US20230182969A1 - Container for the shipment and display of a product - Google Patents
Container for the shipment and display of a product Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20230182969A1 US20230182969A1 US18/081,850 US202218081850A US2023182969A1 US 20230182969 A1 US20230182969 A1 US 20230182969A1 US 202218081850 A US202218081850 A US 202218081850A US 2023182969 A1 US2023182969 A1 US 2023182969A1
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- Prior art keywords
- container
- sleeve
- flange
- continuous
- outer flange
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920000114 Corrugated plastic Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 abstract description 14
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 14
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 abstract description 5
- 241000234295 Musa Species 0.000 description 6
- 235000021015 bananas Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000013399 edible fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 244000099147 Ananas comosus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000007119 Ananas comosus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005728 strengthening Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
- B65D43/0218—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity on both the inside and the outside of the mouth of the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
- B65D11/1846—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected whereby all side walls are hingedly connected to each other
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/18—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected
- B65D11/1866—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material collapsible, i.e. with walls hinged together or detachably connected with detachable components
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D11/00—Containers having bodies formed by interconnecting or uniting two or more rigid, or substantially rigid, components made wholly or mainly of plastics material
- B65D11/20—Details of walls made of plastics material
- B65D11/22—Reinforcing for strengthening parts of members
- B65D11/24—Corrugations
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D25/00—Details of other kinds or types of rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D25/54—Inspection openings or windows
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/30—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure
- B65D85/34—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes
- B65D85/345—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for articles particularly sensitive to damage by shock or pressure for fruit, e.g. apples, oranges or tomatoes having a meshed or apertured closure to allow contents to breathe
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2205/00—Venting means
- B65D2205/02—Venting holes
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
- B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
- B65D2543/00101—Shape of the outer periphery curved square-like or rectangular-like
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
- B65D2543/00259—Materials used
- B65D2543/00296—Plastic
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00342—Central part of the lid
- B65D2543/00398—Reinforcing ribs in the central part of the closure
- B65D2543/00407—Reinforcing ribs in the central part of the closure radial
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00601—Snapping means on the container
- B65D2543/00611—Profiles
- B65D2543/00666—Hole
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00722—Profiles
- B65D2543/0074—Massive bead
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00592—Snapping means
- B65D2543/00712—Snapping means on the lid
- B65D2543/00787—Periphery concerned
- B65D2543/00805—Segments
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to shipping containers and, more particularly, to containers designed principally for use in the shipment and display of food products.
- Containers constructed from corrugated paper boxes are commonly utilized to package and transport food products from a supplier to a retailer where the product is offered for sale.
- the construction of such containers is of particular significance in not only transporting the food product with adequate physical protection but also ensuring proper ventilation in order to maintain product freshness and quality.
- bananas and tropical fruit has been found to be particularly sensitive to physical damage and freshness quality during transport from the plantation where the bananas are grown to the retail store where the bananas are ultimately sold.
- bananas are shipped in a corrugated paper box comprised of a five-sided box body which is selectively enclosed with a telescoping cover.
- paper boxes Although well known in the art, conventional paper boxes used in the shipment of bananas and tropical fruit have been found to suffer from a number of notable shortcomings. Most notably, paper boxes (i) are relatively expensive, single-use containers, which significantly increase overall shipment costs, (ii) require the packing and unpacking of the products through a relatively laborious and time-consuming process, and (iii) are limited in structural rigidity and thereby render the product susceptible to physical damage.
- the shipping box, or container is designed for multiple uses and is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as plastic.
- the container disclosed in the '142 application utilizes a three-piece construction to facilitate the packaging and display of food products therein.
- the box comprises a four-sided, collapsible sleeve, generally rectangular in cross-section, that is selectively enclosed by opposing, generally planar, trays.
- the inner surface of each tray includes an outer wall, or flange, and an inner wall, or flange, which together define a continuous peripheral groove that is dimensioned to fittingly receive either the open top end or the open bottom end of the sleeve during the assembly process.
- the continuous nature and depth of the peripheral groove serves to properly position the components during assembly and, in addition, minimizes the risk of any considerable bulging of the sleeve upon the loading of product therewithin.
- the container disclosed in the '142 application can be used to package and subsequently display food products in a relatively simple and unlaborious process.
- the food product is simply disposed on the inner surface of one of the trays. Thereafter, the bottom end of the sleeve is slid down into the peripheral groove in the tray so as to circumscribe the product.
- the opposing tray is mounted onto the open top end of the sleeve to enclose the product. Straps or additional fastening elements may be used to prevent inadvertent disassociation of the shipping container during transport.
- the unloading and subsequent display of the product retained within the container of the '142 application can be similarly achieved in a simple and unlaborious process.
- the container is disposed, right-side-up, at the desired point-of-sale. Then, by simply removing the straps and lifting the top tray and sleeve, the product is rendered on display on the lower tray. As such, no direct lifting (i.e., removal) of the product is required, which is highly desirable.
- containers of the type described in the '142 application have been found to suffer from a notable drawback. Specifically, it has been found that the process of fittingly inserting each end of the sleeve into the narrow groove formed in each corresponding tray is rather difficult, labor intensive and time consuming to achieve. Additionally, even after the entire open end of a sleeve is properly inserted into the continuous groove in an associated tray, the components are susceptible to inadvertent disassociation.
- a container for the shipment and display of a product comprising (a) a sleeve having an open top end and an open bottom end, and (b) a pair of opposing trays releasably mounted on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve, each of the pair of opposing trays comprising, (i) a planar plate that includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an outer peripheral edge, (ii) a continuous outer flange formed on the inner surface along the entirety of the outer peripheral edge, the continuous outer flange having a distal end, and (iii) a continuous inner flange formed on the inner surface spaced at a fixed distance inward from the continuous outer flange, the continuous outer flange having a distal end, (c) wherein the planar plate, the continuous outer flange, and the continuous inner flange define a continuous, peripheral groove which is adapted to receive either of the open top end and the open bottom end
- FIGS. 1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ) are assembled and exploded front perspective views, respectively, of a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention
- FIGS. 2 ( a ) and 2 ( b ) are assembled and exploded front perspective views, respectively, of the container shown in FIG. 1 ( a ) , taken along lines 2 A- 2 A, the container being shown with the top tray removed therefrom to better illustrate the mating interface between coupled components;
- FIG. 3 is a front section view of the sleeve shown in FIG. 2 ( b ) ;
- FIGS. 4 ( a ) and 4 ( b ) are top perspective and top plan views, respectively, of the bottom tray shown in FIG. 1 ( a ) , the tray in FIG. 4 ( b ) being illustrated with certain hidden elements on its bottom surface shown in dashed form;
- FIG. 5 is a section view of the bottom tray shown in FIG. 4 ( b ) , taken along lines 5 - 5 ;
- FIG. 6 is a section view of the bottom tray shown in FIG. 4 ( b ) , taken along lines 6 - 6 ;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the bottom stray shown in FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded front section view of the sleeve and bottom tray shown in FIG. 2 ( b ) .
- FIGS. 1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ) there are shown assembled and exploded front perspective views, respectively, of a container for use in the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numeral 11 .
- container 11 is uniquely designed to retain a product therein through a simple and easy assembly process.
- container 11 is described in connection with the shipment and display of a food product, such as bananas or pineapples.
- container 11 is not limited to use with food products. Rather, it is to be understood that container 11 could be alternatively utilized for the shipment and display of other types of products, such as floral products, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
- container 11 is similar in construction to the container disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/0102142 to F. Dowd et al., (hereinafter the '142 application). Specifically, container 11 comprises a four-sided sleeve 13 that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing trays 15 - 1 and 15 - 2 . As can be appreciated, the three-piece construction of container 11 serves to facilitate the packaging and display of products retained therein. Furthermore, the mating interface between sleeve 13 and each of trays 15 is specifically designed to facilitate and reliably secure interconnection between components, which is a principal object of the present invention.
- sleeve 13 is similar to the sleeve disclosed in the '142 application in that sleeve 13 is constructed as a unitary, four-sided, member which can be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration prior to use (i.e., for ease of storage and shipment).
- sleeve 13 is constructed out of a corrugated plastic, corrugated paper, or any other suitable malleable material.
- the four-sided construction of sleeve 13 yields an open top end 17 - 1 and an open bottom end 17 - 2 that are selectively enclosed by top and bottom trays 15 - 1 and 15 - 2 , respectively, upon assembly.
- sleeve 13 has a length L 1 of approximately 19.75 inches, a width W 1 of approximately 15.75 inches, and a thickness T 1 of approximately 0.24 inches. However, it is to be understood that the dimensions of sleeve 13 could be reconfigured, as needed, based on the intended application for container 11 .
- each panel of four-sided sleeve 13 is also preferably provided with a corresponding linear slot along top edge 17 - 1 .
- Each linear slot provided along top edge 17 - 1 of sleeve 13 is similar in size, shape and function to linear slot 19 . Accordingly, the inclusion of linear slots along top edge 17 - 1 helps to releasably secure a tray 15 onto top edge 17 - 1 of sleeve 13 , as will be explained further below.
- each tray 15 is similar to the trays disclosed in the '142 application in that each tray 15 is constructed as a unitary, generally rectangular, plastic member that is appropriately dimensioned to enclose open ends 17 of sleeve 13 , with each tray 15 being represented herein as having a length L 2 of approximately 20 inches and a width W 2 of approximately 16 inches. Additionally, each tray 15 is provided with a central, rectangular opening, or window, 22 to promote proper ventilation through container 11 .
- each tray 15 is designed with a tapered interface 23 which facilitates receiving an open end 17 of sleeve 13 and, in turn, secures retention of sleeve 13 therein.
- the overall process for assembling of container 11 is greatly simplified, which is a principal object of the present invention.
- Each tray 15 is constructed as a generally planar member, or plate, 30 that includes an inner surface 31 , an outer surface 33 and an outer peripheral edge 35 .
- a continuous outer flange, or wall, 37 is formed on inner surface 31 along the entirety of outer peripheral edge 35 and projects orthogonally out therefrom at a height H 1 of approximately 0.38 inches.
- a continuous inner flange, or wall, 39 is formed on inner surface 31 and projects orthogonally upward therefrom at the same height as outer wall 37 .
- inner wall 39 is disposed slightly inward from outer flange 37 at a fixed spacing S 1 of approximately 0.24 inches.
- a continuous groove, or channel, 41 is formed in inner surface 31 of tray 15 along its periphery.
- mating interface 23 differs from the tray mating interface disclosed in the '142 application in that inner wall 39 includes a tapered interior surface 43 in communication with groove 41 .
- Tapered surface 43 extends outward from inner surface 31 in the direction away from outer flange 37 at an angle A of approximately 75 degrees, thereby expanding the width of channel 41 at the distal ends of walls 37 and 39 .
- a linear lock bump, or projection, 45 is integrally formed onto and extends inward from the interior surface 46 of outer wall 37 at the approximate midpoint of each of its four orthogonal segments.
- Each linear lock bump 45 is generally semicircular in lateral cross-section with a radius of approximately 0.06 inches.
- each linear lock bump 45 is designed to align with and fittingly project through a corresponding slot 19 along top and bottom edges 17 - 1 and 17 - 2 of sleeve 13 .
- lock bumps 45 and slots 19 help prevent container 11 from inadvertent disassociation.
- the retentive force between lock bumps 45 and slots 19 is not too large to prevent the intended disassembly of container 11 .
- container 11 is well suited for repeated use and is therefore a sustainable alternative to single-use shipment containers.
- each tray 15 is additionally provided with an array of strengthening ribs 47 on its outer surface 33 .
- Ribs 47 provide tray 15 with the structural rigidity that is necessary to adequately protect product retained within container 11 during shipment.
- container 11 is designed to ship and display a product in the following manner. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8 , sleeve 13 is oriented with bottom end 17 - 2 in direct vertical alignment above channel 41 in bottom tray 15 - 2 . Sleeve 13 is then urged downward, as represented by arrow D, until open bottom end 17 - 2 of sleeve 13 projects into channel 41 . Due to the outward taper of surface 43 in inner wall 39 , the aforementioned registration and insertion process is greatly simplified as compared to traditional multi-piece containers (e.g., the container disclosed in the '142 application).
- top tray 15 - 1 is mounted onto sleeve 13 such that open top end 17 - 1 of sleeve 13 fittingly protrudes into recess 41 in top tray 15 - 1 .
- the outer taper of surface 43 in inner wall 39 greatly simplifies the process of properly orienting and mounting top tray 15 - 1 onto sleeve 13 .
- a corresponding set of linear slots is preferably provided along top edge 17 - 1 of sleeve 13 . Accordingly, with top tray 15 - 1 mounted onto sleeve 13 , each lock bump 45 fittingly projects through a corresponding slot along top edge 17 - 1 of sleeve 13 , thereby securing the components together.
- container 11 serves to adequately protect the food product retained therein.
- straps or similar types of fastening elements may be tightly wrapped around container 11 , as needed.
- container 11 can be partially disassembled and used to display the product. Namely, container 11 is disposed, right-side-up, at the desired point-of-sale. Then, by simply removing any straps and lifting top tray 15 - 1 and sleeve 13 , the product is left on display on bottom tray 15 - 2 . As such, store personnel can effectively display a shipped product without having to remove (i.e., lift) the product from its shipment packaging, thereby greatly simplifying the entire product unpacking and display process.
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Abstract
A container for the shipment and display of a food product includes a four-sided, collapsible, corrugated plastic sleeve that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing plastic trays. Each tray includes inner and outer flanges which are formed along the periphery of a planar plate in a spaced apart relationship and together define a continuous groove dimensioned to receive an open end of the sleeve. The inner flange includes a tapered interior surface which widens the groove towards its distal end to facilitate the process of aligning and inserting an open end of the sleeve therein. A series of projections, each semicircular in lateral cross-section, are formed onto the outer flange and are dimensioned to fittingly protrude through corresponding slots formed in the sleeve to retain the container in its assembled state during the process of packaging and transporting the designated product.
Description
- The present invention claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/289,719, which was filed on Dec. 15, 2021, in the name of Fred Dowd, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates generally to shipping containers and, more particularly, to containers designed principally for use in the shipment and display of food products.
- Containers constructed from corrugated paper boxes are commonly utilized to package and transport food products from a supplier to a retailer where the product is offered for sale. As can be appreciated, the construction of such containers is of particular significance in not only transporting the food product with adequate physical protection but also ensuring proper ventilation in order to maintain product freshness and quality.
- For instance, the shipment of bananas and tropical fruit has been found to be particularly sensitive to physical damage and freshness quality during transport from the plantation where the bananas are grown to the retail store where the bananas are ultimately sold. Most typically, bananas are shipped in a corrugated paper box comprised of a five-sided box body which is selectively enclosed with a telescoping cover.
- Although well known in the art, conventional paper boxes used in the shipment of bananas and tropical fruit have been found to suffer from a number of notable shortcomings. Most notably, paper boxes (i) are relatively expensive, single-use containers, which significantly increase overall shipment costs, (ii) require the packing and unpacking of the products through a relatively laborious and time-consuming process, and (iii) are limited in structural rigidity and thereby render the product susceptible to physical damage.
- In response to the aforementioned drawbacks identified with traditional paper boxes, food shipment containers have been recently modified in design to protect the food product throughout its shipment and, in turn, facilitate the labor required to unpack and display the product at its ultimate point-of-sale.
- Most notably, in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0102142 to F. Dowd et al., the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, there is disclosed a multi-part product shipping box and display tray. In the '142 application, the shipping box, or container, is designed for multiple uses and is preferably constructed of a rigid and durable material, such as plastic.
- The container disclosed in the '142 application utilizes a three-piece construction to facilitate the packaging and display of food products therein. Specifically, the box comprises a four-sided, collapsible sleeve, generally rectangular in cross-section, that is selectively enclosed by opposing, generally planar, trays. The inner surface of each tray includes an outer wall, or flange, and an inner wall, or flange, which together define a continuous peripheral groove that is dimensioned to fittingly receive either the open top end or the open bottom end of the sleeve during the assembly process. The continuous nature and depth of the peripheral groove serves to properly position the components during assembly and, in addition, minimizes the risk of any considerable bulging of the sleeve upon the loading of product therewithin.
- In this manner, the container disclosed in the '142 application can be used to package and subsequently display food products in a relatively simple and unlaborious process. Specifically, the food product is simply disposed on the inner surface of one of the trays. Thereafter, the bottom end of the sleeve is slid down into the peripheral groove in the tray so as to circumscribe the product. In a similar fashion, the opposing tray is mounted onto the open top end of the sleeve to enclose the product. Straps or additional fastening elements may be used to prevent inadvertent disassociation of the shipping container during transport.
- The unloading and subsequent display of the product retained within the container of the '142 application can be similarly achieved in a simple and unlaborious process. Notably, the container is disposed, right-side-up, at the desired point-of-sale. Then, by simply removing the straps and lifting the top tray and sleeve, the product is rendered on display on the lower tray. As such, no direct lifting (i.e., removal) of the product is required, which is highly desirable.
- Although useful in the shipment and display of food products, containers of the type described in the '142 application have been found to suffer from a notable drawback. Specifically, it has been found that the process of fittingly inserting each end of the sleeve into the narrow groove formed in each corresponding tray is rather difficult, labor intensive and time consuming to achieve. Additionally, even after the entire open end of a sleeve is properly inserted into the continuous groove in an associated tray, the components are susceptible to inadvertent disassociation.
- Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a new and improved container for use in the shipment and display of a product that is both easy to assemble and less susceptible to inadvertent disassociation.
- In view thereof, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved container for the shipment and display of a product.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which is designed to adequately protect the product shipped therein.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which is properly ventilated to ensure the quality and freshness of the product shipped therein.
- It is still another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which allows for the packing and unpacking of a product retained therein in a simple, efficient, and effortless process.
- It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which has a limited number of parts, is reusable, and is inexpensive to manufacture.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which is easy to both assemble and subsequently disassemble.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a container of the type as described above which is less susceptible to inadvertent disassociation during packaging and shipment.
- Accordingly, as one feature of the present invention, there is provided a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container comprising (a) a sleeve having an open top end and an open bottom end, and (b) a pair of opposing trays releasably mounted on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve, each of the pair of opposing trays comprising, (i) a planar plate that includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an outer peripheral edge, (ii) a continuous outer flange formed on the inner surface along the entirety of the outer peripheral edge, the continuous outer flange having a distal end, and (iii) a continuous inner flange formed on the inner surface spaced at a fixed distance inward from the continuous outer flange, the continuous outer flange having a distal end, (c) wherein the planar plate, the continuous outer flange, and the continuous inner flange define a continuous, peripheral groove which is adapted to receive either of the open top end and the open bottom end of the sleeve, the groove having a width that increases towards the distal ends of the inner and outer flanges.
- Various other features and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, an embodiment for practicing the invention. The embodiment will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims.
- In the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts:
-
FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are assembled and exploded front perspective views, respectively, of a container for the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b) are assembled and exploded front perspective views, respectively, of the container shown inFIG. 1(a) , taken alonglines 2A-2A, the container being shown with the top tray removed therefrom to better illustrate the mating interface between coupled components; -
FIG. 3 is a front section view of the sleeve shown inFIG. 2(b) ; -
FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are top perspective and top plan views, respectively, of the bottom tray shown inFIG. 1(a) , the tray inFIG. 4(b) being illustrated with certain hidden elements on its bottom surface shown in dashed form; -
FIG. 5 is a section view of the bottom tray shown inFIG. 4(b) , taken along lines 5-5; -
FIG. 6 is a section view of the bottom tray shown inFIG. 4(b) , taken along lines 6-6; -
FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the bottom stray shown inFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 8 is an exploded front section view of the sleeve and bottom tray shown inFIG. 2(b) . - Referring now to
FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) , there are shown assembled and exploded front perspective views, respectively, of a container for use in the shipment and display of a product, the container being constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally byreference numeral 11. As will be explained in detail below,container 11 is uniquely designed to retain a product therein through a simple and easy assembly process. - In the description that follows,
container 11 is described in connection with the shipment and display of a food product, such as bananas or pineapples. However, it should be noted thatcontainer 11 is not limited to use with food products. Rather, it is to be understood thatcontainer 11 could be alternatively utilized for the shipment and display of other types of products, such as floral products, without departing from the spirit of the present invention. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), and 2(b) ,container 11 is similar in construction to the container disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2020/0102142 to F. Dowd et al., (hereinafter the '142 application). Specifically,container 11 comprises a four-sided sleeve 13 that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing trays 15-1 and 15-2. As can be appreciated, the three-piece construction ofcontainer 11 serves to facilitate the packaging and display of products retained therein. Furthermore, the mating interface betweensleeve 13 and each of trays 15 is specifically designed to facilitate and reliably secure interconnection between components, which is a principal object of the present invention. - As seen most clearly in
FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), 2(a), 2(b) , and 3,sleeve 13 is similar to the sleeve disclosed in the '142 application in thatsleeve 13 is constructed as a unitary, four-sided, member which can be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration prior to use (i.e., for ease of storage and shipment). Preferably,sleeve 13 is constructed out of a corrugated plastic, corrugated paper, or any other suitable malleable material. The four-sided construction ofsleeve 13 yields an open top end 17-1 and an open bottom end 17-2 that are selectively enclosed by top and bottom trays 15-1 and 15-2, respectively, upon assembly. - Overall,
sleeve 13 has a length L1 of approximately 19.75 inches, a width W1 of approximately 15.75 inches, and a thickness T1 of approximately 0.24 inches. However, it is to be understood that the dimensions ofsleeve 13 could be reconfigured, as needed, based on the intended application forcontainer 11. - Each panel, or sidewall, of four-
sided sleeve 13 is provided with alinear slot 19 along bottom edge 17-2 as well as a plurality of generally circular thru-holes, or openings, 21. As will be described further in detail below,slots 19 are utilized to releasably secure each tray 15 tosleeve 13. Furthermore, it should be noted thatopenings 21 allow for the proper ventilation and cooling of food products retained incontainer 11. As can be seen,openings 21 are preferably aligned in each sidewall ofsleeve 13 in order to promote laminar air flow throughcontainer 11. - Although not shown herein, it is to be understood that each panel of four-
sided sleeve 13 is also preferably provided with a corresponding linear slot along top edge 17-1. Each linear slot provided along top edge 17-1 ofsleeve 13 is similar in size, shape and function tolinear slot 19. Accordingly, the inclusion of linear slots along top edge 17-1 helps to releasably secure a tray 15 onto top edge 17-1 ofsleeve 13, as will be explained further below. - Referring now to
FIGS. 4(a), 4(b) , 5, 6, and 7, each tray 15 is similar to the trays disclosed in the '142 application in that each tray 15 is constructed as a unitary, generally rectangular, plastic member that is appropriately dimensioned to enclose open ends 17 ofsleeve 13, with each tray 15 being represented herein as having a length L2 of approximately 20 inches and a width W2 of approximately 16 inches. Additionally, each tray 15 is provided with a central, rectangular opening, or window, 22 to promote proper ventilation throughcontainer 11. - The principal difference between
container 11 and the container in the '142 application is that each tray 15 is designed with a taperedinterface 23 which facilitates receiving an open end 17 ofsleeve 13 and, in turn, secures retention ofsleeve 13 therein. As a result, the overall process for assembling ofcontainer 11 is greatly simplified, which is a principal object of the present invention. - Each tray 15 is constructed as a generally planar member, or plate, 30 that includes an
inner surface 31, anouter surface 33 and an outerperipheral edge 35. A continuous outer flange, or wall, 37 is formed oninner surface 31 along the entirety of outerperipheral edge 35 and projects orthogonally out therefrom at a height H1 of approximately 0.38 inches. - Additionally, a continuous inner flange, or wall, 39 is formed on
inner surface 31 and projects orthogonally upward therefrom at the same height asouter wall 37. Preferably,inner wall 39 is disposed slightly inward fromouter flange 37 at a fixed spacing S1 of approximately 0.24 inches. In this manner, a continuous groove, or channel, 41 is formed ininner surface 31 of tray 15 along its periphery. - As seen most clearly in
FIG. 7 ,mating interface 23 differs from the tray mating interface disclosed in the '142 application in thatinner wall 39 includes a taperedinterior surface 43 in communication withgroove 41. Taperedsurface 43 extends outward frominner surface 31 in the direction away fromouter flange 37 at an angle A of approximately 75 degrees, thereby expanding the width ofchannel 41 at the distal ends ofwalls - As can be appreciated, the widening of
continuous channel 41 at the distal ends ofwalls sleeve 13 therein. As a result,container 11 is considerably easier to assemble than the container disclosed in the '142 application. - As another feature of the invention, a linear lock bump, or projection, 45 is integrally formed onto and extends inward from the
interior surface 46 ofouter wall 37 at the approximate midpoint of each of its four orthogonal segments. Eachlinear lock bump 45 is generally semicircular in lateral cross-section with a radius of approximately 0.06 inches. - With
container 11 in its assembled state, eachlinear lock bump 45 is designed to align with and fittingly project through acorresponding slot 19 along top and bottom edges 17-1 and 17-2 ofsleeve 13. In this manner, lock bumps 45 andslots 19 help preventcontainer 11 from inadvertent disassociation. At the same time, the retentive force between lock bumps 45 andslots 19 is not too large to prevent the intended disassembly ofcontainer 11. As a result,container 11 is well suited for repeated use and is therefore a sustainable alternative to single-use shipment containers. - It should be noted that each tray 15 is additionally provided with an array of strengthening
ribs 47 on itsouter surface 33.Ribs 47 provide tray 15 with the structural rigidity that is necessary to adequately protect product retained withincontainer 11 during shipment. - In use,
container 11 is designed to ship and display a product in the following manner. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 8 ,sleeve 13 is oriented with bottom end 17-2 in direct vertical alignment abovechannel 41 in bottom tray 15-2.Sleeve 13 is then urged downward, as represented by arrow D, until open bottom end 17-2 ofsleeve 13 projects intochannel 41. Due to the outward taper ofsurface 43 ininner wall 39, the aforementioned registration and insertion process is greatly simplified as compared to traditional multi-piece containers (e.g., the container disclosed in the '142 application). - Eventually, the downward displacement of
sleeve 13 intochannel 41 causes eachlock bump 45 to fittingly project through acorresponding slot 19 insleeve 13. As a result,sleeve 13 rendered securely coupled to bottom tray 15-2. Thereafter, withsleeve 13 mounted on bottom tray 15-2, the desired product is preferably loaded ontoinner surface 31 of bottom tray 15-2 within the cavity formed bysleeve 13. - Once completed, top tray 15-1 is mounted onto
sleeve 13 such that open top end 17-1 ofsleeve 13 fittingly protrudes intorecess 41 in top tray 15-1. As referenced above, the outer taper ofsurface 43 ininner wall 39 greatly simplifies the process of properly orienting and mounting top tray 15-1 ontosleeve 13. Furthermore, although not shown herein, it is to be understood that a corresponding set of linear slots is preferably provided along top edge 17-1 ofsleeve 13. Accordingly, with top tray 15-1 mounted ontosleeve 13, eachlock bump 45 fittingly projects through a corresponding slot along top edge 17-1 ofsleeve 13, thereby securing the components together. - Assembled as such,
container 11 serves to adequately protect the food product retained therein. To prevent inadvertent disassociation of the three principal components ofcontainer 11, straps or similar types of fastening elements may be tightly wrapped aroundcontainer 11, as needed. - Once shipped to the intended destination,
container 11 can be partially disassembled and used to display the product. Namely,container 11 is disposed, right-side-up, at the desired point-of-sale. Then, by simply removing any straps and lifting top tray 15-1 andsleeve 13, the product is left on display on bottom tray 15-2. As such, store personnel can effectively display a shipped product without having to remove (i.e., lift) the product from its shipment packaging, thereby greatly simplifying the entire product unpacking and display process. - The invention described in detail above is intended to be merely exemplary and those skilled in the art shall be able to make numerous variations and modifications to it without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such variations and modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (19)
1. A container for the shipment and display of a product, the container comprising:
(a) a sleeve having an open top end and an open bottom end; and
(b) a pair of opposing trays releasably mounted on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve, each of the pair of opposing trays comprising,
(i) a planar plate that includes an inner surface, an outer surface, and an outer peripheral edge,
(ii) a continuous outer flange formed on the inner surface along the entirety of the outer peripheral edge, the continuous outer flange having a distal end, and
(iii) a continuous inner flange formed on the inner surface spaced at a fixed distance inward from the continuous outer flange, the continuous outer flange having a distal end;
(c) wherein the planar plate, the continuous outer flange, and the continuous inner flange define a continuous, peripheral groove which is adapted to receive either of the open top end and the open bottom end of the sleeve, the groove having a width that increases towards the distal ends of the inner and outer flanges.
2. The container as claimed in claim 1 wherein the inner flange projects out from the inner surface of the plate and includes a tapered interior surface in communication with the groove.
3. The container as claimed in claim 2 wherein the tapered interior surface of the inner flange extends out from the inner surface of the plate in the direction away from the outer flange.
4. The container as claimed in claim 3 wherein the tapered interior surface of the inner flange extends out from the inner surface of the plate at an angle of approximately 75 degrees.
5. The container as claimed in claim 3 wherein the outer flange projects orthogonally out from the inner surface of plate.
6. The container as claimed in claim 5 wherein the outer flange has an interior surface.
7. The container as claimed in claim 6 wherein a plurality of projections protrudes out from the interior surface of the outer flange and extends into the groove.
8. The container as claimed in claim 7 wherein each of the plurality of projections is semicircular in lateral cross-section.
9. The container as claimed in claim 7 wherein the sleeve is adapted to be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration.
10. The container as claimed in claim 9 wherein the sleeve is constructed of a unitary, corrugated plastic member having a thickness of approximately 0.24 inches.
11. The container as claimed in claim 9 wherein the sleeve includes four sidewalls.
12. The container as claimed in claim 11 wherein each of the four sidewalls includes a linear slot along the bottom end of the sleeve.
13. The container as claimed in claim 12 wherein each of the plurality of projections on the outer flange of one of the pair of opposing trays is dimensioned to protrude through a corresponding linear slot along the bottom end of the sleeve.
14. The container as claimed in claim 13 wherein each of the four sidewalls for the sleeve is provided with a set of circular openings.
15. The container as claimed in claim 14 wherein the set of circular openings in each of the four sidewalls is in alignment with the set of circular openings in its opposing sidewall to promote laminar airflow through the container upon assembly.
16. The container as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of the inner and outer flanges has a height of approximately 0.38 inches.
17. The container as claimed in claim 16 wherein the inner and outer flanges are spaced apart approximately 0.24 inches on the inner surface of the plate.
18. The container as claimed in claim 3 wherein each of the pair of opposing trays is constructed as a unitary plastic member.
19. The container as claimed in claim 18 wherein each of the pair of opposing trays is shaped to define a central opening.
Priority Applications (1)
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US18/081,850 US20230182969A1 (en) | 2021-12-15 | 2022-12-15 | Container for the shipment and display of a product |
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US202163289719P | 2021-12-15 | 2021-12-15 | |
US18/081,850 US20230182969A1 (en) | 2021-12-15 | 2022-12-15 | Container for the shipment and display of a product |
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US20230182969A1 true US20230182969A1 (en) | 2023-06-15 |
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US20080312054A1 (en) * | 2004-08-02 | 2008-12-18 | Brian Timothy Boland | Storage Box |
US8631956B2 (en) * | 2008-12-17 | 2014-01-21 | Fred Dowd | Reusable, combined multi-part product shipping box and display tray |
US9815587B2 (en) * | 2013-11-25 | 2017-11-14 | Daiichi Ohmiya Co., Ltd. | Folding container |
US20200216220A1 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2020-07-09 | Evolve Packaging Solutions Llc | Container system |
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2022
- 2022-12-15 US US18/081,850 patent/US20230182969A1/en active Pending
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US20040188506A1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-09-30 | Lane Mark Tracy | Reusable box construction for transporting tree seedlings |
US20080312054A1 (en) * | 2004-08-02 | 2008-12-18 | Brian Timothy Boland | Storage Box |
US8631956B2 (en) * | 2008-12-17 | 2014-01-21 | Fred Dowd | Reusable, combined multi-part product shipping box and display tray |
US9815587B2 (en) * | 2013-11-25 | 2017-11-14 | Daiichi Ohmiya Co., Ltd. | Folding container |
US20200216220A1 (en) * | 2016-05-09 | 2020-07-09 | Evolve Packaging Solutions Llc | Container system |
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