Container

Abstract

 The present invention relates to a container comprising a base, a first pair of opposed walls and a second pair of opposed walls defining the fillable space of the container, a pair of stacking members which are movable between a stacking position in which the stacking members are positioned to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking members are substantially removed from the fillable space of the container, and means for moving the stacking members between the stacking position and the filling position, substantially along the mouth of the container. The invention also relates to a stacking member for use with said container.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a container, and more particularly, to a container for consumer-products that is used for the transport of such products, and their display in a retail outlet.

[0002] Plastics containers are known for use in many applications, including retail delivery. Typically, the containers comprise a base and two pairs of opposed walls. When the container is collapsible, both the pairs of walls pivot about the base at their lower edges, so that the container can be collapsed into a substantially flat position when not in use.

[0003] In applications where collapsible containers and nesting containers (with smaller base dimensions) are used together, solutions are known that provide stacking rails or bars that enable nesting containers to be stacked onto collapsible containers. In order to get bars sufficiently inboard to allow easy stacking location it is required that the normal method of folding the short ends first, be reversed (see GB 2359066). Using stacking rails (see GB 2431917) gives conventional folding but does not allow the rail to come inboard far enough. Both these issues make handling difficult. The present invention helps overcome these issues.

[0004] Another important consideration when designing stacking containers is that, in the stacking position, the stacking bars should be in a position such that, on one hand, they can suitably support the base of another container stacked thereon and, on the other hand, they do not decrease the fillable volume of the container. A number of stackable containers have been developed to fulfil these requirements.

[0005] For example, the container is described in GB 2476856 in which the stacking bar is lifted within a slot located in the end wall and pivoted down into the stacking position. However, in this type of mechanism, the stacking bar has some degree of free movement within the slot which can cause racking, making operation difficult. In addition, if not accurately or properly fitted, the ends of the stacking bar could potentially slip out of the slot and become detached from the end wall.

[0006] It is an object of the invention to at least alleviate the above-mentioned disadvantages, or to provide an alternative to existing products.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a container comprising a base, a first pair of opposed walls and a second pair of opposed walls. The base and four walls define the space of the container which is available to be filled with products. The container further comprises a pair of stacking members which are movable between a stacking position in which the stacking members are positioned to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking members are substantially removed from the fillable space of the container. The upper edges of the first and second pair of opposed walls define the mouth of the container and the container is arranged and configured to that the stacking members are movable between the stacking position and the filling position substantially along the mouth of the container. Preferably, the stacking members are movable between the stacking position and the filling position in a substantially linear motion.

[0008] In the present invention, the stacking members in filling position with not hinder the filling process whilst ensuring that, in the stacking position, they will not decrease the fillable volume of the container.

[0009] In the filling position, each stacking member is preferably substantially flush with one of the first pair of opposed walls. This feature decreases the risk of accidentally catching the stacking member and the container is therefore less prone to damage.

[0010] The container preferably comprises means for folding each stacking member into the filling position, so that the stacking members are compactly nested away from the fillable space of the container. Preferably, the moving means comprises at least two articulation points for folding and unfolding the stacking members between the filling position in which the folded stacking member is flush with the supporting wall and the stacking position substantially above the fillable space of the container.

[0011] The stacking member preferably comprises a stacking bar, which moves between the stacking position and the filling position substantially along the mouth of the container.

[0012] Preferably, the stacking member comprises a pair of foldable legs connected to the stacking bar. Each leg may comprise at least a first segment extending from an end of the stacking bar and at least a second segment connecting the first segment to an end wall.

[0013] The stacking members of the present invention are advantageous in that, if required, the stacking members can be detached from the container and replaced by new stacking members, without the need for replacing the whole container. Similarly, each separate part (bar or segments) of the stacking member can be detached and replaced as required. In addition, each separate part of the stacking member can be manufactured with a different material and more robust materials can be used for the parts which are more subject to impact, thereby reducing damage.

[0014] The first and second segment may be pivotally connected to each other. The first segment may be integrally formed with the stacking bar and the second segment may be pivotally connected to an end wall. As explained above, containers such as those described in GB 2476856 comprise stacking bars which are deployed or retracted by pivoting and sliding movement within a slot. The present invention makes the stacking member fixing to the container more secure. It removes the potential for repeated impacts and wear of the fixing and for the accidental detachment of the stacking bar from its supporting wall.

[0015] Preferably, the stacking members pivot about the first pair of opposed walls. In a preferred embodiment, the first pair of opposed walls are end walls and the second pair of opposed walls are side walls. However, the opposite configuration is also possible and may be useful in certain applications.

[0016] Preferably, the supporting wall comprises at least a recess to receive the folded legs. Alternatively or in addition, the wall adjacent the supporting wall comprises at least a recess to receive the folded leg. The folded legs of the stacking bars are compactly folded and nested within the supporting wall or adjacent wall to be completely received within the plane of the supporting wall.

[0017] Preferably, the container comprises at least an upstand extending from the end wall for supporting or partially receiving the stacking bar. In this preferred embodiment, the stacking bar, in the folded configuration, can be protected by or within the upstand from damage and from being accidental caught. The upstand also prevents the stacking bar from rotating backwards when the container is in an erected position and/or in the collapsed position. In another preferred embodiment, the container comprises at least an upstand extending from the lateral edge of the wall adjacent the supporting wall. This feature prevents the stacking bar from rotating backwards when the container is in an erected position and can also provide means for securing the end wall into the erected position. The upstands may comprise at least en end stop and/or at least a flange.

[0018] Preferably, both the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls pivot about the base so that the container can be collapsed to a substantially flat configuration. This makes it easier to store such containers when they are not in use. In the present invention, the stacking members are nested within the plane of the end wall so that the container can be easily collapsed.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a foldable stacking member for use with a container as described above.

[0020] The invention will be further described with reference to the drawings and figures, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a container according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a stacking member according to the present invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing the first and second segment of the stacking member of figure 2;

Figure 4 is a schematic representation of the stacking member of figure 2 connected to the container of figure 1;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the stacking member of figure 2 connected to the container of figure 1 in the stacking position;

Figure 6 is a schematic representation of the stacking member of figure 2 connected to the container of figure 1 in the folded position;

Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the container of figure 1 showing the end wall in the process of being collapsed;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation of a second container according to the present invention;

Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a second stacking member according to the present invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic representation of the stacking member of figure 9 connected to the container of figure 8 in the stacking position;

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the stacking member of figure 9 connected to the container of figure 8 in the folded position; and

Figure 12 is a schematic representation of the container of figure 8 showing the end wall in the process of being collapsed.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a container 10 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The container 10 comprises a base 12, a first pair of opposed walls 14 and a second pair of opposed walls 16. In this embodiment, the first pair of opposed walls 14 are the shorter end walls; and the second pair of opposed walls are the longer side walls. Preferably, the first and second pairs of opposed walls 14, 16 are pivotally attached at their lower edges to the base 12 so that container 10 is collapsible.

[0022] Container 10 is typically formed by injection moulding from a suitable plastics material. As the skilled person will appreciate, the shape, configuration and dimensions of the container 10, including the relative proportions and thicknesses of the base 12 and walls 14, 16 are chosen according to the design requirements. The base 12, walls 14, 16 and other parts of container 10 are typically moulded as separate parts and assembled together by snap-fit connection or otherwise.

[0023] Container 10 further comprises a pair of stacking members 20. Each stacking member 20 is pivotally connected to a supporting wall, which in this embodiment is an end wall 14, so that the stacking members 20 can be deployed into a stacking position in which they are positioned to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking members 20 are substantially removed from the opening in the top of the container 10.

[0024] With reference to figure 2, the stacking member 20 comprises a stacking bar 21 and two legs 22. Each leg 22 comprises a first segment 23 and a second segment 24. The first segment 23 which can be integrally formed with the stacking bar 21, to render the stacking member 20 more robust and cheaper to produce. The proximal end (relative to the stacking bar 20) of second segment 24 is pivotally connected to the distal end of the first segment 23 and the distal end of second segment 24 is pivotally connected to supporting end wall 14.

[0025] A preferred example of connection between the first and second segment 23, 24 is shown in figure 3, in which a protrusion (for example a snap-fit protrusion) 26A is located adjacent the proximal end of the second segment 24 which can be received in a corresponding opening 26B at the distal end of the first segment 23. Alternatively, the protrusion can be located adjacent the distal end of the first segment 23 and the opening adjacent the proximal end of the second segment 24.

[0026] Because of the pivotable connection between the first and second segment 23, 24, the leg 22 can be compactly folded in two (or more, if the leg comprises more than two pivotally connected segments) when the stacking members 20 are in the filling position. In the present invention, the stacking member 20 is folded into a filling position as opposed to being merely pushed or retracted against the supporting wall.

[0027] The second segment 24 comprises means for pivotally connecting to the supporting wall 24, and in this embodiment, comprises a protrusion 25A adjacent its distal end, which can be received in a corresponding recess 25B located on the lateral edge of the supporting wall 24. Alternatively, the lateral edge of the supporting wall 24 comprises a protrusion which can be received in a corresponding recess located adjacent the distal end of the second segment 24. Plastics stacking members 20 can for example be fitted by pulling the legs 22 apart, positioning the protrusions over the corresponding recesses and releasing the legs 22.

[0028] Where the second segment 24 is shorter than the first segment 23, then the second segment 24 is preferably connected inwardly of the first segment 23 so that in the folded position, the second segment 24 lies inwardly along the first segment 23. Alternatively, where the second segment 24 is longer than the first segment 23, then the second segment 24 is connected outwardly of the first segment 23 so that in the folded position, the second segment 24 lies outwardly along the first segment 23. The means 25 connecting the second segment 24 to the end wall 14 (and in particular its length) can be adjusted to accommodate each folded configuration. In the context of the present invention, "inwardly" refers to a position within the space between the first segments 23 of a stacking member 20 and within the plane formed by the first segments 23; whereas "outwardly" refers to a position outside the space between the first segments 23 of a stacking member 20 and within the plane formed by the first segments 23.

[0029] In this embodiment, the stacking members 20 in the filling position are folded along the lateral edge of the end wall 14 and received within a recess 30 in the inner surface of the side wall 16.

[0030] The container may be designed to prevent the stacking members from rotating "backwards". In the context of the present invention, "forwards" refers to the stacking members 20 having rotated at an angle such that they are positioned over the opening in the top of the container to support the base of another container stacked thereon (i.e. the stacking members are in the stacking position), and "backwards" refers to the stacking members having rotated in the opposite direction. When the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 and the walls of the second pair of opposed walls 16 are in an upstanding position, the stacking members 20 may be prevented from rotating backwards by the end stop or flange 18 extending perpendicular of the second pair of opposed walls 16. When the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14 are not in an upstanding position, the stacking members 20 may be prevented from rotating backwards by upstands formed at either end of each of the walls of the first pair of opposed walls 14.

[0031] In this embodiment, container 10 comprises an upstand 18 extending from the lateral edge of each side wall 16 (see for example figures 1 and 7). These upstands 18 can be integrally formed with the side walls and have the advantage of preventing the stacking members 20 from rotating backwards when the end walls 14 are in the erected position. The upstands 18 can also provide means for locking the walls 14, 16 in the erected position. Further means may be provided to maintain the walls 14, 16 in the erected position, such as interference means and/or retaining tabs.

[0032] With reference to figure 4, the supporting end walls 14 of container 10 comprise upstand 19 extending from the top edge of each end wall 14. These upstands 19 can be integrally formed with the end walls 14 and have the advantage of preventing the stacking members 20 from rotating backwards when the end walls 14 are in the erected position or in the collapsed position.

[0033] The adjacent side wall 16 comprises means for securing the stacking members 20 in the stacking position. For example, with reference to figure 7, the side wall 16 may comprise a notch 31 to receive and retain the stacking bar 21. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the side wall 16 comprises an angled surface 32 which forces the side wall 16 outwards when the stacking members 20 are folded into the filling position, to allow the end wall 14 to collapse.

[0034] In use, in the collapsed configuration, the side walls 16 lie on top of the end walls 14, which in turn lie on the base 12. The stacking members 20 are folded within the plane of the end wall 14, e.g. with the folded legs 22 located along the lateral edge of the end walls 14 and the stacking bar 21 along the top edge of the end wall 14 and within the upstand 18.

[0035] The container 10 is deployed by pulling the side walls 16 and the end walls 14 in an upright position. The walls 14, 16 can be secured into the upright position with securing means for example provided on the upstands 19 and/or with additional securing means (not shown).

[0036] The legs 22 of stacking members 20 are unfolded by pulling on the stacking bar 20 into the stacking position over the opening of the container. The second segment 24 pivots relative to the supporting wall 14 and the first segment pivots 23 relative to the second segment 24. The stacking bar 21 moves from the filling position flush with the supporting wall 14 to the stacking position, in a substantially linear movement which is parallel to the base 12 or substantially along the mouth of the container 10. The movement is substantially linear in that the stacking member need not be pivoted and/or lifted and/or lowered to move between the two positions as is the case in known containers.

[0037] The stacking bar 21 is received by notch 31 on the adjacent wall 16 to (1) retain the stacking bar into the stacking position; (2) to provide further support for the stacking member 20 to carry the weight of the second container; (3) to secure the walls 14, 16 of container 10 into the erected position.

[0038] To collapse the container, the steps described above are reversed. The stacking bar 20 is lifted from the notch 31 to release the stacking member 20. As the legs 22 of the stacking members 20 are folded, they interact with the angled surface 30 on the inner surface of adjacent wall 16, so that the adjacent wall 16 is pushed outwards to release the end wall 14 and allow the end wall 14 to collapse as the legs 22 and stacking bar 20 are folded within the plane of the end wall 14. The container is collapsed in a substantially flat configuration and this is possible because the stacking members 20 are received within the plane of the supporting walls and therefore do not add to the thickness of the supporting walls.

[0039] Preferably, the stacking members 20 are connected to the end walls 14 so that the end walls 14 can be collapsed first onto the base 12, and the side walls 6 are collapsed on top of the side walls 14.

[0040] Figures 8 to 12 show a second container 100 according to the present invention comprising a base 112, a first pair of opposed walls 114 and a second pair of opposed walls 116. Some of the differences with the first container 10 are explained below.

[0041] With reference to figure 9, the stacking member 120 comprises a stacking bar 121 and two legs 122. Each leg 122 comprises a first segment 123 which can be integrally formed with the stacking bar 121 and a second segment 124. The proximal end of second segment 124 is pivotally connected to the distal end of the first segment 123 and the distal end of second segment 124 is pivotally connected to supporting end wall 114. The stacking bar 121 further comprises an extension 127 at each of its end for interaction and engagement with the adjacent wall 116.

[0042] The adjacent side wall 116 comprises a recess 130 to receive the extension 127 of the stacking bar 121. A notch 131 is provided to receive and retain the stacking bar 121 in the stacking position. In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the side wall 116 further comprises an angled surface 132 which forces the side wall 116 outwards when the stacking members 20 are folded into the filling position, to allow the end wall 114 to collapse (figure 12).

[0043] The supporting wall 14 comprises a recess 140 along its lateral edge to receive the folded legs 122 of the stacking member 120 in the filling position as can be seen in figure 11. The supporting wall further comprises an upstand 118 along the top edge to receive the stacking bar 121. Thus, the folded stacking member 120 is flush with the supporting wall 114 when the container 100 is in the erected filling position or when the supporting wall 114 is collapsed.

[0044] When the supporting wall 114 is collapsed, the extension 127 of the stacking bar 121 is received within an arcuate recess 150 in the adjacent wall 116, which can create space for the supporting wall 114 to be easily folded, can help guiding the supporting wall 114 into the collapsed configuration and within which the extension 127 can be received when the walls 114 and 116 are in the collapsed configuration.

[0045] Containers according to the present invention will typically be formed from a plastics material. Plastics materials have multiple advantages, including the fact that they are lightweight and easy to clean. However, the separate parts of the container and the separate parts of the stacking member may be made of different materials. Since the stacking member can be detached from the container, it could be made partially or completely with a different material, such as metal which is less prone to damage.

[0046] As set out above, the present container provide a good alternative to existing products in that foldable stacking members are less prone to damage, and, if they do get damaged, the stacking members are easily be replaced without having to discard the whole container. In addition, the stacking members of the present invention can potentially be fitted to existing containers.

Claims

1. A container comprising
a base, a first pair of opposed walls and a second pair of opposed walls defining, in use, the fillable space of the container,
the upper, in use, edge of the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls defining the mouth of the container and
the container further comprises a pair of stacking members which are movable between a stacking position in which the stacking members are positioned to support the base of another container stacked thereon and a filling position in which the stacking members are substantially removed from the fillable space of the container, and
wherein the container further comprises means for moving the stacking members between the stacking position and the filling position, substantially along the mouth of the container.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein the stacking members are movable between the stacking position and the filling position is a substantially linear motion.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the filling position, each stacking member is substantially flush with one of the first pair of opposed walls.

4. The container according to any preceding claims, wherein the container comprises means for folding each stacking member into the filling position.

5. The container according to any preceding claims, wherein the moving means comprises at least two articulation points.

6. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the stacking member comprises a stacking bar.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein the stacking member comprises at least a pair of foldable legs connected to the stacking bar.

8. The container according to claim 7, wherein each leg comprises at least a first segment connected to an end of the stacking bar and at least a second segment connecting the first segment to one of the first pair of opposing walls.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein the first and second segment are pivotally connected to each other.

10. The container according to claim 8, wherein the first segment is integrally formed with the stacking bar.

11. The container according to claim 8, wherein the second segment is pivotally connected to the wall.

12. The container according to claim 8, wherein the wall comprises at least a recess to receive a folded leg.

13. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the second pair of opposed walls comprises at least a recess to receive the folded leg.

14. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the first pair of opposed walls are end walls and the second pair of opposed walls are side walls.

15. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein both the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls pivot about the base so that the container can be collapsed to a substantially flat configuration.

16. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises at least an upstand extending from the upper, in use, edge of one of the first or second pairs of opposed walls.

17. The container according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises at least an upstand extending from the lateral, in use, edge of one of the first or second pairs of opposed walls.

18. The container according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the upstand comprises at least an end stop and/or at least a flange.

19. A foldable stacking member for use with a container according to any preceding claim.

Drawing