International Paper Company

John A Evans

William F Moss

Stephen R Byrski

Brian K Jambois

John Randall Boutin

Marty Patrickus

Darcy Meyer

Steve Mynes

The present invention relates generally to a container for shipping, storing and handling a plurality of items. More particularly, the present invention relates to a container for shipping, storing and handling a plurality of items, wherein the items are held securely in place so as to prevent damage thereto during transportation.

Packaging system for shipping a plurality of items

A corrugated paperboard bulk box has opposed pairs of parallel side walls, and in a preferred embodiment, has interposed diagonal corner panels to form an octagonal box. The bottom of the box is closed by first and second opposed pairs of flaps, wherein a T-shaped locking tab is formed on the free edge of one of the flaps of the first pair, and a notch is formed in the free edge of each of the flaps of the second pair. In erecting the box, the flaps of the first pair are first folded inwardly over the bottom of the box, with the free edges thereof confronting one another and the flaps lying in substantially flush, coplanar relationship. The flaps of the second pair are then folded inwardly over the first pair, with the free edges of the flaps of the second pair lying in confronting relationship with one another and the notches therein defining a central opening. The locking tab is pulled outwardly through the central opening to lock the flaps in their inwardly folded relationship and define a smooth interior bottom surface in the box.

Bulk box with a quick lock bottom and smooth interior bottom surface

A corrugated paperboard bulk box has opposed pairs of parallel side walls, and in a preferred embodiment, has interposed diagonal corner panels to form an octagonal box. The bottom of the box is closed by opposed pairs of interlocking major and minor bottom flaps, wherein one pair of flaps have notches in their free edges and the other pair of flaps have T-shaped locking tabs in their free edges. The notches form a central opening in the bottom when the flaps are folded closed, and the locking tabs are pushed through the opening to lock the flaps closed. Aligning tabs project outwardly from opposite side edges of one pair of opposed bottom flaps, and complemental slots are formed at the folding connection of another pair of bottom flaps, so that when the flaps are folded inwardly toward one another, the tabs extend into the slots to square the box and hold it square.

Bulk box with quick-lock bottom and set-up feature

Growing community of inventors

N. Huntingdon, PA, United States of America

John A Evans