Plastic Tote Having Intermediate Sleeve

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a custom sized plastic tote lighter in weight than heretofore known custom sized plastic totes is provided. The method comprises separating an injection molded tote into upper and lower portions by cutting the injection molded tote. A sleeve or middle portion of plastic material is secured to the upper and lower portions of the injection molded tote to create a custom sized plastic tote of a desired height. Alternatively, portions of different injection molded totes may be used to create a custom sized plastic tote. The sleeve may be made from different materials and may be made of multiple pieces.

1 . A custom sized plastic tote comprising:
 a generally rectangular portion of a first injection molded tote having four sidewalls;   a generally rectangular portion of a second injection molded tote having four sidewalls; and   a four-sided plastic sleeve secured to the sidewalls of the portions of the first and second injection molded totes.   
     
     
         2 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is secured at spaced spots to the sidewalls of the portions of the first and second injection molded totes. 
     
     
         3 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is made of corrugated plastic. 
     
     
         4 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is made of one piece of material. 
     
     
         5 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is made from multiple pieces of material. 
     
     
         6 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is secured to the sidewalls of the portions of the first and second injection molded totes with mechanical fasteners. 
     
     
         7 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is outside the sidewalls of the portions of the first and second injection molded totes. 
     
     
         8 . The tote of  claim 1  wherein the sleeve is welded to the upper and lower portions of the custom sized plastic tote. 
     
     
         9 . A custom sized plastic tote comprising:
 a generally rectangular portion of a first injection molded tote having an upper lip and four sidewalls extending downwardly from the upper lip;   a generally rectangular portion of a second injection molded tote having a lower lip and four sidewalls extending upwardly from the lower lip; and   a four-sided plastic sleeve extending between the sidewalls of the portions of the first and second injection molded totes to form a custom sized plastic tote, the sleeve being secured to the sidewalls of the generally rectangular portions of the first and second injection molded totes.   
     
     
         10 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the four-sided plastic sleeve is outside the sidewalls of the generally rectangular portions of the first and second injection molded totes. 
     
     
         11 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the sleeve is made of a pair of face plies and a middle ply having a plurality of dimples. 
     
     
         12 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the sleeve is made of one piece of material. 
     
     
         13 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the sleeve is made from multiple pieces of material. 
     
     
         14 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the sleeve is made of corrugated plastic. 
     
     
         15 . The tote of  claim 9  wherein the sleeve is welded to the portions of the first and second injection molded totes. 
     
     
         16 . A custom sized plastic tote comprising:
 a generally rectangular rail having an upper lip and four sidewalls;   a generally rectangular tray having a lower lip and four sidewalls; and   a four-sided plastic sleeve extending between the generally rectangular rail and the tray, the sleeve fitting over the sidewalls of the rail and the tray, the sleeve being secured to the sidewalls of the rail and the tray.   
     
     
         17 . The tote of  claim 16  wherein the rail has handles. 
     
     
         18 . The tote of  claim 16  wherein the sleeve is made of plastic corrugated material. 
     
     
         19 . The tote of  claim 16  wherein the sleeve is welded to the sidewalls of the rail and the tray. 
     
     
         20 . The tote of  claim 16  wherein the sleeve is secured at spaced spots to the sidewalls of the rail and the tray.