Containers for transporting goods

Abstract

The container includes a base, two opposing first walls extending upwardly from the base and pivotally connected to the base, two opposing second walls extending upwardly from the base and pivotally connected to the base, and one or more foot members. The base includes one or more legs extending downwardly. The foot members are adapted to engage the legs. Each of the foot members includes one or more sockets extending upwardly and a plate member. The sockets are adapted to engage the legs and the plate members are adapted to engage the one or more sockets.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THEINVENTION FIELD OF THEINVENTION This invention relates to containers, particularly containers used for transporting goods. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Background of the Invention Containers are typically used to transport items. A conventional container typically includes a base from which four wall components extend vertically, thereby forming a substantially rectangular box. The base and wall components may be injection molded from plastic in one or more molds.

[0003] One type of container may include foldable walls. These foldable containers may use a hinge mechanism to connect a bottom edge of one or more wall components to a base. The hinge mechanism allows one or more wall components to fold (typically inwardly) to reduce the physical footprint of the container. This may help make the container more efficiently storable when not in use. Conventional foldable containers also have some mechanism for securely locking the wall components in place when in a vertical orientation, which may prevent the wall components from accidentally folding during use.

[0004] Containers may also be moved, such as when items stored in the container need to be transported from one location to another, for example, the container may be lifted by a forklift and thus needs to be easily accessible and carried by the tines of the forklift.

[0005] Additionally, the container may be placed on top of a track system that may be used for loading onto a truck or trailer. Such track systems include, for example, those made by Joloda Hydraroll Ltd. Such track systems include a pair of spaced apart tracks along which a skate can slide. The container may be placed on the skate, which allows the container to slide along the tracks. However, because the weight of the container (and its contents) is concentrated in the portion of the container that rests on the skate, it is desirable for the container not to distort or break when placed on the skate. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Summary of the Invention According to one embodiment of the invention, the container comprises two opposing first walls extending from a base and two opposing second walls extending from the base. The first and second walls are foldable. Extending from the base are a number of downwardly extending legs. Preferably, the legs may be either end legs or central legs. The legs are configured to engage one or more foot members. The foot members comprise upwardly extending sockets for slidably engaging the legs. The sockets comprise end sockets (for engaging the end legs) located near the ends of the foot members and a central socket (for engaging the central legs) located between the end sockets. The sockets are themselves configured to slidably engage the plate. The plate may be comprised of a different material (e.g., metal or metal alloy) than the remainder of the container (which may be made from injection molded plastic).

[0007] In another embodiment, a container includes a base, two opposing first walls extending upwardly from the base and pivotally connected to the base, two opposing second walls extending upwardly from the base and pivotally connected to the base, and one or more foot members. The base includes one or more legs extending downwardly. The foot members are adapted to engage the legs. Each of the foot members includes one or more sockets extending upwardly and a plate member. The sockets are adapted to engage the legs and the plate members are adapted to engage the one or more sockets.

[0008] In yet another embodiment, the one or more foot members comprises at least two foot members.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the one or more foot members comprises at least three foot members.

[0010] In a further embodiment, each of the one or more sockets includes a socket passage extending at least partially through the socket, the socket passage configured to engage the sheet material.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the one or more sockets comprises at least two sockets.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the one or more sockets comprises at least three sockets.

[0013] In another embodiment, each of the foot members includes two foot ends, and the at least three sockets include two end sockets and at least one central socket, the end sockets being located proximate the foot ends, and the at least one central socket being located between the end sockets.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the socket passage for each of the at least one central socket extends completely through the central socket, and the socket passage for the central socket is configured to permit engagement of a plate member through the central socket.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the socket passage for each of the two end sockets extends partially through the end socket, and the socket passages for the end sockets are configured to allow insertion of a plate partially through the end socket.

[0016] In yet another embodiment, each of the foot members further comprises one or more sleeves configured to fit around the plates between adjacent sockets.

[0017] In a further embodiment, each of the sockets includes a lower socket surface, the lower socket surface being substantially flush with a portion of the sleeve.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the plank includes a plank base and an upper plank portion extending from the plank base.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the sleeve extends over the plank base and the plank upper portion.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the socket underside is substantially flush with the portion of the sleeve that extends over the plank base.

[0021] In yet another embodiment, the upper plate portion includes at least one angled surface, the at least one angled surface being oriented at an angle between 0° and 45°.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the plank upper portion and the plank base at least partially define a plank passageway extending within the plank.

[0023] In yet another embodiment, the plank further comprises one or more plank ribs extending into the plank passageway.

[0024] In another embodiment, the plate is made from a different material than the socket.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the plate is made from a harder material than the socket.

[0026] In yet another embodiment, the plate is made from a metal or metal alloy and the socket is made from injection molded plastic.

[0027] The above description is intended as a summary of only some of the aspects of the present invention. The above description is not intended to define the limitations or requirements of the present invention. Other aspects of the present invention can be understood by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments. Moreover, this summary should be interpreted as if the claims were fully incorporated into this specification.

[0028] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a container according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the container of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a foot member of the container. [Figure 4] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foot member of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a step of attaching a socket to a plate for the leg member of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a step of attaching a socket to a plate for the leg member of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing a step of attaching a socket to a plate for the leg member of FIG. 3. [Figure 8]13A-13C show another embodiment of the foot member. [Figure 9] 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the foot member of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a step of attaching a socket and a sleeve to a plate for the foot member of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a step of attaching a socket and a sleeve to a plate for the foot member of FIG. 8. [Figure 12] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a step of attaching a socket and a sleeve to a plate for the foot member of FIG. 8. [Figure 13] 9A and 9B are diagrams showing a step of attaching a socket and a sleeve to a plate for the foot member of FIG. 8. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a front view of one embodiment of a container with the foot members of FIG. 3. [Figure 15] 9 is a front view of another embodiment of a container with the foot members of FIG. 8. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 14. [Figure 17] FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 15. [Figure 18] A close-up view showing one of the first walls being folded. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing one of the first walls in an upright configuration. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing one of the first walls. [Figure 21] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of one of the first walls. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is another partial cross-sectional view of the first wall. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is yet another cross-sectional view of one of the first walls. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the first wall and the second wall. [Diagram 25] FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows the container of FIG. 25 with one of the inner walls folded. [Figure 27]A close-up view showing one of the inner walls being folded over. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing one of the inner walls in an upright configuration. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is another partial cross-sectional view showing one of the inner walls in an upright configuration. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] Detailed Description 1, a container 10 according to the present invention comprises a base 12, two opposing first walls 14, and two opposing second walls 16. The first walls 14 and the second walls 16 are connected to and extend from the base 12.

[0031] Each of the first and second walls 14, 16 is preferably pivotally connected to the frame 12 such that the first and second walls 14, 16 can be folded relative to the frame 12. One or more of the first and second walls 14, 16 can include an outer wall 18 and an inner wall 20 that is defined at least in part by the outer wall 18. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each of the second walls 16 includes an outer wall 18 and an inner wall 20. Preferably, the inner wall 20 is pivotally connected to the outer wall 18 such that the inner wall 20 can be folded relative to the outer wall 18.

[0032] 1, each of the first walls 14 is configured to fold inwardly (i.e., toward the center of the container 10). Similarly, the outer wall 18 of the second wall 16 is also configured to fold inwardly. However, the inner wall 16 of the second wall 16 is configured to fold outwardly (i.e., away from the center of the container 10).

[0033] 1 and 2, the base 12 includes a base underside 76 and a plurality of downwardly extending legs 22 attached to the base underside 76. The legs 22 are configured to receive and engage one or more foot members 24. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there are three foot members 24, and each of the foot members 24 engages three legs 22. Preferably, each of the foot members 24 are substantially similar to one another. There are preferably at least two foot members 24, but it should be understood that more or fewer foot members 24 may be used to more securely seat the container 10 on a surface. Additionally, each of the foot members 24 preferably engages at least two legs 22, but the foot members 24 may engage more or fewer legs 22.

[0034] 3 and 4, each of the foot members 24 includes a foot end 26. Each of the foot members 24 further includes one or more upwardly extending sockets 28 generally connected to the longitudinal plate 30. The sockets 28 are configured to engage the legs 22. Each of the sockets 28 includes a socket lower surface 72.

[0035] Preferably, the sockets 28 may be either end sockets 32 (located near the foot ends 26) or central sockets 34 (located between the end sockets 32). Preferably, each foot member 24 includes two end sockets 32 and at least one or more central sockets 34. However, it should be understood that the central socket 34 may be omitted.

[0036] Similarly, the legs 22 may be either end legs 36 (configured to engage with end sockets 32) or central legs (configured to engage with central sockets 34). Preferably, the number of legs 22 matches the number of sockets 28, such that each of the legs 22 engages with one of the sockets 28. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the base includes six end legs 36 and three central legs 38. Each of the foot members 24 includes two end sockets 32 and one central socket 34. If there are three foot members 24, then there are six end sockets 32 and three central sockets 34. However, it should be understood that other configurations and numbers of sockets 28 and legs 22 are also possible.

[0037] 5-7 show how the foot member 24 is assembled. Referring to FIG. 5, the plate 30 includes end plate portions 40. The plate 30 is substantially elongated and configured to engage the end sockets 32 and the central socket 34. Preferably, the plate 30 is constructed from a metal or metal alloy. For example, the plate 30 may be constructed from aluminum. The sockets 28 may be constructed from plastic using injection molding techniques. Preferably, the plate 30 is constructed from a harder material than the sockets 28.

[0038] 5-7, the plate 30 preferably slidably engages the end sockets 32 and the central sockets 34. Each of the central sockets 34 includes a central socket passage 42 extending therethrough that is sized to receive the plate 30 and to allow the plate 30 to slide through the central edge socket passages 42.

[0039] Each of the end sockets 32 includes an end socket passage 44 that is sized to receive the plate 30 at one of the plate ends 36. Preferably, the end socket passages 44 are closed at one end (i.e., the end socket passages 44 do not extend through the end sockets 32), thereby preventing the end sockets 32 from sliding along the plate 30 beyond the plate end 36. This is in contrast to the central socket passage 42, which allows the central socket 34 to slide along the length of the plate 30.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 5, one plate end 36 of the plate 30 is first inserted into the end socket passage 44 of the first end socket 32, for example, by moving the plate 30 into the end socket passage 44 in direction A. The end socket passage 44 is preferably closed at one end so that the plate 30 cannot slide completely through the first end socket 32. With reference to FIG. 6, one of the central sockets 34 can be engaged with the plate 30 by sliding the plate 30 through the central socket passage 42 (e.g., in direction B). With reference to FIG. 7, once the central socket 34 is positioned along the plate 30, the plate 30 can be inserted into the end socket passage 44 of the second end socket 32, for example, by moving the plate 30 into the end socket passage 44 in direction C. This results in the assembly of the foot member 24, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0041] Preferably, each of the sockets 28 includes one or more upwardly extending socket walls 46 while each of the legs 22 includes one or more downwardly extending leg walls 48. The leg walls 48 include a leg lower edge 52. The socket walls 46 are preferably dimensioned to slidably engage the leg walls 48 such that the sockets 28 fit closely within the legs 22. The one or more socket walls 46 preferably include one or more protruding knobs 50.

[0042] 2, to attach the foot member 24 to the leg 22, the socket wall 46 is first aligned with the leg wall 48. The foot member 24 is then moved toward the leg 22 until the socket 28 engages the leg 22. As the socket wall 46 engages the leg wall 48 and is slid within and along the leg wall 48, the knob 50 eventually contacts the leg lower edge 52. As the knob 46 is further pressed to move beyond the leg lower edge 52 and abut the leg wall 48, the interaction of the knob 50 with the leg lower edge 52 and the leg wall 48 forces the socket wall 46 slightly inward, thus allowing the socket wall 46 to flex inward. One or more leg openings 54 are located in one or more leg walls 48. The leg opening 50 is preferably positioned and sized such that as the knob 46 moves along the leg wall 48, the knob 50 will eventually reach the leg opening 54. When the knob 50 reaches the leg opening 54, the knob 50 engages the leg opening 54 and slides into the leg opening 54. This allows the socket wall 46 to return to its original configuration (i.e., its undeflected state). When the knob 50 engages the leg opening 54, the socket wall 46 is effectively secured to the leg wall 48, thereby securing the socket 28 to the leg 22.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the knob 50 is preferably angled or tilted to facilitate movement of the knob 50 over the lower edge 52 of the leg.

[0044] Referring again to FIG. 4, the plate 30 preferably includes a substantially planar plate base 56 and an upper plate portion 58 extending above the plate base 56. The upper plate portion 58 may include one or more surfaces, for example, the upper plate portion 58 does not necessarily have to be substantially planar. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the upper plate portion 58 includes at least four surfaces. These surfaces include a first inclined surface 60, a second inclined surface 62, a top surface 64 extending between the first inclined surface 60 and the second inclined surface 62, and a connector surface 66 extending between the second inclined surface 62 and the plate base 56. Preferably, the first inclined surface 60 is attached to the plate base 56. In other embodiments, one or more of the second inclined surface 62, the top surface 64, and the connector surface 66 may be omitted.

[0045] The inclination of the first inclined surface 60 and the second inclined surface 62 with respect to the horizontal plane may be different from each other. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the angle of the first inclined surface 60 with respect to the horizontal plane is smaller than the angle of the second inclined surface 62 with respect to the horizontal plane. In other words, the first inclined surface 60 is not as steep as the second inclined surface 62. In one embodiment, the first inclined surface 60 is oriented at an angle between 0° and 45° from the horizontal plane. Preferably, the first inclined surface 60 is oriented outward (i.e., away from the center of the container 10) when the foot member 24 is inserted into the base 12. This allows the forklift claws to ride up along the first inclined surface 60 when they contact the plate material 30.

[0046] The top surface 64 is preferably oriented substantially horizontally, although this is not required. As shown in FIG. 4, the plank base 56, the top surface 64, the connector surface 66, the first angled surface 60 and the second angled surface 62 generally at least partially define a plank passage 68 that extends within the plank 30 substantially the entire length of the plank 30. In other words, the plank 30 is preferably not solid, but at least partially hollow. In one embodiment, the height of the plank 30 (from the top surface 64 to the plank base 56) is about 25 mm.

[0047] One or more plate material ribs 70 may extend within the plate material passage 68. The plate material ribs 70 help provide stiffness and strength to the plate material 30. The plate material ribs 70 may be oriented substantially vertically and / or diagonally. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the plate material ribs 70 are oriented substantially vertically. It should be understood that other orientations and / or configurations of the plate material ribs 70 are possible.

[0048] As previously mentioned, the plate 30 is preferably constructed from a metal or metal alloy. Thus, the plate ribs 70, the plate base 56, the top surface 64, the connector surface 66, the first angled surface 60 and the second angled surface 62 are preferably constructed from a metal or metal alloy. More preferably, the metal or metal alloy used is one suitable for extrusion, such as aluminum.

[0049] 14-17, the plate 30 is configured to slide through the central socket passage 42 and into the end socket passages 44 so that the plate base 56 may terminate elevated against the socket underside 72 of the socket 28. In other words, when the container 10 is placed on the ground, the socket underside 72 contacts the ground, but the plate base 52 does not necessarily contact the ground. This is best seen in FIG. 14 and in FIG. 16, which is a cross-sectional view of the container 10.

[0050] In one embodiment, one or more sleeves 74 may be provided to compensate for the height difference between the socket underside 72 and the plank base 56. With reference to Figures 8 and 9, in this embodiment, one or more sleeves 74 may be fitted around the plank 30 between the sockets 28. For example, one of the sleeves 74 may be fitted around the plank 30 between the first end socket 32 ​​and the central socket 34, and another of the sleeves 74 may be fitted around the plank 30 between the second end socket 32 ​​and the central socket 34.

[0051] 10 to 13 show a method of attaching the socket 28 and the sleeve 74 to the plate 30. Referring to FIG. 10, one plate end 40 is inserted into one of the end sockets 32 (i.e., one of the end socket passages 44). Next, the first sleeve 74 is placed near the other plate end 40. Next, referring to FIG. 11, the first sleeve 70 may be placed over the plate 30 and slid along the plate 30 until it reaches the first end socket 32. Next, as shown in FIG. 12, the plate 30 may be inserted through the central socket passage 42, and the central socket 34 may be slid along the plate 30 until it reaches the first sleeve 74, thereby attaching the central socket 34. Next, the second sleeve 70 may be placed near the other plate end 40. Referring to FIG. 13, the second sleeve 70 may be placed over the plate 30 and slid along the plate 30 until it reaches the central socket 34. Finally, the second end socket 32 ​​can be installed by inserting the other sheet material end 40 into the end socket passage 44 of the second end socket 32 ​​(resulting in the configuration shown in FIG. 8).

[0052] The sleeve 74 may act as a spacer between the sockets 28 (e.g., between the end sockets 32 and the center socket 34). Preferably, the sleeve 74 is constructed from a flexible material, such as nylon, and is sized to fit closely around the plank 30. The sleeve 74 may also provide some protection to the plank 30 from impact damage caused by the tines of a forklift striking the plank 30.

[0053] By wrapping the sleeve 74 around the plate material 30, the sleeve 74 can at least partially reduce or eliminate any height difference between the plate material base 56 and the socket underside 72. For example, the thickness of the sleeve 74 can be selected such that when wrapped around the plate material 30, the sleeve 74 is substantially aligned with the socket underside 72, such that the socket underside 72 of the socket 28 is substantially flush with the portion of the sleeve 74 at the plate material base 56, as best shown in FIG.

[0054] Using a metal or metal alloy to construct the plate 30 increases the strength of the plate 30. For example, the plate 30 may be constructed using aluminum, which has a higher tensile strength than plastic. The strength of the plate 30 is useful when the container 10 is subjected to point pressure on the plate 30, such as when the container 10 is placed on the skates (e.g., from Joloda Hydraroll Ltd.) of a track system used to load the container 10. The strength of the plate 30 helps reduce any bending or flexing of the plate 30.

[0055] Additionally, the strength of the plate 30 also aids when the container 10 is lifted by a forklift tines. The forklift tines are typically inserted between the plate upper portion 58 and the base underside 76 (e.g., between the end sockets 32 and the center socket 34). The forklift tines then lift the container 10 by pushing up against the base underside 76. When the forklift tines apply a force to the base underside 76, the base underside 76 may bend or flex, which in turn causes the plate 30 to bend or flex as well. Because the plate 30 is reinforced (such as by constructing the plate from a metal or metal alloy), the plate 30 is inhibited from bending or flexing.

[0056] 24, in another embodiment, the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 preferably do not have many exposed exterior ribs. Such exposed exterior ribs tend to trap water, dirt and / or other materials. Instead, the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 each preferably include an interior wall 78 and an exterior wall 80 that are spaced apart from one another. One or more transverse ribs 82 preferably extend between the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80. The transverse ribs 82 help provide rigidity to the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 while providing a relatively smooth surface to the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80.

[0057] 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the interior wall 78, the exterior wall 80, and the cross rib 82. The cross rib 82 preferably extends substantially perpendicular to the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80. In addition, one or more structural ribs 84 may extend inwardly (i.e., toward each other) from the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80. The structural ribs 84 help provide additional strength and rigidity to the interior wall 78 and the exterior wall 80.

[0058] Referring again to Figure 1, the first wall 14 can be folded onto the base 12 using the first latches 86. The container 10 shown in Figure 1 is in an upright configuration with the first latches 86 holding the first wall 14 to the second wall 16. However, by releasing the first latches 86, the first wall 14 can be decoupled from the second wall 16, thereby allowing the first wall 14 to be pivoted (relative to the base 12) and folded onto the base 12. Preferably, two first latches 86 are provided on each of the first walls 14.

[0059] 18-22 show one of the first latches 86. Each of the first latches 86 includes a first tab 88 that is laterally movable between the inner wall 78 and the outer wall 80 of the first wall 14. Each of the first walls 14 includes two first side edges 90, and a first window 92 is located in the outer wall 80 of the first wall 14 near the first side edges 90. Preferably, the first tab 88 extends across the first window 92. The first tab 88 includes a first finger hole 98 that is accessible through the first window 92. The first tab 88 is configured to be engaged within a first receiving slot 94 located in the second wall 16, preferably located between the inner wall 78 and the outer wall 80 of the second wall 16.

[0060] When the container 10 is in the upright configuration, the first tab 88 is engaged within the first receiving slot 94, thereby holding the first wall 14 and the second wall 16 in place.

[0061] 22, a cross-sectional view is shown without the interior wall 78, but the first latch 86 further comprises a first spring 96 having one end attached to the first tab 88 and the other end attached to the first wall 14, preferably one of the cross ribs 82. As shown in FIG. 22, the cross rib 82 to which the first spring 96 is preferably attached may terminate before reaching the first side edge 90.

[0062] 22, the first tab 88 is normally biased outward (i.e., in direction D) by the tension of the first spring 96. The outward force exerted on the first tab 88 by the first spring 96 tends to engage the first tab 88 in the first receiving slot 94 when the container 10 is in an upright configuration. To fold the first wall 14 downward, the first finger hole 98 is configured to allow a user to use his or her finger to contact the first tab 88, thereby pressing the first tab 88 against the first spring 96 (i.e., in direction E), thereby compressing the first spring 96. This also causes the first tab 88 to move laterally out of the first receiving slot 94. Once the first tab 88 has moved completely out of the first receiving slot 94, the first wall 14 is no longer secured to the second wall 16. Once both first tabs 88 on either side of first wall 14 have moved out of first receiving slots 94, first wall 14 is free to fold (as shown in FIG. 18 ). Once first wall 14 has folded, second wall 16 can also fold (as it is no longer held in place by first wall 14).

[0063] Returning to FIG. 1 , the inner wall 20 can also be folded against the outer wall 18. As mentioned above, the inner wall 20 is preferably pivotally connected to the outer wall 18. The inner wall 20 can be folded using second latches 100. In the container 10 shown in FIG. 1 , the second latches 100 hold the inner wall 20 to the outer wall 18. However, by releasing the second latches 100, the inner wall 20 can be decoupled from the outer wall 18, thereby allowing the inner wall 20 to be pivoted and folded onto the outer wall 18. Preferably, two second latches 100 are provided on each of the inner walls 20.

[0064] 25-29 show the second latch 100. It should be noted that the operation of the second latch 100 is preferably similar to that of the first latch 86. In particular, each of the second latches 100 includes a second tab 102 that is laterally movable between the inner wall 78 and the outer wall 80 of the inner wall 20. Each of the inner walls 20 includes two inner edges 104, and a second window 106 is located on the outer wall 80 of the inner wall 20 adjacent the inner edges 104. Preferably, the second tab 102 extends across the second window 106. The second tab 102 includes a second finger hole 112 that is accessible through the second window 106. The second tab 102 is configured to engage within a second receiving slot 108 located in the outer wall 18, preferably located between the inner wall 78 and the outer wall 80 of the outer wall 18.

[0065] When the container 10 is in the upright configuration, the second tab 102 is engaged within the second receiving slot 108, thereby holding the outer wall 18 and the inner wall 20 in place.

[0066] 28, which shows a cross-sectional view without the interior wall 78, the second latch 100 further comprises a second spring 110, one end of which is attached to the second tab 102 and the other end of which is attached to the inner wall 20, preferably to one of the cross ribs 82. As shown in FIG. 28, the cross rib 82 to which the second spring 110 is preferably attached may terminate before reaching the inner edge 104.

[0067] 28, the second tab 102 is normally biased outward (i.e., in direction F) by the tension of the second spring 110. The outward force exerted by the second spring 110 on the second tab 102 tends to engage the second tab 102 within the second receiving slot 108 when the container 10 is in an upright configuration. To collapse the inner wall 20, the second finger hole 112 is configured to allow a user to use their finger to contact the second tab 102, thereby pressing the second tab 102 against the second spring 110 (i.e., in direction G), thereby compressing the second spring 110. This also causes the second tab 102 to move laterally out of the second receiving slot 108. Once the second tab 102 has moved completely out of the second receiving slot 108, the inner wall 20 is no longer secured to the outer wall 18. Once both second tabs 102 on either side of the inner wall 20 have moved out of the second receiving slot 108, the inner wall 20 is free to fold (as shown in FIG. 26).

[0068] The presence of the cross ribs 82 can make them difficult to fabricate using conventional injection molding techniques, however, by having the cross ribs 82 terminate before the first side edge 90 and / or the inner edge 104, the fabrication process is easier since the base of the steel core (for fabricating the mold) is still solid.

[0069] 30, in another embodiment of the container 10, two foot members 24 may be provided instead of the three foot members 24 shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30, the container 10 is relatively shorter than the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the first wall 14 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30 is relatively shorter than the first wall 14 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1. In addition, the portion of the base 12 below the second wall 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 30 is also relatively shorter than the portion of the base 12 below the second wall 16 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

[0070] Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that certain modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention.

Claims

1. A container comprising: a base having one or more legs extending downwardly; two opposing first walls extending upwardly from and pivotally connected to the base; two opposing second walls extending upwardly from and pivotally connected to the base; one or more foot members adapted to engage the leg portion, each of the foot members comprising: one or more upwardly extending sockets adapted to engage the legs; a plate adapted to engage said one or more sockets; one or more foot members comprising: A container comprising:

2. The container of claim 1 , wherein the one or more foot members comprises at least two foot members.

3. The container of claim 1 , wherein the one or more foot members comprises at least three foot members.

4. The container of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more sockets includes a socket passage extending at least partially through the socket, the socket passage configured to engage the sheet material.

5. The container of claim 4 , wherein the one or more sockets comprises at least two sockets.

6. The container of claim 4 , wherein the one or more sockets comprises at least three sockets.

7. 7. The container of claim 6, wherein each of the foot members comprises two foot ends, and the at least three sockets comprise two end sockets and at least one central socket, the end sockets being located proximate the foot ends and the at least one central socket being located between the end sockets.

8. 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the socket passage for each of the at least one central socket extends completely through the central socket, the socket passage for the central socket being configured to permit engagement of the plate through the central socket.

9. 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the socket passage for each of the two end sockets extends partially through the end socket, and the socket passage for the end socket is configured to allow insertion of the plate partially through the end socket.

10. The container of claim 4 , wherein each of the foot members further comprises one or more sleeves configured to fit around the plate between adjacent ones of the sockets.

11. The container of claim 10 , wherein each of the sockets includes a lower socket surface, the lower socket surface being substantially flush with a portion of the sleeve.

12. The container of claim 11 , wherein the plank comprises a plank base and an upper plank portion extending from the plank base.

13. The container of claim 12 , wherein the sleeve extends over the plank base and the plank upper portion.

14. The container of claim 13 , wherein the socket underside is substantially flush with a portion of the sleeve that extends above the plank base.

15. 15. The container of claim 14, wherein the upper sheet material portion includes at least one sloping surface, the at least one sloping surface being oriented at an angle between 0 degrees and 45 degrees.

16. The container of claim 15 , wherein the plank upper portion and the plank base at least partially define a plank passageway extending within the plank.

17. 17. The container of claim 16, wherein the sheet further comprises one or more sheet ribs extending into the sheet passage.

18. The container of claim 1 , wherein the plate is made of a different material than the socket.

19. 20. The container of claim 18, wherein the plate is made from a harder material than the socket.

20. 20. The container of claim 19, wherein the plate is made from a metal or metal alloy and the socket is made from injection molded plastic.

Images