Plastic container and method for the use thereof
First Claim
1. A method for storing and transporting products comprising the steps of:
- injection molding foldable containers from plastic, said containers being in one piece with integrated hinges, wherein the containers are provided with a tray-shaped bottom with upright edges, two end walls and side walls, wherein the bottom comprises four upwardly extending edges from a bottom plate, wherein the end walls are at least substantially foldable within the bottom between said edges, and the side walls are substantially foldable over the end walls, wherein the end walls are each integrally connected to said bottom by a respective lip provided at the outside of said bottom, each of said lips being respectively connected to an outside surface of one of said upwardly extending edges of said bottom;
folding said containers whereby said two end walls of the container are folded within the bottom between the edges, and whereby the side walls of the container are folded over the end walls;
filling the foldable containers with products at a filling location;
transporting the filled containers to a position of use;
emptying and collapsing the foldable containers after use; and
returning the containers, in collapsed condition to the filling location, wherein the containers are cleaned and are reused.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for storing and transporting products, wherein, from plastic, foldable containers are manufactured, in particular injection molded; the foldable containers, at a filling location, are brought in a set-up condition and are filled with products; the filled containers are transported to a position of use; the foldable containers are emptied and are collapsed; the containers, in collapsed condition, are returned to the filling location; and the containers are cleaned and reused. The invention further relates to a foldable container which is injection molded from plastic in one piece with integrated hinges, and to specific methods for use of such plastic container.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for storing and transporting products comprising the steps of:
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injection molding foldable containers from plastic, said containers being in one piece with integrated hinges, wherein the containers are provided with a tray-shaped bottom with upright edges, two end walls and side walls, wherein the bottom comprises four upwardly extending edges from a bottom plate, wherein the end walls are at least substantially foldable within the bottom between said edges, and the side walls are substantially foldable over the end walls, wherein the end walls are each integrally connected to said bottom by a respective lip provided at the outside of said bottom, each of said lips being respectively connected to an outside surface of one of said upwardly extending edges of said bottom; folding said containers whereby said two end walls of the container are folded within the bottom between the edges, and whereby the side walls of the container are folded over the end walls; filling the foldable containers with products at a filling location; transporting the filled containers to a position of use; emptying and collapsing the foldable containers after use; and returning the containers, in collapsed condition to the filling location, wherein the containers are cleaned and are reused. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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- 8. A foldable container, which is injection-molded from plastic in one piece with integrated hinges, wherein the container is provided with a bottom, two end walls and two side walls, wherein the bottom is tray-shaped and comprises four upwardly extending edges from a bottom plate, wherein the end walls are at least substantially foldable within the bottom between said edges, and the side walls are substantially foldable over the end walls, wherein the end walls are each integrally connected to said bottom by a respective lip provided at the outside of said bottom, each of said lips being respectively connected to an outside surface of one of said upwardly extending edges of said bottom.
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15. A one-piece injection molded container comprising:
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a tray shaped bottom having a bottom plate and a peripheral edge extending upwardly from said bottom plate;
a foldable end wall integrally connected to an outer surface of said peripheral edge, said end wall having a first sub-hinge connected to a lower portion of said peripheral edge outer surface, a lip extending from said first sub-hinge and fixed to said peripheral edge outer surface, a second sub-hinge disposed at an end of said lip opposite said first sub-hinge and a wall part extending from said second sub-hinge, wherein said wall part is pivotable about said second sub-hinge between a set-up position, wherein said wall part extends upwardly from said second sub-hinge substantially perpendicular to said bottom plate, and a folded position, wherein said wall part is disposed within said peripheral edge of said bottom substantially parallel with said bottom plate; anda side wall integrally connected to said bottom, said side wall being foldable over said end wall when said end wall is in said folded position. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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Specification