Abstract:
The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse that has a body, tracks attached to opposite sides of the body, and a plurality of support member assemblies extending between the tracks for supporting dunnage. End members are located at the ends of supports, the end members being movable in the tracks to move the supports inside the container. The supports are oriented in a sloping, non-horizontal position and movable in such orientations to maximize product density inside the container.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/225,904, filed Sep. 14, 2005 entitled “Container Having Sliding Support Member Assemblies For Supporting Dunnage”, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,686, filed May 5, 2005 entitled “Container Having Sliding Support Members”, each of these applications being fully incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to containers for use in shipping, and more particularly, to containers with movable members for supporting product.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     A large number of different container structures are utilized by manufacturers to ship a variety of different products to end users, which may be, for example, assembly plants. In the automobile industry for example, an assembly plant assembling a particular automobile might utilize a number of different parts from different manufacturers. These manufacturers ship their respective parts to the assembly plant in container structures where the parts are then removed from dunnage or support members inside the container structure and assembled into a finished automobile.  
         [0004]     Access to the product in the containers is of particular concern. Specifically, in the automotive industry, the containers full of product are positioned on an assembly line adjacent to a work area which is associated with a particular product to be installed on a manufactured vehicle. For example, a container full of interior door panels is usually positioned next to a particular station on an assembly line where interior door panels are installed so that a line worker may easily access the door panels inside the container. The product or part is taken directly from the container and used on the line. Some existing containers are difficult to access which makes removal of the parts therein difficult and time consuming. For example, some containers are configured so that a line worker must walk around the container to remove parts or products from opposite ends of the container. As may be appreciated, a line worker only has a certain amount of time to install a part. Any delay in access and removal of the part from the container is undesirable.  
         [0005]     In many containers, a line worker or employee must insert or remove parts from a distal or rear part of the container. The size and/or weight of the parts or work pieces may cause stress or strain on the line worker, and more particularly on the back of the worker when inserting or removing parts from such a container. Such ergonomically unfriendly movements may cause physical trauma, pain, and other injuries that may lead to lost production time.  
         [0006]     In some situations, in order to alleviate such stress and/or strain on his or her body, the line worker may move to the rear or opposite end of the container to remove parts from inside the container. This requires space around the container which may not be available, depending on the physical layout of the plant or facility. The length (front to back) of certain containers may be limited because the container manufacturer needs to eliminate the need for a line worker to walk around the container to remove product from inside the container. Such containers having a reduced length reduce the number of parts or products which may be shipped and/or stored in the container. The more containers needed to ship a predetermined number of parts, the greater the cost to the shipper.  
         [0007]     In other containers, such as containers having multiple layers or level of parts, a line worker or employee must lean forward and bend down into the container to insert or remove a part or work piece from the bottom of the container. This movement by the line worker is ergonomically unfriendly because the line worker must lean forward and bend down into the container to insert or remove a part or work piece from the bottom of the container. This movement is necessary with many top loading containers.  
         [0008]     Depending upon the number of times the line worker repeats this unnatural motion into the interior of the container, strain in the back, legs and arms may result. The size and/or weight of the parts or work pieces may increase the strain on the line worker. Thus, simply removing multiple parts during a work day may cause physical trauma, pain, and other injuries that may lead to lost production time.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, there is a need for a container which prevents employees from walking around the container to insert or remove product from inside the container.  
         [0010]     There is further a need for a container which prevents employees from having to perform difficult or straining repetitive reaching motions.  
         [0011]     There is further a need for a container which brings product into an ergonomically friendly area or zone for insertion or removal of the product.  
         [0012]     There is further a need for a container which may be designed for a particular application with increased product density.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0013]     The present invention provides a container for holding product therein during shipment that has a body, tracks or retainers supported by the body, and a plurality of support members or support member assemblies that are supported by the tracks or retainers. For purposes of the present invention, the terms “support member” and “support member assembly” may be used interchangeably; either may be a unitary member or include multiple components secured together. For example, a “support member” may comprise in combination a wooden bar and a fabric cover surrounding the wooden bar or a multiple piece assembly having slidable members which move or slide inside tracks or retainers. Any number of such combinations is possible with the present invention.  
         [0014]     Similarly, for purposes of the present invention, the terms “track” and “retainer” may be used interchangeably; either may be a unitary member or multiple components secured together. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the tracks like those illustrated and described below. For example, a “track” may comprise a groove in one or more walls of a container or a linear rod secured to one or more walls of a container. The terms “tracks” and “retainers” are intended to include any number of objects along which support members or support member assemblies as defined or illustrated in the present document may slide or move.  
         [0015]     The container may be collapsible such as the containers illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,725,119; 6,062,410; 6,230,916; and 6,540,096, all of which are fully incorporated herein. Alternatively, the container may be non-collapsible, such as what is known in the industry as a pallet box. Furthermore, the container may have any number of wall structures including four wall structures or only two opposed wall structures.  
         [0016]     In at least one embodiment, at least some of the support members have rollers attached to their ends. The rollers are adapted to roll in the tracks or retainers. The support members also have a plurality of product receptacles whereby products may be suspended between the support members. Typically, a portion of the product resides in or is secured in the product receptacles. These product receptacles or notches may be particularly sized and located as to mate or correspond with a portion of a particular product or a particular appendage of a product. Due to the location and/or orientation of these product receptacles, more parts or products may fit inside the container because the distance between adjacent support members may be reduced. Increase product density inside a container increases efficiency in transporting more parts and therefore reduces shipping costs.  
         [0017]     The container may also include at least one space limiter attached to the support members to limit the distance adjacent support members may be moved or separated from each other. One acceptable space limiter is a plastic strap or like component that can flex when the distance between the support members is minimized and yet only allow the support members to move a predetermined distance apart from each other. Another space limiter may be the fabric of the dunnage itself, as will be described in more detail below. Other materials may be used if desired.  
         [0018]     In certain embodiments, the container further comprises stabilizers which act on the support members to prevent their rotation. These stabilizers, which may be solid rods or hollow tubes or like components. In one embodiment of the present invention, the stabilizers pass through apertures or holes in the support members and allow the support members to freely slide along or over the stabilizers. However, the stabilizers, while allowing the support members to move along or over them, prevent the support members from rotating relative to a horizontal axis. Hence, the stabilizers insure that the support members remain in a desired generally vertical orientation at all times so that product does not fall between adjacent support members due to rotation of one or more of the support members. In alternative embodiments, the stabilizers may not pass through the support members, but rather be operatively coupled to them in any desired manner or fashion. For example, the stabilizers may pass through clips or retainers secured to the support members.  
         [0019]     The container of the present invention is adapted so that an operator located at the front of the container may pull product to be emptied from the rear of the container forwardly to a more ergonomically friendly position after a row of products suspended by and contacting the two forward most support members, named proximal and medial support members for purposes of this document, have been unloaded or removed. Thus, a person unloading the container from the front or proximal location of the container will not have to stretch or reach to the back of the container to unload remaining product.  
         [0020]     Similarly, a person loading the container from the front of the container need not stretch or reach to the back of the container to insert or load product into the container. The loader of the container may push the support members already loaded with rows of product rearwardly and load additional product in a more ergonomically friendly position or manner. For example, after a row of products is loaded between two support members, i.e. a distal or first and second or medial support member, these support members are pushed rearwardly to enable the loader to load an additional row of product between the medial support member and a third or proximal support member. Thus, the present invention allows product to be more efficiently and safely removed from these containers or inserted therein without unnecessary stress or strain on the unloader or loader.  
         [0021]     Moreover, because the product receptacles are located at or near the top of the support members, products may be easily accessed. In other words, the product receptacles keep the product in an optimum location for removal by an unloader or insertion by a loader.  
         [0022]     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the rollers are omitted from the support member assemblies. In this embodiment, the sides of the container body need not have tracks or retainers. The support members slide along stabilizers which are preferably secured to opposed sides of the container body but may be located in the container in any desired manner.  
         [0023]     In another embodiment of the present invention, preferably used in collapsible containers, support member assemblies comprise elongate flexible supports and sliders at the ends thereof. The supports, in one embodiment, are cables, but may be made of any other flexible material. The sliders are preferably made of plastic but may be made of desired material. In this embodiment, the sides of the container have tracks or retainers in which the sliders slide to move dunnage supported by the support members closer to the user for loading or unloading product from inside the dunnage. Each slider has at least one head located inside the interior of the track so the slider remains engaged with the track or retainer. The slider may have another head outside the track for preventing the dunnage material from entering the interior of the track or retainer.  
         [0024]     In another embodiment of the present invention, preferably used in non-collapsible containers, support member assemblies comprise elongate tubular supports secured to sliders at the ends thereof. The tubular supports, in one embodiment, are made of metal, but may be made of any other suitable material such as plastic. The sliders are preferably made of plastic but may be made of desired material. In this embodiment, the sides of the container have tracks or retainers in which the sliders slide to move dunnage supported by the support members closer to the user for loading or unloading product from inside the dunnage. Each slider has at least one head located inside the interior of the track so the slider remains engaged with the track or retainer. The slider may have another head outside the track for preventing the dunnage material from entering the interior of the track or retainer. The tracks may have openings therein and removable caps for covering and/or closing the openings. If one or more of the supports or support member assemblies needs to be removed, a person may remove the support member assemblies via the openings in opposed tracks.  
         [0025]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of tracks or retainers are attached to the container at different heights. In such embodiments multiple layers or levels of product may be shipped in a single reusable and returnable container. The container may be collapsible such as the containers illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,725,119; 6,062,410; 6,230,916; and 6,540,096 or the container may be a non-collapsible container. Multiple levels allows for maximizing the number of parts which may be shipped in a container, as well as ensuring that the product will be able to be moved to an ergonomically friendly area or zone within the container prior to its removal by an unloader and/or insertion by a loader.  
         [0026]     For example, once an upper layer of product is removed, all the support members of the upper layer may be pushed to the rear of the container thus exposing a lower layer of product supported by a lower set of slidable support members. The lower layer of product may be removed and the lower support members continually moved toward the unloader to insure that the lower layer of product remains as close as possible to the unloader prior to it being unloaded. Similarly, once a lower layer of products is loaded or inserted into the container, another upper layer of products may be loaded in a manner which does not cause unnecessary stress or strain on the body of the individual loading the container. The container of the present invention is not limited to two layers, the container may have any number of such layers.  
         [0027]     According to the method of the present invention for unloading a product from a container, an unloader first removes product suspended between opposing product receptacles, a first product receptacle being located in a proximal support member and a second product receptacle being located in a medial support member. Once all the product that is suspended between the proximal and medial support members has been removed, the medial support member is rolled or moved alongside the proximal support member so that both members are located nearest to the front of the container, i.e., where the unloader is positioned. The unloader then removes the next row of product that is suspended between product receptacles in the medial member and product receptacles of a distal member. Once all the product in this row is removed, the distal member is rolled or moved to position nearest to the unloader, i.e., alongside the medial member. If the container contains additional support members, the process continues until all rows of the container have been unloaded.  
         [0028]     Similarly, product may be easily and quickly loaded into a reusable and returnable container using the present invention. A loader first loads product so that the product is suspended between opposing product receptacles, the first product receptacle being located in a distal support member and the second product receptacle being located in a medial support member. Once a row of product has been suspended between the distal and medial support members, the distal and medial support members are rolled or moved away from the loader so that another row of products may be loaded into the receptacles of the next two support members, a proximal support member and the medial support member. The loader then inserts the next row of product so that it is suspended between product receptacles of the proximal and medial support members. Once all the product in this row is inserted, the proximal and medial support members are rolled or moved away from the loader, i.e., to the rear of the container. If the container contains additional support members, the process continues until all support members of the container have been loaded with product being suspended therefrom.  
         [0029]     In an alternative embodiment of the present invention that contains multiple layers of product, after the upper layer or level of products have been removed or unloaded, the unloading process continues by moving all of the upper support members, i.e., the proximal, medial, and distal members, to a position that is farthest from the unloader. A lower layer of product is thus exposed and an unloader may remove additional product that is suspended between product receptacles in a lower proximal support member and product receptacles of a lower medial support member. Once all product in this lower row is removed, the lower medial member is rolled alongside the lower proximal member so that both members are positioned nearest to the unloader. The unloader may then remove additional product suspended between product receptacles of a lower medial member and product receptacles of a lower distal member. The unloader continues the process of unloading rows of product and sliding, rolling or moving the support members towards the unloader until all product in that particular layer has been unloaded. Any number of layers of product may be unloaded in such a manner.  
         [0030]     The method of loading the container that contains multiple layers of product comprises loading one layer at a time. The process begins by moving all of the upper support members, i.e., the proximal, medial, and distal support members for supporting the upper layer of product to a position that is farthest from the unloader so they don&#39;t interfere with loading the lower layer. A lower layer of support members is thus exposed and a loader may insert product between the support members of the lower layer so that the product is suspended between product receptacles of these lower support members. Once all of the product receptacles in the support members of this lower layer have been fully loaded or filled, the upper support members are moved to the front of the container proximate the loader. The loader may then insert additional product between the upper support members, the additional products being suspended by product receptacles formed in the upper support members. The loader continues the process of loading rows of product and sliding, rolling or moving the support members away from the loader until all product in that particular upper layer has been loaded. Any number of layers of product may be loaded in such a manner. The methods of loading and unloading product may be used with any embodiment of the present invention including those incorporating dunnage hanging from support members.  
         [0031]     The above and other objects and advantages of the present invention shall be made apparent from the accompanying drawings and the brief description thereof. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0032]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0033]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the reusable and returnable container of the present invention showing product being suspended by a plurality of support members;  
         [0034]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-sectional view of the reusable and returnable container shown in  FIG. 1  with the product shown in dashed lines;  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the reusable and returnable container shown in  FIGS. 1 and 1 A showing a product being removed from the container;  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the reusable and returnable container shown in  FIGS. 1-2  after all product has been removed between two adjacent support members and the remaining support members have been moved toward the front of the container;  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the reusable and returnable container shown in  FIGS. 1-3  after all but one row of product has been removed and the support member assemblies have been moved to the front of the container;  
         [0038]      FIG. 5A  is a partially disassembled perspective view of a portion of one of the support member assemblies shown in  FIGS. 1-4 ;  
         [0039]      FIG. 5B  is a partially disassembled perspective view of the support member assembly shown in  FIG. 5A  including rollers at each end of the support member;  
         [0040]      FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of a portion of the support member assembly shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  showing the roller at the end of the support member being in a track attached to the body of the container;  
         [0041]      FIG. 5D  is a perspective view of a portion of an alternative support member assembly showing a different type of roller at the end of the support member, the roller being in a track attached to the body of the container;  
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a reusable and returnable container having multiple layers of product;  
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the reusable and returnable container having multiple layers of product;  
         [0044]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the reusable and returnable container having no rollers;  
         [0045]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a collapsible reusable and returnable container showing dunnage suspended by a plurality of slidable support member assemblies;  
         [0046]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged perspective view of the encircled area  10  of  FIG. 9 ;  
         [0047]      FIG. 10A  is an enlarged perspective view of an alternative slider for use in a container;  
         [0048]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the reusable and returnable of  FIG. 9  being collapsed;  
         [0049]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the reusable and returnable of  FIG. 9  fully collapsed;  
         [0050]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of collapsible reusable and returnable container showing multiple layers of dunnage suspended by a plurality of support member assemblies;  
         [0051]      FIG. 13A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of collapsible reusable and returnable container showing dunnage suspended by a plurality of support member assemblies;  
         [0052]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a non-collapsible container showing multiple layers of dunnage suspended by a plurality of support member assemblies having tubular supports;  
         [0053]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  15  of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0054]      FIG. 15A  is a view taken along the line  15 A- 15 A of  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0055]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of the encircled area  16  of  FIG. 14 ;  
         [0056]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of another embodiment of collapsible reusable and returnable container showing dunnage suspended by a plurality of support member assemblies;  
         [0057]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of another embodiment of container showing dunnage suspended by a plurality of support member assemblies;  
         [0058]      FIG. 19  is a perspective view of the container of  FIG. 18  with two of the container walls partially removed to illustrate the multiple layers of support member assemblies and associated dunnage;  
         [0059]      FIG. 20  is an exploded perspective view illustrating one support member assembly and one layer of dunnage of the container shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 ;  
         [0060]      FIG. 21  is a perspective view illustrating one layer of support member assemblies used in the container of  FIG. 18 ;  
         [0061]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view illustrating another layer of support member assemblies used in the container of  FIG. 18 ; and  
         [0062]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional side view of the container of  FIG. 18  illustrating multiple layers of support member assemblies.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0063]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is illustrated a reusable and returnable container  10  according to one embodiment of the present invention. The reusable and returnable container  10 , as shown, comprises a body  12  having a front wall  14 , a side wall  16 , a rear wall  18  and another side wall  20 , all extending upwardly from a base  22 . Although one type of container is illustrated, the present invention may be used with any type or configuration of box or container. For example, the present invention may be used in a container in which one or more of the walls of the container is hinged for the container to be more easily erected and/or compacted for storage. The present invention may also be used in a rack type of container which has four corner posts extending upwardly from a base. A cover (not shown) may also be included to enclose the container  10  and further protect and secure product  26  during shipment.  
         [0064]     Products  26  are suspended by and supported by a plurality of support members  28 . Although one configuration of support member  28  is illustrated, the present invention may be used with any type or configuration of support member. A portion or appendage  30  of the product  26  is specifically received in and/or secured in a product receptacle  32  in one support member  28  and another portion or appendage  30  of the same product  26  is located in a product receptacle  32  of an adjacent support member  28 . See  FIG. 2 . These product receptacles or notches  32  are particularly machined or sized and located to receive, mate, and/or hold the portion or appendages  30  of the product  26 . The product receptacles furthermore are located and sized so that a specific number of products may fit snugly inside the container  10  without moving or shifting during shipment. Although one configuration of product  26  is illustrated and described, the present invention may be used to store and ship other configurations of products not shown or described. Similarly, depending on the configuration of the product, the product receptacles or notches formed in the support members may be shaped or configured differently than those shown and described.  
         [0065]     As shown in  FIGS. 1A, 5A ,  5 B and  5 C, a support member assembly  35  includes a divider  34  attached to the bottom  36  of the support member  28  and suspended therefrom. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the divider  34  may be mounted to the lower end  36  of the support member  28  by being inserted into a longitudinally extending groove  38  formed in the support member  28  and secured therein with a plurality of fasteners  40  such as screws, rivets, nails, or the like. An adhesive, such as glue, may also be used to help secure the divider  34  to the support member  28 , if desired. Any other suitable means of securing the divider  34  to the support member  28  may be used as desired. The dividers  34  prevent adjacent products  26  from contacting one another and being dented or otherwise damaged.  
         [0066]     As also shown in  FIG. 5A , tubes  42  are inserted in holes  43  formed in opposed ends  44 ,  46  of the support member  28  to further complete the support member assembly  35 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , these hollow tubes  42  are used as receptacles for rotatably receiving the axles  48  of the rollers  50 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , rollers  50  are adapted to roll or move in channels or tracks  52  attached to the interior surfaces  54  of the side walls  20 ,  16  of the container  10 .  FIG. 5C  illustrates one roller  50  at end  44  of the support member  28  rotatably received in a track  54  secured to side wall  20 . A roller  50  at the other end  46  of the support member  28  is likewise supported in a track  52  which is attached to side wall  16  of the container  10 . Although one configuration of track  52  and roller  50  is shown and described, other types of rollers and tracks may be used if desired such as the one illustrated in  FIG. 5D .  
         [0067]     According to another aspect of the present invention, the reusable and returnable container  10  may also have at least one space limiter  56  which, as shown in  FIGS. 1, 2  and  3 , limits the distance the support members  28  may be moved away from one another due to the fact that each space limiter  56  is secured to each support member  28 . Typically, the length or distance of the space limiter  56  between locations where the space limiter  56  is secured to the support members  28  will be fixed to prevent the support members  28  from moving farther apart than necessary for the insertion of product  26  between adjacent support members  28 . The space limiter  56  may be secured to the upper surfaces  31  of the support members  28  in any suitable fashion including but not limited to gluing, fastening, etc. Of course, when the support members  28  are moved or rolled to a position adjacent to one another, i.e. in contact, as shown in  FIG. 4 , the flexibility of the space limiters  56  allows for such movement. The space limiter  56 , as shown, is preferably comprised of a plastic strap, but may be made of any other suitable material.  
         [0068]     The embodiment of the container  10  shown in  FIG. 1A  also has a pair of stabilizers  58 . Each stabilizer  58  passes through an aperture or opening  60  in each of the support members  28 . The stabilizers  58  are positioned within the apertures  60  of the support members  28  so that the support members  28  may freely slide back and forth relative to the stabilizers  58 . See  FIG. 5A . The stabilizers  58  may or may not be attached to the walls of the container  10 . The stabilizers  58  prevent the support members  28  from rotating relative to a horizontal axis A. See  FIG. 1 . If one or more of the support members  28  were to rotate the distance between adjacent product receptacles  32  could decrease due such rotation, thereby allowing product  26  to become dislodged from the support members  28  and fall between adjacent support members  28  inside the container  10 . In the embodiment shown, each stabilizer  58  comprises a rod or a tube, or the like. However, it may be any other mechanism which prevents or inhibits rotation of the support members  28 .  
         [0069]     An alternative embodiment of container  10   a  having a front wall  14   a,  a side wall (not shown), a rear wall  18   a  and another side wall (not shown), all extending upwardly from a base  22   a  is shown in  FIG. 6 . This container  10   a  has multiple layers of product suspended from support members  28   a ′,  28   a ″ having product receptacles (not shown), the support members  28   a ′,  28   a ″ being supported by sets of parallel tracks  52   a ′,  52   a ″ as described above. In this embodiment, a lower layer  70  of support members  28   a ′ are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   a  in a manner described above. Lower stabilizers  58   a ′ pass through holes in the support members  28   a ′ as described above. Dividers  34   a ′ are secured to and extend downwardly from the support members  28   a ′ as described above. Lower space limiters  56   a ′ limit the distance the support members  28   a ′ may separate from each other. A lower layer  72  of products  26   a ′ are supported from the lower support members  28   a ′ in a manner described hereinabove.  
         [0070]     An upper layer  74  of support members  28   a ″ are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   a  in a manner described above. Upper stabilizers  58   a ″ pass through holes in the support members  28   a ″ as described above. Dividers  34   a ″ are secured to and extend downwardly from the support members  28   a ″ as described above. Lower space limiters  56   a ″ limit the distance the support members  28   a ″ may separate from each other. An upper layer  76  of products  26   a ″ are supported from the upper support members  28   a ″ in a manner described hereinabove.  
         [0071]     In any of the embodiments of the present invention, at least one wall of the container may be configured so as to allow an upper portion thereof to open outwardly, thereby furthering access to the products therein. Such an adaptation may be particularly helpful in gaining access to products in embodiments having multiple layers of product. Additionally, if desired, a portion of any of the walls of the container may be omitted or collapsible.  
         [0072]      FIG. 7  shows an alternative embodiment of container  10   b  having a front wall  14   b,  a side wall  16   b,  a rear wall  18   b  and another side wall  20   b,  all extending upwardly from a base  22   b.  This container  10   b,  like container  10   a  shown in  FIG. 6 , has multiple layers of support members  28   b  which are supported by sets of parallel tracks  52   b.  In this embodiment, the support members  28   b  preferably lack product receptacles, but may have them if desired or necessary. Product (not shown) is located in hanging pouches  66  secured to the support members  28   b  rather than suspended from the support members in the manner described above. The hanging pouches may assume other shapes or configurations if desired and may be suspended from the support members in any desired manner.  
         [0073]     In this embodiment, a lower layer  78  of support members  28   b ′ are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   b  in a manner described above. Lower stabilizers  58   b ′ pass through holes  80  in the support members  28   b ′ as described above. Lower space limiters  56   b ′ limit the distance the lower support members  28   b ′ may separate from each other. A lower layer  82  of products (not shown) are supported from the pouches  66  extending downwardly from the lower support members  28   b′.    
         [0074]     Referring to  FIG. 7 , an upper layer  84  of support members  28   b ″ are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   b  in a manner described above. Upper stabilizers  58   b ″ pass through holes  80  in the support members  28   b ″ as described above. Upper space limiters  56   b ″ limit the distance the support members  28   b ″ may separate from each other. An upper layer of products (not shown) are supported from the pouches  66  extending downwardly from the upper support members  28   b ″. Although pouches are shown, other forms of known dunnage may be used in accordance with any of the embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0075]      FIG. 5D  shows another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which each support member  90  has a pair of opposed end members or rollers  92  (only one being shown) secured at opposed ends of a support  91 . The end members  92  are preferably made of injection molded plastic, but may be made of any suitable material. A pouch  94 , like pouch  66  shown in  FIG. 7 , is supported by two adjacent support members  90 . The fabric of the pouch  94  is sewn or otherwise secured together to make a pocket  95  in which is located the support  91  of the support member  90 .  
         [0076]     As seen in  FIG. 5D , tracks  96  are secured to opposed side walls  98  of the body  100  of the container  102 . Each track  96  has an upper wall  104 , a lower wall  106  joined to the upper wall  104  by a side wall  108  and a lip  110  extending downwardly from the upper wall  104  and another lip  110  extending upwardly from the lower wall  106  defining an interior  109  of the track  96 . Each end member  92  of each support member  90  is adapted to engage and move along one of the tracks  96 . Each end member  92  has a first or inside portion  112  and a second or outside portion  114  with a groove  116  therebetween. The end members  92  preferably rotate along the length or width of the tracks  96 ; however, the end members  92  may slide rather than rotate along the tracks  96 . The outside portion  114  of the end member  92  preferably rotates inside the interior  109  of the track  96  and the inside portion  112  rotates outside of the interior  109  of the track  96 , the groove  116  of the end portion  92  contacting the lips  110  of the track  96 .  
         [0077]     Although the particular track and roller arrangement or configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5D  is described above with respect to a hanging pouch embodiment, like the one shown in  FIG. 7 , it may be used in any embodiment of the present invention including the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0078]      FIG. 8  shows another alternative embodiment of container  10   c  having a body  12   c  including a front wall  14   c,  a side wall  16   c,  a rear wall  18   b  and another side wall  20   c,  all extending upwardly from a base  22   c.  This container  10   c,  like container  10  shown in  FIG. 1 , has a single layer of support members  28   c  which are supported by stabilizers  58   c  and slidable thereon. In this embodiment, the support members  28   c  lack rollers or their equivalent because they are not necessary. Product  26   c  is suspended from product receptacles  32   c  formed in the support members  28   c.  Space limiters  56   c  limit the distance the support members  28   c  may separate from each other in the manner described above.  
         [0079]     Although the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8  has a single layer or level of support member assemblies, this embodiment of the present invention in which the support member assemblies lack rollers may be used in a multi-level container such as the containers shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In such embodiments, one or more levels of support member assemblies may slide on stabilizers as shown in  FIG. 6  without any rollers or tracks.  
         [0080]     Operationally, the method of unloading product from the container  10  comprises the steps of removing a first row of products  26 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , suspended between a first or proximal support member  80  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) and a second or medial support member  82 . The second support member  82  is then moved or rolled alongside the first support member  80  so that the first and second support members  80 ,  82 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , are positioned nearest to the unloader (not shown). The unloader may then remove a second row of products  26  suspended between the product receptacles of the second support member  82  and the product receptacles of a third or distal support member  84 . This process continues until all product has been removed from the container  10  and all of the support members  28  are pulled forwardly and resting against one another proximate the front wall  14  of the container  10 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , to remove the last or rearmost row of products, the operator need only reach a limited distance over the container or into the container.  
         [0081]     In an embodiment where the container has multiple layers of product, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , when all product is removed from the upper layers, the upper support members may then be moved to a position farthest from the unloader exposing a lower layer of products suspended or supported, at least in part, by support member assemblies, whereby the process of removing product and moving a new row of product closer to the unloader is repeated.  
         [0082]      FIGS. 9, 10 ,  11  and  12  illustrate a collapsible reusable and returnable container  10   d  according to another embodiment of the present invention. The reusable and returnable container  10   d,  as shown, comprises a body  12   d  having a front wall  14   d,  a side wall  16   d,  a rear wall  18   d  and another side wall  20   d,  all extending upwardly from a base  22   d.  The walls  14   d,    16   d,    18   d  and  20   d  of container  10   d  are hinged to the bottom  22   d  of the container  10   d  to be more easily erected and/or compacted for storage. See  FIGS. 11 and 12 . Although one type of collapsible container is illustrated, the present invention may be used with other types or configurations of collapsible containers. This embodiment of the present invention may also be used in a rack type of container which has corner posts extending upwardly from a base. See  FIG. 13A . The term “wall” for purposes of this document is not intended to be limited to a solid wall. For example, each wall may comprise two vertical posts joined together in any desired manner. A cover (not shown) may also be included to enclose the container  10   d  and further protect and secure product (not shown) during shipment. If desired one or more walls may be partially or entirely omitted, for example in a horizontal dispensing container.  
         [0083]     Tracks  52   d  are secured to opposed side walls  16   d,    20   d  of the body  12   d  of the container  10   d  in any desired manner. As best illustrated in  FIG. 10 , each track  52   d  has an upper wall  104   d,  a lower wall  106   d  joined to upper wall  104   d  by a side wall  108   d  and lips  110   d  extending downwardly from the upper wall  104   d  and upwardly from the lower wall  106   d,  thereby defining an interior  109   d  of the track  52   d.    
         [0084]     Dunnage  120  in the form of a plurality of pouches  90   d  are suspended by and supported by a plurality of support member assemblies  122 . Although the dunnage  120  shown comprises pouches, the dunnage may assume other shapes or configurations. A pouch  90   d  shown in  FIG. 9 , is supported by two adjacent support member assemblies  122 . The fabric of the pouch  90   d  is sewn or otherwise secured together along a seam  123  to make a pocket  125  in which is located a flexible support  126  of the support member assembly  122 . See  FIG. 10 .  
         [0085]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a support member assembly  122  includes a pair of sliders  124  and a flexible support  126  extending therebetween. The sliders  124  are preferably made of injection molded plastic, such as nylon, but may be made of any other material. The flexible support  126  is preferably a cable but may be made of nylon or other suitable material. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the ends of the flexible support  126  are tied or otherwise secured to the sliders  124 .  
         [0086]     As shown in  FIG. 10 , each slider  124  preferably has a first portion  128  having an X-shaped cross-sectional configuration and a second portion  130  having a circular cross-sectional configuration. Although one configuration of slider  124  is illustrated, any type or configuration of slider may be used with the present invention. In this embodiment, each slider  124  has a pair of heads  132 , 134  at the end of the slider  124 . Head  132  is furthest from the first portion  128  of the slider  124  and head  134  is spaced inwardly from head  134 . The heads  132 ,  134  are spaced from one another to define a groove  136  therebetween which receives and retains the lips  110   d  of the track  52   d.  As shown in  FIG. 10 , head  132  is located inside the interior  109   d  of track  52   d  and head  134  is located outside the interior  109   d  of track  52   d.  Head  132  keeps the slider  124  engaged with the track  52   d  while head  134  keeps the material of pouch  90   d  out of the interior  109   d  of the track  52   d,  thereby ensuring that the sliders  124  may move smoothly along the tracks  52   d.  Although one configuration of support member assembly  122  is illustrated, the present invention may be used with any type or configuration of support member assembly for supporting dunnage so the dunnage may slide or move inside the container.  
         [0087]      FIG. 10A  shows another alternative embodiment of the present invention in which each slider  124 ′ has only one head  132 ′, rather than a pair of heads (as shown in  FIG. 10 ). Head  132 ′ remains inside the interior  109 ′ of the track  52   d ′ and keeps the slider  124 ′ engaged with the track  52   d′.    
         [0088]      FIG. 11  illustrates the container  10   d  of  FIG. 9  being collapsed or partially collapsed. More specifically, wall  16   d  is disengaged from erected walls  14   d  and  18   d  and swung inwardly towards the interior of the container  10   d.  As shown in  FIG. 12 , after walls  16   d,    20   d  are collapsed, walls  14   d,    18   d  are collapsed. Due to the nature of the dunnage  120  and support member assemblies  122 , the dunnage is collapsed and shipped with the container.  
         [0089]      FIG. 13  illustrates a collapsible container  10   e,  like the collapsible container  10   d  shown in  FIG. 9 . The collapsible container  10   e  collapses in the same manner as the container  10   d  of  FIG. 9 . See  FIGS. 11 and 12 . The reusable and returnable container  10   e,  as shown, comprises a body  12   e  having a front wall  14   e,  a side wall  16   e  (only a portion being shown), a rear wall  18   d  and another side wall  20   e,  all extending upwardly from a base  22   e  and hingedly secured to the base  22   e  for purposes of collapsing the walls. The front wall  14   e  has a drop down door  137  hinged to the remainder of the front wall  14   e  with hinges  139 . The door  137  is movable between an erect position (not shown) and a open position shown in  FIG. 13  to allow easy access to the interior of the container  10   e.  Any of the walls or sides of any of the containers described or shown herein may have lockable doors like door  137  shown in  FIG. 13  of any desired size or configuration. Such access doors are particularly useful in a multi-layer or multi-level container for access to the lower layer or level of dunnage and/or product.  
         [0090]     Although one type of collapsible container is illustrated, this embodiment may be used with other types or configurations of collapsible containers. For example, this embodiment may also be used in a rack type of container having corner posts extending upwardly from a base. See  FIG. 13A . A cover (not shown) may also be included to enclose the container  10   e  and further protect and secure product (not shown) during shipment. If desired, in this embodiment, one or more walls may be partially or wholly omitted, for example in a horizontal dispensing container.  
         [0091]     Container  10   e  has multiple layers of dunnage  120   e  in the form of pouches  90   e  for supporting product (not shown) suspended therefrom. Although each layer or level of dunnage  120   e  is shown as being multiple pouches  90   e  formed or created from one piece of material draped or laying over and secured to the support member assemblies  122  as shown in  FIG. 10  and described above, it is within the present invention that each pouch be made from its own piece of material in which case the pouches would not be interconnected. However, one advantage of having multiple pouches  90   e  being formed of one piece of material and secured to support member assemblies  122  as shown in  FIG. 13  is that an operator (not shown) may pull an entire layer or group of pouches  90   e  by pulling only one support member assembly  122  or more towards the operator. Thus, the fabric of the pouches  90   e  acts like the space limiter  56  shown in  FIG. 1  and described above. This is true for any of the embodiments described in this document.  
         [0092]     Multiple tracks  52   e  are secured to opposed walls  16   e,    20   e  in any desired manner at different spaced vertical heights. levels or locations. Although two layers of dunnage are illustrated in  FIG. 13 , any number of layers of tracks may be incorporated into collapsible container  10   e.  In this embodiment, a lower layer  136  of support members  122   e  supporting pouches  90   e  are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   e  in a manner described above. Similarly, an upper layer  138  of support members  122   e  supporting pouches  90   e  are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   e  in a manner described above.  
         [0093]      FIG. 13A  illustrates a collapsible container  10   f  which collapses in a similar manner as the other containers illustrated and described above. The reusable and returnable container  10   f,  as shown, comprises a body  12   f  having a opposed side walls or structures  14   f  extending upwardly from a base  16   f  and hingedly or pivotally secured to the base  16   f  for purposes of collapsing the walls  14   f.  Each side structure  14   f  comprises a pair of corner posts  17   f  joined together with structural members  18   f  and/or rails or tracks  20   f.  Although  FIG. 13A  illustrates only one set of rails or tracks  20   f,  multiple layers of tracks may be incorporated into such a container to create a multi-level container like those shown and described above.  
         [0094]     Container  10   f  has a single layer of dunnage  120   f  in the form of pouches  90   f  for supporting product (not shown) suspended therefrom. Multiple tracks  20   f  are secured to corner posts  16   f  in any desired manner at any desired vertical height. level or location. Although one layer of dunnage is illustrated in  FIG. 13A , any number of layers of tracks may be incorporated into collapsible container  10   f.  In this embodiment, support member assemblies  122   f  supporting pouches  90   f  are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   f  in a manner described above. If desired, in this embodiment, depending on the dunnage, the container may be a horizontal dispensing container, rather than a vertical dispensing container.  
         [0095]      FIGS. 14, 15 ,  15 A and  16  illustrate a non-collapsible container  109 , similar to the collapsible container  10   e  shown in  FIG. 13 . The container  109 , as shown, comprises a body  12   g  having a front wall  14   g,  a side wall  16   g  (only a portion being shown), a rear wall  18   g  and another side wall  20   g,  all extending upwardly from a base  22   g.  Although one type of non-collapsible container is illustrated, this embodiment may be used with other types or configurations of containers. For example, this embodiment may also be used in a rack type of container having corner posts extending upwardly from a base. A cover (not shown) may also be included to enclose the container  10   g  and further protect and secure product (not shown) during shipment. If desired, in this embodiment, one or more walls may be partially or wholly omitted, for example in a horizontal dispensing container.  
         [0096]     Container log has multiple layers of dunnage  120   g  in the form of pouches  90   g  for supporting product (not shown) suspended therefrom. Multiple tracks  52   g  are secured to opposed walls  16   g,    20   g  in any desired manner at different spaced vertical heights. levels or locations. Like tracks  52   d  shown in  FIG. 10 , each track  52   g  has an upper wall  104   g,  a lower wall  106   g  joined to upper wall  104   g  by a side wall  108   g  and lips  110   g  extending downwardly from the upper wall  104   g  and upwardly from the lower wall  106   g,  thereby defining an interior  109   g  of the track  52   g.  Other configurations or shapes of track may used if desired.  
         [0097]     Although two layers of dunnage are illustrated in  FIG. 13 , any number of layers of tracks may be incorporated into container log to create multiple levels or layers of dunnage. In this embodiment, a lower layer  140  of support member assemblies  122   g  supporting pouches  90   g  are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container log in a manner described above. Similarly, an upper layer  142  of support member assemblies  122   g  supporting pouches  90   g  are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   g  in a manner described above.  
         [0098]     As best shown in  FIGS. 15 and 15 A, a support member assembly  122   g  includes a pair of sliders  124   g  like sliders  124  shown in  FIG. 10  and described above. The support member assembly  122   g  further comprises a tubular support  144  having a hollow interior  146  extending therebetween. The tubular support  144  is preferably made of metal, but may be made of other suitable material such as plastic. As shown in  FIG. 15 , each end of tubular support  144  fits over at least one portion  128   g  of a slider  124   g.  An end surface  148  of tubular support  144  abuts head  134   g  of slider  124   g.    
         [0099]     As best shown in  FIG. 15A , some of the support member assemblies  122   g ′ used in the container  10   g  include a pair of sliders  124   g ′ as shown in  FIG. 15A  which are slightly different than sliders  124   g  described above. The only difference between sliders  124   g  and  124   g ′ is that sliders  124   g ′ have a groove  150  formed in a portion  130   g ′ therein. See  FIG. 15A . Support member assemblies  122   g ′ further include a tubular support  144 ′ having a hollow interior  146 ′ extending therebetween. The tubular support  144 ′ is preferably made of metal, but may be made of other suitable material such as plastic. As shown in  FIG. 15A , each end of tubular support  144 ′ fits over at least one portion  128   g ′ of a slider  124   g ′. An end surface  148 ′ of tubular support  144 ′ abuts head  134   g ′ of slider  124   g ′. As shown in  FIG. 15A , tubular support  144 ′ has holes  152  therethrough which receive fasteners  154 . Although fasteners  154  are shown as screws, they may be any other type of fasteners. The fasteners  154  prevent separation of the tubular support  144 ′ from the sliders  124   g ′ while allowing some movement therebetween as the fastener  154  moves within the groove  150  formed in the sliders  124   g′.    
         [0100]     As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the increased number of parts of support member assemblies  122   g ′ increases the cost and time of assembly of support member assemblies  122   g ′ when compared to support member assemblies  122   g.  Consequently, only a few support member assemblies used inside a container like container log need have the tubular support  144 ′ secured to the sliders  124   g ′ like in support member assemblies  122   g ′. The remaining support member assemblies may be like support member assembly  122   g,  with no fasteners  154 . For example,  FIG. 14  illustrates three of the nine support member assemblies having fasteners  154  like in support member assembly  122   g ′ shown in  FIG. 15A .  
         [0101]      FIG. 16  illustrates another support member assembly  122   g ′, exactly like the one shown in  FIG. 15A  used to support one of the pouches  90   g.  However,  FIG. 16  illustrates another innovative feature or aspect of the present invention. Rail  52   g  has an opening or cutout  156  formed therein. A pair of holes  158  are formed in the upper wall  104   g  of rail  52   g  which are sized and threaded to receive fasteners  158 . Although fasteners  158  are illustrated to be screws, they may be any other desirable fastener. A cap  160  is removably secured to the rail  52   g  to cover the opening or cutout  156  formed in an upper portion of rail  52   g.  As best seen in  FIG. 16 , cap  160  has a generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration including a top portion  162  and side portions  164  extending downwardly from the top portion  162 . Holes  166  are formed through the top portion  162  of the cap  160  and sized to receive fasteners  158  as shown in  FIG. 16 . The fasteners  158  are adapted to pass through the holes  166  in the cap  160  and into the holes  159  in the upper wall  104   g  of the rail  54   g.    
         [0102]     When one of the sliders  124   g,    124   g ′ or any part of support member assemblies  122   g,    122   g ′ are damaged or need to be replaced for any reason, one may remove cap  160  after loosening fasteners  158 , thereby exposing the opening or cutout  156  of rail  52   g.  The support member assemblies  122   g,    122   g ′ are then removed as necessary to fix the damaged part or parts. A repaired or new support member assembly or assemblies  122   g,    122   g ′ may then be inserted through the openings or cutouts in the rails  52   g  before the cap  160  is secured over the opening or openings to thereby close the opening or openings  156 .  
         [0103]      FIG. 17  illustrates a collapsible container  10   h  comprising a body  12   h  having a front wall  14   h,  opposed side walls  16   h  and a rear wall  18   h,  all extending upwardly from a base  22   h.  Although one type of collapsible container is illustrated in  FIG. 17 , this embodiment may be used with other types or configurations of containers. For example, this embodiment may also be used in a rack type of container having corner posts extending upwardly from a base as shown in  FIG. 13A . A cover (not shown) may also be included to enclose the container  10   h  and further protect and secure product (not shown) during shipment. If desired, in this embodiment, one or more walls may be partially or wholly omitted, for example in a horizontal dispensing container.  
         [0104]     As shown in  FIG. 17 , the front wall  14   h  has a drop down door  160  hinged to the remainder of the front wall  14   h  with hinges  164 . The door  160  is movable between an erect position (not shown) and a open position shown in  FIG. 17  to allow easy access to the interior of the container  10   h.  Any of the walls or sides of the container may have lockable doors like door  160  shown in  FIG. 17  of any desired size or configuration.  
         [0105]     Container  10   h  has multiple layers of dunnage  120   h  in the form of pouches  90   h  for supporting product (not shown) suspended therefrom. Multiple tracks  52   h  are secured to opposed walls  16   h  in any desired manner at different spaced vertical heights, levels or locations. Each track  52   h  may be like track  52   g  shown in  FIG. 16  or track  52   f  shown in  FIG. 15 . Other configurations or shapes of track may used if desired.  
         [0106]     Although three layers of dunnage are illustrated in  FIG. 17 , any number of layers of tracks may be incorporated into container  10   h  to create multiple levels or layers of dunnage. In this embodiment, a lower layer  162  of support member assemblies  122   h  supporting pouches  90   h  are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   h  in a manner described above. Similarly, a middle layer  166  and an upper layer  170  of support member assemblies  122   h  supporting pouches  90   h  are adapted to move from back to front inside the interior of the container  10   h  in a manner described above.  
         [0107]     In any of the embodiments described herein, the tracks or retainers need not be located on the side walls or structures. They may be located on the front and rear walls or structures, as long as two opposed walls or side structures support them. Similarly rails or retainers having openings covered with removable caps as shown in  FIG. 16  may be used in any of the embodiments described herein.  
         [0108]      FIGS. 18-23  illustrate a container  10   i  according to another aspect of the present invention. The container  10   i,  as shown, comprises a body  12   i  having a front wall  14   i,  side walls  16   i  and a rear wall  18   i,  all secured to a base  22   i  and extending upwardly above base  22   i.  Although one type or configuration of container is illustrated, this embodiment may be used with other types or configurations of containers. For example, this embodiment may also be used in a rack type of container having corner posts extending upwardly from a base or a side loading container. A cover (not shown) may also be included to enclose the container  10   i  and further protect and secure product  26   i  (see  FIG. 23 ) during shipment. If desired, one or more walls may be partially or wholly omitted, for example in a horizontal dispensing container. For purposes of this document, the term “wall” may include any structure and is not intended to be limited to solid walls made of any particular material.  
         [0109]     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 23 , container  10   i  has multiple layers of dunnage  120   i  in the form of pouches  90   i  for supporting product  26   i  shown in  FIG. 23  suspended therefrom. The dunnage  120   i  of each layer is supported by a plurality of support member assemblies  190 , discussed subsequently in detail.  
         [0110]     Multiple tracks  52   i  are secured to opposed walls  16   i  in desired locations as best shown in  FIGS. 19 and 23 . Tracks  52   i  are configured like the tracks described above but may be any desired configuration or design. Tracks  52   i  may have openings which may or may not be covered with a removable cover like the tracks  52   g  shown in  FIG. 16 . Each track  52   i  is oriented horizontally (in a horizontal plane). However, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the tracks  52   i  supporting at least some of the support member assemblies  190  are not in the same horizontal plane. Therefore, a support member assembly  190  engaged with and extending from a track on one side wall  16   i  to the corresponding track  52   i  on the opposed sidewall  16   i  is sloped or angled, i.e. not horizontal. One of the tracks  52   i  on one of the sidewalls  16   i  is either above or below a corresponding track  52   i  on an opposing sidewall  16   i,  each of the tracks receiving and retaining a portion of one of the support member assemblies  190 . The purpose of positioning corresponding tracks in such offset locations is to increase product density within a container.  
         [0111]     As shown in  FIGS. 19 and 23 , the support member assemblies  190  are disposed within the body  12   i  of container  10   i.  Referring now to  FIGS. 20, 21  and  22 , the features of support member assemblies  190  and pouches  90   i  are discussed in greater detail. The support member assemblies  190  of this embodiment are generally linear or straight as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 23 . However, the support member assemblies  190  may be any desired configuration or shape.  
         [0112]     Each support member assembly  190  includes a pair of end members  192  and a linear or straight support or support member  194  extending between the end members  192 . If desired, other configurations of support member  194  maybe used in the present invention. The support member  194  is preferably made of aluminum, but may be made of other suitable material. The support member  194  usually has a hollow interior but may be partially or wholly solid. The support member  194  may be joined or operatively coupled to the end member  192  in any desired manner.  
         [0113]     Each of the end members  192  includes a head  196  adapted to move in the interior of one of the tracks  52   i  and a guard  197  spaced inwardly from head  196  that prevents dunnage  120   i  from entering tracks  52   i.  Each end member  192  also includes an outer portion  198  connected to head  196  and guard  197  which is adapted to fit inside a tubular end portion  200  of support member  194 . Head  196 , guard  197  and portion  198  may be integrally formed of injection molded plastic. However, head  196 , guard  197  and outer portion  198  may be made of other suitable materials and may be made without the use of injection molding. Other types or configurations of end members may be used if desired. For example, end members may lack a guard but still have a head or portion adapted to move inside the interior of a track and be retained therein.  
         [0114]     The end members  192  may be rotatable relative to the support member  194  and rotatable within the interior of tracks  52   i.  The end members  192  may also be slidable within the interior of tracks  52   i.  If desired, end members may be identical to sliders  124  shown in  FIG. 10  or may be slightly different in configuration.  
         [0115]     As shown in  FIG. 20 , each layer of dunnage  120   i  includes a plurality of pouches  90   i.  The dunnage layer  120   i  may be made of one piece of material as shown in  FIG. 20 , such as a woven or non-woven fabric, or may be made of multiple pieces of fabric sewn or otherwise secured together. Dunnage  120   i  also includes a plurality of pockets  95   i  for retaining support members  194 . Each of the support members  194  resides inside one of the pockets  95   i  as shown in  FIG. 20 , with a plurality of support member assemblies  190  supporting the dunnage layer  120   i.    
         [0116]      FIG. 21  illustrates the layer of dunnage  120   i  of  FIG. 20  after all the support members  194  have been inserted in pockets  95   i  of dunnage layer  120   i  and the support members  194  have been incorporated into support member assemblies  190 . The dunnage layer  120   i  of this embodiment of the present invention is specifically designed to receive and retain for shipping purposes products  26   i  which are generally triangular in cross-section. See  FIG. 23 . More specifically, each pouch  90   i  of the dunnage layer  120   i  of  FIG. 21  is generally tapered in depth from one side to the other. Pouch  90   i  has a deep end  202 , a shallow end  204  and a middle portion  206  therebetween. Other configurations or shapes of pouches may be used in accordance with the present invention if desired.  
         [0117]      FIG. 22  illustrates another dunnage layer  120   i  comprising pouches  90   i  which are oriented oppositely from those of  FIG. 21 . In other words, the dunnage layers of  FIGS. 21 and 22  are identical but oriented oppositely.  
         [0118]      FIG. 23  illustrates one variation of this aspect of the present invention. In  FIG. 23 , the uppermost support member assembly  190  is oriented horizontally with end members  192  received and retained in tracks  52   i  which are generally aligned horizontally, i.e. in the same horizontal plane P 1 . However, the pouches  90   i  of the dunnage layer  120   i  are tapered as described above, the deep end  202  of the uppermost pouch  90   i  being on the right and the shallow end  204  being on the left of  FIG. 23 .  
         [0119]     The adjacent or next lowest support member assembly  190  is sloped or angled (downwardly as it extends from left to right) so it is not parallel the uppermost support member assembly  190 . As seen in  FIG. 23 , this support member assembly  190 , oriented like the support member assembly  190  shown in  FIG. 22 , has one end member  192  (the one on the left of  FIG. 23 ) retained in a track  52   i  shown in a horizontal plane P 2  and another end member  192  (the one on the right of  FIG. 23 ) retained in a track  52   i  shown in a horizontal plane P 3  below horizontal plane P 2 . The result of this orientation is that the support member  194  of support member assembly  190  is sloped (downwardly as it extends from right to left) or not horizontal and the deep end  202  of pouch  90   i  is shown on the left of  FIG. 23 . Due to the position of the tracks  52   i  and sloped orientation of the support member assembly  190 , the bottom  207  of the pouches  90   i  of this dunnage layer may be generally horizontal.  
         [0120]     The adjacent or third lowest support member assembly  190  is oriented horizontally parallel the uppermost support member assembly  190  as shown in  FIG. 23 . As seen in  FIG. 23 , this support member assembly  190 , oriented like the support member assembly  190  shown in  FIG. 21 , has both end members  192  received and retained in tracks  52   i  which are located generally in the same horizontal plane P 4 . This pattern repeats itself with the container  10   i  as shown in  FIG. 23 . The result of this orientation is that every other support member  194  of support member assemblies  190  is sloped or not horizontal and the deep end  202  of pouch  90   i  is shown on the right of  FIG. 23 . As can be readily seen in  FIG. 23 , every other dunnage layer  120   i  is oriented oppositely with generally horizontal support member assemblies  190  (like the top support member assembly  190 ). Each pouch  90   i  is adapted to receive and retain a product  26   i.  The result of this configuration of packaging with this specific location of tracks  52   i  increases product density relative to known packaging techniques.  
         [0121]     When packaging products or parts  26   i,  the use of container  10   i,  incorporating at least some sloped support member assemblies  190  results in an increase in product density as compared to containers of like size when horizontal support member assemblies only are used. Greater product density results in lower shipping costs and is therefore advantageous.  
         [0122]     While various embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspect is, therefore, not limited to the specific details, representative system, apparatus, and method, and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant&#39;s general inventive concept.