Patent Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention feature a stackable tray storage container suitable for holding fruit and food. The stackable tray storage container has a rectangular base having a first rectangular shape with a pair of base widths and a pair of base lengths, a pair of end walls having a second rectangular shape extending upward foldably attached along opposite base widths connecting each end wall to the rectangular base and having a corresponding pair of cutouts along each fold along the base widths forming a pair of tray handle interlocks, a corresponding pair of handle extensions foldably attached along a top edge of each end wall and a pair of walls extending upward foldably attached along opposite base lengths and having a third rectangular shape, wherein each of the walls along the length have a pair of foldably attached flaps that fold inward and attach to the pair of end walls.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Storage containers are of growing importance in commerce as more products are being shipped to individual customers. Depending on the product being shipped, the storage container may need to be specially designed to both fit and protect the product. To ship fruits and other perishables, the containers need to protect the fruits from being damaged during shipping and handling. Also, the box needs to have sufficient strength to hold the heavier weight of the fruit and withstand stacking several containers upon each other without crushing from the overall weight. 
         [0002]    Conventional boxes tend to be designed for shipping fruit and other product for retail stores and other outlets. These conventional boxes assume that the person receiving the boxes and the product are employees of the retail store or people responsible for receiving large pallets of products at these stores. Accordingly, the boxes may be design to fit on these pallets and moved around using forklifts, hand trucks and other heavy equipment. Once the pallet is received, the boxes are lifted off the pallet and the contents, such as fruit, quickly removed and placed on displays. Often, the individual boxes are not moved far from the pallet hence their design does not have to be appealing to the individual user. Even if the boxes are moved any distance, the grocers and other individuals are generally expected to lift and move heavy boxes as part of their job duties as well as wear protective gloves and other equipment to protect themselves. Very little thought is placed into designing boxes and packaging for fruit and other food stuffs that considers protecting the goods inside but the usability of the container to the end user. 
         [0003]    Consequently, it is difficult to ship fruit as gifts in conventional boxes as they may be hard to handle, look cheaply made or generally not be aesthetically appealing. This is often not the impression desired when sending fruit or other perishables as a gift to be placed in a home kitchen or office environment. Unfortunately, the conventional storage containers that are capable of shipping fruit and perishables do not address these and other related issues. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is a storage container depicted in accordance with implementations of the present invention in an unassembled state; 
           [0005]      FIG. 2A  is diagram of an assembled storage container having a criss-cross insert suitable for receiving fruit, perishables or other objects; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2B  is diagram of an assembled storage container configured as a display center for fruit, perishables or other objects; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  depicts a fully assembled and closed storage container designed in accordance with one implementation of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  depicts a storage container from a top-view having criss-cross inserts and packing material; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a storage container from a side view depicting the folding of multiple cardboard sheets and increased strength in the storage container; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a detail of storage container from a side view demonstrating the composite ends and a composite cover; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  is one alternative implementation of the present invention depicting a glued storage container assembled using adhesive materials in addition to folds; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  depicts a tray storage container in accordance with further aspects of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  illustrates a stacked tray storage containers connected using a handle interlock design in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  illustrates a composite storage container having a tray storage containers within a larger storage container in accordance with aspects of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  is a further illustration of a pair of storage trays designed in accordance with aspects of the present invention and placed within a larger storage container; 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  is a tray storage container designed in accordance with one implementation of the present invention using a single sheet as illustrated; 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  is an alternative implementation of a glued tray storage container assembled using adhesive materials in addition to folds; 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  illustrates a case storage container designed in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  illustrates a single sheet implementation of a glued case storage container in accordance with aspects of the present invention and assembled using adhesive materials in addition to folds; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  illustrates an assembled case storage container having a tray storage container in accordance with one implementation of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     SUMMARY 
       [0021]    Aspects of the present invention feature a stackable tray storage container suitable for holding fruit and food. The stackable tray storage container has a rectangular base having a first rectangular shape with a pair of base widths and a pair of base lengths, a pair of end walls having a second rectangular shape extending upward foldably attached along opposite base widths connecting each end wall to the rectangular base and having a corresponding pair of cutouts along each fold along the base widths forming a pair of tray handle interlocks, a corresponding pair of handle extensions foldably attached along a top edge of each end wall and a pair of walls extending upward foldably attached along opposite base lengths and having a third rectangular shape, wherein each of the walls along the length have a pair of foldably attached flaps that fold inward and attach to the pair of end walls. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a storage container  100  is depicted in accordance with implementations of the present invention in an unassembled state. While it may be possible to glue one or more portions, storage container  100  has been designed to provide sufficient structural integrity and overall strength for shipping and handling without the need of glues or seals. Alternate implementations described later herein may be assembled and affixed together with glue in addition to folding and tucking of the various panels and flaps. It is contemplated that other types of seals to indicate authenticity or tampering with the contents may be added as seen fit by the shipping or receiving party. With appropriate inserts, storage container  100  may be used for storing and shipping fruits or perishables as well as any other number of items. 
         [0023]    Storage container  100  can be implemented using a single cardboard sheet having a rectangular base  102 , a front wall  104 , a back wall  106 , an outer cover panel  108 , an inner cover panel  110 , a pair of front side panels  112 , a pair of back side panels  114 , a pair of end walls  116  and a pair of inner wall  118  extensions there from. 
         [0024]    Rectangular base  102  is connected to front wall  104  by way of a fold along front edge  120 . Similarly, rectangular base  102  is also connected to back wall  106  by way of another fold along back edge  122 . At the top edge  124  of back wall  106  is at least one cover slot  126  and integral cover secure flap  128  that extends from within cover slot  126 . Inner cover panel  110  extends from back wall  106  along a folded top edge  124 . For example, the example implementation depicted in  FIG. 1  includes a pair of cover slots  126  and a pair of integral cover secure flaps  128  however greater or fewer slots and flaps can also be used. In one implementation, a pair of cutouts  137  are made into the inner cover panel  110  to increase the ergonomics and usability of the storage container as further described later herein. 
         [0025]    Outer cover panel  108  extends from front wall  104  by way of a folded top edge  130 . Along the top edge  132  of outer cover panel  108  is at least one cover tuck flap  134  and integral cover secure slot  136  corresponding to the number of cover slots  126  and integral cover secure flaps  128  associated with back wall  106 . For example, a pair of cover tuck flaps  134  and integral cover secure slots  136  is matched with the pair of cover slots  126  and integral cover secure flaps  128  in the example implementation in  FIG. 1 . Like the aforementioned outer cover panel  110 , a pair of cutouts  137  of similar dimension and shape are also made into the outer cover panel  108 . 
         [0026]    Front side panels  112  extend from side edges  138  of front wall  104  along a double-scored perforation to facilitate multiple flat folds of cardboard material. An additional scoring  140  is made between the side portions  142  of each front side panel  112  forming an inset panel  144 . In addition, each of front side panels  112  has a side panel tab  146  extending from the top edge  148  of the front side panels  112 . Grab areas  147  are cut out of front side panels  112  as indicated in order to insert fingers and better carry storage container  100 . For example, the grab areas  147  are elliptical in shape to better form to a hand and fingers placed within and not create sharp edges. However, it is also contemplated that grab aras  147  may be formed using rectangular, trapezoidal or other shapes t 
         [0027]    Likewise, back side panels  114  extend from side edges  150  of back wall  106  also along double-scored perforations. To also provide for inset panels  144 , additional scoring  140  is made between the side portions  152  of back side panels  114 . Once again, each of back side panels  114  has a side panel tab  146  extending from the top edge  154  of back side panels  114 . Like the front side panels  112 , back side panels  114  also have grab areas  147  cut out in order to accommodate fingers when carrying storage container  100 . 
         [0028]    Rectangular base  102  also has a pair of end walls  116  extending from side edge  156  along double-scored perforations. Each end wall  116  has at least one slotted tab  158  at the lower end of each end wall. For example, in  FIG. 1  each end wall  116  has a pair of slotted tabs  158 . End walls  116  also have grab areas  147  formed in similar shape and dimension to those found in front side panels  112  and back side panels  114 . 
         [0029]    Beyond end walls  116  are inner end walls  118  extended along a double-scored perforation  160  having a side tab slot  162  positioned there between the pair of perforations. At the top edge  164  of each of inner end walls  118  along a perforation is a slotted tuck flap extension  166  having at least one slot  168  and corresponding to the number of slotted tabs  158 . For example,  FIG. 1  depicts a pair of slots  168  along top edge  164  of inner end walls  118  to match the pair of slotted tabs  158  along additional scoring  140 . Inner end walls  118  also have grab areas  147  corresponding to those grab areas  147  found in the other aforementioned portions of storage container  100  as illustrated. 
         [0030]    Cutouts  137  of approximately the same geometry made into both inner cover panel  110  and outer cover panel  108  as illustrated in  FIG. 1  work in conjunction with grab areas  147 . In one implementation, these cutouts  137  are in the shape of a sickle or crescent as illustrated however many other shapes for the cutouts are possible. For example, it is also contemplated that cutouts  137  may be based upon rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, elliptical and other geometries as best suited for the particular application and aesthetic appeal. 
         [0031]    Generally, these cutouts  137  are included in accordance with aspects of the present invention so as to not hinder a person&#39;s hands or arms as they are carrying storage container  100 . For example, fingers may be placed into grab areas  147  extending upwards towards outer cover panel  108  and passing across cutouts  137 . Palms of the hands and/or thumbs may rest on top of outer cover panel  108  in an ergonomic manner thus making carrying storage container  100  easier. 
         [0032]    Alternatively, fingers may be placed on underside of rectangular base  102  along side edges  156  with extended forearms or other portion of the arms also passing across cutouts  137 . The placement of cutouts  137  in this instance allows the arms to comfortably extend downward while carrying storage container  100 . By opening up the area of cutouts  137 , the arms are not chafed by the edges of the cardboard or other material used to construct storage container  100 . 
         [0033]      FIG. 2A  is diagram of an assembled storage container  200  having a criss-cross insert  202  suitable for receiving fruit, perishables or other objects. As illustrated, assembled storage container  200  has rectangular base  102  having front wall  104  folded upwardly along a folded front edge  122  of the rectangular base  102 . A back wall  106  is folded upwardly along a folded back edge  120  of the rectangular base  102 . At the top edge  124  of back wall  106  is a pair of cover slots  126  and integral cover secure flaps  128  extended from within cover slot  126 . 
         [0034]    Also illustrated is outer cover panel  108  to be folded in a spaced and parallel relationship to rectangular base  102  along a folded top edge  124  as an extension to front wall  104 . At the top edge  132  of outer cover panel  108  illustrated in  FIG. 2A  is an example implementation having a pair of tuck flaps  134  with an integral cover secure slots  136  both cooperating with the cover slots  126  and integral cover secure flaps  128  respectively along the top edge  130  of back wall  106 . 
         [0035]    To strengthen assembled storage container  200  and the cover area, inner cover panel extension  110  is folded along the top edge  130  of back wall  106  forming another layer of material and adding rigidity to the over assembled storage container  200 . On the interior facing side of inner cover panel extension  110  can be placed information  220  or advertising as depicted by the printed or mounted information  220  titled “INFO”. Both outer cover panel  108  and inner cover panel extension  110  are positioned in a spaced and parallel relationship to rectangular base  102  when assembled storage container  200  is closed. 
         [0036]    Ends of assembled storage container  200  are reinforced by a pair of front side panels  112  (not visible in  FIG. 2 ) each extending laterally and inwardly along a doubly scored side edge  138  of front wall  104  and having side panel tab  146  on top edge  148  of each front side panel  112 . Further reinforcement to the ends of assembled storage container  200  is provided in a similar manner by a pair of back side panels  114  (not visible in  FIG. 2 ) each extending laterally and inwardly along a doubly scored side edge  150  of back wall  106 . Each of back side panels  114  also has a side panel tab  146  on the top edge  154  of each back side panel  114 . Both of the side panel tabs  146  of front side panel  112  and back side panel  114  fit cooperatively into side tab slot  162  positioned between double-scored perforation  160 . 
         [0037]    A pair of end walls  116  each extends upwardly along a doubly scored side edge  156  of the rectangular base  102 . An inset panel  144  having a uniform depth is formed according to a width defined according to an additional scoring  140 . The width of inset panel  144  corresponds to a distance between a lower portion of each end wall  116  and just above the side edge  156  of the rectangular base  102  indicated by the additional scoring  140 . Likewise, a matching width on the inset panel  144  is defined according to an additional scoring  140  adjacent to a side edge  138  on front side panels  112  and the additional scoring  140  adjacent to a side edge  150  on back side panels  114 . By folding double-scored top edge  160  of each end wall  116  inwardly and downwardly around the top end of each end wall  116  and wrapping around front side panels  112  and back side panels  114  greatly increases the overall strength of assembled container  200 . For added security, slotted tuck flap  166  (not visible in  FIG. 2 ) is an extension designed with at least one slot  168  to cooperate and lock into the at least one slotted tabs  158  at the lower end of each end wall  116 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 2B  is diagram of an assembled storage container  290  configured as a display center for fruit, perishables or other objects. Compared with  FIG. 2A , assembled storage container  290  has outer cover panel  108  folded in a substantially orthogonal relationship to rectangular base  102 . Notably, outer cover panel  108  extends further in distance than front wall  104  and when fixed in place causes assembled storage container  290  to lift at an angle along rectangular base  102 . Fasteners  224  keep outer cover panel  108  in position and at a slight to moderate angle. For example, one type of fastener  224  can be implemented using one or more conventional binder clips attached onto the cardboard front wall  104  and outer cover panel  108 . This makes it easier to view and select items from assembled storage container  290 . For example, a person can more readily view and select fruit from assembled storage container  290  when it is configured as a display center for the fruit. In addition, information  220  is also displayed making it useful to provide information about the items in assembled storage container  290  or provide certain advertising related to the items or of particular interest to the recipient of assembled storage container  290 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  depicts a fully assembled and closed storage container  300  designed in accordance with one implementation of the present invention. Closed storage container  300  depicted in  FIG. 3  illustrates outer cover panel  108  secured in place by a pair of cover tuck flaps  134  inserted into pair of cover slots  126  and integral cover secure flaps  128  inserted into integral cover secure slots  136 . This arrangement facilitates keeping closed storage container  300  in a secure arrangement for shipping and handling. 
         [0040]    Top portion of end walls  116  wrapping around front side panels  112  (not visible in  FIG. 3 ) and back side panels  114  (not visible in  FIG. 3 ) combined with outer cover panel  108  and inner cover panel  110  increase the overall strength of closed storage container  300  especially in the vicinity of the inset panels  144 . Grab areas  147  make a convenient and strong handle for lifting closed storage container  300  provided added clearance provided by cutouts  137  to accommodate hands and/or arms while carrying. In addition, this arrangement also provides for crush corners  306  that protect contents from various forces that may occur during shipping of handling of closed storage container  300 . As a purely aesthetic feature, edging  304  on the sides and bottom portions creates a recognizable overall appearance in both the closed storage container  300  as well as in the assembled yet opened storage container  200  depicted in  FIG. 2  and elsewhere. 
         [0041]      FIG. 4  depicts a storage container  400  from a top-view (see lines  4 - 4  in  FIG. 2 ) having criss-cross inserts  202  and packing material  402 . As previously described, criss-cross inserts  202  can be used to pack fruits and other perishables that may fit in the spaces formed by the intersection of the slats of cardboard or other materials. These criss-cross inserts  202  serve to keep the items being shipped in place and from hitting each other as well as provide some protection from mechanical shock to the overall storage container  400 . Similarly, packing material  402  is placed on sides to increase resistance to mechanical shock applied to outside faces of the box. For example, packing material  402  can be a biodegradable cushioning material derived from corn starch or other similar materials. Alternatively, it can be constructed from paper or, if necessary, lesser biodegradable petrochemical derived materials. 
         [0042]    Gap  404  is formed from an angular recess of end walls  116  along with front wall  104  and back wall  106  that receives packing material  402 . Together, the placement of packing material  402  into gap  404  causes a firm packing of items in storage container  400  when it is closed as the packing material  402  is compressed against back wall  104  and front wall  106 . While packing material  402  can also be placed flatly across criss-cross inserts  202 , it has been omitted to allow viewing the interior of storage container  400 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 5  is a storage container  500  side view (see line  5 - 5  in  FIG. 2 ) depicting the folding of multiple cardboard sheets and increased strength in the storage container  500 . In the example illustration, composite ends  504  of storage container are formed from end wall  116  and inner end walls  118  both folded inwardly and downwardly around the top end of each end wall  116  and wrapping around back side panels  112  and front side panels  114 . Composite cover  506  includes a layering of both outer cover panel  108  and inner cover panel extension  110  in a spaced and parallel relationship to rectangular base  102  when storage container  500  is closed 
         [0044]      FIG. 6  is a detail of storage container  600  side view (see line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 ) demonstrating the composite ends  504  and composite cover  506 . From the detail side view, composite ends  504  of storage container are formed from end wall  116  and inner end walls  118  both folded inwardly and downwardly around the top end of each end wall  116  and wrapping around back side panels  112  and front side panels  114 . Composite cover  506  includes a layering of both outer cover panel  108  and inner cover panel  110  in a spaced and parallel relationship to rectangular base  102  when storage container  600  is closed. 
         [0045]      FIG. 7  is an alternative implementation of a glued storage container  700  assembled using adhesive materials in addition to folds. Glued storage container  700  also can be implemented using a single cardboard sheet having a rectangular base  702 , a front wall  704 , a back wall  706 , an outer cover panel  708 , an inner cover panel  710 , a pair of front side panels  712 , a pair of back side panels  714  and a pair of end walls  716 . 
         [0046]    Rectangular base  702  is connected to front wall  704  by way of a fold along front edge  720 . Similarly, rectangular base  702  is also connected to back wall  706  by way of another fold along back edge  722 . At the top edge  724  of back wall  706  is at least one cover slot  726  and integral cover secure flap  728  that extends from within cover slot  726 . Inner cover panel  710  extends from back wall  706  along the folded top edge  724 . For example, the example implementation depicted in  FIG. 7  includes a pair of cover slots  726  and a pair of integral cover secure flaps  728  however greater or fewer slots and flaps can also be used. 
         [0047]    Outer cover panel  708  extends from front wall  704  by way of a folded top edge  730 . Along the top edge  732  of outer cover panel  708  is at least one cover tuck flap  734  and integral cover secure slot  736  corresponding to the number of cover slots  726  and integral cover secure flaps  728  associated with back wall  706 . For example, a pair of cover tuck flaps  734  and integral cover secure slots  736  is matched with the pair of cover slots  726  and integral cover secure flaps  728  in the example implementation in  FIG. 7 . In one implementation, a pair of cutouts  737  are made into the inner cover panel  708  to increase the ergonomics and usability of the storage container as further described later herein. 
         [0048]    Front side panels  712  extend from side edges  738  of front wall  704  along a double-scored perforation to facilitate multiple flat folds of cardboard material. An additional scoring  740  is made between the side portions  742  of each front side panel  712  forming an inset panel  744 . A “U” shaped notch at the top edge of front side panels  712  corresponds to a grab area  747  when folded. 
         [0049]    Likewise, back side panels  714  extend from side edges  750  of back wall  706  also along double-scored perforations. To also provide for inset panels  744 , additional scoring  740  is made between the side portions  752  of back side panels  114 . Likewise, a “U” shaped notch at the top edge of back side panels  714  corresponds to the grab area  747  when folded. 
         [0050]    Rectangular base  702  also has a pair of end walls  716  extending from side edge  756  along double-scored perforations. Both end walls  716  also have grab areas  747  formed in similar shape and dimension. Grab areas  747  are cut out of front side panels  112  as indicated in order to insert fingers and better carry glued storage container  700 . For example, the grab areas  147  are elliptical in shape to better form to a hand and fingers placed within and not create sharp edges. However, it is also contemplated that grab areas  747  may also be formed using rectangular, trapezoidal or other shapes. 
         [0051]    Cutouts  737  of approximately the same geometry are made into outer cover panel  708  as illustrated in  FIG. 7  work in conjunction with grab areas  747 . In one implementation, these cutouts  737  are in the shape of a sickle or crescent as illustrated however many other shapes for the cutouts are possible. For example, it is also contemplated-that cutouts  737  may be based upon rectangular, trapezoidal, circular, elliptical and other geometries as best suited for the particular application and aesthetic appeal. 
         [0052]    Generally, these cutouts  737  are included in accordance with aspects of the present invention so as to not hinder a person&#39;s hands or arms as they are carrying glued storage container  700 . For example, fingers may be placed into grab areas  747  extending upwards towards outer cover panel  708  and passing across cutouts  737 . Palms of the hands and/or thumbs may rest on top of outer cover panel  108  in an ergonomic manner thus making carrying glued storage container  700  easier. 
         [0053]    Alternatively, fingers may be placed on underside of rectangular base  702  along side edges  756  with extended forearms or other portion of the arms also passing across cutouts  737 . The placement of cutouts  737  in this instance allows the arms to comfortably extend downward while carrying storage container  700 . By opening up the area of cutouts  737 , the arms are not chafed by the edges of the cardboard or other material used to construct glued storage container  700 . It is contemplated that one skilled in the art provided at least  FIG. 7  and other descriptions herein would be able to identify one or more locations for glue to assemble the glued storage container  700  into a finished product that appears similar to storage container  200  in  FIG. 2A . Some of the many benefit of the glued storage container  700  compared with storage container  200  is less required material and simpler assembly. 
         [0054]      FIG. 8  depicts a tray storage container  800  in accordance with further aspects of the present invention. Tray storage container  800  may function as an insert to other storage containers such as storage container  100 , glued storage container  700  as well as other storage containers described in further detail later herein or as an independent storage container not to be inserted into other containers. In either usage, tray storage container  800  can be used to hold fruits, vegetables, nuts and other food stuffs. 
         [0055]    In one implementation, tray storage container  800  includes a tray length  802 , a tray width  804 , a tray handle  808  and a handle interlock  814 . Tray handle  810  fits through a handle slot  810  cut into a center portion of a tray width top  806 . Likewise, the handle interlock  814  is cut into corresponding center portion of a tray width bottom  812 . As described later herein, the dimensions of tray handle  810  fits snuggly into handle interlock  814  thereby facilitating a stacking of two or more of tray storage container  800 . 
         [0056]    Stacked tray storage containers  900  illustrated in  FIG. 9  are connected using a handle interlock design in accordance with aspects of the present invention. Specifically, a pair of tray storage containers includes a bottom tray storage container  902  (hereinafter “bottom tray”) and a top tray storage container  904  (hereinafter “top tray”). A bottom tray handle  906  fits snugly into a top tray handle interlock  908  as illustrated. This arrangement provides additional stability while the trays are stacked and standing alone or when they are inserted within another larger storage container as shown later herein. Yet top tray handle  912  remains sufficiently flexible allowing it to be folded down across the top edge of the top tray  904  such that it does not stand up and hinder placement of a flat surface across the top edges of top tray  904 . For example, the top of a box can be placed down over top tray handle  912  pushing the top tray handle  912  into a flattened position. Of course, it is also contemplated that additional storage trays (not shown) can be stacked on top of top tray  904  interlocking with top tray handle  912 . Either bottom tray  902  or top tray  904  contain fruit, vegetables or other food stuffs and can be readily carried either together or separately to different locations. Handles like top tray handle  912  allows one to quickly move a portion of the food stuffs to another location to allow easier display of the fruit or vegetables. 
         [0057]      FIG. 10  illustrates a composite storage container  1000  having tray storage containers within a larger storage container. In this example, a bottom tray  1004  is first placed in the bottom of a storage container  1002  with a bottom tray handle  1006  extended upwards. In practice, fruits, vegetables, nuts and other food stuffs are placed into bottom tray  1004  in preparation for carrying or shipping. Next, a top tray  1008  is placed down into storage container  1002  setting on top of bottom tray  1004  causing top tray handle interlock  1012  to fit snugly around bottom tray handle  1006 . Top tray  1008  is also filled with fruits, nuts, vegetables and other food stuffs as the bottom tray  1004 . Upon closing storage container  1002 , flexible top tray handle  1010  flexes downward allowing the top of storage container  1002  to close without hindrance from top tray handle  1010 . 
         [0058]    Placement of tray storage containers, like bottom tray  1004  and top tray  1008 , within a larger storage container has many benefits for the packaging of fruit and other food stuffs. For example, a person can receive a large amount of fruits or vegetables in larger storage container  1002  and then quickly separate the amounts into two approximately equal amounts as they are contained in bottom tray  1004  and top tray  1008 . The two amounts of food stuffs contained in these two different trays can be carried to two different locations relatively easily. Later, the bottom tray  1004  and top tray  1008  can be returned to the storage container  1002  and then moved in the entirety to another location as required. Unlike conventional storage containers, a person has the option of selecting to carry either a larger amount of food stuffs found in the larger storage container  1002  or a smaller amount of food stuffs contained within each of bottom tray  1004  or top tray  1008 . This arrangement is particular useful when shipping fruits and other food stuffs into an office environment where the items are to be shared and multiple containers would allow sharing in different areas or departments within the office. 
         [0059]      FIG. 11  is a further illustration of a pair of storage trays designed in accordance with aspects of the present invention and placed within a larger storage container  1102 . In this example, a top tray  1104  is placed over a lower tray (not visible) with a lower tray handle connected to the top tray through a top tray handle interlock (not visible). It should be appreciated that that top tray handles  1106  will readily fold down thus allowing both the inner cover  1108  and outer cover  1110  of storage container  1102  to lay flat over the top tray  1104 . 
         [0060]    A tray storage container  1200  designed in accordance with the present invention can be implemented using a single sheet as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Tray storage container  1200  as illustrated has a rectangular tray base  1202 , a pair of tray walls  1204 , a pair of inner tray walls  1206 , a pair of end tray walls  1208 , a pair of inner end tray walls  1210  and a pair of back side tray walls  1212 . 
         [0061]    Rectangular tray base  1202  is connected along its length to front and back tray walls  1204 . Each of the tray walls  1204  extend to inner tray walls  1206  along the same length of the rectangular tray base  1202 . The inner tray walls  1206  each have at least one tray wall tab  1214  that fits into corresponding tray slots  1216 . 
         [0062]    End tray walls  1208  are connected along the width of rectangular tray base  1202 . Each of the end tray walls  1208  includes a tray handle interlock  1218  formed by cutting out the area as indicated. Above tray handle interlock  1218  is an end tray handle  1220  that corresponds to the dimensions and size of the tray handle interlock  1218  cutout. If tray storage container  1200  is on the bottom of several other tray storage containers then tray handle interlock  1218  can be used as a convenient grab area for placing hands and lifting the one or more tray storage containers. 
         [0063]    Scoring along the base of each end tray handle  1220  ensures that the handles can be folded downward to accommodate closing a box lid down flat across the top of tray storage container  1200 . For example, closing the lid of a storage container  1102  in  FIG. 11  should cause the handles of tray storage container  1200  to fold downward. It should be appreciated however that end tray handle  1220  maintain lateral rigidity orthogonal to the aforementioned scoring thus keeping a stack of several tray storage containers also from moving in this lateral direction. 
         [0064]    Each of the end tray walls  1208  extend to inner end tray walls  1210  along the width of rectangular tray base  1202 . End tray tabs  1222  located on the edge of each of the inner end tray walls  1210  fits into a corresponding end tray slots  1224 . It should also be appreciated that the size of the cutout made for end tray handle can be enlarged in height such that it does not cover tray handle interlock  1218  cutout when folded downward and inward towards end tray slots  1224 . Consequently, an assembled version of tray container  1200  allows cover tray handle interlock  1218  to not only function to receive other tray handles but also has a sufficient opening for placing hands and fingers to securely carry a stack of tray storage containers  1200 . For example, the area in tray handle interlock  1218  that also operates as a grab area for fingers and hands also appears in  FIG. 10  as tray grab area  1012 . It is contemplated that tray grab area  1012  shall also be designed to line up with storage container grab area  747  in  FIG. 7  as well as storage container grab area  147  in  FIG. 2A . This allows the fingers to pass thru both the storage container  1000  and tray storage container  1008  allowing for easier and safer carrying of fruit goods or other food stuffs. 
         [0065]    Back side tray walls  1212  are formed with a side tray handle  1226  as reinforcement to each of the end tray handles  1220 . These side tray walls  1212  also have a notched area  1228  that fits around tray handle interlock  1218  thus providing sufficient clearance for positioning tray handles from other tray storage containers stacked from below. 
         [0066]      FIG. 13  is an alternative implementation of a glued tray storage container  1300  assembled using adhesive materials in addition to folds. The use of glue improves the overall strength of the assembled container and allows more flexibility in design choices. Like the folded version, glued tray storage container  1300  also can be implemented using a single cardboard sheet having a rectangular base  1302 , a pair of tray walls  1304 , a pair of end tray walls  1308 , a pair of back side tray panels  1312  and a pair of front side panels  1314 . 
         [0067]    Rectangular tray base  1302  is connected along its length to front and back tray walls  1304 . End tray walls  1308  are connected along the width of rectangular tray base  1302 . Each of the end tray walls  1308  includes a tray handle interlock  1318  formed by cutting out the area as indicated. Above tray handle interlock  1318  is an end tray handle  1320  that corresponds to the dimensions and size of the tray handle interlock  1318  cutout. An extension tray handle  1326  to end tray handle  1320  acts as reinforcement to each of the end tray handles  1320 . In one implementation, the size of tray handle interlock  1318  is large enough to accommodate extension tray handle  1326  when assembled and also provide additional clearance for fingers and hands for carrying. For example, if tray storage container  1200  is on the bottom of several other tray storage containers then tray handle interlock  1218  can be used as a convenient grab area for placing hands and lifting the one or more tray storage containers. 
         [0068]    Scoring along the base of each end tray handle  1320  ensures that the handles can be folded downward to accommodate closing a box lid down flat across the top of tray storage container  1300 . For example, closing the lid of a storage container  1102  in  FIG. 11  should cause the handles of tray storage container  1300  to fold downward. It should be appreciated however that end tray handle  1320  maintain lateral rigidity orthogonal to the aforementioned scoring thus keeping a stack of several tray storage containers also from moving in this lateral direction. 
         [0069]    As previously described, an assembled version of tray container  1300  allows cover tray handle interlock  1318  to not only function to receive other tray handles but also has a sufficient opening for placing hands and fingers to securely carry a stack of tray storage containers  1300 . For example, the area in tray handle interlock  1318  that also operates as a grab area for fingers and hands also appears in  FIG. 10  as tray grab area  1012 . It is contemplated that tray grab area  1012  shall also be designed to line up with storage container grab area  747  in  FIG. 7  as well as storage container grab area  147  in  FIG. 2A . This allows the fingers to pass thru both the storage container  1000  and tray storage container  1008  allowing for easier and safer carrying of fruit goods or other food stuffs. 
         [0070]    Back side tray walls  1312  are folded upward and inward to reinforce end tray walls  1308 . Likewise, front side tray walls  1314  are also folded upward and inward upon assembly to provide a similar reinforcement. As previously described, it is contemplated that one skilled in the art provided at least  FIG. 13  and other descriptions herein would be able to identify one or more locations for glue to assemble the glued tray storage container  1300  into a finished product that appears similar to tray storage container  800  in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 14  illustrates a case storage container  1400  designed in accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention. This case storage container  1400  has a case storage container height  1402 , a case storage container length  1404  and a case storage container width  1406 . Characteristic of case storage container  1400 , the case storage container width  1406  is approximately one-quarter to one-third the linear dimension compared with the case storage container height  1402 . This gives case storage container  1400  a more streamlined appearance compared with storage container  300  in  FIG. 3 . As in the storage container  300  in  FIG. 3 , the case storage container  1400  includes an inset  1408  and an outer cover panel  1410 . The closed case storage container  1400  in  FIG. 14  illustrates outer cover panel  1410  secured in place by a pair of cover tuck flaps  1412  inserted into integral cover secure slots  1414 . This also keeps case storage container  1400  closed and secure during shipping and handling. 
         [0072]    A handle  1410  is placed along the top of case storage container  1400  running lengthwise and centered. This handle  1410  allows case storage container  1400  to be readily carried with one hand and without the risk of the case storage container  1400  inadvertently opening. Crush zones  1416  formed indirectly through creation of inset  1408  also protect fruit, vegetables or other food stuffs within case storage container  1400  from being damaged. 
         [0073]      FIG. 15  illustrates a single sheet implementation of a glued case storage container  1500  assembled using adhesive materials in addition to folds. Glued case storage container  1500  has a rectangular base  1502 , a front wall  1504 , a back wall  1506 , an outer cover panel  1508 , an inner cover panel  1510 , a pair of front side panels  1512 , a pair of back side panels  1514  and a pair of end walls  1516 . 
         [0074]    Rectangular base  1502  is connected to front wall  1504  by way of a fold along front edge  1520 . Similarly, rectangular base  1502  is also connected to back wall  1506  by way of another fold along back edge  1522 . At the top edge  1524  of back wall  1506  is at least one cover slot  1526  and integral cover secure flap  1528  that extends from within cover slot  1526 . Inner cover panel  1510  extends from back wall  1506  along the folded top edge  1524 . For example, the implementation depicted in  FIG. 15  includes a pair of cover slots  1526  and a pair of integral cover secure flaps  1528  however greater or fewer slots and flaps can also be used. A first handle  1546  is cutout of inner cover panel and matches a second handle  1548  cutout from back wall  1506  as illustrated. Together the first handle  1546  folds inward and against a second handle  1548  form a stronger overall handle for carrying case storage container  1500  when filled with fruits, vegetables or other food stuffs. 
         [0075]    Outer cover panel  1508  extends from front wall  1504  by way of a folded top edge  1530 . Along the top edge  1532  of outer cover panel  1508  is at least one cover tuck flap  1534  and integral cover secure slot  1536  corresponding to the number of cover slots  1526  and integral cover secure flaps  1528  associated with back wall  1506 . For example, a pair of cover tuck flaps  1534  and integral cover secure slots  1536  is matched with the pair of cover slots  1526  and integral cover secure flaps  1528  in the example implementation in  FIG. 15 . 
         [0076]    Front side panels  1512  extend from side edges  1538  of front wall  1504  along a double-scored perforation to facilitate multiple flat folds of cardboard material. An additional scoring  1540  is on each front side panel  1512  forming an inset panel  1544 . 
         [0077]    Likewise, back side panels  1514  extend from side edges  1556  of back wall  1506  also along double-scored perforations. To also provide for inset panels  1544 , additional scoring  1540  is made on back side panels  1514  as indicated. 
         [0078]    Rectangular base  1502  also has a pair of end walls  1516  extending from side edge  1556  along double-scored perforations. It is contemplated that one skilled in the art provided at least  FIG. 15  and other descriptions herein would be able to identify one or more locations for glue to assemble the glued storage container  1500  into a finished product that appears similar to case storage container  1400  in  FIG. 14 . Some of the many benefit of the glued case storage container  1500  compared with a folded version of a case storage container includes less required material, simpler assembly and potentially overall higher strength. 
         [0079]    An assembled case storage container  1602  having a tray storage container  1604  is illustrated in  FIG. 16 . Case storage container  1606  includes an inset  1608  and handles (not visible) and is in an open state. The convenience of using both the tray storage container  1604  within the case storage container  1606  is exemplified in  FIG. 16 . For example, a person can carry a case storage container to an office in an upright position using the single handle. Given the design and strength of case storage container  1606 , the person can carry a large amount of fruit or other food stuffs along with other items necessary for work such as a satchel or purse. Next, the person can then open the case storage container  1602  in a flat orientation as illustrated in  FIG. 16 . This exposes the tray storage container  1604  contained within along with any fruit or food stuffs that have been packaged. Handles  1610  are extended from a flattened position thus allowing the tray storage container  1604  to be lifted along with fruit to be displayed or shared with others in the office, home or other workplace. It is also possible to carry tray storage container  1604  through opening in tray handle interlock  1612  as indicated. 
         [0080]    While specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to the above-described implementations, but instead is defined by the appended claims in light of their full scope of equivalents.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1