Container having openings and external cover panel

Abstract

A dual purpose shipping / display container is disclosed having a plurality of wall panels that define a central space. One or more openings are positioned in adjoining wall panels to provide access to the central space. A cover panel is removably attached overlying the adjoining wall panels and substantially covering the openings, which are preferably contiguous. Removing the cover converts the container from a shipping container to a display container for point of purchase retail sale. A removable panel portion may be positioned beneath the cover panel within an opening. The removable cover panel may be attached to the wall panel, the cover panel, or both. The removable cover panel prevents product from binding with the exposed edges of panels within the central space when it is loaded into the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention concerns dual purpose containers that are both shipping containers and display containers for the products contained therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Containers such as those made of corrugated paperboard are commonly used to ship bulk products, for example, candy or other food products, small toys or components, from a manufacturer or warehouse to a retail seller. The retail seller unpacks the product from the containers and stocks it on the store shelves. However, the unpacking and stocking tasks may be avoided, thereby saving time and money for the retailer, through the use of containers that act as both shipping and display containers for the product. [0003] Such a container is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,780 which discloses a container having a top and a contiguous portion of a side panel that are removable to provide substantially unrestricted viewing and access to the contents of the container. The retailer merely need ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The disadvantage of some display containers manifests itself however, when they are converted from shipping containers to display containers.

The removable portions of the container, for example, panel portions or tops, do not always separate cleanly from the container.

Often the outer surface, and with it the advertisement displayed thereon, is damaged by tears and other irregularities, thus defeating the purpose of decorating the container.

Furthermore, conversion of the container may require the use of box cutters, knives, or other tools which present a hazard due to their sharp cutting edges.

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