AU2012100016A4 - Collapsible Crate For Transportation And Display Of Pieces, And Method For Supplying And Merchandising Products - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The invention provides a novel collapsible transportation crate for the transportation and exhibition of non-self-supporting containers. The crate comprises a quadrilateral tray, which forms the bottom of the crate, and at least two lateral walls adapted pivotably to opposite edges of the tray, in respect of which the walls are pivotable into an erect position for operational mode of the crate, wherein the lateral walls are orthogonal to the tray and define a space for the contents, and into a folded position for return mode of the crate, wherein the lateral walls are parallel to the tray. The crate further comprises at least one supporting frame member adaptable to a laterally supporting position between the erected lateral walls on one lateral side of the crate so that at least one lateral side is left open, and to a folded position, wherein the supporting frame member is parallel the tray.

Description

AUSTRALIA ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION INNOVATION PATENT Invention Title: Collapsible crate for transportation and display of pieces, and method for supplying and merchandising products Name of Applicant: K. Hartwall Oy Ab Actual Inventor: Herrick Ramberg Johnan Linstrbm Address for service: WRAYS Ground Floor, 56 Ord Street West Perth WA 6005 Attorney code: WR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- I Collapsible crate for transportation and display of pieces, and method for supplying and merchandising products Field of the invention 5 The present invention relates to crates for handling goods. In particular, the present in vention relates to crates in which non-self-supporting packages, such as liquid or solid dairy products, bread or other fast moving consumer goods, are transported, stored and displayed. Prior art 10 The current trend of streamlining supply chains reverberates directly to the spatial and functional efficiency of the tools used in transporting goods from manufacturers or repackers to consumers. As a particular field of interest is to optimise the logistics of the supply chain to include as few handling steps as possible and to also rationalise reverse logistics, i.e. returning dollies, pallets and such back to the manufacturer or repacker. The 15 tools used in present-day logistics of consumer products include cell trays, prismatic crates of different sorts, dollies, pallets, and such. Cell trays are mostly suited for trans porting products, which can withstand external vertical loads so that products, such as beverage bottles, are loaded onto the trays, which can be then stacked on top of each oth er. Cell trays are a very advantageous way of transporting sturdy containers, since they 20 take up very little space and enable handling by forklift. However, certain consumer product packages are not designed to withstand external ver tical loads but rather to act as a protective shell to the contents. In fact, the current envi ronmentally conscious atmosphere tends to avoid excessive packing materials and sec ondary packaging. As a result, spatially very preferable cell trays cannot be used. Instead, 25 such products are packed and transported in various kinds of crates that can be used in forming stacks. The crates are typically collapsible or they have a rigid frame. The rigid frame crates usually have a bottom piece, to which is fixed four opposing side walls that have handles of some sort. As said, crates having four foldable walls are also known, wherein the four walls are foldable for collapsing the crate so that the crate takes up min 30 imal space during return logistics.

2 Disadvantages of the prior art However, known crates for non-self-supporting packages feature considerable disad vantages. As stated earlier, cell trays are not suitable for transporting "non-self supporting" containers. Rigid frame crates on the other hand are not very advantageous 5 in terms of return logistics since they take up quite a lot space when stacked. Known col lapsible crates provide remedy to the issue, but functionally speaking, known collapsible crates have been found rather labour intensive and lacking display value. In summary, none of the known transportation tools have been able to provide the combination of overall supply chain efficiency, display value and easy merchandising, user-friendliness, 10 efficient in-store handling and consumer convenience. The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. 15 Aim of the invention The aim of the present invention is to solve at least some of the above identified prob lems of the prior art and to provide an improved crate for transporting and handling non self-supporting containers as well as a method for supplying and displaying products. Summary 20 It has been noticed that a collapsible crate having two lateral walls and a supporting frame member engaged to support the walls is rigid enough for transporting most non self-supporting products, such as liquid and solid consumer products, like dairy, bakery or beverage packages, or components, like individual parts or sub-assemblies, for other branches of industry. By having only two lateral walls and a supporting frame member in 25 between, at least one side wall is left exposed, which makes it possible to exhibit the products directly in the crates without shelving or further handling steps. The invention is thus based on the concept of a novel collapsible transportation crate for the transportation and exhibition of particularly non-self-supporting containers. The crate comprises a quadrilateral tray, which forms the bottom of the crate, and at least two lateral walls con 30 nected pivotably to opposite edges of the tray. The walls are, on the one hand, pivotable 3 into an erect position for operational mode of the crate, wherein the lateral walls are or thogonal to the tray and define a space for the contents. The walls are, on the other hand, pivotable into a folded position for return mode of the crate, wherein the lateral walls are parallel to the tray. The crate further comprises at least one supporting frame member, 5 which is adaptable to a laterally supporting position between the erected lateral walls on one lateral side of the crate so that at least one lateral side is left open. The supporting frame member is also adaptable to a folded position, wherein the supporting frame mem ber is parallel the tray. According to one preferred embodiment, the supporting frame member is a third lateral 10 wall, wherein the crate comprises three foldable lateral walls adapted pivotably to corre sponding three separate edges of the tray. One lateral side and the top side of the crate are therefore open when the lateral walls are in the erect position. According to another embodiment, the supporting frame member is an open rectangular frame-like piece, which comprises two side portions connected pivotably to an edge 15 piece of the tray and one top portion connecting the side portions. The top portion and the side portions define an open zone, whereby the side of the crate is left open. Accord ing to a further embodiment, the crate comprises two such frame members, which are adapted on opposite edge pieces of the tray. More specifically, the crate according to the invention is characterized by what is stated 20 in the characterizing portion of claim 1. On the other hand, the method according to the invention is based on the concept of sup plying and merchandising products, where products are loaded into a crate according to claim 1, where after the crate is transported to a place of commerce, where the containers are exhibited to the customers at first hand in the crate. Emptied crates are collapsed by 25 folding the walls to a folded position for benefiting return logistics. More specifically, the method according to the invention is characterized by what is stat ed in the characterizing portion of claim 15. The present invention further provides a collapsible crate for transportation and display of pieces, particularly non-self-supporting containers , the crate comprising: 4 - a quadrilateral tray forming the bottom of the crate, and - at least two lateral walls connected pivotably to opposite edges of the tray , in respect of which the walls are pivotable into i) an erect position for operational mode of the crate ,wherein the lateral walls 5 are orthogonal to the tray and define a space for the contents , and into ii) a folded position for return mode of the crate , wherein the lateral walls are parallel to the tray , - at least one supporting frame member which is a third lateral wall which is adaptable to a 10 i) laterally supporting position between the erected lateral walls on one lateral side of the crate so that at least one lateral side is left open, and to a ii) folded position, wherein the supporting frame member is parallel the tray , wherein the crate comprises three foldable lateral walls adapted pivotably to corresponding three 15 separate edges of the tray , wherein one lateral side and the top side of the crate are open when the lateral walls are in the erect position, characterized in that the tray has an upstanding frontal edge piece fixed to the tray whereby there is no angular movement therebetween, the upstanding frontal edge piece is lower than any wall or supporting frame member when in the erect position. 20 Preferably the two opposing lateral walls are folded on top of each other in the folded position of the crate. Preferably all lateral walls are folded on top of each other in the folded position of the crate . Preferably the supporting frame member is an open rectangular frame-like piece compris 25 ing: 5 - two side portions connected pivotably to an edge piece of the tray and - one top portion connecting the side portions, wherein the top portion and the side portions define an open zone. Preferably the crate comprises two frame members adapted on opposite edge pieces of 5 the tray. Preferably the front edge piece has a height at most 50 per cent of that of any wall or supporting frame member. Preferably the front edge piece has a height at most that of the stack of walls and support ing frame members in a folded position. 10 Preferably the walls have an undulated profile for sufficient structural rigidity. Preferably the lateral walls are adapted pivotably to the edges of the tray with integrated hinges . Preferably the crate further has: - recesses in the bottom face of the tray , and 15 - protruding locking pieces , which are provided to the terminal ends of the walls and which are adapted to engage with the recesses on the bottom face of the tray or other handling equipment, such as a cell tray, stacked on top of the crate. Preferably the lower outer faces of the tray are equipped with means for positioning and securing neighbouring crates to each other. 20 Preferably means for positioning and securing neighbouring crates to each other are groove sets . Preferably there are apertures in at least one wall, preferably the rear wall, for accommo dating engagement with an external gripper or suchlike.

6 Preferably the crate is equipped with a cover sheet adaptable removably to cover the open sides of the crate. The present invention further provides a method for supplying non-self supporting con tainers, characterized in that 5 - a plurality of containers are loaded into a crate as herein before described, - the crate is transported to a place of commerce, - the containers are exhibited to the customers at first hand in the crate, and in that - the emptied crate is collapsed by folding the walls to a folded position for bene 10 fiting return logistics. The present invention further provides a collapsible crate for transportation and display of goods, particularly non-self-supporting containers , the crate comprising: - a tray forming the bottom of the crate, - a front edge portion upstanding from a front edge of the tray; and 15 - at least three lateral walls pivotally connected to the opposed sides and rear edges of the tray, the walls being movable between i) a folded position wherein the crate is collapsed for ease of storage and transportation, and ii) an erect position wherein the at least three lateral walls are substantially 20 orthogonal to the tray such that the crate may support the goods, whereby when in the erect condition the front of the crate is open above the front edge portion to allow access to the goods supported therein. The present invention further provides a crate for transportation and display of goods, particularly non-self-supporting containers , the crate being movable between an erect 25 position, whereby the crate may support the goods, and a folded position, whereby the crate is collapsed for ease of storage and transportation, the crate comprising: - a tray forming the bottom section of the crate, the tray having a substantially flat base, 7 - at least three walls pivotally connected to respective first , second and third edg es of the tray such the at least three walls are movable between an upstanding po sition wherein the crate is in the erect position, and a stored position, wherein the crate is in the folded position, 5 - an edge portion extending upwardly from the base to provide a fourth edge of the tray, the fourth edge terminating a distance below the at least three walls when the crate is in the erect position such that the area above the edge portion is open. Advantages gained with aid of the invention 10 Considerable advantages are gained with the aid of the present invention. Because the novel structure comprises two foldable side walls and a supporting frame member sup porting the two foldable side walls, one lateral side of the crate is open, whereby the con tents are exhibited within the crate even when the crates are stacked. Since the contents are visible from the crate, the contents do not necessarily have to be shelved or further 15 handled prior to exposure to the end user. As a result, the crate stacks can be transported directly accessible to the end user. Indeed, the invention provides for reduced need for in store handling and shelving from crates, high display value and consumer convenience compared to known structures. The novel foldable three wall structure also provides suf ficiently secure, stabile, rigid and convenient handling and the contents of the crate can 20 be loaded as well as unloaded by using both the lateral and upper opening in the crate. Furthermore, the folding walls significantly reduce the need of space for empty crates compared to rigid frame crates, for example. The collapsing feature of the crate results in high, about 3 to 1, nesting efficiency in return logistics and warehousing of empty crates. Brief description of the drawings 25 In the following, some embodiments of the present invention are described with refer ence to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 presents an isometric view of a crate according to one embodiment of the present invention, 8 Fig. 2 presents an isometric view of the crate of Fig. I loaded with dairy product contain ers, Fig. 3 presents an isometric view of the crate of Fig. I in a partially folded position, Fig. 4 presents an isometric view of the crate of Fig. I in a folded position, 5 Fig. 5 presents a rear isometric view of the crate of Fig. 1, Fig. 6 presents an isometric view of a plurality of crates of Fig. 4 stacked on top of each other, Fig. 7 presents an isometric view of a stack of crates of Fig. 2 loaded onto a dolly, Fig. 8 presents an isometric view of a crate of Fig. I equipped with a cover sheet, 10 Fig. 9 presents an isometric rear view of a crate according to another embodiment of the invention, Fig. 10 presents an isometric rear view of a crate of Fig. 9 in a partially folded position, and Fig. 1 presents an isometric frontal view of a crate according to yet another embodiment 15 of the invention. Detailed description ofpreferred embodiments The invention provides a novel collapsible crate, which features a quadrilateral tray form ing the bottom of the crate. The crate also comprises at least two lateral walls, which are adapted pivotably to separate edges of the tray so that the lateral walls are pivotable into 20 a folded position and into an erect position. When the walls are folded down to flank the tray, the crate assumes a return mode, whereby the crate is collapsed for minimizing space consumption in return logistics. When the walls are in the erect position, the crate assumes an operational mode, whereby the lateral walls define a space for the contents of the crate. When erected, the walls are essentially orthogonal in relation to the tray. The 25 crate further comprises at least one supporting frame member other than the tray. The supporting frame member is adapted to be pivoted to a supporting position, wherein the 9 supporting frame member provides lateral support between two erected opposing lateral walls. When the supporting frame member is arranged between the two erected lateral walls, at least one lateral side of the crate is left open. The at least one supporting frame member is also adapted to be pivoted to a folded position, wherein it flanks the lateral 5 walls in a folded position. In other words, the supporting and folded positions of the sup porting frame member contribute respectively to the operational and return modes of the crate. According to the present invention, there are several ways of providing a crate capable of establishing the technical effect of the novel concept. At least three alternative embodi 10 ments are described herein. One particularly preferable embodiment is illustrated in Figs. I - 7 and described in the immediate following. As illustrated in Fig. I and according to one preferred embodiment of the present inven tion, the crate I has four major pieces, which form a prismatic transportation and display platform. The crate 1 according to the invention can be designed to an arbitrary size, but 15 the dimensions are preferably selected to optimize the occupation of local transportation pallets, dollies (Fig. 7) and such as well as to provide a suitable fit for a certain amount of the intended contents. Furthermore, the crate I can be manufactured from a vast number of materials using a wide selection of manufacturing techniques. However, catering for low manufacturing costs in high production volume, a preferable material would be an 20 injection moulded polymer, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. According to another alternative embodiment, the crate 1 is manufactured from high tensile steel wire, which is braid to form mesh profiles that are assembled to form the crate 1. The tray 10 acts as a chassis to which the other components are attached. The tray 10 has a quadrilateral, preferably rectangular, plate-like mesh 11, which is flanked by four inter 25 connected edge pieces 6, 7, 8, 9 (Figs. 1 and 5). As noted in the figures these edge pieces are upstanding in relation to the mesh 11. The mesh 11 is a bottom piece, onto which the non-self-supporting containers are loaded. In this context the term non-self-supporting refers to structures that have sufficient rigidity for only supporting their own weight and contents, i.e. non-self-supporting bodies cannot withstand significant external forces and 30 are therefore not intended to be stacked on top of each other. For this reason cell trays cannot be applied to non-self-supporting bodies, which is the case in, for example, dairy 10 product packages (Fig. 2), tea bag boxes, packets of crisps and such. While the crate I according to the invention is naturally applicable also to other kinds of pieces, i.e. sup porting containers such bottles, the invention is especially suitable for non-self supporting containers. 5 As said, the mesh 11 is flanked by edge pieces 6, 7, 8, 9 which are interconnected at the corners of the quadrilateral tray 10. The corners of the tray 10 are preferably rounded or chamfered to avoid sharp external edges. The edge pieces 6, 7, 8, 9 can be provided in several alternative ways. According to one embodiment, the edge pieces 6, 7, 8, 9 are made to form an enclosure-like structure, which has been provided with vertical through 10 holes. The pieces are open from the top and bottom and have inner and outer partitions, to the middle of which has been provided lathing for improved rigidity. This embodiment is advantageous for manufacturing reasons. According to another embodiment, the edge pieces 6, 7, 8, 9 have a sandwich structure for superior rigidity in other applications re quiring such robust endurance. According to yet another embodiment, the structure can 15 be hollow with assisting gas within the cavity. As can be seen from Figs. I and 5, the front edge piece 6 and the rear edge piece 8 have a thicker structure than the first and second lateral edge pieces 7, 9 that connect the former two. The edge pieces 6, 7, 8, 9 are preferably equipped with means for positioning and securing neighbouring crates 1 to each other. According to one embodiment, the outer 20 faces of the edge pieces 6, 7, 8, 9 of the crate I are provided with groove sets 12, 13, 14, 15. As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 5, front edge piece 6 and the rear edge piece 8 have a female side locking groove set 12 and a male side locking groove set 13. The groove sets 12, 13, 14, 15 are a plurality banded protrusions, which form grooves between them. The groove sets 12, 13 are mirrored between the front and the rear edge piece 6, 8 so that 25 when a plurality of crates I are aligned sequentially, the female groove set 12 of the front edge piece 6 of the latter crate I engages with the male groove set 13 of the rear edge piece 8 of the former crate, and vice versa. The lateral edge pieces 7, 9 are provided with equivalent groove sets 14, 15, in which the female groove set 14 has two nested protru sions, between which is a groove for receiving a corresponding male groove set 15, 30 which is a rectangular protrusion. The means for positioning and securing neighbouring crates I to each other may also have other manifestations according to the invention.

I1 The crate 1 according to the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises three fold able lateral walls 20, 30, 40, which define a space there between for the contents 50 of the crate I (Figs. I and 2). In this context the two opposing walls are referred to as the first and second side wall 20, 40, respectively. The wall connecting the first and second 5 side wall 20, 40 is referred to as the rear wall 30. The rear wall 30, therefore, forms the pivotable supporting frame member, which provides lateral support for the first and se cond side wall 20, 40 and is foldable for return mode. To be precise, the rear wall 30 en gages with the first and second wall 20, 40 with the purpose of preventing the walls 20, 40 from folding in. The fourth side, which is referred to as the frontal side, is therefore 10 exposed. However, according to one embodiment of the invention, the fast front edge piece 6 of the tray 10 is elevated from the mesh 11 so that the front edge piece 6 supports the contents of the crate I from the front. The front edge 6 is lower than any of the walls 20, 30, 40. According to a further embodiment, the front edge piece 6 has a height at most 50 per cent of that of any of the walls 20, 30, 40. On the other hand, the front edge 15 piece 6 preferably has a height matching at least the height of the lateral walls 20, 30, 40 when they are folded on top of each other, i.e. the crate I is collapsed. A front edge piece 6 of described height therefore provides protection for the folded walls 20, 30, 40 when, for example, empty crates 1 are stacked on top of each other. The front edge piece 6 therefore does not rotate relative to the mesh. While the front side of the crate 1 is not 20 completely exposed from the mesh 11 up, it is, in this context, considered to be open be cause it is not covered by a wall but rather by a edge piece of the tray at the bottom, whereby the contents of the crate I is exposed so that the contents can be removed from the crate I through the side in question. Likewise, the side opposing the mesh 11 of the tray 10, i.e. the top side, is also open. 25 The walls 20, 30, 40 can be constructed in several ways. According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the walls 20, 30, 40 are plates made of an un dulated profile, which provides outstanding structural rigidity. The walls 20, 30, 40 are pivotably connected to the tray 10, in particular to the corresponding edge piece 6, 7, 8, 9, through hinges 19 (Fig. 3). According to one preferred embodiment, the hinges 19 are 30 integrated hinges, which consist of a thin film of the same material as the tray 10 and walls 20, 30, 40. The integrated hinges therefore provide a continuous pivoting connec tion between the walls 20, 30, 40 and the tray 10. The hinged connection can also be ac- 12 complished in an alternative suitable manner. Due to said hinged connection, the walls 20, 30, 40 are foldable to a folded position and to an erect position in respect to the tray 10. In other words the walls 20, 30, 40 can be folded down parallel to the mesh 11, wherein the crate I is collapsed, or the walls 20, 30, 40 can be pivoted to an erect posi 5 tion, wherein the crate I is assembled. As is further apparent from Fig. 3, the edge pieces 7, 8, 9 are designed to be of different height so that hinges 19 are on different heights, whereby both side walls 20, 40, for example, fit under the folded rear wall 30. Respec tively, the first lateral edge piece 7 connected to the first side wall 20 is elevated at a dis tance from the mesh 11 corresponding to the thickness of the second side wall 40. 10 As is apparent from Fig. 5, the walls 20, 30, 40 of the crate I are provided with apertures 21, 31 for accommodating engagement with an external gripper or suchlike. The aper tures 21, 31 are designed so that, they conform to the local material handling equipment, such as a specific type of grippers used for automatic handling. Apertures are preferably also provided to enable easy grabbing by hand (see horizontal apertures in side walls 20, 15 40). According to a preferred embodiment, the free ends of the lateral walls 20, 30, 40 are further equipped with locking pieces 16, which are adapted to engage to corresponding recesses (not shown) in the bottom face of the tray 10. The locking pieces 16 have two functions. The first function is to position and secure crates I to each other when crates 1 20 are stacked on top of each other (Fig. 7). The second function is to provide rigidity to the crate 1, when crates I are stacked on top of each other. In fact, with the aid of the locking pieces, it is possible to provide a quadrilateral support for a trilateral crate, when the crates I are stacked. In a stacked position, the tray 10 of the upper crate 1 acts as an addi tional stiffening ceiling piece for the lower crate 1. For further making the structure more 25 rigid, the side walls 20, 40 are preferably equipped with brackets (not shown), which are adapted to lock into corresponding receptive openings (not shown) in the rear wall 30. The locking piece arrangement further provides for a possibility of stacking crates I ac cording to the invention as well as other cargo handling equipment, such as cell trays, having appropriate locking pieces and recesses in the bottom surface. This possibility 30 significantly improves the flexibility and efficiency of transport systems.

13 According to a further embodiment, the crate I is equipped with an external cover sheet 70 (Fig. 8) for protecting the contents and sealing the crate 1. For example, the cover sheet 70 can be made of card board and applied to the cage 1 upon loading it. It is prefer ably provided with holes for easy removal. When the crate I is supplied to the place of 5 commerce, the cover sheet 70 is removed for displaying the contents and for providing access to the crate 1. The cover sheet 70 is preferably adapted to engage with a shape of the crate I so that the cover sheet 70 seals the crate I for indicating the integrity of the contents. Such a shape could be vertical grooves on the inner front surfaces of the first and second lateral wall 20, 40, into which grooves the cover sheet can be slid. Further 10 more, the applied cover sheet 70 can be used to protect the contents from external influ ences such as dust or dirt. Alternatively or additionally, edged cover sheet 70 can be used for forming multiple layers within the crate in a case, where the contents are short enough. The cover sheets 70 can be attached to the crate I by shape joints, by gluing or by other attachment methods. 15 As said, the crate I according to above-described embodiment of the present invention is especially suitable for transporting and displaying non-self-supporting containers 50, such as dairy products, e.g. milk cartons. Crates I are preferably stored in a collapsed position before they are loaded with the intended contents (Figs. 4 and 6). Prior to load ing, the walls 20, 30, 40 are pivoted to an erect position, whereupon they are locked to 20 each other through the engagement of the locking brackets of the side walls 20, 40 and the openings of the rear wall 30 (Fig. 3). When the crate 1 is assembled (Fig. 1), the con tents can be inserted by descending the containers 50 vertically into the crate 1 or capital izing the open frontal side of the crate I (Fig. 2). Loaded crates I can be conveyed onto pallets, dollies 60 (Fig. 7) or other transportation platforms with suitable means. Accord 25 ing to one embodiment the loaded crates I are transported by using a gripper, which en gages with the apertures 21, 31 of the walls 20, 30, 40. Once the crates 1 are loaded onto dollies 60 or alike, they are transported to be displayed and ultimately sold, whereby the crates I do not have to be unloaded. Thanks to the open frontal side of the crate 1, the products 50 can be sold straight off the crate 1. When the 30 crates 1 are stacked on top of each other (Fig. 7), the consumer is able to select any one of the containers 50 without having to dismantle the stack. As a result, the first stack of 14 crates 1 may be sold out, where after the first stack is removed or the dolly 60 is turned around, thus exposing a new stack of full crates 1, providing the stacks are built back-to back. Once a crate 1 is empty, it is easily collapsed by pivoting the walls 20, 30, 40 into a folded position, as illustrated in Fig. 6. Because the crates 1 are collapsible on top of the 5 tray 10, they require very little space and, on the other hand, can be loaded onto a similar dolly 60 for the return route. This is particularly advantageous, since the collapsed crates I leave a similar foot print as the assembled crates 1, while requiring less height. As said, the above-described embodiment featuring two opposing lateral walls 20, 40 and a rear wall 30 acting as a supporting frame member is one advantageous way of imple 10 menting the invention. According to another embodiment illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the supporting frame member 30 can be provided with an open rectangular frame-like piece made, for example, from a single bent high-tensile steel wire. The supporting frame member 30 according to the embodiment is considered open because, while in an erect position, the lateral side in question is left open. In other words, the frame-like member 15 30 features only the edges of a wall, whereby the portions define an open zone within. The supporting frame member 30 according to the embodiment has two side portions, which are connected pivotably to the tray 10, and one top portion, which connects the side portions. The supporting frame member 30 is pivotable to a folded position, wherein it is folded down to flank the tray 10, and to a supporting position, wherein it is erected to 20 an essentially 90 degree angle to the tray 10. The supporting position, therefore, corre sponds to the erected position of the lateral walls 20, 40. When the two opposing lateral walls 20, 40 are in an erect position and the supporting frame member 30 is in a support ing position (Fig. 9), the corners between the side portions and the top portion of the sup porting frame member 30 engage with the rear faces of the opposing first and second 25 lateral wall 20, 40. These faces are preferably equipped with a receiving groove for ac commodating the pieces of the member 30. When in a supporting position, the support ing frame member 30 provides lateral support for the lateral walls 20, 40, wherein the member 30 prevents the walls 20, 40 from folding down, while leaving two lateral sides of the crate I open. 30 When collapsing the crate I (Fig. 10), the lateral walls 20, 40 are folded down normally, after or before which the supporting frame member 30 is folded down to flank the tray 10 15 or a folded wall 20, 40. The bottom ends of the vertical portions of the member are pref erably bent in a 90 degree angle and adapted to corresponding receiving holes in the tray 10 (Figs. 9 and 10). This insertion fit provides a joint, about which the member 30 is pivotable to the folded and supporting position. A similar joint structure may also be 5 constructed in an alternative way without departing from the scope of the present inven tion. The member 30 can alternatively be pivotably adapted either of the lateral walls 20, 40, whereby the member 30 would comprise only the horizontal top portion. The top portion of the member 30 can be pivotably attached to the terminal end of either lateral wall 20, 10 40. The other lateral wall 20, 40 would correspondingly have a receiving slot for accom modating the terminal end of the top portion of the member 30. The supporting frame member 30 can also have other embodiments within the scope of the present invention. According to yet another embodiment of the present invention and as illustrated in Fig. 15 11, the crate 1 comprises two supporting frame members 30 illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10. Because the frame members 30 do not cover the sides of the crate 1, on which they are adapted, two sides of the crate I are left open. The supporting frame members 30 are provided as described above and are adapted to be pivoted on the one hand to a folded position and on the other hand to a supporting position, wherein the lateral walls 20, 40 20 are supported laterally from two sides. In this context the term comprise is used to indicate inclusion instead of limitation, i.e. in addition to the stated elements, other elements may also be present. Furthermore, the above description is only to exemplify the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection defined by the claims. Indeed, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in 25 the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all re spects as illustrative and not restrictive.

16 Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclu sion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

17 Table 1: List of reference numbers. I crate 16 locking piece 6 front edge piece 19 hinges 7 first lateral edge piece 20 first side wall 8 rear edge piece 21 aperture 9 second lateral edge piece 30 supporting frame member 10 tray 31 aperture 11 mesh 40 second side wall 12 female side locking groove 50 container set 13 male side locking groove set 60 dolly 14 female side locking groove 70 cover sheet set 15 male side locking groove set

Claims (17)

1. Collapsible crate for transportation and display of pieces, particularly non-self supporting containers , the crate comprising: - a quadrilateral tray forming the bottom of the crate, and 5 - at least two lateral walls adapted pivotably to opposite edges of the tray , in re spect of which the walls are pivotable into i) an erect position for operational mode of the crate , wherein the lateral walls are orthogonal to the tray and define a space for the contents , and into 10 ii) a folded position for return mode of the crate , wherein the lateral walls are parallel to the tray , - at least one supporting frame member which is a third lateral wall which is adapt able to a i) laterally supporting position between the erected lateral walls on one lateral 15 side of the crate so that at least one lateral side is left open, and to a ii) folded position, wherein the supporting frame member is parallel the tray, wherein the crate comprises three foldable lateral walls adapted pivotably to corresponding three separate edges of the tray , wherein one lateral side and the top side of the 20 crate are open when the lateral walls are in the erect position, characterized in that the tray has an upstanding frontal edge piece fixed to the tray whereby there is no angular movement therebetween, the upstanding frontal edge piece is lower than any wall or supporting frame member when in the erect posi tion. 25

2. Transport crate according to claim 1, wherein the two opposing lateral walls are folded on top of each other in the folded position of the crate.

3. Transport crate according to claim I or 2, wherein all lateral walls are folded on top of each other in the folded position of the crate .

4. Transport crate according to claim 1, 2 or 3, 30 characterized in that the supporting frame member is an open rectangular frame- 19 like piece comprising: - two side portions connected pivotably to an edge piece of the tray and - one top portion connecting the side portions, wherein the top portion and the side portions define an open zone.

5 5. Transport crate according to claim 4, characterized in that the crate comprises two frame members adapted on opposite edge pieces of the tray .

6. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims , characterized in that the front edge piece has a height at most 50 per cent of that of 10 any wall or supporting frame member.

7. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the front edge piece has a height at most that of the stack of walls and supporting frame members in a folded position.

8. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims, 15 characterized in that the walls have an undulated profile for sufficient structural rigidity.

9. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lateral walls are connected pivotably to the edges of the tray with integrated hinges . 20

10. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crate further has: - recesses in the bottom face of the tray , and - protruding locking pieces , which are provided to the terminal ends of the walls and which are adapted to engage with the recesses on the bottom face of the tray or 25 other handling equipment, such as a cell tray, stacked on top of the crate.

11. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower outer faces of the tray are equipped with means for positioning and securing neighbouring crates to each other. 20

12. Transport crate according to claim 11, characterized in that means for positioning and securing neighbouring crates to each other are groove sets .

13. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims, 5 characterized in that apertures in at least one wall, preferably the rear wall, for ac commodating engagement with an external gripper or suchlike.

14. Transport crate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the crate is equipped with a cover sheet adaptable removably to cover the open sides of the crate. 10

15. Method for supplying non-self supporting containers, characterized in that - a plurality of containers are loaded into a crate , the crate being in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, - the crate is transported to a place of commerce, 15 - the containers are exhibited to the customers at first hand in the crate, and in that - the emptied crate is collapsed by folding the walls to a folded position for benefit ing return logistics.

16. A collapsible crate for transportation and display of goods, particularly non-self supporting containers , the crate comprising: 20 - a tray forming the bottom of the crate, - a front edge portion upstanding from a front edge of the tray; and - at least three lateral walls pivotally connected to the opposed sides and rear edges of the tray, the walls being movable between i) a folded position wherein the crate is collapsed for ease of storage and 25 transportation, and ii) an erect position wherein the at least three lateral walls are substantially orthogonal to the tray such that the crate may support the goods, whereby when in the erect condition the front of the crate is open above the front edge portion to allow access to the goods supported therein. 30 21

17. A crate for transportation and display of goods, particularly non-self-supporting containers , the crate being movable between an erect position, whereby the crate may support the goods, and a folded position, whereby the crate is collapsed for ease of storage and transportation, the crate comprising: 5 - a tray forming the bottom section of the crate, the tray having a substantially flat base, - at least three walls pivotally connected to respective first , second and third edges of the tray such the at least three walls are movable between an upstanding position wherein the crate is in the erect position, and a stored position, wherein the crate is 10 in the folded position, - an edge portion extending upwardly from the base to provide a fourth edge of the tray, the fourth edge terminating a distance below the at least three walls when the crate is in the erect position such that the area above the edge portion is open.