U.S. patent application number 10/650616 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for multi-pack carton with bottom integrated handle.
Invention is credited to Schriner, Gregory.
Application Number | 20050045705 10/650616 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34217207 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050045705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schriner, Gregory |
March 3, 2005 |
Multi-pack carton with bottom integrated handle
Abstract
A foldable box assembly configured to carry a product or
products, the box having an integrated handle configured to connect
to the bottom of the foldable box assembly and extend through the
top of the assembled box. Additionally, the foldable box assembly
may comprise product openings in the top of the box assembly
allowing objects carried in the foldable box assembly to protrude
from the top of the assembled box when the top is closed to provide
additional security for the objects.
Inventors: |
Schriner, Gregory; (Phoenix,
AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Damon L. Boyd
Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.
One Arizona Center
400 East Van Buren
Phoenix
AZ
85004-2202
US
|
Family ID: |
34217207 |
Appl. No.: |
10/650616 |
Filed: |
August 28, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/120.05 ;
229/117.15; 229/120.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/46096 20130101;
B65D 71/72 20130101; B65D 71/0014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/120.05 ;
229/117.15; 229/120.17 |
International
Class: |
B65D 005/46; B65D
025/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A box assembly comprising: a top flap; a bottom flap; at least
four walls extending from said bottom flap to said top flap; said
walls forming an enclosed area between said bottom flap and said
top flap; at least one first product opening in said top flap
configured to receive an object and secure said object from moving
laterally, longitudinally, and vertically; and a first handle
integrated with said bottom flap and extending through said
enclosed area and through said top flap.
2. The box assembly of claim 1, further comprising a handle
aperture in said top flap.
3. The box assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second top
flap with at least one second product opening in said second top
flap configured to receive an object and secure said object from
moving laterally, longitudinally, or vertically.
4. The box assembly of claim 3, further comprising a handle
aperture on said top flap and said secondary top flap.
5. The box assembly of claim 1, further comprising a locking
mechanism.
6. The box assembly of claim 5, wherein said locking mechanism
comprises: at least one tuck flap connected to said top flap; and
at least one tuck flap slot.
7. The box assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second bottom
flap.
8. The box assembly of claim 7, further comprising a second handle
integrated with said second bottom flap.
9. Cardboard divided into 16 quadrants separated by at least one of
a crease and a cut, capable of being folded into a box, comprising:
a first cut-out in quadrant (0,0); a second cut-out in quadrant
(1,0); a third cut-out in quadrant (2,0); a fourth cut-out in
quadrant (3,0); a first bottom flap in quadrant (0,1); a fifth
cut-out in quadrant (1,1); a second bottom flap (2,1); a sixth
cut-out in quadrant (3,1); a first front panel in quadrant (0,2); a
first side panel in quadrant (1,2); a second front panel in
quadrant (2,2); a second side panel in quadrant (3,2); at least one
of a first top flap comprising at least one first product opening
in quadrant (0,3) configured to receive an object and secure said
object from moving laterally, longitudinally, or vertically and a
seventh cut-out; an eighth cut-out in quadrant (1,3); at least one
of a top flap comprising at least one second product opening in
quadrant (2,3) configured to receive an object and secure said
object from moving laterally, longitudinally, or vertically and a
ninth cut-out; and a tenth cut-out in quadrant (3,3).
10. The cardboard of claim 9, wherein said first cut-out is shaped
as a handle.
11. The cardboard of claim 9, wherein said third cut-out is shaped
as a handle remaining.
12. The cardboard of claim 9, wherein said fifth cut-out is shaped
as a bottom flap.
13. The cardboard of claim 9, wherein said sixth cut-out is shaped
as a bottom flap.
14. The cardboard of claim 9, wherein said eight cut-out is shaped
as a top minor flap.
15. The cardboard of claim 9, wherein said tenth cut-out is shaped
as a top minor flap.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to multi-pack
containers used for commercial products and more particularly to
containers used to carry moderately heavy products.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Consumers, in the name of convenience, often desire to
purchase multiple identical products at the same time. Therefore,
manufacturers often sell their goods in multi-packs, where a
consumer can purchase multiple products at once in a single
convenient package. For this reason, packaging has become a
critical element in the purchase of goods to both consumers and
manufacturers alike.
[0003] This invention relates to a folding box assembly designed to
carry multiple objects securely, that is without the objects moving
substantially in any direction. Previous box assemblies have
attempted this objective, but have done so with many problems.
[0004] For example, in order for a box assembly to carry a
moderately heavy product, many of the box assemblies must be
composed from a stronger material. However, if a proper structure
is used, then a weaker and, therefore, cheaper material may be used
to construct the box assembly.
[0005] Additionally, many box assemblies, in order to stabilize the
objects being carried, contain interior partitions separating the
objects. Once again, with the proper design, it is possible to
secure the objects without these partitions, and, consequently,
less material is needed.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a package that enables
manufacturers to package multiple products in a single container,
which is strong and secure, while encompassing less and cheaper
material. The present invention addresses this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides a foldable box assembly that
is configured to securely carry a moderately heavy product or
products with less box material than the prior art. For example, in
accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a number
of objects may be placed in the assembled box with a closed lid,
enabling easy transport of the objects, while the objects remain in
position.
[0008] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the foldable box assembly is able to achieve its
strength due to its configuration. An integrated handle is
configured to connect to the bottom of the foldable box assembly
and extend through the top of the assembled box. In accordance with
various aspects of the present invention, the integrated handle is
coordinated such that it passes through the handle apertures in the
top of the closed, assembled foldable box. Additionally, the
foldable box assembly contains product openings in the top of the
box assembly that allow objects carried in the foldable box
assembly to protrude from the top of the assembled box when the top
is closed and provides additional security for the objects.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Additional aspects of the present invention will become
evident upon reviewing the non-limiting embodiments described in
the following specification and claims taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like numerals designate
like elements, and
[0010] FIG. 1 is an overhead view of an exemplary foldable box
assembly that is not assembled in accordance with the present
invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an exemplary assembled foldable
box assembly in accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of an exemplary assembled foldable box
assembly with the top removed in accordance with the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary assembled foldable box
assembly in accordance with the present invention; and
[0014] FIG. 5 is an overhead view of an exemplary foldable box
assembly that is not assembled that shows the coordinate system in
accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The following description of the present invention is of
exemplary, non-limiting embodiments only and is not intended to
limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention
in any way. Rather, the following description merely provides
convenient illustrations for implementing illustrative embodiments
of the invention. For example, various changes may be made in the
design and arrangement of the elements described in these
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as
set forth herein.
[0016] That being said, generally, in accordance with the present
invention, a foldable box assembly 10 is provided that is
configured to be able to securely carry moderately heavy product or
products. For example, in accordance with various aspects of the
present invention, foldable box assembly 10 is configured with a
base, a top, and a bottom. Additionally, box assembly may comprise
a structure that secures the objects being carried from moving
laterally, longitudinally, or vertically, that is from moving in
any direction at all. Benefits achieved over the prior art are
related to the stability and security of the objects being carried
in the box assembly, with less material needed.
[0017] In accordance with various aspects of the present invention,
foldable box assembly 10 is configured with a handle 50 that is
integrated with the bottom of the package. The configuration of
foldable box assembly 10 with integrated handle 50 enables
assembled box to carry a moderately heavy to heavy product even
while the foldable box assembly 10 is comprised of a relatively
weak material (e.g., fairly light caliper paperboard.) Furthermore,
the integrated handle also contributes to securing the objects from
moving in various directions.
[0018] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, and with reference to FIG. 1, foldable box assembly 10
preferably includes two bottom flaps 40. In the presently described
embodiment, the bottom flaps 40 are of the same size, therefore the
bottom of the foldable box assembly, as seen in FIG. 4, will
comprise the two bottom flaps, with each individual flap being one
half of the total area of the bottom of the foldable box assembly
when assembled. It should be noted, however, that any number of
bottom flaps may be used, including a single bottom flap and the
use of minor bottom flaps 42. Furthermore, if two bottom flaps are
used it is possible for them to be of unequal sizes and overlap one
another if necessary.
[0019] In various embodiments of the present invention, an
integrated handle element 50 is connected to each of the bottom
flaps 40. In the presently described embodiment and with reference
to FIG. 1, the two integrated handles 50 are at the end of the
bottom flaps 40. The engagement of the integrated handles 50 with
the bottom flaps allows the two integrated handles to come together
side by side, as exemplified in FIG. 3. With continued reference to
FIG. 3, the two integrated handles 50 extend from the bottom of the
foldable box assembly 10, through the inside of the assembled box,
and out the top of the assembled box.
[0020] Additionally, in its various embodiments, foldable box
assembly 10 may be configured with two top flaps 30 encompassing
the top of the foldable box assembly. Preferably, the two top flaps
30 are equal in size. In yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the two top flaps are equal in size and are greater in
size than half of the total area of the top of the box. As can be
seen in FIG. 2, the two top flaps preferably overlap one another.
Again however, it should be appreciated that any number of top
flaps, of any size, may be used, including the use of minor top
flaps 32, which are between the two top flaps 30.
[0021] Additionally, the foldable box assembly 10 may contain
product openings 60. The product openings allow a product being
carried in the foldable box assembly to protrude from the top of
the box when assembled. In the presently described embodiment there
are eight product openings 60 in the top of the foldable box
assembly. In addition to allowing the top of the objects being
carried to be seen, the product openings 60 aid in securing the
objects being carried from moving laterally, longitudinally, or
vertically. Furthermore, it is preferred that each product opening
is circular in shape. It should be noted, however, that any number
of product openings may be used, including none, and may encompass
any possible shape, often depending on the shape of the product
carried by box 10.
[0022] As can best be seen in FIG. 1, in one embodiment, both top
flaps 30 contain a handle aperture 62. Preferably, the two handle
apertures 62 will overlap one another to form one single opening in
the box top, which allows the integrated handle 50 to pass through
the top flaps 30 when the foldable box is assembled. It should be
noted, however, any other method that allows the integrated 50 to
pass the top of the foldable box assembly when assembled may be
used.
[0023] In addition, in its various embodiments foldable box
assembly 10 preferably includes a locking mechanism. The locking
mechanism aids in keeping the top of the foldable box assembly
closed when the box is assembled. With reference to FIG. 1, locking
mechanism of foldable box assembly preferably includes tuck flaps
64 and tuck flap slots 66. In this presently described embodiment,
the tuck flaps 64 are inserted into tuck flaps 66, which help keep
the top of the box closed. Furthermore, with continued reference to
FIG. 1, it is desirable that a tuck flap 64 is placed on each top
flap 30, while there is a corresponding tuck flap slot 66 in the
creases between the top minor flaps 32 and the side panels 22.
Accordingly, it will be appreciated that any number of
configurations of locking mechanism may fall within the scope of
the present invention to the extent that the locking mechanism aids
in keeping the top of the foldable box assembly closed when the box
is assembled.
[0024] As can be seen in FIG. 5, the box assembly is created using
a generally rectilinearly shaped material that is divided in
sixteen separate areas (quadrants). With continued reference to
FIG. 5, the quadrant in the lower left corner is labeled (0,0) and,
conversely, the quadrant in the upper right corner is labeled
(3,3). Using a Cartesian coordinate system, the lower left hand
corner is the intersection of the two perpendicular axes. The
x-coordinate increases as you go to each additional quadrant to the
right. Alternatively, the y-coordinate increases as you go to each
additional quadrant that above the previous one.
[0025] With continued reference to FIG. 5, quadrants (0,2) and
(2,2), and (1,2) and (3,2) preferably encompass two front panels
and two side panels respectively. In addition, quadrants (1,0) and
(3,0) preferably are cut-outs, meaning that the material is cut out
of that quadrant, leaving empty space.
[0026] Furthermore, it is preferable to have at least one top flap
in either quadrant (0,3) or quadrant (2,3). More preferably, both
quadrants (0,3) and (2,3) would contain a top flap. Furthermore, in
a preferred embodiment, as seen in FIG. 5, both top flaps would
contain product openings that would aid in securing the objects
being carried from moving laterally, longitudinally, or
vertically.
[0027] In yet another preferred embodiment, and with continued
reference to FIG. 5, the rectangular shaped material used to make
the foldable box assembly preferably contains handle apertures in
the top flaps in quadrants (0,3) and (2,3).
[0028] It is also preferred that either quadrant (0,1) or quadrant
(2,1) comprises a bottom flap. In addition, a handle is preferably
integrated with the mentioned bottom flap. Therefore, if there is a
bottom flap in quadrant (0,1), it is preferable to have a cut-out,
leaving the shape of a handle, in quadrant (0,0); and likewise, if
there is a bottom flap in quadrant (2,1), it is preferred that
quadrant (2,0) contain a cut-out leaving the shape of a handle. In
yet another preferred embodiment, both quadrants (0,1) and (2,1)
contain bottom flaps and quadrants (0,0) and (2,0) contain handles.
It should be noted, however, that any combination of bottom flaps
in quadrants (0,1) and (2,1), and handles in quadrants (0,0) and
(2,0) may exist.
[0029] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present
invention, and with continued reference to FIG. 5, quadrants (1,3)
and (3,3) preferably contain cut-outs leaving the shape of top
minor flaps and quadrants (1,1) and (3,1) preferably contain
cut-outs leaving the shape of bottom minor flaps.
[0030] Lastly, it should be appreciated that the present invention
has been described above with reference to various exemplary
embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that changes
and modifications may be made to these embodiments without
departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, it
should be appreciated that foldable box assembly 10 may be suitably
configured to include various other features, including, without
limitation, clear material on the sides of the assembled box or
protrusions that allow an individual to see inside the box and the
like. Various other changes to the overall shape of the foldable
box assembly may also be made. These and other changes or
modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the
present invention as set forth herein.
* * * * *