US20220048666A1 - Foldable container - Google Patents

Foldable container Download PDF

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Publication number
US20220048666A1
US20220048666A1 US17/309,394 US201917309394A US2022048666A1 US 20220048666 A1 US20220048666 A1 US 20220048666A1 US 201917309394 A US201917309394 A US 201917309394A US 2022048666 A1 US2022048666 A1 US 2022048666A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
side walls
foldable
pair
opposing
deployed state
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Abandoned
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US17/309,394
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English (en)
Inventor
Jan VANDEWIELE
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Gamma Wopla SA
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Gamma Wopla SA
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Publication date
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Assigned to GAMMA-WOPLA SA reassignment GAMMA-WOPLA SA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Vandewiele, Jan
Publication of US20220048666A1 publication Critical patent/US20220048666A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B65D1/225—Collapsible boxes
    • 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
    • B65D11/186—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 and to each other to allow automatic collapsing and reerecting, e.g. by means of folds provided in the side walls and or in the base panel
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B65D11/20—Details of walls made of plastics material
    • B65D11/22—Reinforcing for strengthening parts of members
    • B65D11/26—Local reinforcements, e.g. adjacent to closures
    • 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
    • B65D11/1893—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 with semidetachable components, i.e. with some side walls hinged to each other or to a base panel and the other side walls being detachable to allow collapsing of the container

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a foldable container and more particularly a foldable container that can be reused.
  • the foldable container may be suitable for holding goods in the deployed state and after the goods have been unloaded from the foldable container, the volume of the foldable container can be reduced by folding the container into a collapsed state, which is preferably essentially flat.
  • Foldable containers such as a foldable box or foldable crate, already exist in the art.
  • these foldable containers require many manipulations to fold the container form a deployed state to a collapsed state and vice versa.
  • the weight that the foldable container can hold is often limited, this by the construction of the foldable container or by the mechanism holding the foldable container in the deployed state.
  • these foldable containers are made from different parts, which complicate construction. Often, the connection between two different parts is a weak point in the container, and extra care in the design, use or construction need to be taken to overcome these weaknesses.
  • the foldable container can lose its stability in the deployed state when lifted, when the load is too heavy or the load moves inside the container.
  • foldable containers are hardly used in industrial settings or retail setting, especially where a durable, steady container is required to hold heavier loads.
  • foldable container which can be reused multiple times; which is durable; which is robust; which can hold heavy loads; which is easy to manipulate; which can be folded from a collapsed state to a deployed state, or vice versa, with a limited number of manipulations, preferably in one fluent movement; which can be folded from a collapsed state to a deployed state, or vice versa, without having to change the grip during the folding process; which are stable in the deployed state; which are essentially flat in the collapsed state; which can be easily manufactured; which can be manufactured in a single piece.
  • a reusable container which can be folded flat and be sent back to the supplier after the good have been sold or unloaded.
  • Such a foldable container need to be stable, can hold heavy loads and need to be able to be folded with a minimum of manipulations, and this with only applying a small force to change from the deployed state to the collapsed state, or vice versa, ensuring a high user comfort for a professional who will have to use many of these container when carrying out his job.
  • a foldable container having a collapsed state ( 2 ) and a deployed state ( 1 ), said container having a substantially cuboid form in the deployed state ( 1 ) wherein:
  • the foldable container is preferably made from a polymer, preferably a synthetic polymer, more preferably polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and/or polylactic acid (PLA).
  • PP polypropylene
  • PE polyethylene
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • PS polystyrene
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • PLA polylactic acid
  • the foldable container further comprises:
  • a foldable container having a collapsed state ( 2 ) and a deployed state ( 1 ),
  • first side wall ( 4 , 5 ), preferably both first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) is each attached to an adjacent second side wall ( 6 , 7 ) by a mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) for transfer of force from the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) to the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) during transition between the collapsed state ( 2 ) and the deployed state ( 1 ); and,
  • each foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) clamps at least one, preferably at least two mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) against at least one side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), when said foldable flap is locked against at least one of the sidewalls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), by the repeatable locking mechanism in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the locking mechanism comprises two pairs of repeatable catches, RC, each comprising a first RC element ( 13 ) and second RC element ( 12 ), wherein:
  • the second RC element ( 12 ) comprises a receiving element ( 16 ) and the first RC element ( 13 ) comprises a complementary protruding element ( 17 ), and the receiving element ( 16 ) is dismountably attachable (or detachable) with the complementary protruding element ( 17 ) by application of an external force ( 29 ).
  • each side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ) comprises at least one, preferably at least two guiding elements ( 32 ), wherein in the deployed state ( 1 ) each guiding element ( 32 ) engages with a guiding element ( 32 ) of the neighbouring side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ).
  • the receiving element ( 16 ) comprises an opening, suitable for receiving the protruding element ( 17 ), preferably pointing upwards in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the receiving element ( 16 ) comprises a solid section, said solid section preferably spanning the lower half of the receiving element ( 16 ), the lower half being defined in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the receiving element comprises an open slot, preferably wherein the opening of the slot is oriented upwards when the container is in the deployed state ( 1 ). A lower portion of the slot dismountably engages with the protruding element ( 17 ) for instance by friction, or using a spring latching mechanism.
  • the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) each comprise the receiving element ( 16 ) and the handles or handle openings ( 20 , 21 ), preferably the receiving element is a bracket.
  • hinge joints are made from a single piece and the hinge joints are preferably living hinges.
  • the single piece is an injection moulded piece. Multiple injection points may be use to injection mould the single piece.
  • the single piece may be a sheet-like structure.
  • the injection moulding is single shot injection moulding.
  • the side walls ( 6 , 7 ) of the pair of second side walls comprise handles or handle openings ( 20 , 21 ).
  • the foldable container is configured such that upon transitioning from the deployed state ( 1 ) to the collapsed state ( 2 ) the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) fold outwards and the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) fold inwards.
  • the foldable container is configured such that movement of the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) relative to the base ( 3 ) around the connecting hinge actuates movement of the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) around the connecting hinge relative to the base ( 3 ).
  • At least one first side wall ( 4 , 5 ), preferably both first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) is each attached to an adjacent second side wall ( 6 , 7 ) by a mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) for transfer of force from the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) to the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ), or vice versa, during transition between the collapsed state ( 2 ) and the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the mechanical transmission may also reinforce the foldable container.
  • each transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) comprises a non-elastic member attached at one end to a first side wall ( 4 , 5 ) and at the other end to an adjacent second side wall ( 6 , 7 ).
  • the collapsed state ( 2 ) has a flattened form, optionally rectangular, such as oblong or square.
  • the foldable container in the deployed state ( 2 ) is stackable with another foldable container in the deployed state ( 2 ).
  • locating lugs protrudes from the collapsed state making the foldable container stackable in the collapsed state.
  • the locating lugs prevent sliding of foldable containers relative to each other when these containers are stacked on top of each other in the collapsed state.
  • the invention further provides a method for manufacturing a foldable container, comprising the steps of:
  • the method is suitable for manufacturing a foldable container according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 provides a view of the foldable container in the deployed state ( 1 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 provides a view of the foldable container in the collapsed state ( 2 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 provides a view of the foldable container in the extruded state ( 27 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates the opening of the locking mechanism of the foldable container according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the transition of the foldable container according to an embodiment of the invention from the deployed state ( 1 ) to the collapsed state ( 2 ).
  • FIG. 6 provides a detail view of the locking mechanism.
  • FIG. 7 provides a view of the foldable container in the deployed state ( 1 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 8 provides a view of the foldable container in the collapsed state ( 2 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 9 provides a view of the foldable container in the extruded state ( 27 ) according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 10 provides a cross section of a locking mechanism in sidewall ( 5 ).
  • a container means one container or more than one container.
  • endpoints includes all integer numbers and, where appropriate, fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 can include 1, 2, 3, 4 when referring to, for example, a number of elements, and can also include 1.5, 2, 2.75 and 3.80, when referring to, for example, measurements).
  • the recitation of end points also includes the end point values themselves (e.g. from 1.0 to 5.0 includes both 1.0 and 5.0). Any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges subsumed therein.
  • the invention provides in a foldable container, having a collapsed state ( 2 ) and a deployed state ( 1 ), said container having a substantially cuboid form in the deployed state ( 1 ) wherein:
  • the invention provides a foldable container, having a collapsed state ( 2 ) and a deployed state ( 1 ),
  • first side wall ( 4 , 5 ), preferably both first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) is each attached to an adjacent second side wall ( 6 , 7 ) by a mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) for transfer of force from the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) to the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) during transition between the collapsed state ( 2 ) and the deployed state ( 1 ); and,
  • each foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) clamps at least one, preferably at least two mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) against at least one side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), when said foldable flap is locked against at least one of the sidewalls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), by the repeatable locking mechanism in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • foldable container refers to a container which can be folded into a deployed state ( 1 ) starting from a collapsed state ( 2 ) and vice versa and this multiple times, preferably there are reversible stabilisation means, such as a reversible locking mechanism which stabilise the foldable container in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the foldable container is a foldable box or a foldable crate.
  • the fact that the side walls are connected to the base each via a hinge joint has the advantage that a strong connection can be established between the side walls and the base. This avoids connection of the side walls to the base via locking mechanisms, as in other foldable containers in the art. This allows for the container being able to hold heavier loads, as the load is no longer limited by the strength of the locking mechanism, but by the strength of the hinge joint.
  • the hinge joints are non-dismountable, whereas the locking mechanism in the prior art is often repeatably engageable, and hence more subjective to opening under the load carried in the container.
  • the foldable container is made at least partially, preferably entirely from a polymer, preferably a synthetic polymer, more preferably polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinylchloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and/or polylactic acid (PLA).
  • PP polypropylene
  • PE polyethylene
  • ABS acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
  • PVC polyvinylchloride
  • PS polystyrene
  • PMMA polymethylmethacrylate
  • PLA polylactic acid
  • cuboid refers to a rectangular box, which can be oblong or square, rectangular cuboid, right cuboid or a rectangular hexahedron all fall under the more general term “cuboid”.
  • the foldable container may be repeatably transitionable between the collapsed state ( 2 ) and the deployed state ( 1 ) by application of an external force ( 29 ).
  • the base ( 3 ) is planar preferably the base ( 3 ) is rectangular.
  • each first side wall ( 4 , 5 ) is planar, preferably each first side wall ( 4 , 5 ) is rectangular.
  • each second side wall ( 6 , 7 ) is planar, preferably each second side wall ( 6 , 7 ) is rectangular.
  • the base ( 3 ), each side wall ( 4 , 5 ) of the pair of opposing first side walls and each side wall ( 6 , 7 ) of the pair of opposing second side walls are all planar, preferably the base ( 3 ), each side wall ( 4 , 5 ) of the pair of opposing first side walls and each side wall ( 6 , 7 ) of the pair of opposing second side walls are all rectangular.
  • the base comprises reinforcement elements, preferably in a grid like pattern, more preferably in a grid like pattern, wherein the grid is made up of straight lines in one direction and Curved lines in the other direction.
  • the sidewalls may comprise openings and/or cut-outs.
  • the foldable container further comprises:
  • the foldable container further comprising:
  • mountable refers to the attachment between elements being temporary but stable. The elements can be detached by the application of force.
  • the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) when the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) are folded over or in the container opening ( 31 ), and the locking mechanism engaged, the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) may only partially occlude the container opening ( 31 ) in the deployed state.
  • a lid may be provided attached the foldable flaps or to a side wall which occludes the container opening ( 31 ).
  • a lid may be provided that is not attached to any parts of the foldable container, but fits inside the container opening ( 31 ) or fits over the container opening ( 31 ), or fits over the upper section of the foldable container.
  • the repeatable locking mechanism comprises one, two, three, four or more repeatable catches (RC). In a more preferred embodiment, the repeatable locking mechanism comprises two or four repeatable catches.
  • foldable flap may refer to a longitudinal body, which is preferably rigid. Reinforcement elements, such as ribs, ridges or honeycomb structures, may be present on the foldable flap to provide rigidity.
  • the foldable flap may be a bar or preferably a plate material, this last one having the advantage that the container opening is not partially blocked in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) is ridged. In some embodiments, the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) span the length of a first side wall ( 4 , 5 ).
  • a first RC element ( 13 ) a second RC element ( 12 ) form the RC.
  • the first and second RC element may be configured such that they are stably mutually attached when the foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) is folded or rotated inwards, inwards meaning that the foldable flaps are folded or rotated over and/or in the container opening ( 31 ).
  • the first RC element ( 13 ) and second RC element ( 12 ) are configured such they are become mutually detached when the foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) is folded or rotated outwards.
  • the term “deployed state ( 1 ) of the container” refers to the state wherein the container is intending to fulfil its function of holding goods.
  • the base, the pair of opposing first side walls and the pair of opposing second side walls define a holding volume, which may be used to hold goods.
  • the container has a container opening ( 31 ) opposed to the base ( 3 ), opposed to the base through which goods are passed into the holding volume.
  • “Up” “upwards” or “upper” refers to the direction of the container opening ( 31 ) in the deployed state.
  • “Down” or “lower” refer to the direction of the base in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the “upper edge of a side wall”, is preferably the upper 25%, more preferably the upper 20%, even more preferably the upper 15%, yet more preferably the upper 10% and most preferably the upper 5% of a side wall in the deployed state.
  • folding inwards refers to the side walls folding towards the inside of the internal volume of the container defined in the deployed state.
  • folding outwards refers to the side walls folding towards the outside of the internal volume of the container defined in the deployed state.
  • opposite side walls refers to side walls that face each other in the deployed state.
  • the opposing side walls may be perpendicular to each other in the deployed state.
  • Side walls that are opposing side walls in the deployed state are herein still called opposing side walls in the collapsed state or any intermediate state between the collapsed state and deployed state.
  • a first side wall ( 4 , 5 ) is adjacent to a second side wall ( 6 , 7 ) in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) comprises at least one longitudinal rib, preferably is the foldable flap attached to the hinge joint at the upper edge of the side wall. In some embodiments, the foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) hinged around one of its longitudinal ribs.
  • a protruding element ( 17 ) enters a receiving element ( 16 ) from the opposite direction of the gravitational pull or perpendicular to the gravitational pull when the container is held by the handles or handle openings in the deployed state ( 1 ). Therefore, gravity pulls in the wrong direction to unlock the locking mechanism when the container is handled, preferably in an upright orientation or handled by both handles.
  • the foldable flap comprises at least one or two first RC elements ( 13 ), which comprises a protruding element ( 17 ), such as a pin, a node, a hook, or a bar.
  • side walls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ) from at least one pair each comprises at least one or two second RC elements ( 12 ), which comprises the receiving element ( 16 ), such as a bracket, clamp, an opening or a clip.
  • the foldable flap comprises the first RC element ( 13 ) which comprises a protruding element ( 17 ) and the second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) comprises the second RC element ( 12 ), which comprises the receiving element ( 16 ).
  • the foldable flap comprises the first RC element ( 13 ) which comprises a protruding element ( 17 ) and the first side walls ( 6 , 7 ) comprises the second RC element ( 12 ), which comprises the receiving element ( 16 ).
  • each foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) comprises at least one repeatable catch (RC), wherein at least one RC element is configured to latch onto a RC element on one side wall ( 6 ) of the pair of opposing first side walls, preferably the side wall where the foldable flap is attached to.
  • RC repeatable catch
  • each foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) comprises at least two repeatable catches (RC), wherein at least one RC element is configured to latch onto a RC element on one side wall ( 6 ) of the pair of opposing second side walls and at least one RC element is configured to latch onto a RC element on the opposing side wall ( 7 ) of the pair of opposing second side walls.
  • RC repeatable catches
  • manipulation, preferably rotation or folding, of both the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) results in locking or unlocking all RCs.
  • manipulation, rotation or folding of the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) inwards results in locking all the RCs;
  • manipulation, rotation or folding of the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) outwards results in unlocking all the RCs.
  • An operator can transition the foldable container from the deployed state ( 1 ) to the collapsed state ( 2 ) by applying an external force ( 29 ) to the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ), thereby manipulating, rotating or folding the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) outwards, this will destabilises the RC and unlock the locking mechanism.
  • a mechanical transmission is provided, whereby a movement of the pair of opposing first side walls ( 6 , 7 ) is transferred to the pair of second side walls, resulting that the pair of second side walls are also brought in the collapsed state ( 2 ).
  • the operator does not have to change his grip to manipulate ( 30 ) the foldable container from the deployed state ( 1 ) to the collapsed state ( 2 ).
  • manipulate to bring the container into the deployed state ( 1 ) starting from the collapsed state ( 2 )
  • an operator can grab the foldable flaps, manipulate, rotate or fold them upwards, bringing the side walls in the deployed state, followed by a further manipulation, rotation or folding of the foldable flaps inwards to lock the locking mechanism.
  • the operator is able to do this without changing his grip to the foldable flaps.
  • each side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ) comprises at least one, preferably at least two guiding elements ( 32 ), wherein in the deployed state ( 1 ) each guiding element ( 32 ) engages with a guiding element ( 32 ) of the neighbouring side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ). Because these guiding elements engage with each other in the deployed state, the sidewalls lock with each other preventing deformation of the container due to an uneven load in the container.
  • the guiding elements may stabilise the foldable container in the deployed state.
  • the guiding elements may be protrusions and/or slots.
  • the first receiving elements ( 13 ) are positioned along the length of the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ), preferably halfway along the length of the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ).
  • the second receiving elements ( 12 ) are positioned on or in the side walls ( 4 , 5 ) of the pair of opposing first side walls, the first receiving elements ( 13 ) are positioned along the length of the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ), preferably halfway along the length of the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ).
  • the foldable flaps in the collapsed state ( 2 ) can be reversibly engaged with a side wall of the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ), thereby restricting, preferably locking, the mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) against a side wall of the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ).
  • the thickness of the reinforcement elements in or on the side walls increases at the intersection with the base ( 3 ).
  • each foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) clamps at least one, preferably at least two mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) against at least one side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), when said foldable flap is locked against at least one of the sidewalls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), by the repeatable locking mechanism in the deployed state ( 1 ). This causes extra rigidity and prevents movement between the different sidewalls.
  • each foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) clamps at least one, preferably at least two mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) against at least one side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), when said foldable flap is locked against at least one of the sidewalls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), by the repeatable locking mechanism in the collapsed state ( 2 ). This ensures that in the collapsed state the container is in a flat configuration, what makes it easier for stacking and storing containers in the collapsed state.
  • each foldable flap ( 8 , 9 ) clamps at least one, preferably at least two mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) against at least one side wall ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), when said foldable flap is locked against at least one of the sidewalls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ), by the repeatable locking mechanism in both the deployed state ( 1 ) and the collapsed state ( 2 ).
  • the side walls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ) may comprise one or more springs, preferably one or more leaf springs. Preferably, so that the sidewalls partially rise up from the collapsed state when the by unlocking the foldable flaps in the collapsed state. This makes it easier for a user to put his hands in the handles and to fond the container to its deployed state.
  • the protruding element ( 17 ) comprises at the terminal end a cammed surface ( 33 ) that adjoins an abrupt groove ( 34 ), which functions as a hook, said hook being configured to latch on the a ridge ( 35 ) in an opening, said opening being the receiving element ( 16 ).
  • said receiving element ( 16 ) is an opening in the side wall of the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ). Details of such a locking mechanism can be seen in FIG. 10 .
  • living hinge is a preferably flexible hinge made from the same material as the two ridged pieces it connects. It is typically thinned or cut to allow the rigid pieces to bend along the line of the hinge.
  • the protruding element ( 17 ) is mounted between two stop-faces ( 18 , 19 ).
  • a “stop face” refers to a face that prevents the latching mechanism from unlocking in an unintended direction.
  • the stability of the locking mechanism is unaffected by forces exercised directly on the side walls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ) and/or base ( 3 ).
  • the foldable container comprises clips to lock the side walls into the collapsed state. These clips ensures that the foldable container remains flat in the collapsed state, as the hinges can sometimes force the foldable container in an intermediate state between the collapsed state ( 2 ) end the deployed state ( 1 ), when no external pressure is applied to the foldable container.
  • the side walls ( 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ) and/or the base ( 3 ) may comprise reinforcement elements ( 28 ), such as ribs, ridges or honeycomb structures.
  • FIGS. 1 to 6 depict a specific embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows the foldable container in the deployed state ( 1 )
  • FIG. 2 shows the foldable container in the collapsed state ( 2 )
  • FIG. 3 shows the foldable container in the extruded state ( 27 ).
  • the foldable container comprises a base ( 3 ), where to a pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) and a pair of opposing second side walls are attached via a living hinge ( 26 ).
  • a living hinge To the upper edge ( 10 , 11 ) of the pair of opposing first side walls, ( 4 , 5 ), foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ), in the form of a bar, are attached also via a living hinge.
  • the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) comprise the first repeatable catches ( 13 ).
  • the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) comprises handles ( 20 , 21 ), and the second repeatable catches ( 12 ), which are positioned near the upper edge ( 14 , 15 ) of the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ).
  • the side walls and the base define in internal container volume.
  • a container opening ( 31 ) is present on top of the foldable container, which is partially obscured by the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the container may be manufactured as a sheet-like structure as shown in FIG. 3 , the mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) is only connected to one pair of side walls, here the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ). To allow a functioning foldable container, the mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) are subsequently melt welded or clipped on to the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ).
  • the manipulation ( 29 ) of the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) unlocks the locking mechanism, and without the need to change grip, the foldable flaps can be brought inwards ( 30 ) to arrive at the foldable container in the collapsed state ( 2 ). This can be done by an operator in one fluent motion. Transitioning from the collapsed state ( 2 ) to the deployed state ( 1 ) can also be performed by an opposite fluent motion.
  • the locking mechanism comprises a second repeatable catch ( 12 ), which comprises a receiving element ( 16 ) and a first repeatable catch ( 12 ) which comprise a protruding element ( 17 ).
  • the protruding element is mounted between two stop faces ( 18 , 19 ), preventing the sideways opening of the locking mechanism. This way the locking mechanism can only open by twisting the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) upwards, hence the weight of the load inside the foldable container does not cause the locking mechanism to open.
  • FIGS. 7 to 9 depict a specific embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 7 shows the foldable container in the deployed state ( 1 )
  • FIG. 8 shows the foldable container in the collapsed state ( 2 )
  • FIG. 9 shows the foldable container in the extruded state ( 27 ).
  • the foldable container comprises a base ( 3 ), where to a pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) and a pair of opposing second side walls are attached via a living hinge ( 26 ).
  • a living hinge To the upper edge ( 10 , 11 ) of the pair of opposing first side walls, ( 4 , 5 ), foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) are attached also via a living hinge.
  • the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) comprise the first repeatable catches ( 13 ).
  • the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) comprises handles ( 20 , 21 ).
  • the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) comprises the second repeatable catches ( 12 ).
  • the side walls and the base define in internal container volume.
  • a container opening ( 31 ) is present on top of the foldable container. Guiding elements ( 32 ) on both the first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) and the second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) engage in the deployed state ( 1 ).
  • the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) folds outwards and the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ) fold inwards, so that the collapsed state is essentially a rectangle.
  • the mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) causes movement of the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ), when the pair of first side walls ( 4 , 5 ) are manipulated and vice versa.
  • the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) are folded inwards in FIG. 8 and the locking mechanism is locked, this clamps the mechanical transmissions ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) between the foldable flaps ( 8 , 9 ) and the side walls ( 4 , 5 ), maintaining a planar shape.
  • the container may be manufactured as a sheet-like structure as shown in FIG. 9 , the mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) is only connected to one pair of side walls, here the pair of opposing second side walls ( 6 , 7 ). To allow a functioning foldable container, the mechanical transmission ( 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ) are subsequently melt welded of clipped on to the pair of opposing first side walls ( 4 , 5 ).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
US17/309,394 2018-11-26 2019-11-26 Foldable container Abandoned US20220048666A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18208286.7 2018-11-26
EP18208286 2018-11-26
PCT/EP2019/082568 WO2020109296A1 (fr) 2018-11-26 2019-11-26 Contenant pliable

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20220048666A1 true US20220048666A1 (en) 2022-02-17

Family

ID=64500168

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US17/309,394 Abandoned US20220048666A1 (en) 2018-11-26 2019-11-26 Foldable container

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20220048666A1 (fr)
EP (1) EP3887271B1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2022508228A (fr)
KR (1) KR20210100653A (fr)
MA (1) MA54274A (fr)
WO (1) WO2020109296A1 (fr)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2020109296A1 (fr) 2020-06-04
MA54274A (fr) 2021-10-06
KR20210100653A (ko) 2021-08-17
EP3887271B1 (fr) 2024-04-24
JP2022508228A (ja) 2022-01-19
EP3887271A1 (fr) 2021-10-06

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