Abstract: A hinge is provided to affix members to each other and permit a the members to be moved relatively to each other transversely of the hinge axis while remaining hinged to each other. A collapsible container assembly utilizing such hinges is provided, in which a plurality of sidewall members hinged to a base member can be collapsed onto the base member and each other in a stacked arrangement with the resulting height of the stack being the same regardless of which of several stacking orders is utilized. Leave members of the hinge include slot means axially aligned to permit a hinge pin disposed therein to slide transversely of the longitudinal hinge axis while maintaining the hinged relationship of the members.

Abstract: A container for transporting particulate matter is initially in slurry form has a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom and is characterized by a downwardly extending, integrally-formed peripheral drainage channel having a drainage opening at a normally lowest point therein. The container bottom is configured to urge liquid from the slurry toward the channel, and the channel is configured to urge the liquid toward the drainage opening. The sidewall portion defines an opening coverable by a lid. A liner may be used to improve the drainage of the liquid from the slurry and from the container, and a plug can be placed in the drainage opening after liquid has drainage from the slurry and the container. A supplemental elevating member can be utilized to elevate the slurry with respect to the channel. A method of use of the container is disclosed.

Abstract: A container having a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom is characterized by striations in the sidewall which define removable strips of the sidewall portion. A shoulder adjacent the opening of the container improves handling of the container, prevents or restricts undesired rotation of the container, restricts or preventing the flow of gas or liquid or solid from above the shoulder means to below the shoulder or vice versa, and stabilizes the containers when, for example, a plurality of them is arranged appropriately. A method of use of such containers is disclosed, including the steps of providing a plurality of such containers and arranging them appropriately.

Abstract: A container lid is characterized by a tamper-evidencing tear-strip member having a tab that protrudes from a plane formed by adjacent portions of the lid. The tab preferably includes gripping rib members on opposing surfaces of the tab and is surrounded by a sufficient gap to permit the tab to be readily grasped for easier removal of the tear-strip member from the lid, prior to initial removal of the lid from the container. In container and lid embodiments that are substantially rectangular, the lid also preferably includes mating engagement structure between the lid and the container which is interrupted or not present at the corners of the lid. The tear-strip in this rectangular embodiment also preferably includes a widened portion at the corners, whereby the removal of the tear-strip results in a "scalloping" of the corners. These features on rectangular embodiments facilitate easier attachment and removal of the lid to and from the container, after the removal of the tear-strip.

Abstract: A cover for a container is provided with primary and secondary detent means, the primary detent means being mounted on a tamper-evident tear strip and being removable with the tear strip as opening of the cover is desired. Secondary detent means is provided on detent tabs which remain operatively associated with the cover. The limited engagement of the detent tabs with the retaining means of the cover results in facile removal of the cover from operative engagement with the container and the reinstallation and the corresponding and facile reinstallation of the cover upon the container.

Abstract: A container for transporting particulate matter which is initially in slurry form has a base and a sidewall portion extending upwardly therefrom and is characterized by a downwardly extending, integrally-formed peripheral drainage channel having a drainage opening at a normally lowest point therein. The container bottom is configured to urge liquid from the slurry toward the channel, and the channel is configured to urge the liquid toward the drainage opening. The sidewall portion defines an opening coverable by a lid. A liner may be used to improve the drainage of the liquid from the slurry and from the container, and a plug can be placed in the drainage opening after liquid has drained from the slurry and the container. A supplemental elevating member can be utilized to elevate the slurry with respect to the channel. A method of use of the container is disclosed.

Abstract: A container bail incorporates securement means cooperative with retaining means on a container, said securement means having a head receivable in a receptor opening in the retaining means which is of totally different size and configuration from the receptor opening in the securement means which creates an interference fit materially reducing the likelihood of inadvertent dislodgement of the securement means from the retaining means. The bail also incorporates flexibility at critical points which augments the tendency of the retaining means to remain operatively associated with the securement means.

Abstract: A container lid is characterized by a flange having reinforcing ribs with their axes disposed non-perpendicularly to said flange. The reinforcing ribs may be relatively thin in comparison to prior art devices and permit an increased flexibility of the flange, providing improved shock absorption capabilities and ease of installation and removal of the lid, and improved automation thereof.

Abstract: A fastening pin, or peg is partially inserted into an aligned aperture and attached thereto by a webbed flashing. In a one-step assembly operation, the pin is driven further into the aperture as the flashing is broken and driven through an aligned aperture of a second component.

Abstract: A foldable container assembly (10) includes a base (12) having a plurality of sides (14, 16, 18, 20). A wall hinge (24) interconnects each of the side walls (14, 16, 18, 20) to the base (12) with the wall hinge (24) for a first side wall (14) being in a vertically spaced horizontal plane from the wall hinge (24) for a second side wall (16) for folding the first and second side walls (14, 16) over the base (12) and into overlapping vertically spaced relationship to one another. The base (12) is generally convex and includes a rigid top member (80) and a corner support element (86) near each corner of the top member (80), perimeter support element (88) near the perimeter of the top member (80) about midway between adjacent pairs of corner support elements (86), and a center support element (90) near the center of the top member (80).