WO2016038630A1

WO2016038630A1 - Expandable packaging containers

Info

Publication number: WO2016038630A1
Application number: PCT/IN2015/050106
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arun Modgil
Original assignee: Arun Modgil
Priority date: 2014-09-10
Filing date: 2015-09-10
Publication date: 2016-03-17

Abstract

Expandable packaging container (100) of the present invention comprise of a base panel (102), a front panel (110) and a rear panel (130), a top panel (120), made up of plurality of sub panels (122, 124) and a side panel (140,142), each including an extending/ collapsing mechanism to enable the panels to be extended or collapsed according to the need. The front and the rear panel can be extended both laterally and longitudinally and can be folded partially or completely about the base panel (102) of the container (100). The top panel (122, 124) can be folded about and rested on the side panel (140,142). The side panels are hingedly connected to the base (102) and can be folded on to the base (102). Latch pin mechanism (104) is provided for locking the slidably coupled structural element.

Description

EXPANDABLE PACKAGING CONTAINERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The invention generally relates to the field of shipping or transportation industry, and, more specifically to a shipping and/or packaging containers having extendable dimensions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The use of freight shipping containers for the transportation of goods by ship, rail, and truck is well known in the shipping industry. Such shipping containers are elongated container- like structure having dimensions based on the International

Standards Organization (ISO) specifications. The goods to be shipped or transported may be simply packed inside such shipping containers during a shipping process.

Otherwise, the goods may be packaged in a separated packaging container and thereafter packed into the shipping containers. However, such packaging containers can be used alone for the shipping goods. Typically, such packaging containers have dimensions with a perspective of being effectively used while transporting goods; however, such packaging containers are fixed in dimensions. Therefore, in certain instances such packaging containers do not result in effective and optimum use of space and resources during a shipping process, particularly when shipping empty packaging containers. Hence there has always been a need of collapsible packaging containers and research had been done in this direction but each of the available packaging containers do lack on some aspects and do not satisfy the ideal solution required to have effective packaging container for optimum shipping and logistics.

[003] For example, US patent number 4214669 A discloses a collapsible cargo container which includes flat, horizontal, rigid unitary top and bottom walls and opposite normally vertical sectional side walls with upper and lower panel sections hingedly connected together and to related edges on the top and bottom walls whereby the upper and lower panels can pivot laterally inwardly relative to the top and bottom walls to lower the top wall relative to the bottom wall to a collapsed position where the top wall, panels and bottom wall occur in close parallel relationship with each other. However, the collapsible cargo container disclosed in the US patent number 4214669A includes fix dimensions.

[004] Further, US patent number 5918744A discloses a shipping container system and method of construction, which includes a container with an integrated pallet assembly. The system includes an inner shell, an outer shell, a cover assembly, and a pallet assembly. The shipping container disclosed in the US patent number 5918744A again includes fix dimensions.

Thus to overcome the problems being faced by earlier invention and provide a effective solution to the shipping Industry, the present invention provides for new and inventive collapsible packaging containers with variable dimensions such that these packaging containers can be expanded to meet the varying set of products/goods/articles being packaged and shipped.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[005] The object of the present invention is to provide a shipping and/or packaging container that is collapsible in nature and also includes extendable dimensions.

[006] Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging container which includes plurality of collapsible panels that are extendable in nature.

[007] Another object of the invention is to further provide a packaging container which is collapsible and extendible wherein, the plurality of panels may be configured to couple to each other in a foldable manner, which makes the container collapsible.

[008] Another object of the invention is to further provide a packaging container which is collapsible and extendable wherein the panels of the container are slidable in construct enabling the container dimensionally extendable.

[009] Yet another object of the invention is to provides a method for forming or manufacturing such a packaging container that is collapsible in nature and also includes extendable dimensions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[010] The objects of the present invention are realized by providing a shipping and/or packaging container which can be either used alone or in conjunction with a shipping container during a shipping process. The container is collapsible in nature and includes extendable dimensions. The collapsible feature of the container enables achieving a substantial volume saving when the empty container is to be transported in a fully collapsed configuration. Further, the extendable dimensions of the container enables effective utilization of the container during a shipping process when being shipped packaged with intended goods/products/articles. Moreover, the object of the present invention also includes providing a method for forming or manufacturing such shipping and/or packaging containers.

[011] The method includes providing a base panel adapted to slidable extend; providing front and rear panels coupled to the base panel in foldable manner and adapted to slidable extend; providing side panels coupled to the base panel in foldable manner and adapted to slidable extend; and providing a top panel coupled to the one of the side panels in a foldable manner and adapted to slidable extend.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[012] Figure 1 illustrates a shipping and/or packaging container;

[013] Figures 2A-2C illustrate a base panel of the container;

[014] Figures 3 A & 3B illustrate a front panel of the container; [015] Figures 4A & 4B illustrate a top panel of the container along with the entire container;

[016] Figures 5A-5D illustrate various stages of collapsing of the top panel of the container;

[017] Figures 6A & 6B illustrate various stages of collapsing of the front panel of the container;

[018] Figures 7A & 7B illustrate various stages of collapsing of a rear panel of the container;

[019] Figures 8A-8C illustrate various stages of collapsing of a side panel of the container;

[020] Figure 9 illustrates the container in a complete collapsed state.; and

[021] Figure 10 illustrates a flow chart depicting a method for forming or manufacturing a shipping and/or packaging container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[022] This application describes the subject matter for patenting with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The principles described herein may be embodied in many different forms.

[023] The present invention is described hereinafter by various embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to achieve full description and explanation, specific details have been mentioned to provide a thorough and comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. However, said embodiments may be utilized without such specific details and in various other ways broadly covered herein.

[024] Illustrative embodiments of the invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[025] Referring to Figure 1, a perspective view of a shipping and/or packaging container 100 of the present invention is shown in an un-collapsed and un-expended state. The container 100 of the present invention can be either used alone or in conjunction with a shipping container (not shown) during a shipping process. The container 100 is collapsible in nature and includes extendable dimensions. Specifically, the container 100 includes a plurality of collapsible panels that are extendable in nature.

[026] Referring now to Figures 2A-2C, a base panel 102 of the container 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 2 A illustrates the base panel 102 in an un-extended state;

Figure 2B illustrates a portion of the base panel 102; and Figure 2C illustrates the base panel 102 in an extended state. The base panel 102 includes an extending mechanism that enables the base panel 102 to attain the extended and un-extended states. In an exemplary embodiment, the base panel 102 can be made of structural elements that are slidably coupled to each other for attaining the extended and un- extended states. Otherwise, the base panel 102 may be made of structural elements that are telescopically coupled or coupled using other mechanical couplings that enables the base panel 102 to attain the extended and un-extended states. Figure 2B illustrates a latch pin arrangement 104 for locking the slidably coupled structural elements of the base panel 102 in the un-extended state. Figure 2C illustrates the base panel 102 in the extended state, with the latch pin arrangement 104 removed. As shown, with the latch pin arrangement 104 removed, the base panel 102 can extend longitudinally to a dimension 'X' . In an embodiment, the dimension 'X' can be 110 millimeters (mm).

[027] Referring now to Figures 3A & 3B, a front panel 110 of the container 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 3 A illustrates the front panel 110 in an un-extended state; and Figure 3B illustrates the front panel 110 in an extended state. The front panel 110 also includes an extending mechanism that enables the front panel 110 to attain the extended and un-extended states. For example, the front panel 110 may be made of structural elements that are slidably coupled to each other. Otherwise, the front panel

110 may include structural elements that are telescopically coupled or coupled using other mechanical couplings that enable the front panel 110 to attain the extended and un-extended states. As shown, the front panel 110 can be extended longitudinally to a dimension 'Υ' . In an embodiment, the dimension Ύ can be 110 mm. In another embodiment, the front panel 110 is also configured to extend in a height- wise manner (not shown). More specifically, the structural elements of the front panel 110 are coupled to each other in such a manner that the structural elements can also extend laterally (height- wise). It is to be understood that, the container 100 includes a rear panel (best shown in Figures 7A & 7B) similar to the front panel 110, i.e., configured to extend longitudinally and laterally.

[028] Referring now to Figures 4 A & 4B, a top panel 120 of the container 100 along with entire container 100 is shown. Specifically, Figure 4A illustrates the top panel 120 in an un-extended state; and Figure 4B illustrates the top panel 120 in an extended state. As shown, the top panel 120 unlike the base panel 102 is made of plurality of sub-panels; however, it may be obvious that the top panel 120 can be a single monolithical panel like the base panel 102. As shown, a sub -panel 122 of the top panel 120 includes an extending mechanism that enables the top panel 120 to attain the extended and un-extended states. For example, the sub-panel 122 of the top panel 120 may be made of structural elements that are slidably coupled. Otherwise, the sub-panel 122 of the top panel 120 may include structural elements that are telescopically coupled or coupled using other mechanical couplings that enables the sub-panel 122 of the top panel 120 to attain the extended and un-extended states. As shown, the sub-panel 122 of the top panel 120 can extend longitudinally to a dimension 'Z'. In an embodiment, the dimension 'Z' can be 110 mm. [029] As explained above, the base panel 102 and the top panel 120 are configured to extend longitudinally, whereas the front panel 110 and the rear panel are configured to extend both longitudinally and laterally, accordingly, the container 100 is configured to have extendable dimensions. In another embodiment, the side panels (best shown in Figures 7A & 7B) may be also configured to extend at least in a longitudinal and lateral manner resembling the extendable dimensions of the base panel 102, the top panel 120, the front panel 110, and the rear panel.

[030] As mentioned above, the container 100 of the present invention is collapsible in nature. Referring now to Figures 5A-9B various stages of collapsing of the container 100 is illustrated. The various panels of the container 100 are foldably coupled to each other, for example, the panels may be hingedly coupled to each other for allowing foldability thereof. Otherwise, there can be other mechanical coupling between the panels that allows foldability thereof.

[031] Figure 5 A illustrates the sub-panel 122 of the top panel 120 in a collapsed state, i.e., the sub-panel 122 is folded about and rested on a side panel of the container 100. Figure 5B illustrates a sub-panel 124 of the top panel 120 in a lifted state. Figure 5C illustrates the sub-panel 124 of the top panel 120 in a folded state. Figure 5D illustrates the sub-panel 122 in a collapsed state, i.e., the sub-panel 124 is folded about and rested on another side panel of the container 100. [032] Referring now to Figures 6A & 6B various stages of collapsing of the front panel 110 of the container 100 is illustrated. Figure 6A illustrates the front panel 110 being partially folded about the base panel 102 of the container 100, and Figure 6B illustrates the front panel 110 being completely folded to rest on the base panel 102 of the container 100.

[033] Referring now to Figures 7A & 7B various stages of collapsing of a rear panel 130 of the container 100 is illustrated. Figure 7A illustrates the rear panel 130 being partially folded about the base panel 102 of the container 100, and Figure 7B illustrates the rear panel 130 being completely folded to rest about the front panel 110 of the container 100.

[034] Referring now to Figures 8A & 8C various stages of collapsing of a side panel 140 of the container 100 is illustrated. More specifically, Figure 8 A illustrates the side panel 140, along with the sub-panel 122 of the top panel 120 collapsed on the side panel 140, being partially folded about the base panel 102 of the container 100. Figure 8B illustrates the side panel 140 along with the sub-panel 122 being completely folded to rest on the rear panel 130 of the container 100. Similarly, Figure 8C illustrates another side wall 142, along with the sub-panel 124 of the top panel 120 collapsed on the side panel 142, folded about the base panel 102 of the container 100 to rest on the rear panel 130 of the container 100. [035] Figure 9 illustrates the container 100 in a completely collapsed state. As shown, the container 100 attains a flat structure when completely collapsed. Further, the container 100 is configured to be completely collapsed with the extended dimensions, i.e., when the panels of the container 100 are in extended state.

[036] The container 100 of the present disclosure is dimensioned to follow International Standards Organization (ISO) specifications, and can be most effectively utilized during a shipping process. The container 100 can be expanded in width and height for filling more products therein and reduce the wastage of space if normal sea container worthy container is shipped on trucks. In an example, the container 100 can be used in conjunction with a sea container generally having a width of 2300 mm and trucks having a width of 2400 mm. Specifically, the container 100 can have following dimensions 2200 mm x 1900 mm x 1100 mm (length x width x height) in an un-expanded state; and dimensions 2400 mm x 1900 mm x 1280 mm in an expanded state. Therefore, the container 100 can combine both sizes (sizes of sea containers and trucks) into one thereby reducing the inventory and make the supply chain more efficient. In an example, the container 100 can be used for transporting automotive elements such as cars.

[037] The present invention also provides a method 1000 for forming or manufacturing the container 100. As shown in Figure 10, at step 1002 the method

1000 includes providing a base panel, such as the base panel 102. The base panel can be configured to slidably extend, as explained above in conjunction with Figures 2A- C. The method 1000 at step 1004 includes providing front and rear panels, such as the front and rear panels 110, 130. The front and rear panels are configured to be foldably coupled to the base panel and adapted to slidably extend, as explained in conjunction with Figures 3 A & B, 6 A & B, and 7 A & B. The method 1000 at step 1006 includes providing side panels, such as side panels 140, 142. The side panels are configured to be foldably couple to the base panel and adapted to slidably extend, as explained in conjunction with Figures 8A-C. The method 1000 at step 1008 includes providing a top panel, such as the top panel 120. The top panel is configured to foldably couple to the one of the side panels and adapted to slidably extend, as explained in conjunction with Figures 4A & B and 5A-D.

[038] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and drawings herein. The principles associated with the various embodiment defined herein may be applied to other embodiments.

[039] Since other modifications and changes varied to fit particular operating requirements and environments are apparent to those skilled in the art, the invention is not to be considered limited to the example chosen for purposes of disclosure, and covers all changes and modifications which do not constitute departures from the true spirit and scope of this invention.

[040] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

We Claim:

1. An expandable packaging container (100) comprising of :

a. A base panel (102), including an extending/ collapsing mechanism that enables the panel (102) to be extended or collapsed;

b. A latch pin mechanism (104) for locking the slidably coupled structural element;

c. A front panel (110) and a rear panel (130), both the front panel and the rear panel comprising an extending / collapsing mechanism that enables the front and the rear panel to be extended or collapsed according to the need wherein the front and the rear panel can be extended both laterally and longitudinally and wherein the panels can be folded partially or completely about the base panel (102) of the container (100);

d. A top panel (120), made up of plurality of sub panels (122, 124), having an extending or collapsing mechanism, to attain extended or collapsed state wherein the top panel (122, 124) can be folded about and rested on the side panel (140, 142);

e. Side panel (140,142) including an extending and collapsing mechanism, to attain extracted on un-extracted position wherein the side panels are hingedly connected to the base (102) and wherein the panels (140,142) can be folded on to the base (102).

2. An expandable packaging container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base panel 102 is made up of rigid structural elements to take the load, the base panel comprising a stand made up of rigid structural material, wherein the structural elements are slidably/telescopically coupled to each other for attaining the extended and un-extended states and the structural elements are coupled together using the latch and pin mechanism (104) or using any other mechanical coupling.

3. An expandable packaging container as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the front panel (110) and the rear panel (130) are made up the structural elements wherein the structural elements are slidably or telescopically coupled to each other, so that the panels can be extended longitudinally (height-wise) and also laterally (i.e. lengthwise).

4. An expandable packaging container as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the top panel (120) is made up of a single monolithic panel like the base panel (102).

5. An expandable packaging container as claimed in claim 4, wherein the top panel (120) can be made of up plurality of sub-panels (122,124), the sub panels being made up of structural elements which can be slidably or telescopically coupled to each other, wherein the sub-panels can be extended or collapsed longitudinally.

6. An expandable packaging container as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the side panel (140,142) are made up of structural elements which can be slidably / telescopically coupled to each other so as to enable the side panels to either extend or collapse in the longitudinal direction (height- wise).

7. An expandable packaging container as claimed in claim 6, wherein the side panel (140, 142) are hingedly connected to the base of the container (102)

8. An expandable packaging container as claimed in any of the previous claims, wherein the front panel, rear panel and the side panels are hingedly connected to the base panel so that they can be easily folded into a flat structure.

9. A method for manufacturing an expandable packaging container comprising of:

a. Providing a base panel 102, the base panel being adapted to slidably extend in the lateral (length-wise) direction;

b. Providing front (110) and rear (130) panel, the front and rear panel being foldably coupled to the base panel (102) and adapted to slidably extend in both lateral (length-wise) and longitudinal (height-wise) directions; Providing side panels (140,142), the side panels being foldably coupled to the base panel (102) and adapted to slidably extend in the longitudinal directions as well as lateral directions;

Providing a top panel (120), which can be further made up of different sub-panels (122, 124), the top panel being adapted to slidably extend in the longitudinal directions