Receptacles – Sectional – Folding
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-25
2001-05-01
Shoap, Allan N. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Sectional
Folding
C206S512000, C220S007000, C220S004280
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223922
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to stackable and returnable containers that may be used to ship and store products, and more specifically to containers which may be assembled to contain a product for storage or shipping, and may be disassembled to a minimum volume when empty for economy in storage and shipping.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Returnable and reusable containers are utilized by manufacturers to ship a variety of different products to end users. The reusable containers are then returned to the manufacturers for use in further shipments. The return and reuse of such containers results in a substantial savings in shipping and packaging costs for the manufacturer because they reduce the quantity of new containers which must be purchased. Returning containers also reduces the effort associated with storing, destroying, or otherwise disposing of the containers, resulting in further cost savings.
While such returnable and reusable containers reduce costs by eliminating the need to constantly purchase new containers there are costs associated with reusables. Their return shipment is costly. The charge rate for return shipment is based upon the volume of the container and upon the number of containers which are returned. There have been prior efforts to reduce the volume of the returnable container to increase cost savings when returning empty reusable containers.
The cost of storing conventional reusable containers also reduces the economic benefits they offer. Again, prior efforts have been made to reduce the volume of the reusable containers so that they require less warehouse or storage space as full containers. Container storage will also necessary until return shipment can be arranged. Similarly, the manufacturer will store containers on site to have them on hand and ready for shipment. Storage space is often limited and it is usually desirable to utilize the space for something other than bulky, empty containers waiting to be shipped or returned. Therefore, the economic benefits of currently available reusable containers is further reduced by the cost both to the end user and manufacturer in storage space requirements.
Some currently available reusable containers have addressed such problems by being collapsible into a smaller size or volume (by as much as 75%) to thereby require less space when returned or stored.
Applicant is aware of the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 5,725,119; 5,720,410; 5,664,678; 5,540,536; 5,341,950; 4,998,637; 4,948,039; 4,603,791; 4,489,815; 4,441,639; 4,435,028; 4,274,541; 4,354,600; 3,937,390; 3,866,782; 3,853,239; and, 3,111,254, which show the state of the art in returnable containers, but do not anticipate Applicant's container structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Applicant provides a stackable returnable container which disassembles to a substantially flap condition to occupy minimum volume to maximize savings on return shipping costs. The returnable container is very simply assembled by folding the sides and ends to a position generally perpendicular to the bottom of the container. The corners are joined and positioned by attaching means at the upper perimeter of the container at both sides of each corner. When the attaching means are engaged, the flaps are folded at each corner. A hook and loop type fastener which consists of a first fastener strip and a second fastener strip which work together to form a fastener. The first fastener strip and the second fastener strip lock the flaps to the sides of the container. The upper perimeter is stiffened by reinforcing member which is coextensive with each of the sides and each of the ends. When the rails are locked, this upper stiffening member eliminates racking or twisting of the container and enables the container to maintain its shape under loading. The stiffening member has a flap upper surface which will support a container placed thereon. There is also a vertical extending flange spaced about the upper perimeter which will position the containers stacked on top to maintain the stack of containers in alignment.
A two piece locking stacking corner structure having first and second portions each ending in complementary locking structures. The locking stacking corner first and second portions are attached to adjoining sides of a container. A tab on first portion slides into groove of second portion. The tab is locked in place by a rail on second portion. Second portion is locked into first portion by twin raise on second portion extending between complimentary rails on first portion.
The locked rails eliminate racking (twisting) of the box and enables the box to maintain its shape under loading. The outer flap of the box holds the first portion into the second portion.
The locking means when engaged restrains relative movement at the corners in all directions except the direction required to disengage the lock. When the flaps are fixed to the sides of the container, relative movement at the corners is restrained in all directions.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a returnable and reusable container that is provided with rigid stacking corners to limit racking when assembled, each rigid corner separating into two portions when the container is disassembled to allow the container to be reduced to a minimum volume when empty.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the overall shipping costs normally associated with shipping product.
It is another object to reduce such shipping costs associated with both original shipment and return shipment
It is further an object of the present invention to reduce the manufacturer's time and labor costs associated with erecting a container to product the shipped product.
It is an additional object to reduce storage space requirements associated with reusable containers.
It is still another object of the present invention to reduce the time and labor costs collapsing and returning empty containers.
It is further an object of the present invention to provide a returnable and reusable container which adequately contains and protects product shipped therein and will occupy less space during return shipment than during original shipment.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a returnable and reusable container which disassembles to an essentially flat condition.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a returnable and reusable container which locks when assembled and is stackable.
With the above and other objects in view, the present invention consists of the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and more particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the form, size, proportions and minor details of construction without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.
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Lovercheck and Lovercheck
Merek Joe
Shoap Allan N.
LandOfFree
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