Interlocking shipping container

• US 5,816,425 A
• Filed: 09/11/1997
• Issued: 10/06/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 09/19/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Charles E. Decker, Charles P. Keip
• Original Assignee: K-D Container, LLC
• Inventors: Keip, Charles Paul, Decker, Charles E.
• Primary Examiner(s): MOY, JOSEPH MAN
• Application Number:
  US08/927,640
• Time in Patent Office: 390 Days
• Field of Search: 220/4.28, 220/4.31, 220/4.33, 220/7
• US Class Current: 220/4.31
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 11/1873 all walls are detached from each other to collapse the container
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 19/0016 and each contact surface having a stringer-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00034 Plastic
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00069 Plastic
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00268 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00273 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00288 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00318 made of one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00323 made of more than one piece
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/00338 contact surface having a discrete foot-like shape
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2519/0096 when empty

Abstract

A modular parts container including multiple upstanding side panels registerable to a platform having a generally flat supporting surface with perimeter panel engaging recesses to receive elongated tabs extending from the side panels. The panels have interlocking end fittings slideably disposed within one another for progressive selective interengagement. The platform has multiple support legs in staggered spaced side by side relationship. Panels can be stocked one on another and selectively removed for container access and tear down.

Claims

1. A collapsible container for transportation and storage comprises;

a platform having a generally planar support surface, leg assemblies extending from said platform opposite said support surface, channel recesses in said support surface, multiple identical wall panels on said support surface, a tenon extending from the bottom edge of each of said wall panels for upright registration within said respective channel recesses, said wall panels having upright edges in edge to edge contact, each of said identical wall panels having alternating pairs of oppositely disposed tab fittings along the respective upright edges, said tab fittings progressively simultaneously registerable with slots in said adjacent respective tab fittings of said wall panel adjacent upright edges, means for interengagement of opposing leg assemblies and means for stacking of said wall panels.

2. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein said channel recesses are spaced inwardly of the perimeter edge of said platform.

3. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein said tab fittings are in spaced aligned alternating position on said respective upright edges of said panels, and are in oppositely disposed registration opposite on said panels respective upright edges.

4. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein said progressive registration between said tab fittings comprises;

some of said respective tab fittings having a different engagement dimension and all of said tab fittings having a rounded edge thereon.

5. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein said means for interengagement of opposing leg assemblies comprises;

a first row of longitudinally spaced feet extending from said platform, a second row of longitudinally spaced feet adjacent said first row and longitudinal offset relation thereto, defining an alternate wave pattern between said respective adjacent feet.

6. The collapsible container of claim 1 wherein said means for longitudinal stacking of said wall panels comprises;

an elongated recess in the top edge of said wall panels, said tenons on said bottom edge of said wall panels registerable within said elongated recesses in said wall panels.