초록 ▼

The present invention is a self-contained, six sided, reusable container for goods, having both an assembled form and a collapsed form. The container includes a bottom, a top, two ends, and two sides. In the collapsed form, the ends and sides are stored between the top and bottom, thus achieving the

The present invention is a self-contained, six sided, reusable container for goods, having both an assembled form and a collapsed form. The container includes a bottom, a top, two ends, and two sides. In the collapsed form, the ends and sides are stored between the top and bottom, thus achieving the desired low return ratio to promote reuse of the container. Preferably, the ends are hinged to the bottom and fold inwardly onto the bottom. The sides and ends are interconnected while the container is in its assembled form. This interconnection is achieved using a corner hook latching mechanism that is easily attached and detached. The latching mechanism has the useful property of forming a connection on both sides of the structure, thus allowing the front side of the container to be stored by connecting it to the back side, even when the back side is attached to the ends. Such storage is particularly useful during unloading of the container contents. The preferred embodiment of the container is structured such that multiple containers, either assembled or collapsed, can be stably stacked because the top and the bottom nest. Preferred embodiments of this invention include load isolation systems which allow loads to be safely placed within the container and effectively deflect external forces away from the load during transport.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A reusable shipping container having an assembled and collapsed form, said container comprising a bottom, a top, two ends and two sides; where, when in said collapsed form said sides and said ends are stored between said top and said bottom, said container further compris

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A reusable shipping container having an assembled and collapsed form, said container comprising a bottom, a top, two ends and two sides; where, when in said collapsed form said sides and said ends are stored between said top and said bottom, said container further comprisinga. a first means for connecting said sides and said ends when the container is in said assembled form, comprising a latching rod located in a cavity of either said side or said end, said rod comprising a plurality of hooks where vertical displacement of said latching rod engages and disengages said hooks with recesses present in either said side or said end thereby connecting and disconnecting said sides with said ends;b. a second means for connecting said sides and said bottom when the container is in said assembled form;c. a third means for connecting said ends to said bottom when the container is in said assembled form.