Collapsible crate

Abstract

To provide a crate capable of reducing its size by collapsing while preventing a wall from being bent or dented, or coming off from a residual part of the crate.SOLUTION: A collapsible crate has a base and a plurality of walls. The base includes a top surface and defines a cavity below the top surface. The plurality of walls are removably attachable to one another and are movable between a first configuration where the plurality of walls extend substantially vertically above the top surface of the base and a second configuration where the plurality of walls are within the cavity of the base.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 109,098, filed November 3, 2020. This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 2006 / 0119994, filed on May 1, 2006, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. can be.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to storage and transport crates, and more particularly to collapsible crates. Regarding. [Background technology]

[0003] Crates are used to transport and store goods and merchandise. When empty, the crate usually takes up the same amount of space as when it is filled. Therefore, when transporting or storing empty crates, the crates take up a lot of space in the transport vehicle or warehouse. Some crates have walls that can be removed from the base. may be removed and placed on the base of the crate or in another location for transport or storage. In another approach, the crate walls fold inward to cover the base of the crate. It can be placed at the top.

[0004] However, prior art approaches leave walls vulnerable to impact and damage. Additionally, walls may still occupy additional space beyond the normal dimensions of the base. Additionally, many crates are transported using forklifts and similar tools. The crate has a base that accepts lifting and transport structures to accommodate tools such as If the base is constructed in this way, one or more walls It can be particularly difficult to construct a crate that folds onto a base. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Prevent the walls from bending, denting, or becoming separated from the rest of the crate. A crate is needed that can be folded down to a smaller size while still providing ample storage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the collapsible crate in an assembled position. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a front elevational view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a rear elevation view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1B is a left side elevation view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1E] FIG. 1B is a right side elevation view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1F] FIG. 1B is a top view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1G] FIG. 1B is a bottom view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A in a collapsed configuration. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the lower portion of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1B is a front cross-sectional view of the lower portion of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1B is a right-side cross-sectional perspective view of the lower portion of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1B is a top perspective view of a wall position locking mechanism of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1B is a left perspective view of a wall connection mechanism of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a right-side perspective view of the wall connection mechanism of FIG. 4B. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of a corner of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1B is a right-side perspective view of a corner of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the lower portion of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A in a partially collapsed position. [Figure 5D] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the lower portion of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A in a partially collapsed position. [Figure 6A] 1B shows a diagram of the process of assembling the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6B] 1B shows a diagram of the process of assembling the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6C] 1B shows a diagram of the process of assembling the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6D] 1B shows a diagram of the process of assembling the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6E] 1B shows a diagram of the process of assembling the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6F] 1B shows a diagram of the process of assembling the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 6G] 1B shows a diagram of the process of assembling the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A. [Figure 7A] 1B is a top perspective view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A, showing the wall partially inserted into the base of the collapsible crate. FIG. [Figure 7B] 7B is a right-side cross-sectional view of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A as shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] 1B is a cross-sectional view of the right side of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A showing the first wall fully inserted into the base of the collapsible crate. FIG. [Figure 7D]1B is a cross-sectional view of the right side of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A showing the two walls fully inserted into the base of the collapsible crate. [Figure 8A] 1B is a top perspective view of a corner of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A showing two walls inserted into the base of the collapsible crate. [Figure 8B] 1B is a top perspective view of a corner of the collapsible crate of FIG. 1A showing two walls inserted into the base of the collapsible crate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The crate walls can be separated from each other and stored within the cavity at the base of the crate. When the crate is collapsed from its assembled configuration, the walls of the crate are collapsed. The upper part of the wall can be separated from the adjacent wall by attaching it to the base. The track can be rotated outwards around the bottom edge of the wall to engage with the track. Once the walls are qualitatively parallel, they are attached to the base via tracks in the base that accept the walls. The base can be slid into the cavity. The base prevents the wall from accidentally contacting the base cavity. Each wall may be similarly secured to its adjacent wall. It can be detached from the wall it is attached to and stored inside the base.

[0008] 1A-1G, the crate 100 is shown in an assembled configuration and includes a base. The base 102 includes four walls 150A, 150B extending upward from the base 102. As shown in FIG. 1, the crate is configured such that all four walls 150A, B are within the base 102. 3A to 3C, in one embodiment, the base 1 02 is an upper platform 105A, a lower platform 105B, and an upper platform Four vertical posts extend between the upper platform 105A and the lower platform 105B. Thus, the base 102 includes an upper platform 105A and a lower platform 110. The space between the platform 105B and the cavity 105A of the base 102 is defined. 12. The upper platform 105A and the lower platform 105B are Alternatively, the upper plate 102 may be formed from a lattice of support bars extending above and below the plate 102. The platform 105A and the lower platform 105B are made of a rigid material such as sheet metal. It may be formed from a flat sheet.

[0009] In one form, the upper platform 105A is a frame formed from a grid of support members. The frame 114 includes a bottom wall 116 attached to the top of the frame 114. The bottom wall 116 is , provide a surface on which the contents within crate 100 rest. 100 is moved into the base 102 (and rests on the bottom wall 116) to fold it. 116), the crate 100 can be opened and closed without the need to remove contents disposed on the bottom wall 116. It can be moved between an assembled configuration and a folded configuration, thereby allowing one or more The walls 150A, B can be folded down to allow easy access to the crate, for example, when removing items from the crate. The contents of the crate 100 can be accessed by sliding the lever 114 over the surface 116. Used similar to a pallet when in a folded position to support the contents The crates 100 can be stacked on top of each other in a folded configuration to save space. When the walls in the base 102 are in the folded position, the walls 10 The walls 5A and 5B protect the crate 100 from damage when it is stacked and transported. 6 can be formed from sheet metal to provide a strong, durable, flat surface. In other embodiments, the bottom wall 116 may be a mesh or grid so that it is not a solid surface. In other forms, the bottom wall 116 may be made of other materials such as wood, polymers, and combinations thereof. At least one of the upper platform 105A and the bottom wall 116 may be formed by joining the upper platform 105A and the bottom wall 116. Also, on the side facing the lock wall 150A, as described in more detail below, Wall position locking mechanism of locking wall 150A to lock 150A in an upright position Orientation locking mechanism) 106 locking pin A hole 118 is provided to receive 164 .

[0010] The lower platform 105B includes a frame 120 formed from a grid of support members. The lower platform 105B has downward projections from each corner of the lower platform 105B. The support block 122 is in contact with the ground and supports the lower plate. By separating the platform 105B from the ground, the crate 100 can be Picked up or moved by a moving device such as a lift, pallet jack or similar tool The lower platform 105B can be moved by folding down the walls 150A,B. The crate 100 is located below the cavity 112 which is moved into the closed position. The forks of the transfer device are attached to the lower plate in both the assembled and folded positions. The platform 105B can be disposed below the platform 105B.

[0011] 3A to 3C, the base 102 comprises an upper platform 105A and a lower platform 105B. The side walls 124A, B extend between the vertical posts 110 and the side platform 105B. Thus, the side walls 124A, B are aligned along the cavity 112 of the base 102. The side walls 124A,B extend from the base 102. In one form, the left and right side walls 12 of the crate 100 include support structures that form a crate. In one embodiment, the front and rear side walls 124B of the crate 100 are The side wall 124A is at the same height as the side wall 124B, but at a different height. 124A is lower or closer to the lower platform 105B than sidewall 124B. Each of the side walls 124A, 124B has a side wall 124B extending horizontally inward from the side wall 124A, 124B. There are upper and lower ledges 126 extending along the length of walls 15A, 15B. Other forms of support structure within base 102 for guiding and / or storing OA, B may also be used. For example, the base 102 may have a cavity in the base 102. Four solid sheets extending across the body 112, each with four legs for receiving the walls 120A,B. In another embodiment, the sidewall 124 may include four solid sheets forming a bell. A and B have U-shaped ledges 126 instead of ledges 126 to accommodate the sides of walls 150A and 150B. It can include a member.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, each ledge 126 of the side walls 124A,B is The ledges 126 of the opposite side walls 124A and 124B correspond to the walls 150A and 150B of the crate 100. For example, the bottom of the left side wall 124A of the base 102 forms a track for receiving the The ledge 126 is flush with the lower ledge 126 on the right side wall 124A of the base 102. The upper ledge 126 of the left side wall 124A of the base 102 is The ledge 126 of the side wall 124B is also flush with the upper ledge 126 of the side wall 124A. This allows the four walls 150A, B of the crate 100 to be accommodated. To this end, four levels of ledges 126 or For example, when the crate 100 is in the folded configuration shown in FIG. In this case, the wall 150A of the crate 100 is within the cavity 112 of the base 102. A first side of walls 150A,B abuts ledge 126, while a second side of walls 150A,B abuts ledge 126. 126 on the opposite side of the base 102. The grooves 126 each form part of a track that receives a wall 150 .

[0013] The ledge 126 includes a stop 128 at its end, and the walls 150A, B are positioned within the cavity of the base 102. When inserted into the tee 112, the stopper 128 abuts against the wall 150A. , B from being inserted too far into the cavity 112 and the walls 150A, B The side of the socket 100 opposite to the inserted side is prevented from coming out of the base 102. The base 102 includes a wall 1102 extending therethrough when the crate 100 is in the collapsed position. A retaining member 130 and a latch 140 are provided for use in retaining the 50A, B. As will be explained in more detail below, the retaining member 130 and latch 140 are secured to the wall 150A. , B, thereby preventing the walls 150A, B from unintentionally leaving the cavity 112 of the base 102. Prevent it from slipping out.

[0014] Referring again to FIGS. 1A-1G, walls 150A, 150B are respectively a left member 152 and a right member 153. It may be formed from a frame having a member 154 , a top member 156 and a bottom member 158 . The walls 150A,B are a plurality of spaced apart walls extending between a top member 156 and a bottom member 158. In other configurations, the walls 150A,B may additionally or alternatively include horizontally extending bars. In yet another embodiment, the walls 150A,B may be solid and It may not include an opening therethrough. In the illustrated embodiment, two tie bars are The first type is a lock wall 150A and the second type is a connecting wall 150B. 50B. In the assembled configuration, the locking walls 150A are positioned between the opposing sides of the crate 100. The connecting wall 150B is located on the side of the crate 100, and the locking wall 150B is located along the remaining two sides of the crate 100. As shown, the locking wall 150A extends between the wall position locking mechanism 10. 6 and two wall locking mechanisms 108. The bottom member 158 of the locking wall 150A is It includes a hole 158A that is used to lock the wall 150A in an upright position. and right side member 154, respectively, locking wall 150A to adjacent connecting wall 150B. The connecting wall 150B includes a slot 159A that is used for connecting the left and right members 152 and 153 to each other. and right side member 154 has slot 159B, which is in locking wall 150. A slot 159A to lock the locking wall 150A to the connecting wall 150B. The lock wall 150A is used for the wall position lock mechanism 106 and the two wall lock mechanisms 10 Although shown as including both 8, in other forms, each wall of the crate 100 may include an adjacent It should be understood that a wall locking mechanism 108 may be included for locking to a wall. In one embodiment, each wall of the crate 100 includes a wall position locking mechanism 106. , each locking wall 150A includes two wall position locking mechanisms 106. In other configurations, It does not include a position locking mechanism 106.

[0015] The wall position locking mechanism 106 of the locking wall 150A locks the locking wall 150A in an upright position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the wall position locking mechanism 106 includes a locking mechanism. A bracket 162 is attached to a vertical member 160 of the back wall 150A, and a handle portion 16 4A and a lock pin 164 having a shaft portion 164B. The lock pin 16 includes an upper notch 166A and a lower notch 166B. 4 is in the unlocked position and the locked position, the handle portion 164A of the lock pin 164 In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 162 is substantially U-shaped. In this state, the brackets that hold the lock pin 164 in the locked and unlocked positions are separate. shaped, but in order to hold the lock pin 164 in the locked and unlocked positions. It is reasonable to include a structure with which the handle portion 164A of the lock pin 164 engages when the lock pin 164 is in the lock position. It should be understood.

[0016] In operation, locking pin 164 is used to lock locking wall 150A in an upright position. The shaft portion 164B of the base 164 passes through the hole 158A of the bottom member 158 of the lock wall 150A. The handle portion 164A of the lock pin 164 extends into the hole 118 in the bottom wall 116 of the lock pin 102. can rotate into the lower notch 166B of the U-shaped bracket 162, , the lock pin 164 remains inserted in the hole 118 of the base 102. The locking mechanism 106 has a locking pin 164 attached upward from the bottom member 158 of the locking wall 150A. The spring 168 may include a spring 168 that engages the lower notch of the U-shaped bracket 162. When the handle portion 164A is received in the lower notch 166B, the handle portion 164A is biased to the upper side of the lower notch 166B. 164A and the lower notch 166B. By increasing the contact, the handle portion 164A of the lock pin 164 comes out of the notch portion 166B. This helps prevent rotation in the opposite direction.

[0017] Unlock the locking wall 150A to allow the locking wall 150A to rotate from its upright position To do this, the handle portion 164A of the lock pin 164 is rotated to lock the U-shaped bracket 16 The lock pin 164 is released from the lower notch 166B of the bottom wall 1. The handle portion 164 can be moved upward so as to be pulled out of the hole 118. A is rotated into the upper notch 166A to maintain the locking pin 164 in the unlocked position. A spring 168 can bias the locking pin 164 to the unlocked position. When the handle portion 164A is in the upper notch 166A, the spring 168 164A is pressed against the upper portion of the upper notch 166A, thereby 64A, the handle portion 164A is pulled out from the notch 166A. This can prevent the ball from rotating outwards.

[0018] The wall locking mechanism 108 comprises a structure that removably connects two walls to one another. While a particular configuration for wall locking mechanism 108 is shown, other configurations may be used. It is recognized that 08 may be any structure that reversibly fastens two adjacent walls together. 5B-5C, the wall locking mechanism 108 shown is The bracket 170, the handle portion 172A, the shaft portion 172B, and the hook portion 172C The support bracket 170 includes a lock pin 172 having a shaft. The support bracket 170 includes a hole for the lock pin 172B to pass through. guide the shaft portion 172B of the lock pin 172 when it moves between the deployed and undeployed positions In the connected position, the locking pin 172 is moved toward the edge of the wall 150A, and the disconnection In position, locking pin 172 is moved toward the center of wall 150A. The second handle portion 172A is attached to the shaft portion 172B of the lock pin 172, The lock pin 172 is moved between the connected and disconnected positions, and the lock pin 17 2 rotates about shaft portion 172B between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking portion 172C is located on the locking wall 150A when moving from the disconnected position to the connected position. slot 159A and a corresponding slot 159B in the adjacent connecting wall 150B. The hook portion 172C is attached to the end of the shaft portion 172B. 172C aligns with slots 159A, 159B in lock wall 150A and connecting wall 150B. When the hook portion 172C is inserted into the slot 15, the hook portion 172C is in the unlocked position. The hook portion 172C is shaped so as to be able to pass through the slots 159A and 159B. When not aligned with slots 159A and 159B, hook portion 172C is in the locked position and engages slots 159A and 159B. In this way, the hook portion 172C cannot pass through the slots 159A and 159B. The locking pin 172 is in the connecting configuration and is not aligned with the slots 159A,B. When the lock pin 172 is in the locked position (i.e., when the lock pin 172 is in the locked position), the lock pin 172 first engages the hook portion 172C. with slots 159A,B (i.e., locking pin 172 in the unlocked position). It cannot be removed from slot 159A, B without first moving it.

[0019] In operation, to lock the locking wall 150A to the adjacent connecting wall 150B, e.g. The lock pin 172 is rotated to the unlocked position using the handle portion 172A, and the hook Aligning portion 172C with slots 159A, 159B in locking wall 150A and connecting wall 150B. Next, the lock pin 172 is moved along the axis of the shaft portion 172B to lock the hook. The portion 172C is passed through the slots 159A and 159B of the lock wall 150A and the connecting wall 150B. This moves the locking pin 172 from the disconnected position to the connected position. The pin 172 is moved to the lock position by rotating the hook portion 172C. As a result, hook portion 172C is no longer aligned with slots 159A and 159B. Therefore, it cannot be removed through the slots 159A and 159B.

[0020] To remove the locking wall 150A from the connecting wall 150B, for example, the handle portion 172A is The hook portion 172C is rotated around the shaft portion 172A to connect the lock wall 150A and the connecting wall 150B. 50B, locking pin 172 is aligned with slots 159A and 159B. Next, the lock pin 172 is moved to the unlocked position. 159A, 159B, and 159C. B moves the locking pin 172 to the disengaged position. The hook portion 172C of the hook 172 no longer extends into the slot 159B of the connecting wall 150B. When the container is in a cool, stable condition, the connecting wall 150B is separated from the locking wall 150A. To do this, the locking pin 172 can be rotated to the locked position.

[0021] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, handle portion 172B is attached to locking wall 150A. When the handle portion 172B is rotated so that it extends substantially vertically, the lock pin 172 The hook portion 172C is in the unlocked position or the lock wall 150A and the connecting wall 150B are in the unlocked position. The handle portion 172B is aligned with the slots 159A and 159B. When the hook portion 172C is in the locked position or is no longer in the slots 159A, 159B, the hook portion 172C is in the locked position or is no longer in the slots 159A, 159C. B. Gravity prevents the locking wall 150A from aligning with the handle portion 150B when the locking wall 150A is in the upright position. 72B is normally parallel to the lock wall 150A, so that the hook portion 172C is normally parallel to the slot 150B. 9A, 159B, thus normally placing locking pin 172 in the locked position.

[0022] The support bracket 170 further includes a handle retaining bracket 171. The racket 171 has the lock pin 172 in the locked position and is in the connected and disconnected positions. When the locking pin 172 is in one of the positions, the handle portion 172B of the locking pin 172 is received therein. 4B to 4C, the handle retaining bracket 171 is attached to the support bracket 170. Each arm 171A is supported by a part of the arm 171A. The lock pin 172 includes a protrusion 171B extending inward toward the bracket 170. The handle portion 172B is connected between the protrusion 171B of the arm 171A and the support bracket 170. The protrusion 171B includes a portion sized to be received between the arm 171A and the support bracket. The handle portion 172B is secured to the handle retaining bracket 170 by restricting the space between the handle portion 172B and the bracket 170. so that it must be forcibly inserted into or removed from the racket 171 The handle portion 172B is configured to be able to be held in both the disconnected and connected positions. The handle may be held by the handle holding bracket 171. The handle 172B prevents the handle portion 172B from rotating around the shaft portion 172A. This secures the locking pin 172 in the locked position, preventing the locking wall 150A and the The transition walls 150B are prevented from unintentionally disconnecting from one another when in the connected configuration.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D, one locking wall 150A and one connecting wall 150B are The latch engagement member 190 is attached to the bottom member 158 of the walls 150A,B. As will be explained in more detail below, the locking mechanism may be a plate extending downward. The wall 150A or the connecting wall 150B forms a cavity along each track in the base 102. When slid into the base 112, the latch engaging member 190 engages with the latch 140 of the base 102. Engagement thereby rotating latch 140 into the wall track immediately above walls 150A,B. Extending within the path of the base 102 holds the walls 150A, B upward within the base 102.

[0024] The walls 150A, 150B each include a crossbar 174. The crossbar 174 is 2. The corresponding retaining portion of the base 102 when the .00 is in the folded position as shown in FIG. 130 or latch 140, and walls 150A, B are inserted into cavity 112 of base 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the crate 100 has one locking wall 15. 0A and one connecting wall 150B, and one locking wall 150A and and a latch 140 for one connecting wall 150B. 0 can include retaining members 130 for all walls 150. Also, in the illustrated embodiment In this state, the left side of the track for storing the walls 150A and 150B in the base 102 is , one retaining member 130 or latch 140 is used for each wall 150A,B. In an embodiment, the crate 100 includes a retaining member 130 or latch on each side of each wall 140. 140. In one example, each wall 150A, B may include a base wall 150A, B. The retaining member 130 or latch 140 is located on the left side of the track housed in 102. On the right side, a retaining member 130 or latch 140 may be included.

[0025] 5A and 8A, a retaining member 130 is shown extending from side wall 124A. The holding member 130 includes a bar 132 that rotates about a shaft 134. 0 includes a torsion spring coupled to a shaft 134 and a bar 132, the torsion spring The end 132A of the bar 132 faces downward and is formed by two corresponding ledges 126. The walls 150A and 150B are urged toward the cavity of the base 102. When housed within the cavity 112, the end 132A of the bar 132 extends downward and contacts the cleats of the wall 150. The retaining member 1 is engaged with the upper surface 174A of the cross bar 174 (see FIG. 8A). The bar 132 of the wall 150 prevents the walls 150A,B from exiting the cavity 112. To remove the 0A, B from the cavity, the end 132A of the bar 132 is connected to the shaft 132 This pushes down on end 132B opposite end 132A. This can be done by overcoming the biasing force of the torsion spring. If it is not in the track and / or engaged with the crossbar 174 of the walls 150A,B , the walls 150A,B can be removed from the cavity 112.

[0026] 5B and 8B, a latch 140 is shown extending from the ledge 126. The latch 140 is formed by a support 140A extending from the side wall 124B and a periphery of the axis of the support 140A. 5B and 8B, and a bracket 140B configured to rotate the 1. As such, the latches 140 engage the walls 150A,B along associated tracks on the base 120. Engage and / or retain the retaining orientation The bracket 140B is formed by two corresponding ledges 126. The crate includes a vertically extending member 140C that can be rotated to extend into the path of the truck. When the 150 is in the folded position, two opposing walls 150A, 150B are in the cavity 112. When in the holding position, the vertical extension of the latch 140 Member 140C engages upper surface 174A of crossbar 174 of walls 150A,B to secure walls 150B. When OA and B slide along the ledge 126 that forms the track, the cavity 11 2 (see FIGS. 7D and 8B). Therefore, the vertically extending member 140 C serves as a stopper to prevent the walls 150A and 150B from unintentionally coming out of the cavity 112. As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, the rotatable hook 140 functions as a support 140A. or hangs in a non-retaining position, thereby allowing vertical extension member 140C to 150A,B, so that the latch 140 does not A and B can slide into the cavity 112 of the base 102. 50A, B are inserted along the track into the cavity 112 of the base 102, and the latch engages. The mating member 190 engages with the bracket 140B, and fixes the bracket 140B to the shaft of the support 140A. 150A, 150B, 150C, 150D, 150E, 150F, 150G, 150H ... B into the tracks of the walls 150A, B (i.e., the holding position). In this case, the latch engagement member 190 slides along the bottom side of the bracket 140B of the latch 140. 140B, aligning the bottom side of the bracket 140B with the latch engagement member 190. This rotates the latch 140 to the retaining position (see FIGS. 7D and 8B). With vertically extending member 140C in the path of A and B, walls 150A and B The walls 150A, B cannot slide off the base 102. Vertically extending member 140C is attached to the closure of walls 150A,B to prevent the passage of air from exiting chamber 102. The opposing walls 150A and 150B are removed from the base 102. Once engaged, the latch engagement member 190 no longer presses the latch 140 into the retaining position. The switches return to the non-retaining position, allowing the walls 150A, B to be removed from the base 102. do.

[0027] 5A-5D, each of the walls 150A,B extends from a base member 158. The walls 150A,B further include legs 180 that engage with the ledges 126 of the base 102. 80 when the walls 150A,B are in an upright position (e.g., when the crate is in an assembled position). When the base 102 is in the cavity 112, the legs 180 receive the walls 150A, B. 102. The base 102 is sized to extend over a corresponding ledge 126 on the base 102 that forms a track for the The ledge 126 for each wall 150A,B is different from the bottom wall 116 of the base 102. Because they are at different distances (e.g., the trucks are at different levels), for each wall 150A, B The legs 180 are of different lengths. For example, the wall 150A that slides into the bottom track , B, the legs 180 must extend from the bottom member 158 to the ledge 126 of the bottom track. The base 102 has the longest leg 180. The walls 150A, B are mounted on the support structure 150A, B. The legs 180 extend from the bottom member 158 of the walls 150A, B to the top It has the shortest leg 180 because it only extends to the ledge 126 of the truck. Each leg 180 includes a pin 182 located at the end of the leg 180 opposite the top of the wall 150 . The pins 182 may include rounded surfaces, which may be used to secure the crate 100 to the ground when assembled. When opened and closed, the walls 150A,B pivot or rotate between a horizontal position and an upright position. Pins 182 extend laterally outward from legs 180 and secure the walls 150A,B When the stopper 184 is removed from the cavity 112 of the base 102, the stopper 184 engages the stopper 184. The fasteners 184 are provided to prevent the walls 150A, B from being removed from the base 102 when the crate 100 is assembled. Prevents walls 150A, B from becoming dislodged or detached from base 102 when ejected. The stop 184 prevents the pin 182 from sliding to the end of the track when the wall is removed. The pin 182 has an upper portion that extends above the upper portion of the pin 182 when the pin 182 is inserted. 182 from moving substantially upwardly away from the sliding ledge 126. When the walls 150A, B are removed and the pin 182 engages the stop 184, , the walls 150A,B can then be rotated about the base 102 to an upright position.

[0028] In another embodiment, the walls 150A,B may extend into a corresponding track. Instead, the walls 150A,B do not include legs 180 that contact or remain in contact with each other. Rather than pivoting about a leg 180 that rests on a ledge 126 that forms a wall Sections 150A,B are removed and manually aligned for insertion into tracks in base 102. .

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1A-1G, connecting wall 150B includes a protrusion extending from top member 156. The support block 122 of the base 102 is sized to receive the protrusion 186. The first clamp includes a complementary recess 188. These protrusions 186 and recesses 188 Positioning the protrusion 186 of the crate 100 within the recess 188 of the second crate 100. allows crates 100 to be stacked on top of one another.

[0030] To assemble the crate 100 from the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 2, the locking walls 150A are The bar 132 of the retaining member 130 is rotated to engage with the crossbar 174, and the end of the bar 132 132A is moved upwardly to move it out of the path of the track of the first locking wall 150A. As shown in A, this may be done by pressing downward on end 132B. The lock wall 150A is fixed to the base 102 by the pin 182 of the leg 180 of the lock wall 150A. 184 engages the locking wall 150A against the ledge 126 of the truck on which it rests. 6B, the bottom member 158 is then slid along the bottom of the base 102. The upper end of locking wall 150A is oriented in an upright position around pin 182 until it rests against wall 116. Next, the handle portion 16 of the lock pin 164 of the wall position locking mechanism 106 is rotated. 4A is rotated outward from the upper notch 166A of the U-shaped bracket 162. The locking pin 164 is pushed downward toward the base 102, and the shaft of the locking pin 164 The hole 164B extends into the hole 158A in the bottom member 158 and into the hole 118 in the bottom wall 116. Referring again to FIG. 4A, the handle portion 164A of the locking pin 164 is then The handle portion 164A of the pin 164 is inserted into the lower notch 166B of the U-shaped bracket 162. 162 until it is rotated toward the U-shaped bracket 162, thereby straightening the locking wall 150A. Lock in standing position.

[0031] Next, a second locking wall 150A on the opposite side of the crate 100 from the first locking wall 150A is inserted. 150A is removed from the base 102 as shown in FIG. When the second locking wall 150A is removed, the latch 140 is in the path of the track of the second locking wall 150A. 7B to 7C. 0B). The second locking wall 150A is The lock is slid out from the base 102 along the ledge 126 of the track on which it is placed. The wall 150A is secured to the base 102 by the pins 182 on the legs 180 of the locking wall 150A. 4. The base 102 is then slid out along the ledge 126 until it engages with the base 102. , lock wall 150A is pivoted toward an upright position, and a wall similar to first lock wall 150A It is locked using a position locking mechanism 106 .

[0032] As shown in FIG. 6D, the first connecting wall 150B is removed from the base 102. To do this, the retaining member 130 is removed from the crossbar 174 of the connecting wall 150B as described above. Next, the pin 182 of the leg 180 of the first connecting wall 150B is inserted into the base 10. The wall 150B can be removed from the base 102 until it engages the second stop 184. The first connecting wall 150B is then pivoted to an upright position, and the bottom member 158 is attached to the bottom of the base 102. Slot 159A in locking wall 150A rests on wall 116 and is adjacent slot 159B. and align.

[0033] Next, the handle portion 172 of the lock pin 172 of the wall lock mechanism 108 of the lock wall 150A is A is rotated upward, and the hook portion 172C of the lock pin 172 is inserted into the slots 159A, B. The locking pin 172 is then slid along the axis of the shaft of the locking pin 172. Then, the hook portion 172C is inserted into the slots 159A and 159B. 72A is rotated downward so that hook portion 172C and slots 159A,B are not aligned. The handle portion 172A is attached to the holding arm 17 of the handle holding bracket 171. 1A and the support bracket 172 to lock the handle portion 172A in the locked position. locking the locking wall 150A to the connecting wall 150B. Wall 150A is similarly connected to first connecting wall 150B using wall locking mechanism 108. The three walls of crate 100 are then assembled in an upright position, as shown in 6E. .

[0034] Next, the second connecting wall 150B on the opposite side to the first connecting wall 150B is connected to the base 102. As shown in Figures 7B and 7C, the first connecting wall 150B is removed from the base. When removed from 102, latch 140 is in the non-retaining position and second wall 150B is The second connecting wall 150B does not prevent the base 102 from moving away from the second connecting wall 150B. Outwardly, the second connecting wall 150B slides along the ledge 126 of the track on which it rests. The second connecting wall 150B slides outward from the base 102 along the ledge 126. 6F, the pin 182 of the leg 180 of the second connecting wall 150B is connected to the base 1 The connecting wall 150B then engages with the stop 184 of the first connecting wall 150B. The wall locking mechanism 108 is pivoted about pin 182 toward the connecting wall. 150B to the adjacent locking wall 150A. 6G, the crate 100 is assembled. It will be arranged vertically.

[0035] To fold the Crate 100, follow the steps to assemble the Crate 100 in reverse order. The disconnection of the second connecting wall 150B from the adjacent locking wall 150A is performed by the wall lock. The lock mechanism 108 is moved to the unlock position to engage the hook portion 172C of the lock pin 172. This is done by aligning the slots 159A and 159B. Then, the locking pin 172 The lock pin 172 is slid along the axis of the lid portion 172B to the release position, and the lock pin 172 is inserted into the slot. The locking pin 172 is then rotated to the locked position. A lock pin 172 is attached to the handle retaining bracket 171 to secure the handle portion 17 2A from unintentionally rotating around the shaft portion 172B of the lock pin 172. Next, the second connecting wall 150B is separated from the adjacent locking wall 150A, A second connecting wall 150B is formed on the base 102 by the ledge 126 of the side wall 124B. 1. Slide the upper portion of the connecting wall 150B over the pin 182 of the leg 180 until it is substantially aligned with the track. Next, the connecting wall 150B can be rotated along the ledge 126. The connecting wall 150B can slide into the cavity 112 of the base 102. The bracket 126 can be inserted until the legs 180 abut against the stops 128 of the bracket 126.

[0036] The first connecting wall 150B is formed in the same manner as the steps for the second connecting wall 150B described above. The first connecting wall 150B can be separated from the adjacent locking wall 150A. 150B is mounted on the track of the base 102 formed by the ledge 126 of the side wall 124B. The legs 180 can be rotated about the pins 182 until they are qualitatively aligned. The first connecting wall 150B is then inserted into the cavity 112 of the base 102 along the ledge 126. The crossbar 174 contacts the retaining member 130 and can slide into the wall 1 50B is inserted into the cavity 112. When the crossbar 174 passes under the retaining member 130, the retaining member The member 130 is spring loaded along the track into the path of the connecting wall 150B, so that the wall 150B is The first connecting wall 150B prevents the base 102 from being removed from the cavity 112 without any adjustment. When the latch engaging member 190 is inserted along the track, the latch engaging member 190 engages the latch of the second connecting wall 150B. 7D. (i.e., the vertically extending member 140C of the latch 140 is aligned with the path of the track of the second connecting wall 150B). and contacts the crossbar 174 of the second connecting wall 150B to form the second connecting wall 150 The connecting wall 150B may prevent the leg 180 from sliding off the base 102. The ledge 126 can slide along the ledge 126 until it abuts against a stop 128 on the ledge 126. do.

[0037] Next, the lock pin 164 of the wall position lock mechanism 106 of the second lock wall 150A is set to the bottom wall 116 through the hole 118, and the handle portion 164A is pulled out from the upper side of the U-shaped bracket 162. The second lock can be moved to an unlocked position within the notch 166A. The wall is rotated about the leg 180 and then assembled in the same process as described above for the second connecting wall 150B. Similarly, the base 124A is guided along a track formed by a ledge 126 along the side wall 124A. 12 can be inserted into the cavity 112.

[0038] Next, the first lock wall 150A is removed in a manner similar to the process described above for the second lock wall 150A. Wall 150A can be separated from base 102. Next, the first connecting wall 150B is Then, in a similar process to that described above, the first locking wall 150A is rotated around the leg 180. 124A. The base 124A is then guided along the track formed by the ledge 126 along the side wall 124A. 12. All four walls 150A, B are While in cavity 112 of base 102, crate 100 is folded as shown in FIG. It is in a folding arrangement.

[0039] The use of singular terms such as "a" and "an" is not specifically indicated herein. covers both the singular and the plural unless otherwise clearly contradicted by the context The terms "comprise," "have," "include," and "contain" are intended to be open-ended. As used herein, the term "at least one" is interpreted as an open-ended term. Laise is intended to be interpreted in a disjunctive sense, e.g., "at least A and B" The phrase "and one more" is intended to encompass only A, only B, or both A and B. There are.

[0040] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that Various modifications, alterations and combinations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. and all such modifications, variations and combinations are to be considered within the scope of the inventive concept. You will realize that you should.

Claims

1. a base including an upper surface and defining a cavity below the upper surface; a plurality of walls removably attachable to one another; the plurality of walls are in a first configuration extending substantially vertically above the top surface of the base; a second configuration in which the plurality of walls are within the cavity of the base; A collapsible crate.

2. the base includes a plurality of tracks within the cavity; Each track of the plurality of tracks receives a wall of the plurality of walls, and the wall is configured to guide the wall as it slides into or out of the cavity.

2. The collapsible crate of claim 1.

3. Each track of the plurality of tracks is substantially parallel to the top surface of the base, and 3. The folding method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of tracks are at different vertical positions relative to the other tracks. Collapsible crate.

4. Each track of the plurality of tracks receives a first side of a wall of the plurality of walls. a first portion for receiving the second side of the wall; and a second portion for receiving the second side of the wall. A foldable truck according to claim 2 or 3.

5. Each wall of the plurality of walls includes a mounting arm that engages the base, and the walls are The wall of claim 1 to claim 4 is rotatable about the mounting arm when removed from the other wall. A collapsible crate according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The mounting arm includes a rounded end that engages a track on the base, and the wall 6. The collapsible crate of claim 5, wherein said crate rotates about said rounded ends.

7. A first wall of the plurality of walls is provided to lock the first wall to a second wall of the plurality of walls. Includes a locking mechanism for The locking mechanism includes a locking mechanism that extends into a complementary hole in the second wall to lock the first wall to the second wall. The folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a pin for attaching to the wall of the folding device. Reusable crate.

8. A first wall of the plurality of walls is disposed at a position substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the base. a locking mechanism for locking the wall; The locking mechanism includes a locking mechanism that prevents the first wall from substantially rotating relative to the base. Claims 1 to 7, wherein a pin is provided configured to extend into a complementary hole in the base.

10. The collapsible crate according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

9. The top surface of the base is configured to allow the collapsible crate to be in the first configuration and the second configuration.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the upper surface is configured to support an item on the upper surface when the upper surface is in the first or second configuration.

9. A foldable crate according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the base includes a lower frame below the cavity; The lower frame is disposed at a distance from a surface on which the base is placed, thereby For transporting the collapsible crate, the forks of a moving device are attached to the lower frame. The foldable device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which allows the device to extend below Crate.

11. A collapsible crate, a base including an upper surface and defining a cavity below said upper surface, a base including a first track within the cavity for receiving the wall; the first base member having an upper portion extending from the upper surface of the base in an assembled configuration; a wall; The first wall has a first track that engages with the first track of the base in the assembled position. a mounting arm extending from the upper portion for mounting the The first wall is secured to the mounting arm to align the first wall with the first track. the first wall is rotatable relative to the base about a center axis, thereby Slide the base along the track into the cavity to break the first wall. A collapsible crate configured to be moved into a collapsed configuration.

12. a retention mechanism attached to the base, the retention mechanism supporting the first wall in the folded configuration; a retention mechanism configured to retain the first wall within the base at one time.

12. The collapsible crate of claim 11.

13. the retention mechanism includes a retention bar; The retaining bar secures the first wall within the base in the folded configuration. to engage with a portion of the first wall when the first wall is inserted into the cavity.

13. The collapsible crate of claim 12, configured to:

14. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the retaining bar is configured to contact a cross bar of the first wall.

14. A collapsible crate as described in 13.

15. The holding bar is fixed to the base via a torsion spring, and the first wall is fixed to the base. biased toward a position where it engages the portion of the first wall when in the cavity of 15. The collapsible crate of claim 13 or 14.

16. The retaining bar extends at an angle relative to the first track, thereby The retaining bar is bent by the first wall as the first wall is inserted into the base. and springs back when the first wall is fully inserted into the cavity of the base.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the first wall is configured to engage with the portion of the first wall.

3. The collapsible crate according to claim 1.

17. further comprising a second wall; The base has a second track in the cavity for receiving the second wall. Including, the retention mechanism includes a rotatable latch; The rotatable latch is configured such that the second wall is oriented along the second track of the base. When inserted into the base, the first wall is rotated to a retaining position to secure the first wall within the base. The foldable clay according to any one of claims 12 to 16, to.

18. A portion of the second wall is inserted into the base along the second track. As the latch is inserted, it engages the rotatable latch, rotating the rotatable latch to a retaining position. Let, In the holding position, a portion of the rotatable latch is positioned along the first track.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first wall is secured within the base by extending within a wall passage of Collapsible crate as described.

19. When the second wall is inserted into the base along the second track, a second retention mechanism configured to retain the wall of claim 1 within the base.

19. A collapsible crate according to 17 or 18.

20. The upper portion of the first wall is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the base.

20. The method of claim 11, further comprising first and second sides configured to engage one track. A collapsible crate according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

21. the first track includes a first plate attached along a first side of the base; a second plate attached along a second side of the base; The first plate is configured such that when the first side of the first wall is inserted into the base, configured to engage the first side of the first wall; The second plate is configured such that when the second side of the first wall is inserted into the base, 21. The method of claim 11, wherein the second side of the first wall is configured to engage the second side of the first wall.

1. A collapsible crate according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

22. 22. The folding mechanism of claim 21, wherein the mounting arm slidably engages the first plate. Collapsible crate.

23. The first track has a first wall inserted into the cavity of the base. a first stopper against which the mounting arm of the first wall abuts when the first wall is attached to the base; When the base is removed from the cavity, the mounting arm of the first wall abuts against the mounting arm. The folding device according to any one of claims 11 to 22, further comprising a second fastener. Reusable crate.

24. the first wall includes a locking mechanism including a pin; The pin holds the first wall in place so that the first wall extends upward from the base. configured to extend into a complementary hole in the base to lock onto the base; The locking mechanism substantially locks the first wall against the base in the assembled configuration. The collapsible clay of any one of claims 11 to 23, which prevents spontaneous rotation. to.

25. the first wall has a locking mechanism for locking the first wall to the second wall in the assembled configuration; a locking mechanism including a pin configured to extend into a complementary hole in the second wall; A collapsible crate according to any one of claims 11 to 24.

26. The first wall has a locking mechanism for locking the first wall to the second wall in the assembled configuration. a hole for receiving a pin of a locking mechanism of the second wall for locking the second wall; 12. A collapsible crate as described in 11.

27. 1. A method of folding a crate, comprising: A cradle having a base including an upper surface and defining a cavity below said upper surface. removing a first wall of the crate from an adjacent wall of the crate; The upper end of the first wall is moved toward the clay until it is substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base. rotating the slits outwardly from the slits; sliding the first wall inwardly into the cavity of the base; The upper end of the second wall is removed from the crate to a position substantially parallel to the upper surface of the base. rotating the plate outward from the center of the plate; Sliding the first wall of the crate inwardly into the cavity of the base and

28. 1. A method of assembling a collapsible crate, comprising: A cradle having a base including an upper surface and defining a cavity below said upper surface. removing the first wall of the port from the cavity; rotating the upper end of the first wall upward to an upright position; locking the first wall in the upright position; removing a second wall of the crate from the cavity; rotating an upper end of the second wall to an upright position; and locking the first wall in the upright position.

Images