IE861503L - Stackable tray - Google Patents

Abstract

The blank has a base portion (1) and peripheral edge portions folded to define side walls, one pair (2,3) of a single layer of cardboard, the other pair (4,5) of double form. The region (8) of the fold defines a support surface for an identical tray, when stacked. The outermost parts of the end walls have folded extensions (16) at the corners of the tray, which define upstanding stacking projections (9,10) and recesses (16). The innermost parts of the folded wall portions have extensions (11,12) which extend diagonally across the corners to brace them. [CH669770A5]

Description

59043 - 2 ~ Hist:or-y of the ImreKifcion Open cardboard boxes called "trays or carriers" are already knownf which in order to be stacked, with a certain stability, have each of two triangular support prisms in their corners, 5 arranged vertically, formed by the rolling up of flaps which are prolonged from the extremities of their longest sides or from the extremities of the front facings of the box.

When these kinds of trays are superimposed forming stacks, they have to bear considerable weights and their lateral 10 walls, especially those of the longest sides and the base, are easily deformed, due to the weight of the packed merchandise and as a consequence of the pressure that one tray exercises on the others„ The present invention provides a new cardboard tray, that 15 resolves such an important problem efficiently, and moreover, abolishes the known and defective flap fittings between one box and another, supplied in trays used up to now, since these flaps which jut out from the upper edge of the front facings, are weak and are not capable of counteracting lateral 20 pressures, for which reason they usually double up easily, without achieving the desired fit. With present day trays, stacks are kept relatively stable just by the gravitation of one tray on another and they do not have efficient means to avoid possible lateral displacement of the stacked trays.

Description of tike Indention The object of the invention is a new stackable tray that is furnished with various support and fitment sectors of one tray with another, which has been perfected in its design, 5 organisation and assembly characteristics, and is made from a single preformed sheet, preferably but not exclusively of corrugated cardboard.

The principal objective of the invention is to provide a remarkably perfected tray which as a consequence of its 10 special design and arrangements can be assembled or moulded completely, by exclusively mechanical means.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tray which has been endowed with a second partition in two of its opposite sides, either in the front facings or in the longest sides. 15 This second partition forms a double wall, and both partitions are situated at the same height in the central sector of the said sides and at a greater height in their extremities.

A further objective of the invention is to form each of two slots in the lower edge of the corners, creating tiers, 20 coinciding with the profile that the upper edge of each corner of the box forms, in such a way that when the boxes are superimposed, they fit one on the other. The superimposed boxes lean on the two supports situated at a different level, which the box situated immediately underneath has, in its 25 upper edge and its corners fit into the space formed between the two tiers of the tray situated on the lower level.

The aforesaid special groove is so perfect that materially one box is "connected" to the next one, but its penetration is limited to the precise terms, since each box has little 30 transversal partitions in its corners, which are employed as supports on which the base panel of the box, situated on the next level upwards will lean. This arrangement allows the formation of stacks of great stability wherein lateral displacement of one tray with regard to another is practically impossible .

Other aims, which are related to the benefits and the economy of the invention, will be shown further on.

According to the invention, there is provided a stackable tray of generally rectangular shape comprising a preformed blank of cardboard or similar material, the blank comprising panels for 10 forming a base and four side walls, the panels for forming each of a pair of opposed strengthened side walls including a panel forming an outer leaf when folded upwardly and a panel forming an inner wall leaf when folded downwardly, the panels having a cut-out forming a recess in each strengthened side 15 wall intermediate the ends when folded, the extremities of each strengthened side wall being above the level of the recess and of the other pair of opposed side walls and the strengthened side walls having extensions which each extend around the outer surface of the adjoining side wall to form an 20 outer corner piece.

In another embodiment, the panels forming each strengthened side wall include a narrow panel which folds inwardly from the outer leaf panel and from which the inner leaf panel folds downwardly, the narrow panel forming a horizontal support wall 25 for stacking.

Preferably, each outer corner piece has an upper edge at a higher level than the horizontal support wall.

In a still further embodiment, each panel forming an inner wall leaf has an extension forming an inner corner piece which 30 folds across a corner and which extends to adhere with the adjoining side wall.

- In one embodiment: , the lower edge of each outer corner piece is above the level of the base, and is for engagement with the upper edge of the corresponding outer corner piece of another tray when stacked„ Preferably, the upper edge of each inner corner piece is at a level so that it forms a seat for the base panel of a tray stacked above.

In a still further embodiment, each outer corner piece includes a corner projection at its upper end, and a 10 corresponding recession at its lower end for inter-engagement when stacked.

In another embodiment, the inner corner piece comprises a trapezium-shaped first panel having a lower edge which ascends with a slight inclination to a second panel which is 15 superimposed onto an upper portion of the adjoining side wall.

Preferably, the outer corner piece adheres to the second panel of the inner corner piece.

In this latter embodiment, the second panel of the inner corner piece may rest on the adjoining side wall and against 20 the inner surface of the outer corner piece.

A characteristic of the perfected stackable tray proposed, is due to the fact that in the extremities and along the lower edge of their longest sides and in the same zone of the front facings, each of two cutaways or special cuts have been 25 provided which form each of two fitment tiers in the lower outside part of the corners.

A further characteristic of the tray proclaimed, provides for the front facings or the longest sides, to have two partitions forming a double wall, of which the inside one can be of equal or less height than the outside wall forming between both* with its upper edge, a wide support for another box which is superimposed, in such a way that each double partition of a 5 tray, will be superimposed linearly with the coinciding double partitions of another tray situated on a lower level.

Another characteristic of the proposed tray, corresponds to the means supplied for undoing the stacks, separating each tray from the one situated immediately below, to which it is 10 found to be materially "connected" by its corners, which arrangement consists of a wide cutaway made in the centre of the upper edge of the sides which have a double wall. The fingers of the hand are inserted into this cutaway comfortably, to separate one tray from another.

Another characteristic of the invention is due to the fact that the little partitions which form a double wall in two opposite sides of the tray, either in the longest sides or in the front facings, may have a shorter height than the side they are leaned on, thereby providing a noteworthy economy of 20 material.

Another characteristic of the new tray proposed, is due to the fact that the little partitions that form a double wall with the side of the tray to which they are joined, are shorter in height than the latter and moreover, their end extremities are 25 superimposed and make a retainer on the upper edge of the nearest side, thereby increasing the mechanical resistance of the supports formed in the tray, which makes it very suitable to support the weights that gravitate on it when stacks are formed.

A more complete idea of the perfected tray proposed, is provided by the following description which appears illustrated by the enclosed drawings, in which the whole and preferred details of the idea of the invention, are represented in a somewhat schematic and non-limitative way and only as a means of example, referring to a possible situation where it is made, in practice., In the drawings? Figure 1 represents a completely assembled box in perspective and it can be seen that two of its opposite sides (in this case the longest sides -2=) form, in the upper edge with their double wall -4-, a wide longitudinal support -5-, that is 10 practically continuous, on which the base -1™ of another tray arranged on a level immediately above, will lean directly and whose support ~5~ extends along the upper edge of the said longest sides -2- and is prolonged in the end zones of the shorter sides or front facings -3- on the inside of the tray.

Figure 2 is a similar view to that of figure 1, showing the same arrangements carried out on the shorter sides or front facings ~3~„ Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of two trays, according to the invention, that are found to be superimposed but without 20 fitting into each other reciprocally. The tray situated on the lower level has the outside extension or flap -6- of the side that has a double wall conventionally cut, which permits us to assess the inside extension as well as the end part of the nearest side which is situated between the interior and 25 exterior flaps.

Figure 4 represents a frontal view of two trays superimposed and reciprocally fitted together, wherein the wide cutaways formed between the superimposed sides can be seen, through which gaps the hand will be introduced and will be applied to 30 the base of the tray above, to separate the lower tray.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view, showing part of a tray in which the small inside partition -4- that forms the double walls in the opposite sides of the tray, either in the front facings or in their longest sides is of a shorter height than 5 these and does not reach the base of the box. The said small partition -4- when it is depressed, joins and adheres to the interior plane of the corresponding side, thus forming a very resistant but more economical tray, since the surface of the double walls -4- are reduced.

In figure 6 the tray is presented wherein the flaps -4- with their prolonged ends form the two successive walls of a dihedral, the first of which is situated transversally between the small interior partition and the nearest side and the second is superimposed as far as possible, on the upper edge 15 of the said nearest side.

In figure 7 the end flap is shown with its lower corner cut and the nearest side has an incision or slot carried out in it, coinciding with the said cut flap, which fits perfectly in the said slot to join and adhere to the internal plane of the 20 exterior flap -6- which encompasses and envelops the corresponding corner of the box.

These achievements should not be considered to be exclusive since other solutions can be adopted to arrange this part of the tray. However, the cases set out, have been tried with 25 success and permit the tray to be assembled by completely mechanical means.

Figure 8 represents a complementary sheet with a central window that can be used when it is desired, as a lid with an observation window to cover and protect the product contained 30 in the tray. _ Q _ Figure 9 represents the corner of a perfected box in perspective, in accordance with the invention, in which the formation of a prominence or angular ridge in the upper edge of its corners has been foreseen, which comprises a support on 5 which the nearest box that is superimposed will be adjusted with the coinciding groove, when stacks are formed.

This ridge supplied in each corner of the tray comprises the retainers, between which, another tray that is superimposed is adjusted, materially "connected". By this arrangement very 10 stable cargos or stacks can be achieved in which it is practically impossible for the stacked trays to become displaced laterally, one with the other.

In these drawings, reference -1- indicates the sector that comprises the base of the tray, -2- being its longest sides 15 and ~3~ the shorter sides or front facings.

As can be seen by the box represented in figure 1, the base -1- and the longest sides -2- are the normal ones in any open box or tray. Fundamentally in this case, the characteristics of the invention are affected by the front facings -3- which 20 are formed of double walls by means of the small internal partitions -4- finding themselves to be joined together, by articulation on their upper edge in such a way that with the resultant double wall, a double thickness of wall is obtained, which creates a wide support «5~ in its upper edge, on which 25 the base -1- of another homologous tray that is superimposed will take support directly.

According to the model represented in figure 2, each little interior partition -4- joined to the front facings -3- have each of two extensions in both ends forming two successive 30 walls -7- -8- separated by the intermediate receiver line -9-o When the said interior partitions -4- are depressed towards the inside of the box, they form a double wall with the corresponding front facing -3», and its wall -7- will be situated diagonally between the interior faces of the front facing -3- and the nearest long side -2-. The second end wall -8- is totally joined to the interior plane of the nearest 5 long side mentioned -2- to which it is fixed, advantageously with adhesive.

The front facings =3™ have the outside flaps -6- laterally, which will be turned 90° to be joined and fixed on the exterior plane of the nearest long side -2-.

With the details outlined, four noteworthy arrangements are obtained which can be observed with full detail in figures 1 and 2, as commented belows a). Formation of double walled front facings with high mechanical resistance. b). Formation of triple wall in the end sectors of the longest sides of the tray, which obviously are thus seen to be greatly strengthened, the same as the front facings and the corners. From this, the result is a tray of great mechanical resistance. c). The exterior wall of the front facings, comprised of the central sector -3- and by the external lateral flaps -6- which cling materially to the extremities of the longest sides -2-, form a first support on which the front facings and the flaps of another homologous tray that is superimposed to form stacks, rests in perfect alineation. d). The small internal partitions -4- of each front facing -3- as well as their lateral extensions -7--8- are situated at a lower level than the upper edges -10- of the said front facings and their extensions creating a second support -5- on which the base -1= of another superimposed tray will lean directly, when stacks are formed. Each tray upwards from the one situated on the lower area will fit 5 into the next lowest trayf leaning its base -1-- directly on the lower support -5-. Simultaneously, the aforementioned front facing -3- and its extensions -7- -8- will lean directly on the upper edge of the front facing and extensions of the tray 10 situated on a level immediately below.

From the drawings, especially in figures 1, 2, and 3, it can be seen that the front facings -3- in their upper edge, have a drop in height that coincides with the double fold line along which the internal wall -4- of each front facing is 15 depressed. This drop forms the ample support -5- already discussed, on which the base -1- of the tray situated immediately above, will lean.

So that the upper tray can lean on the support of lesser height -5- of the tray situated on a lower level, it has each 20 of two slots -11= made in the lower edge of its corners, which are prolonged by the lateral flaps -6-, all in such a way that each front facing -3- and its lateral extensions -6- form a step -11- below, parallel with the upper edge -10-.

In the said figure 2, arrows are used to mark the parts of 25 each lower tray which will serve as supports for the coinciding lower parts of another homologous tray that is placed on the next level up, during stacking.

Trays formed in accordance with the norms that the invention proclaims, are found to be fitted, materially "connected" one 30 to the other when they are stacked, and in order to separate them the front facings -3- or the longest sides -2- according to figures 1 or 2, have been provided with a cutaway -12- in ~ 12 - their central support -5-, open in its upper edge, through which the fingers of the hand are introduced to lean them on the lower plane of the base of the superimposed box, in order to remove it.

In figure 4, these cutaways -12- can be seen clearly, by the representation of two superimposed trays.

Referring now to figures 5, 6, and 7, the making of the tray that the invention proposes is presented in three versions, the object of which is to reduce the cost of the tray and for 10 this reason, the width of the small internal partitions -4-that form the double wall of the front facing, have been reduced approximately by half? when these small partitions are depressed, they will be leaned and joined with adhesive, to the internal face of the corresponding front facings -3- just 15 like their end flaps -8- which will be stuck to the longest side -2- to whose internal plane they are applied.

Referring now to figure 1, we can see the representation in perspective of a tray arranged in accordance with the norms proposed by the invention, whose characteristics have been 20 applied integrally to the longest side -2- of the tray, which has each of two extensions in its upper edge that comprise longitudinal flaps -4- which are turned 180° towards the inside of the tray, being joined and stuck to the interior plane of the respective long sides -2- with which they form a double 25 wall on whose upper edge a wide rest or support -5- is formed which constitutes the lower support or, the support lower than that created by the upper edges =10-.

These supports -5 • are prolonged on the ends of the small interior partitions -4- with their extensions -7= -8- on both 30 ends and constitute two successive sectors or walls reciprocally articulated. The one marked by number -7- is situated transversally in the corner of the tray and the final 13 - wall -8- is leaned and stuck to the inside wall of the corresponding front facing --3-.

By this arrangement,, a double walled support -5- is formed in the upper edge of the longest sides, which is prolonged to the 5 end zones of the front facings -3- with the upper edges of the end walls -7- -8™.

The external walls of the longest sides -2- of the tray, continuing from the support -5- are raiseds forming a ridge -10- which is diverted orthogonically, jutting out upwards 10 from the end of the respective front facing and creating an angular salient or ridge -10- with these ridges in each corner of the boxe which constitute each of two supports, coinciding with the cutaways arranged in the lower edge of the corners of each tray.

Likewise j, the aforementioned angular ridges -10- of the corners also constitute retainers or corner brackets between which a tray that is superimposed on another tray adapts with its corners f making it impossible to carry out lateral displacement.

All these arrangements are rigorously identical to those described before, referring to figures 2, 5e 6 and 7, but in these arrangements they are found to be applied to the front facings of the tray, whilst in the illustration in figure 1, these arrangements are made in the longest sides of the tray 25 which, contrary to what is usual, when stacks are formed, will form wide ventilation spaces between the superimposed front facings since the front facings will be of lesser height than the longest sides.

The supports -5- formed in the upper edge of the double 30 partition of each longest side -2- have a cutaway -12- which allows the trays to be handled to superimpose them or to separate them.

By means of the tray represented in figure 1 e the following details are treateds a). Contrary to present practices , the longest sides -2« of the tray are higher than the shorter sides or front facings -3~. b). The longest sides -2- have a double wall with which they form a first support -5- in their upper edge, on which the base -1- of another tray that is arranged on the next level up, will rest. c). The longest sides -2- discussed, have more height in their ends from their upper edge -10- than in their double walled -5- zone and from their lateral edges each of two flaps -6- are extended, which are turned 90° hugging the ends of the front facings or shorter sides -3- of the tray and forming with such prominences -10- a second higher line of support, in each corner, on which the corners of the tray that is superimposed will lean.

These corner ridges also comprise each of two grooves in the form of retainers, between which the superimposed tray is fitted, with no possibility for it to undergo lateral displacements.

Discussing figure 9 again, an important characteristic can be seen in it that can be applied precisely, whether when the supports are formed on the upper edges of the front facings -3- (figure 2) or in the upper edges of the longest sides -2-(figure 1). This innovation consists of forming an angular 30 ridge -13- on the upper edge -10- of the exterior partition of the double wall, which close the corners of the box upwards, forming two support lines -5- -10- in each corner, whose ridges -13- adapt with a suitable fit into the coinciding slots -14- produced in the lower part of the corners of the tray that is superimposed, which affect the end of the lower edge of the front facing -3- (or of the longest side -2-), whose lower cutaway -14- is partially prolonged along the lower edge of the corner flaps -6-.

From such arrangements, a stackable tray is obtained that has three support lines -5- -10- -15-, the first two situated on the same level and the third -15- at a higher level, on which another homologous tray will rest when it is superimposed.

It is understood that the new tray that has been described, is not limited to the method explained and represented, since when it is put into practice, it is possible to introduce modifications of detail in it, if these do not alter its essence.

Claims (4)

1„ A stackable tray of generally rectangular shape comprising a preformed blank of cardboard or similar material, the blank comprising panels for forming a 5 base and four side walls, the panels for forming each of a pair of opposed strengthened side walls including a panel forming an outer leaf when folded upwardly and a panel forming an inner wall leaf when folded downwardly, the panels having a cut-out forming a 10 recess in each strengthened side wall intermediate the ends when folded, the extremities of each strengthened side wall being above the level of the recess and of the other pair of opposed side walls and the strengthened side walls having extensions which each 15 extend around the outer surface of the adjoining side wall to form an outer corner piece-

2. A stackable tray as claimed in claim 1, wherein the panels forming each strengthened side wall include a narrow panel which folds inwardly from the outer leaf 20 panel and from which the inner leaf panel folds downwardly, the narrow panel forming a horizontal support wall for stacking.

3. A stackable tray as claimed in claim 2, wherein each outer corner piece has an upper edge at a higher level 25 than the horizontal support wall.

4. A stackable tray as claimed in any preceding claim wherein each panel forming an inner wall leaf has an extension forming an inner corner piece which folds across a corner and which extends to adhere with the 30 adjoining side wall. - 17 - A stackable tray as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the lower edge of each outer corner piece is above the level of the base, and is for engagement with the upper edge of the corresponding outer corner piece of another tray when stacked. A stackable tray as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein the upper edge of each inner corner piece is at a level so that it forms a seat for the base panel of a tray stacked above. A stackable tray as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein each outer corner piece includes a corner projection at its upper end, and a corresponding recession at its lower end for inter-engagement when stacked. A stackable tray as claimed in any of claims 4 to 7, wherein the inner corner piece comprises a trapezium-shaped first panel having a lower edge which ascends with a slight inclination to a second panel which is superimposed onto an upper portion of the adjoining side wall. A stackable tray as claimed in any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the outer corner piece adheres to the second panel of the inner corner piece. A stackable tray as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second panel of the inner corner piece rests on the adjoining side wall and against the inner surface of the outer corner piece. A stackable tray substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.