Drop box container

• Main Authors: Pigott, Maurice J, Pigott, Peter S, Pigott, Brandon L, Pigott, Schuyler F, Trapp, Michel
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 09.07.2002

The present invention relates to the field of containers for bulk material. Particularly, the present invention relates to an improved and reusable drop box assembly or container for accepting, storing, stacking, transporting, and automatically discharging solid bulk material. A new drop box assembly or container having a base frame, a pair of runners to elevate the base frame from a surface, a first pair of door panels attached along one edge to the base frame, a sleeve having a plurality of sidewalls, and a top frame is disclosed. The base frame is preferably designed with a plurality of side members configured to define an opening, and a channel seated within the side members and circumjacent the opening-an upper surface of each side member being sloped away from the channel and toward the opening. Engagement of the disclosed container by a forklift or the like from four directions is permissible. A first means for securing the sleeve within the channel of the base frame includes a plurality of connecting members on one of either the base frame or the sleeve. Such connecting members include a plurality of male connecting members on the sleeve and a plurality of corresponding female connecting members on the base frame. An optional pair of short door panels may be included to assist flow direction of the discharging material. Compaction of the preferred container allows space efficiencies during shipping and storage of the empty container to be realized.