Container system with interlock and collapsible capabilities

Abstract

A container system for use with a forklift, includes a plurality of containers, each container including side and end walls and having interlocking structure cooperatively arranged whereby adjacent containers are connectable to each other and a base secured relative to each container. The base is dimensioned to support the container and being adapted to couple with the blade of the forklift to permit placement and transport of the containers in an interlocked relation thereof. Each container may be collapsible to facilitate storage thereof.

1 . A container system for use with a forklift, which comprises:
 a plurality of containers, each container including side and end walls and having interlocking structure cooperatively arranged whereby adjacent containers are connectable to each other; and   a base secured relative to each container, the base dimensioned to support the container and being adapted to couple with the blade of the forklift to permit placement and transport of the containers in an interlocked relation thereof.   
     
     
         2 . The container system according to  claim 1  wherein each container includes first and second bases connected to the container with respective pedestals, whereby the distance between the pedestals is at least equal to the width of the blade of the forklift such that a gap is defined therebetween for reception of the blade. 
     
     
         3 . The container system according to  claim 2  wherein each container includes male and female runners, the male and female runners of adjacent containers cooperating to connect the adjacent containers. 
     
     
         4 . The container system according to  claim 3  wherein each container includes first and second end walls, and first and second side walls, the first end and side walls having the male runners, the second end and side walls having the female runners. 
     
     
         5 . The container system according to  claim 3  wherein the interlocking structure is dimensioned and arranged to directly couple three containers. 
     
     
         6 . The container system according to  claim 5  wherein the interlocking structure includes a runner adjacent each corner of the container, each runner having opposed rails and opposed grooves, the rail of a first container being cooperatively received within a groove of a second container to connect the first and second containers. 
     
     
         7 . The container system according to  claim 6  including a third container having the interlocking structure, whereby the rails of the interlocking structure of the third container are received within a groove of the first container and the remaining groove of the third container. 
     
     
         8 . The container system according to  claim 4  wherein each container is collapsible. 
     
     
         9 . The container system according to  claim 8  wherein each container includes a collapsible frame operatively connected to the first and second end walls and the first and second side walls. 
     
     
         10 . The container system according to  claim 9  wherein each collapsible frame includes vertical segments connected to the first and second end walls and the first and second side walls, and horizontal segments, the horizontal segments being pivotally mounted relative to each other to permit movement of the horizontal segments between open and approximated conditions thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The container system according to  claim 10  wherein adjacent end walls and side walls are adapted to fold upon relative to each other upon movement of the horizontal segments to the approximated condition.