U.S. patent application number 14/249508 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-16 for roll container latching mechanism.
This patent application is currently assigned to Hepburn Bond LLP. The applicant listed for this patent is Hepburn Bond LLP. Invention is credited to Carlos J. Fordham.
Application Number | 20140305937 14/249508 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48537202 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140305937 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fordham; Carlos J. |
October 16, 2014 |
ROLL CONTAINER LATCHING MECHANISM
Abstract
FIG. 1 shows a container 10 in accordance with an embodiment of
the present invention. The container 10 is a roll container
comprising a base 12, which extends between a first side 14 and a
second, opposing, side 16. The sides 14, 16 are supported from
beneath by a Z-shaped frame 18. In the embodiment shown, the frame
18 is made of steel. The frame 18 is fitted with four wheels 20,
one in each corner of the frame 18, for transportation of the
container 10.
Inventors: |
Fordham; Carlos J.;
(Solihull, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hepburn Bond LLP |
Solihull |
|
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
Hepburn Bond LLP
Solihull
GB
|
Family ID: |
48537202 |
Appl. No.: |
14/249508 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/6 ;
220/600 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62B 2203/30 20130101;
B62B 2205/33 20130101; B65D 7/42 20130101; B62B 3/188 20130101;
B62B 2205/24 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/6 ;
220/600 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/00 20060101
B65D006/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 12, 2013 |
GB |
1306725.1 |
Claims
1. A roll container comprising a base, the base being movable
between a first working position and a second storage position,
wherein the container and/or the base is configured to retain the
base in its second storage position by a magnetic force.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the base is retained
in the second storage position by a magnetic force between the base
and a side of the container.
3. The container according to claim 2, wherein one of the base and
the side comprises a ferromagnetic material and the other of the
base and the side comprises at least one magnet which serves to
hold the base in its second storage position.
4. The container according to claim 4, wherein the side comprises a
ferromagnetic material and the base comprises at least one
magnet.
5. The container according to claim 2, wherein in its first working
position the base is substantially perpendicular to the side.
6. The container according to claim 2, wherein in its second
storage position the base is aligned with or nested in the
side.
7. The container according to claim 2, comprising a first side and
a second, opposing, side, the sides being held in a fixed spaced
relationship by a frame.
8. The container according to claim 7, wherein in its first working
position the base extends between the first and the second
sides.
9. The container according to claim 7, wherein the frame provides a
support for the base when in its first working position.
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the base is
pivotally attached to the frame.
11. The container according to claim 2, wherein the base is
pivotally attached to a side of the container.
12. The container according to claim 7, wherein the frame is
Z-shaped.
13. The container according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 4,
wherein the frame comprises a ferromagnetic material such that the
magnet also functions to retain the base in its first working
position.
14. The container according to claim 1, further comprising wheels
or rollers for transportation of the container.
15. The container according to claim 1, wherein when the base is in
its second storage position, the container can be stacked or nested
with one or more further containers.
16. A base for a roll container, wherein the base comprises at
least one magnet.
17. The base according to claim 16, wherein the magnet is located
at or near to the periphery of the base.
18. The base according to claim 16, wherein the magnet is embedded
or enclosed within the thickness of the base.
19. The base according to claim 16, wherein the base comprises
plastic.
20. The base according to claim 16, comprising a substantially
planar panel.
21. The base according to claim 16, wherein the base has holes or
perforations therein.
22. The base according to claim 16, wherein the base comprises an
opening through which the magnet is visible.
23. A base for a roll container, wherein the base comprises at
least one magnet, for use with the container of claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF USE
[0001] The present invention relates to a container for storing
and/or transporting goods. In particular, the present invention
relates to a container comprising a moveable base which is held in
place by a magnetic force.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Retailers such as supermarkets rely on logistical equipment
to move products around their stores, for example to re-stock
shelves. Frequently, products are transported using "roll
containers". These containers generally comprise a base onto which
stock is loaded, and one or more sides of significant height to
partially enclose the stock and prevent it from falling off the
base. This allows boxes of products to be stacked so that large
quantities of stock can be transported at once. The containers are
fitted with wheels to facilitate transportation around the
store.
[0003] The base of the roll containers may be pivoted into an
upright position in which the base is parallel with a side of the
container. This allows the roll containers to be nested or stacked
together when not in use, thereby saving space. The base may be
held it this upright position by simply tying it to the side of the
container. However, the tie is easily broken or is not applied by
the user so that the base falls down into its normal resting
position. This leads to the bases being broken when one roll
container is pushed into another to nest them together.
[0004] The present invention seeks to mitigate the problem
described above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with the first aspect of the present
invention, there is provided a container comprising a base, the
base being movable between a first working position and a second
storage position, wherein the container and/or the base is
configured to retain the base in its second storage position by a
magnetic force.
[0006] As used herein, a "container" will be understood to mean
anything that contains, or can contain, something else. A container
may have at least one wall or side which at least partially
contains the item(s) placed therein. By "contain" it will be
appreciated that the container may not completely enclose the
item(s), but may simply define a space which is enclosed on at
least one side to help retain the item(s) within the space defined
by the container. In certain embodiments, the container has two or
more sides (in addition to the base).
[0007] As used herein, a "base" will be understood as a part of the
container which provides a support onto which items to be stored or
transported are placed. The base may comprise a planar surface
which is approximately horizontal, in use, or it may be
inclined.
[0008] In some embodiments, the base is retained in the second
storage position by a magnetic force between the base and a side of
the container. The use of a magnetic force to retain the base in
the second storage position is particularly advantageous since it
is simple in terms of construction, easy and quick to use, and
avoids the user having to operate clips, ties or other mechanisms
in order to secure the base in the storage position. The use of a
magnetic force also overcomes the problem of breakage of clips or
ties and therefore is more secure, thereby reducing the chance of
breakage of the base when containers are stacked or nested
together.
[0009] In some embodiments, one of the base and the side comprises
a ferromagnetic material and the other of the base and the side
comprises at least one magnet which serves to hold the base in its
second storage position. In further embodiments, the side comprises
a ferromagnetic material and the base comprises at least one
magnet. Thus the magnetic attraction between the ferromagnetic
material and the at least one magnet serves to hold the base in the
second storage position.
[0010] The side of the container may be made entirely from
ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, only a part of the side may
be made from ferromagnetic material. For example, only a part of
the side which comes into contact with the base when in its second
storage position may be made from ferromagnetic material.
[0011] The strength of the magnet (or the combined strength of the
magnets when more than one magnet is used) required will vary
depending on factors such as the thickness and weight of the base,
the type and positioning of the ferromagnetic material, the whether
a coating is applied to the base and/or sides. However, it will be
appreciated that the magnetic force must be sufficiently strong to
retain the base in the second storage position even when the base
and/or the container is knocked (for example, when the containers
are nested together), but that the magnetic force must not be so
strong that the base cannot be easily separated from the side and
returned by a user to the first working position when required. In
other words, the magnetic force must not be greater than the force
a user can apply with their hands.
[0012] In its first working position the base may be substantially
orthogonal to the side of the container. For example, the side may
be substantially vertical (i.e. upright) and the base may be
substantially horizontal. A substantially horizontal base is
preferred since it provides a stable platform for supporting
goods.
[0013] In its second storage position the base may be aligned with
the side. In some embodiments, the base is parallel to the side in
its second storage position. The base may be positioned such that
at least a part of the base abuts the side in its second storage
position. Alternatively, the base may be nested in the side in its
second storage position. For example, the side may comprise an
opening into which the base is received in its second storage
position. The opening in the side may correspond approximately to
the size of the base such that the base substantially fills the
opening when in its second storage position. In the second storage
position the base is conveniently stowed, allowing the container to
be stacked or nested with one or more other containers.
[0014] In some embodiments, the container comprises a first side
and a second, opposing, side, the sides being held in a fixed
spaced relationship by a frame. In its first working position the
base may extend between the first and the second sides. In some
embodiments the frame provides a support for the base when in its
first working position. The frame may also provide a support for
the sides of the container. For example, the frame may be
positioned at or near to the bottom ends of the sides such that
when the base is in its first working position, the frame is
underneath the base and supports it. This arrangement is
advantageous because it increases the load that the base can
carry.
[0015] In some embodiments, the base is pivotally attached to a
side of the container. Alternatively, the base may be pivotally
attached to the frame. A pivotal attachment conveniently allows the
base to be moved between the first working position and the second
storage position while remaining attached to the container. The
base may be attached to the side or the frame of the container by
one or more hinges.
[0016] The frame may be `Z`, `A` or `E`-shaped. Frames of these
shapes are strong and conveniently allow the container to be
stacked or nested with one or more other containers, when the base
is in its second storage position. In some embodiments, the frame
is Z-shaped. The frame may be made of any suitable material, such
as metal, wood or plastic. In some embodiments, the frame comprises
a ferromagnetic material and the base comprises at least one
magnet, such that the magnet also functions to retain the base in
its first working position. The frame may be made entirely from
ferromagnetic material. Alternatively, only a part of the frame
which comes into contact with the base when in its first working
position is made from ferromagnetic material.
[0017] The ferromagnetic material may be any suitable material such
as iron, nickel, cobalt, rare earth gadolinium, dysprosium,
samarium or neodymium, or alloys thereof. In some embodiments, the
ferromagnetic material is steel.
[0018] In some embodiments, the container comprises three or four
sides. In some particular embodiments, the container comprises
fours sides. At least one of the sides may comprise a door or
opening through which goods can be placed into and removed from the
container. The container may further comprise a lid or roof for
protection of the items contained therein.
[0019] The container may further comprise wheels or rollers to
facilitate transportation of the container. Wheels may be fitted to
the sides and/or the frame of the container. In some embodiments,
the container comprises four wheels.
[0020] In some embodiments, the container is a roll container.
[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a base for a container, wherein the base comprises at
least one magnet.
[0022] In some embodiments, the magnet is located at or near to the
periphery of the base. For example, the magnet may be placed near
to an edge opposite to an edge of the base which is pivotally
attached to the side or frame of the container.
[0023] In embodiments wherein the base comprises a magnet, the
magnet may be fixed to a surface of the base. In some embodiments,
the magnet is embedded or enclosed within the thickness of the
base. This prevents the magnet from protruding from the base,
thereby allowing the base to lie flush against the side and/or the
frame. It also helps to protect the magnet and reduces the chance
of the magnet being detached from the base.
[0024] The base may be made of any suitable material, such as wood,
metal or plastic. In some embodiments, the base comprises plastic.
In some embodiments, the base comprises a substantially planar
(e.g. rectangular) panel. The panel may be made of plastic. The
base may have holes or perforations therein. Such holes or
perforations may help to reduce the weight and/or cost of the base.
In some embodiments, an underside of the base comprises cavities
therein in which the magnet is positioned. The magnet may be
attached to the base by any suitable means, for example by
adhesive. Alternatively, the base may be moulded around the
magnet.
[0025] In some embodiments, the base comprises an opening through
which the magnet is visible. For example, the magnet may be
positioned within a cavity in the underside of the base. An upper
surface may have an opening therein which is aligned with the
position of the magnet. The opening advantageously increases the
magnetic field in the vicinity of the opening, thereby providing a
stronger attractive force between the base and the side and/or
frame.
[0026] In some embodiments, the base comprises two or more magnets.
The magnets may be spaced apart in or on the base. For example, the
base may comprise two magnets which are positioned at opposite ends
of the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0027] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with
reference to the accompanying Figures in which:
[0028] FIG. 1 is an end perspective view of a roll container
comprising a base in its first working position;
[0029] FIG. 2 is an end perspective view of a roll container
wherein the base is being lifted from its first working position
into its second storage position;
[0030] FIG. 3 is an end perspective partial view of a roll
container comprising a base in its second storage position;
[0031] FIG. 4 is an end perspective view of the container of FIG.
2, nested with a further container comprising a base in the second
storage position;
[0032] FIG. 5 is an underside view of a base comprising a magnet;
and
[0033] FIG. 6 is a topside view of a base comprising a magnet.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS
[0034] FIG. 1 shows a container 10 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention. The container 10 is a roll container
comprising a base 12, which extends between a first side 14 and a
second, opposing, side 16. The sides 14, 16 are supported from
beneath by a Z-shaped frame 18. In the embodiment shown, the frame
18 is made of steel. The frame 18 is fitted with four wheels 20,
one in each corner of the frame 18, for transportation of the
container 10.
[0035] Each of the sides 14, 16 comprises two, upright and
horizontally spaced apart poles 22. Between the poles 22 are a
plurality of vertical bars 24, which are intersected by a plurality
of horizontal bars 26, forming a mesh. In the embodiment shown, the
poles 22 and bars 24, 26 are made of steel.
[0036] The base 12 comprises a planar, substantially rectangular,
plastic panel 28 with a plurality of hexagonal holes 30 therein.
The base 12 is pivotally attached to the frame 18 by a hinge 32
which is positioned adjacent to the first side 14.
[0037] FIG. 1 shows the base 12 in a first working position. In
this position, the base 12 lies substantially horizontally,
perpendicular to the first and second sides 14, 16, and is
supported by the frame 18.
[0038] The base 12 can be pivoted by about 90.degree. into a second
storage position, as shown in FIG. 2. In this position, the base 12
is held upright, aligned with and in contact with the first side 14
of the container 10, as shown in FIG. 3. When base 12 is retained
in the second storage position, the container 10 can be nested with
a second container 10a by slotting the Z-frames 18, 18a together,
as shown in FIG. 4.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows an underside 34 of the base 12. The base 12 is
moulded such that the underside 34 of the base 12 contains multiple
cavities 36, which reduce the weight and cost of the base 12 while
maintaining its strength. Embedded in one of the cavities 36,
toward an end 38 of the base 12, is an elongate magnet 40. In the
embodiment shown, the base 12 was moulded around the magnet 40 in
order to hold the magnet 40 in place.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows an upper surface 42 of the base 12. A
rectangular opening 44 has been made in the upper surface 42 of the
base 12. The opening 44 is aligned with the position of the magnet
40 in the underside 34 of the base such that the magnet 40 is
visible through the opening 44. The opening 44 maximises the
magnetic force between the magnet 40 and the magnetic material
forming the side 14 of the container 10. Although only one magnet
40 is shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, it will be
understood that the base 12 may, in some embodiments, contain one
or more further magnets 40 (e.g. at opposite ends of the base 12).
In the second storage position the opening 44 is aligned with the
pole 22.
[0041] By virtue of the attractive magnetic force between the
magnet and the sides of the container the base is securely held in
the second storage position, allowing containers to be nested or
stacked without damaging the base. The use of a magnetic force is
advantageous because it does not require the user to operate a tie
or a catch to secure the base in place. Instead, the user can lift
the base single-handedly, or can even kick the base upwardly while
keeping their hands free to move the container into place. Once the
base comes into proximity with the side of the container, the
magnetic attraction between the base and the side draws the base
into the second storage position and retains it. Since the magnet
may be embedded within the base (or the side), there is a reduced
chance of it becoming damaged or dislodged compared to a
conventional tie or catch. The base is highly unlikely to return to
the first working position unless desired, and is therefore
protected from damage caused when containers are nested or stacked
together.
[0042] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
various modifications may be made to the above embodiments
described above without departing from the scope of the present
invention as defined by the accompanying claims.
* * * * *