Collapsible dairy crate

Abstract

A collapsible dairy crate includes a base to which side walls and end walls are pivotably mounted. The side walls and end walls can be collapsed inward onto the base for efficient shipping and storage when empty. At least one of the end walls (or both), is also capable of being pivoted outward. The at least one end wall may also be pivoted outward 90 degrees (i.e. generally parallel to the base) and may be further pivoted another 90 degrees to a position extending downward from the base. The crate may be unloaded onto the grocery shelf through the end opening the crate.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible crate comprising:
 a base;   a pair of opposed side walls pivotably connected to side edges of the base, and pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base; and   a pair of opposed end walls pivotably connected to end edges of the base and pivotable between an upright position and a collapsed position on the base, wherein at least one of the end walls is pivotable outward to a position extending downward from the base.   
     
     
         2 . The collapsible crate of  claim 1  wherein the base includes a pair of side flanges integrally molded with the base, the side walls pivotably and slidably connected to the side flanges. 
     
     
         3 . The collapsible crate of  claim 2  wherein the side walls are more than twice as long as the end walls. 
     
     
         4 . The collapsible crate of  claim 3  in combination with a plurality of containers stored therein in a single row. 
     
     
         5 . The collapsible crate of  claim 3  further including a plurality of latches selectively securing the end walls to the side walls. 
     
     
         6 . The collapsible crate of  claim 1  wherein the side walls are more than twice as long as the end walls. 
     
     
         7 . The collapsible crate of  claim 6  in combination with a plurality of containers stored therein in a single row. 
     
     
         8 . A method for delivering containers including the steps of:
 a) providing a crate carrying a plurality of containers arranged in a single row therein;   b) pivoting a first wall of the crate outward to an open position; and   c) sliding the plurality of containers on the base onto a shelf.   
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein in said step b) the first wall is pivoted outward and downward to the open position in which the first wall extends downward from the base. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  further including the step of sliding the plurality of containers on the first wall onto the shelf.