Container with knockout-stackable gable with top tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers used for displaying goods at retail locations are not designed for stable stacking, leading to potential instability when multiple containers are stacked on top of each other.
Innovation Solution
A stackable container design featuring a gable top and bottom portion with a centrally located tab on the top and a corresponding slot on the bottom, allowing for secure stacking by preventing upper containers from sliding off, which can be formed from a single blank of material like corrugated paper or plastic and connected using glue, with optional off-center and multiple tabs/slots for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If containers are stacked without a tab-slot mechanism, then the stacking process is simple, but the stability of the stacked containers is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into distinct functional elements: a tab structure on the upper container and a corresponding slot on the lower container. This segmentation allows the stability function to be achieved through a specific mechanical interface rather than requiring complex overall structural changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab of the upper container fits into the slot of the lower container, creating a nested mechanical connection. This nesting mechanism provides stable stacking while maintaining simplicity in the overall container design.
2Reliability
If a tab-slot mechanism is added to prevent sliding, then stacking stability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tab and slot features are pre-formed as integral parts of the container during the molding process. This preliminary action ensures that the stacking reliability features are already in place before the containers are actually stacked, eliminating the need for additional assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab and slot dimensions are optimized to provide sufficient mechanical engagement for stable stacking while remaining compatible with standard molding capabilities. By carefully controlling the size and shape parameters of these features, reliability is improved without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a stackable container having a gable type top wall and a gable type bottom wall. The top wall of the container can include an upwardly extending tab that cooperates with a slot in the bottom wall of a like container to facilitate stacking of two or more containers. The container includes a front opening.