Bin loader package and method

Abstract

A bin loader package for shipping, storing and dispensing cut paper directly into the paper supply bin of a photocopier, printer or other equipment which uses the paper and which has a storage compartment for storing a supply of paper used in the operation of the equipment. The package includes a box enclosure having opposite side walls, opposite end walls, a top wall and a bottom wall, enclosing a stack of paper sheets to be used in the equipment. The enclosure is defined by interengaged first and second members which enclose and protect the paper during shipment, storage and handling. The entire package is placed in the paper supply bin of the equipment, and one of the members separated from the other and lifted away from the stack of paper and out of the paper supply bin to expose the paper and deposit it directly from the package into the paper supply bin. In one form of the invention, the interengaged members constitute telescopically interengaged tubular members having side walls and opposite open ends, with the side walls of each member closing the open ends of the other member. In use of this form of the invention, one of the members is slid horizontally out of the paper supply bin to open the bottom of the package, and enable the other member to be lifted vertically away from the stack of paper to deposit the paper onto the elevator platform of the paper supply bin. In another form of the invention, a first member has side walls and an open bottom, and a second member has a bottom panel extending across and closing the open bottom of the first member. In use, the first member is released from the second member and the second member is then lifted upwardly out of the paper supply bin to expose the paper and deposit it onto the elevator platform of the paper supply bin.