COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER

Abstract: Collapsible containers configurable to provide a plurality of seaparate compartments are described, each having a back wall (84) carrying elements (104B, 104C) hingeably movable from positions parallel to the back wall to positions extending normally of that wall and defining compartments. In one embodiment stackable rigid structures (formed from inter-engageable boarding pieces) are placed within the container with the movable elements located between pairs of structures. In another embodiment the movable elements are rigid and form (when extended) bases for trays and lie immediately beneath side supports hinged to the back wall and rotatable from positions parallel to that wall to positions extending normally of that wall to act as end (and possibly) divider walls for the trays. A front wall (110) for each tray may be provided by a web carried between free edges of the side supports or by a rigid front wall part hinged to the free edge of the movable element and rotatable from a position parallel to that element to position extending normally thereof. The container may be of a foldable fabric, the movable parts being pockets carrying rigid planar pieces stitched to the back wall and resting when extended against parts of the frame. When not in use the fabric part may be folded and the frame collapsed for storage or transportation. The container may also be implemented in plates of metal or other rigid material with hinges between the movable parts.

Description: COLLAPSIBLE CONTAINER DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to containers, and in particular to containers which may be used for both storage and transport of various items. BACKGROUND ART One application of the invention is the secure transport of postal items from and between sorting offices and provides for the ready transport of those items between offices after they have been sorted. Traditionally mail is carried to and from, and between, Post Offices in mail bags - fabric bags - in which all the mail items for a particular place (for example a City, a general postal or zip code) is placed. On arrival at the it's destination the mail is removed from the bag and then re-sorted for particular sub¬ divisions of the area to which it has been sent (for example: a particular postman's walk, blocks or more detailed postal and zip codes) . When transporting postal items in a mail bag they become jumbled and when removed from the bag must be re¬ sorted in order that the address and postal or zip code can be seen. With the increasing use of mechanised sorting the need for ensuring that all the items of mail have their addresses on a surface which is to pass a machine scanner has increased and the traditional method of transporting mail requires the use of a number of operatives to ensure that this is the case by checking the orientation of the mail items. It will be appreciated therefore that there is significant manpower required simply taking mail from a mail bag and reorienting it so that the surfaces on which the addresses and postal codes are located are in a position in which they can readily be scanned by a machine. Proposals have been made, and in some countries have been put into practice, that after the initial sorting of mail it is transported between Post Offices in rigid trays in which all the mail items for a particular destination are stacked side-by-side such that the address on each of the items is orientated in the same way. To effect this a number of rigid trays each carrying mail are placed in a large container, usually of metal, which is used to carry all the mail items to be taken from one particular Post Office to another at which the mail in the trays may again be sorted for delivery. When transported in this way the mail in the trays does not need to be re-sorted to ensure the addresses on the mail items are in the same orientation - the mail items are held in the desired orientation within the rigid trays. This proposal substantially reduces the cost of sorting the mail but requires the use of trays which are costly to produce and heavy and the use of containers (for the trays) which are costly, heavy and bulky. The result therefore is that the transportation cost of the trays and the containers - both when full of mail and when empty - is significant. It is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus usable for storing and transporting mail items which substantially alleviates the difficulties of the traditional method of transporting mail between Post Offices and overcomes the disadvantages of the above noted proposals. Arrangements now proposed may also be used for the secure transport of items within a commercial or industrial environment - for example within an office block where items may need to be delivered to, and collected from, various departments and in a factory in which various parts may be taken to and collected from various places within a building or complex of buildings. Transport of items within a commercial environment is usually effected by means of rigid trolleys with a number of separate shelves of fixed spacing in which items are placed for delivery or after collection. Such trolleys are usually heavy and of significant size. Items placed in them are not truly secure. Furthermore, arrangements embodying the invention may be used for the secure transport of items between locations at which they are to be used. Each of these applications requires that any container used for the storage and transport of the items roust be readily movable, the container must allow the easy placement of items within, and removal of items from, the container in which they are placed for transportation and, furthermore, (in view of the variety of sizes of different items that may on occasion need to be transported) should be readily adaptable to carry items of different size. At present there is not, to our knowledge, any such arrangement available. Objects of the invention include the provision of forms of container for use in transporting, inter alia mail, which substantially alleviates and/or overcomes the difficulties noted above. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION In one aspect the invention provides a collapsible container configurable to provide a plurality of separate compartments, the container comprising a back wall carrying a number of elements movable from first positions in which the element lie generally parallel to the back wall to positions in which the elements extend substantially normally of the back wall and act to define said compartments. The moveable elements, when in said second positions, preferably extend in substantially parallel planes. The container advantageously further comprises in one embodiment a plurality of rigid structures which may be stacked one upon the other and to which items to be stored in the container are passable, the rigid structures being mountable within the container with said movable elements thereof in said second positions and located between pairs of said structures. Each said structure may comprise a number of rigid planar parts releasably inter-engagable one with the other to form said structure. Each structure advantageously comprises, in use, a number of vertically extending walls. Each rigid planar part may be generally rectangular and be formed with two or more slots extending normally of a first edge thereof, the depth of each slot being substantially equal to half the width of the board and the width of each being substantially equal to the thickness of the board. The rigid planar parts forming each said structure may comprise a pair of first boards each having two or more slots and second boards equal in number to the number of slots in each first board, each second board having two slots, so that in use, the slots of each first (and second) board receive and lie to either side of the material of a second (and first) board extending between the slot therein and the edge of the board opposed to said first edge. Desirably, each structure comprises a pair of said first boards each having three slots, and three said second boards. Each said second board is preferably provided with a cut away portion located generally centrally of the edge thereof opposed to said first edge. In another embodiment the invention provides that each said movable element comprises a base support element movable from a first position to a second position in which it extends normally of the back wall, wherein each base support element is associated with and lies, in use, immediately beneath two or more rigid side support elements each of which is hingeably connected to the back wall and movable from a first position in which it lies parallel to the back wall to a second position in which it extends substantially normally of the back wall, the base and associated side support elements being located on the back wall such that when they are in their respective second positions they define a said compartment. A first of said rigid base support elements may comprise a base wall of the container and be in the form of two rigid parts which may be rotated relative to one another and to the back wall from a first position in which said parts overlie one another and are substantially parallel to the back wall of the container to said second position. Each of said other base support elements is preferably rigid and movable from a first position in which it lies parallel to the back wall of the container to said second position. Said side support elements are desirably similar to one another and hingeably connected to the back wall with their hinge axes parallel and in register, and the base support elements are desirably hingeably connected to the back wall with their hinge axes extending normally of the hinge axes of the side support elements. The edges of the side support elements spaced from their hinge connection to the back wall may be interconnected by a flexible web. Each base support element, preferably has associated therewith three side support elements, said side support elements being hingeably connected to the back wall at equal spacing. The extent of the side support elements from the back wall when in said second positions is, advantageously, substantially equal to the extent of the base support elements when in said second positions. The container may further comprise a frame for supporting, in use, the back wall and the back wall may be of a fabric material. Each said side support element may comprise a fabric pocket carrying therein a rigid planar piece. Each base support element may comprise a fabric pocket carrying therein one or more rigid planar pieces. Said planar pieces are of generally rectangular form. With particular advantage the base and side support elements are hingeably connected to the back wall of the container by stitching the fabric of the support elements to said back wall. Preferably, the back wall may, when said base and side support elements are in their said first positions, be released from the frame and be folded. The back wall, base and side support elements may be of fabric material and be, in use, held in a rigid framework with said base and side support elements supported in their said second positions by the runner elements of side frames of the framework. In such an arrangement the central portions of the runner elements may advantageously be of reduced width so as to ease contraction of the fabric elements of the container within the framework. The uppermost.edge, in use, of the back wall is provided, in this arrangement, with means for engaging a cross-bar of the frame so that the back wall may be held in an extended condition. There may be provided a rigid base front wall part hingeably interconnected to each base support element at the edge thereof spaced from the back wall and movable about the hinge axis from a position in which it lies on said base support element to a position in which it upstands from the base support element and extends between the side frames of the container Another embodiment of the invention provides a container in which said back wall is rigid, upstands from a base wall and runs between side frames upstanding from opposed edges of said base wall, wherein the back wall carries a plurality of base support elements each pivotally interconnected along one edge with the back wall, each base support element being movable from a first position in which it is held against or parallel to the back wall to a second position in which it extends from the back wall and is supported by runner elements of said side frames. In this embodiment the back wall may be located substantially centrally of the base wall and a plurality of base support elements are carried on each major surface thereof. Desirably, the various elements of the container are of metal, the base wall, side frames and back wall are rigidly interconnected and the base support elements are hingeably interconnected with said back wall. There may be provided a rigid base front wall part hingeably interconnected to the base wall at the edge thereof spaced from the back wall and movable about the hinge axis from a position in which it lies on the base wall to a position in which it upstands from the base wall and extends between the side frames of the container. Again, there may be provided a rigid base front wall part hingeably interconnected to each base support element at the edge thereof spaced from the back wall and movable about the hinge axis from a position in which it lies on said base support element to a position in which it upstands from the base support element and extends between the side frames of the container. Advantageously, there are provided a plurality of side support elements hingeably connected to the peripheral edges of the back wall, each being movable from a position in which it is held parallel to the back wall to a position in which it extends generally normally of the back wall and is supported by elements of the side frames. The base support elements may each comprise two or more rigid base support element sections which are hingeably interconnected. Desirably the side frames comprise sheets of metal forming rigid walls on opposite sides of said container, said sheets carrying metal runner elements for supporting the base support elements in use. Alternatively, the side frames comprise posts interconnected by runner elements for supporting the base support elements in use. In each embodiment of the invention the various parts of the container are provided with means enabling their releasable engagement one with another. Said means may be selected from the group comprising any suitable magnetic catch, hook, clip, clamp, hook and eye or other arrangement. Preferably, however, said means comprises co¬ operating patches of VELCRO carried on the parts of the container. In a second aspect of invention provides container configurable to provide a plurality of separate compartments, the container comprising in combination a framework and a flexible fabric part with a back wall having mounted thereon at least one set of parts, each of which sets comprises two or more rigid side support elements each movable from a first position in which it is held against or parallel to the back wall to a second position in which in extends normally of the back wall, and a base support element movable from a first position in which it lies parallel with the back wall to a second position in which it extends normally of the back wall and is supported by said runner elements of the framework, the side and base support elements being located on the back wall such that when they are in their respective second positions they define compartments of the container. The base support elements of each of said set of parts may be formed in two sections which are foldable from a first position in which they overlie one another and are generally parallel to the back wall of the container to said second position. Desirably, said back wall is foldable, and comprises a series of separate pockets each containing a rigid planar piece. Advantageously, the material of the container and of the rigid planar parts within the container is polypropylene. Preferably, the container further comprises base and top walls, side walls and front and rear walls, the top wall being integrally attached to the rear wall and releasably attachable to the upper margins of the front and side walls. The front wall may be in two parts each of which is integrally attached to the base wall and a respective side wall and opposed margins of two front wall parts may be releasably attachable one to the other to form a single front wall when the container is closed. The releasable attachment of the top wall to the side and front walls parts, and of the two parts of the front wall to each other, may be effected using any suitable means; preferably, zippers. The support means for holding the base and side support elements in said first positions may comprise any suitable stud, hook or the like arrangement. The base and side support elements are preferably of the same fabric as the back wall and are attached to the back wall by stitching. The back wall is preferably provided at the upper margins thereof with fabric lugs by means of which it may be supported in said framework. In a third aspect the invention provides a framework for supporting a fabric container part having a back wall, base and side support elements, the framework in use supporting the back wall and supporting the base and side support elements when in their said second positions, the fabric container being further provided with top, side, and front walls. The fabric container part may be held supported in the frame by any suitable hook, stud, clip or clamp arrangement. The fabric container part may be held supported in the frame by fabric material pieces forming loops near the upper edges of side and rear walls of the fabric container part and which are engagable by hook members forming part of said framework. The framework may include elements movable between positions in which the or each fabric container part is contracted and in which the or each fabric container part is held extended by the framework. Preferably, said framework is adapted for stacking upon a similar framework when contracted. Desirably, the elements of the framework which are movable, are hingeably interconnected with other elements of the framework. The framework may have a rigid base formed integrally on opposed sides thereof with first rigid side frame parts extending substantially normally of the base, second rigid side frame parts being hingeably coupled to each of said first side frame parts, each second side frame part being movable between a position extending generally across the base to a position lying in the plane of its associated first side frame part and substantially parallel to the plane of the opposed second side frame part of the framework. The framework may include rigid means for holding the second side frame parts in the planes of their associated first side frame parts. Said means preferably comprises a cross-bar operable to extend between the second side frame parts; and releasably attachable to both second side frame parts or, alternatively, which is releasably attachable to one second side frame part and hingeably coupled to the other second side frame part. The hingeable interconnection of the second side frame parts to the first said side frame parts at different sides of the frame base is preferably effected at different distances from the frame base. A fabric container part may be integrally attached to the framework. A base wall of the fabric container part may be attached to the base of the frame. The fabric container part may be attachable to the cross-bar. The framework may be provided with wheels by means of which it may be moved, and with advantage with one or more handles and/or brakes. The framework may be formed such that first and/or second side frame parts comprise a network of interconnected rigid runner elements; or, alternatively, such that the first and/or second side frame parts are provided as solid, panel, members on which are supported rigid runner elements. The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention now made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a first container embodying the invention in a partially filled condition, Figure 2 shows the fabric part of the container of Figure 1 in a filled and sealed condition, Figure 3 illustrates a stage in the manufacture of the fabric part of the container of Figures 1 and 2, Figure 4 shows at A two types of board for use in making a structure for placement in the container of Figure 1 and at B the structure partially completed. Figure 5 shows a further container embodying the invention in a partially filled condition, Figure 6 illustrates a stage in the manufacture of a fabric part of the container of Figure 5, Figure 7 is a sectional side view of the fabric part of the container of Figures 5 and 6, empty and in a semi collapsed condition prior to folding. Figure 8 illustrates a framework of a further container embodying the invention, Figure 9 illustrates a stage in the manufacture of another fabric container part supportable in the framework of Figure 8 Figure 10 shows a container comprising the fabric container part of Figure 9 in the framework of Figure 8, Figure 11 illustrates the container of Figures 8, 9 and 10 collapsed, Figure 12 shows a container comprising the fabric container part of Figure 6 in the framework of Figure 8, Figure 13 illustrates a further container embodying the invention, and Figure 14 illustrates a modified form of the container of Figure 13. MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION With reference now to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a first container embodying the invention to comprise a fabric part 10 held generally in a cuboid shape in a_ frame 12. Fabric part 10 comprises a rear wall 14, side walls 16, a base wall 18, a top wall 20 and a front wall 22 in two parts 22A and 22B as shown. The two parts 22A and 22B are releasably attachable one to the other by a zipper 24. The top wall 20 of the container is formed integrally with the rear wall 14 and is releasably attachable to the side walls 16 and the front wall 22 by zippers 26 as shown. Fabric part 10 is formed (see Figure 3) by folding and stitching a cut piece of woven polypropylene material and then stitching the edges 16' of the side walls 16 to the edges 18' of the base wall 18 and the edges 22'' of the front wall 22 to the edge 18'' of the base wall 18. Additionally, the rear wall 14 has attached thereto - at spaced intervals - movable fabric elements 28 attached to the wall 14 by being stitched along the edge thereof as shown at 30. The rear wall 14 and the surfaces of the movable elements 28 are provided with mating patches 32 of material enabling the releasable attachment of the movable elements 28 to one another and to the rear wall 18 in a position generally parallel to the rear wall. The attachment patches may be of any suitable form - for example they may be of the material sold under the Trade Name VELCRO. The area of each element 28 is substantially equal to the area of the base and top walls 18 and 20 of the container. As can be seen from Figure 1 the upper margins of the side walls are provided - adjacent the front and rear walls 22 and 14 with loops 34 of fabric by means of which the formed fabric part 10 may be held on lugs 36 in frame 12. The metal frame 12 is preferably of tubular aluminium rods 38 defining and generally co-extensive with the base, rear and side walls of the fabric container part 10. For ease of movement of the container whilst it is being filled the frame may be provided with wheels or casters as illustrated at 40. The arrangement embodying the invention further comprises a number of planar parts which, as illustrated in Figure 4, may be releasably inter-engaged or inter-fitted to form rigid structures placable in fabric container part 10. Each structure to be paced in the container comprises a pair of polypropylene planar boards 50 each of which is provided with three slots one of which, 52, is located generally centrally of one edge of the board 50 whilst the other two, 54, are located adjacent the ends of the board. The depth D of the slots, is substantially equal to half the depth of the board and the width of each slot is substantially equal to the thickness, T, of the board. To complete the structure for placement in the fabric of the container part 10 there are provided three further polypropylene boards 56 each formed with two slots 58 adjacent the ends thereof. The height and width of the slots 58 are substantially equal to the depth and width of the slots 52 and 54 - that is to say the height of the slots 58 is approximately half of the height of the board 56 (which has the same height as the board 50) and the width of the slots is substantially equal to the thickness of the board 56 (which is substantially equal to the thickness of the board 50) . To form the rigid structure for placement in the container the two boards 50 are held apart with the end slots 54 substantially in register one with the other and at a spacing equal to the spacing between the slots 58 of a board 56. A board 56 is then positioned, (as shown in Figure 4B) , such that each slot 54 receives material of the board 56 lying between the slot 58 therein and the edge 60 (the upper edge) of the board 56 and each slot 58 receives the material of the board 50 between the end of slot 54 and the edge 62 (the lower edge) of the board 50. In similar manner a board 56 is inter-engaged with the boards 50 at the locations of the other slots 54 and 52 at the end and in the centre of the boards 50. Desirably, the edge 60 of each board 56 is provided with an arcuate cutaway portion as indicated at 64 in Figure 4A. The area of the structure shown in Figure 4 (defined by the boards 50 and 56) is substantially equal to the area of the base wall 18 of fabric part 10 of the container and once the structure has been formed it may be placed in the container. In this condition it will be noted that the zippers 24 and 26 have been undone to enable the top wall 20 of the fabric container part 10 to be folded back over the frame 12 and the two parts 22A and 22B of the front wall to be folded back as shown to allow access to the interior of the container fabric part 10. Sorted mail may then be placed within the structure in the container - the structure acting as a temporary support for the mail holding it such that each mail item has the address thereon in a particular orientation. The mail is firmly held within the structure between the boards 50 and 56 with the base wall 18 of the fabric part 10 acting as a base wall for the structure and holding the mail items within the walls 50 and 56. It will be appreciated that the arcuate cut away portions 64 of the boards 56 ease the placement of mail items within the structures. Once a first structure placed in the container has been completely filled with mail items a first element 28 of material may be detached from its attachment to the wall 14 and moved to lie across the top of the filled structure in the container and, if desired, the zipper 24 may be adjusted to partially bring together front wall parts 22A and 22B - to the height of the structure within the container. A second structure in all respects similar to the first may be formed (as discussed with reference to Figure 4) and placed within the container to stand upon the element 28 overlying the first structure in the container. This is the position shown in Figure 1. The second structure may then be filled with mail in like manner to the first structure and when filled the upper edge of a movable element 28 may be detached from the back wall 18 of the fabric container part 10 and arranged to overlie the, now filled, second structure. This process is continued until fabric container part 10 is completely filled with structures (some or all of which contain mail to be transported) . At this time zipper 24 is used to draw the two sides 22A and 22B of the front wall together, and the zippers 26 are used to secure the top wall to the uppermost edges of the side and front walls of the fabric container part. Eyelets may be provided as indicated at 66 in the fabric of the top wall 20 and front wall parts 22A and 22B through which a piece of rope, twine or string may be passed effectively to seal the fabric container part. The fabric container part 10 may then be removed (lifted) from the frame 12 and used to transport mail to another office at which it will be again sorted. At that other office the filled fabric container part 10 may be placed in a frame, any seal used broken, and the zippers 24 and 26 undone to allow access to the structures within the container. Mail may be taken from each structure and passed directly to a mechanical sorting machine. As the structures are emptied they are lifted from the fabric container part 10 and disassembled into their constituent board parts 50 and 56. As each structure is removed from the container the movable element 28 overlying it is positioned, making use of the attachment patches 32, to lie generally parallel to the back wall 14 of the container. If no mail is to be then transported it will be appreciated that the boards 50 and 56 may be placed on the base wall of the fabric container part 10 which may then be released from frame 12 and folded to occupy a relatively small volume. This folded fabric container part may then be more easily transported than would have been the case had the container been rigid and/or if the structures to be placed in the container were incapable of disassembly. Again the relatively light weight nature of the material used (woven polypropylene for the fabric container part 10 and polypropylene boarding in the formation of the structures) reduces the freight costs in transporting the fabric container part both when empty and when carrying mail. It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the described arrangements without departing from the scope of the present invention. The use of zippers 24 and 26 to close the fabric container part may, it will be seen, varied and any suitable means of joining the top wall to the side and front walls, and the two parts of the front wall together, may be used. Although described as being of the same material (e.g. polypropylene) it will be appreciated that any desired fabric material may be used and the boards forming the structures may be of the same or any other suitable material. An alternative form of container embodying the invention is shown in Figure 5 to comprise a flexible fabric container part 80 held generally in a cuboid shape in a frame 82. Container part 80 comprises a back wall 84, side walls 86, a top wall 88 and a front wall in two parts 90 and 92 as shown. The two parts 90 and 92 are releasably attachable one to the other by a zipper 94. The top wall 88 of the container is formed integrally with the back wall 84 and is releasably attachable to the upper margins of the side walls 86 and the front wall parts 90 and 92 by zippers 96 as shown. The fabric container part 80 is provided with a base wall 98 in the form of a base support element - a pocket the margins of which are stitched or otherwise permanently attached to the lower margins of the side walls 96 and the front wall parts 90 and 92 as shown at 100. The pocket 98 includes two generally rectangular rigid planar pieces 102 which extend the width, (as viewed in Figures 5 and 6), and substantially half the depth of, the container fabric part 80. The container back wall 84 also carries three sets of side support elements 104A, 104B and 104C. Each set of side support elements comprises three elements 106, 106' and 106'' stitched onto the fabric of the container at the side edges of the back wall (106 and 106'') and substantially at the midpoint of the back wall 106'). Each side support element 106 comprises a fabric pocket in which there is located a rigid planar piece 108. The elements 106 are stitched onto the fabric of the back wall 84 to form a hingeable connection for each element 106 so that it may be moved from a position in which it lies parallel to the back wall 84 to a position in which it extends substantially normally thereof. The axes of the hingeable connections between the back wall 84 and the elements 106 are, as can be seen, substantially parallel and, within each set of elements 104A, 104B and 104C are in register - that is to say they are mounted at the same height on back wall 84. The free edges of the elements 106, the edges spaced from the back wall 84 are interconnected by flexible plastic material webs 110 as can be seen from Figures 5 and 6. Each of the elements 106 may be held in a position in which it lies substantially parallel to the back wall 84 by any suitable means - however it is preferred that cooperating attachment patches 112 such as described above with reference to the first embodiment provided on the back wall 84 and the elements 106 (or on the facing surfaces of the elements 106 when they overlie one another) be used to hold the elements 106 in a position substantially parallel to the back wall 84. It will be appreciated that when the elements 106 of the lowermost set 104A of elements are moved to positions in which they extend substantially normally of the back wall 84 they form, with the base wall 98 of the container, a compartmentalised tray into which items of mail may be placed. It will be further seen that any mail placed in the compartmentalised tray formed by the elements 106 of the lowermost set of elements 104A and the base wall 98 of the container will be held in the particular orientation in which they are placed within the container. As can be seen the extent of the side support elements 106 is substantially equal to the extent of the base wall 98 of the container. Each of the other sets of elements 104B, 104C attached to the back wall 84 comprises, in addition to the side support elements 106, 106' and 106" a base support element 114B and 114C comprising a pocket the size of which is substantially equal to that of the base wall 98 and which contains a single, rigid, planar piece 116. Each of the base support elements 114 is normally held in a position lying substantially parallel to the back wall 84 once again making use of cooperating attachment patches 112, the attachment patches being provided on the upper surface of the base support elements 114 (as viewed in Figure 5) and the surfaces of the elements 106 spaced from the back wall 84 when the elements 106 lie parallel to the back wall. The base support elements 114B of the set of elements immediately above the lowermost set of elements 114A is movable from the position shown in Figure 1 - that is to say lying substantially parallel to the back wall 84 to a position in which it overlies and rests upon the uppermost edges of the side support elements 106 of the lowermost set of elements 104A. Thus it will be seen that when the compartmentalised tray formed by the lowermost set of elements 104A has been filled with mail items the base support elements 114B of the set of elements 104B may be pulled away from the back wall 84 and allowed to rest on the uppermost edges of the elements 106 of the set of elements 104A. Thereafter the elements 106 of the set of elements 104B may be moved from positions in which they lie parallel to the back wall 84 to positions in which they extend normally thereof forming another compartmentalised tray to which items of mail may be passed. Further compartmentalised trays may be provided as the container is filled by moving the elements 114C and 106 of the third set of elements 104C until the container is full. Thereafter the container may be closed and sealed by moving the top wall 88 until it overlies the compartmentalised trays and, using the zippers 94 and 96, attaching the top, side and front wall together. Eyelets may be provided, as indicated at 118 in the fabric of the top wall 88 and in the front part walls 90 and 92 through which a piece of rope, twine or string may be passed to seal the container. Loops of material 120 are provided at the upper margins of the back and side walls enabling the fabric container part to be held on hooks 122 in a generally open position, supported in the frame 82. Once filled the container may be lifted from the frame and used to transport mail to another office at which it will again be sorted. As with the embodiment described with reference to Figures 1 to 4, the filled container may then be opened allowing mail to be taken from each of the compartmentalised trays in turn and passed directly to a mechanical sorting device - it having been held in a particular relative orientation during transportation. It will of course be appreciated that the compartmentalised trays are emptied from the top down and as each is emptied the side support elements 116, 96 and base support elements 104 are moved from positions in which they extend normally of the back wall 84 to positions in which they overlie one another and lie substantially parallel to the back wall 84. If no mail is then to be transported it will be appreciated that the container may be lifted from the frame and folded substantially as shown in Figure 7. In this arrangement the two rigid pieces 102 forming in the base wall 98 of the container allow that wall to fold substantially about its mid line and thereafter the remainder of the container (with the zippers 94 and 96 closed) may be folded - the side walls folding upon themselves bringing front and back walls together and holding the sets of members 104 in parallel relationship with the back wall. The rigid nature of the members 102, 108 and 116 provide that the container may be readily folded in concertina fashion as shown in Figure 7. The folded fabric container part may then much more readily be transported than if it were rigid and/or if the compartmentalised trays formable in the fabric container part were rigid and incapable of disassembly. The fabric material of the fabric container part including the pockets is desirably woven polypropylene and the material forming the rigid planar pieces within the support elements is desirably polypropylene boarding. If made of polypropylene the overall weight of the container is very substantially reduced and thus the cost of transporting the container (both when full with mail and when empty) is markedly cut. The variations to the described arrangements of Figures 1 to 4 may, where appropriate, be made to the arrangements made with reference to Figures 5, 6 and 7. Figure 8 shows a container frame for use in a container embodying the invention to comprise a rectangular base frame 130 of 25mm 2 metal tubing on one face of which, at the four corners of the base frame, are provided caster wheels 132. On the other face of the base frame 130 and on opposed sides thereof there are provided side frames 134 and 136. The side frames 134 and 136 are generally of the same form and each includes a pair of upstanding posts, 134A, 136A which, it is to be noted, extend to different heights above the base frame 130, the posts 134A (which are the same height) being shorter than the posts 136A (which again are of the same height) . The side frames 134 and 136 include further posts 134B and 136B the lowermost ends of which (as viewed in the Figure) are hingeably connected to the tops of the posts 134A and 136A. The free ends of the posts 134B and 136B are joined by side bars 134C and 136C as shown. The posts 134B of the side frame 134 are longer than the posts 136B of the side frame 136 by an amount equal to the difference in the lengths of the posts 134A and 136A so that when the posts 134B and 136B are upright (as viewed in Figure 8) the side bars 134C and 136C are at substantially the same height above the base frame 130. The side frames 134 and 136 are completed by a number of runners 138 extending between the pairs of posts 134A and 134B, and 136A and 136B as shown. The runners 138 are provided at spaced intervals above the base frame 130 and each is generally L-shaped in section over most of its length but has a central part 138' which is cut out. The framework is held in the condition shown in Figure 8 by a cross-bar 140 hingeably attached to one side bar 134C (or 136C) and engagable with the other side bar 136C (or 134C) . Cross bar 140 has two spigots 142 upstanding therefrom as shown. If desired the side bars 134C and/or 136C may be provided with one or more handles (not shown) to ease movement of the framework and further, if desired, the framework may be provided with a braking system (not shown) for the caster wheels 132. Figure 9 show a fabric container part to be supported in the framework to comprise a back wall 150 formed with a series of pockets 152 which are sealed (for example by stitching) after an appropriately shaped rigid planar element 152' was placed in each of them. The size of each of the pockets 152 is such that its width (as viewed in Figure 9) is substantially equal to the width of the base frame 130 as measured between the side frames 134 and 136 and its height is substantially the same as the spacing between the runners 138 carried in the side frames 134 and 136. The side edges of the back wall 150 of the container are further provided with attached pockets 154 each having the shape shown. Each of the pockets 154 has again been sealed after a rigid planar piece 154' of the appropriate shape has been inserted in it. The length of each side pocket 154 is substantially equal to one half of the length of the side support bars 134C and 136C. The lowermost edge of the back wall 150, below the lowest pocket 152 has attached to it a further fabric piece 156 comprising three pockets 158, 160 and 162 each of which has a rigid planar piece (158' 162 and 162') placed in it and is thereafter sealed (for example by stitching) . The height (as viewed in Figure 9) of the pockets 158 and 160 is substantially equal to one half the length of the side support bars 134C and 136C and their width - as can be seen - is substantially the same as the width of the pockets 152. The width of the pocket 162 is again substantially equal to the width of the base frame 130 in which the container will be mounted and its height may be half that of the spacing between the runners 138 (as shown) or as desired, but not exceeding the spacing between the runners 138 in the side frames 134 and 136 of framework. Fabric pieces 156 (each comprising pockets 158, 160 and 162 including rigid planar elements 158', 160' and 162') are also attached (for example by stitching) to the back wall 150 as indicated at spacings substantially equivalent to the spacing between the runners of 138 in each of the side elements 134 and 136 of the framework. It will be noted that the points of attachment of the fabric pieces 156 (forming pockets 158, 160 and 162) is between the pockets 152 formed in the back wall. The upper edge of the back wall 150 has loops of fabric 164 attached thereto as shown. Attachment patches or strips of material similar to those described above with reference to the first two embodiments are then applied to the fabric of the container as shown in Figure 9 at 166. Those areas where the attachment patches are applied to the viewable, front, surface of the fabric (as seen in Figure 9) are indicated by the letter 0, whilst the letter X indicates where attachment patches are applied to unseen side of the fabric (as viewed in the Figure) . It will be noted that the outermost extremities of the pockets 154 and 156 have attachment patches applied to both surfaces thereof. The purpose of the attachment patches applied to the container shown in Figure 9 is twofold; firstly, the patches enable the elements of the container to be held folded against the back wall 150 of the fabric container part and secondly the patches will, as described below, enable the fabric container part to be securely supported in the framework. To fold the elements of the container against the back wall 150 the side pockets 154 are first folded about the side edges of the back wall such that the attachment patches at their outermost ends come into contact with the patch located generally centrally of the front surface of the back wall 150. Once each of the side pockets 154 have been folded in this way each of the pocket 162 may be folded about its join line with a pocket 160 so that the attachment patches on their front surfaces will engage and hold the pocket 162 against the pocket 160. Thereafter the pockets 160 and 158 may be folded - again about their join line so that the patches on their back surfaces engage to hold the two together. In this condition the pockets 158, 160 and 162 are now folded and in close contact with one another. Then by folding pocket 158 about the join line with the back wall 150 the attachment patches adjacent the edges and at the centre of its front surface, are brought into contact with the patches on the back surfaces of the side pockets 154. Figure 10 shows the framework of Figure 8 supporting the fabric container part of Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10 the fabric container has been partially unfolded or extended so that the way in which it is supported in the framework may be more clearly seen. It will be noted that the posts 134A and 134B and 136A and 136B as well as the upper surfaces of the base frame 130 and runners 138 in side frames have had applied to them strips of the material forming the attachment patches as indicated generally at 170. The fabric container part is placed in the framework with the side pockets 156 and pockets 158, 160 and 162 held against or parallel to the back wall 130. The top edge of the back wall 130 is then grasped and lifted upwardly so that the loops of material 164 on that edge can be placed over the spigots 142 on cross-bar 140. It will be appreciated that the cutout portions 138' of the runners 138 enable the container to be unfolded and lifted up between the side frames 134 and 136 in this operation. Thereafter the lowermost fabric piece 156 is lifted from its engagement with the side pockets 154 and the pockets 158, 160 and 162 disengaged from one another. The fabric of the container is then manipulated so that the pockets 158 and 160 lie flat and the attachment patches on their lowermost surfaces (as viewed in Figure 10) engage the patches provided on the base 130 of the framework. It will be seen the pockets 158 and 160 now form a base support element resting on the runners 138. The pocket 162 is then folded up so that its outermost ends engage the attachment patches on the surfaces P of the side support posts 134A and 136A forming a base support front wall part. The side pockets 154 are then dis-engaged from their contact with the back wall 150 and folded out until the attachment patches thereon engage the strips of material 170 provided on the surfaces Q of the side posts 134A and 136A. It will be noted that in performing this manipulation a tray has been formed in the bottom of the framework by the container which covers half the base frame. This tray has an outer wall (formed by the pocket 162) which is of any desired height but preferably, as shown in the drawing, approximately half of the depth of pocket 154. The tray may be filled with any desired object - one particularly useful application of the storage device would be if the tray were filled with mail. Placement of mail oriented in a particular sense in the tray will enable that mail to be moved, in the storage device, without the orientation of the mail items changing. Once the tray has been filled - or before the tray has been filled - a second tray may be formed in the framework by bringing away from the back wall 150 of the container the pockets 154, 158, 160 and 162 of the fabric piece 156 next above that which has been unfolded. The manipulation of this second fabric piece is in substance the same as the manipulation of the first with the pockets 158 and 160 being supported at the sides of the framework on the upper, attachment material covered, surfaces of runners 138. Again an outer or front wall for this second tray is formed by the outermost pocket 162 of the second fabric piece and side walls for the tray are formed by the side pockets 154. The container may be fully extended within framework by detaching the constituent parts of the other fabric pieces from the back wall of the container and bringing them into engagement with the members of the framework in the same way. It is to be noted that the container occupies one half of the framework and it is envisaged that a second f 37 container, similar to the first, will be provided in the other half of the framework. That other container will be supported in the same way as the first container - that is to say the loops on material 164 formed on the upper edge of the back wall of that other container will be engaged by the spigots 142 on the cross-bar 140 of the framework. After use - when the container is empty and no longer required - it may be contracted within the framework by detaching the upper edge of the back wall 150 from the cross bar 140 of the framework (after having folded the various elements of the fabric pieces such that they lie against or parallel to the back wall 150) . Thereafter the back wall may be folded down such that the fabric container part rests on the base of the framework. As before the cut out sections 138' of the runners 138 enable the fabric container part to be folded down onto the base of the framework. As soon as the or both containers have been so folded down it is possible to disengage the cross bar 140 from its engagement with the side bar 134C (or 136C) and allow the cross bar to fall down such that it lies parallel with the side support 134 (or 136) . Thereafter, the posts 134B are pivoted around their hinged connection to the post 134A so that the upper part of side support 134 lies across the base of the frame on top of the folded fabric container on the base. Once this has been effected side posts 136B are similarly pivoted around their hinged connection to the posts 136A such that the upper part of side support 136 overlies and rests upon the side part 134 as shown in Figure 11. In Figure 11 parts of a lower collapsed framework are shown supporting parts of another collapsed framework stacked thereon. References to the upper collapsed framework are distinguished by being prime. The posts 134A and 136A are provided with short extensions 134D and 136D which are L-shaped in section and which permit the ready stacking of one collapsed framework upon the other. It is envisaged, in certain circumstances, that the base of the framework will be provided as a solid panel forming the base of the container the lowermost fabric piece of the container may then be omitted if desired. Variations which may be made to the described arrangements include, for example, the fact that the side frames may be provided as solid panel members having runners formed on their "inner" walls. In such an arrangement it is envisaged slots will be provided in the panels to accommodate the wheels 132 of an upper framework stacked on a lower one. It will be appreciated that many modifications may be made to the form of container described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. If desired the trays formed in the framework by the pockets 154, 158, 160 and 162 may be provided with divider walls. Such divider walls would comprise pockets substantially the same size as the pockets 154 and containing a rigid planar element. The pocket would be stitched along one of its shorter edges to the back wall 150 of the container and be pivotable from a position in which it lies against the back wall to a position in which it extends generally normally thereof and parallel to the side support elements 154 when the fabric container part is extended. Means may be provided (perhaps in the form of cooperating studs) on the pocket 162 to generally hold any such divider wall in a desired position. It will be appreciated that the container described with reference to Figures 8 to 11 if desired, may be used to form trays the heights of which vary from those shown. For example if a set of pockets 154, 158, 160 and 162 were left folded against the back wall 150 of the fabric container part then the height of the tray immediately beneath those pockets would be substantially doubled. The fabric container part, if desired, may be formed with one or more of the fabric pieces 156 omitted so that trays of different heights may be formed when the fabric container part is extended in the framework. In such circumstances it is simply necessary that the positions at which fabric pieces 156 are provided on the back wall 150 of the fabric container part correspond with the heights of the runners 138 provided in the side frames 134 and 136. The number of runners 138 provided in the framework (and trays formable in the extended container) may, of course, be varied from that shown. As described the arrangement comprises a series of inter-connected pockets in which a rigid planar pieces are placed. Desirably the fabric is woven polypropylene and the rigid planar elements are of moulded polypropylene. It will of course be appreciated that any other suitable materials may be used to form the fabric container part for example the container may be made of any rigid material the parts of which are hinged or otherwise pivotally interconnected one to the other so that the container may adopt the extended form shown in the Figures. A particularly useful modification provides that the container be made of a rigid, lightweight, plastics material and the pivotable interconnections are formed by having fold lines or living hinges of reduced thickness material at the appropriate locations. The further pieces 156 attached to the back wall 150 of the container would, in this arrangement, be welded thereto. Figure 12 shows a fabric container part similar to that of Figures 5 and 6 supported in the framework of Figure 8 and similar parts are given the same reference numerals. The fabric container part of Figure 12 differs from that shown in Figure 5 by being provided with loops of material 126' for engaging the spigots 142 on the cross bar 140 and a pair of hook members 121 at the top of each side wall 86 for engaging the side support bars 134C and 136C of the framework to hold the fabric container part open in the framework. The top wall of the fabric container part is now in two parts 96' formed as extensions to the front wall parts 90 and 92 and these two top parts are attachable one to the other and to the back and side wall by zippers 123. Finally, the top and base walls of the fabric container part are sized to fit half the frame of Figure 8. In other respects the form of the fabric container part and its mode of use are as described above and further description of it will not now be made. Other containers embodying the invention are shown in Figures 13 and 14. Figure 13 shows a container embodying the invention to comprise a rectangular base frame 210 comprising an outer framework of metals tubes 212 the four corners of which are provided with caster wheels 214 as shown. The base frame 210 is completed by a flat sheet of metal 216 as indicated. The container further comprises side frames 218 and 220 on opposed side edges of the base frame 210. Each side frame comprises a pair of upstanding side support posts 218A and 220A as shown which extend generally normally of the base frame 210 and are joined, at their upper ends, by side support bars 218B and 220B as shown. Extending between the side support posts 218A and 220A are a series of runners 222 each of which is generally L-shaped in section as shown having an upper, generally horizontal, surface 224 and a depending, generally vertical, surface 226 joined to the side support posts 218A and 220A as shown. It will be noted that the lowermost runner 222A of the runners 222 are spaced above the base frame 210 by an amount greater than the spacing of the other runners 222. To add rigidity to the container a cross bar 228 may be provided as shown to extend between the side support bars 218B and 220B. The container further comprises a rigid metal back wall 230 extending generally centrally across the base frame 210 and between the side frames 218 and 220. The upper edge of the back wall 230 is connected to the cross bar 228 (if that cross bar is provided) . The base frame 210, side frames 218 and 220, the back wall 230 and the cross bar 228 (if provided) are all rigidly interconnected. If desired the side support bars 218B and 220B may be provided with one or more handles (shown in dotted outline at 221) to ease movement of the device and further, if desired, the caster wheels 214 may be provided with brakes (not shown) . The vertical side edges of the back wall 230 carry metal side support elements 232 which are hingeably connected to the back wall 230 as shown at 234. Each of the rigid metal side support elements 232 has the form shown - that is to say it is generally rectangular with a small portion of the corner of its lower and free edge removed. The container is further provided with a base front wall part 236 hingeably interconnected, as shown at 238, to the edges of the base frame 210 spaced from the back wall 230. The base front wall part 236 is of metal and may be rotated about its hinged connection 238 from a position in which it lies on base frame 210 to a position in which it upstands from the base frame and is supported by the side support posts 218A and 220A as shown. The container further comprises a plurality of sets of metal parts shown generally at 240. Each set of parts 240 comprises a group of base support elements a first one of which, shown at 242, has one edge hingeably interconnected as shown at 244 to the back wall 230. The edge of the base support element 242 spaced from hinge 244 is connected to a second base support element 246 by a hinge 248 Each set of elements 240 is completed by rigid base front wall part 250 which, as can be seen in Figure 13, is hingeably interconnected at 252 to the free edge of the second base support element 246. The container may further comprise further side support elements (not shown) hingeably interconnected with the back wall 230 at one or more locations across the width of the back wall 230. If provided the hinge axes of these further side support elements run substantially parallel to the axes of the hinges 234 of the side support elements 232 and the height of the further side support elements (and their spacing from the base frame 210) are the same as the height and spacing of the side support elements 232. Strips or patches of attachment material such as VELCRO are then applied (for example making use of double sided adhesive tape) to various parts of the container. Those areas where the material is applied to the viewable, in Figure 13, surfaces of the container are indicated by the letter V, whilst the letter N indicates the positions of patches applied to unseen surfaces of the container. The purpose of the patches is two-fold; firstly, they enable the elements of the container to be folded and held against the back wall 230; and secondly, they enable the container parts to be securely supported on the runners 222 and against the posts 218 and 220. The base and side support elements (and further side support elements if provided) are hingeably interconnected to the back wall 230 to enable ready access to be made to various areas of the container when placing items therein for transport or storage. It will be appreciated, for example that all the base support elements may be rotated about their hinge connections to bring them into positions in which they are held folded parallel to the back wall 230 allowing ready access to be made to the base frame 210 of the container so permitting items to be readily placed on or lifted from the base frame 210. If it is assumed that items are to be placed in an otherwise empty device embodying the invention the base and side support elements are folded against each other and against the back wall 230 (as seen in the upper part of Figure 13) . From this position the base front wall part 236 is rotated about the axis of hinge 238 to bring it to an upright position (as shown) extending between the side frames 218 and 220. The base front wall part 236 is held in the position shown by co-operating patches of attachment material provided at its edges and on the faces of the side support bars 218A and 220A against which it is brought to bear. Thereafter the lowermost pair of side support elements 232 are rotated about hinges 234 away from the back wall 230 until they are brought into the positions shown in Figure 13 - that is to say extending substantially normally of the back wall 230 and with attachment material patches provided on their uppermost, outermost, ends engaging patches on the side support bars 218A and 220A as shown. The user then may place items on the base frame 210 of the container. Once sufficient items have been placed on the base frame 210 the lowermost set of parts 240 are, manipulated to form a tray lying above and generally parallel to the base frame 210, in the following way. First the base support element 246 is pulled away from the base support element 242 such that co-operating attachment material patches provided thereon disengage. Base support element 242 is thereafter disengaged from the back wall 230 and the two base support elements are rotated about the hinge axes 244 and 248 such that their outermost edges lie on the surfaces 224 of the runners 222A. The co-operating patches provided on the surfaces of the base support elements 242 and 246 and the surfaces 224 of the runners 222 holds these elements in position. Thereafter the base front wall part 250 is disengaged from its contact with the element 246 and rotated about the axis of hinge 252 until the attachment material patches it carries engage the similar patches on the side support bars 218A and 220A as shown. Rotation of the second set of side support elements 232 from positions lying against the back wall 230 to positions in which their outermost ends are engaged by the side support bars 218A and 220A completes the formation of a tray in the container lying above the base frame 210. It will be appreciated that items may readily be placed on this tray by a user. The same sequence of operations is followed until each of the base and side support elements have been rotated away from the back wall 230 to form trays for receiving items. Once the container has been filled it is possible to transport it by simply pushing it so that it rolls on the caster wheels 214. To remove items from the container, the uppermost tray is emptied of items and then the uppermost side support elements 232 are disengaged from bars 218A and 220A and rotated about their hinge axes 234 so that the attachment material patches on their outermost ends contact the uppermost patch of similar material located generally centrally of the front surface of the back wall 230. Once this has been done '-he uppermost first and second base support elements 242 and 246 are rotated above their common hinge axis 248 and about hinge axis 244 bringing element 242 into contact with back wall 230 and bringing elements 242 and 246 into contact with each other and in a position in which they lie parallel to the back wall. The first element 242 is held on the back wall 230 by the co-operating material patches and the second element 246 is held on the first element 242 by similar patches. The base front wall 250 is then rotated about its hinge axis 252 to bring it into contact with the surface of the element 246 where it is again held in position, lying substantially parallel to the back wall 230, by the co¬ operating patches provided on it and the element 246. This allows access to the next lower tray and the items carried thereon. Once this tray has been emptied the above described sequence of operations may be repeated allowing access to be made to the next lower tray of the container. Similar operations will eventually allow access to the base frame 230 of the container allowing the container to be emptied. It will be appreciated from the above description that the container described may be used to enable the ready storage of items on the various trays formed by the base support elements as they are released from their contacted positions in which they lie parallel to the back wall 230. Furthermore, the side support elements 232 and the base front wall parts 250 act to retain any items placed on the trays formed by the base support elements 242 and 246. Thus it will be seen that, if desired, the user may by appropriately adjusting the position of the various base support elements form a series of trays within the container on or in which he may place various items to be carried. It will be seen that when the various support elements are moved to their operative positions (as shown in the lower part of Figure 13) there are provided a number of storage trays which are of sufficient strength and rigidity to support items placed on them - the rigid metal parts forming the various support elements being supported by the runners 222 of the side supports 218 and 220. It will further be seen that the utility of the container described is enhanced in that the volume of the lowermost tray on which items may be placed for storage and transport is of increased depth compared with the other trays which are formed - if all the support elements are folded out of a position in which they lie parallel to the back wall 230. In this way larger items may readily be accommodated within the storage device. It will be appreciated, furthermore, that should it be desired to carry an item which is taller than the spacing between the base frame 210 and the tray formed by the lowermost set of elements 240 (or between pairs of the sets of elements 240) it is possible for that item to be readily accommodated - simply by not moving away from the back wall 230 the sets of elements 240 immediately above the base support on which the item is placed. Various modifications may be made to the arrangements described with reference to Figure 13, without departing from the scope of the invention, and one such is shown in Figure 14. Parts common to the arrangements of Figures 13 and 14 are given the same reference numerals. The arrangement shown in Figure 14 differs from that shown in Figure 13 in a number of respects. Firstly, the hinged side support elements 232 provided in the arrangement of Figure 13 have been omitted and single metal plates 260 have been provided within the tubular frameworks formed by the base frame tubes 212, the side support posts 218A and 220A and the side support bars 218B and 220B. On the "inner" surfaces of the plates 260 the runners 222 are carried - the limbs 226 of the runners 222 being fixed (e.g. welded) to the plate 260. The base front wall part 236 is sized such that it extends, when rotated to a vertical position, to cover the complete distance between the base frame 210 and the first set of runners 222A provided in the container. Similarly the base support front wall parts 250 are sized such that, when they extend vertically they extend the whole depth of the device between adjacent pairs of runners 222. The arrangement shown in Figure 14 differs yet again from that shown in Figure 13 in that there is provided, hinged to the cross bar 228, a pair of top wall parts 262. Each top wall part 262 comprises a rigid metal plate hingeably connected at 264 to the cross bar 228 and movable from a position in which it stands substantially vertically to a position in which it overlies and rests upon the upper surfaces of the side support bars 218B and 220B of the device. It will be appreciated that the container shown in Figure 14 is, when its various parts are in their operative positions, capable of being secured against unauthorised access to any item which may be carried in it. Once the various parts of the container have been so positioned a user may effectively seal the container by running a tape about the container (between pairs of caster wheels 214 and in a plane generally parallel to the side frames 218 and 220. He may then, if he wishes, seal the tape to ensure no unauthorised access can be made to items within the container without the fact that access has been made being immediately noticeable. The container shown in Figure 14 may further be modified by being provided with clips, clamps or locks which enable its various elements to be securely locked in their operative positions. In this way the elements of the container, when in their operative positions, may be locked secure against unauthorised access. In place of the attachment material patches used in the different embodiments to hold the elements of the described containers in their respective first and second positions any other suitable means (e.g. buttons, hooks, cups or studs) may be used. Finally, it will be appreciated that the arrangements described are merely exemplary and that the dimensions and form of the containers (and of structures to be placed therein) may be varied to suit a particular users desire. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY It will be seen from the foregoing description that the described embodiments provide for the ready and secure transport of postal items in and between postal sorting offices, and which also enables the cost of sorting the mail and of transporting mail containers (when both empty and full of mail) to be reduced in comparison to traditionally used methods and in comparison with more modern proposals. It will also be seen from the foregoing description that described embodiments of the invention have practical utility in the secure transport of items within a commercial or industrial environment - by providing a container the configuration of which may readily be altered to adapt the container to different loads and uses, which may readily be used to allow items to be delivered to and collected from various departments in an office or factory, and which - when not in use - may be readily and easily stored.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A collapsible container configurable to provide a plurality of separate compartments, the container comprising a back wall carrying a number of elements movable from first positions in which the element lie generally parallel to the back wall to positions in which the elements extend substantially normally of the back wall and act to define said compartments. 2. A container as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said movable elements, when in said second positions extend in substantially parallel planes. 3. A container as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, further comprising a plurality of rigid structures which may be stacked one upon the other and to which items to be stored in the container are passed, the rigid structures being raountable within the container with said movable elements thereof in said second positions and located between pairs of said structures. 4. A container as claimed in Claim 3, wherein each said structure comprises a number of rigid planar parts releasably inter-engagable one with the other to form said structure. 5. A container as claimed in Claim 4, wherein each said structure comprises, in use, a number of vertically extending walls. 6. A container as claimed in Claim 4 or Claim 5, in which each rigid planar part is generally rectangular and is formed with two or more slots extending normally of a first edge thereof, and wherein the depth of each slot is substantially equal to half the width of the board and the width of each slot is substantially equal to the thickness of the board. 7. A container as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the rigid planar parts forming each said structure comprise a pair of first boards each having two or more slots and second boards equal in number to the number of slots in each first board, wherein each second board has two slots, and wherein, in use, the slots of each first (and second) board receive and lie to either side of the material of a second (and first) board extending between the slot therein and the edge of the board opposed to said first edge. 8. A container as claimed in Claim 8, wherein each structure comprises a pair of said first boards each having three slots, and three said second boards. 9. A container as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein each said second board is provided with a cut away portion located generally centrally of the edge thereof opposed to said first edge. 10. A collapsible container as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said each movable element comprises a base support element movable from a first position to a second position in which it extends normally of the back wall, wherein each base support element is associated with and lies, in use, immediately beneath two or more rigid side support elements each of which is hingeably connected to the back wall and movable from a first position in which it lies parallel to the back wall to a second position in which it extends substantially normally of the back wall, and wherein the base and associated side support elements are located on the back wall such that when they are in their respective second positions they define a said compartment. 11. A container as claimed in Claim 10, wherein a first of said rigid base support elements comprises a base wall of the container and comprises two rigid parts which may be rotated relative to one another and to the back wall from a first position in which said parts overlie one another and are substantially parallel to the back wall of the container to said second position. 12. A container as claimed in Claim 11, wherein each of said other base support elements is rigid and is movable from a first position in which it lies parallel to the back wall of the container to said second position. 13. A container as claimed in any one of Claim 10, Claim 11 and Claim 12, wherein said side support elements are similar to one another and are hingeably connected to the back wall with their hinge axes parallel and in register, and the base support elements are hingeably connected to the back wall with their hinge axes extending normally of the hinge axes of the side support elements. 14. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the edges of the side support elements spaced from their hinge connection to the back wall are interconnected by a flexible web. 15. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to, 14, wherein each base support element has associated therewith three side support elements, said side support elements being hingeably connected to the back wall at equal spacing. 16. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to claim 15, wherein the extent of the side support elements from the back wall when in their second positions is substantially equal to the extent of the base support elements when in their said second positions. 17. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a frame for supporting, in use, the back wall and wherein the back wall is of a fabric material. 18. A container as claimed in Claim 17 and any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein each said side support element comprises a fabric pocket carrying therein a rigid planar piece. 19. A container as claimed in Claim 17 and any one of claims 10 to 16, and 18, wherein each base support element comprises a fabric pocket carrying therein one or more rigid planar pieces. 20. A container as claimed in Claim 18 or Claim 19, wherein said planar pieces are of generally rectangular form. 21. A container as claimed in Claim 17 and any one of claims 18, 19 and 20, wherein the base and side support elements are hingeably connected to the back wall of the container by stitching the fabric of the support elements to said back wall. 22. A container as claimed in Claim 17 and any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the back wall may, when said base and side support elements are in their said first positions, be released from the frame and be folded. 23. A container as claimed in Claim 22, wherein said back wall, base and side support elements are of fabric material and are, in use, held in a rigid framework with said base and side support elements supported in their said second positions by the runner elements of side frames of the framework. 24. A container as claimed in Claim 23, wherein central portions of the runner elements are of reduced width so as to ease contraction of the fabric elements of the container within the framework. 25. A container as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the uppermost edge, in use, of the back wall is provided with means for engaging a cross-bar of the frame so that the back wall may be held in an extended condition. 26. A container as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 25, wherein there is provided a rigid base front wall part hingeably interconnected to each base support element at the edge thereof spaced from the back wall and movable about the hinge axis from a position in which it lies on said base support element to a position in which it upstands from the base support element and extends between the side frames of the container 27. A container as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein said back wall is rigid, upstands from a base wall and runs between side frames upstanding from opposed edges of said base wall, wherein the back wall carries a plurality of base support elements each pivotally interconnected along one edge with the back wall, each base support element being movable from a first position in which it is held against or parallel to the back wall to a second position in which it extends from the back wall and is supported by runner elements of said side frames. 28. A container as claimed in Claim 27, wherein the back wall is located substantially centrally of the base wall and a plurality of base support elements are carried on each major surface thereof. 29. A container as claimed in Claim 27 or Claim 28, wherein the various elements of the container are of metal, wherein the base wall, side frames and back wall are rigidly interconnected and wherein the base support elements are hingeably interconnected with said back wall. 30. A container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29. wherein there is provided a rigid base front wall part hingeably interconnected to the base wall at the edge thereof spaced from the back wall and movable about the hinge axis from a position in which it lies on the base wall to a position in which it upstands from the base wall and extends between the side frames of the container. 31. A container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein there is provided a rigid base front wall part hingeably interconnected to each base support element at the edge thereof spaced from the back wall and movable about the hinge axis from a position in which it lies on said base support element to a position in which it upstands from the base support element and extends between the side frames of the. container. 32. A container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 25, wherein there are provided a plurality of side support elements hingeably connected to the peripheral edges of the back wall, each being movable from a position in which it is held parallel to the back wall to a position in which it extends generally normally of the back wall and is supported by elements of the side frames. 33. A container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 31, wherein the base support elements each comprise two or more rigid base support element sections which are hingeably interconnected. 34. A container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 33, wherein said side frames comprise sheets of metal forming rigid walls on opposite sides of said container, said sheets carrying metal runner elements for supporting the base support elements in use. 35. A container as claimed in any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein said side frames comprise posts interconnected by runner elements for supporting the base support elements in use of the container. 36. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the various parts of the container are provided with means enabling their releasable engagement one with another. 37. A container as claimed in Claim 36, wherein said means for releasable engagement of the container parts one to the other is selected from the group comprising any suitable magnetic catch, hook, clip, clamp, hook and eye or other arrangement. 38. A container as claimed in Claim 37, wherein said releasable engagement means comprises co-operating patches of velcro carried on the parts of the container. 39. A collapsible container configurable to provide a plurality of separate compartments, the container comprising in combination a framework and a flexible fabric part with a back wall having mounted thereon at least one set of parts, each of which sets comprises two or more rigid side support elements each movable from a first position in which it is held against or parallel to the back wall to a second position in which it extends normally of the back wall, and a base support element movable from a first position in which it lies generally parallel with the back wall to a second position in which it extends normally of the back wall and is supported by said runner elements of the framework, the side and base support elements being located on the back wall such that when they are in their respective second positions they define compartments of the container. 40. A container as claimed in Claim 39, wherein the base support elements of each of said set of parts is formed in two sections, which are foldable from a first position in which they overlie one another and are generally parallel to the back wall of the container to said second position. 41. A container as claimed in Claim 39 and Claim 40 wherein said back wall is foldable and comprises a series of separate pockets each containing a rigid planar piece. 42. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein the material of the container and of the planar parts within the container is polypropylene. 43. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 42, which further comprises base and top walls, side walls and front and rear walls, wherein the top wall is integrally attached to the rear wall and releasably attachable to the upper margins of the front and side walls. 44. A container as claimed in Claim 43, wherein the front wall is in two parts each of which is integrally attached to the base wall and a respective side wall and opposed margins of two front wall parts are releasably attachable one to the other to form a single front wall when the container is closed. 45. A container as claimed in Claim 44, wherein the releasable attachment of the top wall to the side and front walls parts, and of the two parts of the front wall to each other, is effected using any suitable means. 46. A container as claimed in Claim 45, wherein the releasable attachment is effected by zippers. 47. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 46, wherein means for holding the base and side support elements in said first positions comprises any suitable stud, hook or the like arrangement. 48. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 47, wherein the base and side support elements are of the same fabric as the back wall and are attached to the back wall by stitching. 49. A container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 48, wherein the back wall is provided at the upper margins thereof with fabric lugs by means of which it may be supported in said framework. 50. A framework for supporting a fabric container part having a back wall, base and side support elements, the framework in use supporting the back wall and supporting the base and side support elements when in their said second positions, the fabric container part being further provided with top, side, and front walls. 51. A framework as claimed in Claim 50, wherein the fabric container part is held supported in the framework by any suitable hook, stud, clip or clamp arrangement. 52. A framework as claimed in Claim 51, wherein the fabric container is held supported in the framework by fabric material pieces forming loops near the upper edges of side and rear of the fabric container part walls and which are engagable by hook members forming part of said framework. 53. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 53. wherein the framework includes elements movable between positions in which the or each fabric container part is contracted and in which the or each fabric container part is held extended by the framework. 54. A framework as claimed in Claim 53, wherein said framework is adapted for stacking upon a similar framework when contracted. 55. A framework as claimed in Claim 53 or Claim 54, wherein the elements of the framework which are movable, are hingeably interconnected with other elements of the framework. 56. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 50 to 55, when provided with a rigid base formed integrally on opposed sides thereof with first rigid side frame parts extending substantially normally of the base, second rigid side frame parts being hingeably coupled to each of said first side frame parts, each being movable between a position extending generally across the base to a position lying in the plane of its associated first side frame part and substantially parallel to the plane of the opposed second side frame of the framework. 57. A framework as claimed in Claim 56, wherein the framework includes rigid means for holding the second side frame parts in the planes of their associated first side frame parts. 58. A framework as claimed in Claim 57, wherein said rigid means comprises a cross-bar operable to extend between the second side supports. 59. A framework as claimed in Claim 58, wherein the cross-bar is releasably attachable to both second side frame parts. 60. A framework as claimed in Claim 58, wherein the cross-bar is releasably attachable to one second side frame part and hingeably coupled to the other second side frame part. 61. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 56 to 60, wherein the hingeable interconnection of the second side frame parts to the first said frame parts at different sides of the frame base is effected at different distances from the frame base. 62. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 56 to 62, wherein the fabric container part is integrally attached to the framework. 63. A framework as claimed in Claim 62, wherein a base wall of the fabric container part is attached to the framework base. 64. A framework as claimed in Claim 63, wherein the fabric container part is attachable to the cross-bar. 65. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 56 to 64, when is provided with wheels by means of which it may be moved. 66, A framework as claimed in Claim 65, when provided with one or more handles. 67. A framework as claimed in Claim 65 or Claim 66, when provided with brakes. 68. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 56 to 67, wherein the first and/or second side frame parts comprise a network of interconnected rigid runner elements. 69. A framework as claimed in any one of claims 56 to 68, wherein the first and/or second side frame comprise solid, panel, members on which are supported rigid runner elements.

Inventors: LINNELL MICHAEL CHARLES, LINNELL, MICHAEL, CHARLES
Applicants: LINNELL LINDA ROSE, LINNELL MICHAEL CHARLES, MANNING SHARON ANN, LINNELL, LINDA, ROSE, LINNELL, MICHAEL, CHARLES, MANNING, SHARON, ANN
Application year: 1995
Main classification: B62B3
IPC codes: B62B3, B62B5, B65D25