US20100051497A1 - Universal tote - Google Patents

Universal tote Download PDF

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Publication number
US20100051497A1
US20100051497A1 US12/201,002 US20100208A US2010051497A1 US 20100051497 A1 US20100051497 A1 US 20100051497A1 US 20100208 A US20100208 A US 20100208A US 2010051497 A1 US2010051497 A1 US 2010051497A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
structural component
tote
foldable
rigid
side walls
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
Application number
US12/201,002
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English (en)
Inventor
Ryan C. Meers
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rehrig Pacific Co Inc
Original Assignee
Rehrig Pacific Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rehrig Pacific Co Inc filed Critical Rehrig Pacific Co Inc
Priority to US12/201,002 priority Critical patent/US20100051497A1/en
Assigned to REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY reassignment REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MEERS, RYAN C.
Assigned to REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY reassignment REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY CORRECTIVE ASSIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE ADDRESS OF THE ASSIGNEE PREVIOUSLY RECORDED ON REEL 021460 FRAME 0171. ASSIGNOR(S) HEREBY CONFIRMS THE PLEASE CHANGE THE ADDRESS TO READ AS "REHRIG PACIFIC COMPANY, 4010 EAST 26TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90023". Assignors: MEERS, RYAN C.
Priority to CA002668372A priority patent/CA2668372A1/en
Priority to MX2009006967A priority patent/MX2009006967A/es
Publication of US20100051497A1 publication Critical patent/US20100051497A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B65D21/00—Nestable, stackable or joinable containers; Containers of variable capacity
    • B65D21/02—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together
    • B65D21/06—Containers specially shaped, or provided with fittings or attachments, to facilitate nesting, stacking, or joining together with movable parts adapted to be placed in alternative positions for nesting the containers when empty and for stacking them when full
    • 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
    • B65D43/0216—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity inside a peripheral U-shaped channel in 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D2543/0012—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners
    • B65D2543/00175—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond
    • B65D2543/00194—Shape of the outer periphery having straight sides, e.g. with curved corners four straight sides, e.g. trapezium or diamond square or rectangular
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00268—Paper
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65D2543/00453—Contact between the container and the lid in a peripheral U-shaped channel of the container
    • B65D2543/00462—Contact between the container and the lid in a peripheral U-shaped channel of the container peripheral U-shaped channel of the lid

Definitions

  • a typical tote is comprised of a plastic, box-shaped container that may include a lid and/or handles. Items such as pre-packaged foods and other consumer goods, products, or supplies are stored inside the container to be shipped to a distribution location or final destination.
  • the totes typically include a logo or brand identifier on an external surface of the tote. The logo can be formed within the tote or can be a separate sticker or label that is attached to the tote.
  • the totes are configured such that they can be stacked on top of each other during shipping. Once the tote is unloaded at its destination, any handles and/or lids are positioned such that the totes can be nested within each other for storage or for shipping back to their original shipment place.
  • the totes may have a separate sticker or label attached identifying what type of good is inside the specific tote. This makes it difficult to re-use the tote for a different type of good or product. Further, having to re-apply different identifying labels is time consuming and expensive.
  • the present invention provides tote having at least first and second structural components forming an interior cavity that receives at least one product.
  • the second structural component is a foldable component and can be selectively attached and detached from the first structural component as needed for shipping, stacking, or nesting purposes.
  • the first structural component includes at least one display area having at least one brand identifier associated with the product.
  • the second structural component includes at least one display area having at least one product identifier including specific information about the product.
  • the product identifier at least partially overlaps the brand identifier when the second structural component is attached to the first structural component.
  • the brand identifier is exposed for viewing when the second structural component is detached from the first structural component.
  • the first structural component is made from a rigid material, such as plastic for example, and the second structural component is made from a foldable material, such as cardboard for example.
  • the first structural component is re-useable and the second structural component is disposable.
  • the first structural component includes at least a bottom of the container and four rigid side wall portions extending upwardly from the bottom to form the interior cavity.
  • the second structural component includes at least a top portion that encloses the interior cavity for shipping purposes.
  • the top portion also provides a stacking surface to receive another tote.
  • the top portion is also removable from the first structural component such that another tote can be at least partially received within the interior cavity in a nested configuration.
  • FIG. 1 a shows an assembled perspective view of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.
  • FIG. 1 b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 1 a.
  • FIG. 2 a shows an assembled perspective view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.
  • FIG. 2 b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 2 a.
  • FIG. 2 c shows a cross-sectional view of an attachment interface of FIG. 2 a.
  • FIG. 3 a shows an assembled perspective view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.
  • FIG. 3 b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 3 a.
  • FIG. 4 a shows an exploded view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.
  • FIG. 4 b shows an assembled perspective view of the tote of FIG. 4 a.
  • FIG. 5 a shows an exploded view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.
  • FIG. 5 b shows an exploded view of a collapsed position for the tote of FIG. 5 a.
  • FIG. 5 c shows an assembled perspective view of the tote of FIG. 5 a.
  • FIG. 6 a shows a perspective view of another example of a stackable tote with product identifying information when a top of the tote is closed for stacking.
  • FIG. 6 b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 6 a with the top in an open position to display the product identifying information.
  • FIGS. 1 a - b show one example of a crate, container, or tote 10 that includes a first structural component 12 including a bottom 14 and four side walls 16 a - d extending upwardly from the bottom 14 to form an interior cavity 18 .
  • One or more products are typically placed within the interior cavity 18 to be shipped from a point of original to a destination.
  • a second structural component 20 includes a top portion 22 and a plurality of foldable extensions or flaps 24 that are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 22 .
  • the second structural component 20 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 12 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as needed. This will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the tote 10 includes a pair of bale arms 26 that are pivotally attached to one opposing pair of side walls of the four side walls 16 a - d.
  • the bale arms 26 are pivotally attached to side walls 16 a, 16 c.
  • the bale arms 26 are movable between a carrying or stacking position and a non-carrying position. In the non-carrying position, the bale arms 26 are pivoted downwardly to rest against one of the side walls 16 a - d and in the carrying position the bale arms 26 are pivoted upwardly away from the side walls 16 a - d.
  • each side wall 16 a - d includes one slot 28 that extends in a vertical direction.
  • the slots 28 are formed within upwardly facing edges of each of the side walls 16 a - d.
  • the second structural component 20 includes four ( 4 ) foldable flaps 24 (only 3 are shown) with one foldable flap 24 being received within each slot 28 .
  • the top portion 22 encloses the interior cavity 18 to protect the contents and can also provide a stacking surface that can support another tote 10 ; however, in a typical configuration, as described below, the bale arms 26 are positioned to provide a support structure for stacking.
  • the bale arms 26 are pivoted upwardly into a stacking position where the arms rest on top of the top portion 22 of the second structural component 20 .
  • the top portion 22 provides a cover for the interior cavity 18 and protects the contents.
  • the bale arms are received within grooves 30 formed within the bottom 14 of the second stacked tote.
  • the first structural component 12 includes at least one first display area 32 that includes at least one brand identifier 34 .
  • the brand identifier 34 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped. As known, one brand identifier can be associated with many different types of products.
  • the second structural component 20 includes at least one second display area 36 that includes at least one product identifier 38 .
  • the product identifier 38 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped, such as size, type, quantity, etc.
  • the product identifier 38 is positioned on one or more of the foldable flaps 24 .
  • the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 20 is attached to the first structural component 12 , at least one of the foldable flaps 24 covers or overlaps the first display area 32 such that the brand identifier 34 is covered ( FIG. 1 a ).
  • the type of product in each tote is easily identified by the product identifier 38 .
  • the second structural component 20 can then be removed for disposal or seat aside for later use. Once the second structural component 20 is removed, the brand identifier for each tote 10 is exposed for viewing ( FIG. 1 b ).
  • bale arms 26 can be pivoted downwardly to the non-carrying position for nesting purposes to further facilitate return shipping.
  • the first structural component 12 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 20 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets for example.
  • FIGS. 2 a - c show another example of a tote 110 that includes a first structural component 112 including a bottom 114 and four side walls 116 a - d extending upwardly from the bottom 114 to form an interior cavity 118 .
  • a second structural component 120 includes a top portion 122 and a plurality of foldable extensions or flaps 124 that are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 122 .
  • the second structural component 120 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 112 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as described above.
  • the tote 110 includes a pair of handles 126 that are associated with one opposing pair of side walls of the four side walls 116 a - d.
  • the handles 126 are associated with side walls 116 a and 116 c.
  • the handles 126 are typically integrally formed as part of the first structural component 112 ; however, the handles 126 could also be separately attached.
  • the handles 126 includes openings 150 such that to define grasp locations for someone moving the totes 10 .
  • each handle 126 includes one slot 128 that extends in a vertical direction.
  • the slots 128 are formed within downwardly facing edges of each of the handles 126 .
  • the second structural component 120 includes two (2) foldable flaps 124 with one foldable flap 124 being folded over a corresponding handle 126 .
  • the second structural component 120 includes a pair of openings 152 that are slightly larger than an outer periphery of the handles 126 . When the flaps 124 are folded over the handles 126 the handles 126 are positioned within the openings 152 with a bottom edge 154 of the opening being received within a corresponding slot 128 .
  • the slots 128 are formed within a bottom portion of the handle 126 as shown in FIG. 2 c.
  • This provides a secure attachment interface between the first 112 and second 120 structural components.
  • the top portion 122 encloses the interior cavity 118 and provides a stacking surface that can support another tote 110 .
  • Raised edges 158 on side walls 116 b, 116 d and on the handles 126 help hold the second structural component 120 in place to provide a secure stacking surface.
  • the first structural component 112 includes at least one first display area 132 that includes at least one brand identifier 134 .
  • the brand identifier 134 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped.
  • the second structural component 120 includes at least one second display area 136 that includes at least one product identifier 138 .
  • the product identifier 138 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped.
  • the product identifier 138 is positioned on one or more of the foldable flaps 124 .
  • the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 120 is attached to the first structural component 112 , at least one of the foldable flaps 124 covers or overlaps the first display area 132 such that the brand identifier 134 is covered ( FIGS. 2 a ).
  • the type of product in each tote is easily identified by the product identifier 138 .
  • the second structural component 120 can then be removed for disposal or seat aside for later use.
  • the brand identifier 134 for each tote 110 is exposed ( FIG. 2 b ) to allow for return shipping as discussed above.
  • the totes 110 can be nested within each other to further facilitate return shipping.
  • the first structural component 112 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 120 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets.
  • FIGS. 3 a - b shows another example of a tote 210 that includes a first structural component 212 including a bottom 214 and four side walls 216 a - d extending upwardly from the bottom 214 to form an interior cavity 218 .
  • One or more produces are typically placed within the interior cavity 218 to be shipped from a point of original to a destination.
  • a second structural component 220 includes a first portion 222 a and a second portion 222 b that cooperate to provide a top for the tote 210 .
  • Each of the first 222 a and second 222 b portions include a top portion 224 a and a side portion 224 b that is folded downwardly relative to the top portion 224 a.
  • the top portions 224 a include a crenellated edge with extensions and openings such that an extension from one of the top portions 224 a aligns with an opening of the other of the top portions 224 a when the top portions 224 a are in the closed position.
  • the second structural component 220 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 212 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as needed. This will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • the tote 210 includes a pair of bale arms 226 that are pivotally attached to an inner surface 260 of one opposing pair of side walls of the four side walls 216 a - d.
  • the bale arms 226 are attached to side walls 216 b, 216 d, and are movable between a carrying or stacking position and a non-carrying position. In the non-carrying position, the bale arms 226 are pivoted downwardly into the interior cavity 218 to rest against one of the side walls 216 a - d and in the carrying position the bale arms 226 are pivoted upwardly away from the side walls 216 a - d.
  • one set of opposing side walls 216 a - d includes slots 228 that extends in a vertical direction.
  • the slots 228 are formed within side walls 216 a, 216 c.
  • the slots 228 are formed between and inner surface of a peripheral lip portion 262 of the tote 210 and an outer surface of the set of opposing side walls 216 a - d.
  • Each of the bale arms 226 also includes a slot 264 .
  • the side portions 224 b of the second structural component 220 are inserted through the slots 264 in the bale arms 226 and then are received within the slots 228 .
  • top portions 224 a can then be folded relative to the side portions 224 b such that the crenellated edges are aligned with each other.
  • the top portions 224 a enclose the interior cavity 218 to protect the contents and can provide a stacking surface that can support another tote 210 ; however, in a typical configuration, as described below, the bale arms 226 are positioned to provide a support structure for stacking.
  • the bale arms 226 are pivoted upwardly into a stacking position where the arms rest on top of the top portions 224 a of the second structural component 220 ( FIG. 3 a ).
  • the top portions 224 a provide a cover for the interior cavity 218 and protect the contents.
  • the bale arms 226 are received within grooves 230 formed within the bottom 214 of the second stacked tote.
  • the first structural component 212 includes at least one first display area 232 that includes at least one brand identifier 234 .
  • the brand identifier 234 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped. As known, one brand identifier can be associated with many different types of products.
  • the second structural component 220 includes at least one second display area 236 that includes at least one product identifier 238 .
  • the product identifier 238 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped.
  • the product identifier 238 is positioned on at least one of the side portions 224 b.
  • the side portions 224 b covers or overlaps the first display area 232 such that the brand identifier 234 is covered.
  • the type of product in each tote is easily identified by the product identifier 238 .
  • the second structural component 220 can then be removed for disposal or seat aside for later use. Once the second structural component 220 is removed, the brand identifier 234 for each tote 10 is exposed for viewing.
  • bale arms 226 can be pivoted downwardly to the non-carrying position for nesting purposes to further facilitate return shipping.
  • the first structural component 212 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 220 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets.
  • FIGS. 4 a - b show another example of a tote 310 that includes a first structural component 312 including a bottom 314 and four side walls 316 a - d extending upwardly from the bottom 314 to form an interior cavity 318 .
  • a second structural component 320 includes a top portion 322 and a plurality of foldable extensions or flaps 324 that are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 322 .
  • the second structural component 320 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 312 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as described above.
  • the tote 310 includes at least a plurality of handles 326 with one handle 326 being associated with each of the four side walls 316 a - d.
  • the handles 326 are typically integrally formed as part of the first structural component 312 ; however, the handles 316 could also be separately attached.
  • the handles 326 include openings 350 to define grasp locations for someone moving the totes 310 . While four handles 326 are shown in the example, it should be understood that only two handles (one set of handles in a pair of opposing side walls) may be needed.
  • an internal surface 370 of each side wall 316 a - d includes a ledge 372 that faces upwardly within the interior cavity 318 .
  • the foldable flaps 324 of the second structural component 320 are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 322 and are inserted into the interior cavity 318 such that bottom edges 374 of the foldable flaps 324 abut directly against the ledges 372 .
  • the foldable flaps 324 of the second structural component 320 may also include foldable portions 376 to form openings that would align with the openings 350 of the handles 326 .
  • the foldable portions 376 could be folded inwardly relative to the foldable flaps 342 .
  • the top portion 322 encloses the interior cavity 318 and can provide a stacking surface that can support another tote 310 ; however, in a typical configuration the tote first structural component 312 provides the support structure for stacking by using raised corner portions 378 and associated supports surfaces to locate and stack additional totes 310 .
  • the top portion 322 provides a cover for the interior cavity 318 and protects the contents.
  • the first structural component 312 includes at least one first display area 332 that includes at least one brand identifier 334 .
  • the brand identifier 334 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped.
  • the second structural component 320 includes at least one second display area 336 that includes at least one product identifier 338 .
  • the product identifier 338 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped.
  • the product identifier 338 is positioned on the top portion 322 and the brand identifier 334 is positioned on at least one of the side walls 316 a - d.
  • both the brand identifier 334 and product identifier 338 are visible.
  • both the brand and product information are readily visible during shipping.
  • the totes 310 can be nested within each other to facilitate return shipping.
  • the first structural component 312 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 320 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets.
  • the first structural component 312 comprises a knock-down crate where the side walls 316 a - d are collapsible relative to the bottom 314 .
  • Locking mechanisms 380 can be used to secure the side walls 316 a - d together as known. Any of the second structural component configurations shown in the various disclosed examples could also be used with a knock-down crate configuration.
  • FIGS. 5 a - c show another example of a tote 410 that includes a first structural component 412 including a bottom 414 and four side wall portions 416 a - d extending upwardly from the bottom 114 to form a base 412 a.
  • the wall portions 416 a - d of the base 412 a each include a ledge 480 .
  • the first structural component 412 also includes a top 412 b.
  • a second structural component 420 includes a plurality of foldable wall portions 424 a - d that are folded relative to each other to form a square or rectangular shaped ring that defines an interior cavity 418 .
  • Bottom edges 482 of each of the foldable wall portions 424 a - d rest against the ledges 480 when the second structural component 420 is attached to the first structural component 412 .
  • Top edges 484 of each of the foldable wall portions 424 a - d support the top 412 b.
  • the top 412 b includes a top portion 486 and a plurality of side walls 488 that extend downwardly from the top portion 486 to overlap the foldable wall portions 424 a - d.
  • the top edges 484 of the foldable wall portions 424 a - d rest against an inner surface of the top portion 486 .
  • the second structural component 420 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 412 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc.
  • the top portion 486 of the top 412 b can then be used to enclose the interior cavity 418 and provides a stacking surface that can support another tote 410 .
  • the second structural component 420 is also capable of being moved into a collapsed position for return shipping purposes. As shown in FIG. 5 b, the second structural component 420 can be placed such that one of the foldable wall portions 424 c rests against the bottom 414 of the base 412 a. The top 412 b can then be pressed against the opposite wall portion 424 a, i.e. the wall portion that faces upwardly, which sandwiches the second structural component 420 between the top 412 b and base 412 a. The top 412 b slides over the base 412 a to form a compact unit for return shipping.
  • the first structural component 412 includes at least one first display area 432 that includes at least one brand identifier 434 .
  • the brand identifier 434 is located on the top 412 b.
  • the second structural component 420 includes at least one second display area 436 that includes at least one product identifier 438 .
  • the product identifier 438 is positioned on one or more of the foldable wall portions 424 a - d.
  • the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 420 is attached to the first structural component 412 , both the brand identifier 434 and product identifier 438 are visible. As such, in this example, both the brand and product information are readily visible during shipping.
  • the top 412 b and base 412 a of the first structural component 412 are comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 420 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets.
  • FIGS. 6 a - b show another example of a tote 510 that includes a first structural component 512 including a bottom 514 and four side walls 516 a - d extending upwardly from the bottom 514 to form an interior cavity 518 .
  • a second structural component 520 includes a pair of top portions 522 that are pivotally attached to opposing side walls of the first structural component.
  • the top portions 522 include a crenellated edge with extensions and openings such that an extension from one of the top portions 522 aligns with an opening of the other of the top portions 522 when the top portions 522 are in the closed position.
  • the interior cavity 518 is closed and the top portions 522 provide a stacking surface for another tote 510 .
  • the tote 510 can also include raised corner portions 590 to facilitate locating and stacking of additional totes 510 .
  • the second structural component 520 includes at least one first display area 532 that includes at least one brand identifier 534 .
  • the brand identifier 534 is located on an internally facing surface 592 of at least one of the top portions 522 . As such, when the top portions 522 are closed, the brand identifier 534 is not visible. However, when the top portions 522 are pivoted to the open position, the brand identifier 534 becomes visible.
  • the first structural component 512 includes at least one second display area 536 that includes at least one product identifier 538 . In the example shown, the product identifier 538 is on at least one of the wall portions 516 a - d. The product identifier 538 may or may not be covered by the top portions 522 when the top portions are moved to the open position.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)
  • Cartons (AREA)
  • Stackable Containers (AREA)
US12/201,002 2008-08-29 2008-08-29 Universal tote Abandoned US20100051497A1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

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US12/201,002 US20100051497A1 (en) 2008-08-29 2008-08-29 Universal tote
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MX2009006967A MX2009006967A (es) 2008-08-29 2009-06-25 Caja de transporte universal.

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN104691919A (zh) * 2015-03-03 2015-06-10 周佩龙 一种菌种储运箱
US10011394B2 (en) 2014-06-11 2018-07-03 Green 2 Green Products, Inc. Reusable mailer bag
US10167110B2 (en) * 2010-05-27 2019-01-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Dual height collapsible container
US10427837B2 (en) 2015-04-20 2019-10-01 Orbis Corporation Container with feature to block fork tine openings
US10737843B2 (en) 2014-06-11 2020-08-11 Green 2 Green Products, Inc. Reusable mailer bag
US11597557B2 (en) 2018-10-04 2023-03-07 Rehrig Pacific Company Reconfigurable beverage crate

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1876181A (en) * 1930-11-19 1932-09-06 Victor Safe & Equipment Compan Package of index guides
US3489314A (en) * 1968-04-17 1970-01-13 Sinclair Koppers Co Foam plastic shipping container
US4391369A (en) * 1981-08-31 1983-07-05 Pinckney Molded Plastics, Inc. Four-level stacking container
US5735548A (en) * 1994-11-01 1998-04-07 Anderson; Gwendolyn T. S. Food donator identification container
US20080202954A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2008-08-28 Thorsten Knobloch Array of sanitary tissue products
US20090057171A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Connie Marie Roetker Array of paper towel products

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1876181A (en) * 1930-11-19 1932-09-06 Victor Safe & Equipment Compan Package of index guides
US3489314A (en) * 1968-04-17 1970-01-13 Sinclair Koppers Co Foam plastic shipping container
US4391369A (en) * 1981-08-31 1983-07-05 Pinckney Molded Plastics, Inc. Four-level stacking container
US5735548A (en) * 1994-11-01 1998-04-07 Anderson; Gwendolyn T. S. Food donator identification container
US20080202954A1 (en) * 2007-02-23 2008-08-28 Thorsten Knobloch Array of sanitary tissue products
US20090057171A1 (en) * 2007-08-31 2009-03-05 Connie Marie Roetker Array of paper towel products

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10167110B2 (en) * 2010-05-27 2019-01-01 Rehrig Pacific Company Dual height collapsible container
US10011394B2 (en) 2014-06-11 2018-07-03 Green 2 Green Products, Inc. Reusable mailer bag
US10737843B2 (en) 2014-06-11 2020-08-11 Green 2 Green Products, Inc. Reusable mailer bag
US10737842B2 (en) 2014-06-11 2020-08-11 Green 2 Green Products, Inc. Reusable mailer bag
US11312540B2 (en) 2014-06-11 2022-04-26 Green 2 Green Products, Inc Reusable mailer bag
CN104691919A (zh) * 2015-03-03 2015-06-10 周佩龙 一种菌种储运箱
US10427837B2 (en) 2015-04-20 2019-10-01 Orbis Corporation Container with feature to block fork tine openings
US11597557B2 (en) 2018-10-04 2023-03-07 Rehrig Pacific Company Reconfigurable beverage crate

Also Published As

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CA2668372A1 (en) 2010-02-28
MX2009006967A (es) 2010-03-01

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