KNOCK-DOWN CRATE WITH WALLS STORED IN BASE AND METHOD EMPLOYING SUCH A CRATE

Description

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to crates and, in particular, it concerns a knock-down crate in which the walls can be stored in a recess in the base, and a corresponding method for transporting produce.

[0002] It is known to provide containers of many types for transporting produce, manufactured articles, raw materials etc. from one location to another. Such containers are generally configured to be lifted by a fork-lift vehicle and are stackable. These containers, typically referred to as "bins", "box-pallets", "crates" or "totes", will be referred to generically herein as "crates".

[0003] In many cases, molded polymer containers are chosen for their light weight, robustness and long usable lifetime. To realize the maximum strength of the polymer materials, polymer crates are often molded in a single piece. As a result, however, they occupy the same volume when transported empty on a return journey as when full on an outbound journey. This extremely inefficient use of space is very costly.

[0004] Various disassembling or foldable crates have been developer in an attempt to reduce the transport volume requirements when the crates are empty. All such crates which either disassemble (i.e., come apart into separate elements) or fold (i.e., with all elements remaining interconnected) are referred to generically herein as "knock-down crates". An example of a foldable crate may be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,094,356 to Miller. Examples of crates which disassemble may be found in U.S. Patent No. 5,638,973 to Dewey et al., U.S. Patent No. 6,142,329 to Dotan, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0084274 to Dotan. These publications are hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth entirely herein.

[0005] While offering more efficient use of volume, knocic-down crates generally suffer from a number of disadvantages. Specifically with respect to crates which disassemble into separate elements, the base and the sides once separated are generally much less convenient to handle. Furthermore, the number of individual elements which must be handled is greatly increased, and considerable extra labor may be required for packing individual bases and sides compactly for volume-efficient transportation to the next point of use.

[0006] There is therefore a need for a knock-down crate in which the walls can be stored in a recess in the base for compact and convenient handling when unloaded.

[0007] DE29703221U discloses a plastic, cube-shaped container having a base structure with a base plate and the side and end walls being connected by toothed bars. A dovetailed teeth widens out towards the container's exterior, and the gaps between the teeth narrow. The teeth and gaps interlock so that they can swivel. The base structure is hinged to the side walls and to the base structure by means of hinges. The side walls are attached to base strips especially. The base strip has a 13-shape recess into which fits a protuberance on the wall and which forms corner uprights. The base structure has pallet feet and fork openings. A two-part cover has facing edges in the form of dovetailed, toothed bars.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention is knock-down crate and a corresponding method for transporting produce.

[0009] According to the teachings of the present invention there is provided, a knock-down crate comprising: (a) a base having a length, a breadth, and an upper surface; and (b) a first pair of sides associated with the base and configured to alternate between a first deployment parallel to the length and a storage deployment, and a second pair of sides associated with the base configured to alternate between a first deployment parallel to the breadth and a storage deployment, wherein the upper surface of the base features an elongated recess extending substantially the entirety of the length, the recess being sized for receiving at least one of the first and second pairs of sides, such that, when the first and second pairs of sides are deployed in the first deployment, the base and the sides define a four-sided crate with the recess contributing to an internal volume of the crate, and when the first and second pairs of sides are deployed in the storage deployment, at least one of the first and second pairs of sides is receivable so as to be substantially contained within the recess for compact transportation.

[0010] According to a further teaching of the present invention, association of the first and second pairs of sides with the base includes hinged interconnection of at least one of the first and second pairs of sides with the base such that the at least one of the first and second pairs of sides is rotatable between the first deployment and the storage deployment.

[0011] According to a further teaching of the present invention, both the first and second pairs of sides are hingedly interconnected to the base.

[0012] According to a further teaching of the present invention, one of the first and second pairs of sides is receivable so as to be substantially contained within the recess and the other of the first and second pairs of sides covers the recess.

[0013] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the at least one of the first and second pairs of sides having the hinged interconnection includes at least the first pair of sides, and the first pair of sides is hingedly interconnect so as to allow each side of the pair to move away from an edge of the base when deployed in the recess.

[0014] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the hinged interconnection allows a base region of the each side to descend into a depth of the recess, so as to allow each of the sides of the first pair to lie parallel to the upper surface.

[0015] According to a further teaching of the present invention, at least one of the first and second pairs of sides includes attachment features configured so as to disengagably attach adjacent sides one to another when the first and second pairs of sides are deployed in the first deployment.

[0016] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the pair of sides that covers the recess folds such that each side of the pair folds over no more than half of one of the length and the breadth.

[0017] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the other of the first and second pairs of sides includes a foldable extension portion along a top region of at least one side of the pair of sides.

[0018] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the length is substantially equal to the breadth.

[0019] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the elongated recess is a closed-ended recess terminating at two end walls.

[0020] According to a further teaching of the present invention, each side of one of the first and second pair of sides has a length no greater than a length of the closed-ended recess.

[0021] According to a further teaching of the present invention, association of the first and second pairs of sides with the base is a detachable engagement such that the first and second pairs of sides, when detached from the base, are receivable so as to be substantially contained within the recess to attain the storage deployment.

[0022] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the length is substantially equal to the breadth.

[0023] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the first pair of sides and the second pair of sides are interchangeable.

[0024] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the elongated recess is an open-ended recess extending the entirety of the length.

[0025] According to a further teaching of the present invention, at least the second pair of sides each features a downwardly projecting tab configured to substantially close an end of the open-ended recess when the side is engaged with the base.

[0026] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the first pair of sides and the second pair of sides are interchangeable, the base including a pair of slots extending parallel to the length and configured for receiving the downwardly projecting tab of the first pair of sides.

[0027] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the elongated recess is a closed-ended recess terminating at two end walls.

[0028] According to a further teaching of the present invention, each side of the first and second pair of sides has a length no greater than a length of the closed-ended recess.

[0029] According to a further teaching of the present invention, each side of the first and second pairs of sides includes attachment features for attachment to two adjacent sides, and wherein the attachment features are further configured such that each pair of the sides are doubly-interlockable to form a unit with the pair of sides associated in close parallel relation.

[0030] According to a further teaching of the present invention, upper and lower edges of the first and second pairs of sides and upper and lower peripheral regions of the base are formed with complementary alignment projections and recesses such that, when the first and second pairs of sides are engaged with the base to form the four-sided crate, the alignment projections and recesses on the upper edges of the sides and on the lower peripheral region of the base serve to align the four-sided crate with similar crates placed above and below the four-sided crate, and when the first and second pairs of sides are received within the recess, the alignment projections and recesses on the upper and lower peripheral regions of the base serve to align the base with similar bases placed above and below the base.

[0031] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the base and the first and second pairs of sides are all formed primarily from molded plastic material.

[0032] According to a further teaching of the present invention, the base has a pair of elongated channels extending parallel to the length for receiving tines of a forklift mechanism.

[0033] According to a further teaching of the present invention, a major part of the recess lies between the elongated channels.

[0034] There is also provided according to the teachings of the present invention, a method for using a knock-down crate to transport produce from a loading location to an unloading location, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a knock-down crate having: (i) a base with an upper surface including an elongated recess, and (ii) four sides deployable in a crate configuration wherein the four sides are engaged with the base and each other to form a four-sided crate, the four sides being further deployable in a knock-down configuration wherein the four sides are deployed in a storage deployment with at least two of the four sides received substantially within the elongated recess; (b) deploying the crate in the crate configuration; (c) loading the crate at the loading location with produce, at least part of the produce lying within the elongated recess; (d) transporting the produce in the crate to the unloading location; (e) unloading the produce from the crate; and (f) deploying the crate in the knock-down configuration with at least two of the four sides located substantially within the elongated recess for transport to a next loading location.

[0035] According to a further teaching of the present invention, upper and lower edges of the sides and upper and lower peripheral regions of the base are formed with complementary alignment projections and recesses, the method further comprising: (a) stacking the crate when in the crate configuration with other similar crates such that the alignment projections and recesses on the upper edges of the sides and on the lower peripheral region of the base serve to align the crate with the other similar crates placed above and below the crate; and (b) stacking the crate when in the knock-down configuration with other similar crates such that the alignment projections and recesses on the upper and lower peripheral regions of the base serve to align the crate with the other similar crates placed above and below the crate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0036] The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a knock-down crate constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, in which the four sides are hingedly interconnected to the base;

FIGS. 2-10 are isometric views of the embodiment of FIG.1, illustrating, in sequence, steps for folding the crate from the assembled deployment to the storage deployment;

FIGS. 11A-11E are isometric cross sections of the embodiment of FIG. 1 illustrating, in sequence, step of folding one pair of sides into the recess for deployment to the storage deployment;

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic isometric views of a base and a set of four sides, respectively, for use in a second embodiment of a knock-down crate constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, in which the four sides are detachably engaged with the base;

FIG. 13 is a schematic isometric view of a four-sided crate constructed from the base and sides of Figures 12A and 12B;

FIG. 14 is a schematic isometric view showing the sides of Figure 12B received within a recess in the base of Figure 12A;

FIG. 15 is a schematic isometric view showing the interconnection of two of the sides of Figure 12B;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic isometric views showing two of the sides of Figure 12B immediately prior to, and after, interconnection to form a two-side unit;

FIG. 17 is a schematic partially cut-away isometric view of the crate of the present invention during assembly or disassembly;

FIG. 18 is a schematic partially cut-away isometric view of the knocked-down crate of Figure 14;

FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic isometric views of a base and a set of four sides, respectively, for use in a third embodiment of a knock-down crate constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic isometric view of a four-sided crate constructed from the base and sides of Figures 19A and 19B;

FIG. 21 is a schematic isometric view showing the sides of Figure 19B received within a recess in the base of Figure 19A;

FIG. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the crate of Figure 3 or Figure 20 in use filled with produce;

FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to Figure 22 showing the crate in its knocked-down configuration for return transport; and

FIGS. 24A-24C are schematic cross-sectional views showing stacking features of the crates of the present invention prior to assembly, when assembled, and when in the knocked-down state, respectively.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The present invention is a knock-down crate in which the walls can be stored in a recess in the base for compact and convenient handling when unloaded, and a corresponding method for transporting produce.

[0038] The principles and operation of knock-down crates according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

[0039] By way of introduction, the crate of the present invention includes a base associated with four sides. The principles of the present invention will be discussed herein with regard to three basic embodiments. The first embodiment, in which the base and the sides are hingedly interconnected, will be discussed regarding Figures 1-11E. The second and third embodiments, in which the sides are detachably engageable with the base, will be discussed with regard to Figures 12A-18 and 19-23, respectively.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a knock-down crate, generally designated 300, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. Generally speaking, crate 300 is formed from a base 312 and two pairs of sides 314a and 314b, 316a and 316b all four of which are hingedly interconnected to base 312. In this embodiment, sides 314a and 314b are interconnected to base 312 by a non-limiting example of a double hinge 37O, as will be discussed in detail below the regard to Figures 11A-11E.

[0041] Sides 316a and 316b are hingedly interconnected to base 312 by hinge 350 that, in this non-limiting example, extends for substantially the entire length of each side. It should be noted that substantially any suitable hinge arrangement is within the scope of the present invention. An upper surface 318 of base 312 features an elongated recess 320 extending substantially, the entirety of a length L of base 312 and sized for receiving sides 314a and 314b in a storage deployment. Once sides 314a and 314b are stored in recess 320, sides 316a and 316b are folded inwardly to cover sides 314a and 314b, recess 320 and the exposed portions of upper surface 318 of base 312. It should be noted that the word "inwardly" is used herein to refer to movement toward the center of the crate.

[0042] Figures 2-10 illustrate steps for deploying the two pairs of sides 314a and 314b, 316a and 316b into their respective storage deployments. First, any attachment feature that secures one of the sides to an adjacent side is disengaged. The illustration here shows handles 322 configured in sides 314a and 314b, however, substantially any disengageable attachment configuration, as discussed below with regard to a second and third preferred embodiments, may be used. Once disengaged from the adjacent sides 316a and 316b, side 314b is folded inwardly, as seen in Figure 3, until it is received into recess 320, as seen in Figure 4. Side 314a is then disengaged from the adjacent sides 316a and 316b, and folded inwardly, as seen in Figure 5, until it is received into recess 320 and resting on side 314b, as seen in Figure 6. It should be noted that this sequence may be reversed and side 314a may be stored away first with 314b resting on top.

[0043] Next, side 316b is folded inwardly, as seen in Figure 7, until it is resting on the upper surface 318 of the base 312, as seen in Figure 8. As illustrated in Figure 8, when in the storage deployment, side 316b is preferably no longer than one-half (½L) of the length L of base 312 in order to add not more than one side thickness to the thickness of the base in the overall thickness of the storage configuration of the crate. In some applications sides 316a and 316b may need to be longer than one-half (½L) of the length L of base 312. For such applications, the present invention provides a foldable extension 352 hingedly attached along the top edge of at least one of sides 316a and 316b. The foldable extension 352 is attached by hinges 354, and is folded into the associated side during the folding process of the side. A transverse recess 352a is preferably provided in the base and/or folded sides to accommodate the foldable extensions without adding significantly to the thickness of the folded configuration.

[0044] Side 316a is then folded inwardly, as seen in Figure 9, until it is resting on the upper surface 318 of the base 312, as seen in Figure 10. When both sides 316a and 316b are in the storage deployment, substantially all of the upper surface 318 of the base 312, recess 320, and sides 314a and 314b are covered by sides 316a and 316b.

[0045] In order for sides 314a and 314b to be deployed in recess 320 that is located between channels 326, as discussed below, it is necessary for sides 314a and 314b to move away form the edge of base 312, and preferably also to be able to descend at least partially into the depth of recess 320. Further, it is also preferable that the base region of the side, that is the region of the side that abuts base 312, descend into the depth of recess 320, so as to allow each of the side to lay parallel to the upper surface 318. Figures 11A-11E illustrate a non-limiting preferred hinged configuration for such interconnection of base 312 and sides 314a and 314b, and steps for deploying sides 314a and 314b into their respective storage deployments. It should be noted that other hinge configurations may be suitable for this purpose. Such hinge configurations may include, but are not limited to, a slideable hinge, and a hinge pin associated with a slot.

[0046] As illustrated, hinge bracket 370 provides rotation about two axes of rotation, 360 and 362. When side 314a is folded inwardly, rotation about axis 362 allows the bottom edge of side 314a to move away from the edge of base 312 in order to reach recess 320, as seen in Figure 11. Rotation about axis 360 allows side 316a to lay flat when received in recess 320, as seen in figure 11C. The "L" shape of bracket 370 allows the base region of the side to descend into the depth of recess 320, so as to allow each of the sides 314a and 314b to lay parallel to the upper surface 318. The process is repeated when side 314b is brought into its storage deployment, as illustrated in Figures 11D and 11E. It will be understood that this discussion of the double hinge configuration is intended only as an example of a hinged interconnection between the base 312 and sides 314a and 314b, and that other configurations that will provide substantially the same results are possible. It should be noted that a crate in which sides 314a and 314b may be detached from base 312 for insertion into recess 320 is within the scope of the present invention.

[0047] Crate 300 is preferably configured for handling by standard pallet handling equipment. To this end, as illustrated in Figure 1, base 312 preferably has a pair of elongated channels 326 extending parallel to length L for receiving tines of a forklift mechanism (forklift, pallet carrier etc.). Channels 326 typically extend along the entirety of length L, allowing insertion of tines from either end of the crate. Most preferably, at least a major portion of recess 320 is located between channels 326. Thus, considered from a different point of view, crate 300 may be considered to have a thin base 312 in the region of recess 320, with locally raised regions to provide the volume required for channels 326. It will thus be understood that the usable volume of the inside of the crate is fully maximized by making all volume other than that required for channels 326 available for loading with produce.

[0048] Figures 12A-18 show a second preferred embodiment of a knock-down crate, generally designated 10, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present indention. Generally speaking, crate 10 is formed from a base 12 and a set 14 of sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d. An upper surface 18 of base 12 features an elongated recess 20 extending substantially the entirety of a length L of the base and sized for receiving set of sides 14.

[0049] The sides are configured to be detachably engageable with base 12 with a first pair 16a and 16c parallel to the length L of base 12 and a second pair 16b and 16d parallel to a breadth or width W of base 12 such that, when sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are engaged with base 12, the base and the sides define a four-sided crate 10 as shown in Figure 13 with recess 20 contributing to an internal volume of the crate. When the crate is unloaded and the sides are detached from the base, the set 14 of sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are received so as to be substantially contained within recess 20 to form the knocked-down configuration of Figure 14 for compact transportation.

[0050] It will be immediately appreciated that the crate of the present invention offers profound advantages over conventional knock-down crates. Specifically, in the assembled configuration of Figure 13, recess 20 contributes significantly to the usable internal volume of the crate, thereby maximizing transport volume. In the knocked-down state of Figure 14, all parts of the crate are configured in a single compact block which is easily handled and can be efficiently stacked with other similar crates to ensure minimum volume for return transportation or storage of the crate when not in use. These and other advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description.

[0051] Turning now to the features of crate 10 in more detail, it is a preferred feature of certain implementations of the present invention that the crate is a square crate, i.e., that length L is substantially equal to breadth W. In most preferred cases, all four sides are then made interchangeable such that the user can assemble the crate with each side located arbitrarily along any edge of the base.

[0052] In order to form a usable crate, it is clearly necessary to achieve load-bearing engagement between adjacent sides of the assembled crate and between each side and the base. Thus, each of sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d includes attachment features 22, 24 for attachment to two adjacent sides. Figure 15 illustrates two interconnected sides 16c and 16d, with their available attachment features clearly visible. The attachment features are shown here schematically as complementary rectangular-section interlocking tabs with through-bores for receiving a bolt element to lock the sides together and to the base. Most preferably, attachment features 22, 24 are further configured such that pairs of the sides are doubly-interlockable to form a unit 14a with the pair of sides associated in close parallel relation. Figures 16A and 16B show such a unit 14a prior to and after interconnection. Figure 17 shows a cut-away view of crate 10 partially assembled with one unit 14a stored in recess 20. Two such units together make up an easily handled set 14 of sides for insertion into recess 20 as shown in Figure 18.

[0053] It should be appreciated that the attachment features shown here are represented schematically. Various engagement configurations for removably engaging sides with a base and with each other to form a knock-down crate are known in the art. The specific choice of engagement configuration, other than certain features discussed explicitly herein, does not constitute part of the present invention per se and for conciseness will not be described here in detail. By way of non-limiting examples, the various engagement and locking configurations described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent No. 6,142,329 to Dotan, and/or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0084274 to Dotan are considered suitable for implementation of the present invention.

[0054] Optionally, a locking arrangement (not shown) may be provided to retain set of sides 14 within recess 20 to ensure that the set of sides do not become dislodged during handling. Most preferably, at least one locking element used for interlocking the sides when assembled also functions to selectively lock the set of sides within recess 20 when in the knock-down configuration. Such an implementation is well within the capabilities of one ordinarily skilled in the art.

[0055] In most preferred implementations, base 12 and sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are all formed primarily from molded plastic material. It should be noted, however, that implementations of the crate structure described using materials other than molded plastics also fall within the broad scope of the present invention. The various components of the crates of the present invention are illustrated here schematically and simplistically for clarity of presentation. The geometrical patterns shown here on the sides of the crates are non-functional and are included merely to facilitate visual differentiation between the inward-facing and outward-facing surfaces. It will be understood by one ordinarily skilled in the art that the various components will typically be implemented with various structures of reinforcing ribs and/or other functional or decorative features which do not per se constitute part of the present invention. Furthermore, depending upon the type of produce to be transported and the desired drainage characteristics of the crate, the base and walls may be made either solid or with drainage and ventilation openings, as is known in the art.

[0056] Crate 10 is preferably configured for handling by standard pallet handling equipment. To this end, base 12 preferably has a pair of elongated channels 26 extending parallel to length L for receiving tines of a forklift mechanism (forklift, pallet carrier etc.). Channels 26 typically extend along the entirety of length L, allowing insertion of tines from either end of the crate. Most preferably, at least a major portion of recess 20 is located between channels 26. Thus, considered from a different point of view, crate 10 may be considered to have a thin base 12 in the region of recess 20, with locally raised regions to provide the volume required for channels 26. It will thus be understood that the usable volume of the inside of the crate is fully maximized by making all volume other than that required for channels 26 available for loading with produce. Furthermore, since the sides are stored between the regions of base 12 containing channels 26, nothing overlies the regions of the base 12 containing channels 26 in the collapsed state, making the height of the crate in its collapsed state significantly less than that of "fold-down" crates of similar dimensions.

[0057] According to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention shown here, elongated recess 20 is a closed-ended recess terminating at two end walls 28. As a result, the length of recess 20 is slightly less than the external length L of base 12. To ensure that sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d fit within recess 20, each side preferably includes one corner portion of the assembled crate, with part of the adjacent side or at least engagement features for the adjacent side extending laterally from the corner portion. As a result, the length of each side is less than the external length dimension of the assembled crate by the thickness of one corner portion, preferably at least equal to a thickness of the crate side. Thus, if end walls 28 have a thickness no more than about half the thickness of sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, the sides can be accommodated within recess 20.

[0058] Turning now to Figures 19A-21, there is shown a third preferred embodiment of a crate, generally designated 100, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. Crate 100 is structurally and functionally similar to crate 10 described above. For clarity and conciseness, features of crate 100 analogous to those of crate 10 are labeled with reference numerals greater by 100 than the numeral used for the analogous feature of crate 10.

[0059] Crate 100 differs from crate 10 primarily in that recess 120 is here an open-ended recess extending the entirety of length L. In order to ensure closure of the sides of the assembled crate, at least one pair of sides 116b and 116d each features a downwardly projecting tab 130 configured to substantially close an end of recess 120 when the side is engaged with base 112 as shown in Figure 20. Most preferably, base 112 features an engagement indentation 132 (Figure 8A) across each end of recess 120 with which downwardly projecting tabs 130 engage when assembled to provide mechanical support to the tabs.

[0060] As mentioned earlier, it is considered advantageous that the crates of the present invention employ four interchangeable si des, thereby allowing a user to assemble the crate with each side engaged along an arbitrarily chosen edge of the base. Parenthetically, it should be noted that the term "interchangeable" as used herein refers to sides having functionally equivalent features to the extent that inadvertent swapping of two sides does not significantly impact the function of the assembled crate. Interchangeability does not necessarily imply that the sides are identical or indistinguishable.

[0061] In this embodiment, interchangeability of the sides may be achieved by providing a pair of slots 134 extending parallel to length L and configured for receiving downwardly projecting tabs 130 of the sides deployed parallel to length L. The engagement of tabs 130 within slots 134 also adds structural strength to the assembled crate. In order to allow sides 116a and 116c to be located at the outer edge of base 112, tabs 130 are most preferably slightly thinner than the main upper portion of the sides and slightly set back from the plane of the outer surface of the side.

[0062] Clearly, in an alternative implementation (not shown), tabs 130 may have a thickness equal to that of the main upper portion of the sides, the tabs being received in a corresponding external recess formed in the external surfaces of the base parallel to the length L.

[0063] In all other respects, the structure and function of crate 100 will be understood by analogy to that of crate 10 described herein.

[0064] Referring now again generically to both embodiments of a crate according to the teachings of the present invention, the sides and base are preferably configured to allow stacking of the crate with other similar crates in both the assembled crate configuration and the knock-down compact configuration. To this end, the upper and lower edges of sides 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, and upper and lower peripheral regions of base 112 are preferably formed with complementary alignment projections 200 and recesses 202 (Figure 24A). Alignment projections 200 and recesses 202 are positioned and configured such that, when the sides are engaged with the base to form the four-sided crate (Figure 24B), alignment projections 200 and recesses 202 on the upper edges of the sides and on the lower peripheral region of the base serve to align the four-sided crate with similar crates (not shown) placed above and below the crate, and when the sides are received within recess 20 (Figure 24C), alignment projections 200 and recesses 202 on the upper and lower peripheral regions of the base serve to align the base with similar bases (not shown) placed above and below the base.

[0065] At this point, the use of crates 10 and 100 will be clearly understood. Specifically, the crate is deployed in its deployed "crate configuration" and loaded with produce at a loading location. It will be noted that, as shown in Figure 22, at least part of the produce 204 lies within the elongated recess 20, thereby contributing to the total volume of produce which can be transported within the crate. Then, after transporting the produce in the crate to an unloading location, the produce is unloaded from the crate and the crate is disassembled and the walls stored in the recess to produce the "knock-down configuration" as shown in Figure 23. The crate is then compact and conveniently handled, with the four sides located substantially within elongated recess 20, for transport to a next loading location. Most preferably, in a crate having alignment features as described with reference to Figures 24A-24C, the crate is stacked with other similar crates when in the crate configuration such that the alignment projections and recesses on the upper edges of the sides and on the lower peripheral region of the base serve to align the crate with the other similar crates placed above and below the crate, and is stacked when in the knock-down configuration with other similar crates such that the alignment projections and recesses on the upper and lower peripheral regions of the base serve to align the crate with the other similar crates placed above and below the crate.

[0066] It will be appreciated that the above descriptions are intended only to serve as examples, and that many other embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A knock-down crate (10, 100, 300) comprising:

(a) a base (12, 112, 312) having a length, a breadth, and an upper surface (18, 118, 318); and

(b) a first pair of sides (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c, 314a, 314b) associated with said base and configured to alternate between a first deployment parallel to said length and a storage deployment, and a second pair of sides (16b, 16d, 116b, 116d, 316a, 316b) associated with said base and configured to alternate between a first deployment parallel to said breadth and a storage deployment,

wherein said base has a pair of elongated channels (26, 126, 326) extending parallel to said length for receiving tines of a forklift mechanism,
characterised in that said upper surface of said base features an elongated recess (20, 120, 320) extending substantially the entirety of said length, a major part of said recess lying between said elongated channels, said recess being sized for receiving at least one of said first and second pairs of sides, such that, when said first and second pairs of sides are deployed in said first deployment, said base and said sides define a four-sided crate with said recess contributing to an internal volume of said crate, and when said first and second pairs of sides are deployed in said storage deployment, at least one of said first and second pairs of sides is receivable so as to be substantially contained within said recess for compact transportation.

2. The knock-down crate of claim 1, wherein association of said first and second pairs of sides (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b) with said base (312) includes hinged interconnection (350, 370) of at least one of said first and second pairs of sides with said base such that said at least one of said first and second pairs of sides is rotatable between said first deployment and said storage deployment.

3. The knock-down crate of claim 2, wherein both said first and second pairs of sides (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b) are hingedly interconnected to said base.

4. The knock-down crate of claim 2, wherein one of said first and second pairs of sides (314a, 314b) is receivable so as to be substantially contained within said recess (320) and the other of said first and second pairs of sides (316a, 316b) covers said recess.

5. The knock-down crate of claim 2, wherein said at least one of said first and second pairs of sides having said hinged interconnection (370) includes at least said first pair of sides (314a, 314b), and said first pair of sides is hingedly interconnected so as to allow each side of said pair to move away from an edge of said base when deployed in said recess.

6. The knock-down crate of claim 5, wherein said hinged interconnection (370) allows a base region of said each side to descend into a depth of said recess, so as to allow each of said sides of said first pair (314a, 314b) to lie parallel to said upper surface (318).

7. The knock-down crate of claim 2, wherein at least one of said first and second pairs of sides includes attachment features configured so as to disengagably attach adjacent sides one to another when said first and second pairs of sides are deployed in said first deployment.

8. The knock-down crate of claim 4, wherein said pair of sides (316a, 316b) that covers said recess (320) folds such that each side of said pair folds over no more than half of one of said length and said breadth.

9. The knock-down crate of claim 8, wherein at least one of said first and second pairs of sides (316a, 316b) includes a foldable extension portion (352) along a top region of said pair of sides.

10. The knock-down crate of claim 2, wherein said length is substantially equal to said breadth.

11. The knock-down crate of claim 1, wherein said elongated recess (20, 320) is a closed-ended recess terminating at two end walls.

12. The knock-down crate of claim 11, wherein each side of one of said first and second pair of sides (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d, 314a, 314b) has a length no greater than a length of said closed-ended recess (20, 320).

13. The knock-down crate of claim 1, wherein association of said first and second pairs of sides (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c, 16b, 16d, 116b, 116d) with said base (12, 112) is a detachable engagement such that said first and second pairs of sides, when detached from said base, are receivable so as to be substantially contained within said recess (20, 120) to attain said storage deployment.

14. The knock-down crate of claim 13, wherein said length is substantially equal to said breadth.

15. The knock-down crate of claim 14, wherein said first pair of sides (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c) and said second pair of sides (16b, 16d, 116b, 116d) are interchangeable.

16. The knock-down crate of claim 13, wherein said elongated recess (120) is an open-ended recess extending the entirety of said length.

17. The knock-down crate of claim 16, wherein at least said second pair of sides (116b, 116d) each features a downwardly projecting tab (130) configured to substantially close an end of said open-ended recess when said side is engaged with said base.

18. The knock-down crate of claim 17, wherein said first pair of sides (116a 116c) and said second pair of sides (116b, 116d) arc interchangeable, said base (112) including a pair of slots (134) extending parallel to said length and configured for receiving said downwardly projecting tab (130) of said first pair of sides.

19. The knock-down crate of claim 13, wherein said elongated recess (20) is a closed-ended recess terminating at two end walls.

20. The knock-down crate of claim 19, wherein each side of said first and second pair of sides (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d) has a length no greater than a length of said closed-ended recess (20).

21. The knock-down crate of claim 13, wherein each side of said first and second pairs of sides (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d) includes attachment features (22, 24) for attachment to two adjacent sides, and wherein said attachment features are further configured such that each pair of said sides are doubly-interlockable to form a unit with said pair of sides associated in close parallel relation.

22. The knock-down crate of claim 13, wherein upper and lower edges of said first and second pairs of sides and upper and lower peripheral regions of said base are formed with complementary alignment projections (200) and recesses (202) such that, when said first and second pairs of sides are engaged with said base to form said four-sided crate, said alignment projections and recesses on said upper edges of said sides and on said lower peripheral region of said base serve to align said four-sided crate with similar crates placed above and below said four-sided crate, and when said first and second pairs of sides are received within said recess, said alignment projections and recesses on said upper and lower peripheral regions of said base serve to align said base with similar bases placed above and below said base.

23. The knock-down crate of claim 22, wherein said base and said first and second pairs of sides are all formed primarily from molded plastic material.

24. A method for using a knock-down crate to transport produce from a loading location to an unloading location, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing the knock-down crate (10, 100, 300) of any preceding claim;

(b) deploying said crate in said crate configuration;

(c) loading said crate at the loading location with produce, at least part of the produce lying within said elongated recess;

(d) transporting the produce in said crate to the unloading location;

(e) unloading the produce from said erate; and

(f) deploying said crate in said knock-down configuration with at least two of the four sides located substantially within said elongated recess for transport to a next loading location.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein upper and lower edges of said sides and upper and lower peripheral regions of said base are formed with complementary alignment projections (200) and recesses (202), the method further comprising:

(a) stacking said crate when in said crate configuration with other similar crates such that said alignment projections and recesses on said upper edges of said sides and on said lower peripheral region of said base serve to align said crate with the other similar crates placed above and below said crate; and

(b) stacking said crate when in said knock-down configuration with other similar crates such that said alignment projections and recesses on said upper and lower peripheral regions of said base serve to align said crate with the other similar crates placed above and below said crate.

Ansprüche

1. Eine zerlegbare Kiste (10, 100, 300), die Folgendes umfasst:

(a) eine Grundfläche (12, 112, 312) mit einer Länge, einer Breite und einer oberen Oberfläche (18, 118, 318) und

(b) ein erstes Paar von Seiten (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c, 314a, 314b), die mit der Grundfläche verknüpft und ausgebildet sind, um zwischen einer ersten Anordnung parallel zu der Länge und einer Lagerungsanordnung zu wechseln, und ein zweites Paar von Seiten (16b, 16d, 116b, 116d, 316a, 316b), die mit der Grundfläche verknüpft und ausgebildet sind, um zwischen einer ersten Anordnung parallel zu der Breite und einer Lagerungsanordnung zu wechseln,

worin die Grundfläche ein Paar lang gestreckter Kanäle (26, 126, 326) hat, die sich parallel zu der Länge erstrecken, um Zinken eines Gabelstaplermechanismus aufzunehmen,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die obere Oberfläche der Grundfläche eine lang gestreckte Vertiefung (20, 120, 320) hat, die sich im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge erstreckt, wobei ein Hauptteil der Vertiefung zwischen den lang gestreckten Kanälen liegt, wobei die Vertiefung dimensioniert ist, um mindestens das eine des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten aufzunehmen, so dass, wenn das erste und das zweite Paar von Seiten in der ersten Anordnung angeordnet sind, die Grundfläche und die Seiten eine vierseitige Kiste bestimmen, wobei die Vertiefung zu einem Innenvolumen der Kiste beiträgt, und wenn das erste und das zweite Paar von Seiten in der Lagerungsanordnung angeordnet sind, das erste und/oder das zweite Paar von Seiten aufnehmbar ist, so dass es zwecks kompakten Transports im Wesentlichen innerhalb der Vertiefung enthalten ist.

2. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 1, worin die Verknüpfung des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b) mit der Grundfläche (312) eine schwenkbare Verbindung (350, 370) von mindestens einem des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten mit der Grundfläche einschließt, so dass das mindestens eine des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten zwischen der ersten Anordnung und der Lagerungsanordnung drehbar ist.

3. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 2, worin sowohl das erste als auch das zweite Paar von Seiten (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b) schwenkbar mit der Grundfläche verbunden sind.

4. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 2, das eine des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten (314a, 314b) aufnehmbar ist, so dass es im Wesentlichen innerhalb der Vertiefung (320) enthalten ist, und das andere des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten (316a, 316b) die Vertiefung bedeckt.

5. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 2, worin das mindestens eine des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten mit der schwenkbaren Verbindung (370) mindestens das erste Paar von Seiten (314a, 314b) einschließt und das erste Paar von Seiten schwenkbar miteinander verbunden ist, so dass es jeder Seite des Paars ermöglicht wird, sich bei Anordnung in der Vertiefung von einer Kante der Grundfläche fort zu bewegen.

6. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 5, worin die schwenkbare Verbindung (370) es einer Basisregion jeder Seite ermöglicht, in eine Tiefe der Vertiefung zu sinken, um es jeder der Seiten des ersten Paars (314a, 314b) zu ermöglichen, parallel zu der oberen Oberfläche (318) zu liegen.

7. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 2, worin mindestens das eine des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten Anbringungsmerkmale einschließt, die ausgebildet sind, um benachbarte Seiten lösbar aneinander anzubringen, wenn das erste und das zweite Paar von Seiten in der ersten Anordnung angeordnet sind.

8. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 4, worin das Paar von Seiten (316a, 316b), das die Vertiefung (320) bedeckt, sich so faltet, dass jede Seite des Paars über nicht mehr als die Hälfte der Länge oder der Breite gefaltet wird.

9. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 8, worin mindestens das eine des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten (316a, 316b) einen faltbaren Verlängerungsabschnitt (352) entlang einem oberen Bereich des Paars von Seiten einschließt.

10. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 2, worin die Länge im Wesentlichen gleich der Breite ist.

11. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 1, worin die lang gestreckte Vertiefung (20, 320) eine Vertiefung mit geschlossenem Ende ist, die an zwei Endwänden endet.

12. Die zerlegbar Kiste gemäß Anspruch. 11, worin jede Seite des ersten oder des zweiten Paars von Seiten (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d, 314a, 314b) eine Länge hat, die nicht größer ist als eine Länge der Vertiefung (20, 320) mit geschlossenem Ende.

13. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 1, worin die Verbindung des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c, 16b, 16d, 116b, 116d) mit der Grundfläche (12, 112) ein lösbarer Eingriff ist, so dass das erste und das zweite Paar von Seiten, wenn sie von der Grundfläche gelöst sind, so aufgenommen werden können, dass sie sich im Wesentlichen in der Vertiefung (20, 120) befinden, um die Lagerungsanordnung einzunehmen.

14. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 13, worin die Länge im Wesentlichen gleich der Breite ist.

15. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 14, worin das erste Paar von Seiten (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c) und das zweite Paar von Seiten (16b, 16d, 116b, 116d) untereinander austauschbar sind.

16. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 13, worin die lang gestreckte Vertiefung (120) eine Vertiefung mit offenem Ende ist, die sich über die gesamte Länge erstreckt.

17. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 16, worin mindestens das zweite Paar von Seiten (116b, 116d) jeweils eine abwärts herausragende Lasche (130) aufweist, die ausgebildet ist, um ein Ende der Vertiefung mit offenem Ende im Wesentlichen zu verschließen, wenn die Seite in die Grundfläche eingreift.

18. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 17, worin das erste Paar von Seiten (116a, 116c) und das zweite Paar von Seiten (116b, 116d) untereinander austauschbar sind und die Grundfläche (112) ein Paar von Schlitzen (134) einschließt, die sich parallel zu der Länge erstrecken und ausgebildet sind, um die abwärts herausragende Lasche (130) des ersten Paars von Seiten aufzunehmen.

19. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 13, worin die lang gestreckte Vertiefung (20) eine Vertiefung mit geschlossenem Ende ist, die an zwei Endwänden endet.

20. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 19, worin jede Seite des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d) eine Länge hat, die nicht größer ist als eine Länge der Vertiefung (20) mit geschlossenem Ende.

21. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 13, worin jede Seite des ersten und des zweiten. Paars von Seiten (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d) Anbringungsmerkmale (22, 24) zur Anbringung an zwei nebeneinander liegenden Seiten einschließt und worin die Anbringungsmerkmale weiter so ausgebildet sind, dass jedes Paar der Seiten doppelt verriegelt werden kann, um in enger paralleler Beziehung verknüpft eine Einheit mit dem Paar von Seiten zu bilden.

22. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 13, worin obere und untere Kanten des ersten und des zweiten Paars von Seiten und obere und untere periphere Bereiche der Grundfläche mit komplementären Ausrichtungs-Vorsprüngen (200) und -Vertiefungen (202) ausgebildet sind, so dass, wenn die ersten und zweiten Paare von Seiten in die Grundfläche eingreifen, um die vierseitige Kiste zu bilden, die Ausrichtungs-Vorsprünge und -Vertiefungen an den Oberkanten der Seiten und an dem unteren peripheren Bereich der Grundfläche dazu dienen, die vierseitige Kiste mit ähnlichen Kisten auszurichten, die über und unter der vierseitigen Kiste platziert sind, und wenn die ersten und zweiten Paare von Seiten sich in der Vertiefung befinden, die Ausrichtungs-Vorsprünge und -Vertiefungen an den oberen und unteren peripheren Bereichen der Grundfläche dazu dienen, die Grundfläche mit ähnlichen Grundflächen auszurichten, die über und unter der Grundfläche platziert sind.

23. Die zerlegbare Kiste gemäß Anspruch 22, worin die Grundfläche und die ersten und zweiten Paare von Seiten alle in erster Linie aus geformtem Kunststoffmaterial geformt sind.

24. Ein Verfahren zur Verwendung einer zerlegbaren Kiste, um Produkte von einem Beladeort an einen Entladeort zu transportieren, wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte umfasst:

(a) Bereitstellung der zerlegbaren Kiste (10, 100, 300) gemäß einem beliebigen obigen Anspruch,

(b) Anordnung der Kiste in der Kistenanordnung,

(c) Beladung der Kiste mit Produkten am Beladeort, wobei mindestens ein Teil der Produkte innerhalb der lang gestreckten Vertiefung liegt,

(d) Transport der Produkte zum Entladeort in der Kiste,

(e) Entladen der Produkte von der Kiste, und

(f) Anordnung der Kiste in der Zerlegungs-Anordnung, wobei sich mindestens zwei der vier Seiten zwecks Transports zu einem nächsten Beladeort im Wesentlichen innerhalb der lang gestreckten Vertiefung befinden.

25. Das Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 24, wobei die oberen und unteren Kanten der Seiten und die oberen und unteren peripheren Bereiche der Grundfläche mit komplementären Ausrichtungs-Vorsprüngen (200) und -Vertiefungen (202) ausgebildet sind und das Verfahren weiter Folgendes umfasst:

(a) Stapeln der Kiste, wenn sie sich in der Kistenanordnung befindet, mit anderen ähnlichen Kisten, so dass die Ausrichtungs-Vorsprünge und -Vertiefungen an den Oberkanten der Seiten und an dem unteren peripheren Bereich der Grundfläche dazu dienen, die Kiste mit den anderen, ähnlichen Kisten, die über und unter der Kiste platziert sind, auszurichten, und

(b) Stapeln der Kiste, wenn sie sich in der Zerlegungs-Anordnung befindet, mit anderen ähnlichen Kisten, so dass die Ausrichtungs-Vorsprünge und -Vertiefungen an den oberen und unteren peripheren Bereichen der Grundfläche dazu dienen, die Kiste mit den anderen ähnlichen Kisten auszurichten, die über und unter der Kiste platziert sind.

Revendications

1. Caisse pliable (10, 100, 300) comprenant :

(a) une base (12, 112, 312) présentant une longueur, une largeur, et une surface supérieure (18, 118, 318); et

(b) une première paire de côtés (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c, 314a, 314b) associés à ladite base et configures de manière à alterner entre un premier déploiement parallèle à ladite longueur et un déploiement de stockage, et une seconde paire de côtés (16b, 16d, 116b, 116d, 316a, 316b) associés à ladite base et configurés de manière à alterner entre un premier déploiement parallèle à ladite largeur et un déploiement de stockage,

dans laquelle ladite base comporte une paire de canaux allongés (26, 126, 326) s'étendant parallèlement à ladite longueur afin de redevoir des dents d'un mécanisme élévateur à fourche,
caractérisée en ce que ladite surface supérieure de ladite base présente une cavité allongée (20, 120, 320) s'étendant sensiblement sur la totalité de ladite longueur, une partie principale de ladite cavité s'étendant entre lesdits canaux allongés, ladite cavité étant dimensionnée afin de redevoir au moins l'une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés, de telle sorte que, lorsque lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés sont déployées suivant ledit premier déploiement, ladite base et lesdits côtés définissant une caisse à quatre côtés, ladite cavité contribuant à former un volume interne de ladite caisse, et lorsque lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés sont déployées suivant ledit déploiement de stockage, au moins l'une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés peut être reçue de manière à être sensiblement contenue à l'intérieur de ladite cavité afin de permettre un transport compact.

2. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'association desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b) avec ladite base (312) comporte des interconnexions articulées (350, 370) d'au moins l'une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés avec ladite base de telle sorte que ladite au moins une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés peut tourner entre ledit premier déploiement et ledit déploiement de stockage.

3. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle à la fois lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés (314a, 314b, 316a, 316b) sont interconnectées de manière articulée sur ladite base.

4. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle l'une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (314a, 314b) peut être reçue de manière à être sensiblement contenue à l'intérieur de ladite cavité (320) et l'autre desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (316a, 316b) recouvre ladite cavité.

5. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle ladite au moins une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés comprenant ladite interconnexion articulée (370) comporte au moins ladite première paire de côtés (314a, 314b), et ladite première paire de côtés est interconnectée de manière articulée afin de permettre que chaque côté de ladite paire s'écarte d'un bord de ladite base lorsqu'il est déployé dans ladite cavité.

6. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 5, dans laquelle ladite interconnexion articulée (370) permet qu'une zone de base de chacun desdits côtés descende suivant la profondeur de ladite cavité, afin de permettre à chacun desdits côtés de ladite première paire (314a, 314b) de reposer parallèlement à ladite surface supérieure (318).

7. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle au moins l'une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés comporte des éléments de fixation configurés afin de fixer de manière amovible les côtés adjacents l'un sur l'autre lorsque lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés sont déployées suivant ledit premier déploiement.

8. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 4, dans laquelle ladite paire de côtés (316a, 316b) qui recouvre ladite cavité (320) est repliée de telle sorte que chaque côté de ladite paire est replié par dessus sur pas plus de la moitié de l'une de ladite longueur et de ladite largeur.

9. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle au moins l'une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (316a, 316b) comporte une partie en extension pliable (352) le long d'une zone supérieure de ladite paire de côtés.

10. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle ladite longueur est sensiblement égale à ladite largeur.

11. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite cavité allongée (20, 320) est une cavité à extrémités fermées s'achevant au niveau de deux parois d'extrémité.

12. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle chaque côté de l'une desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d, 314a, 314b) présente une longueur non supérieure à une longueur de ladite cavité à extrémités fermées (20, 320).

13. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'association desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c, 16b, 16d, 116b, 116d) avec ladite base (12, 112) est un assemblage amovible de telle sorte que lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés, lorsqu'elles sont détachées de ladite base, peuvent être reçues de manière à être contenues sensiblement à l'intérieur de ladite cavité (20, 120) afin d'assurer ledit déploiement de stockage.

14. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle ladite longueur est sensiblement égale à ladite largeur.

15. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 14, dans laquelle ladite première paire de côtés (16a, 16c, 116a, 116c) et ladite seconde paire de côtés (16b, 16d, 116b, 116d) sont interchangeables.

16. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle ladite cavité allongée (120) est une cavité à extrémité ouverte s'étendant sur la totalité de ladite longueur.

17. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 16, dans laquelle sur au moins les côtés de ladite seconde paire de côtés (116b, 116d) chacun comporte une patte en saillie vers le bas (130) configurée afin de refermer sensiblement une extrémité de ladite cavité à extrémité ouverte lorsque ledit côté est couplé à ladite base.

18. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 17, dans laquelle ladite première paire de côtés (116a, 116c) et ladite seconde paire de côtés (116b, 116d) sont interchangeables, ladite base (112) comportant une paire de fentes (134) s'étendant parallèlement à ladite longueur et étant configurée de manière à recevoir ladite patte en saillie vers le bas (130) de ladite première paire de côtés.

19. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle ladite cavité allongée (20) est une cavité à extrémités fermées s'achevant au niveau de deux parois d'extrémité.

20. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 19, dans laquelle chaque côté desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d) présente une longueur non supérieure à une longueur de ladite cavité à extrémités fermées (20).

21. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle chaque côté desdites première et seconde paires de côtés (16a, 16c, 16b, 16d) comporte des éléments de fixation (22, 24) destinés à assurer la fixation sur deux côtés adjacents, et dans laquelle lesdits éléments de fixation sont, en outre, configurés de telle sorte que les côtés de chaque paire desdits côtés peuvent s'imbriquer doublement afin de former une unité avec ladite paire de côtés associés en relation parallèle étroite.

22. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 13, dans laquelle les bords supérieurs et inférieurs desdites première et seconde paires de côtés et les zones périphériques supérieure et inférieure de ladite base comportent des saillies (200) et cavités (202) d'alignement complémentaires de telle sorte que, lorsque lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés sont couplées à ladite base afin de former ladite caisse à quatre côtés, lesdites saillies et cavités d'alignement sur lesdits bords supérieurs desdits côtés et sur ladite zone périphérique inférieure de ladite base servent à aligner ladite caisse à quatre côtés avec des caisses similaires placées au-dessus et au-dessous de ladite caisse à quatre côtés, et lorsque lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés sont reçues à l'intérieur de ladite cavité, lesdites saillies et cavités d'alignement sur lesdites zones périphériques supérieure et inférieure de ladite base servent à aligner ladite base avec des bases similaires placées au-dessus et au-dessous de ladite base.

23. Caisse pliable selon la revendication 22, dans laquelle ladite base et lesdites première et seconde paires de côtés sont toutes formées principalement en une matière plastique moulée.

24. Procédé d'utilisation d'une caisse pliable afin de transporter des produits d'un emplacement de chargement à un emplacement de déchargement, le procédé comprenant les étapes de :

(a) utilisation d'une caisse pliable (10, 100, 300) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes ;

(b) déploiement de ladite caisse dans ladite configuration de caisse ;

(c) chargement de ladite caisse, à l'emplacement de chargement, avec un produit, au moins une partie du produit s'étendant à l'intérieur de ladite cavité allongée ;

(d) transport du produit dans ladite caisse vers l'emplacement de déchargement ;

(e) déchargement du produit de ladite caisse ; et

(f) déploiement de ladite caisse dans ladite configuration repliée avec au moins deux des quatre côtés situés sensiblement à l'intérieur de ladite cavité allongée en vue de son transport vers un emplacement de chargement suivant.

25. Procédé selon la revendication 24, dans lequel des bords supérieurs et inférieurs desdits côtés et des zones périphériques supérieure et inférieure de ladite base comportent des saillies (200) et cavités (202) d'alignement complémentaires, le procédé comprenant, en outre :

(a) l'empilement de ladite caisse lorsqu'elle est dans ladite configuration de caisse avec d'autres caisses similaires de telle sorte que lesdites saillies et cavités d'alignement sur lesdits bords supérieurs desdits côtés et sur ladite zone périphérique inférieure de ladite base servent à aligner ladite caisse avec les autres caisses similaires placées au-dessus et au-dessous de ladite caisse ; et

(b) l'empilement de ladite caisse lorsqu'elle est dans ladite configuration repliée avec d'autres caisses similaires de telle sorte que lesdites saillies et cavités d'alignement sur lesdites zones périphériques supérieure et inférieure de ladite base servent à aligner ladite caisse avec les autres caisses similaires placées au-dessus et au-dessous de ladite caisse.

Drawing