U.S. patent application number 12/963769 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-16 for fork tine notch.
Invention is credited to Roger Nolan.
Application Number | 20110139775 12/963769 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44144833 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110139775 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nolan; Roger |
June 16, 2011 |
Fork Tine Notch
Abstract
The present invention provides a stackable bin having a
collapsed position and an erected position. The bin includes a base
having an upper surface, a pair of opposing ends, and a pair of
opposing sides. In an embodiment of the present invention, the base
has raised upper edges along at least one of the pair of opposing
sides or opposing ends. The bin also includes a pair of opposing
side walls, each side wall attached at a lower edge to a respective
base side, each side wall also including an upper edge. The bin
further includes a pair of opposing end walls, each end wall
attached at a lower edge to a respective base end, each end wall
also including an upper edge. The bin includes at least one base
notch in at least one raised upper edge of the base to provide
forklift fork tine access when the bin is in the collapsed
position, and at least one wall notch in the upper edge of at least
one of the pair of side walls or end walls to provide forklift fork
tine access when the bin is in the erected position.
Inventors: |
Nolan; Roger; (Seymour,
IN) |
Family ID: |
44144833 |
Appl. No.: |
12/963769 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 ; 206/503;
220/628; 220/676 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 19/18 20130101;
B65D 2519/00338 20130101; B65D 88/522 20130101; B65D 2519/00502
20130101; B65D 2519/00646 20130101; B65D 2519/00522 20130101; B65D
2519/00034 20130101; B65D 2519/00268 20130101; B65D 2519/00288
20130101; B65D 2519/00422 20130101; B65D 2519/00402 20130101; B65D
2519/00407 20130101; B65D 2519/00975 20130101; B65D 2519/00318
20130101; B65D 2519/00497 20130101; B65D 2519/00805 20130101; B65D
2519/009 20130101; B65D 2519/00587 20130101; B65D 2519/00174
20130101; B65D 2519/0096 20130101; B65D 21/068 20130101; B65D
2519/00069 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/6 ; 220/628;
220/676; 206/503 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/16 20060101
B65D006/16; B65D 90/12 20060101 B65D090/12; B65D 90/02 20060101
B65D090/02; B65D 21/00 20060101 B65D021/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 16, 2009 |
CN |
200930355382.X |
Dec 16, 2009 |
CN |
200930355383.4 |
Dec 16, 2009 |
CN |
200930355384.9 |
Feb 10, 2010 |
CN |
201020111642.6 |
Mar 17, 2010 |
CN |
201020132357.2 |
Mar 30, 2010 |
CN |
201020145498.8 |
Apr 14, 2010 |
CN |
201020159206.6 |
Apr 23, 2010 |
CN |
201020169698.7 |
May 21, 2010 |
CN |
201020198781.7 |
Jun 8, 2010 |
CN |
201020218082.4 |
Jun 8, 2010 |
CN |
201020218085.8 |
Claims
1. A stackable bin, the bin having a collapsed position and an
erected position, the bin including: a base having an upper
surface, a pair of opposing ends, and a pair of opposing sides; the
base also having raised upper edges along at least one of the pair
of opposing sides or opposing ends; a pair of opposing side walls,
each side wall attached at a lower edge to a respective base side,
each side wall also including an upper edge; a pair of opposing end
walls, each end wall attached at a lower edge to a respective base
end, each end wall also including an upper edge; and at least one
base notch in the raised upper edge of at least one side of the
pair of opposing sides or at least one end of the pair of opposing
ends of the base to provide forklift fork tine access when the bin
is in the collapsed position.
2. The bin of claim 1 wherein the at least one base notch includes
first and second notches.
3. The bin of claim 1 further including at least one end wall notch
in the upper edge of at least one end wall of the pair of opposing
end walls to provide forklift fork tine access when the bin is in
the erected position.
4. The bin of claim 3 wherein the at least one end wall notch in
the upper edge of the at least one end wall of the pair of opposing
end walls includes first and second notches.
5. The bin of claim 1 further including at least one side wall
notch in the upper edge of at least one side wall of the pair of
opposing side walls to provide forklift fork tine access when the
bin is in the erected position.
6. The bin of claim 5 wherein the at least one side wall notch in
the upper edge of the at least one side wall of the pair of
opposing side walls includes first and second notches.
7. The bin of claim 5 wherein the at least one side wall notch
extends within a range from 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the upper
edge of the at least one side wall.
8. The bin of claim 3 wherein the at least one end wall notch
extends within a range from 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the upper
edge of the at least one end wall.
9. The bin of claim 1 wherein the at least one base notch extends
within a range from 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the raised upper
edge of the base.
10. A stackable bin, the bin having a collapsed position and an
erected position, the bin including: a base having an upper
surface, a pair of opposing ends, and a pair of opposing sides; the
base also having raised upper edges along at least one of the pair
of opposing sides or opposing ends; a pair of opposing side walls,
each side wall attached at a lower edge to a respective base side,
each side wall also including an upper edge; a pair of opposing end
walls, each end wall attached at a lower edge to a respective base
end, each end wall also including an upper edge; and at least one
wall notch in the upper edge of at least one side wall of the pair
of opposing side walls or at least one end wall of the pair of
opposing end walls to provide forklift fork tine access when the
bin is in the erected position.
11. The bin of claim 10 further including at least one base notch
in the raised upper edge of at least one side of the pair of
opposing sides or at least one end of the pair of opposing ends of
the base to provide forklift fork tine access when the bin is in
the collapsed position.
12. The bin of claim 11 wherein the at least one base notch in the
upper edge of the raised upper edge of the at least one side of the
pair of opposing sides or the at least one end of the pair of
opposing ends of the base includes first and second notches.
13. The bin of claim 10 wherein the at least one wall notch in the
upper edge of the at least one side wall of the pair of opposing
side walls or the at least one end wall of the pair of opposing end
walls includes first and second notches.
14. The bin of claim 11 wherein the at least one base notch extends
within a range from 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the raised upper
edge of the base.
15. The bin of claim 10 wherein the at least one wall notch extends
within a range from 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the upper edge of
the at least one end wall or the at least one side wall.
16. A stackable bin, the bin having a collapsed position and an
erected position, the bin including: a base having an upper
surface, a pair of opposing ends, and a pair of opposing sides; the
base also having raised upper edges along at least one of the pair
of opposing sides or opposing ends; a pair of opposing side walls,
each side wall attached at a lower edge to a respective base side,
each side wall also including an upper edge; a pair of opposing end
walls, each end wall attached at a lower edge to a respective base
end, each end wall also including an upper edge; at least one base
notch in the raised upper edge of at least one side of the pair of
opposing sides or at least one end of the pair of opposing ends of
the base to provide forklift fork tine access when the bin is in
the collapsed position; and at least one wall notch in the upper
edge of at least one side wall of the pair of opposing side walls
or at least one side wall of the pair of opposing end walls to
provide forklift fork tine access when the bin is in the erected
position.
17. The bin of claim 16 wherein the at least one wall notch in the
upper edge of the at least one side wall of the pair of opposing
side walls or the at least one end wall of the pair of opposing end
walls includes first and second notches.
18. The bin of claim 16 wherein the at least one base notch in the
upper edge of the raised upper edge of the at least one side of the
pair of opposing sides or the at least one end of the pair of
opposing ends of the base includes first and second notches.
19. The bin of claim 16 wherein the at least one base notch extends
within a range from 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the raised upper
edge of the base.
20. The bin of claim 16 wherein the at least one wall notch extends
within a range from 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the upper edge of
the at least one end wall or the at least one side wall.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of Chinese Patent
Application No. 200930355384.9, entitled Nine Feet Geometric Bulk
Plastic Container--No Door, filed Dec. 16, 2009; Chinese Patent
Application No. 200930355383.4, entitled, Stringer Geometric Bulk
Plastic Container, filed Dec. 16, 2009; Chinese Patent Application
No. 200930355382.X, entitled Nine Feet Geometric Bulk Plastic
Container, filed Dec. 16, 2009; Chinese Patent Application No.
201020111642.6, entitled Bulk Plastic Container Panel By Geometric
Structure, filed Feb. 10, 2010; Chinese Patent Application No.
201020132357.2, entitled Universal Latch for Bulk Plastic
Container, filed Mar. 17, 2010; Chinese Patent Application No.
201020145498.8, entitled Floating Hinge Lock Structure, filed Mar.
30, 2010; Chinese Patent Application No. 201020159206.6, entitled
Erected Side Wall Lock Structure, filed Apr. 14, 2010; Chinese
Patent Application No. 201020169698.7, entitled 45 Degree Assembly
Structure for Side Wall, filed Apr. 23, 2010; Chinese Patent
Application No. 201020198781.7, entitled Notch Structure for Low
Profile Container, filed May 21, 2010; Chinese Patent Application
No. 201020218085.8, entitled Lock Structure for Connecting
Panel-Long Ribs and Short Ribs, filed Jun. 8, 2010; Chinese Patent
Application No. 201020218082.4, entitled Double Rib Structure on
Panels, filed Jun. 8, 2010, the contents of all of which are
incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present application also claims the benefit of copending
U.S. patent applications entitled "Collapsible Bin," Ser. No.
______, and Attorney Docket No. 52045-7373, and "Bulk Container
with Angled Side Wall to Base Installation," Ser. No. 12/963,751,
and Attorney Docket No. 52045-7371, both concurrently filed
herewith, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0003] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention generally relates to a collapsible bin
for transporting and/or storing items or materials.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Many different types of containers are used for transporting
and displaying goods. Plastic collapsible bins with foldable side
walls are in common use. An example of a collapsible bin is shown
in U.S. Pat. No. 4,674,647 to Gyenge et al.
[0006] Plastic collapsible bins can vary in size to accommodate the
intended items or materials with which they will be used. Larger
bins can be handled by standard forklifts to facilitate transport
and storage. The bins are typically made of a base with hinged side
and end walls. The base and the side and end walls are generally
made of an injection molded plastic, but can be made using any
suitable material or process. The walls include hinges, integrally
formed with the side and end walls, or in separate pieces, at their
bottom edges. The hinges cooperate with the base to allow the end
and side walls to be folded downward over the base when the bin is
not in use. To erect the side and end walls, the walls are
typically extended upward from their folded position and
interlocked at their edges. The edges of the side and end walls
include mating or interlocking members. The side and end walls are
latched to each other, or nested in pockets, for stability in the
fully erected position.
[0007] It is desirable to transport empty bins in a folded or
collapsed position to minimize their profile. This minimized
profile allows the bins to be efficiently stacked. Typically, bins
have a 3/4 inch deep stacking interlock inset on the order of 13/8
to 2 inches around the bin perimeter to enable bins to be stacked
without their sliding off of each other. Because of the desire to
maintain a low profile, when collapsed bins are stacked one upon
another, or when erected bins are stacked, there is not enough
clearance for a forklift fork tine to effect lifting of stacked
bins other than from beneath the lowest bin. The loss of 3/4 inch
when the bins are stacked prevents the forklift fork tines from
being able to enter the fork tine tunnel area between stacked bins.
Pallet jacks cannot be used with bins of this type because a pallet
jack requires a higher profile.
[0008] The present invention provides a collapsible bin able to be
selectively lifted by a forklift when stacked in both the collapsed
and erected positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention provides a stackable bin having a
collapsed position and an erected position. The bin includes a base
having an upper surface, a pair of opposing ends, and a pair of
opposing sides. In an embodiment of the present invention, the base
has raised upper edges along at least one of the pair of opposing
sides or opposing ends. The bin also includes a pair of opposing
side walls, each side wall attached at a lower edge to a respective
base side, each side wall also including an upper edge. The bin
further includes a pair of opposing end walls, each end wall
attached at a lower edge to a respective base end, each end wall
also including an upper edge. The bin includes at least one base
notch in at least one raised upper edge of the base to provide
forklift fork tine access when the bin is in the collapsed
position, and at least one wall notch in the upper edge of at least
one of the pair of side or end walls to provide forklift fork tine
access when the bin is in the erected position.
[0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with
the following Figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0011] To understand the present invention, it will now be
described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying
Figures in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible bin in an
erected position in accord with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a collapsible bin in a
collapsed position in accord with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a side view of the collapsed collapsible bin of
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a side view of the erected collapsible bin of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a side view of stacked collapsible bins in an
erected position in accord with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a side view of stacked collapsible bins in a
collapsed position in accord with an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of stacked collapsible bins in
an erected position with forklift fork tine shown in accord with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of stacked collapsible
bins in a collapsed position with forklift fork tine shown in
accord with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many
different forms, there is shown in the Figures and will herein be
described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not
intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the
embodiments illustrated.
[0021] Referring to FIG. 1, a collapsible bin 10 includes a base
12, a pair of opposing end walls 14, and a pair of opposing side
walls 16. The base 12, the end walls 14, and side walls 16 are
preferably made using a plastic molding process.
[0022] The base 12 has a pair of opposing ends 18 and a pair of
opposing sides 20. The base 12 also includes an upper surface (not
shown), also known as the deck, and a lower surface 24. Items or
materials to be transported or stored are placed on the upper
surface. Legs 26 extend from the lower surface 24 to support the
base 12. Legs 26 define fork tunnels 28 for forklift tine access to
permit the bin 10 to be moved using a forklift. The upper surface
is typically of flat sheet of plastic. The lower surface 24 of the
base 12 can include ribs (not shown) to provide structure and to
strengthen the base 12.
[0023] As best shown in FIGS. 1 through 4, the base 12 includes at
its opposing sides 20 raised edges 30 extending upwardly from the
base 12. In accord with an embodiment of the present invention, the
end walls 14 and side walls 16 are attached to the base 12 via
hinges 32 at the base ends 18 and sides 20, respectively. The
raised edges 30 along the sides 20 permit the end walls 14 and side
walls 16 to be folded over the base 12 as shown in FIGS. 2 and
3.
[0024] Either the end walls 14 or side walls 16 can have doors 34
for access to items or materials stored within the bin 10 when the
bins 10 are stacked upon each other. The doors 34 have hinges 36 at
a bottom edge 38 to permit the doors 34 to swing downwardly about
the hinges 36. The doors also include latches 39 to selectively
open and secure the doors 34.
[0025] The end walls 14 have upper edges 40. The side walls 16 have
upper edges 42. In accord with an embodiment of the present
invention, one or both of the end walls 14 or side walls 16 include
a pair of end wall notches 44 and side wall notches 46 along upper
edges 40 and 42. In addition, the raised edges 30 of the base 12
have a pair of base notches 48. The notches 44, 46, and 48 are
spaced apart from each other at a distance to accommodate forklift
fork tines as will be described in greater detail below. The
notches 44, 46, and 48 preferably extend in a range from
approximately 3/8 inch to 11/2 inches below the upper edges 40 and
42 of the end and side walls 14 and 16, and the raised edges 30 of
the base 12. In another embodiment, the upper edges 40 and 42 of
the end and side walls 14 and 16, or raised edges 30 of the base 12
can include a single notch sized to accommodate both forklift fork
tines.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows bins 10 stacked in their erected position. FIG.
6 shows bins 10 stacked in their collapsed position. As best shown
in FIGS. 4, 5, and 8, the base 12 includes at the bottoms of its
legs 26 a stacking interlock 50. The interlock 50 includes an inset
wall 52 on the order of 3/4 inch tall inset approximately 11/2
inches from an outer surface 54 of each leg 26. As best shown in
FIGS. 5 through 8, the interlock 50 allows stable stacking of the
bins 10 in either the erected or collapsed position. However, when
collapsed or erected bins are stacked one upon another, there is
not enough clearance for a forklift fork tine to effect lifting of
stacked bins other than from beneath the lowest bin. The loss of
3/4 inch when the bins are stacked prevents the forklift fork tines
from being able to enter the fork tine tunnel area between stacked
bins. The notches 44, 46, and 48 regain the lost 3/4 inch to permit
sufficient space for a fork tine 56.
[0027] FIG. 7 shows stacked bins 10 in their erected position. FIG.
7 shows interaction between a forklift fork tine 56 and the present
invention. Only one tine 56 is shown for clarity purposes although
it will be understood that two forklift fork tines 56 are used.
Fork tines 56 are typically on the order of 21/2 and 23/4 inches
thick at their thickest point. To lift a bin 10 that is stacked on
another bin 10, the fork tines 56 are inserted into an opening 58
created by the fork tunnels 28 of the upper bin 10 and side wall
notches 46 in the upper edge 42 of the side wall 16 of the lower
bin 10. The fork tunnels 28 and notches 46 should align to allow
insertion of the fork tines for lifting of the upper bin or bins
10. On most forklifts, the distance between the fork tines 56 is
adjustable. It will be understood that a forklift can similarly be
used on the fork tunnels 28 and end wall notches 44 of the end
walls 14.
[0028] Similarly, FIGS. 6 and 8 show stacked bins 10 in their
collapsed position. To lift a bin 10 that is stacked on another bin
10, the fork tines 56 are inserted into an opening 60 created by
the fork tunnels 28 of the upper bin 10 and base notches 48 in the
raised upper edge 30 of the side end 16 of the base 12.
[0029] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the
scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the
accompanying Claims.
* * * * *