TRANSPORT ASSEMBLY FOR STORAGE CONTAINERS WITH LIDS

Abstract

A transport assembly has a stack of storage containers and a stack of lids sandwiched between upper and lower protective trays that are secured by straps that encircle the upper and lower trays and the lids and containers stacked therebetween. The containers are exposed between the upper and lower trays for ease of inspection by potential buyers and handling by a upper edge by which the containers can be lifted and carried. The top and bottom members are each advantageously constructed from a sheet of materials, e.g., corrugated cardboard, to minimize manufacturing costs, reduce weight for shipping and save resources. The straps are strategically wrapped around extrusions form in the containers that increase structure integrity.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field

Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to stackable storage containers, in particular, stackable storage containers with detachable lids.

2. Description of the Related Art

Storage containers are in demand. Especially popular are larger-sized, injection-molded plastic storage containers with detachable lids that are sold to consumers via large box stores. For mass-produced consumer products, efficient transport and distribution from manufacturing to retail outlets save resources. Ease of handling and attractiveness to prospective purchasers are also important considerations in the packaging and transport assembly of consumer goods. Packaging should be sufficiently sturdy to protect the underlying merchandise and yet be suitable for display at the point of sale. Packaging should also allow general inspection of the merchandise prior to purchase and have a weight and size that allows an average adult to pick up and carry without the necessity of dollies, shipping pallets or forklifts.

Accordingly, there is a desire for a transport assembly that packages a plurality of storage containers and lids with reduced space and storage requirements and minimal packaging materials in a manner that facilitates inspection prior to purchase and easy transport and handling.

The above information is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of embodiments of the present disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not form the prior art.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a transport assembly packages a stack of storage containers and a stack of lids. Each storage container has a bottom, first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls, and an upper edge extending around an opening of the container. The stack of lids sits above the stack of storage containers. The transport assembly further includes a protective top member, a protective bottom member and a securing strap. The top member is positioned above the stack of lids, the top member having a main top panel and first and second opposing side panels, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers. The bottom member is positioned below the stack of storage containers, the bottom member having a main bottom panel, first and second opposing side panels, and first and second opposing end panels, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers, the first end panels being in general alignment with the first end walls of the stack of storage containers, and the second end panels being in general alignment with the second end walls of the stack of storage containers. The strap extending circumferentially around the top member, the stack of lids, the stack of storage containers and the bottom member.

In some embodiments, each lid has first and second side flanges and first and second end flanges, and the first side panel of the top member covers the first side flanges of the stack of lids, and the second side panel of the top member covers the second side flanges of the stack of lids.

In some embodiments, the upper edge of at least one storage container is exposed.

In some embodiments, each side wall of at least one storage container has an extrusion, and the strap extends over the extrusion.

In some embodiments, the transport further includes a first strap and a second strap, and each side wall of at least one storage container has a first extrusion and a second extrusion, and the first strap extends over the first extrusion and the second strap extends over the second extrusion.

In some embodiments, a bottommost storage container has a side wall with extrusions and the side panels of the bottom member remain below the extrusions.

In some embodiments, the stack of storage containers consists of four storage containers and the stack of lids consists of four lids.

In some embodiments, the top member and the bottom member are constructed of corrugated cardboard.

In some embodiments, the top member has a construction of a sheet material with a main area that forms the main panel with two opposing sides, and an secondary area on each of two opposing sides that is folded into forming a side panel.

In some embodiments, the bottom member has a construction of a sheet material with a main area that forms the main panel with four sides, and four secondary areas, each having one side that is contiguous with the main area wherein first and second secondary areas are folded into forming the first and second side panels, respectively and third and fourth secondary areas area folded into forming the first and second end panels.

In some embodiments, adjacent edges of the first side panel and the first end panel are affixed together to form a corner.

In some embodiments, each of the four secondary areas include an extended secondary area that overlaps an adjacent panel and is affixed thereto.

In some embodiments, a transport assembly includes a stack of storage containers and a stack of lids sitting above the stack of storage containers. Each storage container has first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls, and an upper edge extending around an opening of the container. The top tray is positioned above the stack of lids, the top tray having a main top panel and first and second side panels extending downwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers. The bottom tray is positioned below the stack of storage containers, the bottom tray having a main bottom panel, first and second opposing side panels that extend upwardly, and first and second opposing end panels that extend upwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers, the first end panels being in general alignment with the first end walls of the stack of storage containers, and the second end panels being in general alignment with the second end walls of the stack of storage containers. The transport assembly further includes a first strap and a second strap, each extending circumferentially around the top tray, the stack of lids, the stack of storage containers and the bottom tray.

In some embodiments, a height of the side panels of the bottom tray ranges between about 10% to 50% of a height of a storage container.

In some embodiments, a height of the side panels of the bottom tray ranges between 15% to 20% of a height of a storage container.

In some embodiments, a transport assembly includes a stack of storage containers, a stack of lids, top and bottom trays and first and second straps. Each storage container has a bottom, first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls, and an upper edge extending around an opening of the container, each side wall having a first extrusion and a second extrusion. The top tray is positioned above the stack of lids, the top tray having a main top panel and first and second side panels extending downwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers. The bottom tray is positioned below the stack of storage containers, the bottom tray having a main bottom panel, first and second opposing side panels that extend upwardly, and first and second opposing end panels that extend upwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers, the first end panels being in general alignment with the first end walls of the stack of storage containers, and the second end panels being in general alignment with the second end walls of the stack of storage containers. The first strap and a second strap each extends circumferentially around the top tray, the stack of lids, the stack of storage containers and the bottom tray, the first strap extending over the first extrusion and the second strap extending over the second extrusion, wherein the extrusions are exposed between the upper and lower trays.

In some embodiments, a height of the side and end panels of the bottom tray are less than or equal to a distance between the bottom of the container and the extrusions.

In some embodiments, the top and bottom trays include corrugated cardboard.

In some embodiments, the top tray is constructed from one sheet of corrugated cardboard.

In some embodiments, the bottom tray is constructed from one sheet of corrugated cardboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments can be understood in more detail from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a transport assembly according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the transport assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of FIG. 1, without straps.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of FIG. 2, without straps.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a top member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of a bottom member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a construction of a top member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a construction of a bottom member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bottom member, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a construction of a bottom member, according to yet another embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a side elevation view of a first assembly with two lids and two containers and a second assembly with six lids and six containers.

FIG. 11B is an end elevation view of the first and second assemblies of FIG. 11A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Features of the inventive concept and methods of accomplishing the same may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout. The present disclosure, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, processes, elements, and techniques that are not necessary to those having ordinary skill in the art for a complete understanding of the aspects and features of the present disclosure may not be described. Unless otherwise noted, like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and the written description, and thus, descriptions thereof will not be repeated. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the relative sizes of elements, layers, and regions shown may be exaggerated for clarity.

With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, embodiments of a transport assembly 10 include a plurality of storage containers (or bins) 11 and a corresponding plurality of lids 12, either or both of which may be constructed of injection-molded plastic, as known in the art. Suitable construction materials include, for example, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and combinations thereof. Each storage container 11 has an interior volume (e.g., 27 gallons) configured to receive for storage and safe-keeping a variety of items which may be placed inside the container 11 by a user and protected, especially when enclosed in the interior volume by the lid 12. The storage container has a bottom 14, first and second opposing side walls 16, and first and second opposing end walls 18, which together define the interior volume. Configured as a peripheral rim 24R by which a container 11 can be carried, an upper edge 24 defines an opening into the interior volume that is sealed by a lid 12 when placed on and releasably engaged with the upper edge 24 of the side and end walls 16, 18. It is understood that the construction material of the container and the lid provides a degree of elastic flexibility such that the user can snap the lid onto the container and snap the lid off from the container.

The upper edge 24 extends laterally beyond the side and end walls 16, 18 and has an outer portion that juts out as the peripheral rim 24R by which the container can be moved, lifted or carried by a user. The profile of the container is tapered in that the side walls 16 and end walls 18 of each container 11 extend outwardly from the bottom 14 so that the generally rectangular horizontal cross-section of the container decreases from the upper edge 24 to the bottom 14. The tapered profile enables the containers to nest with each other in forming a container stack 30, where only generally the upper edge 24 of an upper container is exposed or visible when stacked inside a lower container. The height of a container stack 30 is therefore generally equal to the height HH of a bottom-most container 12B plus the height HP of the peripheral rim 24R of each container stacked above. As such, the container stack 30 efficiently minimizes the occupation of space by the containers during storage and transport.

As also shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, each lid 12 has a generally rectangular planar portion 12P and a downwardly-extending peripheral flange 22 that includes two side flanges 22S and two end flanges 22E. The lids 12 are also configured to nest with each other, or at least rest or sit in a stable manner on top of each other, informing a lid stack 32. Each lid 12 has a height HL. Thus the height of the lid stack 32 is generally the total of the height HL of each lid of the stack.

As the lids 12 are configured to releasably engage with the containers 11, the lid stack 32 can be engaged with the container stack 30 by a user snap-fitting a bottom lid 12B of the lid stack 32 with an uppermost container 11U of the container stack 30 to form an assembly stack 34. It is understood that any plurality of containers and any plurality of lids can be stacked together to form the assembly stack 34, with the side flanges 22S of the lids 12 in vertical alignment with corresponding side walls 16 of the containers 11 (see FIG. 3) and end flanges 22E of the lids 12 in vertical alignment with corresponding end walls 18 of the containers 11 (FIG. 4). The total height of the assembly stack 34 is therefore the height HH of the bottommost container 12B, the peripheral rim height HP of each container stacked above the bottommost container 12B, and the height HL of each lid stacked above the containers, less one height HL where the bottommost lid 12B is snapped onto the uppermost container 11U.

In some embodiments, a common plurality of stacked lids and of stacked containers each ranges between two and eight. In the illustrated embodiment, four lids are stacked on top of four stacked containers.

The stacked assembly 34 includes a protective top or upper member 36 and a protective bottom or lower member 38 as protective packaging. The top member 36 is positioned above the lid stack 32 and the bottom member 38 is positioned below the container stack 30 such that the assembly stack 34, including the lid stack 32 and the container stack 34, is sandwiched between the top and bottom members 36, 38.

With reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG. 5, the top member 36 has a main generally-rectangular panel 36M, with two opposing generally-rectangular side panels 36S that extend downwardly from the main panel. As such, the top member 36 may be described as a two-sided tray in some embodiments. The main panel 36M is configured to conform generally identically to the shape and size of the lid planar portion 12P, such that when the main panel 34M is placed on the lid stack 32 the main panel 36M covers an uppermost lid 12U and the side panels 36S overhang to extend downwardly. In the illustrated embodiment, the side panels 36S hang down next to all of the flanges 22S of the lid stack 32, leaving exposed at least the bottommost container 11B from the reach of the side panels 36S. Also exposed may be the peripheral rims 24 of the containers 12 stacked below the lids, except for the peripheral rim of the uppermost container 11U which is hidden by the bottommost lid 12B.

With reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the bottom member 38 has a generally-rectangular main panel 38M, with two opposing generally-rectangular side panels 38S and two opposing generally-rectangular end panels 38E that extend upwardly from the main panel 38M. As such, the bottom member 38 may be described as a four-sided tray in some embodiments. The main panel 38M is configured to conform generally identically to the size and shape of the bottom of the container 11. When the bottom member 38 is placed below the container stack 30 the bottom member 38 covers the bottom 14 of a bottom-most container 11B, and the bottom-most container 11B is nested in and closely surrounded by the side and end panels 38S, 38E. In some embodiments, the height H of the side panels 38S and 38E may range between 10.0% to 50% of the height HH of the container 11. In some embodiments, the range is between 15.0% to 20.0%.

In some embodiments of the container 11, the side walls 16 are configured with outwardly extending formations or extrusions 40 (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 3) which can increase structural integrity of the side walls and/or facilitate stacking of the containers. The extrusions 40 span downwardly from the upper edge 24 of the container and can be generally rectangular with a linear bottom edge 42 that is a predetermined distance D from the bottom 14. In some embodiments, the height H of the side panels 38S (if not also of the end panels 38E) is no greater than the distance D so the side panels 38S are generally free from contact with the extrusions 40 and the extrusions 40 do not interfere with the side panels 38S in preventing the bottom member 38 from fitting in conformity with a bottom portion 14B of the container 11 that surrounds the bottom 14 of the container.

In some embodiments, each side wall 16 has two extrusions 40A, 40B, one generally centered in a left half of the side wall and the other generally centered in a right half of the side wall. In some embodiments, each extrusion may span an area ranging between 20% to 30% of the area of a side panel 16. In some embodiments, each extrusion may span an area of about 25% of the area of the side panel 16.

With the assembly stack 34, inclusive of the lid stack 32 and the container stack 30, sandwiched between the top member 36 and the bottom member 38, the assembly 10 further includes at least one tensile member or strap 50 that encircles the top and bottom members 36, 38 and the assembly stack 34 circumferentially (in a vertical plane). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, the assembly includes two straps 50, 51, each encircling the stack 34 in a vertical plane forming a loop that extends (i) across the top member 36 of packaging, horizontally, (ii) down a side panel 36S of the top member 36, down side walls 16 of the container stack 30, generally bisecting a respective extrusion 40 of the container stack 30, and down a side panel 38S of the bottom member 38, all vertically, (iii) across the bottom member 38 of packaging, horizontally, (iv) up the opposing side panel 38S of the bottom member 38, up the opposing side walls 16 of the container stack 30, generally bisecting a respective extrusion 40, and up the opposing side panel 36S of the top member 36, all vertically. The straps are advantageously positioned over the extrusions in view of the recognition that the extrusions provide structural support and thus the containers are less likely to buckle under excessive circumferential compression force exerted by the straps.

With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, fold lines 44 between the main panel 36M of the top member 36 and the side panels 36S serve as protection of the edges of the upper most lid 12U from possible damage, including possible damage by the straps 50, 51. With reference to FIG. 2 and FIG. 6, fold lines 46 between the main panel 38M of the bottom member 38 and the side panels 38S of the bottom member 38 serve as protection of the lower edges of the bottom-most container 11B from possible damage, including possible damage by the straps. Advantageously, a horizontal space gap 60, as seen in FIG. 2, between the straps 50, 51 and the extrusions 40 due to the upper edge 24 extending or jutting beyond the extrusions 40 which allows the straps in that space gap to serve as a “handle” by which a user can manuever the assembly 10. It is especially noted that the top and bottom members 36, 38 are configured to leave exposed a mid-portion of the assembly 10, for example, the peripheral rim 24R of at least one container (e.g., bottom-most container 11B) by which a user can move, lift or carry the stacked containers 11 (if not the entirety of the assembly 10) readily and conveniently as originally intended by the peripheral rim 24R of the container. In some embodiments, the containers 11 are typically carried by the peripheral rim 24R in the region of the end walls 18, and this section of the peripheral rim 24R advantageously remains exposed by the top member 36 and the straps 50, 51. It is understood that with different plurality of containers 11 and lids 12 in the assembly stack 34, the height of the assembly stack 34 varies and thus the number and area of containers and/or lids exposed between the top and bottom members 36 and 38 can vary.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, where a first assembly 10a consists of two containers 11a and two lids 12a and a second assembly 10b consists of six containers 11b and six lids 12b, identically configured top members 36a and 36b with identical side panels 36Sa and 36Sb hang differently relative to the assemblies 10a, 10b. In particular, free or bottom edges 37a and 37b of the side panels 36Sa, 36Sb are at different heights Ha, Hb relative to respective assemblies 10a, 10b despite the side panels 36Sa and 36Sb having the same height dimensions H36. However, vertical gaps 47a, 47b (with different height dimensions) advantageously remains in each assembly 10a, 10b, between each set of top and bottom members 36a, 36a and 38b, 38b, such that at least a mid portion of each the bottommost containers 11Ba, 11Bb of each assembly remains exposed for viewing and a horizontal space gap 60a, 60b remains for each assembly 10a, 10b such that the straps 50, 51 next to the space gaps can be used as “handles.” It is understood that the top and bottom members 36, 38 can be configured to provide different vertical gaps therebetween for assemblies that have the same or different plurality of lids and containers stacked. That is, for example, for either of the assemblies illustrated in FIG. 11A and 11B, the vertical gap 47a between the edges 37a and 39a of a two container/two lid assembly, and the vertical gap 47b between the edges 37b and 39b of a six container/six lid assembly can vary (e.g., see broken lines 37a, 39a, 37b, 39b in FIG. 11A) depending on the dimensions of the side panels and/or end panels of the top and/or bottom members, in leaving an exposed portion therebetween.

Embodiments of the assembly 10 advantageously minimize the amount of material used in the construction of the top and bottom members, which reduces manufacturing costs, and shipping costs by reducing weight and volume. The amount of packaging waste is also reduced, all while providing the desired protection of the packaged lids and storage containers and allowing the easy handling of the assembly through the use of existing “handles” such as the peripheral rim 24R of the containers.

The top and bottom packaging member 36, 38 can be constructed of any suitable material that provides sufficient durability and structure. Suitable materials include corrugated carboard, and the like.

With reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the top packaging member 36, with the main panel 36M and the two opposing side panels 36S, is formed contiguously from a flat sheet 80 of a suitable material, with a main or primary area 82 that is at least as large as a lid 12, and with secondary areas 84 to form side panels 36S. The fold lines 44 may be defined by visual indicators (e.g., dotted lines 86), and be pre-creased and/or perforated to facilitate folding the side panels 36S to depend from the main panel 36M. As illustrated embodiment, the main area 82 is generally rectangular with four sides (two exposed, and two contiguous, each with a respective secondary area 84). Each of the secondary areas 84 is also generally rectangular, with four sides (three exposed and one contiguous with the main area 82).

With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 9, in some embodiments, the bottom packaging member 38 with the two opposing side panels 38S and the two opposing end panels 38E, is formed contiguously from a flat sheet 90 of suitable material with a main or primary area 92 that conforms to or is at least as large as a bottom 14 of a container 11, and with secondary areas 94 to form the panels 38S and 38E. The flat sheet 90 may include fold lines 44 that may be defined by visual indicators 96 and be pre-creased and/or perforated.

As illustrated embodiment, the main area 92 is generally rectangular with four sides (each contiguous with a respective secondary area 94). Each of the secondary areas 84 is also generally rectangular, each with four sides (three exposed and one contiguous with the main area 82).

In some embodiments, corners 38C of the bottom member 38 may be formed from fastening adjacent edges 98 of the secondary areas 94 to each other in any suitable manner, e.g., adhesive 102 and/or adhesive tape 104, as shown in FIG. 10.

With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 11, in some embodiments, the corners 38C may also be formed from overlapping flaps 97 of the end panels 38E which are extended secondary areas 94 of the flat sheet 90 but detached from the adjacent side panel 38S by a cut line 100. Each flap 97 is folded toward the adjacent side panel and affixed to either the inner or outer surface of the adjacent side panel. It is understood that the overlapping flaps may also be formed from the side panels 38S but detached from the adjacent end panel by a cut line (perpendicular to the cut line 100), where each flap is folded toward the adjacent end panel and affixed thereto.

Notably, the overlapping flaps 97 may be a full extension of the secondary area 94 next to the adjacent panel or it may be a smaller configured tab 95. In any case, the overlapping flaps 97 or tabs 95 may be affixed to the adjacent panel in any suitable manner, e.g., adhesive, adhesive tape and/or stapling.

It is understood that features and methods applicable to the construction, assembly and/or use of the top member 36 may be applicable to the construction, assembly and/or use of the bottom member 38, and vice versa. For example, the top member may take the form of a four-sided tray and the bottom member may take the form of a two-sided tray, and the height dimensions of the side and end panels of the top and bottom members may be varied so that the vertical gap between the top and bottom members may vary regardless of the plurality of lids and containers forming the transport assembly.

In some embodiments, the straps 50, 51 include plastic, polyester or polypropylene straps, or poly cords. In some embodiments, the straps include metal or steel wires. In some embodiments, the straps include straps of fabric or woven material.

It is understood that in some embodiments the assembly 10 includes one or more straps and only of either the top member 36 or the bottom member 38 to package the assembly stack 34.

In some embodiments, to assemble the assembly 10, a plurality of storage containers 11 are stacked and a plurality of lids 12 are stacked on top of the storage containers. The bottom member 38 is placed under the storage containers with the side panels 38S where there is close conformity between the bottom member and the storage containers 11 and the height H of the side panels 38S and end panels 38E does not exceed the distance D between the bottom edge 42 of the extrusions 40 and the bottom 14 of the storage container 11 such that the side and end panels avoid interfering with the fit or nesting of the bottommost container 11B in the bottom member 38. The top member 36 is placed on the stack of lids 32 such that the main panel 36M sits atop the lids with the side panels 36S hanging down and covering the side flanges 22 of all the lids of the stack. The top and bottom members 36, 38 do not overlap-they remain separated by a gap that leaves exposed at least the upper edge 24 or peripheral rim 24R of at least one container 11.

The straps 50, 51 are then wrapped around the assembly 10, each forming a loop that extends over the top and the bottom members 36, 38 and everything sandwiched therebetween, with each strap extending over an extrusion 40 on the side panels of the stacked containers 11. The assembly 10 can be conveniently held by the upper edge 24 and/or by the straps 50, 51 especially in the gap near the extrusions 40. The top member 36 protects the lids. The bottom member 38 protects the bottom of the bottommost container 11B.

On display for sale, the assembly 10 can remain intact for inspection as a prospective buyer can inspect at least the bottommost container 12B that is generally exposed between the top and bottom members 36, 38, and also end flanges 22E of the lids under the top member 36. Upon purchase or at anytime a more detailed inspection is desired, the straps 50, 51 can be cut to release the top and bottom members from the assembly 10, as well as the lids and the containers.

In the preceding description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. It is apparent, however, that various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements.

Variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Further, specific structural or functional descriptions disclosed herein are merely illustrative for the purpose of describing embodiments according to the concept of the present disclosure. Thus, embodiments disclosed herein should not be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing. Thus, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a region of a device and are not intended to be limiting. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

It is understood that descriptive words such as top, bottom, up, down, left, right, front, rear, vertical, horizontal, and the like, are relative and used merely for ease of reading or understanding and is not intended to be limiting in the scope of the present invention or its embodiments.

The foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments, and is not to be construed as limiting thereof. Although a few example embodiments have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of example embodiments. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of example embodiments as defined in the claims. Therefore, it is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of example embodiments and is not to be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications to the disclosed example embodiments, as well as other example embodiments, are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. The inventive concept is defined by the following claims, with equivalents of the claims to be included therein.

Claims

1. A transport assembly, comprising:

a stack of storage containers, each storage container having a bottom, first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls, and an upper edge extending around an opening of the container;

a stack of lids above the stack of storage containers;

a top member positioned above the stack of lids, the top member having a main top panel and first and second opposing side panels, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers;

a bottom member positioned below the stack of storage containers, the bottom member having a main bottom panel, first and second opposing side panels, and first and second opposing end panels, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers, the first end panels being in general alignment with the first end walls of the stack of storage containers, and the second end panels being in general alignment with the second end walls of the stack of storage containers; and

a strap extending circumferentially around the top member, the stack of lids, the stack of storage containers and the bottom member.

2. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein each lid has first and second side flanges and first and second end flanges, and the first side panel of the top member covers the first side flanges of the stack of lids, and the second side panel of the top member covers the second side flanges of the stack of lids.

3. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein the upper edge of at least one storage container is exposed.

4. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein each side wall of at least one storage container has an extrusion, and the strap extends over the extrusion.

5. The transport assembly of claim 1, having a first strap and a second strap, and each side wall of at least one storage container has a first extrusion and a second extrusion, and the first strap extends over the first extrusion and the second strap extends over the second extrusion.

6. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein a bottommost storage container has a side wall with extrusions and the side panels of the bottom member remain below the extrusions.

7. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein the stack of storage containers consists of four storage containers and the stack of lids consists of four lids.

8. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein the top member and the bottom member are constructed of corrugated cardboard.

9. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein the top member has a construction of a sheet material with a main area that forms the main panel with two opposing sides, and an secondary area on each of two opposing sides that is folded into forming a side panel.

10. The transport assembly of claim 1, wherein the bottom member has a construction of a sheet material with a main area that forms the main panel with four sides, and four secondary areas, each having one side that is contiguous with the main area wherein first and second secondary areas are folded into forming the first and second side panels, respectively and third and fourth secondary areas area folded into forming the first and second end panels.

11. The transport assembly of claim 10, wherein adjacent edges of the first side panel and the first end panel are affixed together to form a corner.

12. The transport assembly of claim 10, wherein each of the four secondary areas include an extended secondary area that overlaps an adjacent panel and is affixed thereto.

13. A transport assembly, comprising:

a stack of storage containers, each storage container having a bottom, first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls, and an upper edge extending around an opening of the container;

a stack of lids above the stack of storage containers;

a top tray positioned above the stack of lids, the top tray having a main top panel and first and second side panels extending downwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers;

a bottom tray positioned below the stack of storage containers, the bottom tray having a main bottom panel, first and second opposing side panels that extend upwardly, and first and second opposing end panels that extend upwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers, the first end panels being in general alignment with the first end walls of the stack of storage containers, and the second end panels being in general alignment with the second end walls of the stack of storage containers; and

a first strap and a second strap, each extending circumferentially around the top tray, the stack of lids, the stack of storage containers and the bottom tray.

14. The transport assembly of claim 13, wherein a height of the side panels of the bottom tray ranges between about 10% to 50% of a height of a storage container.

15. The transport assembly of claim 13, wherein a height of the side panels of the bottom tray ranges between 15% to 20% of a height of a storage container.

16. A transport assembly, comprising:

a stack of storage containers, each storage container having a bottom, first and second opposing side walls and first and second opposing end walls, and an upper edge extending around an opening of the container, each side wall having a first extrusion and a second extrusion;

a stack of lids above the stack of storage containers;

a top tray positioned above the stack of lids, the top tray having a main top panel and first and second side panels extending downwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers;

a bottom tray positioned below the stack of storage containers, the bottom tray having a main bottom panel, first and second opposing side panels that extend upwardly, and first and second opposing end panels that extend upwardly, the first side panels in general alignment with the first side walls of the stack of storage containers, the second side panels in general alignment with the second side walls of the stack of storage containers, the first end panels being in general alignment with the first end walls of the stack of storage containers, and the second end panels being in general alignment with the second end walls of the stack of storage containers; and

a first strap and a second strap, each extending circumferentially around the top tray, the stack of lids, the stack of storage containers and the bottom tray, the first strap extending over the first extrusion and the second strap extending over the second extrusion,

wherein the extrusions are exposed between the upper and lower trays.

17. The transport assembly of claim 16, wherein a height of the side and end panels of the bottom tray are less than or equal to a distance between the bottom of the container and the extrusions.

18. The transport assembly of claim 16, wherein the top and bottom trays include corrugated cardboard.

19. The transport assembly of claim 16, wherein the top tray is constructed from one sheet of corrugated cardboard.

20. The transport assembly of claim 16, wherein the bottom tray is constructed from one sheet of corrugated cardboard.