US20070138244A1 - Plastic container with open sides and locking features - Google Patents
Plastic container with open sides and locking features Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070138244A1 US20070138244A1 US11/312,724 US31272405A US2007138244A1 US 20070138244 A1 US20070138244 A1 US 20070138244A1 US 31272405 A US31272405 A US 31272405A US 2007138244 A1 US2007138244 A1 US 2007138244A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- tray
- container
- drain hole
- lines
- bottom periphery
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 title abstract description 21
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 title abstract description 21
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 53
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 2
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 241000234427 Asparagus Species 0.000 description 3
- 235000005340 Asparagus officinalis Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- -1 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003313 weakening effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001125 extrusion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 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
- 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
- B65D11/1833—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 the base panel
- B65D11/184—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 the base panel and one or more side walls being foldable along a median line
-
- 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
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/32—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper having bodies formed by folding and interconnecting two or more blanks each blank forming a body part, whereby each body part comprises at least one outside face of the box, carton or tray
- B65D5/322—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper having bodies formed by folding and interconnecting two or more blanks each blank forming a body part, whereby each body part comprises at least one outside face of the box, carton or tray at least one container body part formed by folding a single blank to essentially U-shape with or without extensions which form openable lid elements
- B65D5/324—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper having bodies formed by folding and interconnecting two or more blanks each blank forming a body part, whereby each body part comprises at least one outside face of the box, carton or tray at least one container body part formed by folding a single blank to essentially U-shape with or without extensions which form openable lid elements at least two container body parts, each formed by folding a single blank to essentially U-shape
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to plastic containers.
- Plastic boxes are used for a wide variety of applications.
- half-slotted plastic containers can be used for transporting vegetables such as asparagus.
- So-called design style trays can also be used for carrying goods.
- a plastic container ordinarily is made from a flat substrate, with the panels of what will become the container being established by appropriately forming fold lines and flap cuts in the substrate.
- the substrate is folded along the fold lines, the flap cuts are used as appropriate to overlay one panel on another, and so on.
- a container includes a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and is folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top.
- the top has opposed closed walls and opposed open walls orthogonal to the closed walls, to conserve material.
- a second substrate is configured with fold lines and cut lines and is folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray, with the top and tray engaging in an interference fit to form a closure.
- the top can be formed with at least one drain hole along at least one top edge and the tray can be formed with at least one drain hole along at least one bottom edge, and a drain hole of the top is registered with a drain hole of the tray when a tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container.
- the top can define a top surface that is formed with a matrix of holes inboard of top edges.
- the holes may be racetrack-shaped.
- a tab can extend upwardly from the drain hole in the top edge and can be configured to engage the drain hole of a tray positioned on the top.
- a tray lock element is foldable outwardly away from one the closed walls of the top, with a portion of the tray lock element extending beyond and being foldable around a bottom periphery of the top for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery.
- a top lock element is foldable outwardly away from the tray and can engage a receptacle in one of the open walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top.
- a top lock element is foldable outwardly away from the tray for engaging a receptacle in one of the closed walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top.
- a container in another aspect, includes a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top and a second substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray.
- the top can be formed with a drain hole along a top edge and the tray can be formed with a drain hole along a bottom edge.
- a drain hole of the top is registered with a drain hole of the tray when a tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container.
- a container in still another aspect, includes a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top, and a second substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray.
- a tray lock element is foldable outwardly away from a wall of the top. A portion of the tray lock element extends beyond and is foldable around a bottom periphery of the top for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a first non-limiting plastic box top portion, showing a wrap-lock structure;
- FIG. 2 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a first non-limiting plastic box tray portion, showing a wrap-lock receiving structure;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the substrates shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 in an exploded relationship after being rendered into their container shapes;
- FIG. 4 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a second non-limiting plastic box top portion, showing a side lock structure;
- FIG. 5 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a second non-limiting plastic box tray portion, showing a side lock receiving structure
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a third non-limiting plastic box top portion, showing an end lock structure
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a third non-limiting plastic box tray portion, showing an end lock receiving structure
- FIG. 8 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a fourth non-limiting plastic box top portion, with no lock structure;
- FIG. 9 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a fourth non-limiting plastic box tray portion, with no lock receiving structure.
- FIG. 10 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a fifth non-limiting plastic box top portion, with vented ends.
- FIGS. 1-3 a container is shown, generally designated 10 , that is rendered from a flat top substrate 12 ( FIG. 1 ) that may have a honeycomb (cardboard-like) construction and a flat tray substrate 14 ( FIG. 2 ) that may also have a honeycomb construction.
- the substrates 12 , 14 preferably are made (e.g., by extrusion) of a plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene. While the present invention is broadly directed to many types of containers, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a container that may be used for carrying wet articles such as vegetable bags. Any dimensions shown in the drawings are non-limiting on the invention.
- the substrate 12 is a single piece of plastic that is formed with plural fold lines 16 that demarcate the creases between adjacent panels about which the panels can be folded.
- the substrate 12 as shown may be formed with plural cuts 18 between adjacent flaps each of which cuts 18 physically separates its adjacent flaps along the length of the cut. Cuts are also formed to define locking structure as more fully set forth below.
- the substrate 12 is folded along the fold lines 16 until adjoining panels are perpendicular to each other, with the fold lines 16 establishing the edge between adjacent panels.
- the flaps likewise are moved owing to the freedom of movement afforded by the cuts 18 to render the substrate 12 into the container top 22 shown in FIG. 3 wherein a substantially parallellepiped-shaped interior chamber is formed.
- the substrate 14 likewise may be folded and moved about fold lines and cuts to establish the parallelepiped-shaped tray 24 shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIGS. 1-3 have many features in common with the embodiments shown in FIGS. 4-10 , attention is first directed to the common features.
- a top panel 30 is formed with a matrix of holes 32 as shown.
- the holes 32 are racetrack-shaped as shown, and the non-limiting matrix has seven columns and nine rows of holes 32 , with adjacent rows being staggered from each other and with adjacent columns being staggered from each other as shown.
- Drainage cuts 38 can be formed in the fold lines between the top panel 30 and the end panels 34 , so that when the substrate 12 is folded, tabs 40 pull away from surrounding material to form drain holes 42 ( FIG. 3 ) in the edges between the top panel 30 and end panels 34 , for purposes to be shortly disclosed.
- the tabs 40 may extend above the top panel 30 as shown, and may define generally semi-circular peripheries as also shown. While tabs 40 and associated drain holes 42 are shown in the top edges between the end panels 34 and top panel 30 , only one or more than two of the top edges may be formed with drain holes.
- side panels 44 are folded about fold lines to the orthogonal orientation they bear with the top panel 30 as shown in FIG. 3 .
- the side panels 44 do not extend completely to the bottom periphery of the top 22 as shown, but instead extend only part way to the bottom periphery, rendering the top 22 that has opposed open side walls which are orthogonal to the closed end wall established by the end panels 34 . In this way, plastic material is conserved.
- vent holes 45 may be formed in a line near the top of each end panel 34 and each side panel 44 as shown.
- small semicircular cut-outs 46 can be formed in the bottom periphery of the top 22 as shown.
- the container has good ventilation for storing, e.g., certain vegetables such as asparagus that require well-ventilated containers.
- end flaps 48 can be folded about fold lines to be orthogonal to the end panels 34 , extending down from the top panel 30 to the bottom periphery of the top 22 but not extending all the way across to the opposite end flap.
- the open sides of the top 22 are closed completely along the top edge by the side panels 44 and completely along their left and right edges by the end flaps 48 , but are open in the area that is between the inside edges of the end flaps 48 , the bottom periphery of the top 22 , and the bottom edge of the side panel 44 .
- Locking tab cut lines are made between each end flap 48 and its contiguous side panel 44 as shown to establish a locking tab 50 on each side panel 44 .
- a locking tab may be, without limitation, generally octagonal-shaped.
- locking receptacle cut lines are made between each end flap 48 and its contiguous end panel 34 to establish tab receptacles 52 in the edges that are formed by the fold lines between each end panel 34 and its adjoining end flaps 48 .
- a tray lock element 54 is established by cut lines 56 that form three sides of a rectangle and by two parallel closely spaced lock fold lines 58 forming the fourth side of the rectangle.
- a hole 60 can be formed in the lock element 54 if desired.
- the free end of the lock element 54 is formed, using cut lines and fold lines, with a lock tab 62 , and the lock tab 62 can be pivoted about an interior fold line 64 .
- the tray lock element 54 can be folded outwardly away from the closed wall of the top 22 and is sized and positioned on the wall such that a portion of the lock element extends beyond and can be folded around the bottom periphery of the top, for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery as more fully set forth below.
- the tray 24 may have a continuous bottom panel 66 as shown that is substantially continuous and complete from edge to edge of the bottom panel 66 , except for drain holes 68 that may be formed in one or more edges (drain holes 68 are formed in all four edges in the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 ). Because the bottom panel 66 is continuous throughout, it is relatively strong.
- each end of the bottom panel 66 On each end of the bottom panel 66 are over-folded end panels 70 , 72 between which are double fold lines 74 . Also, straddling each set of end panels 70 , 72 are opposed end flaps 76 .
- the substrate 14 is folded with the end flaps 76 sandwiched tightly between the end panels 70 , 72 as can be appreciated looking at FIG. 3 , with the resulting layered end structure consisting of panels 70 , 72 and flap 76 being oriented orthogonal to the bottom panel 66 .
- the drain holes 68 that are formed in the edge between the bottom panel 66 and each layered end structure may be semi-circular in shape in the end structure and rectilinear in shape in the bottom panel 66 .
- Holding tabs 77 are formed on the free edge of the outer (in FIG. 2 ) end panel 72 , and the holding tabs 77 engage the complementarily-shaped rectilinear portions of the drain holes 68 that are formed in the edge between the bottom panel 66 and each layered end structure to hold the tray 24 in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 .
- Opposed side panels 78 bound the remaining two sides of the bottom panel 66 .
- the drain holes 68 that are formed in the edge between the bottom panel 66 and each side panel 78 may have a variety of shapes, including generally trapezoidal and racetrack shaped.
- Opposite ends of each side panel 78 are connected at fold lines to respective end flaps 76 , so that with the end flaps 76 locked between the end panels 70 , 72 , the side panels 78 are held in the configuration shown in FIG. 3 .
- lock receptacles 80 also formed in the edge between the bottom panel 66 and each layered end structure and substantially intermediate the drain holes in the edge are lock receptacles 80 .
- the lock receptacles 80 receive respective tray locking elements 54 in the top 22 , which recall extend beyond and wrap around the bottom periphery of the top 22 , to hold the top 22 onto the tray 24 .
- the bottom periphery of the top 22 fits snugly within the panels of the tray 24 , resting on the bottom panel 66 .
- FIGS. 4 and 5 show a top substrate 84 and a tray substrate 86 that are configured substantially identically to the substrates 12 , 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that instead of a wrap-around locking structure 54 , 80 , the top substrate 84 is formed with lock receptacles 88 in each end flap 90 , and the tray substrate 86 is formed with two pivotable lock elements 92 in each side panel 94 , with the lock elements 92 engaging the lock receptacles 88 to hold the top onto the tray.
- FIGS. 6 and 7 show a top substrate 96 and a tray substrate 98 that are configured substantially identically to the substrates 12 , 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that instead of a wrap-around locking structure 54 , 80 , the top substrate 96 is formed with lock receptacles 100 in each end panel 102 , and the tray substrate 98 is formed with two pivotable lock elements 104 in each layered end structure 106 , with the lock elements 104 engaging the lock receptacles 100 to hold the top onto the tray.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 show a top substrate 108 and a tray substrate 110 that are configured substantially identically to the substrates 12 , 14 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that no tray-top locking structure is provided.
- FIG. 10 shows a top substrate 112 that is configured substantially identically to the substrate 12 shown in FIG. 1 , except that no tray locking structure is provided and an enlarged rectangular vent window 114 is formed in each end panel 116 .
- lock elements and lock receptacles may be reversed from tray to top and vice-versa. It is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. Absent express definitions herein, claim terms are to be given all ordinary and accustomed meanings that are not irreconcilable with the present specification and file history.
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Abstract
A plastic box includes a top and a tray that may be locked together. The top has two open sides to save material. The top can have drain holes along its edges, and the tray likewise has drain holes along its edges, so that when the tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container, water in the top container can drain down and through the bottom container.
Description
- The present invention relates generally to plastic containers.
- Plastic boxes are used for a wide variety of applications. By way of non-limiting example, half-slotted plastic containers can be used for transporting vegetables such as asparagus. So-called design style trays can also be used for carrying goods.
- Regardless of the type or purpose, a plastic container ordinarily is made from a flat substrate, with the panels of what will become the container being established by appropriately forming fold lines and flap cuts in the substrate. To render the substrate into a three-dimensional container, the substrate is folded along the fold lines, the flap cuts are used as appropriate to overlay one panel on another, and so on.
- As recognized herein, it is desirable to minimize the amount of plastic used in the container, to conserve costs. It is also desirable under some circumstances to more firmly engage a top of a container with the tray of the container than merely by an interference fit between the two container components. Furthermore, recognizing that the tray of one container is often stacked on the top of another container, it is desirable to provide a way for water to drain through the containers without weakening the bottom of the trays. It is still further desirable to provide a container with good ventilation for storing, e.g., certain vegetables such as asparagus. With these critical recognitions in mind, the various embodiments herein are provided.
- A container includes a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and is folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top. The top has opposed closed walls and opposed open walls orthogonal to the closed walls, to conserve material.
- In preferred implementations a second substrate is configured with fold lines and cut lines and is folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray, with the top and tray engaging in an interference fit to form a closure. The top can be formed with at least one drain hole along at least one top edge and the tray can be formed with at least one drain hole along at least one bottom edge, and a drain hole of the top is registered with a drain hole of the tray when a tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container.
- If desired, the top can define a top surface that is formed with a matrix of holes inboard of top edges. The holes may be racetrack-shaped. A tab can extend upwardly from the drain hole in the top edge and can be configured to engage the drain hole of a tray positioned on the top.
- In some implementations, a tray lock element is foldable outwardly away from one the closed walls of the top, with a portion of the tray lock element extending beyond and being foldable around a bottom periphery of the top for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery. In other implementations, a top lock element is foldable outwardly away from the tray and can engage a receptacle in one of the open walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top. In still other implementations, a top lock element is foldable outwardly away from the tray for engaging a receptacle in one of the closed walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top.
- In another aspect, a container includes a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top and a second substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray. The top can be formed with a drain hole along a top edge and the tray can be formed with a drain hole along a bottom edge. A drain hole of the top is registered with a drain hole of the tray when a tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container.
- In still another aspect, a container includes a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top, and a second substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray. A tray lock element is foldable outwardly away from a wall of the top. A portion of the tray lock element extends beyond and is foldable around a bottom periphery of the top for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery.
- The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a first non-limiting plastic box top portion, showing a wrap-lock structure; -
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a first non-limiting plastic box tray portion, showing a wrap-lock receiving structure; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the substrates shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 in an exploded relationship after being rendered into their container shapes; -
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a second non-limiting plastic box top portion, showing a side lock structure; -
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a second non-limiting plastic box tray portion, showing a side lock receiving structure; -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a third non-limiting plastic box top portion, showing an end lock structure; -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a third non-limiting plastic box tray portion, showing an end lock receiving structure; -
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a fourth non-limiting plastic box top portion, with no lock structure; -
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a fourth non-limiting plastic box tray portion, with no lock receiving structure; and -
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a substrate that can be rendered into a fifth non-limiting plastic box top portion, with vented ends. - Referring initially to
FIGS. 1-3 , a container is shown, generally designated 10, that is rendered from a flat top substrate 12 (FIG. 1 ) that may have a honeycomb (cardboard-like) construction and a flat tray substrate 14 (FIG. 2 ) that may also have a honeycomb construction. Thesubstrates FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a container that may be used for carrying wet articles such as vegetable bags. Any dimensions shown in the drawings are non-limiting on the invention. - In accordance with principles known in the art, the
substrate 12 is a single piece of plastic that is formed withplural fold lines 16 that demarcate the creases between adjacent panels about which the panels can be folded. Also, thesubstrate 12 as shown may be formed withplural cuts 18 between adjacent flaps each of which cuts 18 physically separates its adjacent flaps along the length of the cut. Cuts are also formed to define locking structure as more fully set forth below. Thesubstrate 12 is folded along thefold lines 16 until adjoining panels are perpendicular to each other, with thefold lines 16 establishing the edge between adjacent panels. Also, the flaps likewise are moved owing to the freedom of movement afforded by thecuts 18 to render thesubstrate 12 into thecontainer top 22 shown inFIG. 3 wherein a substantially paralellepiped-shaped interior chamber is formed. Thesubstrate 14 likewise may be folded and moved about fold lines and cuts to establish the parallelepiped-shaped tray 24 shown inFIG. 3 . - Because
FIGS. 1-3 have many features in common with the embodiments shown inFIGS. 4-10 , attention is first directed to the common features. Starting with thetop 22, atop panel 30 is formed with a matrix ofholes 32 as shown. In non-limiting embodiments theholes 32 are racetrack-shaped as shown, and the non-limiting matrix has seven columns and nine rows ofholes 32, with adjacent rows being staggered from each other and with adjacent columns being staggered from each other as shown. - Depending down orthogonally from the ends of the
top panel 30 are opposedend panels 34, each of which forms a substantially complete and continuous surface from thetop panel 30 to thebottom periphery 36 of thetop 22 except for cuts and folds defining the locking element more fully described below which is unique to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1-3 . Drainage cuts 38 (FIG. 1 ) can be formed in the fold lines between thetop panel 30 and theend panels 34, so that when thesubstrate 12 is folded, tabs 40 pull away from surrounding material to form drain holes 42 (FIG. 3 ) in the edges between thetop panel 30 andend panels 34, for purposes to be shortly disclosed. Thetabs 40 may extend above thetop panel 30 as shown, and may define generally semi-circular peripheries as also shown. Whiletabs 40 and associateddrain holes 42 are shown in the top edges between theend panels 34 andtop panel 30, only one or more than two of the top edges may be formed with drain holes. - Still referring to
FIGS. 1-3 ,side panels 44 are folded about fold lines to the orthogonal orientation they bear with thetop panel 30 as shown inFIG. 3 . Unlike theend panels 34, however, theside panels 44 do not extend completely to the bottom periphery of thetop 22 as shown, but instead extend only part way to the bottom periphery, rendering thetop 22 that has opposed open side walls which are orthogonal to the closed end wall established by theend panels 34. In this way, plastic material is conserved. In some implementations,vent holes 45 may be formed in a line near the top of eachend panel 34 and eachside panel 44 as shown. - To further conserve plastic, small semicircular cut-
outs 46 can be formed in the bottom periphery of the top 22 as shown. - With the combination of structure shown in
FIGS. 1-3 , it may now be appreciated that in addition to other noted advantages the container has good ventilation for storing, e.g., certain vegetables such as asparagus that require well-ventilated containers. - Completing the description of the structure that can be generally common to all embodiments, end flaps 48 can be folded about fold lines to be orthogonal to the
end panels 34, extending down from thetop panel 30 to the bottom periphery of the top 22 but not extending all the way across to the opposite end flap. Thus, the open sides of the top 22 are closed completely along the top edge by theside panels 44 and completely along their left and right edges by the end flaps 48, but are open in the area that is between the inside edges of the end flaps 48, the bottom periphery of the top 22, and the bottom edge of theside panel 44. - Locking tab cut lines are made between each
end flap 48 and itscontiguous side panel 44 as shown to establish alocking tab 50 on eachside panel 44. A locking tab may be, without limitation, generally octagonal-shaped. Also, locking receptacle cut lines are made between eachend flap 48 and itscontiguous end panel 34 to establishtab receptacles 52 in the edges that are formed by the fold lines between eachend panel 34 and its adjoining end flaps 48. When thesubstrate 12 ofFIG. 1 is folded into the top 22 ofFIG. 3 , each lockingtab 50 is closely received into theclosest tab receptacle 52 to hold the top 22 in the configuration shown. - Completing the description of the structure of the top 22 by drawing attention to a feature that is not shared by the other embodiments of
FIGS. 4-9 , in at least one of theend panels 34, atray lock element 54 is established bycut lines 56 that form three sides of a rectangle and by two parallel closely spaced lock fold lines 58 forming the fourth side of the rectangle. Ahole 60 can be formed in thelock element 54 if desired. The free end of thelock element 54 is formed, using cut lines and fold lines, with alock tab 62, and thelock tab 62 can be pivoted about aninterior fold line 64. With this structure, thetray lock element 54 can be folded outwardly away from the closed wall of the top 22 and is sized and positioned on the wall such that a portion of the lock element extends beyond and can be folded around the bottom periphery of the top, for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery as more fully set forth below. - Now considering the
substrate 14/tray 24 shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 and first explaining features that can be common to all embodiments if desired, thetray 24 may have acontinuous bottom panel 66 as shown that is substantially continuous and complete from edge to edge of thebottom panel 66, except for drain holes 68 that may be formed in one or more edges (drain holes 68 are formed in all four edges in the non-limiting embodiment shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 ). Because thebottom panel 66 is continuous throughout, it is relatively strong. - On each end of the
bottom panel 66 areover-folded end panels end panels substrate 14 is folded with the end flaps 76 sandwiched tightly between theend panels FIG. 3 , with the resulting layered end structure consisting ofpanels flap 76 being oriented orthogonal to thebottom panel 66. - As best shown in
FIG. 2 , the drain holes 68 that are formed in the edge between thebottom panel 66 and each layered end structure may be semi-circular in shape in the end structure and rectilinear in shape in thebottom panel 66. Holdingtabs 77 are formed on the free edge of the outer (inFIG. 2 )end panel 72, and the holdingtabs 77 engage the complementarily-shaped rectilinear portions of the drain holes 68 that are formed in the edge between thebottom panel 66 and each layered end structure to hold thetray 24 in the configuration shown inFIG. 3 . -
Opposed side panels 78 bound the remaining two sides of thebottom panel 66. As best shown inFIG. 2 , the drain holes 68 that are formed in the edge between thebottom panel 66 and eachside panel 78 may have a variety of shapes, including generally trapezoidal and racetrack shaped. Opposite ends of eachside panel 78 are connected at fold lines to respective end flaps 76, so that with the end flaps 76 locked between theend panels side panels 78 are held in the configuration shown inFIG. 3 . - In the specific embodiment shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3 , also formed in the edge between thebottom panel 66 and each layered end structure and substantially intermediate the drain holes in the edge arelock receptacles 80. The lock receptacles 80 receive respectivetray locking elements 54 in the top 22, which recall extend beyond and wrap around the bottom periphery of the top 22, to hold the top 22 onto thetray 24. The bottom periphery of the top 22 fits snugly within the panels of thetray 24, resting on thebottom panel 66. - With the above structure and with specific reference to
FIG. 3 , it can now be appreciated that if thetray 24 of one container is stacked on the top 22 of another container, the drain holes that are formed in the edge between thebottom panel 66 and each layered end structure of the tray are registered with the drain holes 42 of the top 22 by means of thetabs 40. In this way, liquid advantageously can drain from the top to the bottom of a stack of containers, without weakening thebottom panels 66 of thetrays 24 by forming drain holes inboard of the edges of thebottom panels 66. -
FIGS. 4 and 5 show atop substrate 84 and atray substrate 86 that are configured substantially identically to thesubstrates FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that instead of a wrap-around lockingstructure top substrate 84 is formed withlock receptacles 88 in eachend flap 90, and thetray substrate 86 is formed with twopivotable lock elements 92 in eachside panel 94, with thelock elements 92 engaging thelock receptacles 88 to hold the top onto the tray. -
FIGS. 6 and 7 show atop substrate 96 and atray substrate 98 that are configured substantially identically to thesubstrates FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that instead of a wrap-around lockingstructure top substrate 96 is formed withlock receptacles 100 in eachend panel 102, and thetray substrate 98 is formed with twopivotable lock elements 104 in eachlayered end structure 106, with thelock elements 104 engaging thelock receptacles 100 to hold the top onto the tray. -
FIGS. 8 and 9 show atop substrate 108 and atray substrate 110 that are configured substantially identically to thesubstrates FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that no tray-top locking structure is provided. -
FIG. 10 shows atop substrate 112 that is configured substantially identically to thesubstrate 12 shown inFIG. 1 , except that no tray locking structure is provided and an enlargedrectangular vent window 114 is formed in eachend panel 116. - While the particular PLASTIC CONTAINER WITH OPEN SIDES AND LOCKING FEATURES as herein shown and described in detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects of the invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention and is thus representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention, that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more”. For instance, the above-described lock elements and lock receptacles may be reversed from tray to top and vice-versa. It is not necessary for a device or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. Absent express definitions herein, claim terms are to be given all ordinary and accustomed meanings that are not irreconcilable with the present specification and file history.
Claims (19)
1. A container comprising:
a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top, the top having opposed closed walls and opposed open walls orthogonal to the closed walls.
2. The container of claim 1 , further comprising a second substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray, the top and tray engaging in an interference fit to form a closure.
3. The container of claim 2 , wherein the top is formed with at least one drain hole along at least one top edge and the tray is formed with at least one drain hole along at least one bottom edge, a drain hole of the top being registered with a drain hole of the tray when a tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container.
4. The container of claim 3 , wherein the top defines a top surface formed with a matrix of holes inboard of top edges.
5. The container of claim 3 , wherein the holes are racetrack-shaped.
6. The container of claim 3 , comprising a tab extending upwardly from the drain hole in the top edge and configured to engage the drain hole of a tray positioned on the top.
7. The container of claim 2 , comprising at least one tray lock element foldable outwardly away from one the closed walls of the top, a portion of the tray lock element extending beyond and being foldable around a bottom periphery of the top for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery.
8. The container of claim 2 , comprising at least one top lock element foldable outwardly away from the tray and engaging a receptacle in one of the open walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top.
9. The container of claim 7 , further comprising at least one top lock element foldable outwardly away from the tray and engaging a receptacle in one of the closed walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top.
10. A container comprising:
a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top; and
a second substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray, wherein
the top is formed with at least one drain hole along at least one top edge and the tray is formed with at least one drain hole along at least one bottom edge, a drain hole of the top being registered with a drain hole of the tray when a tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container.
11. The container of claim 10 , wherein the top has opposed closed walls and opposed open walls orthogonal to the closed walls.
12. The container of claim 10 , wherein the top defines a top surface formed with a matrix of holes inboard of top edges.
13. The container of claim 10 , comprising a tab extending upwardly from the drain hole in the top edge and configured to engage the drain hole of a tray positioned on the top.
14. The container of claim 11 , comprising at least one tray lock element foldable outwardly away from one the closed walls of the top, a portion of the tray lock element extending beyond and being foldable around a bottom periphery of the top for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery.
15. The container of claim 11 , comprising at least one top lock element foldable outwardly away from the tray and engaging a receptacle in one of the open walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top.
16. The container of claim 11 , further comprising at least one top lock element foldable outwardly away from the tray and engaging a receptacle in one of the closed walls of the top when the tray is juxtaposed with a bottom periphery of the top.
17. A container comprising:
a first substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow top;
a second substrate configured with fold lines and cut lines and folded along at least some of the lines to form a parallelepiped-shaped hollow tray;
at least one tray lock element foldable outwardly away from a wall of the top, a portion of the tray lock element extending beyond and being foldable around a bottom periphery of the top for engaging a lock receptacle of the tray when the tray is juxtaposed with the bottom periphery.
18. The container of claim 17 , wherein the top is formed with at least one drain hole along at least one top edge and the tray is formed with at least one drain hole along at least one bottom edge, a drain hole of the top being registered with a drain hole of the tray when a tray of one container is stacked on the top of another container.
19. The container of claim 17 , wherein the top has opposed closed walls and opposed open walls orthogonal to the closed walls.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/312,724 US20070138244A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Plastic container with open sides and locking features |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/312,724 US20070138244A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Plastic container with open sides and locking features |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070138244A1 true US20070138244A1 (en) | 2007-06-21 |
Family
ID=38172300
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/312,724 Abandoned US20070138244A1 (en) | 2005-12-19 | 2005-12-19 | Plastic container with open sides and locking features |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070138244A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120055922A1 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-03-08 | Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Llc | Packing Container |
US20130126594A1 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2013-05-23 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Reinforced packing container |
US9474383B1 (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2016-10-25 | Oddello Industries, Llc | Deck panel with airflow stimulation and moisture release elements |
US10183776B2 (en) | 2013-01-09 | 2019-01-22 | Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Llc | Reinforced carton |
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US2357155A (en) * | 1943-01-18 | 1944-08-29 | Gaylord Container Corp | Container |
US2358614A (en) * | 1942-11-14 | 1944-09-19 | Joseph B Arbuthnot | Shipping container |
US2618429A (en) * | 1950-09-07 | 1952-11-18 | Florida Fibre Box Company | Shipping container |
US4046309A (en) * | 1976-07-08 | 1977-09-06 | Olinkraft, Inc. | Shipping box |
US4105152A (en) * | 1977-10-11 | 1978-08-08 | Fibreboard Corporation | Asparagus container |
USD356253S (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 1995-03-14 | Advanced Container Corporation | Box for shipping asparagus |
US5503324A (en) * | 1994-02-04 | 1996-04-02 | Advanced Container Corporation | Shipping and display box |
US5577659A (en) * | 1995-06-08 | 1996-11-26 | Weyerhaeuser Company | Locking feature for container |
US5839651A (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 1998-11-24 | Advanced Package Engineering, Inc. | Asparagus box |
-
2005
- 2005-12-19 US US11/312,724 patent/US20070138244A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2358614A (en) * | 1942-11-14 | 1944-09-19 | Joseph B Arbuthnot | Shipping container |
US2357155A (en) * | 1943-01-18 | 1944-08-29 | Gaylord Container Corp | Container |
US2618429A (en) * | 1950-09-07 | 1952-11-18 | Florida Fibre Box Company | Shipping container |
US4046309A (en) * | 1976-07-08 | 1977-09-06 | Olinkraft, Inc. | Shipping box |
US4105152A (en) * | 1977-10-11 | 1978-08-08 | Fibreboard Corporation | Asparagus container |
US5503324A (en) * | 1994-02-04 | 1996-04-02 | Advanced Container Corporation | Shipping and display box |
USD356253S (en) * | 1994-05-12 | 1995-03-14 | Advanced Container Corporation | Box for shipping asparagus |
US5577659A (en) * | 1995-06-08 | 1996-11-26 | Weyerhaeuser Company | Locking feature for container |
US5839651A (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 1998-11-24 | Advanced Package Engineering, Inc. | Asparagus box |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20120055922A1 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2012-03-08 | Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Llc | Packing Container |
US20130126594A1 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2013-05-23 | Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products Lp | Reinforced packing container |
US8851362B2 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2014-10-07 | Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Llc | Packing container |
US9815585B2 (en) | 2010-09-03 | 2017-11-14 | Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Llc | Reinforced packing container |
US10196170B2 (en) * | 2010-09-03 | 2019-02-05 | Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Llc | Reinforced packing container |
US10183776B2 (en) | 2013-01-09 | 2019-01-22 | Georgia-Pacific Corrugated Llc | Reinforced carton |
US9474383B1 (en) * | 2014-09-12 | 2016-10-25 | Oddello Industries, Llc | Deck panel with airflow stimulation and moisture release elements |
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Legal Events
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Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |