PLYWOOD CONTAINER

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to containers. More particularly, the instant invention relates to plywood containers and improvements in the formation thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Containers have evolved significantly over the years, offering an array of benefits in various sectors due to their durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. In the case of rigid containers, such as plywood, the use of plywood containers in today's markets and their applications, advantages, and industry-specific uses are becoming more wide spread, but the current formation and designs have drawbacks in assembly and space consumption.

Plywood containers are made from layers of thin wood veneer glued together and relative to other rigid container provide robust and lightweight packaging solutions. They come in various shapes and sizes, and plywood is used to form crates and boxes which are shipped on pallets. Plywood construction makes an ideal choice for transporting and storing a wide range of goods. Plywood containers offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios, making them durable and capable of withstanding heavy loads and rough handling.

Such containers can be tailored to specific sizes and shapes, catering to various needs and industries. Compared to solid wood or metal containers, plywood containers are often more affordability while still providing comparable strength and reliability. Plywood containers can be reused multiple times, and they are generally more environmentally friendly compared to plastic or metal alternatives.

Plywood's lighter weight compared to solid wood containers facilitates easier handling, loading, and unloading. However, current plywood configurations consist of square or rectangular sheets which are typically fastened together with additional structural elements, which can include screws and wood studs. Once connected, these require a significant time for disassembly and then storage of all the assembly components presents issues as well in maintaining additional assembly parts.

Again, plywood containers have application both manufacturing and industrial fields and are widely used for shipping and storing industrial parts, machinery, and equipment. Their strength makes them suitable for handling heavy and bulky items.

Customized plywood crates are often designed for specific machinery or equipment, ensuring a secure fit and protection during transit. These types of configurations are often quite time consuming to produce and break down.

Some other applications for plywood container are in the agricultural sector, where plywood containers are used for packaging fruits, vegetables, and other perishable goods. Their breathable nature helps in maintaining the freshness of the produce. For international shipping, plywood containers provide robust protection against environmental conditions and handling. Additionally, plywood containers are utilized on construction sites for storing tools, construction materials, and components. They help in organizing materials and preventing damage. Plywood containers are often used to create eye-catching displays in retail environments. They can be easily customized to match branding and promotional needs.

Plywood containers are used to transport artwork and sculptures safely. Custom designs ensure that valuable pieces are protected from damage. In the aerospace and defense sectors, plywood containers are used for shipping sensitive and high-value equipment. Their custom design and durability offer enhanced protection.

For high-value or delicate consumer goods, plywood containers offer a protective solution during transport and storage. In logistics, plywood containers are employed to safeguard goods during transit. Their structural integrity ensures that products arrive at their destination in good condition and many logistics companies use standardized plywood crates and pallets for efficient loading and unloading.

Plywood containers offer a versatile and practical solution across various industries. Their strength, customizability, and cost-effectiveness make them a preferred choice for packaging, storing, and transporting goods. As markets continue to evolve, the adaptability and efficiency of plywood containers ensure they remain a valuable asset in both industrial and consumer applications. For specific needs and requirements, companies can collaborate with manufacturers to design plywood containers that meet precise standards and deliver optimal performance,

While in general, plywood containers have a significant place in numerous markets, there remains a need to simplify as well as enhance strength all the while easing the assembly and disassembly of these container. The instant invention provides improvements in this regard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object to improve containers.

It is another object to simplify assembly and disassembly of plywood containers.

Is yet another object to provide a more economical design for plywood containers.

Accordingly, the instant invention is directed to an improved plywood container. The plywood container includes a plurality of plywood sheets, each sheet having a thickness of ΔX inch, which can be at least about ½ to 1 inch, and preferably ¾ inch. The invention includes a base sheet of a length of about L1 and a width W1, the base sheet has a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge, a third peripheral edge, and fourth peripheral edge, wherein the first peripheral edge and the second peripheral edge of the base sheet are opposing each other and have a length L1 and the third peripheral edge and the fourth peripheral edge of the base sheet are opposing each other and have a width W1, and each of the peripheral edges includes a plurality of notched portions of a depth of about ΔX inch and un-notched portions.

There are a first and second side sheet each of which is of length L1 and a height of about H1, each having a first, second, third and fourth peripheral edges with a plurality of notches of a depth of about ΔX inch. The first peripheral edge of each a first side sheet has notched portions and un-notched portions which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions and notched portions of the first peripheral edges of the base sheet. A first peripheral edge of a second side sheet has notched portions and un-notched portions which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions and notched portions of the second peripheral edge of the base sheet.

There are a pair of end sheets of width W1 and a height of about H1, each having first, second, third and fourth peripheral edge, each with a plurality of notches of a depth of about ΔX inch. A first peripheral edge of a first end sheet has notched portions and un-notched portions which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions and notched portions of third peripheral edge of the base sheet. A first peripheral edge of a second end sheet has notched portions and un-notched portions which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions and notched portions of fourth peripheral edge of the base sheet. A third and fourth peripheral edge of each end has notched portions and un-notched portions which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions and notched portions of the third peripheral edge and fourth peripheral edge of the first and second side sheet.

A top sheet of a length of about L1 and a width W1, the top sheet having four peripheral edges including a first peripheral edge, a second peripheral edge, a third peripheral edge, and fourth peripheral edge, wherein the first peripheral edge and second peripheral edge of the top sheet are opposing each other and have a length L1 and a third peripheral edge and fourth peripheral edge of the top sheet are opposing each other and have a width W1, and each of the peripheral edges includes a plurality of notched portions of a depth of about ΔX inch and un-notched portions.

The second peripheral edge of each side sheet has notched portions and un-notched portions which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions and notched portions of the first and second peripheral edges of the top sheet. A second peripheral edge of each end sheet has notched portions and un-notched portions which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions and notched portions of third peripheral edge and fourth peripheral edge of the top sheet.

The sheets also include an arcuate transition portion interconnecting each of notched portion and un-notched portion. This lends strength to the invention.

Further objectives will be apparent when reading the following description and drawings appended hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the assembled invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective of a partial assembled invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a bottom sheet of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a side sheet of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an end sheet of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a top sheet of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, the plywood container of the instant invention is generally designated by the numeral 10. The plywood container 10 is a significant improvement over the prior art. The instant invention does not require significant amount of additional metal or extra wood lumber to fasten components of the invention, making the invention less expensive than others.

In addition, the plywood container 10 is easy to assemble and disassemble. All that is needed to put the container 10 together is a screw driver or cordless screw driver. The interlocking design is accomplished with the use of a plywood sheet of between about ½″ to 1″, preferably with ¾″, thick plywood. This provides a very strong assembled structure providing lots of protection for its contents.

The plywood container 10 includes a plurality of plywood sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22, each having a thickness of ΔX inch which can preferably be at least about ½ to 1 inch, and preferably ¾ inch. More specifically, the invention includes base sheet 12 of a length of about L1 and a width W1. The base sheet 12 has four peripheral edges including a peripheral edge 30, a peripheral edge 32, a peripheral edge 34, and a peripheral edge 36. The peripheral edge 30 and the peripheral edge 32 of the base sheet 12 are opposing each other and have a length L1 and the peripheral edge 34 and peripheral edge 36 of the base sheet 12 are opposing each other and have a width W1, and each of the peripheral edges 30, 32, 34, and 36 includes a plurality of notched portions 30A, 32A, 34A, and 36A of a depth of about ΔX inch and un-notched portions 30B, 32B, 34B, and 36B.

There are two side sheets 14 and 16, which are configured in this example in a like manner and in the case of describing one in detail, it is with the understanding the other is similarly formed. First side sheet 14 and second side sheet 16 each is of length L1 and a height of about H1. The side sheet 14 has four peripheral edges including a peripheral edge 40, a peripheral edge 42, a peripheral edge 44, and a peripheral edge 46. Each peripheral edge 40, 42, 44 and 46 includes a plurality of notched portions 40A, 42A, 44A, and 46A of a depth of about ΔX inch, e.g. between ½ to 1 inch, and un-notched portions 40B, 42B, 44B, and 46B. The peripheral edge 44 of side sheet 14 has notched portions 44A and un-notched portions 44B complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 34B and notched portions 34A of the base sheet 12. The peripheral edge 44 of side sheet 16 has notched portions 44A and un-notched portions 44B complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 36B and notched portions 36A of the base sheet 12.

By providing similar notch depths as described, the sheets 12 and 14 have their joining exterior surface residing in substantially common x-y and y-z planes. Once so positioned, the sheets 12, 14, and 16, for example, can be attached by way of screws 100.

A pair of end sheets 18 and 20 are provided and again one of which may be described in more detail with the understanding that the other is like formed. The end sheets 18 and 20 are of width W1 and a height of about H1. Each end sheet 18 and 20 has four peripheral edges including a peripheral edge 50, a peripheral edge 52, a peripheral edge 54, and a peripheral edge 56. Each peripheral edge 50, 52, 54 and 56 includes a plurality of notched portions 50A, 52A, 54A, and 56A of a depth of about ΔX inch and un-notched portions 50B, 52B, 54B, and 56B. Peripheral edge 50 of end sheet 18 has notched portions 50A and un-notched portions 50B which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 32B and notched portions 32A of the base sheet 12. Likewise, peripheral edge 50 of end sheet 20 has notched portions 50A and un-notched portions 50B which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 30B and notched portions 30A of the base sheet 12.

Notched portions 54A and un-notched portions 54B of end sheet 18 are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 42B and notched portions 42A side sheet 14. Notched portions 56A and un-notched portions 56B of end sheet 18 are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 42B and notched portions 42A side sheet 16. Similarly, the remaining end sheet 20 can have its peripheral edges 54 and 56 respectively mated to peripheral edges 40 of side sheets 14 and 16 and its peripheral edge 50 mated to peripheral edge 30 of base sheet 12. All can similarly be connected as described using screws 100.

Top sheet 22 is provided of a length of about L1 and a width W1. The top sheet 22 has four peripheral edges including a peripheral edge 60, a peripheral edge 62, a peripheral edge 64, and peripheral edge 66. Each peripheral edge 60, 62, 64 and 66 includes a plurality of notched portions 60A, 62A, 64A, and 66A of a depth of about ΔX inch and un-notched portions 60B, 62B, 64B, and 66B. The peripheral edge 60 and peripheral edge 62 of the top sheet 22 are opposing each other and have a length L1 and peripheral edge 64 and peripheral edge 66 of the top sheet 22 are opposing each other and have a width W1.

The peripheral edge 64 has notched portions 64A and un-notched portions 64B which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 46B and notched portions 46A the side sheet 14, and similarly peripheral edge 66 has notched portions 66A and un-notched portions 66B which are complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 46B and notched portions 46A the side sheet 16. The peripheral edge 60 has notched portions 60A and un-notched portions 60B complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 52B and notched portions 52A of the end sheet 20. The peripheral edge 62 has notched portions 62A and un-notched portions 62B complementary configured to respectively receive un-notched portions 52B and notched portions 52A of the end sheet 20.

Once the sheets 12, 14, 16,18 and 20 are at least partially connected, they form an open container 70. Goods can then be placed into the open container 70. It is also contemplated that goods can be placed on the base sheet 12 and the sheets 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 interconnected about the goods to complete the container.

It is also contemplated that a pallet 200 can be formed which includes the base sheet 12, a plurality of lengthwise beams 202, 204 and 206 of a length L1, e.g., 2″×6″×4′ set on their 2″ edge, and here shown with beam 204 extending along a center of the base sheet 12 and beams 202 an 206 extending in general perpendicular alignment with respect the peripheral edges 30 and 32 and which can be connected to base sheet 12 with screws 100 or other suitable fasteners. Additionally, a plurality of transverse beam 208 and 210 of a length W1, e.g., 2″×8″×4′ set on their 8″ face, and which extend in alignment with peripheral edges 30 and 32 and which can be interconnected to each beam 204, 206 and 208 with screws or other suitable fasteners.

Due to the thickness of the sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22, there is sufficient rigidity and structure provided in the interconnecting structure which lends stability. It is also noted that each of the sheets 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 are formed with a laser-cut, which provides uniquely finished bur free surface and which assures an accurate and easy assembly of the sheets 12, 4 16, 18, 20 and 22. To this end, laser formed arcuate transition portion 30C, 32C, 34C, 36C, 40C, 42C, 44C, 46C, 50C, 52C, 54C, 56C, 60C, 62C, 64C, and 66C interconnects each laser formed notched portion 30A, 32A, 34A, 36A, 40A, 42A, 44A, 46A, 50A, 52A, 54A, 56A, 60A, 62A, 64A, and 66A to their respective adjoining un-notched portion 30B, 32B, 34B, 36B, 40B, 42B, 44B, 46B, 50B, 52B, 54B, 56B, 60B, 62B, 64B, and 66B to lend strength thereto.

While the instant invention has been described with the above exemplary disclosure, it is not intended to be limiting in the claims appended hereto. According the claims are to be afforded a scope encompassing modifications, derivations and improvements thereof.