WO2007129988A1

WO2007129988A1 - Collapsible container

Info

Publication number: WO2007129988A1
Application number: PCT/SG2007/000016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hwai Teck Cheok
Original assignee: Caddee Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2006-05-08
Filing date: 2007-01-19
Publication date: 2007-11-15
Also published as: WO2007129986A1; TW200742719A

Abstract

The invention is a shipping container which is foldable into a collapsed configuration, which takes up only a small volume. The container comprises upright sidewalls (30, 40, 50) that are pivotally attached to a base (20) via pillars (22) which extend upwardly from the base (20). The sidewalls are removable and are pivotable at various heights above the base. One sidewall is removable from container when it is in an erected configuration. This allows cargo to be withdrawn horizontally from the container. A cover (60) that can be securely attached to the container is provided. The cover can be attached to the container both when the container is in a collapsed configuration and in an erected configuration.

Description

COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers for storing and transporting goods. In particular, the invention relates to collapsible or fold-up storage containers which may be transported to a storage site in a flat, folded configuration.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Shipping containers are relatively bulky and so empty containers are expensive to transport. Accordingly, containers that are collapsible into a more compact configuration when empty are desirable.

Many examples of collapsible storage containers exist. An example of such a collapsible container can be found in US5289933. The storage container of US5289933 has side walls that are attached to a base unit and a cover unit using plug and socket connectors. The side walls are connected together by hinges and include a door, which can be used to access the container when it is in an assembled configuration. The side walls can be detached from the base and cover, folded into a flat configuration and placed between the base and the cover.

Another example of a collapsible container is described in US2003/0150769. The container of US2003/0150769 has side walls secured to a base unit using plug and socket type connectors. The side walls are connected to each other and to a cover using coaxial tubular members, which are joined together by a pin inserted within the tubular members.

A further example of a collapsible container can be found in US5722555. The container of US5722555 includes a side panel which can be pivoted out. The side panel is of a smaller height than the rest of the frame of the container.

While there are a number of collapsible shipping containers known in the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container that is modular for easy repair and maintenance, that is easy to assemble and disassemble, that allows for simple insertion and removal of goods from the container and that is suitable for liquid, powder and solid cargo.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, a collapsible container comprises: a horizontal base member; and a plurality of sidewalls; wherein the base member includes a plurality of upwardly projecting pillars, and each sidewallis connected between two upwardly projecting pillars when the container is in an assembled configuration, and wherein each pillar includes at least one slot formed in an upright wall of the pillar, and each sidewall includes two projections, the projections being received in the slots of the pillars between which the sidewall is connected.

Preferably, the slots are elongate. Preferably, the slots extend in a substantially vertical direction.

Preferably, each projection is rotatably received in a slot.

Preferably, each slot includes an opening to the exterior of the respective pillar, so as to allow for insertion and removal of the projection from the slot via the opening in a direction non-parallel to an axis extending between the two projections. Preferably, the opening and the slot are dimensioned such that the projection can only be removed from the slot in certain orientations. Preferably, the projection can be removed from the slot only when the associated sidewall is substantially vertical. Preferably, the projections are elliptical in cross-section.

Preferably, each slot includes an elongate section that extends substantially vertically and a transverse section that includes the opening.

Preferably, each of the sidewalls is pivotable about the projections to a position overlying and substantially parallel to the base member.

The elongate section of the slots allows the projections to move vertically and so allows the pivot point to be at different heights above the base member. This means that the sidewalls can be folded over the. base member and each other in several different orders.

Preferably, at least one sidewall is connected to a pillar by a sidewall bolt to retain the sidewall in a substantially vertical orientation. Preferably, the sidewall bolt is received in the same slot as a projection on the sidewall.

Preferably, each sidewall is connected to an adjacent sidewall. Preferably, each pillar has a lower height than the connected sidewalls.

Preferably, one of the sidewalls is connected to the base by a plug and socket type connection.

Preferably, the container further includes a cover. Preferably, the cover is connected to at least one of the sidewalls by at least one cover bolt when the container is in an erected configuration. Preferably, the at least one cover bolt is received by a hole in the sidewall. Preferably, the cover is connected to at least one of the pillars by at least one cover bolt when the container is in a collapsed configuration.

Preferably, in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one sidewall slot formed in a surface adjacent to the second sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the sidewall slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the first sidewall,

^■wherein the second sidewall has a projection adapted to fit into the sidewall slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall, and wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

Preferably, the sidewall slot is formed on an angle bar extending substantially perpendicular to the largest face of the first sidewall. Preferably, the sidewall slot is substantially L-shaped.

Preferably, the second sidewall is retained relative to the second sidewall by a sidewall bolt.

Preferably, the first sidewall is connected to the base member by a plug and socket type connection.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a collapsible container comprises: a horizontal base member; and a plurality of sidewalls; wherein the base member includes a plurality of upwardly projecting pillars and each sidewall is connected between two upwardly projecting pillars when the container is in an assembled configuration, wherein each pillar includes at least one projection formed in an upright wall of the pillar and each sidewall includes two slots, the slots receiving the projections of the pillars between which the sidewall is connected .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a collapsible container comprises: a horizontal base member; a first sidewall; and a second sidewall, wherein, in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one slot formed in a surface adjacent to the second sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the first sidewall, wherein the second sidewall has a projection adapted to fit into the slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall, and wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

Preferably, the slot is formed on an angle bar extending substantially perpendicular to the largest face of the first sidewall. Preferably, the slot is substantially L-shaped.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a collapsible container comprises: a horizontal base member; a first sidewall; and a second sidewall, wherein, in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one projection extending parallel to the largest surface of the first sidewall wherein the second sidewall has a slot formed in a surface adjacent to the projection on the first sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the second sidewall, wherein the projection is adapted to fit into the slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall, and wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a collapsible container comprises: a horizontal base member having a plurality of upwardly projecting pillars; a plurality of sidewalls each connected to the base; and a cover; wherein the cover is releasably securable to at least one sidewall to form an enclosure with the base member and the sidewalls when the container is in an erected configuration, and wherein the cover is releasably securable to at least one pillar when the container is in a collapsed configuration.

Preferably, the cover is releasably securable to the sidewall and the pillar by at least one cover bolt to retain the cover in a substantially horizontal orientation. Preferably, the at least one cover bolt is received by a hole in the sidewall when the container is in an erected configuration. Preferably, the at least one cover bolt is received by a hole in the pillar when the container is in a collapsed configuration.

Preferably, each sidewall is connected between two pillars when the container is in an assembled configuration.

Preferably, at least one sidewall is connected to a pillar by a sidewall bolt to retain the sidewall in a substantially vertical orientation.

Preferably, in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one sidewall slot formed in a surface adjacent to the second sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the sidewall slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the first sidewall, wherein the second sidewall has a projection adapted to fit into the sidewall slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall, and

. wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

Preferably, the sidewall slot is formed on an angle bar extending substantially perpendicular to the largest face of the first sidewall.

Preferably, the sidewall slot is substantially L-shaped.

Preferably, the second sidewall is retained relative to the first sidewall by a sidewall bolt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a container in accordance with the invention in an assembled configuration;

Figure 2a is a plan view of a base unit of the present invention;

Figures 2b, 2c, and 2d are side views of the base unit shown in Figure 2a;

Figure 2e is a bottom view of the base unit shown in Figure 2a; Figures 3a is front view of a first side wall for use with the base of Figure 2;

Figure 3b is a side view of the side wall of Figure 3a;

Figure 3c is a top view of this side wall of Figure 3a;

Figure 3d is a rear view of the side wall of Figure 3a;

Figure 4a is a front view of a second side wall for use with the base of Figure 2;

Figure 4b is a side view of the side wall of Figure 4a;

Figure 4c is a rear view of the side wall of Figure 4a;

Figure 5a is a front view of a third side wall for use with the base of Figure 2;

Figure 5b is a side view of the side wall of Figure 5a;

Figure 6a is a plan view of a cover for use with the base unit and side walls shown in Figures 2-

5;

Figure 6b is a side view of the cover of Figure 6a;

Figure 6c is a front view of the cover of Figure 6a;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container in a partially assembled configuration;

Figure 8a is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration, without a cover;

Figure 8b is a perspective view of the container of Figure 1 in a collapsed configuration, with a eover;

Figures 9a-9d are side views of an upwardly projecting pillar under base unit shown in Figure 2;

Figure 10a and Figure 10b are side views of an angle bar attached to the side walls shown in Figures 3-5; and,

Figure 11 shows side views of a second angle bar attached to the side or shown in Figures 3-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an assembled container 10 in accordance with one example of die present invention. The container is of a cuboidal shape, having a rectangular base 20, four upright sidewalls 30, 40, 50 and a rectangular cover 60. The container has a long side and a short side.

Each of the component parts of the container shown in Figure 1 will now be described in more detail.

Figure 2a shows a plan view of a base for use as part of the container shown in Figure 1. The base 20 is formed of a frame 21 of mild galvanised steel. At each corner of the base 20 there is an upstanding pillar 22 and along one of die long edges (hereinafter referred to as the front edge) there are a series of holes 23 for receiving corresponding projections on a sidewall. Figure 2b shows a front view of the base shown in Figure 2a. In Figure 2b the pillars 22 can be clearly seen.

Figure 2c shows a view of the back of the base of Figure 2a. Between the two pillars 22 extends an angle bar 24 which is used to strengthen and retain the attached back sidewall. Figure 2e shows the bottom view of the base of Figure 2a. The underside of the base 20 is constructed as a pallet suitable for use with a forklift truck. The construction of the pallet can be seen in Figures 2b-2d. The pallet comprises a plurality of downwardly extending columns 25 disposed around the periphery of the underside of the frame 21. Each of the columns is fixed at one end to the frame 21 and at their opposite end to a strip extending around the entire periphery of the base. This configuration facilitates the use of forklift trucks. There are holes 27 at each corner of the underside of the base. These holes 27 will be described in more detail below.

Figure 2d shows a view from the side of the base 20 of Figure 2a. Again the upstanding pillars 22 can clearly be seen. These pillars 22 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 9a-9d. However, it can be seen from a comparison of Figures 2a and 2b that the opening slot is formed higher up in the pillars at the back edge of the base than in the pillars at the front edge of the base. This is related to the ability to remove the side wall attached to the front of the base.

In use, the base 20 can be covered with a sheet of metal to form a solid and continuous floor to the container* This sheet does not cover tibe holes 23 along the front edge of the base.

Figure 3 shows a front sidewall 30 which attaches to the front edge of the base shown in Figure 2. As can be seen in Figure 3a, which is the front view of the front sidewall, a series of projections 33 are formed on the bottom surface of the sidewall 30, which fit into the corresponding holes 23 on the front edge of the base plate 20. The front sidewall also connects to the pillars 22 at the corners of the base plate 20. It can be seen in Figure 3a that the front sidewall 30 includes a cut-away portion 32 corresponding to the pillars 22. Projecting pins 34 fit into slots in the pillars 22. The slots allow the sidewall to pivot about the pins 34. The sidewall 30 accordingly folds in and lies flat above the base unit 20 in a folded configuration. A further bolt 35 is used to fasten the sidewall to the pillar 22 when in an upright position. The bolts 35 are moveable from a locked position to an open position by hand using the U-shaped handles 36. The bolts fit into the top of the slots formed in the pillars 22.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the pillars 22 each include a projection 26 on their top. This projection 26 fits into a corresponding hole in the front and back sidewalls. It also fits into a corresponding hole 27 in the underside of the base 20 when two or more containers in a collapsed configuration are stacked together.

The front sidewall 30 is formed from a frame 31 of mild galvanised steel. Sheet steel 36 is placed on the inside of the frame 31 to form a continuous interior wall. Figure 3b shows a side view of the front sidewall shown in Figufe 3a. Figure 3b shows an angle bar 37 attached to the edge of the sidewall, the angle bar including L-shaped slots for receiving corresponding pins on the shorter sidewalls shown in Figure 5. This arrangement will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 10.

Figure 3c shows a top view of the sidewall of Figure 3a. A pair of projections 39 at each end of the top of the sidewall is provided. Cut-away corners in the cover units fit around the projections 39. The projection 39 also fits into a corresponding hole 27 in the underside of the base 20 when two or more containers in an erected configuration are stacked together. Angle bars 37 can also be seen.

Figure 3d shows a rear view of the sidewall of Figure 3a. There are holes 301 along the top edge of the inside surface of the sidewall for receiving bolts from the cover. This arrangement will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 6.

Figure 4a is a front view of the back sidewall 40 that is placed at the back edge of the base unit. The back side wall 40 has similar configuration to the front sidewall 30. However, the back sidewall 40 does not have any projections formed on its lower surface. It is instead retained by the angle bar 24 shown in Figure 2b. The back sidewall is formed from a frame 41 of mild galvanised steel and the interior surface is formed from a sheet of steel 42. The back sidewall also includes an aperture 43 in a central lower section. This aperture 43 is used for filling and emptying the container with liquid. The back sidewall 40 includes- the same pin and bolt arrangement as the front side wall 30 for attaching to pillars 22.

Figure 4b shows a side view of the back sidewall of Figure 4a. The back side wall does include an angle bar as shown in Figure 3b, but the angle bar 47 of the back sidewall does not include L-shape slots but round holes. These holes receive pins on the short sidewalls shown in Figure 5.

Figure 4c shows a rear view of the back sidewall of Figure 4a. Similar to the front sidewall 30, there are holes 401 along the top edge of the inside surface of the sidewall for receiving a bolt from the cover. This arrangement will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 6.

Figure 5a shows a front view of the short sidewalls 50 that are used to connect to the base 20. Both short sidewalls are identical and are formed from a frame 51 of mild galvanised steel with a sheet steel lining 52. The side wall shown in Figure 5a includes a pair of pins 53 at the bottom of the side edges. These pins 53 locate into corresponding slots in the upright pillars 22 on the base 20. It can also be seen that along the side edges there is a series of projections 55 which correspond to the L- shape slots 38 and holes 48 in the angle plates of the front and back side walls shown in Figures 3a and 4b. The short side wall shown in Figure 5a also includes a pair of bolts 56 which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by hand using the U-shaped handle 57. The bolts 56 fit into corresponding holes on the adjacent front and back side walls 30, 40.

Figure 5b is a side view of the short side wall shown in Figure 5a. The series of projections 55 can be more clearly seen.

Figure 6a is a plan view of the cover 60 of the container shown in Figure 1. The cover 60 is formed of sheet steel and includes a pair of handles 61 to allow the cover to be lifted off. The long sides of the cover 60 includes bolts 62 and 64 which can be moved from a closed position to an open position by hand. When the container is in an erected configuration, the bolts 62 and 64 fit into corresponding holes 301 on the front sidewall 30 and corresponding holes 401 on the back sidewall 40 to lock th'e cover 60 to the container. The cover includes cut-away corners 63 at each comer for fitting around corresponding lugs 39, 49 on the top of each of the front and back side walls 30, 40. Figure 6b is a side view of the cover 60. Figure 6c is a front view of the cover 60. The bolts 62 and 64 can be clearly seen.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the container shown in Figure 1 in a partially erected configuration. The front and back sidewalls 30, 40 are in an upright configuration, secured to the base 20 and pillars 22. The short sidewalls 50 are folded down over the base. The cover 60 is removed and not shown. Angle bars 37, 47 can- be seen to extend parallel to the short sidewall 50.

Figure 8a shows the container in a folded configuration. When folding the container from an erected configuration to the folded configuration, the short side walls 50 are first folded down followed by one or other of the front and back side walls 30, 40, followed by the other of the front and back side walls 30, 40.

The method of assembly and disassembly is described in more detail below. In the example shown in Figure 8a, the front sidewall 30 lies on top of the back sidewall 40. The back sidewall 40 lies on top of the short sidewalls 50 and the base 20.

Figure 8b shows the container of Figure 8a with the cover 60 placed on top. The cut-away corners 63 on the cover 60 fit around the pillars 22. The bolts 62 fit into corresponding holes on the pillars 22. The cover 60 when locked to the base in this way, restrains the collapsed sidewalls to the collapsed configuration.

Figure 9 shows one of the upright pillars 22 on the front corner of the base 20 in more detail. Figure 9a shows a first side view. Figure 9b shows a front view. Figure 9c shows a second side view and Figure 9d shows a rear view.

Figures 9a and 9d show the slot 90 into which pins on a short sidewall 50 locate. A pin 53 is inserted in a horizontal direction through opening 91. The sidewall 50 then drops as the pin 53 locates in the bottom of the elongate section 92 of the slot 90. The pin 53 is free to rotate -within the elongate section of the slot 92 and, as the pin is rigidly connected to the sidewall, the sidewall 50 is free to pivot from a vertical position to a horizontal position.

The short sidewall 50 can be removed by lifting the sidewall until the pin 53 is level with the opening 91 and then withdrawing the pin horizontally through the opening 91. The vertical dimension of the opening 91 is less than the horizontal dimension of the elongate section 92. The pins 53 are shaped so that they ate only able to pass through the opening 91 when the sidewall 50 is in a substantially vertical orientation. In the preferred form, the pins 53 are elliptical in cross-section. The long axis of the ellipse is marginally shorter than the horizontal width of the elongate section 92 but longer than the vertical dimension of the opening 91. The short axis of the ellipse is marginally shorter than the vertical dimension of the opening 91. This ensures that the pin 53 will only pass through the opening 91 when the short axis of the ellipse is substantially vertical. The pins 53 are connected to the sidewall 50 such that the short axis of the pin 53 is vertical when the sidewall is vertical.

Figures 9b and 9c show the elongate slot 94 into which pins 34 attached to the front sidewall 30 locate. The aperture 93 and the pins on the front sidewall 30 are dimensioned such that the pins 34 can only be removed when the front sidewall 30 is in a substantially vertical orientation, in the same manner as described above. The same arrangement is used for the back sidewall 40. The position of the opening 93 is lower than that of opening 91. This means that the front sidewall needs to be lifted a shorter distance in order to be removed. The distance corresponds with the dimensions of L-shaped slots 38 on the angle bars 37 on the front sidewall. This is described in more detail below.

The elongate section of the slot 94 extends vertically beyond the opening 93. This not only allows the front sidewall to lie horizontally over the base at various heights, it also provides a space into which bolt 35 can locate. The location of bolt 35 in slot 94 keeps the front sidewall in a vertical orientation. A similar arrangement is used for the back sidewall 40.

The front sidewall 30 may be removed from the container 10 when it is in an erected configuration to allow access to the interior of the container.

Figure 9d also shows a hole 95 into which a bolt 62 of the cover 60 fits into.

As has already been described, the front and back sidewalls each have angle bars 37, 47 connected along theit side edges. Figure 10 shows an angle bar 37 attached to the front side wall 30. The angle bars are L-shaped in cross-section as can be seen from Figure 3c. The face 101 containing the slots 38 shown in Figure 10a is perpendicular to the front wall (parallel to the adjacent to the short side wall 50 when the container is in an erected configuration. This is shown in Figure 7. The face 102 shown in Figure 10b is parallel to the front side wall and includes a hole 103 for receiving a bolt 56 from the adjacent short side wall. The slots 38 receive projections 55 from the adjacent short side wall 50.

Figure 11 shows an angle bar that is attached to the back sidewall. The angle bar 47 is again L- shaped in cross section. Figure 11 shows the face 111 that is perpendicular to the back sidewall and parallel to an adjacent short sidewall 50. Face 111 includes holes 48 for receiving projections 55 on the adjacent sidewalls 50. Face 112 is parallel to the back sidewall 40 and includes a hole 114 for receiving a bolt 56 from the adjacent sidewall 50.

The method of assembly of the container described with a reference to Figures 1 to 11 will now be described. The assembly starts with a base unit 20. Short sidewalls 50 are then attached. The pins 53 on the short sidewall 50 are inserted into the slots 90 on the pillars 22. The short sidewalls 50 are in a vertical configuration when inserted. They are then pivoted down over the base unit. The front sidewall 30 and the back sidewall 40 are then attached to the base 20. These sidewalls are attached by inserting pins 34 into the slots 94 in the appropriate pillars, with the sidewall in a vertical orientation. The front side wall is lowered until the top of the pillars 22 engage with corresponding seats on the sidewall and the projections 33 on the base of the front sidewall engage with the corresponding holes in the base 20. Similarly, the back sidewall 40 is lowered into position, so that the top of the pillars 22 engage with the corresponding seats in the sidewall 40. Bolts 35 can then be slid into a locked position to retain the front and back sidewalls in a vertical orientation. The position of the back sidewall is further strengthened by the angle bar 24 running along the back edge of the base 20. At this point, the container is in the configuration shown in Figure 7.

The short sidewalls 50 are then pivoted up into a vertical position in which the projections 55 engage with the corresponding slots or holes 38, 48 in the angle bars of the front and back sidewalls. Bolts 56 can then be slid into the locked position to retain the short sidewalls relative to the front and back sidewalls in a vertical orientation.

Finally, the cover 60 is placed on the top of the four sidewalls. The bolts 62 and 64 can then be locked.

It is possible to assemble the container in a different order, with the front and back sidewalls being attached prior to the insertion of the short sidewalls.

The assembled container can be folded down into a collapsed configuration in the following manner. First the cover 60 is unbolted and removed. The short sidewalls are then unbolted using bolts 56 from the adjacent front and back sidewalls 30, 40 and pivoted about pins 53 until they lie flat on top of the base 20. Either of the short sidewalls 50 can be pivoted on to the base first to lie in contact with the base 20. The elongate nature of the slots in the pillars 22 allows the pins 53 and 34 to be located at different heights above the base. The front and back sidewalls 30, 40 are then unbolted from pillars 22 using bolts 35. Again, either the front or the back sidewall can be pivoted down first. The front sidewall 30 has to be lifted slightly, to free the projections 33 on its bottom edge from the base 20 prior to pivoting.

Finally, the cover 60 is placed on top of the sidewalls. The bolts 62 are then used to lock the cover 60 to the pillars 22 and retain the sidewalls parallel to the base.

The container is erected from a folded condition by reversing the steps described above for folding the container.

The front sidewall of the container 10 can be removed while the rest of the container remains in an erected configuration. In order to remove the front sidewall 30, the bolts 56 attaching the adjacent short sidewalls 50 to the front sidewall 30 are unlocked. The cover 60 is also unbolted and removed. The front sidewall 30 is then lifted so that the projections 33 on its bottom edge are clear of the base unit 20, the pins 34 align with the opening 84 in the upright pillars and the projections 55 line up with the opening in the L-shaped slots 38. In this position, the front sidewall 30 can be withdrawn horizontally from the container. The cover 60 can be replaced with the front sidewall removed if desired.

The ability to remove the front sidewall 30 gives a large access area to the interior of the container. The lack of an angle bar on the front edge of the base allows the contents of the container to be withdrawn, and inserted horizontally without any interference.

The front sidewall can be replaced into the assembled container by reversing the steps taken for its removal.

The container described is suitable for liquid cargo as well as solid cargo. In order to house liquid cargo, a liquid impermeable liner is used. The liner fits inside the container and has an opening in a position corresponding with opening 43 on the back sidewall. The opening 43 may be closed by a plate that is received in rails 44 adjacent the opening.

It should be appreciated that the container described is just one example of a container in accordance with the present invention. For example, it is possible where there are plug and socket type connections in which pins (or projections) engage holes (or slots) that the pins and holes be reversed. For example, it is possible for the upright pillars 22 to have a series of projections formed on their surfaces and the sidewalls to have slots formed in their sides for receiving the projections. Equally, it is possible that projections 33 and holes 23 be switched so that projections are formed on the base 20 and holes are formed on the bottom surface on the front sidewall 30.

It is possible that the bolts 62 and 64 on the cover 60 can be on the short side instead of on the long side. The position of the corresponding holes on the sidewalls and pillars will then change accordingly. It is also possible that the bolts on one side of the cover 60 can be replaced with projections, leaving only bolts on one side of the cover 60.

Also, it should be appreciated that although the container is described as a generally cuboid shaped, which meets with international standards, it is perfectly possible to construct a container in accordance with the present invention that is of a different aspect ratio or of an entirely different shape.

A container according to the present invention is easy to maintain. Each of the base sidewalls and cover are detachable and replaceable if they are damaged. Sidewalls can be folded down over the base in a number of different orders. The interior of the container can be accessed via a large area by removal of the front sidewall 30. The container is light weight, takes up a low volume in a folded configuration. The container has no loose parts when in a folded configuration, which might be misplaced. Furthermore, cargo can be loaded and unloaded into the container from either the front or from the side without any interference from angle bars on the base.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A collapsible container comprising: a horizontal base member; and a plurality of sidewalls; wherein the base member includes a plurality of upwardly projecting pillars, and each sidewall is connected between two upwardly projecting pillars when the container is in an assembled configuration, and wherein each pillar includes at least one slot formed in an upright wall of the pillar, and each sidewaE includes two projections, the projections being received in the slots of the pillars between which the sidewall is connected.

2. A collapsible container according to claim 1, wherein the slots are elongate.

3. A collapsible container according to claim 2, wherein the slots extend in a substantially vertical direction.

4. A collapsible container according to claims- 1 , 2 -or 3, wherein each projection is fotatably received in a slot.

5. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each slot includes an opening to the exterior of the respective pillar, so as to allow for insertion and removal of the projection from the slot via the opening in a direction non-parallel to an axis extending between the two projections.

6. A collapsible container according to claim 5, wherein the opening and the slot are dimensioned such that the projection can only be removed from the slot in certain orientations.

7. A collapsible container according to claim 6, wherein the projection can be removed from the slot only when the associated sidewall is substantially vertical.

8. A collapsible container according to claim 7, wherein the projections are elliptical in cross- section.

9. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein each slot includes an elongate section that extends substantially vertically and a transverse section that includes the opening.

10. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each of the sidewalls is pivotable about the projections to a position overlying and substantially parallel to the base member.

11. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one sidewall is connected to a pillar by a sidewall bolt to retain the sidewall in a substantially vertical orientation.

12. A collapsible container according to claim 11, wherein the sidewall bolt is received in the same slot as a projection on the sidewall.

13. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein each sidewall is connected to an adjacent sidewall.

14. A collapsible container according to claim 13, wherein each pillar has a lower height than the connected sidewalls.

15. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one of the sidewalls is connected to the base by a plug and socket type connection.

16. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further including a cover.

17. A collapsible container according to claim 16, wherein the cover is connected to at least one of the sidewalls by at least one cover bolt when the container is in an erected configuration.

18. A collapsible container according to claim 17, wherein the at least one cover bolt is received by a hole in the sidewall.

19. A collapsible container according to claim 16, wherein the cover is connected to at least one of the pillars by at least one cover bolt when the container is in a collapsed configuration.

20. A collapsible container according to claim 19, wherein the at least one cover bolt is received by a hole in the pillar.

21. A collapsible container according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one sidewall slot formed in a surface adjacent to the second sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the sidewall slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the first sidewall, wherein the second sidewall has a projection adapted to fit into the sidewall slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall, and wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

22. A collapsible container according to claim 21, wherein the sidewall slot is formed on an angle bar extending substantially perpendicular to the largest face of the first sidewall.

23. A collapsible container according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the sidewall slot is substantially L- siiaped.

24. A collapsible container according to claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the second sidewall is retained relative to the second sidewall by a sidewall bolt.

25. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the first sidewall is connected to the base member by a plug and socket type connection.

26. A collapsible container comprising: a horizontal base member; and a plurality of sidewalls; wherein the base member includes a plurality of upwardly projecting pillars and each sidewall is connected between two upwardly projecting pillars when the container is in an assembled configuration, wherein each pillar includes at least one projection formed in an upright wall of the pillar and each sidewall includes two slots, the slots receiving the projections of the pillars between which the sidewall is connected.

27. A collapsible container comprising: a horizontal base member; a first sidewall; and a second sidewall, wherein, in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one slot formed in a surface adjacent to the second sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the first sidewall, wherein the second sidewall has a projection adapted to fit into the slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall, and wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

28. A collapsible container according to claim 27, wherein the slot is formed on an angle bar extending substantially perpendicular to the largest face of the first sidewall.

29. A collapsible container according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the slot is substantially L-shaped.

30. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the second sidewall is retained relative to the second sidewall by a sidewall bolt.

31. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the first sidewall is connected to the base member by a plug and socket type connection.

32. A collapsible container comprising: a horizontal base member; a first sidewall; and a second sidewall, wherein, in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to the first sidewall and the second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one projection extending paraEel to the largest surface of the first sidewall wherein the second sidewall has a slot formed in a surface adjacent to the projection on the first sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the second sidewall, wherein the projection is adapted to fit into the slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the first sidewall, and

"wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

33. A collapsible container comprising: a horizontal base member having a plurality of upwardly projecting pillars; a plurality of sidewalls each connected to the base; and a cover; wherein the cover is releasably securable to at least one sidewall to form an enclosure with the base member and the sidewalls when the container is in an erected configuration, and wherein the cover is releasably securable to at least one pillar when the container is in a collapsed configuration.

34- A collapsible container according to ekim 33, wherein the cover is releasably securable to the sidewall and the pillar by at least one cover bolt to retain the cover in a substantially horizontal orientation.

35. A collapsible container according to claim 34, wherein the at least one cover bolt is received by a hole in the sidewall when the container is in an erected configuration.

36. A collapsible container according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the at least one cover bolt is received by a hole in the pillar when the container is in a collapsed configuration.

37. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein each sidewall is connected between two pillars when the container is in an assembled configuration.

38. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein at least one sidewall is connected to a pillar by a sidewall bolt to retain the sidewall in a substantially vertical orientation.

39. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein each sidewall is connected to an adjacent sidewall.

40. A collapsible container according to claims 39, wherein each pillar has a lower height than the connected sidewalls.

41 A collapsible container according to. any one of claims 33 to 40, wherein one of the sidewalls is connected to the base by a plug and socket type connection.

42. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein in an erected configuration, the base member is connected to a first sidewall and a second sidewall, and the first sidewall is connected to the second sidewall, wherein the first sidewall has at least one sidewall slot formed in a surface adjacent to the second sidewall, wherein when the container is in an erected configuration, the sidewall slot has an upright portion extending substantially vertically and a transverse section opening onto an edge of the first sidewall, wherein the second sidewall has a projection adapted to fit into the sidewall slot to retain the second sidewall relative to the. fkst sidewalk and wherein the projection is able to pass through the transverse section to allow the first sidewall to move relative to the second sidewall and thereby expose the interior of the container.

43. A collapsible container according to claim 42, wherein the sidewall slot is formed on an angle bar extending substantially perpendicular to the largest face of the first sidewall.

44. A collapsible container according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the sidewall slot is substantially L- shaped.

45. A collapsible container according to claim 42, 43 or 44, wherein the second sidewall is retained relative to the first sidewall by a sidewall bolt.

46. A collapsible container according to any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the first sidewall is connected to the base member by a plug and socket type connection.