Collapsible storage container

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to storage containers, and in particular, to a storage container which may be simply and easily collapsed when not in use.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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 work stations 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 withstand repeated handling by the forklifts.

In order for these storage containers to withstand repeated transport by forklift trucks, the storage containers must be constructed from a durable material such as steel or the like. In addition, these storage containers must have large capacities to hold a substantial quantity of bulk products. While functional for their intended purpose, these types of storage containers occupy a significant amount of floor space within a factory when not in use. Consequently, it is highly desirable to provide a storage container that may be collapsed when not in use, and yet, still retains sufficient strength and stability to withstand repeated transport thereof by a forklift truck.

Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a storage container of sufficient durability to withstand repeated transport by a forklift truck.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a storage container that may be inverted between a storage configuration wherein the storage container may receive a plurality of bulk products therein and a storage configuration wherein the storage container is collapsed.

It is a still further object and feature of the present invention to provide a storage container which is inexpensive to manufacture and that may be simply and easily collapsed to a storage configuration.

In accordance with the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The collapsible storage container includes a generally flat base having an upper surface. A first pair of support posts extends from the base. Each support post of the first pair of the support post includes a lower member, an upper member and a locking structure. The lower member has a first end interconnected to the base and a second opposite end. The upper member has a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the lower member. The upper member is pivotable between a first supporting position and a second collapsed position. The locking structure selectively retains the upper member in the supporting position. A lower sidewall extends between the lower members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts. An upper sidewall extends between the upper members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts.

The second end of each lower member includes a notch. The locking structure of each of the support posts of the first pair of the support posts includes a pin projecting laterally from the upper member. The pin is seated in a notch in the second end of a corresponding lower member with the upper member in the supporting position.

The container further includes a second pair of support posts extending from the base. Each support posts of the second pair of supports posts includes a lower member, an upper member and a locking structure. The lower member has a first end interconnected to the base and a second opposite end. The upper member has a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the lower member. The upper member is pivotable between a first supporting position and a second collapsed position. The locking structure selectively retains the upper member in the supporting position. A second lower sidewall extends between the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts and a second upper sidewall extends between the upper members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts.

The lower members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts include openings directed towards corresponding lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts. Similarly, the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts include openings directed toward corresponding lower members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts. The openings in the lower members of the supports of the first pair of support posts are axially aligned with corresponding openings in the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts.

A first removable wall is also provided. The removable wall has a first connection pin projecting laterally from a first side of the first removable wall. The first connection pin is receivable in an opening in one of the locking members of the support posts of the first pair of the support posts. A second connection pin projects laterally from the second side of the first removable wall. The second connection pin is receivable in an opening in one of the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts. The first removable wall includes a lower panel, an upper panel and a connection element. The lower panel has first and second sides and upper and lower edges. The panel has first and second sides and upper and lower edges. The connection element pivotably connects the upper edge of the lower panel to the lower edge of the upper panel such that the first removable wall is movable between a first vertical configuration wherein the upper and lower panels lie in a common plane and a folded configuration wherein the lower and upper panels are positioned adjacent each other.

The first connection pin projects laterally from the first side of the lower panel and the second connection pin projects laterally from the second side of the lower panel. The container further includes a first pin support element projecting from the upper member of one of the support posts of the first pair of support posts. The first pin support element is directed towards a corresponding upper member of one of the support posts of the second pair of support posts and includes a pin receipt recess therein. A second pin support element projects from the upper member of one of the support posts of the second pair of support posts. The second pin support element is directed towards a corresponding upper member of one of the support posts of the first pair of support posts and includes a pin receipt recess therein. The pin receipt recess of the first pin support element is axially aligned with the pin receipt recess of the second support post. A first mounting pin projects laterally from the first side of the upper panel. The first mounting pin is receivable in the pin receipt recess of the first pin support element. A second mounting pin projects laterally from the second side of the upper panel. The second mounting pin is receivable in the pin receipt recess of the second pin support element.

The upper panel is vertically movable with respect to the lower panel between a first seated position wherein the first mounting pin is received in the pin receipt recess of the first pin support element and the second mounting pin is received in the pin receipt recess of the second pin support element and a second removable position wherein the first mounting pin is vertically spaced from the pin receipt recess of the first pin support element and the second mounting pin is vertically spaced from the pin receipt recess of the second pin support element. The upper member of one of the vertical supports of the first pair of support posts terminates at the stop. The stop limits the vertical movement of the upper panel with respect to the lower panel.

The storage container may include a second removable wall having first and second sides. A first connection pin projects laterally from the first side of the second removable wall. The first connection pin is receivable in an opening in one of the lower members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts. A second connection pin projects laterally from the second side of the second removable wall. The second connection pin is receivable in an opening in one of the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The container includes a generally flat base having an upper surface. A first pair of support posts extends from the first side of the base. Each support posts of the first pair of support posts includes an opening therein. A second pair of support posts extends from the second side of the base. Each support posts of the second pair of support posts includes an opening therein. The openings in the support posts of the first pair of support posts are axially aligned with the corresponding openings in the support posts of the second pair of support posts. A first removable wall is also provided. A first connection pin projects laterally from a first side of the removable wall. The first connection pin is receivable in an opening in a first support post of the first pair of support posts. A second connection pin projects laterally from a second side of the first removable wall. The second connection pin is receivable in an opening in a first support post of the second pair of support posts.

The container also includes a second removable wall having first and second sides. A first connection pin projects laterally from the first side of the second removable wall. The first connection pin is receivable in an opening in a second support post of the first pair of support posts. A second connection pin projects laterally from the second side of the second removable wall. The second connection pin is receivable in an opening in a second support post of the second pair of support posts.

Each support post of the first pair of support posts includes a lower member having a first end interconnected to the base and a second opposite end. Each support post also includes an upper member having a first end pivotably connected to the lower member. The upper member is pivotable between a first supporting position and a second collapsed position.

Each lower member includes an oblong aperture therethrough. The upper members are pivotably connected to corresponding lower members by pivot pins extending through the apertures of the lower members. The pins are slidable in corresponding apertures to allow limited vertical movement of the upper members with respect to the lower members. The first end of the upper members are chamfered so as to facilitate the pivoting of the upper members.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a collapsible storage container is provided. The collapsible storage container includes a generally flat base having an upper surface. A first pair of support posts extends from a first side of the base. Each support post includes an opening therein. A second pair of support posts extends from the second side of the base. Each support post of the second pair of support posts includes an opening therein. The openings in the support posts of the first pair of support posts are axially aligned with corresponding openings in the support posts of the second pair of support posts. A first removable wall is provided. The removable wall includes a first connection pin projecting laterally from a first side of the removable wall and a second connection pin projecting laterally from the second side of the removable wall. The first connection pin is receivable in an opening in a first support posts of the first pair of support posts and the second connection is receivable in an opening in a first support posts of the second pair of support posts. The storage container includes a second removable wall having a first connection pin projecting laterally from a first side of the second removable wall and a second connection pin projecting laterally from the second side of the second removable wall. The first connection pin is receivable in the opening in a second support post of the first pair of support posts and a second connection pin is receivable in an opening in a second support post of the second pair of support posts. A first lower sidewall extends between the support posts of the first pair of support posts and an upper sidewall also extends between the support posts of the first pair of support posts. A lower sidewall extends between the support posts of the second pair of support posts and an upper sidewall also extends between the support posts of the second pair of support posts.

Each support post of the first pair of support posts includes lower and upper members. The lower member has a first end interconnected to the base and a second opposite end. The upper member has a first end pivotably connected to the lower member and a second end. The upper member is pivotable between a first supporting position and a second collapsed position. Each lower member also includes an oblong aperture therethrough. The upper members are pivotably connected to the lower members by pins extending through corresponding apertures in the lower members. The pins are slidable in the corresponding apertures to allow limited vertical movement of the upper members with respect to corresponding lower members. The first ends of the upper members are chamfered so as facilitate the pivoting of the upper members.

The first removable wall includes a lower panel, an upper panel and a connection element. The lower panel has first and second sides and upper and lower edges. Similarly, the upper panel has first and second sides and upper and lower edges. The connection element pivotably connects the upper edge of the lower panel and the lower edge of the upper panel such that the first removable wall is movable between the first vertical configuration wherein the lower and upper panels lie in a common plane and a folded configuration wherein the lower and upper panels are positioned adjacent each other. In addition, the upper panel is vertically removable with respect to the lower panel. The second end of at least one of the upper members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts includes a stop mounted therein for limiting the vertical movement of the upper panel with respect to the lower panel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

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:

FIG. 1

is an isometric view of a storage container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2

is an isometric view of the storage container of

FIG. 1

having a first pair of side walls in a folded configuration;

FIG. 3

is an isometric view of the storage container of

FIG. 1

showing the first pair of sides removed therefrom;

FIG. 4

is an isometric view of the storage container of

FIG. 1

showing a second pair of sides in a folded configuration;

FIG. 5

is a side elevational view of the storage container of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 6

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

6

—

6

of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 7

is a top plan view of the storage container of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 8

is a side elevational view showing a portion of the storage container of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 9

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

9

—

9

of

FIG. 8

;

FIG. 10

is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the storage container of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 11

is an exploded, cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

11

—

11

of

FIG. 10

;

FIG. 12

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

12

—

12

of

FIG. 3

;

FIG. 13

is a cross-sectional view, similar to

FIG. 12

, showing a portion of the storage container of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 14

is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the storage container of

FIG. 13

;

FIG. 15

is a cross-sectional view taken along line

15

—

15

of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 16

is an isometric view showing a first portion of the storage container of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 17

is an isometric view showing a second portion of the storage container of

FIG. 1

;

FIG. 18

is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a storage container in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

19

—

19

of

FIG. 18

;

FIG. 20

is an isometric view of the storage container of

FIG. 18 and a

collapsed configuration;

FIG. 21

is a side elevational view of the storage container of

FIG. 18

;

FIG. 22

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

22

—

22

of

FIG. 20

;

FIG. 23

is an exploded, side elevational view of the storage container of

FIG. 21

;

FIG. 24

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

24

—

24

of

FIG. 21

;

FIG. 25

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

25

—

25

of

FIG. 18

;

FIG. 26

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

26

—

26

of

FIG. 25

;

FIG. 27

is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of the present invention taken along line

27

—

27

of

FIG. 25

;

FIG. 28

is a cross-sectional view, similar to

FIG. 25

, showing a first portion of the storage container of the present invention; and

FIG. 29

is a cross-sectional view, similar to

FIG. 26

, showing a second portion of the storage container of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to

FIG. 1

, a storage container in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral

10

. Storage container

10

defines an interior storage volume

15

and includes a generally flat base

12

having upper surface

14

and lower surface

16

. Support legs

18

project from lower surface

16

of base

12

in order to support storage container

10

above a supporting surface

20

such as a floor or the like.

Base

12

of storage container

10

is generally square in shape and includes outer edges

22

a

-

22

d.

Support posts

24

a

-

24

d

project vertically from the corresponding corners of base

12

. Each support post

24

a

-

24

d

includes upper and lower members

44

and

26

, respectively, that are pivotably interconnected, as hereinafter described. Each lower member

26

has a lower end

28

and an upper end

30

. Lower ends

28

of lower members of support posts

24

a

-

24

d

include feet

32

depending therefrom for supporting storage container

10

above supporting surface

20

.

Referring to

FIGS. 9-12

, lower members

26

of posts

24

a

-

24

d

have a generally U-shaped cross-section and include sidewalls

34

and

36

and rear walls

38

that define cavities

40

for pivotably receiving corresponding lower ends

42

of upper members

44

, as hereinafter described. Sidewalls

34

and

36

of each lower member

26

include corresponding oblong apertures

34

a

and

36

a,

respectively, therethrough which are axially aligned with each other. Notch

48

is provided in upper end

50

of sidewall

36

of each lower member

26

. Reinforcing plates

52

are affixed to outer surfaces

53

of sidewalls

36

adjacent upper ends

50

thereof. Each reinforcing plate

52

also includes a notch

52

a

therein which is axially aligned with notch

48

in a corresponding sidewall

36

, for reasons hereinafter described.

Each upper member

44

of support posts

24

a

-

24

d

is generally tubular and is defined by first and second sidewalls

54

and

56

, respectively, and by front and rear walls

57

and

58

, respectively. As best seen in

FIG. 9

, lower ends

54

a

and

56

a

of sidewalls

54

and

56

, respectively, of lower members

44

are chamfered so as to facilitate the pivoting of upper members

44

with respect to lower members

26

, as hereinafter described. Sidewalls

54

and

56

of lower members

44

further include axially aligned apertures

56

b

and

56

b,

respectively, therein. It can be appreciated that lower ends

42

of upper members

44

are receivable in corresponding cavities

40

in lower members

26

such that apertures

54

b

and

56

b

in sidewalls

54

and

56

, respectively, are aligned with oblong apertures

34

a

and

36

a

in sidewalls

34

and

36

, respectively, of corresponding lower members

26

.

In order to pivotably connect upper members

44

and corresponding lower members

26

, shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

extend through apertures

34

a

and

34

b

in sidewalls

34

and

36

, respectively, of lower members

26

and through corresponding apertures

54

b

and

56

b

in sidewalls

54

and

56

, respectively, of corresponding upper members

44

. Nuts

66

are threaded onto corresponding shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

to retain carriage bolts

62

in position. As best seen in

FIGS. 9-10

, the diameter of shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

are less than the vertical length of oblong apertures

34

a

and

36

a

in sidewalls

34

and

36

, respectively, of corresponding lower members

26

so as to allow limited vertical movement of upper members

44

with respect to corresponding lower members

26

between a vertical pivoting position,

FIG. 9

, and a locked position, FIG.

10

. Locking pins

68

project laterally from sidewalls

56

of upper members

44

and are receivable within corresponding notches

48

and

52

a

when upper members

44

are in the locking position so as to prevent upper members

44

from pivoting with respect to lower members

26

.

Referring to

FIGS. 1-4

, support posts

24

a

and

24

b

are interconnected by upper and lower panels

69

and

71

, respectively. Lower panel

69

includes upper support bar

70

extending between sidewalls

34

of lower members

26

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b.

Wire mesh screen

72

also extends between sidewalls

34

of lower members

26

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b,

as well as, between upper support bar

70

and base

12

. Upper panel

71

includes upper and lower support bars

74

and

76

, respectively, extending between sidewalls

54

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b.

Upper and lower support bars

74

and

76

, respectively, of upper panel

71

are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen

78

also extends between sidewalls

54

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b,

as well as, between upper and lower support bars

74

and

76

, respectively.

Support posts

24

c

and

24

d

are interconnected by upper and lower panels

79

and

81

, respectively. Lower panel

79

includes upper support bar

80

extending between sidewalls

34

of lower members

26

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d.

Wire mesh screen

82

also extends between sidewalls

34

of lower members

26

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d,

as well as, between upper support bar

80

and base

12

. Upper panel

81

includes upper and lower support bars

84

and

86

, respectively, extending between sidewalls

54

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d.

Upper and lower support bars

84

and

86

, respectively, of upper panel

81

are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen

88

also extends between sidewalls

54

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d,

as well as, between upper and lower support bars

84

and

86

, respectively.

Storage container

10

further includes a pair of removable gates

90

. As best seen in

FIGS. 3 and 5

, each gate

90

includes upper and lower panels

92

and

94

, respectively. Each lower panel

94

includes a generally rectangular wire mesh screen

96

having opposite ends

98

and

100

, and opposite sides

102

and

104

. Lower support rod

106

extends along side

104

of wire mesh screen

96

and has a first end

106

a

extending beyond end

98

thereof and a second end

106

b

extending beyond end

100

thereof. Second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

includes terminates at an enlarged head

107

, for reasons hereinafter described. Similarly, upper support rod

108

extends along side

102

of wire mesh screen

96

beyond ends

98

and

100

thereof. Upper support rod terminates at enlarged heads

110

and

112

, for reasons hereinafter described. Referring to

FIG. 12

, a generally J-shaped support bracket

114

is positioned over and is interconnected to upper support rod

108

. Support bracket

114

includes a base

116

having support legs

118

and

120

depending therefrom for receiving support rod

108

therebetween.

Upper panels

92

of gates

90

include wire mesh screens

122

having opposite sides

124

and

126

and opposite ends

128

and

130

. Lower support rods

132

extend along the entire length of sides

124

of wire mesh screens

122

. Similarly, 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

134

a

of upper support rods

134

terminate at enlarged heads

135

and second ends

134

b

of upper support rods

134

terminate at enlarged heads

137

. Generally J-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, FIG.

12

.

Upper and lower panels

92

and

94

, respectively, of gates

90

are interconnected by a plurality of generally U-shaped connectors

140

spaced along corresponding support brackets

114

of lower panels

94

. Each connector

140

has a first end

140

a

interconnected to base

116

of a corresponding support bracket

114

and a second end

140

b

interconnected to leg

120

of a corresponding support bracket

114

so as to define an oblong passageway

141

to capture lower support rod

132

of upper panel

92

. Passageways

141

through connectors

140

are of sufficient dimension so as to allow limited vertical movement of lower support rod

132

of upper panel, and hence of upper panel

92

, with respect to lower panel

94

.

In order to assemble storage container

10

, upper members

44

are pivoted with respect to corresponding lower members

26

from the collapsed position,

FIG. 4

, to the vertical pivoting position, FIG.

4

. Thereafter, upper panels

94

are released such that upper panels

94

move vertically downward to the locked positions,

FIG. 10

, wherein pins

68

become seated in corresponding notches

48

and

52

a

in order to lock support posts

24

a

-

24

d

in position.

One of the pair of gates

90

is positioned between support posts

24

a

and

24

c.

As best seen in

FIG. 15

, first end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is inserted into generally rectangular opening

144

in plate

146

that extends between sidewalls

34

and

36

of lower member

26

of support post

24

c.

Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is inserted through enlarged portion

148

a

of opening

148

in plate

150

that extends between sidewalls

34

and

36

of lower member

26

of support post

24

a,

FIG.

6

. Openings

144

and

148

through plates

146

and

150

, 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

24

a

and

24

c

is pivoted to a vertical position such that heads

110

and

112

of upper support rod

108

are aligned with corresponding pockets

152

and

154

projecting from front walls

58

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

a

and

24

c,

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

152

and

154

, respectively, FIG.

2

. It can be appreciated that notches

152

a

and

154

a

may be provided in pockets

152

and

154

, 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

24

a

and

24

b,

upper panel

92

of gate

90

is pivotable between a folded configuration,

FIG. 2

, wherein upper panel

92

is adjacent lower panel

92

and a vertical configuration,

FIG. 1

, wherein upper panel

92

and lower panel

94

of gate

90

lie in a common plane. As upper panel

92

is pivoted to the vertical configuration, heads

135

and

137

of upper support rod

134

are aligned with corresponding pockets

162

and

164

projecting from front walls

58

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

a

and

24

c,

respectively. Upper panel

92

of gate

90

is then released so as to allow upper panel

92

to move vertically downward such that heads

135

and

137

become seated in corresponding pockets

162

and

164

, respectively,

FIGS. 1

,

6

and

7

. It can be appreciated that notches

162

a

and

164

a

may be provided in pockets

162

and

164

, respectively, to allow upper support rod

134

of upper panel

92

of gate

90

to pass therethrough. In addition, pockets

162

and

164

may be provided with stop portions

162

b

and

164

b,

respectively, to prevent upper panel

92

of gate

90

from pivoting past the vertical configuration into the interior of storage container

10

.

The other of the pair of gates

90

is positioned between support posts

24

b

and

24

d

. As best seen in

FIGS. 15 and 17

, first end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is inserted into generally rectangular opening

174

in plate

176

that extends between sidewalls

34

and

36

of lower member

26

of support post

24

d.

Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is inserted through enlarged portion

178

a

of opening

178

in plate

180

that extends between sidewalls

34

and

36

of lower member

26

of support post

24

b,

FIGS.

6

and

12

-

16

. Openings

174

and

178

through plates

176

and

180

, 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

24

b

and

24

d

is pivoted to a vertical position such that heads

110

and

112

of upper support rod

108

are aligned with corresponding pockets

182

and

184

projecting from front walls

58

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

b

and

24

d,

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

182

and

184

, respectively, FIG.

2

. It can be appreciated that notches

182

a

and

184

a

may be provided in pockets

182

and

184

, respectively, to allow upper support rod

108

of lower panel

94

of gate

90

to pass therethrough.

Referring to

FIGS. 2

,

12

and

13

, with lower panel

94

of gate

90

fixed between support posts

24

b

and

24

d,

upper panel

92

of gate

90

is pivotable between a folded configuration,

FIG. 2

, wherein upper panel

92

is adjacent lower panel

92

and a vertical configuration,

FIGS. 1 and 13

, wherein upper panel

92

and lower panel

94

of gate

90

lie in a common plane. As upper panel

92

is pivoted to the vertical configuration, heads

135

and

137

of upper support rod

134

are aligned with corresponding pockets

192

and

194

projecting from front walls

58

of upper members

44

of support posts

24

b

and

24

d,

respectively. Upper panel

92

of gate

90

is then released so as to allow upper panel

92

to move vertically downward such that heads

135

and

137

become seated in corresponding pockets

192

and

194

, respectively,

FIGS. 1 and 6

. It can be appreciated that notches

192

a

and

194

a

may be provided in pockets

192

and

194

, respectively, to allow upper support rod

134

of upper panel

92

of gate

90

to pass therethrough. In addition, pockets

192

and

194

may be provided with stop portions

192

b

and

194

b,

respectively, to prevent upper panel

92

of gate

90

from pivoting past the vertical configuration into the interior of storage container

10

.

In order to collapse storage container

10

, the process is reversed. Upper panel

92

of the gate

90

between support posts

24

b

and

24

d

is lifted vertically such that heads

135

and

137

are removed from corresponding pockets

192

and

194

, respectively, thereby allowing upper panel

92

to pivot. The vertical movement of upper panel

92

is limited by end caps

196

and

198

provided on the upper ends of support posts

24

b

and

24

d

, respectively. Thereafter, upper panel

92

is returned to the folded configuration, FIG.

2

. Lower panel

94

of the gate

90

between support posts

24

b

and

24

d

is removed by lifting lower panel

94

vertically such that heads

110

and

112

are removed from pockets

182

and

184

, respectively, and pivoting lower panel

94

from its vertical position. Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is removed from opening

178

in plate

180

through enlarged portion

178

a

of opening

178

. In addition, first end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is removed from into generally rectangular opening

174

in plate

176

thereby disengaging gate

90

from storage container

10

.

Gate

90

between support posts

24

a

and

24

c

is removed by lifting upper panel

92

vertically such that heads

135

and

137

are removed from corresponding pockets

162

and

164

, respectively, thereby allowing upper panel

92

to pivot. The vertical movement of upper panel

92

is limited by end caps

200

and

202

provided on the upper ends of support posts

24

a

and

24

c,

respectively. Thereafter, upper panel

92

is returned to the folded configuration, FIG.

2

. Lower panel

94

of the gate

90

between support posts

24

a

and

24

c

is removed by lifting lower panel

94

vertically such that heads

110

and

112

are removed from pockets

152

and

154

, respectively, and pivoting lower panel

94

from its vertical position. Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is removed from opening in plate

150

through enlarged portion

148

a

of opening

148

. In addition, first end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is removed from into generally rectangular opening

144

in plate

146

thereby disengaging the second of the pair of gates

90

from storage container

10

, FIG.

3

.

In order to fully collapse storage container

10

, upper members

44

of support posts

24

a

-

24

d

are lifted vertically with respect to corresponding lower members

26

to the vertical pivoting position,

FIG. 3

, wherein pins

68

are disengaged from corresponding notches

48

and

52

a.

Thereafter, upper members

44

are pivoted on corresponding shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

towards base

12

to the collapsed position, FIG.

4

.

Referring to

FIGS. 18-29

, an alternate storage container in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral

210

. Except as hereinafter provided, storage container

210

is identical in structure to storage container

10

heretofore described. As such, the previous description of storage container

10

is understood to describe the common components of storage container

210

as if fully described hereinafter.

Referring to

FIGS. 20 and 24

, lower members

226

of posts

24

a

-

24

d

have a generally L-shaped cross-section and include sidewalls

234

and rear walls

238

. Sidewalls

234

of each lower member

226

include corresponding apertures

234

a

therethrough. Notch

248

is provided in upper end

250

of sidewall

234

of each lower member

226

. Reinforcing plates

252

are affixed to outer surfaces

254

of sidewalls

234

adjacent upper ends

250

thereof. Each reinforcing plate

252

also includes a notch

252

a

therein which is axially aligned with notch

248

in a corresponding sidewall

234

, for reasons hereinafter described.

Referring to

FIG. 18

, each upper member

244

of support posts

24

a

-

24

d

is generally L-shaped and is defined by sidewall

256

and by rear wall

258

. As best seen in

FIGS. 22-24

, connection elements

255

depend from lower ends

257

of sidewalls

256

, respectively, of lower members

244

. Connection elements

255

of lower members

244

further include oblong apertures

255

a

therein. It can be appreciated that connection elements

255

of upper members

244

are positionable adjacent corresponding lower members

26

such that oblong apertures

255

a

in connection elements

255

respectively, are aligned with apertures

234

a

in sidewalls

234

of corresponding lower members

226

.

In order to pivotably connect upper members

244

and corresponding lower members

226

, shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

extend through apertures

234

a

in sidewalls

234

of lower members

226

and through corresponding apertures

255

a

in connection elements

255

of corresponding upper members

244

. Nuts

66

are threaded onto corresponding shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

to retain carriage bolts

62

in position. As best seen in

FIGS. 22 and 28

, the diameter of shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

are less than the vertical length of oblong apertures

255

a

in connection elements

255

so as to allow limited vertical movement of upper members

244

with respect to corresponding lower members

226

between a vertical pivoting position and a locked position. Locking pins

68

project laterally from sidewalls

256

of upper members

244

and are receivable within corresponding notches

248

and

252

a

when upper members

244

are in the locking position so as to prevent upper members

244

from pivoting with respect to lower members

226

.

As heretofore described, support posts

24

a

and

24

b

are interconnected by upper and lower panels

69

and

71

, respectively. Lower panel

69

includes upper support bar

70

extending between rear wall

238

of lower members

226

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b

. Wire mesh screen

72

also extends between rear walls

238

of lower members

226

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b,

as well as, between upper support bar

70

and base

12

. Upper panel

71

includes upper and lower support bars

74

and

76

, respectively, extending between rear walls

258

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b.

Upper and lower support bars

74

and

76

, respectively, of upper panel

71

are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen

78

also extends between rear walls

258

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

a

and

24

b,

as well as, between upper and lower support bars

74

and

76

, respectively.

Support posts

24

c

and

24

d

are interconnected by upper and lower panels

79

and

81

, respectively. Lower panel

79

includes upper support bar

80

extending between rear walls

238

of lower members

226

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d.

Wire mesh screen

82

also extends between rear walls

238

of lower members

226

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d,

as well as, between upper support bar

80

and base

12

. Upper panel

81

includes upper and lower support bars

84

and

86

, respectively, extending between rear walls

258

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d.

Upper and lower support bars

84

and

86

, respectively, of upper panel

81

are spaced from and parallel to each other. Wire mesh screen

88

also extends between rear walls

258

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

c

and

24

d,

as well as, between upper and lower support bars

84

and

86

, respectively.

Storage container

210

further includes a pair of removable gates

90

. As best seen in

FIG. 23

, each gate

90

includes upper and lower panels

92

and

94

, respectively. As heretofore described, each lower panel

94

includes a generally rectangular wire mesh screen

96

having opposite ends

98

and

100

, and opposite sides

102

and

104

. Lower support rod

106

extends along side

104

of wire mesh screen

96

and has a first end

106

a

extending beyond end

98

thereof and a second end

106

b

extending beyond end

100

thereof. Second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

includes terminates at an enlarged head

107

, for reasons hereinafter described. Similarly, upper support rod

108

extends along side

102

of wire mesh screen

96

. A generally J-shaped support bracket

114

is positioned over and is interconnected to upper support rod

108

. Support bracket

114

includes a base

116

having support legs

118

and

120

depending therefrom for receiving support rod

108

therebetween. Leg

120

of support bracket

114

has a first end

120

a

that extends beyond end

98

of wire mesh screen

96

and a second end

120

b

that extends beyond end

100

of wire mesh screen

96

. Notches

259

and

261

are provided in ends

120

a

and

120

b,

respectively, of support bracket

114

, for reasons hereinafter described.

Upper panels

92

of gates

90

include wire mesh screens

122

having opposite sides

124

and

126

and opposite ends

128

and

130

. Lower support rods

132

extend along the entire length of sides

124

of wire mesh screens

122

. Similarly, upper support rods

134

extend along the entire length of sides

126

of wire mesh screens

122

. Generally J-shaped support brackets

136

are positioned over and are interconnected to corresponding upper support rods

134

. Support brackets

136

include base

138

having legs

139

and

142

depending therefrom for receiving a corresponding upper support rod

134

therebetween. Leg

142

of each support bracket

136

has a first end

142

a

that extends beyond end

128

of wire mesh screen

122

and a second end

142

b

that extends beyond end

130

of wire mesh screen

122

. Notches

263

and

265

are provided in ends

142

a

and

142

b,

respectively, of support bracket

136

, for reasons hereinafter described. As heretofore described, upper and lower panels

92

and

94

, respectively, of gates

90

are interconnected by a plurality of generally U-shaped connectors

140

spaced along corresponding support brackets

114

of lower panels

94

.

In order to assemble storage container

210

, upper members

244

are pivoted with respect to corresponding lower members

226

from the collapsed position,

FIG. 20

, to the vertical pivoting position, FIG.

18

. Thereafter, upper panels

94

are released such that upper panels

94

move vertically downward to the locked positions wherein locking pins

68

become seated in corresponding notches

248

and

252

a

in order to lock support posts

24

a

-

24

d

in position.

One of the pair of gates

90

is positioned between support posts

24

a

and

24

c.

As best seen in

FIG. 23

, first end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is inserted into generally rectangular opening

144

in plate

146

that extends from sidewall

234

of lower member

226

of support post

24

c.

Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is inserted through enlarged portion

148

a

of opening

148

in plate

150

that extends from sidewall

234

of lower member

226

of support post

24

a.

Openings

144

and

148

through plates

146

and

150

, 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

24

a

and

24

c

is pivoted to a vertical position such that notches

259

and

261

provided in ends

120

a

and

120

b,

respectively, of support bracket

114

overlap corresponding brackets

272

and

274

projecting from sidewalls

254

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

a

and

24

c

, respectively. Lower panel

94

of gate

90

is then released so as to allow lower panel

94

to move vertically downward such that brackets

272

and

274

become seated in corresponding notches

259

and

261

, respectively.

With lower panel

94

of gate

90

fixed between support posts

24

a

and

24

c,

upper panel

92

of gate

90

is pivotable between a folded configuration, wherein upper panel

92

is adjacent lower panel

92

and a vertical configuration,

FIG. 29

, wherein upper panel

92

and lower panel

94

of gate

90

lie in a common plane. As upper panel

92

is pivoted to the vertical configuration, notches

263

and

265

in ends

142

a

and

142

b,

respectively, of support bracket

136

are aligned with corresponding brackets

276

and

278

, respectively, projecting from sidewalls

254

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

a

and

24

c

, respectively. Upper panel

92

of gate

90

is then released so as to allow upper panel

92

to move vertically downward such that brackets

276

and

278

become seated in corresponding notches

263

and

265

, respectively,

FIGS. 18 and 28

.

The other of the pair of gates

90

is positioned between support posts

24

b

and

24

d.

First end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is inserted into generally rectangular opening

174

in plate

176

that extends from sidewall

234

of lower member

226

of support post

24

d.

Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is inserted through enlarged portion

178

a

of opening

178

in plate

180

that extends from sidewall

234

of lower member

226

of support post

24

b.

Openings

174

and

178

through plates

176

and

180

, 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

24

b

and

24

d

is pivoted to a vertical position such that notches

259

and

261

provided in ends

120

a

and

120

b,

respectively, of support bracket

114

overlap corresponding brackets

282

and

284

projecting from sidewalls

254

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

b

and

24

d

, respectively. Lower panel

94

of gate

90

is then released so as to allow lower panel

94

to move vertically downward such that brackets

282

and

284

become seated in corresponding notches

259

and

261

, respectively.

With lower panel

94

of gate

90

fixed between support posts

24

b

and

24

d,

upper panel

92

of gate

90

is pivotable between a folded configuration, wherein upper panel

92

is adjacent lower panel

92

and a vertical configuration, wherein upper panel

92

and lower panel

94

of gate

90

lie in a common plane. As upper panel

92

is pivoted to the vertical configuration, notches

263

and

265

in ends

142

a

and

142

b,

respectively, of support bracket

136

are aligned with corresponding brackets

286

and

288

, respectively, projecting from sidewalls

254

of upper members

244

of support posts

24

b

and

24

d

, respectively. Upper panel

92

of gate

90

is then released so as to allow upper panel

92

to move vertically downward such that brackets

286

and

288

become seated in corresponding notches

263

and

265

, respectively, FIG.

18

.

In order to collapse storage container

210

, the process is reversed. Upper panel

92

of the gate

90

between support posts

24

b

and

24

d

is lifted vertically such that notches

263

and

265

are disengaged from corresponding brackets

286

and

288

, respectively, thereby allowing upper panel

92

to pivot. The vertical movement of upper panel

92

is limited by end caps

290

and

292

provided on the upper ends of support posts

24

b

and

24

d,

respectively. Thereafter, upper panel

92

is returned to the folded configuration. Lower panel

94

of the gate

90

between support posts

24

b

and

24

d

is removed by lifting lower panel

94

vertically such that notches

259

and

261

are disengaged from brackets

282

and

284

, respectively, and pivoting lower panel

94

from its vertical position. Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is removed from opening

178

in plate

180

through enlarged portion

178

a

of opening

178

. In addition, first end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is removed from into generally rectangular opening

174

in plate

176

thereby disengaging gate

90

from storage container

210

.

Gate

90

between support posts

24

a

and

24

c

is removed by lifting upper panel

92

vertically such that notches

263

and

265

are disengaged from corresponding brackets

276

and

278

, respectively, thereby allowing upper panel

92

to pivot. The vertical movement of upper panel

92

is limited by end caps

294

and

296

provided on the upper ends of support posts

24

a

and

24

c,

respectively. Thereafter, upper panel

92

is returned to the folded configuration. Lower panel

94

of the gate

90

between support posts

24

a

and

24

c

is removed by lifting lower panel

94

vertically such that notches

259

and

261

are disengaged from brackets

272

and

274

, respectively, and pivoting lower panel

94

from its vertical position. Head

107

at second end

106

b

of lower support rod

106

is removed from opening in plate

150

through enlarged portion

148

a

of opening

148

. In addition, first end

106

a

of lower support rod

106

is removed from into generally rectangular opening

144

in plate

146

thereby disengaging the second of the pair of gates

90

from storage container

210

.

In order to fully collapse storage container

210

, upper members

244

of support posts

24

a

-

24

d

are lifted vertically with respect to corresponding lower members

26

to the vertical pivoting position, wherein pins

68

are disengaged from corresponding notches

248

and

252

a.

Thereafter, upper members

244

are pivoted on corresponding shafts

60

of carriage bolts

62

towards base

12

to the collapsed position, FIG.

20

.

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.

Number	Name	Date	Kind
1208420	Watkins	Dec 1916	A
2862640	Somavia	Dec 1958	A
2964210	Paley	Dec 1960	A
3139205	Haubrich	Jun 1964	A
3360180	Venturi	Dec 1967	A
3497127	Box	Feb 1970	A
3648877	Heft	Mar 1972	A
4030612	Gray	Jun 1977	A
4150762	Brunette	Apr 1979	A
4163495	Drader	Aug 1979	A
4662532	Anderson et al.	May 1987	A
4715508	Schurch	Dec 1987	A
4863056	Inayama	Sep 1989	A
5161709	Oestreich, Jr.	Nov 1992	A
5253763	Kirkley et al.	Oct 1993	A
5415311	Coogan	May 1995	A

Collapsible storage container

Information

Patent Number

Date Filed

Date Issued

Inventors

Examiners

Agents

CPC

US Classifications

Field of Search

US

International Classifications

Term Extension

Abstract

Description

Claims

US Referenced Citations (16)