U.S. patent application number 17/517435 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-24 for pallet container.
The applicant listed for this patent is TED E. WILEY. Invention is credited to TED E. WILEY.
Application Number | 20220055791 17/517435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-02-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220055791 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WILEY; TED E. |
February 24, 2022 |
PALLET CONTAINER
Abstract
A pallet container having eight side walls, a bottom piece, two
leg flaps that are used to automatically deploy the container from
a flat, collapsed position, and a series of inside folds and
outside folds. The pallet container is constructed from one or more
blanks made of cardboard. The blanks used to make the pallet
container may have different configurations. The pallet container
has an open and a closed position and can be converted from one
position to the other by a single person without the need of
special tools or equipment. A cardboard blank for making the pallet
container is also disclosed.
Inventors: |
WILEY; TED E.; (DOVER,
AR) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WILEY; TED E. |
DOVER |
AR |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/517435 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16230479 |
Dec 21, 2018 |
11161645 |
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17517435 |
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14888286 |
Oct 30, 2015 |
10160568 |
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PCT/US2014/036014 |
Apr 30, 2014 |
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16230479 |
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61817419 |
Apr 30, 2013 |
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International
Class: |
B65D 5/36 20060101
B65D005/36; B65D 5/32 20060101 B65D005/32; B65D 5/42 20060101
B65D005/42 |
Claims
1. A pallet container comprising: (a) eight side walls, wherein
said side walls are joined to one another; (b) a first leg flap;
(c) a first inside fold and a second inside fold, wherein said
first inside fold is joined between said first leg flap and a first
outside fold and said second inside fold is joined between said
first leg flap and a second outside fold; (d) a second leg flap;
(e) a third inside fold and a fourth inside fold, wherein said
third inside fold is joined between said second leg flap and a
third outside fold and said fourth inside fold is joined between
said second leg flap and a fourth outside fold; and (f) a first
bottom flap joined to a second bottom flap to form a bottom piece,
wherein said first bottom flap has a first notch in its free end
creating a first locking tab and said second bottom flap has a
second notch in its free end creating a second locking tab, wherein
said first notch and said first locking tab are interlocked with
said second notch and said second locking tab.
2. The pallet container of claim 1, wherein there is a first
opening in the first bottom flap and a second opening in the second
bottom flap, wherein said first opening is capable of receiving a
free end of said first leg flap and said second opening is capable
of receiving a free end of said second leg flap.
3. The pallet container of claim 1 further comprising a locking
mechanism, wherein said locking mechanism comprises: (a) a first
locking piece joined to said first bottom flap; (b) a first wall
flap, wherein said first wall flap is capable of receiving and
securing said first locking piece
4. The pallet container of claim 3, wherein said locking mechanism
further comprises a second locking piece joined to said second
bottom flap and a second wall flap, wherein said second wall flap
is capable of receiving and securing said second locking piece.
5. The pallet container of claim 3, wherein said first wall flap is
cut into one of said eight walls.
6. The pallet container of claim 1 further comprising at least one
handle cut into one of said eight walls.
7. The pallet container of claim 1 further comprising a top rim,
wherein said top rim is comprised of eight top flaps joined to one
another.
8. The pallet container of claim 1 further comprising at least one
slot cut into one of said eight walls, wherein said slot is capable
of securing a pallet container cap.
9. A blank for making a pallet container comprising: (a) a first
row comprising a plurality of vertical score lines defining a glue
flap, a first wall, a second wall, a third wall, a fourth wall, a
fifth wall, a sixth wall, a seventh wall, and an eighth wall; and
(b) a second row comprising: (i) a glue flap, two leg flaps and two
bottom flaps, wherein each of the two bottom flaps have a notch in
their free end creating a locking tab; and (ii) two inside folds
joined on opposite sides of each of said two leg flaps and two
outside folds abut each of said bottom flaps on opposite sides.
10. The blank of claim 9, wherein each of said two bottom flaps
have an opening capable of receiving one of said two leg flaps.
11. The blank of claim 9 further comprising at least one locking
piece joined to one of said two bottom flaps.
12. The blank of claim 11 further comprising at least one wall
flap, wherein said at least one wall flap is capable of receiving
and securing at least one locking piece.
13. The blank of claim 12 wherein said wall flap is cut into one of
said eight walls.
14. The blank of claim 11 further comprising at least one handle
cut into one of said eight walls.
15. The blank of claim 11 further comprising at least one top flap
joined to the top of one of said eight walls.
16. The blank of claim 11 further comprising at least one slot cut
into one of said eight walls, wherein said slot is capable of
securing a pallet container cap.
17. A method of forming a pallet container, the method comprising
the steps: forming a blank, the blank eight side walls, a first
bottom flap, and a second bottom flap, wherein the eight walls are
connected by a plurality of score lines; folding the eight walls
inwardly along the plurality of score lines; securing the eighth
wall to a flap associated with the first wall; and interlocking the
first bottom flap and the second bottom flap, thereby forming a
bottom piece of the pallet container.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein there is a first opening in the
first bottom flap and a second opening in the second bottom flap,
wherein said first opening is capable of receiving a free end of
said first leg flap and said second opening is capable of receiving
a free end of said second leg flap, and wherein interlocking the
first bottom flap and the second bottom flap includes receiving of
a free end of said first leg flap by said first opening and
receiving of a free end of said second leg flap by said second
opening.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of folding
the first and second free ends parallel to an interior surface of
the bottom piece of the container after interlocking the first
bottom flap and the second bottom flap.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the blank further includes
first and second locking tabs and first and second notches, and
wherein the interlocking further includes hooking said first
locking tab into said first notch and said second locking tab into
said second notch.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/230,479, filed Dec. 21, 2018 and now
U.S. Pat. No. 11,161,645, which is a continuation application of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/888,286, filed Oct. 30, 2015
and now U.S. Pat. Number 10,160,568, which is a United States
National Stage Application of Patent Cooperation Treaty Application
No. PCT/US14/36014, filed Apr. 30, 2014, which claims priority to
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/817,419, filed Apr. 30,
2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference
in their entireties.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to cardboard containers and,
more particularly, to cardboard containers utilized on conventional
pallets.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Numerous corrugated containers have been proposed over the
years for confining and protecting heavy or bulky palletized loads.
Wooden pallets are in widespread use in industrial or warehouse
environments where they are stacked upon one another until use, and
thereafter forcibly manipulated and moved about by powerful
fork-lift trucks. During transit, these heavily laden pallets are
routinely subjected to mechanical stresses and shocks as they are
aggressively and sometimes carelessly moved about during typical
loading and unloading operations. A variety of heavy duty,
corrugated boxes have been designed strictly for pallet use. Many
of these fold together and have a plurality of locking straps or
flaps that interconnect with portions of the pallet. Most have a
base that engages the pallet with an upright, generally tubular
body that is polygonal in shape (octagonal and hexagonal
configurations are the most common).
[0004] Many of the prior art large-capacity pallet boxes must be
inverted before unfolding. Either the box must be handled by two
workers, or one worker must push it against a wall or similar
stationary object to force it to deploy. Typically, six to eight
flaps must be manually aligned and interfitted with two or more
major flaps on the bottom locking the device together. Once the
main bottom flaps are locked, the box is turned over for use. Some
boxes of this description are so flimsy that the mere act of
flipping them over forces the box apart, necessitating re-assembly
prior to loading. Pallet boxes are used in various food industries
and may be filled with a thousand or more pounds of meat product
such as chicken, beef, or pork.
[0005] Because of these heavy loads, the prior art pallet
containers are also susceptible to bulging on all sides. The
bulging often prevents the most economical packing of pallets and
transport of the containers, which results in higher shipping
costs. In some cases, the bulging can cause collapse of the
container and result in spillage of the contents of the
containers.
[0006] It would therefore be desirable to develop a pallet
container that is durable, not susceptible to bulging, and can be
easily deployed from a flat state by a single person without the
need of special tools or equipment.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0007] The pallet container of the present invention has eight side
walls, a bottom piece, two leg flaps that are used to automatically
deploy the container from a flat, collapsed position, and a series
of inside folds and outside folds. The pallet container is
constructed from one or more blanks made of cardboard. The blanks
used to make the pallet container may have different
configurations. The pallet container has an open and a closed
position and can be converted from one position to the other by a
single person without the need of special tools or equipment.
[0008] These and other features, objects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood from a
consideration of the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments and appended claims in conjunction with the
drawings as described following:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a flat plan view of the blank of the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 1
partially folded along score line 120.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 1
completely folded along score line 120.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 3
partially folded along score line 118.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 4 with
glue flap 58 joined to eighth wall 26 and glue flap 60 joined to
outside fold 76.
[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blank of FIG. 1 with the top of the container
in the open position.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the pallet container of FIG.
6 with the inside flaps folded along score lines 88 and 96.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 6 with bottom flap 30 joined to bottom flap
32.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top of the pallet
container of FIG. 6 with leg flap 36 folded underneath the bottom
piece of the pallet container.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the top of the pallet
container of FIG. 6.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 6 in the deployed position.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 6 transitioning from the deployed position to the
collapsed position.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 6 in the collapsed position.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a flat plan view of the blank of the second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blank of FIG. 14 with the inside flaps folded
along score lines 88 and 96.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 15 with bottom flap 30 joined to bottom flap
32.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 16 with the free ends of leg flaps 34, 36 being
inserted into slots 210.
[0026] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 16 with the free ends of the leg flaps 34, 36
inserted into slots 210.
[0027] FIG. 19 is a cross-section view of the FIG. 18 with the free
end of leg flap 36 in the interior of the pallet container in the
unlocked position.
[0028] FIG. 20 is a cross-section view of FIG. 18 with the free end
of leg flap 36 in the interior of the pallet container in the
locked position in slot 212.
[0029] FIG. 21 is a flat plan view of the blank of the third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 21.
[0031] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 21
partially folded along score line 78.
[0032] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 23
partially folded along score line 308.
[0033] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 24 with
the inside flaps folded along score lines 88 and 96.
[0034] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blank of FIG. 21 with glue flap 302 joined to
sixth wall 22 and glue flap 304 joined to outside fold 74.
[0035] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 26 with glue flap 302 joined to sixth wall 22 and glue flap
304 joined to outside fold 74.
[0036] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 26 in the deployed position.
[0037] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 26 transitioning from the deployed position to
the collapsed position.
[0038] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 26 in the collapsed position.
[0039] FIG. 31 is a flat plan view of the blanks of the fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 32 is a flat plan view of the blanks of FIG. 31.
[0041] FIG. 33 a flat plan view of blank 400 joined to blank
420.
[0042] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of blank 400 joined to blank
420.
[0043] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the blanks of FIG. 34
partially folded along score line 78.
[0044] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the blanks of FIG. 34
partially folded along score lines 48, 50, 52, 54, 56.
[0045] FIG. 37 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blanks of FIG. 31 with glue flap 58 joined to
eighth wall 26 and glue flap 60 joined to outside fold 76.
[0046] FIG. 38 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 37 in the deployed position.
[0047] FIG. 39 is a flat plan view of the blanks of the fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 40 is a flat plan view of the blanks of FIG. 39.
[0049] FIG. 41 is a flat plan view of blank 500 joined to blank
420.
[0050] FIG. 42 is a flat plan view of the blanks of the sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 43 is a flat plan view of the blanks of FIG. 42.
[0052] FIG. 44 is a flat plan view of blank 600 joined to blank 602
and blank 420 joined to blank 600.
[0053] FIG. 45 is a flat plan view of the blanks of the sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 46 is a flat plan view of blank 700 joined to blank
720.
[0055] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the blanks of FIG. 46
partially folded along score line 120.
[0056] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the blanks of FIG. 46
completely folded along score line 120.
[0057] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 46
partially folded along score line 118.
[0058] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the blanks of FIG. 49 with
glue flap 58 joined to eighth wall 26 and glue flap 60 joined to
outside fold 76.
[0059] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blanks of FIG. 43 with the top of the
container in the open position.
[0060] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 51 with the inside flaps folded along score lines 88 and
96.
[0061] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 51 with bottom flap 30 joined to bottom flap
32.
[0062] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the top of the pallet
container of FIG. 51 with leg flap 36 folded underneath the bottom
piece of the pallet container.
[0063] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the top of the pallet
container of FIG. 51.
[0064] FIG. 56 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 51 in the deployed position.
[0065] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 51 transitioning from the deployed position to
the collapsed position.
[0066] FIG. 58 is a flat plan view of the blank of the eighth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0067] FIG. 59 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 58
partially folded along score line 52.
[0068] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 58
completely folded along score line 52.
[0069] FIG. 61 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 60
partially folded along score line 44.
[0070] FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 60
completely folded along score line 44.
[0071] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blank of FIG. 58 with the top of the container
in the open position.
[0072] FIG. 64 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 63 with top of the container in the open position.
[0073] FIG. 65 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 63 with bottom flap 802 joined to bottom flap
808.
[0074] FIG. 66 is perspective view of the top of the pallet
container of FIG. 63 with leg flap 36 folded underneath the bottom
piece of the pallet container.
[0075] FIG. 67 is a perspective view of the top of the pallet
container of FIG. 63.
[0076] FIG. 68 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 63 in the deployed position.
[0077] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 63 transitioning from the deployed position to
the collapsed position.
[0078] FIG. 70 is a flat plan view of the blank of the ninth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0079] FIG. 71 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 70
partially folded along score line 52.
[0080] FIG. 72 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 70
completely folded along score line 52.
[0081] FIG. 73 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 72
partially folded along score line 44.
[0082] FIG. 74 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 72
completely folded along score line 44.
[0083] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blank of FIG. 70 with the top of the container
in the open position.
[0084] FIG. 76 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 75 with bottom flap 802 joined to bottom flap
808.
[0085] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of the top of the pallet
container of FIG. 75 with leg flap 904 folded underneath the bottom
piece of the pallet container. FIG. 78 is a perspective view of the
top of the pallet container of FIG. 75.
[0086] FIG. 79 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 75 in the deployed position.
[0087] FIG. 80 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 75 transitioning from the deployed position to
the collapsed position.
[0088] FIG. 81 is a flat plan view of the blank of the tenth
preferred embodiment.
[0089] FIG. 82 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 81
partially folded along score line 52.
[0090] FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 81
completely folded along score line 52.
[0091] FIG. 84 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 83
partially folded along score line 44.
[0092] FIG. 85 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 83
completely folded along score line 44.
[0093] FIG. 86 is a perspective view of the pallet container
constructed from the blank of FIG. 81 with the top of the container
in the open position.
[0094] FIG. 87 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 86 with bottom flap 802 joined to bottom flap 808.
[0095] FIG. 88 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 86 in the deployed position.
[0096] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 86 in the collapsed position.
[0097] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 86 with the top of the container in the open position with the
cap being inserted.
[0098] FIG. 91 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 86 with cap inserted into the top of the container.
[0099] FIG. 92 is a perspective view of the pallet container of
FIG. 91 with the flaps 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014,
1016 folded along score line 1056 forming rim 1058.
[0100] FIG. 93 is a flat plan view of the blanks of the eleventh
preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0101] FIG. 94 is a flat plan view of blank 1100 joined to blank
1102.
[0102] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of the joined blanks of FIG.
94 completed folded along score line 44.
[0103] FIG. 96 is a perspective view of the pallet contain
constructed from the blanks of FIG. 93.
[0104] FIG. 97 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 96 with bottom flap 1112 joined to bottom flap
1114.
[0105] FIG. 98 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 96 in the deployed position.
[0106] FIG. 99 is a perspective view of the bottom of the pallet
container of FIG. 96 transitioning from the deployed position to
the collapsed position.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0107] With reference to FIGS. 1-99, the preferred embodiments of
the present invention may be described. The pallet container 10 has
eight side walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, a bottom piece 28,
two leg flaps 34, 36 that are used to automatically deploy the
container 10 from a flat, collapsed position (or a closed
position), and a series of inside folds and outside folds. The
pallet container 10 is constructed from a blank made of cardboard.
The preferable size of the container 10 will vary based on the
goods being transported in the container 10.
[0108] As described herein, the pallet container 10 can be
constructed from blanks having different configurations.
[0109] In the first preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-13,
the blank 100 has a first row 38 and a second row 40. The first row
38 is comprised of a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second wall
14, a third wall 16, a fourth wall 18, a fifth wall 20, a sixth
wall 22, a seventh wall 24, and an eighth wall 26. The glue flap
58, first wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18,
fifth wall 20, sixth wall 22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall 26
are all preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined
to the first wall 12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall
12 is joined to the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second
wall 14 to the third wall 16 via score line 46, the third wall 16
to the fourth wall 18 via score line 48, the fourth wall 18 to the
fifth wall 20 via score line 50, the fifth wall 20 to the sixth
wall 22 via score line 52, the sixth wall 22 to the seventh wall 24
via score line 54, and the seventh wall 24 to the eighth wall 26
via score line 56.
[0110] The first row 38 is joined to the second row 40 along score
line 78. The second row 40 of blank 100 is comprised of a glue flap
60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, an inside fold 64, an
outside fold 66, a first bottom flap 30, an outside fold 68, an
inside fold 70, a second leg flap 36, an inside fold 72, an outside
fold 74, a second bottom flap 32, and an outside fold 76.
[0111] The glue flap 60 is joined to the inside fold 62 along score
line 42. First leg flap 34 is joined to inside fold 62 along score
line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64 along score line
82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66
along score line 44. First bottom flap 30 abuts, but is not joined
to, the outside fold 66 on one side and the outside fold 68 on the
other side. The outside fold 68 is joined to the inside fold 70
along score line 50. The second leg flap 36 is joined to inside
fold 70 along score line 84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along
score line 86 on the other side. Inside fold 72 is joined to
outside fold 74 along score line 52. Second bottom flap 32 abuts,
but is not joined to, the outside fold 74 on one side and the
outside fold 76 on the other side. The inside folds 62, 64, 70, 72
are triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape of a right
triangle.
[0112] The first bottom flap 30 and second bottom flap 32 are
preferably in the shape of pentagon. The top side of the flaps 30,
32 is along score line 78. The bottom side (or free side) of the
flaps 30, 32 is parallel to the top side. Joined to the two
parallel left and right sides of the first bottom flap 30 via score
lines 88 are inside flaps 90. Joined to the bottom side of the flap
30 via score line 92 is glue flap 94. Joined to the two parallel
sides of the second bottom flap 32 via score lines 96 are inside
flaps 98.
[0113] As shown in FIGS. 2-8, to construct the pallet container 10
from the blank 100 of the first embodiment, the glue flap 58 is
attached to eighth wall 26 and the eight walls are folded inward
along the score lines 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 of the first
row 38 to form the octagon opening 122 of the container 10. Glue
flap 58 is preferably glued to the exterior surface of the eighth
wall 26. Glue flap 60 of the second row 40 of the blank 100 is
similarly attached to the outside fold 76. When glue flaps 58, 60
are attached to the eighth wall 26, score line 42 is aligned with
side edge of the eighth wall 26.
[0114] The bottom piece 28 of the container is formed by joining
bottom flaps 30, 32 via glue flap 94. The glue flap 94 of the first
bottom flap 30 is preferably glued to the exterior surface of
second bottom flap 32. As shown in FIG. 9, when the container is
the open position, the inside flaps 90, 98 are bent upward along
score lines 88, 96. One inside flap 90 and one inside flap 98 are
positioned end-to-end and abut first wall 12 in the interior of the
container 10. Similarly, one inside flap 90 and one inside flap 98
are positioned end-to-end and abut the fifth wall in the interior
of the container 10. The inside flaps 90, 98 serve to seal the
interior of the container 10.
[0115] The deployment process of converting the container 10 from a
flat position (as shown in FIG. 13) to a fully deployed container
in the open position (as shown in FIG. 10) comprises two steps. The
first step is the top opening process. In the flat position, the
container 10 is collapsed on itself. For example, third wall 16 is
collapsed on seventh wall 24. Folded between third wall 16 and
seventh wall 24 is bottom piece 28. First bottom flap 30 is folded
on second bottom flap 32 along score line 92. The first wall 12 and
fifth wall 20 are folded in half along score lines 118, 120. To
deploy the container from this flat position, the user pushes the
first wall 12 and fifth wall 20 towards each other. This action
transitions the container 10 into the open position as shown in
FIG. 12. An opening 122 in the top end of the container 10 is
created by the eight joined walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26.
In addition, the bottom piece 28 unfolds along score line 92.
[0116] The second step of the deployment process is the bottom
closing process. With the container 10 in the upright position as
shown in FIG. 9, the user exerts downward pressure on the first leg
flap 34 and the second leg flap 36, preferably in a rocking motion.
As pressure is exerted on the first leg flap 34 and the second leg
flap 36, the leg flaps 34, 36 fold under the bottom piece of the
container 10 along score line 78. During the folding process of
first leg flap 34, as shown in FIG. 11, outside fold 76 (connected
to glue flap 60) is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34
along score lines 78, 42, and 80. Thus, inside fold 62 is folded
between outside fold 76 and first leg flap 34. Similarly, outside
fold 66 is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34 along score
lines 78, 44, and 82. Thus, inside fold 64 is folded between
outside fold 66 and the first leg flap 34. During the folding
process of second leg flap 36, outside fold 68 is forced to fold on
top of second leg flap 36 along score lines 78, 50, and 84. Thus,
inside fold 70 is folded between outside fold 68 and second leg
flap 36. Similarly, outside fold 74 is forced to fold on top of
second leg flap 36 along score lines 78, 52, and 86. Thus, inside
fold 72 is folded between outside fold 74 and second leg flap 36.
In application, the weight of the load inside the container 10
holds the first leg flap 34 and the second leg flap 36 parallel
with bottom piece 28, and thus allows the flaps 34, 36 to serve as
reinforcement to the bottom piece 28 of the container.
[0117] To convert the container 10 back from the open position to
the closed position, first wall 12 and fifth wall 20 are pulled
outward and away from one another. This causes the container 10 to
collapse along score line 118 and score line 120. The bottom piece
28 also folds inward along score line 92. The deployment and
collapsing process can easily be performed by a single person.
[0118] In addition to being utilized in the deployment and
collapsing processes, score lines 118, 120 provide an advantage
over prior art containers by preventing the risk of bulging on all
sides of the container 10. By being susceptible to bulging along
score lines 118, 120, bulging at the third wall 16 and/or seventh
wall 20 is therefore prevented. Maintaining the integrity of third
wall 16 and seventh 20 is essential to ensure the most economical
packing and transport of the multiple pallets with pallet
containers.
[0119] In the second preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14-20,
the container 10 is constructed from blank 200. The second
embodiment provides for a container 10 with a locking mechanism for
first leg flap 34 and second leg flap 36. Blank 200 is identical to
blank 100 (described above) except for differences in first bottom
flap 30, second bottom flap 32, inside flaps 90, inside flaps 98,
and glue flap 94. Whereas in the first embodiment inside flaps 90
are joined along their length to first bottom flap 30, in the
second embodiment the inside flaps 90 are notched, thus creating
notches 202 between the inside flaps 90 and the first bottom flap
30. The bottom side (free end) of first bottom flap 30 is also
double notched, thus creating notches 204 on either side of glue
flap 94. Because of the notches 204, the glue flap 94 in this
embodiment is preferably only approximately half the length of the
free end of the first bottom flap 30.
[0120] The inside flaps 98 joined to the second bottom flap 32 are
also notched, thus creating notches 206 between the inside flaps 98
and the second bottom flap 32. The bottom side of second bottom
flap 32 is also double notched, thus creating notches 208.
[0121] As shown in FIGS. 16-20, when the first bottom flap 30 and
the second bottom flap 32 are glued together to form bottom piece
28, two bottom slots 210 are formed in the bottom piece 28 which
receive the free end of first leg flap 34 and second leg flap 36.
Each slot is formed by abutting one notch 204 and one notch 208.
The free end of first leg flap 34 and the second leg flap 36 are
bent upwardly and tucked into the interior of the container 10
through the two slots 210.
[0122] Once the bottom piece 28 is formed, the inside flaps 90, 98
are bent upward along score lines 88, 96 and abut first wall 12 and
fifth wall 18 in the interior of the container 10. One notch 204
and one notch 206 abut one another in the interior of the container
and form slots 212. Once the free ends of first leg flap 34 and
second leg flap 36 are received through slots 210 in the bottom
piece 28, the free ends are folded parallel to the interior surface
of the bottom piece 28 and are received and secured by slots
212.
[0123] In the third preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21-30,
the container is constructed from blank 300. Blank 300 is comprised
of first row 38 and second row 40. First row 38 is comprised of a
glue flap 58, first wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, fourth
wall 18, fifth wall 20, and glue flap 302. The glue flap 58, first
wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18, fifth wall
20, and glue flap 302 are preferably rectangular in shape. The glue
flap 58 is joined to the first wall 12 via a score line 42.
Similarly, the first wall 12 is joined to the second wall 14 via
score line 44, the second wall 14 to the third wall 16 via score
line 46, the third wall 16 to the fourth wall 18 via score line 48,
the fourth wall 18 to the fifth wall 20 via score line 50, and the
fifth wall to glue flap 302 along score line 310. Unlike the
embodiments previously described, fifth wall 20 is joined to a glue
flap 302 along score line 310. The first row 38 is joined to the
second row 40 along score line 78.
[0124] The second row 40 of blank 300 is comprised of glue flap 60,
inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, inside fold 64, outside fold
66, first bottom flap 30, outside fold 68, inside fold 70, second
leg flap 36, inside fold 72, and a glue flap 304. The glue flap 60
is joined to the inside fold 62 along score line 42. First leg flap
34 is joined to inside fold 62 along score line 80 on one side and
joined to inside fold 64 along score line 82 on the other side.
Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66 along score line 44.
First bottom flap 30 abuts, but is not joined to, the outside fold
66 on one side and the outside fold 68 on the other side. The
outside fold 68 is joined to the inside fold 70 along score line
50. The second leg flap 36 is joined to inside fold 70 along score
line 84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along score line 86 on
the other side. Glue flap 304 is joined to inside fold 72 along
score line 310.
[0125] The first bottom flap 30 is joined to the second bottom flap
32 along score line 306, thus forming bottom piece 28. The first
bottom flap 30 and second bottom flap 32 are preferably in the
shape of a pentagon. The first bottom flap 30 and second bottom
flap 32 are joined along their longest sides. The third wall 16 is
joined to the first bottom flap 30 at its opposite end along score
line 78, while the seventh wall 24 is joined to second bottom flap
32 at its opposite end along score line 308. Joined to the two
parallel sides of the first bottom flap 30 via score lines 88 are
inside flaps 90. Joined to the two parallel sides of the second
bottom flap 32 via score lines 96 are inside flaps 98. Sixth wall
22 is joined to seventh wall 24 on one of its sides along score
line 54. Seventh wall 24 is joined to eighth wall 26 on one of its
opposite side along score line 56.
[0126] As shown in FIGS. 22-30, to construct the pallet container
10 from blank 300, the first row 38 is folded along score line 78
forming a 90 degree angle with first bottom flap 30. The glue flap
58, first wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18,
fifth wall 20, and glue flap 302 are bent inward along score lines
42, 44, 46, 48, 50, and 310. Similarly, the sixth wall 22, seventh
wall 24, and eighth wall 26 are folded along score line 308 forming
a 90 degree angle with second bottom flap 32. The sixth wall 22,
seventh wall 24, and eight wall 26 are bent towards the first row
38 along score lines 54, 56. To create the opening 122 of the
container 10, glue flap 302 is attached lengthwise to sixth wall
22, glue flap 304 is attached to outside fold 74, glue flap 58 is
attached to eighth wall 26, and glue flap 60 is attached to outside
fold 76. The bottom piece 28 of the container 10 is capable of
folding inward along score line 306. Thus in the flat position, the
first bottom flap 30 is folded between third wall 16 and second
bottom flap 32, while the second bottom flap 32 is folded between
first bottom flap 30 and seventh wall 24.
[0127] The deployment and collapsing process of the container 10
constructed from blank 300 is the same as previously described.
[0128] In the fourth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 31-38,
the container 10 is constructed from blank 400 and blank 420. Blank
400 has a first row 38 and a second row 40. The first row 38 is
comprised of a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second wall 14, a
third wall 16, a fourth wall 18, a fifth wall 20, a sixth wall 22,
a seventh wall 24, and an eighth wall 26. The glue flap 58, first
wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18, fifth wall
20, sixth wall 22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall 26 are all
preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined to the
first wall 12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall 12 is
joined to the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second wall 14
to the third wall 16 via score line 46, the third wall 16 to the
fourth wall 18 via score line 48, the fourth wall 18 to the fifth
wall 20 via score line 50, the fifth wall 20 to the sixth wall 22
via score line 52, the sixth wall 22 to the seventh wall 24 via
score line 54, and the seventh wall 24 to the eighth wall 26 via
score line 56.
[0129] The first row 38 is joined to the second row 40 along score
line 78. The second row 40 of blank 400 is comprised of a glue flap
60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, an inside fold 64, an
outside fold 66, a first bottom glue flap 402, an outside fold 68,
an inside fold 70, a second leg flap 36, an inside fold 72, an
outside fold 74, a second bottom glue flap 404, and an outside fold
76.
[0130] The glue flap 60 is joined to the inside fold 62 along score
line 42. First leg flap 34 is joined to inside fold 62 along score
line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64 along score line
82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66
along score line 44. First bottom glue flap 402 abuts, but is not
joined to, the outside fold 66 on one side and the outside fold 68
on the other side. The outside fold 68 is joined to the inside fold
70 along score line 50. The second leg flap 36 is joined to inside
fold 70 along score line 84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along
score line 86 on the other side. Inside fold 72 is joined to
outside fold 74 along score line 52. Second bottom glue flap 404
abuts, but is not joined to, the outside fold 74 on one side and
the outside fold 76 on the other side. The inside folds 62, 64, 70,
72 are triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape of a right
triangle.
[0131] The first bottom glue flap 402 and second bottom glue flap
404 are preferably in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid (i.e.
trapezoid with two non-parallel sides the same length). The top
side of the glue flaps 402, 404 is along score line 78. The bottom
side (free end) of the flaps 402, 404 is parallel to the top
side.
[0132] Blank 420 is comprised of a first bottom section 406 and a
second bottom section 408. The bottom sections 406, 408 are
preferably in the shape of pentagon and are joined to one another
along score line 418. Joined to the two parallel sides of the first
bottom section 406 via score lines 412 are inside flaps 410. Joined
to the two parallel sides of the second bottom section 408 via
score lines 416 are inside flaps 414.
[0133] As shown in FIGS. 31-38, to form the container 10, blank 420
is attached to blank 400. Second blank 420 forms the bottom piece
28 of the container 10. First bottom section 406 is preferably
glued to the bottom surface of first bottom glue flap 402, while
second bottom section 408 is preferably glued to the bottom surface
of second bottom glue flap 404. To construct the top piece of
pallet container 10 from the blank 400 of the fourth embodiment,
the eight walls are folded inward along the score lines 42, 44, 46,
48, 50, 52, 54, 56 of the first row 38. Glue flap 58 is attached to
eighth wall 26 to form the octagon opening 122 of the container 10.
Glue flap 58 is preferably glued to the exterior surface of the
eighth wall. Glue flap 60 of the second row 40 of the blank 100 is
similarly attached to the outside fold 76. When glue flaps 58, 60
are attached to the eighth wall 26, score line 42 is aligned with
side edge of the eighth wall 26.
[0134] When the container is the open position, the inside flaps
410, 414 are bent upward along score lines 412, 416 and abut first
wall 12 and fifth wall 18 in the interior of the container 10. The
inside flaps 410, 414 serve to seal the interior of the container
10.
[0135] The deployment and collapsing process of the container 10
constructed from blanks 400, 420 is the same as previously
described.
[0136] In the fifth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 39-41,
the container 10 is constructed from blank 500 and blank 420. Blank
500 has a first row 38 and a second row 40. The first row 38 is
comprised of a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second wall 14, a
third wall 16, a fourth wall 18, a fifth wall 20, a sixth wall 22,
a seventh wall 24, and an eighth wall 26. The glue flap 58, first
wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18, fifth wall
20, sixth wall 22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall 26 are all
preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined to the
first wall 12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall 12 is
joined to the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second wall 14
to the third wall 16 via score line 46, the third wall 16 to the
fourth wall 18 via score line 48, the fourth wall 18 to the fifth
wall 20 via score line 50, the fifth wall 20 to the sixth wall 22
via score line 52, the sixth wall 22 to the seventh wall 24 via
score line 54, and the seventh wall 24 to the eighth wall 26 via
score line 56.
[0137] The first row 38 is joined to the second row 40 along score
line 78. The second row 40 of blank 500 is comprised of a glue flap
60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, an inside fold 64, an
outside fold 66, a first bottom glue flap 502, an outside fold 68,
an inside fold 70, a second leg flap 36, an inside fold 72, an
outside fold 74, a second bottom glue flap 504, and an outside fold
76. Unlike previously described embodiments, the first leg flap 34
and second leg flap 36 do not have a free end.
[0138] The glue flap 60 is joined to the inside fold 62 along score
line 42. First leg flap 34 is joined to inside fold 62 along score
line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64 along score line
82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66
along score line 44. The outside fold 68 is joined to the inside
fold 70 along score line 50. The second leg flap 36 is joined to
inside fold 70 along score line 84 on one side and to inside fold
72 along score line 86 on the other side. Inside fold 72 is joined
to outside fold 74 along score line 52. The inside folds 62, 64,
70, 72 are triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape of a right
triangle.
[0139] The first bottom glue flap 502 and second bottom glue flap
504 are preferably in the shape of a rectangle. Thus, first flap
502 does not abut outside fold 66 or outside fold 68. Likewise,
second flap 504 does not abut outside fold 74 or outside fold 76.
The top side of the flaps 502, 504 is along score line 78. The
bottom side (free end) of the flaps 502, 504 is parallel to the top
side.
[0140] Blank 420 is comprised of a first bottom section 406 and a
second bottom section 408. The bottom sections 406, 408 are
preferably in the shape of pentagon and are joined to one another
along score line 418. Joined to the two parallel sides of the first
bottom section 406 via score lines 412 are inside flaps 410. Joined
to the two parallel sides of the second bottom flap 408 via score
lines 416 are inside flaps 414.
[0141] As shown in FIGS. 39-41, to form the container 10, blank 420
is attached to blank 500. Second blank 420 forms the bottom piece
28 of the container 10. First bottom section 406 is preferably
glued to the bottom surface of first bottom glue flap 502, while
second bottom section 408 is preferably glued to the bottom surface
of second bottom glue flap 504. To construct the top piece of
pallet container 10 from the blank 500 of the fifth embodiment, the
eight walls are folded inward along the score lines 42, 44, 46, 48,
50, 52, 54, 56 of the first row 38. Glue flap 58 is attached to
eighth wall 26 to form the octagon opening 122 of the container 10.
Glue flap 58 is preferably glued to the exterior surface of the
eighth wall. Glue flap 60 of the second row 40 of the blank 500 is
similarly attached to the outside fold 76. When glue flaps 58, 60
are attached to the eighth wall 26, score line 42 is aligned with
side edge of the eighth wall 26.
[0142] When the container is the open position, the inside flaps
410, 414 are bent upward along score lines 412, 416 and abut first
wall 12 and fifth wall 18 in the interior of the container 10. The
inside flaps 410, 414 serve to seal the interior of the container
10.
[0143] The deployment and collapsing process of the container 10
constructed from blanks 500, 420 is the same as previously
described.
[0144] In the sixth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 42-44,
the container 10 is constructed from blank 600, blank 602 and blank
420. Blank 600 has a first row 38 and a second row 40. The first
row 38 is comprised of a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second
wall 14, a third wall 16, and a fourth wall 18. The glue flap 58,
first wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, and fourth wall 18
are all preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined
to the first wall 12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall
12 is joined to the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second
wall 14 to the third wall 16 via score line 46, and the third wall
16 to the fourth wall 18 via score line 48.
[0145] Blank 602 has a first row 606 and a second row 608. The
first row 606 is comprised of glue flap 604, a fifth wall 20, a
sixth wall 22, a seventh wall 24, and an eighth wall 26. Glue flap
604, fifth wall 20, sixth wall 22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall
26 are all preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap is
preferably joined to the fifth wall 20 via score line 50, the fifth
wall 20 to the sixth wall 22 via score line 52, the sixth wall 22
to the seventh wall 24 via score line 54, and the seventh wall 24
to the eighth wall 26 via score line 56.
[0146] The first row 38 of blank 600 is joined to the second row 40
along score line 78. The second row 40 of blank 600 is comprised of
a glue flap 60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, an inside
fold 64, an outside fold 66, a first bottom glue flap 502, and an
outside fold 68. The first row 606 of blank 602 is joined to the
second row 608 along score line 78. The second row of blank 602 is
comprised of glue flap 610, an inside fold 70, a second leg flap
36, an inside fold 72, an outside fold 74, a second bottom glue
flap 504, and an outside fold 76.
[0147] Glue flap 60 is joined to the inside fold 62 along score
line 42. First leg flap 34 is joined to inside fold 62 along score
line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64 along score line
82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66
along score line 44. Glue flap 610 is joined to the inside fold 70
along score line 50. The second leg flap 36 is joined to inside
fold 70 along score line 84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along
score line 86 on the other side. Inside fold 72 is joined to
outside fold 74 along score line 52. The inside folds 62, 64, 70,
72 are triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape of a right
triangle.
[0148] The first bottom glue flap 502 and second bottom glue flap
504 are preferably in the shape of a rectangle. Thus, first flap
502 does not abut outside fold 66 or outside fold 68. Likewise,
second flap 504 does not abut outside fold 74 or outside fold 76.
The top side of the flaps 502, 504 is along score line 78. The
bottom side of the flaps 502, 504 is parallel to the top side.
[0149] Blank 420 is comprised of a first bottom section 406 and a
second bottom section 408. The bottom sections 406, 408 are
preferably in the shape of pentagon and are joined to one another
along score line 418. Joined to the two parallel sides of the first
bottom section 406 via score lines 412 are inside flaps 410. Joined
to the two parallel sides of the second bottom flap 408 via score
lines 416 are inside flaps 414.
[0150] As shown in FIGS. 42-44, to construct the top piece of
pallet container 10 from the blank 600 and blank 602, the glue flap
604 is attached to fourth wall 18 and glue flap 601 is attached to
outside fold 68. Blank 420 is attached to the attached blanks 600,
602. Second blank 420 forms the bottom piece 28 of the container
10. First bottom section 406 is preferably glued to the bottom
surface of first bottom glue flap 502, while second bottom section
408 is preferably glued to the bottom surface of second bottom glue
flap 504.
[0151] The eight walls are folded inward along the score lines 42,
44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56 of the first row 38. Glue flap 58 is
attached to eighth wall 26 to form the octagon opening 122 of the
container 10. Glue flap 58 is preferably glued to the exterior
surface of the eighth wall. Glue flap 60 of the second row 40 of
the blank 600 is similarly attached to the outside fold 76. When
glue flaps 58, 60 are attached to the eighth wall 26, score line 42
is aligned with side edge of the eighth wall 26.
[0152] When the container is the open position, the inside flaps
410, 414 are bent upward along score lines 412, 416 and abut first
wall 12 and fifth wall 18 in the interior of the container 10. The
inside flaps 410, 414 serve to seal the interior of the container
10.
[0153] The deployment and collapsing process of the container 10
constructed from blanks 600, 602, 420 is the same as previously
described.
[0154] In the seventh preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
45-57, the container 10 is constructed from blank 700 and blank
702. Blank 700 and blank 702 are preferably complementary. Blank
700 has a first row 38 and a second row 40. The first row 38 is
comprised of a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second wall 14, a
third wall 16, and a fourth wall 18. The glue flap 58, first wall
12, second wall 14, third wall 16, and fourth wall 18 are all
preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined to the
first wall 12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall 12 is
joined to the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second wall 14
to the third wall 16 via score line 46, and the third wall 16 to
the fourth wall 18 via score line 48.
[0155] Blank 702 has a first row 712 and a second row 714. The
first row 712 is comprised of glue flap 704, a fifth wall 20, a
sixth wall 22, a seventh wall 24, and an eighth wall 26. Glue flap
704, fifth wall 20, sixth wall 22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall
26 are all preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap is
preferably joined to the fifth wall 20 via score line 50, the fifth
wall 20 to the sixth wall 22 via score line 52, the sixth wall 22
to the seventh wall 24 via score line 54, and the seventh wall 24
to the eighth wall 26 via score line 56.
[0156] The first row 38 of blank 700 is joined to the second row 40
along score line 78. The second row 40 of blank 700 is comprised of
a glue flap 60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, an inside
fold 64, an outside fold 66, a first bottom flap 30, and an outside
fold 68. The first row 712 of blank 702 is joined to the second row
608 along score line 716. The second row of blank 602 is comprised
of glue flap 706, an inside fold 70, a second leg flap 36, an
inside fold 72, an outside fold 74, a second bottom flap 32, and an
outside fold 76.
[0157] The glue flap 60 of blank 700 is joined to the inside fold
62 along score line 42. First leg flap 34 is joined to inside fold
62 along score line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64
along score line 82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to
outside fold 66 along score line 44. First bottom flap 30 abuts,
but is not joined to, the outside fold 66 on one side and the
outside fold 68 on the other side. The glue flap 706 of blank 702
is joined to the inside fold 70 along score line 50. The second leg
flap 36 is joined to inside fold 70 along score line 84 on one side
and to inside fold 72 along score line 86 on the other side. Inside
fold 72 is joined to outside fold 74 along score line 52. Second
bottom flap 32 abuts, but is not joined to, the outside fold 74 on
one side and the outside fold 76 on the other side. The inside
folds 62, 64, 70, 72 are triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape
of a right triangle.
[0158] The first bottom flap 30 and second bottom flap 32 are
preferably in the shape of pentagon. The top side of the flaps 30,
32 is along score line 78. The bottom side (free end) of the flaps
30, 32 is parallel to the top side. Joined to the two parallel
sides of the first bottom flap 30 via score lines 88 are inside
flaps 90. Joined to the two parallel sides of the second bottom
flap 32 via score lines 96 are inside flaps 98. Joined to the
bottom side of flap 30 is glue flap 708. Glue flap 708 extends
approximately one-half of the length of the bottom side. Glue flap
710 is joined to the bottom side of flap 32. Glue Flap 710 extends
approximately one-half of the length of the bottom side.
[0159] As shown in FIGS. 46-53, to construct the pallet container
10 from blanks 700, 702, glue flap 708 is attached to first bottom
flap 30 and glue flap 710 is attached to second bottom flap 32. To
construct the top piece of the container 10, glue flap 58 of blank
700 is attached to eighth wall 26 of blank 702. Glue flap 60 is
also attached to outside fold 76. In addition, glue flap 704 of
blank 702 is attached to fourth wall 18. Glue flap 706 is also
attached to outside fold 68. Once the eight walls are folded inward
along the score lines 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, the octagon
122 opening of the container 10 is formed.
[0160] The deployment and collapsing process of the container 10
constructed from blanks 700, 702 is the same as previously
described.
[0161] In eighth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 58-69, the
container 10 is constructed from blank 800. The blank 800 has a
first row 38 and a second row 40. The first row 38 is comprised of
a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second wall 14, a third wall 16,
a fourth wall 18, a fifth wall 20, a sixth wall 22, a seventh wall
24, and an eighth wall 26. The glue flap 58, first wall 12, second
wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18, fifth wall 20, sixth wall
22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall 26 are all preferably
rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined to the first wall
12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall 12 is joined to
the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second wall 14 to the
third wall 16 via score line 46, the third wall 16 to the fourth
wall 18 via score line 48, the fourth wall 18 to the fifth wall 20
via score line 50, the fifth wall 20 to the sixth wall 22 via score
line 52, the sixth wall 22 to the seventh wall 24 via score line
54, and the seventh wall 24 to the eighth wall 26 via score line
56. In one version of this embodiment, first wall 12 and first leg
flap 34 are bisected by score line 118. In another version,
depending on the intended use of the container 10, score line 118
is absent. Similarly, fifth wall 20 and second leg flap 36 may or
may not be bisected by score line 120.
[0162] The first row 38 is joined to the second row 40 along score
line 78. The second row 40 of blank 800 is comprised of a glue flap
60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, an inside fold 64, an
outside fold 66, a first bottom flap 802, an outside fold 68, an
inside fold 70, a second leg flap 36, an inside fold 72, an outside
fold 74, a second bottom flap 808, and an outside fold 76.
[0163] The glue flap 60 is joined to the inside fold 62 along score
line 42. First leg flap 34 is joined to inside fold 62 along score
line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64 along score line
82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66
along score line 44. First bottom flap 802 abuts, but is not joined
to, the outside fold 66 on one side and the outside fold 68 on the
other side. The outside fold 68 is joined to the inside fold 70
along score line 50. The second leg flap 36 is joined to inside
fold 70 along score line 84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along
score line 86 on the other side. Inside fold 72 is joined to
outside fold 74 along score line 52. Second bottom flap 808 abuts,
but is not joined to, the outside fold 74 on one side and the
outside fold 76 on the other side. Inside folds 62, 64, 70, 72 are
triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape of a right triangle.
[0164] The top sides of first bottom flap 802 and second bottom
flap 808 are along score line 78. The bottom side (free end) of the
flap 802 consists of a notch 812 which creates a locking tab 810.
The free end of flap 808 consists of a notch 816 which creates a
locking tab 814.
[0165] To construct the pallet container 10 from the blank 800, the
eight walls are folded inward along the score lines 42, 44, 46, 48,
50, 52, 54, 56 of the first row 38. Glue flap 58, which is joined
to first wall 12, is attached to eighth wall 26 to form the octagon
opening 122 of the container 10. Glue flap 58 is preferably glued
to the exterior surface of the eighth wall. Glue flap 60 of the
second row 40 of the blank 100 is similarly attached to the outside
fold 76. When glue flaps 58, 60 are attached to the eighth wall 26,
score line 42 is aligned with side edge of the eighth wall 26.
[0166] As shown in FIG. 68, the bottom piece 28 of the container is
formed by interlocking the first bottom flap 802 and the second
bottom flap 808. The flaps 802, 808 are interlocked by hooking
locking tab 810 into notch 816 and hooking locking tab 814 into
notch 812. This causes locking tab 810 to rest on the top surface
of second bottom flap 808 and locking tab 814 to rest on the top
surface of first bottom flap 802.
[0167] In the version of this embodiment comprising score line 118
and score line 120, the first step of the deployment of the
container 10 constructed from blank 800 is the same as previously
described. However, in the absence of score line 118 and score line
120, the configuration of the container 10 constructed from blank
800 in the flat position is different from the previously described
embodiments. Specifically, the container 10 is folded along score
line 44 and score line 52 when in the flat position, instead of
score lines 118, 120.
[0168] In the top opening step of the deployment process of the
container, the user pushes score line 44 and score line 52 towards
each other. This action transitions the container 10 into the open
position. An opening 122 in the top end of the container 10 is
created by the eight joined walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24,
26.
[0169] The second step of the deployment process is the bottom
closing process. Once the top of the container 10 has been opened,
the container 10 preferably is turned upside down to secure the
bottom piece 28 of the container 10 by interlocking the first
bottom flap 802 and the second bottom flap 808. As explained above,
the flaps 802, 808 are interlocked by hooking locking tab 810 into
notch 816 and hooking locking tab 814 into notch 812. This causes
locking tab 810 to rest on the top surface of second bottom flap
808 and locking tab 814 to rest on the top surface of first bottom
flap 802.
[0170] Once the bottom piece 28 is assembled, pressure is exerted
on the first leg flap 34 and the second leg flap 36. The pressure
can be applied manually when the container 10 is upside down or by
rocking the container 10 back-and-forth on first leg flap 34 and
second leg flap 36 when the container 12 is in the upright
position. This pressure causes the leg flaps 34, 36 fold under the
bottom piece of the container 10 along score line 78. During the
folding process of first leg flap 34, outside fold 76 (connected to
glue flap 60) is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34 along
score lines 78, 42, and 80. Thus, inside fold 62 is folded between
outside fold 76 and first leg flap 34. Similarly, outside fold 66
is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34 along score lines 78,
44, and 82. Thus, inside fold 64 is folded between outside fold 66
and the first leg flap 34. During the folding process of second leg
flap 36, outside fold 68 is forced to fold on top of second leg
flap 36 along score lines 78, 50, and 84. Thus, inside fold 70 is
folded between outside fold 68 and second leg flap 36. Similarly,
outside fold 74 is forced to fold on top of second leg flap 36
along score lines 78, 52, and 86. Thus, inside fold 72 is folded
between outside fold 74 and second leg flap 36. In application, the
weight of the load inside the container 10 holds the first leg flap
34 and the second leg flap 36 parallel with bottom piece 28, and
thus allows the flaps 34, 36 to serve as reinforcement to the
bottom piece 28 of the container.
[0171] In ninth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 70-80, the
container 10 is constructed from blank 900. The blank 900 has a
first row 38 and a second row 40. The first row 38 is comprised of
a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second wall 14, a third wall 16,
a fourth wall 18, a fifth wall 20, a sixth wall 22, a seventh wall
24, and an eighth wall 26. The glue flap 58, first wall 12, second
wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18, fifth wall 20, sixth wall
22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall 26 are all preferably
rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined to the first wall
12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall 12 is joined to
the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second wall 14 to the
third wall 16 via score line 46, the third wall 16 to the fourth
wall 18 via score line 48, the fourth wall 18 to the fifth wall 20
via score line 50, the fifth wall 20 to the sixth wall 22 via score
line 52, the sixth wall 22 to the seventh wall 24 via score line
54, and the seventh wall 24 to the eighth wall 26 via score line
56.
[0172] The first row 38 is joined to the second row 40 along score
line 78. The second row 40 of blank 900 is comprised of a glue flap
60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 902, an inside fold 64, an
outside fold 66, a first bottom flap 802, an outside fold 68, an
inside fold 70, a second leg flap 904, an inside fold 72, an
outside fold 74, a second bottom flap 808, and an outside fold
76.
[0173] The glue flap 60 is joined to the inside fold 62 along score
line 42. First leg flap 902 is joined to inside fold 62 along score
line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64 along score line
82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66
along score line 44. First bottom flap 804 abuts, but is not joined
to, the outside fold 66 on one side and the outside fold 68 on the
other side. The outside fold 68 is joined to the inside fold 70
along score line 50. The second leg flap 904 is joined to inside
fold 70 along score line 84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along
score line 86 on the other side. Inside fold 72 is joined to
outside fold 74 along score line 52. Second bottom flap 808 abuts,
but is not joined to, the outside fold 74 on one side and the
outside fold 76 on the other side. Inside folds 62, 64, 70, 72 are
triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape of a right triangle.
[0174] The top sides of first bottom flap 802 and second bottom
flap 808 are along score line 78. The bottom side (free end) of the
flap 802 consists of a notch 812 which creates a locking tab 810.
The free end of flap 808 consists of a notch 816 which creates a
locking tab 814. The surface of the first bottom flap 802 also has
an opening 906, preferably in the shape of an oval, shaped to
receive the free end of first leg flap 902. The surface of the
second bottom also has an opening 908, preferably in the shape of
an oval, shaped to receive the free end of second leg flap 904.
[0175] To construct the pallet container 10 from the blank 900, the
eight walls are folded inward along the score lines 42, 44, 46, 48,
50, 52, 54, 56 of the first row 38. Glue flap 58, which is joined
to first wall 12, is attached to eighth wall 26 to form the octagon
opening 122 of the container 10. Glue flap 58 is preferably glued
to the exterior surface of the eighth wall. Glue flap 60 of the
second row 40 of the blank 100 is similarly attached to the outside
fold 76. When glue flaps 58, 60 are attached to the eighth wall 26,
score line 42 is aligned with side edge of the eighth wall 26.
[0176] The bottom piece 28 of the container is formed by
interlocking the first bottom flap 802 and the second bottom flap
808. The flaps 802, 808 are interlocked by hooking locking tab 810
into notch 816 and hooking locking tab 814 into notch 812. This
causes locking tab 810 to rest on the top surface of second bottom
flap 808 and locking tab 814 to rest on the top surface of first
bottom flap 802.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 79, to further secure the bottom piece 28
of the container 10, the free end portion of first leg flap 902 is
received through hole 906 in first bottom flap 802 and the free end
portion of second leg flap 904 is received through hole 908 in
second bottom flap 808. Once the free ends of the leg flaps 1002,
1004 are received by the holes 1006, 1008, the free ends are folded
parallel to the interior surface of the bottom piece 28 to lock
them into place.
[0178] With the absence of score line 118 and score line 120, the
configuration of the container 10 constructed from blank 900 in the
flat position is different from the first seven previously
described embodiments. Specifically, the container 10 is folded
along score line 44 and score line 52 when in the flat
position.
[0179] In the top opening step of the deployment process of the
container, the user pushes score line 44 and score line 52 towards
each other. This action transitions the container 10 into the open
position. An opening 122 in the top end of the container 10 is
created by the eight joined walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24,
26.
[0180] The second step of the deployment process is the bottom
closing process. Once the top of the container 10 has been opened,
the container 10 preferably is turned upside down to secure the
bottom piece 28 of the container 10 by interlocking the first
bottom flap 802 and the second bottom flap 808. As explained above,
the flaps 802, 808 are interlocked by hooking locking tab 810 into
notch 816 and hooking locking tab 814 into notch 812. This causes
locking tab 810 to rest on the top surface of second bottom flap
808 and locking tab 814 to rest on the top surface of first bottom
flap 802. To further secure the bottom piece of the container 10,
the free end portion of first leg flap 1002 is received through
hole 1006 in first bottom flap 802 and the free end portion of
second leg flap 1004 is received through hole 1008 in second bottom
flap 808. Once the free ends of the leg flaps 1002, 1004 are
received by the holes 1006, 1008, the free ends are folded parallel
to the interior surface of the bottom piece 28 to lock them into
place.
[0181] Once the bottom piece 28 is assembled, pressure is exerted
on the first leg flap 34 and the second leg flap 36. The pressure
can be applied manually when the container 10 is upside down or by
rocking the container 10 back-and-forth on first leg flap 34 and
second leg flap 36 when the container 12 is in the upright
position. This pressure causes the leg flaps 34, 36 fold under the
bottom piece of the container 10 along score line 78. During the
folding process of first leg flap 34, outside fold 76 (connected to
glue flap 60) is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34 along
score lines 78, 42, and 80. Thus, inside fold 62 is folded between
outside fold 76 and first leg flap 34. Similarly, outside fold 66
is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34 along score lines 78,
44, and 82. Thus, inside fold 64 is folded between outside fold 66
and the first leg flap 34. During the folding process of second leg
flap 36, outside fold 68 is forced to fold on top of second leg
flap 36 along score lines 78, 50, and 84. Thus, inside fold 70 is
folded between outside fold 68 and second leg flap 36. Similarly,
outside fold 74 is forced to fold on top of second leg flap 36
along score lines 78, 52, and 86. Thus, inside fold 72 is folded
between outside fold 74 and second leg flap 36. In application, the
weight of the load inside the container 10 holds the first leg flap
34 and the second leg flap 36 parallel with bottom piece 28, and
thus allows the flaps 34, 36 to serve as reinforcement to the
bottom piece 28 of the container.
[0182] In tenth preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 81-92, the
container 10 is constructed from blank 1000. The blank 1000 has a
first row 38 and a second row 40. The first row 38 is comprised of
a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second wall 14, a third wall 16,
a fourth wall 18, a fifth wall 20, a sixth wall 22, a seventh wall
24, and an eighth wall 26. The glue flap 58, first wall 12, second
wall 14, third wall 16, fourth wall 18, fifth wall 20, sixth wall
22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall 26 are all preferably
rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined to the first wall
12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall 12 is joined to
the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second wall 14 to the
third wall 16 via score line 46, the third wall 16 to the fourth
wall 18 via score line 48, the fourth wall 18 to the fifth wall 20
via score line 50, the fifth wall 20 to the sixth wall 22 via score
line 52, the sixth wall 22 to the seventh wall 24 via score line
54, and the seventh wall 24 to the eighth wall 26 via score line
56.
[0183] Top flaps are joined to each side wall. Flap 1002 is joined
to first wall 12, flap 1004 is joined to second wall 14, flap 1006
is joined to third wall 16, flap 1008 is joined to fourth wall 18,
flap 1010 is joined to fifth wall 20, flap 1012 is joined to sixth
wall 22, flap 1014 is joined to seventh wall 24, and flap 1016 is
joined to eighth wall 26.
[0184] As shown in FIG. 81, cut into first wall 12 is flap 1034
which is preferably square or rectangular in shape. The flap 1034
is preferably cut along the bottom side and left and right sides of
the flap 1034, leaving only the top side of the flap 1034 attached
to first panel 12. Similarly, flap 1036 is cut into fifth wall 20
which is preferably square or rectangular in shape. The flap 1034
is preferably cut along the bottom side and left and right sides of
the flap 1036, leaving only the top side of the flap 1034 attached
to the fifth panel 20.
[0185] The first row 38 is joined to the second row 40 along score
line 78. The second row 40 of blank 1000 is comprised of a glue
flap 60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap 34, an inside fold 64,
an outside fold 66, a first bottom flap 802, an outside fold 68, an
inside fold 70, a second leg flap 36, an inside fold 72, an outside
fold 74, a second bottom flap 808, and an outside fold 76.
[0186] The glue flap 60 is joined to the inside fold 62 along score
line 42. First leg flap 34 is joined to inside fold 62 along score
line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold 64 along score line
82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined to outside fold 66
along score line 44. First bottom flap 802 abuts, but is not joined
to, the outside fold 66 on one side and the outside fold 68 on the
other side. The outside fold 68 is joined to the inside fold 70
along score line 50. The second leg flap 36 is joined to inside
fold 70 along score line 84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along
score line 86 on the other side. Inside fold 72 is joined to
outside fold 74 along score line 52. Second bottom flap 808 abuts,
but is not joined to, the outside fold 74 on one side and the
outside fold 76 on the other side. Inside folds 62, 64, 70, 72 are
triangular-shaped, preferably in the shape of a right triangle.
[0187] The top sides of first bottom flap 802 and second bottom
flap 808 are along score line 78. The bottom side (free end) of the
flap 802 consists of a notch 812 which creates a locking tab 810.
The free end of flap 808 consists of a notch 816 which creates a
locking tab 814. Attached to one side of flap 802 along score line
1042 is a locking piece 1038. Similarly, attached to one side of
flap 808 along score line 1044 is a locking piece 1040.
[0188] To construct the pallet container 10 from the blank 1000,
the eight walls are folded inward along the score lines 42, 44, 46,
48, 50, 52, 54, 56 of the first row 38. Glue flap 58, which is
joined to first wall 12, is attached to eighth wall 26 to form the
octagon opening 122 of the container 10. Glue flap 58 is preferably
glued to the exterior surface of the eighth wall. Glue flap 60 of
the second row 40 of the blank 100 is similarly attached to the
outside fold 76. When glue flaps 58, 60 are attached to the eighth
wall 26, score line 42 is aligned with side edge of the eighth wall
26.
[0189] The bottom piece 28 of the container is formed by
interlocking the first bottom flap 802 and the second bottom flap
808. The flaps 802, 808 are interlocked by hooking locking tab 810
into notch 816 and hooking locking tab 814 into notch 812. This
causes locking tab 810 to rest on the top surface of second bottom
flap 808 and locking tab 814 to rest on the top surface of first
bottom flap 802.
[0190] In the top opening step of the deployment process of the
container, the user pushes score line 44 and score line 52 towards
each other. This action transitions the container 10 into the open
position. An opening 122 in the top end of the container 10 is
created by the eight joined walls 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24,
26.
[0191] The second step of the deployment process is the bottom
closing process. Once the top of the container 10 has been opened,
the container 10 preferably is turned upside down to secure the
bottom piece 28 of the container 10 by interlocking the first
bottom flap 802 and the second bottom flap 808. As explained above,
the flaps 802, 808 are interlocked by hooking locking tab 810 into
notch 816 and hooking locking tab 814 into notch 812. This causes
locking tab 810 to rest on the top surface of second bottom flap
808 and locking tab 814 to rest on the top surface of first bottom
flap 802. As shown in FIGS. 86-88, to further secure the bottom
piece 28, locking piece 1038 is received by flap 1034.
[0192] Locking piece 1038 is then folded downward along score line
1042 thereby locking first bottom flap 802 to first wall 12.
Similarly, locking piece 1040 is received by flap 1036. Locking
piece 1040 is then folded downward along score line 1044 thereby
locking second bottom flap 808 to fifth wall 20.
[0193] Once the bottom piece 28 is assembled, pressure is exerted
on the first leg flap 34 and the second leg flap 36. The pressure
can be applied manually when the container 10 is upside down or by
rocking the container 10 back-and-forth on first leg flap 34 and
second leg flap 36 when the container 12 is in the upright
position. This pressure causes the leg flaps 34, 36 fold under the
bottom piece of the container 10 along score line 78. During the
folding process of first leg flap 34, outside fold 76 (connected to
glue flap 60) is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34 along
score lines 78, 42, and 80. Thus, inside fold 62 is folded between
outside fold 76 and first leg flap 34. Similarly, outside fold 66
is forced to fold on top of first leg flap 34 along score lines 78,
44, and 82. Thus, inside fold 64 is folded between outside fold 66
and the first leg flap 34. During the folding process of second leg
flap 36, outside fold 68 is forced to fold on top of second leg
flap 36 along score lines 78, 50, and 84. Thus, inside fold 70 is
folded between outside fold 68 and second leg flap 36. Similarly,
outside fold 74 is forced to fold on top of second leg flap 36
along score lines 78, 52, and 86. Thus, inside fold 72 is folded
between outside fold 74 and second leg flap 36. In application, the
weight of the load inside the container 10 holds the first leg flap
34 and the second leg flap 36 parallel with bottom piece 28, and
thus allows the flaps 34, 36 to serve as reinforcement to the
bottom piece 28 of the container.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 81, first wall 12, third wall 16, fifth
wall 20, and seventh wall 24 also comprise handles 1026, 1028,
1030, 1032. The handles 1026, 1028, 1030, 1032 are preferably oval
shaped and may be used to grasp the pallet container 10 to
physically remove it from the pallet or otherwise move the pallet
container 10 once off the pallet.
[0195] First wall 12, third wall 16, fifth wall 20, and seventh
wall 24 also comprise slots 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024. As shown in
FIG. 81, the slots 1018, 1020, 1022, 1024 are positioned along the
top edge of first wall 12, third wall 16, fifth wall 20, and
seventh wall 24 and are shaped to receive the locking tabs 1048,
1050, 1052, 1054 of cap 1046. As shown in FIG. 90, the cap 1046 is
preferably in the shape of an octagon. The locking tabs 1048, 1050,
1052, 1054 are joined to the first side, third side, fifth side and
seventh side of the cap 1046. As shown in FIG. 91, the locking tabs
1048, 1050, 1052, 1054 of cap 1046 are received by slots 1018,
1020, 1022, 1024 which allows the cap 1046 to attach to the pallet
container 10 and close the opening 122 of the pallet container 10.
The cap 1046 serves to protect the contents of the pallet container
10.
[0196] Once the cap 1046 has been inserted into the pallet
container 10, flaps 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016
are folded downward along score line 1056 as shown in FIG. 92. The
angled sides of the flaps 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014,
1016 abut one another when folded down as shown in FIG. 92. The
flaps 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016 can be glued
or otherwise joined to one another. When the flaps 1002, 1004,
1006, 1008, 1010, 1012, 1014, 1016 are joined to one another, they
form a rim 1058 around the top of the pallet container 10. The rim
1058 further secures the cap 1046 into place.
[0197] In the eleventh preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS.
93-99, the container 10 is constructed from blank 1100 and blank
1102. Blank 1100 has a first row 38 and a second row 40. The first
row 38 is comprised of a glue flap 58, a first wall 12, a second
wall 14, a third wall 16, and a fourth wall 18. The glue flap 58,
first wall 12, second wall 14, third wall 16, and fourth wall 18
are all preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap 58 is joined
to the first wall 12 via a score line 42. Similarly, the first wall
12 is joined to the second wall 14 via score line 44, the second
wall 14 to the third wall 16 via score line 46, and the third wall
16 to the fourth wall 18 via score line 48.
[0198] Blank 1102 has a first row 1142 and a second row 1144. The
first row 1142 is comprised of glue flap 704, a fifth wall 20, a
sixth wall 22, a seventh wall 24, and an eighth wall 26. Glue flap
704, fifth wall 20, sixth wall 22, seventh wall 24, and eighth wall
26 are all preferably rectangular in shape. The glue flap is
preferably joined to the fifth wall 20 via score line 50, the fifth
wall 20 to the sixth wall 22 via score line 52, the sixth wall 22
to the seventh wall 24 via score line 54, and the seventh wall 24
to the eighth wall 26 via score line 56.
[0199] The first row 38 of blank 1100 is joined to the second row
40 along score line 78. The second row 40 of blank 1100 is
comprised of a glue flap 60, an inside fold 62, a first leg flap
1104, an inside fold 64, an outside fold 66, a first bottom flap
1112, and an outside fold 68. The first row 1142 of blank 1102 is
joined to the second row 1144 along score line 716. The second row
of blank 1102 is comprised of glue flap 706, an inside fold 70, a
second leg flap 1106, an inside fold 72, an outside fold 74, a
second bottom flap 1114, and an outside fold 76.
[0200] The glue flap 60 of blank 1100 is joined to the inside fold
62 along score line 42. First leg flap 1104 is joined to inside
fold 62 along score line 80 on one side and joined to inside fold
64 along score line 82 on the other side. Inside fold 64 is joined
to outside fold 66 along score line 44. First bottom flap 1112
abuts, but is not joined to, the outside fold 66 on one side and
the outside fold 68 on the other side. The glue flap 706 of blank
1102 is joined to the inside fold 70 along score line 50. The
second leg flap 1106 is joined to inside fold 70 along score line
84 on one side and to inside fold 72 along score line 86 on the
other side. Inside fold 72 is joined to outside fold 74 along score
line 52. Second bottom flap 1114 abuts, but is not joined to, the
outside fold 74 on one side and the outside fold 76 on the other
side. The inside folds 62, 64, 70, 72 are triangular-shaped,
preferably in the shape of a right triangle.
[0201] The first bottom flap 1112 and second bottom flap 1114 are
substantially in the shape of pentagon. The top side of flap 1112
is along double score lines 78, 1124. The top side of flap 1114 is
along double score lines 716, 1126. The bottom side (free end) of
the flaps 1112, 1114 is parallel to the top side. Joined to the
bottom side of flap 1112 is glue flap 1132. The flap 1112 is
separated from glue flap 1132 by two score lines 1128, 1130. The
double score lines are used to prevent the corrugated material from
splitting or fracturing when the blanks are folded. The top corners
of the first bottom flap 1112 include rounded sections 1134, 1136
positioned between the double score lines 78, 1124. Similarly, the
top corners of the second bottom flap 1114 include rounded sections
1138, 1140 positioned between the double score lines 716, 1126.
These rounded sections prevent tearing of the bottom flaps 1112,
1114 when the blanks 1100, 1102 are folded along score lines 46,
48, 54, 56.
[0202] The free end of flap 1104 includes two hooked portions 1108
positioned opposite one another. The free end of flap 1106 includes
two hooked portions 1110 positioned opposite one another. The
surface of the first bottom flap 1112 has two openings 1116 shaped
to receive one hooked end 1108 of flap 1104 and one hooked end 1110
of flap 1106. The surface of the second bottom flap 1114 also has
two openings 1118 shaped to receive one hooked end 1108 of flap
1104 and one hooked end 1110 of flap 1106. The bottom flaps 1112,
1114 each also include an oval opening 1120, 1122. The openings
serve as hand holes for use while assembling the container 10
formed from blanks 1100, 1102.
[0203] To construct the pallet container 10 from blanks 1100, 1102,
glue flap 1132 is attached to second bottom flap 1114. To construct
the top piece of the container 10, glue flap 58 of blank 1100 is
attached to eighth wall 26 of blank 1102. Glue flap 60 is also
attached to outside fold 76. In addition, glue flap 704 of blank
1102 is attached to fourth wall 18. Glue flap 706 is also attached
to outside fold 68. Once the eight walls are folded inward along
the score lines 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, the octagon 122
opening of the container 10 is formed.
[0204] The deployment process of the container 10 constructed from
blanks 1100, 1102 is the same as previously described. Once the
container 10 is deployed, to further secure the bottom piece 28 of
the container 10, one hooked end 1108 of first leg flap 1104 is
received and secured through opening 1116 in first bottom flap 1112
and the other hooked end 1108 is received and secured through
opening 1118 in second bottom flap 1114. One hooked end 1110 of the
second leg flap 1106 is received and secured through the second
opening 1116 in the first bottom flap 1112 and the other hooked end
1110 is received and secured through the second opening 1118 in
second bottom flap 1114. Using the hooked ends 1108, 1110 to
further secure the bottom piece 28 of the container 10 is optional.
In other words, the container 10 is fully functional without
locking the hooked ends 1108, 1110. The hand holes 1120, 1122 may
assist the assembler in locking the hooked ends 1108, 1110 in the
receiving slots 1116, 1118. To collapse the container 10 formed
from blanks 1100, 1102, the hooked ends 1108, 1110 must be removed
from the openings 1116, 1118 and the container 10 may be collapsed
as previously described.
[0205] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been
described in detail, it is to be understood that the present
invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that
various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one
skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of
the invention as defined by the claims.
[0206] The present invention has been described with reference to
certain preferred and alternative embodiments that are intended to
be exemplary only and not limiting to the full scope of the present
invention as set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *