CONTAINER FOR SHIPPING CHAIRS, SHIPPING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PACKING CHAIRS FOR SHIPPING

Abstract

A container for shipping chairs includes a floor and first and second side walls having bottoms hingedly connected to opposite sides of the floor. First and second holders configured to engage the bottom of first and second chairs, and first and second mounting members are disposed on the first and second side walls. First and second straps extend between the first and second mounting members and the first and second chairs. A shipping assembly and method for packing chairs for shipping are also provided

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates generally to a container for shipping chairs, and to the method for the use and assembly thereof.

BACKGROUND

Chairs, such as office chairs having a height adjustable component, may be difficult to ship due to their unusual shape and profile. If individually boxed, each chair may take up a disproportionate amount of space. Conversely, chairs may be difficult to nest in a suitable fashion for shipping. In one common scenario, a first layer of chairs is loaded onto a trailer, or into a shipping container, with a false floor then being built over the first layer of chairs. A second layer of chairs is then loaded onto the false floor, and so on. The process is then reversed when unloading the chairs from the trailer or container. This process may be time consuming and does not adequately minimize the amount of space taken up by each chair. As such, the need for a process for shipping chairs in a compact array while allowing for quick and easy loading and unloading remains.

SUMMARY

The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on those claims.

In one aspect, one embodiment of a container for shipping chairs configured with height adjustable support columns includes a floor having opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides, and a first side wall having a bottom hingedly connected to the first side of the floor, a top, and a mounting surface defined between the bottom and the top. A first holder and a first mounting member are disposed on the mounting surface. The first holder is configured to engage a bottom of a first height adjustable support column of a first chair. The first side wall is pivotable from a loading position, wherein the first side wall has a horizontal orientation, to a shipping position, wherein the first side wall has a vertical orientation. The first mounting member is disposed above the first holder when the first side wall is in the shipping position. A second side includes a bottom hingedly connected to the second side of the floor, a top, a mounting surface defined between the bottom and the top of the second side. A second holder and a second mounting member are disposed on the mounting surface of the second side. The second holder is configured to engage a bottom of a second height adjustable support column of a second chair. The second side wall is pivotable from a loading position, wherein the second side wall has a horizontal orientation, to a shipping position wherein the second side wall has a vertical orientation. The second mounting member is disposed above the second holder when the second side wall is in the shipping position. A first strap is engaged with the first mounting member and is configured to engage the first chair. A second strap is engaged with the second mounting member and is configured to engage the second chair.

In another aspect, one embodiment of a shipping assembly includes a floor having opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides. A first side wall includes a bottom hingedly connected to the first side of the floor, a top and a mounting surface defined between the bottom and top. A first holder and a first mounting member are disposed on the mounting surface. A first mounting member is disposed on the mounting surface. The first side wall is pivotable from a loading position, wherein the first side wall has a horizontal orientation, to a shipping position, wherein the first side wall has a vertical orientation. The first mounting member is disposed above the first holder when the first side wall is in the shipping position. A first chair includes a support column having a bottom engaged by the first holder and a height adjustable component. A second side includes a bottom hingedly connected to the second side of the floor, a top, and a mounting surface defined between the bottom and the top of the second side. A second holder and a second mounting member are disposed on the mounting surface of the second side. The second side wall is pivotable from a loading position, wherein the second side wall has a horizontal orientation, to a shipping position, wherein the second side wall has a vertical orientation. The second mounting member is disposed above the second holder when the second side wall is in the shipping position. A second chair includes a column having a bottom engaged by the second holder and a height adjustable component. A first strap is engaged with and extends between the first mounting member and the first chair. A second strap is engaged with and extends between the second mounting member and the second chair.

In one embodiment, the height adjustable component of the first chair is adjustable between a first height and a second height, wherein the first strap is tightenable between a loose configuration and a tightened configuration as the height adjustable component of the first chair is adjusted between the first and second heights. The height adjustable component of the second chair also is adjustable between a first height and a second height, wherein the second strap is tightenable between a loose configuration and a tightened configuration as the height adjustable component of the second chair is adjusted between the first and second heights. In one embodiment, the support column of the first and second chairs defines the height adjustable component of the first and second chairs.

In another aspect, one embodiment of a method of packing chairs for shipping includes positioning a first chair on a mounting surface of a first side wall having a bottom hingedly connected to a first side of a floor, engaging a support column of the first chair with a first holder disposed on the mounting surface of the first side wall, engaging a first mounting member disposed on the mounting surface of the first side wall with a first strap, engaging the first chair with the first strap, adjusting a height of a height adjustable component of the first chair and thereby tightening the first strap, and pivoting the first side wall to a first shipping position, wherein the first side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the first mounting member is disposed above the first holder. The method further includes positioning a second chair on a mounting surface of a second side wall comprising a bottom hingedly connected to a second side of the floor, engaging a support column of the second chair with a second holder disposed on the mounting surface of the second side wall, engaging a second mounting member disposed on the mounting surface of the second side wall with a second strap, engaging the second chair with the second strap, adjusting a height of a height adjustable component of the second chair and thereby tightening the second strap, and pivoting the second side wall to a second shipping position, wherein the second side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the second mounting member is disposed above the second holder.

In another aspect, one embodiment of a shipping assembly includes a shipping container having a floor including opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides. A first side wall is connected to the first side of the floor and includes a vertically oriented first mounting surface. A first chair is coupled to and engaged with the first mounting surface. The first chair extends laterally inwardly from the first mounting surface, wherein the first chair includes a first seat having a first vertical orientation and a first backrest having a first horizontal orientation. A second side wall is connected to the second side of the floor and includes a vertically oriented second mounting surface. A second chair is coupled to and engaged with the second mounting surface. The second chair extends laterally inwardly from the second mounting surface. The second chair includes a second seat having a second vertical orientation and a second backrest having a second horizontal orientation. The first seat is laterally spaced from the second seat, the first backrest is vertically spaced above the second seat and the second backrest, and the second backrest is vertically spaced below the first seat and the first backrest.

The various embodiments of the shipping container, assembly and methods for packing chairs for shipping provide significant advantages over other containers, assemblies and methods. For example, and without limitation, the container, system and methods allow for the chairs to be safely nested and stacked without a false floor. The chairs may be easily and quickly packed in a container in a spaced apart but compact arrangement that prevents the chairs from being damaged. In addition, the container, assembly and method take advantage of the chair's height adjustable component for securing each chair by way of an easily actuated height adjustable component, such as support column or armrest. The containers may be easily lifted, moved and stacked by a forklift, which may access a first set of openings in the side walls when stacked, or a second opening(s) in a base when not stacked. In addition, the side walls and end walls may be pivoted, or folded, inwardly to a storage position overlying the floor. In this storage configuration, the container may be easily stored or transported in a compact configuration.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a shipping assembly including a container and two chairs in a loading configuration.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shipping assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the shipping assembly shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the shipping assembly show in FIG. 1 in a shipping configuration.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the shipping assembly taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the shipping assembly shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a shipping container in a storage configuration.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the shipping container shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the shipping container taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a shipping assembly including a shipping container and four chairs.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the shipping container shown in FIG. 10 in a loading configuration.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the shipping container shown in FIG. 10 in a storage configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. As shown in FIGS. 1, the term “longitudinal,” as used herein, means of or relating to a length or lengthwise direction 2, for example a direction running along a support column, or between ends of a container. The term “lateral,” as used herein, means situated on, directed toward or running in a side-to-side direction 4, for example between side walls of the container. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent. The term “fixed” means not moveable. The terms “first,” “second,” and so on, as used herein, are not meant to be assigned to a particular component or feature so designated, but rather are simply referring to such components and features in the numerical order as addressed, meaning that a component or feature designated as “first” may later be a “second” such component or feature, depending on the order in which it is referred. It should also be understood that designation of “first” and “second” does not necessarily mean that the two components, features or values so designated are different, meaning for example a first direction may be the same as a second direction, with each simply being applicable to different components or features. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “rear,” “front,” “fore,” “aft,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and variations or derivatives thereof, refer to the orientations of the exemplary container as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, one embodiment of a chair 5 includes a seat 6 and a backrest 8, which may be supported by a base 12, which may include a housing 13 and support column 14. One or both of the seat 6 and backrest 8 may be pivotally or non-pivotally connected to the base 12. In one embodiment, the housing 13 is supported by the support column 14, which is supported in turn by a bottom base 16 configured with one or more floor engaging components 18, such as glides, casters or other types of feet. The bottom base 16 may be configured with multiple legs, shown as five, but may include more or less than five legs. Alternatively, the base 12 may include other types of support platforms and legs, including a sled base, fixed legs (e.g., 2 or more), a pedestal support, rocker support or other suitable support platforms. In one embodiment, the support column 14 is height adjustable, and may be actuated by an actuator 23, such as a lever or knob. The support column 14 may include a gas spring or hydraulic lift mechanism, which automatically extend the support column in a height direction H1 along an axis defined by the support column 14 when actuated by the actuator 23. The support column 14, as well as the attached seat 6, backrest 8 and armrests 17, define one or more height adjustable components, which are adjustable between a first height and a second height. The chair may also include separately height adjustable components, such as the armrests 17 or backrest, which are adjustable between a first height and a second height in a direction H2 independently of the support column and/or seat, and automatically extend when actuated by an actuator 19.

Referring to FIGS. 1-8, a shipping assembly includes a shipping container 100 and one or more chairs 5, including for example four chairs arranged in two sets of two nested chairs, with each of the chairs having a height adjustable component, such as a height adjustable support column 14 or armrest 17. In one embodiment, the container 100 includes a floor 102 having opposite first and second ends 108, 110 and opposite first and second sides 104, 106. The floor 102 may be configured as a panel, for example made of wood, metal or plastic, and may have one or more openings 112 therein, which receive the holding member 132 when the side wall 120 is pivoted to a storage position overlying the floor 102, such that the lowermost side wall may lie flat on the floor 102 as shown in FIG. 9. In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-12, container 200 includes a floor 202 with a grid like frame including laterally and longitudinally extending frame members 203, 204, which define the ends 108, 110 and sides 104, 106. The frame defines openings that may receive the holders 132 when the side walls 120 are pivoted to a storage position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6 and 10-12, the container 100, 200 has a pair opposite first and second side walls 120. Each side wall may be bifurcated as pair of side walls, or formed as a single integral wall. Each side wall 120 includes a bottom 122, a top 124, and opposite sides 126. The bottom 122 is hingedly or pivotally connected to one of the sides 104, 106 of the floor, for example with a hinge 128, for example a pair of hinges 128, which may be a living hinge or include a pair of hinge halves joined with a pin. The bifurcated side walls 120 are independently hingedly connected to the side 104, 106 of the floor 102, 202. Each side wall 120 has a mounting surface 130 defined between the bottom 122 and the top 124.

A holder 132 is disposed on and coupled to the mounting surface 130, for example with fasteners 134, shown as four screws or bolts. The side wall 120 has a pair of alignment openings 138, 140, one of which is aligned with a center socket 136 of the holder 132. The holder 132 has an outer surface 142 tapered inwardly from a bottom to a top, with the socket 136 open at the top. In one embodiment, the holder 132 has a pyramid shape, although the holder may have other shapes, including a cylinder or block shape. The holder 132, and the socket 136 in particular, are configured to engage a bottom 144 of the height adjustable support column 14 of one of a chair 5, with the bottom 144 being received in and/or supported by the socket 136. The alignment opening 138, 140 ensures that the holder 132 is positioned in the correct location, for example with the holder 132 on the side wall 120 attached to the side 104 being positioned a distance D1 from the top 124, while the holder 132 on the side wall 120 attached to the side 106 is positioned a distance D2 from the top 124, with D2 being greater than D1.

A mounting member 150 is disposed on and coupled to the mounting surface 130 at a location spaced above the holder 132 when the side wall 120 is in a vertical shipping orientation, and at a distance D3 from the top 124 of the side wall 120, wherein D3 is less than D1 and D2. The mounting member is not aligned with the holder in a vertical plane as shown, but rather is longitudinally offset, although the mounting member and holder may be aligned in one embodiment. In one embodiment, a pair of mounting members 150 are coupled to the side wall 120, both positioned a distance D3 from the top 124. The mounting members 150 may be a loop, eye-bolt, hub, screw or other fastener that may be engaged by a strap 160, or secure the strap to the side wall 10. The term “strap” refers to any member extending between two components, including a flexible cloth, canvas, leather, or other material, and may be flat or cord shaped. The strap may also be rigid, and made for example from plastic, with one end engaged with the chair and the other end engaged with the mounting member. In one embodiment, a pair of auxiliary mounting members 152 may be secured to the mounting surface 130 between the mounting members 150 and the bottom 122 of the side wall 120, with the strap 160 also engaged with, or coupled to, the auxiliary mounting member 152. In one embodiment, both ends of the strap 160 may be engaged with the mounting member 150, and the auxiliary mounting member may be omitted, or one end may be engaged with the chair and another end engaged with the mounting member. The mounting member may also be configured as one or more openings in the side wall, with the strap engaged with the opening(s). The mounting member 150 functions as an anchor for the strap 160.

One or more bumpers 170, or chair locators, is disposed on and coupled to each mounting surface 130. In one embodiment, the bumper 170 includes a pair of spaced apart blocks 172 that are shaped and dimensioned to receive and engage a portion of the chair, for example the floor engaging component 18 therebetween. A single bumper 170 may be used, or a plurality of bumpers 170 may be distributed at circumferentially spaced locations that are radially spaced from the socket 136. The bumpers 170 engage, locate and orient the bottom base 16 to ensure the proper location of the chair and bottom base 16 relative to the side wall 120. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, at least one of the bumpers 170 extends at least partially in the longitudinal direction 2 and supports the floor engaging component 18 so as to carry some of the load, i.e., weight, of the chair when the side wall 120 is in a vertical shipping position.

The side walls 120 are pivotable about an axis 180 from a loading position wherein the side wall 120 has a horizontal orientation to the shipping position wherein the side wall 120 has a vertical orientation. The phrase “horizontal orientation” means between ±45 degrees relative to a horizontal plane. As noted, the mounting member 150 is disposed above the holder when the side wall 120 is in the shipping position. The socket 136 opens upwardly when the side wall 120 is in the loading position, such that a chair 5 may be mounted on or to the holder 132. The socket 136 opens horizontally toward an interior of the container 100, 200 when the side wall 120 is in the shipping position.

As shown in FIGS. 1-6, a first chair 5 may be located on the side wall 120 with the backrest positioned closest to the bottom 122, while a second chair may be located on the side wall 120 with the backrest positioned closest to the top 124. In this way, as the side walls 120 are pivoted to the shipping position, the chairs 5 are nested, with the seat of one chair laterally spaced from the seat of the other chair, and with the backrests of the chairs being vertically spaced and overlapping with the front edge of the seat of the other chair and spaced apart from the floor 102, 202 and any structure of a container supported on top of the container. In one embodiment, no portion of either chair is in contact with any portion of the other chair. The chairs are both oriented in a sideways orientation, one above the other, with the bases engaged with the vertically oriented side walls 120.

The strap 160 is engaged with, or coupled to the mounting member 150 and engages the chair 5. For example, the strap 160 may be looped around the armrest 17 of the chair and be connected to the mounting member 150, or anchor member, and the auxiliary mounting member 152. In one embodiment, both ends of the strap 160 may be connected to the mounting member 150. The strap 160 may be a fixed length, or have an adjustable length, and may be configured as a continuous loop. In one embodiment, a pair of straps 160 may be engaged to a chair. Due to the location of the holder 132 and mounting member 150, the straps 160 extend inwardly and downwardly from the mounting member 150 respectively when the side wall is in the shipping position. In this configuration, the strap 160 applies an upwardly and outwardly directed force F against the chair 5 to hold the chair tight against the sidewall 120. After the strap 160 is engaged with the chair 5, for example by looping the strap 160 around one of the armrests 17, the height adjustable component 14, 17 of the chair may be actuated, for example by raising or extending the support column 14, seat 6 and/or armrest 17 between a first height and a second height. The first strap 160 is automatically tightenable between a loose configuration and a tightened configuration as the height adjustable component 14 of the first chair is adjusted and extended between the first and second heights. In one embodiment, the support column 14 of the chair define the height adjustable component of the chair. In other embodiments, the armrest 17 or backrest 8 may define the height adjustable component.

The container 100, 200 may include a pair of end walls 182 connected to the opposite ends 108, 110 of the floor 102, 202. The floor 102, 202 includes a pair of upstanding portions 212, 210 extending upwardly from the opposite ends 108, 110 of the floor, with the end wall 182 being hingedly connected to the upstanding portion 210, 212 of the floor about an axis 216. Each end wall 182 has a bottom 220 hingedly or pivotally connected to the first side of the floor about an axis 216, or upstanding portion, for example with one or more hinges 222, which may be a living hinge or include a pair of hinge halves joined with a pin. In this way, the end walls 182 may be hingedly connected to the floor 102, 202. The side walls 120 are hingedly connected to the first and second sides 104, 106 of the floor about pivot axes 180 lying in a first plane P1, while the end walls 182 are hingedly connected to the first and second ends 108, 110 of the floor, by way of the upstanding portions 210, 212, about pivot axes 216 lying in a second plane P2 vertically spaced from the first plane P2, for example at a distance D4. Due to the spacing, the side walls 120 may be pivoted to a storage position overlying the floor 102, 202, as shown in FIGS. 7-9 and 12. The end walls 182 may be pivoted about the axes 216 lying in a second plane vertically spaced from the first plane to overlapping third and fourth storage positions overlying the floor 102, 202. In this way, the container 100, 200 is positioned in a compact storage configuration.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7-12, the container 100 includes a base 300 extending downwardly from the floor. In one embodiment, the base includes a perimeter skirt 302, with walls 306, 308 of the skirt flaring outwardly from the floor 102. The base 300, and in particular the skirt, defines a downwardly opening recess 304 that may receive the top of an underlying container 100 configured in a shipping position. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12, the base 320 includes four corner feet 322, which define the recess therebetween. The base 320 may be integrally formed as part of the frame making up the floor 202 and the upstanding portion 210. The base 300, 320 also defines at least one opening 312, 326 configured to receive a pair of lift tines. In the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9, opposite side walls 306 of the skirt have a pair of longitudinally spaced apart openings 312 formed therein. In one embodiment, the openings 312 are configured as large notches, shaped and dimensioned to receive a pair of forklift tines 315, which may be inserted laterally into the openings 312. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-12, the corner feet 322 define an opening 326 therebetween, which is dimensioned to receive the forklift tines 315.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7-12, the bottom 122 of each of the side walls also includes a lift opening 318, which is vertically spaced above and aligned with the at least one opening 312, 326 defined by the base 300, 320. The hinges 128 may be positioned on opposite sides of the openings. In one embodiment, the openings 312 are configured as large notches, shaped and dimensioned to receive the pair of forklift tines 315, which may be inserted laterally into the openings. If the container 100, 200 is stacked on top of another container, the opening 312, 326 in the base may be blocked, for example by the side walls of a next lower container. The container 100, 200 may be lifted by inserting the tines 315 into the openings 318 in the side walls 120, which carry the chairs 5 and the associated load/weight thereof. If the container 100, 200 is resting on the floor, or is supported by the base 300, 320, then the container may be lifted by inserting the tines 315 into the opening(s) 312, 326 in the base.

In operation, a method of packing chairs 5 for shipping includes positioning a first chair on the mounting surface 130 of one of the side walls 120, which has a bottom 122 hingedly connected to the first side 104 of the floor 102, 202. The method includes engaging the support column 14 of the first chair with the holder 132 disposed on the mounting surface 130 of the side wall 120, and engaging the base 12, for example the lower base 16 and one or more floor engaging components 18, with one or more bumpers 170 to orient the base 12 relative to the side wall 120. The method further includes engaging the mounting member 150 disposed on the mounting surface 130 with the strap 160, engaging the chair with the strap 160, and adjusting a height of the height adjustable component 14, 17 of the chair but actuating the height adjustable component and thereby automatically tightening the strap 160. The side wall 120 may then be pivoted to a shipping position wherein the side wall 120 has a vertical orientation, and wherein the mounting member 150 is disposed above the holder 132 such that the strap applies an upward and outwardly directed force vector to the chair.

The process may be repeated for a second chair, which may be positioned on the mounting surface 130 of the side wall 120 having a bottom 122 hingedly connected to the second side 106 of the floor 102, 202. Likewise, the process may be repeated for a third and fourth chair positioned on other side walls 120 pivotally connected to the sides 104, 106. While the container is shown as holding two chairs, and being capable of holding four (4) chairs, it should be understood that the container 100, 200 may be constructed to hold only two (2) chairs, or more than four (4) chairs, including for example six (6) or eight (8) chairs. When the side walls 120 and end walls 182 are each positioned in the shipping positions, the container 100, 200 defines a closed interior space. The side walls and end walls may be secured to each other to lock the side and end walls in the shipping position.

In the shipping configuration, a first chair 5 extends laterally inwardly from the mounting surface 130 in a lateral direction 4, with the seat 6 having a vertical orientation and the backrest 8 having a horizontal orientation. A second chair 5 extends laterally inwardly from an opposite and spaced apart mounting surface 130, with the seat 6 again having a vertical orientation and the backrest 8 having a horizontal orientation. The first seat 6 is laterally spaced from the second seat 6 in lateral direction 4, while the first backrest 8 is vertically spaced above the second seat 6 and the second backrest 8, and the second backrest 6 is vertically spaced below the first seat 6 and the first backrest 8 as shown in FIG. 5. By nesting the chairs in sideways orientation, the overall height of the container 100, 200 in a shipping configuration may be reduced.

The container 100, 200, once secured in the shipping configuration, may be moved about by a forklift by engaging the container 100, 200 with the tines 315. For example, a pair of lift tines 315 may be inserted through the at least one opening 312, 326 defined by the base 300 extending downwardly from the floor, with the forklift thereafter being actuated for lifting the container with the lift tines 315, positioning the container with the lift tines, and disengaging the lift tines from the container. Alternatively, and depending on whether the container is stacked on top of another container such that the opening 312, 326 is blocked, the lift tines 315 may be inserted through the lift opening(s) 318 to allow the forklift to lift the container 100, 200 with the lift tines.

The process may be reversed with the side walls 120 being pivoted from the shipping configuration to the loading configuration, the height adjustable component 14, 17 lowered to loosen the straps 160, and the chairs 5 thereafter being removed or disengaged from the holder 132, straps 160 and bumper 170.

After the container 100, 200 is emptied, the side walls 120 may be pivoted (e.g., 180 degrees or more) to a storage position overlying the floor 102, 202, wherein the side walls have a horizontal orientation. The ends walls 182 may also be pivoted to a storage position overlying the side walls 120 and floor 102, 202. Due to the elevated position of the pivot axes 216, the ends walls 182 may also have a horizontal orientation in the stored position. The containers 100, 200, in the storage position, may be stacked and shipped back to a manufacturing facility, or maintained in inventory for subsequent assembly with one or more chairs. Due to the compact storage configuration, the containers do not take up extraneous space when not being used for shipping chairs.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A container for shipping chairs configured with height adjustable components comprising: a floor comprising opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides;a first side wall comprising a bottom hingedly connected to the first side of the floor, a top, a first mounting surface defined between the bottom and the top, a first holder disposed on the first mounting surface, and a first mounting member disposed on the first mounting surface, wherein the first holder is configured to engage a bottom of a first height adjustable support column of a first chair, wherein the first side wall is pivotable from a loading position wherein the first side wall has a horizontal orientation to a shipping position wherein the first side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the first mounting member is disposed above the first holder when the first side wall is in the shipping position;a second side wall comprising a bottom hingedly connected to the second side of the floor, a top, a second mounting surface defined between the bottom and the top of the second side, a second holder disposed on the second mounting surface of the second side, and a second mounting member disposed on the second mounting surface, wherein the second holder is configured to engage a bottom of a second height adjustable support column of a second chair, wherein the second side wall is pivotable from a loading position wherein the second side wall has a horizontal orientation to a shipping position wherein the second side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the second mounting member is disposed above the second holder when the second side wall is in the shipping position;a first strap engaged with the first mounting member and configured to engage the first chair; anda second strap engaged with the second mounting member and configured to engage the second chair.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the first holder comprises a first socket shaped to receive the bottom of the first height adjustable support column of the first chair, wherein the first socket opens upwardly when the first side wall is in the loading position and wherein the first socket opens horizontally toward an interior of the container when the first side wall is in the shipping position, and wherein the second holder comprises a second socket shaped to receive the bottom of the second height adjustable column of the second chair, wherein the second socket opens upwardly when the second side wall is in the loading position and wherein the second socket opens horizontally toward the interior of the container when the second side wall is in the shipping position.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the first and second holders are each tapered from a bottom to a top, with the first and second sockets each open at the top.

4. The container of claim 1 further comprising a first end wall connected to the first end of the floor and a second end wall connected to the second end of the floor.

5. The container of claim 4 wherein the first and second side walls are hingedly connected to the first and second sides of the floor about first and second axes lying in a first plane, and wherein the first and second end walls are hingedly connected to the first and second ends of the floor about third and fourth axes lying in a second plane vertically spaced from the first plane.

6. The container of claim 1 wherein the first and second straps are configured to extend inwardly and downwardly from the first and second mounting members respectively when the first and second side walls are in their respective shipping positions.

7. The container of claim 1 further comprising first and second bumpers disposed respectively on the first and second mounting surfaces and spaced apart from the first and second holders, wherein each of the first and second bumpers are configured to engage a portion of the first and second chairs respectively.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the first side wall comprises a pair of first side walls independently hingedly connected to the first side of the floor, and wherein the second side wall comprises a pair of second side walls independently hingedly connected to the second side of the floor.

9. The container of claim 1 further comprising a base extending downwardly from the floor, wherein the base defines a downwardly opening recess.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the base defines at least one opening configured to receive a pair of lift tines.

11. The container of claim 10 wherein the bottom of each of the first and second side walls comprises a lift opening vertically spaced above and aligned with the at least one opening defined by the base.

12. A shipping assembly comprising: a floor comprising opposite first and second ends and opposite first and second sides;a first side wall comprising a bottom hingedly connected to the first side of the floor, a top, a first mounting surface defined between the bottom and the top, a first holder disposed on the first mounting surface, and a first mounting member disposed on the first mounting surface, wherein the first side wall is pivotable from a loading position wherein the first side wall has a horizontal orientation to a shipping position wherein the first side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the first mounting member is disposed above the first holder when the first side wall is in the shipping position;a first chair comprising a support column having a bottom engaged by the first holder and a height adjustable component;a second side wall comprising a bottom hingedly connected to the second side of the floor, a top, a second mounting surface defined between the bottom and the top of the second side, a second holder disposed on the second mounting surface of the second side, and a second mounting member disposed on the second mounting surface, wherein the second side wall is pivotable from a loading position wherein the second side wall has a horizontal orientation to a shipping position wherein the second side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the second mounting member is disposed above the second holder when the second side wall is in the shipping position;a second chair comprising a column having a bottom engaged by the second holder and a height adjustable component;a first strap engaged with and extending between the first mounting member and the first chair; anda second strap engaged with and extending between the second mounting member and the second chair.

13. A method of packing chairs for shipping comprising: positioning a first chair on a first mounting surface of a first side wall comprising a bottom hingedly connected to a first side of a floor, wherein the first side wall is in a first loading position;engaging a support column of the first chair with a first holder disposed on the first mounting surface of the first side wall;engaging a first mounting member disposed on the first mounting surface of the first side wall with a first strap;engaging the first chair with the first strap;adjusting a height of a height adjustable component of the first chair and thereby tightening the first strap;pivoting the first side wall to a first shipping position wherein the first side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the first mounting member is disposed above the first holder;positioning a second chair on a second mounting surface of a second side wall comprising a bottom hingedly connected to a second side of the floor, wherein the second side wall is in a second loading position;engaging a support column of the second chair with a second holder disposed on the second mounting surface of the second side wall;engaging a second mounting member disposed on the second mounting surface of the second side wall with a second strap;engaging the second chair with the second strap;adjusting a height of a height adjustable component of the second chair and thereby tightening the second strap; andpivoting the second side wall to a second shipping position wherein the second side wall has a vertical orientation, and wherein the second mounting member is disposed above the second holder.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the first holder comprises a first socket and wherein engaging the support column of the first chair comprises inserting a bottom of the support column of the first chair into the first socket, and wherein the second holder comprises a second socket and wherein engaging the support column of the second chair comprises inserting a bottom of the support column of the second chair into the second socket, wherein the first socket opens horizontally when the first side wall is in the first shipping position, and wherein the second socket opens horizontally when the second side wall is in the second shipping position.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the first and second straps inwardly and downwardly from the first and second mounting members toward the first and second chairs respectively when the first and second side walls are in the first and second shipping positions respectively.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein positioning the first chair on the mounting surface of the first side wall comprises engaging a portion of the first chair with a first bumper disposed on the first mounting surface, wherein the first bumper is spaced apart from the first holder, and wherein positioning the second chair on the mounting surface of the second side wall comprises engaging a portion of the second chair with a second bumper disposed on the second mounting surface, wherein the second bumper is spaced apart from the second holder.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the support column of the first chair comprises the height adjustable component of the first chair and wherein the support column of the second chair comprises the height adjustable component of the second chair, wherein adjusting the height of the height adjustable component of the first chair comprises adjusting the height of the support column of the first chair, and wherein adjusting the height of the height adjustable component of the second chair comprises adjusting the height of the support column of the second chair.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein the floor and first and second side walls define a container, and further comprising inserting a pair of lift tines through at least one opening defined by a base extending downwardly from the floor, lifting the container with the lift tines, positioning the container with the lift tines, and disengaging the lift tines from the container.

19. The method of claim 13 wherein the bottom of each of the first and second side walls comprises a lift opening vertically spaced above and aligned with the at least one opening defined by the base, and further comprising inserting the pair of lift tines through the lift opening and lifting the container with the lift tines.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising pivoting the first and second side walls to the first and second loading positions respectively, disengaging the first and second straps from the first and second chairs, removing the first and second chairs from the first and second side walls, pivoting the first and second side walls inwardly to overlapping first and second storage positions overlying the floor.