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US20090134156A1 - Folding container with elastically suspended floor - Google Patents

Folding container with elastically suspended floor Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090134156A1
US20090134156A1 US12/294,241 US29424107A US2009134156A1 US 20090134156 A1 US20090134156 A1 US 20090134156A1 US 29424107 A US29424107 A US 29424107A US 2009134156 A1 US2009134156 A1 US 2009134156A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
container
floor
suspension elements
walls
canceled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/294,241
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nir Hadar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Polymer Logistics Israel Ltd
Original Assignee
Polymer Logistics Israel Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from IL174853A external-priority patent/IL174853A0/en
Priority claimed from IL178370A external-priority patent/IL178370A0/en
Application filed by Polymer Logistics Israel Ltd filed Critical Polymer Logistics Israel Ltd
Assigned to POLYMER LOGISTICS (ISRAEL) LTD. reassignment POLYMER LOGISTICS (ISRAEL) LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: HADAR, NIR
Publication of US20090134156A1 publication Critical patent/US20090134156A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/02—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets
    • B65D19/06—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components
    • B65D19/18—Rigid pallets with side walls, e.g. box pallets with bodies formed by uniting or interconnecting two or more components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D1/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material or by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
    • B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/34—Large containers having floating covers, e.g. floating roofs or blankets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/34—Large containers having floating covers, e.g. floating roofs or blankets
    • B65D88/36—Large containers having floating covers, e.g. floating roofs or blankets with relatively movable sections
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D88/00—Large containers
    • B65D88/54—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying
    • B65D88/58—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying by displacement of walls
    • B65D88/60—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying by displacement of walls of internal walls
    • B65D88/62—Large containers characterised by means facilitating filling or emptying by displacement of walls of internal walls the walls being deformable
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
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    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00049—Materials for the base surface
    • B65D2519/00069—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00154—Materials for the side walls
    • B65D2519/00174—Plastic
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00263—Overall construction of the pallet
    • B65D2519/00273—Overall construction of the pallet made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00323—Overall construction of the base surface made of more than one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00313—Overall construction of the base surface
    • B65D2519/00328—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base
    • B65D2519/00333—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a stringer-like shape
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00497—Overall construction of the side walls whereby at least one side wall is made of one piece
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00258—Overall construction
    • B65D2519/00492—Overall construction of the side walls
    • B65D2519/00522—Overall construction of the side walls grid type, e.g. perforated plate
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00577—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other
    • B65D2519/00582—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable
    • B65D2519/00611—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls maintained connected to each other by means of auxiliary locking elements, e.g. spring loaded locking pins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00547—Connections
    • B65D2519/00636—Connections structures connecting side walls to the pallet
    • B65D2519/00641—Structures intended to be disassembled
    • B65D2519/00646—Structures intended to be disassembled by means of hinges
    • B65D2519/00656—Structures intended to be disassembled by means of hinges separately formed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00805—Means for facilitating the removal of the load
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/0081—Elements or devices for locating articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2519/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D2519/00004—Details relating to pallets
    • B65D2519/00736—Details
    • B65D2519/00865—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected
    • B65D2519/00875—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls
    • B65D2519/009—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to the base panel

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to containers used for shipping and displaying produce and, in particular, it concerns a folding container with an elastically suspended floor useful in shipping and displaying produce.
  • a growing trend in retail industries is the shipping of produce in containers which are also suitable for displaying and selling the produce at a retail outlet. This greatly reduces the labor involved in transferring produce from shipping containers to display units and arranging product displays.
  • the present invention is particularly, although not exclusively, related to shipping containers (alternatively referred to as “crates”, “boxes” or “bins”), typically made from molded plastic materials, which are at least partially foldable so as to reduce the volume of the containers for return (empty) transport.
  • One typical set of examples to which the present invention is applicable are containers referred to as “bulk-boxes” of horizontal dimensions 60 ⁇ 80 cm or 60 ⁇ 40 cm, and of height 75-110 cm.
  • the present invention is a shipping and display container with elastically suspended floor.
  • a container comprising: (a) a set of four walls, each of the walls being implemented as a folding wall having at least one folding portion deployable between an upright container-forming position and a folded position; (b) a floor deployed within and vertically displaceable relative to the set of walls; and (c) a suspension arrangement including at least four elastic suspension elements, the suspension arrangement being deployed to suspend the floor relative to the set of walls such that when the floor is loaded with a first load, the floor assumes a lowered position and, when a part of the load is removed, the suspension arrangement raises the floor towards a raised position.
  • each of the elastic suspension elements includes a length of an elastomeric material.
  • each of the elastic suspension elements includes a helical spring.
  • the set of walls feature an arrangement of stopper features deployed to engage the floor so as to define a fully raised position.
  • the stopper features are deployed below the folding portions.
  • each of the suspension elements is attached to the folding portion of one of the walls.
  • a base fixedly attached to the set of walls below the floor.
  • the base is configured to provide at least one channel for insertion of a pallet jack for lifting the container.
  • a container comprising: (a) a set of four walls; (b) a floor deployed within and vertically displaceable relative to the set of walls; and (c) a suspension arrangement including at least four elastic suspension elements, the suspension arrangement being deployed to suspend the floor relative to the set of walls such that, when the floor is loaded with a first load, the floor assumes a lowered position and, when a part of the load is removed, the suspension arrangement raises the floor towards a raised position, the suspension arrangement further including an adjustment mechanism configured for adjusting an effective length of the elastic suspension elements.
  • the adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust an effective length of the elastic suspension elements between an operative length wherein the floor is elastically biased towards a raised position and an inoperative length wherein the floor assumes the lowered position even in the absence of an applied load.
  • the adjustment mechanism is configured to simultaneously adjust an effective length of all of the elastic suspension elements substantially equally.
  • the adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable drum associated with the floor, each of the elastic suspension elements being linked to the drum so that rotation of the drum effects simultaneous adjustment of an effective length of all of the elastic suspension elements.
  • the adjustment mechanism further includes a handle accessible from an upper surface of the floor for manually rotating the drum.
  • the adjustment mechanism further includes a locking arrangement for locking the drum in at least one position relative to the floor.
  • the adjustment mechanism further includes a ratchet arrangement for allowing rotation of the drum to shorten an effective length of the elastic suspension elements and to inhibit rotation of the drum to lengthen an effective length of the elastic suspension elements.
  • the adjustment mechanism further includes a ratchet override mechanism selectively operable to release the ratchet arrangement to allow rotation of the drum to lengthen an effective length of the elastic suspension elements.
  • FIGS. 1A and 1B are a side view and an isometric view, respectively, of a first embodiment of a container, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, with a front wall removed to show an elastically suspended floor in an unloaded fully-raised position;
  • FIGS. 2A and 2B are views similar to FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively, showing the elastically suspended floor in a partly-loaded intermediate position;
  • FIGS. 3A and 3B are views similar to FIGS. 1A and 1B , respectively, showing the elastically suspended floor in a fully-loaded lowered state;
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are isometric views of the container of FIG. 1A in a partly folded state, FIG. 4B having a front wall removed to reveal the internal folded configuration;
  • FIGS. 5A and 5B are isometric views of the container of FIG. 1A in a fully folded state, FIG. 5B having a front wall removed to reveal the internal folded configuration;
  • FIGS. 6A and 6B are isometric views of a second embodiment of a container, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, with a front wall removed to show a floor in a lowered state and in a raised elastically-suspended state, respectively;
  • FIGS. 7A and 7B are isometric views of the floor and suspension arrangement alone from the container of FIG. 6A shown in the lowered state and the raised elastically-suspended state, respectively;
  • FIGS. 8A and 8B are views similar to FIGS. 7A and 7B , respectively, cut-away to show details of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting an effective length of said elastic suspension elements;
  • FIG. 9A is a view similar to FIG. 7B with an upper surface of the floor removed.
  • FIGS. 9B and 9C are enlarged views of the region of FIG. 9A designated “A” showing a ratchet arrangement in an operative and an overridden state, respectively.
  • the present invention is a shipping and display container with elastically suspended floor.
  • the present invention is a foldable container in which a shelf or “floor” for supporting produce within the container is suspended via elastic suspension elements from the walls of the container, when in its open state, so as to automatically adjust the height of the floor, and hence of the produce, as a function of the weight of the produce within the container.
  • the invention will be presented herein with reference to two non-limiting examples: first, a basic embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A-5B ; then, with reference to FIGS. 6A-9C , an alternative embodiment including an adjustment mechanism will be described.
  • FIGS. 1A-5B show a container, generally designated 10 , constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for shipping and display of produce.
  • container 10 includes a set of four walls 12 , 14 , 16 and 18 , and a floor 20 , deployed within and vertically displaceable relative to the set of walls.
  • a suspension arrangement including at least four elastic suspension elements 22 is deployed to suspend floor 20 relative to the set of walls such that, when the floor is loaded with a first load (not shown), the floor assumes a lowered position FIGS. 3A and 3B ) and, when a part of the load is removed, the suspension arrangement raises the floor towards a raised position FIGS. 2A-2B and FIGS. 1A-1B ).
  • the present invention provides a solution to the aforementioned disadvantages of user inconvenience and the psychological “end of the pile” effect by gradually raising the level of the lower produce as a function of the remaining weight as the top layers are removed.
  • the “elastic suspension elements” of the present invention may be implemented using a length of an elastomeric material, a helical spring or any other stretchable element with suitable properties.
  • the suspension elements are formed, primarily or exclusively, from an elastomer material, such as natural or synthetic rubber. Elastomeric suspension elements are not generally susceptible to damage through bending during folding of the container, which may in certain circumstances be problematic for helical metallic springs or the like.
  • tainer is used herein as a generic term for containers, crates, boxes, bins and the like, independent of the construction materials from which they are formed and independent of whether they have solid walls or open vented structures. Furthermore, the term “container” is used to include a structure in which the suspended floor of the present invention is the only base of the structure formed by the set of four walls.
  • suspension elements 22 are typically used, although additional suspension elements (e.g., six total) may be optionally be provided, preferably deployed symmetrically.
  • the number of suspension elements may be varied, for example by doubling-up each element in each corner, to accommodate produce of different weights.
  • the suspension elements may be interchangeably attached, allowing replacement of the suspension elements with suspension elements having different thicknesses, lengths or other mechanical properties, all according to the intended use of the container.
  • combinations of suspension elements of different lengths or otherwise differing properties may be used together to provide a desired force vs. displacement function, for example, rendering the force vs. displacement function more linear than would be achieved with a single elastic suspension element.
  • Container 10 is preferably of a type where opposite pairs of walls fold inwards.
  • Suspension elements 22 are preferably attached to the pair of walls 12 and 16 configured to fold first. In the preferred implementation illustrated herein this is the pair of sides 12 and 16 extending along the shorter sides of the container. This has a particular advantage, as seen in FIGS. 4B and 5B , that the height of the folding portion of the walls folds into the larger (“length”) dimension, thereby reducing the amount of overlap of the folded walls. This minimizes the interference of the first-to-fold side 16 with suspension elements 22 of the second-to-fold side 12 .
  • the set of walls optionally feature an arrangement of stopper features 23 (only one shown) deployed to engage the floor so as to define a fully raised position FIGS. 1A and 1B ).
  • stopper features 23 are deployed to define a fully raised position of floor 20 which is no higher than the level of hinges in the first-to-fold sides of a foldable container, thereby ensuring that the floor does not reach a position which would interfere with folding of the container walls.
  • container 10 includes a base 24 fixedly attached to the set of walls below floor 20 . This helps to ensure structural integrity and rigidity of the container as a whole, and renders the container usable in a conventional manner if the floor and suspension arrangement are removed.
  • base 24 is configured to provide at least one channel 26 , 28 for insertion of a pallet Jack (not shown) for lifting the container.
  • FIGS. 6A-9C there is shown a second preferred embodiment of a container, generally designated 30 , constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • Container 30 is generally similar to container 10 described above, and equivalent elements are designated similarly.
  • container 30 includes a suspension-element length adjustment mechanism 32 for adjusting the effective length of the suspension elements 22 .
  • the “effective length” of the suspension elements is the length from a point of attachment to the container walls to the point of entry to floor 20 .
  • the suspension-element length adjustment mechanism is manually operable (directly by hand, or by use of a mechanical “key”), and preferably simultaneously adjusts the length of all of the suspension elements in a similar manner.
  • Provision of a suspension-element length adjustment mechanism serves one or both of two important functions.
  • One function is to allow adjustment of the lifting force to make the mechanism useful for produce of different weights.
  • the suspension elements are shortened more to provide a greater lifting force than for less dense, or less densely packed, produce.
  • this function may also be used to advantage in a container which is not foldable.
  • the second function is release of tension in the suspension elements prior to folding of the container for return shipping or storage, thereby ensuring that there are no potentially dangerous or inconvenient stresses or a tendency to open.
  • the effective length of the suspension elements Prior to loading with produce, the effective length of the suspension elements is adjusted (shortened) so as to define a level of tension for the fully loaded state and/or the position of the fully raised state.
  • mechanical stopper features may be provided to separately define a fully-raised position.
  • FIGS. 7A-9C a non-limiting example of a preferred implementation of adjustment mechanism 32 is illustrated in FIGS. 7A-9C .
  • the adjustment mechanism is based on a drum or wheel 34 , deployed primarily below or within floor 20 , to which suspension elements 22 are anchored.
  • Rotation of wheel 34 for example by turning a handle 36 accessible from the upper side of floor 20 , causes winding in of suspension elements 22 simultaneously from the state of FIG. 8A to that of FIG. 5B , thereby shortening their effective length and/or pre-tensioning them against stopper elements.
  • the suspension elements wind onto a reduced diameter spool surface which is located between upper and lower disks, the upper disk having been removed in FIGS. 8A and 8B for clarity of presentation.
  • the handle may be recessed into the floor, or may be a removable “key”) used by authorized personnel only.
  • a locking mechanism may be operated automatically by folding down of the handle or removal of the key.
  • the wheel is locked against rotation, for example, by insertion of one or more locking pin through holes formed in the wheel and the floor, or more preferably by a ratchet mechanism such as illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C below.
  • drum 34 is here formed with an outer edge formed as a saw-toothed gear wheel against which a spring-biased ratchet arm 38 bears.
  • This configuration allows rotation of the drum clockwise as shown to shorten an effective length of elastic suspension elements 22 , but inhibits rotation of the drum in the reverse direction, preventing lengthening of the elastic suspension elements.
  • This conveniently allows shortening of the suspension elements to raise floor 20 and/or pre-tension it against stopper features, then maintaining the desired level of tension during loading and unloading of produce.
  • lowering of floor 20 is performed by turning a release lever 40 with an eccentric cam form which bears on ratchet arm 38 , disengaging it from the teeth of drum 34 so as to override the ratchet arrangement and allow rotation of the drum to lengthen an effective length of the elastic suspension elements to an inoperative length, allowing floor 20 to assume the position of FIG. 6A ready for folding of the container and return transportation.
  • suspension-element length adjustment mechanisms are possible.
  • a similar result may be achieved by use of a scissors mechanism under the floor.
  • suspension-element length adjustment mechanism may alternatively be deployed as part of the walls of the container rather than in the floor.
  • the particularly preferred implementations shown here have fold-down openings 42 in an upper part of at least one of the side walls of the container. Because of the rising motion of the floor, these access openings can be positioned relatively high in the walls and still afford sufficient access for a customer to the produce within the container. In the preferred examples illustrated here, the fold-down openings extend down to no more than about a third of the total fillable depth of the container when the floor is in its lowered/loaded state.
  • the range of motion of floor 20 is preferably at least about 10%, more preferably at least 20%, and most preferably at least 25% of the total fillable depth of the container.
  • the maximum height reached by the floor is typically no more than about 70% of the total fillable depth of the container.
  • the container may be made from any material. Most preferably, the invention is implemented using molded plastic containers. As mentioned above, the container may be adapted, for example as shown, to be handled by a pallet jack or fork lift.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
  • Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
  • Vibration Prevention Devices (AREA)
  • Floor Finish (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
  • Load-Engaging Elements For Cranes (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
US12/294,241 2006-04-06 2007-04-10 Folding container with elastically suspended floor Abandoned US20090134156A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL174853A IL174853A0 (en) 2006-04-06 2006-04-06 Folding container with elastically suspended base
IL174853 2006-04-06
IL178370A IL178370A0 (en) 2006-09-28 2006-09-28 Folding container with elastically suspended base
IL178370 2006-09-28
PCT/IL2007/000435 WO2007113829A2 (en) 2006-04-06 2007-04-10 Folding container with elastically suspended floor

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090134156A1 true US20090134156A1 (en) 2009-05-28

Family

ID=38564074

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US12/294,241 Abandoned US20090134156A1 (en) 2006-04-06 2007-04-10 Folding container with elastically suspended floor
US12/980,350 Abandoned US20110174807A1 (en) 2006-04-06 2010-12-29 Folding container with elastically suspended floor

Family Applications After (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/980,350 Abandoned US20110174807A1 (en) 2006-04-06 2010-12-29 Folding container with elastically suspended floor

Country Status (12)

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US (2) US20090134156A1 (ru)
EP (1) EP2001752A4 (ru)
JP (1) JP4924959B2 (ru)
KR (1) KR101015660B1 (ru)
AU (1) AU2007232078A1 (ru)
BR (1) BRPI0710222A2 (ru)
CA (1) CA2648085A1 (ru)
IL (1) IL194414A0 (ru)
MX (1) MX2008012525A (ru)
NZ (1) NZ571623A (ru)
RU (1) RU2008139242A (ru)
WO (1) WO2007113829A2 (ru)

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US20090057307A1 (en) * 2007-08-30 2009-03-05 Jung Shane F Foldable storage container
US7784624B1 (en) * 2007-12-24 2010-08-31 Pinto Julio A Collapsible baseball equipment hangar apparatus
WO2011070518A3 (en) * 2009-12-08 2011-08-04 Polymer Logistics (Israel) Ltd. Shipping method employing a promotion tray
US20140291196A1 (en) * 2013-03-28 2014-10-02 K. Hartwall Oy Ab Logistics crate module and method of transporting goods
KR101687413B1 (ko) * 2016-09-09 2016-12-16 주식회사 부국화학 페인트통
EP3911143A4 (en) * 2019-01-17 2022-09-28 Tevel Aerobotics Technologies Ltd SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROTECTING HARVESTED FRUIT DURING HARVEST

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US8104775B2 (en) 2008-09-11 2012-01-31 Polymer Logistics (Israel) Ltd. Dolly with elastically suspended load-bearing surface
JP5271882B2 (ja) * 2009-12-04 2013-08-21 三甲株式会社 中仕切り部材付き折り畳みコンテナー
WO2014131083A1 (en) * 2013-02-26 2014-09-04 Mossdale Pty Ltd Storage and display container
RU2725576C1 (ru) * 2020-02-26 2020-07-02 Общество с ограниченной ответственностью Инженерно-консультационный центр "Мысль" Новочеркасского государственного технического университета Контейнер-трансформер (SmartBoxCity)
US11174095B1 (en) * 2020-05-13 2021-11-16 Advan Packaging Systems LLC Crate apparatus for artificial stone slabs, or the like

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US20090057307A1 (en) * 2007-08-30 2009-03-05 Jung Shane F Foldable storage container
US7784624B1 (en) * 2007-12-24 2010-08-31 Pinto Julio A Collapsible baseball equipment hangar apparatus
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KR101687413B1 (ko) * 2016-09-09 2016-12-16 주식회사 부국화학 페인트통
EP3911143A4 (en) * 2019-01-17 2022-09-28 Tevel Aerobotics Technologies Ltd SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROTECTING HARVESTED FRUIT DURING HARVEST
US12225852B2 (en) 2019-01-17 2025-02-18 Tevel Aerobotics Technologies Ltd. System and method for protecting harvested fruits during harvesting

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2001752A2 (en) 2008-12-17
HK1126733A1 (zh) 2009-09-11
KR101015660B1 (ko) 2011-02-22
NZ571623A (en) 2010-06-25
JP2009532298A (ja) 2009-09-10
CA2648085A1 (en) 2007-10-11
KR20090016658A (ko) 2009-02-17
RU2008139242A (ru) 2010-05-20
WO2007113829A3 (en) 2009-04-30
AU2007232078A1 (en) 2007-10-11
US20110174807A1 (en) 2011-07-21
MX2008012525A (es) 2009-07-03
JP4924959B2 (ja) 2012-04-25
EP2001752A4 (en) 2011-01-12
BRPI0710222A2 (pt) 2011-08-02
IL194414A0 (en) 2009-08-03
WO2007113829A2 (en) 2007-10-11

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