Stackable container with removable holders

Abstract

A stackable container ( 100 ) for storing panels includes a box ( 61 ) including a plurality of sidewalls ( 62, 64 ) and a bottom ( 63 ), the sidewalls and bottom cooperatively defining a receiving space having an opening ( 66 ); and a holding means ( 70, 80, 90 ) removably engaged in the box, for receiving and holding the panels in the box; wherein an area of the opening is larger than an area of the bottom. When the stackable container is not in use, the holding means can be removed, so that the box is empty. A plurality of the boxes can then easily be stacked. In addition, a plurality of the holding means can be easily stored together. Consequently, the stackable container saves a great deal of space during storage and transportation thereof. Thus, the costs of storage and transportation of the stackable container are reduced.

1 . A stackable container for storing panels, comprising: 
 a box including a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom, the sidewalls and bottom cooperatively defining a receiving space having an opening; and    a holding means removably engaged in the box, for receiving and holding the panels in the box;    wherein an area of the opening is larger than an area of the bottom.    
   
   
       2 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the holding means comprises a pair of first slotted members removably engaged between two opposite second sidewalls of the box.  
   
   
       3 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the sidewalls include a pair of opposite first sidewalls and the pair of opposite second sidewalls, the four sidewalls being sloped such that the box is flared from bottom to top.  
   
   
       4 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 2 , further comprising a cover, the cover and the box cooperatively defining a sealed space.  
   
   
       5 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the box further includes a flange surrounding the opening, and the cover defines a peripheral channel, the channel fasteningly receiving the flange.  
   
   
       6 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 5 , wherein a gasket is disposed in the channel in order to increase hermetic sealing of the cover.  
   
   
       7 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the holding means further comprises a slotted bottom beam engaged on the bottom of the box.  
   
   
       8 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 3 , wherein each second sidewall has two first fastening sockets, each first slotted member has a first fastening protrusion at each of opposite ends thereof, and the first fastening protrusions are removably engaged in the first fastening sockets such that the first slotted members are removably engaged in the box.  
   
   
       9 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 7 , wherein a middle part of the bottom of the box defines a second recess, each second sidewall further has a third fastening socket corresponding to the second recess, the slotted bottom beam has a third fastening protrusion at each of opposite ends thereof, and the third fastening protrusions are removably engaged in the third fastening sockets such that the slotted bottom beam is removably engaged in the second recess.  
   
   
       10 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the holding means further comprises a pair of second slotted members engaged on the bottom of the box adjacent the first sidewalls respectively.  
   
   
       11 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the bottom of the box defines a pair of first recesses adjacent the first sidewalls respectively, each second sidewall has two second fastening sockets at both comers thereof respectively, each second slotted member has a second fastening protrusion at each of opposite ends thereof, and the second slotted members are removably engaged in the first recesses, with the second fastening protrusions being removably engaged in the second fastening sockets.  
   
   
       12 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the first slotted members are made of expanded polypropylene.  
   
   
       13 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 7 , wherein the slotted bottom beam is made of expanded polypropylene.  
   
   
       14 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the second slotted members are made of expanded polypropylene.  
   
   
       15 . The stackable container as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the box is made of a plastic that can prevent the buildup of static electricity.  
   
   
       16 . A stackable container assembly comprising: 
 a plurality of containers stacked upon one another, each of said containers including a box defined by four side walls and a bottom wall which commonly constitute a receiving space with a top opening;    at least an abutment device formed on an interior surface of at least one of the bottom wall and the side walls for not only supporting another container which is stacked thereon and is essentially located in the receiving space, but also positioning corresponding holding devices which are positioned on said interior surface for holding panels in a parallel relation with one another when said another container is removed from the receiving space through said top opening.    
   
   
       17 . The stackable container assembly as claimed in  16 , wherein said at least one of the bottom wall and the side wall is the bottom wall.  
   
   
       18 . A stackable container assembly comprising: 
 a container defining a box configuration with a bottom wall and four side walls which commonly form a receiving space being upwardly open to an exterior; and at least one raised device formed on an exterior surface of at least one of said bottom wall and said side walls; wherein    said at least one raised device is configured to cooperate with at least one of said bottom wall and said side walls to position a holding device, which is removably disposed in the receiving space and defines slots for holding panels.    
   
   
       19 . The stackable container assembly as claimed in  claim 18 , wherein said raised device further provides a spacing function to supportably position another container under a condition that the holding device is removed from the receiving space and said another container is essentially stacked upon the container and disposed in the receiving space instead for saving space in storing a plurality of containers.