[go: up one dir, main page]

US20120152799A1 - Collapsible plastic container - Google Patents

Collapsible plastic container Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20120152799A1
US20120152799A1 US13/332,903 US201113332903A US2012152799A1 US 20120152799 A1 US20120152799 A1 US 20120152799A1 US 201113332903 A US201113332903 A US 201113332903A US 2012152799 A1 US2012152799 A1 US 2012152799A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
walls
container
folded
panels
gate
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
US13/332,903
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Paul J. Ficker
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.)
Buckhorn Inc
Original Assignee
Buckhorn Inc
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
Application filed by Buckhorn Inc filed Critical Buckhorn Inc
Priority to US13/332,903 priority Critical patent/US20120152799A1/en
Publication of US20120152799A1 publication Critical patent/US20120152799A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

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
    • B65D19/00—Pallets or like platforms, with or without side walls, for supporting loads to be lifted or lowered
    • B65D19/0004—Rigid pallets without side walls
    • B65D19/0006—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element
    • B65D19/0008—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface
    • B65D19/002—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element
    • B65D19/0024—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces
    • B65D19/0028—Rigid pallets without side walls the load supporting surface being made of a single element forming a continuous plane contact surface the base surface being made of more than one element forming discontinuous or non-planar contact surfaces and each contact surface having a discrete foot-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
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00014—Materials for the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00034—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
    • B65D2519/00049—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
    • B65D2519/00009—Materials
    • B65D2519/00189—Materials for the lid or cover
    • B65D2519/00208—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
    • B65D2519/00268—Overall construction of the pallet 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
    • B65D2519/00283—Overall construction of the load supporting surface
    • B65D2519/00288—Overall construction of the load supporting surface 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
    • B65D2519/00313—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
    • B65D2519/00338—Overall construction of the base surface shape of the contact surface of the base contact surface having a discrete foot-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
    • B65D2519/00547—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
    • B65D2519/00587—Connections structures connecting side walls, including corner posts, to each other structures intended to be disassembled, i.e. collapsible or dismountable side walls directly connected to each other
    • 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
    • B65D2519/00661—Structures intended to be disassembled side walls maintained connected to pallet 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
    • B65D2519/00706—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts
    • B65D2519/00711—Connections structures connecting the lid or cover to the side walls or corner posts removable lid or covers
    • 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
    • B65D2519/0088—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls comprising two side walls hinged to a base panel and two other side walls being extensions hinged to said side walls
    • B65D2519/00885—Collapsible, i.e. at least two constitutive elements remaining hingedly connected collapsible side walls comprising two side walls hinged to a base panel and two other side walls being extensions hinged to said side walls and one or more side walls being foldable along a median line

Definitions

  • the invention relates to collapsible containers made of plastic and, in particular, to a pallet-sized container having collapsible side and end walls.
  • Containers which ship on pallets, for example, plastic or wooden pallets are a well known material in the material handling industry.
  • cardboard containers known as gaylord manufactured by ULINE are known which are 48 inches ⁇ 40 inches having cardboard sides which are supported by a wooden pallet and are typically 36 inches high and provided with a cardboard lid.
  • the problems with cardboard gaylord boxes are that cardboard material is not as durable as plastic and the extent of nestability of the containers for return shipment is limited.
  • plastic corrugated material is known, for example, from Schuert.
  • the flutes of the plastic corrugated side and end walls can trap dirt and, although the material is more durable than cardboard, it is less durable than injection molded plastic side and end walls.
  • the side and end walls are adapted to fit onto a thermoformed pallet, also typically of 48 ⁇ 40 inch size.
  • Another plastic corrugated gaylord container is manufacturing by Kiva.
  • the present invention is directed to a plastic collapsible gaylord-type container in which the side and end walls are formed of injection molded plastic to increase the durability of the container.
  • a container of a comparable size manufactured from injection molded plastic will withstand 100 or more trips in a material handling cycle.
  • the side and end walls of the container are supported on an injection molded plastic pallet as a base having a 48 inch ⁇ 40 inch footprint that is able to withstand a one thousand pound capacity for a nominal height of 36 inches.
  • the strength of the container is able to withstand stacking up to three high.
  • the side and end walls of the containers fold to a compact configuration that is able to be incorporated within an erected container for a high return ratio, of as much as 9:2 versus 3:1 for corrugated plastic containers. That is, when in the folded configuration, the end and side walls neatly nest into an erected container with the folded walls stacked on edge within the container or lying flat, stacked on top of the pallet.
  • the side and end panels are able to be assembled in an upright position and have locking fingers, flanges or tabs in the side walls that engage pockets or openings in the pallet for securing the side and end wall configuration to the pallet.
  • the side or end wall preferably side wall, has a drop gate for permitting access to the contents in the interior of the container.
  • the gate can be hinged to the side wall and positioned to close the gate opening while still permitting rotation at the corners of the gate where the side wall and end wall meet for folding the side and end walls into the folded configuration for return shipment.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a collapsible container and pallet combination according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 with a drop gate shown in the open position.
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the side and end walls of the collapsible container shown in FIG. 1 in a folded or collapsed configuration.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container according to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 showing return shipment of an assembled container with eight side and end walls in a folded configuration stacked on end.
  • FIG. 5 is a collapsible container according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 having a lid.
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a collapsible container according to the embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 having a pallet top.
  • FIG. 7 is a partial perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 7 .
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of a side of an end wall on an exterior of the container partially showing the hinge configuration between two end wall panels.
  • FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the container shown in FIG. 1 partially showing the hinge configuration between two end panels from the interior of the container.
  • FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial plan view of the hinge configuration between two end panels.
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the hinge configuration shown between two end panels.
  • FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the hinge configuration between two end panels of a container according to FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged partial perspective view of a container showing a gate hinge structure and latch.
  • FIG. 16 is a partial perspective view of the detail of the gate latch of FIG. 15 .
  • FIG. 17 is a partial perspective view of the latch structure shown in FIG. 15 with the latch shown in an open position.
  • FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial perspective view of an end wall without a hinge structure.
  • FIG. 1 shows a collapsible container according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the collapsible container 10 has end panels 12 and 13 together forming an end wall and opposed end panels 14 and 15 together forming an end wall. Additionally, a side wall 16 has a gate 17 opposed to side wall 18 .
  • the end and side wall panels, and the gate may be plastic and made by injection molding.
  • the end and side walls of the container are assembled onto a pallet base 20 , which may be plastic and made by injection molding, having forklift entryways 21 along the side wall of the container and 22 along the end wall of the container.
  • the pallet has corners 25 and 26 as well as corner 27 and one corner not shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the corners have flanges extending up from a planer base 28 , as shown in FIG. 2 , of the pallet. Additional mid span flanges 29 are formed between the corners of the periphery of the pallet base 20 .
  • Feet 24 shown in FIG. 6 , are formed at the corners of the side walls.
  • Mid span of the end walls are feet 23 , which have a larger dimension than feet 24 , as also shown in FIG. 6 .
  • FIG. 2 shows the gate 17 in an open position to enable access to the contents of the container.
  • FIG. 3 When the side and end walls are to be disassembled from the pallet and folded, the folded or collapsed configuration 30 shown in FIG. 3 is achieved.
  • the folded configuration shown in FIG. 3 is dimensioned to fit within the assembled container shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 .
  • FIG. 4 shows eight of the side and end walls folded in a folded configuration 30 .
  • FIG. 4 shows multiple folded wall configurations 30 inserted in a container 10 .
  • Up to eight of the folded wall configurations 30 are able to be stacked within the container 10 , either on end as shown in FIG. 4 or lying flat in planar orientation with the base wall 28 of the pallet in a stack eight high.
  • substantially the entire volume of the container is filled with the folded wall configurations 30 thereby using substantially the entire amount of space within the erected or assembled container 10 for return shipment of the folded wall configurations 30 of the containers. This enables a highly efficient return shipment ratio of the containers for the same amount of space as used for shipment of the containers in an assembled configuration.
  • FIG. 5 shows in the container 10 of FIG. 1 with a lid 40 , which may be plastic and made by injection molding, having a plurality of stacking ribs 41 formed on the corners and around the edges of the lid.
  • the opening of the container 10 may be covered by an inverted pallet base 20 .
  • the upper inverted pallet base 20 forms a nesting support for a next pallet base 20 stacked in the orientation shown in FIG. 1 , for example, so that two containers are stacked one on top of the other with the adjacent pallet bases inverted with respect to one another and nesting together to reduce overall height of the stacked bases.
  • the stacking of pallet bases 20 individually are able to be nested with the feet 24 and 23 nesting within each other for saving space, in both inverted and noninverted positions of adjacent pallets.
  • FIG. 7 is a detailed partial perspective view of the gate 17 and side wall 16 which, when assembled, engages the pallet base 20 .
  • pallet base 20 has an opening which could also be a pocket 33 , shown in detail in FIG. 8 , in which a locking finger or tab 34 shown in FIG. 8 protrudes partially or fully into the opening or pocket 33 when side wall 16 is in an erected position.
  • the engagement of the locking finger 34 or tab within the opening 33 prevents vertical movement of the side and end walls, i.e. prevents upward lifting of the side and end walls to prevent them from being separated from the pallet base 20 .
  • the side wall 16 is hinged to end panel 13 at one end and end panel 15 at the opposite end. The hinge joint is shown in FIG.
  • end panel 13 has a series of hooks 36 which catch vertical bar portions 37 of the side wall 16 for holding the corner structure together while allowing ninety degree rotation, respectively, to enable the panel and side wall to achieve the folded configuration 30 shown in FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 7 shows four such hook and bar configurations at the corner between side wall 16 and end panel 13 .
  • an upstanding rib portion 38 as shown in FIG. 9 which extends upwardly from base 28 of pallet base 20 , works in conjunction with the flange 29 along the end wall to support an inner side edge of end panel 13 , while the outer edge portion of end panel 13 is supported by flange 29 .
  • FIGS. 10 , 11 , 12 show the hinge structure between end panels 12 and 13 and 14 and 15 .
  • the hinge structure includes upper and lower hinge pieces 50 in the form of sleeves that are separate from the end panels.
  • the hinge pieces or sleeves 50 have a plurality of barrel shaped pockets 51 in which are received post members 52 that are part of the end panel structure.
  • End panels 12 and 13 and 14 and 15 can only be assembled by initially laying two end panels flat in side by side relationship with the hinge piece or sleeve 50 removed and attaching the hinge piece or sleeve by engaging the barrel shaped pockets 51 on the hinge piece with the post members 52 that are part of each end panel. Once the hinge pieces or sleeves are attached the end panels can only be folded inwardly and not outwardly.
  • FIG. 11 shows that there is a reinforcing finger or tab 55 , as shown from the inside of the container view in FIG. 11 .
  • the finger 55 engages a complimentary recess 56 as shown in FIG. 10 , which is an exterior view of the end panels 12 and 13 .
  • the finger 55 may optionally have upstanding flanges 58 that extend into engagement with an opening 57 in the recess area 56 to ensure engagement of the reinforcing tab or finger 55 within the recess area 56 .
  • FIGS. 12-14 the hinge structures or sleeves 50 are locked in place with respect to the end panels 12 ( 15 ) and 13 ( 14 ) once it is put in place.
  • ribs 60 and 64 having a wedge or ramp shape extending toward the top edge of the container and having a substantially right angle face facing toward the pallet base of the container 10 are shown in FIGS. 12-14 .
  • the flange 62 has an edge portion that engages rib 60 and the flange 63 has an edge portion that engages rib 64 as the posts 52 are inserted within the barrels or pockets 51 .
  • FIG. 12 shows that the rib structures 60 and 64 are provided on both panels which are connected together with the hinge structure or sleeve 50 such that the upper ribs 60 are between the flanges 61 and 62 and the lower ribs 64 are engaged with the lower flanges 63 of the hinge structure 50 .
  • FIG. 14 also shows that the rib 60 engages the flange 62 of the hinge structure or sleeve 50 during rotation of the end panels with respect to each other about the hinge structure or sleeve 50 between the flanges 61 and 62 .
  • FIGS. 15-17 show the detail of the gate 17 , including the hinge 70 and latch 72 .
  • the hinge 70 is of the well known type which provides for a double access hinge or lost motion joint between the gate 17 and the side wall 16 .
  • the gate 17 is capable of upward and downward movement in essentially a vertical direction. As shown in FIG. 17 , for example, the gate is lifted up so that posts 73 are received within pockets 74 (hidden in FIG. 17 ) that are shown in FIG. 2 , for example.
  • the latch 72 has a full ring 76 that is moved in the direction “open” against a resilient bias force applied in a manner well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
  • the latch extends through ring flanges 77 and 78 and engages a side of the end panel 13 , shown in FIG. 17 before the posts 73 drop down into the pockets 74 .
  • the end part 79 of the latch 72 extends through the ring flange 78 and abuts an under surface of flange 80 to secure the gate against upward movement thereby locking the gate in a closed position.
  • FIG. 18 is a partial perspective view of an end wall 12 ( 15 ) without a hinge structure shown for showing the post 52 and one rib 60 , the other rib 64 being identical.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pallets (AREA)
US13/332,903 2010-12-21 2011-12-21 Collapsible plastic container Abandoned US20120152799A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/332,903 US20120152799A1 (en) 2010-12-21 2011-12-21 Collapsible plastic container

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201061425480P 2010-12-21 2010-12-21
US13/332,903 US20120152799A1 (en) 2010-12-21 2011-12-21 Collapsible plastic container

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20120152799A1 true US20120152799A1 (en) 2012-06-21

Family

ID=46232977

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/332,903 Abandoned US20120152799A1 (en) 2010-12-21 2011-12-21 Collapsible plastic container

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20120152799A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012088090A1 (fr)

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110139674A1 (en) * 2008-09-18 2011-06-16 Van Der Korput Maximus Gerardus Maria Large Container
US20140083896A1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-03-27 Inpack Global Co., Ltd. Folding type multistage package box
US20140261533A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Barbara Brock Compact Organizer for Cosmetics
US9694934B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2017-07-04 Inteplast Group Corporation Bulk bin
CN109436506A (zh) * 2018-10-31 2019-03-08 重庆华怡蜂窝包装制品有限公司 一种便于拆箱的包装箱
JP2019142529A (ja) * 2018-02-19 2019-08-29 岐阜プラスチック工業株式会社 組み立てボックス
JP2020040684A (ja) * 2018-09-07 2020-03-19 三甲株式会社 折畳み容器
US20220227535A1 (en) * 2021-01-21 2022-07-21 Brian Benjamin Management LLC Reusable Smart Container
US11453527B2 (en) * 2017-06-14 2022-09-27 Schoeller Allibert Gmbh Heavy load carrier with swivel flap
US12246912B1 (en) 2024-08-02 2025-03-11 U.S. Development Corp. Collapsible bulk container

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2799359A1 (fr) 2013-04-29 2014-11-05 Smart Flow Europe SA Palette de transport de marchandises comprenant des ridelles et des rehausses télescopiques

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2525838A (en) * 1949-09-30 1950-10-17 Elmer V Smith Collapsible box construction
US3398850A (en) * 1965-09-13 1968-08-27 Kennard Henry John Collapsible container units for goods transport
US4630746A (en) * 1984-02-27 1986-12-23 Fortenberry & Associates, Inc. Collapsible stackable shipping container
US4673087A (en) * 1985-11-04 1987-06-16 Peninsula Plastics Co., Inc. Collapsable, reusable container system
US4834254A (en) * 1985-08-05 1989-05-30 Lin Pac Mouldings Limited Frame structure
US5161709A (en) * 1989-01-30 1992-11-10 World Container Corporation Hinged collapsible container
US6776300B2 (en) * 2000-04-07 2004-08-17 Xytec Systems, Inc. Collapsible container with closed, multi-paneled sidewalls

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5361923A (en) * 1993-09-13 1994-11-08 The Fabri-Form Co. Stackable and collapsible container
US5564599A (en) * 1995-03-15 1996-10-15 Hoover Group, Inc. Foldable shipping container
US5865334A (en) * 1996-09-09 1999-02-02 Ruiz; Diego M. Collapsible container
CA2365158C (fr) * 2001-01-17 2007-05-01 Sanko Co., Ltd. Contenant repliable

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2525838A (en) * 1949-09-30 1950-10-17 Elmer V Smith Collapsible box construction
US3398850A (en) * 1965-09-13 1968-08-27 Kennard Henry John Collapsible container units for goods transport
US4630746A (en) * 1984-02-27 1986-12-23 Fortenberry & Associates, Inc. Collapsible stackable shipping container
US4834254A (en) * 1985-08-05 1989-05-30 Lin Pac Mouldings Limited Frame structure
US4673087A (en) * 1985-11-04 1987-06-16 Peninsula Plastics Co., Inc. Collapsable, reusable container system
US5161709A (en) * 1989-01-30 1992-11-10 World Container Corporation Hinged collapsible container
US6776300B2 (en) * 2000-04-07 2004-08-17 Xytec Systems, Inc. Collapsible container with closed, multi-paneled sidewalls

Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8820558B2 (en) * 2008-09-18 2014-09-02 Schoeller Arca Systems Gmbh Large container
US20110139674A1 (en) * 2008-09-18 2011-06-16 Van Der Korput Maximus Gerardus Maria Large Container
US9981774B2 (en) * 2012-09-27 2018-05-29 Inpack Global Co., Ltd. Container formed with foldable and stackable container bodies
US20140083896A1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-03-27 Inpack Global Co., Ltd. Folding type multistage package box
US20140261533A1 (en) * 2013-03-15 2014-09-18 Barbara Brock Compact Organizer for Cosmetics
US9332814B2 (en) * 2013-03-15 2016-05-10 Barbara Brock Compact organizer for cosmetics
US9694934B2 (en) 2015-07-31 2017-07-04 Inteplast Group Corporation Bulk bin
US11453527B2 (en) * 2017-06-14 2022-09-27 Schoeller Allibert Gmbh Heavy load carrier with swivel flap
JP2019142529A (ja) * 2018-02-19 2019-08-29 岐阜プラスチック工業株式会社 組み立てボックス
JP7116467B2 (ja) 2018-02-19 2022-08-10 岐阜プラスチック工業株式会社 組み立てボックス
JP2020040684A (ja) * 2018-09-07 2020-03-19 三甲株式会社 折畳み容器
JP7076793B2 (ja) 2018-09-07 2022-05-30 三甲株式会社 折畳み容器
CN109436506A (zh) * 2018-10-31 2019-03-08 重庆华怡蜂窝包装制品有限公司 一种便于拆箱的包装箱
US20220227535A1 (en) * 2021-01-21 2022-07-21 Brian Benjamin Management LLC Reusable Smart Container
US12246912B1 (en) 2024-08-02 2025-03-11 U.S. Development Corp. Collapsible bulk container

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012088090A1 (fr) 2012-06-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20120152799A1 (en) Collapsible plastic container
US8413831B2 (en) Collapsible bin
US9272812B2 (en) Octagonal container and pallet therefor
CA2874302C (fr) Contenant pliable comportant des panneaux lateraux et d'extremite pliables
US7549550B2 (en) Collapsible container
US6547127B2 (en) Tote box with multiple piece top rail including corner pieces with projections
EP1189814B1 (fr) Système de conteneurs empilables
US4674647A (en) Collapsible storage bin
CA2537563C (fr) Boitier de rangement d'articles
EP0211116B1 (fr) Récipient de stockage pliable
US20150375558A1 (en) Collapsible file box with integrated file hanging rails
US7721891B2 (en) Nest and stacked containers
US20040222222A1 (en) Bulk shipping container having adjustable height, collapsible walls
US8720692B2 (en) Pallet
US8056723B2 (en) Collapsible container
EP1259434A1 (fr) Contenant pliable
US6349877B1 (en) Tote box with corner enhancers and multiple piece top rail
CA2136554C (fr) Conteneur demontable
US20110049144A1 (en) Collapsible crate
CA2902680A1 (fr) Recipient pliable
US5699914A (en) Nestable container
KR20220085039A (ko) 조립식 운송용 포장박스
JP6938023B2 (ja) 蓋付き容器、及び、運搬ユニット
JP5681927B2 (ja) 運搬用容器
JPH072413Y2 (ja) 積み重ね式コンテナ

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION