Folding Container

Abstract: Folding container, comprised of: two equal frames (1, 2), parallel and superposed, at least one pair of folding arms (5, 6) in the manner of flat structured elements in the shape of scissors, which relate the two frames, a series of intermediate detachable trays (18, 19), assembled at different heights between each pair of folding arms; and at least two stiff mounting columns (20), comprised of a least two telescopic sections (21, 22) said columns being articulated at an end to the top frame (1), whilst at the opposite end they are anchored to the lower frame (2). Arms (5, 6) permitting the relative movement of frames (1, 2) between maximum separation mounting positions and of folding or minimum separation positions. The columns (20) may tilt towards a collapsed position on top frame 1.

Description: The present invention refers to a folding and reusable container, especially conceived for products in bulk, provided with supporting wheels to facilitate its movement, and which may change from a mounted position, with great loading capacity to a folded position in which its volume is considerably reduced. Folding containers for the described purpose are already known, which include a platform with or without supporting wheels, and walls which articulate or connect to said platform and which are capable of occupying a mounted position, in which they are placed perpendicular to the platform, delimiting a chamber or cavity capable of being filled with the product to be transported, and a folding position, in which the walls remain collapsed and superposed on the platform, or else folded and separated from the same. US-A-5 033 758 discloses a container substantially in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 of this patent. In any case, the container delimits a hollow or enclosure which is filled with the product to be transported, laying units over other units in such a manner, that this type of containers cannot be used for the transportation of delicate articles, such as specific types of fruit, the transportation of which must be carried out on individual trays on which one or two layers of products can be placed. The object of the present invention is to solve the problems pointed out, by means of a container of great capacity, which permits the transportation of delicate articles, without risk of deterioration, and which serves for the transportation and storage of the products contained and also as exhibitor of the same, in such a way, that once the container has been loaded, it is not necessary to handle or touch the product again, until its final shipment or sale. More precisely, the problems pointed out are solved by the features defined in claim 1. Further, preferred embodiments of the invention are defined in dependent claims 2-9. Additionally, the container of the invention is provided with wheels, so that it facilitates its movement over storehouses and selling surfaces. An added advantage of the invention is that both the folding and the mounting operations can be performed in a highly simple and rapid manner. The container of the invention is constituted by a highly resistant folding structure, comprised for example of steel, making it reusable and capable of being subjected to any type of cleaning operations, to ensure its hygienic conditions. The container of the invention is comprised of two equal, parallel and superposed frames, an upper and a lower one, consisting of metallic profiles, preferably in "U" cross section, confronted on the two frames. These two frames are related by at least one pair of folding arms, preferably constituted by flat structured elements in the form of scissors, made up of a pair of articulated flat bars, one of them at the end of each pair of flat bars being articulated at its free end to the adjacent side of the corresponding frame, whilst the other is slidable along the section of said frame. Said scissors permitting the relative movement of the frames between maximum and minimum separation positions. Each pair of scissors shall be coplanar to each other, and the container may include one or more pairs of said scissors, each one of them corresponding with two of the opposite sides of the frames. The frames may also be provided with crosspieces coinciding at their axis, also comprised by confronted "U" shaped profiles, between which at least one pair of folding arms may be assembled, constituted by scissors of equal constitution as those described. The receptacle also includes at least two stiff mounting columns, which are articulated at an end to the upper frame, according to parallel axes, aligned in twos, which shall permit the tilting of said columns between a collapsible top position on the frame and a vertical mounting position, with which it shall bear on the lower frame and ensure the assembly stability with the frame at the maximum separation position. Said columns shall be preferably comprised of two telescopic sections, including anchorage means for its attachment on the extended position of the container mounting. Additionally, the end section of each pair of columns with aligned articulation axes are related to each other by means of at least one crosspiece which runs between the free ends of the section, said crosspiece bearing on the parallel profile of the lower frame in the vertical mounted position. Finally, the receptacle is completed with a series of detachable intermediate trays which are assembled at different heights between each pair of folding arms. For this, said arms shall be provided with isolated or continuous anchorage, on which the trays shall lie, the height of the same being able to be selected and of occupying a horizontal or inclined position for respective transportation and exposition situations. The lower frame carries supporting wheels and is also assembled with diverse flat structures along the length of the sides parallel to the articulation axes of the mounting columns, said structures being vertically moveable as regards said frame, between an upper position, where they remain placed over the wheel supporting surfaces, and a lower position where they are placed on the floor, on the same plane as the wheels, receiving from the top, the support of the stiff mounting columns. In this second position, said flat structures act as supporting elements on the floor, preventing the accidental movement of the container. In accordance to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the columns which relate the two frames include a lower section with shorter height, and an upper telescopic post. The lower section, of tubular configuration, is attached to the lower frame. The telescopic post articulates with the lower section according to an axis, parallel to one of the frame side. The post may tilt around said axis, between a mounted position, at which it remains as an extension of the lower section, and a folded position, where it remains collapsed towards the interior of the mountings, in approximately parallel position to one of the frame sides. The posts shall be provided with a lever assembly which shall permit the simultaneous activation on the post or the posts on one and the other side, so as to change from the folded position to the mounted position and viceversa, and also to control the relative position between the two sections of the telescopic post, permitting their placement in positions of maximum or minimum length. The upper frame of the container is dismountable. To achieve this, the internal section of the telescopic post of the four columns and the upper frame are provided with coupling confronted elements, by means of which a rapid and safe attachment system is obtained. According to another characteristic of the invention, the folding arms are provided in their interior with profiles placed at different heights, all of them equal, which delimit guides for the assembly of the trays by sliding. On the lower section of the columns a leg is telescopically coupled, as from the lower end of said sections, which is pushed in ascending direction towards a retracted position by means of a spring assembled on said section and leg. On the upper end of this leg the associated post rests, both in the mounted assembly position and in the folded position. In this manner, when the weight transmitted by the post overcomes the force of the spring, the telescopic legs descend, bearing the lower end on the floor to serve as braking element. For this, said legs shall be equipped at the lower end with a wedge or supporting element of appropriate nature. According to a variation, each leg may be equipped with an individual brake, activated from the outside. The described characteristics, as well as others which belong to the invention and the advantages derived from the same, may be better understood from the following description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which a possible form of embodiment is shown, offered as non limitative example. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a container, constituted according to the invention, shown in mounted position. Figure 2 is a simplified perspective view of the same container in folded position. Figure 3 represents an elevational view of how the container would be constituted with a pair of folding arms and a pair of columns. Figures 4 and 5 correspond to detail A of figure 1, from a different angle and with the mounting columns in different positions. Figure 6 is a partial perspective view of the lower container frame. Figure 7 is a front elevational view of a container constituted according to a second type of invention, in mounted and partially unfolded position. Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the container of figure 7. Figure 9 is a partial side elevational view of the container, alike to figure 8, showing the columns in totally collapsed position. Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the lower part of the container, including the lower frame, lower section of the columns and braking assembly. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the connection between the telescopic post and the lower section of each column. Figure 12 shows an axial section of a braking and supporting system for the individualised activation by corners. The container represented in figure 1 is constituted by two equal, parallel and superposed frames, one upper frame referenced with number 1, and the other lower frame referenced with number 2. Preferably, said frames shall be of rectangular contour and may be crossed by transversal 3 and longitudinal 4 central bars. Frames 1 and 2 are related by pairs of folding arms made up of scissors 5, assembled between opposite sides of frames 1 and 2, also capable of including intermediate scissors 6 assembled between the idler bars 3 and 4 of the two frames. The folding arms or scissors 5 and 6 permit the relative movement of frames 1 and 2 between positions of maximum separation or mounting, shown in figure 1 or of minimum separation or folding, shown in figure 2. Scissors 6 are of traditional constitution, as can be better observed from figure 6, based on a pair of flat bars 7 which articulate with each other on their central part and consecutively at their ends. From the two upper and lower end flat bars 8 and 9 of each scissors, one of them is related to the corresponding side of the adjacent frame by means of an articulation axis 10, whilst the other flat bar 9 is provided at its free end with a rolling element which may move along a section of the frame. Preferably, the upper and lower frames and the idler bars 3 and 4 are constituted based on confronted "U" shaped profiles, the rolling element 11 bearing on the profile bottom 12, whilst axis 10 perpendicularly crosses walls 13 of the profiles. The pairs of scissors, at least the coplanar ones 5, shall be related by their ends by means of pneumatic springs 14, figure 6, preferably connecting with the rolling elements 11, which shall impulse the scissors towards their unfolded position to facilitate the mounting of the container. As can also be appreciated from figure 6, the flat bars 7 of the scissors are provided with orifices or anchorage 17 on which hooks or profiles may be attached for the assembly of trays 18 and 19. If no intermediate scissors 6 exist, said trays shall be of equal length to the frames 1 and 2 and of equal width or half the width of said frames. If intermediate scissors 6 exist, they may be placed in such a manner that all the trays have the same dimension, corresponding to a quarter of frames 1 and 2, such as the trays referenced with number 18, or may also include trays such as those referenced with number 19, which approximately correspond in their dimension to double that of trays 18. The mounted position of the container shown in figure 1, is ensured by means of stiff columns 20 which are articulated by their upper end to upper frame 1 and bear at their lower part on frame 2. Said columns shall be preferably made up of two telescopic sections 21 and 22 provided with anchorage pins or clips in the extended position shown in figure 1. As may be better appreciated from figure 4, columns 20 articulate through section 21 with the upper frame 1 by means of parallel rotation axis 23, which are aligned in twos. External sections 22 corresponding to columns with aligned articulation axis are related to each other by means of crosspieces 24. The upper frame 1 is provided, at the articulation corners of columns 20, with notches, figure 4, which permit the turning of said columns from an upper collapsed position on the frame, shown in figure 2, and a vertical position shown in figure 1, as may be observed in figure 3. Logically, the telescopic structure of columns 20 shall be necessary when the maximum height of the container may exceed the length of frames 1 and 2. The nature both of the upper frames 1 and 2 and crosspieces 3 and 4 and scissors 5 and 6 may be metallic, for example of stainless steel. The trays 18 may be of any plastic material or of steel rods. The container shown in figure 7 and 8 are equally constituted by two parallel and appreciably equal frames, an upper one referenced with number 1 and another lower one referenced with number 2, which are related by means of at least two pairs of folding arms, in the manner of flat structured scissors, the two pairs of folding arms 3 remaining placed in correspondence with two of the opposite sides of frames 1 and 2, for their connection to the same. The container is completed with four columns which are generally referenced with number 20. In accordance with this solution, each one of the columns 20 is made up of a lower tubular section 22 and of an upper telescopic post 21. As may be better observed from figure 9, the upper telescopic post is comprised of an external section 21' and an internal section 21'', telescopically fitted together. As can be observed in figure 11, the lower tubular section 22 of each column receives the lower portion of the telescopic post external section 21', both components related by means of a pin 30 which acts as articulation axis. The tubular section 22 is provided with two diametrically opposite axial grooves, along the length of which, pin 30 can move. Furthermore, tubular section 22 is provided as from the upper edge, with a notch 31 of equal width or slightly larger than the diameter of the external section 21' of telescopic post 21. With this constitution, when the telescopic post 21 moves in ascending direction, in such a way, that pin 30 reaches the top limit of grooves 29, the post can collapse until it occupies the position represented by means of dotted lines in figure 11. On the contrary, when the post moves in descending direction, together with articulation pin 30 along grooves 29, the rotation of section 21' and post 21 shall be prevented as regards the lower tubular section 22 of the columns. The two posts 20 which are coplanar with each pair of folding arms 5 are related to each other, as can be better observed from figures 8 and 9, by a "C" shaped lever 32. This lever is articulated by the end of its side branches 33 to external section 21' of the telescopic post, by means of corresponding aligned axes 34. Additionally, the side branches 33 of this lever 32 is related with adjacent telescopic post internal section 21'' by means of an arm 35 which is articulated at an end by means of axis 36 to branch 33, whilst on the opposite end it articulates, by means of an axis 37 with the post internal section 21''. With the constitution described, when lever 32 is collapsed in descending direction, such as is represented in figure 8, the telescopic posts internal section 21'' is to be found in the maximum retracted position. On the contrary, when lever 32 is rotated in ascending direction, until it occupies the position represented in figure 9, the posts internal section 21'' is to be found in its most extracted position, columns 20 reaching with this, the maximum height. Internal section 21'' of telescopic posts and the upper frame 1 are provided with coupling and dismountable confronted connectors 38, in such a manner, that the upper frame 1 can separate from columns 20. The top frame 1 is provided with a hook or clamp 39, figure 9, to attach to lever 32 in its highest position, thus ensuring the maximum height of the container. The lower frame 2 is provided with wheels 40. The lower section 22 of the columns is attached perpendicular to frame 2, such as is observed in figures 7, 8 and 10. A coaxial bushing 41 crosses frame 2 to receive at its bottom part, a leg, both legs coupled to sections 22, coplanar with each pair of folding arms 5 being capable of remaining joined by a lower bar 43, adopting an inverted "C" shaped configuration. Legs 42 are finished off with an upper stop 44, with a compression spring 46 being assembled between the same and a lower support 45, which impulses legs 42 in ascending direction. On the upper stop 44 shall bear the corresponding telescopic post external section 21', in such a manner that when the weight transmitted by said post to legs 42 reaches a certain value, it overcomes the stress of spring 46, producing the descent of said legs until they bear on the floor through braking shoes 47. The assembly of legs 42 with the lower bar 43 and shoes 47 can be made to descend by acting on lever 48. Every two posts 21 of the columns related by means of lever 32, can be jointly collapsed. Under said conditions, in order to fold the container, it is necessary to start by collapsing lever 32 in descending direction, as from the position represented in figure 9, once hook 39 has been released, until it occupies the position represented in figure 8. In this situation, frame 1 is dismounted, disconnecting at the top, folding arms 5 and the folding of the same in descending direction is proceeded with. Next, the posts 21 of the columns are collapsed by pairs, towards the interior of the container, in such a way, that two or more containers can be laid-up with each other, the movement of legs 42 in descending direction also being possible in this position, until shoes 47 bear on the floor. As can be observed in figures 7 and 8, the pairs of folding arms 5 carry internal bars or profiles 50, placed at equal height on the two opposite pairs of arms. These bars or profiles determine guides for the assembly of trays 51 by sliding, which may be provided at their sides with wings 52 formed to couple on the bars or profiles 50. Returning to figure 9, arms 35 belonging to each pair of posts related by lever 32, may be of different lengths, so that all the trays, as well as the top frame 1, run with a certain inclination, represented by the discontinuous line 53. In this manner, the trays 51 remain inclined, in descending direction, towards the front, to facilitate the exposition of the contained products. With the purpose of carrying out the container unfolding operation without great efforts, the lower sliding end 54 of the opposed scissors are related to each other by means of a tensile spring 55, figure 7 and 8. Although, throughout this Specification examples have been given with a minimum of four folding arms 5 and four columns 20, the container can be equally carried out with two folding arms 5 and two columns 20, in which case, the arrangement of each side would be the one represented in figure 3. Finally, and as regards figure 12, a variation of the brake-support can be observed, which in this case, operates in individual form for each corner of the container, and as can be observed, is constituted by one leg 42 provided at its end with a brake shoe and a support 47 and which is assembled in axially moveable form, inside a tubing 56 which is joined forming integral part with the lower frame 2. Said leg 42 is constantly pushed towards the inside by spring 58 assembled around screw 59 between nut 60 of the same and the bottom 61 of the tubing 56. Leg 42 is provided with a lug 62 on which lever 63 is assembled with rotational possibilities and is provided at its free end with a slid 64 which facilitates its displacement over the lower frame 2 when the other end 65 of lever 63 is activated.

Claims: Folding container, comprising: two equal, parallel and superposed frames (1, 2); at least one pair of folding arms (5) which relate said frames; and at least two stiff mounting columns (20); wherein the folding arms (5) consist of flat structured elements in the shape of scissors, based on a pair of articulated flat bars, said flat structured elements permitting the relative movement of the frames (1, 2) from positions of maximum and minimum separation; and the stiff mounting columns (20) are made up of at least two telescopic sections (21, 22) which are articulated at an end to the lower frame (2) according to aligned parallel axes which permit the tilting of said columns (20) between a top collapsed position on the upper frame (1) and a vertical mounted position, in which they bear on said lower frame (2) ensuring the stability of the assembly with the frames (1, 2) in the maximum separation situation; characterised in that it further comprises a series of intermediate detachable trays (18, 51), assembled at different heights between each pair of folding arms (5); and in that one of each pair of end flat bars is articulated by its free end to the adjacent frame, whilst the other is slidable along the length of a section of said frame. Container according to claim 1, characterised in that it also includes pairs of folding arms (6) which are assembled between upper and lower crosspieces (3, 4) of the frames (1, 2), said crosspieces (3, 4) being constituted by confronted "U" shaped profiles which run according to the axes of said frames (1, 2). Container according to claim 1, characterised in that columns (20) include a lower reduced height section (22), which is attached by its lower end to frame (2), and an upper telescopic post (21'), which is articulated to the lower section (22) by an axis (30) parallel to one of the frame (2) sides, around the axis (30) of which, it may tilt between a mounted position, at which it remains as an extension of the lower section (22), and a folded position, at which it is collapsed towards the inside of the mounting in approximately parallel position to one of the frame (1, 2) sides; both sections (21', 22) of telescopic posts (20) being related by a set of levers which control the relative position of said sections and the top section (21') of each post (20) being provided at its top free end and the top frame, with confronted mutual coupling elements. Container according to claim 3, characterised in that the posts (20) are associated in two pairs, the set of levers which relate the sections of said posts including a "U" shaped lever (32), the side branches of which articulate by their free end to the external section of each pair of associated posts (20), and a bar (35) which articulates by an end to an intermediate point of one of the side branches of the "U" shaped lever (32) and by the other, to the internal section of adjacent telescopic post (20); the bars (35) on the same side of the two pairs of posts (20), being of greater length than those of the opposite side, so as to raise, in each pair of posts (20), the internal sections in different magnitudes. Container according to claim 3, characterised in that the lower section (22) of the columns (20) is of tubular configuration, with sufficient diameter to receive the lower portion of the corresponding post (21'), both elements being related by a diametrical pin (30) which acts as rotational axis of the post (21') and may move along the length of respective axial grooves (29) which the tubular section presents on its wall, the wall of said lower section (22) being also provided, as from the top edge, of an axial notch (31) of approximately equal width or slightly larger than the diameter of post (21'), to permit the collapse of said mast. Container according to claim 3, characterised in that each pair of coplanar folding arms (5) are internally provided with transversal profiles (50), placed at equal height on the two pairs of arms (5), to determine guides for the assembly of trays (51). Container according to claim 3, characterised in that the confronted folding arms (5) are related by a tensile element (46) housed on the intermediate side of lower frame (2), which impulses said arms (5) towards its unfolded position. Container according to claim 3, characterised in that on the lower section of the columns (20) are telescopically fitted together, parting from their lower end, a leg (42) which is pushed in ascending direction, towards a retracted position by means of a spring assembled between said section and leg, the associated post (5) resting on said leg (42) Container according to claims 1 and 3 characterised in that it is provided, at each corner of the base, with a brake-support of individual activation, constituted by a tubing (56) forming integral part with frame (2), on which a second tubing (42) is telescopically assembled, provided with a projection (61) on which an elbowed lever (63) is rotationally assembled, finished off at its end by a slide (64) which bears and moves on the frame of base (2), the support foot (47) being constantly pushed towards its top position by means of a spring (58) assembled between the lower part (61) of the tubing (56) and the nut (60) of the screw (59) which attaches the support foot (47).

Inventors: GARCIA LEGAZ JUAN, MARTIN ALFONSECA FRANCISCO, GARCIA LEGAZ, JUAN, MARTIN ALFONSECA, FRANCISCO
Applicants: EUROECOENVASE S L, EUROECOENVASE, S.L.
Application year: 1998
Main classification: B65D85
IPC codes: B62B3, B65D88