Compactly Transportable Collapsible Frame

Abstract

A compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods comprises: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame. The rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members. Each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to the axis, respectively

Claims

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44. A compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods; said frame comprising: a. a rectangular carrying sub-frame; b. at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; wherein said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members; two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween; each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

45. The frame according to claim 44, wherein at least one of the following is true: a. said first straight members releasably interconnecting said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members are of an identical cross dimension; a length of said terminal portions is equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members; and b. said second straight members releasably connecting said terminal portions of said two second Π-shaped members to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame are of an identical cross dimension and a length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members.

46. A compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods; said frame comprising: a. a rectangular carrying sub-frame; b. at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; wherein said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively; one of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type.

47. The frame according to claim 46, wherein each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

48. The container according to claim 47, wherein said first and second members are packable in a cornerwise nested manner.

49. A compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods; said frame comprising: a. a rectangular carrying sub-frame; b. at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; wherein said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other; each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other; each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other; each of said elongate portion has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Γ-shaped member has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member.

50. The frame according to claim 49, wherein said lengths of elongate portions of said first and second members are identical.

51. The frame according to claim 50, wherein said first and second members are packable in a cornerwise nested manner.

52. A compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods; said container comprising: a. a rectangular carrying sub-frame; b. supporting members 120 releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and c. a bag 230 downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; d. wherein said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members; two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween; each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

53. The container according to claim 52, wherein said first straight members releasably interconnecting said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members are of an identical cross dimension; a length of said terminal portions is equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members.

54. The container according to claim 52, wherein said second straight members releasably connecting said terminal portions of said two second Π-shaped members to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame are of an identical cross dimension and a length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members.

55. A compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods; said container comprising: a. a rectangular carrying sub-frame; b. supporting members 120 releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and c. a bag 230 downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; d. wherein said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively; one of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type.

56. The container according to claim 55, wherein each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

57. A compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods; said container comprising: a. a rectangular carrying sub-frame; b. at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; c. a bag 230 downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; d. wherein said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other; each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other; each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other; each of said elongate portion has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Γ-shaped member has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member.

58. The container according to claim 57, wherein said lengths of elongate portions of said first and second members are identical.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a plurality of embodiments is adapted to now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0028] FIGS. 1a to 1c are general schematic exploded general view of a frame and separated views of first and second Π-shaped members, respectively;

[0029] FIGS. 2a to 2c are schematic top views of exemplar flat packs;

[0030] FIGS. 3a and 3b are schematic assembled and exploded general views a frame formed by Γ-shaped members;

[0031] FIGS. 4a to 4d are general and enlarged partial views of a Γ-shaped member;

[0032] FIGS. 5a and 5b schematically illustrate bag securement to a sub-frame;

[0033] FIG. 6 is a general view of an alternative embodiment of a frame;

[0034] FIGS. 7a to 7e are prospective views of Γ-shaped members;

[0035] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an alternative flat pack; and

[0036] FIGS. 9a to 9c schematically illustrate reinforcement ribs of Γ-shaped members.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The following description is provided, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, are adapted to remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide a collapsible container for perishable goods and a method of storing and shipping the perishable goods.

[0038] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1a to 1c, presenting a schematic exploded general view of a frame 100 formed by Π-shaped and straight members. The frame comprises a rectangular carrying sub-frame 110 which is configured for securing a bag accommodating goods in bulk, for example, perishable fruits or vegetables. Sub-frame is supported by two supporting members 120. According to an exemplar embodiment of the present invention, sub-frame 110 comprises two first Π-shaped members 10 and two straight members 20. Supporting members 120 are identical. Each of them comprises one second Π-shaped member 30 and two straight members 40. Numeral 50 referring to interconnecting means is marked in the only location in order to not to over-complicate FIG. 1a.

[0039] In the assembled position, two first Π-shaped members 10 are interconnected by two straight members 20. Specifically, straight members 20 are connected to perpendicular terminal portions 15 contiguous to main portion 13 of first Π-shaped members 10. Concerning supporting members 120, two second Π-shaped members 30 are connected to sub-frame 110 via two straight members 40.

[0040] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2a to 2c, presenting exemplar embodiments of the present invention relating to packing the frame components during transportation in collapsed position to loading location.

[0041] Specifically, FIG. 2a shows relative orientation of two first or second Π-shaped members 10/30 toward each other. FIG. 2b presents an exemplar arrangement optimal for first Π-shaped members 10 packed with corresponding straight member 20. According to the present invention, straight members 20 of an identical cross dimension interconnect terminal portions 15 of first Π-shaped members 10. A length of terminal portions 15 is equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members 20. A volume of the obtained pack is minimized by placing straight members 20 between first Π-shaped members 10. Similar to components of sub-frame, straight members 40 of an identical cross dimension connect terminal portions 35 of second Π-shaped members 30. A length of terminal portions 15 is equal to four cross dimension of second straight members 40. Second straight members 40 are placed between second Π-shaped members 30.

[0042] Reference is now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, presenting schematic assembled and exploded general views a frame 200 formed by Γ-shaped members. Frame 200 comprises sub-frame 203 and two supporting members 205. Sub-frame 203 is formed by two pair of Γ-shaped members 210a and 210b differing from each other by a length thereof. Each Γ-shaped member has a main elongate portion with a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to the axis, respectively. One of the connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of a male type.

[0043] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4a to 4d, presenting Γ-shaped members 210a/210b in detail. Each Γ-shaped member 210a/210b has a longitudinal axis 211 and two connectors 215 and 217. As emphasized above, one of them, connector 215 is of a male type, while another connector 217 is of a female type. Connector 215 is configured to be inserted into connector 217 such that a releasable connection is established. Connector 217 is coaxial with axis 211, while an axis 218 of male connector 215 is perpendicular to longitudinal axis 211 of Γ-shaped member 210a/210b. Sub-frame 203 is formed when Γ-shaped members 210a/210b are successively interconnected, whereat each male connector 215 of preceding Γ-shaped member 210a/210b is inserted into female connector 217 of succeeding Γ-shaped member 210a/210b.

[0044] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5a and 5b, illustrating bag securement to a sub-frame. In FIG. 5a, bag has main portion 250 for accommodating the goods in bulk and a rim portion 270 of the bag. The rim portion is bent over when Γ-shaped members 210a/210b and mechanically secured to outer surface 260 of the main portion 250 of the bag. The portion 320 for accommodating the goods is downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame formed by Γ-shaped members 210a/210b such that goods to be loaded, stored or shipped within the portion 320 can be placed in its internal volume so formed.

[0045] An alternative embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3b, rim portion 270 is mechanically secured to Γ-shaped members 210a/210b. The bag can be of a rectangular cross-section enlarging from a bottom to the rim portion. The bag is secured to the frame by means of glue, clamps, sutures and any combination thereof.

[0046] Reference is now made to FIG. 6, showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Frame 300 comprises sub-frame 305 and Π-shaped members 308. Sub-frame 305 includes two pairs of Γ-shaped members 310 and 320 interconnected with each other. Each Π-shaped member 308 includes Γ-shaped members 330 and 340. Free ends of interconnected Γ-shaped members 330 and 340 are connected to sub-frame 305.

[0047] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7a to 7c, showing two Γ-shaped members 310 and 320. Γ-shaped member 310 includes two elongate members 314 orthogonally related to each other. Members 314 are provided with male connectors 312 at their free ends. Projections 317 are designed for stacking frames 300 one onto another. Slot 315 is configured for receiving free ends of Π-shaped members 308 (as described below). Numeral 319 refers to a projection configured for fastening male connector 312 within a counterpart.

[0048] Γ-shaped member 210 includes two elongate members 324 orthogonally related to each other. Members 324 are provided with female connectors 322 at their free ends. Projections 327 are designed for stacking frames 300 one onto another. Slot 325 is configured for receiving free ends of Π-shaped members 308 (as described below). Numeral 329 refers to a opening configured for fastening a counterpart (projection 319) within female connectors 322.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7b, male connector 312 inserted into female connector 322, thereat projection 319 in opening 329 secures male connector 312 within female connector 322.

[0050] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7d to 7e, showing two Γ-shaped members 330 and 340. Γ-shaped member 330 includes two elongate members 333 and 335 orthogonally related to each other, and male connector 337 with projection 339. Numeral 331 refers to free end 331 configured for connecting to sub-frame 305.

[0051] Γ-shaped member 340 includes two elongate members 343 and 345 orthogonally related to each other, and female connector 347 with projection 349. Numeral 341 refers to free end 331 configured for connecting to sub-frame 305.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7e, male connector 337 inserted into female connector 347, thereat projection 339 in opening 349 secures male connector 337 within female connector 347.

[0053] Reference is now made to FIG. 8, showing an alternative exemplar embodiment of the present invention relating to packing the frame components during transportation in collapsed position to loading location. Γ-shaped members 360 are placed into plat pack 350 in a cornerwise nested manner. According to one embodiment of the present invention, Γ-shaped members 310, 320, 330 and 340 have identical overall dimensions and can be treated at packing procedure as identical Γ-shaped members 360.

[0054] Reference is now made to FIGS. 9a to 9c, showing an exemplar reinforcing rib arrangement in Γ-shaped member 340. In non-limiting manner, elongate member 345 is provided with diagonal ribs 344 while elongate member 343 has internal longitudinal ribs 346.

[0055] According to the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid frame comprises: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

[0056] It is a core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members. The two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first straight members of an identical cross dimension releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members. A length of said terminal portions is equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members.

[0058] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the second straight members releasably connecting said terminal portions of said two second Π-shaped members to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame are of an identical cross dimension. A length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members.

[0059] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid frame comprising: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

[0060] It is another core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively. One of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type.

[0061] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible frame for supporting a soft bag accommodating perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid frame comprising: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame.

[0062] It is further core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart. Each of said first Γ-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member.

[0063] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the lengths of elongate portions of said first and second members are identical.

[0064] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first and second members are packable in a cornerwise nested manner.

[0065] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid container comprises (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (c) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods.

[0066] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid container comprises: (a) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (c) a bag 230 downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods.

[0067] It is further core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprising four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Γ-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Γ-shaped member.

[0068] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprising the steps of (a) providing said container comprising: (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises two oppositely positioned first Π-shaped members having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion each and two first straight members; two said first straight members releasably interconnect said terminal portions of said two first Π-shaped members therebetween; each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member having a main portion and two terminal portions perpendicular to said main portion and two second straight members releasably connecting said two terminal portions of said second Π-shaped member to said first Π-shaped members of said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed.

[0069] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprises packing two first and second Π-shaped members and straight members connectable thereto into compact flat pack.

[0070] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprises packing said first straight members of an identical cross dimension between said two first Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to two said cross dimension of first straight members.

[0071] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprises packing said four said second straight members of an identical cross dimension between two second Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members.

[0072] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprising the steps of (a) providing said container comprising: (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; and (iii) a bag downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods; said rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four successively connected to each other Γ-like shaped members; each Γ-like shaped member comprises a main elongate portion having a longitudinal axis and first and second terminal connectors oriented is along and perpendicularly to said axis, respectively; one of said connectors is of a female type, and another connector is of male type; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed;

[0073] It is a further core feature of the invention to provide the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said F -shaped members into said compact flat pack pairwise with opposite orientation; second connectors are directed to each other.

[0074] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing said supporting members further comprises providing two second Π-shaped members having terminal portions and straight members releasably connecting to said terminal portions; said straight members are of an identical cross dimension and a length of said terminal portions is equal to four said cross dimension of first straight members; The step of packing into flat packs comprises packing said four straight members of an identical cross dimension between two Π-shaped members having a length of said terminal portions equal to four said cross dimension of straight members.

[0075] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a method of transporting and storing perishable goods in a compactly transportable collapsible container for perishable goods is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) providing said container comprising (i) a rectangular carrying sub-frame; (ii) at least two supporting members releasably connectable to said rectangular carrying sub-frame; (iii) a bag 230 downwardly housed into the rectangular carrying sub-frame and configured for accommodating said perishable goods.

[0076] It is a further core feature of the invention to provide the rectangular carrying sub-frame comprises four first Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each supporting member comprises a second Π-shaped member comprises two second Γ-shaped members releasably connectable to each other. Each of said first and second members comprises two elongate portions arranged perpendicular to each other. Each of said elongate portions has a connector conformable to a counterpart; each of said first Π-shaped members has a corner slot configured for receiving a terminal of said second Π-shaped member; (b) packing into flat packs; (c) delivering to a loading location; (d) assembling said containers; (e) loading said containers with perishable goods; (f) shipping said containers to a delivery location; (g) unloading said containers; (h) cycling steps b to g, as needed.

[0077] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of packing into flat packs comprising packing said Γ-shaped members into said compact flat pack in a cornerwise nested manner.