Convertible tray blank and container

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a convertible tray container and blank. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define container blank. The blank includes a plurality of substantially identical and separable units, each unit includes a bottom panel, a pair of first opposed side panels attached to the bottom panel and a pair of second opposed side panels attached to the bottom panel. Additionally, a corner flap is connected with each of the first opposed side panels. Further, a locking tab is connected with the corner flap. Still further a side panel slot formed in the second opposed side panels and a bottom stacking slot is form in the bottom panel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates generally to containers and container blanks and, more specifically to convertible cap and tray type containers and tie sheets for bulk products. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Shipping goods in bulk is known in the art. In fact, an entire industry of club stores and warehouse stores has developed to provide customers with cost savings associated with large volume purchases. Often, the goods are shipped in bulk to the various stores. Often the bulk shipments are shipped on pallets. These bulk goods are often fairly unstable, especially as shoppers mill through the goods. As a result, a large quantity of blank containerboard material is used to try and stabilize the goods. Typically, the stabilization is achieved by blank, non-die cut containerboard material placed in flat sheets within the goods. As the goods are purchased, the successive layers of tie sheets are removed from the bulk pile of goods. [0003] This practice create...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004] The present invention is directed to a convertible tray container and blank. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define container blank. The blank includes a plurality of substantially identical and separable units, each unit includes a bottom panel, a pair of first opposed side panels attache

Problems solved by technology

These bulk goods are often fairly unstable, especially as shoppers mill through the goods.

As a result, a large quantity of blank containerboard material is used to try and stabilize the goods.

This practice creates a business problem.

Consequently, there is a considerable amount of expense associated with tie sheet that work well to stabilized bulk shipments, but have no other utility.

Also, the blank tie sheet is not functional as a cap or bottom tray for the bulk goods.

Images