The present invention relates to a knockdown crate, and more particularly to an improved version and a method of display for sale thereof.
The present invention relates to a knockdown crate, and more particularly to an improved version and a method of display for sale thereof.
Knockdown or collapsible crates are conventionally used for storing and transporting various items. Knockdown crates can be collapsed or unassembled (i.e., folded or stacked into a relatively flat configuration) for space-efficient storage and can be expanded (i.e., assembled from a flat position) to define a relatively rigid structure for holding and protecting goods.
Knockdown crates typically define a base and four sidewalls. The four sidewalls are generally detachable so that the crate can be collapsed. During use, in the assembled position, knockdown crates are routinely stacked one atop the next with goods or other items stored within.
Applicant has identified a number of deficiencies and problems associated with the manufacture, design, and use of conventional knockdown crates. Through applied research, effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant has solved many of these identified problems by developing a unique version embodied by the present invention, which is described in detail below.
The present invention addresses current needs and achieves other advantages by providing a display method which utilizes a unique knockdown crate that is light weight, easy to assemble, and inexpensive to manufacture, ship and sell.
In a version of the application, a method for packaging and displaying knockdown crates for sale at a retail location is disclosed and generally comprises the following steps: (a) providing one or more unassembled knockdown crates comprising: (i) two end panels, each with a bottom edge and opposing side edges, each edge comprising an interior groove extending the length thereof defining therebetween an end wall interior surface; (ii) a bottom panel comprising a plurality of longitudinal slats and two transverse connection members connecting the plurality of longitudinal slats in parallel, the transverse connection members have a geometric cross section which seat with the interior grooves of the bottom edges of the two end panels and a longitudinally extending interior facing flat surface positioned to fit parallel and flush with the respective end wall interior surface while crate is assembled, wherein the transverse ends of the bottom panel overlap the bottom edge of their respective end panels forming a right angle assembled edge; and (iii) two side panels each comprising a plurality of longitudinal slats and two transverse connection members connecting the plurality of longitudinal slats in parallel, the transverse connection members have a geometric cross section which seat with the interior grooves of the opposing side edges of the two end panels respectively and a longitudinally extending, interior facing flat surface positioned to fit parallel and flush with the respective end wall interior surface while crate is assembled, wherein the transverse ends of the two side panels overlap the opposing side edges of their respective end panels forming a right angle assembled edge and the bottom edges of the two side panels overlap the longitudinal edges of the bottom panel form a right angle assembled edge; wherein while the crate is assembled, at each end panel, the respective end transverse connection member flat surfaces and the respective end wall interior surface combine to form uniform, flat end walls; (b) uniformly stacking and packing each unassembled knockdown crate into a rectangular tray; and (c) each rectangular tray containing an unassembled knockdown crate stacked into a display box, wherein the exterior of the display box advertises the contents therein for display at a retail location.
In an alternate version, the above described step of (b) uniformly stacking and packing each unassembled knockdown crate into a rectangular tray, further comprises positioning the bottom panel above the side panels and end panels within the tray, and shrink wrapping the tray in order to secure the knockdown crate within, thereby providing a potential purchaser with view of the quality and construction of the knockdown crate while in the packaging during display at the retail location. This provides a potential purchaser with the ability to view the quality and construction of the knockdown crate while in the packaging during display at the retail location.
In another version of the method of packaging and display, the unassembled panels of the knockdown crate are uniformly stacked and shrink wrapped without the use of a rectangular tray before being loaded into the display box.
In other versions of the application, further comprising the step of (d) wherein the display box is put on display at the retail location.
Other version of the knockdown crate and display thereof may comprise other variations and combinations. The aforementioned version should not be construed in the limiting sense.
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying figures where:
Referring now to the figures wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred version of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, the present invention is a novel version of a knockdown crate.
The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary versions of the invention. The description is not to be taken in the limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.
Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features.
With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to
As best illustrated by
The two end panels 12 are symmetrical and identical with each other, both having the same width, length and depth forming a rectangular shape. As illustrated in the figures, particularly
Each of the end panels 12 has an equivalent elongated handle opening 32 which is positioned near the upper portion of the end panel 12 near the top edge 18. The length and height of the elongated handle openings 32 are sufficient to accommodate carrying the knockdown crate 10 by hand as commonly known in the industry.
As best illustrated by
As best illustrated in
Alternatively, it will be known that the bottom panel 14 may be a solid surface as opposed to using a plurality of longitudinal slats 34. Moreover, the longitudinal slats 34 can vary in size with respect to one another, however, preferably they are all of similar dimension and construction.
As particularly shown in
As best illustrated in
Alternatively, it will be known that the two side panels 16 may be a solid surface as opposed to using a plurality of longitudinal slats 48. Moreover, the longitudinal slats 48 can vary in size with respect to one another, however, preferably they are all of similar dimension and construction.
Ideally, cooperatively the bottom panel 14 transverse connection members 36 and the two side panel 16 transverse connection members 50 are adapted to fit with their respective end panel 12 interior grooves 26 to form uniform, flat end walls 68 and 70 when the crate 10 is in the assembled position.
With reference to
Preferably as illustrated, each side panel 16 and bottom panel 14 are connected each by four screws 72, two passing through each transverse connection member on each panel, connecting the respective connection member with the respective end panel 12 interior groove 26.
Moreover, the invention may comprise a unique method of packaging and displaying the crates for sale at a retail location. As illustrated by the figures, particularly
In an alternate version of the invention, the step of (b) uniformly stacking and packing each unassembled knockdown crate 10, further comprises positioning the bottom panel 14 above the side panels 16 and end panels 12 within the tray 80 and shrink wrapping the tray 80 in order to secure the knockdown crate 10 within the tray 80. This provides a potential purchaser with the ability to view the quality and construction of the knockdown crate 10 while in the packaging during display at the retail location.
In yet another version of the method of packaging and display, the method generally comprises the steps of (a) providing an unassembled knockdown crate 10; (b) uniformly stacking each unassembled knockdown crate 10, wherein the bottom panel 14, two end panels 12, and two side panels 16 are each individually stacked one atop of the other; (c) shrink wrapping each of the uniformly stacked unassembled knockdown crates 10, whereby providing a potential purchaser with view of the quality and construction of the knockdown crate 10 while in the packaging during display at the retail location; (d) loading each shrink wrapped knockdown crate 10 into a display box 82, wherein the exterior of the display box advertises the contents therein for display at a retail location; and (e) displaying at least one display box 82 at the retail location, offering the packaged knockdown crates for sale.
The present invention can be made in any manner and of any material chosen with sound engineering judgment. Preferable, the knockdown crate 10 is constructed of wood, plastic or of other materials that are strong, lightweight, long lasting, economic, and ergonomic.
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been described in considerable detail, other versions and embodiments of the invention are certainly possible. Therefore, the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments herein.
All features disclosed in this specification including any claims, abstract, and drawings may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose unless expressly stated otherwise.
This application is divisional of and claims the priority filing date of the previously filed, co-pending U.S. Non-Provisional patent application entitled “KNOCKDOWN CRATE AND METHOD OF DISPLAY PACKAGING” filed Oct. 8, 2014, Ser. No. 14/509,921, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
653514 | Kasschau | Jul 1900 | A |
947625 | Cummer | Jan 1910 | A |
1439929 | Wagstaff | Dec 1922 | A |
2593779 | McGrath | Apr 1952 | A |
3741425 | Freeman | Jun 1973 | A |
5193701 | Bush | Mar 1993 | A |
5382190 | Graves | Jan 1995 | A |
11286080 | Graham | Mar 2022 | B1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20190308774 A1 | Oct 2019 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 14509921 | Oct 2014 | US |
Child | 16352401 | US |