Collapsible container

A collapsible container having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the container comprising:

• a base defining a plurality of base edges;
• and
• a plurality of walls;
• wherein each wall includes a hinge member,
• wherein each base edge includes a hinge receiver configured to receive a corresponding hinge member so as to engage a respective base edge with a corresponding wall such that each wall is rotatable about the corresponding base edge, the engagement of the hinge receiver with the hinge member defining a hinge axis,
• wherein at least one of the base edges defines a stabilizing ledge fixedly connected to the respective hinge receiver, and
• wherein at least one of the walls defines a stabilizing hook fixedly connected to the respective hinge member,
• wherein the stabilizing hook is configured to contact and abut the stabilizing ledge when the stabilizing hook is rotated about the respective hinge axis to a first position, in which the container is in the expanded configuration, and wherein the stabilizing hook is configured to separate from the stabilizing ledge when the stabilizing hook is rotated about the respective hinge axis to a second position, in which the container is in the collapsed configuration, wherein the first position and the second position are approximately 90° apart, and wherein abutment of the stabilizing ledge and the stabilizing hook precludes further rotation of the hinge assembly past the first position.

A method of manufacturing a stabilizing hinge assembly comprising:

• forming a hinge member;
• forming a hinge receiver configured to receive the hinge member;
• engaging the hinge member with the hinge receiver to define a hinge axis;
• fixedly connecting a stabilizing ledge to one of the hinge member or the hinge receiver;
• and
• fixedly connecting a stabilizing hook to the other of the hinge member or the hinge receiver,
• wherein the stabilizing hook is configured to contact and abut the stabilizing ledge when the stabilizing hook is rotated about the hinge axis to a first position and wherein the stabilizing hook is configured to separate from the stabilizing ledge when the stabilizing hook is rotated about the hinge axis to a second position, wherein the first position and the second position are approximately 90° apart, and wherein abutment of the stabilizing ledge and the stabilizing hook precludes further rotation of the hinge assembly past the first position.

A method of manufacturing a collapsible container, wherein the collapsible container has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, the method comprising:

• forming a base defining a plurality of base edges;
• forming a plurality of walls;
• providing at least one hinge member on each of the walls;
• providing at least one hinge receiver on each of the base edges, wherein each hinge receiver is configured to receive a corresponding hinge member so as to engage a respective base edge with a corresponding wall such that each wall is rotatable about the corresponding base edge, the engagement of the hinge receiver with the hinge member defining a hinge axis;
• defining a stabilizing ledge on at least one of the base edges, wherein the stabilizing ledge is fixedly connected to the respective hinge receiver, and
• defining a stabilizing hook on at least one of the walls, wherein the stabilizing hook is fixedly connected to the respective hinge member,
• wherein the stabilizing hook is configured to contact and abut the stabilizing ledge when the stabilizing hook is rotated about the respective hinge axis to a first position, in which the container is in the expanded configuration, and wherein the stabilizing hook is configured to separate from the stabilizing ledge when the stabilizing hook is rotated about the respective hinge axis to a second position, in which the container is in the collapsed configuration, wherein the first position and the second position are approximately 90° apart, and wherein abutment of the stabilizing ledge and the stabilizing hook precludes further rotation of the hinge assembly past the first position.