Patent Application
20090250459
This invention relates generally to collapsible storage containers, and in particular, to a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that maintains the storage container in a non-collapsed configuration during use.
In factories, large storage containers are often used to store bulk products. By way of example, bulk products may be placed in the storage container after fabrication. Thereafter, these bulk products are transported to various workstations throughout the factory where such products are needed for further processing. Typically, these storage containers are transported by means of forklift trucks that carry the storage containers containing the bulk products between various locales in the factory. Consequently it can be appreciated that such storage containers must be of sufficient strength and durability to stand repeated handling by the forklifts.
In order for these storage containers to withstand repeated transport by forklift trucks, the storage containers much be constructed from a durable material such as steel or the like. In addition, these storage containers must have sufficient capacities to hold a substantial quantity of bulk products. Given the large footprints of these storage containers, it has become increasingly popular to provide storage containers with collapsible panels, thereby minimizing the necessary storage space of the containers when not in use. An example of a prior collapsible storage container is fully described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,885 assigned to the assignee of the present application and incorporated herein by reference.
While functional for their intended purpose, these prior collapsible storage containers have certain problems associated with their use. For example, when jostled during transport, the panels of the storage container may become disengaged thereby allowing storage container to inadvertently collapse. Consequently, it is highly desirable to provide a collapsible storage container incorporates latch mechanisms that prevent the panels of the storage container from becoming disengaged during transport and/or use of the storage container.
Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that maintains the storage container in a non-collapsed configuration during use.
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that maintains the configuration of a collapsible storage container in response to the repeated transport of the storage container by forklift truck.
It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a collapsible storage container incorporating a latch mechanism that is simple to use and inexpensive to manufacture.
In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second corners. A first pair of support posts extends from the base. Each support post of the first pair of support posts extends along a corresponding axis from a corresponding corner of the base. Each support post has an upper end and a lower end. A removable panel is receivable between the first pair of support posts. The panel includes a first side positionable adjacent a first support post of the first pair of support posts and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post of the first pair of support posts. A first pin element projects laterally from the first side of the panel. A plate is interconnected to the first support post of the first pair of support posts and includes an edge having a recess therein for supporting the first pin element. The recess is defined by first, second and third portions. The first portion extends along an axis; has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate; and a second end. The second portion extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess. The second portion of the recess has first and second ends. The third portion extends along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess. The third portion of the recess interconnects the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.
The edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post and the predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees. In addition, the first pin element has a diameter and the third portion of the recess has a height. The height of the third portion of the recess is greater than the diameter of the first pin element. The third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge limits the vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess. The lower edge defining the third portion of the recess is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. The first pin element terminates at an enlarged head and the panel includes inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the panel and the first support post define a pocket for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element therein.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second corners. First and second support posts extend from the base. Each support post extends along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and has an upper end. A removable panel is receivable between the first and second support posts. The panel includes a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post. A first pin element projects laterally from the first side of the panel. The first pin element terminates at an enlarged head. A plate is positioned adjacent the first support post so as to define a pocket therebetween for receiving the enlarged head of the first pin element. The plate includes an edge having a recess for receiving the first pin element therein. The recess is defined by first and second portions laterally spaced from and communicating with each other.
The first portion of the recess extends along an axis and has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate and a second end. The second portion of the recess extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess. The second portion of the recess has first and second ends. The recess in the plate includes a third portion extending along an axis at a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess. The third portion of the recess interconnects the second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.
The predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees; the first pin element has a diameter; and the third portion of the recess has a height. The height of the third portion of the recess is greater than the diameter of the first pin element. The third portion of the recess is defined by an upper edge and a lower edge. The upper edge limits vertical movement of the first pin element extending through second portion of the recess. The lower edge is arcuate for guiding the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. The edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.
In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The container includes a generally flat base having at least first and second corners. First and second support posts extend from the base. Each support post extends along an axis from a corresponding corner of the base and has an upper end. A removable panel is receivable between the first and second support posts. The panel includes a first side positionable adjacent the first support post and a second side positionable adjacent a second support post. A first pin element projects laterally from the first side of the panel. A plate is positioned adjacent the first support post and includes a recess therein for receiving the first pin element therethrough. The recess is partially defined by an upper edge at a predetermined angle to the axis of the first support post for limiting vertical movement of the first pin element received in the recess.
The predetermined angle is generally equal to 90 degrees and the recess in the plate includes first, second and third portions. The first portion extends along an axis and has a first end communicating with the edge of the plate. The second portion extends along an axis parallel to and laterally spaced from the axis of the first portion of the recess. The second portion of the recess has first and second ends. The third portion extends along an axis a predetermined angle to the axes of the first and second portions of the recess. The third portion interconnects a second end of the first portion of the recess with the first end of the second portion of the recess.
The third portion of the recess is defined a lower edge. The lower edge guides the first pin element from the first portion of the recess to the second portion of the recess. The edge of the plate is transverse to the axis of the first support post.
The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment.
In the drawings:
Referring to
Lower members 16 of support posts 24a and 24b are interconnected by lower sidewall panel 32. Lower panel 32 includes upper and lower support bars, 34 and 36, respectively, extending between lower members 16 of support posts 24a and 24b. Upper and lower support bars 34 and 36, respectively, of lower panel 32 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 38 extends between lower members 16 of support posts 24a and 24b, as well as, between upper and lower support bars, 34 and 36, respectively.
Lower members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d are interconnected by lower sidewall panel 40. Lower panel 40 includes upper and lower support bars, 42 and 44, respectively, extending between lower members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d. Upper and lower support bars 42 and 44, respectively, of lower panel 40 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 46 extends between lower members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d, as well as, between upper and lower support bars 42 and 44, respectively.
Referring to
Referring back to
In order to pivotably connect upper members 18 and corresponding lower members 16 of support posts 24a-24d, the shaft of carriage bolts 62 extend through apertures 48b and 50b, in sidewalls 48 and 50, respectively, and through oblong apertures 56 and 58 in sidewalls 34 and 36 , respectively, of corresponding lower members 16. Nuts are threaded onto the corresponding shafts of carriage bolts 62 to retain carriage bolts 62 in position. It is contemplated for the diameter of the shafts of carriage bolts 62 to be less than the vertical length of oblong apertures 56 and 58 in sidewalls 34 and 36, respectively, of corresponding lower members 16 so as to allow limited vertical movement of upper members 18 with respect to corresponding lower members 16. Locking pins 63 project laterally from outer sidewalls 50 of upper members 18 and are receivable within corresponding notches 64 provided in upper edges 66 of outer sidewalls 29 of lower members 16 when upper members 18 are in the locking position so as to prevent upper members 18 from pivoting with respect to lower members 16.
Upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24b are interconnected by upper sidewall panel 68. Upper panel 68 includes upper and lower support bars, 70 and 72, respectively, extending between upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24b. Upper and lower support bars 70 and 72, respectively, of upper panel 68 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 76 extends between upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24b, as well as, between upper and lower support bars 70 and 72, respectively.
Upper members 18 of support posts 24c and 24d are interconnected by upper sidewall panel 80. Upper panel 80 includes upper and lower support bars, 82 and 84, respectively, extending between upper members 16 of support posts 24c and 24d. Upper and lower support bars 82 and 84, respectively, of upper panel 80 are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen 86 extends between upper members 18 of support posts 24c and 24d, as well as, between upper and lower support bars 82 and 84, respectively.
Storage container 10 further includes a pair of removable gates 90. As best seen in
Upper panels 92 of gates 90 include wire mesh screens 122 having opposite sides 124 and 126 and opposite ends 128 and 130. Upper support rods 134 extend along the entire length of sides 126 of wire mesh screens 122 and beyond ends 128 and 130 of wire mesh screens 122, for reasons hereinafter described. First ends 134a of upper support rods 134 terminate at enlarged heads 135 and second ends 134b of upper support rods 134 terminate at enlarged heads 137. Generally U-shaped support brackets 136 are positioned over and are interconnected to corresponding upper support rods 134. Each upper support rod 134 includes base 138 having legs 139 and 142 depending therefrom for receiving a corresponding upper support rod 134 therebetween.
Upper and lower panels 92 and 94, respectively, of gates 90 are interconnected by a plurality of generally connectors generally designated by the reference numeral 140. Connectors 140 are axially spaced along corresponding support brackets 114 of lower panels 94. As best seen in
Connectors 140 further include generally U-shaped brackets 150. Brackets 150 include first and second spaced legs 152 and 154, respectively, interconnected by base 156 transverse thereto. First leg 152 of each bracket 150 is positioned between legs 144 and 146 of a corresponding bar 142 and terminal end 152a of first leg 152 is bonded to leg 118 of support bracket 114 of a corresponding lower panel 94 of gates 90. Terminal ends 154a of second legs 154 are bonded to wire mesh screens 96 of lower panels 94 of corresponding gates 90. As described, brackets 150 defined generally oblong pathways 156 for capturing corresponding bases 148 of bars 142. Passageways 157 defined by brackets 150 are of sufficient dimension so as to allow limited vertical movement of upper panels 92 with respect to corresponding lower panels 94 of gates 90.
In order to assemble storage container 10, upper members 18 are pivoted with respect to corresponding lower members 16 from a collapsed position to a vertical pivoting position,
Once support posts 24a-24d are locked in position, one of the pair of gates 90 is positioned between support posts 24a and 24c. More specifically, second end 106b of lower support rod 106 is inserted into an opening in a plate that extends between sidewalls 27 and 29 of lower member 16 of support post 24c. Head 107 at first end 105a of lower support rod 106 is inserted through enlarged portion 160a of opening 160 in plate 162 that extends between sidewalls 27 and 29 of lower member 16 of support post 24a. The opening in a plate that extends between sidewalls 27 and 29 of lower member 16 of support post 24c and opening 160 through plate 162, respectively, are of sufficient vertical length to allow for limited vertical movement of lower support rod 106, and hence, of lower panel 94 of gate 90.
Lower panel 94 of gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is pivoted to a vertical position such that heads 110 and 112 of upper support rod 108 are aligned with corresponding pockets 164 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. Lower panel 94 of gate 90 is then released so as to allow lower panel 94 to move vertically downward such that heads 110 and 112 become seated in corresponding pockets 164 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. It can be appreciated that notches 164a may be provided in pockets 164, respectively, projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, to allow upper support rod 108 of lower panel 94 of gate 90 to pass therethrough.
With lower panel 94 of gate 90 fixed between support posts 24a and 24c, upper panel 92 of gate 90 is pivotable between a folded configuration wherein upper panel 92 is adjacent lower panel 94 and a vertical configuration,
In a first embodiment, referring to
With heads 135 and 137 of upper support rod 134 aligned with corresponding notches 212 in pockets 166 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, upper panel 92 of gate 90 is then released so as to allow support rod 134, and hence upper panel 92, to move vertically downward into notches 212 in pockets 166 projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, such that heads 135 and 137 of support rod 134 are seated in corresponding pockets 166. As described, bases 35 of end caps 33 mounted on upper ends of support posts 24a and 24c extend over notches 212 in pockets 166 so as to retain heads 135 and 137 of support rod 134 in corresponding pockets 166 during transport of storage container 10,
Once one of the gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24a and 24c, the other of the pair of gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24b and 24d in the same manner heretofore described in order to fully assemble storage container 10. In order to collapse storage container 10, the process is reversed. Upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24b and 24d is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits notches 212 in pockets 166 thereby allowing upper panel 92 of gate 90 to be disconnected from support posts 24b and 24d. Thereafter, upper panel 92 is returned to its folded configuration and lower panel 94 of the gate 90 between support posts 24b and 24d is removed by lifting lower panel 94 vertically such that heads 110 and 112 are removed from pockets 164, respectively, and pivoting lower panel 94 from its vertical position. Head 107 at first end 106a of lower support rod 106 is removed from opening 160 in plate 162 through enlarged portion 160a of opening 160. In addition, second end 106a of lower support rod 106 is removed from the generally rectangular opening in the plate in lower support member 24d thereby disengaging a first of the gates 90 from storage container 10.
Similarly, upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits notches 212 in pockets 166 thereby allowing upper panel 92 of gate 90 to be disconnected from support posts 24a and 24c. Thereafter, upper panel 92 is returned to its folded configuration and lower panel 94 of the gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is removed by lifting lower panel 94 vertically such that heads 110 and 112 are removed from pockets 164, respectively, and by pivoting lower panel 94 from its vertical position. Head 107 at first end 106a of lower support rod 106 is removed from opening 160 in plate 162 through enlarged portion 160a of opening 160. In addition, second end 106b of lower support rod 106 is removed from the generally rectangular opening in the plate in lower support member 24c thereby disengaging a first of the gates 90 from storage container 10.
In order to fully collapse storage container 10, upper members 18 of support posts 24a-24d are lifted vertically with respect to corresponding lower members 16 such that locking pins 63 are disengaged from corresponding notches 64a. Thereafter, upper members 18 are pivoted on corresponding shafts of carriage bolts 62 towards base 12 to their collapsed position.
In an alternate embodiment, referring to
With heads 135 and 137 of upper support rod 134 aligned with corresponding openings 168 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, upper panel 92 of gate 90 is then released so as to allow support rod 134, and hence upper panel 92, to move vertically downward though first portions 184 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. Arcuate lower edges 192 of horizontal portions 190 of cavities 180 guide support rod 134 to second portions 185 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively. Thereafter, support rod 134 is supported on terminal edges 200 of second portions 185 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, such that heads 135 and 137 of support rod 134 are seated in corresponding pockets 166a. It can be appreciated that arcuate upper edges 198 of horizontal portions 190 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, maintain support rod 134 within second portions 185 of cavities 180 in pockets 166a projecting from rear walls 52 of upper members 18 of support posts 24a and 24c, respectively, and discourage support rod 134 from exiting pockets 166a through openings 168 during transport of storage container 10.
Once one of the gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24a and 24c, the other of the pair of gates 90 is mounted to support posts 24b and 24d in the same manner to fully assemble storage container 10. In order to collapse storage container 10, the process is reversed. Upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24b and 24d is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits cavities 180 in pockets 166a through openings 168 therein. Likewise, upper panel 92 of the gate 90 between support posts 24a and 24c is lifted upwardly and outwardly such that support rod 134, and hence heads 135 and 137, exits cavities 180 in pockets 166a through openings 168 therein. Lower panels 94, and hence gates 90, may be removed and upper members 18 of support posts 24a-24d, respectively, may be collapsed as heretofore described.
Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.
