Collapsible container with side wall latching capability

What claimed is:




1. A collapsible container comprising: base; first wall generally perpendicular base when upright position; second wall pivotably connected base pivotable between upright position generally perpendicular base collapsed position generally parallel base, second wall generally perpendicular first wall when upright position; latch protruding laterally first wall engaging second wall when second wall upright position latch latched position, latch deflectable latched position unlatched position direction generally parallel plane first wall selectively disengage latch second wall, wherein latch selectively manually movable latched position unlatched position release second wall upright position wherein latch deflectable latched position unlatched position release second wall upright position by application knockdown force second wall while latch latched position.


2. The collapsible container according claim 1 wherein least first one latch second wall first ramped surface which engages other latch second wall second wall raised upright position, least second one latch second wall having second ramped surface which engages other latch second wall when second wall upright position, latch being deflectable by second ramped surface release second wall upright position upon application knockdown force second wall.


3. The collapsible container according claim 2 wherein latch deflectable by first ramped surface second wall moved upright position.


4. The collapsible container according claim 3 wherein latch deflectable direction generally perpendicular base release second wall upright position.


5. The collapsible container according claim 3 wherein first ramped surface second ramped surface are both formed same one latch second wall.


6. The collapsible container according claim 5 wherein each latch second wall include both first ramped surface second ramped surface, first ramped surface latch engaging first ramped surface second wall second wall moved upright position, second ramped surface latch engaging second ramped surface second wall when second wall upright position, second ramped surface second wall engaging second ramped surface latch deflect latch release second wall latch upon application knockdown force second wall.


7. The collapsible container according claim 1 wherein latch further includes tongue extending into groove first wall.


8. The collapsible container claim 1 wherein latch includes flexible arm integrally molded with first wall.


9. The collapsible container claim 8 wherein plane first wall generally perpendicular base when first wall upright position generally parallel base when first wall collapsed position.


10. The collapsible container claim 1 wherein latch manually actuatable through opening through first wall.


11. A collapsible container comprising: base; first wall generally perpendicular base when upright position, recess exterior surface first wall for receiving latch similar wall when first wall similar wall are collapsed onto base; second wall pivotably connected base pivotable between upright position generally perpendicular base collapsed position generally parallel base, second wall generally perpendicular first wall when upright position; latch protruding laterally first wall engaging second wall when second wall upright position, latch deflectable direction generally parallel plane first wall selectively disengage latch second wall, wherein latch selectively manually actuatable release second wall upright position wherein latch deflectable release second wall upright position upon application knockdown force second wall.


12. A collapsible container comprising: generally planar base; first wall having plane generally perpendicular base when upright position generally parallel base when collapsed position; second wall pivotably connected base pivotable between upright position generally perpendicular base collapsed position generally parallel base, second wall generally perpendicular first wall when upright position; latch flexible arm extending generally parallel plane first wall, latch protruding inwardly flexible arm, latch having forward ramp surface rearward ramp surface steeper than forward ramp surface relative base, second wall engaging forward ramp surface deflect latch first direction generally parallel plane first wall second wall raised upright position, rearward ramp surface engaging second wall upright position retain second wall upright position, wherein latch deflectable first direction generally parallel plane first wall release second wall upright position.


13. The collapsible container according claim 12 wherein second wall includes first ramped surface second ramped surface, first ramped surface latch engaging first ramped surface second wall second wall moved upright position, second ramped surface latch engaging second ramped surface second wall when second wall upright position, second ramped surface second wall engaging second ramped surface latch deflect latch release second wall latch upon application knockdown force second wall.


14. The collapsible container according claim 12 wherein latch further includes tongue extending into groove first wall.


15. The collapsible container claim 12 wherein latch positioned inward second wall when second wall upright position.


16. A collapsible container comprising: base; first wall; second wall perpendicular first wall pivotably connected base, second wall pivotable between upright position generally perpendicular base collapsed position generally parallel base; latch first wall, least first one latch second wall having first ramped surface which engages other latch second wall second wall raised upright position, least second one latch second wall having second ramped surface which engages other latch second wall when second wall upright position, latch being deflectable toward unlatched position by second ramped surface release second wall upright position upon application knockdown force second wall, wherein latch manually actuatable through opening through first wall release second wall upright position.


17. The collapsible container according claim 16 wherein latch deflectable by first ramped surface second wall moved upright position.


18. The collapsible container according claim 17 wherein latch deflectable first direction generally parallel plane first wall release second wall upright position.


19. The collapsible container according claim 16 wherein first ramped surface second ramped surface are both formed same one latch second wall.


20. The collapsible container according claim 16 wherein each latch second wall include both first ramped surface second ramped surface, first ramped surface latch engaging first ramped surface second wall second wall moved upright position, second ramped surface latch engaging second ramped surface second wall when second wall upright position, second ramped surface second wall engaging second ramped surface latch deflect latch release second wall latch upon application knockdown force second wall.


21. The collapsible container according claim 16 wherein latch further includes tongue extending into groove first wall.


22. A collapsible container comprising: base; four walls each pivotable relative base between upright position generally perpendicular base collapsed position substantially parallel base; latch connecting each adjacent pair walls, each latch formed flexible arm integrally molded within one walls, each latch protruding laterally inwardly flexible arm engaging adjacent wall when adjacent wall upright position, latch having forward ramp surface rearward ramp surface steeper than forward ramp surface but less than perpendicular base, adjacent wall engaging forward ramp surface deflect latch direction transversely base adjacent wall raised upright position, rearward ramp surface engaging adjacent wall upright position retain adjacent wall upright position, latch being deflectable by second ramped surface release adjacent wall upright position upon application knockdown force adjacent wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally collapsible containers more particularly improved latch for collapsible container.

Collapsible containers are well known. Typically, four walls, each connected via hinge base, are selectively moveable about hinge between upright use position which wall generally perpendicular base collapsed position base. Various mechanisms been provided connect adjacent walls corners selectively lock container use position selectively permit collapse walls onto base for transport or storage.

Generally, there are two kinds collapsible containers. Some containers include latches corners that lock walls upright position until latch selectively actuated permit movement walls collapsed position. Typically these latches are actuated manually by user selectively deflecting latch permit movement walls. Other latches are optimized for actuation by automated equipment, which actuates latch collapses container.

Another known type collapsible container “knock-down” container. Often there simply some sort interference fit between member one wall with complementary member adjacent wall. Thus, no actuation latch required. The walls are forcibly moved into upright position forcibly knocked-down collapsed position without actuation any latches. One disadvantage knock-down container that force required lock walls upright position may much higher than normal latched containers because this same (or nearly same) force that retains walls upright position. In fact, knock-down containers often require user manually force interference members together one-by-one.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides collapsible container that advantages both latched collapsible containers knock-down collapsible containers. In collapsible container present invention, force required move walls upright position low typical latched collapsible container. The walls are also easily collapsed by actuating latch mechanism but also knocked-down forcibly without actuating latches. Thus, collapsible container present invention provides benefits both latched collapsible containers knock-down collapsible containers.

The collapsible container provides latch protruding laterally first wall engaging adjacent second wall retain walls upright position. The latch deflectable direction generally parallel plane first wall selectively disengage latch second wall. The latch second wall include complementary first ramped surfaces that engage one another deflect latch downwardly adjacent wall raised upright position. The latch adjacent wall further both include second ramped surfaces that engage one another when adjacent wall upright position. The second ramp surfaces are much steeper than first ramped surfaces, such that force required deflect latch while moving adjacent wall collapsed position much greater than force necessary deflect latch while moving adjacent wall upright position. Thus, second wall moved collapsed position either by manually actuating latch applying light force, or by knocking down adjacent wall with higher force causing engagement second ramped surfaces second wall latch thereby causing latch deflect release second wall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages present invention readily appreciated same becomes better understood by reference following detailed description when considered connection with accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 perspective view one embodiment collapsible container according present invention upright position.

FIG. 2 collapsible container FIG. 1 inwardly collapsed position.

FIG. 3 enlarged, perspective, interior view latch one side walls collapsible container FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 perspective, exterior view latch FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 perspective interior view end wall that engages latch FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 shows end wall FIG. 5 it moved toward upright position connect side wall FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 exterior view side wall end wall FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 interior view side wall end wall FIG. 6 fully upright, latched position.

FIG. 9 side view side wall FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 end view end wall side wall FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 end view collapsible container FIG. 1 collapsed position.

FIG. 12 side view collapsible container collapsed position.

FIG. 13 top view collapsible container collapsed position.

FIG. 14 top view collapsible container FIG. 1 upright use position.

FIG. 15 bottom view collapsible container FIG. 1 upright position.

FIG. 16 end view collapsible container FIG. 1 upright position.

FIG. 17 side view collapsible container FIG. 1 upright position.

FIG. 18 perspective interior view alternative embodiment side wall latch.

FIG. 19 perspective interior view end wall for use with side wall FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 enlarged view side wall end wall FIGS. 18 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment collapsible container 20 present invention shown FIG. 1. The collapsible container 20 includes base 22 , side walls 24 , end walls 28 . As known, walls 24 , 28 are moveable about hinges 32 , 34 between upright erect position, generally perpendicular base 22 (as shown FIG. 1) collapsed position base 22 , generally parallel base 22 (as shown FIG. 2). Each side wall 24 includes two flange portions 40 extending perpendicular side wall 24 engaging end walls 28 . The collapsible container 20 present invention provides improved latches 42 securing each side wall 24 its adjacent end wall 28 .

FIG. 2 shows collapsible container 20 FIG. 1 collapsed position, where end walls 28 (not visible FIG. 2) side walls 24 are collapsed onto base 22 , after pivoting about hinges 32 (not shown FIG. 2) 34 position substantially parallel base 22 .

FIG. 3 enlarged interior view one side walls 24 collapsible container 20 . At each end side wall 24 includes latch 42 protruding laterally side wall 24 . The latch 42 positioned end cantilevered flexible arm 43 , all integrally molded with side wall 24 . The latch 42 includes first, forward ramped surface 44 second, rearward ramped surface 46 . The second, rearward ramped surface 46 substantially steeper than first, forward ramped surface 44 . The second, rearward ramped surface 46 preferably only few degrees (preferably substantially less than 45 degrees more preferably less than 20 degrees) away being perpendicular base 22 (not shown FIG. 3). The side wall 24 further includes pair T-interlock receivers 50 flange portion 40 , one above latch 42 one below latch 42 .

FIG. 4 illustrates exterior view latch 42 side wall 24 FIG. 3. As seen FIG. 4, latch 42 further includes tab 54 protruding into recess 56 formed exterior side wall 24 .

FIG. 5 perspective view interior 60 end wall 28 . End wall 28 includes side edge 61 into which formed recess 62 . Adjacent recess 62 , there formed first, forward ramp surface 64 second, rearward ramped surface 66 . The second, rearward ramped surface 66 substantially steeper than first, forward ramped surface 64 . Preferably second, rearward ramped surface 66 few degrees less than perpendicular base 22 . The end wall 28 further includes pair T-interlocks 70 formed side edge 61 , one formed above recess 62 one formed below recess 62 .

FIG. 6 perspective view side wall 24 FIGS. 3 4 adjacent end wall 28 FIG. 5, side wall 24 its upright use position end wall 28 being pivoted toward upright use position. As seen FIG. 6, end wall 28 pivoted its upright use position, T-interlocks 70 are aligned with T-interlock receivers 50 . The latch 42 aligned with recess 62 end wall 28 . The first, forward ramped surface 64 aligned with engages first, forward ramped surface 44 latch 42 , thereby causing latch 42 deflect downwardly direction generally parallel plane side wall 24 generally transverse base 22 (not shown FIG. 6).

FIG. 7 exterior view side wall 24 end wall 28 FIG. 6, showing first, forward ramped surface 64 end wall 28 engaging first, forward ramped surface 44 latch 42 side wall 24 . When first, forward ramped surface 64 eventually passes completely past first, forward ramped surface 44 latch 42 , latch 42 snaps back its normal, undeformed, undeflected position shown FIG. 8. FIG. 8 interior perspective view side wall 24 end wall 28 upright, use, latched position. In this position, latch 42 its normal, undeflected position second, rearward ramped surface 46 latch 42 abuts second, rearward ramped surface 66 end wall 28 , thereby securing end wall 28 its upright used position.

FIG. 9 side view side wall 24 end wall 28 upright use, latched position. As seen FIG. 9, T-interlocks 70 are received within T-interlock receivers 50 . The second, rearward ramped surface 46 latch 42 engages second, rearward ramped surface 66 end wall 28 .

FIG. 10 end view side wall 24 end wall 28 upright use, latched position. As seen FIG. 10, tab 54 latch 42 accessible through recess 56 side wall 24 . The tab 54 manually depressed downwardly (toward base 22 (not shown)) deflect latch 42 downwardly such that second, rearward surface 46 latch 42 does not impede movement end wall 28 upright position collapsed position. Alternatively, present invention, end wall 28 “knocked down,” that is, forcibly collapsed without first actuating latch 42 with tab 54 . If sufficient force exerted inwardly end wall 28 , engagement second, rearward ramped surface 66 (FIG. 5) with second, rearward ramped surface 46 latch 42 cause latch 42 deflect downwardly, thereby releasing end wall 28 latch 42 . The amount force required knock down end wall 28 controlled by choosing angles second, rearward ramped surfaces 46 , 66 (with steeper angles requiring more force) size, shape materials cantilevered arm 43 latch 42 .

FIG. 11 end view collapsible container 20 collapsed position. The end walls 28 (not visible) side walls 24 are collapsed onto base 22 , substantially parallel base 22 . As seen FIG. 11, collapsed position, projections side wall 24 , such T-interlock receivers 50 latches 42 are received within recesses base 22 or exterior surface other side wall 24 , shown.

FIG. 12 side view collapsible container 20 collapsed position. FIG. 13 top view collapsible container 20 collapsed position. FIG. 14 top view collapsible container 20 upright use position. FIG. 15 bottom view collapsible container 20 upright position. FIG. 16 end view collapsible container 20 upright position. FIG. 17 side view collapsible container 20 upright position.

FIG. 18 illustrates alternative latch 142 side wall 124 that arranged for use collapsible crate similar that FIGS. 1–17. The latch 142 protrudes laterally side wall 124 mounted end cantilevered arm 143 adjacent top edge 125 side wall 124 . The latch 142 includes first, forward ramped surface 144 rearward, second surface 146 . The latch 142 further includes tongue 180 extending downward into groove 182 formed upper edge 125 side wall 124 .

The corresponding end wall 128 for use with side wall 124 FIG. 18 shown FIG. 19. The end wall 128 includes recess 162 adjacent upper edge 129 end wall 128 . A flange 163 extending into recess 162 defines first, forward surface 164 second, rearward surface 166 .

Operation alternative latch 142 shown FIG. 20. When end wall 128 brought upright position, first surface 164 engages first, ramped surface 144 latch 142 , causing latch 142 deflect upwardly generally parallel plane side wall 124 . As flange 163 passes first surface 144 latch 142 , latch 142 snaps back into its normal position locking second surface 146 latch 142 behind flange 163 end wall 128 adjacent rearward surface 166 end wall 128 . The tongue 180 latch 142 received within groove 182 upper edge 125 side wall 124 prevent latch 142 moving laterally when force applied wall 128 . Although surfaces 166 146 are shown perpendicular base (not shown FIG. 20), they could also ramped previous embodiment provide ability knock-down end wall 128 . In this embodiment, first, forward ramped surface 164 end wall 128 rounded, shown.

In each embodiment one latch 42 , 142 connecting one side wall 24 , 124 one end wall 28 , 128 been described. It should understood that similar latch 42 , 142 provided each four corners between side walls 24 , 124 end walls 28 , 128 . Each base 22 , side wall 24 , 124 end wall 28 , 128 collapsible container 20 present invention preferably formed one piece polypropylene via injection molding process, but course could formed any type plastic applicable for desired use.

While embodiments invention been illustrated described, it not intended that these embodiments illustrate describe all possible forms invention. Rather, words used specification are words description rather than limitation, it understood that various changes may made without departing spirit scope invention. There are different configurations for collapsible containers variations design, which would benefit present invention.