Title:
LIVING MATERIALS SHIPPING SYSTEM
United States Patent 3730418
Abstract:
A disposable shipping system for living materials, such as small animals, includes a number of individual compartments placed in multiples of two or more in a carrying case that may be transported without injuring the animals.
US Patent References:
Small animal house
Curn - January 1962 - 3016042
Mobile container for carrying and accommodating domestic animals
Patten - November 1964 - 3156213
Small animal shipping cage
Hunt - February 1967 - 3306258
Ice cream container
Leiper - August 1932 - 1875044
Ventilated container
Pouchain - August 1931 - 1818908
Small animal house
Curn - January 1962 - 3016042
Mobile container for carrying and accommodating domestic animals
Patten - November 1964 - 3156213
Small animal shipping cage
Hunt - February 1967 - 3306258
Ice cream container
Leiper - August 1932 - 1875044
Ventilated container
Pouchain - August 1931 - 1818908
Application Number:
05/133203
Publication Date:
05/01/1973
Filing Date:
04/12/1971
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Primary Class:
Other Classes:
119/499, 119/497, 229/127, 229/120, 229/115, 229/117.140, 229/120.100, 229/120.320, 229/122, 229/183, 229/112
International Classes:
B65D5/42; B65D5/49; B65D85/50; B65D5/48; B65D5/48
Field of Search:
119/19 229/6A,22,27R
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Norton, Donald F.
Claims:
What is claimed is
1. Living materials shipping apparatus comprising,
2. Living materials shipping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said carrier comprises a bottom, sides sloping upward and inward from said bottom and joined together at their tops,
1. Living materials shipping apparatus comprising,
2. Living materials shipping apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said carrier comprises a bottom, sides sloping upward and inward from said bottom and joined together at their tops,
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to shipping living materials and more particularly concerns novel containers for shipping living materials, such as animals, that are low enough in cost to be disposable while affording good protection of animals being carried.
It is an important object of this invention to provide a structurally sound shipping container for living material.
Another object of the invention is to achieve the preceding object with a well ventilated container suitable for shipping a number of animals.
It is another object of the invention to achieve one or more of the preceding objects with a disposable container.
It is another object of the invention to achieve one or more of the preceding objects with a container that remains normally upright and is difficult to tip over.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a shipping container in accordance with the preceding object having means for accommodating individual pets in individual containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A container according to the invention comprises a base of area greater than the area of the top. The top is formed with a screen opening. An operable bottom section comprises about one half the surface area for receiving an animal to be carried whereby the remainder of the unit may be closed over the animal with top means for locking the bottom section closed for transit. Preferably there are a plurality of such containers and a carrier for receiving the container. The carrier is of substantially triangular cross section and includes openings for receiving the containers defined by horizontal and vertical mating partitions. The ends of the carrier may be folded over the openings and taped shut to help reinforce the carrier. Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification when read in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 shows an animal container according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container open;
FIG. 3 is a cutaway section and end view of the container;
FIG. 4 is a perspective of a carrier for the container;
FIG. 5 is a structural member for insertion within the carrier;
FIG. 6 is a view of a horizontal structural member for insertion within the carrier;
FIG. 7 is an end view of the carrier showing the central reinforcing structure; and
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sealed container ready for shipment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference now to the drawing and more particularly FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a perspective view of a container according to the invention. Container 11 is made of corrugated cardboard, such as 200 No. "B" Flute corrugated Kraft. Container 11 is formed with an opening 14 covered by screen 12 secured to the top by means such as staples 13. Screen 12 may be of aluminum, nylon or other suitable material. A stored animal may breathe and be observed through the screen while being prevented from escaping. The screen thus comprises ventilating means formed with openings large enough to permit observation and air flow therethrough and small enough to confine living material to the inside thereof.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of container 11 tipped on its side with bottom flap 19 open. The animal to be carried is placed on flap 19, and the container moved upright. Tab 15 may then be tucked in to completely enclose the animal. If desired, tape may be applied to flap 19 to hold it in place. With the animal on flap 19 and container 11 upright, tape is usually not really necessary.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a sectional view through section 3--3 of FIG. 1. Container 11 may be formed from a stamped piece of cardboard folded as shown with flaps 20 carrying an adhesive to secure the side panels to the end panels. By forming base 21 of area much larger than the top, the animal is confined largely to resting on the base so that its weight helps keep the unit from being tipped over. If struck or pushed, it will slide on base 21. Flap 19 will not open until such time as access to the inside of the container is desired. Yet the animal is free to move from one side of the container to the other, breathe through the screen and be observed.
A container 11 may itself be used for shipment. Preferably the bottom seam where flap 19 is closed would be taped to form a secure enclosed unit. According to another aspect of the invention, containers such as 11 may be placed in a convenient carrier.
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a carrier 50 having a bottom portion divided into two like portions 49 by a generally triangular vertical partition 44. Carrier 50 may accommodate four containers like container 11.
Carrier 50 is preferably of triangular cross section as illustrated to enhance its structural strength. Carrier 50 may also be made of corrugated cardboard with the outer portions being a unitary structure folded as shown to form the container and fastened together at the top with means such as staples 13. The top is formed with openings such as 28 for accommodating a hook, fingers or other supporting means. Vertical divider 44 not only helps separate the carrier into four compartments, but also provides additional strength and is formed with tabs 45 that reside in a mating opening.
A central horizontal section 40 completes the division of carrier 50 into four compartments and is formed with end tabs, such as 41, accommodated in a mating recess, such as 42.
The end portions of carrier 15 are formed with tabs such as 30, folded over along seams, such as 32. After two containers such as 11 are inserted into the upper and lower compartments exposed in FIG. 4, end 31 may be folded up so that a tab 41 passes through recess 42 with tabs 30 inside the sloping side walls of carrier 50. End wall 31 is formed with a vent opening 29 aligned with a corresponding opening in the opposite end wall so that the individual containers receive ventilation while avoiding drafts and strong currents of air that might chill the animals being carried.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a plan view of vertical divider 44 illustrating tabs 45 and a horizontal slot 46 for mating with slot 46' of horizontal divider 40 as best seen in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a plan view of horizontal platform 40.
Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a sectional view through section 7--7 of FIG. 4 illustrating how the tabs 45 reside in mating slots in the sloping side walls.
Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown an end portion of carrier 50 after assembly with end 31 closed. Tape 52 may be strapped across end panel 31 as shown to keep the carrier secure despite relatively rough handling.
There has been described a novel system facilitating the transportation of living materials. The system is characterized by adequately protecting living material, being relatively easy and inexpensive to fabricate while affording good protection of the living material. The cost is sufficiently low to justify use only one time.
It is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of and departures from the specific embodiments described herein without departing from the inventive concepts. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in or possessed by the apparatus and techniques herein disclosed and limited solely by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
The present invention relates in general to shipping living materials and more particularly concerns novel containers for shipping living materials, such as animals, that are low enough in cost to be disposable while affording good protection of animals being carried.
It is an important object of this invention to provide a structurally sound shipping container for living material.
Another object of the invention is to achieve the preceding object with a well ventilated container suitable for shipping a number of animals.
It is another object of the invention to achieve one or more of the preceding objects with a disposable container.
It is another object of the invention to achieve one or more of the preceding objects with a container that remains normally upright and is difficult to tip over.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a shipping container in accordance with the preceding object having means for accommodating individual pets in individual containers.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A container according to the invention comprises a base of area greater than the area of the top. The top is formed with a screen opening. An operable bottom section comprises about one half the surface area for receiving an animal to be carried whereby the remainder of the unit may be closed over the animal with top means for locking the bottom section closed for transit. Preferably there are a plurality of such containers and a carrier for receiving the container. The carrier is of substantially triangular cross section and includes openings for receiving the containers defined by horizontal and vertical mating partitions. The ends of the carrier may be folded over the openings and taped shut to help reinforce the carrier. Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following specification when read in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 shows an animal container according to the invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container open;
FIG. 3 is a cutaway section and end view of the container;
FIG. 4 is a perspective of a carrier for the container;
FIG. 5 is a structural member for insertion within the carrier;
FIG. 6 is a view of a horizontal structural member for insertion within the carrier;
FIG. 7 is an end view of the carrier showing the central reinforcing structure; and
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sealed container ready for shipment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference now to the drawing and more particularly FIG. 1 thereof, there is shown a perspective view of a container according to the invention. Container 11 is made of corrugated cardboard, such as 200 No. "B" Flute corrugated Kraft. Container 11 is formed with an opening 14 covered by screen 12 secured to the top by means such as staples 13. Screen 12 may be of aluminum, nylon or other suitable material. A stored animal may breathe and be observed through the screen while being prevented from escaping. The screen thus comprises ventilating means formed with openings large enough to permit observation and air flow therethrough and small enough to confine living material to the inside thereof.
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a view of container 11 tipped on its side with bottom flap 19 open. The animal to be carried is placed on flap 19, and the container moved upright. Tab 15 may then be tucked in to completely enclose the animal. If desired, tape may be applied to flap 19 to hold it in place. With the animal on flap 19 and container 11 upright, tape is usually not really necessary.
Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a sectional view through section 3--3 of FIG. 1. Container 11 may be formed from a stamped piece of cardboard folded as shown with flaps 20 carrying an adhesive to secure the side panels to the end panels. By forming base 21 of area much larger than the top, the animal is confined largely to resting on the base so that its weight helps keep the unit from being tipped over. If struck or pushed, it will slide on base 21. Flap 19 will not open until such time as access to the inside of the container is desired. Yet the animal is free to move from one side of the container to the other, breathe through the screen and be observed.
A container 11 may itself be used for shipment. Preferably the bottom seam where flap 19 is closed would be taped to form a secure enclosed unit. According to another aspect of the invention, containers such as 11 may be placed in a convenient carrier.
Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown a carrier 50 having a bottom portion divided into two like portions 49 by a generally triangular vertical partition 44. Carrier 50 may accommodate four containers like container 11.
Carrier 50 is preferably of triangular cross section as illustrated to enhance its structural strength. Carrier 50 may also be made of corrugated cardboard with the outer portions being a unitary structure folded as shown to form the container and fastened together at the top with means such as staples 13. The top is formed with openings such as 28 for accommodating a hook, fingers or other supporting means. Vertical divider 44 not only helps separate the carrier into four compartments, but also provides additional strength and is formed with tabs 45 that reside in a mating opening.
A central horizontal section 40 completes the division of carrier 50 into four compartments and is formed with end tabs, such as 41, accommodated in a mating recess, such as 42.
The end portions of carrier 15 are formed with tabs such as 30, folded over along seams, such as 32. After two containers such as 11 are inserted into the upper and lower compartments exposed in FIG. 4, end 31 may be folded up so that a tab 41 passes through recess 42 with tabs 30 inside the sloping side walls of carrier 50. End wall 31 is formed with a vent opening 29 aligned with a corresponding opening in the opposite end wall so that the individual containers receive ventilation while avoiding drafts and strong currents of air that might chill the animals being carried.
Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a plan view of vertical divider 44 illustrating tabs 45 and a horizontal slot 46 for mating with slot 46' of horizontal divider 40 as best seen in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a plan view of horizontal platform 40.
Referring to FIG. 7, there is shown a sectional view through section 7--7 of FIG. 4 illustrating how the tabs 45 reside in mating slots in the sloping side walls.
Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown an end portion of carrier 50 after assembly with end 31 closed. Tape 52 may be strapped across end panel 31 as shown to keep the carrier secure despite relatively rough handling.
There has been described a novel system facilitating the transportation of living materials. The system is characterized by adequately protecting living material, being relatively easy and inexpensive to fabricate while affording good protection of the living material. The cost is sufficiently low to justify use only one time.
It is evident that those skilled in the art may now make numerous uses and modifications of and departures from the specific embodiments described herein without departing from the inventive concepts. Consequently, the invention is to be construed as embracing each and every novel feature and novel combination of features present in or possessed by the apparatus and techniques herein disclosed and limited solely by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.