Returnable recyclable container having reinforced forklift entries

Abstract

A collapsible, reusable, and recyclable container is disclosed having reinforced entry-ways for the tines of a forklift.

1 . A container structure comprising: 
 a main body portion which may be collapsed after use to reduce the overall volume to facilitate the return thereof; and    a base portion for receiving a lifting mechanism wherein the opening is provided with a reinforcement to militate against damage.    
   
   
       2 . A container comprising: 
 an upstanding side wall normally defining a first zone for containing articles to be shipped, said side wall including at least two spaced apart generally parallel panels having upper and lower marginal edges, each panel being foldable about respective axes to enable said side wall to be selectively collapsed from a position defining the first zone to a position defining a second zone of decreased volume; and    a base portion normally receiving the lower marginal edges of the panels of said side wall to enable said side wall to normally define the first zone for containing articles to be shipped, said base portion including a bottom panel having a cooperating rim wall for supporting said side wall in an upstanding position and of sufficient height to receive said side wall in a collapsed position.    
   
   
       3 . The container defined in  claim 2  wherein the upper marginal edges of said side wall are formed by a portion of said side wall being folded upon itself.  
   
   
       4 . The container defined in  claim 2  wherein the lower marginal edges of said side wall and said base portion are provided with aligned entryways for receiving the tines of a lifting mechanism.  
   
   
       5 . The container defined in  claim 3  including a top positioned over the upper marginal edges of said side wall and covering the first zone defined by said side wall.  
   
   
       6 . The container defined in  claim 4  including reinforcing inserts disposed within the entryways of said side wall and said base portion.  
   
   
       7 . The container defined in  claim 2  wherein the upper and lower marginal edges of the parallel panels of said side wall are parallel.  
   
   
       8 . The container defined in  claim 7  wherein the respective axes are generally perpendicular to the marginal edges.  
   
   
       9 . The container defined in  claim 2  wherein each of the parallel panels is provided with crease lines to facilitate the following of the respective panels of said side wall.