US3777969A - Bulk container reinforcements - Google Patents

Bulk container reinforcements Download PDF

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US3777969A
US3777969A US00229067A US3777969DA US3777969A US 3777969 A US3777969 A US 3777969A US 00229067 A US00229067 A US 00229067A US 3777969D A US3777969D A US 3777969DA US 3777969 A US3777969 A US 3777969A
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side walls
panels
opposed side
panel
container
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US00229067A
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T Nurre
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International Paper Co
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International Paper Co
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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
    • 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
    • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
    • B65D5/44—Integral, inserted or attached portions forming internal or external fittings
    • B65D5/441—Reinforcements
    • B65D5/443—Integral reinforcements, e.g. folds, flaps

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  • ABSTRACT A fiberboard container made from a rectangular blank and having inwardly directed reinforcements of triangular cross-section along two of its opposed upper edges and inwardly directed reinforcements of inverted L-shaped cross-section along the other two upper edges.
  • the triangular reinforcements are each formed from two and sometimes three integral panels which are arranged such that the upper surfaces of the reinforcements are downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the bottom of the container. These surfaces are provided with slots for receiving the depending portions of the L-shaped reinforcements.
  • the triangular reinforcements are held in place by tapes, tabs or other fasteners on the adjacent side wall.
  • This invention relates to containers and more particularly to shipping or storage containers having integrally formed reinforcements along their upper edges.
  • the present invention while of general application, is particularly well suited for use in the field of large fiberboard containers for shipping and storing bulk products.
  • Containers for this purpose should have several important characteristics. Among these is that the containers should be of reasonable cost and yet have sufficient rigidity to support their contents without distorting or breaking the containers side walls.
  • the containers also should be easy to load and unload and should have the capability of being transported and stored in a minimum amount of space.
  • One general object of this invention is to provide a novel shipping or storage container having integrally formed reinforcements of improved design along its upper edges.
  • Another object of this invention is to provide a container of the character indicated which may be quickly and easily assembled in a rapid and straightforward manner.
  • Still another object of this invention is to provide a shipping or storage container which is fabricated from a single blank with in-line score lines and without diagonal cut-outs.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a container of comparatively simple construction which is economical to manufacture and thoroughly reliable in use.
  • a container having a bottom and four interconnected side walls.
  • Each of the side walls includes an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide at least two panels.
  • the panels are bent and held in place in a unique manner to form inwardly directed reinforcements along each of the upper edges of the container which are arranged to minimize interference with the loading and unloading of the product.
  • one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls is inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the bottom of the container, while another panel on those walls is outwardly and downwardly inclined such that it engages the corresponding wall.
  • the thus positioned panels form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along the upper edges of the opposed walls.
  • one of the panels on each of the other pair of opposed side walls is disposed in a plane parallel to the bottom of the container, and the remaining panel is arranged parallel to the side wall.
  • the arrangement is such that the panels form reinforcing members of inverted L-shaped cross-section along the upper edges of this latter pair of side walls.
  • the panels parallel to the walls are disposed in slots which extend partially but not entirely through the triangular reinforcing members to firmly locate the L- shaped members in position.
  • all of the panels on the side wall extensions are of the same width and are arranged such that the score lines on the fiberboard blank extend in straight lines from one side of the blank to the other.
  • the score lines may be formed with conventional equipment without the necessity for using specially designed presses or dies to manufacture the blank.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiberboard shipping container in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention
  • FIGS. 2-4 are perspective views similar to FIG. 1 but showing progressive steps in the assembly of the container;
  • FIG. 5 is a plan view of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIGS. 1-4;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled fiberboard shipping container in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the invention, with certain portions shown cut away for clarity of illustration;
  • FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified triangular reinforcing member for the container
  • FIG. 8A is a fragmentary plan view of one corner of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIG. 8;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a partially assembled container in accordance with still another illustrative embodiment of the invention, together with a suitable holding tool which is useful in the assembly of the container;
  • FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 9 but showing the illustrated portion of the container in its fully assembled condition
  • FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIGS. 9 and 10;
  • FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a partially assembled container in accordance with a further illustrative embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the illustrated portion of the container in its fully assembled condition.
  • FIG. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIGS. 12 and 13.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings there is shown a corrugated fiberboard shipping container having a bottom and four side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24.
  • the bottom 20 is formed from flaps or panels 25, 26, 27 and 28 which are integral with the side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24, respectively. Each of these panels is bent at a right angle with respect to the corresponding side wall, and the panels are suitably connected together to form the bottom.
  • the side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24 are provided with integral extensions 30 at their upper ends.
  • the extensions 30 on the opposed side walls 21 and 23 are each divided by score lines 32 and 33 into two panels 34 and 35.
  • these panels are of equal width and, in the assembled condition of the container, are disposed inwardly with respect to the corresponding side walls.
  • the panel 34 meets its side wall at an acute angle, and the panel is inwardly and downwardly inclined from the upper edge of the wall such that it lies in a plane which intersects the bottom 20 of the container at a complimentary acute angle.
  • the remaining panel 35 is outwardly and downwardly inclined from the inner edge of the panel 34, and the panel 35 engages the inner surface of the corresponding side wall along the panels outer edge.
  • the panels 34 and 35 form a reinforcing member 37 of triangular cross-section along the upper edge of the side wall.
  • the opposed side walls 21 and 23 each include two openings 38 and 39 immediately beneath the lower edge of the panel 35.
  • the openings 38 and 39 accommodate tapes 40 and 41, respectively.
  • One end of each of these tapes is adhesively affixed to the outer surface of the side wall immediately above the opening, and the tape passes through the opening and inwardly along the inclined surfaces of the panels 34 and 35.
  • the free end of the tape extends over the upper edge of the side wall and is secured to the outer surface of the wall in close juxtaposition with the first end.
  • the tapes serve to hold the reinforcing member 37 formed by the panels 34 and 35 in fixed relationship with the side wall.
  • Each of the reinforcing members 37 includes a pair of vertically disposed slots 44 and 45 which are oriented in directions parallel to the opposed side walls 22 and 24.
  • the slots 44 and 45 are spaced in close juxtaposition with the upstanding edges of the corresponding side wall and, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, extend partially but not entirely through the reinforcing member 37.
  • one end of each slot is located a short distance below the upper edge of the side wall, and the slot proceeds across the panel 34 and into the panel 35 with its opposite end in spaced relationship with the free edge of this latter panel.
  • the extensions 30 on the remaining pair of opposed side walls 22 and 24 similarly are divided by the score lines 32 and 33 into panels 47 and 48.
  • the panels 47 and 48 extend inwardly with respect to the corresponding side walls 22 and 24 and intersect one another at a right angle.
  • the panel 47 lies in a horizontal plane parallel to the container bottom 20, while the panel 48 is arranged parallel to the corresponding side wall.
  • the panel 48 is disposed within the slots 44 and 45 in the reinforcing member 37.
  • the panels 47 and 48 form additional reinforcing members 50 of inverted L-shaped cross-section along the upper edges of the side walls 22 and 24.
  • all of the panels 34, 35, 47 and 48 are of equal width.
  • the score lines 32 and 33 extend in uniform straight lines from one transverse side of the blank to the other and are parallel to the blank's longitudinal sides.
  • the scoring may be accomplished through the use of rotary scoring wheels, for example, without the necessity for providing expensive dies or similar devices commonly employed in cases in which the scoring is offset.
  • the panels need not be of the same width, and the outer panels 35 and 48 may be narrower, for example, than the remaining panels 34 and 47 while still retaining the in-line scoring feature.
  • the four corners of the blank of FIG. 5 form right angles and that the edges of each of the various cut-outs extend in directions parallel to one of the four sides.
  • the bottom panels 25, 26, 27 and 28 are folded inwardly along a single continuous score line 52, and the four side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24 are formed by folding the blank along transverse score lines 53.
  • the tapes 40 and 41 are inserted through the openings 38 and 39 in the side walls 21 and 23, and the extensions 30 on these side walls are then folded along the score lines 32 and 33 to produce the triangular reinforcing members 37 in the manner shown in FIG. 3.
  • the tapes 40 and 41 are thereupon affixed to the exposed inner surfaces of the reinforcing members 37 to firmly hold the members in place.
  • a tape 54 is adhesively secured adjacent each of the four upper corners of the container. One end of this tape is affixed to the exposed horizontal surface of the panel 47, and the tape extends downwardly with its opposite end in adhesive contact with the outer vertical surface of the adjacent side wall.
  • the triangular configuration of the reinforcing members 37, and the L-shaped configuration of the reinforcing members 50, results in a structure in which the triangular members extend deeper into the container than the L-shaped members.
  • This arrangement enables the panel-receiving slots 44 and 45 to extend partially but not entirely through the triangular members 37.
  • each of the members 37 may be folded and secured in place as a single piece rather than as separate pieces.
  • the major portions of the slots 44 and 45 are inclined inwardly and downwardly such that the initial engagement by the panels 48 is at only single points. As the panels 48 are urged into position, a shearing action takes place to provide an extremely secure fit.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 there is shown a two piece container having an outer box 60 and a liner 61.
  • the box 60 is generally similar to the container described heretofore and includes the bottom 20, the side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24, the opposed triangular reinforcing members 37 and the opposed L-shaped reinforcing members 50.
  • the reinforcing members 37 each include the inclined panels 34 and 35, and the reinforcing members 50 each .include the horizontal and vertical panels 47 and 48.
  • the liner 61 is disposed within the box 60 in sustantially co-extensive relationship therewith.
  • Two of the opposed side walls 63 of the liner 61 include openings 65 and 66 of a configuration and orientation similar to the openings 38 and 39 described heretofore, and two tapes 67 and 68 are respectively inserted within the openings 65 and 66 on each wall.
  • one end of each tape is adhesively affixed to the outer surface of the liner 61 immediately above the corresponding opening, and the tape extends inwardly along the exposed surfaces of the panels 35 and 34 and is secured adjacent its opposite end to the outer surface of the box 60.
  • the tapes 67 and 68 are affixed to the liner and passed inwardly through the openings 65 and 66, and the liner is then inserted within the box.
  • the panels 34 and 35 are thereupon folded along their score lines to form the triangular reinforcing members 37.
  • the inner portions of the tapes 67 and 68 are wrapped around the reinforcing members 37 and over the upper edges of the box in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7 to hold the reinforcing members in place.
  • suitable tapes 69 are placed at each of the four upper corners of the box to complete the assembly.
  • FIGS. 8 and 8A are illustrative of a modified slot 70 in the triangular reinforcing member 37.
  • the slot 70 includes a restricted portion in the form of a narrow slit 71 intermediate its ends.
  • the slit 71 extends across the score line 32 such that, when the panels 34 and 35 are folded to form the triangular reinforcing member, the slit is located adjacent the apex of the triangle.
  • the reinforcing members around the upper periphery of the container are provided with additional panels to further improve the over-all rigidity of the structure.
  • a reinforcing member 75 which is formed from three equal-width panels 76, 77 and 78. These panels are arranged such that their cross-section forms a substantially equilateral triangle and are folded from an integral extension 79 on each of the opposed side walls 80 and 81 of the container.
  • the panels 76 and 77 are oriented in a manner similar to the panels 34 and 35 (FIG. 1) described heretofore.
  • the panel 76 slopes inwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the corresponding side wall at an acute angle with respect to the bottom of the container, while the panel 77 is outwardly and downwardly inclined from the inner edge of the panel 76.
  • the third panel 78 lies in a vertical plane in facing relationship with the inner surface of the corresponding wall.
  • the panel 78 extends from the lower edge of the panel 77 upwardly to the upper edge of the container.
  • Each reinforcing member 75 includes a pair of vertically disposed slots 84 and 85 in spaced relationship with the ends of the member. As best shown in FIG. 11, these slots are of uniform width throughout the major portion of their lengths but include enlarged openings 86 at the ends of the slots adjacent the container side walls. Each slot extends from the opening 86 across the panel 76 and into the panel 77 to a point closely adjacent the score line 97.
  • the remaining opposed side walls 88 include reinforcing members 90 of L-shaped cross-section along their upper edges.
  • Each of the reinforcing members 90 comprises three panels 91, 92 and 93 which are folded from the integral extension 79 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In their folded positions, the panel 91 extends inwardly in a horizontal plane, and the panel 92 lies in a vertical plane at the inner edge of the panel 91 in the manner described heretofore with respect to the panels 47 and 48 (FIGS. l-6).
  • the third panel 93 likewise extends vertically in facing, coextensive relationship with the panel 92.
  • the various panels which make up the reinforcing members 75 and 90 are produced by folding the extensions 79 along three score lines 95, 96 and 97 (FIG. 11). Each of these score lines extends in a single straight line from one edge of the container blank to the other, such that no portion of a given line is offset with respect to another portion of that line.
  • the triangular reinforcing members 75 are formed by folding the extensions 79 on the side walls 80 and 81 along the score lines 95, 96, and 97 to produce the panels 76, 77 and 78.
  • Temporary holding members in the form of hairpin-type tools 100 are then inserted in the enlarged openings 86 adjacent the slots 84 and 85 to clamp the panels 78 to the facing side walls 80 and 81.
  • Each of the tools 100 is provided with a gradual outward curve such that, upon the folding of the panels 91, 92 and 93 to form the L-shaped reinforcing members 90 and the insertion of the overlapped panels 92 and 93 of these members into the slots 84 and 85, the edges of the overlapped panels engage the curved surfaces of the tools to facilitate the entry of the panels into the slots.
  • the tools 100 are then removed from the openings 86.
  • the panels 78 on the triangular reinforcing members 75 may be stapled or otherwise affixed to the facing portions ofthe side walls 80 and 81.
  • the openings 86 are of sufficient size to permit the entry of a suitable machine stapler (not shown) into the space within the reinforing members 75 for this purpose.
  • FIGS 12-14 are illustrative of still another container which is reinforced along its upper edges in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.
  • the container of these figures includes triangular reinforcing members 105 on its opposed side walls 106 and 107.
  • Each of the members 105 is formed from three equal-width panels 108, 109 and 110 which are. generally similar to the panels 76, 77, and 78 of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 but are folded in a somewhat different manner.
  • the third panel 110 on each of the members 105 is folded downwardly from the lower edge of the panel 110 such that it lies in facing relationship with the inner surface of the corresponding side wall.
  • the blank (FIG. 14) for the container is cut to provide two tabs 112 and 113 on each of the side walls 106 and 107. These tabs are located in position to engage the third panel 110 on each reinforcing member 105 and firmly clamp the panel in position against the adjacent side wall, thus holding the reinforcing member in place. In the clamped position, the remaining panels 108 and 109 on the reinforcing member 105 are inclined in the manner previously described with respect to the panels 34 and 35 (FIG. 1) and the panels 76 and 77 (FIG. 9).
  • Each of the triangular reinforcing members 105 includes a pair of slots 115 and 116.
  • the slots 115 and 116 are arranged to receive the double thickness panels 92 and 93 of the L-shaped reinforcing members 90 to complete the assembly of the container.
  • a container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an extension at its upper end which forms a pair of panels, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined with respect to the plane of said bottom, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each of said two opposed side walls defining at least one opening therein; the panels on the other two opposed side walls forming additional reinforcing members which extend in directions transverse to the triangular reinforcing members; and tape means extending through said openings for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
  • a container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels, liner means disposed within said side walls in substantially coextensive relationship therewith, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls extending over the adjacent portion of the liner means and being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined and engaging the liner means along the panels outer edge, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, one of the panels on each of the other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L- shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing
  • a container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an extension at its upper end which forms a pair of panels, the extension on each of said side walls forming a third panel, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angel with respect to the plane of said bottom, another panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the third panel on each of the first-mentioned opposed side walls extending downwardly with respect to said other panel, to form a reinforcing member of triangular crosssection along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls, and
  • one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom, the second panel on each of said other op posed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member and the third panel on each of said other opposed side walls being coextensive with said second panel, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls.
  • a container comprising, in combination:
  • each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide three successive panels on each side wall, all of said panels being of the same width,
  • one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom, a second of the panels on each of said opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the bottom, and a third of the panels on each of the opposed side walls extending upwardly from the second panel in facing contact with the corre sponding side wall, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said pposed side walls.
  • one of the panels on each of the other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom, a second of the panels on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall, and a third of the panels on each of said other opposed side walls being coextensive and in facing contact with the second panel thereon, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped crosssection along each of said other opposed side walls;
  • tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
  • a container comprising, in combination:
  • each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels
  • each of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls,
  • one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls;
  • tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
  • each of said slots includes a restricted portion intermediate its ends.
  • each of said slots includes an enlarged opening adjacent one of its ends.
  • each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels, all of said panels being of the same width and the scoring on the respective extensions lying in straight lines which extend from one transverse edge of the container blank to the other,
  • each of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined and engaging the corresponding side wall along the panels outer edge, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls,
  • one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls;
  • tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.

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Abstract

A fiberboard container made from a rectangular blank and having inwardly directed reinforcements of triangular cross-section along two of its opposed upper edges and inwardly directed reinforcements of inverted L-shaped cross-section along the other two upper edges. The triangular reinforcements are each formed from two and sometimes three integral panels which are arranged such that the upper surfaces of the reinforcements are downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the bottom of the container. These surfaces are provided with slots for receiving the depending portions of the L-shaped reinforcements. In some embodiments the triangular reinforcements are held in place by tapes, tabs or other fasteners on the adjacent side wall.

Description

1 States Patent Dec. 11, 1973 BULK CONTAINER REINFORCEMENTS [75] Inventor: Thomas C. Nurre, Downers Grove,
Ill.
[73] Assignee: International Paper Company, New
York, N.Y.
[22] Filed: Feb. 24, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 229,067
[52] US. Cl. 229/37 E, 229/23 R, 229/37 R [51] Int. Cl 865d 5/06 [58] Field of Search 229/37 R, 37 E, 23 R, 229/32 R; 220/97 R [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,112,943 10/1914 Stone 220/97 R 2,279,670 4/1942 Ford et a1. 229/32 R 3,089,632 5/1963 Bartolucci 229/37 R 3,522,904 8/1970 Locke et al...... 229/37 R 1,176,683 3/1916 McPherson 229/16 R 2,216,299 10/1940 Schilling 229/37 E 2,321,536 5/1943 Wells 229/23 R 2,603,402 7/1952 Strauss 229/37 E UX 1,453,849 5/1923 List 206/4522 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,501,894 10/1967 France 229/37 E Primary ExaminerDavis T. Moorhead AnorneyLee C. Robinson, Jr.
[57] ABSTRACT A fiberboard container made from a rectangular blank and having inwardly directed reinforcements of triangular cross-section along two of its opposed upper edges and inwardly directed reinforcements of inverted L-shaped cross-section along the other two upper edges. The triangular reinforcements are each formed from two and sometimes three integral panels which are arranged such that the upper surfaces of the reinforcements are downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the bottom of the container. These surfaces are provided with slots for receiving the depending portions of the L-shaped reinforcements. In some embodiments the triangular reinforcements are held in place by tapes, tabs or other fasteners on the adjacent side wall.
9 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATENTED DEC I 1 I973 sum 1 or 5 PAIENTEnntu I I975 SHEEI 2 [IF 6 PATENTEB DEM 1 1975 3177.9 6 9 sum unr e PATENTEU 7 75 F'IG.I4.
BULK CONTAINER REINFORCEMENTS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to containers and more particularly to shipping or storage containers having integrally formed reinforcements along their upper edges.
The present invention, while of general application, is particularly well suited for use in the field of large fiberboard containers for shipping and storing bulk products. Containers for this purpose should have several important characteristics. Among these is that the containers should be of reasonable cost and yet have sufficient rigidity to support their contents without distorting or breaking the containers side walls. The containers also should be easy to load and unload and should have the capability of being transported and stored in a minimum amount of space.
I-Ieretofore, difficulities were encountered in the construction and use of containers of the foregoing type. As an illustration, the side walls of the containers frequently exhibited a tendency to bulge because of the weight of the contents. As a result, excessive weakening of the side walls took place, and the bulging walls interfered with the positioning of the containers in abutting relationship with each other in a vehicle or warehouse, for example. Prior attempts to overcome these problems sometimes involved the use of inwardly or outwardly directed flanges which were disposed in horizontal planes along the upper edges of the container. In cases in which the flanges extended inwardly, they often interfered with the loading and unloading of the container, while the outwardly directed flanges made it difficult to arrange the containers in side by side relationship in vehicles, warehouses, etc., thus resulting in the inefficient use of the available space.
In addition, many types of containers previously employed were difficult to assemble from their fiber-board blanks. In some cases, forexample, the assembly procedure required the comparatively intricate fitting of the individual flanges on the side walls of the container, and the flanges then needed to be stapled or otherwise affixed to each of the four walls.
Still another problem, in containers of the type utilized heretofore, was occasioned by the design of the flanges themselves. In preparing the blanks for the containers, to form the flanges it frequently was necessary to provide diagonal cut-outs and offset score lines on each blank. This arrangement necessitated the use of complicated and expensive fabricating equipment and resulted in a time-consuming scoring and cutting operation with unnecessary wastage of material.
SUMMARY One general object of this invention, therefore, is to provide a novel shipping or storage container having integrally formed reinforcements of improved design along its upper edges.
More specifically, it is an object of this invention to provide such a container which readily supports bulk products without undue bulging of the side walls and yet is comparatively easy to load and unload and permits the storing and shipping of the containers in abutting relationship with each other.
Another object of this invention is to provide a container of the character indicated which may be quickly and easily assembled in a rapid and straightforward manner.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a shipping or storage container which is fabricated from a single blank with in-line score lines and without diagonal cut-outs.
A further object of the invention is to provide a container of comparatively simple construction which is economical to manufacture and thoroughly reliable in use.
In one illustrative embodiment of this invention, there is provided a container having a bottom and four interconnected side walls. Each of the side walls includes an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide at least two panels. The panels are bent and held in place in a unique manner to form inwardly directed reinforcements along each of the upper edges of the container which are arranged to minimize interference with the loading and unloading of the product.
In accordance with one feature of the invention. in several advantageous embodiments, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls is inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the bottom of the container, while another panel on those walls is outwardly and downwardly inclined such that it engages the corresponding wall. The thus positioned panels form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along the upper edges of the opposed walls. With this arrangement, the desired degree of reinforcement is provided for the opposed walls, and yet the downwardly inclined panel portions result in minimum interference with the loading and unloading of the container.
In accordance with another feature of certain preferred embodiments of the invention, one of the panels on each of the other pair of opposed side walls is disposed in a plane parallel to the bottom of the container, and the remaining panel is arranged parallel to the side wall. The arrangement is such that the panels form reinforcing members of inverted L-shaped cross-section along the upper edges of this latter pair of side walls. The panels parallel to the walls are disposed in slots which extend partially but not entirely through the triangular reinforcing members to firmly locate the L- shaped members in position.
In accordance with still another feature of the invention, in several good arrangements, all of the panels on the side wall extensions are of the same width and are arranged such that the score lines on the fiberboard blank extend in straight lines from one side of the blank to the other. As a result, the score lines may be formed with conventional equipment without the necessity for using specially designed presses or dies to manufacture the blank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention, as well as further objects and features thereof, Will be understood more clearly and fully from the following description of certain preferred embodiments, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fiberboard shipping container in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the invention;
FIGS. 2-4 are perspective views similar to FIG. 1 but showing progressive steps in the assembly of the container;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIGS. 1-4;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially assembled fiberboard shipping container in accordance with another illustrative embodiment of the invention, with certain portions shown cut away for clarity of illustration;
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 77 in FIG. 6;
FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective view of a modified triangular reinforcing member for the container;
FIG. 8A is a fragmentary plan view of one corner of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIG. 8;
FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a partially assembled container in accordance with still another illustrative embodiment of the invention, together with a suitable holding tool which is useful in the assembly of the container;
FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 9 but showing the illustrated portion of the container in its fully assembled condition;
FIG. 11 is a fragmentary plan view of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIGS. 9 and 10;
FIG. 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a portion of a partially assembled container in accordance with a further illustrative embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the illustrated portion of the container in its fully assembled condition; and
FIG. 14 is a fragmentary plan view of a fiberboard blank for the container of FIGS. 12 and 13.
DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a corrugated fiberboard shipping container having a bottom and four side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24. The bottom 20 is formed from flaps or panels 25, 26, 27 and 28 which are integral with the side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24, respectively. Each of these panels is bent at a right angle with respect to the corresponding side wall, and the panels are suitably connected together to form the bottom.
The side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24 are provided with integral extensions 30 at their upper ends. The extensions 30 on the opposed side walls 21 and 23 are each divided by score lines 32 and 33 into two panels 34 and 35. For purposes that will become more fully apparent hereinafter, these panels are of equal width and, in the assembled condition of the container, are disposed inwardly with respect to the corresponding side walls. The panel 34 meets its side wall at an acute angle, and the panel is inwardly and downwardly inclined from the upper edge of the wall such that it lies in a plane which intersects the bottom 20 of the container at a complimentary acute angle. The remaining panel 35 is outwardly and downwardly inclined from the inner edge of the panel 34, and the panel 35 engages the inner surface of the corresponding side wall along the panels outer edge. The panels 34 and 35 form a reinforcing member 37 of triangular cross-section along the upper edge of the side wall.
The opposed side walls 21 and 23 each include two openings 38 and 39 immediately beneath the lower edge of the panel 35. The openings 38 and 39 accommodate tapes 40 and 41, respectively. One end of each of these tapes is adhesively affixed to the outer surface of the side wall immediately above the opening, and the tape passes through the opening and inwardly along the inclined surfaces of the panels 34 and 35. The free end of the tape extends over the upper edge of the side wall and is secured to the outer surface of the wall in close juxtaposition with the first end. The tapes serve to hold the reinforcing member 37 formed by the panels 34 and 35 in fixed relationship with the side wall.
Each of the reinforcing members 37 includes a pair of vertically disposed slots 44 and 45 which are oriented in directions parallel to the opposed side walls 22 and 24. The slots 44 and 45 are spaced in close juxtaposition with the upstanding edges of the corresponding side wall and, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, extend partially but not entirely through the reinforcing member 37. Thus, one end of each slot is located a short distance below the upper edge of the side wall, and the slot proceeds across the panel 34 and into the panel 35 with its opposite end in spaced relationship with the free edge of this latter panel.
The extensions 30 on the remaining pair of opposed side walls 22 and 24 similarly are divided by the score lines 32 and 33 into panels 47 and 48. The panels 47 and 48 extend inwardly with respect to the corresponding side walls 22 and 24 and intersect one another at a right angle. The panel 47 lies in a horizontal plane parallel to the container bottom 20, while the panel 48 is arranged parallel to the corresponding side wall. In the assembled position of the panels, the panel 48 is disposed within the slots 44 and 45 in the reinforcing member 37. The panels 47 and 48 form additional reinforcing members 50 of inverted L-shaped cross-section along the upper edges of the side walls 22 and 24.
As best shown by the fiberboard blank illustrated in FIG. 5, all of the panels 34, 35, 47 and 48 are of equal width. The score lines 32 and 33 extend in uniform straight lines from one transverse side of the blank to the other and are parallel to the blank's longitudinal sides. As a result, the scoring may be accomplished through the use of rotary scoring wheels, for example, without the necessity for providing expensive dies or similar devices commonly employed in cases in which the scoring is offset. In other embodiments the panels need not be of the same width, and the outer panels 35 and 48 may be narrower, for example, than the remaining panels 34 and 47 while still retaining the in-line scoring feature.
It will be noted that the four corners of the blank of FIG. 5 form right angles and that the edges of each of the various cut-outs extend in directions parallel to one of the four sides. By eliminating diagonally cut corners and diagonal cut-outs, the equipment needed to form the blank is simplified even further.
To assemble the container, the bottom panels 25, 26, 27 and 28 are folded inwardly along a single continuous score line 52, and the four side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24 are formed by folding the blank along transverse score lines 53. With the container in the position shown in FIG. 2, the tapes 40 and 41 are inserted through the openings 38 and 39 in the side walls 21 and 23, and the extensions 30 on these side walls are then folded along the score lines 32 and 33 to produce the triangular reinforcing members 37 in the manner shown in FIG. 3. The tapes 40 and 41 are thereupon affixed to the exposed inner surfaces of the reinforcing members 37 to firmly hold the members in place.
Thereafter, inwardly directed folds are made along the score lines 32 and 33 on the extensions 30 for the remaining pair of opposed side walls 22 and 24 in the manner shown in FIG. 4. The thus formed panels 47 and 48 serve to define the L-shaped reinforcing members 50. The panels 48 are inserted into the corresponding slots 44 and 45 in the triangular reinforcing members 37, where the panels are firmly held in place by the pinching action of the fiberboard material adjacent the slots.
To provide even greater rigidity, a tape 54 is adhesively secured adjacent each of the four upper corners of the container. One end of this tape is affixed to the exposed horizontal surface of the panel 47, and the tape extends downwardly with its opposite end in adhesive contact with the outer vertical surface of the adjacent side wall.
The triangular configuration of the reinforcing members 37, and the L-shaped configuration of the reinforcing members 50, results in a structure in which the triangular members extend deeper into the container than the L-shaped members. This arrangement enables the panel-receiving slots 44 and 45 to extend partially but not entirely through the triangular members 37. As a result, each of the members 37 may be folded and secured in place as a single piece rather than as separate pieces. Because of the sloping orientation of the panels 34, the major portions of the slots 44 and 45 are inclined inwardly and downwardly such that the initial engagement by the panels 48 is at only single points. As the panels 48 are urged into position, a shearing action takes place to provide an extremely secure fit.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, there is shown a two piece container having an outer box 60 and a liner 61. The box 60 is generally similar to the container described heretofore and includes the bottom 20, the side walls 21, 22, 23 and 24, the opposed triangular reinforcing members 37 and the opposed L-shaped reinforcing members 50. As in the previous embodiment, the reinforcing members 37 each include the inclined panels 34 and 35, and the reinforcing members 50 each .include the horizontal and vertical panels 47 and 48.
One difference between the box 60 and the previous construction is that there is no need to provide the openings 38 and 39 (FIG. 1) in the side walls of the box.
The liner 61 is disposed within the box 60 in sustantially co-extensive relationship therewith. Two of the opposed side walls 63 of the liner 61 include openings 65 and 66 of a configuration and orientation similar to the openings 38 and 39 described heretofore, and two tapes 67 and 68 are respectively inserted within the openings 65 and 66 on each wall. As best shown in FIG. 7, one end of each tape is adhesively affixed to the outer surface of the liner 61 immediately above the corresponding opening, and the tape extends inwardly along the exposed surfaces of the panels 35 and 34 and is secured adjacent its opposite end to the outer surface of the box 60.
To assemble the box 60 and the liner 61, the tapes 67 and 68 are affixed to the liner and passed inwardly through the openings 65 and 66, and the liner is then inserted within the box. The panels 34 and 35 are thereupon folded along their score lines to form the triangular reinforcing members 37. The inner portions of the tapes 67 and 68 are wrapped around the reinforcing members 37 and over the upper edges of the box in the manner illustrated in FIG. 7 to hold the reinforcing members in place. Upon the folding of the panels 47 and 48 and the insertion of the panels 48 within the slots 44 and 45 to produce the L-shaped reinforcing members 50, suitable tapes 69 are placed at each of the four upper corners of the box to complete the assembly.
FIGS. 8 and 8A are illustrative of a modified slot 70 in the triangular reinforcing member 37. Rather than being of uniform width as in the case of the slots 44 and 45 (FIGS. 1-6) described heretofore, the slot 70 includes a restricted portion in the form of a narrow slit 71 intermediate its ends. The slit 71 extends across the score line 32 such that, when the panels 34 and 35 are folded to form the triangular reinforcing member, the slit is located adjacent the apex of the triangle.
Upon the insertion of the panels 48 into the slots 70 to complete the L-shaped reinforcing members 50, the narrow slit portions 71 of the slots results in a pinching action which securely locks the panels 48 in place. With this arrangement, there is provided an extremely rigid reinforcing structure around the upper periphery of the container.
In several advantageous embodiments the reinforcing members around the upper periphery of the container are provided with additional panels to further improve the over-all rigidity of the structure. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, for example, there is shown a reinforcing member 75 which is formed from three equal- width panels 76, 77 and 78. These panels are arranged such that their cross-section forms a substantially equilateral triangle and are folded from an integral extension 79 on each of the opposed side walls 80 and 81 of the container.
The panels 76 and 77 are oriented in a manner similar to the panels 34 and 35 (FIG. 1) described heretofore. Thus, the panel 76 slopes inwardly and downwardly from the upper edge of the corresponding side wall at an acute angle with respect to the bottom of the container, while the panel 77 is outwardly and downwardly inclined from the inner edge of the panel 76. The third panel 78 lies in a vertical plane in facing relationship with the inner surface of the corresponding wall. The panel 78 extends from the lower edge of the panel 77 upwardly to the upper edge of the container.
Each reinforcing member 75 includes a pair of vertically disposed slots 84 and 85 in spaced relationship with the ends of the member. As best shown in FIG. 11, these slots are of uniform width throughout the major portion of their lengths but include enlarged openings 86 at the ends of the slots adjacent the container side walls. Each slot extends from the opening 86 across the panel 76 and into the panel 77 to a point closely adjacent the score line 97.
The remaining opposed side walls 88, only one of which is visible in FIGS. 9-11, include reinforcing members 90 of L-shaped cross-section along their upper edges. Each of the reinforcing members 90 comprises three panels 91, 92 and 93 which are folded from the integral extension 79 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. In their folded positions, the panel 91 extends inwardly in a horizontal plane, and the panel 92 lies in a vertical plane at the inner edge of the panel 91 in the manner described heretofore with respect to the panels 47 and 48 (FIGS. l-6). The third panel 93 likewise extends vertically in facing, coextensive relationship with the panel 92.
The various panels which make up the reinforcing members 75 and 90 are produced by folding the extensions 79 along three score lines 95, 96 and 97 (FIG. 11). Each of these score lines extends in a single straight line from one edge of the container blank to the other, such that no portion of a given line is offset with respect to another portion of that line.
To assemble the container, the triangular reinforcing members 75 are formed by folding the extensions 79 on the side walls 80 and 81 along the score lines 95, 96, and 97 to produce the panels 76, 77 and 78. Temporary holding members in the form of hairpin-type tools 100 are then inserted in the enlarged openings 86 adjacent the slots 84 and 85 to clamp the panels 78 to the facing side walls 80 and 81. Each of the tools 100 is provided with a gradual outward curve such that, upon the folding of the panels 91, 92 and 93 to form the L-shaped reinforcing members 90 and the insertion of the overlapped panels 92 and 93 of these members into the slots 84 and 85, the edges of the overlapped panels engage the curved surfaces of the tools to facilitate the entry of the panels into the slots. The tools 100 are then removed from the openings 86.
Because of the double thickness provided by the overlapped panels 92 and 93 on the L-shaped reinforcing members 90, the panels are firmly wedged in place within the slots 84 and 85. In cases in which an even more rigid construction is desired, the panels 78 on the triangular reinforcing members 75 may be stapled or otherwise affixed to the facing portions ofthe side walls 80 and 81. The openings 86 are of sufficient size to permit the entry of a suitable machine stapler (not shown) into the space within the reinforing members 75 for this purpose.
FIGS 12-14 are illustrative of still another container which is reinforced along its upper edges in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The container of these figures includes triangular reinforcing members 105 on its opposed side walls 106 and 107. Each of the members 105 is formed from three equal- width panels 108, 109 and 110 which are. generally similar to the panels 76, 77, and 78 of the embodiment of FIGS. 9-11 but are folded in a somewhat different manner. Thus, the third panel 110 on each of the members 105 is folded downwardly from the lower edge of the panel 110 such that it lies in facing relationship with the inner surface of the corresponding side wall.
The blank (FIG. 14) for the container is cut to provide two tabs 112 and 113 on each of the side walls 106 and 107. These tabs are located in position to engage the third panel 110 on each reinforcing member 105 and firmly clamp the panel in position against the adjacent side wall, thus holding the reinforcing member in place. In the clamped position, the remaining panels 108 and 109 on the reinforcing member 105 are inclined in the manner previously described with respect to the panels 34 and 35 (FIG. 1) and the panels 76 and 77 (FIG. 9).
Each of the triangular reinforcing members 105 includes a pair of slots 115 and 116. The slots 115 and 116 are arranged to receive the double thickness panels 92 and 93 of the L-shaped reinforcing members 90 to complete the assembly of the container.
The terms and expressions which have been employed are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described, or portions thereof, it being recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed.
What is claimed is: 1. A container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an extension at its upper end which forms a pair of panels, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined with respect to the plane of said bottom, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each of said two opposed side walls defining at least one opening therein; the panels on the other two opposed side walls forming additional reinforcing members which extend in directions transverse to the triangular reinforcing members; and tape means extending through said openings for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall. 2. A container, comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels, liner means disposed within said side walls in substantially coextensive relationship therewith, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls extending over the adjacent portion of the liner means and being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined and engaging the liner means along the panels outer edge, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, one of the panels on each of the other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L- shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall. 3. A container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an extension at its upper end which forms a pair of panels, the extension on each of said side walls forming a third panel, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angel with respect to the plane of said bottom, another panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the third panel on each of the first-mentioned opposed side walls extending downwardly with respect to said other panel, to form a reinforcing member of triangular crosssection along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls, and
one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom, the second panel on each of said other op posed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member and the third panel on each of said other opposed side walls being coextensive with said second panel, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls.
4. A container comprising, in combination:
a bottom;
four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide three successive panels on each side wall, all of said panels being of the same width,
one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom, a second of the panels on each of said opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the bottom, and a third of the panels on each of the opposed side walls extending upwardly from the second panel in facing contact with the corre sponding side wall, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said pposed side walls.
one of the panels on each of the other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom, a second of the panels on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall, and a third of the panels on each of said other opposed side walls being coextensive and in facing contact with the second panel thereon, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped crosssection along each of said other opposed side walls; and
tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
5. A container comprising, in combination:
a bottom;
four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels,
one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls,
one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and
tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
6. A container as defined in claim 5, which further comprises additional tape means for affixing said triangular reinforcing members to said L-shaped reinforcing members.
7. A container as defined in claim 5, in which each of said slots includes a restricted portion intermediate its ends.
8. A container as defined in claim 5, in which each of said slots includes an enlarged opening adjacent one of its ends.
9. A container formed from a single rectangular blank, the container comprising, in combination:
a bottom;
four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels, all of said panels being of the same width and the scoring on the respective extensions lying in straight lines which extend from one transverse edge of the container blank to the other,
one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined and engaging the corresponding side wall along the panels outer edge, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls,
one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and
tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.

Claims (9)

1. A container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an extension at its upper end which forms a pair of panels, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined with respect to the plane of said bottom, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each of said two opposed side walls defining at least one opening therein; the panels on the other two opposed side walls forming additional reinforcing members which extend in directions transverse to the triangular reinforcing members; and tape means extending through said openings for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
2. A container, comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels, liner means disposed within said side walls in substantially coextensive relationship therewith, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls extending over the adjacent portion of the liner means and being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined and engaging the liner means along the panel''s outer edge, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, one of the panels on each of the other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
3. A container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an extension at its upper end which forms a pair of panels, the extension on each of said side walls forminG a third panel, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angel with respect to the plane of said bottom, another panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the third panel on each of the first-mentioned opposed side walls extending downwardly with respect to said other panel, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls, and one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom, the second panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member and the third panel on each of said other opposed side walls being coextensive with said second panel, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls.
4. A container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide three successive panels on each side wall, all of said panels being of the same width, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom, a second of the panels on each of said opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of the bottom, and a third of the panels on each of the opposed side walls extending upwardly from the second panel in facing contact with the corresponding side wall, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said opposed side walls. one of the panels on each of the other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom, a second of the panels on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall, and a third of the panels on each of said other opposed side walls being coextensive and in facing contact with the second panel thereon, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
5. A container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls, one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationshiP with the corresponding side wall.
6. A container as defined in claim 5, which further comprises additional tape means for affixing said triangular reinforcing members to said L-shaped reinforcing members.
7. A container as defined in claim 5, in which each of said slots includes a restricted portion intermediate its ends.
8. A container as defined in claim 5, in which each of said slots includes an enlarged opening adjacent one of its ends.
9. A container formed from a single rectangular blank, the container comprising, in combination: a bottom; four interconnected upstanding side walls connected to the bottom, each of the side walls having an integral extension at its upper end which is scored to provide a pair of panels, all of said panels being of the same width and the scoring on the respective extensions lying in straight lines which extend from one transverse edge of the container blank to the other, one of the panels on each of two opposed side walls being inwardly and downwardly inclined at an acute angle with respect to the plane of said bottom and the other panel on each of said two opposed side walls being outwardly and downwardly inclined and engaging the corresponding side wall along the panel''s outer edge, to form a reinforcing member of triangular cross-section along each of said two opposed side walls, each said triangular reinforcing member having a pair of slots which extend partially but not entirely through the same in directions parallel to the other two opposed side walls, one of the panels on each of said other two opposed side walls being disposed in a plane parallel to said bottom and the remaining panel on each of said other opposed side walls being parallel to its side wall and extending into one of the slots on each triangular reinforcing member, to form a reinforcing member of inverted L-shaped cross-section along each of said other opposed side walls; and tape means for maintaining each of the triangular reinforcing members in fixed relationship with the corresponding side wall.
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US4305545A (en) * 1980-07-21 1981-12-15 Container Corporation Of America Carton with article retaining structure
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US4746059A (en) * 1987-04-01 1988-05-24 General Foods Inc. Collapsible container and a method for loading a product into and unloading the product from a collapsible container
US4838418A (en) * 1987-05-26 1989-06-13 Teixeira Farms, Inc. Hazardous waste container
US6412686B1 (en) * 2000-01-05 2002-07-02 Designmahl Ltd. Thermal insulating sleeve for a container
US6227442B1 (en) * 2000-03-06 2001-05-08 International Paper Company Container with integral reinforcing flange
US20040173493A1 (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-09-09 Ray Pope Food-transport tray
US7017798B2 (en) * 2003-03-07 2006-03-28 Tin Inc. Food-transport tray
US20060261138A1 (en) * 2005-05-19 2006-11-23 Bates Aaron L Carton with Three Dimensional Handle
US20080053854A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-03-06 Syngenta Participations, Ag Systems and methods for packaging trays of plantlets
EP2371724A1 (en) * 2010-03-31 2011-10-05 Wilkie East Corporation Box with removable top
US8474688B2 (en) 2010-03-31 2013-07-02 Retail Ready Package Inc. Box with removable top
US9061791B2 (en) 2012-08-09 2015-06-23 Retail Ready Packages Inc. Box with full-height side supports and blank and process for forming such box

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