Collapsible container

A collapsible container orientable between assembled and collapsed positions having a base, a pair of side walls and a pair of end walls. The base has a pair of opposing upstanding end flanges integral thereto defining a corner line at each end and a side face member perpendicular. A pair of opposing side edges lie in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from an adjacent co-planar pair of side face members and extending therebetween. Opposing side walls are pivotably attached to one of the opposing side edges, forming an extension of the base when the container is in assembled. Each side wall has a latch member at each lateral edge having upper and lower curved surfaces and a tooth at its distal end. Each end wall has a pair of flanges with an opening sized to slidingly receive a latching member in the assembled state and is securely held by a living hinge. The container is adapted to being nestable when in the collapsed position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a multi-purposed collapsible container for the storage and transport of produce items and other goods.

BACKGROUND ART

Collapsible containers and crates are commonly used to transport and store a variety of items. Such crates are typically formed of injection molded plastic and are frequently adapted to receive perishable food items, such as produce. When assembled, such containers are rectangular in shape and have a flat base surrounded by four upstanding side panels which are joined to the flat base. When the containers are not in use, the collapsible feature of the containers allows the containers to be folded or otherwise reduced in size, thereby providing a desired compact size when storage space is minimal.

In such collapsible containers, side wall edges are normally joined in the corners. However, for an assembled container during use, this corner system results in a less rigid container due to the corners being subjected to torsional and other bending forces during use. Accordingly, the corners are commonly a focal point of stress in containers of this type. Further, the various types of latching and locking mechanisms available for containers of this type are typically subject to the similar forces resulting in a less rigid container when assembled.

Consequently, there is a need for an improved collapsible container which has latching located to minimize the stress concentration present in current containers. The latching or locking system of the improved collapsible container should also include a stable and rigid structure when in use. The container should also be capable of nesting with like containers when collapsed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container which minimizes corner stress concentration.

It is another object according to the present invention to provide a collapsible container which includes a latching mechanism between adjacent upstanding walls for fostering a stable and rigid container structure.

It is still another object according to the present invention to provide a collapsible container having improved stability which is movable from its collapsed to its assembled state with relative ease and is also cost effective to manufacture.

Moreover, it is an object according to the present invention to provide a collapsible container which is able to nest with like containers when in the collapsed position, for stacking and storage purposes.

In carrying out the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention, provided is a collapsible container which includes a base, a first pair of opposed sidewalls, and a second pair of opposed sidewalls. The base includes first and second pairs of opposing edges. One of the first and second pairs of opposing edges is defined by an upstanding base wall, where the base wall has a pair of upstanding corner portions which are integrally formed with the base wall. Each corner portion has a side face wall portion which defines a surface plane and a transverse plane perpendicular to the surface plane. The other of the first and second pairs of opposing edges lies in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from a pair of co-planar side face walls. This other of the first and second pairs also extends between the pair of transverse planes.

The collapsible container also includes a first pair of opposed sidewalls. Each of the first pair of opposed sidewalls is pivotally attached to a corresponding one of the first and second pair of opposing edges of the base at a distance remote from the corner portions. Each of the first pair of opposing sidewalls has a pair of opposing lateral flanges which inwardly depend therefrom and which are integrally formed thereto. Each lateral flange has a latch receiver aperture formed therethrough.

The collapsible container also includes a second pair of opposing sidewalls. Each of the second pair of opposing sidewalls (or end walls) is pivotably attached to a corresponding other one of the first and second pair of opposing edges of the base at a distance remote from the corner portions. Like the first pair, each of the second pair of opposing sidewalls defines a pair of opposing lateral edges, and each lateral edge has a latching member integrally attached thereto.

Thus, when the container is oriented in an assembled position, each lateral flange of the first pair of opposing sidewalls abuts an adjacent lateral edge of the second pair of opposing sidewalls. In this orientation, each latch receiver aperture receives a corresponding latching member thereby forming a secure attachment between the pairs of first and second opposing sidewalls, and thus any resulting stress is remote from the corner portions.

In another embodiment, the container is oriented in a first disassembled position so that the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls are pivotably folded inward. In this orientation, one of the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls is layered between the other of the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls and the base. When the container is oriented in a second disassembled position, the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls are pivotably folded outward from the base.

In yet another embodiment, each lateral flange of the first pair of opposing sidewalls has an opening, and each lateral edge of the second pair of opposing sidewalls has attached thereto large tab member. Thus, when the container is oriented in the assembled position, each opening receives a corresponding large tab member which forms an interference fit to assist in aligning adjacent sidewalls. In still another embodiment, each corner portion defines a corner line. Thus, when the container is oriented in the assembled position, each lateral flange abuts an adjacent lateral wall edge along a line distal from an adjacent corner line.

According to the teachings of the present invention, there is also provided a collapsible crate which is orientable between an assembled position and a collapsed position. This crate has a base which has a pair of opposing upstanding end flanges integrally formed with the base and defining a corner line at each end. The base also includes a side face member adjacent each corner line, oriented perpendicular to the corner line, and integrally formed with the corner line. The base further includes a pair of opposing side edges, each lying in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from an adjacent co-planar pair of side face members, and extending between the co-planar pair of side face members.

This collapsible crate also includes a pair of opposing side walls having an L-shaped cross-section defined by a long wall and a relatively short wall. The short wall is pivotably attached to a corresponding one of the opposing side edges of the base and, when the crate is oriented in the assembled position, forms an extension of the base. In the assembled position, the long wall is co-planar to the adjacent pair of side face members. Each side wall further has a latching member disposed at each lateral edge, where the latching member has upper and lower curved surfaces and a latching tooth disposed at its distal end.

The collapsible crate also includes a pair of opposing end walls each having a pair of flanges orthogonal thereto. The flanges have an opening sized to slidingly receive a corresponding latching member as the container is moved from the collapsed position to the assembled position. In this situation, the tooth extends beyond the end wall and locks into position.

Moreover, provided in the teachings according to the present invention is foldable container which is orientable in an assembled state and an inwardly folded collapsed state. The foldable container includes a bottom panel which has a pair of integrally formed opposed upstanding flanged edges. Each of the upstanding flanged edges includes at each end an integral upstanding corner member which has a planar end portion, a planar side portion and a corner line defined between the planar end portion and planar side portion. The bottom panel further includes a pair of opposed side edges each situated along a plane inward an adjacent planar side portion.

The foldable container also includes a pair of opposed side walls having an L-shaped cross-section which is defined by a long wall portion and a relatively shorter wall portion. The shorter wall portion is pivotably attached to a corresponding one of the pair of opposed side edges, so that when the container is oriented in the assembled state the short wall portion forms an extension of the base. In this assembled state, the long wall portion is co-planar with the planar side portion. Each of the opposed side walls further has a latching member disposed at each lateral edge. The latching member has upper and lower curved surfaces and a tooth member disposed at its distal end.

The foldable container also includes a pair of opposed end walls, each pivotably attached to a corresponding one of the upstanding flanged edges. Each end wall has a U-shaped cross-section including a longer main wall portion and a pair of relatively shorter flanged portions attached to the lateral edges of the main wall portion and extending inwardly therefrom. Each flanged portion has an aperture formed therein which is correspondingly shaped to slidingly receive the locking member.

When the container is oriented in the assembled state, the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls are upstanding. Thus, the locking member is disposed in the aperture and the tooth member extends beyond the aperture to lock into the corresponding end wall. When the container is oriented in the inwardly folded collapsed state, each of the end walls and side walls is folded inward so that the pair of side walls is disposed between the bottom panel and the pair of end walls. In this state, each shorter flanged portion abuts a corresponding planar side portion of a respective corner member. In another embodiment, the container is also orientable in an outwardly folded collapsible state where the pair of side panels is co-planar with the bottom panel. The container may also be nestable with like containers.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference toFIG. 1of the drawings, illustrated therein is collapsible container10. The components of container10are typically formed of various types of plastic or polymeric material via an injection molding or other plastic molding process suitable to this application. Collapsible container10may be used for the storage or transport of goods, and may also be referred to as a collapsible crate. Container10is particularly suitable for the transport of produce such as fruits and vegetable, where circulation of air and/or refrigerated gas is necessary to keep the produce fresh and consumable while it reaches the market. This circulation is fostered through the plurality of slots12provided on each panel over the entire container, as fully shown inFIGS. 1-3, and as best shown in FIG.2.

Collapsible container10includes a base member14having a bottom panel15which serves as the lower support for the container. As is best shown in the outwardly folded configuration ofFIG. 2, bottom panel15is generally rectangular in shape and has four edges—namely, a pair of opposed offset side edges16and18, and a pair of opposed end edges20and22. Base14further includes integrally molded upstanding flanges24and26(or base walls) oriented perpendicular to bottom panel15, each defining an upper side edge25and27, respectively. As is well understood in the art, the wall thickness of each of the walls and components illustrated and disclosed herein may vary depending on the intended usage and other characteristics desired from container10.

Base14further includes four upstanding corner members28situated, of course, at each corner of bottom panel15. As with the upstanding flanges, each corner member28is preferably integrally molded to bottom panel15and to upstanding flanges24and26. Specifically, each corner member28includes an end face portion30(or end face member or wall) which is integral with its adjacent upstanding flange (24and26). Each corner portion28also includes a side face portion32(or side face member or wall) which is oriented perpendicular to end face portion30. As shown inFIG. 1, end face portion30and side face portion32define a corner line31which is perpendicular to bottom panel15.

As shown inFIGS. 1-2, collapsible container10also includes a first pair of opposed side walls34and36, which are situated opposite each other across bottom panel15. Side walls34and36are each pivotably attached to bottom panel15by way of a hinging configuration or system37, located at edges (16,18) of bottom panel15. Thus, side walls (34,36) fold or pivot relative to bottom panel15at edges16and18, which are shown inwardly offset from side face portion32, as shown in FIG.2. Such hinging system37allows side walls34and36to be foldably positioned in three orientations: the assembled container orientation, as illustrated inFIG. 1; the outwardly collapsible orientation, as illustrated inFIG. 2; and the inwardly collapsible orientation, as illustrated in FIG.3. As seen inFIG. 2, hinging system37does not extend the length of base14but terminates at a distance away from each upstanding flange24and26, as well as a distance remote from an adjacent corresponding corner line31.

Each side wall34and36has an L-shaped cross-section, best shown in FIG.2. L-shaped cross section includes a long wall section40and a relatively shorter wall section42. When container10is in the assembled orientation ofFIG. 1, shorter wall portion42pivotably attaches to a respective side edge (16,18) to become co-planar with bottom panel15and serve as an extension of bottom panel15for completing the rectangularity of bottom panel15thereby compensating for the offset nature of sides16,18. As a result, because no hinge is located between long wall section40and shorter wall section42, stress is minimized on that intermediate edge.

As seen inFIGS. 1 and 4, hinging mechanism37includes cylindrical members38which are spaced across the length of the shorter wall section42of each side wall34and36. Cylindrical members38are integrally molded to base14proximate each side edge16,18. Attached to short wall section42at each cylindrical member38is a member39having a C-shaped cross-section which latches onto and receives cylindrical member38across its length, thus allowing side walls34and36to pivot and fold with respect to bottom panel15with minimal wearing of hinging mechanism37. This system is representatively shown inFIG. 4as applied to a similarly configured system48in which end wall46and pivots in relation to base14, as discussed further herein. Of course, it is contemplated that this hinging system is capable of being operable in another configuration, namely with cylindrical member38formed integrally with side walls (34,36) and C-shaped member39being formed on bottom panel15for securely receiving cylindrical member38.

Further, as best shown inFIG. 2, each member39having a C-shaped cross-section includes a flat portion43disposed thereon and integrally molded thereto. Flat portion43serves as a detent causing hinging portions to pause when each side wall (34,36) is raised from one of the collapsed states to an upstanding position in preparation for assembly. In other words, flat portion43prevents the user from having to hold each side wall (34,36) in position while end walls (44,46) are being raised to the upright position in preparation for assembly. When container10is collapsed, the user need only push the side wall past the point at which it pauses.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-3, collapsible container10further includes a second pair of opposing side walls44and46. Of course, for ease of reference and discussion, second pair of side walls is herein designated as a pair of end walls44and46, which is appropriate nomenclature for the generally rectangular base configuration. Like side walls34and36, end walls44and46are similarly pivotably attached to bottom panel15by way of a hinging mechanism48which is similar in structure to hinging mechanism37described above, as seen in FIG.4. However, unlike the side walls, end walls (44,46) are folded relative to base14at a distance remote from bottom panel15. Particularly, end walls44and46are pivotably attached to upstanding flanges24and26, respectively, of bottom panel15, proximate upper edges25,27. The height of upstanding flanges (24,26) defines the aforementioned distance remote from bottom panel15. As with the other walls discussed herein, end walls44and46are orientable in three positions: assembled shown as inFIG. 1; outwardly collapsed as inFIG. 2; and inwardly collapsed as in FIG.3. The hinging system used for end walls34and36is similar to that described above in association with side walls34and36. This system is shown as a partial sectional view inFIG. 4, detailing cylindrical member38and C-shaped member39. As with hinging mechanism37, in a preferred embodiment hinging mechanism48does not extend to corner line31but is remote therefrom.

As best shown inFIG. 2, each end wall44and46has a U-shaped cross section formed by a main end wall portion50, and two shorter flange portions52and54integrally attached to main end wall portion50and located on either side of main end wall portion50. Flange portions52and54are oriented orthogonal to main end wall portion50and, in the assembled orientation ofFIG. 1, are directed inward toward base14and side walls34and36, respectively.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, further included in container10is a locking or latching mechanism for latching side walls (34,36) together with end walls (44and46) to achieve the desired stability when container10is oriented in assembled position, as in FIG.1. To perform these locking and latching functions, reference must be directed to FIG.2and particularly to FIG.5. Provided on each lateral edge (58,60) and (62,64) of side walls34and36, respectively, is a latching member66extending outwardly therefrom. As best shown inFIG. 2, each latching member66has a slightly curved upper surface68, preferably convex, and a slightly curved lower surface70, preferably concave. Further, disposed at a distal end of latching member66is a tooth74.

By way of example with respect toFIG. 5, for latching purposes, shorter flange52and54of end wall46has a latch receiver75provided for receiving latching member66. Latch receiver75includes a latch receiving aperture76and a living hinge77. Aperture76is defined by the upper wall87of opening84and the lower surface of living hinge77. Particularly, as shown inFIG. 1, aperture76is appropriately sized and shaped to firmly receive latching member66. Adjacent to aperture76is living hinge77, which is attached to each side flange52,54by a hinge attach78and has an opening79disposed above it, thus allowing it to be flexible over its length, and particularly in the upwards direction. Living hinge77is not attached to any portion of container10except at hinge attach78. Thus, as a side wall (34or36) is upwardly raised and an adjacent end wall (44or46) is subsequently upwardly raised to receive latching member66into the assembled orientation, aperture76slidingly receives latching member66, while raised tooth74flexes living hinge77upwards from the rest position, causing hinge77to be temporarily flexed into opening79.

In the final assembled position, tooth74is latched on the outside of living hinge77, which has since returned at or near the rest position. Specifically, during the assembled state a lip83of living hinge77lies in the pocket81formed between tooth74and upper surface68of latch member66, thereby retaining latching member66in a secure manner and providing the stability desired for maintaining container10in the assembled position. The depth created by flanges52,54allow for a longer latching member66than would otherwise be possible.

To collapse container10from the assembled orientation, lever85of living hinge77is raised upwards by the user, and lip83is accordingly raised from pocket81, allowing latching member66and its tooth74to be released from latch receiver75.

The reduced stress concentrations of the latches as provided according to the present invention is further shown in FIG.1. By example, refer to line80formed by the mating lateral edges of side wall34and end wall46(specifically flange52of end wall46). The latching that takes place is spaced apart from corner line31which is typically subjected to relatively higher stress concentration forces. Thus, according to the present invention, not only are corner members28unitary and integral to base14to more fully withstand the stress concentrations, but the latching which in the past has taken place along corner line31and was subjected to this stress is according to the present invention remote therefrom to reduce stress in the corners, thus reducing the stress on the latches.

In addition to latching member66, also provided on each lateral edge (58,60) and (62,64) of side walls34and36is a relatively large tab member82. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 5, each large tab member82projects from its respective edge of side walls34and36. Also provided on each shorter flange52and54of end wall44is an opening84which resembles a narrow slot and which corresponds to large tab member82for receiving the same during the assembled container orientation. Opening84receives large tab member82in a secure fit for providing a manner by which to align and orient the adjoining walls, as well as secondarily assisting in securely holding side walls (36and36) and end walls (40and42) upright together during the assembled orientation.

Moreover, as is further shown inFIG. 2, upper portion of lateral edges (58,60) and (62,64) of side walls34and36, respectively, include a relatively small tab member86. Like large tab member82, in the assembled orientation small tab member86is received by a corresponding tab opening88formed in shorter flanges52and54of end wall44,46. Small tab member86is generally provided for alignment purposes as well as to provide an additional point of engagement between the adjoining walls.

With reference now directed toFIG. 3, shown therein is container10oriented in an inwardly collapsible or folded orientation. Again the term inwardly designates a general direction of movement of the various walls toward base14and bottom panel15. AsFIG. 3clearly indicates, the design according to the present invention allows container10to be compactly folded for storage and transport. In this orientation, side walls34and36are pivoted inward via hinging mechanism37and folded in a layered fashion on top of bottom panel14.FIG. 3illustrates side wall34folded first and side wall36subsequently folded thereupon.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 3, it is noted that, when folded inward, latching member66of side wall36extends into and rests in an opening90with its tooth74adjacent vertical wall92, while latching member66of side wall34extends into and rests in an opening94with its tooth74adjacent vertical wall96. Thus latching member66and the length of tooth74are such that they do not interfere with any other component, allowing the walls to fold neatly and compactly.

Subsequently end walls44and46are folded inward on top of side walls34and36via latching system48. As is further shown inFIG. 3, the greater relative width of end walls (44and46) in comparison to the relatively narrow transverse width of bottom panel15from side edge16to side edge18, allows flange portions52and54of end walls (44and46) to enclose laterally side walls34and36. Specifically, when container10moves into the inwardly collapsed state ofFIG. 3, shorter wall section42of side wall34, which as previously mentioned, in the assembled state is co-planar with bottom panel15and forms part of bottom panel15, now swings up and out of the way to make the bottom narrow (i.e. restore the offset nature of these sides16,18), thus creating the clearance suitable for flange portions52and54to swing down into the inwardly collapsed state. Further, in the orientation shown inFIG. 3, flange portions52and54are co-planar and co-linear with side face portion31of corner member28. As is best illustrated inFIG. 2, it is noted that lower portions53and55of flange portions52and54are inwardly offset from the upper flange portions and, therefore, in the inwardly folded orientation ofFIG. 3, lower portions53and55are positioned in a plane parallel to and inward of side face portion32.

FIGS. 6a-6cillustrate an alternative embodiment to the hinging systems37previously discussed herein. Similar components will be designated by like reference numerals carrying prime (′) designations for consistency and ease of reference. It must be noted for purposes ofFIG. 6that while a component may be arbitrarily designated as a wall or a base, the mating hinging portions disclosed therein may be interchanged (i.e. either may be provided on a wall and either may be provided on an adjoining base). Thus, instead of cylindrical member38as inFIGS. 1-3, a wall designated as base14′ ofFIG. 6bhas hinge members98which include annular (or semi-annular) projections100(or bosses) extending toward adjacent hinge members98. Shown inFIG. 6a,for purposes of example, is a portion of another wall, side wall34; having hinge receiving members97with semi-circular or U-shaped apertures102formed therein for securely receiving a corresponding projection100in an interference or locking orientation, allowing side wall34′ to pivot around an axis104with respect to base14′. This system provides for stability in three directions, i.e. the directions defining aperture102.FIG. 6aalso illustrates a curved member106having a surface which mates with cylindrical member38′ for providing stability in a fourth direction.

Again, it bears repeating that as withFIGS. 1-3, it is fully contemplated that hinge receiving members97having apertures102may just as easily be positioned on base14′, while hinge member98having projections100accordingly may be formed integral with an adjoining side wall.FIG. 6cillustrates a partial assembly according to this embodiment, showing the components ofFIGS. 6aand6bmated in an alternative hinge assembly.

As shown inFIGS. 1-3, each of side walls (34,46) and end walls (40,42) include a hand opening107and108, respectively, ideally suited to be used as a handle in order to carry container10.

With reference toFIGS. 7-9of the drawings, shown therein is a second embodiment of a collapsible container according to the present invention. Container110is shown inFIG. 7in an assembled orientation. Like the previous embodiment, container110is also capable of being collapsed into each of an inwardly folded position and an outwardly folded position in the manner illustrated inFIG. 2 and 3. Container110includes a plurality of slots112formed therein for promoting circulation of air and other gases to keep the contents of the container fresh. Further included is a base114which is discussed further herein in association withFIGS. 8-9. Container110also includes a pair of opposed side walls134and136, as well as a pair of opposed end walls144and146with flanges152,154. Each side wall (134,136) and end wall (144,146) is pivotably attached to base114.

FIG. 8illustrates the base114of container110shown in FIG.7. Base114includes a bottom panel115which is rectangular in shape and has opposing side edges116and118, and further includes opposing end edges120and122. A pair of opposed upstanding flanges124and126is provided and each is formed perpendicular to bottom panel115. Each upstanding flange124and126defines an upper side edge125and127, respectively. As with the first embodiment previously disclosed herein, each side wall (134,136) is pivotally hinged with respect to base114at a corresponding side edge (116,118), while each end wall (144,146) is pivotally hinged with respect to base114at a corresponding end upper edge (125,127). Thus each end wall (144,146) is pivotally attached to base114at a distance remote from base114. Particularly, the distance is defined by the height of upstanding flanges124and126.

With regard to hinging systems of container110, shown in association with base114ofFIG. 8are the lower portions of hinging systems137(for side walls) and148(for end walls). Specifically, hinging systems137and148include a plurality of lower hinge members197which are integrally formed with base114and are similar to the hinging portion97illustrated inFIG. 6aattached representatively to side wall34′. As shown inFIG. 8, along each end upper edge (125,127) there is provided three lower hinge members197, while along each side edge (116,118) there is provided five lower hinge members197. These lower hinge members197are spaced apart and centered along the length of the respective edge. Accordingly, in this embodiment side walls (134,136) and end walls (144,146) ofFIG. 7have a mating hinge portion similar to hinge portion98shown inFIG. 6b(without cylindrical member38′), and are similarly operable in relation to adjoining portion197. Mating hinge portions like98are spaced and centered along their respective lower edges of side walls (134,136) and end walls (144,146) for mating with corresponding lower base hinge members197.

Moreover, each upstanding flange124and126includes at either end an upstanding mounting post117which projects upward past upper edges125and127and is integrally formed with upstanding flanges124and126. Each mounting post117includes two openings119and121formed therein. Each mounting post117also defines a corner line131. Opening119is located relatively lower and opening121is located relatively higher along the height of post117. Each co-linear pair of openings117is provided to receive a corresponding projection (not shown inFIG. 8but similar to projection100or200′) provided at each end of a corresponding side wall (134or136), for providing an additional pivoting point for each side wall with respect to base114. Conversely, each co-linear pair of openings121share an axis adjacent upper surface (125,127) of upstanding wall124,126. Openings121are provided to receive a corresponding projection or other member provided at either end of each end wall (144,146) thereby allowing each end wall to pivot with respect to base114. Thus openings119and121provide for an additional pivot point and anchor point along the lateral sides of each wall, thus allowing for a stable hinging mechanism.

Referring again toFIG. 10a,shown therein is a partial perspective view of a bottom surface113′ a base114′ similar to base114inFIGS. 7-9but having an alternate hinge configuration. As before, similar components inFIGS. 10a-10bto those inFIGS. 7-9will be designated by like reference numerals carrying prime (′) designations for consistency and ease of reference. Particularly,FIG. 10aillustrates a base114′ having hinge members198′ with projections200′ similar to base14′ (with hinge member98) shown inFIG. 6b,but without cylindrical member38′. Accordingly, a side wall or end wall adapted to mate with base114′ ofFIG. 10awould thus have a hinging configuration similar to that of hinge portion97ofFIG. 6a,without curved member106.

FIG. 9is a bottom plan view, andFIG. 10bis a partial plan view, of containers (110,110′), which share a common bottom surface (113) of base (114,114′) and provides a design allowing for nesting of similar containers (110,110′) on top of each other when they are in the inwardly folded orientation (as in FIG.3). This design permits an inwardly collapsed container10to be stacked on top of a like folded container so that the resulting stack-up is stable. Particularly, in this nesting orientation, bottom surface113would engage end walls (144,146) having a corresponding design as shown inFIG. 7, allowing like containers to securely nest. With such bottom surface design, containers may also be cross stacked. It is of course contemplated that the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1-4is also capable of nesting with like containers in the fashion described above.FIG. 10bis a partial magnified view of the design ofFIG. 9, showing generally the corner area bordered by the intersection of lines A—A and B—B of FIG.9.

It is noted inFIGS. 7-10that base (114,114′) does not have a complete corner section (i.e. no side face portion corresponding to portion32of FIGS.1-3).

Instead, it is noted in this embodiment that side walls (134,136) have a portion (135) that occupies this area, and which would have the pivot projection corresponding to opening119. It is also recognized that the latching of the embodiments ofFIGS. 7-10is similar to that shown inFIGS. 1-3and5. It is particularly noted that like the other embodiment, the latching herein is remote from the corner line given the similar U-shaped design of end walls144and146to that of44and46.

Finally, it must be noted that similar components between the embodiments shown inFIGS. 7-10typically added100to the reference numeral of common components ofFIGS. 1-5.

It is understood, of course, that while the forms of the invention herein shown and described include the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention, they are not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used are descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed below.