Cargo unit

A double cargo unit having an erected configuration in which the cargo unit may define an enclosed interior, and a collapsed configuration in which the cargo unit may be stored and transported compactly;

• the double cargo unit comprising a pair of similar individual cargo units joined to one another;
• each of the individual cargo units comprising, when in erected configuration:
• a generally rectangular base having four sides, with forklift slots on at least three sides;
• first, second and third upstanding walls extending upward from the base to define a three sided enclosure and an open side;
• corner posts;
• an integrated lid hingedly attached to one or more of the walls;
• and
• the individual cargo units being joined together at their open sides,
• wherein the integrated lid of each individual cargo unit comprises a first lid member that includes a hinged edge hingedly attached to the first wall, and a second lid member that includes a hinged edge hingedly attached to a second wall,
• wherein the integrated lid of each individual cargo unit comprises a first lid member that includes a hinged edge hingedly attached to the first wall, and a second lid member that includes a hinged edge hingedly attached to a second wall.

A method of unloading and collapsing a collapsible, stackable cargo unit having an erected configuration in which the cargo unit defines an enclosed interior, and a collapsed configuration in which the cargo unit may be stored and transported compactly, the cargo unit comprising a generally rectangular base having a front, a rear and two sides, with forklift slots on its front, rear and each side;

• front and rear walls extending upward from the base;
• first and second side walls extending upward from the base between the front and rear walls;
• locking mechanisms that are capable of holding the cargo unit in its erected configurations;
• corner posts;
• and a two-piece integrated lid that is in a generally horizontal position when the cargo unit is in its erected configuration, comprising:
• (a) opening first and second lid members by pivoting each lid member through an arc of about 270° about a hinge that connects it to a respective one of the first and second side walls;
• (b) removing cargo from the cargo unit;
• (c) releasing locking mechanisms on the front wall, and pivoting the front wall downward and inward about a pivotable connection to the base through an arc of about 90° so that it rests on the base;
• (d) releasing locking mechanisms on the rear wall, and pivoting the rear wall downward and inward about a pivotable connection to the base through an arc of about 90° so that it rests on the base, with the pivotable connection comprising an upwardly extending slot on the base that permits upward movement of the pivotable connection of the rear wall to the base, and with the side walls remaining upright, supported by base corner posts;
• (e) pivoting a first side wall downward and inward about a pivotable connection to the base through an arc of about 90° so that it rests on the base, with the pivotable connection comprising an upwardly extending slot on the base that permits upward movement of the pivotable connection of the first side wall to the base;
• (f) pivoting a second side wall downward and inward about a pivotable connection to the base through an arc of about 90° so that it rests on the base, with the pivotable connection comprising an upwardly extending slot on the base that permits upward movement of the pivotable connection of the second side wall to the base;
• and
• (g) pivoting the second lid member through an arc of about 180° about the hinge that connects it to the second side wall so that the second lid member rests on the first lid member rather than the second lid member, thereby reducing the height of the collapsed cargo unit,
• wherein the front, rear, first side, and second side walls and the first and second lid members are positioned below the corner posts in the collapsed configuration to permit the cargo unit to stack upon another cargo unit.