Container

Abstract

A collapsible container, which maximizes the collapsed height to non-collapsed storage volume ratio, includes four vertical side assemblies, a base member and a top support frame. The base member defines a footprint of “x” length and “y” width. In the collapsed state, the vertical height of the container assembly is equivalent to five thicknesses of the base and in the non-collapsed state, the vertical height is equal to the shorter of “x” and “y.” A collapsible container is further provided in which, in the collapsed condition, all side walls and the top overlie the base and two opposed side walls are folded.

1 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A collapsible container, comprising four vertical side assemblies, a base member, a top support frame and a top member, said base member substantially defining the footprint of the container of “x” length and “y” width, wherein in a collapsed state the vertical height of said collapsible container is the total sum of thicknesses “t” of each of said base member, said four vertical side assemblies and said top member substantially equivalent to six lots of “t,” yet in a non-collapsed state the vertical height of the container assembly is substantially equivalent to the shorter length of a container footprint “x” length or “y” width. 
     
     
         34 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , wherein at least one vertical side assembly of said vertical side assemblies has a folding construction, said folding construction comprising a plurality members pivotally hinged about their horizontal axis. 
     
     
         35 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , wherein at least one of vertical side assembly of said vertical side assemblies is pivotally hinged to at least one of said base member and said top support frame. 
     
     
         36 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , wherein a substantially monolithic side member is hinged in a vertical axis to at least one of said base member and said top support frame, so that an axis of pivot is displaced to a vertical hinging axis of an opposing side member. 
     
     
         37 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , wherein said vertical side assemblies comprise two or more hinged members, is hinged to at least one of said base member and said top support frame in a vertical axis, so that an axis of pivot is displaced to a vertical hinging axis of an opposing side member. 
     
     
         38 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , further comprising a base frame and with said base member being pivotally hinged to said base frame. 
     
     
         39 . The collapsible container according to  claim 38 , wherein said base frame is capable of accepting at least one foot member of sufficient vertical height for accepting forks from a fork lift truck used for lifting said collapsible container. 
     
     
         40 . The collapsible container according to  claim 38 , wherein said base member is pivotally hinged to said base frame and at least one said vertical side assembly pivotally is hinged to said base frame. 
     
     
         41 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , wherein said top support frame incorporates a vertical sliding hinge sleeve assembly for permitting relative vertical displacement between said top support frame and one or more of said vertical side assemblies. 
     
     
         42 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , wherein at least one of said vertical side assemblies are non-permanently attached at least one of another said vertical side assembly, said top support frame, a base frame and a base member via a handle comprising a live spring joining member. 
     
     
         43 . The collapsible container according to  claim 42 , wherein said handle is capable of resisting forces at 90° to said live spring for using said handle as a side panel lifting device. 
     
     
         44 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , wherein collapsible container is capable of dispensing contents through either a bottom member or top member under gravity. 
     
     
         45 . The collapsible container according to  claim 33 , further comprising a customer identification member with an anti-tamper feature for permitting traceability of contents back to a supplier. 
     
     
         46 . A collapsible container, comprising four vertical side assemblies, a base member, a top member, a base support frame and a top support frame, said base member substantially defining a footprint of a container of “x” length and “y” width, wherein in a collapsed state the vertical height of said collapsible container is the total sum of thicknesses “t” of said base member, said top member and said vertical side-assemblies substantially equivalent to ten lots of “t” as each said vertical side assembly is horizontally hinged and comprises of two or more members and each said member has substantially the same footprint as said collapsible container, yet in a non-collapsed state the vertical height of the collapsible container is substantially equivalent to twice that of a shorter side of said footprint of said collapsible container, “x” length or “y” width. 
     
     
         47 . A collapsible container comprising a base, a top, a first pair of opposed side walls and a second pair of opposed side walls with each of side wall of said first pair of opposed side walls and said second pair of opposed side walls being hingedly mounted on said base for movement between an uncollapsed condition, wherein said side wall extends from said base to said top, and a collapsed condition wherein said side wall overlies said base, said side walls of first pair of opposed side walls being non-foldable and a first side wall of said side walls being arranged for overlying a second side wall of said side walls when in said collapsed condition, said side walls of said second pair of opposed side walls being foldable into two parts about a substantially central hinge lying parallel to said base so that, in said collapsed condition, said side walls are folded and one said side walls overlies another said side wall.