US2048205A - Collapsible display container - Google Patents

Description

July 21, Q J TOWELL GOLLAPSIBLE DISPLAY CONTAINER Filed Dec. 18, 1935 2 SheetsSheet l Inventor-.- Oscar J T020622 y 1, 1936. o. J. TOWELL COLLAPSIBLE DISPLAY CONTAINER Filed Dec. 18, 1933 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 n v wflfi Z A Z MT r w o 0/ y 9 Ma a W52 9 0/ 3 WM 1 ZATN a Patented July 21, 1936 PATENT OFFICE COLLAPSIBLE DISPLAY CONTADIER Oscar J. Towell, Chicago, 111., assignor to Bunte Brothers, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application December 18,1933, Serial No. 702,928

11 Claims. (Cl. 229-41) The present invention relates to containers and w more particularly to containers of collapsible form adapted for the display of small articles of merchandise on retail store counters.

One object of the invention is to generally improve and simplify the construction of containers of this type and to render such containers more acceptable to retail dealers. A further object is to provide a collapsible container which can be formed from a minimum amount of stock and .which requires only a small amount of labor at the factory in preparing it in collapsed form for use.

A further object is to provide an efiective form of bottom construction for a collapsible display container which requires no ingenuity on the part of the user to set up in condition for display purposes.

To these and other ends the invention resides in certain improvements and combinations of parts, all as will be hereinafter more fully described, the novel features being pointed out in the claims at the end of the specification.

In'the drawings:

5 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the container taken along line II-II of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the blank partially 30 collapsed;

Fig. 4 is a view illustrating the container collapsed to occupy a space of minimum length and breadth;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a modified form 35 of container; v

- Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of a further modified form of the bottom sections of the container,

and.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary view of a still further 40 modified form of the bottom sections of the container.

The present invention, as described, provides a simple and effective display container in the form of a basket or tray which may be collapsed 45 for storage or shipment so as to occupy a very small space, and one which can be set up by the average person without necessitating the use of instructions for the purpose, and which, when set up, will be durable and not likely to become 50 tom or disarranged through ordinary handling.

The container of the present invention is particularly advantageous where it is desired to display small articles of merchandise, such as candy and other small packages of edibles, on a retailer's 55 counter.

Reference is herein made to my co-pending applications, Serial Number 587,172, filed January 18. 1932, for Collapsible display container, and Serial Number 592,269, filed February 11, 1932, for Folding display containers. 6

Referring more particularly to the drawings the container, indicated by the number I, preferably comprises two sections la and lb, each of which constitute substantially one-half of the complete container. Each of the sections la and 10 lb are suitably scored to provide a plurality of downwardly tapering wall sections, herein indicated by the numerals 2, 3, l, 5 and 6 on section ia, and numerals 1, 8, 9, Ill and II on section lb.

A display panel IC is preferably provided on sec- 15 tion la which is similar to the display panel disclosed in the above mentioned pending applications and forms no part of the present invention.

The sections Ia and lb are further provided respectively with cooperating 'bottomsections I2 20 and I3 each of which is hingedly connected to a wall of the respective container sections la and lb.

In the present instance the bottom section I2 is integrally connected to the wall 4 and the bottom section I3 is integrally connected to the wall 9. Obviously, if desired, bottom sections l2 and I3 could be formed separately, and adhesively secured to the walls 4 and 9 as illustrated in Fig. 5 to be later described.

The bottom sections l2 and I3 preferably inelude tapered lateral extensions l2a, lZb, and l3a, l3b, which are separated from the central portions of the bottom sections by score lines as indicated. These lateral extensions are of such dimensions as to cause the over-all lateral extent of the sections to be greater than the corresponding diameter of the opening within the bottom edges of the side walls so that, when the container is set up, the edges of the lateral extensions will come into close fitting engagement with the side walls 2, 3; 5, 6; I, 8 and II), II above their lower edges, and with the extremities of the lateral extensions preferably substantially meeting at the line of juncture between walls 2 and II at one side of the container and walls 6 and l on the other side.

The bottom sections l2 and i3 are preferably formed of such a length (that is, the dimension at right angles to their hinge connections with the side walls) so that. when the container is set up for use, the effective length of these bottom sections will equal substantially one-half of the diameter of the container measured between such hinge connections. In other words, regardless of the exact length of the bottom sections, the total effective length of such sections should substantially equal the diameter of the container measured between the hinge connections. Thus, when the bottom sections are in bottom-forming position, at least the central portions of the sections will lie approximately in a common plane and form a substantially flat or horizontal bottom between the above mentioned hinge lines.

Means are preferably provided for hingediy connecting the bottom sections I2 and I3 preferably along their meeting edges and, in the present instance, such means constitute members or portions extending from the free edges of one or both of these bottom sections. As illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, the bottom section I2 is provided with tab extensions I4 and I5, and the bottom section I3 is provided with tab extensions I6, I1 and I8. The tab extensions I4 and I6 are preferably located on the sections I21) and I 3b respectively, and the tab extensions, I and I8 are located on the lateral extensions I20, and I3a respectively. The tab extension I1 is preferably, although not necessarily, substantially equal in extent to the central portion of the section I3.

In order to effect positive interlocking between the sections I2 and I3, the'tab extensions I4, I5, I6, II and I8 are preferably formed with lateral edge portions Ila, I511, etc., which engage with similar cooperating, lateral edge portions on the tab extensions on the opposite bottom section.

The container sections Ia and lb may be joined together in any desirable manner. In the present instance this is accomplished by means of extensions I9 and 20 on section lb which overlap the edges of the walls 2 and G of section In and which are secured thereto as by means of the staples illustrated.

In order to positively lock the bottom sections I2 and I3 in bottom forming position, locking or retaining means, herein shown as tabs 2I and 22, are preferably provided on the walls 2 and 6 along the edges of section Ia. These tabs 2| and 212 are preferably somewhat offset back from the edges of walls 2 and 6 and are located so that their lower edges will engage at or near the extremities of the respective lateral extensions I2a, I2b and I311, I3b when the container is in set up condition. By the use of the tabs 2| and 22 the bottom of the container may be effectively retained in set up condition even though no means for interlocking the sections are employed.

In the modified forms of the invention illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the interengagement of the vided with a pair of tab extensions H6 and II'I,

preferably located on the laterally extended portions 8 and II! ofsection II2, andsection II3is preferably formed with a tab extension I20 dis-- posed centrally of the section and with additional tab extensions I2I and I22 located on the laterally extending portions I23 and I24. In assembling the container constructed as just described, it

is only necessary to bring the bottom sections together and depress them downward while tabs H6, III are engaged in the spaces between tabs I2II, I2I and I22. Thetabs on the respective sections each bear on the upper faces of the opposite sections as illustrated.

In the modified form of invention, illustrated in Fig. 6, the bottom sections 2l2 and 2I3, (shown separated for the sake of cleamess) may be hingedly connected to the lower edges of the inclined walls in any desired manner. For the purpose of interlocking the bottom sections when the container is set up, one of the sections, herein shown as section 2I3, is provided with a tab extension 220 in the central portion of the section and with additional tab extensions HI and 222 located on the laterally extending portions 223 and 224 of section 2I3. The section 220 is preferably arranged to engage against the upper surface of section M2 and the tab extensions 22I and 222 will preferably be disposed in contact with the underside of the respective lateral extension 2I8 and 2I9 of bottom section 2I2. I

The bottom sections including the lateral extensions thereon are preferably so constructed as to effect an automatic locking of the bottom when the container and bottom are in set up condition. For this purpose the lateral extensions are'made of such a length so that when they are in bottom forming position they engage against the side walls at a point above their lower edges so that the bottom of the container will assume a concave shape at right angles to the central section which is approximately flat between the hinge connections with the side walls. Thus there will be a tendency for the central portions of one or both of the bottom sections to be at least slight: ly bent or bowed downwardto thus maintain the sections below a. neutral engaged position. In other words, the sections will be biased in the direction of downward movement rather than upward and will be thus held in bottom forming relation until positively displaced upward as by means of an upward pressure of the hand. The

retention of the bottom sections in set up position is also assured by the retaining action of tabs 2i and 22 engaging against at least one of the latsuitable score lines impressed therein dividing the sections into central bottom portions and side extensions, the latter being indicated at 3I2a and 3I3a respectively. Means are provided in this form of the invention for eflecting a forceful engagement between the side extensions and the side walls adjacent thereto. For this purpose the inclined edges of the extensions, instead of being made straight as illustrated in the previous forms, are made somewhat outwardly extended or convex as indicated'at 3, 3", with the apex of the extended convex portions preferably 10- cat-ed near the terminus of the hinge between the bottom section and its attached side wall. With the bottom members constructed in this manner 1 it is apparent that when they are brought into bottom forming position the extended portion 3 II on the lateral extensions will contact the adja cent side walls more forcefully than if the lateral extensions were cut on a straight line. Thus a definite bending stress will be produced at the corner of the hinge and the score line which will increase as the bottom sections reach a horizontal position.

By this construction there will be a pressure exerted upon the side walls adjacent the wall to which the bottom is hinged. This pressure against the side walls will tension the lateral extensions in inclined position relatively to the central portions of the bottom sections and will tend to facilitate the retention of the bottom in its set-up condition so as to prevent the accidental collapse of the container even when subjected to more orless rough handling. By this construction it is also possible to eliminate the use of tabs, such as tabs 2| and 22, if desired.

For the purpose of stiffening the lateral extremities of the bottom so as to cause such extremities to exert an increased pressure against the side walls, one pair of extensions, in the present instance extension 3|3a, 3i3a, are each formed to provide a convexly shaped extended portion 3l5 which is adapted to extend beyond the central line of the bottom when the same is in set-up condition, and to engage a substantial area of the edge of the opposite bottom section. This arrangement provides adouble thickness of material extending inwardly a substantial distance along lines centrally of the bottom and thus will substantially stiffen the lateral extremities of the bottom. Therefore when the bottom is in set-up condition there will be a greater force exerted against the side walls than in the case where the extensions are made as illustrated in Fig. 1. Thus, when the bottom is in position with the side extensions bearing against the side walls, there will be less tendency for the bottom to be displaced upwardly due to improper handling. By the use of either one or both types of extended portions 3" and 3I5 on the lateral extensions it is possible to obtain an even more positive retention of the bottom sections in their bottom forming position and thus permit the entire elimination of the tabs 2| and 22 if for any reason these tabs may not be desired.

In the manufacture of the container of the present invention it is only necessary to cut out the container sections, suitably scoring them at the same time in a manner well known in the art, after which the sections are joined by stapling or gluing the sections l9 and 20 to the edges of walls 2 and 6 Then, if desired, the factory operative may engage the tab extensions as indicated in Fig. 1 and the container is then ready to be collapsed as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4. If desired, the engagement of the tab extensions may beleft to the user of the carton. By col- -lapsing the container flat and then folding over 55 the wall sections 2 and II at one side and the wall sections 6 and I at the other side, as indicated in Fig. 4, the container may thus be folded so as to occupy a minimum length and still not in any way adversely affect the container. This feature is of particular advantage when it is desired to insert the container in an ordinary shipping case together with a quantity of candy or other articles to be subsequently unpacked and displayed in the container of the present invention.

When the user of the carton receives it, it is only necessary for him to set it up by spreading the main container sections and pressing downward on the bottom sections so as to bring them to a horizontal position. When this has been done the laterally extending portions on the bottom sections l2 and i3 will engage against walls 2, 3; 5, 6; I, 8 and [0, ii and hold them firmly in expanded position. At the same time the 75 lateral extensions will form a satisfactory-and neat appearing bottom for the reason that they fit closely against the sections just mentioned.

From the foregoing it is apparent'that the container of the present invention is not only simple and convenient to make and set up, but at the same time the parts are so related as to form an attractive yet sturdy and durable display container that can be effectively employed in selling small items of merchandise such as candy bars and the like.

The small space occupied by the container when collapsed makes it possible to pack the container in the same shipping carton that holds the goods which it is desired to display and it is a simple matter for a retailer to set up the display container and then transfer the contents of the shipping carton to the display container.

While the present description sets forth a preferred embodiment of the invention, numerous changes may be made in the construction and process of assembly without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be-considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

I claim:

l. A collapsible container having inclined, in-

terconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, and a bottom for the container comprising two sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edges, the total effective length of said sections being substantially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, and interlocking members ex tending respectively from the free edge portions of said sections whereby the sections may be loosely interlocked to prevent the sections from bending downward substantially beyond their normal bottom forming position, portions of said sections being ongageable with portions of said inclined side walls when said sections are in interlocked'position whereby to be partially supported thereon.

2. A collapsible container having inclined, interconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, and a bottom for the container com-- prising two sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edges, the total effective length of said sections being substantially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, and spaced tabs extending from the free edge of at least one of said sections and adapted to engage the edge of the other section whereby the sections may be loosely interlocked to, prevent the sections from bending downward substantially beyond their normal bottom forming position, portions of said sections being engageable with portions of said inclined side walls when said sections are in interlocked position whereby to be partially supported thereon.

3. A collapsible container having inclined, interconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, and a bottom for the container comprising two separate sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edges, the total effective length of said sections being substantially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, and the lateral dimenthan the corresponding diameter of the opening at the lower end of the side walls to cause the lateral edge portions of said sections to engage the adjacent inclined side walls intermediate their top and bottom edges whereby the said lateral edge portions, when the sections are in bottom forming position, will fit closely against the side walls intermediate the respective hinged connections of the sections to the side walls and be partially supported thereon.

4. A collapsible container having inclined, interconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, a bottom for the container comprising two sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edges, the total effective length of said sections being substan tially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, interlocking members extending respectively from the free edge portions of said sections whereby the sections may be interlocked to prevent the sections from bending downward substantially beyond their normal bottom forming position, and laterally extending tapered portions on said sections extending respectively at a distance from the central portions of the sections so that, when the bottom sections are in bottom forming position the lateral edges thereof will engage the adjacent inclined side walls at points above their bottom edges.

5. A collapsible container having inclined, interconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, and a bottom for the container comprising two sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edges, the total efiective length of said sections being substantially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, and interlocking members extending respectively from the free edge portions of said sections whereby the sections may be interlocked to prevent the sections from bending downward substantially beyond their normal bottom forming position, the lateral extent of said sections being somewhat greater than the diameter of the opening at the lower edges of the side walls whereby when the bottom sections ly equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls whereby the central portion of the bottom will extend approximately horizontally betweensaid hinge connections, the width of said bottom sections being substantially greater than the diameter of the opening at the lower edges of the side walls at right angles to said first mentioned diameter whereby, when the bottom is in set up position, it will assume a concave shape along the width thereof due to the engagement of the lateral portions of the sections with the side walls above their lower edges, and means on said side walls adapted to engage said lateral portions of the bottom sections to maintain the bottom in said concave shape.

'sions of said sections being substantially greater '7. A collapsible container having inclined, interconnected side walls converging toward their lower. ends, a bottom for the container comprising two sections hingedly connected to each other along their meeting edges and hingedly connected at their opposite edges to opposite side walls adjacent the lower edges of said walls whereby the operation of opening of the container from collapsed condition will cause the bottom sections to assume a bottom forming position, the width of the bottom centrally thereof and parallel to said hinge connections being such as to cause the lateral side edges to engage the adjacent side walls of the container above their bottom edges, and means on said side walls adapted to engage downwardly against the lateral edges of the bottom intermediate the hinge connections of the bottom with the side walls whereby the bottom will be maintained in set-up condition.

8. A collapsible container having inclined, in- 20 terconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, a bottom for the container comprising two sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edgea'the total effective length of such sections being substantially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, means for interlocking the adjacent edges of the bottom sections, and laterally extending tapered portions on said sections extendlngrespectively to a distance from the central portions of the sections so that, when the bottom sections are in bottom forming position, the lateral edges thereof will engage the adjacent inclined side walls at points above their bottom edges, and means comprising extended portions on said lateral extensions adapted to forcefully engage the side walls adjacent the terminus of the hinge between the bottom sections and their respective attached side walls whereby when the bottom sections are in set-up position the tension produced by the engagement of the said extended portions against the adjacent side walls will facilitate the retention of the bottom sections in bottom forming position.

9. A collapsible container having inclined, interconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, a bottom for the container comprising two sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edges, the efiective length of each of said sections being substantially equal to one-half of the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, means for interlocking the adjacent edges of the bottom sections, and laterally extending tapered portions on said sections extending respectively to a distanceirom the central portions of the sections so that, when the bottom sections are in bottom forming position, the lateral edges thereof will engage the adjacent inclined side walls at points above their lower edges, and means for stiiiening the lateral extremities of the bottom, said means comprising extended portions on the respective lateral tapered extensions on one of the sections, each such extended portion being adapted to engage a substantial area along the adjacent edge of the opposite bottom section whereby a double thickness of material will be provided extending inwardly a substantial distance from the points of contact of the lateral extremities of the bottom with the side walls at each side of the container.

10. A collapsible container having inclined, interconnected side walls converging toward their lower ends, a bottom comprising two separate sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent the lower edge of said walls, the total effective length of said sections being substantially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls whereby the central portion of the bottom will extend approximately horizontally between said hinge connections, the width of said bottom sections being substantially greater than the diameter of the opening at the lower edges of the side walls at right angles to said first mentioned diameter whereby, when the bottom is in set up position, it will assume a concave shape along the width thereof due to the engagement member to maintain the bottom in said concave shape.

11. A collapsible container having interconnected side walls and a bottom for the container comprising two sections hingedly connected to opposite side walls adjacent their lower edges, the total effective length of said sections being substantially equal to the diameter of the container through the points of connection of the sections to the side walls, and means on the free edge 10 portion of one of the sections adapted to engage loosely with the other section, portions of said sections being engageable with portions formed on said side walls when said sections are in enof the lateral portions of the sections with the side walls above their lower edges, and means on one of said elements adapted to engage the other gaged position whereby to be partially supported 1 thereon.

OSCAR J. TOWELL.

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