Container for the shipment and display of a product

Abstract

A container for the shipment and display of a product includes a four-sided, corrugated sleeve that is selectively enclosed by a pair of opposing plastic trays. The inner surface of each tray includes an outer flange and an inner flange which together define a continuous peripheral groove which is dimensioned to fittingly receive either the open top end or the open bottom end of the sleeve during the assembly process. The continuous nature and depth of the peripheral groove simplifies the orientation of components during assembly and additionally minimizes the risk of any considerable bulging of the sleeve upon the loading of product therewithin. In its assembled state, the container adequately protects the product during shipment while maintaining adequate ventilation. Upon completion of shipment, the top tray and sleeve can be removed, leaving the product displayed on the bottom tray at the point-of-sale without any direct handling required.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container for the shipment and display of a product, the container comprising:
 (a) a sleeve having an open top end and an open bottom end; and   (b) a pair of opposing trays releasably mounted on the top and bottom ends of the sleeve, each of the pair of opposing trays comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a peripheral edge, each of the pair of opposing trays additionally comprising a continuous outer flange formed on the inner surface along the entirety of the peripheral edge and a continuous inner flange formed on the inner surface spaced at a fixed distance inward from the continuous outer flange;   (c) wherein the inner surface, the outer flange and the inner flange on each of the pair of opposing trays together define a continuous, peripheral groove which is dimensioned to fittingly receive either of the open top end and the open bottom end of the sleeve.   
     
     
         2 . The container as claimed in  claim 1  wherein each of the pair of opposing trays is constructed as a unitary plastic member. 
     
     
         3 . The container as claimed in  claim 2  wherein each of the pair of opposing trays is shaped to define a central opening. 
     
     
         4 . The container is claimed in  claim 2  wherein each of the continuous outer and inner flanges projects orthogonally out from the inner surface at a fixed height. 
     
     
         5 . The container as claimed in  claim 4  wherein each of the continuous outer and inner flanges projects orthogonally out from the inner surface at a fixed height of approximately 0.38 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The container as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the continuous inner flange is formed on the inner surface of each of the pair of opposing trays at a fixed distance inward from the continuous outer flange of approximately 0.31 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The container as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is constructed as a unitary, corrugated member. 
     
     
         8 . The container as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the sleeve is constructed as a unitary, corrugated plastic member. 
     
     
         9 . The container as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the sleeve is constructed as a unitary, corrugated plastic member having a thickness of approximately 0.31 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The container as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the sleeve includes four sidewalls. 
     
     
         11 . The container as claimed in  claim 10  wherein each of the four sidewalls is provided with a set of openings. 
     
     
         12 . The container as claimed in  claim 11  wherein the set of openings in each of the four sidewalls is in alignment with the set of openings in its opposing sidewall to promote laminar airflow through the container upon assembly. 
     
     
         13 . The container as claimed in  claim 10  wherein the sleeve is adapted to be collapsed into a flattened, generally planar configuration.