Patent ID: 6631822
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: B65D

Abstract:
A collapsible container orientable between an assembled position and an inwardly collapsed position, comprising:a base member having a floor with a pair of opposed upstanding flanges integrally formed therewith, the upstanding flanges having an upper surface, wherein the base includes a periphery having a plurality of lower hinge members, each lower hinge member having a hook portion with a downwardly directed edge; a pair of first opposed walls pivotably mounted to the base, each of the pair of first opposed walls having side edges with at least one latch portion extending laterally therefrom, the latch portion including at least one latch member; and a pair of second opposed side walls pivotably attached to a corresponding upstanding flange proximate the upper surface thereof, each of the pairs of first and second opposed sidewalls having a plurality of corresponding upper hinge members extending from a lower edge thereof, each upper hinge member having a cam-shaped member for engaging the hook portion, such that as the container is moved from the inwardly collapsed position to the assembled position, the edge of the hook member limits the vertical movement of the cam-shaped member, thereby preventing each of the pairs of first and second opposed sidewalls from separating from the base when in the assembled position, each of the first pair of opposed side walls having a pair of opposed, inwardly directed flanges having an inner surface with a latch receiving area formed therein, the latch receiving area defined by at least one latch acceptance member having a flexible portion for receiving a corresponding latch member therein in an interference fit when the container is oriented in the assembled position, and wherein to move the container to the collapsed position, a force sufficient to overcome the interference fit is applied to an exterior surface of each of the first pair of opposed side walls.