Abstract: A stackable container lid includes a top surface defining a flat surface plane without an upward protrusion, at least one recess in the top surface, a bottom surface including a rib structure adjacent a perimeter, and at least one nest segment integrated with the rib structure and protruding from the rib structure. The container lid is readily stackable with other container lids and is suited for handling with automation equipment.

Abstract: A stackable container lid includes a top surface defining a flat surface plane without an upward protrusion, at least one recess in the top surface, a bottom surface including a rib structure adjacent a perimeter, and at least one nest segment integrated with the rib structure and protruding from the rib structure. The container lid is readily stackable with other container lids and is suited for handling with automation equipment.

Abstract: A weld stop element may be used in a hot plate welding process for bonding first and second plastic components. The weld stop element includes a weld stop post positioned between ribs of one or both of the components. The weld stop post is sized such that the weld stop post is not accessible by a heating element during a heating phase of the hot plate welding process. The weld stop post defines a stop position for when the first and second plastic components are pressed together after the heating phase.

Abstract: A pallet includes a lower panel, a plurality of feet, and a perimeter fault in the lower panel extending adjacent a perimeter of the lower panel. The pallet may also include a plurality of surrounding faults in the lower panel, where each of the surrounding faults extends around a respective one of the plurality of feet. The faults or recesses allow for an engineered region of reduced stiffness in line with the loads seen during impacts in the leading edge or feet of the pallet.

Abstract: A crate is configured for blind-stacking on an adjacent crate with side walls. The crate may include a bottom panel, end walls extending from the bottom panel, and side walls extending from the bottom panel and connected between the end walls. The side walls include a stacking rim on a top surface. The bottom panel may include guide ribs under the side walls, respectively, and positioned adjacent a forward end of the crate. The guide ribs may be sized and shaped to positively engage the side walls of the adjacent crate, and the guide ribs may be configured to prevent the side walls of the adjacent crate from deflecting outward under load. The crate facilitates blind-stacking and helps to minimize the effort for an operator to handle heavier loads.

Abstract: A hinge segment is coupleable with a container lid for connecting the container lid to a container. The container has hinge segment openings with a shoulder defining an undercut. The hinge segment includes hinge pins pivotably securable in the hinge segment openings and a security tab engageable with the undercut. The design is particularly suited for containers with all plastic hinges and provides a high level of security and tamper evidence.

Abstract: A crate is configured for blind-stacking on an adjacent crate with side walls. The crate may include a bottom panel, end walls extending from the bottom panel, and side walls extending from the bottom panel and connected between the end walls. The side walls include a stacking rim on a top surface. The bottom panel may include guide ribs under the side walls, respectively, and positioned adjacent a forward end of the crate. The guide ribs may be sized and shaped to positively engage the side walls of the adjacent crate, and the guide ribs may be configured to prevent the side walls of the adjacent crate from deflecting outward under load. The crate facilitates blind-stacking and helps to minimize the effort for an operator to handle heavier loads.

Abstract: A retention system for a pallet can include retention elements that pivot around pivoting assemblies at one or more edges of the pallet. A retention rail can adopt a stowed position against or within the pallet, can lock in an upright position at a side of the pallet, or an open position extending away from the pallet, providing clear access for loading or unloading in the open position. Further retention features can be combined with the retention rails, including integrated retention straps and strap receiving elements.

Abstract: A weld stop element may be used in a hot plate welding process for bonding first and second plastic components. The weld stop element includes a weld stop post positioned between ribs of one or both of the components. The weld stop post is sized such that the weld stop post is not accessible by a heating element during a heating phase of the hot plate welding process. The weld stop post defines a stop position for when the first and second plastic components are pressed together after the heating phase.

Abstract: A two-component pallet includes an upper part defining a deck and including a plurality of posts, and a lower part including a corresponding plurality of feet arranged in complement with the posts. The posts and the feet each include an alignment member and ribs. The upper part is welded to the lower part such that the ribs are welded together. The alignment member of the posts is engaged with the alignment member of the feet without being welded. In some embodiments, the ribs are bent to better absorb impact from a forklift tine or the like.

Abstract: A two-component pallet includes an upper part defining a deck and including a plurality of posts, and a lower part including a corresponding plurality of feet arranged in complement with the posts. The posts and the feet each include an alignment member and ribs. The upper part is welded to the lower part such that the ribs are welded together. The alignment member of the posts is engaged with the alignment member of the feet without being welded. In some embodiments, the ribs are bent to better absorb impact from a forklift tine or the like.

Abstract: A bakery tray includes a base member with a front end and a back end, and a pair of sidewalls extending upward from the base member and opposing each other between the front end and the back end of the base member. The sidewalls each have a pair of stacking blocks and a top rail with a pair of low stack recesses therein. The pair of stacking blocks includes a front block positioned a first distance from the front end and a rear block positioned a second distance from the back end. The pair of low stack recesses includes a front recess spaced from the front end by a distance corresponding to the second distance and a rear recess spaced from the back end by a distance corresponding to the first distance. By this structure, bakery trays are stackable in a low stack orientation and a high stack orientation.

Abstract: A hinge segment is coupleable with a container lid for connecting the container lid to a container. The container has hinge segment openings with a shoulder defining an undercut. The hinge segment includes hinge pins pivotably securable in the hinge segment openings and a security tab engageable with the undercut. The design is particularly suited for containers with all plastic hinges and provides a high level of security and tamper evidence.

Abstract: A bakery tray includes a base member with a front end and a back end, and a pair of sidewalls extending upward from the base member and opposing each other between the front end and the back end of the base member. The sidewalls each have a pair of stacking blocks and a top rail with a pair of low stack recesses therein. The pair of stacking blocks includes a front block positioned a first distance from the front end and a rear block positioned a second distance from the back end. The pair of low stack recesses includes a front recess spaced from the front end by a distance corresponding to the second distance and a rear recess spaced from the back end by a distance corresponding to the first distance. By this structure, bakery trays are stackable in a low stack orientation and a high stack orientation.

Abstract: A collapsible container includes a rectangular bottom wall and a plurality of walls pivotally connected to the bottom wall. The plurality of walls include first and second side walls disposed in facing relation and first and second end walls disposed in facing relation. An access door is provided in the first end wall. The access door is pivotable between a closed position and an open position. The first side wall is collapsible from an upstanding position to a collapsed position overlaying the bottom wall, the second side wall is collapsible from an upstanding position to a collapsed position overlaying the collapsed first side wall, and the first and second end walls are collapsible from an upstanding position to a collapsed position overlaying the second side wall.