Patent · US Expired

Collapsible container with reduced deflection

US5474197A · kind A · utility

59Cited by
23References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 27, 1993
Grant dateDec 12, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 27, 2013

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65D2519/00995
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A collapsible, foldable container with reduced deflection and increased strength and convenience is provided. A door can be provided in the lower portion in one or more of the sidewalls, opening upward and outward without unduly loading the door hinges. A latch is provided to hold the door in the open configuration engageable by slamming open and disengaging by jerking close. In one embodiment, the base of the container includes a plate having ribbing extending upwardly therefrom. When a smooth-bottomed surface is desired, a plate may be installed on top of the upwardly extending ribbing. Ribbing on the bottom surface and/or sidewall surfaces can include close-loop or circular ribs with integral ribbing extending radially therefrom. Preferably, containers are configured so that they can be stacked, one upon the other, either with or without a top or lid. Preferably, the lid, when provided, avoids pooling of liquids such as rainwater by having a domed-shape and by providing channels in a peripheral ridge. Sagging in the components of the container can be at least partially avoided by providing ribbing in regions extending from the center of the bottom of the container towards periph…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.