U.S. patent application number 15/262533 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-11 for container assembly with promotional panels and associated methods for making the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is IFCO SYSTEMS GmbH. Invention is credited to Kim Hugow, Joshua Kling, Wolfgang Orgeldinger.
Application Number | 20170129652 15/262533 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58289786 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170129652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kling; Joshua ; et
al. |
May 11, 2017 |
CONTAINER ASSEMBLY WITH PROMOTIONAL PANELS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
FOR MAKING THE SAME
Abstract
A container assembly includes a foldable container that includes
a ventilated bottom panel, a pair of spaced apart ventilated side
panels rotatably coupled to the ventilated bottom panel, and a pair
of spaced apart ventilated end panels rotatably coupled to the
ventilated bottom panel. The foldable container is configurable
between a collapsed configuration and an open configuration. A pair
of solid side panels is removably coupled to the pair of spaced
apart ventilated side panels when the foldable container is in the
open configuration, and a pair of solid end panels is removably
coupled to the pair of spaced apart ventilated end panels when the
foldable container is in the open configuration. Promotional
indicia is on exterior surfaces of the solid side panels and the
solid end panels.
Inventors: |
Kling; Joshua; (Tampa,
FL) ; Hugow; Kim; (Pullach, DE) ; Orgeldinger;
Wolfgang; (Pullach, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IFCO SYSTEMS GmbH |
Pullach |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
58289786 |
Appl. No.: |
15/262533 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62218120 |
Sep 14, 2015 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 25/205 20130101;
G09F 2023/0025 20130101; B65D 11/1833 20130101; B65D 25/34
20130101; G09F 7/18 20130101; B65D 85/34 20130101; B65D 25/30
20130101; B65D 2501/24808 20130101; B65D 11/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 25/20 20060101
B65D025/20; B65D 6/18 20060101 B65D006/18; B65D 85/34 20060101
B65D085/34; B65D 25/30 20060101 B65D025/30 |
Claims
1. A container assembly comprising: a foldable container comprising
a ventilated bottom panel, a pair of spaced apart ventilated side
panels rotatably coupled to the ventilated bottom panel, and a pair
of spaced apart ventilated end panels rotatably coupled to the
ventilated bottom panel; said foldable container configurable
between a collapsed configuration when said pairs of spaced apart
ventilated side panels and ventilated end panels are folded toward
the ventilated bottom panel, and an open configuration when said
pairs of spaced apart ventilated side panels and ventilated end
panels are folded away from the ventilated bottom panel so that
adjacent edges thereof engage one another so as to lock together; a
pair of solid side panels removably coupled to said pair of spaced
apart ventilated side panels when said foldable container is in the
open configuration, each solid side panel comprising a top lip
extending across an upper edge of a respective ventilated side
panel, at least one top clip carried by said top lip and extending
downwardly therefrom so as to be secured to the respective
ventilated side panel, and at least one medial clip to slidably
engage at least one medial ventilated opening in the respective
ventilated side panel; and a pair of solid end panels removably
coupled to said pair of spaced apart ventilated end panels when
said foldable container is in the open configuration, each solid
end panel comprising a top lip extending across an upper edge of a
respective ventilated end panel, at least one top clip carried by
said top lip and extending downwardly therefrom so as to be secured
to the respective ventilated end panel, and at least one medial
clip to slidably engage at least one medial ventilated opening in
the respective ventilated end panel.
2. The container assembly according to claim 1 further comprising
promotional indicia on an exterior surface of at least one of said
solid side and end panels.
3. The container assembly according to claim 1 wherein each solid
side panel and each solid end panel comprises plastic.
4. The container assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one medial clip for the respective ventilated side panel is
L-shaped, and wherein said at least one medial clip for the
respective ventilated end panel is L-shaped.
5. The container assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one medial clip for the respective ventilated side panel
comprises a plurality of medial clips, and wherein said at least
one medial clip for the respective ventilated end panel comprises a
plurality of medial clips.
6. The container assembly according to claim 1 wherein said at
least one top clip for the respective ventilated side panel
comprises a plurality of top clips, and wherein said at least one
top clip for the respective ventilated end panel comprises a single
top clip.
7. The container assembly according to claim 1 wherein corners of
said top lip for each solid side panel and for each solid end panel
have cutouts so as to not interfere with one another when coupled
to respective ventilated side panels and respective ventilated end
panels.
8. A promotional kit for a foldable container comprising a
ventilated bottom panel, a pair of spaced apart ventilated side
panels rotatably coupled to the ventilated bottom panel, and a pair
of spaced apart ventilated end panels rotatably coupled to the
ventilated bottom panel, the foldable container configurable
between a collapsed configuration when the pairs of spaced apart
ventilated side panels and ventilated end panels are folded toward
the ventilated bottom panel, and an open configuration when the
pairs of spaced apart ventilated side panels and ventilated end
panels are folded away from the ventilated bottom panel so that
adjacent edges thereof engage one another so as to lock together,
the promotional kit comprising: a pair of solid side panels to be
removably coupled to the pair of spaced apart ventilated side
panels when the foldable container is in the open configuration,
each solid side panel comprising a top lip extending across an
upper edge of a respective ventilated side panel, at least one top
clip carried by said top lip and extending downwardly therefrom so
as to be secured to the respective ventilated side panel, and at
least one medial clip to slidably engage at least one medial
ventilated opening in the respective ventilated side panel; and a
pair of solid end panels to be removably coupled to the pair of
spaced apart ventilated end panels when the foldable container is
in the open configuration, each solid end panel comprising a top
lip extending across an upper edge of a respective ventilated end
panel, at least one top clip carried by said top lip and extending
downwardly therefrom so as to be secured to the respective
ventilated end panel, and at least one medial clip to slidably
engage at least one medial ventilated opening in the respective
ventilated end panel.
9. The promotional kit according to claim 8 further comprising
promotional indicia on an exterior surface of at least one of said
solid side and end panels.
10. The promotional kit according to claim 8 wherein each solid
side panel and each solid end panel comprises plastic.
11. The promotional kit according to claim 8 wherein said at least
one medial clip for the respective ventilated side panel is
L-shaped, and wherein said at least one medial clip for the
respective ventilated end panel is L-shaped.
12. The promotional kit according to claim 8 wherein said at least
one medial clip for the respective ventilated side panel comprises
a plurality of medial clips, and wherein said at least one medial
clip for the respective ventilated end panel comprises a plurality
of medial clips.
13. The promotional kit according to claim 8 wherein said at least
one top clip for the respective ventilated side panel comprises a
plurality of top clips, and wherein said at least one top clip for
the respective ventilated end panel comprises a single top
clip.
14. The promotional kit according to claim 8 wherein corners of
said top lip for each solid side panel and for each solid end panel
have cutouts so as to not interfere with one another when coupled
to respective ventilated side panels and respective ventilated end
panels.
15. A method for making a container assembly comprising: providing
a foldable container comprising a ventilated bottom panel, a pair
of spaced apart ventilated side panels rotatably coupled to the
ventilated bottom panel, and a pair of spaced apart ventilated end
panels rotatably coupled to the ventilated bottom panel; the
foldable container configurable between a collapsed configuration
when the pairs of spaced apart ventilated side panels and
ventilated end panels are folded toward the ventilated bottom
panel, and an open configuration when the pairs of spaced apart
ventilated side panels and ventilated end panels are folded away
from the ventilated bottom panel so that adjacent edges thereof
engage one another so as to lock together; providing a pair of
solid side panels removably coupled to the pair of spaced apart
ventilated side panels when the foldable container is in the open
configuration, each solid side panel comprising a top lip extending
across an upper edge of a respective ventilated side panel, at
least one top clip carried by the top lip and extending downwardly
therefrom so as to be secured to the respective ventilated side
panel, and at least one medial clip to slidably engage at least one
medial ventilated opening in the respective ventilated side panel;
and providing a pair of solid end panels removably coupled to the
pair of spaced apart ventilated end panels when the foldable
container is in the open configuration, each solid end panel
comprising a top lip extending across an upper edge of a respective
ventilated end panel, at least one top clip carried by the top lip
and extending downwardly therefrom so as to be secured to the
respective ventilated end panel, and at least one medial clip to
slidably engage at least one medial ventilated opening in the
respective ventilated end panel.
16. The method according to claim 15 wherein an exterior surface of
at least one of the solid side and end panels comprises promotional
indicia thereon.
17. The method according to claim 15 wherein each solid side panel
and each solid end panel comprises plastic.
18. The method according to claim 15 wherein the at least one
medial clip for the respective ventilated side panel is L-shaped,
and wherein the at least one medial clip for the respective
ventilated end panel is L-shaped.
19. The method according to claim 15 wherein the at least one top
clip for the respective ventilated side panel comprises a plurality
of top clips, and wherein the at least one top clip for the
respective ventilated end panel comprises a single top clip.
20. The method according to claim 15 wherein corners of the top lip
for each solid side panel and for each solid end panel have cutouts
so as to not interfere with one another when coupled to respective
ventilated side panels and respective ventilated end panels.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/218,120 filed Sep. 14, 2015, the entire
contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of containers,
and more particularly, to promotional panels for a reusable plastic
container (RPC).
BACKGROUND
[0003] Packaging is a critical component in the produce supply
chain. Produce looks very fresh and undamaged when first harvested.
However, conventional corrugated packaging does not always deliver
the produce in the same condition as initially harvested. The
corrugated packaging, i.e., boxes, tends to collapse when stacked
one on top of another, thus damaging the produce. Extensively
damaged produce is typically discarded, resulting in lost sells.
Slightly damaged produce on display causes customers to be
disappointed.
[0004] An alternative to shipping produce in corrugated packaging
is reusable plastic containers (RPCs). Reusable plastic containers
allow for minimized damage to the produce since the plastic
containers will not collapse when stacked. Many times the reusable
plastic containers used by the farmers to ship their produce
through the supply chain end up being used by the grocery stores to
display the produce to customers. This results in reduced handling
of the produce as well as increased efficiency.
[0005] While the reusable plastic containers are functional and
effective, there is a need to better promote the items contained
therein through merchandising and display to consumers in grocery
and food service applications.
[0006] One approach is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,358 which
provides a display system having one or more collapsible crates and
creative panels. The creative panels cover the crates to provide a
clean visual effect for the display. At least one creative panel
fits into the interior of the crate and folds around the outside of
the first and second sidewalls of the crate, and at least one
creative panel fits over the outside of the crate. The creative
panels are attached through the use of bosses or clips made out of
plastic or other durable material. The creative panels may include
advertisements, decorations, drawings, and other information about
the items, products, goods, or information being displayed. Even in
view of the creative panels, there is still a need to provide other
types of promotional panels to collapsible crates.
SUMMARY
[0007] A container assembly includes a foldable container
comprising a ventilated bottom panel, a pair of spaced apart
ventilated side panels rotatably coupled to the ventilated bottom
panel, and a pair of spaced apart ventilated end panels rotatably
coupled to the ventilated bottom panel. The foldable container may
be configurable between a collapsed configuration when the pairs of
spaced apart ventilated side panels and ventilated end panels are
folded toward the ventilated bottom panel, and an open
configuration when the pairs of spaced apart ventilated side panels
and ventilated end panels are folded away from the ventilated
bottom panel so that adjacent edges thereof engage one another so
as to lock together.
[0008] A pair of solid side panels may be removably coupled to the
pair of spaced apart ventilated side panels when the foldable
container is in the open configuration. Each solid side panel may
comprise a top lip extending across an upper edge of a respective
ventilated side panel, at least one top clip carried by the top lip
and extending downwardly therefrom so as to be secured to the
respective ventilated side panel, and at least one medial clip to
slidably engage at least one medial ventilated opening in the
respective ventilated side panel.
[0009] A pair of solid end panels may be removably coupled to the
pair of spaced apart ventilated end panels when the foldable
container is in the open configuration. Each solid end panel may
comprise a top lip extending across an upper edge of a respective
ventilated end panel, at least one top clip carried by the top lip
and extending downwardly therefrom so as to be secured to the
respective ventilated end panel, and at least one medial clip to
slidably engage at least one medial ventilated opening in the
respective ventilated end panel.
[0010] The solid side and end panels aesthetically make the
foldable container more appealing to a consumer. The container
assembly may further comprise promotional indicia on an exterior
surface of at least one of the solid side and end panels. The
promotional indicia may include advertisements, decorations, logos,
drawings, and other information to better promote the items being
displayed within the foldable container.
[0011] Each solid side panel and each solid end panel may comprise
plastic. The at least one medial clip for the respective ventilated
side panel may be L-shaped, and the at least one medial clip for
the respective ventilated end panel may be L-shaped.
[0012] The at least one medial clip for the respective ventilated
side panel may comprise a plurality of medial clips. The at least
one medial clip for the respective ventilated end panel may
comprise a plurality of medial clips. The at least one top clip for
the respective ventilated side panel may comprise a plurality of
top clips. The at least one top clip for the respective ventilated
end panel may comprises a single top clip.
[0013] Corners of the top lip for each solid side panel and for
each solid end panel may have cutouts so as to not interfere with
one another when coupled to respective ventilated side panels and
respective ventilated end panels.
[0014] Another aspect is directed to a promotional kit for a
foldable container as described above. The promotional kit may
comprise a pair of solid side panels to be removably coupled to the
pair of spaced apart ventilated side panels, and a pair of solid
end panels to be removably coupled to the pair of spaced apart
ventilated end panels when the foldable container is in the open
configuration. Each solid side panel and each solid end panel may
comprise a top lip, at least one top clip carried by the top lip
and extending downwardly therefrom, and at least one medial
clip.
[0015] Yet another aspect is directed to a method for making a
container assembly comprising providing a foldable container as
described above, providing a pair of solid side panels to be
removably coupled to the pair of spaced apart ventilated side
panels and a pair of solid end panels to be removably coupled to
the pair of spaced apart ventilated end panels when the foldable
container is in the open configuration. Each solid side panel and
each solid end panel may comprise a top lip, at least one top clip
carried by the top lip and extending downwardly therefrom, and at
least one medial clip.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable container in a
fully open position in accordance with the disclosure.
[0017] FIGS. 2-5 are perspective views of the foldable container
illustrated in FIG. 1 showing different side and end panels
collapsed.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container assembly with
the foldable container illustrated in FIG. 1 and solid side panels
and solid end panels coupled thereto.
[0019] FIGS. 7-9 are outer, inner and side views of one of the
solid side panels illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0020] FIGS. 10-12 are outer, inner and side views of one of the
solid end panels illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a back view of a promotional panel with pegs used
to attach to one of the ventilated side or end panels illustrated
in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the promotional panel
illustrated in FIG. 13 attached to a ventilated end panel.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a back view of a promotional panel with an
adhesive coating used to attach to one of the ventilated side or
end panels illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the promotional panel
illustrated in FIG. 15 attached to a ventilated end panel.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a promotional panel
attached to the inside corners and/or inside edges of the
ventilated side and end panels illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a partial side perspective view of a promotional
panel with a clip along an upper edge thereof to attach to one of
the ventilated side or end panels illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the promotional panel
illustrated in FIG. 18 attached to a ventilated end panel.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a back view of a promotional panel having a
magnetic material carried thereby to attach to one of the
ventilated side or end panels illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the promotional panel
illustrated in FIG. 20 attached to a ventilated end panel.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a front view of a ventilated side panel with
clips used to hold a promotional panel.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a back view of a promotional panel with
Velcro.RTM. used to attach to one of the ventilated side or end
panels illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a front view of a ventilated end panel
illustrated in FIG. 1 with Velcro.RTM. used to receive the
promotional panel illustrated in FIG. 23.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a front view of the promotional panel illustrated
in FIG. 23 attached to the ventilated end panel illustrated in FIG.
24.
[0034] FIG. 26 is a front view of a promotional panel spaced away
from a corresponding ventilated end panel illustrated in FIG. 1,
with the panel having a heat transfer material associated
therewith.
[0035] FIG. 27 is a front view of the promotional panel illustrated
in FIG. 26 attach to the ventilated end panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present disclosure will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention
may, however, be embodied in many different foxes and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, a foldable container 20 that is
intended to receive a promotional kit in the form of one or more
promotional panels or plates will initially be discussed. The
foldable container 20 is also known as a reusable plastic container
(RPC). When the foldable container 20 is used to carry fresh
produce or food, for example, the promotional panels aesthetically
make the foldable container 20 more appealing to a consumer. In
addition, the promotional panels may include advertisements,
decorations, logos, drawings, and other information about the fresh
produce being displayed.
[0038] The foldable container 20 is more generally used in grocery
and food service applications. Even though the foldable container
20 may primarily be used with fresh produce, they are also used
with meat, eggs, cheese, seafood, and various deli items, for
example. Nonetheless, the foldable container 20 may be used for
other type applications not related to grocery and food service
applications.
[0039] Each foldable container 20 includes a ventilated bottom
panel 30, a pair of spaced apart ventilated side panels 26, 28
rotatably coupled to the ventilated bottom panel, and a pair of
spaced apart ventilated end panels 22, 24 rotatably coupled to the
ventilated bottom panel.
[0040] The foldable container 20 is configurable between a
collapsed configuration and an open configuration. In the collapsed
configuration the pairs of spaced apart ventilated side panels 26,
28 and ventilated end panels 22, 24 are folded toward the
ventilated bottom panel 30. In the open configuration the pairs of
spaced apart ventilated side panels 26, 28 and ventilated end
panels 22, 24 are folded away from the ventilated bottom panel 30
so that adjacent edges thereof engage one another so as to lock
together.
[0041] The ventilated side panels 26, 28 and the ventilated end
panels 22, 24 may be configured to include crisscross ribbing so as
to provide openings or gaps extending therethrough while still
providing strength. Alternatively, the ventilated side panels 26,
28 and the ventilated end panels 22, 24 may be solid without the
crisscross ribbing yet still include openings or gaps. The openings
or gaps provide air holes for the fresh produce or for other type
items to be carried by the foldable container 20. The ventilated
side panels 26, 28 and the ventilated end panels 22, 24 may further
include respective openings 27, 29 forming handles for gripping the
foldable container 20.
[0042] Each ventilated side panel 26, 28 and each ventilated end
panel 22, 24 may be individually folded or collapsed toward the
ventilated bottom panel 30. For example, ventilated end panel 22
may be collapsed toward the ventilated bottom panel 30 while the
other panels are upright, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The other
ventilated end panel 24 may be collapsed toward the ventilated
bottom panel 30 while the ventilated side panels 26, 28 are
upright, as illustrated in FIG. 3. The ventilated end panels 22, 24
and one of the ventilated side panels 28 may all be collapsed
toward the ventilated bottom panel 30 while the remaining
ventilated side panel 26 is upright, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
Finally, all of the panels 22, 24, 26, 28 are collapsed toward the
bottom panel 30, as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0043] The foldable container 20 is not limited to any particular
size. Depending on the type of fresh produce or the type of items
being shipped, there are typically a number of different sized
foldable containers 20 to select from.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 6, a container assembly 120 includes a
foldable container 20, as discussed above, and one or more
promotional panels removably coupled to the foldable container when
in the open configuration. In this embodiment, the promotional
panels are configured as solid panels. Solid side panels 126, 128
are removably coupled to the ventilated side panels 26, 28 and
solid end panels 122, 124 are removably coupled to the ventilated
end panels 22, 24.
[0045] The solid side panels 126, 128 are identical to one another
and will be discussed in reference to FIGS. 7-9. Solid side panel
126, for example, includes a top lip 130 extending across an upper
edge of a respective ventilated side panel 26. The top lip 130 is
continuous as it extends across the upper edge of the respective
ventilated side panel 26. At least one top clip 132 is carried by
the top lip 130 and extends downwardly therefrom so as to be
secured to the respective ventilated side panel 26. In the
illustrated embodiment, there are 4 spaced apart top clips 132. At
least one medial clip 134 is to slidably engage at least one medial
ventilated opening in the respective ventilated side panel 26. In
the illustrated embodiment, there are 2 spaced apart medial clips
134. The actual number of top clips 132 and medial clips 134 will
vary depending on the size and configuration of the foldable
container 20, as readily appreciated by those skilled in the
art.
[0046] The solid end panels 122, 124 are identical to one another
and will be discussed in reference to FIGS. 10-12. Solid end panel
122, for example, includes a top lip 140 extending across an upper
edge of a respective ventilated end panel 22. The top lip 140 is
continuous as it extends across the upper edge of the respective
ventilated side panel 22. At least one top clip 142 is carried by
the top lip 140 and extends downwardly therefrom so as to be
secured to the respective ventilated end panel 22. In the
illustrated embodiment, there is 1 top clip 142 that extends across
a central portion of the solid end panel 122. At least one medial
clip 144 is to slidably engage at least one medial ventilated
opening in the respective ventilated side panel 22. In the
illustrated embodiment, there are 2 spaced apart medial clips 144.
The actual number of top clips 142 and medial clips 144 will vary
depending on the size and configuration of the foldable container
20, as also readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.
[0047] The container assembly 20 may further include promotional
indicia 135 on an exterior surface of at least one solid side panel
126, 128. Similarly, promotional indicia 145 may be included on an
exterior surface of at least one solid end panel 122, 124.
[0048] The solid side panels 126, 128 and the solid end panels 122,
124 aesthetically make the foldable container 20 more appealing to
a consumer. The promotional indicia 135, 145 may include
advertisements, decorations, logos, drawings, and other information
about the items being displayed within the foldable container
20.
[0049] The solid side panels 126, 128 and the solid end panels 122,
124 are made of plastic. The medial clips 134 for the ventilated
side panels 126, 128 are L-shaped, and the medial clips 144 for the
ventilated end panels 122, 124 are also L-shaped. The respective
clips 134, 144 advantageously slide over a respective ventilated
opening to secure lower portions of the solid side panels 126, 128
and solid end panels 122, 124 to a corresponding ventilated side
panel 26, 28 and ventilated end panel 22, 24.
[0050] Corners or edges 137 of the top lip 130 for each solid side
panel 126, 128 and corners or edges 147 of the top lip 140 for each
solid end panel 122, 124 have cutouts so as to not interfere with
one another when coupled to respective ventilated side panels 26,
28 and respective ventilated end panels 22, 24.
[0051] Another aspect of this embodiment is directed to a method
for making a container assembly 120 comprising providing a foldable
container 20 as described above, providing a pair of solid side
panels 126, 128 to be removably coupled to the pair of spaced apart
ventilated side panels 26, 28 and a pair of solid end panels 122,
124 to be removably coupled to the pair of spaced apart ventilated
end panels 22, 24 when the foldable container is in the open
configuration. Each solid side panel 126, 128 and each solid end
panel 122, 124 may comprise a top lip 130, 140, at least one top
clip 132, 142 carried by the top lip and extending downwardly
therefrom, and at least one medial clip 134, 144.
[0052] Other embodiments of the promotional panels will now be
discussed. In some promotional panel embodiments, the edges of the
ventilated side and end panels remain visible when the promotional
panels are coupled to the foldable container 20. In other
promotional panel embodiments, the edges of the ventilated side and
end panels are covered when the promotional panels are coupled to
the foldable container 20.
[0053] The promotional panels may be formed out of plastic, for
example. In the illustrated embodiment, each promotional panel
appears as a simulated wood panel. The simulated wood panel is an
example only and is not to be limiting, while other designs,
patterns and configurations may used, as readily appreciated by
those skilled in the art.
[0054] In a second embodiment, the promotional panel 250 includes
pegs 252 on a backside thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The pegs
252 are configured to snap into or through the air holes or
openings in a ventilated side or end panel, as illustrated in FIG.
14 for the ventilated end panel 22.
[0055] The pegs 252 may be evenly spaced apart in rows and columns
on the back side of the promotional panel 250. Alternatively, the
pegs 252 may be randomly spaced.
[0056] The pegs 252 may be monolithically formed with the
promotional panel 250. Alternatively, the pegs 252 may be formed
separately from the promotional panel 250 and attached thereto via
a glue or adhesive.
[0057] The pegs 252 are not limited to any particular
configuration. Each peg 252 may include a tapered or angled tip,
for example, with a lip for engaging an opening in the ventilated
side or end panel, such as the ventilated end panel 22 illustrated
in FIG. 14.
[0058] In a third embodiment, the promotional panel 350 includes
adhesive layers 354 on a backside thereof, as illustrated in FIG.
15. The adhesive layers 354 may be in sections or strips. The
adhesive layers 354 may be evenly spaced apart in rows on the back
side of the promotional panel 350.
[0059] Alternatively, the adhesive layers 354 may be evenly spaced
apart in columns (or columns and rows) on the back side of the
promotional panel 350. The promotional panel 350 is secured to a
ventilated side or end panel via the adhesive layers 354, as
illustrated in FIG. 16 for the ventilated end panel 22.
Alternatively, the entire back side of the promotional panel 350
may be substantially covered with an adhesive layer 354.
[0060] In a fourth embodiment, the promotional panel 450 snaps into
inside corners and/or inside edges of each ventilated side or end
panel, as illustrated in FIG. 17 for the ventilated end panel 22.
Along an interior edge of each ventilated side or end panel
protrusions may be formed to receive the side edges of the
promotional panel 450. Alternatively, a groove may be formed to
receive the side edges of the promotional panel 450.
[0061] In a fifth embodiment, the promotional panel 550 includes a
clip 556 along an upper edge thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 18, to
attach to one of the ventilated side or end panels. The clip 556
may have an extended, bent edge which is part of the promotional
panel 550. The clip 556 for each promotional panel 550 expands so
as to be secured over the top of the ventilated side or end panels
of the foldable container 20, as illustrated in FIG. 19. The edges
551 of the ventilated side and end panels are left exposed.
Alternatively, the promotional panels 550 may be configured to also
cover the exposed edges 551 of the ventilated side and end
panels.
[0062] In a sixth embodiment, the promotional panel 650 is coupled
to a ventilated side or end panel via magnets. In one embodiment,
the promotional panel 650 is made or formed to include a magnetic
material. Alternatively, magnetic strips 658 are attached to a
backside of the promotional panel 650, as illustrated in FIG. 20. A
magnetic material 668 of an opposite polarity is positioned inside
of the ventilated end panel 22, for example, for holding the
magnetic promotional panel 650 in place, as illustrated in FIG.
21.
[0063] In a seventh embodiment, a promotional panel 750 is formed
to include clips 770 along a bottom or lower edge thereof, as
illustrated in FIG. 22. Although not shown, clips may be formed
along side and top edges of a ventilated side panel, for example.
The promotional panel 750 is held in place by the clips 770. The
clips 770 may be formed as part of the ventilated end panel 22, for
example. Alternatively, the clips are separately formed and
attached to the ventilated end panel
[0064] In an eighth embodiment, hook and loop fasters (i.e.,
Velcro.RTM. ) are used to secure a promotional panel 850 to a
ventilated side or end panel 22. The promotional panel 850 may
include the hook portion 880 of the hook and loop fasters, as
illustrated in FIG. 23. The ventilated end panel 22 may then
include the corresponding loop portion 882 of the hook and loop
fasters, as illustrated in FIG. 24.
[0065] The hook and loop fasteners 880, 882 may be evenly spaced
apart in rows and columns. Alternatively, the hook and loop
fasteners 880, 882 may be randomly spaced. The promotional panel
850 is held in place by the hook and loop fasters 880, 882, as
illustrated in FIG. 25.
[0066] In a ninth embodiment, the promotional panel 950 is formed
to include a heat transfer material, as illustrated in FIG. 26.
With the application of heat to the promotional panel 950, the
panel may then be attached to the ventilated end panel 22, as
illustrated in FIG. 27.
[0067] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention
will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit
of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the
associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the invention
is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and
that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included as
readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.
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