U.S. patent application number 09/808639 was filed with the patent office on 2002-09-19 for container assembly.
Invention is credited to Riedi, Martin.
Application Number | 20020130167 09/808639 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25199332 |
Filed Date | 2002-09-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020130167 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Riedi, Martin |
September 19, 2002 |
Container assembly
Abstract
A container assembly which is specifically, but not exclusively,
adapted for the storage, shipping and display of relatively fragile
products, such as produce, flowers, or the like, wherein the nature
of the products renders them particularly vulnerable to damage
during the placement within and removal from the interior of the
container assembly. Accordingly, the body of the container assembly
includes a movably mounted access segment selectively disposable
between opened and closed positions, wherein an access opening in
the body is established when the access segment is disposed in the
opened position. The access opening, when exposed is disposed,
dimensioned and configured to facilitate both visual and physical
access to the interior of the body as well as a laterally directed
positioning of the products as they are placed within and removed
from the interior, thereby reducing the possibility of physical
damage being done as with vertically directed placement and removal
of the products through an open top of a conventional
container.
Inventors: |
Riedi, Martin; (Miami,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MALLOY & MALLOY, P.A.
2800 S.W. Third Avenue
Historic Coral Way
Miami
FL
33129
US
|
Family ID: |
25199332 |
Appl. No.: |
09/808639 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/120 ;
229/122; 229/125.19 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/68 20130101; B65D
5/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/120 ;
229/122; 229/125.19 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/54; B65D
043/08 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container assembly comprising: a) a body having a hollow
interior and including a sidewall assembly disposed in at least
partially surrounding relation to said hollow interior, b) a base
connected to said sidewall assembly and disposed in covering
relation to one end of said hollow interior, and c) an access
segment movably connected to said body and disposable between an
opened position and a closed position.
2. An assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein said opened position
is at least partially defined by facilitated visual and physical
access to said hollow interior.
3. An assembly as recited in claim 2 further comprising an access
opening formed in said sidewall in communicating relation with said
hollow interior.
4. An assembly as recited in claim 3 wherein said closed position
is at least partially defined by said access segment disposed in
covering relation to said access opening.
5. An assembly as recited in claim 1 further comprising said access
opening formed in said body in communicating relation to said
hollow interior, said opened position at least partially defined by
facilitated physical and visual access to said hollow interior
through said access opening.
6. An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said closed position
is at least partially defined by said access segment disposed in
covering relation to said access opening.
7. An assembly as recited in claim 6 wherein said access segment is
pivotally connected to said body and selectively disposable into
either said opened position or said closed position.
8. An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said body comprises an
open end disposed in communicating relation to said hollow interior
and substantially oppositely disposed to said base.
9. An assembly as recited in claim 8 further comprising a cover
assembly removably disposable into and out of covering relation to
said open end.
10. An assembly as recited in claim 9 wherein said cover assembly
is further disposed in retaining relation to said access segment
when said access segment is in said closed position.
11. An assembly as recited in claim 10 wherein said closed position
is at least partially defined by said access segment disposed in
covering relation to said access opening.
12. An assembly as recited in claim 5 wherein said access opening
is disposed on said body to facilitate lateral positioning of an
object into and out of said hollow interior through said access
opening.
13. An assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein said access opening
is formed in said sidewall.
14. An assembly as recited in claim 13 wherein said closed position
is at least partially defined by said access segment disposed in
covering relation to said access opening.
15. An assembly as recited in claim 14 wherein said access segment
defines at least a portion of said sidewall assembly when said
access segment is disposed in said closed position.
16. An assembly as recited in claim 15 further comprising a cover
assembly disposed in retaining relation with said access segment
when said access segment is disposed in said closed position.
17. An assembly as recited in claim 15 wherein said access segment
is hingedly connected to said body and pivotally disposed into and
out of said closed position.
18. An assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein said closed position
is at least partially defined by substantially coplanar orientation
of said access segment with at least a portion of said sidewall
assembly.
19. A container assembly comprising: a) a body having a hollow
interior and including a sidewall assembly disposed in at least
partially surrounding relation to said hollow interior, b) a base
connected to said sidewall assembly and disposed in covering
relation to one end of said hollow interior, c) an access opening
formed in said sidewall assembly in communicating relation to said
hollow interior, d) an access segment movably connected to said
body and disposable between an opened position and a closed
position relative to said access opening, and e) said access
opening disposed and dimensioned to facilitate lateral positioning
of an object into and out of said hollow interior through said
access opening.
20. An assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said access opening
and said hollow interior are cooperatively dimensioned to include a
sufficient longitudinal dimensioned to facilitate said lateral
positioning of the object while the object is in an upright
orientation.
21. An assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said closed position
is at least partially defined by said access segment disposed in
covering relation to said access opening.
22. An assembly as recited in claim 21 wherein said closed position
is at least partially defined by substantially co-planar
orientation of said access segment with at least a portion of said
sidewall assembly.
23. An assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said access segment
is hingedly connected to said body and pivotally disposed into and
out of said closed position.
24. An assembly as recited in claim 22 further comprising a cover
assembly removably disposable into and out of covering relation to
an open end of said body, said cover assembly disposed in retaining
relation to said access segment when said access segment is in said
closed position.
25. An assembly as recited in claim 24 wherein said covering
assembly comprises a panel and a retaining portion extending
outwardly from said panel, said retaining portion disposed in
confronting relation to at least a portion of said access segment
when said access segment is in said closed position.
26. An assembly as recited in claim 25 wherein said retaining
portion comprises a depending flange disposed in substantially
overlapping relation retaining engagement with a peripheral portion
of said access segment when in said closed position.
27. An assembly as recited in claim 26 wherein said depending
flange extends along an outer periphery of said panel and is
disposed in overlapping engagement to an outer surface of said
sidewall assembly and said access opening adjacent peripheral
portions thereof.
28. An assembly as recited in claim 22 wherein said opened position
is at least partially defined by displacement of said access
segment exteriorly of said sidewall assembly and outwardly from
said access opening, said opened position further defined by
facilitated physical and visual access to said hollow interior
through said access opening.
29. An assembly as recited in claim 28 wherein said access segment
is pivotally connected to said base and extends from said base to
an open end of said body oppositely disposed to said base when said
access segment is in said closed position.
30. An assembly as recited in claim 29 wherein said access opening
extends along a longitudinal dimension of said sidewall assembly
from adjacent said base to and in communication with said open
end.
31. An assembly as recited in claim 19 further comprising a
ventilation assembly comprising a plurality of apertures formed in
said body and collectively disposed to facilitate a flow of fluid
through said hollow interior.
32. An assembly as recited in claim 31 wherein said body is at
least partially formed from a liquid impervious material.
33. An assembly as recited in claim 19 wherein said body and said
access segment is formed from a single blank of material.
34. A container assembly comprising: a) a body having a hollow
interior and including a sidewall assembly disposed in at least
partially surrounding relation to said hollow interior, b) a base
connected to said sidewall assembly and disposed in covering
relation to one end of said hollow interior, c) an access opening
formed in said sidewall assembly in communicating relation to said
hollow interior, d) an access segment correspondingly configured to
said access opening and movably connected to said body; said access
segment disposable between an opened positioned and a closed
position relative to said access opening, and e) said access
opening disposed and dimensioned to facilitate lateral positioning
of an object into and out of said hollow interior through said
access opening.
35. An assembly as recited in claim 34 further comprising a cover
assembly removably disposable into and out of covering relation to
an open end of said body, said cover assembly disposed in retaining
relation to said access segment when said access segment is in said
closed position.
36. An assembly as recited in claim 35 wherein said closed position
comprises said access segment disposed in substantially coplanar
relation with said sidewall assembly and in covering relation to
said access opening.
37. An assembly as recited in claim 34 wherein both said access
segment and said access opening include longitudinal peripheral
portions extending between respective opposite ends thereof.
38. An assembly as recited in claim 37 wherein said peripheral
portions of both said access opening and said access segment are
disposed in substantially parallel relation to one another.
39. An assembly as recited in claim 37 wherein said peripheral
portions of both access opening and said access segment are
disposed in substantially convergent relation to one another
between said respective opposite ends thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is directed to a container assembly
structured for the containment of relatively fragile products
during storage, transportation, etc. and which facilitates product
placement into and out of the interior of the container assembly in
a manner which eliminates or reduces the possibility of physical
damage being done to the products.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] It is well known that the prior art is replete with
containers of various sizes and configurations. Typically
containers are used not only for the storage of an immense variety
of different products and contents but also are used to protect the
products during transport and in some instances, the display of the
contained products. The physical characteristics of containers,
including the material from which they are formed is, to a large
extent, dependent on the products being contained therein. Perhaps
the most common material utilized in the construction and formation
of known containers is paperboard or cardboard, which in many
instances includes a substantially corrugated formation to add
strength and stability.
[0005] Also the construction of conventional containers normally
involves a single blank or a plurality of interconnected blank
sections secured together by fasteners, adhesive or the like and
folded along predetermined seam lines so as to define a sidewall
and a base. The sidewall and base collectively define the
boundaries of a hollow interior in which the contents are placed.
Further, the conventional structuring of containers may include the
sidewall assembly comprising a plurality of planar, sidewall
segments relatively oriented into a multi-sided configuration. The
base portion of a typical container structure is folded in
overlying, covering relation to a lower open end of the hollow
interior and is secured in such covering position by conventional
adhesives, fasteners, etc. of the type set forth above.
[0006] A common physical characteristic of the vast majority of
known or conventional containers also includes an open top. In
order to securely maintain the contents or intended products within
the hollow interior, the open top is closed by a removable lid or
alternatively by a top portion. The top portion, when not in the
form of a removable lid, may comprise a plurality of top panels or
segments which are integrally or otherwise secured to the upper
peripheral portions of the sidewall assembly. After loading or
packing of the intended contents within the hollow interior, such
top panels or segments are folded relative to one another and
secured by the aforementioned adhesives, fasteners, etc.
[0007] When utilizing the conventional box or container structure,
as described above, it is accepted practice to load and un-load the
contents into and out of the interior of the container through the
open top end after removal of the closure or top panel segments, as
described. The products or contents are substantially vertically
directed through the open top and into the hollow interior.
Naturally, the precise method and technique of positioning the
contents depend on the various characteristics of the contents
themselves and more specifically on whether are loosely filled or
individually packed. If the product or contents are not
particularly fragile, at least in terms of heir positioning during
packing or unpacking, the vertical passage of these products
through the open top end is perfectly acceptable. These commonly
applied techniques of packing through the open top end may be most
commonly practiced due to the unavailability of alternative and
more creative container designs and structures.
[0008] While the loading and unloading through the open top end is
acceptable for a large number of the more sturdy products, there
exists a more fragile category of products which suffer from the
commonly used, vertically directed positioning or passage into and
out of the interior of the container. More specifically, many of
the more fragile products have a tendency to become physically
damaged as they are vertically directed through the open upper top
end of a container due to the fact that they physically engage one
another or adjacently disposed interior surface portion of the
container. Also, another common characteristic of the more fragile
type of product is that they are typically intended to maintained
in an "up-right" orientation. When such products are positioned or
oriented in close proximity to one another, the physical engagement
between adjacently disposed products causes the aforementioned
damage and because of the vertical direction of their positioning
is generally considered to be inevitable. While fragile type
products of the type set forth above vary greatly, one specific
category of such products comprises vegetables, flowers or other
produce, which are typically packed in specific groupings or
"bunches".
[0009] Based on the above, there is a significant and long
recognized need for a container assembly which is structured to
eliminate the physical damage commonly suffered by the more fragile
type of products, especially during the loading and unloading
procedure. Such an improved or preferred container assembly should
also be capable of accomplishing efficient, safe and secured
packing of a variety of different products, whether fragile or
sturdy, in a manner which is acceptable to mass production
techniques and is not overly time consuming. Also, an improved
container assembly, of the type set forth above while overcoming
the disadvantages and problems associated with vertically directing
positioning of products into and out of the container, should be
capable of being produced and manufactured at a competitive cost
and should be structured, as with conventional containers to
effectively protect the package products during storage, shipping,
etc. Finally, an improved container assembly should be structured
to enhance not only the physical access to the container interior
and products contained therein, but the visual access as well.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention is directed to a container assembly
which is structured to contain, during storage and transportation,
a variety of different products which are commonly related by the
fact that such products are relatively fragile. However, it is
emphasized that the container assembly of the present invention is
readily adaptable, with little or no structural modification, for
the containment of any number of relatively sturdy or fragile
products. Therefore, the structural features incorporated in the
subject container assembly, as will be explained in greater
detailed hereinafter, facilitate the safe, secure and efficient
positioning of the products, especially during the loading and
unloading procedures. More specifically, the placement within and
removal from the container interior is accomplished in a manner
which eliminates or significantly reduces the possibility of
physical damage being done to the individual products, due to the
their engagement or contact with one another or with interior
surface portions of the container assembly.
[0011] Accordingly, the container assembly of the present invention
comprises a body having a hollow interior portion. The body
includes a base disposed in closing or covering relation to one end
of the interior. A sidewall assembly is disposed in substantially
surrounding relation and, for the most part, defines the lateral
boundaries of the hollow interior. The base and the sidewall
assembly are integrally or otherwise physically secured to one
another so that the base and sidewall assembly and can be
respectively oriented into the preferred configuration when
assembled. The body may include an open top or upper end which is
normally disposed in spaced, opposed relation to the base of the
body. However, in certain embodiments of the container assembly of
the present invention, to be described in greater detailed
hereinafter, the open top or upper end of the body may be limited
or eliminated by the provision of a cover or lid type panel
disposed in overlying and/or covering relation to the open upper
end or top. However, in at least one preferred embodiment of the
container assembly of the present invention a cover assembly is
provided. The cover assembly is dimensioned and configured to be
removably disposed in covering relation to the open top or upper
end. As also to be more specifically explained, the cover assembly
comprises a panel or like structure disposed in overlying relation
to the upper end and a peripheral portion which is connected about
the periphery of the panel in depending relation thereto. Moreover,
the peripheral portion defines a substantially depending flange
having a multi-sided configuration which corresponds to the overall
transverse cross-sectional configuration of the sidewall assembly.
As such, the depending flange or peripheral portion extends in
overlying substantially confronting engagement with the exterior
surface of the sidewall assembly adjacent to the open top or upper
end of the body.
[0012] Another feature of the present invention is particularly
directed to the structuring of the body, including the sidewall
assembly and base, in such a manner as to facilitate positioning of
contents within and removal from the hollow interior thereof during
packing and un-packing. Moreover, product positioning may be easily
and efficiently performed in a manner which eliminates or
significantly reduces the possibility of physical damage being done
to the products or contents.
[0013] In conventional box or container design it is generally
accepted practice to load and remove the contents into and out of
the interior through the open top end thereof. While such loading
and un-loading procedures are acceptable for a large number of
products, a more fragile category of products have a tendency to
become physically damaged as they are vertically directed through
the open upper top or end of a container by physical contact or
engagement with one another or with various interior surface
portions of the container. A common characteristic of these
fragile-type products is that they are typically maintained in a
"up-right" orientation and positioned or "packed" in such close
proximity to one another that physical engagement between
adjacently disposed products, during such vertically directed
positioning is inevitable.
[0014] Accordingly, the container assembly of the present
invention, comprises an access segment movably connected to or
mounted on the body and selectively positionable between an opened
position and a closed position. In the opened position both visual
and physical access to the hollow interior of the body, and the
contents contained therein, are facilitated. Further, when the
access segment is disposed at least partially or completely in the
opened position, an access opening is created in the body. When
established, the access opening is disposed, configured and
dimensioned to facilitate laterally directed placement of
individual products, or groupings of products, into and out of the
hollow interior of the body. The referred to laterally directed
placement is clearly distinguishable from the vertically directed
placement, such as when the products or contents placed within or
removed from the hollow interior through a conventionally disposed
opened top end of the body of the container. Further, the laterally
directed placement of the contents is accomplish while the contents
or products are disposed in a preferred up-right orientation.
[0015] More specifically, the products are capable of being placed
within and removed from the hollow interior of the body in the same
up-right orientation in which they are maintained while they are
being stored or transported within the body. Movable engagement
such as physical sliding, rubbing or abutting contact is eliminated
or reduced, especially during the loading and unloading procedure.
When loaded or when it is desired to maintain the contents or
products on the interior of the body in segregated relation from
the exterior thereof, the access segment is positioned into the
aforementioned closed position and the cover assembly is place over
the open top or upper end.
[0016] As set forth above, a preferred embodiment of the cover
assembly includes a depending flange. As such, the depending flange
may serve as a retaining structure such that it overlaps and is
thereby disposed in confronting engagement with the exterior
surface of the upper end of the sidewall assembly. In such a
position the upper end of the access segment is also engaged and
retained, when the access opening is disposed in the closed
position.
[0017] The container assembly of the present invention therefore
overcomes significant and long recognized problems existing in the
storage and shipping of fragile products such as, but not limited
to produce, flowers, and the like. More specifically, physical
damage to the products, especially during the loading and unloading
procedures, is eliminated or significantly reduced by laterally
directing, as versus vertically directing, the positioning of the
products into and out of the hollow interior of the container.
[0018] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become more clear when the drawings as well
as the detailed description are taken into consideration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view in partial phantom of both
interior and exterior portions of one embodiment of the container
assembly of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a cover assembly
associated with the container assembly of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 3 is an exterior perspective view of the embodiment of
the container assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a closed
orientation.
[0023] FIG. 4 is front plan view of a blank from which the cover
assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 2 is formed.
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing both interior and
exterior portions of another preferred embodiment of the container
assembly of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of
the present invention wherein laterally directed placement and
removal of a product, relative to the interior of the container
assembly of the present invention, is schematically
demonstrated.
[0026] FIG. 7 is a front plan view of a blank from which the body
of at least one of the preferred embodiments of the container
assembly is formed.
[0027] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0028] As shown in the accompanying Figures, the container assembly
of the present invention is generally indicated as 10 and includes
a body 12 comprising a base 14 and a sidewall assembly generally
indicated as 16. The base 14 and the sidewall assembly 16
collectively and at least partially define the boundaries of a
hollow interior portion generally indicated as 18. In conventional
fashion, the hollow interior 18 is provided for the containment of
a variety of different products and, as will be explained in
greater detail hereinafter, is particularly adaptable for
containment of a variety of different, relatively fragile products
generally indicated as 20 in FIG. 6.
[0029] As disclosed in the various Figures, the sidewall assembly
comprises a plurality of sidewall segments 22, 23, 24, and 25 which
collectively comprise a multi-sided configuration. It is emphasized
that the configuration of the sidewall assembly and accordingly the
entire body 12 can of course vary and still be included within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. The configurations of
the body 12 may include a multi-sided configuration, having a
plurality of side segments varying in number and being more or less
than the four side segments 22 through 25 indicated in various
Figures. Alternatively, the sidewall assembly 12 can be structured
to have a partially or completely continuous, substantially
cylindrical configuration which would vary the overall
configuration of the body 12 accordingly. Naturally, the base 14 is
correspondingly dimensioned and configured to correspond to any of
the possible plurality of multi-sided or cylindrical configurations
which the side assembly 16 may assume. The bottom end of the body
12 would therefore be completely or at least partially closed such
that the contents disposed within the hollow interior 18 are
capable of being adequately supported in a preferred
orientation.
[0030] As best shown in FIGS. 2 through 4, the container assembly
10 of the present invention further comprises a cover assembly
generally indicated as 30. The cover assembly 30 is removably
disposed in overlying, covering relation to the open top end 32 so
as to removably close the top end 32 during storage or shipment of
the contents of the container assembly 10 or as otherwise desired.
The cover assembly 30 includes a base panel 34 and at least one,
but preferably a plurality of depending peripheral flanges or like
structures 36 extending outwardly from the base panel 34. When the
cover assembly 30 is disposed in covering relation to the open end
32, as disclosed in FIG. 3, the depending flanges 36 are positioned
to overly and confrontingly engage the upper exterior portions of
the sidewall assembly 16. More particularly, each of the upper
exterior surfaces of the sidewall segments 22, 23, 24, and 25 are
substantially covered. As such, the depending flange or flange
segments 36 comprise a retaining structure, as will be explained in
greater detail hereinafter.
[0031] With primary reference to FIG. 4, the cover assembly 30,
including the cover panel 32 and the depending flange or flange
segments 36, are preferably formed from a single blank of material
of the type applicable in the construction of the container
assembly 10. The formation of the cover assembly 30 into its
operative configuration, as shown in FIG. 2, is accomplished by
folding the various individual depending flange segments 36 about
predetermined fold lines 39 integrally formed in the blank of FIG.
4. When folded into the desired configuration overlapping portions
of the flange segments 36, such as at the perspective corners
thereof, are secured to one another such as by adhesive or other
fastening means including staples or other connectors commonly used
in the container manufacturing industry.
[0032] Another structural feature of the present invention
comprises the provision of an access segment generally indicated as
40 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 6, and 7. The access segment 40
preferably comprises a panel having a planar or other configuration
which corresponds to the configuration of the individual sidewall
segments, particularly the sidewall segment 25 with which it is
more closely associated. By way of example, if the sidewall
assembly 12 was defined by one or more cylindrically sidewall
segments, the access segment 40 could also have a corresponding and
substantially mating configuration for the reasons which may be
best understood hereinafter.
[0033] Moreover, the access segment 40 is movably connected to the
body 12 and in the embodiment of FIGS. 1, 3 and 6 the access
segment 40 is hingedly, pivotally or otherwise movably connected to
a periphery of the base 14 such as a long seam 42. By virtue of
this movable attachment or connection, the access segment 40 can be
selectively disposed between an opened position, as clearly shown
in FIG. 6 and partially represented in FIG. 1, and a closed
position as shown in FIG. 3. Positioning of the access segment 40
between the opened and closed positions is schematically
represented in FIG. 1 by directional arrow 44.
[0034] Further, the fully opened position of the access segment 40
is represented by it being disposed in substantially coplanar
relation to the base 14. However, the hinged attachment or movable
connection 42 is constructed to allow the access segment 40 to be
oriented at various angles relative to the base 14.
[0035] The access segment may even be oriented so as to extend
beyond or beneath the base 14. Therefore, the position of the
access segment may at least partially depend on the location and
configuration of the support surface on which the body 12 is
disposed, when the access segment 40 is in its opened position.
[0036] It should also be noted that the movable or hinged
connection 42 of the access segment 40 to the body 12 and in
particular to the sidewall segment 25 may be located other than
contiguous to the base 14. By way of example, a longitudinal
peripheral 45 could define the hinged connection which allows
selective movement of the access segment 40 between its opened and
closed positions.
[0037] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
5 wherein access segment 40' is also selectively positionable
between an opened position, as shown, or a closed position defined
by the access segment 40' being disposed in substantially coplanar
relation to the sidewall assembly 16' and in particular the
corresponding sidewall segment 25'. As with the embodiment of FIG.
1, the access segment 40' is movably connected to the body such as
along a movable attachment or connection 42'. As such, the lower
end of the access segment 40' is hingedly connected to the base 14
such that it may be pivotally oriented between the aforementioned
opened and closed positions.
[0038] The enhancement of both physical and visual access to the
hollow interior 18 is accomplished by the creation or establishment
of an access opening 50 or 50' in the respective embodiments of
FIGS. 1 and 5. The establishment or creation of the access opening
50 or 50' is of course accomplished by positioning the respective
access segments 40 an 40' into the opened position. The existence
of the access opening 50 or 50' allows direct communication with
the hollow interior 18 from the exterior of the body 12, as should
be evident. Positioning of the products 20 in a lateral direction
into and out of the hollow interior 18 is thereby made possible as
well as the displaying the contents within the interior 18. The
structural features which distinguish the embodiments of FIG. 1 and
5 comprise the relative position and orientations of the
longitudinal, peripheral edges or portions 45, 45 of FIG. 1 and 45'
45', of FIG. 5. More specifically, in the preferred embodiment of
the container assembly 10 of FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, the longitudinal
peripheral portions or edges 45 are disposed in substantially
equally spaced apart and accordingly parallel relation to another.
Similarly, the access opening 50, being correspondingly configured
to that of the access segment 40, has its longitudinal peripheral
portions or edges 52 also disposed in substantially parallel
relation to one another along their length. Alternatively, in the
embodiment of FIG. 6, the access segment 40' has its configuration
defined at least in part by a relatively angled orientation of the
longitudinal peripheral portions or edges 45'. Therefore,
peripheral portions 45' substantially converge as they extend from
an upper or outer most end 47' towards the movable connection
42'.
[0039] The variations in the structures between the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 and 5 may be attributable to the dimension, configuration
or even the type of product being loaded into the hollow interior
portion 18. In addition, varying amounts of stability may be
attributed to the different structures and configurations of the
respective access segments 40 and 40' as well as the formed access
opening 50 and 50', as described above.
[0040] Regardless of the specific embodiments utilized, the
provision of an access segment 40 or 40' and its selective
positioning from a closed to an opened position thereby clearly
facilitates the visual access of the hollow interior 18 and any
products 20 contained therein. More importantly, physical
positioning of the products 20 through the access opening 50 or 50'
in a manner which eliminates or significantly reduces the
possibility of damage thereto is made possible during the loading
and un-loading procedure. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6,
the access openings 50 and 50' are sufficiently configured,
dimensioned and disposed to facilitate a laterally directed
movement or positioning of the product 20 either into the hollow
interior 18 or outwardly therefrom as schematically represented by
the directional arrows 60. Further, such lateral directed
positioning can be accomplished while the product 20 is oriented in
a preferred orientation, such as the substantially up-right
orientation as demonstrated in FIG. 6.
[0041] By way of example only, the product 20 can represent one of
a plurality of "bunches" of produce products such as, but not
limited to, asparagus. It is universally recognized that when
dealing with a produce product such as asparagus, the tips or upper
ends thereof, as at 20', are more valued because of an increased
flavor and tenderness. However, the asparagus product is extremely
fragile and most likely to be physically damaged during the
packaging and un-packaging procedure. Utilizing conventional
techniques, asparagus or any of the more fragile products
represented as 20 are loaded and un-loaded through the open upper
end of a conventional container. As such, the products are
vertically directed into and out of the container.
[0042] However, because of the unique structural features of the
present invention the individual products 20, whether in the form
of asparagus or any other product, may be laterally directed, as
indicated by directional arrows 60, into and out of the hollow
interior 18 through the access opening 50 or 50' when the
respective ones of the access segments 40 or 40' are in the opened
positioned. As also demonstrated in FIG. 6 it may be desirable to
display a plurality of products as they are packed within the
hollow interior 18 prior to removing the products 20 individually.
Therefore, the access segment 40 or 40' when disposed in the opened
position allows clear viewing and thereby facilitates visual access
to the hollow interior 18 and more particularly to the products
contained therein.
[0043] In order to maintain the access segment 40 or 40' in the
closed position the cover assembly 30 includes the one or more
flange segments 36 defining the aforementioned retaining portion as
best pictured in FIG. 3. The retaining portion or flanges 36 are
disposed in overlapping substantially confronting engagement with
the exterior surface of the upper ends of the sidewall segments 22,
23, 24 and 25. The exterior surface adjacent the upper end 47 and
47' of the access segments 40 and 40' are also retained by the
corresponding portion of the peripheral flange or flanges 36 due to
the aforementioned overlapping confronting disposition thereof. In
the closed position the cover assembly 40 thereby maintains either
of the access segment 40 and 40' in substantially coplanar relation
with the correspondingly positioned sidewall segment 25 and 25' as
demonstrated in FIG. 3.
[0044] Another structural feature of the present invention is the
formation of the body 12 from either a single blank or a plurality
of fixedly attached blank segments. The various sidewall segments
22, 23, 24, and 25 are thereby interconnected to one another as
shown in FIG. 7 and foldable into the multi-sided configuration of
FIGS. 1 and 5, along normally vertically oriented fold lines 65.
Overlapping or matting flaps or portions 67 may be affixed to one
another by adhesive or any other applicable and/or conventional
fastening means. Also as shown in FIG. 7, the base 14 may be formed
by interlocking base segments 69 once being folded relative to an
attached, corresponding sidewall segment 23 through 25, along
normally horizontally oriented fold lines 71. Engagement of the
various base segments 69 may occur by interlocking connecting
apertures and tabs as at 73 and 75.
[0045] Yet another structural feature of the present invention is
the provision of a plurality of openings or apertures as at 80
formed in adjacent or oppositely spaced apart segments of the
sidewall assembly 16. Similarly, a plurality of openings or
apertures are formed in the base 14 as at 82 and in the cover
assembly 30 as at 84. These openings or apertures are provided to
facilitate ventilation of the hollow interior 18 as well as the
products or contents 20 contained therein. In addition, when the
products or contents 20 are produce or a variety of other products,
it may be common practice to pass such products, while contained
within the hollow interior 18, through a spray wash or bath for
purposes of disinfecting and/or cleaning. Therefore the plurality
of apertures, 80, 82, 84, etc. serve to allow fluid flow of both
liquid and air through the interior, as well as provide proper
drainage or passage of the fluid from the interior and from the
products or contents 20 contained therein. It is also provided a
number of other apertures 80' and 84' located in the sidewall
assembly 12 and the cover assembly 30 may be provided to facilitate
the aforementioned passage of fluid flow through the hollow
interior 18 as well as provide means to handle and/or lift the body
12 with the cover assembly 30 thereon. Naturally, the number, size,
configuration and location of the aforementioned apertures may vary
and/or be non-existent, depended upon a number of different factors
including a type of products or content being maintained within the
hollow interior 18. Also the material from which both the body 12
and the cover assembly 30 is formed may be at least partially
liquid impervious or "water proof" so as to resist damage to the
material and the integrity of the container assembly 10 and 10' if
subjected to the aforementioned water spray or bath.
[0046] Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail
can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention,
it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and
shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative
and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention
should be determined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0047] Now that the invention has been described,
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