Patent ID: 6691885
Filing Date: 2004-02-17
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A collapsible storage container, comprising:a generally flat base having an upper surface; a first pair of support posts extending from the base, each support post of the first pair of support posts including: a lower member having a first end interconnected to the base and a second, opposite end; an upper member having a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the lower member, the upper member pivotable between a first supporting position and a second collapsed position; and a locking structure for selectively retaining the upper member in the supporting position; a lower sidewall extending between the lower members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts; an upper sidewall extending between the upper members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts; a second pair of support posts extending from the base, each support post of the second pair of support posts including: a lower member having a first end interconnected to the base and an opposite second end; an upper member having a first end pivotably connected to the second end of the lower member of a corresponding support post of the second pair of support posts, the upper member of each support post of the second pair of support posts pivotable between a first supporting position and a second collapsed position; and a locking structure for selectively retaining the upper member of a corresponding support post of the second pair of support posts in the supporting position; a second lower sidewall extending between the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts; a second upper sidewall extending between the upper members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts; a first removable wall having first and second sides; a lower panel having first and second sides and upper and lower edges; an upper panel having first and second sides and upper and lower edges; and a connection element for pivotably connecting the upper edge of the lower panel and the lower edge of the upper panel such that the first removable wall is movable between a first vertical configuration wherein the lower and upper panels lie in a common plane and a folded configuration wherein the lower and upper panels are positioned adjacent each other, a first wall connection pin projecting laterally from the first side of the lower panel of the first removable wall, the first wall connection pin terminating at an enlarged head; a second wall connection pin projecting laterally from the second side of the first removable wall; a first pin support element projecting from the upper member of one of the support posts of the first pair of support posts and being directed toward a corresponding upper member of one of the support posts of the second pair of support posts, the first pin support element including a pin receipt recess therein; a second pin support element projecting from the upper member of one of the support posts of the second pair of support posts and being directed toward a corresponding upper member of one of the support posts of the first pair of support posts, the second pin support element including a pin receipt recess therein; a first mounting pin projecting laterally from the first side of the upper panel of the first removable wall, the first mounting pin receivable in the pin receipt recess of the first pin support element; second mounting pin projecting laterally from the second side of the upper panel of the first removable wall, the second mounting pin receivable in the pin receipt recess of the second pin support element, wherein: the lower members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts include openings directed toward corresponding lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts, one of the openings having wide diameter portion for allowing the enlarged head of the first wall connection pin to pass therethrough and a reduced diameter portion for capturing the enlarged head of the first wall connection pin; the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts include openings directed toward corresponding lower member of the support posts of the first pair of support posts; the openings in the lower members of the suppot posts of the first pair of support posts are axially aligned with corresponding openings in the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts; the first wall connection pin being insertable through the wide diameter portion of the one of the openings in one of the lower members of the support posts of the first pair of support posts; and the second wall connection pin is receivable in an opening in one of the lower members of the support posts of the second pair of support posts.