Stackable low depth tray

Abstract

A low depth tray (10) for bottles is provided which includes a first pair of opposed walls (14, 16), a second pair of opposed walls (18, 20) attached to the first pair of opposed walls (14, 16) to form a wall structure, a base (12) attached to the wall structure, and a plurality of interior divider walls (52) extending upwardly from the base (12). At least one member (38) projects upwardly from an interior of the wall structure and is conneected to the divider walls (52), where interior member (38) has a height less than the heigth of the wall structure and less than the height of bottles loaded in the tray. Together, the interior member (38), the base (12), the divider walls (52), and the wall structure define a plurality of bottle retaining pockets (54) which are sized to receive a single bottle therein.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a stackable low depth pallet for storing and transporting beverage containers such as bottles. Background technique [0002] Bottles, especially for soft drinks and other beverages, are often stored and transported on pallets. The term "pallet" as used herein includes pallets, crates, boxes, and similar containers having a bottom surface and a peripheral sidewall configuration. Advantages of plastic pallets over other materials are strength, durability and reusability. In order to reduce storage space for trays, reduce their cost and weight, and facilitate display of the bottles contained therein, many trays are constructed with shallow side and end walls. These trays are generally referred to as "low depth" trays, where the side walls and end walls are below the height at which bottles are stored, where the bottles support the weight of other trays stacked on top. [0003] Generally speaking, the bottles pass throug...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0007] Current low-depth trays are generally designed as a compromise between strength and weight, where material is often removed to reduce weight, thereby reducing structural integrity or bottle stability

In addition, many low depth trays are not molded efficiently, particularly because of the structure of the bottle support elements extending upward from and within the bottom sidewall

Longer molding times make the tray susceptible to uneven cooling, which can lead to warping and dimensional inaccuracies, and may also shorten the life of the tray

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