Collapsible Pallet Container

Abstract

A system and method for providing a collapsible pallet container is disclosed. The collapsible pallet container includes a container base, a pair of top panel components, a pair of end wall panel components, and a pair of side wall panel components coupled on each side to one of the set of corner posts. The container base has four corner posts. Each of the top panels has a release cable and a pair of release cable end. Each of the top panel components slides outward towards one of the pair of side wall panel components and pivots into a vertical position and slides downward parallel to its corresponding side wall panel component; each of the wall panel components pivots inward one at a time until on top of the container base; and each of the side wall panel components with its corresponding top panel component in its vertical and parallel orientation pivots inward one at a time on top of the pair of end wall panel components.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates in general to a system and method for providing shipping aids, and more specifically, to a system and method providing a collapsible pallet container.

BACKGROUND

Goods are manufactured in all parts of the world and shipped to market on all of the continents. The goods are typically placed into shipping and pallet containers that are strong enough to protect the goods from damage during transport and can be easily stacked and secured for these trips. The steel containers are emptied once they reach a distant port at which time the contents of the shipping containers are removed in pallet containers for distribution to various merchants.

These empty pallet containers are then stored and possibly reused for return trips or are moved to other locations where they may be filled and shipped to a new destination. These empty pallet containers consume a significant amount of volume while they are being moved. The pallet containers are limited in the number of possible means of transportation because of their size and structure. However, the empty containers have significantly less weight and may be moved in other ways if the volume of the containers could be reduced while empty.

Therefore, a need exists for a system and method for providing a collapsible pallet container. The present invention attempts to address the limitations and deficiencies in prior solutions according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problems are solved by providing a system and method for a collapsible pallet container according to the principles and example embodiments disclosed herein.

In one embodiment, the present invention is a system for providing a collapsible pallet container. The collapsible pallet container includes a container base, a pair of top panel components, a pair of end wall panel components, and a pair of side wall panel components coupled on each side to one of the corner posts. The container base has four corner posts. Each of the top panels has a release cable and a pair of release cable end. Each of the top panel components slides outward towards one of the pair of side wall panel components and pivots into a vertical position and slides downward parallel to its corresponding side wall panel component; each of the wall panel components pivots inward one at a time until on top of the container base; and each of the side wall panel components with its corresponding top panel component in its vertical and parallel orientation pivots inward one at a time on top of the pair of end wall panel components.

In another embodiment, the present invention is a method for providing a collapsible pallet container. The method pulls outward on the release cable of each of the top panel components to disengage the release cable ends from the pair of side wall panel components, slides each of the pair of top panel components outward until a pair of top panel coupling ends on each side of the top panel components slide down top panel attachment rail slots to be within top panel attachment member release slots, pivots the top panel components upward until vertical about a pair of top panel open pivot point rods, slides the pair of top panel components downward parallel to a corresponding side wall panel component until the release cable ends engage a pair of top panel open cable connectors, folds down each of the end wall components one at a time onto the end wall components.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention.

It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features that are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a collapsible pallet container stacked into an interlocking combination according to the present invention.

FIGS. 4a-h illustrate multiple views of a system for providing a collapsible pallet container having top panels shown in deployed and stowed positions according to the present invention.

FIGS. 5a-d illustrate multiple views of a base component from a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIGS. 6a-c illustrate another set of views of a base component from a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIGS. 7a-b illustrate multiple views of a corner top post component from a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIGS. 8a-e illustrate multiple rear views of an end wall component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIGS. 9a-d illustrate multiple views of a side wall component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIGS. 10a-b illustrate multiple views of a side wall hinge component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIGS. 11a-j illustrate multiple views of an end wall component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIGS. 12a-h illustrate multiple views of a top panel component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates a securing brake for a side wall hinge from a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates a removable ring and pin assembly from a collapsible pallet container stacked into an interlocking combination according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart corresponding to a method for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This application relates in general to a system and method for providing shipping aids, and more specifically, to a system and method for providing a collapsible pallet container including an attached lid according to the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the invention, which is limited only by the scope of the claims attached hereto. Additionally, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the claimed invention.

In describing embodiments of the present invention, the following terminology will be used. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a needle” includes reference to one or more of such needles and “etching” includes one or more of such steps. As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

and “including” specify the presence of stated features, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps or components. It also should be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions and acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality and acts involved.

The terms “shipper,” and “user” refer to an entity, e.g. a human, using a collapsible pallet container associated with the invention. The term user herein refers to one or more users.

The term “invention” or “present invention” refers to the invention being applied for via the patent application with the title “Collapsible Pallet Container.” Invention may be used interchangeably with container.

In general, the present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing a collapsible pallet container. To better understand the present invention, FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. The collapsible container 100 is constructed using a container base 105, a pair of top panel components 103a-b, a pair of end wall panel components 104a-b, and a pair of side wall panel components 102a-b. The container base 105 is made from a base platform 501 and a set of bottom corner posts 121 a-d and folding top corner posts 122a-d that are combined to form the corners of the collapsible container 100.

FIG. 1 shows the collapsible container 100 in its deployed state in which side wall panel components 102a-b and end wall panel components 104a-b are in their upward and locked 103a-b are shown with a first top panel component 103a in a collapsed state and a second top pane component 103b in its deployed state. Each of the top panel components 103a-b are coupled to the collapsible container 100 using top panel open pivot point rods 134a-d, one on each side of the top panel component, that engage a top panel side rail slot 135a-d on the top panel components 103a-b to permit the top panel components 103a-b to slide from the center of the collapsible container 100 toward the side wall panel components 102a-b. Once the top panel open pivot point rods 134a-d have slid to one end of the top panel side rail slots 135a-d, the top panel components 103a-b may pivot upward as the first top panel component 103a is positioned.

Each of top panel components 103a-b also includes a top panel release cable 131a-b with each cable having top panel cable ends 130a-d. The top panel cable ends 130a-d engage top panel closed cable connectors 132a-d when the top panel components 103a-b are in the closed or deployed position. The top panel cable ends 130a-d also engage top panel open cable connectors 133a-d to secure the top panel components 103a-b into its open or collapsed position. A user may pull the top panel release cable 131a-d away from the top panel components 103a-b to cause the top panel cable ends 130a-d to release either the top panel closed cable connectors 132a-d or the top panel open cable connectors 133a-d.

Along a top edge of the top panel components 103a-b, a pair of top panels coupling ends 136a-d each engage a top panel attachment rail slot 138a-d to hold the top panel components 103a-b in place. As the top panel pivot point rod 134a-d reaches the end of the top panel side rail slots 135a-d, the top panel coupling ends 136a-d would also slide to one end of the top panel attachment rail slots 138a-d; the top panel coupling ends 136a-d also will be positioned under the top panel attachment member release slots 137a-d such that the top panel coupling ends 136a-d may exit the top panel attachment rail slots 138a-d as the top panel components 103a-b position, the top panel cable ends 130a-d may engage the top panel open cable connectors 133a-d. The top panel components 103a-b are moved to the closed position by following the above sequence of movements in the reverse order.

FIG. 2 illustrates another view of a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a similar orientation for the collapsible container 100 having the first top panel component 103a in its open position and the second top panel component 103b in its closed position. The bottom corner posts 121 a-d and folding top corner posts 122a-d are oriented in the upright or open position in which the corner posts hinge components 201a-d are positioned up against the folding top corner posts 122a-d. The securing brakes 403a-d are shown in raised positions in which the securing brakes 403a-d are positioned above the corner posts hinge components 201a-d. When the securing brakes 403a-d are moved downward into a locked position, the securing brakes 403a-d are arranged around both the bottom corner posts 121a-d and the corner posts hinge components 201a-d that prevented the folding top corner posts 122a-d from moving away from the bottom corner posts 121 a-d.

FIG. 3 illustrates a collapsible pallet container stacked into an interlocking combination according to the present invention. A first collapsible container 100a is stacked on top of a second collapsible container 100b once each of the collapsible containers 100 have been folded into a collapsed position. Each of the folding top corner posts 122a-d include an interlocking post top 301a-d that engage mating post holes 302a-d. These collapsible containers 100 may be stacked on top of each other for 8 number of containers without a significant risk of toppling.

posts 121a-d and folding top corner posts 122a-d are oriented on top of each other such that the interlocking post tops 301a-d are positioned above the top panel components 103a-b when in its closed position. As such, the collapsible containers I 00 may be stacked in both an open and closed position as desired.

FIGS. 4a-h illustrate multiple views of a system for providing a collapsible pallet container having top panels shown in deployed and stowed positions according to the present invention. FIG. 4a shows the collapsible container I 00 in a different orientation in which the side wall panel components 102a, top panel components 103a, and pair of panels are to the left of the end wall panel components I 04a. The top panel components I 03b remain in a closed position.

FIG. 4b shows a bottom view of the collapsible container I 00 in its open position. A bottom surface of the container base I 05 is shown with the corner posts having the folding top corner posts 122a-d and folding top corner posts 122a-d in their open positions. The mating post holes 302a-d for engaging the interlocking post tops 301a-d are presented on the bottom surface of the bottom corner posts 121a-d.

FIG. 4c shows a top view of the collapsible container IOU with the first top panel component 103a in its open position and the second top panel component 103b in its closed position. When it is being opened, the top panel component I03b slides down and pivots about pivot points 401c-d that are formed where the top panel pivot point rods 134a-d engage the top panel side rail slots 135a-d. A corner-to-corner dimension of 65.59″ is shown across the collapsible container 100. This dimension, like all other dimensions shown in the figures represent the side of the collapsible container IOU in one embodiment; the various dimensions may be altered as needed with any dimensions that are interrelated scaled to a matching dimension.

width of the side wall panel components 102a-b is the same as the width of the end wall panel components 104a-b. The top panel components 103a-b are intended to cover the top of the collapsible container 100, and as such, the width of the top panel components 103a-b is the same as the side wall panel components 102a-b and end wall panel components 104a-b. The height of the top panel components 103a-b is one half the width of the side wall panel components 102a-b and end wall panel components 104a-b as each of the top panel components 103a-b covers one part of the collapsible container 100. In another embodiment, the width of the end wall panel components 104a-b may be made wider than the width of the side wall panel components 102a-b. In such an embodiment, the dimensions of the top panel components 103a-b are adjusted to have its width match the width of the side wall panel components 102a-b and the height match one-half the width of the end wall panel components 104a-b. The end wall panel components 104a-b need to be equal to or wider than the side wall panel components 102a-b as disclosed below. The end wall panel components 104a-b are moved to a closed position and the two side wall panel components 102a-b are folded on top of the closed end wall panel components 104a-b. If the side wall panel components 102a-b were wider than the end wall panel components 104a-b, the two side wall panel components 102a-b may not adequately close because of their size. Similar relationships exist between all of the wall components and the top panels.

FIG. 4d shows a side view of the side wall panel components 102a-b and top panel components 103a-b combination when the top panel components 103a-b are in an open position. The combined height of the side wall panel component 102a and the top panel component 103a must be approximately one half the width of the end wall panel components 104a-b as the two side wall panel components 102a-b and top panel components 103a-b combinations are both folded inward when the collapsible container 100 is moved into its collapsed position.

points 463. FIG. 4f shows a detailed view of one of these pop-ups tie down points 463. These pop-ups tie down points 463 may be raises and used to attach a banding strap about items places within the collapsible container 100 for shipping. When the pop-up ties down points 463 are not in use, these u-shaped pop-ups tie down points 463 fall flush with the bottom of the collapsible container 100. The pop-up ties down points 463 may be found on all four sides of the collapsible container 100.

FIGS. 4g-h show the end wall panel components 104a-b from both sides of the collapsible container 100. The end wall top attachment members 146a-d are coupled within the end wall top attachment connectors 142a-d to hold the end wall panel components 104a-b in place in an open position. In order to fold the end wall panel components 104a-b down into a closed position, the end wall top attachment members 146a-d are lifted out of the end wall top attachment connectors 142a-d before the end wall panel components 104a-b begin to pivot about the end wall base pivot point connections 141a-d and end wall base pivot point rods 143a-d combination.

FIGS. 5a-d illustrate multiple views of a base component from a system for providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. Fig. Sa shows the container base 105 with the four bottom corner posts 121a-d. The end wall base pivot point connections 141a-d are attached to the bottom corner posts 121a-d on opposing corner posts on 2 of the 4 sides of the container base 105. Fig. Sb shows a top view of the container base 105 and the bottom corner posts 121a-d. Fig. Sc shows the side of the container base 105 in which the side wall panel components 102a-b are attached. Similarly, FIG. 5d shows the side of the container base 105 in which the end wall panel components 104a-b are attached using the end wall base pivot point rods 143a-d and end wall base pivot point connections 141a-d.

providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIG. 6a shows the container base 105 without any corner posts attached. The container base 105 is constructed around two pairs of parallel rectangular tubes 611a-b, 612a-b that are oriented across both dimensions of the container base 105. The two pairs of parallel rectangular tubes 611a-b, 612a-b are sized, oriented and configured to permit a forklift to insert its lifting forks into one of the pairs of parallel rectangular tubes 611a-b, 612a-b to lift the collapsible container 100 and any contents, whether the collapsible container 100 is deployed or collapsed. The two pairs of parallel rectangular tubes 611a-b, 612a-b may also be used when two or more collapsible containers 100 are stacked as disclosed above in reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 6b shows a top-down view of the container base 105 having cross-section B 621 across the middle of one dimension. Cross-section B 621 is shown in FIG. 6c in which a first pair of parallel rectangular tubes 611a-b are located on both sides of the container base 105.

FIGS. 7a-b illustrate multiple views of a corner top post component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIG. 7a shows multiple views of a left bottom corner post 121a and FIG. 7b shows multiple views of a right bottom corner post 121b in which the end wall base pivot point connections 141a-d for attaching the end wall panel components 104a-b are positioned on one side about the middle of the bottom corner posts 121a-d. The interlocking post tops 301a-b are also shown for use when collapsible containers 100 are stacked. A corner posts hinge component attachment pivot point 202a-b is shown directly above the end wall base pivot point connection 141a-b. The corner posts hinge components 201a-b attach to the bottom corner posts 121a-b using a bolt that engages the corner posts hinge component 201a-b through its corner post hinge pivot point 123a-b. The corner posts hinge component 201a-b is oriented upward on the bottom corner posts 121a-n such that the container base 105 in the direction of the end wall base pivot point connections 141a-b. The side wall panel components 102a-b attach to the corner posts hinge component 201 a-b such that the side wall panel components 102a-b pivot up and down when the corner posts hinge components 201 a-b pivot.

FIGS. 8a-e illustrate multiple rear views of an end wall component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIG. 8a shows an inside surface of the side wall panel component 102a coupled to a pair of corner posts hinge components 201a-b that are also coupled to a pair of folding top corner posts 122a-b. The corner post hinge pivot points 123a-b are shown in a bottom corner of the corner posts hinge component 201 a-b. The pivot bolt (not shown) passes through a first hole of the corner post hinge pivot points 123a, then through the corner posts hinge component attachment pivot point 202a and terminate after passing through the second hole of the corner post hinge pivot points 123a. The corner posts hinge component 201a pivots about the pivot bolt as the corner posts hinge component 201a rotates about the corner post hinge pivot point 123a. The entire assembly of side wall panel components 102a, folding top corner posts 122a-b, and corner posts hinge components 201a-b all pivot as a single assembly to permit the side wall panel components 102a and their mated top panel components 103a to fold inward as the collapsible container 100 collapses.

FIGS. 9a-d illustrate multiple views of a side wall component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIGS. 9a and 9b show an outside surface of the side wall panel component 102a coupled to a pair of corner posts hinge components 201a-b that are also coupled to a pair of folding top corner posts 122a-b. The top panel pivot point rods 134a-b and the top panel open cable connectors 133a-b are shown along component 102a. The top panel component 103a slides outward above the top of the side wall panel component 102a where the top panel pivot point rods 134a-b engage the top panel side rail slots 135a-b. The top panel open cable connectors 133a-b are shown directly above the top panel pivot point rods 134a-b where the top panel cable ends 130a-b can engage the top panel open cable connectors 133a-b to hold the top panel component 103a in an open or collapsed position. The corner posts hinge components 201a-b and the corner posts hinge component attachment pivot points 202a-b are also shown oriented such that the side wall panel components 102a assembly may fold inward in which the outside surface of the side wall panel component 102a finishes on a bottom side of the folded side wall panel component 102a.

FIG. 9c shows a section D-D 901 cut vertically through the side wall panel component 102a assembly of FIG. 9b. FIG. 9d shows a top and a bottom view of section E-E 902 cut horizontally through the side wall panel component 102a assembly of FIG. 9b. Detail E 904 is showing the exact location of the top panel pivot point rods 134a-b. Detail D 903 is showing that the angle iron used to mount the magnet, that is used to hold the top cover close to the container while in an open position, is to be mounted flush to the tubing and not he angles iron it is connected to.

FIGS. 10a-b illustrate multiple views of a side wall hinge component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIG. 10a shows a single folding top corner post 122a coupled to a corner post hinge component 201a having its corner post hinge pivot point 123a at a bottom edge of the corner post hinge component 201a and the interlocking post top 301a at the top of the folding top corner post 122a. FIG. 10b shows a top view 1002 of the folding top corner post 122a and three sides views 1003a-c of the folding top corner post 122a and corner posts hinge component 201a assembly 1000.

providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. Fig. I1a shows an inner side of the end wall panel component I 04a having the removable pin and ring assemblies 144a-b attached to either side. FIG. 11b shows an outer side of the end wall panel component I 04a having the removable pin and ring assemblies 144a-b attached to either side. The removable pin holes 145a-b through the end wall base pivot point rods 143a-d are shown with the removable pin and ring assembly 144a-b inserted into the corresponding removable pin holes 145a-b. The removable pin and ring assembly 144a-b may be removed from the removable pin holes 145a-b to permit the entire end wall panel component I 04a to be lifted out of the collapsible container 100. The removable pin and ring assemblies 144a-b engage the mating end wall base pivot point connections 141a-b along with the end wall base pivot point rods 143a-b to hold the rod and connections together. Once the removable pin and ring assemblies 144a-b are removed, the end wall base pivot point rods 143a-b may be lifted out of the end wall base pivot point connections 141a-b to free the end wall panel component 104a from the collapsible container I 00.

Fig. I 1e shows an inner side of the end wall panel component 104a having the removable pin and ring assemblies 144a-b attached to either side. Cross-section F-F 1101 is positioned vertically through the end wall panel component I 04a. A left and right view of the end wall panel component 104a at cross-section F-F 1101 are shown in FIGS. 11d-e respectively.

Fig. I If shows the outer side of the end wall panel component I 04a without the removable pin and ring assemblies 144a-b attached. The end wall base pivot point rods 143a-b are shown at the bottom edges of the end wall panel components I 04a. The end wall top attachment members 146a-b are shown on either side of the end wall panel component I 04a about its top edge. Fig. I 1g shows a side view of the outer side of the end wall panel component Cross-section H-H 1104 is cut horizontally across the end wall panel component 104a and is shown in FIG. 11i. FIGS. 11h and j show the left side view and the right-side view of the cross-section G-G 1103. Detail B 1204 show an offset of the angles used to mount the handle rod.

FIGS. 12a-h illustrate multiple views of a top panel component from a system providing a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIG. 12a shows a view of an outer side of the top panel component 103a having the top panel release cable 131a shown across its surface. FIG. 12b shows a view of an inner side of the top panel component 103a having top panel coupling ends 136a-b about its top edge. FIG. 12c shows a view of the outer side of the top panel component 103a having cross section J-J 1201 cut vertically through the top panel component 103a. The cross-section J-J 1201 is shown in FIG. 12d.

FIG. 12e shows a view of an inner side of the top panel component 103a having top panel coupling ends 136a-b about its top edge. FIG. 12f shows a view of the outer side of the top panel component 103a without having the top panel release cable 131 across the top panel component 103a. FIG. 12g shows a view of the outer side of the top panel component 103a having cross sections K-K 1202 cut vertically through the top panel component 103a. The cross-section K-K 1202 is shown in FIG. 12h.

FIG. 13 illustrates a securing brake for a side wall hinge from a collapsible pallet container according to the present invention. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view 1301 of the securing brakes 403a and a side view 1302 of the securing brakes 403. The securing brake 403a consists of a pair of c-shaped rods welded together to form a square. The square is sized to loosely fit securing brakes 403a-d about each of the folding top corner posts 122a-d and corner posts hinge component 201 a-d assemblies.

folding top corner posts 122a-d and may move up and down such that the securing brakes 403a-d are around the bottom corner posts 121a-d and corner posts hinge components 201a-d when the securing brakes 403a-d are in a locked position. When in this locked position, the securing brakes 403a-d prevent the corner posts hinge components 201a-d from pivoting away from the bottom corner posts 121a-d. As such, the side wall panel components 102a-b are held in an upright and locked position.

When the securing brakes 403a-d are raised above the corner posts hinge components 201a-d, the corner posts hinge components 201a-d become free to pivot downward and allow the side wall panel components 102a-b to fold inward. The rods within the securing brakes 403a-d and the welds holding them together must be sufficiently strong to hold any forces that may be imposed upon the side wall panel components 102a-b while the collapsible container 100 is in transport.

FIG. 14 illustrates a removable ring and pin assembly from a collapsible pallet container stacked into an interlocking combination according to the present invention. A single removable pin and ring assembly 144 is shown in FIG. 14. The removable pin and ring assembly 144 comprises a ring 1658 connected to a quick-release pin 1666 using a coupler strap 1660 and rivet 1662. The quick-release pin 1666 has a retention pin 1675 that engages the end wall base pivot point rods 143a-d once the rivet 1662 has been inserted through the removable pin holes 145a-b. The ring 1658 is secured to the end wall panel component 104a using an attachment cable 1602 coupled with a screw (not shown).

FIG. 15 illustrates a flowchart corresponding to a method for providing a collapsible shipping container according to the present invention. Process 1500 begins and a user 1501 pulls a top panel release cable 131a on a top panel component 103a to disengage the top 1512, the top panel component 103a is slid outward as the top panel pivot point rods 134a-b move along the top panel side rail slots 135a-b and the top panel coupling ends 136a-b move along the top panel attachment rail slots 138a-b. The top panel component 103a slides outward until the top panel coupling ends 136a-b are within the top panel attachment member release slots 137a-b. The top panel component 103a pivots upward in step 1513, permitting the top panel coupling ends 136a-b to leave the top panel attachment rail slots 138a-b until the top panel component 103a is vertical. The top panel component 103a slides downward until the top panel cable ends 130a-b engage the top panel open cable connectors 133a-b where the top panel components 103a-b have reached a collapsed or open position.

Test step 1514 determines whether or not both of the top panel components are in the collapsed position. When test step 1514 determines that both top panel components have not been opened, the process 1500 returns to step 1511 to repeat the above steps to open the second top panel component 103b of two top panel components. When test step 1514 determines that both top panel components have been opened, the process 1500 continues to reposition the end wall components.

In step 1515, the end wall panel component 104a is lifted to disengage the end wall top attachment members 146a-b from their mating end wall top attachment connectors 142a-b. Once the end wall top attachment members 146a-b are free, the end wall panel component 104a may be folded inward in step 1516 until the end wall panel component 104a is positioned against the container base 105.

Test step 1517 determines whether or not both of the end wall components are in the collapsed position. When test step 1517 determines that both end wall components have not been opened, the process 1500 returns to step 1516 to repeat the above steps to collapse the that both end wall components have been collapsed, the process 1500 continues to reposition the side component-corner post assemblies.

In step 1518, the securing brakes 403a-b on each end of the side wall panel component 102a are lifted upward until they no longer engage the corner posts hinge components 201a-b. With both securing brakes 403a-b disengaged, the side wall panel components 102a and top panel components 103a combination may be folded downward until it is on top of the two end wall panel components 104a-b in step 1519.

Test step 1520 determines whether or not both of the side wall panel components 102a and top panel components 103a combinations are in the collapsed position. When test step 1520 determines that both of the side wall panel components 102a and top panel components 103a combination have not been collapsed, the process 1500 returns to step 1518 to repeat the above steps to collapse the second side wall panel components 102a and top panel components 103a combinations of two side wall components 102a-b. When test step 1520 determines that both side wall panel components 102a and top panel components 103a combinations have been collapsed, the collapsible container 100 has been completely collapsed and the process 1500 ends 1502.

Even though particular combinations of features are recited in the present application, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the invention. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited in this application. In other words, any of the features mentioned in this application may be included to this new invention in any combination or combinations to allow the functionality required for the desired operations.

as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A system for providing a collapsible pallet container, the collapsible pallet container comprises:

a container base, the container base having four corners and a set of corner posts coupled to the container base at each corner;

a pair of top panel components, each of the top panels having a release cable and a pair of release cable end;

a pair of end wall panel components, each of the end wall panels having a pair of end wall top attachment members on each of the end wall panel components about an upper side and pair of top panel open pivot point rods about a lower side; and

a pair of side wall panel components coupled on each side to one of the set of corner posts.

2. The collapsible pallet container according to claim 1, wherein the each of the corner posts comprise an interlocking post top and mating holes, the interlocking post top engages the mating holes on corner posts of a second collapsible pallet container for stacking the collapsible containers on top of each other.

3. The collapsible pallet container according to claim 2, wherein each of the each of the corner posts further comprise:

a top corner post coupled to a side of one of the pair of side wall components, the interlocking post top being at a top end of the top corner post; and

a bottom corner post coupled to the container base, the mating holes being at a bottom end of the bottom corner post;

wherein each of the top corner posts and its corresponding bottom corner post are coupled together by one of a set of corner post hinge components; and

the top corner post pivots downward with its attached side wall component from the bottom corner post as the corresponding corner post hinge component pivots about the bottom corner post.

4. The collapsible pallet container according to claim 3, wherein the one of the set of securing brakes is located around the each of the corner posts, each of the securing brakes having an engaged position in which the top corner post and the corner post hinge components are held coupled to its corresponding bottom corner post and a disengaged position in which the top corner post and the corner post hinge components are free to pivot inward.

5. The collapsible pallet container according to claim 3, wherein each of the top corner posts further comprises an end wall top attachment connector for coupling with one of the end wall top attachment members on each of the end wall panel components.

6. The collapsible pallet container according to claim 3, wherein each of the top panel components slides outward towards one of the pair of side wall panel components and pivots into a vertical position and slides downward parallel to its corresponding side wall panel component;

each of the wall panel components pivots inward one at a time until on top of the container base; and

each of the side wall panel components with its corresponding top panel component in its vertical and parallel orientation pivots inward one at a time on top of the pair of end wall panel components.

7. A method for providing a collapsible pallet container, the collapsible container having a container base, the container base having four corners and a set of corner posts at each of the four corners, a pair of top panel components, a pair of end wall panel components, and a pair of side wall panel components, each of the top panels having a release cable and a pair of release cable ends, each of the end wall panels having a pair of end wall top attachment members on each of the end wall panel components about an upper side and pair of top panel open pivot point rods about a lower side, and each of the side wall panels coupled on each side to one of the set of corner posts, the method comprising:

pulling outward on the release cable of each of the top panel components to disengage the release cable ends from the pair of side wall panel components;

sliding each of the pair of top panel components outward until a pair of top panel coupling ends on each side of the top panel components slide down top panel attachment rail slots to be within top panel attachment member release slots;

pivoting the top panel components upward until vertical about a pair of top panel open pivot point rods;

sliding the pair of top panel components downward parallel to a corresponding side wall panel component until the release cable ends engage a pair of top panel open cable connectors;

folding down each of the end wall components one at a time inward to the container base; and

folding down the pair of side wall components one at a time onto the end wall components.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the method further comprises:

lifting each of the end wall components one at a time to disengage a pair of end wall top attachment members from a pair of end wall top attachment connectors before folding the each of the end wall components inward to the container base.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the method further comprises:

lifting a pair of securing brakes on both sides of each of the pair of side wall components about one of the corner posts before folding the side wall component inward on top of the end wall components.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein each of the corner posts have an interlocking post top and mating holes, the interlocking post top engages the mating holes on corner posts of a second collapsible pallet container for stacking the collapsible containers on top of each other.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the each of the each of the corner posts further comprise:

a top corner post coupled to a side of one of the pair of side wall components, the interlocking post top being at a top end of the top corner post; and

a bottom corner post coupled to the container base, the mating holes being at a bottom end of the bottom corner post;

wherein each of the top corner posts and its corresponding bottom corner post are coupled together by one of a set of corner post hinge components; and

the top corner post pivots downward with its attached side wall component from the bottom corner post as the corresponding corner post hinge component pivots about the bottom corner post.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the one of the set of securing brakes is located around the each of the corner posts, each of the securing brakes having an engaged position in which the top corner post and the corner post hinge components are held coupled to its corresponding bottom corner post and a disengaged position in which the top corner post and the corner post hinge components are free to pivot inward.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein each of the top corner posts further comprises an end wall top attachment connector for coupling with one of the end wall top attachment members on each of the end wall panel components.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein each of the top panel components slides outward towards one of the pair of side wall panel components and pivots into a vertical position and slides downward parallel to its corresponding side wall panel component;

each of the wall panel components pivots inward one at a time until on top of the container base; and

each of the side wall panel components with its corresponding top panel component in its vertical and parallel orientation pivots inward one at a time on top of the pair of end wall panel components.