WO1999033711A1

WO1999033711A1 - Collapsible container

Info

Publication number: WO1999033711A1
Application number: PCT/NZ1998/000192
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Rutherford Taylor; Ronald Barry Taylor
Original assignee: Waipawa Timber Supplies Limited
Priority date: 1997-12-24
Filing date: 1998-12-24
Publication date: 1999-07-08
Also published as: AU1893999A

Abstract

A collapsible container comprising a pair of opposed end walls (4) and a pair of opposed side walls (5) which together substantially surround a substantially rectangular base frame (1) having an upper surface and a lower surface. Each of the walls (4, 5) is connected by hinges (6) to the frame (1) in a manner that a pair of opposed end walls (4) can be pivoted to lie adjacent the upper surface of the frame (1) and the pair of opposed side walls (5) can be pivoted to lie on the pair of end walls (4) to form a storage configuration of the collapsible container. The pair of end walls (4) and the pair of side walls (5) can be pivoted into an operative position to provide a box-like container. Latch means (10) integral with the walls (4, 5) can be manipulated to lock the said walls in an operative position and can be manipulated to allow the walls to pivot towards the frame (1) to adopt the storage configuration.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a collapsible container for transporting and storing goods. In particular the invention relates to a collapsible container comprising walls surrounding a base frame which form an open box like structure in which the walls are collapsible so that the walls can be collapsed onto the base frame when the container is not in use so it will occupy a minimum amount of storage space.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Containers having the basic configuration referred to above are well known and generally consist of a base or platform which can be in the form of a pallet so the forks of a fork lift vehicle can engage with the container below the platform to enable the container to be lifted and moved. Typically the platform will be surrounded by sides which extend upwardly from the platform so as to form a box like container for goods to be stored and/ or transported. Such containers are often adapted for the transportation and storage of goods of a perishable nature such as fruit and similar produce.

When the containers are to be utilised for the transportation of goods to a location distant from the loading point of the container, it is desirable that the sides of the container be collapsible or otherwise dismountable so the shape of the container can be changed from a box like formation to one where the sides can be stacked onto the floor of the platform. This facility has a particular application if the container has to be returned to the loading point in an empty state because in the collapsed state, the space that will be occupied by the container can be kept to a minimum. Similarly it is desirable when the container is not to be used, that it can be simply configured to occupy a minimum amount of storage space.

PRIOR ART

New Zealand patent specification 176270 discloses a collapsible container which has four sides held together by removable pins which engage in recesses at each of the corners with the pins holding the sides together .and locating the sides on the base. The pins can be removed to allow the sides to be disassembled.

In New Zealand patent specification 170604 a collapsible container is described which comprises a pallet base and a number of side walls with clips being provided to hold adjacent sides together and to locate the sides on the base. The clips can be removed to allow the sides to be disassembled from the pallet base.

Yet another form of collapsible pallet type of crate is disclosed in New Zealand patent specification 162817 in which the crate is described as being completely collapsible by having the sides connected to the base by interlocking fittings so that the sides can be removed from the base and placed on top of the base for storage.

Another form of collapsible container is described in New Zealand patent specification 156648 which discloses a container having a base and corner posts hinged to the base. The posts are formed so that when the posts are raised, end panels can be locked to the corner posts. The panels are constructed so they can be folded into an inoperative position on the base.

New Zealand patent specification 202087 discloses the construction of a tray which is particularly adapted for the transportation and storage of kiwifruit and similar produce. The tray disclosed in that specification has a base and a number of wall sections which .are connected to the base by integral hinges. The wall sections can be maintained in an upright, erected configuration and can be locked together in such configuration by means of a projection on one wall section which can enter a socket in a contiguous wall section. When the container is to be stored the wall sections can be unlocked .and folded on to the base. The type of construction and materials from which the tray are formed will require that the tray be of a comparatively small size and it would not be capable of being used satisfactorily as a pallet type of container.

New Zealand patent specification 229133 discloses a container which has a rectangular base and walls which can be folded onto the base with the walls folded so they will lie essentially flat one upon the other. This is achieved by providing vertical corner posts with the wall members being hinged to the corner posts by means of pins in a manner that the horizontal axes on which the walls are pivoted are spaced at different distances from the platform.

New Zealand patent specification 247148 discloses a larger form of collapsible container with the container having a base, a number of post members which extend upwardly from the base and a number of wall members which are hinged by means of hinge pins to the post members in a manner that when erected, adjacent wall members can be sealed.

While a number of different types of containers of a pallet form have been proposed they all exhibit various disadvantages. One of the major disadvantageous with many of the known pallets is that in one form, the parts can be disassembled completely which enables the sides to be physically separated from the base. In other prior known forms of containers, the sides are hinged to the base so they can fold down on the base, but in such constructions, the means of maintaining the sides in an erect position can be removed. It is apparent the known forms of construction result in considerable difficulty in maintaining the integrity of the pallets because during handling it is easy to mislay one or more of the parts of the pallet which can render the pallet unusable until the parts can be replaced.

Other forms of pallet type containers such as those described above are too complicated in their construction or else offer other disadvantages and it is therefore apparent that the need exists for a simple, effective and strong pallet in which the sides are hingedly connected to the base in a manner that the sides can be folded down to occupy a minimum amount of space when the pallet is not required for use. It is also apparent that the need exists for a simple effective locking system which will positively maintain the sides of the pallet in an upright position and which can be simply unlocked without the need of any additional equipment .and which form an integral part of the pallet so that all parts of the container are permanently attached to the container.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved collapsible container which will minimise the above disadvantages and which is simple and sturdy in construction and which will at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In broad terms the invention comprises a collapsible container comprising a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed side walls which together substantially surround a substantially rectangular base frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein each of said walls is connected by hinges to the frame in a manner that a pair of opposed end walls can be pivoted to lie adjacent the upper surface of the frame and the pair of opposed side walls can be pivoted to lie on the p-air of end walls to form a storage configuration of the collapsible container and wherein the pair of end walls and the pair of side walls can be pivoted into an operative position to provide a box-like container and further wherein latch means integral with said walls can be manipulated to lock the said walls in an operative position and can be manipulated to allow the said walls to pivot towards the frame to adopt the said storage configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the invention will now be described with the .aid of the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a three-quarter isometric view of one form of collapsible container when in an operative condition, such a container having a platform surrounded on four sides by walls which are hinged to the platform;

Figure 2 is a view in the direction of the arrow A in Figure 1 of the container with a side wall removed for clarity and indicating the two end walls in a partly folded condition;

Figure 3 is a view in the direction of the arrow B in Figure 1 of the container and indicating the two end walls in a fully stowed position and with two side walls in a partly folded position. Part of the latches associated with the walls are shown in phantom outline; Figures 4a and 4b are exploded views of one preferred form of a latch which can be used to releasably maint.ain the walls in an upright condition to form the box like container; and

Figure 5 is a three-quarter isometric view of another form of collapsible container when in an operative condition, such a container having a base frame surrounded on four sides by walls which are hinged to the base frame, the base frame mounted on a platform.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS

Referring to Figure 1, the collapsible container as illustrated includes a base frame 1 which may comprise a platform composed of timber planks or the like which .are suitably attached such as by nails or other conventional fastening means to timber bearers 2. Although three equidistantly spaced parallel bearers are indicated in the drawings it will be understood that in a basic form two bearers only can be sufficient and the number of bearers employed will depend upon the size and proposed use of the container. While the platform and the bearers are, in the highly preferred form manufactured from timber, it will be understood that other constructional materials as will be apparent to those skilled in the art can be utilised.

Preferably the bearers will be spaced apart to enable the forks (not shown in the drawings) of a forklift vehicle to engage the underside of the platform between the bearers so the container will operate as a pallet which can be lifted by a forklift vehicle.

The container also comprises end walls 4 and side walls 5. Both the end walls and the side walls can be suitably constructed from timber with appropriate bracing as required. The end walls are made of a size in relation to the platform 1 and to the side walls that they can be located between the side walls as indicated particularly in Figure 1.

In one preferred form the end walls 4 may be pivotally connected to the platform 1 such as by the flap hinges 6. As is indicated particularly in Figure 2, the form of hinging is arranged so that when the walls 4 have been pivoted on the hinges so they will lie fully on the platform 1, as indicated for instance in Figure 3, then the lower edge 4a of the walls 4 will be recessed inwardly from the outside edge of the platform 1 (see Figure 2). While one form of hinge can be the flap hinge as indicated in the drawings, it is to be understood that any form of hinge which will provide the desired function can be utilised.

The side wall 5 is preferably hingedly connected to the platform 1 by first positioning and attaching a spacer member 7 to the floor of the platform with the spacer member 7 having a height which is approximately equal to the thickness of the wall 4. The walls 5 are hinged to the spacer member 7 by means of suitable hinges 8 which may be similar in construction to the hinges 6.

It will thus be understood that in its collapsed condition, i.e. in a storage condition, the end walls 4 will first have been folded so they will lie on the floor of the platform 1. As is indicated in the drawings, preferably the height of the walls 4 is less than half the distance between the hinged connection of the walls 4 with the platform so that both the walls 4 can be folded onto the floor of the platform and both will lie in a substantially co-planar condition.

When the end walls 4 have been folded to lie on the floor 1 of the platform, the side walls 5 can then be folded downwardly so they will lie on top of the folded down walls 4. In this manner the space occupied by the container when in the collapsed condition will be of the minimum amount possible.

To maintain the container in an erect and operative condition, latches are provided so that the end walls can be latched to the side walls or vice versa. One preferred form of latch comprises a bracket 10 (see particularly Figures 4a and 4b) which is preferably formed from angle metal or the like and which has mounting holes 1 1 so it can be attached to a wall 5 by suitable bolts or the like. The bracket 10 is provided with guide lugs 12 with each lug having a hole which is positioned so that the holes in the guide lugs will be In axial alignment. A sliding bolt 13 is arranged to have a sliding movement in the holes in the guide lugs 12, with the bolt being spring urged by a compression spring 14 so that when the bolt is lifted such as by the finger grip 15, the spring 14 will be tensioned to urge the bolt back to the rest /locking position shown in Figure 4a.

The latch is associated with a detent 20 which can have a suitable mounting hole or holes 21 by which the detent can be attached to an end wall 4. The detent is provided with a ledge 22 which includes a hole 23 the diameter of which is at least equal to the diameter of the bolt 13. The detent 20 is attached to the end wall in a manner that when the walls of the container have been erected into the configuration shown in Figure 1, the bolt 13 can be lifted by the finger grip 15 against the tension of the spring, whereupon the detent 20 can be manoeuvred so the ledge 22 of the detent will locate beneath the lower lug 12. The bolt 13 can then be released and the bolt will pass through the hole 21 in the ledge 22 when it is axially aligned with the bolt. Preferably but not necessarily, the bracket 10 can include an additional lug (not shown) with an appropriate hole into which the bolt 13 may engage to assist the mechanical integrity of the lock. In this position the end wall 4 will be removably locked to the side wall 5 so the container can adopt the box-like formation indicated in Figure 1.

It will be understood that each end wall 4 will preferably be provided with two latches which will be associated with each end wall as indicated in the drawings.

Because of the particular connection of the end walls 4 to the platform 1 , when the end walls 4 have been pivoted to the position where they lie against the floor

1 of the pallet, a gap will be formed between the wall 4 and the platform 1 into which the bracket 10 can be located so that the bracket will not interfere with the full folding of the side walls 5.

Although in a highly preferred form the locking means comprises the sliding bolt as indicated in the drawings, it will be understood that other methods of temporarily locking the side walls to the end walls can be utilised provided the locking means is such that the parts rem.ain integrated and cannot be inadvertently removed or detached. A further feature of the present invention is that to lock or unlock the walls no additional tools or equipment is required.

The latch and its associated detent is preferably formed from a metal which may be a non corrodible type metal or can be suitably surface treated as is known in the art or the mechanism can be formed from a plastics material or the like with the main requirement being that the lock is robust and can withstand long exposure to adverse conditions such as the weather and the like.

Another preferred form bin is shown in Figure 5. In some circumstances it may be desirable to provide a collapsible bin having a conventional pallet base where the base of one bin may be interchanged with the base of another bin. Furthermore, it may be desirable to provide a bin which may be constructed and used to transport goods and where the bin is no longer required, the walls may be collapsed and returned independently of the pallet base. It may be desirable for the base to be retained and the walls returned.

The container 30 shown in Figure 5 comprises end walls 32 and side walls 34. Both end and side walls may be constructed in the same way as the walls of the bin illustrated in Figures 1 to 3.

The walls are pivotally mounted to a base frame which will be more particularly described below. The base frame in turn may be mounted by screws, nails or similar on a platform 36 simil-ar to the platform of Figures 1 to 3. As shown in Figure 5, the preferred form base frame is formed from two end wall supporting members 38 fastened to spacer members 40. The preferred form base frame further comprises a bracing member 42 fastened to each spacer member 40 parallel to the end wall supporting members 38. Members 38, 40 and 42 may be formed from suitable timber lengths.

End walls 32 are pivotally connected to supporting members 38 such as by hinges 44. The preferred form hinging is arranged so that when the walls 32 have been pivoted on the hinges 44 the walls 32 will rest on the bracing member 42. Side walls 34 .are pivotally connected to spacer members 40 such as by hinges 46. The spacer members preferably have a height which is approximately equal to the thickness of the end walls 32.

Container 30 may be provided with suitable latches to maintain the container in an erect and operative position, as is more particularly described with reference to Figures 1, 3, 4a and 4b.

It will be appreciated that the container 30 may be fastened to a standard pallet 36 for transporting in an erect position using n-ails, screws or other suitable fasteners. The preferred form base frame is provided with apertures along members 38 and 40 through which screws may be located to secure the base frame to the pallet 36. After use the base frame may easily be separated from the pallet 36 in situations where it is desirable to transport the walls 32 .and 34 separately from the p.allet 36. Having disclosed preferred forms of the invention it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be made to the particular methods of construction and yet still fall within the general concept of the invention. All such modifications and amendments are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A collapsible container comprising a pair of opposed end walls and a pair of opposed side walls which together substantially surround a substantially rectangular base frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein each of said walls is connected by hinges to the frame in a manner that a pair of opposed end walls can be pivoted to lie adjacent the upper surface of the frame and the pair of opposed side walls can be pivoted to lie on the pair of end walls to form a storage configuration of the collapsible container and wherein the pair of end walls and the pair of side walls can be pivoted into an operative position to provide a box-like container and further wherein latch means integral with said walls can be manipulated to lock the said walls in an operative position and can be manipulated to allow the said walls to pivot towards the frame to adopt the said storage configuration.

2. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base frame comprises a platform further comprising longitudinal planks supported on parallel spacer members.

3. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 2 wherein a spacer member is located between the underside of each of the side walls and the upper surface of the platform, the side walls hinged to the respective spacer members.

4. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base frame comprises an end wall supporting member located beneath the underside of each of the end walls, the end walls hinged to the respective supporting members; .and a spacer member located beneath the underside of each of the side walls, the side walls hinged to the respective spacer members.

5. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 4 wherein the base frame further comprises a bracing member interposed between the spacer members and parallel to the end wall supporting members.

6. A collapsible container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the latch means comprises a bracket having a sliding bolt, with the bracket being attachable to one of said walls and a detent attachable to a contiguous wall, wherein when the said end and side walls are in the operative position, the sliding bolt can be entered through a hole in the said detent to removably lock a side wall to a contiguous end wall.

7. A collapsible container as claimed in claim 6 wherein the sliding bolt is spring loaded.

8. A collapsible container, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.