Shipping container convertible to a display container
AssigneeSmurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
InventorsMichael B. McLeod, Oscar Rochefort
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Shipping containers that are convertible to display containers are disclosed. The containers comprise wrap around outer shells of the general type known as “Bliss” wraps, in combination with interior vertical support structures. The invention presents improved two- and three-piece container constructions, having improved side-to-end panel connections for improved tray strength upon conversion to a display configuration, as well as a variety of interior divider/support options. By advantageous adhesive application together with specialized opening structures such as tear strips, lines of weakness and/or hand holes, various different conversion configurations are provided.
Claims19
A shipping container convertible to a display container, having a top, a bottom, first and second sides, and first and second ends, comprising:
- an outer cover member formed from a first blank, including
- a bottom panel for forming the bottom of the shipping container,
- first and second side panels, emanating from first and second opposing sides of the bottom panel,
- first and second end panels, emanating from first and second opposing ends of the bottom panel, the first and second end panels further including a lower portion, an upper portion, at least one of the first and second end panels further including a zone of weakness enabling separation of the lower portion from the upper portion of the at least one of the first and second end panels,
- minor flaps emanating from one of the ends of the first and second side panels or the ends of the first and second end panels, and being affixed to one of the outer surfaces of the first and second end panels or the outer surfaces of the first and second side panels, respectively;
- at least one top panel, emanating from a top edge of at least one of the first and second end panels;
- an internal support member formed from at least a second blank, for providing support to the at least one top panel;
- the upper portions of the first and second end panels being affixed to portions of the internal support member.
A shipping container convertible to a display container, having a top, a bottom, first and second sides, and first and second ends, comprising:
- a tray member formed from a first blank, including
- a bottom panel for forming the bottom of the shipping container,
- first and second side panels, emanating from first and second opposing sides of the bottom panel,
- first and second end panels, emanating from first and second opposing ends of the bottom panel;
- minor flaps emanating from one of the end of the first and second side panels or the ends of the first and second end panels, and being affixed to one of the outer surfaces of the first and second end panels or the outer surfaces of the first and second side panels, respectively;
- a cover member, formed from a second blank, including a top panel,
- first and second side panels emanating from first and second opposing sides of the top panel;
- an internal support member formed from at least a third blank, for providing support to the top panel;
- the cover member being affixed to the internal support member;
- at least one zone of weakness disposed between first and second portions of the tray member for enabling separation of the first portions of the tray member from the second portions of the tray member, the first portions of the tray member being affixed to the internal support member, whereupon separation of the first portions and second portions of the tray member, the cover member, the internal support member and the first portions of the tray member may be separated from the second portions of the tray member to result in a tray for displaying products contained within the shipping container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.