Receptacles – Sectional – Folding
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-07
2001-10-23
Pollard, Steven (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Sectional
Folding
C220S001500, C206S449000, C206S521800
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305566
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention generally relates to containers, and more particularly, to a novel plastic container that is foldable or collapsible and is used for storing, transporting and displaying goods, such as glass panels, windows, door panels, or rectangular boxes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, containers are used for storing and transporting numerous items. Certain fragile items, like door mirrors, windows, glass panes, frames, etc. are difficult to store in such a manner. In particular, these items are generally thin (relatively) rectangular items. If stored on there faces (e.g., the front and back surfaces) and stacked on top of one another, problems can occur. In addition, often times the front and back faces of the objects are not designed to bear any significant weight. For example, twenty stacked mirrors (i.e., stacked on top of one another) can be quite dangerous, both as to the objects themselves and to individuals nearby, as the faces are subjected to substantial loads. For this reason, such items are frequently stored side-by-side, like books on a shelf in a library. In this matter, the load caused primarily of the weight of the object is borne by an edge or side of the object. Thus, doors are transported, stored and displaced on their side edge, namely the bottom surface of the door. The door is transported in much the same way it is oriented in use.
One problem associated with storing, transporting and displaying objects standing on an edge is the absolute need for side walls on the structure supporting, transporting or displaying the object. For example, a pallet supporting twenty mirrors, standing on their side edges will fall over unless either tied tightly together, e.g., encircling the entire group with rope, or supported by side walls attached to the pallet. A four walled bin (pallet with four side walls) will hold the side-by-side objects. Nevertheless, with four walls, it becomes difficult to remove the objects being stored in the bin or on the pallet. To remove a single object, one must lift the object over a significantly high wall. This manipulation can, of course, cause breakage.
For this reason, sometimes three-walled bins are desired. Three walled bins (a pallet with three side walls attached thereto) have many advantages. The items being stored, transported and displayed (again like books on a book shelf) can be easily supported (two side walls take much of the weight bearing loads and the absence of one wall permits both easy viewing of the objects and easy removing of the objects off the pallet supporting them.
Accordingly, there is a need for devices and mechanisms to facilitate and improve upon the safety and improve upon existing systems associated with the storage and transporting of bins.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a collapsible container that includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall. The base has an upper surface that slopes downwardly towards the rear wall. The rear wall is further sloped from the vertical. The walls are hinged to the base and can be removed when desired or rotated relative to the base. The hinge permits strong interconnection and minimum risk of separation between the components. The container rests upon a plurality of feet.
The collapsible container is designed for transporting and displaying doors, mirrors, ironing boards, ready-to-assemble (RTA) products, such as furniture and other long carton box packages. Packages can stand on the short ends (side edges) while leaning against the back panel to remain stable. The open front allows easy retrieval of packages without significant lifting over the side panels. Moreover, packages of different sizes and different products can be mixed on the same container. Additionally, packages can be divided up to about a dozen sections to allow for easy assortment and retrieval. There is no stacking of packages, thus avoiding breakage of products. The container can be further used for shipping, storing, and displaying items. In addition, the back and side panels can be folded down to reduce storage and transportation volume when the containers are shipped empty. Fork lifts and hand jacks can be easily used to move the container as four way entry is permitted.
The container is designed for multi-trip uses, thus reducing packaging cost as compared with one trip wood pallets and containers. This results in reduced material and waste handling for wholesalers and retailers compared with one trip boxes.
These and other aspects of the present invention set forth in the appended claims may be realized in accordance with the following disclosure with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Fan Jerry J.
Pigott Brandon L.
Pigott Maurice J.
Pigott Peter S.
Pigott Schuyler F.
Nucon Corporation
Pollard Steven
Wallenstein & Wagner Ltd.
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