RECEIVER AND POST JOINED IN PIVOTABLE MODE FOR PALLET CONTAINER

Abstract

Receiver and pivotally attached post for pallet container. A pallet with corner posts to support a top frame. Each set of corner posts has a tubular receiver slidably connected to a post by a bolt that extends through post openings and elongated slots aligned in the receiver's side walls. The receiver has an open portion at one receiving end. The bolt moves along the slots between a mounted position, with a distal end portion of the post received in a seating portion of the receiver and the post extending coaxially from the receiver to support the top frame, and an extended position, with the distal end portion of the post released from the seating portion and aligned with the open portion to pivot the tubular post from coaxial alignment to a collapsed position, with the post extending through the pallet for stacking, storage, and transport for later use as a container.

Description

RECEIVER AND POST JOINED IN PIVOTABLE MODE FOR CONTAINER OF PALLETS TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to containers having pallets with vertical corner supports that attach to a top frame for enclosing heavy, durable goods. More particularly, the present invention relates to corner support assemblies consisting of a receiver for fixing to the pallet and an elongated corner post received in the receiver for attaching to the top frame, the corner post being movable between a seated received position in the receiver, in an assembled configuration, to support the top frame, and an extended position for pivoting the corner post through the pallet, in a disassembled configuration. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Containers of various types have long been used to enclose durable goods and products for storage and distribution from the manufacturer to customers, including retailers and / or end users. Containers include individual product packaging, as well as corrugated boxes, slatted containers, and recyclable returnable containers for storing and transporting multiple product containers. Corrugated boxes include slotted containers made with four wall panels and opposing top and bottom flaps that overlap by folding and closing the open ends of the container. Such cardboard boxes can hold multiple smaller product containers or accommodate larger goods.Slatted containers use a base frame with spaced vertical slats or posts and a top frame. Slatted containers used to be open structures that allowed dust and dirt to accumulate on the goods inside. Containers were developed to incorporate enclosed corrugated cardboard panels, but reinforced with slats as side supports spanning between the bottom frame and a closing lid. Pallets were developed as bases to facilitate the handling, storage, and transport of palletized product containers. The pallet base provides a platform attached to opposing side supports that separate the platform from a floor or support. The side support typically has an elongated base member and an opposing platform member, connected by spaced support blocks. The platform consists of multiple deck boards spaced transversely to the platform members of the opposing side supports. The spaced support blocks define entry passages for forklift forks to penetrate the pallet from below, allowing the pallet to be easily lifted and transported to the warehouse or onto a freight truck for shipping and unloading. However, the problems of container disposal after use began to attract attention. Corrugated cardboard containers have long been processed for recycling into paper products. Collection and treatment centers receive collapsed containers and recycle used containers in the paper manufacturing and processing industries. However, the use of corrugated cardboard containers with wooden slats added extra processing steps to separate and dispose of the wooden slats. The disposal of packaging and containers in landfills raised concerns about landfill capacity and the need to develop new sites for waste storage. One approach to container waste and recycling issues was the development of metal palletized containers. These containers utilize tubular steel elements for the pallets, vertical support posts that are removably seated in the corner cavities of the pallets, and a top frame that rests on the distal ends of the support posts. After use for shipping and transporting durable goods to retailers, the pallets, posts, and top frames are collected in their respective bundles and returned to the durable goods manufacturer for reuse. However, metal pallet container recycling programs have their drawbacks. Initial costs are typically higher than those for conventional wooden pallets. Machine parts can result in waste cut portions unusable for pallet components. Components can become separated or lost during storage and transport back to the manufacturer for reuse. Consequently, there is a need in the trade for a palletized container for storing and transporting goods that can easily be converted between a disassembled and an assembled configuration. In the disassembled configuration, it is stored and transported to a manufacturer for use, and in the assembled configuration, it is used to hold goods for storage and transport to retailers or end users.The present invention is directed to this end. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention satisfies a need in the trade by providing a corner support assembly for a pallet. This assembly comprises a plurality of corner support assemblies positionable in an assembled configuration to support a top frame for enclosing heavy, durable goods. The corner support assemblies can be positioned in a disassembled and pivoted configuration for stacked storage and shipping. Each corner support assembly comprises a tubular receiver and a slide-received post. In the assembled position, the post pivots obliquely to the receiver through the pallet for stacked storage and shipping. The tubular receiver has opposite lateral sides between a receiving end and a base end, and opposite transverse sides.Each of the opposite lateral sides defines an elongated groove that extends longitudinally between the receiving end and the base end of the tubular receiver. The elongated grooves are aligned opposite each other, with a first extension near the base end of the receiver and a second, opposite extension near the receiving end. A seating portion of the tubular receiver extends from the base end to between the elongated grooves. One of the transverse sides defines a pivot opening that extends from the receiving end of the tubular receiver to an edge of the seating portion. The tubular post that will be received in the seating portion of the receiver defines a pair of holes on opposite lateral sides to align with the pair of elongated grooves in the receiver. A guide member extends through the aligned holes and the elongated grooves to engage the tubular post with the receiver.The tubular post is longitudinally and coaxially movable with respect to the receiver, guided by a guide member that travels along opposing elongated grooves. The first extension, for a distal end portion of the tubular post received in the receiver's seating portion, and the second extension, with the distal end portion of the tubular post released from the receiver's seating portion and aligned with the pivot opening, moves the tubular post from coaxial alignment with the receiver's longitudinal axis to a collapsed, pivoted position with the post's longitudinal axis oblique to the receiver's longitudinal axis. The tubular post is slip-jointed to the tubular receiver, which receives it in a mounted and raised position to enclose an item. It pivots with respect to the tubular receiver to the collapsed, pivoted position for stacked storage and shipping. The corner support assembly as mentioned, which further comprises a support collar positioned spaced from the holes at the distal end of the tubular post. The corner support assembly as mentioned, wherein the support collar has a rim that rests on the receiving end of the receiver when the post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver. The corner support assembly as mentioned, wherein the support collar further has a pair of opposing keys each extending longitudinally from an edge on opposite lateral sides; and wherein the receiving end of the receiver defines a pair of keyways on opposite lateral sides for the aligned reception of one of the respective keys when the tubular post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver. The corner support assembly as mentioned, wherein the guide member comprises a threaded bolt. The corner support assembly as mentioned, wherein the respective opposite sides of the receiver and the tubular post are butted together when the tubular post is seated in the receiver. The corner support assembly as mentioned, wherein the tubular post portion comprises a distal end portion extending from the vicinity of the pair of holes receiving the guide member. In another aspect, the present invention provides a container comprising a pallet, a plurality of corner support assemblies, and a top frame for enclosing heavy durable goods. The corner support assemblies can be positioned in an assembled configuration, supporting a top frame for enclosing heavy durable goods, and can be positioned in a pivoting disassembled configuration for stacked storage and shipping. Each corner support assembly comprises a tubular receiver and a sliding-received post that is received in a receiving portion of the receiver in the assembled position and, in the disassembled position, pivots obliquely to the receiver through the pallet for stacked storage and shipping. The tubular receiver has opposite lateral sides between a receiving end and a base end, and opposite transverse sides.Each of the opposite lateral sides defines an elongated groove that extends longitudinally between the receiving end and the base end of the tubular receiver. The elongated grooves are aligned opposite each other, with a first extension near the base end of the receiver and a second, opposite extension near the receiving end. A seating portion of the tubular receiver extends from the base end to between the elongated grooves. One of the transverse sides defines a pivot opening that extends from the receiving end of the tubular receiver to an edge of the seating portion. The tubular post that will be received in the seating portion of the receiver defines a pair of holes on opposite lateral sides to align with the pair of elongated grooves in the receiver. A guide member extends through the aligned holes and the elongated grooves to engage the tubular post with the receiver.The tubular post is longitudinally and coaxially movable with respect to the receiver, guided by a guide member that travels along opposing elongated grooves. The first extension, for a distal end portion of the tubular post received in the receiver's seating portion, and the second extension, with the distal end portion of the tubular post released from the receiver's seating portion and aligned with the pivot opening, moves the tubular post from coaxial alignment with the receiver's longitudinal axis to a collapsed, pivoted position with the post's longitudinal axis oblique to the receiver's longitudinal axis. The tubular post is slip-jointed to the tubular receiver, which receives it in a mounted and raised position to enclose an item. It pivots with respect to the tubular receiver to the collapsed, pivoted position for stacked storage and shipping. The container in which the corner support assembly post includes a support collar placed spaced from the distal end holes. The container in which the corner support assembly post has a rim that rests on the receiving end of the receiver when the post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver. The container wherein the support collar further has a pair of keys extending longitudinally from an edge on opposite lateral sides; and wherein the receiving end of the receiver defines a pair of keyways on opposite lateral sides for the aligned reception of one of the respective keys when the post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for retaining a post connected to a receiver in a disassembled configuration, said post serving to support an upper frame of a pallet container in an assembled configuration for use as a container, said disassembled configuration serving for return storage and shipment to a container user for reuse, comprising the steps of: (a) moving a tubular post in a coaxially away direction from a tubular receiver to move a distal end portion of the tubular post and release it from a seating portion of the tubular receiver and insert it into a pivot opening of the tubular receiver, said movement being guided by a pin that travels in opposite elongated slots defined in opposite side walls of the tubular receiver, the distal end of the tubular post defining opposite openings that are aligned with a respective slot to receive the pin through them to connect the tubular post to the tubular receiver while allowing relative movement between opposite extensions of the opposite elongated slots, a transverse side of the tubular receiver defining the pivot opening that extends from a receiving end of the tubular receiver to an edge of the seating portion; and (b) pivot the tubular post on the bolt to an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular receiver to position the tubular post extending through the pallet in a disassembled configuration, so that the pivoted tubular post remains attached to the tubular receiver in the disassembled configuration for stacking and transport for reuse as a container. The objects, advantages, and features of the present invention will be readily apparent after reading the following detailed description with reference to the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 illustrates in an exploded perspective view an embodiment of a corner support assembly having a receiver and an elongated post for sliding and pivoting interconnection according to the present invention. Fig. 2 illustrates in a partially cut perspective view the corner support assembly with the elongated post in seating position and coaxially aligned with respect to the receiver. Fig. 3 illustrates in a perspective view the corner support assembly with the elongated post in a retracted position aligned coaxially to pivot to the collapsed folded position with respect to the receiver. Fig. 4 illustrates in a perspective view the corner support assembly with the elongated post pivoted to the collapsed folded position with respect to the receiver. Fig. 5 illustrates in a perspective view a container having a pallet, a plurality of corner support assemblies, and a top frame for enclosing heavy durable goods. Fig. 6 illustrates in a perspective view a set of a pair of opposing posts with crossbars interconnected between them. Fig. 7 illustrates in a perspective view a detail of the pallet illustrated in Fig. 5. Fig. 8 illustrates in a perspective view the pallet during the pivoting of a first set of two posts to the collapsed folded position. Fig. 9 illustrates in a perspective view the pallet with the first set of two posts pivoted to the collapsed folded position. Fig. 10 illustrates in a perspective view the pallet during the pivoting of a second set of two posts opposite the first set of two posts pivoted to the collapsed folded position. Fig. 11 illustrates in a perspective view the pallet with the second set of two posts pivoted to the collapsed folded position. Fig. 12 illustrates in a perspective view a stack of pallets with corner posts in the collapsed folded position for storage and transport. Fig. 13 illustrates in an exploded perspective view a corner support assembly of a second embodiment according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a corner support assembly of a receiver and an elongated, pivotally attached post for a container having a pallet, a plurality of the corner support assemblies, and an upper frame for enclosing heavy durable goods, such that the post, in a first position, is aligned coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the receiver, in a mounted position, to support the upper frame and transfer a load to the pallet, and, in a second position, pivots to a folded position oblique to the longitudinal axis of the receiver for stacking a plurality of the containers, such as for storage and transport pending use for enclosing heavy durable goods.The corner support assembly comprises a tubular receiver and an elongated tubular post slidably attached to the tubular receiver. The post is received by the receiver to position it in the mounted and raised position and pivots on a hinge relative to the tubular receiver to the collapsed position. The tubular receiver is a tubular member having opposite lateral and transverse sides. The tubular receiver defines a pair of elongated, longitudinally extending grooves, one on each of the opposite lateral sides, between a receiving end and a base end of the tubular receiver. The elongated grooves are oppositely aligned, with a first extension near the base end of the receiver and a second, opposite extension near the receiving end of the receiver.The receiver has a seating portion that extends from between, preferably medially, the opposite extensions of the pair of elongated slots to the base end. The receiver defines a pivot opening on one of the transverse sides that extends from an intermediate edge of the seating portion to the receiving end of the receiver. The elongated post is attached to the receiver with a sliding motion between a receiving position and a pivoting position. In the receiving position, the post is aligned coaxially with the receiver's longitudinal axis to position the corner support assembly in the mounted position to support the upper frame and transfer the load to the pallet. In the pivoting position, the elongated post pivots from a coaxially aligned position to an obliquely pivoted position, with the post in a collapsed, folded position relative to the receiver to stack multiple pallets to which the corner support assembly is attached. The elongated tubular post, which is received by the receiver and pivots relative to it, defines a pair of holes on opposite sides to align with a pair of slots in the receiver. A bolt extends through the aligned holes and slots to attach the elongated post to the receiver.The post is longitudinally movable relative to the receiver, guided by the displacement of the bolt along opposing grooves that extend longitudinally between the first and second extensions. With the bolt in the first extension, the receiver's seating portion slides into a distal end portion of the post, with the respective opposite sides butting against each other. With the bolt in the second extension, the distal end of the post is released from the receiver's seating portion and aligned with the receiver's pivot opening, so that the post pivots about the bolt from coaxial alignment with the receiver's longitudinal axis to the folded, collapsed, and pivoted position, with the post's longitudinal axis situated obliquely to the receiver's longitudinal axis. A support collar is attached to the post, longitudinally spaced from the pair of holes at the post's distal end. The support collar extends around the post and has a lower rim. The lower rim makes bearing contact with the receiving end of the receiver when the post is moved longitudinally to the received position, at which point the distal end portion of the post seats slidingly into the receiving portion of the receiver, with the respective opposite sides in butt-to-butt relationship. Figure 1 illustrates in an exploded perspective view an embodiment of a corner support assembly 20 having a receiver 22 and an elongated post 24 for interconnection, according to the present invention, sliding to a mounted position and pivoting to a collapsed position. The receiver 22 is a tubular member having opposite lateral sides 26 and opposite transverse sides 28. The tubular receiver 22 defines a pair of longitudinally extending elongated grooves 30, each on one respective opposite lateral side 26, between a receiving end 32 and a base end 34 of the tubular receiver. The elongated grooves 30 are oppositely aligned with a first extension 36 near the base end 34 of the receiver 22 and a second opposite extension 38 near the receiving end 32 of the receiver.The receiver 22 has a seating portion 40 that extends from between, preferably medial, the opposite ends 36, 38 of the pair of elongated slots 30 to the base end 34. The receiver 22 defines a pivot opening 42 on one of the transverse sides 28. The pivot opening 42 extends from an edge 44 of the seating portion 40 to the receiving end 32 of the receiver. The receiver 22 coaxially receives the elongated tubular post 24 to accommodate a portion 50 within the seating portion 40 of the receiver and with the post 24 extending outward from the seating portion 40 so that the post 24 pivots to an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receiver. The post 24 defines a pair of holes 52 on opposite lateral sides near a first end 54 to align with the pair of slots 30 in the receiver 22. A guide member 56 extends through the aligned holes 52 and slots 30 to couple the elongated post 24 to the receiver 22. The guide member 56 can be a pin, an elongated cylindrical member, or a bolt as illustrated. A nut 58, a cotter pin, or another mating member secures the bolt 56 that extends through the holes 52 and slots 30.The post 24 is longitudinally movable in relation to the receiver 22 and is guided by the displacement of the bolt 56 through the opposing grooves 30 that extend longitudinally between the first extension 36 and the second extension 38. With continued reference to Fig. 1, a support collar 46 is fixed to the longitudinally spaced post 24, between the pair of holes 52 at the distal end of the post. The support collar 46 extends around the post 24 and has a lower rim 48. The lower rim 48 makes bearing contact with the receiving end 32 of the receiver 22 when the post 24 is moved longitudinally to the receiving position, at which point the distal end portion 50 of the post slides into the seating portion 40 of the receiver 22 with their respective opposite sides in butt contact. In the illustrated embodiment, the support collar 46 is a tubular member dimensioned to fit snugly over the post 24. Figure 2 illustrates, in a partially cut-away perspective view, the corner support assembly 20 with the elongated post 24 in a seated position coaxially aligned with the receiver 22. The post 24 is longitudinally displaced to position the pin 56 in the first extension 36. This places the distal end portion 50 of the post 24 seated in the seating portion 40 of the receiver 22 (shown in the cut-away view) with the respective opposite sides in butt-to-butt relation. The respective opposite sides of the receiver 22 and post 24 accommodate the post in longitudinal alignment coaxial with the receiver. The post 24 extends vertically to support an upper frame of the container, as explained below. Fig. 3 illustrates in a perspective view the corner support assembly 20 with the elongated post 24 in an extended and coaxially aligned position before pivoting on the pin 56 as a hinge to the folded position overlapped with respect to the receiver 22. The post 24 moves longitudinally away from the base end 28 with the pin 56 moving through the slots 30 to position the pin 56 in the opposite second extension 38. With the bolt 56 in the second extension 38, the distal end portion 50 of the post 24 is released from the seating portion 40 of the receiver 22 and is inside the pivot opening 42 of the receiver 22. The post 24 can then pivot on the bolt 56 like a hinge from coaxial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the receiver 22 to the collapsed pivot position (folded down) with the longitudinal axis of the post 24 oblique to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 22, as shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 illustrates in a perspective view the corner support assembly 20 with the elongated post 24 pivoted to the collapsed folded position with respect to the receiver 22. The post 24 is then oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 22. Figure 5 illustrates in a perspective view a container 70 having a pallet 72, a plurality of corner support assemblies 20, and a top frame 74 (partially illustrated) for enclosing heavy durable goods. The pallet 72 of the illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of base assemblies 76 attached to a perimeter of the pallet 72. The base assemblies 76 are attached to a pallet plate 78. The base assemblies 76 have a base member 80 and a spaced top member 82 interconnected at their distal ends and by a medial support 84. Two of the base assemblies 76a define opposite side sides of the pallet; two of the base assemblies 76b define opposite front and rear sides of the pallet. A pair of the receivers 22 are fixedly attached (e.g., by welding) to the respective distal ends of the base assemblies 76a positioned with the pivot opening 42 facing the opposite lateral side.A shoe 86 is attached to the base end 34 of the receiver 22. A diagonal support 88 is optionally connected between a side of the receiver 22 and the top member 82. Two of the base assemblies 76b are attached to the respective receivers 22 on opposite side sides to support the front and rear of the pallet plate 78. Although not illustrated, one or more intermediate base assemblies may be attached in a spaced relationship between opposite side sides of the pallet to support the pallet load. In the illustrated embodiment, two of the posts 24 that are coupled with the respective receivers 22 are interconnected as an assembly with at least one transverse member for unified operation with respect to the receivers. Fig. 6 illustrates in a perspective view an assembly 90 of a pair of opposing posts 24 with crossbars 92 interconnected between them for the aligned coupling of the posts to the separate receivers 22 attached to the pallet 72. Figure 7 illustrates in a perspective view a detail of the pallet illustrated in Figure 5. The receiver 22 of one of the corner support assemblies 20 is fixed to the base assemblies 76a, 76b. The guide pin 56 seats in the first extension 36 of the groove 30 with the distal end portion 50 received within the receiving portion 40 of the receiver 22. The post 24 extends coaxially from the receiver to support the upper frame 74 of the container 70 as shown in Figure 5. Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of pallet 72 of container 70 during the pivoting of a first set 90a of the two posts 24 to the collapsed, folded position. To effect the pivoting to the collapsed configuration, the posts 24 are first withdrawn from the receiving portion of the receiver 24. The sliding movement of the posts is guided by pin 56, which moves along slot 30 to the second extension 38. As illustrated in Figure 3, this positions the distal portion 50 of post 24 freed from the receiving portion 40 of the receiver 22 and aligned with the opening 42. As illustrated in Figure 7 (and Figure 4), post 24 then pivots on pin 56 to an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receiver to fold the support posts 24 through the pallet plate 78. The second, opposite set 90b remains configured vertically. Bolt 56 sits in the first extension 36 of slot 30.The distal ends of the 24 posts of the second set 90b are received within the receiving portion of the receiver 22. The butted side walls of the receiver 22 and the 24 post are in contact to keep the post coaxial with the receiver. Figure 9 illustrates in a perspective view the container 70 with the first set 90a of two posts 24 pivoted to the collapsed, folded position. The post 24's pins 56 are in the second extension 38 of the slot 30, and the posts cover the pallet plate 78 in the disassembled configuration. The second, opposite set 90b remains configured vertically but ready to move to the disassembled configuration to overlap the first set 90a. Figure 10 illustrates in a perspective view the container 70 during the pivoting of the second assembly 90b of two posts 24, opposite the first pivoted assembly 90a of two posts 24, to the collapsed folded position. Assembly 90b is raised vertically to move the posts by sliding them from their respective receiving portions 40 of the receivers 22. The pin 56 is moved longitudinally along the slot 30. The distal end of the post 24 is aligned with the pivot opening 42. Assembly 90b then pivots so that the two posts 24 pivot about their respective pin 56 to form an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 22. Assembly 90b is folded down and overlaps the first assembly 90a through the pallet plate 78, as shown in Figure 11. Figure 11 illustrates, in a perspective view, container 70 with the second assembly 90b of two posts 24 pivoted to the collapsed, folded position and overlapped with the first assembly 90a via the pallet plate 78 in the disassembled configuration. In this way, the corner support assemblies 20 remain attached to the pallet 72 for storage and transport, for example, from the container manufacturer to a manufacturer of the goods to be placed in container 70, or from a customer of the manufacturer / user for reuse of container 70. Referring to Figs. 5 and 8-11, the corner support assembly 10 provides a lateral support post extending coaxially from a receiver attached to the pallet to support the upper frame of the container in the assembled configuration, for use as a container to house an item. More specifically, the corner support assembly retains the post connected to the receiver in the disassembled configuration for storage and return shipping to a container user for reuse. The change from the assembled to the disassembled configuration comprises the following steps: (a) moving the tubular post in a direction coaxially away from the tubular receiver to move a distal end portion of the tubular post, releasing it from the seating portion of the tubular receiver and inserting it into the pivot opening of the tubular receiver. The movement of the post is guided by the pin traveling along opposite elongated slots defined in the opposite side walls of the tubular receiver, with the distal end of the tubular post defining opposite openings that are aligned with a respective slot to receive the pin through the same to connect the tubular post to the tubular receiver while permitting relative movement between opposite extensions of the opposite elongated slots. A transverse side of the tubular receiver defines the pivot opening that extends from a receiving end of the tubular receiver to an edge of the seating portion.(b) then pivoting the tubular post on the bolt to an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular receiver to position the tubular post extending through the pallet in a disassembled configuration, so that the pivoted tubular post remains attached to the tubular receiver in the disassembled configuration for stacking and transport for reuse for purposes of use as a container. The disassembled container is easily moved into the assembled configuration for use as a container, comprising the following stages: (a) pivoting the tubular post on the bolt within the pivot opening of the tubular receiver for coaxial alignment, said pivot opening being defined on a transverse side of the tubular receiver extending from the receiving end of the tubular receiver to an edge of the seating portion; (b) sliding the tubular post longitudinally toward the tubular receiver to move a distal end portion of the tubular post from the pivot opening to the seating portion of the tubular receiver. The movement of the tubular post is guided by the pin, which travels along opposing elongated slots defined in the opposite side walls of the tubular receiver. As explained above, the distal end of the tubular post defines opposing openings that align with a respective elongated slot to receive the pin through them, connecting the tubular post to the tubular receiver, while simultaneously allowing relative movement between the opposite extensions of the opposite elongated slots. The tubular post then extends coaxially from the receiver to support the upper frame of the container for use as a container. Figure 12 illustrates, in a perspective view, a stack 96 of pallets 72 with corner assemblies 20 in the collapsed, folded position for the storage and transport of a plurality of containers 70. The top frames 74 (not shown) can be stacked separately for storage and transport while awaiting use of the container 70 to enclose heavy, durable goods. The foot 86 of a top pallet 72 receives the upper end 32 of the receiver 22 on the bottom wing of the stack. The structural components of the pallet and the plurality of corner support assemblies of the receiver and the posts thus remain associated and ready for use in receiving goods for storage and transport using the container 70. For use, the upper pallet 72 is removed from stack 96 and placed on the floor to receive an item (not shown) that will be stored in container 70 for storage and transport to a customer. Pallet 72 is in the disassembled configuration, as shown in Fig. 11. The second post assembly 90b pivots upward as shown in Fig. 10, and with continued reference to Fig. 9, the posts 24 are aligned coaxially with their respective receivers 22. The assembly 90b then moves downward, guided by pin 50, which moves in slot 30. The receiving portions 40 of the receivers 22 receive the distal end 50 of the respective posts 24. Pin 56 seats in the first extension 36, as shown in Fig. 9, with the posts vertical. The first assembly 90a pivots on the respective bolts 56 to coaxially align the posts 24 with the receivers 22 as was done with the second assembly 90b.Next, assembly 90b moves downward, guided by pin 50, which moves in slot 30. The receiving portions 40 of the receivers 22 receive the distal end 50 of the respective posts 24. Pin 56 seats in the first extension 36, as shown in Fig. 5, with the posts vertical. The posts 24 support the upper frame 74. Fig. 13 illustrates in an exploded perspective view a second embodiment of the corner support assembly 100. The corner support assembly 100 includes a receiver 102 and a post 104 having a support collar 106 configured to engage between the post and the receiver. The receiver 102 is machined from an elongated tube. Machining forms opposing grooves 30. A cross-cut defines the edge 44 of the seating portion 40 of the receiver 100. Side cuts are made longitudinally from the cross-cut defining the edge toward a point on the tube where the receiving end 32 of the receiver 102 is to be formed. On opposite cross-sides 28, a pair of spaced side cuts 120 are made, transverse to the longitudinal axis of the receiver 22. These partially define the end 32 of the receiver 22. A cross-cut 122 is made on the side sides 26, spaced longitudinally toward the base end 34.A pair of intermediate, opposite, and spaced longitudinal cuts 124 are made, extending laterally from end 32 to cut 122. Cuts 122 and 124 define a respective longitudinal keyway 108 on the opposite lateral sides 26 of the receiver 102, and a respective opposite longitudinal key 110 is defined extending laterally from a portion of the tube that becomes the support collar 106. A pair of cuts 126 extend from end 23 to edge 44 of the receiving portion 40. One cut defines edge 48a. An opposite cut then separates the distal end of the tube to define the support collar 106 with the opposite keys 110 extending from edge 48 of the collar. The opposite cut and cuts 126 separate a portion 114 (shown as a dashed line) from the cross side 28 and the removed portion. The support collar 106 is securely fastened to an intermediate portion of the post 104.When the post 104 slides longitudinally, guided by the pin 56 moving along the opposing grooves 30, and penetrates the receiver 102, the opposing keys 110 slide into engagement with the respective keyway 108 on the opposite lateral sides of the receiver 102. The rim 48 of the collar 112 abuts and makes contact with the receiving end of the receiver 22. The seating portion 40 of the receiver 102 slides into the distal end portion 50 of the post 104. The aligned keys 110 and keyways 108, together with the bearing contact of rim 48 with the receiving end 32 and the respective opposite sides in butt-to-butt relation, house the fixed and coaxially aligned post 104 within the receiver 102, so that the load forces on the container 70 are communicated through the post and receiver to the pallet 72.The 100 corner post assembly is configured similarly to the 90 assemblies, and functions as discussed above with regard to Figs. 5 and 8-11 to move the posts between the mounted position, for use as a container, and the collapsed disassembled configuration for storage and transport of the container for use and reuse in holding items from an item manufacturer. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiver 22 is machined from a 50.8 mm x 50.8 mm (2 in x 2 in) tube, and the post 24 is machined from a 38.1 mm x 38.1 mm (1 in x 1 in) tube to slide telescopically into the receiver. The collar 46 is a 50.8 mm x 50.8 mm (2 in x 2 in) tube positioned and secured on the distal end-spaced post 24. The foregoing describes a pallet container for the storage and transport of goods, wherein the pallet container includes a pallet having receiver corner post assemblies and a movable post penetrating the receiver, with seat coupling, to support a top frame in an assembled configuration, and extending with a guide pin that travels along opposing longitudinal slots from the receiver and then pivots to a disassembled and folded position across the pallet. Many changes and modifications will be evident to persons skilled in the art after reading the foregoing description in relation to the various illustrative embodiments disclosed.

Claims

1. A corner support assembly for a container having a pallet, a plurality of corner support assemblies, and a top frame, for enclosing heavy durable goods, each of said corner support assemblies comprising: a tubular receiver with opposite side sides between a receiving end and a base end, and opposite cross sides; each of the opposite side sides defining an elongated, longitudinally extending groove between the receiving end and the base end of the tubular receiver, the elongated grooves being aligned oppositely with a first extension near the base end of the receiver and a second opposite extension near the receiving end of the receiver,extending a seat portion of the tubular receiver from the base end to between the elongated slots; and defining one of the transverse sides a pivot opening extending from the receiving end of the tubular receiver to an edge of the seat portion; a tubular post, to be received in the seat portion of the receiver, defining a pair of holes on opposite lateral sides to align with the pair of elongated slots of the receiver; a guide member extending through the aligned holes and elongated slots to couple the tubular post to the receiver, such that the tubular post is longitudinally and coaxially movable with respect to the receiver, guided by the guide member moving through the opposite elongated slots between the first extension for a distal end portion of the tubular post, received in the seat portion of the receiver,and the second extension with the distal end portion of the tubular post released from the receiver seating portion and aligned with the pivot opening to move the tubular post from coaxial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the receiver to a collapsed and pivoted position with the longitudinal axis of the post oblique to the longitudinal axis of the receiver, such that the tubular post is slip-jointed to the tubular receiver to be received by the receiver in a mounted and raised position and to pivot with respect to the tubular receiver to the collapsed pivoted position.

2. The corner support assembly as described in claim 1, further comprising a collar positioned spaced from the distal end holes of the tubular post.

3. The corner support assembly as described in claim 2,wherein the collar has a rim that rests on the receiving end of the receiver when the post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver.

4. The corner support assembly as described in claim 2, wherein the collar further has a pair of opposing keys, each extending longitudinally from a rim on opposite lateral sides; and wherein the receiving end of the receiver defines a pair of keyways on opposite lateral sides for the aligned reception of one of the respective keys when the tubular post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver.

5. The corner support assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the guide member comprises a threaded bolt.

6. The corner support assembly as described in claim 1,wherein the respective opposite sides of the receiver and the tubular post are butted together when the tubular post is seated in the receiver.

7. The corner support assembly as described in claim 1, wherein the portion of the tubular post comprises a distal end portion extending from the vicinity of the pair of holes receiving the guide member.

8. A container, comprising a pallet, a plurality of corner support assemblies, each according to claim 1, and a top frame, for enclosing heavy durable goods.

9. The container as described in claim 8, further comprising a collar positioned spaced from the distal end holes of the tubular post.

10. The container as described in claim 9,wherein the collar has a rim that rests on the receiving end of the receiver when the post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver.

11. The container as described in claim 9, wherein the collar further has a pair of opposing keys, each extending longitudinally from a rim on opposite lateral sides; and wherein the receiving end of the receiver defines a pair of keyways on opposite lateral sides for the aligned reception of one of the respective keys when the tubular post is moved longitudinally to the seating position with the receiver.

12. The container as described in claim 8, wherein the guide member comprises a threaded bolt.

13. The container as described in claim 8,wherein the respective opposite sides of the receiver and the tubular post are butted together when the tubular post is seated in the receiver.

14. The container as mentioned in claim 8, wherein the portion of the tubular post comprises a distal end portion extending from the vicinity of the pair of holes receiving the guide member.

15. A method for retaining a post connected to a receiver in a disassembled configuration, said post serving to support an upper frame of a pallet container in an assembled configuration for use as a container, said disassembled configuration serving for return storage and shipment to a container user for reuse.comprising the steps of: (a) moving a tubular post in a coaxially away direction from a tubular receiver to move a distal end portion of the tubular post and release it from a seating portion of the tubular receiver and insert it into a pivot opening of the tubular receiver, said movement being guided by a pin that travels through opposite elongated slots defined in opposite side walls of the tubular receiver, the distal end of the tubular post defining opposite openings that are aligned with a respective slot to receive the pin through the same to connect the tubular post to the tubular receiver along the relative movement between opposite extensions of the opposite elongated slots,defining a transverse side of the tubular receiver as the pivot opening extending from a receiving end of the tubular receiver to an edge of the seating portion; and (b) pivoting the tubular post on the pin to an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular receiver to position the tubular post extending across the pallet in a disassembled configuration, such that the pivoted tubular post remains coupled to the tubular receiver in the disassembled configuration for stacking and transport for reuse as a container.

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