Abstract: A method of manufacturing a non-disassembling partition assembly (100) comprises providing a partition matrix (10a) made up of intersecting first and second slotted partitions (12a, 14a). The partitions (12a, 14a) may be made by folding over a partition blank (66) and securing a foam portion (38) of the folded partition blank (66) to itself. The foam (38) may be heated before being cooled under pressure to secure opposed plies (32,34) of the partition together. The partition assembly (100) is held together by a floor (102) parent welded to the intersecting partitions (12a, 14a). The floor (102) has a lower outer skin (108) and a foam layer (106) to which the partitions (12a, 14a) are parent welded.

Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body including at least two collapsible side structures with support members attached thereto. Dunnage is suspended from the support members. The dunnage comprises a plurality of flexible members, at least some of the flexible members having stabilizers attached to the flexible member for stabilizing and protecting product being shipped. In one embodiment, tracks may be attached to opposite sides of the body, and support member assemblies extend between the tracks. Dunnage is suspended from the support member assemblies. Portions of the support member assemblies move in the tracks to move products suspended by the dunnage to a more ergonomically friendly position for loading or unloading.

Abstract: A stackable tote may be stacked with other identical or similar totes and/or existing, prior tote designs. The tote is assembled from multiple sidewalls, locking members, a base and a top rail. When folded into the appropriate shape, a blank or blanks become the sidewalls of the tote. To reinforce the top and bottom edges of the tote, a channel shaped top rail extends around the top edge of the tote sidewalls and the bottom edge of the sidewalls is seated within a channel in the base. The top rail and base are secured to the sidewalls as the result of an inwardly extending hook in the associated channels which engages the locking members. One advantage of this invention is that a lightweight, stackable tote or container may be quickly and easily manufactured in a designed size or height. The tote of this invention may be stacked above or below the same or similar types of totes as well as existing tote designs.

Abstract: A partially collapsible and partially expandable dunnage system is provided for use in a horizontal dispensing container. The dunnage comprises a plurality of cells for storing and transporting parts. The dunnage system includes at least two constant force springs secured to the dunnage. The dunnage system provides horizontal access to product inside the container in an ergonomically friendly zone so a worker need not bend over to remove or insert product from the cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support member assemblies extending between the tracks for supporting dunnage. End members are located at the ends of supports, the end members being movable in the tracks to move the supports inside the container. The supports are oriented in a sloping, non-horizontal position and movable in such orientations to maximize product density inside the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support members extending between the tracks. Sliders are located at the ends of tubular supports, the sliders being slidable in the tracks to move the support members. The support members support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a collapsible body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the collapsible body, and a plurality of support members extending between the tracks. Sliders are located at the ends of flexible supports, the sliders being slidable in the tracks to move the support members. The support members support dunnage for supporting products for storage or shipment.

Abstract: A method is provided for removably securing a partition assembly inside a container without bending the individual partitions of the partition assembly. The partition assembly divides the space inside the container into separate cells. The assembly comprises a plurality of first slotted partitions intersecting with a plurality of second slotted partitions to form a matrix. The matrix is held in the container with hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A non-disassembling partition assembly comprising a partition matrix made up of intersecting first and second slotted partitions, each of the partitions having at least one slot. The slots of the partitions are engaged with each other at a plurality of intersections. The partitions may be made by folding over a partition blank and securing a foam portion of the folded partition blank to itself. The foam may be heated before being cooled under pressure to secure opposed plies of the partition together. The partition assembly is held together by a floor parent welded to the intersecting partitions. The floor has a lower outer skin and a foam layer to which the partitions are parent welded.

Abstract: A pouch assembly is provided for use in a shipping container. The pouch assembly comprises dunnage in the form of a plurality of pouches for storing and transporting parts. The pouch assembly includes two end panels located inside the container and flexible support rods extending between the end panels for supporting individual pouches. The pouch assembly provides vertical access to product residing inside the pouches or cells inside the container.

Abstract: A partially collapsible and partially expandable dunnage system is provided for use in a horizontal dispensing container. The dunnage comprises a plurality of cells for storing and transporting parts. The dunnage system includes at least two constant force springs secured to the dunnage. The dunnage system provides horizontal access to product inside the container in an ergonomically friendly zone so a worker need not bend over to remove or insert product from the cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for removably securing a partition assembly inside a container without bending the individual partitions of the partition assembly. The partition assembly divides the space inside the container into separate cells. The assembly comprises a plurality of first slotted partitions intersecting with a plurality of second slotted partitions to form a matrix. The matrix is held in the container with hook and loop fasteners.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a top rail which is secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The walls of the box are held together with the corner enhancers without the benefit of any mechanical fasteners such as rivets or the like. The top rail is secured onto the box by a hook which engages tabs extending outwardly from the walls of the box or clips secured to the box walls. The top rail has a vertical lip which facilitates stacking multiple tote boxes.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a multiple piece top rail secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The top rail comprises four corner pieces, two side pieces and two end pieces. The side and end pieces are secured onto the box by hooks which engage tabs extending outwardly from the walls of the box. The corner pieces of the top rail have projections adapted to engage holes in the side and end pieces of the top rail.

Abstract: A reusable and returnable container for holding product therein during shipment and then being returned for reuse comprises a body having at least two opposing and moveable side structures, which are configured for being selectively moved into an erected position for shipment and moved into a collapsed position for reducing the size of the container for return. A dunnage structure spans between the side structures and is operably coupled to the side structures for moving to an erected position for receiving product when the side structures are erected and moving to a collapsed position in the body when the side structures are collapsed so that the dunnage remains with the container when returned. The dunnage structure has an open end facing at least one side structure of the body, and the side structure defines an open area which is in alignment with the dunnage structure open end for accessing the dunnage structure and transferring product into and out of the dunnage structure from a side of the container.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a top rail which is secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The walls of the box are held together with the corner enhancers without the benefit of any mechanical fasteners such as rivets or the like. The top rail is secured onto the box by a hook which engages tabs extending outwardly from the walls of the box or clips secured to the box walls. The top rail has a vertical lip which facilitates stacking multiple tote boxes.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a top rail which is secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. In one embodiment, the box walls are held together with the corner enhancers and top rail without the benefit of any mechanical fasteners such as rivets or the like. The top rail is secured onto the box by an inwardly extending hook on one of the channel side walls which engages grooves formed in the box walls. The top rail has a vertical lip which facilitates stacking multiple tote boxes.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a top rail which is secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. In one embodiment, the box walls are held together with the corner enhancers and top rail without the benefit of any mechanical fasteners such as rivets or the like. The top rail is secured onto the box by an inwardly extending hook on one of the channel side walls which engages grooves formed in the box walls. The top rail has a vertical lip which facilitates stacking multiple tote boxes.

Abstract: A tote box is disclosed which incorporates a box, four corner enhancers and a multiple piece top rail secured over the top edge of the erected walls of the box. The top rail comprises four corner pieces, two side pieces and two end pieces. The side and end pieces are secured onto the box by hooks which engage tabs extending outwardly from the walls of the box. The corner pieces of the top rail have projections adapted to engage holes in the side and end pieces of the top rail.