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.
Claims8
A shipping container convertible to a display container, having a top, a bottom, first and second sides, and first and second ends, said shipping container comprising:
- an outer cover member formed from a first blank and comprising:
- 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, said first and second end panels each including a lower portion and an upper portion, wherein at least one of the first and second end panels has 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 ends of one of the first and second side panels and the first and second end panels, said minor flaps being affixed to one of outer surfaces of the first and second end panels and outer surfaces of the first and second side panels, respectively;
- and
- at least one top panel emanating from a top edge of at least one of the first and second end panels;
- and
- an internal support member formed from at least a second blank for providing support to the at least one top panel, wherein the upper portions of the first and second end panels are affixed to portions of the internal support member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.