UNIVERSAL TOTE

Abstract

A tote includes at least a first structural component defining a first portion of a container and a second structural component defining a second portion of the container where the first and second structural components cooperate to define an internal cavity to receive at least one product. The second structural component comprises a foldable component that can be selectively attached and detached from the first structural component for shipping, stacking, or nesting purposes as needed.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One type of container, sometimes referred to as a tote, is often used to store items for shipping purposes. A typical tote is comprised of a plastic, box-shaped container that may include a lid and/or handles. Items such as pre-packaged foods and other consumer goods, products, or supplies are stored inside the container to be shipped to a distribution location or final destination. The totes typically include a logo or brand identifier on an external surface of the tote. The logo can be formed within the tote or can be a separate sticker or label that is attached to the tote.

The totes are configured such that they can be stacked on top of each other during shipping. Once the tote is unloaded at its destination, any handles and/or lids are positioned such that the totes can be nested within each other for storage or for shipping back to their original shipment place.

It is important to be able to identify which particular goods are inside each of the totes. One company may ship multiple types of food or goods from a single origin under one brand name. For example, a company could ship different types of frozen food under one brand name to a grocery store. In current configurations, the totes may have a separate sticker or label attached identifying what type of good is inside the specific tote. This makes it difficult to re-use the tote for a different type of good or product. Further, having to re-apply different identifying labels is time consuming and expensive.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides tote having at least first and second structural components forming an interior cavity that receives at least one product. The second structural component is a foldable component and can be selectively attached and detached from the first structural component as needed for shipping, stacking, or nesting purposes.

In one example, the first structural component includes at least one display area having at least one brand identifier associated with the product.

In one example, the second structural component includes at least one display area having at least one product identifier including specific information about the product.

In one example, the product identifier at least partially overlaps the brand identifier when the second structural component is attached to the first structural component. The brand identifier is exposed for viewing when the second structural component is detached from the first structural component.

In one example, the first structural component is made from a rigid material, such as plastic for example, and the second structural component is made from a foldable material, such as cardboard for example.

In one example, the first structural component is re-useable and the second structural component is disposable.

In one example, the first structural component includes at least a bottom of the container and four rigid side wall portions extending upwardly from the bottom to form the interior cavity. The second structural component includes at least a top portion that encloses the interior cavity for shipping purposes. The top portion also provides a stacking surface to receive another tote. The top portion is also removable from the first structural component such that another tote can be at least partially received within the interior cavity in a nested configuration.

These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a shows an assembled perspective view of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.

FIG. 1b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 2a shows an assembled perspective view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.

FIG. 2b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 2c shows a cross-sectional view of an attachment interface of FIG. 2a.

FIG. 3a shows an assembled perspective view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.

FIG. 3b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 3a.

FIG. 4a shows an exploded view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.

FIG. 4b shows an assembled perspective view of the tote of FIG. 4a.

FIG. 5a shows an exploded view of another example of a stackable tote with a selectively removable structural component including product identifying information.

FIG. 5b shows an exploded view of a collapsed position for the tote of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 5c shows an assembled perspective view of the tote of FIG. 5a.

FIG. 6a shows a perspective view of another example of a stackable tote with product identifying information when a top of the tote is closed for stacking.

FIG. 6b shows an exploded view of the tote of FIG. 6a with the top in an open position to display the product identifying information.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1a-b show one example of a crate, container, or tote 10 that includes a first structural component 12 including a bottom 14 and four side walls 16a-d extending upwardly from the bottom 14 to form an interior cavity 18. One or more products are typically placed within the interior cavity 18 to be shipped from a point of original to a destination.

A second structural component 20 includes a top portion 22 and a plurality of foldable extensions or flaps 24 that are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 22. The second structural component 20 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 12 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as needed. This will be discussed in greater detail below.

The tote 10 includes a pair of bale arms 26 that are pivotally attached to one opposing pair of side walls of the four side walls 16a-d. In the example shown, the bale arms 26 are pivotally attached to side walls 16a, 16c. The bale arms 26 are movable between a carrying or stacking position and a non-carrying position. In the non-carrying position, the bale arms 26 are pivoted downwardly to rest against one of the side walls 16a-d and in the carrying position the bale arms 26 are pivoted upwardly away from the side walls 16a-d.

In the example of FIGS. 1a-b, each side wall 16a-d includes one slot 28 that extends in a vertical direction. The slots 28 are formed within upwardly facing edges of each of the side walls 16a-d. The second structural component 20 includes four (4) foldable flaps 24 (only 3 are shown) with one foldable flap 24 being received within each slot 28. When the second structural component 20 is attached to the first structural component 12, the top portion 22 encloses the interior cavity 18 to protect the contents and can also provide a stacking surface that can support another tote 10; however, in a typical configuration, as described below, the bale arms 26 are positioned to provide a support structure for stacking.

In the example of FIG. 1a-b, the bale arms 26 are pivoted upwardly into a stacking position where the arms rest on top of the top portion 22 of the second structural component 20. The top portion 22 provides a cover for the interior cavity 18 and protects the contents. When another tote 10 is stacked on top of the top portion 22, the bale arms are received within grooves 30 formed within the bottom 14 of the second stacked tote.

The first structural component 12 includes at least one first display area 32 that includes at least one brand identifier 34. The brand identifier 34 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped. As known, one brand identifier can be associated with many different types of products. The second structural component 20 includes at least one second display area 36 that includes at least one product identifier 38. The product identifier 38 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped, such as size, type, quantity, etc.

In one example, the product identifier 38 is positioned on one or more of the foldable flaps 24. When the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 20 is attached to the first structural component 12, at least one of the foldable flaps 24 covers or overlaps the first display area 32 such that the brand identifier 34 is covered (FIG. 1a). When a plurality of stacked totes 10 reaches their destination, the type of product in each tote is easily identified by the product identifier 38. The second structural component 20 can then be removed for disposal or seat aside for later use. Once the second structural component 20 is removed, the brand identifier for each tote 10 is exposed for viewing (FIG. 1b). This allow for easily identification for return shipping to the point of origin such that the first structural components 12 can be re-used for any other type of product associated with the brand identifier 34. The bale arms 26 can be pivoted downwardly to the non-carrying position for nesting purposes to further facilitate return shipping.

In one example, the first structural component 12 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 20 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets for example.

FIGS. 2a-c show another example of a tote 110 that includes a first structural component 112 including a bottom 114 and four side walls 116a-d extending upwardly from the bottom 114 to form an interior cavity 118. A product or multiple products placed within the interior cavity 118 for shipping purposes as described above.

A second structural component 120 includes a top portion 122 and a plurality of foldable extensions or flaps 124 that are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 122. The second structural component 120 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 112 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as described above.

The tote 110 includes a pair of handles 126 that are associated with one opposing pair of side walls of the four side walls 116a-d. In the example shown, the handles 126 are associated with side walls 116a and 116c. The handles 126 are typically integrally formed as part of the first structural component 112; however, the handles 126 could also be separately attached. The handles 126 includes openings 150 such that to define grasp locations for someone moving the totes 10.

In the example of FIGS. 2a-c, each handle 126 includes one slot 128 that extends in a vertical direction. The slots 128 are formed within downwardly facing edges of each of the handles 126. The second structural component 120 includes two (2) foldable flaps 124 with one foldable flap 124 being folded over a corresponding handle 126. The second structural component 120 includes a pair of openings 152 that are slightly larger than an outer periphery of the handles 126. When the flaps 124 are folded over the handles 126 the handles 126 are positioned within the openings 152 with a bottom edge 154 of the opening being received within a corresponding slot 128. The slots 128 are formed within a bottom portion of the handle 126 as shown in FIG. 2c. This provides a secure attachment interface between the first 112 and second 120 structural components. When the second structural component 120 is attached to the first structural component 112, the top portion 122 encloses the interior cavity 118 and provides a stacking surface that can support another tote 110. Raised edges 158 on side walls 116b, 116d and on the handles 126 help hold the second structural component 120 in place to provide a secure stacking surface.

The first structural component 112 includes at least one first display area 132 that includes at least one brand identifier 134. The brand identifier 134 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped. The second structural component 120 includes at least one second display area 136 that includes at least one product identifier 138. The product identifier 138 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped.

In one example, the product identifier 138 is positioned on one or more of the foldable flaps 124. When the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 120 is attached to the first structural component 112, at least one of the foldable flaps 124 covers or overlaps the first display area 132 such that the brand identifier 134 is covered (FIGS. 2a). When a plurality of stacked totes 110 reaches their destination, the type of product in each tote is easily identified by the product identifier 138. The second structural component 120 can then be removed for disposal or seat aside for later use. Once the second structural component 120 is removed, the brand identifier 134 for each tote 110 is exposed (FIG. 2b) to allow for return shipping as discussed above. When the second structural component 120 is removed, the totes 110 can be nested within each other to further facilitate return shipping.

In one example, the first structural component 112 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 120 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets.

FIGS. 3a-b shows another example of a tote 210 that includes a first structural component 212 including a bottom 214 and four side walls 216a-d extending upwardly from the bottom 214 to form an interior cavity 218. One or more produces are typically placed within the interior cavity 218 to be shipped from a point of original to a destination.

A second structural component 220 includes a first portion 222a and a second portion 222b that cooperate to provide a top for the tote 210. Each of the first 222a and second 222b portions include a top portion 224a and a side portion 224b that is folded downwardly relative to the top portion 224a. The top portions 224a include a crenellated edge with extensions and openings such that an extension from one of the top portions 224a aligns with an opening of the other of the top portions 224a when the top portions 224a are in the closed position. The second structural component 220 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 212 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as needed. This will be discussed in greater detail below.

The tote 210 includes a pair of bale arms 226 that are pivotally attached to an inner surface 260 of one opposing pair of side walls of the four side walls 216a-d. The bale arms 226 are attached to side walls 216b, 216d, and are movable between a carrying or stacking position and a non-carrying position. In the non-carrying position, the bale arms 226 are pivoted downwardly into the interior cavity 218 to rest against one of the side walls 216a-d and in the carrying position the bale arms 226 are pivoted upwardly away from the side walls 216a-d.

In the example of FIGS. 3a-b, one set of opposing side walls 216a-d includes slots 228 that extends in a vertical direction. In the example shown, the slots 228 are formed within side walls 216a, 216c. The slots 228 are formed between and inner surface of a peripheral lip portion 262 of the tote 210 and an outer surface of the set of opposing side walls 216a-d. Each of the bale arms 226 also includes a slot 264. To attach the second structural component 220 to the first structural component 212, the side portions 224b of the second structural component 220 are inserted through the slots 264 in the bale arms 226 and then are received within the slots 228. The top portions 224a can then be folded relative to the side portions 224b such that the crenellated edges are aligned with each other. When the second structural component 220 is attached to the first structural component 212, the top portions 224a enclose the interior cavity 218 to protect the contents and can provide a stacking surface that can support another tote 210; however, in a typical configuration, as described below, the bale arms 226 are positioned to provide a support structure for stacking.

In the example of FIGS. 3a-b, the bale arms 226 are pivoted upwardly into a stacking position where the arms rest on top of the top portions 224a of the second structural component 220 (FIG. 3a). The top portions 224a provide a cover for the interior cavity 218 and protect the contents. When another tote 210 is stacked on top of the top portions 224a, the bale arms 226 are received within grooves 230 formed within the bottom 214 of the second stacked tote.

The first structural component 212 includes at least one first display area 232 that includes at least one brand identifier 234. The brand identifier 234 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped. As known, one brand identifier can be associated with many different types of products. The second structural component 220 includes at least one second display area 236 that includes at least one product identifier 238. As discussed above, the product identifier 238 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped.

In one example, the product identifier 238 is positioned on at least one of the side portions 224b. When the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 220 is attached to the first structural component 212, at least one of the side portions 224b covers or overlaps the first display area 232 such that the brand identifier 234 is covered. When a plurality of stacked totes 210 reaches their destination, the type of product in each tote is easily identified by the product identifier 238. The second structural component 220 can then be removed for disposal or seat aside for later use. Once the second structural component 220 is removed, the brand identifier 234 for each tote 10 is exposed for viewing. This allows for easy identification for return shipping to the point of origin such that the first structural components 212 can be re-used for any other type of product associated with the brand identifier 234. The bale arms 226 can be pivoted downwardly to the non-carrying position for nesting purposes to further facilitate return shipping.

In one example, the first structural component 212 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 220 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets.

FIGS. 4a-b show another example of a tote 310 that includes a first structural component 312 including a bottom 314 and four side walls 316a-d extending upwardly from the bottom 314 to form an interior cavity 318. A product or multiple products placed within the interior cavity 318 for shipping purposes as described above.

A second structural component 320 includes a top portion 322 and a plurality of foldable extensions or flaps 324 that are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 322. The second structural component 320 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 312 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. as described above.

The tote 310 includes at least a plurality of handles 326 with one handle 326 being associated with each of the four side walls 316a-d. The handles 326 are typically integrally formed as part of the first structural component 312; however, the handles 316 could also be separately attached. The handles 326 include openings 350 to define grasp locations for someone moving the totes 310. While four handles 326 are shown in the example, it should be understood that only two handles (one set of handles in a pair of opposing side walls) may be needed.

In the example of FIGS. 4a-b, an internal surface 370 of each side wall 316a-d includes a ledge 372 that faces upwardly within the interior cavity 318. The foldable flaps 324 of the second structural component 320 are folded downwardly relative to the top portion 322 and are inserted into the interior cavity 318 such that bottom edges 374 of the foldable flaps 324 abut directly against the ledges 372. The foldable flaps 324 of the second structural component 320 may also include foldable portions 376 to form openings that would align with the openings 350 of the handles 326. To facilitate gripping and lifting movement for the tote 310, the foldable portions 376 could be folded inwardly relative to the foldable flaps 342. When the second structural component 320 is attached to the first structural component 312, the top portion 322 encloses the interior cavity 318 and can provide a stacking surface that can support another tote 310; however, in a typical configuration the tote first structural component 312 provides the support structure for stacking by using raised corner portions 378 and associated supports surfaces to locate and stack additional totes 310. The top portion 322 provides a cover for the interior cavity 318 and protects the contents.

The first structural component 312 includes at least one first display area 332 that includes at least one brand identifier 334. The brand identifier 334 identifies brand name of the product that is being shipped. The second structural component 320 includes at least one second display area 336 that includes at least one product identifier 338. The product identifier 338 includes at least one item of information that specifically identifies one or more pieces of information for the product being shipped.

In one example, the product identifier 338 is positioned on the top portion 322 and the brand identifier 334 is positioned on at least one of the side walls 316a-d. When the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 320 is attached to the first structural component 312, both the brand identifier 334 and product identifier 338 are visible. As such, in this example, both the brand and product information are readily visible during shipping. When the second structural component 320 is removed, the totes 310 can be nested within each other to facilitate return shipping.

In one example, the first structural component 312 is comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 320 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets. Also, in the example of FIGS. 4a-4b, the first structural component 312 comprises a knock-down crate where the side walls 316a-d are collapsible relative to the bottom 314. Locking mechanisms 380 can be used to secure the side walls 316a-d together as known. Any of the second structural component configurations shown in the various disclosed examples could also be used with a knock-down crate configuration.

FIGS. 5a-c show another example of a tote 410 that includes a first structural component 412 including a bottom 414 and four side wall portions 416a-d extending upwardly from the bottom 114 to form a base 412a. The wall portions 416a-d of the base 412a each include a ledge 480. The first structural component 412 also includes a top 412b.

A second structural component 420 includes a plurality of foldable wall portions 424a-d that are folded relative to each other to form a square or rectangular shaped ring that defines an interior cavity 418. A product or multiple products placed within the interior cavity 418 for shipping purposes as described above. Bottom edges 482 of each of the foldable wall portions 424a-d rest against the ledges 480 when the second structural component 420 is attached to the first structural component 412. Top edges 484 of each of the foldable wall portions 424a-d support the top 412b. The top 412b includes a top portion 486 and a plurality of side walls 488 that extend downwardly from the top portion 486 to overlap the foldable wall portions 424a-d. The top edges 484 of the foldable wall portions 424a-d rest against an inner surface of the top portion 486.

The second structural component 420 is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component 412 for shipping, stacking, nesting positions, etc. When the second structural component 420 is attached to the first structural component 412, the top portion 486 of the top 412b can then be used to enclose the interior cavity 418 and provides a stacking surface that can support another tote 410.

The second structural component 420 is also capable of being moved into a collapsed position for return shipping purposes. As shown in FIG. 5b, the second structural component 420 can be placed such that one of the foldable wall portions 424c rests against the bottom 414 of the base 412a. The top 412b can then be pressed against the opposite wall portion 424a, i.e. the wall portion that faces upwardly, which sandwiches the second structural component 420 between the top 412b and base 412a. The top 412b slides over the base 412a to form a compact unit for return shipping.

The first structural component 412 includes at least one first display area 432 that includes at least one brand identifier 434. In the example shown, the brand identifier 434 is located on the top 412b. The second structural component 420 includes at least one second display area 436 that includes at least one product identifier 438.

In one example, the product identifier 438 is positioned on one or more of the foldable wall portions 424a-d. When the product is being shipped, i.e. when the second structural component 420 is attached to the first structural component 412, both the brand identifier 434 and product identifier 438 are visible. As such, in this example, both the brand and product information are readily visible during shipping.

In one example, the top 412b and base 412a of the first structural component 412 are comprised of a hard, rigid plastic and the second structural component 420 is comprised of a foldable/flexible material such as cardboard or thin-corrugated plastic sheets.

FIGS. 6a-b show another example of a tote 510 that includes a first structural component 512 including a bottom 514 and four side walls 516a-d extending upwardly from the bottom 514 to form an interior cavity 518.

A second structural component 520 includes a pair of top portions 522 that are pivotally attached to opposing side walls of the first structural component. The top portions 522 include a crenellated edge with extensions and openings such that an extension from one of the top portions 522 aligns with an opening of the other of the top portions 522 when the top portions 522 are in the closed position. When the top portions 522 are in a closed position, the interior cavity 518 is closed and the top portions 522 provide a stacking surface for another tote 510. The tote 510 can also include raised corner portions 590 to facilitate locating and stacking of additional totes 510.

The second structural component 520 includes at least one first display area 532 that includes at least one brand identifier 534. In the example shown, the brand identifier 534 is located on an internally facing surface 592 of at least one of the top portions 522. As such, when the top portions 522 are closed, the brand identifier 534 is not visible. However, when the top portions 522 are pivoted to the open position, the brand identifier 534 becomes visible. The first structural component 512 includes at least one second display area 536 that includes at least one product identifier 538. In the example shown, the product identifier 538 is on at least one of the wall portions 516a-d. The product identifier 538 may or may not be covered by the top portions 522 when the top portions are moved to the open position.

Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.

Claims

1. A tote comprising:

a first structural component defining a first portion of a container and including at least one first display area with at least one brand identifier;

a second structural component defining a second portion of the container, the first and second structural components cooperating to define an internal cavity to receive at least one product, and wherein the second structural component includes at least one second display area including at least one product identifier associated with the at least one product, and wherein the second structural component is selectively attachable and detachable from the first structural component.

2. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component defines a bottom of the container and at least a portion of each of four side walls extending upwardly from the bottom.

3. The tote of claim 1 wherein the second structural component defines at least a top of the container to support a second stacked tote.

4. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component is comprised of a rigid plastic material.

5. The tote of claim 1 wherein the second structural component is comprised of one of a cardboard or corrugated plastic material.

6. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component is comprised of a rigid non-foldable plastic material and the second structural component is comprised of a foldable cardboard material.

7. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component comprises a re-usable component and the second structural component comprises a disposable component.

8. The tote of claim 1 wherein the second structural component is movable between a collapsed position and an installation position where the second structural component is attached to the first structural component.

9. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component includes at least one slot and wherein the second structural component includes at least one extension portion that is received within the at least one slot.

10. The tote of claim 1 wherein the second structural component includes at least one foldable portion.

11. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component includes at least one slot and wherein the second structural component includes at least first and second portions with one of the first and second portions being foldable relative to the other of the first and second portions such that a foldable one of the first and second portions is received within the at least one slot.

12. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component includes a plurality of slots and wherein the second structural component includes a plurality of foldable portions that are received within the slots.

13. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component includes a rigid bottom of the container and four rigid side walls extending upwardly from the rigid body to form the interior cavity and wherein the second structural component includes at least a top portion and at least one side wall portion foldable relative to the top portion, and wherein the top portion is positioned to enclose the interior cavity with the at least one side wall portion being positioned in an overlapping relationship with at least one of the four rigid side walls.

14. The tote of claim 13 wherein the at least one side wall portion comprises at least two foldable side walls positioned on opposite sides of the top portion from each other, and wherein the at least one display area including the at least one identifying item is located on at least one of the two foldable side walls.

15. The tote of claim 14 wherein at least two of the four rigid side walls include a slot and wherein the two foldable side walls are received within the slots.

16. The tote of claim 15 wherein the slots are formed within a handle portion of the container.

17. The tote of claim 14 wherein the second structural component is formed from at least first and second pieces of material with each of the first and second pieces of material including one portion of the top portion and one of the two foldable side walls.

18. The tote of claim 17 wherein the first structural component includes bale arms that are moveable between carrying and non-carrying positions, and wherein each bale arm includes a slot that receives one of the two foldable side walls.

19. The tote of claim 13 wherein the second structural component is formed from a single piece of material.

20. The tote of claim 13 wherein the at least one side wall portion comprise four foldable side wall portions with the at least one second display area including the at least one product identifier being located on at least one of the four foldable side walls, and wherein each of the four rigid side walls include a slot with one foldable side wall being received within each slot.

21. The tote of claim 13 wherein the second structural component includes a top portion a foldable side portion extending downwardly from each edge of the top portion such that the foldable side portions are received within the interior cavity.

22. The tote of claim 21 wherein the first structural component comprises a knock-down container with the four rigid side walls being collapsible relative to the bottom.

23. The tote of claim 1 wherein the first structural component includes a rigid bottom of the container and four rigid side wall portions extending upwardly from the rigid body to form a base and wherein the second structural component includes at least four foldable side wall portions.

24. The tote of claim 23 wherein the four rigid side wall portions form a locating feature to receive the four foldable side wall portions such that the four foldable side wall portions substantially define the interior cavity.

25. The tote of claim 24 wherein the first structural component comprises a first plastic portion that forms the rigid bottom and the four rigid side wall portions and a second plastic portion that forms a top that is positioned to enclose the interior cavity, and wherein the second structural component is collapsible into a shipping position to be positioned between the top and base with downwardly extending side wall portions of the top being positioned in an overlapping relationship with the four rigid side wall portions of the first structural component.

26. The tote of claim 1 wherein the second structural component includes a rigid bottom of the container and four rigid side walls extending upwardly from the rigid bottom to form the interior cavity and wherein the first structural component includes at least a top portion having an external surface and an internal surface that is not exposed when the interior cavity is enclosed by the top portion, and wherein the at least one first display area including the at least one brand identifier is located on the internal surface such that the brand identifier is visible when the top is moved to an open position.

27. The tote of claim 1 wherein the second display area at least partially covers the first display area when the second structural component is attached to the first structural component, and wherein the brand identifier is visible when the second structural component is detached from the first structural component.

28. A method of forming a stackable tote comprising the steps of:

providing a first structural component defining a first portion of a container and including at least one first display area with at least one brand identifier, and providing a second structural component defining a second portion of the container where the first and second structural components cooperate to define an internal cavity to receive at least one product;

providing the second structural component with at least one second display area including at least one product identifier associated with the at least one product;

selectively attaching and detaching the second structural component from the first structural component for shipping, stacking, or nesting purposes as needed.

29. The method of claim 28 including forming the first structural component from a rigid, non-foldable material and forming the second structural component from a foldable material.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the rigid, non-foldable material comprises plastic and the foldable material comprises cardboard.

31. The method of claim 28 including providing the first structural component with at least one slot, folding one portion of the second structural component relative to another portion of the second structural component, and inserting the one portion of the second structural component into the slot.

32. The method of claim 28 including re-using the first structural component, disposing of the second structural component, and providing a re-used first structural component with another second structural component having a different product identifier associated with a different product.

33. The method of claim 28 including forming the first structural component to include a rigid bottom of the container and four rigid side walls extending upwardly from the rigid bottom to form the interior cavity, and forming the second structural component to include at least a top portion that provides a stacking surface for another tote.

34. The method of claim 33 including removing the top portion and positioning another tote to be at least partially received within the interior cavity in a nested configuration.

35. The method of claim 33 including forming the second structural component to include least one side wall portion foldable relative to the top portion, and positioning the top portion to enclose the interior cavity for shipping with the at least one side wall portion being positioned in an overlapping relationship with at least one of the four rigid side walls.

36. The method of claim 28 including positioning the second structural component to at least partially overlap the brand identifier when the second structural component is attached to the first structural component and exposing the brand identifier when the second structural component is detached from the first structural component.

37. The method of claim 36 where the second structural component is attached to the first structural component for shipping from a point of origin to a destination and wherein the second structural component is detached from the first structural component for shipping the first structural component back to the point of origin.

38. A tote comprising:

a plastic box with a bottom and four side walls extending upwardly from the bottom to define at least a portion of an interior cavity to receive at least one product, the plastic box including at least one slot; and

a foldable component including at least a top portion and at least one side wall portion foldable relative to the top portion wherein the at least one side wall portion is received within the at least one slot.

39. The tote of claim 38 wherein the plastic box includes at least one first display area with at least one brand identifier, and wherein the foldable component includes at least one second display area including at least one product identifier associated with the at least one product, with the foldable component being selectively attachable and detachable from the plastic box.

40. The tote of claim 39 wherein the first and second display areas overlap each other when the foldable component is attached to the plastic box.

41. The tote of claim 40 wherein the brand identifier is exposed for viewing when the foldable component is detached from the plastic box.