Collapsible shipping container
A collapsible shipping container is provided. The container includes a bottom with upper and lower surfaces. The bottom has at least one leg with a lower surface. The leg extends from the lower surface of the bottom and defines a depression. A frame is supported by the bottom. The frame is convertible from a shipping position to a collapsed position. A top is present and has upper and lower surfaces. The top has at least one projection extending from its upper surface. The projection is configured for being disposed in a depression of a leg of a subsequent collapsible shipping container. The top has at least one locking projection configured for engaging a lower surface of a bottom of a subsequent collapsible shipping container to minimize relative motion therebetween.
The present invention relates generally to a shipping container that can be converted into a collapsed condition upon shipment of the desired product in order to save space when returning the container. More particularly, the present application involves a collapsible shipping container that has a plurality of legs that can nest with an upper surface of a subsequent shipping container to save space during stacking of shipping containers for their return.
BACKGROUNDShipping containers are used in order to transport goods, such as automotive parts, between locations. Such containers act to protect the goods during transport and are shaped in such a way to facilitate loading, unloading, and handling at their final destination. The shipping container can be disposed of once the goods are removed. Alternatively, shipping containers can be reused in order to save costs associated with purchasing a new shipping container every time a part or set of parts are transported. For reuse, the shipping container must be transported back to the manufacturer or distributor of the purchased part. There are costs associated with both transporting the shipping container back to the manufacturer or distributor and with storing empty shipping containers before they are ultimately transported back.
It is known to make shipping containers collapsible in order to save costs associated with their return for reuse. In this regard, the empty shipping container can be collapsed to a size smaller than that when transporting product so that a return shipment of empty, collapsed containers can include four or five times as many containers as a shipment of containers with product. The side walls of the shipping container can be hinged in order to render the container collapsible and effect the aforementioned space and cost savings.
Collapsed shipping containers are often stacked on top of one another during their return trip and at the site of the purchaser when waiting to be returned. It is also the case that collapsible shipping containers that have product therein are stacked on top of one another during transport to the purchaser. Stacking of shipping containers saves space during their transport and consequently reduces overall cost. One drawback to stacking of the containers is that the stack can become unstable hence resulting in damage or injury should the stack or a portion thereof tip. Containers can shift through forces experienced during transport by truck, boat, airplane or train. Collapsed containers may have more of a tendency to tip as there are a greater number of containers in a stack and the containers do not have the weight of the product therein to help stabilize their arrangement. Upon arrival at the manufacturer or distributor, the transported collapsed containers may be tipped over or otherwise shifted out of place hence necessitating clean-up time and cost.
Shipping containers are sometimes provided with legs that extend from a bottom wall in order to elevate the shipping container some distance off of the ground. In this manner, a fork truck may be used to lift and transport the shipping container to a desired location. Unfortunately, leg arrangements on the bottoms of shipping containers may increase the overall height of a stack of containers thus impacting the amount of containers that can be transported and thus causing an increase in overall cost. As such, there remains room for variation and improvement within the art.
SUMMARYVarious features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned from practice of the invention.
One aspect of the present invention provides for a stack of collapsible shipping containers that includes a first collapsible shipping container with a bottom and top and a frame therebetween. The top of the first collapsible shipping container has an upper surface with at least one locking projection extending therefrom. A second collapsible shipping container is included and has a bottom and a top with a frame therebetween. The bottom of the second collapsible shipping container has a lower surface with at least one leg extending therefrom. The leg of the second collapsible shipping container has a lower surface. The second collapsible shipping container rests on top of the first collapsible shipping container so that the lower surface of the leg of the second collapsible shipping container engages the upper surface of the top of the first collapsible shipping container. The locking projection of the first collapsible shipping container and the leg of the second collapsible shipping container can engage one another so as to at least partially prevent relative motion between the first and second shipping containers.
Another aspect of the present invention resides in a stack as immediately discussed in which the leg of the second collapsible shipping container defines a depression. The top of the first collapsible shipping container has at least one projection extending from the upper surface of the top. The projection of the first collapsible shipping container is disposed in the depression of the second collapsible shipping container.
An additional aspect of the present invention exists in a stack as described above in which the locking projection of the top of the first collapsible shipping container has an upper surface. The upper surface of the locking projection of the first collapsible shipping container is located above the lower surface of the leg of the second collapsible shipping container. Such an orientation is established when the second collapsible shipping container rests on top of the first collapsible shipping container such that the lower surface of the leg of the second collapsible shipping container engages the upper surface of the top of the first collapsible shipping container.
Another aspect of the present invention resides in a stack as described above in which the locking projection of the first collapsible shipping container has a rectangular perimeter. The locking projection surrounds the perimeter of the lower surface of the leg when the second collapsible shipping container rests on top of the first collapsible shipping container. In this position, the lower surface of the leg of the second collapsible shipping container engages the upper surface of the top of the first collapsible shipping container.
The present invention provides for, in an additional aspect, a stack as mentioned above in which the top of the first collapsible shipping container and the bottom of the second collapsible shipping container are made of molded plastic.
Another aspect of the present invention is found in a collapsible shipping container that has a bottom with an upper surface and a lower surface. The bottom has at least one leg extending from the lower surface. The leg defines a depression, and the leg has a lower surface. A frame is present and is supported by the bottom. The frame is convertible from a shipping position to a collapsed position. A top is included that has an upper surface and a lower surface. The top has at least one projection extending from the upper surface of the top. The projection is configured for being disposed in a depression of a leg of a subsequent collapsible shipping container. The top has at least one locking projection extending from the upper surface of the top. The locking projection is configured for engaging a lower surface of a bottom of a subsequent collapsible shipping container to minimize relative motion therebetween.
An additional aspect of the present invention includes a collapsible shipping container as immediately discussed in which each one of the projections is surrounded by one of the locking projections. The locking projections are configured so as to surround the perimeter of the lower surface of the leg of a subsequent collapsible shipping container.
The present invention provides for in an additional aspect a shipping container as discussed above in which a plurality of projections and locking projections are present. The top has a plurality of intermediate projections located between and contiguous with adjacent locking projections.
An additional aspect of the present invention resides in a collapsible shipping container as previously discussed in which the frame has an upper supporting structure that engages the lower surface of the top and supports the top. The frame has a plurality of cross members attached to the upper supporting structure. The lower surface of the top defines a plurality of receiving channels for receipt of the cross members.
Another aspect of the present invention resides in a collapsible shipping container as described above in which the top and bottom are made of molded plastic.
An additional aspect of the present invention resides in a stack of collapsible shipping containers with a first collapsible shipping container that has a bottom and a top with a frame therebetween. The top of the first collapsible shipping container has an upper surface with at least one projection with an upper surface and at least one locking projection extending therefrom. The frame of the first collapsible shipping container has open sides when arranged in a shipping position. The bottom and top of the first collapsible shipping container are made of molded plastic. A second collapsible shipping container is included and has a bottom and a top with a frame therebetween. The bottom of the second collapsible shipping container has a lower surface with at least one leg extending therefrom. The leg defines a depression that is a channel, and the leg has a lower surface. The frame of the second collapsible shipping container has open sides when arranged in a shipping position. The bottom and top of the second collapsible shipping container are made of molded plastic. The upper surface of the projection of the top of the first collapsible shipping container is located above the lower surface of the leg of the second collapsible shipping container. The projection of the first collapsible shipping container is disposed in the depression of the leg of the second collapsible shipping container so as to limit relative motion between the first and second shipping containers. The locking projection of the first collapsible shipping container and the leg of the second collapsible shipping container engage one another to limit relative motion between the first and second shipping containers.
These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended Figs. in which:
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTSReference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations.
It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.
The present invention provides for a collapsible shipping container 100 that can be used to hold product 12 during transport from one location to the next. After the product 12 has been transported to and used at the final destination, the collapsible shipping container 100 can be returned and subsequently reused in order to reduce overall costs. The collapsible shipping container 100 can be oriented into a collapsed position in which the top 102 and bottom 104 are moved towards one another to lower the overall vertical height of the collapsible shipping container 100. A second collapsible shipping container 200 can be placed on top of the first collapsible shipping container 100 to form a stack 10. Multiple collapsible shipping containers can likewise be incorporated into the stack 10 so that a large number of collapsible shipping containers can be returned in a single trip. The first collapsible shipping container 100 may include one or more projections 126 and/or locking projections 132 that work in conjunction with one or more legs 216 of the second collapsible shipping container 200 in order to prevent or minimize relative motion between these two containers 100 and 200. Further, the collapsible shipping containers 100 and 200 may be configured so that a lower surface 218 of a leg 216 of the second collapsible shipping container 200 is below the upper surface 134 of a locking projection 132 of the first collapsible shipping container 100 when the two containers 100 and 200 are engaged. Such an arrangement may save one inch of space per engagement between the first and second collapsible shipping containers 100 and 200. Such a space savings between engaged collapsible shipping containers can be realized at every engagement along the height of the stack 10 thus potentially resulting in a significant savings of overall space and cost.
As shown, a bottom 204 of the second collapsible shipping container 200 rests on a top 102 of the first collapsible shipping container 100. Top 102 and bottom 204 are shown in more detail in
The top 102 can be provided with any number or none of the locking projections 132 and projections 126. In the exemplary embodiment shown, nine locking projections 132 and nine projections 126 are present. Other embodiments exist in which from zero to fifteen locking projections 132 and projections 126 are present. In
The legs 216 are arranged on bottom 204 into three sets of three 220, 222 and 224. The first set 220 of legs 216 are located proximate to an end of bottom 204 and are arranged in a linear fashion. The third set 224 of legs 216 are proximate to an opposite end of bottom 204 and likewise are oriented in a linear manner. The second set 222 of legs 216 are linearly oriented and are positioned between the first and third sets 220 and 224 of legs 216. The legs 216 are arranged so that the depressions 230 extend in the same direction as other depressions 230 and are parallel in orientation to other depressions 230.
When oriented into the stack 10 as shown in
Referring back to the cross-sectional view in
The frame 106 includes a lower supporting structure 154 that extends around substantially the entire perimeter of the bottom 104 of the first collapsible shipping container 100 as shown with reference to
The frame 106 is reoriented in order to convert the first collapsible shipping container 100 from the shipping position to the collapsed position. In this regard, the intermediate supporting structure 156 is removed or otherwise changed so that the upper and lower supporting structures 148 and 154 are moved closer to one another. In accordance with one embodiment, the intermediate supporting structure 156 is removed from engagement with the upper and lower supporting structures 148 and 154 so that they may contact and nest with one another to achieve the collapsed position. In accordance with another alternative exemplary embodiment, a pivot 162 is present on one end of the bars 160. Here, the bars 160 of the intermediate supporting structure 156 are disconnected from the upper supporting structure 148 and the bars 160 are pivoted downward to allow the first collapsible shipping container 100 to assume the collapsed position. Other arrangements of effecting a collapsing of the shipping container 100 are possible in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
A front view of the bottom 104 of the first collapsible shipping container 100 is shown in
The first and second collapsible shipping containers 160 and 200 can thus be made so as to be completely identical to one another. Alternatively, these two containers 100 and 200 can be different. For example, the top 202 of the second collapsible shipping container 200 need not have projections 226 or locking projections 232, and the bottom 104 of the first collapsible shipping container 100 need not have legs 116 in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This arrangement can be made because the interaction between the first and second containers 100 and 200 exists between the bottom 204 and top 102 and not between top 202 and bottom 104. However, it may be beneficial to include the components shown in the figures and likewise described as it may be the case that a third or fourth container is to be added to the first and second collapsible shipping containers 100 and 200 into stack 10. The inclusion of such additional components allows the containers 100 and 200 to be interchangeably placed on top of one another and to be interchangeably used in conjunction with additionally configured collapsible shipping containers.
The collapsible shipping containers 100 and 200 can be made from a variety of materials and through various processes in accordance with different embodiments. For example, frames 106 and 206 can be made of metal in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Tops 102, 202 and bottoms 104, 204 can be made of molded plastic in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A stack of collapsible shipping containers, comprising:
- a first collapsible shipping container having a bottom and a top with a frame therebetween, wherein said top of said first collapsible shipping container has an upper surface with at least one locking projection extending therefrom; and
- a second collapsible shipping container having a bottom and a top with a frame therebetween, wherein said bottom of said second collapsible shipping container has a lower surface with at least one leg extending therefrom, wherein said leg of said second collapsible shipping container has a lower surface;
- wherein said second collapsible shipping container rests on top of said first collapsible shipping container such that said lower surface of said leg of said second collapsible shipping container engages said upper surface of said top of said first collapsible shipping container, and wherein said locking projection of said first collapsible shipping container and said leg of said second collapsible shipping container can engage one another so as to at least partially prevent relative motion between said first and second shipping containers.
2. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 1, wherein said leg of said second collapsible shipping container defines a depression, and wherein said top of said first collapsible shipping container has at least one projection extending from said upper surface of said top, and wherein said projection of said first collapsible shipping container is disposed in said depression of said second collapsible shipping container.
3. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 2, wherein said legs are nine in number, and wherein each of said nine legs defines one of said depressions that are channels that extend from one end of said lower surface of said leg to an opposite end of said lower surface of said leg, wherein a first set of three of said legs are aligned so that said channels of said legs of said first set are linearly aligned with one another, and wherein a second set of three of said legs are aligned so that said channels of said legs of said second set are linearly aligned with one another, and wherein a third set of three of said legs are aligned so that said channels of said legs of said third set are linearly aligned with one another.
4. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 2, wherein said upper surface of said top of said first collapsible shipping container has a plurality of intermediate projections located between and contiguous with adjacent locking projections.
5. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 1, wherein said locking projection of said top of said first collapsible shipping container has an upper surface, and wherein said upper surface of said locking projection of said first collapsible shipping container is located above said lower surface of said leg of said second collapsible shipping container when said second collapsible shipping container rests on top of said first collapsible shipping container such that said lower surface of said leg of said second collapsible shipping container engages said upper surface of said top of said first collapsible shipping container.
6. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 1, wherein said locking projection of said first collapsible shipping container has a rectangular perimeter and wherein said locking projection surrounds the perimeter of said lower surface of said leg when said second collapsible shipping container rests on top of said first collapsible shipping container such that said lower surface of said leg of said second collapsible shipping container engages said upper surface of said top of said first collapsible shipping container.
7. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 1, wherein said bottom of said first collapsible shipping container has a lower surface with at least one leg extending therefrom, wherein said leg of said first collapsible shipping container has a lower surface, wherein said top of said second collapsible shipping container has an upper surface with at least one locking projection extending therefrom.
8. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 1, wherein said frame of said first collapsible shipping container has an upper supporting structure that engages said lower surface of said top of said first collapsible shipping container and supports said top, and wherein said frame of said first collapsible shipping container has a plurality of cross members attached to said upper supporting structure of said first collapsible shipping container, wherein said lower surface of said top of said first collapsible shipping container defines a plurality of receiving channels for receipt of said cross members of said first collapsible shipping container, and wherein sides of said frame of said first collapsible shipping container are open;
- wherein said frame of said second collapsible shipping container has an upper supporting structure that engages said lower surface of said top of said second collapsible shipping container and supports said top, and wherein said frame of said second collapsible shipping container has a plurality of cross members attached to said upper supporting structure of said second collapsible shipping container, wherein said lower surface of said top of said second collapsible shipping container defines a plurality of receiving channels for receipt of said cross members of said second collapsible shipping container, and wherein sides of said frame of said second collapsible shipping container are open.
9. The stack of collapsible shipping containers as set forth in claim 1, wherein said top of said first collapsible shipping container and said bottom of said second collapsible shipping container are made of molded plastic.
10. A collapsible shipping container, comprising:
- a bottom having an upper surface and a lower surface, said bottom having at least one leg extending from said lower surface, wherein said leg defines a depression, and wherein said leg has a lower surface;
- a frame supported by said bottom, said frame convertible from a shipping position to a collapsed position; and
- a top having an upper surface and a lower surface, said top having at least one projection extending from said upper surface of said top, wherein said projection is configured for being disposed in a depression of a leg of a subsequent collapsible shipping container, wherein said top having at least one locking projection extending from said upper surface of said top, wherein said locking projection is configured for engaging a lower surface of a bottom of a subsequent collapsible shipping container to minimize relative motion therebetween.
11. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, wherein said legs are nine in number, and wherein each of said nine legs defines one of said depressions that are channels that extend from one end of said lower surface of said leg to an opposite end of said lower surface of said leg.
12. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 11, wherein a first set of three of said legs are aligned so that said channels of said legs of said first set are linearly aligned with one another, and wherein a second set of three of said legs are aligned so that said channels of said legs of said second set are linearly aligned with one another, and wherein a third set of three of said legs are aligned so that said channels of said legs of said third set are linearly aligned with one another.
13. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, wherein each one of said projections is surrounded by one of said locking projections, and wherein said locking projections are configured so as to surround the perimeter of the lower surface of the leg of a subsequent collapsible shipping container.
14. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, wherein said projection has a rectangular perimeter, and wherein said locking projection has a rectangular perimeter.
15. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, wherein a plurality of projections and locking projections are present, and wherein said top has a plurality of intermediate projections located between and contiguous with adjacent locking projections.
16. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, wherein said frame has an upper supporting structure that engages said lower surface of said top and supports said top, and wherein said frame has a plurality of cross members attached to said upper supporting structure, wherein said lower surface of said top defines a plurality of receiving channels for receipt of said cross members.
17. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, wherein said lower surface of said top faces said upper surface of said bottom, wherein said frame has an upper supporting structure in contact with said top, wherein said frame has a lower supporting structure in contact with said bottom, wherein said frame has an intermediate supporting structure that extends vertically and engages said upper and lower supporting structures to define a holding space for products in the shipping position, and wherein said intermediate supporting structure is adjustable to a non-vertical position in the collapsed position such that said lower surface of said top is closer to said upper surface of said bottom in the collapsed position as opposed to the shipping position.
18. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, further comprising a dunnage located between said top and said bottom, and wherein the sides of said frame are open.
19. The collapsible shipping container as set forth in claim 10, wherein said top and said bottom are made of molded plastic.
20. A stack of collapsible shipping containers, comprising:
- a first collapsible shipping container having a bottom and a top with a frame therebetween, wherein said top of said first collapsible shipping container has an upper surface with at least one projection with an upper surface and at least one locking projection extending therefrom, wherein said frame of said first collapsible shipping container has open sides when arranged in a shipping position, and wherein said bottom and top of said first collapsible shipping container are made of molded plastic; and
- a second collapsible shipping container having a bottom and a top with a frame therebetween, wherein said bottom of said second collapsible shipping container has a lower surface with at least one leg extending therefrom, wherein said leg defines a depression that is a channel, wherein said leg has a lower surface, wherein said frame of said second collapsible shipping container has open sides when arranged in a shipping position, and wherein said bottom and top of said second collapsible shipping container are made of molded plastic;
- wherein said upper surface of said projection of said top of said first collapsible shipping container is located above said lower surface of said leg of said second collapsible shipping container;
- wherein said projection of said first collapsible shipping container is disposed in said depression of said leg of said second collapsible shipping container so as to limit relative motion between said first and second shipping containers, and wherein said locking projection of said first collapsible shipping container and said leg of said second collapsible shipping container engage one another to limit relative motion between said first and second shipping containers.
Type: Application
Filed: Feb 8, 2007
Publication Date: Aug 14, 2008
Inventor: Brett B. Kraeling (Greenville, SC)
Application Number: 11/703,854