U.S. patent application number 11/318672 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-28 for reversible container.
Invention is credited to Christopher Mark Robson.
Application Number | 20070144930 11/318672 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38192340 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070144930 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Robson; Christopher Mark |
June 28, 2007 |
Reversible container
Abstract
The present invention relates to packaging formed of a single
sheet of material and incorporating reversible panels,
alternatively displaying a first surface (which could display
address and postage markings to facilitate shipping), and after
conversion, a second surface (which could display decorative
markings for holiday or special occasion gift giving). Conversion
from the first manifestation to the second is accomplished through
manipulation of the reversible panels, allowing conversion without
exposing the contents of the package. Construction may be of
standard shipping materials such as corrugated cardboard, but due
to the additional thickness and stability offered by the design,
non-corrugated cardboard or fiberboard are expressly contemplated,
as are synthetic sheet material and plastics where the packaging is
to be reused.
Inventors: |
Robson; Christopher Mark;
(Miami, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
C. MARK ROBSON
19860 NE 24th Court
MIAMI
FL
33180-2147
US
|
Family ID: |
38192340 |
Appl. No.: |
11/318672 |
Filed: |
December 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/422 20130101;
B65D 5/0281 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.5 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/00 20060101
B65D085/00 |
Claims
1. A reversible shipping container having two different surfaces
and including means to convert said container from a first state
wherein the first surface comprises the outer surface, to a second
state wherein the second reverse surface comprises the outer
surface, which conversion is undertaken without exposing the
contents of the package.
2. The container as in claim 1 wherein said reversible container is
formed of a single sheet of material.
3. The container as in claim 1 wherein said first surface contains
markings designed to accommodate delivery or shipment.
4. The container as in claim 1 wherein said second surface contains
decorative markings, advertising, and/or other indicia.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to packaging and
storage containers, and more specifically to packaging having a
first surface containing shipping, mailing, content or other
indicia, said packaging possessing additional exterior panels which
are reversible for conversion into packaging displaying a second
surface containing gift wrapping, decorative markings, advertising,
and/or other indicia, said conversion possible without revealing
the contents of the package.
[0005] The internet, though e-mail, voice over internet protocol,
and transmission of visual images, has diminished the perception of
geographical distances, allowing for the formation and maintenance
of relationships over great distances in a way that was not
possible or economical previously. With this has come the need to
transmit gifts over these large distances to an extent that did not
exist previously.
[0006] The internet has had a similarly profound effect on
commerce, diversifying the nature and quality of goods available
for purchase by the modern consumer. The internet has also enabled
formerly regional sellers to reach markets over great distances. As
such, this development in commerce has resulted in the transfer of
merchandise not through personal pickup, but through mail or
courier delivery.
[0007] Internet commerce has not changed the peak season for
shopping, in November and December, but it has changed the way
people shop, and how those orders are fulfilled even enabling
transactions where the buyer, seller and recipient are great
distances apart.
[0008] Because gifts are transported to recipients across
distances, and because mail services and couriers require that
shipped packages display only functional markings so as not to
obscure recipient and postage information, gifts are not easily
sent in decorative wrapping as is the custom for holidays,
birthdays and other special occasions.
[0009] There are methods for the recipient to receive a
decoratively wrapped gift purchased over the internet, but none are
easy or economical. One option is for the gift to be wrapped prior
to insertion into a second delivery box, but many merchants do not
offer this service. If they do, it often involves extra resources,
materials and expense. A second option is for the gift-giver to
have the gift sent to them for wrapping, and thereafter re-sent to
the recipient, which again involves packaging within packaging, and
diminishes one advantage of internet shopping: the economies of
direct shipping.
[0010] The problems outlined in the previous paragraph are not
limited to internet commerce. Any gift sent by mail must be
wrapped, and then inserted into additional packaging suitable for
transport by mail or courier. This results in several burdensome
demands on the gift-giver, who must (i) wrap the gift itself; (ii)
find or purchase a box large enough to accommodate the gift; and
(iii) pay any additional costs for shipment resulting from the
increased mass of the packaging, and/or the increased dimensions of
the outer box.
[0011] Despite these additional efforts, a gift sent in such
duplicative packaging may still be subjected to increased risk of
damage in transport as a result of any mismatch between the gift
packaging and the shipping packaging. Where the size discrepancy is
large, the inner box is permitted rattle in transit, potentially
causing damage to the shipped good. Where the size discrepancy is
very small, the outer box may rupture in transit, again causing
damage to the shipped good.
[0012] As a result, there is a need for packaging that is both
versatile and durable. It should be cost effective and capable of
rapid assembly using a single sheet manufactured from available
materials. It should support environmentalism and recycling efforts
by avoiding waste, being constructed of post-consumer recycled
materials, and ideally by being capable of re-use.
[0013] The concept of a foldable containers is well established in
the prior art. Foldable containers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
1,148,219 of Cornell for a folding box, U.S. Pat. No. 1,509,383 of
Walter for a box, U.S. Pat. No. 5,007,580 of Morrison for a
foldable container, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,588,585 of McClure for a
corner-reinforced carton.
[0014] The concept of a convertible container has similarly been
disclosed in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 3,357,543 issued to
Taggart, discloses the use of two display boxes hinged together in
book fashion, which convert to gift boxes by closing the "book" so
that the window of each display box is covered by the opposing
display box. U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,796 issued to Tulloch discloses
packaging convertible from a box suitable for retail display of its
contents to a box suitable for a gift box. Neither of these patents
contemplates shipping, and neither allows for the contents of the
packaging to be concealed for gift-giving purposes. Furthermore,
neither is capable of manufacture from a single sheet of material,
making these designs uneconomical.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,344,065 issued to Moran discloses a
reversible container having opposite surfaces for shipping,
disassembly at its destination and reassembly for display of the
everted second surface. U.S. Pat. No. 6,948,616 issued to Gillani
discloses a reversible shipping container alternately folded to
reveal or conceal a commercial logo or other visible marking. While
both of these inventions expressly contemplate shipping, both
require the contents of the packaging be exposed and expelled in
order to accomplish the conversion. For gift-giving purposes, this
is an undesirable requirement.
[0016] The prior art fails to disclose a reversible foldable
container which can be converted from a package displaying a first
surface to a package displaying a second surface, without revealing
the contents of the packaging to the recipient. None of the
above-noted patents, taken either singly or combination, are seen
to disclose the specific arrangement concepts disclosed by the
present invention.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide an improved container capable of conversion from a
container having a first surface to a container having a second
surface, which conversion is possible while preserving the contents
from inspection by the recipient until a time of the recipient's
own choosing.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
improved container which said first surface provides means for
shipping, mailing and/or content information thereon, and which
said second surface provides means for the placement of decorative
markings, advertising, and/or other indicia thereon.
[0019] Still another of the objects of the present invention is to
provide an improved container which includes reversible sealing
means, which sealing means may be separated to open the outer
container without disturbing the contents of the inner container,
and which sealing means may then be reversed to close the everted
container to present a decoratively wrapped gift to the
recipient.
[0020] Yet another of the objects of the present invention is to
provide an improved container which may be formed from a single
sheet of material such as corrugated or non-corrugated fiberboard
material, cardboard, synthetic materials, plastics, etc.
[0021] A final object of the present invention to improve over the
disadvantages of the prior art.
[0022] With these and other objects in view which may more readily
appear as the nature of the invention is better understood, the
present invention consists in the novel combination and arrangement
of parts hereinafter more fully described, illustrated and claimed
with reference being made to the attached drawings.
[0023] By the present invention, an improved container providing
for the reversibility of said container's outer surface is
disclosed.
[0024] The present invention in its preferred format discloses a
foldable carton container which is reversible, displaying
alternatively a surface suitable for post, courier or other
shipment which contains markings necessary or desirable to
facilitate such delivery, and on the reverse side contains
decorative markings, advertising, and/or other indicia
[0025] The present invention is made of any substantially flat
resilient material which can cut into a pattern for creating a
reversible container, including but not limited to corrugated or
non-corrugated cardboard and plastic, flexible metals, alloys,
synthetic and natural treated fabrics, paper or paper board
stock.
[0026] The present invention is made of connected panels which are
either permanently affixed with adhesive, or with reversible tabs
used to seal the outer surface of the container when inserted into
adjacent slots in either manifestation of the packaging.
[0027] Creasing is used along fold score lines so that the panels
can be easily folded along the crease lines, and in either
direction where reversible lines are contemplated, with ease.
Decorative markings are printed only on one side, as are the
shipping markings, allowing the packaging to be assembled with
either set of markings visible from the exterior.
[0028] To assemble the packaging, the first set of four panels are
folded up to form a conventional carton. If desired, an adhesive
can be used to secure the tab on the first panel to the inside of
the fourth panel, to secure the inner box. Side panels are also
folded in to secure the sides of the inner container, and may also
be secured with adhesive means if desired.
[0029] The second set of four panels, which are creased to bend in
either direction, form the outer surface of the container. To
assemble the packaging displaying the first surface (for example, a
surface suitable for shipping), the remaining four panels are
folded up in the same direction as the four panels comprising the
inner container, and are secured either with adhesion or through
use of tabs as illustrated. The larger side panels are then folded
inward to cover the entirety of the inner container, now displaying
only the first surface, and can be secured either with adhesion or
by insertion of tabs as illustrated.
[0030] To convert the packaging such that the second surface (for
example, a surface suitable for gifting) is displayed, the outer
four panels discussed in the last sentence of the preceding
paragraph are detached and folded in the opposite direction so that
said four panels again cover the four panels of the inner
container, where they may again be secured either with adhesion or
tabs, but this time in the opposite direction. Similarly, the side
panels are reversed in direction in order to cover the sides,
providing complete coverage of the entire inner container, this
time with the second surface displayed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0031] The present invention can best be understood in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0032] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the flat die cut container of
the present invention, prior to assembly;
[0033] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the container at the
commencement of closure;
[0034] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the package at the point
where the contents of the inner container become sealed, and prior
to commencement of enclosing said inner container with the outer
panels that will form the outer first surface;
[0035] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the container where the outer
surface of the container in its first manifestation (displaying the
first surface) is near completion;
[0036] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the container where at the
onset of conversion into a container having the second surface;
and
[0037] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the container after
completion of conversion, displaying the second surface.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates the present invention prior to assembly.
The outer contour is die cut usually with a steel rule die.
Internal features are also cut in the same pass, such as the tab
holes 60, 62, and 64. The creasing is also performed by non-cutting
die members in the same pass.
[0039] FIG. 2 shows the container where the panels 10, 12, 14 and
16 have initiated closure, and the adhesive strip film 61 has been
removed, revealing adhesive surface 60 which, when affixed to panel
16, will seal the inner container. Side panel pairs 26 and 30, and
34 and 38 are at this point closed, while side panel pairs 28 and
32, and 36 and 40 remain open to reveal construction features.
[0040] FIG. 3 shows the container where the inner container is now
sealed, with side panels 28 and 32 (visible) and panels 36 and 40
(not visible) now closed over side panels 26 and 30, and panels 34
and 38, respectively. At this point, panel 8 (and optional adhesive
surface 60) are in contact with panel 16, sealing the inner
container. Folding continues in the same direction of the folding
of the inner container (panels 10, 12, 14 and 16). It is to be
noted that the side panels 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40 may be
folded in different combinations and with different panels in said
series comprising the exterior surface of the inner container, as
desired. Furthermore, these same exterior side panels, when closed,
may be further secured with packing tape, staples or other adhesive
means at this point in the process, if desired (similarly to panel
8).
[0041] The crease lines of the inner container, namely lines 9, 11,
13, 15 25, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37 and 39, employ unidirectional
creasing on only the top (visible) surface. To make the outer
surface of the container (panels 18, 20, 22 and 24, and
corresponding side panels 44 and 46) reversible, the crease lines
corresponding to said outer surface panels (crease lines 17, 19,
21,23, 41, 43, 45, 47, 49, 51 and 53) denote creasing on both top
and bottom surfaces such that the panel members 18,20, 22, 24, 44,
46, and tab panel members 42, 48, 50, 51 and 52 can be easily
folded 90 degrees in either direction along their respective crease
fold lines with equivalent ease.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows the container where the outer surface of the
container in its first manifestation (displaying the first surface)
is near completion. At this stage, panel 10 is in contact with
panel 18, panel 12 is in contact with panel 20, panel 14 is in
contact with panel 22. Panel 16 is positioned to make contact with
panel 24, and side panels 44 and 46 are being folded in a 90 degree
angle to make contact with panels 28 and 32 (in the case of panel
44) and panels 36 and 40 (in the case of panel 46). Tabs 50, 51 and
52 are positioned for insertion into slots 60, 62 and 64,
respectively. Tabs 42 and 48 will then be capable of being folded
90 degrees and inserted in the space between panels 12 and 20,
forming a triple-layer of coverage of the sides of the closed
container, a double-layer of coverage on the remaining surfaces,
and completing coverage of the inner container with the first
surface.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows the commencement of conversion into a container
having the second surface displayed. Tabs 42 and 48 have been
removed, and tabs 50, 51 and 52 have been removed from slots 60, 62
and 64, respectively. The panels constituting the remainder of the
outer surface, namely panels 24, 22, 20 and 18, are being wrapped
around the inner container in the opposite direction as in the
first manifestation of the container (displaying the first
surface).
[0044] FIG. 6 shows the container after completion of conversion,
displaying the second surface. At this stage, panel 16 is in
contact with panel 18, panel 14 is in contact with panel 20, panel
12 is in contact with panel 22, and panel 10 is in contact with
panel 24. Side panels 44 and 46 are again in contact with panels 28
and 32 (in the case of panel 44) and panels 36 and 40 (in the case
of panel 46), this time accomplishing the coverage from the reverse
direction. Tabs 50, 51 and 52 are again folded in a 90 degree angle
and inserted into slots 60, 62 and 64, respectively, also from the
reverse direction as in the first manifestation illustrated in FIG.
4. Finally, Tabs 42 and 48 have been inserted in the space formed
between panels 14 and 20 (as contrasted with panels 12 and 20 in
the first manifestation), once again forming a triple-layer of
coverage of the sides of the closed container, a double-layer of
coverage on the remaining surfaces, and completing coverage of the
inner container with the second surface.
[0045] It is noted that in order to accomplish complete coverage of
the inner container composed of panels 10, 12, 14 and 16, it is
necessary for the covering reversible panels 18, 20, 22 and 24 to
be of a length equal to the length of the corresponding inner
container panel, plus two times the thickness of said corresponding
panel. To give an example, if each of panels 10, 12, 14, 16 were to
have a width of X, a length of Y and a thickness of Z, the
resultant effect would be for panels 18, 20, 22 and 24 to have a
width of X+2Z, a length of Y+2Z, and a thickness of Z. The uniform
thickness permits the construction of the entire container from a
single sheet of material.
[0046] It is further noted that other modifications may be made to
the present invention, such as different configurations for the
foldable panels, so long as the modifications are made within the
scope of the present invention, as noted in the appended
claims.
[0047] Although various embodiments of the present invention have
been disclosed here for purposes of illustration, it should be
understood that a variety of changes, modifications and
substitutions may be incorporated without departing from either the
spirit or scope of the present invention. Examples include
different dimensions and configurations for the foldable panels and
closures, alternative forms of adhesion, and an infinite number of
functional, descriptive, decorative or whimsical markings on each
of the two surfaces. Thus the scope of the present invention should
be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents,
rather than by the examples given.
* * * * *