EP0045152A1

EP0045152A1 - Collapsible and erectable container

Info

Publication number: EP0045152A1
Application number: EP19810303213
Authority: EP
Inventors: Francis Edward Tattam
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1980-07-25
Filing date: 1981-07-13
Publication date: 1982-02-03
Also published as: GR74294B; DK332781A; EP0045152B1; DE3170273D1

Abstract

A collapsible and erectable container has a plurality of panels (12 to 17) interconnected by flexible straps (30) which serve as hinges and enable the panels (12 to 17) to be repeatedly folded in either angular direction with respect to one another. Each strap (30) passes between two adjacent panels (12 to 17) one end of the strap (30) being secured to the inner surface of one of the two adjacent panels and the other end of the strap being secured to the outer surface of the other of the two adjacent panels. A further embodiment utilises straps formed by continuous loops (102, 104) which wholly and partially encircle the panels (101, 103).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention concerns improvements in or relating to collapsible and erectable containers.
The present invention seeks to overcome certain difficulties experienced in banding erected containers of box form, especially when such containers are destined to carry goods for which a tightly sealed lid panel is unnecessary.
In conventional banding procedure, the bands simply run around the outer surface of the container. When there is no lid they extend across the open top surface of the container. This can be very inconvenient should the goods within the container have an irregular shape or project out of the container. Also, it is inconvenient for the bands running across the top of a lidless box or case because they may be caught and broken during handling, transportation and storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention seeks to remedy these drawbacks and provides a collapsible and erectable container (a term intended to be sufficiently compendious to include boxes, cases, orates, trays and the like) comprising a plurality of panels connected together by a plurality of flexible straps enabling the panels to be folded about each other in either angular direction, each strap, where the latter interconnects two adjacent panels, passing over the inner surface of one of the two adjacent panels, between the two adjacent panels and over the outer surface of the other of the two panels. By "outer surface" and "inner surface" I mean to refer throughout this specification to the erected container, i.e. the inner surfaces are those facing the interior of the erected container.
In one preferred embodiment, the length of each flexible strap and the configuration of the complementary co-operating edges of contiguous panels are such that on assembly of the container there is a small gap between the said edges through which each strap extends between the outside and the inside of the container. However, in an alternative preferred embodiment in which the panels are to abut tightly in the erected condition of the container, the gaps for the straps may be provided by suitably forming e.g. by notching the panels themselves, or by providing slots in the straps themselves.
Each panel is preferably provided with one central projection at at least one edge thereof and two recesses on either side of the projection; the adjacent panels being provided with a complementary recess and two projections, respectively, somewhat in the manner described in my British Patent No. 1,437,719 so that on erection of the container by folding the panels, with the straps acting as hinges, the projection of one panel co-operates with the recess of an adjacent panel and provides an abutment therefor.
In this preferred embodiment, there are expediently three straps connecting each pair of adjacent panels; the panel provided with the central projection has one strap secured at one end to the outer surface of that panel, passing in the erected condition under the leading edge of the projection and secured at its other end to the inner surface of the adjacent panel; the two recesses on either side of the projection are in this embodiment each provided with a respective strap secured at one end to the inner surface of that panel, passing under the bottom of that recess, past the outer edge of the next panel and secured at its other end to the outer surface of that next panel.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing that in this way a container may be erected in which a gap either arises between the bottom edge of a vertically downwardly directed projection and the vertical side edge of the recess of the adjaoent panel so that straps or bands may be passed around the outer surface of one panel, across the top edge thereof, down closely contiguously to its inner surface, through the gap mentioned above between the projection and the recess of the next panel, under the next panel, i.e. along its outer surface, up through the gap between the projection and the recess of the second and third panel, along the inside surface of the third panel, across its top edge and down again; or the bands pass through the purpose-made gaps, as explained above. In either case, in this way the entire interior of the container remains fully accessible to goods and yet the container is securely banded together. A loose (floating) lid may then also be secured to the container and readily removed therefrom without dismantling the whole container.
The straps may be of any suitable flexible material capable of withstanding repeated bending in either angular sense. The mode of securing the ends of the straps to the panels may also vary considerably; thus they may be stapled or adhesively bonded (indeed the straps may be of commercially available adhesive tape or band) or they may be formed as plugs to fit tightly into corresponding recesses formed in the surfaces of the panels.
In one preferred embodiment of container having a base panel, two opposite side panels, and a flexible strap which interconnects the two side panels, the strap is of a length such that when the two side panels are laid flat with the strap taut the side panels are spaced apart by a dimension corresponding substantially to the width of the base panel, enabling the latter to be located on top of the portion of the strap spanning the side panels when the latter are flat, and enabling the side panels to be swung upwardly about opposite edges of the base panel, causing the strap to be tensioned and thereby to hold the side panels in tight engagement with the base panel. Hence, in this case the strap not only acts as a hinge for the side panels but also holds the erected side panels in tight engagement with the base panel.
The strap may be in the form of an endless loop passing around the side panels so as to encircle the latter, or may alternatively pass through apertures in the side panels, In the latter case, a slit may run from an edge of each side panel, conveniently the edge in engagement with the base panel, into the aperture to enable the endless loop to be inserted into the aperture. The base panel may be completely detachable from the flexible strap, in which case during erection, the base panel is placed on top of the portion of the strap spanning the side panels, or the strap may be permanently attached to the underside of the base panel.
Preferably, the adjacent edges of the base panel and/or the side panels are provided with formations which act to guide upward pivotal movement of the side panels with respect to the base panel. These formations may take the form of the complementary recesses and projections already mentioned which not only interengage during upward pivotal movement of the side panels to assist in defining the pivot axes about which the side panels swing, but also interengage in the erected container to assist regidity. Alternatively, or in addition, the formations are provided by rebates or recesses defined by the attachment to the interior side of each side panel of a strip or strips set back from the edge of the side panel adjacent the base panel. Opposite edges of the base panel locate in the recesses or rebates, and this location is very effective in defining the pivot axes about which the side panels are to be swung and resisting any tendency for the base panel to be squeezed upwardly by the upwardly pivoting side panels.
For most sizes of container, the side panels are interconnected by a plurality of spaced straps, and the straps are conveniently made of a heat-sealable, flat plastics tape which is substantially non-extensible, extremely strong and readily joined by heat sealing to form the optional endless loop. Preferably, the container has two end panels interconnected by a strap or straps in an analogous manner to the side panels so that in the erection of the container the base panel is placed between the two side panels and between the two end panels (if not already so located), the side panels and end panels being swung upwardly into vertical positions and held in these vertical positions, for example by an encircling band or strap, possibly aided by the interengagement of projections and recesses on the adjoining edges of the side and end panels. The resulting container is extremely strong and rigid, is easily collapsible and readily transportable in a collapsed, compact condition with its component panels flat. If desired, the side and end panels may be swung upwardly to enclose contents previously placed on the base panel, enabling packing of the contents and erection of the container to proceed in a single swift operation.
A collapsible and erectable container according to the invention may have a band of flexible material for encircling or substantially encircling the erected side panels and tightening means which are capable of being manually manipulated to tighten the band around the side and end panels by means of a progressive wedging action applied to the band, and to release the tightened band. The band may be an endless loop for completely encircling the side and end panels.
The tightening means preferably comprise a wedge with a width across its wedging faces, in relation to the dimension of the band, enabling the wedge to be pushed between the band and one end or side panel with a progressive wedging action which steadily tensions the bando
Said one end or side panel may have an opening to enable a portion of the band to be passed therethrough into the interior of the container, the wedge being inserted through this portion of the band and against the interior surface of said one end or side panel. The opening may be a slot having a horizontal width substantially equal to the thickness of the wedge plus twice the thickness of the material of the band, so that the band passes smoothly across the junction between the slot wall and the wedge without there being any pinching of the band between the wedge and said one panel (which would impede tightening of the tand) and without there being undue clearance between the side faces of the wedge and the portions of the band passing thereacross (which would cause less effective retention of the wedge by the band).
The wedge is conveniently made from the same sheet material as the panels of the container, and the band is conveniently made from the flat plastics tape already mentioned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein :

Figure 1 is a plan view of a collapsed container forming a first preferred embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the erected container of Figure 1 prior to its being banded;
Figure 3 is a view of the container of Figures 1 and 2 in its collapsed and folded condition, ready for stacking or storage;
Figures 4 and 5 are detail views showing the disposition of a strap between a pair of contiguous panels of the container of Figures 1 to 3;
Figure 6 is a plan view of a collapsed container forming a second embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 is a sectional view through the erected container of Figure 6;
Figures 8 and 9 are views respectively corresponding to those of Figures 6 and 7 but of a container forming a third embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 is an underside plan view of the base, end and side panels of a collapsed container forming a fourth embodiment of the invention, together with a top plan view of a lid of the container and additionally showing a wedge of the container; and
Figure 11 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the internal detail at one end of tile erected container of Figure 10. and Figures 12 to 14 show possible detail modifications.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown a container 10 comprising four like side panels 12 to 15, and two like end panels 1, 17_o
Each panel 12 to 15 is similar so only a pair of adjacent panels 12, 13 will be described. Each panel 12, 13 is generally rectangular panel but the centre portion of each side edge of panel 12 has a recess 20 with two shorter sides 21 at right angles to the edge of the panel and a longer side 22 which is parallel therewith. The two portions 23 on either side of the recess 20 may also be regarded as projections as will be explained below.
Should it be desired to have a lidless container one panel may be omitted.
The side panel 13 is also essentially rectangular but its side edge adjacent to the panel 12 is formed with a central projection 24 of a shape generally complementary to the recess 20 in the panel 13. However, the projection 24 need not be an exact fit in the recess 20; instead, in a non-illuatrated embodiment, it may be a loose fit therein. That is to say, while in the drawings the depth and width of the recess 20 closely match the height and the width of the projection 24, this need not be sOe On either side of the projection 24 along the same edge there are two recesses 25 complementary to and co-operable with the opposite portions 23 of the panel 12.
The end panels 16 and 17 being generally similar to each other, only panel 16 will be described in detail. It, too, is a generally rectangular panel having on its side edge facing the panel 12 a central projection 24a flanked on either side by (recess) portions 25a which in general terms correspond with projection 24 and portions 25 of the side panel 12, respectively.
The panels 12 to 17 may be made of any suitable materials e.g. paper or wood board, chipboard, laminated wood etc.
The panels 12 to 17 are permanently connected together by a plurality of flexible straps 30 of predetermined length made of any suitable material, e.g. a polyethylene, nylon, paper or aluminium.
As may be seen in Figure 1, which may be regarded as a "developed" view of the elements of the container, a gap 31 exists between each pair of adjacent panels through which the straps 30 pass.
Each pair of contiguous panels is secured together by three such straps 30. Taking as our example the contiguous portions of side panels 12 and 13, one end of each strap 30 secured to the inner surface (the surface seen in Figure 1) of one panel, passes through the gap 31 between the two panels and its other end is secured to the outer (unseen) surface of the adjacent panel, and vice versa. Thus, in Figure 1 one strap 30a connects the inner surface of the recess 20 of panel 12 to the outer surface of the projection 24 of panel 13, passing through the gap 31. Conversely, a respective strap 30b connects the internal surface of the recess 25 of the panel 13 to the outer surface of the projection 23 of the panel 12.
To avoid repetition, no detailed description will be given of the configuration of the straps connecting the panel 12 with the end panel 16 or of the panel 15 with the end panel 17 because the arrangement is essentially the same.
The number and width of the straps may vary.
As may be seen, the length of the straps 30 is such that in the fully collapsed position each panel lies wholly outside the contour of the adjacent panel.
The assembly of the container is readily effected by folding panels in a rolling motion and then folding in the end panels, utilising the straps 30 as hinges and with the projections 24 abutting against or engaging in the recesses 20 and the projections 23 abutting against or engaging in the recesses 25. As may be seen from Figures 4 and 5, in this way the straps 30 pass through the gaps 31 between the vertical edge of the recess 20 and the vertical side surface of the projection 24 and so on at the co-operating recesses 25 and projections 23, these gaps 31 being sufficiently large for bands (not shown) to be conveniently passed therethrough. Figures 4 and 5 are fragmentary views on the lines IV-IV and V-V respectively, of Figure 1, although they are representations of the paths followed by other straps 30 in the erected containero
More particularly, a band (not shown) may be passed around the outer surface of the panel 12, namely the unseen surface in the Figure 1, around its edge, down its internal surface, namely the surface seen in Figure 1, through the gap between the side surface of the projection 24 and the vertical edge of the recess 20, under the bottom surface of the panel 13, i.e. the unseen surface in Figure 1, up through the gap between the vertical edge of the recess 20 and the side surface of the projection 24 of the panel 14, continuing along the vertical side surface of the panel 14, along its upper edge and down along its outer surface, i_oeo the surface not seen in Figure 1.
The description will not be repeated with respect to the end panels but it will be appreciated that in this way it is readily possible to erect a container and to band it together in such a way as in the lidless embodiment, to leave it completely free at its open face or to allow a loose lid to be fitted thereto. In the collapsed and folded condition of the container (Figure 3) it may be seen that the "two-way" hinging of the panels allows a very compact formation to arise, whereby to save storage space by occupying a small area. In Figure 3 the projections on the panels 12 to 17 are shown shaded, the recesses unshaded and the straps 30 cross-hatched.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the second embodiment of container according to the invention has two side panels 101 which are identical and are generally rectangular but formed with projections and recesses around their peripheries as shown. The two side panels 101 are interconnected by two loops 102 of flexible, almost non-extensible, flat plastics tape the ends of which are heat sealed to form the continuous loops 102 which encircle both side panels. That is to say, each loop 102 passes over the surface of each side panel 101, the portion 102a of each loop 102 shown spanning the side panels 101 being the upper layer of two superimposed layers of the loop 102. The container also has two identical end panels 103 which are substantially square but formed with projections and recesses around their peripheries as shown. The two end panels 103 are interconnected by a further endless loop 104 of the plastics tape, this further loop 104 being similar to but longer than each of the loops 102.
On one side of each side panel 101 (the side visible in Figure 6) are attached two strips 105 of card or board, each loop 102 passing between the corresponding strip 105 and the side panel 101 in order to locate the loop 102 which, however, can be pulled lengthwise between the strips l05 and the side panel 101. A similar strip 106 is attached to each end panel 103. The loops 102 and 104 are of a leng such that when the side and end panels 101, 103 are aid flat with the loops 102 and 104 taut (as shown in Figure 6) the side panels 101 and the end panels 103 are spaced apart to an extent enabling the base panel 107 (shown in the lower right-hand part of Figure 6) to be fitted between the side and end panels 101 and 103. The base panel 107 is also rectangular in general shape but is formed with projections and recesses which fit the recesses and projections respectively along the adjacent edges of the side and end panels 101 and 103,
To erect the panels shown in Figure 6, the two end panels 103 are laid flat with the loop 104 taut and the two side panels 101 are laid flat with the loops 102 taut and across the loop 104. The base panel 107 is then placed on top of the loops 102 and 104. The two aide panels 101 and the two end panels 103 are then swung upwardly around their lower edges, the edges of the projections on the base panel 1₀₇ optionally being chamfered to facilitate this movement. During this pivoting movement the projections and recesses on the panels 101, 103 and 107 come into abutting engagement and therefore guide the pivotal movement of each side and end panel 101, 103 by defining the axis of pivotal movement. The edges 105a, 106a of the strips 105, 106 (i.e. the edges closest to the base panel) assist in this guidance because they are set back from the outer edges of the projections by a dimension corresponding to the thickness of the base panel 107.
Figure 7 shows a sectional view, taken on the location VII-VII in Figure 6, but after the side panels 101 and end panels 103 have been swung upwardly to their vertical positions so as to form an open-topped container. Figure 7 illustrates the loops 102 as being slack so that they show: it will be appreciated that the loops 102 are in fact tensioned and act to hold the side panels 101 in firm engagement with the base panel. Along the four upright corners of the container, the projections and recesses on the side and end panels interengage and these panels may be held in position by stapling, adhesive or by an encircling band. A lid may be provided if desired.
The embodiment of container illustrated by the panels shown in Figures 8 and 9 is similar to that of Figures 6 and 7 and similar parts have been given the same reference numerals. Each side panel 101 is a rectangular board without projections or recesses. On the side of each side panel 101 visible in Figure 8 there is attached an elongated strip 105 of board or card. The edge 105a of each strip being set back from the adjacent edge of the side panel 101 by a dimension equal to the thickness of the base panel 107 which is plain rectangular board. An endless loop 102 of the plastics tape encircles both panels 101, passing between each strip 105 and the corresponding panel 101. In a similar fashion, the two end panels 103 are provided with respective strips 106 and are interconnected by an endless loop 104 of the plastics tape, the loop 104 passing between each strip 106 and the corresponding panel 103. The edge 106a of each strip is again set back from the adjacent edge of the end panel 103 by the thickness of the base panel 107.
Assembly of the container shown in Figures 8 and 9 follows the sequence described for Figures 6 and 7; the panels 101 and 103 and loops 102 and 104 are laid out as shown in Figure 8 and the base panel 107 is placed centrally between the panels 101 and 103 and on top of the portions of the loops spanning the panels. As the side and end panels 101 and 103 are pivoted upwardly, the edges of the base panel 107 locate within the rebates or recesses afforded by the setting back of the edges 105a and 106a and this location assists in defining the pivot axes and preventing the base panel 107 from being pushed upwardly by theconverging side panels 101 and end panels 103.
Figure 9 (which is a sectional view taken at location IX-IX in Figure 8) shows the panels 101 after they have been swung to their vertical positions in which they are held in tight engagement with the base panel 107 by the taut loops which are again shown slack so that they appear in the drawing.
It will be appreciated that each strip 105 and 106 may be replaced by a plurality of shorter strips or by a strip of the form shown at 105 or 106 in Figure 6.
Figure 10 shows the panels of the fourth embodiment of containero The container again has two side panels 101, two end panels 103 and a base panel 107, but in this embodiment the base panel 107 is permanently connected to the panels 101 and 103 instead of being separable therefrom, as in the containers of Figures 6 and 8 . It should be emphasized that Figure 10 shows an underside plan view of the panels 101, 103 and 107, i.e. shows the sides of the panels 101, 103 and 107 which would be laid upon a flat surface during erection of the container. In contrast to the previous embodiments described, the endless loops 102 and 104 do not completely encircle the side panels 101 and end panels 103, respectively. Instead, each side panel 101 is formed with three spaced slits 108 through which the loops 102 pass. Similarly, each end panel 103 is formed with two slits 109 through which the loops 104 pass. To enable the preformed, endless loops 102 and 104 to be inserted into the slits 108 and 109, the panels 101 and l03 are further cut or slit from their adjacent edges, each of these further cuts or slits running from the adjacent panel edge to the slit 108 or 109.
Where the loops 102 and 104 pass across the under side of the base panel 107, they are retained by three elongate strips 110 of card or board the longer edges of which stapled or otherwise secured to the underside of the panel 107, to hold the base panel l07 captive with respect to the loops 102 and 104 but enabling the loops 102 and 104 to be slid longitudinally between the strips 110 and the base panel 107. This helps to avoid the loops 102 and 104 becoming snagged and provides a means of locating one erected container upon another when the containers are stacked. This location for stacking is achieved by attaching strips 112 to the upper surface of the lid panel 113 in a configuration such that the strips 112 on the upper surface of the lid panel 113 nest within spaces left between the strips 110 on the underside of the base panel 107. The edges of the panels 101, 103 and 113 are formed with the projections and recesses shown, these interengaging in the erected container.
The container of Figure 10 also includes a wedge 114 which is conveniently cut from the same sheet material as the panels 101, 103, 107 and 113. The wedge 114 is generally rectangular but has an angled edge 115 imparting the tapering profile shown. The wedge 114 is used to tighten an endless loop 116 (Figure 11) of the plastics tape around the erected side panels and end panels 101 and 103 in order to hold these panels in their vertical positions, as illustrated by the fragmentary view of Figure ll_o After the side and end panels 101 and 103 have been swung upwardly about the base panel 107, in the manner previously described in connection with Figures 8 and 9, the endless loop 116 is passed around the erected panels 101 and 103 and a portion 117 of the loop 116 is inserted, through a slot 118 in one end panel 103, into the interior of the partially erected container. The wedge 114 is then pushed downwardly, with the smaller end of its tapering profile leading, into the loop portion l17, extending into the interior of the container. As the wedge 114 is pushed downwardly, it draws more of the loop 116 through the slot 118 and thereby progressively tightens the loop 116 around the panels 101 and 103. This progressive wedging action provides a very effective way of tightening the loop 116 manually, without the need for a banding machine.
The wedge 114 may be left to project perpendicularly from the end panel 103, or may be swung to lie against the interior surface of the panel 103, this having the effect of applying a further slight tensioning to the loop 116. The wedge 114 may be secured against the end panel 103 by adhesive tape or a staple, or the contents of the container can be used to hold the wedge 114 against the interior surface of the end panel 103_o The wedge 114 can be simply withdrawn to loosen the loop 116 and enable the container to be collapsed.
The width of the slot 118 is substantially equal to the thickness of the wedge 114 plus twice the thickness of a single run of the loop 116, so that the latter can be drawn smoothly through the slot 118 during wedging and so that the wedge 114 is adequately supported on its side faces by the loop portion 117 passing thereacross. The height of the slot 118 is considerably less than the height of the wedge 114, the latter being urged against the interior surface of the end panel 103 both above and below the slot 118 when the loop 116 is tightened. A strip similar to the strip 105 of Figure 8 is attached to the opposite surface of each panel 101 from that visible in Figure 10, and a strip similar to the strip 106 of Figure 8 is attached to the opposite surface of each panel l03 from that visible in Figure 10.
The described embodiments of Figures 6 to 11 can be repeatedly erected and collapsed without weakening of the hinges formed by the loops 102 and 104, can be collapsed to a flat, compact condition for transport or storage and can if desired by erected with the intended contents supported on the base panel 107.
Figures 12 and 13 are diagrammatic sectional views of a container having opposite side panels 101 and a base panel 107 interconnected by a strap 120 formed from paper, plastics or other flexible material with two pockets 122 respectively accommodating the two side panels 101. The two thicknesses of the material of the strap 120 are preferably secured together over the length of the strap spanning the pockets 122. The strap 120 may have a substantial dimension in the direction perpendicular to the plane of Figures 12 and 13, and the term strap is to be construed broadly as including such a configuration. The internal surfaces of the pockets 122 may be coated with adhesive, e.g. a water-soluble an- hesive enabling wetted side panels 101 to be inserted into the pockets 122 and retained therein by the adhesive. The external surfaces of the straps 120 may be printed with advertising material, instructions for use of the contents of the container or any other information. Figure 12 shows the side panels 101, in their pre-shaped pockets 122, being swung towards their vertical positions illustrated in Figure 13. End panels (not shown) of the container are interconnected by a strap similar to strap 120.
Figure 14 shows a shaped metal strip 124 which can be used to assist assembly and final rigidity of a side panel 101 and base 107 of a container. The strip 124 has a vertical limb 125 forming an abutment for the vertical side panel 101 and a horizontal limb 126 forming the base of a recess accommodating the edge of the base panel 107. The horizontal ledge of the strip 124 adjoining the limb 125 serves to locate the lower edgf of the panel.101. Since a plurality of such strips 124 (placed between the straps) locates the panels 101, 103 and 107, the panel edges need dot be provided with recesses or projections nor provided with the strips such as shown at 105 and 106 in Figure 8.

Claims

1. A collapsible and erectable container comprising a plurality of panels connected together by a plurality of flexible straps enabling the panels to be folded about each other in either angular direction, characterised in that each strap (30; 102, 104) where the latter interconnects two adjacent panels (12 to 17; 101, 103), passes over the inner surface of one of the two adjacent panels, between the two adjacent panels and over the outer surface of the other of the two panels.

2. A container according to claim 1, characterised in that one end of said each strap (30; 102,104) is secured to the inner surface of said one panel and the other end of said strap (30; 102,104) is secured to the outer surface of said other panel.

3. A container according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the edges of the panels (12 to 17; 101, 103) are formed with complementary projections and recesses which interengage tightly in the erected container, at least certain of the straps passing between interengaging projections and recesses.

4. A container according to claim 3, characterised in that one panel edge of said two adjacent panels is provided with a central projection (23,24) and two recesses (25,25a) on respective sides of the central projection, and the cooperating panel edge of the two adjacent panels is provided with a central recess (20) and two projections (23) on respective sides of the central recess, the two adjacent panels being interconnected by three spaced straps (30; 102,104) each passing between a corresponding interengaging projection and recesso

5. A collapsible and erectable container comprising a base panel (107), two opposite side panels (101), and a flexible strap (102) which interconnects the two side panels (101), characterised in that the strap (102) is of a length such that when the two side panels (101) are laid flat with the strap taut the side panels are spaced apart by a dimension corresponding substantially to the width of the base panel (107), enabling the latter to be located on top of the portion (102a) of the strap (102) spanning the side panels (101) when the latter are flat, and enabling the side panels to be swung upwardly about opposite edges of the base panel (107) , causing the strap to be tensioned and thereby to hold the side panels (101) in tight engagement with the base panel (107).

6. A container according to claim 5, characterised in that the strap (102) is in the form of an endless loop passing around the side panels (101) so as to encircle the latter.

7. A container according to claim 5, characterised in that the strap (102) passes through

in the side panels (101) a slit running from

of each side panel into each aperture (108) to sample the endless loop to be inserted into the apertur

8. A container according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the base panel (107) is completely detachable from the flexible strap (102), during erection the base panel (107) being placed on top of the portion of the strap spanning the side panels.

9. A container according to any of claims 5 to 7, characterised in that the strap (102) is permanently attached to the underside of the base panel (107).

10. A container according to any of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that adjacent edges of the panels are provided with formations which act to guide upward pivotal movement of the side panels with respect to the base panel, the formations being in the form of complementary recesses and projections which not only interengage during upward pivotal movement of the side panels (101) to assist in defining the pivot axis about which the aide panel, swing, but also interengage in the erected container to assist rigidity; or said formations being provided by rebates or recesses defined by the attachment to the interior of each side panel of a strip or strips (105) set back from the edge of the side panel adjacent the base panel.

11. A container according to any of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that a band (116) of flexible material is provided for encircling or substantially encircling the erected side panels and tightening means (114) which are capable of being manually manipulated to tighten the band (116) around the side and end panels by means of a progressive wedging action applied to the band and to release the band, the said band (l16) being an endless loop for completely encircling the side and end panels, the tightening means comprising a wedge (114) with a width across its wedging faces, in relation to the wedging band (116) enabling the wedge (114) to be pushed between the band and one end or side panel with a progressive wedging action which steadily tensions the band.

12. A container according to claim 11, characterised in that said end or side panel has an opening (118) to enable a portion of the band to be passed therethrough into the interior of the container, the wedge (114, being inserted through this portion of the band and against the interior surface of said one end or side panel; and wherein the said opening is a slot (ll8)having a horizontal width substantially equal to the thickness of the wedge (114) plus twice the thickness of the material of the band so that the band passes smoothly across the junction between the slot wall and the wedge without there being any pinching of the band between the wedge and said one panel and without there being undue clearance between the side faces of the wedge (114) and the portions of the band passing thereacross.