Abstract:
A collapsible container that may be configured in a collapsed condition or an erected condition, including a base ( 102 ), a pair of side walls ( 104 ) and a pair of side walls ( 106 ) that are pivotally attached to the base. The walls ( 104,106 ) are arranged to lie substantially parallel with the base ( 102 ) when collapsed and to stand substantially perpendicular to the base when erected. The free edges of the erected walls define an open mouth. A pair of stacking elements ( 116 ) are located adjacent to the free edges of the end walls ( 106 ) for supporting the base of another container stacked on the first container. The end walls ( 106 ) lie adjacent the base ( 102 ) and side walls ( 104 ) overlie the end walls when collapsed.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 to Great Britain Patent Application Nos. 0600164.8, filed Jan. 6, 2006; and 0522341.7, filed Nov. 2, 2005, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a collapsible container that is suitable for stacking.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Stacking containers are widely used in the retail industry for transporting produce such as fresh fruit and vegetables from the growers to the shops, and for displaying those goods for sale. The containers protect the goods during transportation and storage and may be stacked for efficient handling and storage. After the goods have been sold, the containers are washed and returned for re-filling.  
         [0006]     In order to minimise shipping costs when returning the empty containers, they are normally designed to be transported in a more compact form. There are two main types of container that have this capability.  
         [0007]     The first type of container is nestable and has inclined or stepped walls and a mouth that is larger than the base. This allows an empty container to be nested with similar containers. Nestable containers normally have retractable stacking bars (or “bale arms”) that can be positioned over the mouth of the container, allowing it to be stacked with other similar containers in an unnested configuration (also sometimes called a “column stacked” configuration) with virtually no intrusion into the enclosed volume of the container. Sometimes, the stacking bars can be located in a third position to allow stacking in a partially nested condition. The stacking bars also allow slide stacking, in which a container is stacked by placing it on a lower container in an offset position and then sliding it to its final stacking position. This improves handling of the containers. An example of a nestable container is described in EP 0553540.  
         [0008]     The second main type of container is collapsible and generally has a rectangular base and four walls that are attached to the edges of the base by hinges. The walls can be folded flat onto the base for transportation and storage when empty. When the container is an erected condition, the walls are vertical and the mouth of the container is the same size as the base. This allows the container to be stacked with similar containers. An example is described in EP 0911268.  
         [0009]     One problem with the collapsible container described in EP 0911268 is that it is not compatible with nestable containers. In other words, nestable and collapsible containers cannot be stacked together, because the base of the nestable container will fit within the collapsible container. An answer to this problem is supplied by the container described in WO 01/44060. That document describes a collapsible container that has pivoting stacking bars attached to the end walls. The stacking bars can be positioned over the mouth of the container to allow stacking with nestable containers, as well as with similar collapsible containers. The stacking bars also serve as a secondary locking device to retain the walls in the upright configuration, and they allow slide stacking.  
         [0010]     There are however a number of problems with the container described in WO 01/44060. First, during washing, the hot cleaning fluid makes the walls pliable and as a result they can collapse preventing thorough washing of the container. In addition, when the stacking bars are located in the stacking position, they partially obstruct the mouth of the container, thereby restricting access to the goods and preventing automatic filling of the container. Moving the bars between the two positions is laborious and can sometimes be forgotten, as a result of which the goods in the container may be damaged if a nestable container is then placed on top. Furthermore, although the folded container occupies less than 25% of the volume occupied by the erected container, there is still a need for an even more compact arrangement.  
         [0011]     The present invention provides a collapsible container that mitigates at least some of the aforesaid disadvantages.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a collapsible container that may be configured in a collapsed condition or an erected condition, including a base and a plurality of walls that are pivotally attached to the base and arranged to lie substantially parallel with the base when collapsed and to stand substantially perpendicular to the base when erected, said walls having free edges that define a mouth when the container is an erected condition, and at least one stacking element carried by one of said walls and located towards a free edge of said carrying wall for supporting the base of a second container stacked on the collapsible container, wherein the plurality of walls include two shorter walls that lie adjacent the base when collapsed and two longer walls that overlie the shorter walls when collapsed.  
         [0013]     The container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls have to be folded before the side walls, the side walls cannot easily collapse during the washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Because the stacking element (or elements) does not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, it does not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The stacking element(s) are however able to support a second container stacked on top of the folding container, the base of the second container being smaller than the mouth of the collapsible container. The container can therefore be stacked either with similar collapsible containers or with nesting containers. Further, when the container is in a collapsed condition it occupies less than 25% of the volume occupied when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
         [0014]     The length of the shorter walls is preferably less than the separation of the erected longer walls, so that the shorter walls can pivot between the erected longer walls.  
         [0015]     Advantageously, the collapsible container includes a pair of stacking elements carried by an opposed pair of walls. In the following statements of invention, references to a stacking element apply equally to pairs of stacking elements.  
         [0016]     Advantageously, the stacking element is pivotally attached to the carrying wall and is constructed and arranged to be configured in a deployed condition for stacking in which it extends at least partially into the mouth of the container, or a retracted condition in which it is withdrawn from the mouth of the container.  
         [0017]     According to one preferred embodiment, the stacking element is pivotally attached to an inner face of the carrying wall. Advantageously, the stacking element is constructed and arranged to retract into a recess in the wall. The resulting container is suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that the stacking elements can be easily retracted into the recesses if necessary.  
         [0018]     Alternatively, the stacking element may be pivotally attached to an upper edge of the carrying wall. The stacking element may be constructed and arranged to retract to an upright position in which it extends upwards from the upper edge of the carrying wall.  
         [0019]     The stacking element is preferably constructed and arranged to deploy automatically when the container is erected, and to retract when the container is collapsed. Because the stacking elements are deployed and retracted automatically, the need for a laborious manual operation is avoided. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is also avoided.  
         [0020]     The stacking element may be constructed and arranged to deploy under gravity.  
         [0021]     Alternatively, resilient biasing means may be provided to cause deployment: this may be part of the stacking element, part of a wall or a separate component.  
         [0022]     Advantageously, the resilient biasing means is constructed and arranged to bias the stacking element when the container is in an erected condition, and to apply no bias when the container is collapsed.  
         [0023]     Advantageously, the resilient biasing means is constructed and arranged to engage a support element (for example a flange) on a wall adjacent said carrying wall, when the container is in an erected condition, thereby urging the stacking element towards the deployed condition. When the container is in a collapsed condition, the resilient biasing means disengages the support element, to relieve any stresses in the biasing means.  
         [0024]     In an alternative preferred embodiment, the resilient biasing means is provided on a wall adjacent the carrying wall. Preferably, the stacking element includes end portions that are constructed and arranged to engage and support adjacent walls of the erected container when deployed. Advantageously, the stacking element extends along substantially the entire length of the carrying wall.  
         [0025]     The stacking element may be pivotally attached to the shorter wall (the end wall), allowing slide stacking from the sides of the container  
         [0026]     Alternatively, the stacking element may be pivotally attached to the longer wall (the side wall). Preferably, the stacking element is arranged to support the shorter walls when deployed, thereby preventing unintended collapse of the walls. Stacking elements may be located towards the ends of the longer walls.  
         [0027]     The stacking element may alternatively be immovably attached to an inner face of the carrying wall. This provides a very simple, strong structure with few moving parts. The stacking element is preferably attached to the longer wall.  
         [0028]     The stacking element may extend along substantially the entire length of the longer wall to allow slide stacking from the end of the container. This allows half-size containers to be stacked on top of the container in a transverse direction. Alternatively, stacking elements may be located towards the ends of the longer wall, so that intrusion into the mouth of the container is minimised.  
         [0029]     In an alternative arrangement, the stacking element is pivotally attached to the free edge of the carrying wall and is constructed and arranged to be configured in a deployed condition for stacking in which it extends inwards from the carrying wall, or a retracted condition in which it is located against an outer face of the carrying wall.  
         [0030]     Preferably, the stacking element is pivotally attached to the shorter wall. The stacking element may include locking elements that are constructed and arranged to engage the longer walls when deployed, to prevent unintended collapse of the walls. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]     Certain embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first container in an erected condition;  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the first container in a folded condition;  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing part of the first container at an enlarged scale, with a stacking element in a stacking configuration;  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of part of the first container showing the stacking element in a stowed condition;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a cross-section of part of the first container with the stacking element in a stacking condition  
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is a cross-section showing the stacking element in a stowed condition;  
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a second container in an erected condition;  
         [0039]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the second container in a folded condition;  
         [0040]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing part of the second container at an enlarged scale, with a stacking element in a stacking configuration;  
         [0041]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the second container with the stacking element in a stowed condition;  
         [0042]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section of part of the second container with the stacking element in a stowed configuration;  
         [0043]      FIG. 12  is a cross-section of part of the second container with the stacking element in a stacking condition;  
         [0044]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a third container in an erected condition;  
         [0045]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the third container in a folded condition;  
         [0046]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing part of the third container at an enlarged scale, with a stacking element in a stacking configuration;  
         [0047]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of part of the third container with the stacking element in a stowed condition;  
         [0048]      FIG. 17  is a cross-section of part of the third container with the stacking element in a stowed configuration;  
         [0049]      FIG. 18  is a cross-section of a part of the third container with the stacking element in a stacking condition;  
         [0050]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a fourth container in an erected condition;  
         [0051]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the fourth container in a folded condition;  
         [0052]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view of part of the fourth container at an enlarged scale  
         [0053]      FIG. 22  is a cross-section showing a part of the fourth container;  
         [0054]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of a fifth container in an erected condition;  
         [0055]      FIG. 24  is a perspective view of the fifth container in a folded condition;  
         [0056]      FIG. 25  is a perspective view showing part of the fifth container at an enlarged scale with a stacking element in a stowed condition;  
         [0057]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of part of the fifth container with the stacking element in a stacking condition;  
         [0058]      FIG. 27  is a cross-section showing a part of the fifth container with the stacking element in a stowed condition;  
         [0059]      FIG. 28  is a cross-section showing the stacking element in a stacking condition;  
         [0060]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of a sixth container in an erected condition;  
         [0061]      FIG. 30  is a perspective view of the sixth container in a folded condition;  
         [0062]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view showing part of the sixth container at an enlarged scale;  
         [0063]      FIG. 32  is a cross-section showing a part of the sixth container;  
         [0064]      FIG. 33  is a perspective view showing part of a seventh container in an erected condition;  
         [0065]      FIG. 34  is a perspective view showing part of the seventh container in a folded condition;  
         [0066]      FIG. 35  is a cross-section showing part of the seventh container in a retracted condition;  
         [0067]      FIG. 36  is a cross-section showing part of the seventh container in a deployed condition;  
         [0068]      FIG. 37  is a cross-section showing part of an eighth container with the end wall folded (position  1 ), partially erected (position  2 ) and fully erected (position  3 );  
         [0069]      FIG. 38  is a perspective view showing part of the eighth container with the end wall folded  
         [0070]      FIG. 39  is a perspective view showing part of the eighth container with the end wall partially erected;  
         [0071]      FIG. 40  is a perspective view showing part of the eighth container with the end wall fully erected;  
         [0072]      FIG. 41  is a schematic perspective view showing part of the eighth container with the end wall fully erected;  
         [0073]      FIGS. 42 and 43  are perspective views showing a stacking element of the eighth container in disassembled and assembled conditions;  
         [0074]      FIG. 44  is a cross-section showing part of a ninth container with the end wall folded (position  1 ), partially erected (position  2 ) and fully erected (position  3 );  
         [0075]      FIG. 45  is a cross-section showing an end wall of the ninth container with a stacking element in a retracted condition (solid lines) and a deployed condition (broken lines);  
         [0076]      FIG. 46  is a perspective view showing part of the ninth container with the end wall folded;  
         [0077]      FIG. 47  is a perspective view showing part of the ninth container with the end wall partially erected, and  
         [0078]      FIG. 48  is a perspective view-showing part of the ninth container with the end wall fully erected. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     Embodiment 1  
       [0079]     The first container  100  shown in  FIGS. 1-6  comprises a substantially rectangular base  102 , two longer side walls  104  and two shorter end walls  106 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  102  by means of hinges  108 , which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  102  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, as shown in  FIG. 2 . It will be noted that the end walls  106  are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  102 . The length of the end walls  106  is less than the separation of the erected side walls  104 , so that the end walls can pivot between the side walls. The side walls  104  are collapsed after the end walls  106  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  106 . Recesses  109  are provided where necessary in the side walls to allow them to lie flat against the end walls.  
         [0080]     Complementary locking formations  110  in the form of resilient detents are provided on the end walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition as shown in  FIG. 1 . The locking formations  110  are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0081]     The upper edges  112  of the side walls  104  and the end walls  106  are designed to receive the edges of the base  102  of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column stacked condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations  114 , to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers.  
         [0082]     Each of the end walls  106  carries a retractable stacking element  116 , that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking element is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 3-6  and comprises a pivotable support bar, mounted in a recess  118  on the inner face of the carrying wall  106 , adjacent its upper edge  112 . The support bar  116  is attached to the end wall by means of a pivot  120 , allowing it to be deployed as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , or retracted within the recess  118  as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 6 . A spring element  122  attached to the support bar engages the rear face of the recess  118  and urges the support bar outwards into the deployed position. The support bar may however be pushed back into the recess  118  against the resilience of the biasing member  122 .  
         [0083]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  116  automatically adopt the deployed condition as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , owing to the resilience of the biasing elements  122 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be column stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges  112  of the walls  104 , 106   
         [0084]     In order to fold the container, the end walls  106  are collapsed first and laid flat against the base  102 . The locking formations  110  are such that they can be released simply by pressing on the end walls  106 . As the stacking elements  116  engage the base, they are pushed back into the recesses  118  against the force of the resilient biasing elements  122 . The side walls  104  are then folded down on top of the end walls  106 .  
         [0085]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls are lifted first, followed by the end walls  106 , which are locked into position by the locking formations  110 . As the end walls  106  are lifted, the stacking elements  116  deploy automatically, under the force of the resilient biasing elements  122 .  
         [0086]     The first container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  106  have to be folded before the side walls  104 , the side walls  104  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  116  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is also avoided. The container is also suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that the stacking elements can be easily retracted into the recesses in the end walls if necessary during the filling operation. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the sides of the container. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
         [0087]     In a modification of the embodiment described above (not illustrated), the resilient biasing elements can be formed as separate components or they can be moulded as parts of the supporting walls.  
       Embodiment 2  
       [0088]     The second container  200  shown in  FIGS. 7-12  comprises a substantially rectangular base  202 , two side walls  204  and two end walls  206 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  202  by means of hinges  208 , which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  202  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, as shown in  FIG. 8 . It will be noted that the end walls  206  are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  202 . The side walls  204  are collapsed after the end walls  206  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  206 .  
         [0089]     Complementary locking formations  210  are provided on the end walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition as shown in  FIG. 7 . The locking formations  210  are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0090]     The upper edges  212  of the side walls  204  and the end walls  206  are designed to receive the edges of the base  202  of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers.  
         [0091]     Each of the side walls  204  carries a retractable stacking element  216 , that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking element is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 9-12  and comprises a pivotable support bar, mounted in a recess  218  on the inner face of the carrying side wall  204 , adjacent its upper edge  212 . The support bar  216  is attached to the end wall by means of a hinge  220 , allowing it to be deployed as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , or retracted within the recess  218  as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The support bar is urged outwards into the deployed position by gravity and is supported in that position by an inclined wall  221 . The support bar may however be pushed back into the recess  218  when necessary.  
         [0092]     The support bar  216  includes a lower part  216   a , a middle part  216   b , and an upper part  216   c . When the stacking bar  216  is in the deployed position as shown in  FIG. 12 , the lower and upper parts  216   a , 216   b  are inclined outwards from the side wall  204 , and the middle part  216   b  is substantially horizontal. During use, the upper edge of the upper part  216   c  engages the underside of a stacked container. The upper part  216   c  includes a number of notches  222 , which allow it to fold flat against the folded end walls  206 . The ends of the support bars  216  are received in shaped recesses  224  provided in the end walls  206 , when the container is in an erected condition with the stacking elements deployed (see  FIG. 9 ). The support bars  216  thus provide a secondary locking function, to prevent the end walls from being folded inwards. When the container is to be folded, the support bars  216  are first retracted into the recesses  218  in the side walls  204  as shown in  FIG. 10 . This allows the end walls to be folded flat against the base  202 , followed by the side walls  204 .  
         [0093]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  216  automatically adopt the deployed condition as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 12 , owing to the force of gravity. This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges  212  of the walls  204 , 206 .  
         [0094]     In order to fold the container, the stacking elements  216  are retracted and the end walls  206  are collapsed and laid flat against the base  202 . The side walls  204  are then folded down on top of the end walls  206 . As the stacking elements  216  engage the end walls  206 , they are pushed back into the recesses  218  in the side walls.  
         [0095]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls  204  are lifted first, followed by the end walls  206 , which are locked into position by the locking formations  210  and the stacking elements  216 . The stacking elements  216  deploy automatically, under the force of gravity.  
         [0096]     The second container described above provides-a similar set of advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  206  have to be folded before the side walls  204 , the side walls  204  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  216  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is also avoided. The container is also suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that the stacking elements can be easily retracted into the recesses in the side walls if necessary. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the ends of the container. Because the stacking elements extend along substantially the full length of the side walls, it is possible to stack half-size containers on top of the container in a transverse direction. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume it occupies when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
         [0097]     In a modification of the embodiment described above (not illustrated), detents can be provided on the stacking elements and/or the walls to retain the stacking elements in a retracted condition, for easy loading of the container. After the container has been filled the stacking elements can be popped back to the deployed condition for stacking, either manually or automatically.  
       Embodiment 3  
       [0098]     The third container  300  shown in  FIGS. 13-18  is similar in many respects to the second container and comprises a substantially rectangular base  302 , two side walls  304  and two end walls  306 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  302  by means of hinges  308 , which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  302  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, as shown in  FIG. 14 . It will be noted that the end walls  306  are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  302 . The side walls  304  are collapsed after the end walls  306  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  306 .  
         [0099]     Complementary locking formations are provided on the end walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition as shown in  FIG. 13 . The locking formations are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0100]     The upper edges  312  of the side walls  304  and the end walls  306  are designed to receive the edges of the base  302  of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers.  
         [0101]     Each of the side walls  304  carries a pair of retractable stacking elements  316  adjacent its ends, that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking element  316  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 15-18  and comprises a pivotable support bar that is mounted in a recess  318  on the inner face of the side wall  304 , adjacent its upper edge  312 . The support bar  316  is attached to the side wall by means of a pivot  320 , allowing it to be deployed as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 18 , or retracted within the recess  318  as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 . The support bar is urged outwards into the deployed position by gravity and is supported in that position by an inclined wall  321 . The support bar may however be pushed back into the recess  318  when necessary.  
         [0102]     The support bar  316  includes a lower part  316   a , a middle part  316   b , and an upper part  316   c . When the stacking bar  316  is in the deployed position as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 18 , the lower and upper parts  316   a , 316   b  are inclined outwards from the side wall  304 , and the middle part  316   b  is substantially horizontal. During use, the upper edge of the upper part  316   c  engages the underside of a stacked container. The inner and outer ends of the support bars  316  are chamfered, so that as the end walls  306  are folded inwards or outwards the support bars  316  are automatically pushed back out of the way into the recesses. This allows the container to folded and erected easily. When the container is in a folded condition, the support bars  316  are pushed back into the recesses  318  by engagement with the folded end walls. This allows the side walls to lie flat against the end walls  306 .  
         [0103]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  316  automatically adopt the deployed condition as shown in  FIGS. 15 and 18 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges  312  of the walls  304 , 306 .  
         [0104]     In order to fold the container, the end walls  306  are collapsed first and laid flat against the base  302 . The side walls  304  are then folded down on top of the end walls  306 . As the stacking elements  316  engage the folded end walls  306 , they are pushed back into the recesses  318 .  
         [0105]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls  304  are lifted first, followed by the end walls  306 . As the side walls  304  are lifted, the stacking elements  316  deploy automatically, under the force of gravity.  
         [0106]     The third container described above provides a similar set of advantages over the prior art to the second container, except that in this case the stacking elements do not allow slide stacking. On the other hand, because the stacking elements  316  are located only towards the ends of the side walls they do not impede access to goods in the container.  
         [0107]     In a modification of the embodiment described above (not illustrated), detents can be provided on the stacking elements and/or the walls to retain the stacking elements in a retracted condition, for easy loading of the container. After the container has been filled the stacking elements can be popped back to the deployed condition for stacking, either manually or automatically.  
       Embodiment 4  
       [0108]     The fourth container  400  shown in  FIGS. 19-26  comprises a substantially rectangular base  402 , two side walls  404  and two end walls  406 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  402  by means of hinges  408 , which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  402  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, as shown in  FIG. 20 . It will be noted that the end walls  406  are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  402 . The side walls  404  are collapsed after the end walls  406  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  406 .  
         [0109]     Complementary locking formations  410  are provided on the end walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition as shown in  FIG. 19 . The locking formations  410  are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0110]     The upper edges  412  of the side walls  404  and the end walls  406  are designed to receive the edges of the base  402  of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations  414 , to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers.  
         [0111]     Each of the side walls  404  carries a set of fixed stacking elements  416 . Each set includes two end elements  416   a  and a centre element  416   b , with separating gaps  418 . An end stacking element  416   a  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 21-22  and comprises a fixed support bracket, which is moulded on the inner face of the side wall  404 , adjacent its upper edge  412 .  
         [0112]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  416  extend inwards from the side walls  404 , as shown in  FIGS. 21 and 22 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges  412  of the walls  404 , 406 , or with half size containers, which are stacked in a transverse direction.  
         [0113]     In order to fold the container, the end walls  406  are collapsed first and laid flat against the base  402 . The locking formations  410  are such that they can be released simply by pressing on the end walls  406 . The side walls  404  are then folded down on top of the end walls  406 . The separating gaps  418  between the stacking elements  416   a , 416   b  allows the side walls  404  to lie flat against the end walls  406 .  
         [0114]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls  404  are lifted first, followed by the end walls  406 , which are locked into position by the locking formations  410 .  
         [0115]     The fourth container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  406  have to be folded before the side walls  404 , the side walls  404  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  416  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. There is no need for the stacking elements to be deployed and retracted, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is thus avoided. The container is also suitable for certain automatic filling processes owing to the fact that the stacking elements do not intrude very far into the mouth of the container. The container has no moveable parts apart from the hinged walls and it is therefore relatively simple and cheap to manufacture. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the ends of the container. Because the stacking elements extend along substantially the full length of the side walls, it is possible to stack half-size containers on top of the container in a transverse direction. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
       Embodiment 5  
       [0116]     The fifth container  500  shown in  FIGS. 23-28  comprises a substantially rectangular base  502 , two side walls  504  and two end walls  506 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  502  by means of hinges  508 , which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  502  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, as shown in  FIG. 24 . It will be noted that the end walls  506  are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  502 . The side walls  504  are collapsed after the end walls  506  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  506 .  
         [0117]     Complementary locking formations are provided on the end walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition as shown in  FIG. 23 . The locking formations are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0118]     The upper edges  512  of the side walls  504  and the end walls  506  are designed to receive the edges of the base  502  of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers.  
         [0119]     Each of the end walls  506  carries a retractable stacking element  516 , that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking element  516  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 25-28  and comprises a pivotable support bar, which is attached to the end wall  506 , adjacent its upper edge  512 , by means of a pivot  520 . This allows it to be deployed as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 28 , or retracted within a recess  518  on the outer face of the end wall  506  as shown in  FIGS. 25 and 27 . The ends of the support bar include outwardly extending portions  522  that engage recesses  524  in the upper edges  512  of the side walls  504  when in a deployed condition. This provides a secondary locking function to retain the end walls  506  in an upright position.  
         [0120]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  516  are located in the deployed condition as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 28 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges  512  of the walls  504 , 506 .  
         [0121]     In order to fold the container, the stacking elements  516  are rotated outwards through an angle of approximately 270° to the retracted condition shown in  FIGS. 25 and 27 . The end walls  506  are then collapsed and laid flat against the base  502 . The side walls  504  are then folded down on top of the end walls  506 .  
         [0122]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls  504  are lifted first, followed by the end walls  506 , which are locked into position by the locking formations. The stacking elements  516  are then rotated to the deployed position, as shown in  FIGS. 26 and 28 .  
         [0123]     The fifth container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  506  have to be folded before the side walls  504 , the side walls  504  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  516  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The container is suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that the stacking elements can be easily retracted if necessary. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the sides of the container. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
       Embodiment 6  
       [0124]     The sixth container  600  shown in  FIGS. 29-32  comprises a substantially rectangular base  602 , two side walls  604  and two end walls  606 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  602  by means of hinges  608 , which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  602  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, as shown in  FIG. 29 . It will be noted that the end walls  606  are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  602 . The side walls  604  are collapsed after the end walls  606  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  606 .  
         [0125]     Complementary locking formations are provided on the end walls and the side walls, to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition as shown in  FIG. 29 . The locking formations are conventional and will not be described in detail  
         [0126]     The upper edges  612  of the side walls  604  and the end walls  606  are designed to receive the edges of the base  602  of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations  614 , to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers.  
         [0127]     Each of the side walls  604  carries a pair of fixed stacking elements  616  adjacent its ends, to allow stacking with a nestable container. A stacking element  616  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 31-32  and comprises a support bracket that is moulded onto the inner face of the side wall  604 , adjacent its upper edge  612 .  
         [0128]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  616  extend inwards from the side walls  604 , as shown in  FIG. 31 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges  612  of the walls  604 , 606 .  
         [0129]     In order to fold the container, the end walls  606  are collapsed first and laid flat against the base  602 . The locking formations are such that they can be released simply by pressing on the end walls  606 . The side walls  604  are then folded down on top of the end walls  606 .  
         [0130]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls  604  are lifted first, followed by the end walls  606 , which are locked into position by the locking formations.  
         [0131]     The sixth container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  606  have to be folded before the side walls  604 , the side walls  604  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  616  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. There is no requirement for the stacking elements to be deployed and retracted, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods is thus avoided. The container is suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
       Embodiment 7  
       [0132]     The seventh container  700  shown in  FIGS. 33-36  is similar in many respects to the first container  100  and comprises a substantially rectangular base  702 , two longer side walls  704  and two shorter end walls  706 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  702  by means of hinges, which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  702  as shown in  FIG. 34  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, or erected for use as shown in  FIG. 33 . It will be noted that the end walls  706  are folded first and that in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  702 . The length of the end walls  706  is less than the separation of the erected side walls  704 , so that the end walls can pivot between the side walls. The side walls  704  are provided with inwardly-extending flanges  708  that help to support the end walls  706  when the container is erected for use.  
         [0133]     The side walls  704  are collapsed after the end walls  706  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  706 . Recesses are provided where necessary in the side walls to allow them to lie flat against the end walls.  
         [0134]     Complementary locking formations in the form of resilient detents are provided on the end walls and the side walls to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition. The locking formations are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0135]     The upper edges of the side walls  704  and the end walls  706  are designed to receive the edges of the base of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column stacked condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations, to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers  
         [0136]     Each of the end walls  706  carries a retractable stacking element  714 , that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking element  714  is shown in more detail in  FIGS. 35-36  and comprises a pivotable support bar  716 , mounted in a recess  718  on the inner face of the end wall  706 , adjacent its upper edge. The support bar  716  is attached to the end wall by means of a pivot  720 , allowing it to be deployed as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 36 , or retracted within the recess  718  as shown in  FIGS. 34 and 35 . A spring element  722  is attached to the support bar  716  and extends outwards through an aperture  724  in the rear face of the recess  718  when the support bar  716  retracted into the recess  718  ( FIGS. 34 and 35 ). When the container is in an erected condition, the spring element  722  engages the side wall flange  708  and urges the support bar  716  outwards into the deployed position ( FIG. 36 ). The support bar may however be pushed back into the recess  718  against the resilience of the spring element  722 .  
         [0137]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  714  automatically adopt the deployed condition as shown in  FIGS. 33 and 36 , owing to the engagement of the spring elements  722  with the side wall flanges  708 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be column stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges  712  of the walls  704 , 706 .  
         [0138]     In order to fold the container, the end walls  706  are collapsed first and laid flat against the base  702 . The locking formations are such that they can be released simply by pressing on the end walls  706 . As the support bars  716  engage the base, they are pushed back into the recesses  718  as shown in  FIG. 35 . The resilient spring elements  722  protrude through the apertures  724  and are therefore unstressed in the retracted condition. This avoids the risk of the spring elements being weakened through prolonged deformation. The side walls  704  are then folded down on top of the end walls  706 .  
         [0139]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls are lifted first, followed by the end walls  706 , which are locked into position by the locking formations. As the end walls  706  are lifted, the stacking elements  714  deploy automatically, under the force of the resilient spring elements  722  as they engage the side wall flanges  708   
         [0140]     The seventh container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  706  have to be folded before the side walls  704 , the side walls  704  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  714  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is also avoided. The container is also suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that if necessary the stacking elements can be easily retracted into the recesses in the end walls against the resilient bias of the spring elements during the filling operation. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the sides of the container. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
       Embodiment 8  
       [0141]     The eighth container  800  shown in  FIGS. 37-43  is similar in many respects to the seventh container and comprises a substantially rectangular base  802 , two longer side walls  804  and two shorter end walls  806 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  802  by means of hinges, which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  802  as shown in  FIG. 38  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition, or erected for use as shown in  FIG. 40 . The end walls  806  are folded first and in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  802 . The side walls  804  are collapsed after the end walls  806  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  806 . Recesses are provided where necessary in the side walls to allow them to lie flat against the end walls.  
         [0142]     The length of the end walls  806  is less than the separation of the erected side walls  804 , so that the end walls can pivot between the side walls. The side walls  804  are provided with inwardly-extending flanges  808  that help to support the end walls  806  when the container is erected for use. Complementary locking formations in the form of resilient detents  810  are provided on the end walls and the side walls to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition. The locking formations are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0143]     The upper edges of the side walls  804  and the end walls  806  are designed to receive the edges of the base of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column stacked condition. The edges and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations  812 , to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers  
         [0144]     Each of the end walls  806  carries a retractable stacking element  814 , that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking element  814  is shown in more detail in  FIG. 37  and comprises a pivotable support bar  816 , mounted in a recess  818  on the inner face of the end wall  806 , adjacent its upper edge. The support bar  816  is attached to the end wall by means of a pivot  820 , allowing it to be deployed as shown at position  3 , or retracted within the recess  818  as shown at positions  1  and  2 .  
         [0145]     A spring element  822  is attached to the support bar  816  and extends outwards through a window  824  in the rear face of the recess  818  when the support bar  816  retracted into the recess  818 . When the container is in an erected condition (position  3 ), the spring element  822  engages the side wall flange  808  and urges the support bar  816  outwards into the deployed position. The support bar may however be pushed back into the recess  818  against the resilience of the spring element  822 , for example to allow automatic filling of the container.  
         [0146]     The support bar  816  also includes an ear  826  for engaging the edge of a stacked container. The ear  826  extends through a second window  828  in the rear face of the recess  818  when the support bar  816  retracted into the recess  818 .  
         [0147]     The ends  830  of the support bar  816  extend outwards beyond the side edges of the end wall  806 , as shown in  FIGS. 38 and 41 . Curved grooves  832  are formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls  804  to accommodate the bar ends  830  and allow folding of the end wall  806 . At the upper ends of the grooves  832  latching support elements  834  are provided, which engage the bar ends  830  when the end wall  806  is erected, to help support the bar  816  and retain the end wall in the erected position. The latching effect may however be overcome by applying sufficient force to the end wall  806 . As shown in  FIG. 43 , the bar ends  830  may include terminal flanges  832  that are located over the latching elements  834  when the end wall  806  is erected, to help support the side wall  804   
         [0148]     Optionally, as shown in  FIGS. 42 and 43 , the spring elements  822  may be moulded separately from the support bar  816  and attached to the support bar by clipping into a groove  834  in its lower edge. This allows the spring elements  822  to be made from a plastics material that is resilient and relatively elastic, while the support bar  816  is made from a cheaper, more rigid plastics material. Alternatively, the support bar  816  can be moulded from two different plastics materials, for example by using a twin-shot moulding technique.  
         [0149]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition as shown in  FIG. 37  (position  3 ) and  FIG. 40 , the stacking elements  814  automatically adopt the deployed condition owing to the engagement of the spring elements  822  with the side wall flanges  808 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container having a base smaller than the mouth of the collapsible container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be column stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges of the walls  804 , 806 .  
         [0150]     In order to fold the container, the end walls  806  are collapsed first and laid flat against the base  802  as shown in  FIG. 37  (position  1 ). The locking formations are such that they can be released simply by pressing on the end walls  806 . As the support bars  816  engage the base, they are pushed back into the recesses  818 . The resilient spring elements  822  protrude through the apertures  824  and are therefore unstressed in the retracted condition. This avoids the risk of the spring elements being weakened through prolonged deformation. The side walls  804  are then folded down on top of the end walls  806 .  
         [0151]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls  804  are lifted first, followed by the end walls  806 , which are locked into position by the locking formations  810  and the latching elements  834 . As the end walls  806  are lifted, the stacking elements  814  deploy automatically, under the force of the resilient spring elements  822  as they engage the side wall flanges  808 .  
         [0152]     The eighth container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  806  have to be folded before the side walls  804 , the side walls  804  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  814  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is also avoided.  
         [0153]     The container is also suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that if necessary the stacking elements can be easily retracted into the recesses in the end walls against the resilient bias of the spring elements during the filling operation. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the sides of the container and they help to support the side walls in the erected condition. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.  
       Embodiment 9  
       [0154]     The ninth container  90  shown in  FIGS. 45-48  is similar in certain respects to the eighth container and comprises a substantially rectangular base  902 , two longer side walls  904  and two shorter end walls  906 . The side walls and the end walls are attached to the base  902  by means of hinges, which allow the walls to be folded flat onto the base  902  as shown in  FIG. 46  for storage or transportation in a collapsed condition (position  1 ), or erected for use as shown in  FIG. 48  (position  3 ). The end walls  906  are folded first and in the collapsed condition they lie adjacent to the base  902 . The side walls  904  are collapsed after the end walls  906  and in the collapsed condition overlie the end walls  906 . Recesses are provided where necessary in the side walls to allow them to lie flat against the end walls.  
         [0155]     The length of the end walls  906  is less than the separation of the erected side walls  904 , so that the end walls can pivot between the side walls. The side walls  904  are provided with inwardly-extending flanges  908  that help to support the end walls  906  when the container is erected for use. Complementary locking formations  910   a,b  in the form of resilient detents are provided on the end walls and the side walls to lock the walls together when the container is in the erected condition. The locking formations are conventional and will not be described in detail.  
         [0156]     The upper edges of the side walls  904  and the end walls  906  are designed to receive the edges of the base of a similar container when the containers are stacked in an erected, column stacked condition. The edges of the walls and the base may be provided with complementary locking formations  912 , to prevent relative movement of the stacked containers.  
         [0157]     Each of the end walls  906  carries a retractable stacking element  916 , that may be deployed to allow stacking with a nestable container. The retractable stacking element  916  is shown in cross-section in  FIGS. 44 and 45  and comprises a pivotable support bar mounted at the upper edge of the end wall  906 . The support bar  916  is attached to the end wall by means of a pivot  920 , allowing it to be deployed as shown in  FIG. 45  in broken lines, or retracted as shown in solid lines by rotating it through 90° to a position in which it lies in the same plane as the end wall  906 . When the end wall  906  is in a vertical erected condition, the support bar  916  lies substantially horizontally when deployed and stands vertically above the end wall  906  when retracted.  
         [0158]     A spring element  922  comprising a flexible tab is provided at the upper edge of each side wall flange  908 . When the container is in an erected condition, the spring element  922  engages the support bar  916  and urges it downwards into the deployed position. The support bar  916  may however be rotated back to the retracted position against the resilience of the spring element  922 , for example to allow automatic filling of the container.  
         [0159]     The ends  930  of the support bar  916  extend outwards beyond the side edges of the end wall  906 . Curved grooves  932  are formed on the inner surfaces of the side walls  904  to accommodate the bar ends  930  and allow folding of the end wall  906 . At the upper ends of the grooves  932  support elements  934  are provided, which engage the bar ends  930  when the end wall  906  is erected, to help support the bar  916  when it is carrying the weight of a stacked container.  
         [0160]     In use, when the container is in an erected condition, the stacking elements  916  automatically adopt the deployed condition as shown in  FIG. 44  (position  3 ) and  FIG. 48 , owing to the engagement of the spring elements  922  with the stacking elements  916 . This allows the container to be stacked with a nestable container having a base smaller than the mouth of the collapsible container, without the nestable container intruding significantly into the enclosed volume of the container. The container can also be column stacked with similar collapsible containers, which engage the upper edges of the walls  904 , 906   
         [0161]     In order to fold the container, the end walls  906  are collapsed first and laid flat against the base  902 . The locking formations  910   a,b  are such that they can be released simply by pressing on the end walls  906 . As the support bars  916  engage the base, they are rotated back to the retracted position as shown in  FIG. 46  and  FIG. 44  (position  1 ). The side walls  904  are then folded down on top of the end walls  906 .  
         [0162]     Erecting the collapsed container for use is simply a reverse of the procedure described above. The side walls  904  are lifted first, followed by the end walls  906 , which are locked into position by the locking formations  910   a,b . As the end walls  906  are lifted, the stacking elements  916  deploy automatically, under the force of the resilient spring elements  922 .  
         [0163]     The ninth container described above provides a number of important advantages over the prior art. First, because the end walls  906  have to be folded before the side walls  904 , the side walls  904  cannot easily collapse during a washing process. This makes the process more reliable. Further, because the stacking elements  916  do not protrude far into the open mouth of the container, they do not significantly restrict access to the goods in the container. The stacking elements are deployed and retracted automatically, avoiding the need for a laborious manual operation. The risk of damage to the goods through failure to deploy the stacking bars is also avoided.  
         [0164]     The container is also suitable for automatic filling owing to the small intrusion of the stacking elements into the mouth of the container and the fact that if necessary the stacking elements can be easily retracted against the resilient bias of the spring elements during the filling operation. The stacking elements also allow slide stacking from the sides of the container and they help to support the side walls in the erected condition. Finally, when the container is in a collapsed condition, it occupies less than 25% of the volume when it is in an erected condition, thereby providing greater economies in shipping costs.