Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of wall panels. Each wall panel is connected to each adjacent wall panel at a hinged connection, 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 collapsible container further includes a deformed portion on a side wall disposed across a hinged connection. The deformed portion projects toward an exterior of the collapsible container to releasably lock the hinged connection in a convexly bowed position when the collapsible container is in the expanded position.

Abstract: A housing, which may be a filter housing, has break-away lock structure preventing movement in response to normal release force, and breaking-away from a housing section upon excessive release force, such that the housing may be re-assembled using the same housing sections, without having to use a new housing section to replace an old housing section otherwise having a non-re-mountable broken-off lock member.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for unlocking foldable side walls (2 to 5) hinged on the floor (6) of boxes and containers (1), the two opposite end walls (4, 5) thereof being lockable to the adjacent side walls (2, 3) and the unlocking taking place by a lifting motion of a yoke-like adjusting member (13) disposed under spring pretension and guided in recesses of stiffening ribs (11, 12) in the outer surfaces of the end walls (4, 5). The adjusting member (13; 130) is designed having motion-diverting means (16, 17) on the two outside ends thereof, said means diverting vertical motion into a horizontal motion unlocking the side walls when the adjusting member (13) is raised, wherein the unlocking bars (19) of the adjusting member act on spring tab-like locking means (10) of the side walls (4, 5) engaged in the end walls (2, 3) and press them out of engaged seating thereof surrounding the end walls (2, 3).

Abstract: A blow-molded carrying chest which includes an integrally molded frame with a top frame member slideably engaged with the left and right frame members. The frame includes a base frame member, and right and left frame members integrally molded to the base frame member. A top frame member is slideably engaged with the right and left frame members to secure the top frame member and assemble the carrying chest without requiring any fasteners. Below the top frame member is a plurality of drawers which are locked by hinged doors on the right and left frame members that prevent the plurality of drawers from sliding when the carrying chest is in transport.

Abstract: A collapsible shipping container includes a floor, a roof, and a pair of bifolding sidewalls, that collapse accordion style to place the sidewalls and roof in a configuration wherein the roof is collapsed onto the sidewalls, and the sidewalls are collapsed onto the floor. The container further includes a pair of end walls having upper and lower end wall sections. The upper end wall sections may be lowered by activation of a power source to lie on the roof in the collapsed configuration. Collapse and erection of the shipping container may be accomplished with the aid of auxiliary equipment, such as a fork lift.

Abstract: A bulk materials bin is able to contain heavy landscape materials such as gravel. A base has a box shape with an open front along a long side. U shaped side panels nest inside the base for transport. In the extended mode some or all of the side panels are lifted from the base to a desired depth of the bin. Bolts secure the side panels together. Side struts prevent bowing and slipping of bins. A retractable ramp allows front loader to enter the bin for loading/unloading. A lifting bar provides loading/unloading of bins and can lock into place to provide secure storage area for equipment.

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.

Abstract: An organizer for holding and organizing cargo comprises a case and a collapsible wall. A case comprises a pair of hinged case halves. The case is adapted to contain a collapsible wall that comprises two end walls and two side walls. Each side wall can include two side wall panels that can be pivotally joined together. The collapsible wall is configurable into a generally square-in-plan-view open configuration, or a generally flat, collapsed configuration. The case and the collapsible wall form an open-ended bin for holding the cargo. One or more extensible poles can be used to assist in restraining the cargo. The collapsible wall can be set to the collapsed configuration and stored in the case along with the extensible pole(s). The case can then be placed in the closed position, whereupon the organizer is completely contained within the closed case, facilitating storage and transport thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides improved collapsible storage container (10) which has a first pair of folding side gates (11) and a second pair of folding end gates (12), with each gate (11, 12) being pivotally mounted with respect to a pallet base. Each gate (11) has detachably mounted along opposite vertical margins thereof approximately c-shaped posts (22) each of which has a locking flange (23). Each gate (12) has angle members (35) attached to and extending along opposite vertical frame members (30, 31) and forming therewith a flange receiving slot (40) for slidably locating a respective locking flange (23). The gates (11, 12) when in their erect positions interlock with one another along their adjacent vertical margins which enhances the stiffness and rigidity of the container (10).

Abstract: A reusable foldable blank comprising a substantially flat sheet having a plurality of hinge lines (18) to define a plurality of panels, said panels being foldable in use along the hinge lines to define a box structure, said box structure at least comprising: a bottom panel (2), at least first (3), second (4) and third (7) side wall panels extending from the bottom panel, and one or more first releasable securing means (14) for releasably securing at least two of the folded side wall panels together. The blank is particularly suitable for books.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably and slidably mounted to an upper end portion thereof. The support is pivotable between a support position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the wall can be pivoted downward onto the base, with a portion of the support passing through a channel formed on the interior of the adjacent wall. As the wall is pivoted to the upright position, the support is automatically deployed into the support position by its engagement with the channel.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a base, and pairs of opposed side and end walls that are pivotally mounted on the base. When the side walls are pivoted to a raised position against inward flanges defined on the end walls, latch members on the side walls engage complementary shoulders defined on end wall flange projections to thereby lock the side walls relative to the end walls. Each latch member includes a base portion mounted proximate to a respective lateral edge of the side wall, a lever arm portion extending away from the side wall's lateral edge, and an intermediate portion having a camming surface and adjacent shoulder with which to engage the respective end wall flange projection. When raised, edge portions of each side wall are received in recessed shelves defined in the base while the side wall's inner face simultaneously engages cantilevered stop members defined in the base.

Abstract: A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. Resilient tabs are provided to prevent inadvertent movement of the support out of the support position.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible container with latches provides a more consistent knockdown force in more situations. At least one of the engaging surfaces of the latch is curved outwardly toward the other engaging surface. This provides substantially tangential contact between the surfaces, even when the wall is deformed slightly by the knockdown force. The tangential contact provides consistent frictional force resisting the knockdown force.

Abstract: The present patent application relates to a plastic moulded 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.

Abstract: A reusable box has a floor having opposite side edges and opposite end edges bridging the side edges, respective side walls extending upward from the side edges, a fixed end wall extending upward from one of the end edges and fixedly bridging between the side walls, and a movable end wall extending in a closed position upward from the other of the end walls and fitting between the side walls. The movable end wall is displaceable between a position clear of the side walls and giving access to an interior of the box at the other end. Formations extend to upper edges of both of the end walls that for nesting interfit and that for stacking vertically engage each other.

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.

Abstract: A container includes a plurality of walls extending upward from a base. At least one support is movable between a retracted position and a support position. At least one magnet urges the support into one of the retracted position and the support position.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for engaging and disengaging various members (280) to each other are described herein. The preferred apparatus and methods reduce the number of components and/or sub-assemblies in hinged apparatus (270) and methods and other applications, and simplify and improve the quality and efficiency of installation and removal of latches (290) associated with the hinged elements or members (280). The latching/locking system and methods of the invention also enable selective relatively permanent engagement of the hinged elements or members (280) to each other, and can permit selective transition between the foregoing hinged and locked relationships. Improved latches (290) are disclosed, with interchangeability, keying to assist assembly, and other features. Methods of fabrication and assembly are disclosed.

Abstract: A thermally insulating transportation box, including a base part, two longitudinal side parts, two transverse side parts and at least one top part, which parts bound a transportation space and are produced from a thermally insulating material. The longitudinal side parts and the transverse side parts are pivotably mounted on the base part about pivot axes which each run parallel to the base part, so that they can be folded open from a folded-together arrangement, which extends parallel to the base part, into an arrangement which is perpendicular to this and in which they bound the transportation space, and the transportation space can subsequently be closed by the at least one cover part.

Abstract: A collapsible serving tray that is stiff and flat when open and reduced in size and compact when folded. The tray is designed to be folded up into a compact size that is about one-quarter of the fully deployed size of the tray. One embodiment of the tray includes a perimeter edge that is ninety degrees to the flat serving surface when the tray is fully deployed.

Abstract: A collapsible box, including a bottom, top and first and second opposing endwalls, and first and second opposed sidewalls connecting the bottom and top of the box on opposing sides of the box. Each of the sidewalls have a top sidewall panel attached by a top hinge to the top and a bottom sidewall panel attached by a bottom hinge to the bottom. The top and bottom sidewall panels are attached together along adjacent edges by a center hinge, whereby the top and bottom sidewalls are pivotally-moveable relative to each other and the top and bottom between a erect position and a collapsed position. A catch member is carried on each end of at least one of the top and bottom sidewall panels proximate an extended pivot axis of the center hinge. A complementary catch member is carried on opposing side edges of the first and second endwalls for mating with the respective catch members of the first and second sidewalls to latch the box in the erect position.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted below a lip formed on an upper edge of the wall. The support is pivotable between a deployed position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. A torsion member biases the support toward the deployed position. A latch deploys the support as the wall is moved toward the upright position.

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.

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.

Abstract: An articulate modular collapsible storage container according to one embodiment includes abase plate and a pair of side panels that are detachably and pivotally coupled to the base plate along the sides thereof. The side panels are pivotal between an unlocked position where the side panels can be freely removed and a locked position where the side panels are coupled to the base plate. The container also includes a pair of end panels that are slidingly coupled to the side panels when the side panels are in the locked position. The end panels and side panels form upright walls of the container, and the end panels are slidingly disengageable from the side panels to allow the side panels to pivot to the unlocked position, thereby allowing disassembly of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collapsible laundry hamper, including a plurality of ring frames and a plurality of elongated links. The ring frames are pivotally connected with the links in a manner that the ring frames are parallel to and spaced from each other. The links are pivotable with respect to the ring frames between an upright position, at which the links are substantially perpendicular to the ring frames so that the collapsible laundry hamper is unfolded into an upright state, and a collapsed position, at which the links are substantially parallel to the ring frames so that the collapsible laundry is folded or collapsed into a collapsed state. The laundry hamper further includes at least one fastener for keeping the laundry hamper in the upright state.

Abstract: A foldable crate has two pairs of folding sides hinged to base. A fastening mechanism associated with one pair of sides has a pair of displaceable catch elements assuming an engagement position for engaging features of the adjacent first pair of sides to inhibit folding of the crate. The fastening mechanism also includes a manually operable actuator linked to each of the pair of catches by a mechanical linkage such that, when the manually operable actuator is displaced from an initial position in either of an upward vertical motion and a downward vertical motion, the mechanical linkages displace the catch elements from the engagement position to release the engagement so as to allow folding of the crate.

Abstract: A box is collapsible in such a manner that it can form a flat stack of panels, each of which corresponds to one side of the box. When the box is configured as a flat stack of panels, it is relatively compact and, therefore, easy to store. When the collapsible box is configured as a box, it is sturdy and strong. The collapsible box has latching elements that can temporarily connect adjacent sides of the box to one another. Typically, a person can latch and unlatch the latching elements with his or her hand. The box is typically transparent and, therefore, well suited for displaying ornamental items, such as ornate hats.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the improvements in the locking system providing the sides of the foldable crates to be locked to each other. The improvements in the locking system improved with this invention is characterized with having the finger press protrusion (19) and the side connections of the finger press protrusion (20) joined with the finger press protrusion is located on the surface (12) of the male part (4) of the locking system disclosed at the patent of addition of the main patent application numbered 2005/02815 submitted in Turkey on the date Jul. 19, 2005 and the PCT patent application numbered PCT/TR2006/000031 submitted on Jul. 13, 2006 benefiting from the priority right of this said application.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted proximate an upper end thereof. The support is pivotable between a support position where it can support another container thereon and a retracted position aligned with the wall. A latch assembly connects the wall to an adjacent wall. A resilient portion of the latch assembly also urges the support from the retracted position toward the support position. When the latch is released, the support can be freely returned to the retracted position against the wall. Therefore, the wall can be collapsed onto the base without having to overcome the force of a biasing member to position the support against the wall.

Abstract: Apparatuses convertible between at least a storage container in a first configuration and an activity mat in a second configuration. One apparatus includes a circular lid, a circular base, and at least one zipper pull that zips the lid and base to a wall. When zippered, the apparatus has a generally cylindrical shape. A carrying handle is provided on the lid. When unzippered, the apparatus becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Another apparatus includes two sides, a base, a flap, and at least one zipper pull that zips the sides to the flap. The sides resemble the outline of a car, such that the apparatus when zipped up resembles a car and when unzipped becomes an activity mat and lies flat. Backpack straps on the back allow the apparatus to be worn as a backpack.

Abstract: A container having at least one wall moveable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the floor. A hinge connecting the wall to the base includes a first axis and a second axis offset from the first axis. The hinge is locked when the wall is in the upright position to prevent rotation about the second axis but permit rotation about the first axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collapsible container for transport of goods, comprising assembled container sides consisting of a substantially flat bottom part, a number of side walls connected hingedly to the bottom part and at least one top part connected hingedly to a side wall, wherein the container sides are displaceable between a collapsed position, in which the container sides lie substantially parallel to each other, and an active position in which the container sides enclose a storage space, wherein the side walls and the top part are displaceable relative to the bottom part such that in a collapsed position of the container they can be placed on the flat bottom part.

Abstract: A collapsible crate includes a plurality of retractable supports movable from a retracted position generally within a first wall to a support position generally diagonally across the corner, wherein the support is supported in the first end by the first wall and a second end by the second wall. This support includes a first guide at the first end, the first guide being pivotally and slideably captured by a first track in the first wall. The support also includes a second guide at an opposite second end, the second guide being slideably and pivotally captured by a second track in the first wall when the support is in the retracted position. The second guide is also slidable from the second track in the first wall to a third track in the adjacent second wall to move the support from the retracted to the support position.

Abstract: A box, in particular a pastry box, comprising a coverlid and a base recipient, said coverlid being applied on said base recipient, said coverlid comprising a first side provided to form a top plane and a second side provided to form a front plane of said box, said first and second side having a common edge, a border of said first side, which border is situated opposite to said common edge, is provided with a strip, which strip extends substantially perpendicular to said first side when said coverlid is mounted on said base recipient, said base recipient comprises a back wall, which is upstanding when said base recipient is unfolded, said strip being attached to said back wall, said base recipient being foldable, said back wall comprising a first and a second flap forming an integral part with each other and being foldable with respect to each other in such a manner that they overlap each other when said back wall is upstanding, said base recipient further comprising a first, respectively a second, side wall h

Abstract: A collapsible container with latches provides a more consistent knockdown force in more situations. At least one of the engaging surfaces of the latch is curved outwardly toward the other engaging surface. This provides substantially tangential contact between the surfaces, even when the wall is deformed slightly by the knockdown force. The tangential contact provides consistent frictional force resisting the knockdown force.

Abstract: In a combined module of a folding container, long-side bank portions 1a of a bottom 1 of a large folding container Cb are configured to be higher than short-side bank portions 1b of the bottom 1. Since the long-side bank portions of the bottom of the large folding container are configured to be higher than the short-side bank portions of the bottom 1, it is possible to improve the strength and rigidity of the bottom of the large folding container. Therefore, the large folding container can be prevented from being deformed or damaged by a load or twist.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container, especially a reusable container, comprising collapsible lateral walls (1, 3). The snap-in closure in the corners is configured by a respective pressure lever (4) that can be pressed inward and that interacts with a locating lug (12) that is configured on the lateral wall that is adjacent, arranged diagonally across thereto.

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.

Abstract: A collapsible container has four panels that fold down on a base for storage. The base has slide sockets with vertical slots. Front and rear panels pivot on the base with slide hinges received in the slide sockets. The panels are able to slide up and down. A hinge pin has a narrowed waist portion to engage a latch. Left and right panels pivot with snap hinges received in snap sockets on the base. Trunnions, disposed in the snap sockets, are eccentric to increase or decrease the backlash between the snap hinge and the snap socket as the panels pivot. The left and right panels have edge pockets that receive edge fingers on the front and rear panels to hold the container open. The front and rear panels each have an access opening with access doors. Links pivot the access doors on two hinge rods. Locking members wedge the hinge rods in the hinge knuckles. The base has feet with bumper plates having flanges that prevent the container from shifting on an adjacent lower stacked container.

Abstract: A container for tie-less securing and transport of contents includes an inner case member positionable within an interior of an outer case member. The inner case member includes at least two side panels, a top panel, and a base panel, forming a second interior, a collapsed portion of first and second side panels being positioned adjacent each other to form a slot for engaging a portion of the contents and securing the contents therein. The container further includes a closure panel having a retaining flap configured to extend into the interior and including a securing tab and a lip portion, which erects in response to the securing tab pivoting with respect to the retaining flap, forming a barrier configured to rest against and bias the contents into the slot, when the closure panel is in a first closed position.

Abstract: A coffin (10) according to a first aspect has a base portion comprising a plurality of base panels (14), each base panel (14) being connected to the or each adjacent base panel (14) by a joint (16). Each base panel (14) is foldable onto an adjacent base panel (14). The coffin (10) includes a plurality of side panels (18) each connected to the base portion (12) by a joint (20), such that each side panel (18) is foldable onto an adjacent base panel (14). The coffin (10) may also comprise an end panel (24) connected to each endmost base panel (14). A coffin (40; 140; 240) according to a second aspect comprises first and second opposed end members (42; 142; 242, 44; 144; 244) spaced apart from one another by first and second collapsible side walls (46; 146; 246, 48; 148; 248).

Abstract: A collapsible cargo container is configurable into an erected condition and a collapsed condition. The container comprises a base, a pair of opposed side walls hinged to the base, a top hinged to the side walls joined in a unitary ring, a front wall hinged to the base, a back wall hinged to the base, flaps hinged to the side walls and top, and a door formed in one of the walls. Fasteners secure the flaps to the front and back walls when the container is in the erected condition. The front and back walls are collapsible upon the base and the side walls and top are collapsible upon the front and back walls when the container is in the collapsed condition.

Abstract: A collapsible plastic container includes a top perimeter, a bottom and a plurality of sidewalls formed in a generally rectangular configuration. At least one of the sidewalls is pivotable between a collapsed position and an opened position. An engaging portion of the pivotable sidewall includes a first opening therein, which is disposed adjacent a receiving portion of either the top perimeter and the bottom including a second opening therein in the opened position. The first and second openings are relatively positioned such that they are aligned when the pivotable sidewall is in its opened position. A locking lug is positioned such that it is extendible into the aligned openings of an adjacent container when the container and the adjacent container are in a stacked arrangement. A lid may also be provided including a second locking lug. The structure ensures that the sidewalls are securely held in their vertical position to thereby ensure that the container will bear its maximum load.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably and slidably mounted to an upper end portion thereof. The support is pivotable between a support position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. In the retracted position, the wall can be pivoted downward onto the base, with a portion of the support passing through a channel formed on the interior of the adjacent wall. As the wall is pivoted to the upright position, the support is automatically deployed into the support position by its engagement with the channel.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a transport container, preferably made of plastic material, especially for vegetables, fruit and the like, with a floorboard (2) and several, preferably four, collapsible side walls (3, 4, 5, 6) that are arranged circumferentially on the floorboard (2) and can be folded down onto it. According to a first aspect of the invention, the floorboard (2) is provided with an essentially rectangular frame (8) in which there extends a floor profile (9) with a smooth surface, said floor profile (9) being stiffened by the provision of several bulges (10) that are formed by the curvature of the floor profile (9) in several space directions.