Abstract:
A modular container or bin with preferably four identical sidewalls held in place by four identical corner posts, with the sidewalls and corner posts both connected to a common base palette. The sidewalls are removably connected to the corner posts by interlocking slip joints. This slip joint configuration also removably connects the sidewalls to the base palette. The corners are secured to the base palette using four plastic bolts. The base palette has cutouts, to define feet and to provide for forklift (or other lifting devices) arm access in at least two directions. The sidewalls can also be designed for lifting by a claw lifting apparatus. The corner posts include a notch to allow cables to be secured during transportation. The container is designed primarily for the storage and transportation of agricultural products, though other uses are also possible.

Description:
FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates to shipping and storage bins and containers, and more particularly to a collapsible shipping and storage bin which can be used in the transportation and storage of agricultural products. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Storage containers transported on standard truck trailers are used to move agricultural products from one processing location to another. The use of single-piece storage containers typically prevents the maximum use of storage space use of storage. When the storage containers are transported empty, there is a loss of profit for the trucking industry. Additionally, typical transport of full or empty containers requires the use of relatively expensive bracket assembly for securement of the containers by a winch/cable assembly. Furthermore, over time the storage containers become damaged from normal wear and tear. Once damaged, the entire container is replaced. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art is a storage container or bin which is collapsible to increase storage space when transporting empty containers and which will permit for replacement of a section of the container that is damaged as opposed to the replacement of the entire container. 
     It is, therefore, to the effective resolution of the aforementioned problems and shortcomings of the prior art that the present invention is directed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention a storage container or bin (“bin”) which generally includes a base, four sidewalls and four corner posts. The bin can be generally square shaped, with each sidewall being the same and each corner post the same. Each sidewall can be provided with a first side flange, a second side flange and a bottom flange. At least the lower inner area of each sidewall can be curved to help prevent or reduce damage to the contents stored within the bin (e.g. fruit, vegetables, etc.). One or more of the sidewalls can also be provided with one or more bushel markers. 
     A plurality of cutouts can be provided at the top area of each sidewall to define a gripping area and allow the bin to be moved by a conventional claw lifting apparatus. A ticket/card/label holder can also be provided along an outer surface of the sidewall(s) for holding identification or content information. Preferably, the holder can be positioned along a lower half of the sidewall and recessed to help prevent the card/label/ticket from being damaged by the claw lifting apparatus. 
     The base member is preferably provided with four groves extending along its perimeter edges. Each groove receives an associated bottom flange of a sidewall when assembling the bin. The bottom flange of the sidewall is slid into the base groove from either end of the groove. The configuration of the bottom flange preferably corresponds to the configuration of the base groove, such that, the sidewall cannot be pulled out of secured attachment to the base. 
     One or more feet can be secured to the bottom surface of the base. The locations of the feet along the bottom surface of the base are preferably chosen to permit forklift prongs or a similar device to lift the bin from any side. One or more of perimeter located feet can also be offset for aiding in stacking of the bins. 
     The corner posts provide further securement and retainment of the sidewalls in their vertical positions with respect to the base. Each corner post is provided with a first groove and a second groove. Each first groove receives a second flange of one of the sidewalls and each second groove receives a first flange of another one of the sidewalls. To secure each of the corner posts to two of the sidewalls, the sidewalls are preferably secured to base as described above, and the corner post grooves are aligned with corresponding sidewall flanges. The corner post is then slid down until the bottom surface of corner post preferably abuts the top surface of the base. 
     To further retain the corner posts in their vertical position and/or to secure the corner posts directly to the base, an attachment assembly can be provided. In one embodiment, the attachment assembly can include a threaded sleeve or insert (“sleeve”), preferably constructed from metal, which is disposed within a bottom aperture of the corner posts, an aperture disposed within the base, and a threaded bolt/screw. The insert or sleeve can be precast into the bottom aperture of the corner posts. In this embodiment, when the corner posts are properly positioned, the bottom aperture and the base aperture are aligned with each other. The bolt is inserted within the apertures and tightened by the mating of the threads on the bolt with the threads of the sleeve. In an alternative attachment assembly, a self-tapping bolt can be provided. The diameter of self-tapping bolt is chosen such that it is tightly received and retained within the apertures. 
     A top portion of the corner posts can preferably recessed to correspond to the offset portion of one of the base feet for stacking purposes. This configuration helps to eliminate any significant horizontal movement and/or shifting of the stacked bins during transit. 
     One or more, and preferably all, of the corner posts can be provided with a notch for receipt or disposal of a cable from a winch assembly disposed on a truck when transporting full or empty bins. The notch eliminates the need for expensive brackets currently used in transporting shipping containers. An aperture can also be provided at the top of the corner post(s) for receipt of a portion of a hook member, such as but not limited to a S hook. The hook also receives the winch assembly cable. 
     Additionally, a plurality of collapsed sidewalls and corner posts can be stored with an assembled bin, to reduce the space required for transporting back a plurality of empty bins, as compared to prior art containers. Preferably, the bin can be constructed from plastic. In the event that a portion (e.g. sidewall, base or corner post) of the bin becomes damaged, that portion is simply replaced. Thus, the entire bin or container does not have to be replaced. 
     The capacity to disassemble a storage container and make the maximum use of profitable space is one benefit of modular storage container. The added ability to replace deteriorated sections of the containers allows the partial repair instead of total replacement of the containers allows for further profits. 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a shipping container that is collapsible. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide a shipping container that is collapsible that permits replacement of a damaged portion without having to discard the remaining useful portions of the container. 
     It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shipping container that is collapsible such that less space is required in shipping empty bins. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present invention and together with the general description, serve to explain principles of the present invention. 
     These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become clear as this description proceeds. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the description set forth hereinafter and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the storage bin/container (“bin”) in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a top view of the invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the invention shown in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the invention shown in FIG.  1  and further illustrating the removable nature of the side walls with respect to the base; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the invention shown in FIG. 1 partially cutaway to illustrate the collapsible nature of the invention for reduce space consumption in transporting the invention; 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of the invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the stacking capabilities of the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of the invention shown in FIG. 1 illustrating the invention stacked and in transit; 
     FIG. 8 is a sectional close up view of the mating of the bottom of a corner post to the base in accordance with the invention; and 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a hook member which can be used for securing one or more bins of the present invention during transit in connection with a cable/wench assembly. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     As seen in FIG. 1, a storage container or bin (“bin”) in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and generally designated as bin  20 . Bin  20  preferably includes a base  22 , four sidewalls  40  and four corner posts  70 . Bin  20  can be generally square shaped, though such is not considered limiting and other shapes, such as, rectangular, can also be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. Where a square shaped bin  20  is provided, each sidewall  40  can be preferably the same and each corner posts  70  can be the same. 
     As seen in FIG. 4, each sidewall  40  is preferably provided with a first side flange  42 , a second side flange  44  and a bottom flange  46 . First side flange  42  can preferably extend along the first side edge of side wall  40 , second side flange  44  can preferably extend along the second side edge of side wall  40  and bottom flange  46  can extend along the bottom edge of side wall  40 . The lower inner area of sidewall  40  can be curved at  47 , to help prevent or reduce damage to the contents stored within bin  20  (e.g. fruit, vegetables, etc.). Sidewall  40  can be preferably constructed from plastic, though other conventional materials can be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. Sidewall  40  can also be provided with one or more bushel markers  49 . 
     Preferably, first side flange  42 , second side flange  44  and bottom flange  46  are monolithically formed or constructed integral with side wall  40 , though such is not considered is limiting. One or more, and preferably a plurality, of cutouts  48  can be provided at the top edge of sidewall  40  to define a gripping area and allow bin  20  to be moved by a conventional claw lifting apparatus. At least the top area of sidewall  40 , where cutouts  48  are provided, can be constructed from reinforced plastic to help reduce breakage from connection to the conventional claw lifting apparatus. A plurality of apertures  50  can be provided in sidewall  40  to help reduce the overall weight of bin  20 . A ticket/card/label holder  52  can be provided along sidewall  40  for holding identification or content information. Preferably, holder  52  is positioned along a lower half of sidewall  40  and recessed to help prevent the card/label from being damaged by a claw lifting apparatus attempting to lift bin  20  at the top of side wall(s)  40 . 
     Base member  22  is preferably provided with four groves  24  extending along its perimeter edges at the top surface of base member  22 . Grooves preferably terminate prior to reaching the corner areas of base member. Each groove  24  receives an associated bottom flange  46  of a sidewall  40  when assembling bin  20 . As best seen in FIG. 4, bottom flange  46  of sidewall  40  is slid into groove  24  from either end of groove  24 . The configuration of bottom flange  46  can preferably correspond to the configuration of groove  24 , such that, side wall cannot be pulled out of secured attachment to base  22 . Each corner area  26  of base  22  can have a recess or cutout  28 , which also can preferably include an aperture  30  extending therethrough. Similar to sidewall  40 , base  22  can include one or more cutouts  32  to help reduce the overall weight of bin  20 . One or more feet  34  can be secured to the bottom surface of base  22 . Preferably, feet  34  are monolithically formed or constructed integral with base  22 . The locations of feet  34  along the bottom surface of base  22  permit a forklift prongs to lift bin  20  from any side. Furthermore, where base  22  is at least substantially square shaped, the location of feet  34  may also permit diagonal access to the forklift prongs (or other lifting device) for lifting bin  20 . Additionally, one or more of perimeter located feet  34  can be offset for aiding in stacking of bins  20 . 
     The interlocking joint relationship or securement of sidewalls  40  to base  22  maintains sidewalls  40  in their vertical position. However, it is preferred to also include corner posts  70  for further securement and retainment of sidewalls  40  in their vertical positions with respect to base  22 . Each corner post  70  is provided with a first groove  72  extending along a first side edge and a second groove  74  extending along a second side edge. Each first groove  72  receives second flange  44  of one of sidewalls  40  and each second groove  74  receives first flange  42  of another one of sidewalls  40 . To secure each of corner posts  70  to two of sidewalls  40 , sidewalls  40  are preferably secured to base  22  as described above, and grooves  72  and  74  are aligned with corresponding flanges  42  and  44 , respectively. Corner post  70  is then slid down until the bottom surface of corner post  70  abuts the top surface of base  22 . 
     Where cutout  28  is provided, the shape of cutout  28  preferably generally corresponds to the shape of corner post  70  though such is not considered limiting. Thus, when corner post  70  is secured to two of sidewalls  40 , the bottom surface of post  70  preferably abuts the top surface of base  22  within cutout  28 . 
     As seen in FIG. 8, to further retain corner posts  70  in their vertical position and/or to secure posts  70  directly to base  20  an attachment assembly  90  can be provided. In one embodiment, attachment assembly  90  can include a threaded sleeve or insert  92 , preferably constructed from metal, which is disposed within a bottom aperture  82  of posts  70 , an aperture  94  (preferably including a slot  96 ) disposed within base  22  and/or preferably corner feet  34 , and a threaded bolt/screw  98 . Insert  92  can be precast into bottom aperture  82  of posts  70 . In this embodiment, when posts  70  are properly positioned, bottom aperture  82  and aperture  94 /slot  96  are aligned with each other. Bolt  98  is inserted within apertures  82  and  94  and tightened by the mating of the threads on bolt  98  with the threads of sleeve  92 . Sleeve  92  can be constructed from other materials other than metal including but not limited to aluminum, stainless steel, plastic, etc. Slot  96  provides a housing to conceal and protect the head of bolt/screw  98 . Additionally, aperture  82  can itself be threaded to eliminate the need for a sleeve  92 . 
     In an alternative attachment assembly, sleeve  92  is optional, and if provided is preferably without threads. A self-tapping bolt, as opposed to a threaded bolt is provided. The diameter of self-tapping bolt is chosen such that it is tightly received and retained within apertures  82  and  94 . Bolt  98  and/or the self-tapping bolt can be constructed from plastic though other materials such as metal, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. can also be used and are considered within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, bolt  98  can be a plastic hex bolt, having corse threads and a self-locking washer, though such is not considered limiting. 
     A top portion of corner posts  70  can preferably include a recessed area or cutout  76  and a top edge or ledge  78 . Recessed area  76  can be shaped to correspond with an extended portion  36  of feet  34 . Thus, when stacking bins  20 , a non-extended portion  38  of feet  34  rest upon ledge  78  and the extended portion  36  is disposed within recessed area  76 . Accordingly, any significant horizontal movement and/or shifting of the stacked bins  20  during transit is reduced and virtually eliminated. 
     As any non-perimeter located feet  34  will not contact either sidewalls  40  or corner posts  70  during stacking, the configuration or shape of such feet  34  does not have to be shaped with an extended portion  36  and non-extended portion  38 , though such configuration can also be used with the non-perimeter feet  34 . Furthermore, though it is preferred that the perimeter located feet  34  have the extended/non-extended configuration, it should be recognized that such is not considered limiting and other configurations can be used and all are considered within the scope of the invention. 
     One or more, and preferably all, of corner posts  70  can be provided with a notch  80  for receipt or disposal of a cable  122  from a winch assembly  120  disposed on a truck  130  when transporting full or empty bins  20  (See FIG.  7 ). Cable  122  wraps around the far end corner notch  80 . Notch  80  eliminates the need for expensive brackets currently used in transporting shipping containers. However, whether or not notch  80  is provided, an aperture  98 , preferably disposed on top edge  78 , though other locations on corner post  70  are also within the scope of the invention. As seen in FIG. 9, aperture  98  is adapted for receipt of a portion of a hook member  110 , such as but not limited to a S hook. Hook member  110  includes a receiving portion  112  adapted for receipt of cable  122  of winch assembly  120 . It is also within the scope of the invention to provide one or more notches, similar to notch  80 , with other shipping bins or containers, whether or not such other shipping bins or containers are collapsible and/or solid one piece units. Similarly, to bin  20 , the notches also eliminate the need of special brackets when transporting such other shipping bins or containers. Additionally, apertures, similar to aperture  98 , can be incorporated into such other shipping bins or containers for receipt of hook members. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a plurality of collapsed sidewalls  40  and corner posts  70  stored with an assembled bin  20 , which shows the reduced space required for transporting back a plurality of empty bins  20  as compared to prior art containers. In addition to storage and shipping containers, it should also be recognized that the assembly and disassembly configuration and components of bin  20 , can also be used for constructing other objects and structures such as, but not limited to, temporary storage structures and temporary dwellings. 
     Preferably, bin  20  is constructed from plastic, such as a H.P.D.E. plastic, though other materials, which will allow bin  20  to support the weight of one or more full stacked additional bins  20  can be selected and are also considered within the scope of the invention. Bin  20  can also be preferably acid, temperature and UV resistive. When stacked, forklift access is still provided for each bin  20 . Bin  20  is not limited to any specific dimensions and all are considered within the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the dimensions can be selected to correspond to current shipping containers, though such is not considered limiting. 
     In the event that a portion (e.g. sidewall  40 , base  22  or corner post  70 ) of bin  20  becomes damaged, that portion is simply replaced. Thus, the entire bin or container does not have to be replaced. The shape of the grooves and flanges prevent sidewalls  40  from being pulled out their removable attachment to base  22  and also prevent sidewalls  40  from being pulled out of their removable attachment to corner posts  70 . 
     The corner posts attachment assemblies provide an independent mechanism for retaining corner posts  70  in position from their removable connections to sidewalls  40 . Thus, corner posts can be retained merely by the attachment assemblies (eliminating sidewall side flanges and corner posts corner grooves) or only by the sidewall side flanges and corner posts corner grooves (eliminating the attachment assemblies. Similarly, the sidewalls can be retained by their mating connection with the base or by their mating connection with the corner posts, and either one of these two mating connections can be eliminated and the sidewalls still be properly retained. Accordingly, all of these alternative embodiments are also considered within the scope of the invention. 
     It will be seen that the objects set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained and since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.