US20070056967A1 - Collapsible Container For Air Shipment Cargo and Method of Use - Google Patents
Collapsible Container For Air Shipment Cargo and Method of Use Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070056967A1 US20070056967A1 US11/530,986 US53098606A US2007056967A1 US 20070056967 A1 US20070056967 A1 US 20070056967A1 US 53098606 A US53098606 A US 53098606A US 2007056967 A1 US2007056967 A1 US 2007056967A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- container
- collapsible
- flaps
- side walls
- walls
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 27
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 13
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 6
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 6
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 5
- 244000070406 Malus silvestris Species 0.000 description 3
- 239000003000 extruded plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000005441 aurora Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
- B65D11/182—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected comprising two side walls hinged along the sides of a base panel and to an upper frame and two other side walls being hinged only to the upper frame
- B65D11/1826—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected comprising two side walls hinged along the sides of a base panel and to an upper frame and two other side walls being hinged only to the upper frame and one or more side walls being foldable along a median line
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/02—Large containers rigid
- B65D88/12—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport
- B65D88/14—Large containers rigid specially adapted for transport by air
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D88/00—Large containers
- B65D88/52—Large containers collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
- B65D88/522—Large containers collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected all side walls hingedly connected to each other or to another component of the container
- B65D88/524—Large containers collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected all side walls hingedly connected to each other or to another component of the container and one or more side walls being foldable along an additional median line
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D90/00—Component parts, details or accessories for large containers
- B65D90/008—Doors for containers, e.g. ISO-containers
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a collapsible container for use in an aircraft cargo hold.
- each of the wall panels and flaps is preferably made of plastic but may be made of any suitable material.
- each of the wall panel is made of a plastic material sold under the mark CON-PEARL® by Friedola Gebr. Holzapfel Gmbh & Co. of Germany.
- the panel material may be selected as appropriate to protect or prevent surface damage to the products being stored and/or shipped in the erected container.
- one of the assemblers may close and lock the door of the container in a closed position.
- a person enters the interior of the erected container and rotates the rotatable latches to open them so that the flaps may be separated from the front and rear wall panels and the top may be separated from front and rear wall panels by a second operator located outside the container.
- the other person pulls the flaps away from the front and rear wall panels and collapses the front and rear wall panels after the top has been separated from the front and rear wall panels.
- the front wall panel is collapsed then the side walls are collapsed. The container is now fully collapsed.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 3 illustrating the side walls fully erected
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 4 illustrating the front and rear wall panels being erected;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the erected container of FIG. 1 illustrating products being placed into the interior of the container;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 12 illustrating the flaps being secured to the front wall;
- FIG. 1 there is illustrated a collapsible container 10 movable between an erected condition or position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8 and a collapsed condition or position illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 9 .
- the collapsible container 10 is designed for use inside an aircraft luggage hold but may be used in another environment or for any other purpose.
- Each side wall 14 comprises a lower wall panel 18 hingedly secured to an upper wall panel 20 with a horizontally oriented hinge 22 .
- Each hinge 22 is preferably a co-extruded plastic hinge like hinges 16 , but may be any other type of hinge.
- Each wall panel 18 , 20 is preferably made of one piece of plastic material, but may be multiple pieces or made with any other suitable material. Although the wall panels 18 , 20 of each side wall 14 are preferably made of the same material, they may be different materials.
- a nylon strap 50 is secured at its upper end 52 to the outside surface 54 of the front wall panel 42 and used for raising the front wall panel 42 from a horizontal collapsed position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to an erected or raised position shown in FIG. 6 .
- the rotatable portion 92 of the latch 86 is passed through opening 68 in the rear wall panel 56 in its position shown in FIG. 7A and then rotated to a locked position shown in FIG. 7B .
- the base 112 has a pair of upwardly directed flange portions 113 on opposed sides of the base 112 which may remain vertically oriented when the container 110 is collapsed. See FIG. 19 .
- These flange portions 113 are integrally joined by living hinges 116 to side walls 114 . See. FIGS. 13 and 19 .
- These living hinges 116 enable the collapsible side walls 114 to collapse inwardly on top of the base 112 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 19 .
- the side walls 114 and top 180 are integrally joined by living hinges 182 which enable the top 180 to collapse on top of the collapsed side walls 114 as shown in FIGS. 13 and 19 .
- the hinge 128 further comprises a joining member 131 which enables movement of the receptacles 129 and their contents relative to one another.
- the door 124 has an upper portion or section 130 and a lower portion or section 132 separated by a living hinge 123 .
- the door 124 comprises one piece of plastic collapsible or foldable due to living hinge 123 .
- one type of door is illustrated, other doors of any desired size or material may be used.
- the collapsible container 110 further comprises a front wall 142 hingedly joined to base 112 with horizontally oriented hinge 144 .
- Hinge 144 in the embodiment shown is the same hinge as hinges 16 and 22 shown in detail in FIG. 9 and described above.
- front wall 142 has at least one hole or opening 146 therethrough at the end of the front wall 142 opposite where it is joined to base 112 with hinge 144 . This end becomes the top of the front wall 142 when the container 110 is erected.
- Similar holes or openings 148 through the front wall 142 are located along the sides of the front wall 142 . As shown in FIG.
- the rotatable portion 192 of the latch 186 is passed through opening 168 in the rear wall 156 in its position shown in FIG. 21A and then rotated to a locked position shown in FIG. 21B .
- the same procedure is used to secure the front wall 142 to the opposite flange 184 of the top 180 .
- only one fastener is illustrated securing the front wall 142 to the top 180 and another one securing the rear wall 156 to the top 180 of the container 110 , any number of fasteners may be used.
- any number of flaps be secured to or integral with the front and rear walls 142 , 156 of the container 110 instead of being secured to or integral with the side walls 114 of the container 110 , as illustrated and described. In either event, the flaps may be used to secure the front and rear walls 142 , 156 of the container 110 to the collapsible side walls 114 of the container 110 when the container 110 is erected.
- FIG. 14 the method of assembling the collapsible container 110 will now be described.
- two operators or assemblers 194 a and 194 b are provided. Simultaneously, they lift the top 180 and/or upper portions 120 of the collapsed side walls 114 up as shown in FIG. 14 , thereby erecting the side walls 114 of the container 110 including the door 124 .
- the front and rear walls 142 , 156 of the container 110 are still in their collapsed condition or position. See FIGS. 14 and 15 .
- FIG. 15 shows the container 110 with the side walls 114 fully erect and the flaps 136 a - 136 e located outside the side walls 114 of the container 110 .
- any other suitable known method may be used to assembly a collapsed container built in accordance with the present invention.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Rigid Containers With Two Or More Constituent Elements (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Pallets (AREA)
Abstract
A collapsible container for air shipment cargo comprises a base, a top and collapsible side walls integral with each other to form a ring. Front and rear walls are hingedly secured to the base. Each of the side walls has upper and lower wall panels hinged together so as to enable each side wall to collapse inwardly. A door may be hinged to one of the side walls. Flaps having fasteners are hinged to the side walls and used to assemble and erect the container. Portions of the top have fasteners which are used to secure the front and rear walls to the top. One of the front and rear walls has upper and lower portions forming an obtuse angle with each other when the container is erected.
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/227,738 filed Sep. 15, 2005 entitled “Collapsible Container For Air Shipment Cargo and Method of Use”, which is fully incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to a collapsible container for use in an aircraft cargo hold.
- Special containers are used on aircrafts for storing fragile parcels containing breakable or perishable goods, or for storing passenger luggage. Due to the limited space available in aircraft cargo holds, the shape of such a container is generally designed to fit the shape of the walls of the aircraft cargo hold or luggage compartment. One of the most important factors airlines use in selecting a suitable container for use in an aircraft cargo hold is gross weight. The heavier the container, the heavier the airplane and the more fuel must be used to fly a predetermined distance.
- In order to reduce the space occupied by such a container once it has been emptied, such a container has been designed to collapse. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,612 discloses a collapsible aircraft container which has a rigid base frame supporting an accordion folding frame. The collapsible container has sides made of canvas and sheet metal plates. The frames are made of steel. Therefore, the container is heavy, even when empty.
- Another collapsible aircraft container is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,941,405. This collapsible aircraft container has a base, support posts and roof made of aluminum and flexible side walls formed from light weight fabric. Again, due to the support posts, the container is heavy, even when empty.
- In each of these collapsible aircraft containers, the less the weight the better, as long as the container is sturdy enough to handle normal wear and tear of such use. Consequently, there is a need for a light weight, collapsible airline container which does not include a frame or support posts, thereby reducing its weight.
- The collapsible container of the present invention comprises a base, a top, front and rear wall panels hingedly secured to the base and side walls hingedly secured to the base and top. Each of the side walls comprises upper and lower wall panels hinged together so as to enable each side wall to collapse inwardly. A hinged door is formed in one of the side walls for access to the interior of the erected container.
- Once the container is erected, a person may load product(s) or luggage into the interior of the container for shipping purposes. Likewise, prior to collapsing the container, product(s) or luggage may be removed from the interior of the container out the opening or openings formed in one or both of the side walls of the container which may be closed doors or other similar structure.
- Although the collapsible container of the present invention is intended for use inside airplane cargo holds or luggage compartments, it may used in any desired environment and is not intended to be limited in its use.
- In one embodiment of the present invention, the top of the collapsible airline container is one piece or panel of material having two opposed flanges which may be bent downwardly perpendicular to the generally planar main portion of the top. Fasteners are secured to these flanges in any suitable manner and in one embodiment comprise rotatable latches adapted to pass through openings in the front and rear wall panels or walls of the container during assembly of the container. Of course, any other suitable fasteners may be used to secure the top to the collapsible front and rear wall panels of the assembly during assembly.
- The front wall panel of the container in one embodiment comprises one generally rectangular piece or panel of plastic material. However, the front wall panel or front wall may be made of multiple pieces secured together of any suitable material.
- The rear wall panel in one embodiment comprises one generally rectangular piece or panel of plastic material. The rear wall panel has a living hinge extending from one side edge to the other side edge which separates the rear wall panel into a generally planar upper portion or section and a generally planar lower portion or section and enables the rear wall panel to be folded into a collapsed position when the container is collapsed. These upper and lower portions or sections of the rear wall panel form an obtuse angle with each other when the container is assembled and lay on top of one another when the container is collapsed. If desired, the rear wall may be made of multiple pieces secured together of any suitable material.
- The collapsible airline container further comprises plastic flaps hingedly secured to the side walls. These flaps are secured to the front and rear wall panels of the container during assembly of the container. In one embodiment, three flaps are hingedly secured to one edge of each side wall for securing the side wall to the rear wall panel and two flaps are hingedly secured to an opposing edge of the side wall for securing the side wall to the front wall panel. At least one fastener is secured to each of the flaps. In one embodiment these fasteners comprise rotatable latches adapted to pass through openings in the front and rear wall panels. Of course, any other suitable fasteners may be used to secure the flaps to the collapsible front and rear wall panels.
- Each of the wall panels and flaps is preferably made of plastic but may be made of any suitable material. In one embodiment of the present invention, each of the wall panel is made of a plastic material sold under the mark CON-PEARL® by Friedola Gebr. Holzapfel Gmbh & Co. of Germany. The panel material may be selected as appropriate to protect or prevent surface damage to the products being stored and/or shipped in the erected container.
- The method of assembling the collapsible airline container comprises multiple steps. Although the method is described with respect to one preferred embodiment, the method may be used with any of the embodiments contemplated by this invention.
- In one instance, a collapsed container as described above is first provided. Two operators first lift a top of the collapsed container, thereby erecting side walls of the collapsed container including a collapsed door. The operators then lift, pivot or raise the front and rear wall panels of the collapsed container by pulling on straps secured to these panels of the collapsed container.
- One of the assemblers then enters the interior of the container via the open door of the partially erected container. The first assembler located outside the partially erected container passes rotatable latches located on the flanges of the top of the container through openings in the front and rear wall panels of the container. The assembler located inside the container then rotates the latches to prevent the latches from passing back through the openings in the front and rear wall panels of the container. The second assembler located outside the container also passes the fasteners in the form of rotatable latches located on the flaps of the container through openings in the front and rear wall panels of the container. The assembler located inside the container then rotates the latches to prevent the latches from passing back through the openings in the front and rear wall panels of the container and secure the flaps to the front and rear wall panels of the container.
- After the interior of the erected container is loaded with product, one of the assemblers may close and lock the door of the container in a closed position.
- In this manner, the container may be quickly and inexpensively assembled or erected. For purposes of this document, the term “fastener” refers to any type of fastener including a rotatable latch.
- In order to disassemble the container, a person enters the interior of the erected container and rotates the rotatable latches to open them so that the flaps may be separated from the front and rear wall panels and the top may be separated from front and rear wall panels by a second operator located outside the container. After the person previously inside the interior of the container exits the container via the opening where the door is located, the other person pulls the flaps away from the front and rear wall panels and collapses the front and rear wall panels after the top has been separated from the front and rear wall panels. After the rear wall panel has been collapsed, the front wall panel is collapsed then the side walls are collapsed. The container is now fully collapsed.
- An alternative embodiment of collapsible container comprises a base, a top, side walls hinged to the base and top with living hinges. The side walls are integral with the top and base so as to form an integral ring or loop which results in enhanced strength and integrity of the container. Each of the side walls comprises upper and lower portions hinged together with a living hinge so as to enable each side wall to collapse inwardly.
- The collapsible container further comprises front and rear walls hingedly secured to the base. The rear wall may have an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being pivotally or hingedly secured to the base with a hinge. This lower portion may form an obtuse angle with the upper portion of the rear wall when the container is erected. A door may be hinged to one of the walls for access to the interior of the erected container. Alternatively, a door may be formed in one of the walls.
- This embodiment further comprises flaps hinged to the side walls. At least some of these flaps, if not all, may be integral with the side walls. Others may be secured to the side walls with hinges. To erect the container and keep it in an erected condition, the flaps are secured to the front and rear walls of the container with fasteners or any other suitable securement. In one embodiment, three flaps are hinged to one edge of each side wall for securing the side wall to the rear wall and two flaps are hinged to an opposing edge of the side wall for securing the side wall to the front wall. At least one fastener is located on each of the flaps for such securement. Each fastener may comprise a rotatable latch adapted to pass through an opening in one of the front and rear walls. Of course, any other suitable fasteners may be used to secure the flaps to the collapsible front and rear walls.
- In this embodiment, the top of the collapsible airline container may have two opposed flanges which may be bent downwardly from the generally planar main portion of the top. The flanges in one embodiment are integral with the main portion of the top but may be separate pieces hinged to the main portion or body of the top of the container. Fasteners may be used to secure these flanges to the front and rear walls of the container in aid in the erection of the container. The fasteners may assume numerous configurations or types and in one embodiment comprise rotatable latches adapted to pass through openings in the front and rear walls of the container before being rotated during erection of the container. Of course, any other suitable fasteners may be used to secure the top to the collapsible front and rear walls of the container.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container of the present invention in an erected condition; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of the present invention in a collapsed condition; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the collapsed container ofFIG. 2 illustrating the side walls being erected; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 3 illustrating the side walls fully erected; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 4 illustrating the front and rear wall panels being erected; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 5 illustrating the flaps being secured to the front wall panel of the erected container; -
FIG. 7A is a perspective view of one of the rotatable latches used in accordance with the present invention in an unlocked position; -
FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the rotatable latch ofFIG. 7A in a locked position; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the erected container ofFIG. 1 illustrating the base of the container; -
FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view taken along the line 9-9 ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the erected container ofFIG. 1 illustrating products being placed into the interior of the container; -
FIG. 11 is a view taken along the line 11-11 ofFIG. 8 ; -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of container in an erected condition; -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 12 in a collapsed condition; -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the collapsed container ofFIG. 12 illustrating the side walls being erected; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 12 illustrating the side walls but not the container fully erected; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 12 illustrating the front and rear walls being erected; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the container ofFIG. 12 illustrating the flaps being secured to the front wall; -
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the erected container ofFIG. 12 illustrating the base of the container; -
FIG. 19 is a rear elevational view taken along the line 19-19 ofFIG. 13 ; -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the erected container ofFIG. 12 illustrating products being placed into the interior of the container; -
FIG. 21A is a perspective view of one of the rotatable latches used in accordance with the present invention in an unlocked position; and -
FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the rotatable latch ofFIG. 21A in a locked position. - Referring to the drawings and particularly to
FIG. 1 , there is illustrated acollapsible container 10 movable between an erected condition or position illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 8 and a collapsed condition or position illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 9 . Thecollapsible container 10 is designed for use inside an aircraft luggage hold but may be used in another environment or for any other purpose. - As best illustrated in
FIG. 8 , thecollapsible container 10 comprises a generally rectangular and generallyplanar base 12 having an upwardly directedflange 13 around the periphery thereof. Thebase 12 is preferably made of one piece of plastic material. However, other materials or other configurations may be used without departing from the present invention. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , a pair ofside walls 14 are hingedly secured to thebase 12 and more particularly to upwardly directedflanges 13 located around the periphery of the base 12 with horizontally oriented hinges 16 shown inFIG. 9 . Eachhinge 16 is preferably a co-extruded plastic hinge made by the Bradford Company of Holland, Mich. but may be any other type of hinge. - Each
side wall 14 comprises alower wall panel 18 hingedly secured to anupper wall panel 20 with a horizontally orientedhinge 22. Eachhinge 22 is preferably a co-extruded plastic hinge like hinges 16, but may be any other type of hinge. Eachwall panel wall panels side wall 14 are preferably made of the same material, they may be different materials. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 9 , hinges 22 enable eachside wall 14 to fold or collapse inwardly so that theupper wall panel 20 overlays or lays on top of thelower wall panel 18 when thecontainer 10 is collapsed. As shown inFIG. 9 , eachhinge 22, as well as eachhinge 16, comprises a pair of U-shaped receptacles 23 and a flexible joiningmember 25 joining the receptacles 23 and enabling them to move relative to one another. - As shown in the figures, at least one of the
side walls 14 has acollapsible door 24 adapted to cover anopening 26 formed in the side wall. SeeFIG. 10 . Thedoor 24 is hingedly joined to theside wall 14 with a vertically orientedhinge 28 and movable between a closed position as shown inFIG. 1 and an open position as shown inFIG. 10 . Thedoor 24 has an upper portion orsection 30 and a lower portion orsection 32 separated byhinge 22. In the illustrated embodiment, eachsection - Each
section door 24 may be latched or locked in a closed position with alatch FIG. 6 , a portion of each latch 34 a, 34 b is located on thedoor section latch side wall panels FIG. 10 . In one embodiment, each latch 34 a, 34 b is manufactured by McMaster-Carr of Aurora, Ohio.Latch 34 a is sold as Part No. 10425 A86 and latch 34 b is sold as Part No. 10425 A84. See www.mcmaster.com. Either of the latches may be locked if desired. However, latches 34 a, 34 b may be any other suitable latching or locking members. -
FIG. 11 illustrateshinge 28 in further detail. In one embodiment, hinge 28 is a 270 degree hinge extrusion manufactured by Filtrona Extrusion of Athol, Mass. and sold as Part No. 1440. See www.filtrona.com. However, hinge 28 may be any other suitable hinge.Hinge 28 comprises a pair of generallyU-shaped receptacles 29, retaininglower wall panel 18 and thelower section 32 of thedoor 24, respectively in any desired manner. Thehinge 28 further comprises a joiningmember 31 which enables movement of thereceptacles 29 and their contents relative to one another. - As best seen in
FIG. 3 , flaps 36 a, 36 b and 36 c are hingedly secured to side edges 38 a, 38 b and 38 c, respectively, of eachside wall 14. More particularly,upper flaps 36 a are hingedly secured to side edges 38 a ofupper wall panels 20 with hinges 40 a. Similarly,middle flaps 36 b are hingedly secured to side edges 38 b oflower wall panels 18 withhinges 40 b. Lastly,lower flaps 36 c are hingedly secured to side edges 38 c oflower wall panels 18 with hinges 40 c. - As seen in
FIGS. 3 and 4 , on the other end of eachside wall 14, flaps 36 d and 36 e are hingedly secured to side edges 38 d and 38 e, respectively, of eachside wall 14. More particularly, flaps 36 d are hingedly secured to side edges 38 d ofupper wall panels 20 withhinges 40 d. Similarly, flaps 36 b are hingedly secured to side edges 38 e oflower wall panels 18 withhinges 40 e. - Preferably, each
flap 36 a-36 e is a single piece of plastic material. However, any of the flaps may be made of any number of pieces of any suitable material and of any desired size. - In one embodiment, hinges 40 a-40 e, all used to secure flaps to
side wall panels hinge 28 used on thedoor 24, shown in detail inFIG. 11 and manufactured by Filtrona Extrusion of Athol, Mass. and sold as Part No. 1440. See www.filtrona.com. However, these hinge may be any other suitable hinges. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , thecollapsible container 10 further comprises afront wall panel 42 hingedly joined to base 12 with horizontally orientedhinge 44.Hinge 44 in the embodiment shown is the same hinge as hinges 16 and 22 shown in detail inFIG. 9 and described above. As best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 ,front wall panel 42 has at least one hole or opening 46 therethrough at the end of thefront wall panel 42 opposite where it is joined to base 12 withhinge 44. This end becomes the top of thefront wall panel 42 when thecontainer 10 is erected. Similar holes oropenings 48 through thefront wall panel 42 are located along the sides of thefront wall panel 42. As shown inFIG. 6 , anylon strap 50 is secured at its upper end 52 to theoutside surface 54 of thefront wall panel 42 and used for raising thefront wall panel 42 from a horizontal collapsed position shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 to an erected or raised position shown inFIG. 6 . - As best shown in
FIGS. 1 and 8 , thecollapsible container 10 further comprises arear wall panel 56 hingedly joined to base 12 with horizontally orientedhinge 58.Hinge 58 in the embodiment shown is the same hinge as hinges 16 and 22 shown in detail inFIG. 9 and described above. (also the same ashinge 44 shown inFIG. 6 ). As best shown inFIG. 5 ,rear wall panel 56 has a living hinge, crease or fold 60 separating therear wall panel 56 into an upper portion orsection 62 and a lower portion orsection 64. As best illustrated inFIG. 8 , when thecontainer 10 is erected, theupper portion 62 is vertically oriented and forms an obtuse angle 66 with thelower portion 64. As best illustrated inFIG. 5 , when thecontainer 10 is collapsed, theupper portion 62 lays on top of thelower portion 64. - Like the
front wall panel 42, therear wall panel 56 has at least one hole or opening 68 therethrough at the end of therear wall panel 56 opposite where it is joined to hinge 58. This end becomes the top of therear wall panel 56 when thecontainer 10 is erected. Similar holes oropenings 70 through therear wall panel 56 are located along the sides of therear wall panel 56 to aid in erecting thecontainer 10. SeeFIG. 5 . As shown inFIG. 5 , anylon strap 72 is secured at one end 74 to the outside surface 76 of therear wall panel 56 and used for raising therear wall panel 56 from a horizontal collapsed position shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 to an erected or raised position shown inFIGS. 1 and 8 . As shown inFIG. 5 , when therear wall panel 56 is collapsed, an inner surface 78 of theupper portion 62 of therear wall panel 56 is upwardly directed while an inner surface 78 a of thelower portion 64 of therear wall panel 56 is downwardly directed. - It is within the contemplation of the present invention that other devices other than nylon straps 50, 72 may be used to raise the front and
rear wall panels - The
collapsible container 10 further comprises a top ortop panel 80 hingedly joined to theupper wall panels 20 of theside walls 14 with horizontally oriented hinges 82.Hinge 82 in the embodiment shown is the same hinge as hinges 16 and 22 shown in detail inFIG. 9 , hinge 44 shown inFIG. 6 and hinge 58 shown inFIG. 8 , described above. Any other suitable hinge may be used if desired. As best shown inFIGS. 3 and 4 , top 80 has a pair offlanges 84 extending downwardly from amain portion 85 of the top 80. - As shown in
FIG. 7A , at least one fastener in the form of arotatable latch 86 is secured to eachflange 84 of the top 80. Therotatable latch 86 may be riveted or secured in any suitable manner to aninside surface 88 offlange 84. Therotatable latch 86 comprises astationary portion 90 and arotatable portion 92. SeeFIGS. 7A and 7B . One fastener or rotatable latch which has proven satisfactory is manufactured by Friedola Tech Holzapfel Gmbh of Germany and sold as Part No. M931020. However, any other suitable latch or fastener may be used. - Referring to
FIG. 5 , in order to secure therear wall panel 56 to theflange 84 of the top 80, therotatable portion 92 of thelatch 86 is passed throughopening 68 in therear wall panel 56 in its position shown inFIG. 7A and then rotated to a locked position shown inFIG. 7B . - As shown in
FIG. 5 , at least one fastener in the form of arotatable latch 86 is secured to an inside surface of eachflap 36 a-36 e and adapted to pass throughholes 70 in therear wall panel 56. Similarly, at least one fastener in the form of arotatable latch 86 is secured to an inside surface of eachflap holes 48 in thefront wall panel 42. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , the method of assembling thecollapsible container 10 will now be described. Beginning with the collapsedcontainer 10 shown inFIG. 2 , two operators orassemblers upper portions 20 of theside walls 14 up as shown inFIG. 3 , thereby erecting theside walls 14 of thecontainer 10 including thedoor 24. At this point, the front andrear wall panels container 10 are still in their collapsed condition or position. SeeFIGS. 3 and 4 .FIG. 4 shows the container with theside walls 14 fully erect and theflaps 36 a-36 e located outside theside walls 14 of the container. - As shown in
FIG. 5 ,assemblers rear wall panel 56 andfront wall panel 42, respectively.Front wall panel 42 is raised first byoperator 94 b since it lays on top ofrear wall panel 56 when the front andrear wall panels base 12. - As shown in
FIG. 6 , after the front andrear wall panels assemblers 94 a opens thedoor 24 and enters the interior of the partially erectedcontainer 10. Theother assembler 94 b stays outside thecontainer 10. Theassembler 94 a passes therotatable portions 92 of rotatable latches 96 secured toflanges 84 of top 80 throughopenings rear wall panels FIG. 7A . Theassembler 94 a inside thecontainer 10 then rotates the rotatable portions oflatches 96 as shown inFIG. 7B to secure the top 80 of the container to the front andrear wall panels assembler 94 a passes therotatable portions 92 of rotatable latches 96 secured toflaps 36 a-36 e throughopenings rear wall panels FIG. 7A . Theassembler 94 a inside thecontainer 10 then rotates the rotatable portions oflatches 96 as shown inFIG. 7B to secure theflaps 36 a-36 e of thecontainer 10 to the front andrear wall panels container 10, theflaps 36 a-36 e being outside the front andrear wall panels container 10. - After the
container 10 is fully assembled, the door may be closed and locked, if necessary, after products oritems 96 are loaded inside the interior 98 of thecontainer 10. SeeFIG. 10 . -
FIGS. 12-19 illustrate another embodiment ofcollapsible container 110 movable between an erected condition or position illustrated inFIGS. 12, 18 and 20 and a collapsed condition or position illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 19 . Thecollapsible container 110 is designed for use inside an aircraft luggage hold but may be used in another environment or for any other purpose. - As best illustrated in
FIGS. 12 and 18 , thecollapsible container 110 comprises abase 112, a pair ofcollapsible side walls 114 and a top 180 which are integrally joined together by living hinges or folds in a continuous but yet collapsible loop or ring ofmaterial 181. Thiscollapsible ring 181 of thecontainer 110 may be made of numerous pieces of material welded or otherwise joined together. In one embodiment, thecollapsible ring 181 of thecontainer 110 comprises multiple pieces of plastic material butt-welded together. - The
base 112 has a pair of upwardly directedflange portions 113 on opposed sides of the base 112 which may remain vertically oriented when thecontainer 110 is collapsed. SeeFIG. 19 . Theseflange portions 113 are integrally joined by livinghinges 116 toside walls 114. See.FIGS. 13 and 19 . These living hinges 116 enable thecollapsible side walls 114 to collapse inwardly on top of the base 112 as shown inFIGS. 13 and 19 . Similarly, theside walls 114 and top 180 are integrally joined by livinghinges 182 which enable the top 180 to collapse on top of thecollapsed side walls 114 as shown inFIGS. 13 and 19 . - As illustrated in
FIG. 14 , eachside wall 114 comprises alower wall portion 118 hinged to anupper wall portion 120 with a horizontally oriented livinghinge 122 such that the upper andlower wall portions side wall 114 are integral with each other. Such configuration ofside walls 114 enables eachside wall 114 to collapse inwardly in a manner best illustrates inFIG. 14 so that theupper wall portion 120 overlays thelower wall portion 118 of eachside wall 114 when thecontainer 110 is collapsed. - As shown in
FIGS. 12-19 , at least one of theside walls 114 has acollapsible door 124 adapted to cover anopening 126 formed in the side wall. SeeFIG. 20 . Thedoor 124 is hingedly joined to theside wall 114 with a vertically orientedhinge 128 and movable between a closed position as shown inFIG. 12 and an open position as shown inFIG. 20 .Hinge 128 may be identical to hinge 28 shown inFIG. 11 and described above. However, hinge 128 may be any other suitable hinge.Hinge 128 is shown in detail inFIG. 22 and comprises a pair of generallyU-shaped receptacles 29 adapted to receive one of theside wall portions door 124 on the other. Thehinge 128 further comprises a joiningmember 131 which enables movement of thereceptacles 129 and their contents relative to one another. - The
door 124 has an upper portion orsection 130 and a lower portion orsection 132 separated by aliving hinge 123. In this illustrated embodiment, thedoor 124 comprises one piece of plastic collapsible or foldable due to livinghinge 123. Although one type of door is illustrated, other doors of any desired size or material may be used. - Each
section door 124 may be latched or locked in a closed position with a latch or lock 134 a, 134 b, respectively. As seen inFIG. 17 , a portion of eachlatch door section latch side wall portions FIG. 20 . The latches orlocks latches - As best seen in
FIGS. 14 and 15 , flaps 136 a and 136 b are integral with and hinged to upper andlower portions side wall 114 by livinghinges upper flaps 136 a are hinged toupper portions 120 ofside walls 114 with living hinges 138 a. Similarly,middle flaps 136 b are hinged tolower portions 118 ofside walls 114 with living hinges 138 b. Thus, flaps 136 a and 136 b are part of theside walls 114 and part of the loop or ring ofmaterial 181 described above. - Lastly,
lower flaps 136 c are hingedly secured to side edges 138 c oflower wall portions 118 ofside walls 114 withhinges 140. Eachlower flap 136 c is a separate piece of material, preferably plastic. However, flaps 136 c may be made of any suitable material and of any desired size or configuration.Hinges 140, used to secureflaps 136 c toside walls 114 are 270 degree hinge extrusions likehinge 28 used on thedoor 24, shown in detail inFIG. 11 and described above. However, thesehinges 140 may be any other suitable hinges. - As seen in
FIGS. 14 and 15 , on the other end of eachside wall 114, flaps 136 d and 136 e are hinged to eachside wall 114 and integral with eachside wall 114. More particularly, flaps 136 d are hinged toupper wall portions 120 ofside walls 114 with living hinges 138 d. Similarly, flaps 136 e are hinged tolower wall portions 118 ofside walls 114 with living hinges 138 e. Thus, flaps 136 d and 136 e are part of theside walls 114 and part of the loop or ring ofmaterial 181 described above. - As shown in
FIG. 17 , thecollapsible container 110 further comprises afront wall 142 hingedly joined to base 112 with horizontally orientedhinge 144.Hinge 144 in the embodiment shown is the same hinge as hinges 16 and 22 shown in detail inFIG. 9 and described above. As best shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 ,front wall 142 has at least one hole or opening 146 therethrough at the end of thefront wall 142 opposite where it is joined to base 112 withhinge 144. This end becomes the top of thefront wall 142 when thecontainer 110 is erected. Similar holes oropenings 148 through thefront wall 142 are located along the sides of thefront wall 142. As shown inFIG. 17 , anylon strap 150 is secured at itsupper end 152 to thefront wall 142 and used for raising thefront wall 142 from a horizontal collapsed position shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 to an erected or raised position shown inFIG. 17 .FIG. 17 shows thestrap 150 hanging outside theoutside surface 154 of thefront wall 142. - As best shown in
FIG. 18 , thecollapsible container 110 further comprises arear wall 156 hingedly joined to base 112 with horizontally orientedhinge 158.Hinge 158 in the embodiment shown is the same hinge as hinges 16 and 22 shown in detail inFIG. 9 and described above. (also the same ashinge 44 shown inFIG. 6 ). As best shown inFIGS. 16 and 18 ,rear wall 156 has a living hinge, crease or fold 160 separating therear wall 156 into an upper portion orsection 162 and a lower portion orsection 164. As best illustrated inFIG. 18 , when thecontainer 110 is erected, theupper portion 162 is vertically oriented and forms anobtuse angle 166 with thelower portion 164 of therear wall 156. As best illustrated inFIG. 16 , when thecontainer 110 is collapsed, theupper portion 162 lays on top of thelower portion 164. - Like the
front wall 142, therear wall 156 has at least one hole or opening 168 therethrough at the end of therear wall 156 opposite where it is joined to hinge 158. This end becomes the top of therear wall 156 when thecontainer 110 is erected. Similar holes oropenings 170 through therear wall 156 are located along the sides of therear wall 156 to aid in erecting thecontainer 110. SeeFIG. 16 . As shown inFIG. 12 , anylon strap 172 is secured at one end 174 to therear wall 156 and used for raising therear wall 156 from a horizontal collapsed position shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 to an erected or raised position shown inFIGS. 12 and 18 . As shown inFIGS. 16 and 17 , when therear wall 156 is collapsed, aninner surface 178 of theupper portion 162 of therear wall 156 is upwardly directed while aninner surface 178 a of thelower portion 164 of therear wall 156 is downwardly directed. Thus, when therear wall 156 is collapsed, theupper portion 162 of therear wall 156 is folded relative to of thelower portion 164 of therear wall 156 and rests or resides on top of thelower portion 164 of therear wall 156. - It is within the contemplation of the present invention that other devices other than
flexible nylon straps rear walls - The
collapsible container 110 further comprises a top 180 hinged to theupper wall portions 20 of theside walls 114 with horizontally oriented living hinges 182 such that the top 180 is integral with theside walls 114. As such the top 180 forms part of the loop or ring 181 of thecontainer 110. As best shown inFIGS. 14 and 15 , top 180 has a pair offlanges 184 extending downwardly from amain portion 185 of the top 180 and integral with themain portion 185 of the top 180 via living hinges 183. Although twoflanges 184 are illustrated, any number of flanges of any desired size may be integral with themain portion 185 of the top 180 via living hinges. Alternatively, flaps (not shown) may be hinged to the top 180 to secure the top 180 to the front and rear walls when thecontainer 110 is erected. - As shown in
FIG. 21A , at least one fastener in the form of arotatable latch 186 like the one shown inFIG. 7A is secured to eachflange 184 of the top 180. Therotatable latch 186 may be riveted or secured in any suitable manner to aninside surface 188 offlange 184. Therotatable latch 186 comprises astationary portion 190 and arotatable portion 192. SeeFIGS. 21A and 22B . One fastener or rotatable latch which has proven satisfactory is manufactured by Friedola Tech Holzapfel Gmbh of Germany and sold as Part No. M931020. However, any other suitable latch or fastener may be used. - Referring to
FIGS. 16, 21A and 21B, in order to secure therear wall 156 to theflange 184 of the top 180, therotatable portion 192 of thelatch 186 is passed throughopening 168 in therear wall 156 in its position shown inFIG. 21A and then rotated to a locked position shown inFIG. 21B . The same procedure is used to secure thefront wall 142 to theopposite flange 184 of the top 180. Although only one fastener is illustrated securing thefront wall 142 to the top 180 and another one securing therear wall 156 to the top 180 of thecontainer 110, any number of fasteners may be used. - As shown in
FIG. 16 , at least one fastener in the form of arotatable latch 186 is secured to an inside surface of each flap 136 a-136 c and adapted to pass throughholes 170 in therear wall 156. Similarly, at least one fastener in the form of arotatable latch 186 is secured to an inside surface of eachflap holes 148 in thefront wall 142. Any number of fasteners of any desired type or configuration may be used to secure any of the flaps 136 a-136 e to either thefront wall 142 orrear wall 156 of thecontainer 110. - Although not illustrated, it is within the contemplation of the present invention that any number of flaps be secured to or integral with the front and
rear walls container 110 instead of being secured to or integral with theside walls 114 of thecontainer 110, as illustrated and described. In either event, the flaps may be used to secure the front andrear walls container 110 to thecollapsible side walls 114 of thecontainer 110 when thecontainer 110 is erected. - The
container 110 is preferably made of plastic material. However, other materials or other configurations may be used without departing from the present invention. Although reference is made to made in this document to a front wall panel or front wall, a rear wall panel or rear wall and side walls, it will be appreciated that thecollapsible container - Referring to
FIG. 14 , the method of assembling thecollapsible container 110 will now be described. Beginning with thecollapsed container 110 shown inFIG. 13 , two operators orassemblers upper portions 120 of thecollapsed side walls 114 up as shown inFIG. 14 , thereby erecting theside walls 114 of thecontainer 110 including thedoor 124. At this point, the front andrear walls container 110 are still in their collapsed condition or position. SeeFIGS. 14 and 15 .FIG. 15 shows thecontainer 110 with theside walls 114 fully erect and the flaps 136 a-136 e located outside theside walls 114 of thecontainer 110. - As shown in
FIG. 16 ,assemblers rear wall 156 andfront wall 142, respectively.Front wall 142 is raised first byoperator 194 b since it lays on top ofrear wall 156 when the front andrear wall base 112. - As shown in
FIG. 17 , after the front andrear walls assemblers 194 a opens thedoor 124 and enters the interior of the partially erectedcontainer 110. Theother assembler 194 b stays outside thecontainer 110. Theassembler 194 a passes therotatable portions 192 ofrotatable latches 186 secured toflanges 184 of top 180 throughopenings rear walls FIG. 21A . Theassembler 194 a inside thecontainer 110 then rotates the rotatable portions oflatches 186 as shown inFIG. 21B to secure the top 180 of thecontainer 110 to the front andrear walls assembler 194 a passes therotatable portions 192 ofrotatable latches 186 secured to flaps 136 a-136 e throughopenings rear walls FIG. 21A . Theassembler 194 a inside thecontainer 110 then rotates the rotatable portions oflatches 186 as shown inFIG. 21B to secure the flaps 136 a-136 e of thecontainer 110 to the front andrear walls container 110, the flaps 136 a-136 e being outside the front andrear walls container 110. - After the
container 110 is fully assembled, thedoor 124 may be closed and locked, if necessary, after products oritems 96 are loaded inside theinterior 198 of thecontainer 110. SeeFIG. 20 . - Although the figures illustrate a known method of assembling the collapsible containers of the present invention, any other suitable known method may be used to assembly a collapsed container built in accordance with the present invention.
- While we have described several embodiments of our invention in detail, we do not intend to be limited except by the scope of the following claims. For example, wherever a living hinge is illustrated and described, alternatively a separate hinge may be used. Likewise, wherever a separate hinge is illustrated and described, a living hinge may be used.
Claims (22)
1. A collapsible container comprising:
a base;
a top having two opposed flanges;
a front wall hingedly secured to said base;
a rear wall hingedly secured to said base;
side walls integral with said base and top, each of said side walls being collapsible inwardly;
flaps hinged to said side walls, wherein said flaps and said flanges of said top may be secured to said front and rear wall panels to erect said container.
2. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein said front and rear walls each have a strap secured thereto to aid in assembly of said container.
3. The collapsible container of claim 1 further comprising a collapsible door hinged to one of said walls.
4. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein said flaps and said flanges of said top may be secured to said front and rear walls with fasteners.
5. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein each of said side walls has an upper portion integral with a lower portion.
6. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein at least some of said flaps are integral with said side walls.
7. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein at least some of said flaps are secured to said side walls with hinges.
8. A collapsible container comprising:
a base;
a top having two opposed flanges;
a front wall secured to said base with a hinge;
a rear wall having a upper portion and a lower portion, said lower portion being secured to said base with a hinge and forming an obtuse angle with said upper portion of said rear wall when said container is erected;
side walls integral with said base and said top, each of said side walls having integral upper and lower portions hinged together so as to enable said side wall to hinge and collapse inwardly;
flaps integral with said side walls for securing said side walls to said front and rear walls when said container is erected.
9. The collapsible container of claim 8 wherein at least some of said flaps have fasteners attached thereto which may pass through openings in said front and rear walls for assembly of said container.
10. The collapsible container of claim 8 further comprising a collapsible door.
11. The collapsible container of claim 9 further comprising fasteners attached to said flaps for erecting the container.
12. The collapsible container of claim 10 wherein said door has an upper portion integral with a lower portion.
13. A collapsible container comprising:
a base;
a top;
a front wall hingedly secured to said base;
a rear wall hingedly secured to said base;
side walls integral with said base and top, each of said side walls having integral upper and lower portions hinged together and being collapsible inwardly;
flaps for securing said side walls to said front and rear walls to erect said container.
14. The collapsible container of claim 13 wherein each of said flaps has latches thereon which pass through said front and rear walls and are used to assemble the container.
15. The collapsible container of claim 13 wherein said top has opposed flanges, each of said flanges having latches thereon which pass through said front and rear walls and are used to assemble the container.
16. The collapsible container of claim 13 further comprising hinges joining said front and rear walls to said base.
17. The collapsible container of claim 13 further comprising a door having an upper portion hinged to a lower portion.
18. A method of erecting a collapsible container, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a collapsed container;
lifting a top of the collapsed container, thereby erecting side walls of the collapsed container;
lifting front and rear walls hingedly secured to a base of the collapsed container;
securing the top of the container to the front and rear walls of the container;
securing flaps hinged to said side walls of the container to the front and rear walls of the container.
19. The method of claim 18 wherein securing the top of the container to the front and rear walls of the container comprises passing rotatable latches through openings in the front and rear walls of the container and rotating the latches to prevent the latches from passing through the openings in the front and rear walls of the container.
20. The method of claim 18 wherein lifting said front and rear walls of the collapsed container comprises pulling on a strap secured to each of said front and rear walls.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein said step of securing flaps hinged to said side walls of the container to the front and rear walls of the container comprises passing rotatable latches located on the flaps of the container through openings in the front and rear walls of the container and rotating the latches.
22. A method of erecting a collapsible container, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a collapsed container having a top with opposed flanges, each of said flanges having at least one latch thereon;
raising the top of the collapsed container, thereby erecting collapsed side walls of the collapsed container, each of the side walls having flaps hinged thereto and at least one of the side walls having a collapsible door formed therein;
lifting front and rear walls hingedly secured to a base of the collapsed container;
passing said latches located on the flanges of the top of the container through openings in the front and rear walls of the container;
securing the top of the container to the front and rear walls of the container with the latches;
passing latches located on the flaps of the container through openings in the front and rear walls of the container;
securing the flaps of the container to the front and rear walls of the container using the latches.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/530,986 US20070056967A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2006-09-12 | Collapsible Container For Air Shipment Cargo and Method of Use |
PCT/US2006/035978 WO2007035464A2 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2006-09-14 | Collapsible container for air shipment cargo and method of use |
EP06814712A EP1924507A4 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2006-09-14 | Collapsible container for air shipment cargo and method of use |
PCT/US2007/077095 WO2008033668A2 (en) | 2006-09-12 | 2007-08-29 | Collapsible container for air shipment cargo and method of use |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/227,738 US20070056977A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2005-09-15 | Collapsible container for air shipment cargo and method of use |
US11/530,986 US20070056967A1 (en) | 2005-09-15 | 2006-09-12 | Collapsible Container For Air Shipment Cargo and Method of Use |
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WO2013045585A1 (en) * | 2011-09-30 | 2013-04-04 | Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. | Air cargo container |
US8915397B2 (en) | 2012-11-01 | 2014-12-23 | Orbis Corporation | Bulk container with center support between drop door and side wall |
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