CRATE WITH COLLAPSIBLE WALL

• US 20160185487A1
• Filed: 03/07/2016
• Published: 06/30/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/13/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
• Original Assignee: Rehrig Pacific Company
• Inventors: Meers, Ryan C., Smyers, Justin M.
• Granted Patent: US 10,472,129 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 11/184 and one or more side walls being foldable along a median line
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/0209 stackable or joined together one-upon-the-other in the upright or upside-down position B65D21/0234, B65D21/0235 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/0212 Containers presenting local stacking elements protruding from the upper or lower edge of a side wall, e.g. handles, lugs, ribs, grooves B65D21/0211, B65D21/0215, B65D21/023 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/0233 Nestable containers
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/062 the movable parts being attached or integral and displaceable into a position overlying the top of the container, e.g. bails, corner plates covers B65D21/064
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 21/086 Collapsible or telescopic containers B65D1/0292 and B65D21/068 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 25/005 Side walls formed with an aperture or a movable portion arranged to allow removal or insertion of contents B65D5/16, B65D7/40 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 85/32 for eggs

Abstract

A crate, such as for transporting egg cartons or other items, includes a base, opposed side walls and a rear wall extending upward from the base. A front wall opposite the rear wall is selectably moveable between a closed position and a retracted, open position. In the retracted position, access to the interior of the crate is provided. In one embodiment, the front wall includes a plurality of pivotably connected sections, such that the front wall can be retracted to provide access to the interior.

Claims

1. A container comprising:

a base; and

a plurality of side walls extending upward from the base, the plurality of side walls including a first wall, the first wall including a plurality of sections retractable together in an upright position to provide an opening into the container.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of sections are movable to an extended upright position at least partially closing the opening into the container.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the plurality of sections are pivotable relative to one another.

4. The container of claim 3 wherein two of the plurality of sections are pivotable and slidable relative to one another.

5. The container of claim 4 wherein the two of the plurality of sections are pivotably locked relative to one another when in a first relative position, and are pivotable relative to one another when slid from the first relative position to a second relative position.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of sections includes a connector for connecting to an other one of the plurality of side walls.

7. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of side walls are movable between an upright position and a collapsed position generally parallel to the base.

8. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of side walls are movable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base.

9. The container of claim 8 wherein the first wall includes a projection connecting to an adjacent one of the plurality of side walls, the adjacent one of the plurality of side walls include a recess for accommodating the projection as the first wall is collapsed onto the base.

10. The container of claim 1 wherein the first wall is in the retracted, upright position and wherein a similar container is stacked on the container, supported by the plurality of walls other than the first wall.

11. The container of claim 1 wherein the plurality of walls, other than the first wall, are integrally molded with the base.

12. The container of claim 1 wherein the container is nestable within a similar container when the plurality of walls are in an upright position.

13. The container of claim 1 further including at least one support pivotably mounted to the container such that a similar container could be supported thereon.

14. A container comprising:

a base; and

a side wall extending upward from the base, the side wall including a plurality of sections including a first section pivotably connected to a second section, the second section pivotably and slidably connected to a third section.

15. The container of claim 14 wherein the plurality of sections are extendable and retractable in an upright position.

16. The container of claim 15 wherein the side wall is collapsible onto the base.

17. The container of claim 14 wherein the side wall includes a connector for connecting the side wall to an adjacent wall.

18. The container of claim 17 further including an adjacent wall having a recess for accommodating the projection as the first wall is collapsed onto the base.

19. The container of claim 14 wherein the third section is integrally molded with the base.

20. The container of claim 14 wherein the first section is the uppermost section.