U.S. patent application number 11/440208 was filed with the patent office on 2007-03-08 for collapsible rigid container.
Invention is credited to Claude Roessiger.
Application Number | 20070051785 11/440208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37669349 |
Filed Date | 2007-03-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070051785 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Roessiger; Claude |
March 8, 2007 |
Collapsible rigid container
Abstract
Disclosed is a collapsible rigid box comprising a rectangular
sleeve of rigid chip board and having an exterior panel hingedly
connected to the base of the sleeve and dimensioned to fit snugly
within the sleeve. An interior shallow tray has a Hymes bottom and
integral and overlapping triangular sections which form the base.
The blanks for the Hymes bottom have integrally formed marginal
wings which are folded to form the shallow tray. An interior panel
is hingedly mounted along one side and interior to the tray. One of
the blanks making up the Hymes bottom has an aperture therein. One
half of a Velcro connector is secured to each of the interior and
exterior panels so as to mate through the aperture on opposed sides
of the blank. The box is held together by strong cover paper which
connects the sleeve side panels. The exterior bottom panel is
hingedly connected to the side panel by the cover paper. The
interior panel is hingedly secured to one of the bottom blanks of
the shallow tray. A rectangular collapsible lid is provided in
which sides of the lid are joined to the top by cover paper. A
gusset is provided at each edge of the side panels where they meet.
The gusset is rectangularly shaped and folds upon itself. Adhesive
is used to glue the gusset together to thereby form the sides of
the lid.
Inventors: |
Roessiger; Claude;
(Wolfeboro, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FURGANG & ADWAR
2 CROSFIELD AVENUE
WEST NYACK
NY
10994
US
|
Family ID: |
37669349 |
Appl. No.: |
11/440208 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11185029 |
Jul 18, 2005 |
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11440208 |
May 23, 2006 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/117 ;
229/122.21; 229/122.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2313/02 20130101;
B65D 2313/04 20130101; B65D 5/0227 20130101; B65D 5/3621
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/117 ;
229/122.21; 229/122.3 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/12 20060101
B65D005/12; B65D 5/32 20060101 B65D005/32 |
Claims
1. A rigid collapsible container comprising: a) container means
including I) flexible bottom means, and ii) container side panel
means; b) said bottom means and said container side panel means
defining therebetween a predetermined configuration open at at
least one side and closed at one end by said bottom means to define
therebetween the interior volume of the container; c) said bottom
means comprises at least a pair of interlocking panels; and d)
exterior bottom panel means hingedly connected to said container
means so as to fold over and enclose said bottom means within the
container.
2. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 1 wherein said
bottom means further comprises inside panel means hingedly secured
to said bottom means for covering said interlocking panels on the
inside of said container.
3. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 2 further
comprises closure means secured to said inside panel and said
bottom panel for releasably locking said inside and bottom panels
together when both panels are disposed against opposite sides of
said interlocking panels.
4. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 3 wherein said
bottom panel means comprises a tray; said tray comprises said two
interlocking panels, each of said interlocking panels comprise
foldable side panels so that upon folding said interlocking panels
are joined to one another to define said tray.
5. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 4 wherein said
tray side panels being so dimensioned as to fit snugly within said
container side panels to thereby form the bottom of the
container.
6. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 5 wherein said
container side panels and said tray are rectangular.
7. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 6 wherein said
container side panels are constructed of chip board.
8. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 7 wherein said
interlocking bottom comprises a Hymes bottom.
9. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 8 wherein said
interlocking bottom further comprises each panel being a mirror
image of the other and comprises a triangular panel section joined
to said Hymes bottom such that a complete bottom is formed from
said interlocking panels.
10. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 9 wherein
said interior panel is hingedly connected to said tray along one
interior side thereof and said exterior panel is hingedly connected
to said sleeve along the corresponding side of said sleeve.
11. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 10 wherein
one of said interlocking panels having therethrough an aperture;
said closure means comprises mating connectors secured respectively
to said interior and exterior panels so as to releasably engage one
another through said aperture.
12. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 13 further
comprises cover paper to hold said panels of said container
together and having at least one extending paper panel; and wherein
said container side panels and said exterior panels comprises
individual rectangular panels and said exterior bottom panel is
hingedly connected to said sleeve by said extending cover paper
panel.
13. A rigid collapsible container as recited in claim 12 upon
pivoting outwardly said exterior panel and pivoting said interior
panel by pushing through said aperture, the container being
collapsible against said side panels.
14. A rigid container of the type of having a collapsed and an
erect state, said container comprising: a) housing means including
I) bottom means, and ii) container side panel means; b) said bottom
means and said container side panel means defining therebetween a
predetermined configuration open at at least one side and closed at
one end by said bottom means to define therebetween the interior
volume of the container when the container is erect; c) joining
means secured to said bottom means; d) closure panel means for
being removably positionable within said housing and against said
bottom means; and e) said insert panel means comprising engaging
means for releasably connecting with said joining means so that
said insert panel means releasably and rigidly holds said bottom
means and said container side panel means such that container is in
the erect state.
15. A rigid container as recited in claim 14 wherein said joining
means comprises at least a joining magnet or magnet receptor and
said bottom engaging means comprises at least an engaging magnet or
magnet receptor.
16. A rigid container as recited in claim 15 wherein said bottom
means comprises a bottom wall of said container; said bottom wall
comprises at least two substantially planar panels which, together
with said container side panel means, define said container in the
erect state; said bottom wall having an aperture therethrough; said
engaging magnet or magnet receptor secured to the outer side of
said bottom wall of at least one of said panels; said joining
magnet or magnet receptors magnetically coupling to said engaging
magnet or magnet receptor to hold the container erect.
17. A rigid container as recited in claim 16 wherein said closure
panel means comprises a substantially planar panel for being
insertable into said housing and abutting said bottom wall when the
container is erect; said joining magnet or magnetic receptor being
joined to the side of said closure panel that abuts said bottom
wall.
18. A rigid container as recited in claim 17 further comprises tape
means for joining said panels and said bottom panels together.
19. A rigid container as recited in claim 18 wherein said tape
means comprises adhesive tape.
20. A rigid container as recited in claim 18 wherein said tape
means comprises wrapping paper.
21. A rigid container as recited in claim 18 wherein each of said
container side panel means comprises a multiplicity of
substantially planar members, each one of said planar members
foldably connected to at least one adjoining one of said
substantially planar members.
22. A rigid container as recited in claim 21 wherein said container
side panel means comprises four side panels two of which two are
square and two are rectangular, said bottom members comprise two
triangular panels and two isosceles trapezoids; the shorter
parallel side of said isosceles trapezoids having therein a notch;
said notches mating said bottom aperture; the longer parallel side
of each of said isosceles trapezoids being secured to a marginal
edge of said rectangular side panels; one side of each of said
triangular panels being secured to a marginal edge of each one said
square side panels.
23. A rigid container as recited in claim 21 wherein said container
side panel means comprises four equally dimensioned side panels;
said bottom means comprising four frusto triangular members; a side
of each triangular members being pivotally secured to a marginal
edge of one of said side panels; upon said triangles contacting one
another along adjacent sides, said bottom being defined; said
triangles upon coming together to define said bottom, said frusto
ends defining therebetween an aperture in said bottom wall means;
said joining magnet or magnet receptor being affixed to the outside
surface of one of said triangles.
24. A rigid container of the type of having a collapsed and an
erect state, said container comprising: a) housing means including
container side panel means; b) bottom means; said container side
panel means together with said bottom means defining a
predetermined configuration open at at least one side and closed at
one end by said bottom means to define the interior volume of the
container when the container is erect; c) said bottom means
comprises at least one bottom panel; d) bottom joining means
secured to said bottom panel; e) side joining means secured to at
least one of said side panels for engaging said bottom joining
means such that, upon engagement of said bottom and side joining
means, the container is substantially locked in the erect
state.
25. A container as recited in claim 24 wherein said joining means
comprises magnets or magnetic receptors.
26. A container as recited in claim 25 wherein said side panel
having attached proximate the end thereof for being joined to said
bottom panel having said side wall magnet or magnet receptor
secured to said side panel and said bottom magnet or magnet
receptor being secured to said bottom.
27. A container as recited in claim 26 wherein each of said side
panels has secured at least one magnet or magnetic receptors; said
bottom comprising a closure lid having upstanding side walls; said
base magnet or magnet receptors being affixed to said upstanding
sides and in registry with each of said side panel magnets or
magnet receptors to thereby magnetically lock said bottom to said
sides.
28. A container as recited in claim 27 further comprises surface
adhering means secured to the interior walls of said housing and
adhering means secured to said closure upstanding walls such that
adhering means mating with a higher coefficient of friction
29. A container comprising: a) a housing having an interior volume
and side panels, said side panel interior surfaces defining
therebetween at least a part of said interior volume; b) at least
one closing panel having surfaces for removably engaging at least a
part of said interior surfaces of said side panels; c) said side
panel interior surfaces relative to said engaging surfaces of said
closing panel having a first coefficient of friction; d) first
means secured to interior surfaces of said side panels; e) second
means secured to said engaging surfaces of said closing panel; and
f) upon said closing panel engaging said side panels, said first
and second secured means nonadhesively contacting one another and
having a second coefficient of friction greater than said first
coefficient of friction so as to hold said closing panel to said
side panels fixedly in position.
30. The container as recited in claim 29 further comprises magnetic
means secured to said side panels and said closing panel means,
with said first and second secured means in engagement, said
magnetic means magnetically engaging one another to position said
closing panel with respect to said side walls.
31. The container as recited in claim 29 wherein said first and
second secured means comprises PVC tape.
32. The container as recited in claim 30 wherein said magnetic
means comprises magnetically coupleable magnets or magnetic
receptors in registry with one another in said side panels and said
closing panel.
33. The container as recited in claim 32 wherein said closing panel
comprises a lid structure with upstanding walls; said upstanding
walls contacting said interior surfaces of said side panels; said
magnetic receptors and said magnets comprise disk-like elements
adhered respectively to said interior surface of said side panels
and to said closing panel.
34. A method of making a rigid collapsible container comprising: a)
providing a container with flexible bottom means and container side
panel means open at at least one side and closed at one end by said
bottom means to define therebetween the interior volume of the
container; b) providing at least a pair of interlocking panels to
form the bottom means; and c) providing an exterior bottom panel
means d) hingedly connecting the bottom panel means to the
container means so as to fold over and enclose the bottom means
within the container.
35. The method as recited in claim 34 wherein the step of providing
a bottom panel comprises providing a tray with two interlocking
panels; providing the container with side panels; fitting the tray
and fit snugly within said container side panels to thereby form
the bottom of the container.
36. The method of claim 35 further comprises providing the
interlocking panels with an aperture; attaching mating connectors
secured respectively to said interior and exterior panels so as to
releasably engage one another through either side of the
aperture.
37. A method of providing a container having a collapsed and an
erect state, the method comprising: a) providing housing means
including bottom means, and container side panel means which
together define a predetermined configuration open at least one
side; b) closing one end with the bottom means to define
therebetween the interior volume of the container when the
container is erect; c) providing joining means to be secured to the
bottom means; d) providing closure panel means that is removably
positionable within the housing and against the bottom means; and
e) providing insert panel means which includes engaging means for
releasably connecting with the joining means so that the insert
panel means releasably and rigidly holds the bottom means and the
container side panel means such that container is in the erect
state.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein the step of providing joining
means joining means comprises providing a joining magnet or magnet
receptor and the step of providing the bottom engaging means
comprises providing an engaging magnet or magnet receptor; the step
of providing the bottom means comprises providing a bottom wall of
the container with at least two substantially planar panels which,
together with the container side panel means, define the container
in the erect state; providing the bottom with an aperture
therethrough; securing the engaging magnet or magnet receptor to
the outer side of the bottom wall of at least one of said panels;
providing the closure panel means comprises providing a
substantially planar panel insertable into the housing and abutting
the bottom wall when the container is erect; positioning the
joining magnet or magnetic receptor to the side of the closure
panel that abuts the bottom wall.
39. The method of making a container comprising: a) providing a
housing with an interior volume and side panels, the side panel
interior surfaces defining therebetween at least a part of the
interior volume; b) providing at least one closing panel having
surfaces for removably engaging at least a part of the interior
surfaces of the side panels; c) providing the side panel interior
surfaces relative to the engaging surfaces of said closing panel
with a first coefficient of friction; d) providing first means
secured to the interior surfaces of the side panels; e) providing
second means secured to the engaging surfaces of the closing panel;
and f) bringing the first and second secured means into contact
upon the closing panel engaging the side panels, and providing the
contacting first and second secured means with a second coefficient
of friction greater than the first coefficient of friction so as to
hold the closing panel to the side panels fixedly in position.
40. The method as recited in claim 39 wherein providing PVC tape as
the first and second secured means; providing the closing panel
with a lid structure having upstanding walls; contacting the
interior surfaces of the side panels with the lid upstanding walls;
providing magnetic receptors and magnets adhered respectively to
the interior surface of said side panels and to said closing panel
to position the closing panel with respect to the side panels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention is directed to collapsible rigid
containers.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Rigid containers are every day articles. It is well known to
mass manufacture boxes or other containers which, at some point in
their manufacture, are comprised of flat members which are then
assembled such as that disclosed by Oxley in U.S. Pat. No.
2,544,191. Such containers come in all shapes and sizes.
[0005] Boxes or similar containers which may be constructed of a
rigid material, such as cardboard, plastic, or the like, are well
known. When manufacturing a rigid container that may be shipped
flat and then easily assembled by the user, a compromise must be
made in the appearance of the container. Details of the assembly,
such as the engaging or interlocking portions of the container
walls are usually visible, thereby detracting from the overall
appearance from the typical preassembled rigid container, such as,
a hat box or the like.
[0006] Most folding boxes or containers are tubular structures with
closures at both ends. A smaller proportion of existing folding
containers form a box from a tray. These usually consist of a base
and a lid or cover. On occasion, the lid may be attached to the
tray.
[0007] In a typical rigid box, a sheet of paper board is cut and
scored to a specific box size. Depending on the size needed, one or
more boxes may be die cut from one sheet of paper board. For
example, in manufacture, a sheet of paper board might be
sufficiently dimensioned to permit the arrangement therein of a
total of six trays, either six bases or lids or, potentially, three
basses and three lids. The scored sheet is then broken into
individual pieces. A tray may be assembled from one of the blanks
and defined by four wings or side panels extending from a
rectangle. The four side panels are bent along score lines to right
angles with respect to the tray base and stay tape is applied to
each of the four corners to form the tray. Cover paper (or wrap) is
cut to size from sheets or rolls to the approximate desired size.
The cover paper is then miter-cut to be so dimensioned as to permit
a smooth fit about the assembled tray. The wrap paper is coated
with an adhesive. The erected tray is disposed on the wrap at the
desired location. The paper is then wrapped around the paper board
tray. The portions of the wrap intended to fold over the edge of
the tray the `turn-in wrap`--enclose all four edges of the tray,
the rigid box is complete.
[0008] It is well known for the walls of a container to be held
releasably held in place by mating connectors, including magnets as
in U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,516 by Ussen. One deficiency of the prior
art is that it uses complex means of assembling containers, making
it difficult to provide efficient means of assembly and
disassembly.
[0009] It is also believed that the prior art fails to teach a box
or other container of relatively rigid material which may be
readily assembled and, upon such assembly, give the appearance of
being a completely rigid container and which may be easily
collapsed, if desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is an object of this invention to provide a container
which may be provided in a collapsed state and assembled to form a
rigid appearing container.
[0011] It is another object of this invention to provide a
container in which the base is formed of interlocking panels and
there is provided hingedly secured covers for pivoting so as to
cover the base to provide the appearance of a rigid container.
[0012] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
container which may be shipped flat and erected to present a rigid
box.
[0013] It is still another object of this invention to provide a
lid to a container having top and side panels and which may be
provided flat and so connected at its corners as to form a lid with
mating sides.
[0014] It is yet another object of this invention to use magnets to
releasably join sides so that a rigid container may be easily
assembled and disassembled.
[0015] It is a yet a further object of this invention to provide
mating panels of a container which are held in position against the
shearing force set up by objects within the container by not
adhesive engaging tape with a high coefficient of friction
therebetween relative to the coefficient of friction of the
materials making up the panels.
[0016] In accordance with one embodiment of this invention there is
provided a rigid collapsible container which comprises container
means. The container means includes flexible base means and
container side panel means. The base means and the container side
panel means define therebetween a predetermined configuration open
at at least one side and closed at one end by the base means so as
to define the interior volume of the container. The base means
comprises at least a pair of interlocking panels. The exterior base
panel means is hingedly connected to the container means so as to
fold over and enclose the base means within the container.
[0017] In yet another embodiment there is provided a lid for a
container which comprises a cover panel and side panels. There is
also provided wrap cover paper secured to the cover and side panels
to thereby join the panels together to form a lid with extending
sides. There is also provided gusset means for connecting one of
the side panels to another of the side panels. The gusset means
comprises closure means for making the connection.
[0018] In yet another aspect of this invention there is provided a
rigid container of the type of having a collapsed and an erect
state. The container comprises housing means including flexible
bottom means, and container side panel means. The bottom means and
the container side panel means define therebetween a predetermined
configuration open at at least one side and closed at one end by
the bottom means so as to define therebetween the interior volume
of the container when the container is erect. The bottom means
comprises at least a pair of bottom panels. There is also provided
joining means secured to at least one of said bottom panels and
insert panel means for being removably disposable within the
housing and against said bottom. The insert panel comprises
engaging means for being connected with the joining means to
thereby releasably hold the bottom panel together with the
container in the erect state.
[0019] In still another aspect, there is provided a rigid container
of the type of being collapsed and an erect state. The container
comprises housing means which includes container side panel means.
There is also bottom means. The container side panel means together
with the bottom means define a predetermined configuration open at
at least one side and closed at one end by the bottom means so as
to define the interior volume of the container when the container
is erect. The bottom means comprises at least one bottom panel. The
bottom joining means are secured to the bottom panel. The side
joining means are secured to at least one of the side panels for
engaging the bottom joining means such that, upon engagement of the
bottom and side joining means, the container is substantially
locked in the erect state.
[0020] In another embodiment there is provided a container which
comprises a housing. The housing has an interior volume and side
panels. The side panel interior surfaces define therebetween at
least a part of said interior volume. At least one closing panel
has surfaces for removably engaging at least a part of the interior
surfaces of the side panels. The side panel interior surfaces
relative to the engaging surfaces of the closing panel having a
first coefficient of friction first means are provided secured to
the interior surfaces of the side panels. Second means are secured
to the engaging surfaces of the closing panel. Upon the closing
panel engaging the side panels, the first and second secured means
nonadhesively contact one another and have a second coefficient of
friction greater than the first coefficient of friction so as to
hold the closing panel to the side panels fixedly in position.
[0021] There is further a method of making a rigid collapsible
container which comprises the steps of providing a container with
flexible bottom means and container side panel means open at at
least one side and closed at one end by said bottom means to define
therebetween the interior volume of the container; providing at
least a pair of interlocking panels to form the bottom means;
providing an exterior bottom panel means; and hingedly connecting
the bottom panel means to the container means so as to fold over
and enclose the bottom means within the container.
[0022] In another aspect there is provided a method of providing a
container having a collapsed and an erect state, the method
comprises providing housing means including bottom means, and
container side panel means which together define a predetermined
configuration open at least one side; closing one end with the
bottom means to define therebetween the interior volume of the
container when the container is erect; providing joining means to
be secured to the bottom means; providing closure panel means that
is removably positionable within the housing and against the bottom
means; and providing insert panel means which includes engaging
means for releasably connecting with the joining means so that the
insert panel means releasably and rigidly holds the bottom means
and the container side panel means such that container is in the
erect state.
[0023] In yet another embodiment there is provided the method of
making a container comprising providing a housing with an interior
volume and side panels, the side panel interior surfaces defining
therebetween at least a part of the interior volume; providing at
least one closing panel having surfaces for removably engaging at
least a part of the interior surfaces of the side panels; providing
the side panel interior surfaces relative to the engaging surfaces
of said closing panel with a first coefficient of friction;
providing first means secured to the interior surfaces of the side
panels; providing second means secured to the engaging surfaces of
the closing panel; and bringing the first and second secured means
into contact upon the closing panel engaging the side panels, and
providing the contacting first and second secured means with a
second coefficient of friction greater than the first coefficient
of friction so as to hold the closing panel to the side panels
fixedly in position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIGS. 1A and B are plan view of the bottom panels, including
a Hymes bottom constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective of an exterior sleeve constructed in
accordance with the teachings of the invention; and
[0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an interior tray; and
[0027] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembled container;
and
[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a cover for the container;
and
[0029] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of
the container of this invention; and
[0030] FIGS. 7A-73 are side views of the panels of the container of
FIG. 6; and
[0031] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 6; and
[0032] FIG. 9 is a side view of the box of FIG. 6 in a collapsed or
folded state; and
[0033] FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment
of the side walls of the device of this invention; and
[0034] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the bottom section of
the container of FIG. 10; and
[0035] FIG. 12 is a side view of the device of FIG. 10 in a
collapsed state.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] Turning to FIGS. 1A and B there is shown two interlocking
planar members which may be made out of any suitable material such
as relatively flexible cardboard blanks 10 and 12 to form a bottom
8 (FIG. 3) of the box 11 (FIG. 4). The blanks 10 and 12 are
identical mirror images of one another other and comprise a
substantial rectangular portion 14 and 16, respectively. A marginal
longer dimensioned edge 18, 20 of each blank 10, 12, respectively,
may define the interlocking parts 18, 20 of a Hymes bottom. A
crease or score line 22, 24, defines the longer dimensioned side of
each rectangular portion 14, 16, respectively, which is opposed to
the Hymes bottom lock 18, 20, respectively. To one side of each
rectangular portion 14, 16 may be provided a triangularly shaped
section 26, 28, respectively. The base 30, 32 of each triangle 26,
28 is an extension of the crease or score line 22, 24. Each
triangle 26, 28 may be joined to the rectangular portion 14, 16 by
means of an integrally formed substantially rectangular panel 34,
36. A crease line 38, 40 in each panel 34, 36, where an apex 42, 44
of the triangular portion 26, 28 contacts a corner 42, 44 of each
respective rectangular portion 14, 16, divides each respective
rectangular panel 34, 36 into two rectangular parts, 34a, 34b, and
36a, 36b. Each rectangular panel 34, 36 has an extending flap 46,
48. (Any other type of known interlocking bottom may be used, such
as, a Houghland bottom.) While cardboard, paper board, and chip or
white board are referred to throughout, it will be understood that
any material, such as plastic or wood, may be used.
[0037] Four chipboard panels 52-58, may be joined together to
thereby define a rectangular sleeve 50 (FIG. 2) open at the top 60
and bottom 62. The panels 52-58 may be joined or held together by
any convenient means, such as by forming from a continuous panel
which may be folded or scored. Here, the four rectangularly shaped
panels 52-58, which may be made of chip or white board, may be held
together by tape, other joining means, including a strong wrap or
cover paper which is turned over as, for example at 64, 66 along
the top and bottom defining edges 60, 62.
[0038] One extending panel 68 (shown in phantom) of the cover paper
is, however, not folded over its respective side 52. An exterior
bottom rigid panel 70, which may be made of the same material as
the side panels 52-58 of the sleeve 50 may be wrapped in the same
covering wrap. The bottom panel 70 is so dimensioned as to fit
snugly within the sleeve 50. The panel 68 of the wrap paper may be
connected to the exterior bottom panel 70 by adhesive or similar
means (in the same way that the wrap paper is adhered to the side
panels 52-58) so as to hingedly connect the exterior panel 70 to
the sleeve 50 so as to present a rigid appearing bottom integral
with the remainder of the container.
[0039] One panel 16 of the Hymes bottom lock has an aperture 72
therethrough. An inside panel 74 (FIG. 3) which may be made of
cardboard or the like, may be secured to the other part 14 of the
Hymes lock as by, for example, clear tape 76 so that when the Hymes
lock is assembled, the inside panel 74 moves hingedly to cover and
thereby hide from view the Hymes bottom. Matching connectors 78
(FIG. 3) and 80 (FIG. 2), which may for example be Velcro.RTM., are
secured respectively to the interior panel 74 and exterior panel 70
by well known means and so positioned as to mate with one another
through the aperture 72 on opposed sides of the Hymes lock bottom
panels 16 and 18.
[0040] In assembly (FIGS. 1A, B, 3, and 4), the rectangular panels
34, 36 are each folded upwardly along the crease lines 22-30, 32-24
and then along vertical crease lines 38 and 46 and 40 and 48.
Placed in Hymes bottom engagement, the upstanding panels 34, 36
form the sidewalls of a shallow tray 82 (FIG. 3). The extending
flaps 46, 48 may be secured, as by glue or the like, to the
respective mating walls 34a and 36a to thereby form the shallow
tray 82. Upon engaging the Hymes bottom lock 16, 18, the triangular
part 26, 28 of each blank fold to complete the bottom 90 (FIG. 4).
The shallow tray 82 is so dimensioned as to fit snugly within the
bottom 62 of the sleeve 50 (FIG. 4). The shallow tray 82 may be
attached to the sleeve 50 by any known means as by glue or the
like.
[0041] In operation, with the Hymes bottom engaged and the bottom
90 formed, the inside panel 74 and the exterior panel 70 are each
hingedly connected along the same edge defmed by the bottom edge 84
of one side 52 of the sleeve 50 and the crease line 24 of the
shallow tray 80. As indicated, the Velcro connectors 78, 80 mate
through opposing sides of the aperture 72 in the Hymes bottom. When
fully assembled, the rigid exterior panel 78 combines with the
sleeve 50 to form a rigid box. Opening the exterior panel exposes
the aperture 72 in the Hymes bottom. By pushing through the
aperture 78, the inside panel 74 is pivoted upwardly (FIG. 4). The
Hymes bottom lock 16, 18 may then be disengaged in a well known
manner and the box 86 collapsed by folding sides 56, 58 upon sides
52, 54 or sides 56, 54 upon sides 52, 58, forming a flat but easily
assembled rigid appearing box.
[0042] A lid 100 (FIG. 5) may be constructed to also be collapsed.
Such a cover may comprise a top rectangular panel 102 and four side
panels 104-110. The side panels 104-110 may be joined to the top
panel 102 as by a wrap paper 112 adhered by an adhesive to the
exterior side of the panels 102-110. A rectangular gusset 114 may
be formed at each end 116 of the sides 104-110 of the lid 100. Each
gusset may be folded upon itself to define hinged triangular
sections 118, 120. One of the triangular sections 120 may have
adhered thereto double-sided tape with a piece of release paper
covering it as is well known. The lid may be disposed flat by
folding the sides 110-114 flat with the top panel 102. To assemble,
the release paper (not visible) is removed and the triangular
sections 118, 120 of each gusset 114 adhered to one another to form
the lid 100. If it is desired to permit the lid 100 to be erected
and collapsed, the corners 116 may be connected by such closure
means as Velcro or the like.
[0043] While the rigid box herein has been described as comprised
of a tray insertable within a sleeve, it is to be understood that
the same device can be constructed in other ways, as by, for
example, the locking bottom being integrally formed with the sleeve
sides and made from one or more appropriately scored blanks.
[0044] In another aspect of this invention there may be provided a
container 200 (FIGS. 6, 8) which may comprise four sides 202, 204,
206, 208. This is but one example. However, other shapes are
contemplated, such as containers with a square cross section and
other symmetrical or asymmetrical configurations. Containers of
different dimensions or having a different number of sides are
contemplated. In the example shown, the container 200 is
rectangularly shaped with two sides 206, 208 being longer than the
other two sides 202, 204. Each pair of sides 202, 204 (see also
FIG. 7c) and 206, 208 (see also FIG. 7B) may have identical
dimensions for ease of assembly. The bottom 210 of the container
200 may be comprised of triangularly shaped pieces 212, 214 (see
also FIG. 7D) and two identically dimensioned isosceles trapezoids
216, 218 (see also FIG. 7A). In the shorter dimensioned side 224,
226 of the trapezoids 216, 218, may be an opening. In the example
shown, this opening may be a notch 220, 222. The shape if the
opening 220, 222 is one of choice and, in the drawing, is shown as
a rectangular cross section.
[0045] The bottom 210 (FIGS. 6, 8) may comprise the abutting and
mating edges of the triangular 212, 214 and the isosceles
trapezoids 216, 218.
[0046] The notches 220, 222 in the short side 224, 226,
respectively, will, upon assembly mate to form an opening or
aperture in the bottom where the two isosceles trapezoids meet
(224, 226). The opening or aperture defmed between abutting sides
may have any desired symmetrical or asymmetrical configuration.
[0047] Joined to the bottom side 228 of one of the isosceles
trapezoids 216 may be a magnet receptor 230 which may be of any
well known material, such as a ferrous medallion (as shown). The
receptor 230 may have any desired shape, such as circular, as
shown. The magnet 230 may be secured to the exterior bottom wall
228 of the container 200 by any means, such as glue or the like.
The receptor 230 may be so positioned such that, when the two edges
224, 226 of the shorter dimensioned sides 224, 226 of the isosceles
trapezoids mate, the receptor 230 covers the meeting notches 220,
222.
[0048] A closing panel 234 (FIG. 7E), may be so dimensioned as to
fit in the interior of the box and abut the bottom wall 210. In the
example shown, the closing wall 234 may be a rectangularly shaped
planar member which is dimensioned to conform to the interior
dimensions of the container 200 and abut the interior bottom wall
210. A magnet 238 may be secured to the side 236 of the bottom wall
210 that abuts or contacts the interior surface 232 of the bottom
wall 210. The magnet 238 may be affixed by any well known means, as
by glue or tape. The magnet 238 may be attached to the closing
panel 234 so as to be in registry with the aperture 220, 222 when
the closing panel 234 positioned against the bottom wall 210 of the
container 200.
[0049] In assembly, the abutting sides 240 of two of the sidewalls
206 and 204 (FIG. 9) may be joined or attached to one another. In
like manner, the abutting sides or edges 242 of the adjacent two
sidewalls 204, 208 may be secured or joined to one another. The
remaining side 202 may be joined at its abutting edge 244 with the
sidewall 208 and abutting edge 246 with the wall 206. The isosceles
trapezoids 216, 218 may be secured at their longer-dimensioned
parallel abutting edges 248, 250 to the respective bottom edges
248, 250 of the side walls 206, 208. The triangular sections 212,
214 of the bottom wall 210 may have one side 252, 254 joined to the
respective side walls 204, 206. In this way, the completed blank
may be collapsed flat (FIG. 9). When opened, the bottom wall 210
forms easily. The individual sides 202, 204, 206, 208 may be joined
along abutting edges 240, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250, 252, 254 as by
tape or wrapping paper (not shown). The wrapping paper, when
covering all surfaces of the container, gives the appearance of a
unitary rigid container.
[0050] As indicated above, the shape of the container may be
geometrically symmetrical or asymmetrical. In general, the geometry
of the sections making up the bottom wall of the container will
change with the shape of the container. If, for example, the
container were to have a square cross section, the bottom walls may
comprise four mating frusto-triangles (not shown). The apices of
the mating triangles may be defined by the frusto ends thereby
defining an aperture. A magnetic receptor, such as a ferrous
medallion of any desired shape may be secured to one of the
triangles and engages the aperture in the same way as the above
embodiment. As before, a removable bottom planar member is
insertable within the housing of the container and may have a
magnet in registry with the aperture and the base magnet.
[0051] In operation, the attached and folded blank is erected into
the shape of the container 200. The receptor 230 mates with the
magnet 238 on opposed sides of the aperture 220, 222 to hold the
container 200 rigidly in position. To collapse the container, all
that need be done is to remove the closing panel 234 to return the
container to its folded blank condition. As in the first
embodiment, cardboard, paper board, and chip or white board may be
used construct the container. However, it will be understood that
any material, such as plastic or wood, may be used.
[0052] Wherever a magnet or receptor is described above (and below)
it will be understood that the position of the receptor and magnet
are interchangeable or that oppositely poled magnets may be used in
place thereof.
[0053] In yet another embodiment, a container 300 (FIG. 10) may be
formed from individual planar members. As before, chip or white
board is provided in this example, but any material, as indicated
above may be used. In the example shown, the container (shown with
the bottom upper most) may have a square cross section and be
formed of four individual planar members 302, 304, 306, 308. (Any
desired shape--to form a geometrically symmetrical or asymmetrical
container may be used.) In this example, the four sides 302, 304,
306, 308 may, as with the other embodiments, present a unitary
rigid appearance by the use of wrapping paper 310 placed over the
outer surfaces of the members 302, 304, 306, 308 and secured
thereto as by glue. The wrapping paper 310 may be folded over the
marginal edges 312, 314 of the assembled sides 302, 304, 306, 308
with a relatively small skirt 316 to be folded over the marginal
edges 312, 314 and attached by glue or similar means. Prior to
gluing, magnets (or magnetic receptors) 318 may be attached to the
interior walls 320, 322, 324, 326 of the sides 302, 304, 306, 308,
respectively. As an example, the magnets 318 may be small disks.
The small skirt 316 may be disposed over the magnets 318 to assist
holding them in place. The magnets 318 may be held in place by the
addition of tape, which may be, for example, clear cellophane tape
328. Any other suitable means of attachment may be used as well.
Further, the size and shape of the magnet 318 is one of choice and
will be, as will be more apparent from the discussion above and
below, a function of the desired strength of the magnet.
[0054] A bottom closure lid 330 (FIG. 11) may be in the shape of a
typical cover, with a bottom wall 332 and upstanding sides 334,
336, 338, 340. These may be, again, of ordinary chipboard or
cardboard or other structural material, held together by a wrapping
paper. Under the wrapping papers and attached to the outer surfaces
of the sides 334, 336, 338, 340, may be magnets 342 (shown in
phantom in FIG. 11). The bottom cover 330 is so dimension to be
slidably into the container 300.
[0055] In assembly, the bottom cover 330 is oriented so that its
bottom wall 332 will define the bottom wall of the completed
container, with the marginal walls 334, 336, 338, 340 inside the
container. The magnets 342 and 318, when aligned for a strong bond
and define the rigid container. To assist in moving the bottom
cover 330 from the top of the open container downward until the
magnets 318, 342 mate, a strip of material, such as PVC tape (not
visible) may be disposed about the outside of the marginal walls
334, 336, 338, 340. Similar tape may be secured to the interior
walls of the container 300 (not visible).
[0056] The resulting container 300 is rigid or locked in position
when erected from the collapsed state. The closure lid 330 may be
slid into place from the top of the open container. The engaged
magnets in the closure lid 330 and side walls 302, 304, 306, 309
serve to position the walls with respect to one another. However,
magnetic fields may not be sufficiently strong to overcome the
shearing forces set up when objects are placed in the container.
When the closure lid 330 is in position in the base of the
container 300, the PVC tape secured to the interior walls of the
side walls of the container 300 may be in registry with the PVC
secured to the outer surface of on the upstanding walls 334, 336,
338, 340 of the closure lid 330. The mating PVC tape like material
exhibits a higher coefficient of friction than exists between the
cardboard or other material making up the panels. (Of course, any
other material exhibiting a mating higher coefficient of friction
than the panels may also be used.) In such circumstances, the
mating surfaces of the tape prevents the closure lid from
separating from the container side walls under the shearing forces
set up by objects placed in the container. The mating tape surface
form a rigid container which may be easily disassembled since they
are not adhesively joined. Thus, the mating surfaces are not
permanently affixed as by glue or similar substantially permanent
joining means.
[0057] A top cover or lid of typical construction and well known in
the art may be so dimensioned as to fit over the top 344 of the
container. With the top and bottom covers removed, the walls may be
easily folded upon themselves (FIG. 12) for storage or
shipment.
[0058] While certain novel features of this invention have been
shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, the
invention is not intended to be limited to the details above, since
it will be understood that various omissions, modifications,
substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the device
illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in
the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present
invention.
* * * * *