Portable storage containers that both stack and nest with similar containers are commonly used in industry for transporting and storing goods. Nesting is typically achieved when an empty container receives a like container therein such that there is some overlap between the walls and the containers. On the other hand, the stacking feature is typically used when an occupied container has a like container supported thereon, such that there is relatively little or no overlap between the walls of the containers, and the goods contained in the lower container are preferably not contacted or damaged by the upper container. Many containers use members known bail members to achieve the stacking feature. Bail members may typically be positioned out of the way for purposes of nesting, but then moved to a stacking position for allowing containers to be stacked thereon. Often, the stacks may consist of multiple containers having a load. Unfortunately, some containers may not have sufficient strength to accommodate such loads in a stack.
The bail members in some containers are movable among three positions: a nesting position, a first stack position and a second stack position. The bail members support containers in the first stack position at a first distance from the floor, or at the second stack position at a second distance from the floor.
A container according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a nest position and three selectable heights for the support portions of the bail members. The bail members can be adjusted to support similar containers stacked thereon according to how much is in the container. Additionally, the container provides improved strength and reliability of the bail members, and prevents accidental dislodgement of the bail members from their selected positions.
The container includes a plurality of walls extending upwardly from a floor. At least one of the walls includes an inner wall portion and an outer wall portion. At least one of the inner and outer wall portions has an elongated pin opening. A pair of bail members are each movable among a nest position, an upper stack position, a middle stack position and a lower stack position. Each bail member includes a support portion and arm extending transversely from outer ends of the support portion. A pin extends transversely from an outer end of each arm. Each pin is received in one of the pin openings, with the arm received between the inner and outer wall portions. The pins are slidable and pivotable in the pin openings to move the bail members to the various positions. Because the arms of the bail members are received between the inner and outer wall portions, accidental dislodgement of the bail member pins from the pin openings is prevented.
Other advantages of the present invention can be understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:
A container 10 according to the present invention is shown in
Elongated pin openings 30 are formed in each outer wall portion 20 to trap pins 32 at the outer ends of the bail members 18. The pins 32 are slidable and pivotable within the pin openings 30, such that the bail members 18 can be moved to a plurality of positions and orientations. In
Referring to
Bail member 18b is in the upper stack position with the pin 32b in the second pivot axis in the pin opening 30. In the upper stack position, the support portion 19 of the bail member 18 is supported on support rest 36 of the inner wall 22, at a height substantially equal to the height of the walls 14, 16.
Bail member 18c is in the middle stack position with the pin 32c in the third pivot axis in the pin opening 30. In the middle stack position, the support portion 19 of the bail member 18 is supported on support rest 42 of the inner wall 22, at a middle height from the floor 12.
Bail member 18d is in the lower stack position with the pin 32d in the fourth pivot axis in the pin opening 30. In the lower stack position, the support portion 19 of the bail member 18 is supported on support rest 46 of the inner wall 22, at a minimal height from the floor 12.
Upward protrusions extend upwardly into the pin opening 30 between each of the pivot axes to inhibit unintended movement of the pin 32 between pivot axes. Further, the arm 38 of the bail member 18 is always between the inner wall portion 22 and the outer wall portion 20. This prevents accidental dislodgement of the pins 32a-d from the pin opening 30.
The container 10 provides a nest position and three selectable heights for the support portions 19 of the bail members 18. Depending on how much is stored in the container 10, the bail members 18 can be adjusted to support similar containers 10′ stacked thereon without resting on the contents.
A container 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown in
In
In
In
Bail member 118b is in the upper stack position with the pin 132b in the first pivot axis in the pin opening 130. In the upper stack position, the support portion 119 of the bail member 118b is supported on support rest 136 of the inner wall 122, at a height substantially equal to the height of the walls 114, 116.
Bail member 118c is in the lower stack position with the pin 132c in the second pivot axis in the pin opening 130. In the lower stack position, the support portion 119 of the bail member 118c is supported on support rest 146 of the inner wall 122, at a minimal height from the floor 112. The upward protrusion 134 extends upwardly into the pin opening 130 between the pivot axes to inhibit unintended movement of the pin 132 between pivot axes.
In both embodiments, the walls and floor of the container 10, 110 are integrally molded as a single unitary structure from a plastic material such as polypropylene, but other suitable materials could also be used. The bail members 18, 118 are preferably steel, but could also be glass-filled nylon or other composite material.
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. There are different designs of containers that would benefit from the present invention.
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