WO2023212828A1

WO2023212828A1 - Container for transporting goods

Info

Publication number: WO2023212828A1
Application number: PCT/CA2023/050624
Authority: WO
Inventors: Justin Elvin-Jensen; Marc Elvin-Jensen
Original assignee: Elvin Jensen Justin; Elvin Jensen Marc
Priority date: 2022-05-06
Filing date: 2023-05-08
Publication date: 2023-11-09

Abstract

A container includes a base, two opposing first walls extending upwards from and hingedly connected to the base, two opposing second walls extending upwards from and hingedly connected to the base, and one or more feet members. The base includes one or more downward-extending legs. The feet members are adapted to engage with the legs. Each of the feet members includes one or more upward-extending sockets and a plank. The sockets are adapted to engage with the legs, and the plank is adapted to engage with the one or more sockets.

Description

Container for Transporting Goods

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to containers, and in particular, to containers used for transporting goods.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Containers are typically used for transporting goods. Conventional containers typically comprise a base with four wall components extending vertically from the base, forming a substantially rectangular box. The base and wall components may be injection- molded from plastic in one or more molds.

[0003] One type of container may include foldable walls. These foldable containers may use hinge mechanisms to connect the bottom edge of one or more of the wall components to the base. The hinge mechanisms allow for one or more of the wall components to be folded (typically inwards) in order to reduce the physical footprint of the container. This may be helpful in allowing the containers to be stored more efficiently when not in use. Conventional foldable containers may also have some mechanism for locking the wall components securely in place when in their vertical orientation, so as to prevent the wall components from inadvertently folding when in use.

[0004] Containers may also be moved about, such as when the goods in which the containers are stored need to be transported from one location to another. For example, the containers may be lifted by forklifts and therefore need to be easily accessed and carried by the tines of the forklifts.

[0005] Furthermore, the containers may be placed on top of track systems that may be used for loading trucks or trailers. Such track systems include, for example, those manufactured by Joloda Hydraroll Ltd. These track systems comprise a pair of spaced tracks on which skates are able to slide along. The containers may be placed on the skates to allow the containers to be slid along the tracks. However, because the weight of the containers (and their contents) are concentrated along portions of the containers resting on the skates, it is desirable that the containers do not warp or break when placed on the skates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment of the invention, a container comprises two opposing first walls and two opposing second walls extending from a base. The first and second walls may be folded down. A number of downward-extending legs extend from the base.

Preferably, the legs may be either end legs or central legs. The legs are configured to engage with one or more feet members. The feet members comprise upward-extending sockets for slidably engaging with the legs. The sockets comprise end sockets located proximate to the ends of the feet members (for engaging with the end legs) and central sockets located between the end sockets (for engaging with the central legs). The sockets are themselves configured to slidably engage with a plank. The plank may be constructed from a different material (e.g. metal or metal allow) from the rest of the container (which may be made from injection-molded plastic).

[0007] In another embodiment, a container comprises a base, two opposing first walls extending upwards from and hingedly connected to the base, two opposing second walls extending upwards from and hingedly connected to the base, and one or more feet members. The base comprises one or more downward-extending legs. The feet members are adapted to engage with the legs. Each of the feet members comprises one or more upward-extending sockets and a plank. The sockets are adapted to engage with the legs, and the plank is adapted to engage with the one or more sockets.

[0008] In still another embodiment, the one or more feet members comprise at least two feet members.

[0009] In still yet another embodiment, the one or more feet members comprise at least three feet members. [0010] In a further embodiment, each of the one or more sockets comprises a socket channel extending at least partially therethrough, with the socket channel configured to engage with the plank.

[0011] In still a further embodiment, the one or more sockets comprise at least two sockets.

[0012] In still yet a further embodiment, the one or more sockets comprise at least three sockets.

[0013] In another embodiment, each of the feet members comprise two feet ends. The at least three sockets comprise two end sockets and at least one central socket. The end sockets are located proximate to the feet ends. The at least one central socket is located between the end sockets.

[0014] In still another embodiment, the socket channel for each of the at least one central socket extends fully through the central socket. The socket channel for the central socket is configured to allow engagement of the plank therethrough.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the socket channel for each of the two end sockets extends partially through the end socket. The socket channel for the end socket is configured to allow insertion of the plank partially therethrough.

[0016] In still yet another embodiment, each of the feet member further comprises one or more sleeves, with the sleeves configured to fit around the plank in between adjacent ones of the sockets.

[0017] In a further embodiment, each of the sockets comprises a socket lower surface, and the socket lower surface is substantially flush with a portion of the sleeves.

[0018] In still a further embodiment, the plank comprises a plank base and a plank upper portion extending from the plank base.

[0019] In still yet a further embodiment, the sleeves extend over the plank base and the plank upper portion. [0020] In still another embodiment, the socket lower surface is substantially flush with the portion of the sleeves extending over the plank base.

[0021] In still yet another embodiment, the plank upper portion comprises at least one angled surface, with the at least one angled surface oriented at an angle between 0° and 45°.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the plank upper portion and the plank base define, at least in part, a plank channel extending within the plank.

[0023] In still a further embodiment, the plank further comprises one or more plank ribs extending within the plank channel.

[0024] In another embodiment, the plank is made from a different material from the sockets.

[0025] In still another embodiment, the plank is made from a harder material from the sockets.

[0026] In still yet another embodiment, the plank is made from a metal or a metal allow, and the socket is made from injection-molded plastic.

[0027] The foregoing was intended as a summary only and of only some of the aspects of the invention. It was not intended to define the limits or requirements of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will be appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Moreover, this summary should be read as though the claims were incorporated herein for completeness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The preferred embodiment of the invention will be described by reference to the drawings thereof, in which:

[0029] Fig. 1 shows a container according to the invention;

[0030] Fig. 2 is a partial exploded view of the container of Fig. 1; [0031] Fig. 3 shows a feet member of the container;

[0032] Fig. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the feet member of Fig. 3;

[0033] Figs. 5 to 7 show the steps for installing the sockets onto the plank for the feet member of Fig. 3;

[0034] Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the feet member;

[0035] Fig. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the feet member of Fig. 8;

[0036] Figs. 10 to 13 show the steps for installing the sockets and sleeves onto the plank for the feet member of Fig. 8;

[0037] Fig. 14 is a front view of one embodiment of the container with the feet members of Fig. 3;

[0038] Fig. 15 is a front view of another embodiment of the container with the feet members ofFig. 8;

[0039] Fig. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container of Fig. 14;

[0040] Fig. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container of Fig. 15;

[0041] Fig. 18 is a magnified view showing the folding of one of the first walls;

[0042] Fig. 19 is a magnified view showing one of the first walls in the upright configuration;

[0043] Fig. 20 is a magnified view showing one of the first walls;

[0044] Fig. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of one of the first walls;

[0045] Fig. 22 is a another partial cross-sectional view of the first walls;

[0046] Fig. 23 is a yet another cross-sectional view of one of the first walls; [0047] Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the first and second walls;

[0048] Fig. 25 is a partial view of the container;

[0049] Fig. 26 shows the container of Fig. 25 with one of the inner walls folded down;

[0050] Fig. 27 is a magnified view showing the folding of one of the inner walls;

[0051] Fig. 28 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one of the inner walls in the upright configuration;

[0052] Fig. 29 is another partial cross-sectional view showing one of the inner walls in the upright configuration; and

[0053] Fig. 30 shows another embodiment of the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Referring to Fig. 1, a container 10 in accordance with the invention comprises a base 12, two opposing first walls 14, and two opposing second walls 16. The first walls 14 and the second walls 16 are connected to and extend from the base 12.

[0055] Each of the first and second walls 14, 16 are preferably hingedly connected to the frame 12, such that the first and second walls 14, 16 may be folded down with respect to the frame 12. One or more of the first and second walls 14, 16 may comprise an outer wall 18 and an inner wall 20 that is bounded, at least partially, by the outer wall 18. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each of the second walls 16 comprise the outer wall 18 and the inner wall 20. Preferably, the inner wall 20 is hingedly connected to the outer wall 18 such that the inner wall 20 may be folded down with respect to the outer wall 18.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, each of the first walls 14 are configured to fold inwards (i.e. towards a center of the container 10). Similarly, the outer walls 18 of the second walls 16 are also configured to fold inwards. However, the inner walls 16 of the second walls 16 are configured to fold outwards (i.e. away from the center of the container 10). [0057] Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, the base 12 comprises a base lower surface 76 and a plurality of downwardly-extending legs 22 attached to the base lower surface 76. The legs 22 are configured to receive and engage with one or more feet members 24. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, there are three of the feet members 24, with each of the feet members 24 engaging with three of the legs 22. Preferably, each of the feet members 24 are substantially similar to each other. It is understood that more or fewer of the feet members 24 may be used, although it is preferable that there be at least two of the feet members 24 present, to allow the container 10 to sit more securely on a surface. Furthermore, the feet members 24 may engage with more or fewer of the legs 22, although it is preferable that each of the feet members 24 engages with at least two of the legs 22.

[0058] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, each of the feet members 24 comprise feet ends 26. Each of the feet members 24 further comprise one or more upwardly-extending sockets 28 connected to a generally longitudinal plank 30. The sockets 28 are configured to engage with the legs 22. Each of the sockets 28 comprise a socket lower surface 72.

[0059] Preferably, the sockets 28 may be either end sockets 32 (located proximate to the feet ends 26) or central sockets 34 (located in between the end sockets 32). Preferably, each of the feet members 24 comprise two of the end sockets 32 and at least one or more of the central sockets 34. However, it is understood that it is possible to omit the central sockets 34.

[0060] Similarly, the legs 22 may be either end legs 36 (configured to engage with the end sockets 32) or central legs (configured to engage with the central sockets 34). Preferably, the number of legs 22 correspond with the number of the sockets 28 such that each of the legs 22 engages with one of the sockets 28. In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the base comprises six of the end legs 36 and three of the central legs 38. Each of the feet members 24 comprises two of the end sockets 32 and one of the central sockets 34. With three of the feet members 24, there would be six of the end sockets 32 and three of the central sockets 34. However, it is understood that other arrangements and numbers of the sockets 28 and the legs 22 are also possible.

[0061] Figs. 5 to 7 depict how the feet members 24 may be assembled. Referring to Fig. 5, the plank 30 comprises plank ends 40. The plank 30 is substantially elongated and is configured to engage with the end sockets 32 and the central sockets 34. Preferably, the plank 30 is constructed from a metal or a metal alloy. For example, the plank 30 may be constructed from aluminum. The sockets 28 may be constructed from plastic, using injectionmolding techniques. Preferably, the plank 30 is constructed from a harder material than the sockets 28.

[0062] Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the plank 30 preferably slidably engages with the end sockets 32 and the central sockets 34. Each of the central sockets 34 comprises a central socket channel 42 that extends through the central socket 34 and is sized to receive the plank 30 and to allow the plank 30 to slide through central edge socket channel 42.

[0063] Each of the end sockets 32 comprises an end socket channel 44 that is sized to receive the plank 30 at one of the plank ends 36. Preferably, the end socket channel 44 is closed off at one end (i.e. the end socket channel 44 does not extend through the end socket 32) so as to prevent the end sockets 32 from sliding along the plank 30 beyond the plank ends 36, unlike the central socket channels 42, which allows the central sockets 34 to slide along a length of the plank 30.

[0064] Referring to Fig. 5, one of the plank ends 36 of the plank 30 is first inserted into the end socket channel 44 of a first one of the end sockets 32, such as by moving the plank 30 in direction A into the end socket channel 44. Because the end socket channel 44 is preferably closed off at one end, the plank 30 is unable to slide completely through the first one of the end sockets 32. Referring to Fig. 6, one of the central sockets 34 can then be engaged with the plank 30 by sliding the plank 30 through the central socket channel 42 (e.g. in direction B). Referring to Fig. 7, once the central socket 34 is located along the plank 30, the plank 30 can then be inserted into the end socket channel 44 of a second one of the end sockets 32, such as by moving the plank 30 in direction C into the end socket channel 44. This results in the feet member 24 assembled, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0065] Preferably, each of the sockets 28 comprises one or more upwardly-extending socket walls 46, while each of the legs 22 comprises one or more downwardly-extending leg walls 48. The leg walls 48 comprise a leg lower edge 52. The socket walls 46 are preferably sized to slidably engage with the legs walls 48 such that the sockets 28 fit snugly within the legs 22. One or more of the socket walls 46 preferably comprises one or more protruding knobs 50. [0066] Referring to Fig. 2, in order to attach the feet members 24 to the legs 22, the socket walls 46 are first aligned with the leg walls 48. The feet members 24 are then moved towards the legs 22 until the sockets 28 engage with the legs 22. As the socket walls 46 engage with the leg walls 48 and are slid within and along the leg walls 48, the knobs 50 will eventually come into contact with the leg lower edge 52. When the knobs 46 are further pushed and moved past the leg lower edge 52 and against the leg walls 48, the interaction of the knobs 50 with the leg lower edge 52 and the leg walls 48 may cause the socket walls 46 to be forced slightly inwards, thus deflecting the socket walls 46 inwards. One or more leg openings 54 are located on one or more of the leg walls 48. The leg openings 50 are preferably located and sized such that as the knobs 46 are moved along the leg walls 48, the knobs 50 will eventually reach the leg openings 54. When the knobs 50 reach the leg openings 54, the knobs 50 will engage with the leg openings 54 and slide into the leg openings 54. This may cause the socket walls 46 to revert to their original configuration (i.e. to their undeflected state). The engagement of the knobs 50 with the leg openings 54 effectively secures the socket walls 46 to the leg walls 48, thereby securing the sockets 28 to the legs 22.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 4, the knobs 50 are preferably sloped or angled in order to facilitate the movement of the knobs 50 past the leg lower edges 52.

[0068] Referring again to Fig. 4, the plank 30 preferably comprises a substantially planar plank base 56 and a plank upper portion 58 extending above the plank base 56. The plank upper portion 58 may comprise one or more surfaces, such that the plank upper portion 58 may not necessarily be substantially planar. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the plank upper portion 58 comprises at least four surfaces. These surfaces include first and second angled surfaces 60, 62, an upper surface 64 extending between the first and second angled surfaces 60, 62, and a connector surface 66 extending between the second angled surface 62 and the plank base 56. Preferably, the first angled surface 60 is attached to the plank base 56. In other embodiments, one or more of the second angled surface 62, the upper surface 64, and the connector surface 66 may be omitted.

[0069] The degree of angularity of the first and second angled surfaces 60, 62 with respect to a horizontal plane may differ from each other. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, an angle of the first angled surface 60 with respect to a horizontal plane is less than an angle of the second angled surface 62 with respect to a horizontal plane. In other words, the first angled surface 60 is not as steep as the second angled surface 62. In one embodiment, the first angled surface 60 is oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° from the horizontal. Preferably, the first angled surface 60 faces outwardly (i.e. away from the center of the container 10) when the feet members 24 are inserted into the base 12. This would allow forklift tines to ride up along the first angled surface 60 when contacting the plank 30.

[0070] The upper surface 64 is preferably oriented substantially horizontally, although this is not required. As shown in Fig. 4, the plank base 56, the upper surface 64, the connector surface 66, and the first and second angled surfaces 60, 62 generally define, at least in part, a plank channel 68 that extends within the plank 30 for substantially its entire length. In other words, the plank 30 is preferably not solid and is, at least partially, hollow. In one embodiment, the plank 30 is approximately 25 mm high (from the upper surface 64 to the plank base 56).

[0071] One or more plank ribs 70 may extend within the plank channel 68. The plank ribs 70 help to provide rigidity and strength to the plank 30. The plank ribs 70 may be oriented substantially vertically and/or at an angle. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the plank rib 70 is oriented substantially vertically. It is understood that other orientations and/or arrangements of the plank ribs 70 are also possible.

[0072] As described earlier, the plank 30 is preferably constructed from a metal or a metal alloy. Accordingly, the plank ribs 70, the plank base 56, the upper surface 64, the connector surface 66, and the first and second angled surfaces 60, 62 are preferably constructed from a metal or a metal alloy. More preferably, the metal or metal alloy used is one that is suitable for extrusion, such as, for example, aluminum.

[0073] Referring to Figs. 14 to 17, because the plank 30 is configured to slide through the central socket channels 42 and into the end socket channels 44, the plank base 56 may end up being elevated with respect to the socket lower surfaces 72 of the sockets 28. In other words, when the container 10 is placed on the ground, the socket lower surfaces 72 will come into contact with the ground, but the plank base 52 may not necessarily come into contact with the ground. This is best shown in Fig. 14 and Fig. 16, which is a cross-sectional view of the container 10. [0074] In one embodiment, one or more sleeves 74 may be provided to compensate for this discrepancy in height between the socket lower surface 72 and the plank base 56. Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, in this embodiment, one or more of the sleeves 74 may be fitted around the plank 30 between the sockets 28. For example, one of the sleeves 74 may be fitted around the plank 30 between a first one of the end sockets 32 and the central socket 34, and another one of the sleeves 74 may be fitted around the plank 30 between a second one of the end sockets 32 and the central socket 34.

[0075] Figs. 10 to 13 depict how the sockets 28 and the sleeves 74 may be installed onto the plank 30. Referring to Fig. 10, one of the plank ends 40 is inserted into one of the end sockets 32 (i.e. into one of the end socket channels 44). A first one of the sleeves 74 is then placed proximate to the other one of the plank ends 40. Next, referring to Fig. 11, the first one of the sleeves 70 may be inserted over the plank 30 and slid along the plank 30 until it reaches the first one of the end sockets 32. The central socket 34 can then be attached by inserting the plank 30 through the central socket channel 42 and sliding the central socket 34 along the plank 30 until it reaches the first one of the sleeves 74, as shown in Fig. 12. A second one of the sleeves 70 may then be placed proximate to the other one of the plank ends 40. Referring to Fig. 13, the second one of the sleeves 70 may be inserted over the plank 30 and slid along the plank 30 until it reaches the central socket 34. Finally, a second one of the end sockets 32 may be attached by inserting the other one of the plank ends 40 into the end socket channel 44 of the second one of the end sockets 32 (to attain the configuration shown in Fig. 8).

[0076] The sleeves 74 may act as spacers between the sockets 28 (e.g. between the end sockets 32 and the central socket 34). Preferably, the sleeves 74 are constructed from a flexible material, such as nylon, and are sized to fit snugly around the plank 30. The sleeves 74 may also provide some protection to the plank 30 from impact damage caused by forklift tines hitting the plank 30.

[0077] By having the sleeves 74 wrapped around the plank 30, the sleeves 74 may, at least in part, reduce or eliminate any discrepancy in height between the plank base 56 and the socket lower surface 72. For example, the thickness of the sleeves 74 may be chosen so that the sleeves 74, when wrapped around the plank 30, are substantially aligned with the socket lower surface 72 such that the socket lower surfaces 72 of the sockets 28 are substantially flush with the portion of the sleeves 74 on the plank base 56, as best shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 17, which is a cross-sectional view of the container 10.

[0078] The use of a metal or a metal alloy for constructing the plank 30 increases the strength of the planks 30. For example, the plank 30 may be constructed using aluminum, which has higher tensile strength than plastic. The strength of the planks 30 is helpful when the container 10 is subject to point pressure on the planks 30, such as when the container 10 is placed on the skates of a track system (e.g. the ones manufactured by Joloda Hydraroll Ltd.) used for loading the containers 10. The strength of the planks 30 helps to reduce any possible bending or flexing of the planks 30.

[0079] Furthermore, the strength of the planks 30 is also helpful when the container 10 is lifted by forklift tines. The forklift tines are typically inserted between the plank upper portion 58 and the base lower surface 76 (e.g. between the end sockets 32 and the central socket 34). The forklift tines then lift the container 10 by pushing up on the base lower surface 76. This application of force on the base lower surface 76 by the forklift tines may cause bending or flexing of the base lower surface 76, which in turn may result in bending or flexing of the planks 30. As a result of the strengthening of the planks 30 (such as by constructing them from a metal or metal alloy), the bending or flexing of the planks 30 is resisted.

[0080] Referring to Fig. 24, in another embodiment, the first and second walls 14, 16 preferably do not have much exposed external ribbing. Such exposed external ribbing is prone to catching water, dirt, and/or other material. Instead, each of the first and second walls 14, 16 preferably comprises an interior wall 78 and an exterior wall 80 that are spaced apart from each other. One or more cross ribs 82 preferably extend between the interior and exterior walls, 78, 80. The cross ribs 82 help to provide rigidity to the first and second walls 14, 16 while still allowing for relatively smooth surfaces for the interior and exterior walls 78, 80.

[0081] Fig. 23 depicts a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement of the interior and exterior walls 78, 80 and the cross ribs 82. The cross ribs 82 preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the interior and exterior walls 78, 80. In addition, one or more structural ribs 84 may extend inwardly from the interior and exterior walls 78, 80 (i.e. towards each other). The structural ribs 84 help to provide further strength and rigidity to the interior and exterior walls 78, 80.

[0082] Referring again to Fig. 1, the first walls 14 may be folded down onto the base 12 using first latches 86. The container 10 as shown in Fig. 1 is in an upright configuration, with the first latches 86 holding the first walls 14 to the second walls 16. However, by releasing the first latches 86, the first walls 14 may be uncoupled from the second walls 16 so as to allow the first walls 14 to hingedly move (with respect to the base 12) and fold down onto the base 12. Preferably, two of the first latches 86 are provided on each of the first walls 14.

[0083] Figs. 18 to 22 depict one of the first latches 86. Each of the first latches 86 comprises a first tab 88 that is able to move laterally in between the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80 of the first walls 14. Each of the first walls 14 comprises two first side edges 90, with a first window 92 located on the exterior wall 80 of the first walls 14 proximate to the first side edges 90. Preferably, the first tab 88 extends across the first window 92. The first tab 88 comprises a first fingerhole 98 that is accessible through the first window 92. The first tab 88 is configured to engage within a first receiving slot 94 located on the second walls 16, preferably between the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80 of the second walls 16.

[0084] When the container 10 is in the upright configuration, the first tabs 88 are engaged within the first receiving slots 94, thereby holding the first and second walls 14, 16 in place.

[0085] Referring to Fig. 22, which depicts a cross-sectional view with the interior wall 78 removed, the first latch 86 further comprises a first spring 96, with one end of the first spring 96 attached to the first tab 88 and the other end of the first spring 96 attached to the first wall 14, preferably to one of the cross ribs 82. As shown in Fig. 22, the cross rib 82 to which the first spring 96 is preferably attached may terminate before reaching the first side edge 90.

[0086] Referring again to Fig. 22, the first tab 88 is normally forced outward (i.e. in a direction D) by the tension of the first spring 96. The outward force exerted by the first spring 96 on the first tab 88 will tend to cause the first tab 88 to engage within the first receiving slot 94 when the container 10 is in the upright configuration. In order to fold the first wall 14 down, the first fingerhole 98 is configured to allow a user to use his or her fingers to contact the first tab 88 in order to push the first tab 88 against the first spring 96 (i.e. in a direction E), thereby compressing the first spring 96. This will also cause the first tab 88 to move laterally out of the first receiving slot 94. Once the first tab 88 has moved completely out of the first receiving slot 94, the first wall 14 will no longer be secured to the second wall 16. If both of the first tabs 88 on either side of the first wall 14 are moved out of the first receiving slots 94, the first wall 14 will now be free to fold down (as shown in Fig. 18). Once the first walls 14 have been folded down, the second walls 16 can also be folded down (as they are also no longer held in place with the first walls 14).

[0087] Referring back to Fig. 1, the inner walls 20 may also be folded with respect to the outer walls 18. As mentioned above, the inner walls 20 are preferably hingedly connected to the outer walls 18. The inner walls 20 may be folded using second latches 100. In the container 10 shown in Fig. 1, the second latches 100 hold the inner walls 20 to the outer walls 18. However, by releasing the second latches 100, the inner walls 20 may be uncoupled from the outer walls 18 so as to allow the inner walls 20 to hingedly move and fold down on the outer walls 18. Preferably, two of the second latches 100 are provided on each of the inner walls 20.

[0088] Figs. 25 to 29 depict the second latches 100. It is noted that the action of the second latches 100 is preferably similar to the action of the first latches 86. In particular, each of the second latches 100 comprises a second tab 102 that is able to move laterally in between the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80 of the inner wall 20. Each of the inner walls 20 comprises two inner side edges 104, with a second window 106 located on the exterior wall 80 of the inner wall 20 proximate to the inner side edges 104. Preferably, the second tab 102 extends across the second window 106. The second tab 102 comprises a second fingerhole 112 that is accessible through the second window 106. The second tab 102 is configured to engage within a second receiving slot 108 located on the outer walls 18, preferably between the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80 of the outer walls 18.

[0089] When the container 10 is in the upright configuration, the second tabs 102 are engaged within the second receiving slots 108, thereby holding the outer and inner walls 18, 20 in place.

[0090] Referring to Fig. 28, which depicts a cross-sectional view with the interior wall 78 removed, the second latch 100 further comprises a second spring 110, with one end of the second spring 110 attached to the second tab 102 and the other end of the second spring 110 attached to the inner wall 20, preferably to one of the cross ribs 82. As shown in Fig. 28, the cross rib 82 to which the second spring 110 is preferably attached may terminate before reaching the inner side edge 104.

[0091] Referring again to Fig. 28, the second tab 102 is normally forced outward (i.e. in a direction F) by the tension of the second spring 110. The outward force exerted by the second spring 110 on the second tab 102 will tend to cause the second tab 102 to engage within the second receiving slot 108 when the container 10 is in the upright configuration. In order to fold the inner wall 20 down, the second fingerhole 112 is configured to allow the user to use his or her fingers to contact the second tab 102 in order to push the second tab 102 against the second spring 110 (i.e. in a direction G), thereby compressing the second spring 110. This will also cause the second tab 102 to move laterally out of the second receiving slot 108. Once the second tab 102 has moved completely out of the second receiving slot 108, the inner wall 20 will no longer be secured to the outer wall 18. If both of the second tabs 102 on either side of the inner wall 20 are moved out of the second receiving slots 108, the inner wall 20 will now be free to fold down (as shown in Fig. 26).

[0092] The presence of the cross ribs 82 may make it difficult to manufacture using conventional injection molding techniques. However, by having the cross ribs 82 terminate before the first side edges 90 and/or the inner side edges 104, the manufacturing process is made easier, as the steel core (for creating the mold) has a base that is still solid.

[0093] Referring to Fig. 30, in another embodiment of the container 10, there may be provided two of the feet members 24, instead of the three shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 30, the container 10 is relatively shorter than the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In particular, the first walls 14 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 30 are relatively shorter than those in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. In addition, the portions of the base 12 beneath the second walls 16 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 30 are also relatively shorter than those in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0094] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the preferred embodiment has been described in some detail but that certain modifications may be practiced without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS A container comprising: a base, the base comprising one or more downward-extending legs; two opposing first walls extending upwards from and hingedly connected to the base; two opposing second walls extending upwards from and hingedly connected to the base; and one or more feet members adapted to engage with the legs, each of the feet members comprising: one or more upward-extending sockets adapted to engage with the legs; and a plank adapted to engage with the one or more sockets. The container of claim 1, wherein the one or more feet members comprise at least two feet members. The container of claim 1, wherein the one or more feet members comprise at least three feet members. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more sockets comprises a socket channel extending at least partially therethrough, the socket channel configured to engage with the plank. The container of claim 4, wherein the one or more sockets comprise at least two sockets. The container of claim 4, wherein the one or more sockets comprise at least three sockets. The container of claim 6, wherein each of the feet members comprise two feet ends, wherein the at least three sockets comprise two end sockets and at least one central socket, wherein the end sockets are located proximate to the feet ends, and wherein the at least one central socket is located between the end sockets. The container of claim 7, wherein the socket channel for each of the at least one central socket extends fully through the central socket, and wherein the socket channel for the central socket is configured to allow engagement of the plank therethrough. The container of claim 7, wherein the socket channel for each of the two end sockets extends partially through the end socket, and wherein the socket channel for the end socket is configured to allow insertion of the plank partially therethrough. The container of claim 4, wherein each of the feet member further comprises one or more sleeves, the sleeves configured to fit around the plank in between adjacent ones of the sockets. The container of claim 10, wherein each of the sockets comprises a socket lower surface, and wherein the socket lower surface is substantially flush with a portion of the sleeves. The container of claim 11, wherein the plank comprises a plank base and a plank upper portion extending from the plank base. The container of claim 12, wherein the sleeves extend over the plank base and the plank upper portion. The container of claim 13, wherein the socket lower surface is substantially flush with the portion of the sleeves extending over the plank base. The container of claim 14, wherein the plank upper portion comprises at least one angled surface, the at least one angled surface oriented at an angle between 0° and 45°. The container of claim 15, wherein the plank upper portion and the plank base define, at least in part, a plank channel extending within the plank. The container of claim 16, wherein the plank further comprises one or more plank ribs extending within the plank channel. The container of claim 1, wherein the plank is made from a different material from the sockets. The container of claim 18, wherein the plank is made from a harder material from the sockets. The container of claim 19, wherein the plank is made from a metal or a metal allow, and wherein the socket is made from injection-molded plastic.