BINS AND BIN ASSEMBLIES

Abstract

Bins and bin assemblies are disclosed. An example bin assembly may include a base having a top board with an upper surface and a lower surface. A first set of side walls may be detachably coupled to the top board. The first set of side walls may include a first side wall having a securing member designed to engage the lower surface of the top board. A second set of side walls may be detachably coupled to the upper surface. The second set of side walls may include a second side wall having a pin member depending therefrom and designed to engage an aperture formed in the upper surface of the top board. A first interlocking member may be along an inner surface of the first side wall. A second interlocking member may be disposed along an inner surface of the second side wall.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure pertains to devices used to transport, store, and package goods. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to bins and bin assemblies.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of devices have been developed for transporting, storing, and packaging goods. Some of these devices include packages, pallets, bins, and the like. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative packages, pallets, bins, and the like.

BRIEF SUMMARY

This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for devices used to transport, store, and package goods such as pallets, bins, and the like.

A bin assembly is disclosed. The bin assembly comprises: a base having a top board with an upper surface and a lower surface; a first set of side walls detachably coupled to the top board, the first set of side walls including a first side wall having a securing member designed to engage the lower surface of the top board; a second set of side walls detachably coupled to the upper surface, the second set of side walls including a second side wall having a pin member depending therefrom and designed to engage an aperture formed in the upper surface of the top board; a first interlocking member disposed along an inner surface of the first side wall; and a second interlocking member disposed along an inner surface of the second side wall, the second interlocking member being designed to engage the first interlocking member.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the base includes a pallet.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the base includes a composite pallet.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the top board includes a polymeric material.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the top board includes polypropylene.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the top board includes nylon.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the top board includes a plurality of fiber reinforcements disposed therein.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the plurality of fiber reinforcements include glass fibers.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the top board includes one or more of a tension member and a structural member.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall includes a polymeric material.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall includes polypropylene.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall includes nylon.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall includes a plurality of fiber reinforcements disposed therein.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the plurality of fiber reinforcements include glass fibers.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall includes one or more of a tension member and a structural member.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second side wall includes a polymeric material.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second side wall includes polypropylene.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second side wall includes nylon.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second side wall includes a plurality of fiber reinforcements disposed therein.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the plurality of fiber reinforcements include glass fibers.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second side wall includes one or more of a tension member and a structural member.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first set of side walls includes two side walls.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second set of side walls includes two side walls.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the securing member includes a hook.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the lower surface of the top board includes a rib, and wherein the securing member is designed to engage the rib.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the securing member includes a hook.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first interlocking member includes a first flange.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the second interlocking member includes a second flange.

A bin is disclosed. The bin comprises: a composite pallet; wherein the composite pallet includes a first top board with a first upper surface and a first lower surface; wherein the first lower surface includes a first rib; wherein the composite pallet includes a second top board with a second upper surface and a second lower surface; wherein the second lower surface includes a second rib; a first side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall having a first securing member designed to engage the first rib; a second side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the second side wall having a second securing member designed to engage the second rib; a first interlocking member disposed along the first side wall; and a second interlocking member disposed along the second side wall, the second interlocking member being designed to engage the first interlocking member.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall, the second side wall, or both include a polymeric material.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall, the second side wall, or both include polypropylene.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall, the second side wall, or both include nylon.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall, the second side wall, or both include a plurality of fiber reinforcements disposed therein.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the plurality of fiber reinforcements include glass fibers.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall, the second side wall, or both include one or more of a tension member and a structural member.

A kit is disclosed. The kit comprises: a composite pallet; a first side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the composite pallet; a second side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the first side wall; a third side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the second side wall; a fourth side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the third side wall; and wherein the composite pallet, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall form an assembly.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the first side wall has a first length, wherein the third side wall has a third length, and wherein the first length and the third length are different.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composite pallet, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall form an assembly; and further comprising a band disposed about the assembly.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composite pallet, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall form an assembly; and wherein the assembly has a height of about 6-14 inches.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composite pallet, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall form an assembly; and wherein the assembly has a height of about 8-12 inches.

Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments above, the composite pallet, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall form an assembly; and wherein the assembly has a height of about 10 inches.

The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example bin.

FIG. 2 depicts a portion of an example bin.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a side wall secured to a top board.

FIG. 4. is a side view of an outer surface of a side wall.

FIG. 5. depicts a portion of an example bin.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of a side wall secured to a top board.

FIG. 7. is a side view of an outer surface of a side wall.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a kit that includes a base and a plurality of side wall stacked together.

While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include one or more particular features, structures, and/or characteristics. However, such recitations do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the particular features, structures, and/or characteristics. Additionally, when particular features, structures, and/or characteristics are described in connection with one embodiment, it should be understood that such features, structures, and/or characteristics may also be used connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

A number of devices may be utilized to transport, store, and package goods. Some of these devices include pallets, bins, and the like.

Disclosed herein are a number of bins and bin assemblies that are formed from composite materials. The composite bins/assemblies provide a desirable level of strength and durability for a variety of uses. In addition, the composite bins/assemblies are relatively easy to assemble, maintain, and repair. Furthermore, the composite bins/assemblies can be readily cleaned and/or sanitized. Some of the additional characteristics, features, and benefits of the composite bins/assemblies are disclosed herein.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example bin/bin assembly 10. The bin 10 may include a base 12. In at least some instances, the base 12 may take the form of a pallet For example, the base 12 may take the form of a composite pallet. The composite pallet/base 12 may include a plurality of boards formed from suitable materials such as polypropylene, nylon, other suitable materials, and/or the like. Some example composite pallets that may be suitable for the bin 10 may include those disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/989,427, U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. US 2018/0215505, and/or U.S. Patent Application No. 62/733,583, the entire disclosures of which are all herein incorporated by reference.

A plurality of side walls such as a first side wall 14 and a second side wall 16 may be coupled to the base 12. In general, the side walls 14, 16 are designed to be releasably coupled and/or secured to the base 12. The first side wall 14 may be the same in size, shape, and/or function as the second side wall 16. Alternatively, the first side wall 14 may differ in size, shape, and/or function from the second side wall 16. In some instances, the side walls 14, 16 are arranged about the upper surface of the base 12. When assembled, the bin 10 may include a total of four side walls including a pair/set of first side walls 14 (e.g., see the first side walls 14a, 14b in FIG. 2) and a pair/set of second side walls 16 (e.g., see the second side walls 16a, 16b in FIG. 5). In some instances, both of the first side walls 14 in the pair of first side walls 14 are substantially the same. Likewise, in some instances, both of the second side walls 16 in the pair of second side walls 16 are substantially the same. However, the side walls within a given pair need not be the same.

When the side walls 14, 16 are secured to the base 12 (and to one another as discussed herein), the bin 10 may define an interior cavity or chamber suitable for holding a cargo. The height of the side walls 14, 16 (e.g., how high the side walls 14, 16 extend upward from the base 12) may vary in order to vary the volume of the interior cavity. In some instance, the side walls 14, 16 may have a height on the order of about 5-75 inches, or about 10-50 inches, or about 25-35 inches, or about 31 inches. Other sizes are contemplated. For example, when the base 12 has dimensions of about 48 inches by 40 inches and when the side walls 14, 16 have a height of about 31 inches and a thickness of 1 inch (such that the interior of the bin 10 measures 46 inches by 38 inches), the interior cavity of the bin 10 may have a volume of about 54,200 inches cubed. This is not intended to be limiting. Bins 10 are contemplated with differing volumes.

The bin 10 may have a number of desirable features. For example, the overall weight of the bin 10 may be on the order of about 40-150 pounds or less, or about 50-125 pounds or less, or about 100 pounds or less. The bin 10 may also be capable of edge racking about 4,000 pounds or more, or about 3,500 pounds or more, or about 2,800 pounds or more. The bin 10 is generally designed to be resistant to bacterial growth and can washed and/or sanitized using typically washing equipment. The bin 10 is generally designed to be durable and capable of being repaired/rebuilt is damaged. A number of additional features are contemplated.

In some instances, a liner 18 may be disposed within the bin 10. In this example, the liner 18 may take the form of a polymer sleeve that sits within the interior of the bin 10 and that may extend along at least a portion of the outer walls of the side walls 14, 16. In some instances, a slip sheet or other bottom wall (not shown) may be disposed along a top surface of the base 12 (e.g., underneath the liner 18). The liner 18 may allow for a cargo 20 to be loaded into the bin 10. For example, if the cargo 20 include a fluid or a fluid-like material, the liner 18 may help to contain the cargo 20 and to substantially prevent leaking of the fluid. In at least some instances, the bin 10 and liner 18 may be used without a cardboard box insert.

FIG. 2 illustrates the base 12 and a first set of the first side walls 14a, 14b laid flat prior to assembly. Here it can be seen that the base 12 may include a plurality of top boards 22. The first side walls 14a, 14b are designed to be secured to top boards 22 on opposing sides of the base 12. For example, the first side walls 14a, 14b may include one or more securing members 24 coupled thereto. In some instances, the securing members 24 may take the form of one or more hooks. The hook(s) 24 may be designed to engage a rib 28 disposed along a lower surface of top board 22 as shown in FIG. 3. When doing, the hook(s) 24 may extend into a cavity 30 formed by or otherwise defined between crossing ribs.

Turning back to FIG. 2, the first side walls 14a, 14b may also include one or more interlocking members 32. Each of the interlocking members 32 may take the form of a flange. The flanges 32 may extend along only a portion of the height of the first side walls 14a, 14b or along substantially along most, all, or the majority of the height of the first side walls 14a, 14b. In this example, each of the flanges 32 may extend toward or otherwise point toward the middle of the first side walls 14a, 14b. Other forms/arrangements are contemplated.

FIG. 4 depicts the outer surface of the first side wall 14a. Here it can be seen that the first side wall 14a may include a plurality of ribs 34. The pattern and/or arrangement of the ribs may vary. The inner surfaces of the first side walls 14a, 14b (see, for example, FIG. 2), conversely, are substantially smooth.

The first side walls 14a, 14b may be formed from a suitable material such as, for example, polypropylene, polyamide, nylon, nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 6/66, nylon 12, nylon 6/12, nylon 6/10, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetal, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, modified polyphenylene oxide (PPO), a fluoropolymer, an acrylic material such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PC/PBT, rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (RTPU), PC/ABS, polyphthalamide (PPA), high temperature nylon (HTN), thermoplastic polyolefin, and/or combinations or blends thereof, and/or the like, and/or other materials disclosed herein.

In some instances, the first side walls 14a, 14b may include a tension member (not shown). The tension member may be described as a continuous fiber bundle that includes a plurality of fibers or filaments in a thermoplastic resin. The tension member may provide strength in tension to increase the overall strength of the first side walls 14a, 14b, for example, by preventing the first side walls 14a, 14b from bowing or cracking or breaking when a force is applied thereto. The tension member may include a range of thickness/filament counts. For example, the tension member may define a thickness (e.g., a diameter) of about greater than or equal to 0.05 inches, greater than or equal to 0.1 inches, greater than or equal to 0.125 inches, etc. and/or less than or equal to 0.25 inches, less than or equal to 0.2 inches, less than or equal to 0.15 inches, etc. Also, for example, the tension member may include at least between 1,000 and 20,000 continuous fibers dispersed in a thermoplastic material. In one or more embodiments, the tension member may be twisted to further increase the tensile strength. For example, the tension member may be grouped in portions of 4,000 continuous fibers that are twisted and combined with additional groups of continuous fibers that may be twisted. The tension member (and/or a continuous fiber bundle) may be similar to similar structures described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/621,188, filed on Feb. 12, 2015, and entitled, “COMPOSITE STRUCTURAL ARTICLE,” and International Patent Application No. PCT/US16/17519, filed on Feb. 11, 2016, and entitled, “PRE-STRESSED FIBER REINFORCING MEMBER,” and International Application No. PCT/US2015/044789, filed on Aug. 12, 2015, and entitled, “REINFORCING ARTICLE,” which are both hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the extent that it does not conflict with the present disclosure.

In some instances, the first side walls 14a, 14b may include a structural member (not shown). The structural member may include a plurality of fibers (e.g., which may include glass fibers, carbon fibers, basalt fibers, graphite fibers, aramid fibers, ceramic fibers, natural fibers, polymeric fibers, metal fibers, combinations thereof, or the like) and, in some cases, a carrier material or mesh. In at least some instances, the fibers take the form of a fiber bundle or tow (e.g., that may include 1000 or more fibers) that is formed by coating the individual fibers with a resin (e.g., wetting-out) and compounding the individual fibers (e.g., via a pultrusion process). The fiber bundles may include fibers (e.g., individual fibers or filaments) that are combined and/or shaped in such a way so as to result in fiber bundles having a variety of widths, thicknesses, heights, diameters, etc. The arrangement of the fibers (and/or fiber bundles) can vary. For example, the fiber bundles may be disposed along or otherwise parallel with the longitudinal axis of the first side walls 14a, 14b. Alternatively, the fiber bundles may be oriented at an angle of 0-90 degrees (+/−45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis of the first side walls 14a, 14b. In some instances, the fiber bundles are spaced from one another. In other instances the fiber bundles may intersect or cross. The structural member may be disposed at a suitable location along or within the first side walls 14a, 14b. In at least some instances, the structural member is disposed adjacent to the top of the first side walls 14a, 14b. Other locations are contemplated.

FIG. 5 illustrates the base 12 and a second set of second side walls 16a, 16b. The second side walls 16a, 16b may have one or more locking members or pin members 36 extending therefrom. The form, number, and/or arrangement of the locking members 36 may vary. In at least some instances, the locking members 36 may be designed to seat within apertures 38 disposed along the upper surface(s) of the top boards 22 as depicted in FIG. 6. One or more corner latch may also be utilized to help secure the second side walls 16a, 16b to the base 12. In some instances, a stop may be built into the corner latches to help reduce/prevent the second side walls 16a, 16b from moving upward relative to the base 12.

Turning back to FIG. 5, the second side walls 16a, 16b may also include one or more interlocking members 40. Each of the interlocking members 40 may take the form of a flange. The flanges 40 may extend along only a portion of the height of the second side walls 16a, 16b or along substantially along most, all, or the majority of the height of the second side walls 16a, 16b. In this example, each of the flanges 40 may extend toward or otherwise point toward the sides/side edges of the second side walls 16a, 16b. Other forms/arrangements are contemplated. The flanges 40 of second side walls 16a, 16b are designed to interlock with the flanges 32 of the first side walls 14a, 14b.

FIG. 7 depicts the outer surface of the second side wall 16a. Here it can be seen that the second side wall 16a may include a plurality of ribs 42. The pattern and/or arrangement of the ribs may vary. The inner surfaces of the second side walls 16a, 16b (see, for example, FIG. 5), conversely, are substantially smooth.

The second side walls 16a, 16b may be formed from a suitable material such as, for example, polypropylene, polyamide, nylon, nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 6/66, nylon 12, nylon 6/12, nylon 6/10, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acetal, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyurethane, modified polyphenylene oxide (PPO), a fluoropolymer, an acrylic material such as poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), PC/PBT, rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (RTPU), PC/ABS, polyphthalamide (PPA), high temperature nylon (HTN), thermoplastic polyolefin, and/or combinations or blends thereof, and/or the like, and/or other materials disclosed herein.

In some instances, the second side walls 16a, 16b may include a tension member, a structural member, or both.

Assembling the bin 10 may include attaching the first side walls 14a, 14b to the base 12. This may include securing the hook(s) to the rib 28 along the lower surface of the top board 22. The second side walls 16a, 16b may be secured to the base 12. This may include inserting the pin members 36 into the apertures 38 in the top boards 22. The second side walls 16a, 16b may be pulled outward to engage the interlocking members 40 (e.g., the interlocking members 40 on the second side walls 16a, 16b) into engagement with the interlocking members 32 (e.g., the interlocking members 32 on the first side walls 14a, 14b). If desired, a slip sheet may be placed over the base 12. The liner 18 may be put in place and cargo (e.g. the cargo 20) may be loaded into the bin 10.

FIG. 8 illustrates the bin 10 in which the base 12, the first side walls 14a, 14b, and the second side walls 16a, 16b are stacked together to form an assembly and/or kit. The assembly/kit may have a height on the order of about 6-14 inches, or about 8-12 inches, or about 10 inches. It can be appreciated that when the width of the first side walls 14a, 14b is about 40 inches and the width of the second side walls 16a, 16b is about 48 inches and/or when the base 12 is about 40 inches by 48 inches, the footprint of the assembly is about 40 inches by about 48 inches. In some instances, a band or securing member (not shown) may be disposed about the assembly to hold together the components.

EXAMPLES

The disclosure may be further clarified by reference to the following Examples, which are prophetic in nature and serve to exemplify some embodiments, and not to limit the disclosure in any way.

Example 1

Three testing plaques (modeled to be representative of structures similar to the side walls 14, 16) were built. The testing plaques were made of polypropylene with 40% long glass fibers. The testing plaques had a length of 18 inches, a width of 8 inches, and an overall thickness of 1 inch (wall thickness was 0.115 inches and the rib thickness was 0.195 inches).

Three plywood samples having a length of 18 inches, a width of 8 inches, and a thickness of 0.75 inches were also obtained/built.

A flexural strength test was conducted on the testing plaques and the plywood samples using an INSTRON test machine. The test span was 15 inches and the cross head speed was 0.375 inches per minute.

The flexural strength of the three plywood samples was measured to be 645 psi, 751 psi, and 585 psi. The flexural strength of the three testing plaques was measured to be 2,690 psi, 2,658 psi, and 2,603 psi. Thus, the testing plaques were found to have significantly greater flexural strength than the plywood samples.

Example 2

In deflection tests, the plywood samples from Example 1 were found to be capable of carrying a load up to about 600 pounds. At about 600 pounds, the plywood samples would deflect about 0.5 inches and fail (break). Conversely, the three testing plaques were found to be capable of carrying a load of about 2,800 pounds, deflecting about 1 inch before failure. Thus, the testing plaques significantly outperformed the plywood samples.

It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The invention's scope is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A bin assembly, comprising: a base having a top board with an upper surface and a lower surface;a first set of side walls detachably coupled to the top board, the first set of side walls including a first side wall having a securing member designed to engage the lower surface of the top board;a second set of side walls detachably coupled to the upper surface, the second set of side walls including a second side wall having a pin member depending therefrom and designed to engage an aperture formed in the upper surface of the top board;a first interlocking member disposed along an inner surface of the first side wall; anda second interlocking member disposed along an inner surface of the second side wall, the second interlocking member being designed to engage the first interlocking member.

2. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the base includes a pallet.

3. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the base includes a composite pallet.

4. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the top board includes a polymeric material.

5. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the top board includes a plurality of fiber reinforcements disposed therein.

6. The bin assembly of claim 5, wherein the plurality of fiber reinforcements include glass fibers.

7. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the top board includes one or more of a tension member and a structural member.

8. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first side wall includes a polymeric material.

9. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first side wall includes a plurality of fiber reinforcements disposed therein.

10. The bin assembly of claim 9, wherein the plurality of fiber reinforcements include glass fibers.

11. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first side wall includes one or more of a tension member and a structural member.

12. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first set of side walls includes two side walls.

13. The bin assembly of claim 12, wherein the second set of side walls includes two side walls.

14. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the securing member includes a hook.

15. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the top board includes a rib, and wherein the securing member is designed to engage the rib.

16. The bin assembly of claim 15, wherein the securing member includes a hook.

17. The bin assembly of claim 1, wherein the first interlocking member includes a first flange.

18. The bin assembly of claim 17, wherein the second interlocking member includes a second flange.

19. A bin, comprising: a composite pallet;wherein the composite pallet includes a first top board with a first upper surface and a first lower surface;wherein the first lower surface includes a first rib;wherein the composite pallet includes a second top board with a second upper surface and a second lower surface;wherein the second lower surface includes a second rib;a first side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall having a first securing member designed to engage the first rib;a second side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the second side wall having a second securing member designed to engage the second rib;a first interlocking member disposed along the first side wall; anda second interlocking member disposed along the second side wall, the second interlocking member being designed to engage the first interlocking member.

20. A kit, comprising: a composite pallet;a first side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the composite pallet;a second side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the first side wall;a third side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the second side wall;a fourth side wall designed to be detachably coupled to the composite pallet, the first side wall lying flat along the third side wall; andwherein the composite pallet, the first side wall, the second side wall, the third side wall, and the fourth side wall form an assembly.