US20090212049A1 - Collapsible shipping container with removable four-piece rail unit - Google Patents
Collapsible shipping container with removable four-piece rail unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090212049A1 US20090212049A1 US12/285,836 US28583608A US2009212049A1 US 20090212049 A1 US20090212049 A1 US 20090212049A1 US 28583608 A US28583608 A US 28583608A US 2009212049 A1 US2009212049 A1 US 2009212049A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rail elements
- base
- rail
- corners
- collapsible container
- 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
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- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- 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
- B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
- B65D19/18—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- 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
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- B65D2519/00398—Overall construction reinforcements
- B65D2519/00402—Integral, e.g. ribs
- B65D2519/00407—Integral, e.g. ribs on the load supporting surface
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- 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
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- 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
- B65D2519/00422—Integral, e.g. ribs on the walls
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
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- 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
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
- B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
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- B65D2519/00502—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of two or more pieces
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- 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
- B65D2519/00517—Overall construction of the side walls cell type, e.g. honeycomb
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- 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
- B65D2519/00567—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 mechanical connection, e.g. snap-fitted
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D2519/00552—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer
- B65D2519/00572—Structures connecting the constitutive elements of the pallet to each other, i.e. load supporting surface, base surface and/or separate spacer with separate auxiliary element, e.g. screws, nails, bayonets
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
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- B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
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- B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
- B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
- B65D2519/00587—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls directly connected to each other
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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- B65D2519/00865—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected
- B65D2519/00875—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls
- B65D2519/009—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to the base panel
Definitions
- the present invention relates to collapsible plastic shipping containers.
- Collapsible plastic shipping containers also known as knock-down bulk containers, typically comprise a rectangular base or floor to which are fastened four walls, i.e., two side walls and two end walls. If the container is not square, the side walls will be longer than the end walls.
- the walls are separately pivotable about respective horizontal axes at their lower edges so as to be swingable between a vertical erected position and a horizontal folded position. Once in their erected position, the walls are joined in suitable fashion so as to be fixed in an upright state for shipping purposes. When the walls are folded, the container can be more conveniently handled and stored. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,065 disclosing a conventional knock-down bulk container.
- the container may also include a rail unit on which the base rests.
- the rail unit can provide slots for receiving the fork elements of a fork-lift truck, as well as stabilizing the sides of the container when erected.
- collapsible shipping containers of that type may be subjected to relatively rough handling and thus are susceptible to damage, especially at the bottom region thereof. Damage occurring to the bottom of the container, which might otherwise require replacement of the base, will instead, be absorbed by the rail unit which is less costly to replace. In that regard, it would be desirable to minimize the replacement costs as much as possible, as well as to simplify the attachment of the rail unit to the base.
- a collapsible container comprises:
- a plastic base having four side edges, and four corners;
- a rail assembly removably mounted to an underside of the base, the rail assembly comprising four separate plastic rail elements extending along respective side edges of the base, the four rail elements consisting of a pair of first parallel rail elements and a pair of second parallel rail elements oriented perpendicular to the first rail elements, each of the first and second rail elements extending from one of the corners to another of the corners, and being mounted by a connecting structure enabling each rail element to be separately replaced relative to the base.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective, schematic view of a collapsible container according to the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a first type of rail element on the container.
- FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second type of rail element on the container.
- FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of FIG. 4 .
- FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a corner of the container with both types of rail elements attached.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7 - 7 in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective bottom view showing a corner of the base, and corners of respective rail elements.
- FIG. 9 is an exploded top perspective view of the base and three of the rail elements.
- FIG. 1 Depicted in FIG. 1 is a collapsible shipping container 10 which includes a plastic base 12 , two plastic side walls 14 , two plastic end walls 16 , and two pairs of parallel rail elements 20 , 22 only one rail element of each pair being depicted in FIG. 1 .
- the side and end walls are pivotably mounted to the base along their lower edges in any suitable fashion so as to be swingable about respective horizontal axes between an upright erected position and a horizontal folded position.
- each wall can possess downwardly projecting hinge elements 30 which snap into corresponding hinge elements 32 of the base to form a horizontal hinge.
- the walls can be secured together in any suitable manner, e.g., by cooperating tabs 34 and recesses 36 on their mating edges which inter-engage to hold the walls upright.
- One of the walls can be provided with a door 40 that can be swung open and closed to provide access to the container's interior.
- the base 12 includes a plurality of downwardly projecting posts, i.e., four corner posts 42 , and four intermediate posts 44 , each intermediate part situated midway between two corner posts.
- the four rail elements 20 , 22 which are shown only schematically in FIG. 1 and in detail in FIGS. 2-5 , are removably mounted on the base in a manner enabling any one of the four rail elements 20 , 22 to be replaced relative to the base and relative to the other three rail elements.
- the replacement cost is minimized since the other rail units can continue to be used, i.e., it may be possible to repair the damage by replacing only 1 ⁇ 4 of the rail unit.
- the posts 42 , 44 of the base serve to mount the rail elements, and the rail elements are configured to overlap one another at the corner posts, as will be explained.
- Each post 42 , 44 includes a downwardly facing socket 50 , preferably of rectangular cross-section.
- the socket 50 is formed by vertical surfaces 52 .
- three of the vertical surfaces include recesses 54 adjacent lower ends thereof, each recess defining a horizontal shoulder 56 .
- the intermediate posts 44 are similarly configured, except that recesses 54 are provided in only one of the vertical surfaces thereof.
- Each of the first rail elements 20 is configured to be attached directly to two of the corner posts 42 and directly to one of the intermediate posts 44 .
- Each of the second of rail elements 22 is configured to be indirectly connected to two of the corner posts 42 through the first rail elements 20 and directly connected to one of the intermediate posts 44 .
- the rail elements extending along the side edges of the base will be longer than the rail elements extending along the base's shorter end edges. The reverse would also be possible, however.
- Each of the first rail elements 20 extends from one corner post to another, and includes two upstanding corner projections 60 A and one upstanding intermediate projection 60 B.
- Each corner projection 60 A is sized to fit within the socket 50 of a corner post 42
- the intermediate projection 60 B is sized to fit within the socket of the corresponding intermediate post.
- Each corner projection 60 A includes fours sides 62 , three of which include integral snap-in tabs 64 arranged to be received in the recesses 54 of the sockets 50 .
- each side 62 could include a set of three tabs 64 , each set configured to be received in a respective recess 54 .
- Each tab has an inclined cam surface 66 and a horizontal abutment surface 68 .
- the tabs 64 When the projection 60 A is pushed into the socket 50 , engagement between the socket's sides and the cam surfaces 66 causes the tabs 64 to be elastically displaced until becoming aligned with the recesses 54 , whereupon the tabs snap into the recesses.
- the lower ends 69 of the projections are flush with lower ends 70 of the posts to define part of the ground-engaging surface of the rail unit.
- Each corner projection 60 A forms a downwardly facing socket 72 having a pair of integral downwardly projecting spring fingers 74 each of which forms hooks 76 at its lower end.
- Each hook has an inclined cam surface 78 and a horizontal shoulder 79 .
- the intermediate projection 60 B includes a downward facing socket 72 , but there are no spring fingers formed therein.
- the intermediate projections 60 B will fit into the intermediate posts 44 and will be connected thereto by snap-in tabs 77 .
- Each of the second rail elements 22 extends from one corner post to another and includes two upstanding corner projections 90 A and one upstanding intermediate projection 90 B.
- Each corner projection 90 A is sized to fit within the socket 72 of a respective corner projection 60 A of a first rail element.
- On two opposing sides of the corner projections 90 A are provided slots 92 arranged to receive the respective hooks 76 of the spring fingers 74 .
- the intermediate projection 90 B is provided with tabs 95 for connection with the intermediate post 44 .
- first rail elements 10 If one of the first rail elements 10 must be replaced, it will be necessary to remove both of the second rail elements as described above, and then remove the first rail element(s).
- the posts and projections 60 A, 60 B, 90 A, 90 B can be configured to form holes suitable for receiving screws.
- FIG. 6 shows a downward hollow post 110 integral with the sockets 50 of the corner posts 42 . That post 110 passes downwardly through a passage 112 formed in the corner projection 60 A and is aligned with an aperture 114 formed in the corner projection 90 A.
- an aperture 114 formed in the corner projection 90 A.
- corner projections 60 A, 90 A will be secured to the corner post 42 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
Abstract
A collapsible container comprises a plastic base having four side edges, and four corners. Four plastic walls are pivotably mounted to respective side edges of the base to be swingable between erected and folded positions. A rail assembly is removably mounted to an underside of the base, the rail assembly comprising four separate plastic rail elements extending along respective side edges of the base. The four rail elements consist of a pair of first parallel rail elements and a pair of second parallel rail elements oriented perpendicular to the first rail elements. Each of the first and second rail elements extends from one of the corners to another of the corners, and is mounted by a connecting structure enabling each rail element to be separately replaced relative to the base.
Description
- The present invention claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/960,814, filed Oct. 15, 2007.
- The present invention relates to collapsible plastic shipping containers.
- Collapsible plastic shipping containers, also known as knock-down bulk containers, typically comprise a rectangular base or floor to which are fastened four walls, i.e., two side walls and two end walls. If the container is not square, the side walls will be longer than the end walls. The walls are separately pivotable about respective horizontal axes at their lower edges so as to be swingable between a vertical erected position and a horizontal folded position. Once in their erected position, the walls are joined in suitable fashion so as to be fixed in an upright state for shipping purposes. When the walls are folded, the container can be more conveniently handled and stored. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,591,065 disclosing a conventional knock-down bulk container.
- The container may also include a rail unit on which the base rests. The rail unit can provide slots for receiving the fork elements of a fork-lift truck, as well as stabilizing the sides of the container when erected.
- It will be appreciated that collapsible shipping containers of that type may be subjected to relatively rough handling and thus are susceptible to damage, especially at the bottom region thereof. Damage occurring to the bottom of the container, which might otherwise require replacement of the base, will instead, be absorbed by the rail unit which is less costly to replace. In that regard, it would be desirable to minimize the replacement costs as much as possible, as well as to simplify the attachment of the rail unit to the base.
- A collapsible container comprises:
- a plastic base having four side edges, and four corners;
- four plastic walls pivotably mounted to respective side edges of the base to be swingable between erected and folded positions; and
- a rail assembly removably mounted to an underside of the base, the rail assembly comprising four separate plastic rail elements extending along respective side edges of the base, the four rail elements consisting of a pair of first parallel rail elements and a pair of second parallel rail elements oriented perpendicular to the first rail elements, each of the first and second rail elements extending from one of the corners to another of the corners, and being mounted by a connecting structure enabling each rail element to be separately replaced relative to the base.
-
FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective, schematic view of a collapsible container according to the invention. -
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a first type of rail element on the container. -
FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view ofFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of a second type of rail element on the container. -
FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view ofFIG. 4 . -
FIG. 6 is a bottom view of a corner of the container with both types of rail elements attached. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 7-7 inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective bottom view showing a corner of the base, and corners of respective rail elements. -
FIG. 9 is an exploded top perspective view of the base and three of the rail elements. - Depicted in
FIG. 1 is acollapsible shipping container 10 which includes aplastic base 12, twoplastic side walls 14, twoplastic end walls 16, and two pairs ofparallel rail elements FIG. 1 . The side and end walls are pivotably mounted to the base along their lower edges in any suitable fashion so as to be swingable about respective horizontal axes between an upright erected position and a horizontal folded position. For example, each wall can possess downwardly projectinghinge elements 30 which snap intocorresponding hinge elements 32 of the base to form a horizontal hinge. - Once erected, the walls can be secured together in any suitable manner, e.g., by cooperating
tabs 34 and recesses 36 on their mating edges which inter-engage to hold the walls upright. One of the walls can be provided with a door 40 that can be swung open and closed to provide access to the container's interior. - The
base 12 includes a plurality of downwardly projecting posts, i.e., fourcorner posts 42, and fourintermediate posts 44, each intermediate part situated midway between two corner posts. - The four
rail elements FIG. 1 and in detail inFIGS. 2-5 , are removably mounted on the base in a manner enabling any one of the fourrail elements - The
posts post socket 50, preferably of rectangular cross-section. Thesocket 50 is formed byvertical surfaces 52. In eachcorner post 42, three of the vertical surfaces includerecesses 54 adjacent lower ends thereof, each recess defining ahorizontal shoulder 56. Also provided are a series ofribs 58 having lower ends terminating at an elevation above therecesses 54. - The
intermediate posts 44 are similarly configured, except thatrecesses 54 are provided in only one of the vertical surfaces thereof. - Each of the
first rail elements 20 is configured to be attached directly to two of thecorner posts 42 and directly to one of theintermediate posts 44. Each of the second ofrail elements 22 is configured to be indirectly connected to two of thecorner posts 42 through thefirst rail elements 20 and directly connected to one of theintermediate posts 44. For example, in the case where the container is of non-square rectangular configuration, wherein theside walls 14 are longer than theend walls 16, the rail elements extending along the side edges of the base will be longer than the rail elements extending along the base's shorter end edges. The reverse would also be possible, however. - Each of the
first rail elements 20 extends from one corner post to another, and includes twoupstanding corner projections 60A and one upstandingintermediate projection 60B. Eachcorner projection 60A is sized to fit within thesocket 50 of acorner post 42, and theintermediate projection 60B is sized to fit within the socket of the corresponding intermediate post. Eachcorner projection 60A includesfours sides 62, three of which include integral snap-intabs 64 arranged to be received in therecesses 54 of thesockets 50. For example, eachside 62 could include a set of threetabs 64, each set configured to be received in arespective recess 54. Each tab has aninclined cam surface 66 and a horizontal abutment surface 68. When theprojection 60A is pushed into thesocket 50, engagement between the socket's sides and thecam surfaces 66 causes thetabs 64 to be elastically displaced until becoming aligned with therecesses 54, whereupon the tabs snap into the recesses. Preferably, thelower ends 69 of the projections are flush withlower ends 70 of the posts to define part of the ground-engaging surface of the rail unit. - Each
corner projection 60A forms a downwardly facingsocket 72 having a pair of integral downwardly projectingspring fingers 74 each of which formshooks 76 at its lower end. Each hook has aninclined cam surface 78 and ahorizontal shoulder 79. - The
intermediate projection 60B includes a downward facingsocket 72, but there are no spring fingers formed therein. Theintermediate projections 60B will fit into theintermediate posts 44 and will be connected thereto by snap-intabs 77. - Each of the
second rail elements 22 extends from one corner post to another and includes twoupstanding corner projections 90A and one upstandingintermediate projection 90B. Eachcorner projection 90A is sized to fit within thesocket 72 of arespective corner projection 60A of a first rail element. On two opposing sides of thecorner projections 90A are providedslots 92 arranged to receive therespective hooks 76 of thespring fingers 74. Thus, when thecorner projections 90A are pushed into thesockets 72, thespring fingers 74 are flexed elastically outwardly and then snap-back into theslots 92 and opposite engagement surfaces 94 thereof to retain thecorner posts 90A therein. Theintermediate projection 90B is provided withtabs 95 for connection with theintermediate post 44. - In order to remove the rail elements, it is only necessary to pry the
tabs hooks 76 of the corner projections, and thetabs 77 of the intermediate projection, away from their respective engagement surfaces. - If one of the
first rail elements 10 must be replaced, it will be necessary to remove both of the second rail elements as described above, and then remove the first rail element(s). - As an optional additional feature any or all of, the posts and
projections FIG. 6 shows a downwardhollow post 110 integral with thesockets 50 of the corner posts 42. Thatpost 110 passes downwardly through apassage 112 formed in thecorner projection 60A and is aligned with anaperture 114 formed in thecorner projection 90A. Thus, by inserting a screw through theaperture 114 and into the post, bothcorner projections corner post 42. There can be any number of such post/aperture pairs, e.g., two as shown inFIG. 7 .
Claims (9)
1. A collapsible container comprising:
a plastic base having four side edges, and four corners;
four plastic walls pivotably mounted to respective side edges of the base to be swingable between erected and folded positions; and
a rail assembly removably mounted to an underside of the base, the rail assembly comprising four separate plastic rail elements extending along respective side edges of the base, the four rail elements consisting of a pair of first parallel rail elements and a pair of second parallel rail elements oriented perpendicular to the first rail elements, each of the first and second rail elements extending from one of the corners to another of the corners, and being mounted by a connecting structure enabling each rail element to be separately replaced relative to the base.
2. The collapsible container according to claim 1 wherein the first rail elements are of identical configuration and of different configuration from the second rail elements, the second rail elements being of identical configuration.
3. The collapsible container according to claim 2 wherein the first rail elements are removably connected directly to the base at said corners, and each of the second rail elements being removably connected directed to both of the first rail elements at said corners.
4. The collapsible container according to claim 3 wherein each of the first and second rail elements is also connected directly to the base at a location between two said corners.
5. The collapsible container according to claim 1 wherein the base and the first rail elements include a first cooperating snap-in connecting structure wherein the first rail elements are attached by snap-in fit to the base; and the first rail elements and the second rail elements include a second cooperating snap-in connecting structure wherein the second rail elements are attached by a second snap-in fit to the first rail elements.
6. The collapsible container according to claim 5 wherein the first and second snap-in structures are disconnectable to permit removal of the respective rail elements.
7. The collapsible container according to claim 1 wherein each of the first rail elements includes two first corner portions disposed at respective ones of said corners, and each of the second rail elements includes two second corner portions disposed at respective ones of said corners, wherein each of the first corner portions is sandwiched between the base and a second corner portion.
8. The collapsible container according to claim 7 wherein at each corner a threaded fastener extends through the first and second corner portions and is attached to the base to define at least part of the connecting structure.
9. The collapsible container according to claim 7 wherein the base includes posts forming an open socket at each said corner; each first corner portion including two first projections each extending upwardly into a respective socket of the base; each first corner portion forming an open socket; each second corner portion including two second projections extending upwardly into respective sockets of the first projections.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/285,836 US20090212049A1 (en) | 2007-10-15 | 2008-10-15 | Collapsible shipping container with removable four-piece rail unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US96081407P | 2007-10-15 | 2007-10-15 | |
US12/285,836 US20090212049A1 (en) | 2007-10-15 | 2008-10-15 | Collapsible shipping container with removable four-piece rail unit |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20090212049A1 true US20090212049A1 (en) | 2009-08-27 |
Family
ID=40997309
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/285,836 Abandoned US20090212049A1 (en) | 2007-10-15 | 2008-10-15 | Collapsible shipping container with removable four-piece rail unit |
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US (1) | US20090212049A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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US20110139674A1 (en) * | 2008-09-18 | 2011-06-16 | Van Der Korput Maximus Gerardus Maria | Large Container |
WO2018126501A1 (en) * | 2017-01-03 | 2018-07-12 | 中山市信立富机械科技有限公司 | Easy-to-transport foldable storage basket |
WO2020099994A1 (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-22 | Georg Utz Holding Ag | Plastic pallet with protected runners |
US20210318356A1 (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2021-10-14 | Nicor, Inc. | Modular AMI/AMR In-Ground Meter Box |
US11390422B2 (en) * | 2017-09-20 | 2022-07-19 | Schoeller Allibert Gmbh | Plastic pallet |
US20220267086A1 (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2022-08-25 | Boxwell LLC | Flat-pack shipping container |
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US20020070215A1 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2002-06-13 | Arca Xytec Systems, Inc. | Collapsible container with closed, multi-paneled sidewalls |
US20040222222A1 (en) * | 2003-05-05 | 2004-11-11 | John Parnall | Bulk shipping container having adjustable height, collapsible walls |
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US20020070215A1 (en) * | 2000-04-07 | 2002-06-13 | Arca Xytec Systems, Inc. | Collapsible container with closed, multi-paneled sidewalls |
US20040222222A1 (en) * | 2003-05-05 | 2004-11-11 | John Parnall | Bulk shipping container having adjustable height, collapsible walls |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8820558B2 (en) * | 2008-09-18 | 2014-09-02 | Schoeller Arca Systems Gmbh | Large container |
US20110139674A1 (en) * | 2008-09-18 | 2011-06-16 | Van Der Korput Maximus Gerardus Maria | Large Container |
WO2018126501A1 (en) * | 2017-01-03 | 2018-07-12 | 中山市信立富机械科技有限公司 | Easy-to-transport foldable storage basket |
US11390422B2 (en) * | 2017-09-20 | 2022-07-19 | Schoeller Allibert Gmbh | Plastic pallet |
US11584563B2 (en) | 2018-11-15 | 2023-02-21 | Georg Utz Holding Ag | Plastic pallet with protected runners |
CN113039126A (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2021-06-25 | 格奥尔格·乌茨控股股份公司 | Plastic pallet with protected slide |
WO2020099994A1 (en) * | 2018-11-15 | 2020-05-22 | Georg Utz Holding Ag | Plastic pallet with protected runners |
US20210318356A1 (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2021-10-14 | Nicor, Inc. | Modular AMI/AMR In-Ground Meter Box |
WO2021212128A1 (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2021-10-21 | Nicor, Inc. | Modular ami/amr in-ground meter box |
US11940468B2 (en) * | 2020-04-14 | 2024-03-26 | Nicor, Inc. | Modular AMI/AMR in-ground meter box |
US20220267086A1 (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2022-08-25 | Boxwell LLC | Flat-pack shipping container |
US11767160B2 (en) * | 2021-02-25 | 2023-09-26 | Boxwell LLC | Flat-pack shipping container |
US11970330B2 (en) | 2021-02-25 | 2024-04-30 | Boxwell LLC | Flat-pack shipping container |
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