Collapsible Storage Container Incorporating Latch Mechanism

A collapsible storage container is provided that incorporates a latch mechanism for maintaining the storage container in a non-collapsed configuration during use. The storage container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second support posts extending from corresponding corners of the base. A removable panel is receivable between the first and second support posts and a first pin element projects laterally from a first side of the panel. A plate is positioned adjacent the first support post and includes a recess therein for receiving the first pin element therethrough. The recess is partially defined by an upper edge at a predetermined angle to the axis of the first support post for limiting vertical movement of the first pin element received in the recess.

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Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to collapsible storage containers, and in particular, to a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that maintains the storage container in a non-collapsed configuration during use.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In factories, large storage containers are often used to store bulk products. By way of example, bulk products may be placed in the storage container after fabrication. Thereafter, these bulk products are transported to various workstations throughout the factory where such products are needed for further processing. Typically, these storage containers are transported by means of forklift trucks that carry the storage containers containing the bulk products between various locales in the factory. Consequently it can be appreciated that such storage containers must be of sufficient strength and durability to stand repeated handling by the forklifts.

In order for these storage containers to withstand repeated transport by forklift trucks, the storage containers much be constructed from a durable material such as steel or the like. In addition, these storage containers must have sufficient capacities to hold a substantial quantity of bulk products. Given the large footprints of these storage containers, it has become increasingly popular to provide storage containers with collapsible panels, thereby minimizing the necessary storage space of the containers when not in use. An example of a prior collapsible storage container is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,885 assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.

While functional for their intended purpose, these prior collapsible storage containers have certain problems associated with their use. For example, when jostled during transport, the panels of the storage container may become disengaged thereby allowing storage container to inadvertently collapse. Consequently, it is highly desirable to provide a collapsible storage container incorporates latch mechanisms that prevent the panels of the storage container from becoming disengaged during transport and/or use of the storage container.

Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that maintains the storage container in a non-collapsed configuration during use.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that maintains the configuration of a collapsible storage container in response to the repeated transport of the storage container by forklift truck.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture.

In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second corners. A first pair of support posts extends from the base. Each support post of the first pair of support posts extends along a corresponding axis from a corresponding corner of the base. Each support post has an upper end and a lower end. A removable panel is receivable between the first pair of support posts. The panel includes a first side positionable adjacent a first support post of the first pair of support posts and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post of the first pair of support posts. A first pin element projects laterally from the first side of the panel. A plate is interconnected to the first support post of the first pair of support posts and includes an edge having a recess therein for supporting the first pin element. The recess is defined by first, second and third portions. The first portion extends along an axis; has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate; and a second end. The second portion extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess. The second portion of the recess has first and second ends. The third portion extends along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess. The third portion of the recess interconnects the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.

The edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post and the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees. In addition, the first pin element has a diameter and the third portion of the recess has a height. The height of the third portion of the recess is greater than the diameter of the first pin element. The third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge limits the vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess. The lower edge defining the third portion of the recess is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. The first pin element terminates at an enlarged head and the panel includes inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the panel and the first support post define a pocket for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element therein.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second corners. First and second support posts extend from the base. Each support post extends along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and has an upper end. A removable panel is receivable between the first and second support posts. The panel includes a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post. A first pin element projects laterally from the first side of the panel. The first pin element terminates at an enlarged head. A plate is positioned adjacent the first support post so as to define a pocket therebetween for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element. The plate includes an edge having a recess for receiving the first pin element therein. The recess is defined by first and second portions laterally spaced from and communicating with each other.

The first portion of the recess extends along an axis and has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate and a second end. The second portion of the recess extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess. The second portion of the recess has first and second ends. The recess in the plate includes a third portion extending along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess. The third portion of the recess interconnects the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.

The predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees; the first pin element has a diameter; and the third portion of the recess has a height. The height of the third portion of the recess is greater than the diameter of the first pin element. The third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge limits vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess. The lower edge is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. The edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.

In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second corners. First and second support posts extend from the base. Each support post extends along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and has an upper end. A removable panel is receivable between the first and second support posts. The panel includes a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post. A first pin element projects laterally from the first side of the panel. A plate is positioned adjacent the first support post and includes a recess therein for receiving the first pin element therethrough. The recess is partially defined by an upper edge at a predetermined angle to the axis of the first support post for limiting vertical movement of the first pin element received in the recess.

The predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees and the recess in the plate includes first, second and third portions. The first portion extends along an axis and has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate. The second portion extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess. The second portion of the recess has first and second ends. The third portion extends along an axis a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess. The third portion interconnects a second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.

The third portion of the recess is defined a lower edge. The lower edge guides the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. The edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a storage container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view showing a portion of the storage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view showing first and second side panels of the storage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of an end cap for the storage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an end view of the end cap of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view view of the end cap of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side elevational view of the end cap of FIG. 4 mounted on the storage container of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view showing a removable panel for the storage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of a first portion of a panel connector for the panel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a second portion of the panel connector for the panel of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the panel connector for the panel of FIG. 8 in a first position;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the panel connector for the panel of FIG. 8 in a second position;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a latch mechanism for the storage container of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a latch mechanism for the storage container of FIG. 1.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a storage container in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral 10. Storage container 10 defines an interior storage volume 11 and includes a generally flat base 12. Base 12 includes a floor 13 having upper surface 14 and lower surface positioned on frame 15. Base 12 of storage container 10 is generally square in shape and support posts 24a-24d projecting vertically from the corresponding corners of base 12. Each support post 24a-24d includes lower and upper members 16 and 18, respectively, pivotably interconnected, as hereinafter described. Each lower member 16 has a lower end 28 and an upper end 30, and is defined by inner and outer sidewalls 27 and 29, respectively, and rear wall 31. As described, each lower member 16 has a generally U-shaped cross section. Lower ends 28 of lower members 16 of support posts 24a-24d are intended to engage supporting surface 20 and support storage container 10 thereabove.

Lower members 16 of support posts 24a and 24b are interconnected by lower sidewall panel 32. Lower panel 32 includes upper and lower support bars, 34 and 36, respectively, extending between lower members 16 of support posts 24a and 24b. Upper and lower support bars 34 and 36, respectively, of lower panel 32 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 38 extends between lower members 16 of support posts 24a and 24b, as well as, between upper and lower support bars, 34 and 36, respectively.

Lower members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d are interconnected by lower sidewall panel 40. Lower panel 40 includes upper and lower support bars, 42 and 44, respectively, extending between lower members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d. Upper and lower support bars 42 and 44, respectively, of lower panel 40 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 46 extends between lower members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d, as well as, between upper and lower support bars 42 and 44, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 3, each upper member 18 of support posts 24a-24d has generally square-shaped cross-section and includes inner and outer sidewalls 48 and 50, respectively, and front and rear walls 51 and 52, respectively, that define cavity 54. End caps 33 are supported on the upper ends of each upper member 18 of support posts 24a-24d. As best seen in FIGS. 4-7, each end cap 33 includes a generally flat base 31 having upper and lower surfaces 35 and 37, respectively. Base 31 is further defined by inner and outer ends 39 and 41, respectively, as well as, first and second sides 43 and 45, respectively. A generally conical mount 47 projects vertically from base 31 of each end cap 33 at a location adjacent front end 43 thereof. As described, mount 47 extends along an axis coincident with the axis of upper member 18. As a result, inner end 39 of base 31 of end cap 33 on support post 24a projects laterally from support post 24a towards support post 24c; inner end 39 of base 31 of end cap 33 on support post 24c projects laterally from support post 24c towards support post 24a; inner end 39 of base 31 of end cap 33 on support post 24b projects laterally from support post 24b towards support post 24d; and inner end 39 of base 31 of end cap 33 on support post 24d projects laterally from support post 24d towards support post 24b.

Referring back to FIGS. 1-3, inner and outer sidewalls 48 and 50, respectively, and rear wall 52 extend downwardly of front wall 51 and are received in upper end 30 of a corresponding upper member 16 therein. Lower ends 48a and 50a of sidewalls 48 and 50, respectively, of upper members 18 are chamfered so as to facilitate the pivoting of upper members 18 with respect to lower members 16. Lower ends 48a and 50a of sidewalls 48 and 50 of upper members 18 further include axially aligned apertures 48b and 50b, respectively, therein. It can be appreciated that lower ends 48a and 50a of sidewalls 48 and 50, respectively, of upper members 18 are positioned within upper ends 30 of corresponding lower members 16 such that apertures 48b and 50b, in sidewalls 48 and 50, respectively, are aligned with oblong apertures 56 and 58 in sidewalls 27 and 29, respectively, of corresponding lower members 16.

In order to pivotably connect upper members 18 and corresponding lower members 16 of support posts 24a-24d, the shaft of carriage bolts 62 extend through apertures 48b and 50b, in sidewalls 48 and 50, respectively, and through oblong apertures 56 and 58 in sidewalls 34 and 36 , respectively, of corresponding lower members 16. Nuts are threaded onto the corresponding shafts of carriage bolts 62 to retain carriage bolts 62 in position. It is contemplated for the diameter of the shafts of carriage bolts 62 to be less than the vertical length of oblong apertures 56 and 58 in sidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, of corresponding lower members 16 so as to allow limited vertical movement of upper members 18 with respect to corresponding lower members 16. Locking pins 63 project laterally from outer sidewalls 50 of upper members 18 and are receivable within corresponding notches 64 provided in upper edges 66 of outer sidewalls 29 of lower members 16 when upper members 18 are in the locking position so as to prevent upper members 18 from pivoting with respect to lower members 16.

Upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24b are interconnected by upper sidewall panel 68. Upper panel 68 includes upper and lower support bars, 70 and 72, respectively, extending between upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24b. Upper and lower support bars 70 and 72, respectively, of upper panel 68 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 76 extends between upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24b, as well as, between upper and lower support bars 70 and 72, respectively.

Upper members 18 of support posts 24c and 24d are interconnected by upper sidewall panel 80. Upper panel 80 includes upper and lower support bars, 82 and 84, respectively, extending between upper members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d. Upper and lower support bars 82 and 84, respectively, of upper panel 80 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 86 extends between upper members 18 of support posts 24c and 24d, as well as, between upper and lower support bars 82 and 84, respectively.

Storage container 10 further includes a pair of removable gates 90. As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 8, each gate 90 includes upper and lower panels 92 and 94, respectively. Each lower panel 94 includes a generally rectangular wire mesh screen 96 having opposite ends 98 and 100, and opposite sides 102 and 104. Lower support rod 106 extends along side 104 of wire mesh screen 96 and has a first end 106a extending beyond end 98 thereof and a second end 106b extending beyond end 100 thereof. Each end 106a and 106b of lower support rod 106 terminates at a corresponding enlarged head 107, for reasons hereinafter described. Similarly, upper support rod 108 extends along side 102 of wire mesh screen 96 beyond ends 98 and 100 thereof and terminates at corresponding enlarged heads 110 and 112, for reasons hereinafter described. A generally J-shaped support bracket 114 is positioned over and is interconnected to upper support rod 108. Support bracket 114 includes leg 118 overlapping side 102 of wire mesh screen 96.

Upper panels 92 of gates 90 include wire mesh screens 122 having opposite sides 124 and 126 and opposite ends 128 and 130. Upper support rods 134 extend along the entire length of sides 126 of wire mesh screens 122 and beyond ends 128 and 130 of wire mesh screens 122, for reasons hereinafter described. First ends 134a of upper support rods 134 terminate at enlarged heads 135 and second ends 134b of upper support rods 134 terminate at enlarged heads 137. Generally U-shaped support brackets 136 are positioned over and are interconnected to corresponding upper support rods 134. Each upper support rod 134 includes base 138 having legs 139 and 142 depending therefrom for receiving a corresponding upper support rod 134 therebetween.

Upper and lower panels 92 and 94, respectively, of gates 90 are interconnected by a plurality of generally connectors generally designated by the reference numeral 140. Connectors 140 are axially spaced along corresponding support brackets 114 of lower panels 94. As best seen in FIGS. 9-12; each connector 140 includes a generally U-shaped bar 142 having first and second spaced legs 144 and 146, respectively, interconnected by base 148 transverse thereto. Legs 144 and 146 of bars 142 are bonded to wire mesh screens 122 of upper panels 92 of gates 90.

Connectors 140 further include generally U-shaped brackets 150. Brackets 150 include first and second spaced legs 152 and 154, respectively, interconnected by base 156 transverse thereto. First leg 152 of each bracket 150 is positioned between legs 144 and 146 of a corresponding bar 142 and terminal end 152a of first leg 152 is bonded to leg 118 of support bracket 114 of a corresponding lower panel 94 of gates 90. Terminal ends 154a of second legs 154 are bonded to wire mesh screens 96 of lower panels 94 of corresponding gates 90. As described, brackets 150 defined generally oblong pathways 156 for capturing corresponding bases 148 of bars 142. Passageways 157 defined by brackets 150 are of sufficient dimension so as to allow limited vertical movement of upper panels 92 with respect to corresponding lower panels 94 of gates 90.

In order to assemble storage container 10, upper members 18 are pivoted with respect to corresponding lower members 16 from a collapsed position to a vertical pivoting position, FIG. 1. Thereafter, upper panels 68 are released such that upper panels 68 move vertically downward to their locked positions, wherein pins 63 projecting from outer sidewalls 50 of upper members 18 become seated in corresponding notches 64 provided in upper edges 66 of outer sidewalls 29 of lower members 16 in order to lock support posts 24a-24d in position.

Once support posts 24a-24d are locked in position, one of the pair of gates 90 is positioned between support posts 24a and 24c. More specifically, second end 106b of lower support rod 106 is inserted into an opening in a plate that extends between sidewalls 27 and 29 of lower member 16 of support post 24c. Head 107 at first end 105a of lower support rod 106 is inserted through enlarged portion 160a of opening 160 in plate 162 that extends between sidewalls 27 and 29 of lower member 16 of support post 24a. The opening in a plate that extends between sidewalls 27 and 29 of lower member 16 of support post 24c and opening 160 through plate 162, respectively, are of sufficient vertical length to allow for limited vertical movement of lower support rod 106, and hence, of lower panel 94 of gate 90.

Lower panel 94 of gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is pivoted to a vertical position such that heads 110 and 112 of upper support rod 108 are aligned with corresponding pockets 164 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. Lower panel 94 of gate 90 is then released so as to allow lower panel 94 to move vertically downward such that heads 110 and 112 become seated in corresponding pockets 164 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. It can be appreciated that notches 164a may be provided in pockets 164, respectively, projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, to allow upper support rod 108 of lower panel 94 of gate 90 to pass therethrough.

With lower panel 94 of gate 90 fixed between support posts 24a and 24c, upper panel 92 of gate 90 is pivotable between a folded configuration wherein upper panel 92 is adjacent lower panel 94 and a vertical configuration, FIG. 1, wherein upper panel 92 and lower panel 94 of gate 90 lie in a common plane. As upper panel 92 is pivoted to the vertical configuration, heads 135 and 137 of upper support rod 134 are aligned with corresponding openings 168 in pockets 166 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively.

In a first embodiment, referring to FIG. 13, each pocket 166 is defined first and second spaced, vertical legs 202 and 204, respectively, having inner edges 202a and 204a bonded to rear wall 52 of upper member 18 of corresponding support posts 24a and 24c. Outer edges 202b and 204b of first and second vertical legs 202 and 204, respectively, are interconnected by a generally flat plate 206 having upper and lower edges 208 and 210, respectively. Notch 212 is formed in upper edge 208 in plate 206 of each pocket 166.

With heads 135 and 137 of upper support rod 134 aligned with corresponding notches 212 in pockets 166 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, upper panel 92 of gate 90 is then released so as to allow support rod 134, and hence upper panel 92, to move vertically downward into notches 212 in pockets 166 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, such that heads 135 and 137 of support rod 134 are seated in corresponding pockets 166. As described, bases 35 of end caps 33 mounted on upper ends of support posts 24a and 24c extend over notches 212 in pockets 166 so as to retain heads 135 and 137 of support rod 134 in corresponding pockets 166 during transport of storage container 10, FIG. 7.

Once one of the gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24a and 24c, the other of the pair of gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24b and 24d in the same manner heretofore described in order to fully assemble storage container 10. In order to collapse storage container 10, the process is reversed. Upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24b and 24d is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits notches 212 in pockets 166 thereby allowing upper panel 92 of gate 90 to be disconnected from support posts 24b and 24d. Thereafter, upper panel 92 is returned to its folded configuration and lower panel 94 of the gate 90 between support posts 24b and 24d is removed by lifting lower panel 94 vertically such that heads 110 and 112 are removed from pockets 164, respectively, and pivoting lower panel 94 from its vertical position. Head 107 at first end 106a of lower support rod 106 is removed from opening 160 in plate 162 through enlarged portion 160a of opening 160. In addition, second end 106a of lower support rod 106 is removed from the generally rectangular opening in the plate in lower support member 24d thereby disengaging a first of the gates 90 from storage container 10.

Similarly, upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits notches 212 in pockets 166 thereby allowing upper panel 92 of gate 90 to be disconnected from support posts 24a and 24c. Thereafter, upper panel 92 is returned to its folded configuration and lower panel 94 of the gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is removed by lifting lower panel 94 vertically such that heads 110 and 112 are removed from pockets 164, respectively, and by pivoting lower panel 94 from its vertical position. Head 107 at first end 106a of lower support rod 106 is removed from opening 160 in plate 162 through enlarged portion 160a of opening 160. In addition, second end 106b of lower support rod 106 is removed from the generally rectangular opening in the plate in lower support member 24c thereby disengaging a first of the gates 90 from storage container 10.

In order to fully collapse storage container 10, upper members 18 of support posts 24a-24d are lifted vertically with respect to corresponding lower members 16 such that locking pins 63 are disengaged from corresponding notches 64a. Thereafter, upper members 18 are pivoted on corresponding shafts of carriage bolts 62 towards base 12 to their collapsed position.

In an alternate embodiment, referring to FIG. 1 4, each pocket 166a is defined first and second spaced, vertical legs 170 and 172, respectively, having inner edges 170a and 172a bonded to rear wall 52 of upper member 18 of corresponding support posts 24a and 24c. Outer edges 170b and 172b of first and second vertical legs 170 and 172, respectively, are interconnected by a generally flat plate 174 having upper and lower edges 176 and 178, respectively. Opening 168 is formed in upper edge 176 in plate 174 and communicates with cavity 180. Cavity 180 includes a first portion 184 extending along a first axis generally parallel to rear wall 52 and a second portion 185 generally parallel to and laterally spaced from first portion 184. First portion 184 of cavity 180 is defined by first and second spaced upper side edges 187 and 189, respectively; an upper end communicating with opening 168; and a lower end 186. Lower end 186 of first portion 184 of cavity 180 is interconnected to upper end 188 of second portion 185 of cavity 180 by a generally horizontal portion 190 of cavity 180. Horizontal portion 190 of cavity 180 is defined by an arcuate lower edge 192 extending from first upper side edge 187 to first lower side edge 194 and an arcuate upper edge 196 extending from second upper side edge 189 to second lower side edge 198. First and second lower side edges 194 and 198, respectively, define second portion 185 of cavity 180 and are interconnected by generally C-shaped terminal edge 200.

With heads 135 and 137 of upper support rod 134 aligned with corresponding openings 168 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, upper panel 92 of gate 90 is then released so as to allow support rod 134, and hence upper panel 92, to move vertically downward though first portions 184 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. Arcuate lower edges 192 of horizontal portions 190 of cavities 180 guide support rod 134 to second portions 185 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. Thereafter, support rod 134 is supported on terminal edges 200 of second portions 185 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, such that heads 135 and 137 of support rod 134 are seated in corresponding pockets 166a. It can be appreciated that arcuate upper edges 198 of horizontal portions 190 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, maintain support rod 134 within second portions 185 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, and discourage support rod 134 from exiting pockets 166a through openings 168 during transport of storage container 10.

Once one of the gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24a and 24c, the other of the pair of gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24b and 24d in the same manner to fully assemble storage container 10. In order to collapse storage container 10, the process is reversed. Upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24b and 24d is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits cavities 180 in pockets 166a through openings 168 therein. Likewise, upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits cavities 180 in pockets 166a through openings 168 therein. Lower panels 94, and hence gates 90, may be removed and upper members 18 of support posts 24a-24d, respectively, may be collapsed as heretofore described.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

Claims

1. A collapsible storage container, comprising:

a generally flat base having at least first and second corners;
a first pair of support posts extending from the base, each support post of the first pair of support posts extending along a corresponding axis from a corresponding corner of the base and having an upper end and a lower end;
a removable panel receivable between the first pair of support posts, the panel including a first side positionable adjacent a first support post of the first pair of support posts and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post of the first pair of support posts;
a first pin element projecting laterally from the first side of the panel; and
a plate interconnected to the first support post of the first pair of support posts and including an edge having a recess for supporting the first pin element, the recess being defined by: a first portion extending along an axis and having a first end communicating with the edge of the plate and a second end; a second portion extending along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess, the second portion of the recess having first and second ends; and a third portion extending along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess and interconnecting the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.

3. The container of claim 1 wherein the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees.

4. The container of claim 1 wherein the first pin element has a diameter and wherein the third portion of the recess has a height, the height of the third portion of the recess being greater than the diameter of the first pin element.

5. The container of claim 1 wherein the third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge limiting vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess.

6. The container of claim 5 wherein the lower edge defining the third portion of the recess is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein first pin element terminates at an enlarged head and wherein the panel includes inner and outer surfaces, the inner surface of the panel and the first support post define a pocket for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element therein.

8. A collapsible storage container, comprising:

a generally flat base having at least first and second corners;
first and second support posts extending from the base, each support post extending along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and having an upper end;
a removable panel receivable between the first and second support posts, the panel including a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post;
a first pin element projecting laterally from the first side of the panel, the first pin element terminating at an enlarged head; and
a plate positioned adjacent the first support post so as to define a pocket therebetween for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element, the plate including an edge having a recess for receiving the first pin element therein, the recess being defined by first and second portions laterally spaced from and communicating with each other.

9. The container of claim 8 wherein the first portion of the recess extends along an axis and has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate and a second end.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the second portion of the recess extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess, the second portion of the recess having first and second ends.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein the recess in the plate includes a third portion extending along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess and interconnecting the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.

12. The container of claim 11 wherein the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees.

13. The container of claim 11 wherein the first pin element has a diameter and wherein the third portion of the recess has a height, the height of the third portion of the recess being greater than the diameter of the first pin element.

14. The container of claim 11 wherein the third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge, the upper edge limiting vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess.

15. The container of claim 14 wherein the lower edge defining the third portion of the recess is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess.

16. The container of claim 8 wherein the edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.

17. A collapsible storage container, comprising:

a generally flat base having at least first and second corners;
first and second support posts extending from the base, each support post extending along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and having an upper end;
a removable panel receivable between the first and second support posts, the panel including a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post;
a first pin element projecting laterally from the first side of the panel; and
a plate positioned adjacent the first support post and including a recess therein for receiving the first pin element therethrough, the recess being partially defined by an upper edge at a predetermined angle to the axis of the first support post for limiting vertical movement of the first pin element received in the recess.

18. The container of claim 17 wherein the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees.

19. The container of claim 17 wherein the recess in the plate includes:

a first portion extending along an axis and having a first end communicating with an edge of the plate and a second end;
a second portion extending along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess, the second portion of the recess having first and second ends; and
a third portion extending along an axis a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess and interconnecting the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.

20. The container of claim 19 wherein the third portion of the recess is defined a lower edge, the lower edge guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess.

21. The container of claim 19 wherein the edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.

Patent History
Publication number: 20090250459
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 4, 2008
Publication Date: Oct 8, 2009
Inventor: Edmund W. Brown (Racine, WI)
Application Number: 12/062,954
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Removable Fastening Element (220/4.33); Collapsible Wall Feature (220/666)
International Classification: B65D 6/26 (20060101); B65D 6/16 (20060101);