US20100012654A1 - Collapsible container - Google Patents
Collapsible container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100012654A1 US20100012654A1 US12/504,162 US50416209A US2010012654A1 US 20100012654 A1 US20100012654 A1 US 20100012654A1 US 50416209 A US50416209 A US 50416209A US 2010012654 A1 US2010012654 A1 US 2010012654A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support
- wall
- container
- base
- collapsed
- 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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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
- 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
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
- B65D11/1833—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to the base panel
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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
- 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
- B65D21/0226—Containers with movable parts adapted to be placed in alternative positions for stacking the containers at different levels, i.e. without nesting of the containers
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to collapsible crates and more particularly to a collapsible crate with support members for supporting another container thereon.
- Collapsible crates are well known.
- Four walls each connected via a hinge to a base are selectively movable about the hinge between a use position, in which the wall is generally perpendicular to the base, and a collapsed position onto the base.
- Various latch mechanisms have been provided to connect adjacent walls at the corner to selectively lock the crate in the use position.
- Some collapsible crates also include retractable supports so that another, different-type container (typically a nestable container) can be supported thereon.
- One such crate includes end walls each having a support that is pivotable between a support position and a retracted position. Lower ends of the supports are pivotably connected to the end walls, with the upper edges of the supports retractable below the upper edges of the end walls.
- the supports on the collapsible crates do not extend very far into the mouth of the container (i.e. not far from the end wall).
- the nestable crates include supports that are pivotably connected to the side walls, so the supports easily extend much further into the mouth of the crate in the support position.
- one problem with some of these collapsible crates is that the nestable crate can fall in between the supports if the nestable crate is not correctly placed on the supports.
- Some of the existing crates automatically deploy the support when the end wall is pivoted to the upright position. Due to the position of the support on the interior surface of the end wall, the user has a tendency to grab both the support and the end wall when pivoting the end wall to the upright position. As the end wall reaches the upright position, the support must escape the grip of the user in order to be deployed, which is inefficient and uncomfortable for the user.
- the present invention provides a container having a plurality of walls extending upwardly from a base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted by a hinge. The support is pivotable between a support position where it can support another container thereon and a retracted position against the wall.
- the end wall can be moved toward the collapsed position while the support is in the support position, but the support is pivoted into the retracted position just as the end wall contacts the base.
- This can provide several other optional benefits.
- the contact area of the support on the side wall can be increased, increasing the strength of the support.
- the support extends further into the mouth of the crate, providing a more stable stacking surface.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention with its walls in an assembled, upright, use position.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with its walls in a collapsed position.
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the container of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the container of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 5 is an end view of the container of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is an interior view of one of the corners of the container of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the corner of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of one end of the support.
- FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the support of FIG. 8A .
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one end of one of the end walls.
- FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of the corner of FIG. 6 .
- FIG. 11 shows the end wall being moved between the upright position and the collapsed position.
- FIG. 12 shows the end wall moving closer to the collapsed position.
- FIG. 13 shows the end wall in the collapsed position on the base.
- FIG. 14 is a side view, broken away, of the container of FIG. 13 .
- FIG. 15 shows the container of FIG. 1 with another, different container stacked on the support.
- FIG. 16 is an interior perspective view of the corner of FIG. 6 with the support being pivoted toward the retracted position.
- FIG. 17 is a view similar to that of FIG. 16 with the support in the retracted position.
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged end view of a corner of the container.
- FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19 - 19 of FIG. 18 and showing the support in both the support position and the retracted position.
- FIG. 20 is a section view taken along line 20 - 20 of FIG. 18 and showing the support in both the support position and the retracted position.
- FIG. 21 is a section view taken along line 21 - 21 of FIG. 18 showing the support in the retracted position.
- FIG. 22 a view similar to that of FIG. 21 showing the support in the support position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible container 10 .
- the container 10 includes a base 12 , upstanding side walls 14 (or long walls) and upstanding end walls 18 (or short walls).
- the end walls 18 are pivotably connected along short edges of the base 12 .
- the side walls 14 are pivotably connected to side upstanding portions 16 formed integrally with the base 12 .
- Each end wall 18 includes a handle portion 19 defined above a handle opening 21 .
- Each end wall 18 has a support 20 formed of Acetal, polypropylene, glass filled Nylon or other suitable material.
- the support 20 is pivotably mounted to an upper end of the end wall 18 .
- the supports 20 are shown in FIG. 1 pivoted to a support position, where they project into the interior of the container 10 so they can support another container stacked thereon.
- the supports 20 each include a tab 22 projecting from each end into the adjacent side wall 14 .
- a flange 24 protrudes downwardly from each tab 22 .
- An upper flange 26 protrudes upwardly from each tab 22 .
- the interiors of the side walls 14 each include a pair of curved channels 30 formed therein with spaced-apart, upwardly-directed projections or tabs 32 spaced inwardly of the channels 30 .
- the channels 30 are aligned with the tabs 22 on the supports 20 , so that the end walls 18 can be pivoted onto the base 12 prior to the side walls 14 being collapsed, such that the side walls 14 are collapsed onto the end walls 18 , as shown in FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 3 is a top view of the erected container 10 of FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is a side view of the container 10 .
- FIG. 5 is an end view of the container 10 .
- FIG. 6 is an interior perspective view of a quarter of the container 10 (the rest of the container is symmetric, as shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the side wall 14 includes a rail 38 at the top of the curved channel 30 and generally aligned with the tabs 32 .
- the interior of the side upstanding portion 16 includes a channel 34 opening to the bottom of the curved channel 30 and extending further along the side of the container 10 .
- the flange 24 of the support 20 is received behind the rail 38 and in the channel 30 , such that tab 22 of the support 20 interlocks with the side wall 14 .
- FIG. 8A is a top rear perspective of a one end of the support 20 .
- the support 20 includes an elongated support portion 40 having a front rail 42 extending upwardly therefrom.
- the support portion 40 extends between outer ends of two arms 44 (one shown) that pivotably connect at their inner ends to the end wall 18 ( FIG. 7 ).
- a hinge portion At the inner end of the arm 44 , a hinge portion includes a cylindrical recess 46 .
- a pin 48 protrudes inwardly from the arm 44 adjacent the recess 46 .
- FIG. 8B is a bottom front perspective of end of the support 20 of FIG. 8A .
- the flange 24 is elongated along most of the arm 44 and defines a channel 50 adjacent thereto having an upper surface 51 .
- the arm 44 has a reinforced area 49 for transferring the load from the elongated support portion 40 to the channel 50 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a side end 52 of one of the end walls 18 .
- the end wall 18 includes a hinge pin 54 having an arcuate recess 56 adjacent thereto.
- FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of one corner of the container 10 .
- the pin 48 of the support 20 is slidably received in the arcuate recess 56 of the end wall 18 .
- the hinge pin 54 of the end wall 18 is rotatably received in the recess 46 of the support 20 .
- the pin 48 slides within the arcuate recess 56 of the end wall 18 .
- FIG. 11 illustrates the end wall 18 as it is being collapsed toward the base 12 , after the latch 36 is released.
- the flange 24 of the support 20 is retained behind the tabs 32 so that the tab 22 is retained in the channel 30 in the side wall 14 .
- the support 20 is initially in the support position as the end wall 18 is collapsed.
- the support 20 is generally in the support position relative to the end wall 18 as the support 20 passes through the side wall 14 as the end wall 18 is moving toward the collapsed position.
- the tab 22 and flange 24 (not visible in FIG.
- the process is repeated in reverse, such that the support 20 is in the support position again by the time the end wall 18 is latched to the side wall 14 as shown in FIG. 6 .
- the handle portion 19 of the end wall 18 can be grasped in FIG. 13 and held by the user without interference from the support 20 as the end wall 18 is latched into position with the side walls 14 .
- the support 20 In the container 10 shown in the drawings, the support 20 always leaves room for the user to grasp the handle 19 .
- FIG. 15 With the supports 20 in the support position, another container 100 can be supported on the supports 20 , as shown in FIG. 15 .
- the support 20 With the support 20 extending substantially perpendicularly to the end wall 18 from its pivot point, the support 20 is resistant to being accidentally knocked back out of the support position during the placement of the container 100 on the supports 20 . Further, since the support 20 extends into the interior of the container 100 substantially farther than prior art supports, it is easier to place the container 100 stably on to the supports 20 .
- FIG. 16 illustrates one of the supports 20 being pivoted upwardly relative to the end wall 18 .
- FIG. 17 illustrates the support 20 in the retracted, upright position.
- FIG. 18 is an enlarged exterior end view of one corner of the container 10 for the purpose of demonstrating the section lines for FIGS. 19 , 20 and 21 .
- FIG. 19 illustrates a section view through the end wall 18 and support 20 , which is shown in both the support position and in the retracted position.
- the hinge pin 54 of the end wall 18 is rotatably received in the recess 46 of the support 20 .
- the support 20 pivots about an axis P that is above a load plane of the support 20 in the support position (i.e. the plane where the support 20 contacts the container 100 in FIG. 15 , which is the upper surface of the arm 44 ), which prevents a user from accidentally bumping the support 20 out of the support position.
- the pin 48 moves between a lower position when the support 20 is in the support position and an upper position when the support 20 is in the retracted, upright position. In the upper position, the pin 48 contacts a stop surface 60 that limits any further movement of the support 20 . In the retracted position, the center of mass of the support 20 is inward of the pivot axis P, such that the support 20 will be naturally returned to the support position by force of gravity when released.
- the arm 44 abuts a stop surface 64 on the side wall 14 that limits the rotation of the support 20 .
- the weight of the support 20 is inward of the pivot axis P, such that the support 20 will be naturally returned to the support position by force of gravity when released.
- the support 20 will be able to pivot fully upward relative to the end wall 18 so that the end wall 18 and support 20 can lie flat on the base 12 , as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , because it will not contact the stop surface 64 on the side wall 14 .
- FIG. 22 is taken along the same section line as FIG. 21 , but shown with the support 20 in the support position.
- the upper surface 51 of the channel 50 formed on the underside of the arm 44 of the support 20 matches the upper edge of the rail 38 on the side wall 14 .
- the amount of surface contact between the support 20 and the side wall 14 in this area is maximized, as this is where most of the load is supported.
- the flange 24 and rail 38 are elongated to provide maximum material strength interlocking between the support 20 and side wall 14 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
- Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
Abstract
A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. The support is pivotably connected to a first wall such that it can extend further into a mouth of the container.
Description
- This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/081,353, filed Jul. 16, 2008.
- The present invention relates generally to collapsible crates and more particularly to a collapsible crate with support members for supporting another container thereon.
- Collapsible crates are well known. Four walls each connected via a hinge to a base are selectively movable about the hinge between a use position, in which the wall is generally perpendicular to the base, and a collapsed position onto the base. Various latch mechanisms have been provided to connect adjacent walls at the corner to selectively lock the crate in the use position.
- Some collapsible crates also include retractable supports so that another, different-type container (typically a nestable container) can be supported thereon. One such crate includes end walls each having a support that is pivotable between a support position and a retracted position. Lower ends of the supports are pivotably connected to the end walls, with the upper edges of the supports retractable below the upper edges of the end walls. The supports on the collapsible crates do not extend very far into the mouth of the container (i.e. not far from the end wall). In contrast, the nestable crates include supports that are pivotably connected to the side walls, so the supports easily extend much further into the mouth of the crate in the support position. As a result, one problem with some of these collapsible crates is that the nestable crate can fall in between the supports if the nestable crate is not correctly placed on the supports.
- Some of the existing crates automatically deploy the support when the end wall is pivoted to the upright position. Due to the position of the support on the interior surface of the end wall, the user has a tendency to grab both the support and the end wall when pivoting the end wall to the upright position. As the end wall reaches the upright position, the support must escape the grip of the user in order to be deployed, which is inefficient and uncomfortable for the user.
- Another problem is that supports in some collapsible crates are sometimes knocked back toward the retracted position as the upper container is placed on the supports.
- The present invention provides a container having a plurality of walls extending upwardly from a base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted by a hinge. The support is pivotable between a support position where it can support another container thereon and a retracted position against the wall.
- In one feature of the present invention, the end wall can be moved toward the collapsed position while the support is in the support position, but the support is pivoted into the retracted position just as the end wall contacts the base. This can provide several other optional benefits. First, when the end wall is collapsed onto the base, the support is spaced away from the upper edge of the end wall, so the user can grasp the end wall without also grasping the support. Second, the support must be lifted to be retracted, so it is unlikely that placing another container thereon could knock the support back to the retracted position. Third, the contact area of the support on the side wall can be increased, increasing the strength of the support. Fourth, the support extends further into the mouth of the crate, providing a more stable stacking surface.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container according to one embodiment of the present invention with its walls in an assembled, upright, use position. -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 1 with its walls in a collapsed position. -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the container ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is a side view of the container ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 5 is an end view of the container ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is an interior view of one of the corners of the container ofFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the corner ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 8A is a top perspective view of one end of the support. -
FIG. 8B is a bottom perspective view of the support ofFIG. 8A . -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one end of one of the end walls. -
FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of the corner ofFIG. 6 . -
FIG. 11 shows the end wall being moved between the upright position and the collapsed position. -
FIG. 12 shows the end wall moving closer to the collapsed position. -
FIG. 13 shows the end wall in the collapsed position on the base. -
FIG. 14 is a side view, broken away, of the container ofFIG. 13 . -
FIG. 15 shows the container ofFIG. 1 with another, different container stacked on the support. -
FIG. 16 is an interior perspective view of the corner ofFIG. 6 with the support being pivoted toward the retracted position. -
FIG. 17 is a view similar to that ofFIG. 16 with the support in the retracted position. -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged end view of a corner of the container. -
FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19-19 ofFIG. 18 and showing the support in both the support position and the retracted position. -
FIG. 20 is a section view taken along line 20-20 ofFIG. 18 and showing the support in both the support position and the retracted position. -
FIG. 21 is a section view taken along line 21-21 ofFIG. 18 showing the support in the retracted position. -
FIG. 22 a view similar to that ofFIG. 21 showing the support in the support position. -
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of acollapsible container 10. Thecontainer 10 includes abase 12, upstanding side walls 14 (or long walls) and upstanding end walls 18 (or short walls). Theend walls 18 are pivotably connected along short edges of thebase 12. Theside walls 14 are pivotably connected to sideupstanding portions 16 formed integrally with thebase 12. Eachend wall 18 includes ahandle portion 19 defined above a handle opening 21. - Each
end wall 18 has asupport 20 formed of Acetal, polypropylene, glass filled Nylon or other suitable material. Thesupport 20 is pivotably mounted to an upper end of theend wall 18. Thesupports 20 are shown inFIG. 1 pivoted to a support position, where they project into the interior of thecontainer 10 so they can support another container stacked thereon. Thesupports 20 each include atab 22 projecting from each end into theadjacent side wall 14. Aflange 24 protrudes downwardly from eachtab 22. Anupper flange 26 protrudes upwardly from eachtab 22. - The interiors of the
side walls 14 each include a pair ofcurved channels 30 formed therein with spaced-apart, upwardly-directed projections ortabs 32 spaced inwardly of thechannels 30. Thechannels 30 are aligned with thetabs 22 on thesupports 20, so that theend walls 18 can be pivoted onto thebase 12 prior to theside walls 14 being collapsed, such that theside walls 14 are collapsed onto theend walls 18, as shown inFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 3 is a top view of the erectedcontainer 10 ofFIG. 1 .FIG. 4 is a side view of thecontainer 10.FIG. 5 is an end view of thecontainer 10. -
FIG. 6 is an interior perspective view of a quarter of the container 10 (the rest of the container is symmetric, as shown inFIG. 1 ). As shown, theside wall 14 includes arail 38 at the top of thecurved channel 30 and generally aligned with thetabs 32. The interior of the sideupstanding portion 16 includes achannel 34 opening to the bottom of thecurved channel 30 and extending further along the side of thecontainer 10. As shown inFIG. 7 , theflange 24 of thesupport 20 is received behind therail 38 and in thechannel 30, such thattab 22 of thesupport 20 interlocks with theside wall 14. -
FIG. 8A is a top rear perspective of a one end of thesupport 20. Thesupport 20 includes anelongated support portion 40 having afront rail 42 extending upwardly therefrom. Thesupport portion 40 extends between outer ends of two arms 44 (one shown) that pivotably connect at their inner ends to the end wall 18 (FIG. 7 ). At the inner end of thearm 44, a hinge portion includes acylindrical recess 46. Apin 48 protrudes inwardly from thearm 44 adjacent therecess 46. -
FIG. 8B is a bottom front perspective of end of thesupport 20 ofFIG. 8A . As shown, theflange 24 is elongated along most of thearm 44 and defines achannel 50 adjacent thereto having anupper surface 51. Thearm 44 has a reinforcedarea 49 for transferring the load from theelongated support portion 40 to thechannel 50. -
FIG. 9 illustrates aside end 52 of one of theend walls 18. Near the upper edge, theend wall 18 includes ahinge pin 54 having anarcuate recess 56 adjacent thereto. -
FIG. 10 is an exterior perspective view of one corner of thecontainer 10. Thepin 48 of thesupport 20 is slidably received in thearcuate recess 56 of theend wall 18. Thehinge pin 54 of theend wall 18 is rotatably received in therecess 46 of thesupport 20. Thus, as thesupport 20 pivots on theend wall 18 about thehinge pin 54, thepin 48 slides within thearcuate recess 56 of theend wall 18. -
FIG. 11 illustrates theend wall 18 as it is being collapsed toward thebase 12, after thelatch 36 is released. Theflange 24 of thesupport 20 is retained behind thetabs 32 so that thetab 22 is retained in thechannel 30 in theside wall 14. Thus, thesupport 20 is initially in the support position as theend wall 18 is collapsed. As shown inFIG. 12 , thesupport 20 is generally in the support position relative to theend wall 18 as thesupport 20 passes through theside wall 14 as theend wall 18 is moving toward the collapsed position. Thetab 22 and flange 24 (not visible inFIG. 12 ) then pass into thechannel 34 on the interior of the sideupstanding portion 16, where they contact acurved surface 35 that pivots thesupport 20 upwardly relative to theend wall 18, so that theend wall 18 can lie flat on the base 12 as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 . - When the
end wall 18 is subsequently erected again, the process is repeated in reverse, such that thesupport 20 is in the support position again by the time theend wall 18 is latched to theside wall 14 as shown inFIG. 6 . It should be noted that thehandle portion 19 of theend wall 18 can be grasped inFIG. 13 and held by the user without interference from thesupport 20 as theend wall 18 is latched into position with theside walls 14. In thecontainer 10 shown in the drawings, thesupport 20 always leaves room for the user to grasp thehandle 19. - With the
supports 20 in the support position, anothercontainer 100 can be supported on thesupports 20, as shown inFIG. 15 . With thesupport 20 extending substantially perpendicularly to theend wall 18 from its pivot point, thesupport 20 is resistant to being accidentally knocked back out of the support position during the placement of thecontainer 100 on thesupports 20. Further, since thesupport 20 extends into the interior of thecontainer 100 substantially farther than prior art supports, it is easier to place thecontainer 100 stably on to thesupports 20. - During loading of the
container 10, thesupports 20 can be pivoted to an upright position uncovering the mouth of thecontainer 10.FIG. 16 illustrates one of thesupports 20 being pivoted upwardly relative to theend wall 18.FIG. 17 illustrates thesupport 20 in the retracted, upright position. -
FIG. 18 is an enlarged exterior end view of one corner of thecontainer 10 for the purpose of demonstrating the section lines forFIGS. 19 , 20 and 21.FIG. 19 illustrates a section view through theend wall 18 andsupport 20, which is shown in both the support position and in the retracted position. Thehinge pin 54 of theend wall 18 is rotatably received in therecess 46 of thesupport 20. Thesupport 20 pivots about an axis P that is above a load plane of thesupport 20 in the support position (i.e. the plane where thesupport 20 contacts thecontainer 100 inFIG. 15 , which is the upper surface of the arm 44), which prevents a user from accidentally bumping thesupport 20 out of the support position. - Referring to
FIG. 20 , thepin 48 moves between a lower position when thesupport 20 is in the support position and an upper position when thesupport 20 is in the retracted, upright position. In the upper position, thepin 48 contacts astop surface 60 that limits any further movement of thesupport 20. In the retracted position, the center of mass of thesupport 20 is inward of the pivot axis P, such that thesupport 20 will be naturally returned to the support position by force of gravity when released. - Referring to
FIG. 21 , when thesupport 20 is in the upright retracted position (thesupport 20 in the support position is not shown inFIG. 21 ), thearm 44 abuts astop surface 64 on theside wall 14 that limits the rotation of thesupport 20. In the retracted position, the weight of thesupport 20 is inward of the pivot axis P, such that thesupport 20 will be naturally returned to the support position by force of gravity when released. However, when theend wall 18 is collapsed onto thebase 12, thesupport 20 will be able to pivot fully upward relative to theend wall 18 so that theend wall 18 andsupport 20 can lie flat on thebase 12, as shown inFIGS. 13 and 14 , because it will not contact thestop surface 64 on theside wall 14. - Additionally, if the
end wall 18 is moved toward the collapsed position when thesupport 20 is in the retracted position shown inFIG. 21 , the contact of thesupport 20 with thestop surface 64, which is below the pivot point P of thesupport 20, will force thesupport 20 to rotate toward the support position as shown inFIG. 22 . -
FIG. 22 is taken along the same section line asFIG. 21 , but shown with thesupport 20 in the support position. As shown, theupper surface 51 of thechannel 50 formed on the underside of thearm 44 of thesupport 20 matches the upper edge of therail 38 on theside wall 14. The amount of surface contact between thesupport 20 and theside wall 14 in this area is maximized, as this is where most of the load is supported. Theflange 24 andrail 38 are elongated to provide maximum material strength interlocking between thesupport 20 andside wall 14. - In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes and jurisprudence, exemplary configurations described above are considered to represent a preferred embodiment of the invention. However, it should be noted that the invention can be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope. For example, in any of the occurrences above, the hinge members and hinge pins could be reversed and formed on opposite parts. Alphanumeric identifiers on method steps are for convenient reference in dependent claims and do not signify a required sequence of performance unless otherwise indicated in the claims.
Claims (15)
1. A container comprising:
a base;
a plurality of walls extending upward from the base, the plurality of walls including a first wall and a second wall; and
a support mounted to the first wall and movable relative to the first wall between a retracted position and a support position, wherein the first wall is pivotable toward a collapsed position on the base when the support is in the support position relative to the first wall.
2. The container of claim 1 wherein the second wall includes an arcuate channel formed on interior surface, an end of the support extending into the channel.
3. The container of claim 2 wherein the end of the support moves in the channel as the first wall is pivoted toward a collapsed position on the base.
4. The container of claim 3 wherein the support extends further into a mouth of the container when the support is in the support position than when the support is in the retracted position.
5. The container of claim 4 wherein the support is pivotably mounted to the first wall and pivotable relative to the first wall between the support position and the retracted position.
6. The container of claim 5 wherein the support is pivoted to the retracted position when the first wall is collapsed onto the base.
7. The container of claim 6 wherein the support in the retracted position contacts a surface of the second wall as the first wall is pivoted away from the upright position thereby moving the support to the support position.
8. The container of claim 4 wherein the second wall includes at least one upward projection adjacent the channel, the end of the support including a downward projection interlocking behind the at least one upward projection as the first wall is moved toward the collapsed position on the base.
9. The container of claim 1 wherein the support is partially supported on the second wall in the support position.
10. A container comprising:
a base;
a plurality of walls extending upward from the base, the plurality of walls including a first wall and a second wall each pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base; and
a support movable relative to the first wall between a retracted position and a support position, the support extending further into a mouth of the container when the support is in the support position than when the support is in the retracted position, wherein the first wall is pivotable to a position between the upright position and the collapsed position while the support is in the support position relative to the first wall.
11. The container of claim 10 wherein the support is pivoted by the second wall to the retracted position as the first wall is collapsed onto the base.
12. The container of claim 10 wherein the support is pivotable relative to the first wall about a pivot axis and wherein an upper support surface of the support is lower than the pivot axis when the support is in the support position.
13. A method for using a collapsible container having a base, a first wall and a second wall, and a support mounted to the first wall, the method including the steps of:
a) moving the support from a retracted position toward an interior of the container to a support position; and
b) while the support is in the support position, moving the first wall from an upright position toward a collapsed position on the base.
14. The method of claim 13 further including the step of moving the support to the retracted position as the first wall is moved into the collapsed position on the base, wherein the support is generally parallel to the first wall when the support is in the retracted position.
15. The method of claim 13 wherein the support is moved to the support position by contact with the second wall as the first wall is moved from the upright position toward the collapsed position.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US12/504,162 US20100012654A1 (en) | 2008-07-16 | 2009-07-16 | Collapsible container |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US8135308P | 2008-07-16 | 2008-07-16 | |
US12/504,162 US20100012654A1 (en) | 2008-07-16 | 2009-07-16 | Collapsible container |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100012654A1 true US20100012654A1 (en) | 2010-01-21 |
Family
ID=41119268
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/504,162 Abandoned US20100012654A1 (en) | 2008-07-16 | 2009-07-16 | Collapsible container |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100012654A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2145829B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2672173A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2009007622A (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170072421A1 (en) * | 2014-05-07 | 2017-03-16 | Dürr Systems Ag | Cleaning device and associated operating method |
US20170128682A1 (en) * | 2015-11-10 | 2017-05-11 | Wesley Davidson | System for efficiently generating and inhaling vapors of herbs and incense |
US10065763B2 (en) | 2016-09-15 | 2018-09-04 | Arena Packaging, Llc | Wall latching system |
US11597557B2 (en) | 2018-10-04 | 2023-03-07 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Reconfigurable beverage crate |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP4063286A1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2022-09-28 | Tosca Israel Reusable Solutions Ltd. | Collapsible crate with swing bar assembly |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030222081A1 (en) * | 2002-05-28 | 2003-12-04 | Apps William P. | Collapsibile crate with support members |
US20070095842A1 (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2007-05-03 | Apps William P | Container |
US20070125779A1 (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2007-06-07 | Cope Andrew C | Collapsible container |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20070272579A1 (en) * | 2006-05-24 | 2007-11-29 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Collapsible crate with support members |
EP2091827B1 (en) | 2006-11-22 | 2010-03-31 | Sergio Tontarelli | Box with collapsible walls designed to stack a corresponding box with lower dimensions |
-
2009
- 2009-07-16 CA CA002672173A patent/CA2672173A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-07-16 US US12/504,162 patent/US20100012654A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-07-16 EP EP09165720A patent/EP2145829B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2009-07-16 MX MX2009007622A patent/MX2009007622A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030222081A1 (en) * | 2002-05-28 | 2003-12-04 | Apps William P. | Collapsibile crate with support members |
US20070095842A1 (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2007-05-03 | Apps William P | Container |
US20070125779A1 (en) * | 2005-11-02 | 2007-06-07 | Cope Andrew C | Collapsible container |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20170072421A1 (en) * | 2014-05-07 | 2017-03-16 | Dürr Systems Ag | Cleaning device and associated operating method |
US20170128682A1 (en) * | 2015-11-10 | 2017-05-11 | Wesley Davidson | System for efficiently generating and inhaling vapors of herbs and incense |
US10065763B2 (en) | 2016-09-15 | 2018-09-04 | Arena Packaging, Llc | Wall latching system |
US11597557B2 (en) | 2018-10-04 | 2023-03-07 | Rehrig Pacific Company | Reconfigurable beverage crate |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
MX2009007622A (en) | 2010-04-07 |
EP2145829A1 (en) | 2010-01-20 |
CA2672173A1 (en) | 2010-01-16 |
EP2145829B1 (en) | 2012-05-23 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY,CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:APPS, WILLIAM P.;REEL/FRAME:023072/0789 Effective date: 20090807 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |