Base for post in post product packaging and display system

1. In an improved system for packaging, shipping and displaying product containers, the system comprising a plurality of vertically spaced trays for holding the product containers; outer support posts having hollow interiors, the outer support posts located over openings in each tray such that their hollow interiors communicate with the openings; and inner guide posts inserted inside the outer support posts and through the tray openings to lock the trays together, the improvement comprising:

a base assembly comprising an outer base box and a center base member that fits within the base box, the center base member having a top edge, two opposing vertical sidewalls and two opposing vertical end walls joined together to define vertical corners, and means for holding a first set of outer support posts in an upright position within the base assembly, said means comprising at least one inwardly collapsible section formed from contiguous portions of a sidewall and an end wall whose junction defines one of the vertical corners, the at least one inwardly collapsible section being defined by at least one horizontal cut line extending from a first fold line on a side wall to a second fold line on an end wall, said inwardly collapsible section also having a third fold line between the first and second fold lines serving as a living hinge to enable the inwardly collapsible section to collapse inwardly.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the inwardly collapsible section defines an interior cylindrical space for accommodating an upright outer support post.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the cylindrical space has a rectangular cross-section.

4. The system of claim 1 comprising at least one inwardly collapsible section at each corner.