the opening defined by front end 22. Guide rollers 56 help door 26 transition between a substantially vertical orientation defined by door tracks 76 attached to front end frame 42 and a substantially horizontal orientation defined by door tracks 54 attached to roof frame 34.
Roof skin 24R preferably takes the form of a fiberglass shell overlying and connected to the exterior of roof frame 34, as shown in the drawings. Side wall skin 24SW and rear wall skin 24RW preferably take the form of rigid or semi-rigid panels, preferably made of high molecular weight polyethylene, the edges of which are received by channels 108 associated with the members comprising at least portions of side wall frames 36,38 and rear wall frame 40. Alternatively, skins 24R,24SW,24RW can be made of any suitable rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible material and attached to the inside or outside of the corresponding frame portion using any suitable means, for example, adhesives, rivets, threaded fasteners, etc.
Preferably, one or more portions of side wall perimeter rim 58 and rear wall perimeter rim 86 are removable to allow replacement of sections of side wall skin 24SW and rear wall skin 24RW should they become damaged. For example, upper side wall frame 36U preferably is configured so that top member 62 can be removed to allow replacement of corresponding side wall skin 24SW by sliding such skin in and out of channels 108. Preferably, top member 62 is attached to columns 64U using brackets (not shown) that are riveted to one of top member 62 and columns 64U and welded or otherwise attached to the other of top member 62 and columns 64U. Alternatively, such brackets can be riveted to both of top member 62 and columns 64U. Should side wall skin 24SW need replacement, such rivets (not shown) could be easily drilled out and replaced. Rear wall frame 40 and corresponding skin 24R can be similarly configured.
A preferred procedure for placing container 10 into the deployed state from the collapsed state involves attaching suitable rigging to lifting lugs 106 and a suitable lifting mechanism, for example, a crane or fork lift. The lifting mechanism then raises roof 14, causing upper and lower side walls 16U,18U,16L,18L to unfold from positions adjacent and substantially parallel to the bottom of roof 14 and top of floor 12, respectively, to form substantially planar and vertical walls 16,18. Couplings 84 are then moved from a retracted position within column 64L to a deployed position within both of columns 64L and 64U. Bolts 80 are inserted through apertures 91 in coupling 84 and apertures 78 in corresponding portions of columns 64L and 64U and secured to captive nuts 83. Rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 42 are then unfolded from positions adjacent and substantially parallel to the top of floor 12 to positions substantially perpendicular to each of floor 12, roof 14, and side walls 16,18. As discussed above, stop plates 104 prevent over-rotation of rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 40 and help to index rear wall frame 40 and front end frame 40 to the desired orientation relative to 12, roof 14, and side walls 16,18. Bolts 80 are inserted through corresponding pairs of apertures in the foregoing frame sections and fastened to captive nuts 82. The rigging can be safely removed once couplings 84 have been deployed and secured, but preferably remains in place until the previous step has been completed. If container 10 includes foldable guide roller brackets 57, such brackets are moved to the deployed position. Door 26 then can be moved between its open and closed positions, traveling over guide rollers 56.
A preferred procedure for collapsing container 10 essentially reverses the steps of the foregoing deployment procedure. That is, door 26 typically would be placed in the stored position within roof frame 34 and guide roller brackets 57, if foldable, then would be placed in the stored position. Next, bolts 80 would be removed from apertures 78, except those apertures 78 through which bolts 80 are secured to couplings 84. Next, rear wall frame 40 and front wall frame 42 would be folded against floor 12. Bolts 80 securing rear wall frame 40 and front wall frame 42 to side wall frames 36,38 and roof frame 34 could then be reinstalled in the apertures 78 from which they were removed and threaded into captive nuts 82 to reduce the risk of losing such bolts 80. Rigging would be installed before the next step, which involves loosening or removing bolts 80 securing couplings 84, as necessary, to allow couplings 84 to be moved to the retracted position within the corresponding columns 64L. Such bolts 80 then could be used to secure coupling 84 in the retracted position. Roof 14 then would be lowered by slackening the rigging connected to lifting lugs 106. It may be necessary to exert an inward force near hinges 70 joining upper and lower side wall frames 16U,16L and 18U,18L to initiate the folding of walls 16,18.
This disclosure illustrates and describes one or more particular embodiments preferred by the inventors. One skilled in the art would recognize that various modifications could be made to embodiment(s) disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible container comprising:

a top frame portion, a bottom frame portion, a pair of opposing side frame portions, a rear frame portion and a front frame portion;

each of said side frame portions comprising a lower side frame portion and an upper side frame portion, said lower side frame portion hingedly attached to said bottom frame portion, said upper side frame portion hingedly attached to said top frame portion, and said lower side frame portion hingedly attached to said upper side frame portion whereby said side frame portion is movable between first position wherein said side wall frame is substantially perpendicular to said bottom portion and said top portion and a second position wherein each of said upper side frame portion and said lower side frame portion is substantially parallel to said bottom frame portion and said top frame portion;

said rear frame portion hingedly attached to said bottom frame portion and movable between a first position wherein said rear frame portion is substantially perpendicular to said bottom frame portion and a second position wherein said rear frame portion is substantially parallel to said bottom frame portion; and

said front frame portion hingedly attached to said bottom frame portion and movable between a first position wherein said front frame portion is substantially perpendicular to said bottom frame portion and a second position wherein said front frame portion is substantially parallel to said bottom frame portion.

2. The container of claim 1 further comprising a coupling associated with at least one of said side frame portions, said coupling being movable between a first position wherein said coupling engages with both of the upper and lower side frame portions comprising said side frame portion and a second position wherein said coupling does not engage with both of the upper and lower side frame portions comprising said side frame portion.

3. The container of claim 1 further comprising at least one removable fastener securing at least one of said top frame portion, said pair of opposing side frame portions, said rear frame portion and said front frame portion to another of said top frame portion, said pair of opposing side frame portions, said rear frame portion and said front frame portion.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein said at least one of said top frame portion, said pair of opposing side frame portions, said rear frame portion and said front frame portion and said another of said top frame portion, said pair of opposing side frame portions, said rear frame portion and said front frame portion define a pair of corresponding apertures for receiving said removable fastener.

5. The container of claim 3 further comprising at least one captive nut for receiving said at least one removable fastener.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein at least one of said rear frame portion, when in said first position, and said front frame portion, when in said first position, engages with at least one of said top frame portion and said pair of opposing side frame portions.

7. The container of claim 1 further comprising a floor deck associated with said bottom frame portion.

8. The container of claim 1 further comprising a skin associated with at least one of said top frame portion, said pair of opposing side frame portions, said rear frame portion.

9. The container of claim 1 further comprising a door associated with said front frame.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein said door is movable between a first position wherein said door is associated with, and closes an opening in, said front frame portion and a second position wherein said door is associated with said top frame portion.

11. The container of claim 10 further comprising at least one guide roller associated with said door.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein said at least one guide roller is connected to said top frame portion by a bracket, said bracket being movable between a first position and a second position.

13. The container of claim 9 further comprising means for locking said door.