Nestable display crate for bottles with handle feature

US5855277A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Rehrig Pacific Company · US

Inventors

• William P. Apps · Anaheim, US
• Gerald R. Koefelda · Hermosa Beach, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 7, 1997
• Grant date: Jan 5, 1999
• Expiry date: Jul 7, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65D2501/24808
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A low depth, nestable display crate for bottles, preferably of single serve capacity, is integrally molded from plastic and comprises two basic components--a floor and a wall structure extending up from the floor and extending around the periphery of the floor. The floor preferably has an open lattice design and includes container support areas. The bottom surface of the floor is configured for accommodating the tops of bottles in a similar crate underneath. The wall structure comprises a lower wall portion adjacent the floor and a plurality of integrally formed pylons arranged around the periphery of the crate. The pylons are hollow and tapered so that pylons of empty crates can nest within one another. Handles are integrally formed to extend between pylons on opposing walls to provide handle bars flush with the tops of the pylons. This configuration of the handles provides sufficient clearance for a user's hands to grasp the handle bars in either a palm-up or palm-down position to facilitate handling of the crate and alleviate hand and wrist fatigue and prevent injuries. The crate of the present invention combines the advantages of a nesting crate with sufficient strength afforde…