Patent ID: 6062410
Filing Date: 2000-05-16
Classification: B65D,Y02W

Abstract:
A reusable and returnable container for holding product therein during shipment and subsequently being returned generally empty of product for reuse comprising:a body having at least two opposing and moveable side structures, the side structures being configured for being moved outwardly away from each other into an erected position so that the body may contain a product placed therein during shipment and for subsequently being moved inwardly toward each other into a collapsed position for reducing the size of the container for return;support rails coupled to the two opposing side structures of the body and remaining coupled to the side structures to move outwardly away from each other when the side structures are erected and inwardly toward each other when the side structures are collapsed:a dunnage structure comprising a pouch supported by the body, the pouch spanning lengthwise between the movable support rails and being stretched between the support rails into an engagement position when the side structures are erected and the support rails are moved away from each other to thereby receive a product placed in the container for shipment, the dunnage structure further being collapsed between the support rails into a relaxed position when the side structures are collapsed and the support rails are moved toward each other so that the container and dunnage structure may be returned together for reuse;the dunnage structure movably coupled to the body and operable for being slid along the support rails to vary the position of the dunnage structure and received product within the container;whereby the container provides reusable dunnage which is usable with the container when it is shipped and subsequently remains with the container when it is returned for being reused when the container is again shipped.