U.S. patent application number 11/588447 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for collapsible container.
Invention is credited to Andrew Christopher Cope.
Application Number | 20070125779 11/588447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37546582 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070125779 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cope; Andrew Christopher |
June 7, 2007 |
Collapsible container
Abstract
A collapsible container that may be configured in a collapsed
condition or an erected condition, including a base (102), a pair
of side walls (104) and a pair of side walls (106) that are
pivotally attached to the base. The walls (104,106) are arranged to
lie substantially parallel with the base (102) when collapsed and
to stand substantially perpendicular to the base when erected. The
free edges of the erected walls define an open mouth. A pair of
stacking elements (116) are located adjacent to the free edges of
the end walls (106) for supporting the base of another container
stacked on the first container. The end walls (106) lie adjacent
the base (102) and side walls (104) overlie the end walls when
collapsed.
Inventors: |
Cope; Andrew Christopher;
(Essington, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
37546582 |
Appl. No.: |
11/588447 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 11/1833 20130101;
B65D 21/062 20130101; B65D 21/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/006 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 6, 2006 |
GB |
0600164.8 |
Nov 2, 2005 |
GB |
0522341.7 |
Claims
1. A collapsible container that may be configured in a collapsed
condition or an erected condition, including a base and a plurality
of walls that are pivotally attached to the base and arranged to
lie substantially parallel with the base when collapsed and to
stand substantially perpendicular to the base when erected, said
walls having free edges that define a mouth when the container is
an erected condition, and at least one stacking element carried by
one of said walls and located towards a free edge of said carrying
wall for supporting the base of a second container stacked on the
collapsible container, wherein the plurality of walls include two
shorter walls that lie adjacent the base when collapsed and two
longer walls that overlie the shorter walls when collapsed.
2. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein the length
of the shorter walls is less than the separation of the erected
longer walls, whereby the shorter walls can pivot between the
erected longer walls.
3. A collapsible container according to claim 1, including a pair
of stacking elements carried by an opposed pair of walls.
4. A collapsible container according to claim 1, in which the
stacking element is pivotally attached to the carrying wall and is
constructed and arranged to be configured in a deployed condition
for stacking in which it extends at least partially into the mouth
of the container, or a retracted condition in which it is withdrawn
from the mouth of the container.
5. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element is pivotally attached to an inner face of the
carrying wall
6. A collapsible container according to claim 5, in which the
stacking element is constructed and arranged to retract into a
recess in the wall.
7. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element is pivotally attached to an upper edge of the
carrying wall.
8. A collapsible container according to claim 7, in which the
stacking element is constructed and arranged to retract to an
upright position in which it extends upwards from the upper edge of
the carrying wall.
9. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element is constructed and arranged to deploy
automatically when the container is erected, and to retract when
the container is collapsed.
10. A collapsible container according to claim 9, in which the
stacking element is constructed and arranged to deploy under
gravity.
11. A collapsible container according to claim 9, including
resilient biasing means to cause deployment.
12. A collapsible container according to claim 11, in which the
resilient biasing means is constructed and arranged to bias the
stacking element when the container is in an erected condition, and
to apply no bias when the container is collapsed.
13. A collapsible container according to claim 12, in which the
resilient biasing means is constructed and arranged to engage a
support element on a wall adjacent the carrying wall when the
container is in an erected condition.
14. A collapsible container according to claim 12, in which the
resilient biasing means is provided on a wall adjacent the carrying
wall.
15. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element includes end portions that are constructed and
arranged so that when deployed they engage and support adjacent
walls of the erected container.
16. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element extends along substantially the entire length of
the carrying wall.
17. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which stacking
elements are located towards the ends of the longer walls.
18. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element is pivotally attached to a shorter wall.
19. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element is pivotally attached to a longer wall.
20. A collapsible container according to claim 1, in which the
stacking element is immovably attached to an inner face of the
carrying wall.
21. A collapsible container according to claim 20, in which the
stacking element is attached to a longer wall.
22. A collapsible container according to claim 21, in which the
stacking element extends along substantially the entire length of a
longer wall.
23. A collapsible container according to claim 21, in which
stacking elements are located towards the ends of a longer
wall.
24. A collapsible container according to claim 4, in which the
stacking element is pivotally attached to the free edge of the
carrying wall and is constructed and arranged to be configured in a
deployed condition for stacking in which it extends inwards from
the wall, or a retracted condition in which it is located against
an outer face of the wall.
25. A collapsible container according to claim 24, in which the
stacking element is pivotally attached to a shorter wall.
26. A collapsible container according to claim 25, in which the
stacking element includes locking elements that are constructed and
arranged to engage the longer walls when deployed.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to
Great Britain Patent Application Nos. 0600164.8, filed Jan. 6,
2006; and 0522341.7, filed Nov. 2, 2005, the entire contents of
which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a collapsible container
that is suitable for stacking.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Stacking containers are widely used in the retail industry
for transporting produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables from
the growers to the shops, and for displaying those goods for sale.
The containers protect the goods during transportation and storage
and may be stacked for efficient handling and storage. After the
goods have been sold, the containers are washed and returned for
re-filling.
[0006] In order to minimise shipping costs when returning the empty
containers, they are normally designed to be transported in a more
compact form. There are two main types of container that have this
capability.
[0007] The first type of container is nestable and has inclined or
stepped walls and a mouth that is larger than the base. This allows
an empty container to be nested with similar containers. Nestable
containers normally have retractable stacking bars (or "bale arms")
that can be positioned over the mouth of the container, allowing it
to be stacked with other similar containers in an unnested
configuration (also sometimes called a "column stacked"
configuration) with virtually no intrusion into the enclosed volume
of the container. Sometimes, the stacking bars can be located in a
third position to allow stacking in a partially nested condition.
The stacking bars also allow slide stacking, in which a container
is stacked by placing it on a lower container in an offset position
and then sliding it to its final stacking position. This improves
handling of the containers. An example of a nestable container is
described in EP 0553540.
[0008] The second main type of container is collapsible and
generally has a rectangular base and four walls that are attached
to the edges of the base by hinges. The walls can be folded flat
onto the base for transportation and storage when empty. When the
container is an erected condition, the walls are vertical and the
mouth of the container is the same size as the base. This allows
the container to be stacked with similar containers. An example is
described in EP 0911268.
[0009] One problem with the collapsible container described in EP
0911268 is that it is not compatible with nestable containers. In
other words, nestable and collapsible containers cannot be stacked
together, because the base of the nestable container will fit
within the collapsible container. An answer to this problem is
supplied by the container described in WO 01/44060. That document
describes a collapsible container that has pivoting stacking bars
attached to the end walls. The stacking bars can be positioned over
the mouth of the container to allow stacking with nestable
containers, as well as with similar collapsible containers. The
stacking bars also serve as a secondary locking device to retain
the walls in the upright configuration, and they allow slide
stacking.
[0010] There are however a number of problems with the container
described in WO 01/44060. First, during washing, the hot cleaning
fluid makes the walls pliable and as a result they can collapse
preventing thorough washing of the container. In addition, when the
stacking bars are located in the stacking position, they partially
obstruct the mouth of the container, thereby restricting access to
the goods and preventing automatic filling of the container. Moving
the bars between the two positions is laborious and can sometimes
be forgotten, as a result of which the goods in the container may
be damaged if a nestable container is then placed on top.
Furthermore, although the folded container occupies less than 25%
of the volume occupied by the erected container, there is still a
need for an even more compact arrangement.
[0011] The present invention provides a collapsible container that
mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a collapsible container that may be configured in a
collapsed condition or an erected condition, including a base and a
plurality of walls that are pivotally attached to the base and
arranged to lie substantially parallel with the base when collapsed
and to stand substantially perpendicular to the base when erected,
said walls having free edges that define a mouth when the container
is an erected condition, and at least one stacking element carried
by one of said walls and located towards a free edge of said
carrying wall for supporting the base of a second container stacked
on the collapsible container, wherein the plurality of walls
include two shorter walls that lie adjacent the base when collapsed
and two longer walls that overlie the shorter walls when
collapsed.
[0013] The container described above provides a number of important
advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls have to
be folded before the side walls, the side walls cannot easily
collapse during the washing process. This makes the process more
reliable. Because the stacking element (or elements) does not
protrude far into the open mouth of the container, it does not
significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The
stacking element(s) are however able to support a second container
stacked on top of the folding container, the base of the second
container being smaller than the mouth of the collapsible
container. The container can therefore be stacked either with
similar collapsible containers or with nesting containers. Further,
when the container is in a collapsed condition it occupies less
than 25% of the volume occupied when it is in an erected condition,
thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.
[0014] The length of the shorter walls is preferably less than the
separation of the erected longer walls, so that the shorter walls
can pivot between the erected longer walls.
[0015] Advantageously, the collapsible container includes a pair of
stacking elements carried by an opposed pair of walls. In the
following statements of invention, references to a stacking element
apply equally to pairs of stacking elements.
[0016] Advantageously, the stacking element is pivotally attached
to the carrying wall and is constructed and arranged to be
configured in a deployed condition for stacking in which it extends
at least partially into the mouth of the container, or a retracted
condition in which it is withdrawn from the mouth of the
container.
[0017] According to one preferred embodiment, the stacking element
is pivotally attached to an inner face of the carrying wall.
Advantageously, the stacking element is constructed and arranged to
retract into a recess in the wall. The resulting container is
suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the
stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that
the stacking elements can be easily retracted into the recesses if
necessary.
[0018] Alternatively, the stacking element may be pivotally
attached to an upper edge of the carrying wall. The stacking
element may be constructed and arranged to retract to an upright
position in which it extends upwards from the upper edge of the
carrying wall.
[0019] The stacking element is preferably constructed and arranged
to deploy automatically when the container is erected, and to
retract when the container is collapsed. Because the stacking
elements are deployed and retracted automatically, the need for a
laborious manual operation is avoided. The risk of damage to the
goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is also
avoided.
[0020] The stacking element may be constructed and arranged to
deploy under gravity.
[0021] Alternatively, resilient biasing means may be provided to
cause deployment: this may be part of the stacking element, part of
a wall or a separate component.
[0022] Advantageously, the resilient biasing means is constructed
and arranged to bias the stacking element when the container is in
an erected condition, and to apply no bias when the container is
collapsed.
[0023] Advantageously, the resilient biasing means is constructed
and arranged to engage a support element (for example a flange) on
a wall adjacent said carrying wall, when the container is in an
erected condition, thereby urging the stacking element towards the
deployed condition. When the container is in a collapsed condition,
the resilient biasing means disengages the support element, to
relieve any stresses in the biasing means.
[0024] In an alternative preferred embodiment, the resilient
biasing means is provided on a wall adjacent the carrying wall.
Preferably, the stacking element includes end portions that are
constructed and arranged to engage and support adjacent walls of
the erected container when deployed. Advantageously, the stacking
element extends along substantially the entire length of the
carrying wall.
[0025] The stacking element may be pivotally attached to the
shorter wall (the end wall), allowing slide stacking from the sides
of the container
[0026] Alternatively, the stacking element may be pivotally
attached to the longer wall (the side wall). Preferably, the
stacking element is arranged to support the shorter walls when
deployed, thereby preventing unintended collapse of the walls.
Stacking elements may be located towards the ends of the longer
walls.
[0027] The stacking element may alternatively be immovably attached
to an inner face of the carrying wall. This provides a very simple,
strong structure with few moving parts. The stacking element is
preferably attached to the longer wall.
[0028] The stacking element may extend along substantially the
entire length of the longer wall to allow slide stacking from the
end of the container. This allows half-size containers to be
stacked on top of the container in a transverse direction.
Alternatively, stacking elements may be located towards the ends of
the longer wall, so that intrusion into the mouth of the container
is minimised.
[0029] In an alternative arrangement, the stacking element is
pivotally attached to the free edge of the carrying wall and is
constructed and arranged to be configured in a deployed condition
for stacking in which it extends inwards from the carrying wall, or
a retracted condition in which it is located against an outer face
of the carrying wall.
[0030] Preferably, the stacking element is pivotally attached to
the shorter wall. The stacking element may include locking elements
that are constructed and arranged to engage the longer walls when
deployed, to prevent unintended collapse of the walls.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described
by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first container in an
erected condition;
[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first container in a
folded condition;
[0034] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing part of the first
container at an enlarged scale, with a stacking element in a
stacking configuration;
[0035] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of part of the first container
showing the stacking element in a stowed condition;
[0036] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of part of the first container
with the stacking element in a stacking condition
[0037] FIG. 6 is a cross-section showing the stacking element in a
stowed condition;
[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a second container in an
erected condition;
[0039] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second container in a
folded condition;
[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing part of the second
container at an enlarged scale, with a stacking element in a
stacking configuration;
[0041] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the second container with
the stacking element in a stowed condition;
[0042] FIG. 11 is a cross-section of part of the second container
with the stacking element in a stowed configuration;
[0043] FIG. 12 is a cross-section of part of the second container
with the stacking element in a stacking condition;
[0044] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a third container in an
erected condition;
[0045] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the third container in a
folded condition;
[0046] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing part of the third
container at an enlarged scale, with a stacking element in a
stacking configuration;
[0047] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of part of the third container
with the stacking element in a stowed condition;
[0048] FIG. 17 is a cross-section of part of the third container
with the stacking element in a stowed configuration;
[0049] FIG. 18 is a cross-section of a part of the third container
with the stacking element in a stacking condition;
[0050] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fourth container in an
erected condition;
[0051] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the fourth container in a
folded condition;
[0052] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of part of the fourth
container at an enlarged scale
[0053] FIG. 22 is a cross-section showing a part of the fourth
container;
[0054] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a fifth container in an
erected condition;
[0055] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the fifth container in a
folded condition;
[0056] FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing part of the fifth
container at an enlarged scale with a stacking element in a stowed
condition;
[0057] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of part of the fifth container
with the stacking element in a stacking condition;
[0058] FIG. 27 is a cross-section showing a part of the fifth
container with the stacking element in a stowed condition;
[0059] FIG. 28 is a cross-section showing the stacking element in a
stacking condition;
[0060] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a sixth container in an
erected condition;
[0061] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the sixth container in a
folded condition;
[0062] FIG. 31 is a perspective view showing part of the sixth
container at an enlarged scale;
[0063] FIG. 32 is a cross-section showing a part of the sixth
container;
[0064] FIG. 33 is a perspective view showing part of a seventh
container in an erected condition;
[0065] FIG. 34 is a perspective view showing part of the seventh
container in a folded condition;
[0066] FIG. 35 is a cross-section showing part of the seventh
container in a retracted condition;
[0067] FIG. 36 is a cross-section showing part of the seventh
container in a deployed condition;
[0068] FIG. 37 is a cross-section showing part of an eighth
container with the end wall folded (position 1), partially erected
(position 2) and fully erected (position 3);
[0069] FIG. 38 is a perspective view showing part of the eighth
container with the end wall folded
[0070] FIG. 39 is a perspective view showing part of the eighth
container with the end wall partially erected;
[0071] FIG. 40 is a perspective view showing part of the eighth
container with the end wall fully erected;
[0072] FIG. 41 is a schematic perspective view showing part of the
eighth container with the end wall fully erected;
[0073] FIGS. 42 and 43 are perspective views showing a stacking
element of the eighth container in disassembled and assembled
conditions;
[0074] FIG. 44 is a cross-section showing part of a ninth container
with the end wall folded (position 1), partially erected (position
2) and fully erected (position 3);
[0075] FIG. 45 is a cross-section showing an end wall of the ninth
container with a stacking element in a retracted condition (solid
lines) and a deployed condition (broken lines);
[0076] FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing part of the ninth
container with the end wall folded;
[0077] FIG. 47 is a perspective view showing part of the ninth
container with the end wall partially erected, and
[0078] FIG. 48 is a perspective view-showing part of the ninth
container with the end wall fully erected.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Embodiment 1
[0079] The first container 100 shown in FIGS. 1-6 comprises a
substantially rectangular base 102, two longer side walls 104 and
two shorter end walls 106. The side walls and the end walls are
attached to the base 102 by means of hinges 108, which allow the
walls to be folded flat onto the base 102 for storage or
transportation in a collapsed condition, as shown in FIG. 2. It
will be noted that the end walls 106 are folded first and that in
the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base 102. The
length of the end walls 106 is less than the separation of the
erected side walls 104, so that the end walls can pivot between the
side walls. The side walls 104 are collapsed after the end walls
106 and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls 106.
Recesses 109 are provided where necessary in the side walls to
allow them to lie flat against the end walls.
[0080] Complementary locking formations 110 in the form of
resilient detents are provided on the end walls and the side walls,
to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected
condition as shown in FIG. 1. The locking formations 110 are
conventional and will not be described in detail.
[0081] The upper edges 112 of the side walls 104 and the end walls
106 are designed to receive the edges of the base 102 of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column
stacked condition. The edges and the base may be provided with
complementary locking formations 114, to prevent relative movement
of the stacked containers.
[0082] Each of the end walls 106 carries a retractable stacking
element 116, that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable
container. The retractable stacking element is shown in more detail
in FIGS. 3-6 and comprises a pivotable support bar, mounted in a
recess 118 on the inner face of the carrying wall 106, adjacent its
upper edge 112. The support bar 116 is attached to the end wall by
means of a pivot 120, allowing it to be deployed as shown in FIGS.
3 and 5, or retracted within the recess 118 as shown in FIGS. 4 and
6. A spring element 122 attached to the support bar engages the
rear face of the recess 118 and urges the support bar outwards into
the deployed position. The support bar may however be pushed back
into the recess 118 against the resilience of the biasing member
122.
[0083] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 116 automatically adopt the deployed condition as
shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, owing to the resilience of the biasing
elements 122. This allows the container to be stacked with a
nestable container, without the nestable container intruding
significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The
container can also be column stacked with similar collapsible
containers, which engage the upper edges 112 of the walls
104,106
[0084] In order to fold the container, the end walls 106 are
collapsed first and laid flat against the base 102. The locking
formations 110 are such that they can be released simply by
pressing on the end walls 106. As the stacking elements 116 engage
the base, they are pushed back into the recesses 118 against the
force of the resilient biasing elements 122. The side walls 104 are
then folded down on top of the end walls 106.
[0085] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls are lifted first,
followed by the end walls 106, which are locked into position by
the locking formations 110. As the end walls 106 are lifted, the
stacking elements 116 deploy automatically, under the force of the
resilient biasing elements 122.
[0086] The first container described above provides a number of
important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end
walls 106 have to be folded before the side walls 104, the side
walls 104 cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This
makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking
elements 116 do not protrude far into the open mouth of the
container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods
in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted
automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation.
The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the
stacking bars is also avoided. The container is also suitable for
automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking
elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that the
stacking elements can be easily retracted into the recesses in the
end walls if necessary during the filling operation. The stacking
elements also allow slide stacking from the sides of the container.
Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it
occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected
condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping
costs.
[0087] In a modification of the embodiment described above (not
illustrated), the resilient biasing elements can be formed as
separate components or they can be moulded as parts of the
supporting walls.
Embodiment 2
[0088] The second container 200 shown in FIGS. 7-12 comprises a
substantially rectangular base 202, two side walls 204 and two end
walls 206. The side walls and the end walls are attached to the
base 202 by means of hinges 208, which allow the walls to be folded
flat onto the base 202 for storage or transportation in a collapsed
condition, as shown in FIG. 8. It will be noted that the end walls
206 are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie
adjacent to the base 202. The side walls 204 are collapsed after
the end walls 206 and in the collapsed condition overlie the end
walls 206.
[0089] Complementary locking formations 210 are provided on the end
walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the
container is in the erected condition as shown in FIG. 7. The
locking formations 210 are conventional and will not be described
in detail.
[0090] The upper edges 212 of the side walls 204 and the end walls
206 are designed to receive the edges of the base 202 of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition.
The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking
formations to prevent relative movement of the stacked
containers.
[0091] Each of the side walls 204 carries a retractable stacking
element 216, that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable
container. The retractable stacking element is shown in more detail
in FIGS. 9-12 and comprises a pivotable support bar, mounted in a
recess 218 on the inner face of the carrying side wall 204,
adjacent its upper edge 212. The support bar 216 is attached to the
end wall by means of a hinge 220, allowing it to be deployed as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, or retracted within the recess 218 as
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The support bar is urged outwards into
the deployed position by gravity and is supported in that position
by an inclined wall 221. The support bar may however be pushed back
into the recess 218 when necessary.
[0092] The support bar 216 includes a lower part 216a, a middle
part 216b, and an upper part 216c. When the stacking bar 216 is in
the deployed position as shown in FIG. 12, the lower and upper
parts 216a,216b are inclined outwards from the side wall 204, and
the middle part 216b is substantially horizontal. During use, the
upper edge of the upper part 216c engages the underside of a
stacked container. The upper part 216c includes a number of notches
222, which allow it to fold flat against the folded end walls 206.
The ends of the support bars 216 are received in shaped recesses
224 provided in the end walls 206, when the container is in an
erected condition with the stacking elements deployed (see FIG. 9).
The support bars 216 thus provide a secondary locking function, to
prevent the end walls from being folded inwards. When the container
is to be folded, the support bars 216 are first retracted into the
recesses 218 in the side walls 204 as shown in FIG. 10. This allows
the end walls to be folded flat against the base 202, followed by
the side walls 204.
[0093] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 216 automatically adopt the deployed condition as
shown in FIGS. 9 and 12, owing to the force of gravity. This allows
the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the
nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume
of the container. The container can also be stacked with similar
collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges 212 of the
walls 204,206.
[0094] In order to fold the container, the stacking elements 216
are retracted and the end walls 206 are collapsed and laid flat
against the base 202. The side walls 204 are then folded down on
top of the end walls 206. As the stacking elements 216 engage the
end walls 206, they are pushed back into the recesses 218 in the
side walls.
[0095] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls 204 are lifted
first, followed by the end walls 206, which are locked into
position by the locking formations 210 and the stacking elements
216. The stacking elements 216 deploy automatically, under the
force of gravity.
[0096] The second container described above provides-a similar set
of advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls 206
have to be folded before the side walls 204, the side walls 204
cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the
process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements 216
do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do
not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container.
The stacking elements are deployed and retracted automatically,
avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of
damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is
also avoided. The container is also suitable for automatic filling
owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the
mouth of the container and the fact that the stacking elements can
be easily retracted into the recesses in the side walls if
necessary. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the
ends of the container. Because the stacking elements extend along
substantially the full length of the side walls, it is possible to
stack half-size containers on top of the container in a transverse
direction. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition,
it occupies less than 25% of the volume it occupies when it is in
an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in
shipping costs.
[0097] In a modification of the embodiment described above (not
illustrated), detents can be provided on the stacking elements
and/or the walls to retain the stacking elements in a retracted
condition, for easy loading of the container. After the container
has been filled the stacking elements can be popped back to the
deployed condition for stacking, either manually or
automatically.
Embodiment 3
[0098] The third container 300 shown in FIGS. 13-18 is similar in
many respects to the second container and comprises a substantially
rectangular base 302, two side walls 304 and two end walls 306. The
side walls and the end walls are attached to the base 302 by means
of hinges 308, which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the
base 302 for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, as
shown in FIG. 14. It will be noted that the end walls 306 are
folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent
to the base 302. The side walls 304 are collapsed after the end
walls 306 and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls
306.
[0099] Complementary locking formations are provided on the end
walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the
container is in the erected condition as shown in FIG. 13. The
locking formations are conventional and will not be described in
detail.
[0100] The upper edges 312 of the side walls 304 and the end walls
306 are designed to receive the edges of the base 302 of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition.
The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking
formations to prevent relative movement of the stacked
containers.
[0101] Each of the side walls 304 carries a pair of retractable
stacking elements 316 adjacent its ends, that may be deployed to
allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking
element 316 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 15-18 and comprises a
pivotable support bar that is mounted in a recess 318 on the inner
face of the side wall 304, adjacent its upper edge 312. The support
bar 316 is attached to the side wall by means of a pivot 320,
allowing it to be deployed as shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, or
retracted within the recess 318 as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17. The
support bar is urged outwards into the deployed position by gravity
and is supported in that position by an inclined wall 321. The
support bar may however be pushed back into the recess 318 when
necessary.
[0102] The support bar 316 includes a lower part 316a, a middle
part 316b, and an upper part 316c. When the stacking bar 316 is in
the deployed position as shown in FIGS. 15 and 18, the lower and
upper parts 316a,316b are inclined outwards from the side wall 304,
and the middle part 316b is substantially horizontal. During use,
the upper edge of the upper part 316c engages the underside of a
stacked container. The inner and outer ends of the support bars 316
are chamfered, so that as the end walls 306 are folded inwards or
outwards the support bars 316 are automatically pushed back out of
the way into the recesses. This allows the container to folded and
erected easily. When the container is in a folded condition, the
support bars 316 are pushed back into the recesses 318 by
engagement with the folded end walls. This allows the side walls to
lie flat against the end walls 306.
[0103] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 316 automatically adopt the deployed condition as
shown in FIGS. 15 and 18. This allows the container to be stacked
with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding
significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The
container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers,
which engage the upper edges 312 of the walls 304,306.
[0104] In order to fold the container, the end walls 306 are
collapsed first and laid flat against the base 302. The side walls
304 are then folded down on top of the end walls 306. As the
stacking elements 316 engage the folded end walls 306, they are
pushed back into the recesses 318.
[0105] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls 304 are lifted
first, followed by the end walls 306. As the side walls 304 are
lifted, the stacking elements 316 deploy automatically, under the
force of gravity.
[0106] The third container described above provides a similar set
of advantages over the prior art to the second container, except
that in this case the stacking elements do not allow slide
stacking. On the other hand, because the stacking elements 316 are
located only towards the ends of the side walls they do not impede
access to goods in the container.
[0107] In a modification of the embodiment described above (not
illustrated), detents can be provided on the stacking elements
and/or the walls to retain the stacking elements in a retracted
condition, for easy loading of the container. After the container
has been filled the stacking elements can be popped back to the
deployed condition for stacking, either manually or
automatically.
Embodiment 4
[0108] The fourth container 400 shown in FIGS. 19-26 comprises a
substantially rectangular base 402, two side walls 404 and two end
walls 406. The side walls and the end walls are attached to the
base 402 by means of hinges 408, which allow the walls to be folded
flat onto the base 402 for storage or transportation in a collapsed
condition, as shown in FIG. 20. It will be noted that the end walls
406 are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie
adjacent to the base 402. The side walls 404 are collapsed after
the end walls 406 and in the collapsed condition overlie the end
walls 406.
[0109] Complementary locking formations 410 are provided on the end
walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the
container is in the erected condition as shown in FIG. 19. The
locking formations 410 are conventional and will not be described
in detail.
[0110] The upper edges 412 of the side walls 404 and the end walls
406 are designed to receive the edges of the base 402 of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition.
The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking
formations 414, to prevent relative movement of the stacked
containers.
[0111] Each of the side walls 404 carries a set of fixed stacking
elements 416. Each set includes two end elements 416a and a centre
element 416b, with separating gaps 418. An end stacking element
416a is shown in more detail in FIGS. 21-22 and comprises a fixed
support bracket, which is moulded on the inner face of the side
wall 404, adjacent its upper edge 412.
[0112] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 416 extend inwards from the side walls 404, as
shown in FIGS. 21 and 22. This allows the container to be stacked
with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding
significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The
container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers,
which engage the upper edges 412 of the walls 404,406, or with half
size containers, which are stacked in a transverse direction.
[0113] In order to fold the container, the end walls 406 are
collapsed first and laid flat against the base 402. The locking
formations 410 are such that they can be released simply by
pressing on the end walls 406. The side walls 404 are then folded
down on top of the end walls 406. The separating gaps 418 between
the stacking elements 416a,416b allows the side walls 404 to lie
flat against the end walls 406.
[0114] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls 404 are lifted
first, followed by the end walls 406, which are locked into
position by the locking formations 410.
[0115] The fourth container described above provides a number of
important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end
walls 406 have to be folded before the side walls 404, the side
walls 404 cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This
makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking
elements 416 do not protrude far into the open mouth of the
container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods
in the container. There is no need for the stacking elements to be
deployed and retracted, avoiding the need for a laborious manual
operation. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to
deploy the stacking bars is thus avoided. The container is also
suitable for certain automatic filling processes owing to the fact
that the stacking elements do not intrude very far into the mouth
of the container. The container has no moveable parts apart from
the hinged walls and it is therefore relatively simple and cheap to
manufacture. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from
the ends of the container. Because the stacking elements extend
along substantially the full length of the side walls, it is
possible to stack half-size containers on top of the container in a
transverse direction. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed
condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an
erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping
costs.
Embodiment 5
[0116] The fifth container 500 shown in FIGS. 23-28 comprises a
substantially rectangular base 502, two side walls 504 and two end
walls 506. The side walls and the end walls are attached to the
base 502 by means of hinges 508, which allow the walls to be folded
flat onto the base 502 for storage or transportation in a collapsed
condition, as shown in FIG. 24. It will be noted that the end walls
506 are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie
adjacent to the base 502. The side walls 504 are collapsed after
the end walls 506 and in the collapsed condition overlie the end
walls 506.
[0117] Complementary locking formations are provided on the end
walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the
container is in the erected condition as shown in FIG. 23. The
locking formations are conventional and will not be described in
detail.
[0118] The upper edges 512 of the side walls 504 and the end walls
506 are designed to receive the edges of the base 502 of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition.
The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking
formations to prevent relative movement of the stacked
containers.
[0119] Each of the end walls 506 carries a retractable stacking
element 516, that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable
container. The retractable stacking element 516 is shown in more
detail in FIGS. 25-28 and comprises a pivotable support bar, which
is attached to the end wall 506, adjacent its upper edge 512, by
means of a pivot 520. This allows it to be deployed as shown in
FIGS. 26 and 28, or retracted within a recess 518 on the outer face
of the end wall 506 as shown in FIGS. 25 and 27. The ends of the
support bar include outwardly extending portions 522 that engage
recesses 524 in the upper edges 512 of the side walls 504 when in a
deployed condition. This provides a secondary locking function to
retain the end walls 506 in an upright position.
[0120] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 516 are located in the deployed condition as
shown in FIGS. 26 and 28. This allows the container to be stacked
with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding
significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The
container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers,
which engage the upper edges 512 of the walls 504,506.
[0121] In order to fold the container, the stacking elements 516
are rotated outwards through an angle of approximately 270.degree.
to the retracted condition shown in FIGS. 25 and 27. The end walls
506 are then collapsed and laid flat against the base 502. The side
walls 504 are then folded down on top of the end walls 506.
[0122] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls 504 are lifted
first, followed by the end walls 506, which are locked into
position by the locking formations. The stacking elements 516 are
then rotated to the deployed position, as shown in FIGS. 26 and
28.
[0123] The fifth container described above provides a number of
important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end
walls 506 have to be folded before the side walls 504, the side
walls 504 cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This
makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking
elements 516 do not protrude far into the open mouth of the
container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods
in the container. The container is suitable for automatic filling
owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the
mouth of the container and the fact that the stacking elements can
be easily retracted if necessary. The stacking elements also allow
slide stacking from the sides of the container. Finally, when the
container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of
the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing
greater economies in shipping costs.
Embodiment 6
[0124] The sixth container 600 shown in FIGS. 29-32 comprises a
substantially rectangular base 602, two side walls 604 and two end
walls 606. The side walls and the end walls are attached to the
base 602 by means of hinges 608, which allow the walls to be folded
flat onto the base 602 for storage or transportation in a collapsed
condition, as shown in FIG. 29. It will be noted that the end walls
606 are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie
adjacent to the base 602. The side walls 604 are collapsed after
the end walls 606 and in the collapsed condition overlie the end
walls 606.
[0125] Complementary locking formations are provided on the end
walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the
container is in the erected condition as shown in FIG. 29. The
locking formations are conventional and will not be described in
detail
[0126] The upper edges 612 of the side walls 604 and the end walls
606 are designed to receive the edges of the base 602 of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition.
The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking
formations 614, to prevent relative movement of the stacked
containers.
[0127] Each of the side walls 604 carries a pair of fixed stacking
elements 616 adjacent its ends, to allow stacking with a nestable
container. A stacking element 616 is shown in more detail in FIGS.
31-32 and comprises a support bracket that is moulded onto the
inner face of the side wall 604, adjacent its upper edge 612.
[0128] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 616 extend inwards from the side walls 604, as
shown in FIG. 31. This allows the container to be stacked with a
nestable container, without the nestable container intruding
significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The
container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers,
which engage the upper edges 612 of the walls 604,606.
[0129] In order to fold the container, the end walls 606 are
collapsed first and laid flat against the base 602. The locking
formations are such that they can be released simply by pressing on
the end walls 606. The side walls 604 are then folded down on top
of the end walls 606.
[0130] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls 604 are lifted
first, followed by the end walls 606, which are locked into
position by the locking formations.
[0131] The sixth container described above provides a number of
important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end
walls 606 have to be folded before the side walls 604, the side
walls 604 cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This
makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking
elements 616 do not protrude far into the open mouth of the
container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods
in the container. There is no requirement for the stacking elements
to be deployed and retracted, avoiding the need for a laborious
manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods is thus avoided.
The container is suitable for automatic filling owing to the small
intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container.
Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it
occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected
condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping
costs.
Embodiment 7
[0132] The seventh container 700 shown in FIGS. 33-36 is similar in
many respects to the first container 100 and comprises a
substantially rectangular base 702, two longer side walls 704 and
two shorter end walls 706. The side walls and the end walls are
attached to the base 702 by means of hinges, which allow the walls
to be folded flat onto the base 702 as shown in FIG. 34 for storage
or transportation in a collapsed condition, or erected for use as
shown in FIG. 33. It will be noted that the end walls 706 are
folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent
to the base 702. The length of the end walls 706 is less than the
separation of the erected side walls 704, so that the end walls can
pivot between the side walls. The side walls 704 are provided with
inwardly-extending flanges 708 that help to support the end walls
706 when the container is erected for use.
[0133] The side walls 704 are collapsed after the end walls 706 and
in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls 706. Recesses are
provided where necessary in the side walls to allow them to lie
flat against the end walls.
[0134] Complementary locking formations in the form of resilient
detents are provided on the end walls and the side walls to lock
the walls together when the container is in the erected condition.
The locking formations are conventional and will not be described
in detail.
[0135] The upper edges of the side walls 704 and the end walls 706
are designed to receive the edges of the base of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column
stacked condition. The edges and the base may be provided with
complementary locking formations, to prevent relative movement of
the stacked containers
[0136] Each of the end walls 706 carries a retractable stacking
element 714, that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable
container. The retractable stacking element 714 is shown in more
detail in FIGS. 35-36 and comprises a pivotable support bar 716,
mounted in a recess 718 on the inner face of the end wall 706,
adjacent its upper edge. The support bar 716 is attached to the end
wall by means of a pivot 720, allowing it to be deployed as shown
in FIGS. 33 and 36, or retracted within the recess 718 as shown in
FIGS. 34 and 35. A spring element 722 is attached to the support
bar 716 and extends outwards through an aperture 724 in the rear
face of the recess 718 when the support bar 716 retracted into the
recess 718 (FIGS. 34 and 35). When the container is in an erected
condition, the spring element 722 engages the side wall flange 708
and urges the support bar 716 outwards into the deployed position
(FIG. 36). The support bar may however be pushed back into the
recess 718 against the resilience of the spring element 722.
[0137] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 714 automatically adopt the deployed condition as
shown in FIGS. 33 and 36, owing to the engagement of the spring
elements 722 with the side wall flanges 708. This allows the
container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the
nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume
of the container. The container can also be column stacked with
similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges 712 of
the walls 704,706.
[0138] In order to fold the container, the end walls 706 are
collapsed first and laid flat against the base 702. The locking
formations are such that they can be released simply by pressing on
the end walls 706. As the support bars 716 engage the base, they
are pushed back into the recesses 718 as shown in FIG. 35. The
resilient spring elements 722 protrude through the apertures 724
and are therefore unstressed in the retracted condition. This
avoids the risk of the spring elements being weakened through
prolonged deformation. The side walls 704 are then folded down on
top of the end walls 706.
[0139] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls are lifted first,
followed by the end walls 706, which are locked into position by
the locking formations. As the end walls 706 are lifted, the
stacking elements 714 deploy automatically, under the force of the
resilient spring elements 722 as they engage the side wall flanges
708
[0140] The seventh container described above provides a number of
important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end
walls 706 have to be folded before the side walls 704, the side
walls 704 cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This
makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking
elements 714 do not protrude far into the open mouth of the
container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods
in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted
automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation.
The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the
stacking bars is also avoided. The container is also suitable for
automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking
elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that if
necessary the stacking elements can be easily retracted into the
recesses in the end walls against the resilient bias of the spring
elements during the filling operation. The stacking elements also
allow slide stacking from the sides of the container. Finally, when
the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than
25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby
providing greater economies in shipping costs.
Embodiment 8
[0141] The eighth container 800 shown in FIGS. 37-43 is similar in
many respects to the seventh container and comprises a
substantially rectangular base 802, two longer side walls 804 and
two shorter end walls 806. The side walls and the end walls are
attached to the base 802 by means of hinges, which allow the walls
to be folded flat onto the base 802 as shown in FIG. 38 for storage
or transportation in a collapsed condition, or erected for use as
shown in FIG. 40. The end walls 806 are folded first and in the
collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base 802. The side
walls 804 are collapsed after the end walls 806 and in the
collapsed condition overlie the end walls 806. Recesses are
provided where necessary in the side walls to allow them to lie
flat against the end walls.
[0142] The length of the end walls 806 is less than the separation
of the erected side walls 804, so that the end walls can pivot
between the side walls. The side walls 804 are provided with
inwardly-extending flanges 808 that help to support the end walls
806 when the container is erected for use. Complementary locking
formations in the form of resilient detents 810 are provided on the
end walls and the side walls to lock the walls together when the
container is in the erected condition. The locking formations are
conventional and will not be described in detail.
[0143] The upper edges of the side walls 804 and the end walls 806
are designed to receive the edges of the base of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column
stacked condition. The edges and the base may be provided with
complementary locking formations 812, to prevent relative movement
of the stacked containers
[0144] Each of the end walls 806 carries a retractable stacking
element 814, that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable
container. The retractable stacking element 814 is shown in more
detail in FIG. 37 and comprises a pivotable support bar 816,
mounted in a recess 818 on the inner face of the end wall 806,
adjacent its upper edge. The support bar 816 is attached to the end
wall by means of a pivot 820, allowing it to be deployed as shown
at position 3, or retracted within the recess 818 as shown at
positions 1 and 2.
[0145] A spring element 822 is attached to the support bar 816 and
extends outwards through a window 824 in the rear face of the
recess 818 when the support bar 816 retracted into the recess 818.
When the container is in an erected condition (position 3), the
spring element 822 engages the side wall flange 808 and urges the
support bar 816 outwards into the deployed position. The support
bar may however be pushed back into the recess 818 against the
resilience of the spring element 822, for example to allow
automatic filling of the container.
[0146] The support bar 816 also includes an ear 826 for engaging
the edge of a stacked container. The ear 826 extends through a
second window 828 in the rear face of the recess 818 when the
support bar 816 retracted into the recess 818.
[0147] The ends 830 of the support bar 816 extend outwards beyond
the side edges of the end wall 806, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 41.
Curved grooves 832 are formed on the inner surfaces of the side
walls 804 to accommodate the bar ends 830 and allow folding of the
end wall 806. At the upper ends of the grooves 832 latching support
elements 834 are provided, which engage the bar ends 830 when the
end wall 806 is erected, to help support the bar 816 and retain the
end wall in the erected position. The latching effect may however
be overcome by applying sufficient force to the end wall 806. As
shown in FIG. 43, the bar ends 830 may include terminal flanges 832
that are located over the latching elements 834 when the end wall
806 is erected, to help support the side wall 804
[0148] Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the spring elements
822 may be moulded separately from the support bar 816 and attached
to the support bar by clipping into a groove 834 in its lower edge.
This allows the spring elements 822 to be made from a plastics
material that is resilient and relatively elastic, while the
support bar 816 is made from a cheaper, more rigid plastics
material. Alternatively, the support bar 816 can be moulded from
two different plastics materials, for example by using a twin-shot
moulding technique.
[0149] In use, when the container is in an erected condition as
shown in FIG. 37 (position 3) and FIG. 40, the stacking elements
814 automatically adopt the deployed condition owing to the
engagement of the spring elements 822 with the side wall flanges
808. This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable
container having a base smaller than the mouth of the collapsible
container, without the nestable container intruding significantly
into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also
be column stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage
the upper edges of the walls 804,806.
[0150] In order to fold the container, the end walls 806 are
collapsed first and laid flat against the base 802 as shown in FIG.
37 (position 1). The locking formations are such that they can be
released simply by pressing on the end walls 806. As the support
bars 816 engage the base, they are pushed back into the recesses
818. The resilient spring elements 822 protrude through the
apertures 824 and are therefore unstressed in the retracted
condition. This avoids the risk of the spring elements being
weakened through prolonged deformation. The side walls 804 are then
folded down on top of the end walls 806.
[0151] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls 804 are lifted
first, followed by the end walls 806, which are locked into
position by the locking formations 810 and the latching elements
834. As the end walls 806 are lifted, the stacking elements 814
deploy automatically, under the force of the resilient spring
elements 822 as they engage the side wall flanges 808.
[0152] The eighth container described above provides a number of
important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end
walls 806 have to be folded before the side walls 804, the side
walls 804 cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This
makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking
elements 814 do not protrude far into the open mouth of the
container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods
in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted
automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation.
The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the
stacking bars is also avoided.
[0153] The container is also suitable for automatic filling owing
to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of
the container and the fact that if necessary the stacking elements
can be easily retracted into the recesses in the end walls against
the resilient bias of the spring elements during the filling
operation. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the
sides of the container and they help to support the side walls in
the erected condition. Finally, when the container is in a
collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when
it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies
in shipping costs.
Embodiment 9
[0154] The ninth container 90 shown in FIGS. 45-48 is similar in
certain respects to the eighth container and comprises a
substantially rectangular base 902, two longer side walls 904 and
two shorter end walls 906. The side walls and the end walls are
attached to the base 902 by means of hinges, which allow the walls
to be folded flat onto the base 902 as shown in FIG. 46 for storage
or transportation in a collapsed condition (position 1), or erected
for use as shown in FIG. 48 (position 3). The end walls 906 are
folded first and in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to
the base 902. The side walls 904 are collapsed after the end walls
906 and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls 906.
Recesses are provided where necessary in the side walls to allow
them to lie flat against the end walls.
[0155] The length of the end walls 906 is less than the separation
of the erected side walls 904, so that the end walls can pivot
between the side walls. The side walls 904 are provided with
inwardly-extending flanges 908 that help to support the end walls
906 when the container is erected for use. Complementary locking
formations 910a,b in the form of resilient detents are provided on
the end walls and the side walls to lock the walls together when
the container is in the erected condition. The locking formations
are conventional and will not be described in detail.
[0156] The upper edges of the side walls 904 and the end walls 906
are designed to receive the edges of the base of a similar
container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column
stacked condition. The edges of the walls and the base may be
provided with complementary locking formations 912, to prevent
relative movement of the stacked containers.
[0157] Each of the end walls 906 carries a retractable stacking
element 916, that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable
container. The retractable stacking element 916 is shown in
cross-section in FIGS. 44 and 45 and comprises a pivotable support
bar mounted at the upper edge of the end wall 906. The support bar
916 is attached to the end wall by means of a pivot 920, allowing
it to be deployed as shown in FIG. 45 in broken lines, or retracted
as shown in solid lines by rotating it through 90.degree. to a
position in which it lies in the same plane as the end wall 906.
When the end wall 906 is in a vertical erected condition, the
support bar 916 lies substantially horizontally when deployed and
stands vertically above the end wall 906 when retracted.
[0158] A spring element 922 comprising a flexible tab is provided
at the upper edge of each side wall flange 908. When the container
is in an erected condition, the spring element 922 engages the
support bar 916 and urges it downwards into the deployed position.
The support bar 916 may however be rotated back to the retracted
position against the resilience of the spring element 922, for
example to allow automatic filling of the container.
[0159] The ends 930 of the support bar 916 extend outwards beyond
the side edges of the end wall 906. Curved grooves 932 are formed
on the inner surfaces of the side walls 904 to accommodate the bar
ends 930 and allow folding of the end wall 906. At the upper ends
of the grooves 932 support elements 934 are provided, which engage
the bar ends 930 when the end wall 906 is erected, to help support
the bar 916 when it is carrying the weight of a stacked
container.
[0160] In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the
stacking elements 916 automatically adopt the deployed condition as
shown in FIG. 44 (position 3) and FIG. 48, owing to the engagement
of the spring elements 922 with the stacking elements 916. This
allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container having
a base smaller than the mouth of the collapsible container, without
the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed
volume of the container. The container can also be column stacked
with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges
of the walls 904,906
[0161] In order to fold the container, the end walls 906 are
collapsed first and laid flat against the base 902. The locking
formations 910a,b are such that they can be released simply by
pressing on the end walls 906. As the support bars 916 engage the
base, they are rotated back to the retracted position as shown in
FIG. 46 and FIG. 44 (position 1). The side walls 904 are then
folded down on top of the end walls 906.
[0162] Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse
of the procedure described above. The side walls 904 are lifted
first, followed by the end walls 906, which are locked into
position by the locking formations 910a,b. As the end walls 906 are
lifted, the stacking elements 916 deploy automatically, under the
force of the resilient spring elements 922.
[0163] The ninth container described above provides a number of
important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end
walls 906 have to be folded before the side walls 904, the side
walls 904 cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This
makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking
elements 916 do not protrude far into the open mouth of the
container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods
in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted
automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation.
The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the
stacking bars is also avoided.
[0164] The container is also suitable for automatic filling owing
to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of
the container and the fact that if necessary the stacking elements
can be easily retracted against the resilient bias of the spring
elements during the filling operation. The stacking elements also
allow slide stacking from the sides of the container and they help
to support the side walls in the erected condition. Finally, when
the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than
25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby
providing greater economies in shipping costs.
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