Layered product stacking structure

Abstract

A product-stacking structure that holds a plurality of products on a horizontal base and includes a plurality of side sections extending generally upright from the horizontal base section (e.g., walls). The walls are configured and dimensioned for retaining bottom features of the products within. The horizontal base includes a horizontal base surface and a void region creating a boundary that restricts movement of upper features of the products in at least one horizontal direction. The product-stacking structure also includes a supportive pad affixed to the first portion over the horizontal bottom section and within the plurality of side sections to cover the void region and configured for supporting products stacked thereon.

1 . A product-stacking structure configured to hold a plurality of products having a top and bottom feature comprising:
 a horizontal base including a horizontal base surface and an internal lateral edge that defines a central void; and   a supportive pad configured and having sufficient strength for supporting products stacked thereon with the pad supported on similar products therebelow, the pad having a first pad surface and being affixed to the horizontal base covering the void region with the internal edge positioned proud of the first pad surface, the internal edge creating a boundary that restricts horizontal movement of features of the products that are positioned within the void.   
     
     
         2 . The stacking structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of sidewalls extending generally upright from the horizontal base and configured and dimensioned for retaining features of the products therebetween. 
     
     
         3 . The stacking structure of  claim 2 , wherein the supportive pad is disposed within the plurality of side sections. 
     
     
         4 . The stacking structure of  claim 2 , wherein the boundary and side sections are configured to hold outer edges of the plurality of products, such that the plurality of products are held together against each other. 
     
     
         6 . The stacking structure of  claim 2 , wherein a height of the plurality of sidewalls and a thickness of the surface region are configured to expose at least a major portion of the products adjacent the sidewalls for viewing. 
     
     
         7 . The stacking structure of  claim 2 , wherein the horizontal base and side sections are constructed from a unitary blank. 
     
     
         8 . The stacking structure of  claim 1 , wherein the horizontal base is constructed from a corrugated paper structure, and the supportive pad is constructed from a honeycomb sandwich material. 
     
     
         9 . The stacking structure of  claim 1 , wherein the internal lateral edge defines a plurality of separate void regions. 
     
     
         10 . A product-stacking structure configured to hold a plurality of products having a top and bottom feature comprising:
 first portion that includes:
 a horizontal base including a horizontal base surface and an internal lateral edge that defines a central void region, and 
 a plurality of sidewalls extending generally upright from the horizontal base; and 
   a supportive pad configured and having sufficient strength for supporting products stacked thereon with the pad supported on similar products therebelow, the pad having first and second pad surfaces on opposite sides thereof, the first pad surface being affixed to the horizontal base covering the void region with the internal edge positioned proud of the first pad surface;   wherein the internal edge creating a boundary that restricts horizontal movement of features of the products that are positioned within the void, and the sidewalls extending beyond the second pad surface sufficiently for retaining features of products therebetween.   
     
     
         11 . The stacking structure of  claim 10 , wherein the first portion is made of corrugated cardboard and the pad is made of a honeycomb sandwich material. 
     
     
         12 . A stacked product arrangement, comprising:
 first and second stacking structures as described in  claim 10 ; and   a first plurality of products supported on the first stacking structures and prevented from sliding laterally by the first stacking structure sidewalls;   a second plurality of products supported on the second stacking structure and prevented from sliding laterally by the second stacking structure sidewalls;   wherein the second stacking structure is disposed and supported on the first products, which are received within the void region of the second stacking structure, thereby retaining the second stacking structure laterally on the first products.   
     
     
         13 . The stacked product arrangement of  claim 12 , wherein the first and second products have a same shape.