Patent Publication Number: US-6209742-B1

Title: Collapsible container

Description:
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/412,095 filed Oct. 4, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,827. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates to a multi-purposed collapsible container for the storage and transport of produce items and other goods. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Collapsible containers and crates are commonly used to transport and store a variety of items. Such crates are typically formed of injection molded plastic and are frequently adapted to receive perishable food items, such as produce. When assembled, such containers are rectangular in shape and have a flat base surrounded by four upstanding side panels which are joined to the flat base. When the containers are not in use, the collapsible feature of the containers allows the containers to be folded or otherwise reduced in size, thereby providing a desired compact size when storage space is minimal. 
     In such collapsible containers, side wall edges are normally joined in the corners. However, for an assembled container during use, this corner system results in a less rigid container due to the corners being subjected to torsional and other bending forces during use. Accordingly, the corners are commonly a focal point of stress in containers of this type. Further, the various types of latching and locking mechanisms available for containers of this type are typically subject to the similar forces resulting in a less rigid container when assembled. 
     Consequently, there is a need for an improved collapsible container which has latching located to minimize the stress concentration present in current containers. The latching or locking system of the improved collapsible container should also include a stable and rigid structure when in use. The container should also be capable of nesting with like containers when collapsed. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide a collapsible container which minimizes corner stress concentration. 
     It is another object according to the present invention to provide a collapsible container which includes a latching mechanism between adjacent upstanding walls for fostering a stable and rigid container structure. 
     It is still another object according to the present invention to provide a collapsible container having improved stability which is movable from its collapsed to its assembled state with relative ease and is also cost effective to manufacture. 
     Moreover, it is an object according to the present invention to provide a collapsible container which is able to nest with like containers when in the collapsed position, for stacking and storage purposes. 
     In carrying out the above objects, features and advantages of the present invention, provided is a collapsible container which includes a base, a first pair of opposed sidewalls, and a second pair of opposed sidewalls. The base includes first and second pairs of opposing edges. One of the first and second pairs of opposing edges is defined by an upstanding base wall, where the base wall has a pair of upstanding corner portions which are integrally formed with the base wall. Each corner portion has a side face wall portion which defines a surface plane and a transverse plane perpendicular to the surface plane. The other of the first and second pairs of opposing edges lies in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from a pair of co-planar side face walls. This other of the first and second pairs also extends between the pair of transverse planes. 
     The collapsible container also includes a first pair of opposed sidewalls. Each of the first pair of opposed sidewalls is pivotally attached to a corresponding one of the first and second pair of opposing edges of the base at a distance remote from the corner portions. Each of the first pair of opposing sidewalls has a pair of opposing lateral flanges which inwardly depend therefrom and which are integrally formed thereto. Each lateral flange has a latch receiver aperture formed therethrough. 
     The collapsible container also includes a second pair of opposing sidewalls. Each of the second pair of opposing sidewalls (or end walls) is pivotably attached to a corresponding other one of the first and second pair of opposing edges of the base at a distance remote from the corner portions. Like the first pair, each of the second pair of opposing sidewalls defines a pair of opposing lateral edges, and each lateral edge has a latching member integrally attached thereto. 
     Thus, when the container is oriented in an assembled position, each lateral flange of the first pair of opposing sidewalls abuts an adjacent lateral edge of the second pair of opposing sidewalls. In this orientation, each latch receiver aperture receives a corresponding latching member thereby forming a secure attachment between the pairs of first and second opposing sidewalls, and thus any resulting stress is remote from the corner portions. 
     In another embodiment, the container is oriented in a first disassembled position so that the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls are pivotably folded inward. In this orientation, one of the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls is layered between the other of the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls and the base. When the container is oriented in a second disassembled position, the first and second pairs of opposing sidewalls are pivotably folded outward from the base. 
     In yet another embodiment, each lateral flange of the first pair of opposing sidewalls has an opening, and each lateral edge of the second pair of opposing sidewalls has attached thereto large tab member. Thus, when the container is oriented in the assembled position, each opening receives a corresponding large tab member which forms an interference fit to assist in aligning adjacent sidewalls. In still another embodiment, each corner portion defines a corner line. Thus, when the container is oriented in the assembled position, each lateral flange abuts an adjacent lateral wall edge along a line distal from an adjacent corner line. 
     According to the teachings of the present invention, there is also provided a collapsible crate which is orientable between an assembled position and a collapsed position. This crate has a base which has a pair of opposing upstanding end flanges integrally formed with the base and defining a corner line at each end. The base also includes a side face member adjacent each corner line, oriented perpendicular to the corner line, and integrally formed with the corner line. The base further includes a pair of opposing side edges, each lying in a plane parallel to and spaced inward from an adjacent co-planar pair of side face members, and extending between the co-planar pair of side face members. 
     This collapsible crate also includes a pair of opposing side walls having an L-shaped cross-section defined by a long wall and a relatively short wall. The short wall is pivotably attached to a corresponding one of the opposing side edges of the base and, when the crate is oriented in the assembled position, forms an extension of the base. In the assembled position, the long wall is co-planar to the adjacent pair of side face members. Each side wall further has a latching member disposed at each lateral edge, where the latching member has upper and lower curved surfaces and a latching tooth disposed at its distal end. 
     The collapsible crate also includes a pair of opposing end walls each having a pair of flanges orthogonal thereto. The flanges have an opening sized to slidingly receive a corresponding latching member as the container is moved from the collapsed position to the assembled position. In this situation, the tooth extends beyond the end wall and locks into position. 
     Moreover, provided in the teachings according to the present invention is foldable container which is orientable in an assembled state and an inwardly folded collapsed state. The foldable container includes a bottom panel which has a pair of integrally formed opposed upstanding flanged edges. Each of the upstanding flanged edges includes at each end an integral upstanding corner member which has a planar end portion, a planar side portion and a corner line defined between the planar end portion and planar side portion. The bottom panel further includes a pair of opposed side edges each situated along a plane inward an adjacent planar side portion. 
     The foldable container also includes a pair of opposed side walls having an L-shaped cross-section which is defined by a long wall portion and a relatively shorter wall portion. The shorter wall portion is pivotably attached to a corresponding one of the pair of opposed side edges, so that when the container is oriented in the assembled state the short wall portion forms an extension of the base. In this assembled state, the long wall portion is co-planar with the planar side portion. Each of the opposed side walls further has a latching member disposed at each lateral edge. The latching member has upper and lower curved surfaces and a tooth member disposed at its distal end. 
     The foldable container also includes a pair of opposed end walls, each pivotably attached to a corresponding one of the upstanding flanged edges. Each end wall has a U-shaped cross-section including a longer main wall portion and a pair of relatively shorter flanged portions attached to the lateral edges of the main wall portion and extending inwardly therefrom. Each flanged portion has an aperture formed therein which is correspondingly shaped to slidingly receive the locking member. 
     When the container is oriented in the assembled state, the pair of side walls and the pair of end walls are upstanding. Thus, the locking member is disposed in the aperture and the tooth member extends beyond the aperture to lock into the corresponding end wall. When the container is oriented in the inwardly folded collapsed state, each of the end walls and side walls is folded inward so that the pair of side walls is disposed between the bottom panel and the pair of end walls. In this state, each shorter flanged portion abuts a corresponding planar side portion of a respective corner member. In another embodiment, the container is also orientable in an outwardly folded collapsible state where the pair of side panels is co-planar with the bottom panel. The container may also be nestable with like containers. 
     The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 of the drawings illustrates the collapsible container according to the present invention oriented in an assembled state; 
     FIG. 2 of the drawings illustrates the collapsible container of FIG. 1 oriented in an outwardly collapsible state; 
     FIG. 3 of the drawings illustrates the container of FIGS. 1-2 oriented in an inwardly collapsible state; 
     FIG. 4 of the drawings is a partial side view of container according to the present invention with a partial section of the hinging mechanism; 
     FIG. 5 of the drawings is a partial side view of the container according to the present invention with a partial section of the side wall flanges and latch system; 
     FIG. 6 a  of the drawings illustrates a portion of a second embodiment of a hinging system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 b  of the drawings illustrates a mating portion to that shown in FIG. 6 a  of a second embodiment of a hinging system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 c  of the drawings is a composite illustration showing the component of FIG. 6 a  mated with the component of FIG. 6 b;    
     FIG. 7 of the drawings is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a collapsible container according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 8 of the drawings is a perspective view of a base of the second embodiment of the collapsible container shown in FIG. 7; 
     FIG. 9 of the drawings is a bottom plan view of the collapsible container shown in FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 10 a  of the drawings is a partial perspective view of the bottom surface of the base of FIG. 9 allowing for nesting of containers; and 
     FIG. 10 b  of the drawings is a partial bottom plan view of the embodiment of the base of FIGS. 9 and 10 a  according to the present invention. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
     With reference to FIG. 1 of the drawings, illustrated therein is collapsible container  10 . The components of container  10  are typically formed of various types of plastic or polymeric material via an injection molding or other plastic molding process suitable to this application. Collapsible container  10  may be used for the storage or transport of goods, and may also be referred to as a collapsible crate. Container  10  is particularly suitable for the transport of produce such as fruits and vegetable, where circulation of air and/or refrigerated gas is necessary to keep the produce fresh and consumable while it reaches the market. This circulation is fostered through the plurality of slots  12  provided on each panel over the entire container, as fully shown in FIGS. 1-3, and as best shown in FIG.  2 . 
     Collapsible container  10  includes a base member  14  having a bottom panel  15  which serves as the lower support for the container. As is best shown in the outwardly folded configuration of FIG. 2, bottom panel  15  is generally rectangular in shape and has four edges—namely, a pair of opposed offset side edges  16  and  18 , and a pair of opposed end edges  20  and  22 . Base  14  further includes integrally molded upstanding flanges  24  and  26  (or base walls) oriented perpendicular to bottom panel  15 , each defining an upper side edge  25  and  27 , respectively. As is well understood in the art, the wall thickness of each of the walls and components illustrated and disclosed herein may vary depending on the intended usage and other characteristics desired from container  10 . 
     Base  14  further includes four upstanding corner members  28  situated, of course, at each corner of bottom panel  15 . As with the upstanding flanges, each corner member  28  is preferably integrally molded to bottom panel  15  and to upstanding flanges  24  and  26 . Specifically, each corner member  28  includes an end face portion  30  (or end face member or wall) which is integral with its adjacent upstanding flange ( 24  and  26 ). Each corner portion  28  also includes a side face portion  32  (or side face member or wall) which is oriented perpendicular to end face portion  30 . As shown in FIG. 1, end face portion  30  and side face portion  32  define a corner line  31  which is perpendicular to bottom panel  15 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-2, collapsible container  10  also includes a first pair of opposed side walls  34  and  36 , which are situated opposite each other across bottom panel  15 . Side walls  34  and  36  are each pivotably attached to bottom panel  15  by way of a hinging configuration or system  37 , located at edges ( 16 , 18 ) of bottom panel  15 . Thus, side walls ( 34 ,  36 ) fold or pivot relative to bottom panel  15  at edges  16  and  18 , which are shown inwardly offset from side face portion  32 , as shown in FIG.  2 . Such hinging system  37  allows side walls  34  and  36  to be foldably positioned in three orientations: the assembled container orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 1; the outwardly collapsible orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 2; and the inwardly collapsible orientation, as illustrated in FIG.  3 . As seen in FIG. 2, hinging system  37  does not extend the length of base  14  but terminates at a distance away from each upstanding flange  24  and  26 , as well as a distance remote from an adjacent corresponding corner line  31 . 
     Each side wall  34  and  36  has an L-shaped cross-section, best shown in FIG.  2 . L-shaped cross section includes a long wall section  40  and a relatively shorter wall section  42 . When container  10  is in the assembled orientation of FIG. 1, shorter wall portion  42  pivotably attaches to a respective side edge ( 16 , 18 ) to become co-planar with bottom panel  15  and serve as an extension of bottom panel  15  for completing the rectangularity of bottom panel  15  thereby compensating for the offset nature of sides  16 , 18 . As a result, because no hinge is located between long wall section  40  and shorter wall section  42 , stress is minimized on that intermediate edge. 
     As seen in FIGS. 1 and 4, hinging mechanism  37  includes cylindrical members  38  which are spaced across the length of the shorter wall section  42  of each side wall  34  and  36 . Cylindrical members  38  are integrally molded to base  14  proximate each side edge  16 ,  18 . Attached to short wall section  42  at each cylindrical member  38  is a member  39  having a C-shaped cross-section which latches onto and receives cylindrical member  38  across its length, thus allowing side walls  34  and  36  to pivot and fold with respect to bottom panel  15  with minimal wearing of hinging mechanism  37 . This system is representatively shown in FIG. 4 as applied to a similarly configured system  48  in which end wall  46  and pivots in relation to base  14 , as discussed further herein. Of course, it is contemplated that this hinging system is capable of being operable in another configuration, namely with cylindrical member  38  formed integrally with side walls ( 34 ,  36 ) and C-shaped member  39  being formed on bottom panel  15  for securely receiving cylindrical member  38 . 
     Further, as best shown in FIG. 2, each member  39  having a C-shaped cross-section includes a flat portion  43  disposed thereon and integrally molded thereto. Flat portion  43  serves as a detent causing hinging portions to pause when each side wall ( 34 ,  36 ) is raised from one of the collapsed states to an upstanding position in preparation for assembly. In other words, flat portion  43  prevents the user from having to hold each side wall ( 34 , 36 ) in position while end walls ( 44 , 46 ) are being raised to the upright position in preparation for assembly. When container  10  is collapsed, the user need only push the side wall past the point at which it pauses. 
     As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, collapsible container  10  further includes a second pair of opposing side walls  44  and  46 . Of course, for ease of reference and discussion, second pair of side walls is herein designated as a pair of end walls  44  and  46 , which is appropriate nomenclature for the generally rectangular base configuration. Like side walls  34  and  36 , end walls  44  and  46  are similarly pivotably attached to bottom panel  15  by way of a hinging mechanism  48  which is similar in structure to hinging mechanism  37  described above, as seen in FIG.  4 . However, unlike the side walls, end walls ( 44 ,  46 ) are folded relative to base  14  at a distance remote from bottom panel  15 . Particularly, end walls  44  and  46  are pivotably attached to upstanding flanges  24  and  26 , respectively, of bottom panel  15 , proximate upper edges  25 ,  27 . The height of upstanding flanges ( 24 ,  26 ) defines the aforementioned distance remote from bottom panel  15 . As with the other walls discussed herein, end walls  44  and  46  are orientable in three positions: assembled shown as in FIG. 1; outwardly collapsed as in FIG. 2; and inwardly collapsed as in FIG.  3 . The hinging system used for end walls  34  and  36  is similar to that described above in association with side walls  34  and  36 . This system is shown as a partial sectional view in FIG. 4, detailing cylindrical member  38  and C-shaped member  39 . As with hinging mechanism  37 , in a preferred embodiment hinging mechanism  48  does not extend to corner line  31  but is remote therefrom. 
     As best shown in FIG. 2, each end wall  44  and  46  has a U-shaped cross section formed by a main end wall portion  50 , and two shorter flange portions  52  and  54  integrally attached to main end wall portion  50  and located on either side of main end wall portion  50 . Flange portions  52  and  54  are oriented orthogonal to main end wall portion  50  and, in the assembled orientation of FIG. 1, are directed inward toward base  14  and side walls  34  and  36 , respectively. 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, further included in container  10  is a locking or latching mechanism for latching side walls ( 34 ,  36 ) together with end walls ( 44  and  46 ) to achieve the desired stability when container  10  is oriented in assembled position, as in FIG.  1 . To perform these locking and latching functions, reference must be directed to FIG.  2  and particularly to FIG.  5 . Provided on each lateral edge ( 58 ,  60 ) and ( 62 ,  64 ) of side walls  34  and  36 , respectively, is a latching member  66  extending outwardly therefrom. As best shown in FIG. 2, each latching member  66  has a slightly curved upper surface  68 , preferably convex, and a slightly curved lower surface  70 , preferably concave. Further, disposed at a distal end of latching member  66  is a tooth  74 . 
     By way of example with respect to FIG. 5, for latching purposes, shorter flange  52  and  54  of end wall  46  has a latch receiver  75  provided for receiving latching member  66 . Latch receiver  75  includes a latch receiving aperture  76  and a living hinge  77 . Aperture  76  is defined by the upper wall  87  of opening  84  and the lower surface of living hinge  77 . Particularly, as shown in FIG. 1, aperture  76  is appropriately sized and shaped to firmly receive latching member  66 . Adjacent to aperture  76  is living hinge  77 , which is attached to each side flange  52 , 54  by a hinge attach  78  and has an opening  79  disposed above it, thus allowing it to be flexible over its length, and particularly in the upwards direction. Living hinge  77  is not attached to any portion of container  10  except at hinge attach  78 . Thus, as a side wall ( 34  or  36 ) is upwardly raised and an adjacent end wall ( 44  or  46 ) is subsequently upwardly raised to receive latching member  66  into the assembled orientation, aperture  76  slidingly receives latching member  66 , while raised tooth  74  flexes living hinge  77  upwards from the rest position, causing hinge  77  to be temporarily flexed into opening  79 . 
     In the final assembled position, tooth  74  is latched on the outside of living hinge  77 , which has since returned at or near the rest position. Specifically, during the assembled state a lip  83  of living hinge  77  lies in the pocket  81  formed between tooth  74  and upper surface  68  of latch member  66 , thereby retaining latching member  66  in a secure manner and providing the stability desired for maintaining container  10  in the assembled position. The depth created by flanges  52 , 54  allow for a longer latching member  66  than would otherwise be possible. 
     To collapse container  10  from the assembled orientation, lever  85  of living hinge  77  is raised upwards by the user, and lip  83  is accordingly raised from pocket  81 , allowing latching member  66  and its tooth  74  to be released from latch receiver  75 . 
     The reduced stress concentrations of the latches as provided according to the present invention is further shown in FIG.  1 . By example, refer to line  80  formed by the mating lateral edges of side wall  34  and end wall  46  (specifically flange  52  of end wall  46 ). The latching that takes place is spaced apart from corner line  31  which is typically subjected to relatively higher stress concentration forces. Thus, according to the present invention, not only are corner members  28  unitary and integral to base  14  to more fully withstand the stress concentrations, but the latching which in the past has taken place along corner line  31  and was subjected to this stress is according to the present invention remote therefrom to reduce stress in the corners, thus reducing the stress on the latches. 
     In addition to latching member  66 , also provided on each lateral edge ( 58 , 60 ) and ( 62 , 64 ) of side walls  34  and  36  is a relatively large tab member  82 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, each large tab member  82  projects from its respective edge of side walls  34  and  36 . Also provided on each shorter flange  52  and  54  of end wall  44  is an opening  84  which resembles a narrow slot and which corresponds to large tab member  82  for receiving the same during the assembled container orientation. Opening  84  receives large tab member  82  in a secure fit for providing a manner by which to align and orient the adjoining walls, as well as secondarily assisting in securely holding side walls ( 36  and  36 ) and end walls ( 40  and  42 ) upright together during the assembled orientation. 
     Moreover, as is further shown in FIG. 2, upper portion of lateral edges ( 58 ,  60 ) and ( 62 ,  64 ) of side walls  34  and  36 , respectively, include a relatively small tab member  86 . Like large tab member  82 , in the assembled orientation small tab member  86  is received by a corresponding tab opening  88  formed in shorter flanges  52  and  54  of end wall  44 , 46 . Small tab member  86  is generally provided for alignment purposes as well as to provide an additional point of engagement between the adjoining walls. 
     With reference now directed to FIG. 3, shown therein is container  10  oriented in an inwardly collapsible or folded orientation. Again the term inwardly designates a general direction of movement of the various walls toward base  14  and bottom panel  15 . As FIG. 3 clearly indicates, the design according to the present invention allows container  10  to be compactly folded for storage and transport. In this orientation, side walls  34  and  36  are pivoted inward via hinging mechanism  37  and folded in a layered fashion on top of bottom panel  14 . FIG. 3 illustrates side wall  34  folded first and side wall  36  subsequently folded thereupon. 
     In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, it is noted that, when folded inward, latching member  66  of side wall  36  extends into and rests in an opening  90  with its tooth  74  adjacent vertical wall  92 , while latching member  66  of side wall  34  extends into and rests in an opening  94  with its tooth  74  adjacent vertical wall  96 . Thus latching member  66  and the length of tooth  74  are such that they do not interfere with any other component, allowing the walls to fold neatly and compactly. 
     Subsequently end walls  44  and  46  are folded inward on top of side walls  34  and  36  via latching system  48 . As is further shown in FIG. 3, the greater relative width of end walls ( 44  and  46 ) in comparison to the relatively narrow transverse width of bottom panel  15  from side edge  16  to side edge  18 , allows flange portions  52  and  54  of end walls ( 44  and  46 ) to enclose laterally side walls  34  and  36 . Specifically, when container  10  moves into the inwardly collapsed state of FIG. 3, shorter wall section  42  of side wall  34 , which as previously mentioned, in the assembled state is co-planar with bottom panel  15  and forms part of bottom panel  15 , now swings up and out of the way to make the bottom narrow (i.e. restore the offset nature of these sides  16 , 18 ), thus creating the clearance suitable for flange portions  52  and  54  to swing down into the inwardly collapsed state. Further, in the orientation shown in FIG. 3, flange portions  52  and  54  are co-planar and co-linear with side face portion  31  of corner member  28 . As is best illustrated in FIG. 2, it is noted that lower portions  53  and  55  of flange portions  52  and  54  are inwardly offset from the upper flange portions and, therefore, in the inwardly folded orientation of FIG. 3, lower portions  53  and  55  are positioned in a plane parallel to and inward of side face portion  32 . 
     FIGS. 6 a - 6   c  illustrate an alternative embodiment to the hinging systems  37  previously discussed herein. Similar components will be designated by like reference numerals carrying prime (′) designations for consistency and ease of reference. It must be noted for purposes of FIG. 6 that while a component may be arbitrarily designated as a wall or a base, the mating hinging portions disclosed therein may be interchanged (i.e. either may be provided on a wall and either may be provided on an adjoining base). Thus, instead of cylindrical member  38  as in FIGS. 1-3, a wall designated as base  14 ′ of FIG. 6 b  has hinge members  98  which include annular (or semi-annular) projections  100  (or bosses) extending toward adjacent hinge members  98 . Shown in FIG. 6 a,  for purposes of example, is a portion of another wall, side wall  34 ; having hinge receiving members  97  with semi-circular or U-shaped apertures  102  formed therein for securely receiving a corresponding projection  100  in an interference or locking orientation, allowing side wall  34 ′ to pivot around an axis  104  with respect to base  14 ′. This system provides for stability in three directions, i.e. the directions defining aperture  102 . FIG. 6 a  also illustrates a curved member  106  having a surface which mates with cylindrical member  38 ′ for providing stability in a fourth direction. 
     Again, it bears repeating that as with FIGS. 1-3, it is fully contemplated that hinge receiving members  97  having apertures  102  may just as easily be positioned on base  14 ′, while hinge member  98  having projections  100  accordingly may be formed integral with an adjoining side wall. FIG. 6 c  illustrates a partial assembly according to this embodiment, showing the components of FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b  mated in an alternative hinge assembly. 
     As shown in FIGS. 1-3, each of side walls ( 34 ,  46 ) and end walls ( 40 ,  42 ) include a hand opening  107  and  108 , respectively, ideally suited to be used as a handle in order to carry container  10 . 
     With reference to FIGS. 7-9 of the drawings, shown therein is a second embodiment of a collapsible container according to the present invention. Container  110  is shown in FIG. 7 in an assembled orientation. Like the previous embodiment, container  110  is also capable of being collapsed into each of an inwardly folded position and an outwardly folded position in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2 and 3. Container  110  includes a plurality of slots  112  formed therein for promoting circulation of air and other gases to keep the contents of the container fresh. Further included is a base  114  which is discussed further herein in association with FIGS. 8-9. Container  110  also includes a pair of opposed side walls  134  and  136 , as well as a pair of opposed end walls  144  and  146  with flanges  152 , 154 . Each side wall ( 134 , 136 ) and end wall ( 144 ,  146 ) is pivotably attached to base  114 . 
     FIG. 8 illustrates the base  114  of container  110  shown in FIG.  7 . Base  114  includes a bottom panel  115  which is rectangular in shape and has opposing side edges  116  and  118 , and further includes opposing end edges  120  and  122 . A pair of opposed upstanding flanges  124  and  126  is provided and each is formed perpendicular to bottom panel  115 . Each upstanding flange  124  and  126  defines an upper side edge  125  and  127 , respectively. As with the first embodiment previously disclosed herein, each side wall ( 134 ,  136 ) is pivotally hinged with respect to base  114  at a corresponding side edge ( 116 ,  118 ), while each end wall ( 144 , 146 ) is pivotally hinged with respect to base  114  at a corresponding end upper edge ( 125 ,  127 ). Thus each end wall ( 144 , 146 ) is pivotally attached to base  114  at a distance remote from base  114 . Particularly, the distance is defined by the height of upstanding flanges  124  and  126 . 
     With regard to hinging systems of container  110 , shown in association with base  114  of FIG. 8 are the lower portions of hinging systems  137  (for side walls) and  148  (for end walls). Specifically, hinging systems  137  and  148  include a plurality of lower hinge members  197  which are integrally formed with base  114  and are similar to the hinging portion  97  illustrated in FIG. 6 a  attached representatively to side wall  34 ′. As shown in FIG. 8, along each end upper edge ( 125 , 127 ) there is provided three lower hinge members  197 , while along each side edge ( 116 , 118 ) there is provided five lower hinge members  197 . These lower hinge members  197  are spaced apart and centered along the length of the respective edge. Accordingly, in this embodiment side walls ( 134 , 136 ) and end walls ( 144 , 146 ) of FIG. 7 have a mating hinge portion similar to hinge portion  98  shown in FIG. 6 b  (without cylindrical member  38 ′), and are similarly operable in relation to adjoining portion  197 . Mating hinge portions like  98  are spaced and centered along their respective lower edges of side walls ( 134 , 136 ) and end walls ( 144 , 146 ) for mating with corresponding lower base hinge members  197 . 
     Moreover, each upstanding flange  124  and  126  includes at either end an upstanding mounting post  117  which projects upward past upper edges  125  and  127  and is integrally formed with upstanding flanges  124  and  126 . Each mounting post  117  includes two openings  119  and  121  formed therein. Each mounting post  117  also defines a corner line  131 . Opening  119  is located relatively lower and opening  121  is located relatively higher along the height of post  117 . Each co-linear pair of openings  117  is provided to receive a corresponding projection (not shown in FIG. 8 but similar to projection  100  or  200 ′) provided at each end of a corresponding side wall ( 134  or  136 ), for providing an additional pivoting point for each side wall with respect to base  114 . Conversely, each co-linear pair of openings  121  share an axis adjacent upper surface ( 125 , 127 ) of upstanding wall  124 , 126 . Openings  121  are provided to receive a corresponding projection or other member provided at either end of each end wall ( 144 ,  146 ) thereby allowing each end wall to pivot with respect to base  114 . Thus openings  119  and  121  provide for an additional pivot point and anchor point along the lateral sides of each wall, thus allowing for a stable hinging mechanism. 
     Referring again to FIG. 10 a,  shown therein is a partial perspective view of a bottom surface  113 ′ a base  114 ′ similar to base  114  in FIGS. 7-9 but having an alternate hinge configuration. As before, similar components in FIGS. 10 a - 10   b  to those in FIGS. 7-9 will be designated by like reference numerals carrying prime (′) designations for consistency and ease of reference. Particularly, FIG. 10 a  illustrates a base  114 ′ having hinge members  198 ′ with projections  200 ′ similar to base  14 ′ (with hinge member  98 ) shown in FIG. 6 b,  but without cylindrical member  38 ′. Accordingly, a side wall or end wall adapted to mate with base  114 ′ of FIG. 10 a  would thus have a hinging configuration similar to that of hinge portion  97  of FIG. 6 a,  without curved member  106 . 
     FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view, and FIG. 10 b  is a partial plan view, of containers ( 110 ,  110 ′), which share a common bottom surface ( 113 ) of base ( 114 , 114 ′) and provides a design allowing for nesting of similar containers ( 110 , 110 ′) on top of each other when they are in the inwardly folded orientation (as in FIG.  3 ). This design permits an inwardly collapsed container  10  to be stacked on top of a like folded container so that the resulting stack-up is stable. Particularly, in this nesting orientation, bottom surface  113  would engage end walls ( 144 , 146 ) having a corresponding design as shown in FIG. 7, allowing like containers to securely nest. With such bottom surface design, containers may also be cross stacked. It is of course contemplated that the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-4 is also capable of nesting with like containers in the fashion described above. FIG. 10 b  is a partial magnified view of the design of FIG. 9, showing generally the corner area bordered by the intersection of lines A—A and B—B of FIG.  9 . 
     It is noted in FIGS. 7-10 that base ( 114 , 114 ′) does not have a complete corner section (i.e. no side face portion corresponding to portion  32  of FIGS.  1 - 3 ). 
     Instead, it is noted in this embodiment that side walls ( 134 ,  136 ) have a portion ( 135 ) that occupies this area, and which would have the pivot projection corresponding to opening  119 . It is also recognized that the latching of the embodiments of FIGS. 7-10 is similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3 and  5 . It is particularly noted that like the other embodiment, the latching herein is remote from the corner line given the similar U-shaped design of end walls  144  and  146  to that of  44  and  46 . 
     Finally, it must be noted that similar components between the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-10 typically added  100  to the reference numeral of common components of FIGS. 1-5. 
     It is understood, of course, that while the forms of the invention herein shown and described include the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention, they are not intended to illustrate all possible forms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used are descriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed below.