GB2339765A - Fastening means for components of a box - Google Patents

Description

2339765 MODULAR BOX The invention relates to boxes that are constructed

from a plurality of panels and particularly, though not exclusively, to boxes in which the panels are fastened together by releasable fastening means.

Boxes such as wooden boxes or crates are made from a plurality of panels fastened together by various means such as screws, nails or adhesives. The panels can be made of a variety of materials but are commonly lo formed from softwood battens with a plywood insert.

An ever increasing problem in all industries is the production of waste. Companies may be penalised for producing too much packaging waste and the cost of waste disposal can be significant. There is therefore a need for packaging that is reusable and recyclable to a greater extent than with presently available packaging options.

An object of the invention is to provide a box which is modular in that the panels from which the box is comprised can be repaired or replaced if damaged. A Ru-ther object of the invention is to provide a box that can be assembled from a plurality of panels in different sizes or shapes to suit different requirements.

In a first embodiment, the invention provides a box comprising a plurality of panels and co-operating fastening means for fastening adjacent panels together, wherein the fastening means comprises:

cam means having a cam track for insertion into one face of a first panel; and dowel means having a first end for mounting on a second panel and a second end for co-operating with the cam track; and wherein:

the first panel comprises a recess in one face into which the cam 5 means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the panel to the cam track of the inserted cam means such that when the box is assembled, the second end of the dowel means mounted on the second panel is inserted into the hole in the edge of the first panel until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of the cam means and rotation of lo the cam means causes the second end of the dowel means to be drawn further into the hole in the first panel to bring the first and second panels into close engagement and to retain the panels together.

Preferably the panels are made of wood but they may alternatively be 15 made of any suitable material into which the cam means and dowel means may be fitted. Advantageously the panels are standard box panels comprising softwood battens with a plywood insert.

Preferably the panels are fastened together by screws, to ensure improved 2o repairability of the panels, but alternatively they may be fastened together by nails or other suitable means.

The dowel means may be made of metal, nylon or any suitable material. Advantageously the first end of the dowel means has a screw thread. The dowel may be mounted on the face of the second panel or on an edge thereof. Preferably an insert of, for example, nylon or plastics material, is mounted in the face or edge of the second panel and the dowel means is screwed into the insert. Alternatively the dowel means may be inserted directly into the second panel. Advantageously the second end of the 2 dowel is formed with a groove for co-operating engagement with the cam track.

The cam means may be made of metal, nylon or any suitable material. 5 The cam means is inserted into a recess formed in the face of the first panel. The cam means may be inserted directly into the recess in the panel or alternatively may be mounted into a nylon or plastics cam support insert. The cam support insert may be positioned in the recess and then the cam means mounted into the insert or, alternatively, the cam means io and the cam support insert may be made as a combination and inserted into the recess together. The positioning of the recess must be determined accurately to enable the dowel to fit correctly into the cam track and the panels to be brought into close proximity on turning of the cam means to tighten the fitting.

The cam means is rotatable in the recess such that the cam track moves relatively to the second end of the dowel to pull the dowel inwardly to fasten the adjacent panels together. The fastening means may also be released by rotating the cam means in the opposite direction to move the cam track relative to the dowel such that the second end of the dowel can be released from the cam track such that the panels can then be separated.

Advantageously the cam means may be rotated by a screwdriver, allen key or similar tool. In a preferred embodiment however, the cam means is formed with a selected lock formation such that it can only be rotated by means of a key that corresponds to the selected lock formation. This improves the security of the box against unauthorised opening or removal of panels. The selected lock formation may comprise, for example, 3 separate engaging elements or a solid block for engagement with a corresponding key.

The box of the invention can be simply assembled and dismantled by engagement and release of the co-operating fastening means.

Advantageously the panels are made in standard sizes and different size boxes can be made by using different numbers and arrangements of the panels.

Preferably one of the panels of the box comprises a base panel and at least three, but preferably four or multiples of four, of the panels comprise side panels. Preferably the fastening means on the base panel comprises dowel means inserted in the upward face of the panel to extend in an upwardly vertical direction, with respect to the normal orientation of the box, and the fastening means on the lower edge of the side panels comprises cam means with a hole extending in an upwardly vertical direction from the lower edge of the side panels.

Advantageously one of the panels of the box comprises a top panel or lid. Preferably the lid comprises one or more side pieces that extend in a downwardly vertical direction, with respect to the normal orientation of the box, and the fastening means are inserted in the side piece. Advantageously the fastening means in the side pieces comprise the cam means and the dowel means are inserted in the top edge of the adjacent side panels to extend in an upwardly vertical direction.

Advantageously the side pieces of the lid extend sufficiently to enable the lid to cover the panels of the box when the box is dismantled and the lid 4 and base panel can be fastened together with the side panels retained between them.

Preferably a cam retaining means is provided to prevent the cam means from being dislodged from the recess in the panel. In one embodiment, the panel comprises battens of, for example, softwood, and a sheet of, for example, plywood, the cam means being inserted in recesses in the battens and the sheet affixed over the top of the recesses, with holes arranged in the plywood sheet that are aligned with the recesses and that lo are of a smaller diameter than the cam means, to prevent the cam means falling out. The holes in the plywood sheet are preferably of a sufficiently large diameter to enable the rotating means, such as a screwdriver or special key, to be inserted to rotate the cam means. In a preferred embodiment, standard assembly of the panel is used with the cam means is retained in recesses formed in the battens by means of a retaining sleeve which holds the cam means in place whilst still enabling access for the rotating means. The sleeve may be metal, nylon, plastics or other suitable material. The sleeve may be inserted into or over the recess to trap the cam means in the recess. Alternatively the cam means may be inserted into the sleeve and the sleeve with the cam means fitted into the recess. The sleeve may be ridged or oversize with respect to the recess to form a "knock-in" fit but alternative arrangements such as a screw-in sleeve can be used.

The use of the sleeve has a further advantage in that the panel is further protected from possible damage by the rotating means. These arrangements may also be advantageously be used for a "single piece" panel made from a sheet of, for example, plywood.

If any one panel is not intended for attachment to another panel the fastening means may be removed or not included, as desired.

Advantageously the side panels comprise either a "female" panel or a "male" panel. Thus, each side edge of each of the side panels will have the same fastening means such that a "female" panel will have cam means at each side edge for fastening to the dowel means of two adjacent "male" panels.

io Advantageously the panels are manufactured to have access to the cam means from one of either the interior or the exterior of the box when assembled.

In a second embodiment, the invention provides a box comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of comer posts, and co-operating.

fastening means for fastening adjacent panels together or to fasten a panel to a comer post, wherein the fastening means comprises:

cam means having a cam track for insertion into one face of a first panel or a comer post; and dowel means having a first end for mounting in a second panel or a comer post and a second end for co-operating with the cam track; and wherein:

the first panel or comer post comprises a recess in one face into which the cam means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the panel or comer post to the cam track of the inserted cam means such that when the box is assembled, the second end of the dowel means mounted on the second panel or comer post is inserted into the hole in the edge of the first panel or comer post until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of the cam means and rotation of the cam means 6 causes the second end of the dowel means to be drawn further into the hole to bring the first and second panels into close engagement to each other or to the comer post and to retain the panels together or to a comer Post.

Preferably the comer posts have dowel means mounted thereon.

For assembly of two panels at right angles together, the panels are each fastened to a comer post having two faces at right angles to each other and io having dowels mounted on each of the said faces for insertion into cam means mounted on each of the two panels.

For assembly of two panels at 1801 to each other, for example in an extended box, the panels are each fastened to a comer post having two faces opposed to each other and having dowels mounted on each of the said faces for insertion into cam means mounted on each of the two panels.

Advantageously different length comer posts are provided for boxes of 2o more than one panel in height. Advantageously the comer posts extend the full height of the number of panels used and the panels are fastened to the comer posts at their sides and to a vertically adjacent panel at one or both of the upper and lower edges. Alternatively a panel may be fastened to a vertically adjacent panel by means of a comer post. In a further alternative arrangement, a plurality of comer posts of the height of a single panel may be used to assemble a box of more than one panel in height, the vertically adjacent comer posts being fastened together by suitable means.

7 A box in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention comprising the comer posts has the advantage that the user can select whether to have interior or exterior access to the fastening means depending on the particular requirements of the intended use of the box.

The invention further provides a tote bin in accordance with the first or second embodiments of the invention. Preferably the tote bin further comprises fastening means for fastening a first tote bin to a second tote bin, the fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means for io fastening the top of the first tote bin to the bottom of the second tote bin.

Preferably the fastening means comprises dowel means that may be inserted in the upper edge of a first tote bin when the tote bin is to be stacked with a second tote bin and cam means inserted at the lower edges of the side panels of the second tote bin. Thus, when the tote bins are to be stacked, the second tote bin is arranged on top of the first tote bin, the dowels are inserted into the holes and into the cam track and the cam means are rotated to draw the two bins together and hold them in stable relationship with one another. Alternatively the fastening means comprises cam means inserted at the upper edges of the first tote bin and at the lower edges of the second tote bin and double headed dowels are inserted into the cam means of the upper edge of the first bin and the lower edge of the second bin and the two cam means are both rotated to draw the two bins together. This form of fastening is also suitable for fastening two adjacent panels at 180' to one another.

The tote bin preferably further comprises carrying means such as handles or hand slots. Advantageously one end of the tote bin comprises a cut away section. Alternatively the tote bin is assembled with one end 8 omitted. Thus, when stacked, a plurality of tote bins can be used to form a simple shelving system. The tote bin can comprise a base with cooperating fastening means for attachment to the side panels or may comprise a simple drop-in base.

Advantageously a plurality of tote bins or boxes according to the invention may be stacked on a pallet using further co-operating fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means. Advantageously the pallet is provided with a plurality of dowel means inserted therein for co-operation io with cam means at the lower edges of the box or tote bin. Alternatively the fastening means may comprise cam means inserted at the edges of the pallet to co-operate with dowels at the lower edges of the box or tote bin or for co-operation with double headed dowels which are inserted into the cam means on the pallet and at the lower edge of the box or tote bin.

Advantageously a box according to the invention may also be provided with fork lift runners attached to the base of the box by co-operating fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means.

In a further arrangement, a box according to the invention may further comprise one or more internal fittings attached to the box by cooperating fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means. Such internal fittings may be in the form of a plurality of bars to form a fitment to hold a piece of equipment securely within the box for transportation.

In certain arrangements, the dowel means are advantageously hinged such that they can lie flat against the side or face of the panel or comer post for storage and transportation of the panels. Preferably the dowel means are hinged in one direction only. Such dowel means may be used 9 particularly advantageously on a lid or on the corner posts. The hinge is advantageously arranged such that all the dowel means fall into position suitable for insertion in the cam means under the effect of gravity when the comer post is positioned ready for assembly of a box.

The invention further provides a lid for a box, the lid comprising a panel and one or more side pieces extending in a downwardly vertical direction with respect to the normal orientation of a box and co- operating fastening means inserted in the side pieces, wherein:

the fastening means comprises cam means having a cam track for insertion into a face of a panel and dowel means having a first end for mounting on a panel and a second end for co-operating with a cam track; and the panel comprises at least one of the cam means and the dowel means inserted in at least one side piece, and wherein: if the fastening means on the side piece comprises cam means, the side piece comprises a recess in one face into which the cam means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the side piece to the cam track of the inserted cam means; and if the fastening means on the side piece comprises dowel means the dowel means has a first end for mounting on the side piece and a second end for co-operating with a cam track of a cam means mounted on a second panel, the second end of the dowel means being inserted into a hole in the edge of the second panel until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of the cam means mounted on the second panel.

Advantageously the fastening means in the side pieces comprise the cam means and the dowel means are inserted in the top edges of the adjacent side panels of a box to extend in an upwardly vertical direction.

The invention further provides a pallet and co-operating fastening means, for attaching one or more boxes, tote bins or panels to said pallet, wherein: the fastening means comprises cam means having a cam track for insertion into a pallet or box and dowel means having a first end for io mounting on a pallet or box and a second end for co-operating with a cam track; and the pallet comprises at least one of the cam means and the dowel means inserted in at least one side or edge of the pallet, and wherein:

if the fastening means on the pallet comprises cam means, the pallet comprises a recess in one face into which the cam means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the pallet to the cam track of the inserted cam means; and if the fastening means on the pallet comprises dowel means the dowel means has a first end for mounting on the pallet and a second end for co-operating with a cam track of a cam means mounted on a box, the second end of the dowel means being inserted into a hole in the edge of the box until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of the cam means mounted on the box.

Advantageously the fastening means comprises dowel means inserted in the upward facing face of the pallet for co-operation with cam means mounted on the lower edges of further panels, bins or boxes which may be arranged on the pallet.

Alternatively the fastening means may comprise cam means inserted at the edges of the pallet to co-operate with dowels at the lower edges of the box, tote bin or panel or for co-operation with double headed dowels which are inserted into the cam means on the pallet and at the lower edge of the box, tote bin or panel.

In further embodiments of the invention, one or more gaskets may be included between the panels or layer of panels. The gasket may be fitted lo around the fastening means or may be formed with holes corresponding to the positions of the dowel means. Gaskets may be used to improve the gas or fluid sealing of the boxes of the invention.

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

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a box in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; Figures 2a,b,c show perspective views of alternative arrangements for holding the cam means in the panel in accordance with the invention; Figure 3a shows a side view of the cam means shown in Figure 1; Figure 3b shows an end view of the cam means of Figure 2a; Figure 3c shows a side view of the dowel means shown in Figure 1; Figure 3d shows a side view of a key for rotating the cam means of Figures 3a and 3b; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a box in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 shows part of a comer post and adjacent panels of the box of Figure 4; 12 Figure 6 shows a perspective view of tote bins in accordance with the invention; Figure 7 shows a side view in the direction of Arrow A of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of alternative internal fittings for boxes according to the invention; and Figures 9a,b and c show a pallet and fastening means according to the invention.

A first embodiment of the box of the invention is shown in Figure 1. A io box 1 comprises a base panel 2, one or more pairs of side panels 3,4 and one or more pairs of end panels 5,6. In the example illustrated, each side 3,4 and end 5,6 has three panels but it will be appreciated that the sides and ends may comprise a single panel or as many panels as required.

Each of the panels 3,4,5,6 is fastened to its neighbouring panels by cooperating fastening means comprising a cam fitting 7 and a dowel 8. The fastening means can be seen in more detail in Figure 5, which illustrates the fastening means with respect to the second embodiment of the invention but which applies similarly to the first embodiment, and in Figures 3a,b and c.

The dowels 8 are screwed into plastic inserts 9 in the base, side or end panels 2,3,4,5,6. The plastics insert 9 improves the repairability of the box as if it is damaged it may simply be replaced. The dowels may be screwed directly into the panel but this may be more difficult to repair, or the panel may need to be completely replaced if it is damaged. The dowels 8 can be inserted and removed as required.

13 The base panel 2 is fitted with only dowels 8 and the lower edge 3a,4a,5a, 6a of each side panel 3,4 and end panel 5,6 has a cam fitting 7. For full interchangeability, each side and end panel 3,4,5,6 has dowels 8 fitted to its upper edge 3b,4b,5b,6b as well.

The panels 2,3,4,5,6 are standard wood panels made from softwood battens 10 and a plywood insert 11. The cam fitting 7 is inserted into a recess 12 in the batten 10. The cam fittings 7 must be held securely in the recesses 12 so that they cannot fall out during assembly and use of the io box. Figures 2a,b and c show preferred means of ensuring this: one way, as shown in Figure 2a, is to make the recess 12 in the battens 10 and then fasten the plywood insert 11 over the top. The plywood insert 11 has holes 12a formed therein corresponding to the positions of the recesses 12 but of a smaller diameter so that the cam fitting 7 in the recess 12 cannot fall out. Two further alternatives are shown in Figures 2b and c in which the panels 2,3,4,5,6 are made in the normal way and the recesses 12 are then formed in the battens 10. As shown in Figure 2b, the cam fitting 7 is inserted in the recess 12 and a retaining sleeve 14 is fitted into the recess 12 by a knock-in or screw-in fit to retain the cam fitting 7 safely in place. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2c, the cam fitting 7 is fitted in a sleeve 14a, which is ridged or oversize to secure it in the recess 12 and the combination of the cam fitting 7 and sleeve 14a is inserted into the recess 12.

The elements of the fastening means are shown in detail in Figures 3a,b and c. Cam fitting 7 has a cam track 15 and opening 16. Dowel 8 has a screw thread 17 at one end and a groove 18 and head 19 at the other end. When two panels are joined together, the dowel head 19 is inserted into a hole 20 extending from the recess 12 to the edge 21 of the panel 3,4,5,6.

14 The dowel 8 is inserted until the head 19 enters the opening 16 of the cam fitting 7. To engage the fastening means, cam fitting 7 is rotated by a key 22 which has a key face 23 of a corresponding configuration to lock face 24 of the cam fitting 7. In an alternative version (not shown), the lock face 24 may correspond to a screwdriver or allen key fitting for rotation.

As the cam fitting 7 is rotated, the groove 18 fits along the cam track 15 and the head 19 is drawn into the cam fitting 7.

The position of the recess 12 for the cam fitting 7 and the hole 20 must be determined accurately to ensure the precise positioning of the fastening means and to ensure that the panels 2,3,4,5,6 are drawn into close proximity when the fastening is tightened by rotating the cam fitting.

The fastening can be released by rotating the cam fitting 7 in the opposite direction.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, each panel 3,4,5,6 has cam fittings 7 on the lower edge 3a,4a,5a,6a and dowels 8 on the upper edge 3b,4b,5b,6b for fitting to the lower edge 3a,4a,5a,6a of a vertically adjacent panel.

Each side edge 3c,4c of each side panel 3,4 is fitted with cam fittings 7 and each side edge 5c,6c of each end panel is fined with dowels 8. The fastenings are arranged for either interior or exterior access to the cam fittings 7, depending on the requirements of the user for increased accessibility or increased security.

For fastening two adjacent panels together at right angles as shown, the dowels 8 are inserted into a face 5d,6d adjacent the edge 5c,6c of the end panel 5,6. In an alternative arrangement of panels, to form a larger box for example, the panels may be fastened together at 180o in a straight line and in this arrangement the dowels 8 are inserted into the side edge 5c, 6c of the end panel 5,6, such that the extended side of such a box comprises alternating side and "end" panels 3,4,5,6.

As shown in Figure 1, box 1 also comprises a lid 25 comprising a panel lo similar to the side and end panels 3,4,5,6 but having depending side pieces 26 to accommodate cam fittings 7. The cam fittings 7 in the side pieces 26 engage with dowels 8 in the top edges 3b,4b,5b,6b of the top panels.

If no lid 25 is required, the top panels may either be made with no dowel fittings 8 or the dowels 8 may be removed.

In a preferred arrangement, the side pieces 26 extend far enough so that when the box 1 is dismantled all the side and end panels 3,4,5,6 may be arranged on the base 2 and the lid 25 can be placed over the top and fastened to dowels 8 on the base 2 for secure storage and transportation of the dismantled box 1.

A second embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, box 400 has a base 2, side panels 3,4 and end panels 5,6.

Each side and end panel 3,4,5,6 is fastened to the base 2 as shown in and described with respect to Figure 1 but the side and end panels 3,4,5,6 are fastened to each other by means of comer posts 27. The faste arrangement is shown in more detail in Figure 5.

16 In the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the dowels 8 of the fastening means are inserted in the comer posts 27 and the cam fittings 7 are inserted adjacent the side edges 3c,4c,5c,6c of the side and end panels 3,4,5,6. For right angle connection of the panels, as shown, the dowels 8 are inserted into adjacent faces 27a,27b of the comer post 27. For connection of the panels in a straight line, the dowels 8 are inserted into opposing faces 27a,27c of the comer post 27.

The fastenings can be arranged by the user for either interior or exterior io access to the cam fittings 7, depending on requirements for increased accessibility or increased security.

The dowels 8 may include a hinge (not shown) such that when the comer post 27 is positioned for assembly of the box 400 the dowels 8 fall into the correct position under the effect of gravity but when the comer post 27 is removed for transportation or storage the dowels 8 can be laid flat against the sides of the comer post 27.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, fork lift runners 28 can be fastened to the 2o base 2 of the box 1,400 by conventional means or by cam and dowel fittings 7,8 as used to fasten the panels 2,3,4,5,6 of the together.

Figure 6 shows a pair of tote bins 600,601 in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. Tote bins 600,601 can also be made in accordance with the second embodiment of the invention (not shown). The tote bin 600,601 is constructed similarly to the box 1 shown in and described with respect to Figure 1. The tote bin 600,601 further comprises fastening means for fastening a first tote bin 600 to a second tote bin 601, the fastening means comprising cam fittings 7 and dowels 8 17 as previously described to attach the top of the first tote bin 600 to the bottom of the second tote bin 601.

In the arrangement illustrated in Figure 6, dowels 8 are inserted in the upper edges 602 of the side panels 3,4,5,6 of the first tote bin 600 when the tote bin 600 is to be stacked with a second tote bin 601 and cam fittings 7 are inserted at the lower edges 603 of the side panels 3,4,5,6 of the second tote bin 601. Thus, when the tote bins 600,601 are to be stacked, the second tote bin 601 is arranged on top of the first tote bin lo 602, the dowels 8 are inserted into the holes 20 in the lower edges 603 of the side panels 3,4,5,6 of the second tote bin 601 and into the camtrack 19 and the cam fittings 7 are rotated to draw the two bins 600,601 together and hold them in stable relationship with one another.

In an alternative arrangement shown in Figure 7, the fastening means comprises cam fittings 7 inserted at the upper edges 602 of the first tote bin 600 and at the lower edges 603 of the second tote bin 601 and double headed dowels 8a are inserted into the cam fittings 7 of the upper edge 602 of the first bin 600 and the lower edge 603 of the second bin 601 and the two cam fittings 7 are both rotated to draw the two bins 600,601 together.

The end panels 5,6 of the tote bins 600,601 include cut-outs 604 to form handles.

Figure 8 shows possible alternatives for interior fitting for a box 1. A fitment 801 is formed from two co-operating sections 802,803 with a cam 7 in one portion and a dowel 8 in the other. The two sections 802,803 are fastened together to hold an item (not shown) in place in the box 1.

18 An alternative fitting 804 is attached to the base of the box 1 by dowel 8 and cam 7 fittings and a further fitting 805 is shown attached to the side of the box 1.

Figure 9a shows a pallet 900 according to the invention. The pallet 900 shown is a four-way pallet but may be two-way, reversible, non-reversible etc. as required. The pallet 900 comprises a top face 901 and a bottom face 902 attached to cross-pieces 903. Two alternative fastenings for attaching boxes, panels or tote bins to the pallet are shown in Figures 9b io and c. Figure 9b shows a cam 7 mounted within the pallet 900 in a crosspiece 903 and Figure 9c shows a dowel 8 attached to the top face 901 of the pallet 900. The boxes of the invention are easy to assemble and dismantle and enable 15 any damaged or missing parts to be repaired or replaced individually, leading to increased reusability and recyclability of packaging. The boxes are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of configurations depending on the requirements of the user.

19

Claims (57)

1. A box comprising a plurality of panels and co-operating fastening means for fastening adjacent panels together, wherein the fastening means comprises: cam means having a cam track for insertion into one face of a first panel; and dowel means having a first end for mounting on a second panel and a second end for co-operating with the cam track; io and wherein: the first panel comprises a recess in one face into which the cam means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the panel to the cam track of the inserted cam means such that when the box is assembled, the second end of the dowel means mounted on the second panel is inserted into the hole in the edge of the first panel until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of the cam means and rotation of the cam means causes the second end of the dowel means to be drawn further into the hole in the first panel to bring the first and second panels into close engagement and to retain the panels together.

2. A box according to claim 1 wherein the panels are made of wood.

3. A box according to claim 2 wherein the panels are standard box panels comprising softwood battens with a plywood insert.

4. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dowel means is mounted in an insert mounted in the face or edge of the second panel.

5. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second end of the dowel is formed with a groove for co-operating engagement with the cam track.

6. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cam means is rotatable in the recess such that the cam track moves relatively to the second end of the dowel to pull the dowel inwardly to fasten the adjacent panels together.

io

7. A box according to claim 6 wherein the cam means may be rotated by a screwdriver, allen key or similar tool.

8. A box according to claim 6 wherein the cam means is formed with a selected lock formation such that it can only be rotated by means of a key that corresponds to the selected lock formation.

9. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the panels of the box comprises a base panel and at least three, but preferably four or multiples of four, of the panels comprise side panels.

10. A box according to claim 9 wherein the fastening means on the base panel comprises dowel means inserted in the upward face of the panel to extend in an upwardly vertical direction, with respect to the normal orientation of the box, and the fastening means on the lower edge of the 2:5 side panels comprises cam means with a hole extending in an upwardly vertical direction from the lower edge of the side panels.

11. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the panels of the box comprises a top panel or lid.

21

12. A box according to claim 11 wherein the lid comprises one or more side pieces that extend in a downwardly vertical direction, with respect to the normal orientation of the box, and the fastening means are inserted in 5 the side piece.

13. A box according to claim 12 wherein the fastening means in the side pieces comprise the cam means and the dowel means are inserted in the top edge of the adjacent side panels to extend in an upwardly vertical lo direction.

14. A box according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the side pieces of the lid extend sufficiently to enable the lid to cover the panels of the box when the box is dismantled and the lid and a base panel can be fastened 15 together with the side panels retained between them.

15. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein a cam retaining means is provided to prevent the cam means from being dislodged from the recess in the panel.

16. A box according to claim 15 wherein the panel comprises battens and a sheet, the cam means being inserted in recesses in the battens and the sheet affixed over the top of the recesses, with holes arranged in the sheet that are aligned with the recesses and that are of a smaller diameter 25 than the cam means, to prevent the cam means falling out.

17. A box according to claim 16 wherein the holes in the sheet are of a sufficiently large diameter to enable a rotating means to be inserted to rotate the cam means.

22

18. A box according to claim 15 wherein the retaining means comprises a retaining sleeve to hold the cam means in place whilst still enabling access for a rotating means.

19. A box according to claim 18 wherein the retaining sleeve comprises a sleeve that is inserted over the cam means to trap the cam means in place in the recess.

io

20. A box according to claim 18 wherein the retaining sleeve and the cam means are arranged at a combination for insertion into the recess.

21. A box according to claim 19 or claim 20 wherein the retai i g sleeve comprises a sleeve that is a "knock-in" fit in the recess.

22. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the side panels comprise either a "female" panel or a "male" panel.

23. A box comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of comer posts, and co-operating fastening means for fastening adjacent panels together or to fasten a panel to a comer post, wherein the fastening means comprises:

cam means having a cam track for insertion into one face of a first panel or a comer post; and dowel means having a first end for mounting in a second panel or a comer post and a second end for co-operating with the cam track; and wherein:

the first panel or comer post comprises a recess in one face into which the cam means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the 23 panel or comer post to the cam track of the inserted cam means such that when the box is assembled, the second end of the dowel means mounted on the second panel or comer post is inserted into the hole in the edge of the first panel or comer post until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of the cam means and rotation of the cam means causes the second end of the dowel means to be drawn further into the hole to bring the first and second panels into close engagement to each other or to the comer post and to retain the panels together or to a comer Post.

24. A box according to claim 23 wherein the comer posts have dowel means mounted thereon.

25. A box according to claim 23 or 24 wherein different length corner posts are provided for boxes of more than one panel in height.

26. A box according to claim 25 wherein the comer posts extend the fun height of the number of panels used and the panels are fastened to the comer posts at their sides and to a vertically adjacent panel at one or both of the upper and lower edges.

27. A box in accordance with any one of the preceding claims wherein the box comprises a tote bin.

28. A tote bin according to claim 27 wherein the tote bin further comprises fastening means for fastening a first tote bin to a second tote bin, the fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means for fastening the top of the first tote bin to the bottom of the second tote bin.

24

29. A tote bin according to claim 28 wherein the fastening means comprises dowel means that may be inserted in the upper edge of a first tote bin when the tote bin is to be stacked with a second tote bin and cam means inserted at the lower edges of the side panels of the second tote bin.

30. A tote bin according to claim 28 wherein the fastening means comprises cammeans inserted at the upper edges of a first tote bin and at the lower edges of a second tote bin and double headed dowels are inserted into the cam means of the upper edge of the first bin and the lo lower edge of the second bin and the two cam means are both rotated to draw the two bins together.

31. A tote bin according to any one of claims 27 to 30 wherein the end panels further comprise carrying means such as handles or hand slots.

32. A tote bin according to any one of claims 27 to 31 wherein one end of the tote bin comprises a cut away section.

33. A tote bin according to any one of claims 27 to 31 wherein the tote bin is assembled with one end omitted.

34. A tote bin according to any one of claims 27 to 33 wherein the tote bin comprises a base with co-operating fastening means for attachment to the side panels.

35. A tote bin according to any one of claims 27 to 33 wherein the tote bin comprises a base which is a simple drop-in base.

36. A box according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising fork lift runners attached to the base of the box by cooperating fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means.

37. A box according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising one or more internal fittings attached to the box by cooperating fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means.

38. A box according to claim 37 wherein the internal fittings comprise io a plurality of bars attached by cam means and dowel means to form a fitment to hold a piece of equipment securely within the box for transportation.

39. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the dowel means are hinged such that they can lie flat against the side or face of the panel or comer post for storage and transportation of the panels.

40. A box according to claim 39 wherein the dowel means are hinged in one direction only.

41. A box according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more gaskets are included between the panels or layer of panels.

42. A box according to claim 41 wherein the gasket is fitted around the fastening means.

43. A box according to claim 41 wherein the gasket is formed with holes corresponding to the positions of the dowel means.

26

44. A plurality of tote bins according to any one of claims 27 to 35 attached together to form a stack.

45. A plurality of boxes or tote bins according to any one of claims 1 to 43 stacked on a pallet using further co-operating fastening means comprising cam means and dowel means.

46. A plurality of boxes or tote bins according to claim 45 wherein the pallet is provided with a plurality of dowel means inserted therein for co lo operation with cam means at the lower edges of the box or tote bin.

47. A plurality of boxes or tote bins according to claim 45 wherein the pallet is provided with a plurality of cam means inserted therein for co operation with dowel means at the lower edges of the box or tote bin.

48. A plurality of boxes or tote bins according to claim 45 wherein the pallet is provided with a plurality of cam means inserted therein for co operation with double headed dowel means that further co-operate with cam means at the lower edges of the box or tote bin.

49. A lid for a box, the lid comprising a panel and one or more side pieces extending in a downwardly vertical direction with respect to the normal orientation of a box and co-operating fastening means inserted in the side pieces, wherein:

the fastening means comprises cam means having a cam track for insertion into a face of a panel and dowel means having a first end for mounting on a panel and a second end for co-operating with a cam track; and 27 the panel comprises at least one of the cam means and the dowel means inserted in at least one side piece, and wherein: if the fastening means on the side piece comprises cam means, the side piece comprises a recess in one fare into which the cam means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the side piece to the cam track of the inserted cam means; and if the fastening means on the side piece comprises dowel means the dowel means has a first end for mounting on the side piece and a second lo end for co-operating with a cam track of a cam means mounted on a second panel, the second end of the dowel means being inserted into a hole in the edge of the second panel until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of the cam means mounted on the second panel.

50. A lid according to claim 49 wherein the fastening means in the side pieces comprise the cam means and the dowel means are inserted in the top edges of the adjacent side panels of a box to extend in an upwardly vertical direction.

51. A pallet and co-operating fastening means, for attaching one or more boxes, tote bins or panels to said pallet, wherein: the fastening means comprises cam means having a cam track for insertion into a pallet or box and dowel means having a first end for mounting on a pallet or box and a second end for co-operating with a cam track; and the pallet comprises at least one of the cam means and the dowel means inserted in at least one side or edge of the pallet, and wherein:

28 if the fastening means on the pallet comprises cam means, the pallet comprises a recess in one face into which the cam means is inserted and a hole extending from the edge of the pallet to the cam track of the inserted cam means; and if the fastening means on the pallet comprises dowel means the dowel means has a first end for mounting on the pallet and a second end for co-operating with a cam track of a cam means mounted on a box, the second end of the dowel means being inserted into a hole in the edge of the box until the second end of the dowel means engages the cam track of io the cam means mounted on the box.

52. A pallet according to claim 51 wherein the fastening means comprises dowel means inserted in the upward facing face of the pallet for co-operation with cam means mounted on the lower edges of ftu-ther panels, bins or boxes which may be arranged on the pallet.

53. A pallet according to claim 51 wherein the fastening means comprises cam means inserted at the edges of the pallet to co-operate with dowels at the lower edges of the box, tote bin or panel or for co- operation with double headed dowels which are inserted into the cam means on the pallet and at the lower edge of the box, tote bin or panel.

54. A box as hereinbefore described with respect to Figures 1, 2 and 3 of the accompanying drawings.

55. A box as hereinbefore described with respect to Figures 3, 4 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

29

56. A tote bin as hereinbefore described with respect to Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings.

57. A pallet as hereinbefore described with respect to Figure 9 of the 5 accompanying drawings.