Stackable containers having deployable surfaces

Abstract

A container having deployable support surfaces for reinforcing the container to permit stacking is disclosed. The container includes a plurality of sidewalls pivotably attached to one another end to end. A bottom flap is attached to the bottom edge of each sidewall, and a pivotable support surface is attached to the top edges of two oppositely disposed sidewalls. For each support surface, a support panel extends from the support surface to the bottom flap directly beneath it. The support panels are pivotably attached to the support surfaces and bottom flaps, and, with the oppositely disposed side walls, act as a four bar mechanism to position the support surfaces substantially perpendicular to the side walls when the bottom flaps are pivoted to form the bottom of the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention concerns containers, and especially corrugated cardboard containers assemblable, either automatically or manually from a knockdown state, and having support surfaces permitting stacking of the containers one atop another. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Containers find broad use in the shipment of many types of goods, especially bulk goods. Examples of bulk goods include many food items such as candy and snack foods, small hardware items, small toys and other consumer products. Increasingly, such containers have been found useful for the display and dispensing of the goods at the point of purchase in addition to their traditional function as a shipping container. [0003] Containers formed of corrugated cardboard provide an economical and robust means for fulfilling the goals of shipment to and display of items at the point of purchase. It has been found advantageous to provide the containers in what is known as a knockdown state, wherein...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a container made from corrugated cardboard that has a central space and is surrounded by a plurality of sidewalls that can pivot with respect to each other. The sidewalls have bottom edges and top edges, and there are also bottom flaps that can pivot from a position within the central space to a position perpendicular to the sidewalls. The container also has a first support surface and a first support panel that can pivot into the position perpendicular to the sidewall when the bottom flap is pivoted into the position perpendicular to the sidewall. The container can be assembled from a knockdown state and has removable portions and top flaps that can enclose the central space. The technical effect of the invention is a versatile and easy-to-assemble container that can be used for various purposes."

Problems solved by technology

The design of such containers, however, has a disadvantage in that the bottom flaps extend outwardly from the container when in the knockdown state.

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