CONTAINER

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to latching mechanisms for containers having side walls which are joined together at their edges by a series of slip pin hinges. In particular, the invention relates to a latching mechanism which u itizes and rigidifies the side walls of the container by preventing disengagement of the slip pin hinges. The transportation and storage of products and materials often requires that the products or materials be placed in a container or pallet to protect the contents. Containers for shipping the products may be either disposable or reusable. Reusable containers which are not collapsible remain bulky when empty, increasing the expense of returning them to the remote site. As a result, collapsible containers have been employed to reduce storage space and to reduce transportation cost during the return transportation of the containers.

The side walls of these collapsible containers are often joined by a series of slip pin hinges located on the adjacent edges of the side walls. When adjacent side walls are joined together by slip pin hinges, a gap is created between the hook lugs and the barrel lugs of the slip pin hinges. Because the containers experience substantial jarring and vibration during shipment, the hook lugs often disengage the barrel lugs. As a result, the side walls of the container collapse, causing the contents of the container to be damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A hinge system for joining adjacent side walls having a connected position and an unconnected position. The hinge system includes a hinge mechanism and a latching mechanism for preventing inadvertently collapse of adjacent side walls. The hinge mechanism has a plurality of

barrel lugs having a plurality of barrels and a plurality of hook lugs having a plurality of pins. The hook lugs are aligned relative to corresponding barrel lugs, respectively, so that the pins of the hook lugs are inserted into the barrels of a corresponding barrel lug to join adjacent side walls. The latching mechanism includes a finger and is pivotally supported to pivot between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the finger is positioned to prohibit disengagement of the pins from the barrels and in the unlatched position allowing separation of the pins from the corresponding barrels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pallet system of the present invention including a latch.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a corner portion of the pallet system of Fig. 1 in a disengaged position.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a corner portion of the pallet system of Fig. 1 in an engaged position.

Fig. 4 is a side elevational view of a latch of Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the pallet system taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of pallet system 10. Pallet system 10 includes a base 11, side walls 12-15, hinges 16 and latch 17. Side walls 12-15 extend upward from base 11 and are generally collapsible for ease of storage and transportation when not is use. Side walls 12 and 13 are preferably coupled to base 11 along joints 18a so as to permit vertical and radial movement of side walls 12 and 13 as indicated by arrow 25. Side walls 14 and 15 are coupled to base 11 along joints 18b so as to permit radial movement of side walls 14 and 15 as indicated by arrow 27. Radial

rotation of side walls 12-15 allows side walls 12-15 to be collapsed and folded, or to be unfolded so that side walls 12 and 13 abuts side walls 14 and 15 along hinges 16. Vertical movement of side walls 12 and 13 permits side walls 12 and 13 to be latched into engagement and unlatched out of engagement with side walls 14 and 15 along hinges 16. Side walls 12-15 are adapted to abut one another along adjacent edges to form solid, continuous corners between side walls 12-15.

Latch 17 is rotatably coupled to side wall 14. Latch 17 is mounted to side wall 14 so that latch 17 may be rotated into engagement with hinge 16. Latch 17 prevents the inadvertent disengagement of side walls 12 and 14 along hinge 16. Latch 17 further unifies and rigidifies the junction between side walls 12 and 14. As can be appreciated, latch 17 may also be mounted to any one of side walls 12-15 so as to permit latch 17 to engage hinges 16. Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of a corner portion of pallet system 10 of Fig. 1. Fig. 2 shows side wall 12 vertically lifted upward and radially rotated outward away from base 11. Fig. 2 shows side wall 14 radially rotated so as to be vertically aligned with base 11. As best shown by Fig. 2, hinge 16 joins side walls 12 and 14 and includes top lug 19, barrel lugs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, and hook lugs 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d. Top lug 19 is an elongated member preferably integrally blow molded with side wall 14 from a polymer such as high density polyethylene. Top lug 19 extends outward from side wall 14 above barrel lug 20a. Top lug 19 limits the vertical movement of hook lug 22a. Barrel lugs 20a-d preferably integrally extend from near an edge of side wall 14. Barrel lugs 20a-d are preferably spaced apart and in vertical alignment with one another. Barrel lugs 20a-d are preferably integrally blow molded with side wall 14 from a polymer such as high density

polyethylene. Alternatively, barrel lugs 20a-d can be independently formed and fixedly mounted to side wall 14.

Barrel lugs 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d include barrels 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, respectively. Barrel lugs 20a, 20b, 20c are aligned so that barrels 21a, 21b, 21c are in coaxial alignment with one another. Barrels 21 are cylindrical shaped openings extending through an upper surface of barrel lugs 20. Alternatively, barrels 21 may have a variety of shapes and may extend through both an upper surface and a lower surface of each barrel lug 20. Hook lugs 22a-d integrally extend and protrude from near an edge of side wall 12. Hook lugs 22a-d are preferably spaced apart from one another and are in vertical alignment with one another. Hook lugs 22a-d are preferably integrally blow molded with side wall 12 from a polymer such as high density polyethylene. Alternatively, hook lugs 22a-d can be independently formed and fixedly mounted to side wall 12.

Hook lugs 22a, 22b, 22c include pins 23a, 23b, 23c, respectively. Pins 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d comprise downward projecting members sized to fit within barrels 21 of barrel lugs 20. Pins 23 are preferably integrally blow molded with hook lugs 22 from a polymer such as high density polyethylene. Alternatively, pins 23 are independently formed and are mounted to hook lugs 22.

As shown by Fig. 2, side walls 12 and 14 may be radially rotated about joints 18a and 18b respectively. Barrel lugs 20a-d on side wall 14 are alternately positioned with respect to hook lugs 22a-d on side wall 12 so that rotation of side walls 12 and 14 to vertical positions, positions each hook lug 22a-d between two adjacent barrel lugs 20a-d or between top lug 19 and barrel lug 20a. For example, hook lug 22b will be positioned between barrel lugs 20a and 20b. In this disengaged position, side walls 12 and 14 abut one another along adjacent edges to form a solid, continuous

corner between side walls 12 and 14. At the same time, however, pins 23a, 23b, 23c, 23d of hook lugs 22a-d, respectively, do not extend into barrels 21a-d, respectively. Each pin 23a-d is coaxially aligned above a respective barrel 2la-d. As a result, side walls 12 and 14 may be rotated about joints 18a and 18b, respectively, to move side walls 12 and 14 out of abutment and to collapse side walls 12 and 14.

When side walls 12 and 14 are rotated into abutment with one another, side wall 12 may be latched into engagement with side wall 14 by vertically moving side wall 12 downward with respect to side wall 14. This downward vertical movement of side wall 12 with respect to side wall 14 causes pins 23a-d to project into and to engage barrels 21a-d, respectively. This downward movement also creates a gap between each hook lug 22a-d and adjacent top lug 19 or barrel lug 20 positioned above the corresponding hook lug. Fig. 3 shows side walls 12 and 14 rotated into abutment with one another and shows side wall 12 moved vertically downward into engagement with side wall 14. Fig. 3 further shows latch 17 engaging hinge 16. When side walls 12 and 14 are rotated into engagement with one another and side wall 12 is forced downward to latch with side wall 14 along hinge 16, each hook lug 22 engages and mates with its corresponding barrel lug 20. For example, hook lug 22a engages and mates with barrel lug 20a, while hook lug 22d engages and mates with its corresponding barrel lug 20d. Hook lugs 22a-d engage and mate with barrel lugs 20a-d to couple and intermesh side walls 12 and 14. As a result, side walls 12 and 14 may be joined together about hinge 16 to partially define a container or pallet for storing and transporting goods. At the same time, side walls 12 may be forced upward with respect to side wall 14 to disengage hook lugs 22 from barrel lugs 20, permitting side walls 12 and 14 to be separated from one

another. Consequently, side walls 12 and 14 may be rotated and collapsed, thereby occupying less space and permitting easier handling.

As best shown by Fig. 3, latch 17 is rotatably coupled to side wall 14 and includes finger members 24a, 24b, 24c, central body 26, mounting portion 28, and screw or bolt 30. Finger members 24 generally comprise elongated, flat, rectangular members sized for insertion between hook lugs 22a-d and barrel lugs 20a-d. Finger members 24a-c project from central body 26 and are spaced apart from one another so that each finger member 24 may be positioned between one of the hook lugs 22a-d and an adjacent barrel lug 20a-d. For example, finger member 24c is positioned between hook lug 22c and barrel lug 20b, while finger member 24b is positioned between hook lug 22b and barrel lug 20a. Each finger member 24 contacts and engages one of hook lugs 22. As a result, finger members 24a-c prevent hook lugs 22 from disengaging barrel lugs 20 so that side wall 12 is not inadvertently dislodged and separated from side wall 14. In addition, because latch 17 includes a plurality of finger members 24a, 24b, 24c, inadvertent dislodgement of latch 17 during shipping and handling is less likely. The plurality of finger members 24a, 24b, 24c further rigidifies and strengthens the junction between side walls 12 and 14 formed by hinge 16.

Central body 26 is a flat, rectangular slab. Alternatively, central body 26 may have a variety of lengths and shapes. Central body 26 integrally joins each of the plurality of finger members 24a, 24b, 24c. Thus, to disengage latch 17 requires that each and every finger member 24a-c be dislodged from hinge 16. Central body 26 includes a front surface 32 and a rear surface 34. Front surface 32 and rear surface 34 are relatively smooth, flat surfaces. Because the thickness of material between front surface 32 and rear surface 34 is relatively small, latch 17 does not occupy much space. Because front surface 32 and rear surface 34 are flat and

smooth, latch 17 is less likely to puncture or damage goods contained within a container or pallet partially defined by side walls 12 and 14.

Mounting portion 28 integrally extends from central body 26 and includes front surface 36, rear surface 38 and mounting hole 40. Front surface 36 of mounting portion 28 is recessed from front surface 32 of central body 26. Rear surface 38 is generally coplanar with rear surface 34 of central body 26. Front surface 36 of mounting portion 28 is recessed to such an extent so that mounting portion 28 may accommodate bolt 30 without bolt 30 protruding beyond front surface 32 of central body 26. Thus, bolt 30 is less likely to puncture or damage goods abutting side wall 14 and latch 17. At the same time, because mounting portion 28 is relatively thin and flat, mounting portion 28 occupies less space and is less likely to interfere with the use of a top or cover positioned above or within side walls 12 and 14. Bolt 30 extends through mounting hole 40 of mounting portion

28 and rotatably couples latch 17 to side wall 14. As a result, latch 17 is less likely to be lost or misplaced during shipment and handling of a pallet incorporating hinge system 10. Moreover, bolt 30 permits latch 17 to be rotated so that finger members 24a-c engage hinge 16 when side walls 12 and 14 are to be coupled together, yet also permits latch 17 to be rotated so that finger members 24 may be disengaged from hinge 16 to permit side wall 12 to move vertically with respect to side wall 14. Consequently, side walls 12 and 14 may be separated from one another and may be collapsed for ease of handling and storage. In one preferred embodiment, latch 17 has an overall thickness of about 1 inch. Each finger member 24 has a length of about 2-1/4 inches and a height of about 5/8 of an inch. Central body 26 has a width of about 1-3/4 inches and a height of about 8-3/8 of an inch. Adjacent finger members 24 are preferably spaced apart from one another by about 2-1/16

of an inch. Mounting hole 40 preferably has a diameter of about 3/4 of an inch.

Figs. 4 and 5 show latch 17 in greater detail. Fig. 4 shows a side elevational view of latch 17. Fig. 5 is a sectional view of pallet system 10 showing latch 17 engaging hinge 16 taken along line 5 - 5 of Fig. 3. As best shown by Figs. 4 and 5, finger members 24a, 24b, 24c include upper tips

42a, 42b, 42c and lower tips 44a, 44b, 44c.

Upper tip 42 and lower tip 44 of each finger member 24 are separated by a horizontal opening or slit 46. Slit 46 preferably extends into each finger member 24 by about 1/4 of an inch. Each slit 46 preferably has a width of about 1/8 of an inch. Slits 46 allow tip portions 42 and 44 to be flexed or pinched so that finger members 24 may be easily inserted between barrel lug 20 and hook lug 22 while establishing a close, tight fit between barrel lug 20 and hook lug 22. Upper tips 42a, 42b, 42c each include a rib 48. Rib 48 generally comprises a small elongated ridge which integrally projects upward from near the forwardmost edge of upper tip 42. Rib 48 preferably extends along an entire width of upper tip 48. Alternatively, rib 48 may be a relatively short knob or button-like structure. Rib 48 preferably has a height and a width of about 1/8 of an inch. As best shown by Fig. 5, rib 48 engages barrel lug 20 upon insertion of finger member 24 between barrel lug 20 and hook lug 22. Because latch 17 and rib 48 are preferably made from material having a higher density and strength than the polymer used to form barrel lug 20, rib 48 presses into barrel lug 20 to press fit finger member 24 between barrel lug 20 and hook lug 22. Consequently, finger members 24 are less likely to become inadvertently dislodged. At the same time, slit 46 allows each upper tip 42 to be flexed so that rib 48 and finger member 24 may be easily positioned between barrel lug 20 and hook lug 22.

Each lower tip 44 includes a beveled or rounded lower corner 50. Because each corner 50 is rounded or beveled, finger members 24 are more easily insertable between barrel lugs 20 and hook lugs 22 while establishing a tight fit between barrel lugs 20 and hook lugs 22. When side walls 12 and 14 are rotated so as to engage one another along hinge 16, hook lugs 22a,' 22b, 22c, 22d are positioned between top lug 19 and adjacent barrel lug 20a, barrel lugs 20a and 20b, barrel lugs 20b and 20c, and barrel lugs 20c and 20d, respectively. Upon application of a downward force to hook lugs 22a-d extending from side wall 12 (not shown), pins 23a-d are forced downward into corresponding barrels 21a-d to create gaps 56a, 56b, 56c between a top surface of each hook lug 22 and a bottom surface of top lug 19, or adjacent barrel lugs 20a-c. For example, gap 56c is created between the top surface of hook lug 22c and a bottom surface of barrel lug 20b. Although pin 23c rests within barrel 21c and joins side wall 12 to side wall 14, gap 56c may cause inadvertent dislodgement of pin 23c from barrel 21c so as to permit side walls 12 and 14 to separate and to collapse.

As shown by. Fig. 5, latch 17 pivots about bolt 40. In a first latched position (shown), finger members 24 of latch 17 are positioned between barrel lugs 20 and hook lugs 22 to fill gaps 56a-c. For example, finger member 24c is positioned between barrel lug 20b and hook lug 22c to fill gap 56c. Because finger member 24c completely fills gap 56c to form a tight fit, barrel lug 20b holds finger member 24c in engagement with hook lug 22c to prevent pin 23c from becoming inadvertently dislodged from barrel 21c. In addition, because latch 17 is rotatably mounted to side wall 14 by bolt 40, vertical movement of latch 17 and finger members 24a-c are prevented. Consequently, bolt 40 further holds finger member 24c in engagement with hook lug 22c so that pin 23c remains within barrel 21c. Thus, latch 17 eliminates the inadvertent collapse of side walls 12 and 14.

At the same time, latch 17 may be rotated as shown by arrow 58 so that finger members 24a, 24b, 24c are removed from gaps 56a, 56b, 56c, respectively, to allow hook lugs 22 and pins 23, extending from side wall 12, to be lifted with respect to side wall 14. Rotation of latch 17 to a second unlatched position (as shown in Fig. 2) allows pins 23 to be lifted and removed from barrels 21 to permit side walls 12 and 14 to be separated and collapsed for ease of storage and handling.

As can be appreciated, Latch 17 may be used in conjunction with a variety of different hinges. Hinge 16 may have a variety of different shapes. For example, barrels 21 may extend upwardly into each barrel lug while pins 23 may project upwardly from hook lugs 22 so that pins 23 would upwardly extend into barrels 21. With such a hinge, finger members 24 of latch 17 could be positioned between the top surface of each barrel lug and a bottom surface of its corresponding adjacent hook lug. In addition, barrel lugs 20 of side wall 14 and hook lugs 22 of side wall 12 could alternatively be made so as to flex upward and downward permitting pins 23 to be snapped into barrels 21 with the radial rotation of side wall 12.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.