At a glance
| Patent number | CN218752585U (application CN202220526265) |
| Type | China utility model (实用新型) - protects product shape and structure |
| Original title | A Foldable Box Type Container and Tray (一种可折叠箱式容器及托盘) |
| Patent owner | Ningbo Sanyou Environmental Protection Technology Co ltd |
| Inventors | Wu Fei |
| Filing date | 2022-03-10 |
| Grant date | 2023-03-28 |
| Status (China) | In force - valid until at most 2032-03-10, subject to payment of annual fees |
| Patent family | Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed |
| Cited by | 2 later documents |
| Source | Google Patents (search for CN218752585U) |
What the claims cover, in plain language
Claim 1 defines a collapsible container comprising a bottom plate with an upward protruding slot in the center for inserting a steel pipe, and a protruding connecting part on the periphery. Side panels are hinged to the bottom plate. These panels include a pair of long side plates and a pair of short side plates. The long plates have bayonet sockets on their sides that cooperate with clamping posts on the short plates. The long plates also have hooks that connect with the bases of the short plates. An upper edge of the side panels features a buttress mouth column structure that cooperates with notches around the bottom surface of the bottom plate for stacking.
Claim 2 covers a similar structure but omits the steel pipe slot requirement, focusing on the interlocking panel mechanism and stacking features.
Claims 3-7 detail additional features such as cross-shaped support ribs on the underside, specific height ratios between short and long panels, bent structures on clamping posts, handles with RFID/nameplate mounts, and a top cover secured by crenellated structures aligned with holes in the lid.
This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.
What this means for US production
This patent was filed only in China and is currently in force there. It has no US or other foreign counterpart.
Two points to settle early:
- Other patents may exist. Collapsible logistics containers are a competitive field with many existing patents covering various folding geometries, latching mechanisms, and stacking interfaces. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is essential before importing or manufacturing this specific design in the US market to ensure no infringement of local IP rights.
- Material specification. The patent mentions steel pipes for reinforcement but does not specify the polymer grade for the plastic body. For US buyers, food-grade or industrial-grade resin selection must be confirmed based on intended use.
Customization and manufacturing
What can be customized
| Area | Options |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Length, width, and height adjusted to pallet standards (e.g., 1200x1000mm base). |
| Load Capacity | Wall thickness and rib density modified for different static and dynamic loads. |
| Color | Standard black, blue, red, or custom Pantone colors for brand identification. |
| Features | Optional drain plugs, sealant grooves for lids, or fork-lift entry channels. |
| Tracking | Integrated RFID chip pockets or QR code labels on handles. |
Things to plan for (US market)
- FDA 21 CFR - If used for food contact, materials must comply with FDA regulations for food-safe plastics.
- OSHA Guidelines - Handle ergonomics and pinch-point safety should be reviewed for worker protection.
- Recycling Standards - Use of monomaterial plastics (e.g., PP or HDPE) facilitates recycling compliance.
How a project runs
- Inquiry - Define size, load requirements, and quantity.
- Design - Adjust mold parameters for wall thickness and locking tolerances.
- Prototype - Create sample units to test folding/unfolding ease and stacking stability.
- Pilot Run - Verify consistency of injection molding and assembly line efficiency.
- Production - Mass manufacture with quality control checks on interlocking mechanisms.
Quantities & timeline
Injection molds for large containers require significant lead time (typically 8-12 weeks depending on complexity). Tooling costs vary by cavity count. Cycle times depend on wall thickness and cooling channel design. Send us your dimensions, load class, color, features, quantity and target price and we will reply with options.
Patent drawings
Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.
