HK1186163A - Bulk bin - Google Patents

Description

Container, especially container for transporting goods

Technical Field

The present invention relates to boxes, particularly containers for loading and transporting articles.

Background

Shipping containers are commonly used to carry and transport many different types of items, including food products such as fruit or produce. Conventional containers are essentially box-like structures having planar square or rectangular walls. Because the walls are flat, it is desirable to strengthen the walls and prevent the container from bulging and cracking when filled with items. Reinforcing ribs may be added to the walls, such as near the interior corners, edges and/or perimeter of the container, to enhance the overall strength of the container. Alternatively, one or more hollow columns may be added to the corners or middle of the walls of the container.

However, because the walls of conventional containers are flat, the addition of the post necessarily results in the post protruding from either the inner or outer wall surface. If it protrudes outside the wall, the outer dimensions of the container are increased without any increase in the inner volume of the container. As a result, the outer columns lead to space inefficient use.

However, if the post is raised on the inner surface of the wall, the post will disrupt the smooth surface of the inner wall. This can lead to scratching and damage to the contents of the container, particularly if the contents are perishable, such as fruits or vegetables.

Accordingly, there is a need for a shipping container that is structurally sound without the need for additional protruding posts on the interior or exterior surfaces of the walls of the shipping container.

Disclosure of Invention

The container according to the invention comprises four sides and a base. The container interior includes a substantially smooth and continuous surface without any sharp or convex corners or edges. Each side includes a top rail portion and a curved wall portion. The top rail is generally straight in the horizontal direction, while the curved wall section is curved (in a concave fashion) in the horizontal direction. A ramp provides a smooth transition between the relatively straight top rail portion and the inwardly concave curved wall portion while maintaining a generally smooth and continuous interior surface of the container.

The curved wall portions of the sides contribute to the strength and rigidity of the container. The corner posts connecting adjacent sides together have a curved inner surface that continues the curvature of the curved wall portion.

According to one aspect of the invention, a container includes a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, and a base. The first side and the second side are connected to a first corner post. The second side and the third side are connected to a second corner post. The third side and the fourth side are connected to a third corner column. Finally, the fourth side and the first side are connected to a fourth corner post. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the first corner post, the second corner post, the third corner post, and the fourth corner post are all connected to the base.

Each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side includes a top rail, a curved wall, and a ramp. The top rail is substantially straight in the horizontal direction. The ramp provides a substantially smooth and continuous transition between the top rail and the curved wall.

In another aspect of the present invention, each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts includes a corner surface. The corner surface is curved.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, each corner surface is connected in a smooth and continuous manner with the inner surfaces of the two curved walls of adjacent ones of the first, second, third and fourth sides.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, each curved wall includes a curvature in a horizontal direction. The curvature is concave from the inside of the container,

in another aspect of the present invention, each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side includes a plurality of horizontal ribs. The horizontal ribs extend from outer surfaces of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the height of the ramp varies along the length of the ramp. The height of the ramp is greatest at the middle of the longitudinal axis of the ramp. The ramp height is smallest at the end of the longitudinal axis of the ramp. The bevel is substantially semi-elliptical.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the curved wall and/or the base includes a number of vents. The base includes a curved top surface that is concave from the interior of the container.

In another aspect of the present invention, the first, second, third and fourth corner posts are substantially outboard of the curved walls of the first, second, third and fourth sides.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the base includes a plurality of supports extending from the bottom of the container. The container further comprises a plurality of feet, each foot cooperating with a support body.

In another aspect of the invention, a shipping container includes a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, and a base. The first side and the second side are connected to a first corner post. The second side and the third side are connected to a second corner post. The third side and the fourth side are connected to a third corner column. Finally, the fourth side and the first side are connected to a fourth corner post. The first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the first corner post, the second corner post, the third corner post, and the fourth corner post are all connected to the base.

Each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side includes a curved wall. Each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts includes a curved corner surface. Each corner surface is connected in a smooth and continuous manner with the inner surfaces of the two curved walls of the adjacent one of the first, second, third and fourth sides.

The foregoing is intended only as a broad summary and is only a few aspects of the present invention. And do not limit the metes and bounds of the invention or the requirements. Further aspects of the invention will be derived from the detailed description of preferred embodiments and the claims.

Drawings

The present invention will be described with reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a container according to a preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a bottom exploded view of the container;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the container;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the container;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the container;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the container;

FIG. 7 is another elevation view of the container;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 7;

FIG. 11 is another top perspective view of the container;

FIG. 12 is another top view of the container;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIGS. 11 and 12;

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of FIG. 13 at A;

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of FIG. 14 at B;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of FIG. 15 at C;

fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the container.

Detailed Description

Referring to fig. 1-6, the shipping container 10 of the present invention includes a base 20 with a first side 30, a second side 32, a third side 34, and a fourth side 36. The first, second, third and fourth sides 30,32,34 and 36 are preferably substantially rectangular in appearance, however, portions of the sides 30,32,34 and 36 are curved (to be described later). Preferably, the vent holes 90 are cut into the first, second, third and fourth sides 30,32,34 and 36 and the base 20. The first side 30 and the second side 32 are connected at a first corner post 40. The second side 32 and the third side 34 are connected at a second corner post 42. The third side 34 and the fourth side 36 are connected at a third corner post 44. The fourth side 36 and the first side 30 are connected at a fourth corner post 46.

Each of the sides 30,32,34 and 36 preferably includes a wall portion and a top rail portion with a ramp portion therebetween. For example, the first side 30 includes a first wall 31, a first rail 60, and a first ramp 70. Second side 32 includes second wall 33, second rail 62, and second ramp 72. The third side 34 includes a third wall 35, a third rail 64, and a third ramp 74. Fourth side 36 includes fourth wall 37, fourth rail 66, and fourth ramp 76.

A first rail 60 extends horizontally between the first 40 and fourth 46 corner posts and preferably vertically to the top of the container 10. The second rail 62 extends horizontally between the first 40 and second 42 corner posts and preferably vertically to the top of the container 10. A third rail 64 extends horizontally between the second 42 and third 44 corner posts and preferably vertically to the top of the container 10. Also, a fourth rail 66 extends horizontally between the third and fourth corner posts 44, 46 and preferably vertically to the top of the container 10. Each of the first, second, third and fourth rails 60,62,64 and 66 are substantially straight in the horizontal direction.

First, second, third and fourth walls 31,33,35 and 37 are located below first, second, third and fourth rails 60,62,64 and 66, respectively, and are curved in a substantially horizontal direction (to be described later). Chamfers 70,72,74, and 76 provide a transition between substantially straight rails 60,62,64, and 66 and substantially curved walls 31,33,35, and 37. For example, first ramp 70 is positioned between first rail 60 and first wall 31. Second ramp 72 is located between second rail 62 and second wall 33. A third ramp 74 is located between the third rail 64 and the third wall 35. Meanwhile, fourth ramp 76 is located between fourth rail 66 and fourth wall 37.

The ribs extend substantially horizontally away from the outside of the top portion of sides 30,32,34 and 36. For example, a plurality of first ribs 61 extend from a top portion of the first side 30. A plurality of first ribs 61 extending from the first rail 60; however, depending on the position of the first rib on the side 30, a portion of the first rib 61 may extend from the first ramp 70 or the first wall 31. Similarly, a plurality of second ribs 63 extend from a top portion of second side 32. A plurality of second ribs 63 extending from the second rail 62; and a portion of the second rib 63 may extend from the second inclined surface 72 or the second wall 33. A number of third ribs 65 extend from a top portion of the third side 34. A plurality of third ribs 65 extend from the third rail 64; and a portion of the third rib 65 may extend from the third ramp 74 or the third wall 35. Finally, a number of fourth ribs 67 extend from a top portion of the fourth side 36. A plurality of fourth ribs 67 extend from the fourth rail 66; and a portion of the fourth rib 67 may extend from the fourth ramp 76 or the fourth wall 37. In the preferred embodiment, each of the first, second, third and fourth ribs 61,63,65 and 67 includes four horizontal ribs, but other numbers of ribs may be used.

The first, second, third and fourth sides 30,32,34 and 36 and the first, second, third and fourth corner posts 40,42,44 and 46 form a frame having a bottom edge and a top edge, the bottom edge of the frame being attached to the base 20 and the top edge of the frame forming an opening for the container 10. This opening is preferably rectangular. In an alternative embodiment, the opening is square.

The first side 30 and the base 20 are connected at a first base corner 50. Second side 32 and base 20 are connected at a second base corner 52. The third side 34 and the base 20 are connected at a third base corner 54. The fourth side 36 and the base 20 are connected at a fourth base corner 56. First, second, third and fourth corner posts 40,42,44 and 46 are also connected to the base 20. Preferably, the first side 30 and the second side 32 are substantially perpendicular to each other; second side 32 and third side 34 are substantially perpendicular to each other; the third side 34 and the fourth side 36 are substantially perpendicular to each other; the fourth side 36 and the first side 30 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

Referring to fig. 2 and 5, one or more brackets 80 preferably project downwardly from the lower surface of the base 20, as shown in fig. 2. Each bracket 80 may be fitted with a foot 82. The stand-offs 82 are disposed substantially along the length of the bottom of the bracket 80 when mated to the bracket 80. Brackets 80 and feet 82 lift base 20 from the ground, thereby facilitating a forklift to lift container 10. The stand-off 82 also serves to protect the bracket 80 and base 20 from crushing, wear and dirt ingress.

The first corner post 40 comprises a first corner surface 41 formed on an inner surface of the first corner post 40 facing the interior of the container 10. Similarly, second, third and fourth corner surfaces 43,45 and 47 are formed on second, third and fourth corner posts 42,44 and 46, respectively.

Corner posts 40,42,44, and 46 are exposed relative to sides 30,32,34, and 36; that is, the corner posts 40,42,44 and 46 are substantially outside of the sides 30,32,34 and 36 and do not project into the interior of the container 10. In addition, the corner posts 40,42,44 and 46 preferably form the four corners of a rectangle. The perimeter of this rectangle is made up of an imaginary line extending from the outside of each corner post 40,42,44, and 46 to the outside of the adjacent corner post 40,42,44, and 46 (e.g., an imaginary line extending from the outside of a first corner post 40 to the outside of a second corner post 42 and to the outside of a fourth corner post 46). Preferably, walls 31,33,35 and 37 are all located substantially inside this perimeter.

Referring to fig. 6, the interior of the container 10 is a substantially continuous smooth surface. The interface of the first wall 31, the second wall 33 and the first corner surface 41 is a substantially continuous smooth surface. The curvature of the first corner surface 41 merges with the first wall 31 and the second wall 3 in a continuous manner without any sharp corners or edges. Similarly, the interface of the second wall 33, the third wall 35 and the second corner surface 43 is a substantially continuous smooth surface. The combined surfaces of the third wall 35, the fourth wall 37 and the third corner surface 45 are a substantially continuous smooth surface. The junction surface of the fourth wall 37, the first wall 31 and the fourth corner surface 47 is a substantially continuous smooth surface.

In addition, the interface of the first wall 31 and the base 20 (via the first base corner 50) is a substantially smooth and continuous surface. The interface of the second wall 33 and the base 20 (via the second base corner 52) is a substantially smooth and continuous surface. The interface of the third wall 35 and the base 20 (via the third base corner 54) is a substantially smooth and continuous surface. The interface of the fourth wall 37 and the base 20 (via the fourth base corner 56) is a substantially smooth and continuous surface. Preferably, the base 20 has a slight curvature on its upper surface (e.g., the surface facing the interior of the container 10) such that the depth of the interior of the container 10 is greatest near the center and least near the interface of the base 20 with the walls 31,33,35 and 37.

Furthermore, the interface of the first corner surface 41 and the base 20 is also a substantially smooth and continuous surface. The interface of the second corner surface 43 and the base 20 is a substantially smooth and continuous surface. The interface of the third corner surface 45 and the base 20 is a substantially smooth and continuous surface. Finally, the interface of the fourth corner surface 47 and the base 20 is a substantially smooth and continuous surface.

Referring to fig. 7-10, fig. 8-10 show the container 10 of fig. 7 cut in sections at different vertical lines. As can be seen in fig. 8-10, the corner posts 40,42,44 and 46 are mostly outside the sides 30,32,34 and 36, while only the corner post surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 are part of the interior surface of the container 10.

Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional cut of the container portion where the rails 60,62,64 and 66 are located (line a-a). As can be seen in FIG. 8, rails 60,62,64, and 66 are substantially straight in the horizontal direction, resulting in straight edges along sides 30,32,34, and 36. The corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 are curved to provide a substantially smooth transition between adjacent sides 30,32,34 and 36.

Fig. 9 shows a cross-sectional cut of the portion of the container below rails 60,62,64 and 66 where chamfers 70,72,74 and 76 and walls 31,33,35 and 37 meet at area (line B-B). The corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 remain curved. In addition, the cross-sections of the side surfaces 30,32,34 and 36 near the corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 are more curved (compared to the cross-sectional cut of fig. 8). These curved sections represent the curvature of walls 31,33,35 and 37 as the particular section is cut. The medial portions of sides 30,32,34 and 36 of fig. 9 are substantially straight, representing the portions of bevels 70,72,74 and 76 when cut at a particular cross-section.

Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional cut of the portion of the container 10 through the walls 31,33,35 and 37 (line C-C). The corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 remain curved. In this region, the sides 30,32,34 and 36 are further curved (compare in fig. 8 and 9). These curved sections represent the entire curvature of walls 31,33,35 and 37 (since bevels 70,72,74 and 76 are not shown in this area). Preferably, the degree of curvature of walls 31,33,35 and 37 remains substantially constant throughout the height of walls 31,33,35 and 37; however, variations in the degree of curvature are also possible. Although the walls 31,33,35 and 37 are curved, they remain within the perimeter formed by the corner posts 40,42,44 and 46.

The curvature of the walls 31,33,35 and 37 in the horizontal direction stiffens the sides 30,32,34 and 36 and prevents the container 10 from bulging when items are loaded into the container 10. With these curvatures, reinforcement posts mounted vertically in the middle of sides 30,32,34 and 36 are no longer required. These reinforcement columns may reduce the effective use of space or damage to the contents of the container 10 (if the reinforcement columns are internal to the sides 30,32,34, and 36). Because the curvature of walls 31,33,35 and 37 stiffen sides 30,32,34 and 36, sides 30,32,34 and 36 need not be as thick as perfectly planar. As a result, less material is required to make the container 10, and the overall container 10 is also lighter. Another reason for requiring less material is that reinforcement posts are no longer required.

In addition, walls 31,33,35 and 37 allow for shallow curvature of corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47. If the walls 31,33,35 and 37 are not curved, the corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 (in order to create a smooth and continuous junction plane) require a transition between two perpendicular surfaces. However, because the walls 31,33,35, and 37 are curved, the adjoining walls (e.g., the first and second walls 31 and 33, the second and third walls 33 and 35, and the third and fourth walls 35 and 37) have already been curved toward one another, so that the corner surfaces 41,43,45, and 47 need not transition between abrupt surfaces. The shallow curvature of the corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 allows for a more gradual curvature at the corners of the container 10.

Referring to fig. 11-18, a cross-sectional cut of the container 10 at different vertical cross-sections is depicted. The cross-sectional cuts show the arrangement of the side faces 30,32,34 and 36, in particular the ribs 61,63,65 and 67, in different vertical positions. Fig. 13 and 16 depict a cross-sectional cut of the container 10 along line a-a of fig. 11 and 12, which shears the first side 30 and the third side 34 near the left end of the container 10. As shown in fig. 13, the first ribs 61 and the third ribs 65 extend outwardly from the outer surfaces of the first side 30 and the third side 34, respectively. Referring to fig. 16 (which is an enlarged view of fig. 13 at a), the third wall 35 extends substantially vertically. A third ramp 74 connects the third wall 35 with the third rail 64. Most of the third ribs 65 extend from the third rail 64. However, since the third ramp 74 is relatively short in this region of the container 10, a portion of the third ribs 65 extend from the third wall 35. Substantially all of the third ribs 65 are located outside the third wall 35.

Fig. 14 and 17 depict a cross-sectional cut of the container 10 along line B-B of fig. 11 and 12, which shears the first side 30 and the third side 34 approximately one-third of the distance from the left end of the container 10. As shown in fig. 14, the first ribs 61 and the third ribs 65 still extend outwardly from the outer surfaces of the first side 30 and the third side 34, respectively. Referring to fig. 17 (which is an enlarged view of fig. 14 at B), in this region of the container 10, the third ramp 74 (as compared to that in fig. 16) is relatively long, and a portion of the third ribs 65 now extend from the third ramp 74 and not from the third wall 35. The third ribs 65 and the third wall 35 now also partially descend.

Fig. 15 and 18 depict a cross-sectional cut of the container 10 along line C-C of fig. 11 and 12, which shears the first side 30 and the third side 34 approximately half way along the length of the container 10. As shown in fig. 15, the first ribs 61 and the third ribs 65 still extend outwardly from the outer surfaces of the first side 30 and the third side 34, respectively. Referring to fig. 18 (which is an enlarged view of fig. 15 at C), in this region of the container 10, the third ramp 74 is the longest in length, and more of the third ribs 65 extend from the third ramp 74 (as compared to fig. 16 and 17). The third ribs 65 and the third wall 35 are now substantially lowered.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the container 10 showing the curvature of the second side 32 and the fourth side 36. Although fig. 11 and 19 only show the curvature of sides 30,32,34, and 36 (particularly first side 30 and third side 34), it is to be understood that all sides 30,32,34, and 36 have substantially the same curvature and characteristics.

As shown in fig. 11-19, each of ramps 70,72,74, and 76 is positioned between rails 60,62,64, and 66 and a corresponding one of walls 31,33,35, and 37. Preferably, the angled surfaces 70,72,74, and 76 are substantially semi-elliptical, wherein the height (or depth) of the angled surfaces 70,72,74, and 76 is greatest proximate the middle of the sides 30,32,34, and 36 and smallest proximate the corner posts 40,42,44, and 46. Chamfers 70,72,74 and 76 provide a substantially smooth and continuous transition surface between curved walls 31,33,35 and 37 and (horizontally) straight rails 60,62,64 and 66. By providing a substantially smooth and continuous transition surface, stress points that typically occur at sharp corners and edges are reduced, increasing the strength of the container 10.

Preferably, the container 10 is a generally rectangular exterior box arrangement (formed by the outer relatively straight sides of the corner posts 40,42,44 and 46, the base 20 and the rails 60,62,64 and 66). However, in this external rectangular box arrangement, the interior of the container 10 is substantially curved (from the walls 31,33,35 and 37, the curvature of the top surface of the base 20, the corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 and the base corners 50,52,54 and 56). This facilitates efficient stacking of a plurality of containers 10 one next to the other while still maintaining the advantages of a smooth interior surface. In an alternative embodiment, rather than a rectangular box layout, the shipping container 10 is generally a square layout (e.g., the sides 30,32,34, and 36 and base 20 are generally substantially square in shape).

In the preferred embodiment, the container 10 is approximately 1200mm in length, greater than 1000mm in width, and approximately 800mm in depth. But other dimensions are possible. In a preferred embodiment, the radius of curvature of corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47 is about 112 mm. The radius of curvature of walls 31,33,35 and 37 is about 3393 mm. The radius of curvature of the base corners 50,52,54 and 56 is about 40mm and the radius of curvature of the base 20 is about 12000 mm. Other degrees of curvature are possible so long as a substantially smooth interior surface is formed for the container 10, without any sharp edges or corners.

The smooth interior surfaces of the container 10 (due to the relative curvatures of the walls 31,33,35 and 37, the corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47, the base corners 50,52,54 and 56, and the base 20) cause less damage to the items stored in the container 10. For example, the contents of the container 10 do not encounter any sharp corners or edges and do not encounter internal reinforcement posts. These different curvatures reduce stress points that occur at sharp corners or edges and also further increase the stiffness of the container 10. The tendency of the container 10 to bulge (and subsequently contract) is also reduced.

While the preferred embodiment shows the angled surfaces 70,72,74 and 76 providing transition surfaces between the curved walls 31,33,35 and 37 and the straight rails 60,62,64 and 66, in an alternative embodiment, the angled surfaces 70,72,74 and 76 may be omitted. In this embodiment, the container 10 still has a curved surface (e.g., from the walls 31,33,35 and 37 and the corner surfaces 41,43,45 and 47) for a majority of the interior. In another embodiment, the rails 60,62,64 and 66 may be omitted, in which case the horizontal ribs 61,63,65 and 67 may extend only from the walls 31,33,35 and 37.

In addition, the curvature of the walls 31,33,35 and 37 creates better air circulation around the container 10. Air impacting the sides of the container 10 is more likely to enter the vents 90 because the air impacts a curved surface rather than a straight, flat surface. The curved surface also causes more air turbulence, promoting mixing of the air.

Preferably, the container 10 is made of a polypropylene or polyethylene material. The container 10 is made as a single, unitary piece by injection molding. If the shipping container 10 includes brackets 80 and stand-offs 82, the stand-offs 82 may be manufactured separately after the remainder of the shipping container 10 is manufactured and mated to the brackets 80.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the preferred and alternative embodiments have been described in detail, but that modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims (27)

1. A container, comprising:

a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, and a base;

wherein the first side and the second side are connected to a first corner post, the second side and the third side are connected to a second corner post, the third side and the fourth side are connected to a third corner post, and the fourth side and the first side are connected to a fourth corner post;

wherein each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side includes:

a top rail that is substantially straight in a horizontal direction;

a curved wall; and

a ramp between the top rail and the curved wall and providing a substantially smooth and continuous transition surface between the top rail and the curved wall: and is

Wherein each of the first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the first corner post, the second corner post, the third corner post, and the fourth corner post is connected to the base.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts includes a corner surface, the corner surface being curved.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein each corner surface is further connected in a smooth and continuous manner with the inner surfaces of the two curved walls of adjacent ones of the first, second, third and fourth sides.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein each curved wall includes a curvature in a horizontal direction.

5. A container as claimed in claim 4, in which the curvature is concave from the interior of the container.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side includes a plurality of horizontal ribs.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the horizontal ribs extend from outer surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth sides.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the height of the incline varies along the length of the incline.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the ramp height is greatest midway along the ramp longitudinal axis.

10. The container of claim 8, wherein the ramp height is smallest proximate the longitudinal axis end of the ramp.

11. The container of claim 8, wherein the ramp is generally semi-elliptical.

12. The shipping container of claim 1, wherein the curved wall includes a plurality of vents.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of vents.

14. The container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a curved top surface that is concave from the interior of the container.

15. The container of claim 1, wherein the first, second, third and fourth corner posts are substantially outside the curved walls of the first, second, third and fourth sides.

16. The container of claim 1, wherein the base includes a plurality of supports extending from the bottom of the container.

17. The container of claim 16, wherein the container further comprises a plurality of feet, each foot cooperating with one of the supports.

18. A container, comprising:

a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, and a base;

wherein the first side and the second side are connected to a first corner post, the second side and the third side are connected to a second corner post, the third side and the fourth side are connected to a third corner post, and the fourth side and the first side are connected to a fourth corner post;

wherein each of the first side, the second side, the third side, and the fourth side includes a curved wall;

wherein the first side, the second side, the third side, the fourth side, the first corner post, the second corner post, the third corner post, and the fourth corner post are each connected to the base;

wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth corner posts includes a curved corner surface, each corner surface being joined in a smooth and continuous manner with the inner surfaces of the two curved walls of adjacent ones of the first, second, third and fourth sides.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein each curved wall includes a curvature in the horizontal direction that is concave from the interior of the container.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the first, second, third and fourth corner posts are substantially outside the curved walls of the first, second, third and fourth sides.

21. The shipping container of claim 20, wherein the first, second, third and fourth corner posts are located at the four corners of a rectangle.

22. The container of claim 21, wherein the curved wall is located substantially within the rectangular perimeter.

23. The shipping container of claim 18, wherein the curved wall includes a plurality of vents.

24. The shipping container of claim 18, wherein the base includes a plurality of vents.

25. The container of claim 18, wherein the base includes a curved top surface that is concave from the interior of the container.

26. The container of claim 18, wherein the base includes a plurality of supports extending from the bottom of the container.

27. The container of claim 26, wherein the container further comprises a plurality of feet, each foot cooperating with one of the supports.