U.S. patent application number 12/212668 was filed with the patent office on 2010-01-14 for re-foldable one piece box and lid.
Invention is credited to Timothy Conroy.
Application Number | 20100006632 12/212668 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39722184 |
Filed Date | 2010-01-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100006632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conroy; Timothy |
January 14, 2010 |
RE-FOLDABLE ONE PIECE BOX AND LID
Abstract
A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel
(B) or panels, in which the fold erect feature allows the base of
the box to be held erected in a set up position by the folded
incorporated integral internal panels whether or not the attached
lid is open or closed, without the use of additional glue,
adhesives, tape, clip, or other fastener.
Inventors: |
Conroy; Timothy; (Hong Kong,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Mr Tim Conroy;Parasol IPS
Unit A, 6/F, Lucky Horse Industrial Building, 64 Tong Mi Road, Mong Kok,
Kowloon
Hong Kong
HK
|
Family ID: |
39722184 |
Appl. No.: |
12/212668 |
Filed: |
September 18, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/120.18 ;
229/117.09; 229/125.37; 229/126; 229/184; 229/185.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/248 20130101;
B65D 5/32 20130101; B65D 5/422 20130101; B65D 5/4204 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/120.18 ;
229/185.1; 229/117.09; 229/125.37; 229/126; 229/184 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/08 20060101
B65D005/08; B65D 5/46 20060101 B65D005/46 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 14, 2008 |
GB |
GB0812777.1 |
Claims
1. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels, in which the fold erect feature allows the base of the box
to be held erected in a set up position by the folded incorporated
integral internal panels whether or not the attached lid is open or
closed, without the use of additional glue, adhesives, tape, clip,
or other fastener.
2. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, with a folding lid, folding side walls
and incorporated integral internal folding panels, in which the
lid, integral internal panels and side walls are attached to the
main body of the box, and all are foldable such that the structure
folds to form a fully covered complete box with attached lid (and
not a box comprised of a separate lid and base parts).
3. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the box can be assembled from
the flat pack position to the set-up position and the box can be
disassembled and returned to the flat pack position, without the
use of adhesives, double sided tape, tape, or other fastener to
hold it in the set-up position.
4. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the lid, side walls, base and
internal flaps are made flexible and foldable through the use of
materials that have been pre-cut, pre-creased, pre-folded, or
through by connecting the panels making up the sides and parts of
the box with a flexible material, which may be a thicker or thinner
substrate, or may connect the panels totally to each other or in
part.
5. A multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect, re-foldable
one piece box & lid according to claim 1, in which the box, lid
and integral panels can be of varying dimensions, proportions, and
sizes.
6. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which any part of the box, lid or
integral panels may have a window, slot, cut out or panel or may
have part of the material replaced by a different material which is
clear, see-through or not see-through to act as a window, or
adornment or decoration, or access to the product.
7. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, on which a carry mechanism, handle or
part by which the box can be carried is added to any of the
internal or external panels, including but not limited to a ribbon,
string, plastic, paper or metal handle affixed to the box.
8. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the lid in a closed
arrangement can be held in position by magnets, a ribbon, a clip, a
slotting method, or other such method for securing the position of
the lid of the box when in a set-up arrangement, or the lid can be
left open and unattached.
9. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the internal panel holds the
box in an erect set up position by a fold erect mechanism of
internal panels or by engaging frictionally, via slots or cuts in
either flap, via a clip, or magnet, or by altering the shape of the
panels or by interlocking between panels of the box, including more
incorporated panels.
10. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the internal flaps or panels
act as a fitment.
11. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the internal flaps have
additional panels, flaps or material attached to them to support a
product as a fitment, or to act as an adornment or decoration.
12. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the internal flaps have
panels attached to them, or material cut out from them or the size
or shape alerted in order to support a product as a fitment, or to
act as an adornment or decoration.
13. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, in which the internal flaps have
additional panels, flaps or material attached to form a compartment
or multiple compartments.
14. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, where part or all the materials are
lined or coated with fabric or other materials, or various
materials are used to make up the parts of the box.
15. A re-foldable, multifunctional, flat packing, quick fold erect,
one piece box & lid incorporating an integral internal panel or
panels according to claim 1, which can be fixed permanently in a
set up position the use of additional glue, adhesives, tape, clip,
or other fastener, or interlocking, clips or other method for
permanently holding the box in a set-up position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a multi-functional, flat packing,
quick fold erect, re-foldable one piece box and lid incorporating
an integral internal panel or panels.
[0002] Retail staff are under pressure to serve as many customers
as possible, in a short a time as possible, and to focus their
attention on the client which they are serving.
[0003] Furthermore, there is limited storage space in business
premises, retail spaces and in the logistics chain on the products
journey from factory to consumer. It is rare to find products, the
box and contents produced in the same location or even region, and
rarer still for the end use to be in the same location as the
production of the box, thus all boxes, lids and fitments require
some form of transportation or storage.
[0004] In addition, freight is charge by volumetric weight (volume
and weight used in cost calculation), so shipping set-up boxes
means paying for shipping the contents (be it air or products)
also.
[0005] Brands and business are under continual pressure to offer
high quality products, in a well-designed presentation or packaging
that is fit for purpose.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] To overcome this, this invention proposes a re-foldable,
multi-functional, flat packing, quick fold erect, one piece box and
lid incorporating an integral internal panel or panels. This
invention is such that the lid, base and incorporated integral
internal flap mechanism are joined together as one piece, the box
can be assembled and disassembled very quickly and easily without
the need to use glue or other fasteners or adhesives as the base of
the box is held in an erect set-up position by folded panels
incorporated into the body of the box and lid. This allows the box
and lid to be re-used and re-folded, it frees the hands of the
end-user, the quick assembly without glue or other adhesives means
minimal time or effort is required for set up or disassembly by the
end user.
[0007] The folded erect set-up feature of the box allows the base
of the box to be erected into a set-up position, whether or not the
lid is closed or open, whilst at the same time hiding the internal
mechanism of the base of the box. This offers a very presentable
and practical solution, and the box is designed to minimise the
amount of raw edges showing on the main faces as the folding panels
cover the internal mechanism.
[0008] The invention can also be flat packed, saving valuable space
in retail, home, business and logistics environments. The flat
packed feature also requires less packaging for transportation
(fewer export cartons) and is more secure for transportation - as
set-up boxes are more likely to be damaged.
[0009] The one piece format of the box, which includes the box, lid
& incorporated integral flap and also the possibility of an
integrated internal fitment (which will be described in more detail
later) means that the processes of setting up the box and lid is
simplified for the end user and it also removes the need for a
separate lid and base. The internal flap can also be modified to
act as an integrated fitment to the contents or product(s), again
removing the need for a separate fitment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0010] The invention will now be described solely by way of example
and with reference to the accompanying drawings:
[0011] FIG. 1: shows the exploded perspective view of the box,
neither flat packed or set-up but in a state of flux between the
two states.
[0012] FIG. 2: shows the exploded top view of the major and minor
panels that make up the box.
[0013] FIG. 3: shows the exploded top view of the panels that make
up the box.
[0014] FIG. 4: shows the perspective view of the box, neither flat
packed or set-up but in the early stages of setting up the box from
a flat packed position.
[0015] FIG. 5: shows the perspective view of the box and how part
C1 is folded in the setting up the box from a flat packed
position.
[0016] FIG. 6: shows the perspective view of the box and how part
B, in particular B1, is folded in the setting up the box from a
flat packed position.
[0017] FIG. 7: shows the perspective view of the box and how part
B, in particular B2, is folded in the setting up the box.
[0018] FIG. 8: shows the perspective view of the box and how part B
the integral attached flap, in particular B2, holds the base in an
erected position.
[0019] FIG. 9: shows the box in a set up position with the lid
closed.
[0020] FIG. 10: shows an alternative version of the box with a
panel or window in the lid.
[0021] FIG. 11: shows an alternative version of the box with a
panel or window in the lid.
[0022] FIG. 12: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size.
[0023] FIG. 13: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size.
[0024] FIG. 14: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size.
[0025] FIG. 15: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size.
[0026] FIG. 16: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size.
[0027] FIG. 17: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size with a carrying handle.
[0028] FIG. 18: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size with a carrying handle.
[0029] FIG. 19: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size with a carrying handle.
[0030] FIG. 20: shows an alternative version of the box in
different proportions & size with a carrying handle.
[0031] FIG. 21: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral fitment attached to panel B.
[0032] FIG. 22: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral fitment attached to panel B.
[0033] FIG. 23: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral fitment attached to panel B.
[0034] FIG. 24: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral fitment attached to panel B.
[0035] FIG. 25: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral fitment attached to panel B.
[0036] FIG. 26: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral compartment attached to panel B.
[0037] FIG. 27: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral compartment attached to panel B.
[0038] FIG. 28: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral compartment attached to panel B.
[0039] FIG. 29: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
with an integral compartment attached to panel B.
[0040] FIG. 30: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with a stud holding the lid shut.
[0041] FIG. 31: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with a lock holding the lid shut.
[0042] FIG. 32: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with a tag closure.
[0043] FIG. 33: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with a tag holding the lid.
[0044] FIG. 34: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with ribbon closure.
[0045] FIG. 35: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with ribbon holding the lid shut.
[0046] FIG. 36: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with Velcro holding the lid shut.
[0047] FIG. 37: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with elastic holding the lid shut.
[0048] FIG. 38: shows an alternative version of the one-piece box
closed with a magnet holding the lid shut.
[0049] FIG. 39: shows an example of the box in a flat packed
position, in the first stage of further folding the panels whilst
flat packed to minimise the area the box takes up, in this case C1
is folded inwards.
[0050] FIG. 40: shows an example of the box in a flat pack
position, with panel C1 folded inwards.
[0051] FIG. 41: shows an example of the box in a flat pack
position, with an arrow illustration how panels B1 and B2 are
folded inwards.
[0052] FIG. 42: shows an example of the box in a flat pack
position, with panels A4 and A5 being folded to reduce the amount
of area the flat pack box takes up.
[0053] FIG. 43: shows an example of the box in a flat pack
position, with the panels folded.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0054] The basic structure of the box is made up of a number of
panels, including the main body (A1, A2, A3, A4, and A5), end flap
(C1), incorporated integral internal panel (B1, B2) and side walls
(D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and E1, E2, E3, E4, E5) as shown on FIG. 1,
FIG. 2, FIG. 3. These panels are made flexible and foldable through
the use of materials between the panels that have been pre-cut,
pre-creased, pre-folded, or by connecting the panels with a
flexible material, which may be a thicker or thinner substrate, or
may connect the panels totally to each other or in part, as
referred to in claim 4.
[0055] Panel A, which comprises the main body of the box, including
the base part and the lid, is made up of 5 smaller panels (A1, A2,
A3, A4 and A5). In a folded position, A1, A2, A3 together make up
the base of the box, with parts A4 and A5 making up the lid as
shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.
[0056] Panel B, which is the incorporated internal flap and/or
integrated fitment, is connected to the join between panels A3 and
A4 with a flexible material. Panel B is made up of parts B1 and
B2.
[0057] Panel C1 is connected to the end of Panel A to part A1 using
a flexible material. Panel C in this example is constructed of 1
panel piece only, however, this can be altered in size or structure
and additional panels or parts may be added as per claim 5.
[0058] Panel D and Panel E are the side flaps for the box, each
made up of 5 panels joined to each other by a flexible material, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.
[0059] The edge of D1, D3 and D5 and correspondingly the edge of
E1, E3, and E5 are joined respectively to each side of the panels
A1, A2 and A3, and lie flat against the surface of A1, A2 and A3
when the box is in a flat position, FIG. 4 shows the location of
panels D and E. D1 and correspondingly E1 are affixed to panel A1,
this attachment eases the assembly of the box for the end user,
although this construction still works if D1 and E1 are not
permanently affixed. D5 and respectively E5 are affixed to panel
A3, as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0060] The join between D3 and A2, and correspondingly the join
between E3 and A2, are flexible so that D3 and E3 can lie flat
against the surface of A2 or fold upwards to a position at 90
degrees to the surface of A2, as illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5,
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.
[0061] The positions of the panels, the flexible joins between the
individual panels making up the main parts of the box, are such
that the box can be assembled into a setup position and easily
disassembled into a flat pack position. The process of folding into
a set-up position is illustrated step by step in FIG. 4 through to
FIG. 9 inclusively. This process can easily be reversed to unfold
the boxes back to a flat pack position. Ribbons, or an alternative
method, can be added to the edge of panel B2 and also C to make
unfolding even simpler as they provide an area that can easily be
gripped by the user to unfold the panels; this ribbon is
illustrated in FIG. 4 through to FIG. 7 attached to B2. Alternative
solutions for gripping the edge of the panels could also be used,
an example of which is small cuts or finger holes.
[0062] To assemble from a flat position, A1 and A3 are pushed
towards each other by the end user (either by holding onto the Lid
(A4 and A5) and end flap C, or some other location) such that A1
and A3 lie at 90 degrees against the surface of the inner face of
panel A2, as illustrated by FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. This motion
will automatically fold D3 and E3 into a vertical (90 degree)
position against the inner surface of A2, if the parts D1, D5, E1
and E5 have been affixed to A1 and A3 respectively as described
above, otherwise the user will need to push these parts in. The
position of the flaps is now such that A1, A3, D3 and E3 all lie at
90 degrees to the inner surface of A2, thus forming the beginnings
of the base structure of the box. Due to the folding up of Panels
D3 and D4 the panels D1 and D2, D4 and D5, E1 and E2, E4 and E5
will all fold together such that their surface lie flat against
each other, this processes is illustrated in FIG. 6, where D4 and
D5, E4 and E5 are pushed towards each other as the box is set
up.
[0063] Panel C1 is then folded over such that its inner surface
lies flat against the inner surface of panel A1, as illustrated in
FIG. 5. The panel C1, in its folded position, will cover the panels
D1 and D2, E1 and E2, so that they lie underneath panel C1, between
C1 and A1.
[0064] An integral feature of this flat packing, quick fold erect,
re-foldable one piece box & lid, the incorporated Panel B, is
then folded over such that the inner surface of part B1 lies flat
against A3, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. The panel B1, in its
folded position, will cover the panels D4 and D5, E4 and E5, so
that they lie underneath panel B1 between B1 and A3.
[0065] The Panel B2, is then be pushed down so that it lies flat
against the panel A2 as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The
pushing down of panel B2, or an incorporated panel added for this
purpose, has the effect of holding panel C1 and B1 in place in
their folded positions, hence holding the base of the box in a set
up position, as illustrated in FIG. 7, FIG. 8. Thus the bottom part
of the box is now erected with A1, A3, D3 and E3 all at 90 degrees
to the inner surface of A2 and held in place by the folding of the
inner panels B and also C1 as described above, as illustrated by
FIG. 8. With the flaps in this position, the bottom part of the box
will remain erected whether or not the lid, comprised of A4 and A5
is opened or closed.
[0066] The panel A4 can be folded over the top of the erected
bottom part of the box to act as a lid or cover, with the panel A5
folding over the outer surface of A1, as illustrated by FIG. 9. To
keep the lid closed on the box when in an erected position, A5 can
be attached to the outer surface of panel A1 through the use of
magnets, clips, cuts, additional parts, ribbons, ties or other
method as per claim 8.
[0067] FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 illustrate an alternative version of
this invention, with a panel or window in the lid panel A4. A
panel, window or cut out can be included on any panel or side of
the box or lid, to act as an adornment, decoration, feature or to
allow visibility or access to the products.
[0068] FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 illustrate an
alternative version of this invention in various sizes and
proportions.
[0069] FIG. 17, FIG. 18, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 illustrate an
alternative version of this invention with a handle (H1) attached
to a panel in various sizes and proportions. The invention could be
made with other methods for carrying it attached to any location on
the outer or inner surface, or carrying method not attached
directly to the product. Attachments could also be added for as a
feature or for decorative or adornment purposes to the outside or
inside of this invention. A handle, made from a ribbon, string or
other material could be affixed to the outer surface of panel A1
such that it passes through a cut, whole or slot in A5, or on any
other panels, to act as a handle or adornment, or decoration or
other use, as per claim 7.
[0070] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative version of this invention
with an incorporated integrated fitment. The fitment in this
example is the result of foldable panels (of which B5, B7 and B8
are visible in FIG. 21) incorporated and attached on to either side
of panel B2, such that the panels fold and act as a fitment. Panels
B3, B4, B5, B7 and B8, which in this example are additional panels
connected to the main B (B1 and B2) panel, are visible (although
not all these panels feature in each drawing) in FIGS. 21 through
to FIG. 25 inclusive, they fold so as to form a fitment, that in
this example is an extension of panel B2. These panels are made
flexible and foldable through the use of materials between the
panels that have been pre-cut, pre-creased, pre-folded, or by
connecting the panels with a flexible material, which may be a
thicker or thinner substrate, or may connect the panels totally to
each other or in part, as referred to in claim 4. The panels may
have a cut out or slits to hold the product when the fitment is
folded in place in the set up position, as illustrated in FIG. 22,
FIG. 23, FIG. 24 and FIG. 25.
[0071] There are a number of ways in which a fitment can be
integrated into this invention, including altering the size, shape
and number of panels, adding flaps, parts, cuts or interlocks to
create an integrated fitment as per claim 10, claim 11 and claim
12. Some additional examples of alternatives for integrated fitment
are illustrated in FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24 and FIG. 25, which
show fitments made using more incorporated integral panels, flaps,
interlocks, cut outs, slots, holes and slits. In these examples,
the fitment can also be flat packed, and is directly connected to
the box.
[0072] More panels or parts can be incorporated to the existing
panels and flaps. The existing panels which make up the box may
also be changed in size, proportions and or structure, for example
to act as a fitment or internal compartment.
[0073] This invention can also be made by altering the panel B2 or
incorporating more panels, flaps, parts, cuts or interlocks so that
the invention is held together in an erect set up position without
the need for the panel B2 to touch or lie flat against the inner
surface of the panel A2, as illustrated by the example FIG. 23 in
which more panels have been incorporated onto the box to act as a
fitment and also to hold the base of the box erect.
[0074] The box and lid could also be lined on the inside or the
outside with material for decorative purposes or to protect the
contents when in a set-up position. The box and lid could be lined
with fabric material.
[0075] FIG. 26, FIG. 27, FIG. 28 and FIG. 29 illustrate an
alternative version of this invention with an incorporated integral
integrated compartment. The panels making up the compartment may be
integrated with panel B2, as an extension of panel B2 or it may be
incorporated to the other panels that make up the box and lid, or
new panels or flaps incorporated to the box. FIG. 26 illustrates
the use of additional incorporated panels (panel B3 is visible in
FIG. 26) to act as an integrated compartment when folded in the
set-up position. More panels can be integrated to form a
combination of compartments and fitments. This is illustrated by
the panels B3, B5, B6, B7, B8, B9 which are visible in figures 26
through to 29 inclusively (although not all panels feature in each
drawing), and act as an integral integrated compartment, as they
are attached to the main panel B (B1 and B2)
[0076] FIG. 30, FIG. 31, FIG. 32, FIG. 33, FIG. 34, FIG. 35, FIG.
36, FIG. 37 and FIG. 38 illustrate an alternative version of this
invention with alternative methods for holding the lid (in this
example parts A4 and A5) closed. The examples include the use of
magnets (FIG. 38), ribbons (FIG. 34 and FIG. 35), studs clips,
locks, Velcro and straps.
[0077] A key feature of the box is that the box, lid and
incorporated integral internal panels can be folded into a flat
packed position. FIG. 39 illustrates a top view of the box in a
flat packed position. FIGS. 39 through to FIG. 43 inclusive show
how the panels of the box can be further folded, to minimise the
area the flat packed box takes up. FIG. 39 shows how panel C1 is
folded over. FIG. 41 illustrates how panels B1 and B2 are folded
over the inside face of panels A1, A2, A3 and the folded panel C1.
FIG. 42 shows how panels A4 and A5 are folded around the back of
the box. FIG. 43 shows another example of how the box can be flat
packed, with panels A4 and A5 folded around the back, and panels
B1, B2 and C1 folded over the inside of the box, all in a flat
packed position. The folding of the panels reduces the amount of
area the box takes up, making it easier to store and also more
compact for shipping which reduces the risk of damage in transit,
as well as saving space.
* * * * *