Fastening Members Patents (Class 220/7)
  • Publication number: 20130048588
    Abstract: A shelving system having tubular frame members and plastic shelves, the shelves having frame receiving regions for receiving ends of the frame members. The shelves and frame members are connectable by insertion of the frame members into the frame receiving regions to form an openly configured, assembled shelving unit in which the shelves are connected to one another in vertically spaced relationship by the frame members. The shelving system has at least one closure member. The assembled shelving system and the at least one closure member both have an integrally molded connector structure. The integrally molded connector structures enable the at least one molded plastic closure member to be connected to the assembled shelving unit after the shelving unit has been assembled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: THE STANLEY WORKS ISRAEL LTD.
    Inventors: Gil Vilkomirski, Zvika Fraiman
  • Patent number: 8381929
    Abstract: A container for transporting and storing goods with a container base and at least two side walls that can be folded over one another, the two side walls are respectively pivotably supported through at least one hinge bolt in a hinge bolt receiver, wherein the hinge bolt receiver comprises an elongated recess extending perpendicular to the container base. The folded down side wall is movable from a lower end position, in which the folded down side wall contacts the container base, into an upper end position, which is displaced upward from the lower end position in a direction perpendicular to the container base. Hinge bolt is provided with a guided translatoric movement when the side wall is folded up from the lower end position, causing rotation of the hinge bolt in the hinge bolt receiver, so that the side wall moves upward in a direction perpendicular to the container base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: IFCO Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Richard Kellerer, Christian Barth
  • Patent number: 8375534
    Abstract: A cremation container foldable into a compact configuration for shipping comprises a bottom, a pair of side walls connected to the bottom, a pair of end walls connected to the bottom, and a lid removably positioned atop the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls. Each wall of the pair of side walls and each wall of the pair of end walls comprises an upper panel and a lower panel hingedly connected together. The upper panels of the pair of end walls are foldable downwardly toward the bottom, and the upper panels of the pair of side walls are foldable downwardly atop the upper panels of the pair of end walls to thereby compactly configure the container for shipping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Batesville Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Justin Gesell, Nick Kaiser, Steve Pappas, Steven Pinkston
  • Patent number: 8348076
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a main frame and at least one pivotable side wall that is pivotable between a collapsed position and an opened position. The pivotable side wall is provided with a spring lock insert secured therein and biased toward a lock position in which a lock portion of the spring lock insert extends beyond an end edge of the pivotable side wall. The main frame includes a latch opening that receives the spring lock insert when the pivotable side wall is in the opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Monoflo International, Inc.
    Inventors: Henning Rader, Hans Niemann
  • Publication number: 20130001225
    Abstract: A folding container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions, and first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions. The folding container including locking tabs in the base portion for engaging notches in the lower side wall portions when the container is in a folded configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ORBIS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Venu Samprathi
  • Patent number: 8342347
    Abstract: A collapsible, portable container having a roof, a base, two foldable end walls and two removable side walls. The container is collapsed by removing the side walls and inwardly folding the end walls to draw the roof closer to the base. A slide lock feature is present which alternatively allows or prevents the inward folding of the container end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Nova Chemicals (International) S.A.
    Inventor: Henry F. Hay
  • Patent number: 8317045
    Abstract: A collapsible container is provided which includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls, and a pair of opposed end walls which are transverse to the side walls. The side and end walls are pivotably connected to the base between an upright position generally perpendicular to the base and a collapsed position on the base. A support is pivotably and slidably mounted to each of the end walls. The support is configured to extend into the container and to fully retract within the end wall. The support extends far enough into the container to reliably support another container thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Mauricio D. Cavalcante
  • Patent number: 8308018
    Abstract: Structures, methods, and systems associated with a stackable and collapsible container are provided. One structure includes a stackable and collapsible container having at least four non-collapsible, load bearing vertical support members attached to vertical walls of the container and capable of supporting the weight of other containers. A top surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. A bottom surface is included having a number of sections which include a pivotal connection to one another and which are collapsible about the pivotal connection to an interior of the container. The top and the bottom surfaces of the container can be fixedly positioned in a number of collapsed states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: George E. Kochanowski
  • Patent number: 8308012
    Abstract: A fastening clip includes a main body defining a through hole, a flange radially extending from the main body, a first clipping member hinged on the main body, a latching mechanism extending from the clipping member and including a first latching portion, and a second clipping member hinged on the main body and including a second latching portion. The clip has a first position, in which the first and second clipping members can extend out of the main body, and a second position, in which the first and second clipping members are received in the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd.., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuang-Ming Xin
  • Publication number: 20120273485
    Abstract: The present invention is a reliable, lightweight, environmentally friendly, highly reusable, highly durable, fully collapsible container for use in transporting solid and liquid materials, including those materials governed by the dangerous goods code of the UN regulations. The container employs a selectively sealed lid, a truss system for preventing bulge at the rim of the container so that the rim remains within the footprint of the lid, and an integrated closure system for securing transported contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventors: John H. Lapoint, III, Jennifer Williams
  • Publication number: 20120267366
    Abstract: A foldable storage box comprises a soft walled body open at its top end and closed at the opposing end, a top frame being mounted with the walled body and contiguous to the open top end, and a bottom frame being mounted with the walled body and contiguous to the closed opposing end; wherein the top frame are provided with attachment elements respectively on its bottom and side surfaces, the bottom frame are provided with attachment elements respectively on its top and side surfaces, such that separate boxes can be held in stacks or side by side with the attachment elements. A plurality of supporting bars are provided within the walled body to each serve as a support between the top and bottom frames to form a container. The supporting bars can be detached from the both frames to enable the walled body to be folded into a flat pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: WEN-TSAN WANG
  • Patent number: 8292107
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a folding container which stores various kinds of cargo and is transported. A container body of the folding container includes a top plate, a bottom plate, left and right side plates, and front and rear end plates. Each side plate includes upper and lower plate bodies which are connected to each other and to the top and bottom plates by spring hinges. A rotating shaft is provided in the container body, and a belt connected to the rotating shaft is connected to the left and right side plates at positions adjacent to the junctions between the upper and lower plate bodies. The left and right side plates are pulled inwards and folded by rotating the rotating shaft and winding the belt around the rotating shaft. Therefore, the operation of folding or unfolding the container body can be facilitated, and safety can be ensured during the operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignees: Korea Container Pool Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jung Sun Hong
  • Publication number: 20120248105
    Abstract: A collapsible shipping container has a corner post located at each corner of a base frame. A respective stile of an end cover frame, which may support at least one door, is pivotally mounted on the base frame adjacent each corner post. Respective lifting members on each corner post and stile have curved abutment faces which engage when the stile is in the erected position, and a latch member releasably locks the stile in the erected position. The or each end cover frame may be provided with a spring—or winch system to assist in moving the end cover frame to the erected position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Folainer International Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Wang Yew Leong
  • Patent number: 8276753
    Abstract: A packaging structure for containing, transportation, exhibition, and dispensing of products at points of sale, of a type including a cubical three-dimensional frame formed by four angular beams in a rectangular or quadrangular arrangement, attached on their lower and upper ends by angular crossbeams, generating empty windows on all its faces; the angular beams and crossbeams are made of compressed rigid cardboard and have two equal arms defining an “L”, set with their vortexes facing inside this structure; the structure is set on a base or pallet, that the attachment between the angular beams and crossbeams is made through structural corner joints having an orthogonal square shaped flat surface section with round vortex, an upward projecting and fixating perpendicular tab of a substantially trapezoidal section on each exterior side of the vortex; the tabs and square shaped flat surface include holes through which fixating means are placed in order to attach arms of the beams and crossbeams; a rectangular cav
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Power Retailing Group S.A. de C.V.
    Inventor: Luis Felipe Rego Garcia De Alba
  • Publication number: 20120234830
    Abstract: A plastic container includes at least two foldable sidewalls articulated to a container base by at least two hinge connections, each including a hinge bolt or pin for pivoting in a receiving gap of the base frame. The receiving gap has an elongate opening to allow the hinge bolt to move in the receiving gap from a lower to an upper end position. The opening has a length at least corresponding to the thickness of the sidewall which is thus liftable vertically by at least the thickness. At least two guide elements are formed at the sidewall and received in the base frame in recesses which have a nose defined by an upper edge spaced from an upper edge of the base frame by a distance which corresponds to a length of the guide element from a lower edge of the sidewall to a lower edge of the guide element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Georg Utz Holding AG
    Inventor: Yves Hug
  • Patent number: 8267269
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible food guard for displaying and serving food comprising a resilient transparent cover assembly for a substantially planar base. The cover assembly is substantially semi-cylindrical of a predetermined radius and has closed opposing ends. The cover assembly is reversibly pivotably attached to a base and has downward facing edges to seal the cover to the base when the cover is pivoted in the down (closed) position. The semi-cylindrical portion of the cover assembly is a resilient transparent shield that reversibly detachable from the arched surfaces of the closed opposing ends (side walls) and is sufficiently resilient such that when detached form the arched surfaces of the opposing side walls, it assumes the substantially planar shape in which it was initially molded. This resiliency allows the collapsible food guard to collapse into planar elements (side walls, shield and optional base) requiring minimal storage space and providing easy cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Gundersen
  • Patent number: 8267270
    Abstract: A folding container having integrally formed hinge elements. The container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions having a snap-fitted hinge connection to a first side and second side of the base portion respectively, first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions, and a rim portion having a snap-fitted hinge connection to the first and second upper side wall portions, and end walls having a hinged connection to the rim portion. The hinge elements including hook-shaped snaps having a first ramp segment and a second ramp segment on the outer surface of the hook portion to facilitate connection of a hinge axle to the hook-shaped snaps. A tongue and groove combination in the lower and upper side wall portions to provide structural support for loads placed on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventor: Venu Samprathi
  • Patent number: 8261923
    Abstract: A collapsible container is provided that incorporates various features for improving the stability of the container and for reducing damage to the items carried by the container. The container may include a stabilizing hinge assembly including a stabilizing ledge and a stabilizing hook that securely engage the respective sidewalls to the base of the container to stiffen the container and distribute the loads more evenly. The sidewalls and base of the container may also define contact areas to support the carried items without bruising or damaging the items. Non-contact areas of the container that do not come into contact with the items may include openings that are aligned with other openings in the container and other adjacent containers to provide a consistent flow of air through a number of containers stacked beside one another. The sidewalls may also include various latching features to maintain the container in the expanded configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Otto Industries North America, Inc.
    Inventor: Wesley J. Blanchard
  • Publication number: 20120187116
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a collapsible drum for transporting materials. The present invention solves problems associated with reusing and efficiently transporting shipping containers designed for retaining bulk materials, including hazardous substances, and insuring reliable structural integrity with every use. The collapsible drum of the present invention is adapted for integration with standard handling equipment, and has a permanently secured, collapsible drum floor and fluted sidewalls that enable an operator to collapse and roll the empty drum into a compact tube. The collapsible drum provides one or more removable, ribbed disc-shaped inserts for reinforcing the drum floor and/or drum lid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: John H. Lapoint, III, John Stuart, James A. Colony
  • Publication number: 20120152947
    Abstract: A foldable box includes a floor and two longitudinal and transverse side exterior walls each lying opposite in pairs and foldable relative to the floor, each longitudinal side exterior walls including a protrusion at a transverse side end extending toward the transverse side exterior walls when upfolded, limiting foldability of the transverse side exterior walls to the outside. Each transverse side exterior wall including a locking mechanism at the outside of the transverse side exterior wall, including when upfolded, a snap-in element movable in a vertical direction relative to the floor surface, latchable with the protrusion. The protrusion and/or the snap-in element includes contact surfaces, inclined relative to the vertical direction when upfolded wherein the locking mechanism opens against a spring pretensioning when exceeding a predetermined inward force acting upon the transverse side exterior wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8201701
    Abstract: A lock member L composed of one operation portion La biased by an inclined spring member 12 and paired lock bars Lb is attached to each of side walls 3 to be brought down firstly. A driven pin 15 formed on an operation portion is inserted through an inclined cam groove 21a of each of the lock bars. The lock member is attached to the side wall to be brought down firstly by fitting a pivotal shaft 11b formed on the operation portion into a fitting recess portion 3j1 of a pivotal shaft support block 3j formed on the side wall to be brought down firstly. Thus, at whichever position on the operation portion the operator' finger are laid, the lateral paired lock bars disposed opposite each other across the operation portion are moved in the horizontal direction by the same amount. Consequently, the lock state established between the short side wall and the long side wall via the lock member can be reliably cancelled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Sanko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8201702
    Abstract: The invention provides a modular and foldable recycling apparatus for home use. The apparatus contains multiple modules attached in series, which can be separated into individual modules. Each module is made of a foldable frame to hold a container, such as a bag, for the containment, separation and transport of recyclable materials. The apparatus can be folded like an accordion to allow for convenient storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Harleman Products, LLC
    Inventor: David P. Harleman
  • Publication number: 20120145708
    Abstract: A foldable storage case comprises a one-piece1 waterproof container. The container comprises a body, a bottom, and a cover, where the body, the bottom, and the cover form an interior space therebetween. The body comprises a plurality of body panels, the bottom comprises a plurality of bottom panels, and the cover comprises a plurality of cover panels. A plurality of removable fasteners is used to fasten together the body panels and the bottom panels. Further, each cover panel includes a projection adapted to be received by a receiving area of at least one of the body panels. When the cover is folded such that two or more projections are disposed adjacent each other within the receiving area, the projections and the receiving area interfere with each other, detachably securing the cover panels in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher M. Wall, Phillip W. Chaffee
  • Patent number: 8196766
    Abstract: The invention relates to a folding container (100) having a first and second side wall (11, 13), a roof (10), a floor (20) as well as a face end (12) and a back end, wherein the first side wall (13) and the second side wall (11) are slideable along the roof (10) and along the floor (20) respectively in such a manner that the lateral parts (11, 13) are slideable inward of the container (100) until they lie parallel to the floor (20). In order to offset friction losses in the longitudinal rails of folding containers (100), the invention proposes that the roof (10) and the floor (20) are provided with spaced longitudinal rails (14, 15, 16, 17) running parallel to one another for a roll guide of the first side wall (13) slideable on the roof (10) and for a roll guide of the second side wall (11) slideable on the floor (20), wherein in the longitudinal rails (14, 15, 16, 17) tension springs (30) are integrated which with a folded-out container (100) are tensioned and with a folded-up container (100) are relaxed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Oil Capital Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Ottmar A. H. Schrayvogel
  • Publication number: 20120118884
    Abstract: A foldable box includes a floor having a fixed exterior wall extending from the floor in a vertical direction upwards and an exterior wall having a shaft arranged in the base area of the exterior wall. The foldable box further includes a guide opening in the fixed exterior wall area in which the shaft is arranged, the guide opening including an opening section extending basically in the vertical direction through which the shaft may be guided out from the top, and a lateral opening section extending in a lateral direction from an outside of the fixed exterior wall area inwards, in which the shaft may be shifted basically in a lateral direction. A cam arranged in the base area of the exterior wall has a cam contour which is implemented such that the cam contour, when erecting the exterior wall, gets into contact with a contact surface arranged at the fixed exterior wall area such that the shaft is moved inwards in the lateral opening section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Wolfgang Orgeldinger
  • Patent number: 8167158
    Abstract: A folding container includes a lock member L disposed on each of side walls 3 brought down first, the lock member L including a pair of lock bars Lb movable in a horizontal direction and one operation portion La, an inclined spring member 12 provided in the operation portion and including a tip portion placed in a spring receiving and supporting block 3n formed on each of the side walls brought down first, a cam hole portion 21a formed in each of the lock bars and into which a driven short shaft 15 formed on the operation portion is inserted, and a spring member 22 formed on each of the lock bars and configured to come into abutting contact with a spring member abutting block 3x formed on each of the side walls brought down first, so that when the lock bars are moved in a direction in which the lock bars approach each other, the operation portion is prevented from being moved by movement of the lock bars in the direction in which the lock bars approach each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Sanko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Yamauchi
  • Publication number: 20120091133
    Abstract: The invention relates to a box including, in principle, a plastic structure with a rectangular base, two ends, and two sides which are pivotably coupled to said base. The ends include centred parts combined with latches, which in one position anchor the sides and ends, while in another position said connection between the ends and the sides is released in order to collapse said elements and thus achieve a collapsed position. The invention is characterised in that the box includes an anchor device consisting of a series of rotary bodies (5) that connect the bolts of the lock (4) to the centred part (1) via two pairs of resilient parts (6) and (7) which, in the inoperative position thereof, hold the bolts of the lock (4) outwards, attaching the ends (2) and the sides (9), and when the central part (1) is moved upward, the latches thus release the ends and the sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Julián Escarpa Gil
  • Publication number: 20120080426
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an open-top container for shipping and displaying products which comprises a plurality of side walls. Bottom wall flaps are foldably joined to bottom edges of the side walls and are folded inwardly therefrom into overlapping relationship with one another to form a bottom wall closure. A respective plurality of triangularly-shaped beams foldably joined to upper edges of the respective plurality of side walls. Each of the plurality of the triangularly-shaped beams is defined by a shoulder panel and a flange panel foldably joined to one another. A bumper sticker panel is foldably joined to upper edge of one of the plurality of side walls forming a partial top closure when the open-top container is in the shipping position and partially prevents products from falling out when the open-top container is in the displaying position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Publication number: 20120061390
    Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible freight container (1) comprising a floor panel (3), a roof panel (5) as well as two longitudinal side walls (7,9) connected to the floor panel and the roof panel. Each longitudinal side wall comprises a first (11,13) and a second (15,17) part, which are connected by—means of at least one hinged joint, such that the first part can hinge towards the second part of the same longitudinal side wall about a hinge axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the freight container. Each corner of the freight container is furthermore provided with at least one corner pin (31).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: CARGOSHELL HOLDING B.V.i.o.
    Inventor: Rene Giesbers
  • Patent number: 8123062
    Abstract: The present patent application relates to a plastic molded box with parallelepiped structure and rectangular base provided with collapsible walls, designed to stack a corresponding box with lower dimensions, it being provided with two oscillating shelves (5) on the internal side of the transversal walls (2) basically at the height of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Sergio Tontarelli
  • Patent number: 8113372
    Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is disclosed wherein end walls are pivoted into the container when empty and locked against the roof, and then side walls buckle via hinges into a folded configuration. The folded configuration is achieved easily with a modified spreader without the need to otherwise disassemble or deconstruct the container, leaving no loose parts or tools. The cargo container preferably constructed with an improved light weight panel that facilitates loading of the container while improving strength and reducing weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Alex Bellehumeur, Trustee of the Alex Bellehumeur Family Trust
    Inventors: Alexander R. Bellehumeur, James Woods
  • Patent number: 8109402
    Abstract: Collapsible container which includes a base member, collapsible side walls, which adjacent side walls are inter-connectable. The base member is provided with feet members, a circumambient edge and a mainly horizontal load surface. The load surface is provided with recesses extending downwards from the load surface, said recesses being arranged adjacent the edge. At least one side wall is provided with downwards extending protrusions, said protrusions being arranged to interact with said recesses. Said at least one side wall engages the base member through vertical motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Schoeller Arca Systems AB
    Inventor: Peter Hartwall
  • Patent number: 8079486
    Abstract: A lock member L1 including an operation portion L1a and a lock bar L1b is disposed on each of first opposite side walls 2 to be brought down firstly toward a bottom portion 1, and a pivotal shaft 13 formed in the operation portion is pivotally supported in a bearing hole 2g2 formed in each of the first opposite side walls to be brought down firstly toward the bottom portion. To allow cancellation of a lock state between the lock member and each of second opposite side walls to be brought down secondly toward the bottom portion, the operation portion is pivotally moved downward. During an unlocking operation, even when an operator pivotally moves the operation portion included in the lock member, the operation portion is prevented from being tilted. Thus, the lock bar of the lock member can be used to reliably perform the unlocking operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Sanko Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8066147
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior. A latch selectively prevents movement of the front wall to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: Ryan C. Meers, Justin M. Smyers, Roger S. Hsu
  • Patent number: 8033410
    Abstract: A collapsible container for containing goods, including a liquid and/or solid/liquid mixture, configured to be assembled and disassembled manually without the use of tools. The container includes a plurality of upright panels coupled to a base by their bottom portions. The bottom portion of each panel has a relieved portion that extends into a corresponding groove formed in the base. The panels include panels of a first type and panels of a second type, with the relieved portion of the panels of the first type differing from the relieved portion of the panels of the second type. Each panel of the first type is flanked along its opposing upright edges by a pair of adjacent panels of the second type. Each of the edges of each of the panels is coupled by an edge joining assembly to one of the edges of one of the flanking panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Pacific Bin Corporation
    Inventors: Robert H. Afflerbach, David E. Griffin, Vipin Kumar, John R. McKnight, Dustin Miller, Craig M. Watjen, Peter D. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8033411
    Abstract: A container includes a plurality of wall panels. Each wall panel is connected to adjacent wall panels at hinged connections and the wall panels are arranged so as to articulate at the hinged connections between a collapsed position and an expanded position defining a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall. The container also includes a first latch that is configured to interlockingly engage when the wall panels are in the expanded position and a second latch that is configured to interlockingly engage when the wall panels are in the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais, Sanjay Dhall
  • Publication number: 20110204050
    Abstract: A storage device for storing food items includes a container including a bottom surface, a sidewall and a top opening, wherein a portion of the sidewall is formed of a plurality of accordion pleats expandable and compressible in a vertical direction to transform vertical shape and size of the container to accommodate food items through the top opening into the container for storage therein. The storage device further includes a covering member including a top surface having a peripheral edge, which is connectable to the top opening of the container for closing the storage device. The storage device further includes a plurality of coupling members secured on an outer periphery of opposing surfaces of each accordion pleat of the plurality of accordion pleats of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Gail Abby Liput
  • Patent number: 8002134
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an intermodal cargo container includes a lid section having a rectangular box with an open bottom portion. A floor unit has a channel portion arranged around a periphery, and the channel portion receives a bottom edge of the lid section. Locking mechanisms are arranged along an edge of the lid section to couple the lid section to plural rungs that extend across the channel portion. The sliding lock mechanism includes engagement tabs that engage associated rungs extending between two walls of the channel portion. A sealing portion is provided within the channel so as to provide a fluid-tight seal when the lid section is coupled to the floor unit. A powered actuator can assist in moving the lock mechanism. A spring assembly at a corner of the floor unit provides a spring tension to the sliding lock mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Cakeboxx, LLC
    Inventor: Garry R. Whyte
  • Patent number: 7997044
    Abstract: An enclosure, such as a column for supporting a roof, is defined by plural, adjacent, beveled segments, including two outermost segments, folded and joined. An adhesive is used on the beveled edges to help hold the shape of the enclosure. In addition, the edges of the outermost segments are configured to interlock so that, with manual force and no tools, the outermost segments can be snapped together, thereby holding the enclosure while the adhesive cures. The configurations on the outermost edges are preferably made of interlocking projections and recesses, at least one of which projections is displaced slightly when the outermost segments are joined. The segments may be formed by milling a single panel while applying tape to the joints between segments to hold them in adjacent relationship. The tape may then be removed after the enclosure is formed. The preferred material for the enclosure is foamed plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Marhaygue, LLC
    Inventors: Guerry E. Green, Robert T. Hokum, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7992739
    Abstract: A collapsible frame container assembly comprises a frame component comprising a plurality of panels connected to each other, the panels being movable relative to each other between a first substantially folded condition wherein the panels are collapsed and a second unfolded condition wherein the panels are opened to define a frame structure. Also provided is a container component comprising first and second sides defining a space therebetween of a size which can be varied according to the relative positions of the first and second sides. The frame component when in the unfolded condition and the container component are releasably coupled to each other to define a predetermined frame container assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Inventor: Rodolfo Garcia
  • Publication number: 20110168702
    Abstract: A collapsible bulk container for dry, flowable particulate material is provided with a frame to support a bottom wall having a discharge opening and a gate moveable between opened and closed positions relative to the discharge opening. Four side walls are pivotally connected to the frame, with the pivot axes being at different elevations, such that the side walls can be folded between an upright use position and a substantially flat storage position. Lid panels are pivotally connected to opposite side walls for moving between an open position adjacent the connected side wall and a closed position over the bottom wall. Multiple containers can be stacked one upon another in both the use and storage positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: WOODHAVEN CAPITOL CORP.
    Inventors: JUAN NEUFELD, BERNIE THIESSEN
  • Patent number: 7931164
    Abstract: A foldable portable container is described. The container end walls are hinged to the floor of the container and are attached to the roof by a hinged slide mechanism whereby vertical displacement of the roof causes the simultaneous folding or unfolding of the opposing container end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher G. Krohn
  • Patent number: 7909190
    Abstract: For a storage, transport, stacking, and order-picking box (1) having a floor (2) and four walls (3a and 3b; 4a and 4b), of which at least one wall (4b) is designed as a movable element and in such a way that it can be latched to the adjacent walls (3a and 3b), wherein after being unlatched the one wall (4b) can be moved away to open up a large unloading opening (18) into the box interior, the movable box wall (4b) on at least one of its two outer edges has latching and unlatching means (9; 119) that are integrated into the wall structure, are freely accessible from the front, can be pivoted in a vertical plane in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and can be latched to the respective associated adjacent wall (3a and 3b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Fritz-Schafer GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schäfer
  • Publication number: 20110049145
    Abstract: A folding container includes a lock member L disposed on each of side walls 3 brought down first, the lock member L including a pair of lock bars Lb movable in a horizontal direction and one operation portion La, an inclined spring member 12 provided in the operation portion and including a tip portion placed in a spring receiving and supporting block 3n formed on each of the side walls brought down first, a cam hole portion 21a formed in each of the lock bars and into which a driven short shaft 15 formed on the operation portion is inserted, and a spring member 22 formed on each of the lock bars and configured to come into abutting contact with a spring member abutting block 3x formed on each of the side walls brought down first, so that when the lock bars are moved in a direction in which the lock bars approach each other, the operation portion is prevented from being moved by movement of the lock bars in the direction in which the lock bars approach each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: SANKO CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hisatoshi Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 7896184
    Abstract: A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. The front wall includes an upper section pivotable relative to a lower section. At least one of the adjacent edges of the upper section and the lower section is contoured away from the other when the upper section is in the closed position. The contoured edge provides improved access to the interior of the container when the upper section is in the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventor: Ryan C. Meers
  • Publication number: 20110011856
    Abstract: A convertible device that converts between an activity mat and a storage container to capture and store numerous articles. Upon reclosing the activity mat, the articles are recaptured into the storage container. The device includes walls and a base, webbing connected between each adjacent wall pair, and a joint connected between the base and walls so that they are foldable into a third configuration wherein the footprint of the folded device is roughly the size of the base. In the third configuration, the walls are stacked relative to the base. The convertible device may further include two zippers for releasably holding the walls in a rigid and upright position in the first configuration. The webbing can be inwardly biased such that when the walls are urged from the second to the first configuration, the webbing folds toward the interior of the convertible device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Wayne H. Rothschild, Maxwell Bell Rothschild
  • Patent number: 7870970
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base, a top, and opposed side covers arranged between the base and the top. The side covers have a lower section frame pivotally connected to the base and a top section frame pivotally connected to the top, and a central hinge arrangement configured so that the top section frame is pivotally movable relative to the lower section frame. The side covers can thus be selectively positioned between an erected position and a collapsed position. In the erected position, the container presents an interior space. End covers are arranged to be pivotally movable between an upright position for covering respective open ends, and a down position for allowing the side covers to be movable to the collapsed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Collapsible Containers Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Frank Michael Fisk
  • Patent number: 7861878
    Abstract: A fastening device for folding boxes, the folding boxes including a bottom and four lateral walls coupled in jointed fashion to the edges of that bottom, two opposite walls having each fastening devices for ensuring the unfolding of the box, the device in general including a vertically displaceable central piece and some lateral bolts with horizontal displacement for fastening the lateral walls via their adjacent edges. The folding device includes elastic spring elements which link the central control piece with the pairs of bolts, at the same time, the spring elements, in the rest position, maintain the bolts in the engagement and fastening position of the bolts, while for the release position of the bolts the spring elements pull the bolts towards the release position against the resistance of the elastic elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: SP Berner Plastic Group S.L.
    Inventor: Julián Escarpa Gil
  • Patent number: 7861458
    Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base, at least one side wall and at least one end wall extending from the base, a top ring and a lid. The top ring is positioned on the side wall and the end wall on an opposite side from the base. The lid is hingedly attached to the top ring. The side wall and end wall are pivotable between a collapsed position and a use position relative to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
    Inventors: William P. Apps, Jon P. Hassell, Sean T. Ogburn
  • Patent number: 7861879
    Abstract: A folding container having integrally formed hinge elements. The container including a base portion, first and second lower side wall portions having a snap-fitted hinge connection to a first side and second side of the base portion respectively, first and second upper side wall portions having a hinge connection to the lower side wall portions, and a rim portion having a snap-fitted hinge connection to the first and second upper side wall portions, and end walls having a hinged connection to the rim portion. The hinge elements including hook-shaped snaps having a first ramp segment and a second ramp segment on the outer surface of the hook portion to facilitate connection of a hinge axel to the hook-shaped snaps. A tongue and groove combination in the lower and upper side wall portions to provide structural support for loads placed on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: ORBIS Corporation
    Inventor: Venu Samprathi