Collapsible container

Abstract

A collapsible container includes a plurality of walls collapsible onto the base. At least one wall has a support pivotably mounted below a lip formed on an upper edge of the wall. The support is pivotable between a deployed position where it is partially supported on an adjacent wall and a retracted position. A torsion member biases the support toward the deployed position. A latch deploys the support as the wall is moved toward the upright position.

1 . A container comprising:
 a base;   a first wall pivotably mounted relative to the base;   a second wall pivotably mounted relative to the base, adjacent the first wall; and   a support pivotably mounted to the first wall, the support pivotable about an axis generally parallel to the base between a deployed position and a retracted position, a torsion member biasing the support toward the deployed position.   
   
   
       2 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the torsion member is at least substantially coaxial with the axis. 
   
   
       3 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the torsion member is integrally molded with the support. 
   
   
       4 . The container of  claim 1  wherein an engagement portion of the torsion member engages the second wall, such that the second wall prevents rotation of the engagement portion of the torsion member. 
   
   
       5 . The container of  claim 1  further including a latch moving the support from the retracted position to the deployed position as the first wall is moved from a collapsed position on the base toward an erect position. 
   
   
       6 . The container of  claim 5  wherein the latch is formed integrally with the base. 
   
   
       7 . The container of  claim 5  wherein the latch is deflected outwardly by the support when the first wall is moved from the erect position toward the collapsed position. 
   
   
       8 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the support is received in the first wall in the retracted position. 
   
   
       9 . The container of  claim 1  wherein the support moves into the interior of the container from the retracted position to the deployed position. 
   
   
       10 . A container comprising:
 a base;   a first wall pivotably mounted relative to the base; and   a second wall pivotably mounted relative to the base, adjacent the first wall; and   a support movably mounted to the first wall, the support movable between a deployed position and a retracted position, the support protruding into the interior of the container more in the deployed position than in the retracted position, the support including a torsion member biasing the support toward the deployed position.   
   
   
       11 . The container of  claim 10  wherein the torsion member is integrally molded with the support. 
   
   
       12 . The container of  claim 11  wherein the torsion member engages the second wall, such that the second wall inhibits rotation a portion of the torsion member. 
   
   
       13 . The container of  claim 12  wherein the torsion member is twisted by movement of the support to the retracted position. 
   
   
       14 . A container comprising:
 a base;   a first wall pivotably mounted relative to the base and movable between a collapsed position and an upright position;   a second wall pivotably mounted relative to the base, adjacent the first wall;   a support pivotably mounted to the first wall, the support pivotable about an axis generally parallel to the base between a support position and a retracted position; and   a latch moving the support from the retracted position to the deployed position as the first wall is moved from the collapsed position toward the upright position.   
   
   
       15 . The container of  claim 14  wherein the latch is formed integrally with the base. 
   
   
       16 . The container of  claim 14  wherein the latch is deflected outwardly by the support when the first wall is moved from the erect position toward the collapsed position.