U.S. patent application number 15/074559 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-17 for tamper resistant box.
The applicant listed for this patent is Iron Mountain Incorporated. Invention is credited to Fred Dowd, Sandy Freeman, Rene Grajales.
Application Number | 20170233134 15/074559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56924511 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170233134 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Grajales; Rene ; et
al. |
August 17, 2017 |
TAMPER RESISTANT BOX
Abstract
A tamper resistant box includes: a front panel; a side panel
attached to the front panel at a first fold line; a back panel
attached to the side panel at a second fold line; a side top flap
attached to the side panel at a third fold line; and a front top
flap attached to the front panel at a fourth fold line. In some
examples, the side top flap can define a tapered slot extending
towards the third fold line from an edge of the side top flap at a
location distal from the third fold line, and a widest portion of
the tapered slot can define a tapered slot width. In further
examples, the front top flap can define a top slot having a top
slot width that is less than the tapered slot width.
Inventors: |
Grajales; Rene; (Weston,
FL) ; Dowd; Fred; (Princeton, MA) ; Freeman;
Sandy; (Springboro, OH) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Iron Mountain Incorporated |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20160272362 A1 |
September 22, 2016 |
|
|
Family ID: |
56924511 |
Appl. No.: |
15/074559 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62135544 |
Mar 19, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/102 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/0254 20130101;
B65D 5/6608 20130101; B65D 5/4266 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/66 20060101
B65D005/66; B65D 5/02 20060101 B65D005/02; B65D 5/42 20060101
B65D005/42 |
Claims
1. A tamper resistant box comprising: a front panel; a side panel
attached to the front panel at a first fold line; a back panel
attached to the side panel at a second fold line; a side top flap
attached to the side panel at a third fold line, the side top flap
defining a tapered slot extending towards the third fold line from
an edge of the side top flap at a location distal from the third
fold line, a widest portion of the tapered slot defining a tapered
slot width; and a front top flap attached to the front panel at a
fourth fold line, the front top flap defining a top slot having a
top slot width that is less than the tapered slot width, the front
top flap positioned above the side top flap such that the top slot
is positioned above the tapered slot.
2. The tamper resistant box of claim 1, wherein the side panel is a
first side panel, the side top flap is a first side top flap, and
the tapered slot is a first tapered slot and wherein the tamper
resistant box further comprises: a second side panel attached to
the front panel at a location distal from the first side panel at a
fifth fold line; and a second side top flap attached to the second
side panel at a sixth fold line, the second side top flap defining
a second tapered slot extending towards the sixth fold line from an
edge of the second side top flap at a location distal from the
sixth fold line, a widest portion of the second tapered side having
the tapered slot width, wherein the front top flap is positioned
above the second side top flap such that the top slot is positioned
above the second tapered slot.
3. The tamper resistant box of claim 2, further comprising a
securing panel attached to the back panel at a seventh fold line
distal from the second fold line, wherein the securing panel is
secured to a portion of the second side panel at a location distal
from the fifth fold line.
4. The tamper resistant box of claim 2, further comprising: a front
bottom flap attached to the front panel at an eighth fold line
distal from the front top flap; a first bottom side flap attached
to the front bottom flap at a ninth fold line, the first bottom
side flap defining a first locking tab at an edge distal from the
ninth fold line; and a second bottom side flap attached to the
front bottom flap at a location distal from the first bottom side
flap at a tenth fold line, the second bottom side flap defining a
second locking tab at an edge distal from the tenth fold line,
wherein the first side top flap defines a first cut out, wherein
the first locking tab is positioned within the first cut out,
wherein the second side top flap defines a second cut out, and
wherein the second locking tab is positioned within the second cut
out.
5. The tamper resistant box of claim 1, further comprising: a back
top flap attached to the back panel at an eleventh fold line; and a
back bottom flap attached to the back panel at a location distal
from the back top flap at a twelfth fold line, wherein the back
bottom flap defines a gripping cut at an edge distal from the
twelfth fold line.
6. The tamper resistant box of claim 5, wherein the back top flap
is secured to the front top flap such that the back top flap covers
the top slot.
7. The tamper resistant box of claim 1, wherein the side panel
comprises a center fold line extending substantially parallel to
the first fold line, and wherein the side top flap comprises a
center fold line that is aligned with the center fold line of the
side panel.
8. A tamper resistant box comprising: a front panel; a side panel
attached to the front panel at a first fold line, the side panel
comprising a center fold line extending substantially parallel to
the first fold line; a back panel attached to the side panel at a
second fold line; a side top flap attached to the side panel at a
third fold line, the side top flap comprising a center fold line
that is aligned with the center fold line of the side panel, the
side top flap defining a tapered slot extending toward the third
fold line from an edge of the side top flap at a location distal
from the third fold line, the tapered slot having an innermost
extent offset from the center fold line of the side top flap; and a
front top flap attached to the front panel at a fourth fold line,
the front top flap defining a top slot along a center line of the
front top flap extending substantially parallel to the fourth fold
line, the front top flap positioned above the side top flap such
that the top slot is positioned above the tapered slot.
9. The tamper resistant box of claim 8, wherein the side panel is a
first side panel and the side top flap is a first side top flap,
and wherein the tamper resistant box further comprises: a second
side panel attached to the front panel at a location distal from
the first side panel at a fifth fold line, the second side panel
comprising a center fold line extending substantially parallel to
the fifth fold line; and a second side top flap attached to the
second side panel at a sixth fold line, the second side top flap
comprising a center fold line that is aligned with the center fold
line of the second side panel, the second side top flap defining a
side slot extending from an edge of the second side top flap at a
location distal from the sixth fold line towards the sixth fold
line, the side slot of the second side top flap having an innermost
extent offset from the center fold line of the second side top
flap, the side slot of the second side top flap having a side slot
width, wherein the front top flap is positioned above the second
side top flap such that the top slot is positioned above the side
slot of the second side top.
10. The tamper resistant box of claim 9, further comprising a
securing panel attached to the back panel at a seventh fold line
distal from the second fold line, wherein the securing panel is
secured to a portion of the second side panel at a location distal
from the fifth fold line.
11. The tamper resistant box of claim 8, wherein a widest portion
of the tapered slot defines a tapered slot width, wherein the top
slot defines a top slot width, and wherein the tapered slot width
is greater than the top slot width.
12. The tamper resistant box of claim 8, further comprising: a back
top flap attached to the back panel at an eighth fold line, wherein
the back top flap is secured to the front top flap such that the
back top flap covers the top slot.
13. A tamper resistant box comprising: a front panel; a side panel
attached to the front panel at a first fold line, the side panel
comprising a center fold line extending substantially parallel to
the first fold line; a back panel attached to the side panel at a
second fold line; a side top flap attached to the side panel at a
third fold line, the side top flap defining a tapered slot
extending towards the third fold line from an edge of the side top
flap at a location distal from the third fold line, a widest
portion of the tapered slot defining a tapered slot width; and a
front top flap attached to the front panel at a fourth fold line,
the front top flap defining a top slot having a top slot width that
is less than the tapered slot width, the front top flap positioned
above the side top flap such that the top slot is positioned above
the tapered slot.
14. The tamper resistant box of claim 13, wherein an innermost
extent of the tapered slot is offset from the center fold line of
the side top flap.
15. The tamper resistant box of claim 13, wherein the side panel is
a first side panel, the tapered slot is a first tapered slot, and
the side top flap is a first side top flap, and wherein the tamper
resistant box further comprises: a second side panel attached to
the front panel at a location distal from the first side panel at a
fifth fold line; and a second side top flap attached to the second
side panel at a sixth fold line, the second side top flap defining
a second tapered slot extending towards the sixth fold line from an
edge of the second side top flap at a location distal from the
sixth fold line, a widest portion of the second tapered side having
the tapered slot width, wherein the front top flap is positioned
above the second side top flap such that the top slot is positioned
above the second tapered slot.
16. The tamper resistant box of claim of claim 15, wherein the
second side panel comprises a center fold line extending
substantially parallel to the fifth fold line, wherein an innermost
extent of the first tapered slot is offset from the center fold
line of the first side panel, and wherein an innermost extent of
the second tapered slot is offset from the center fold line of the
second side panel.
17. The tamper resistant box of claim 13, further comprising: a
back top flap attached to the back panel at a seventh fold line,
wherein the back top flap is secured to the front top flap such
that the back top flap covers the top slot; and a back bottom flap
attached to the back panel at a location distal from the back top
flap at a eighth fold line, wherein the back bottom flap defines a
gripping cut at an edge distal from the eighth fold line.
18. The tamper resistant box of claim 17, wherein an adhesive on
the back top flap secures the back top flap to the front top
flap.
19. The tamper resistant box of claim 13, further comprising: a
front bottom flap attached to the front panel at a ninth fold line
distal from the front top flap; and a bottom side flap attached to
the front bottom flap at a tenth fold line, the bottom side flap
defining a locking tab at an edge distal from the tenth fold line,
wherein the side top flap defines a cut out, and wherein the
locking tab is positioned within the cut out.
20. The tamper resistant box of claim 13, wherein the top slot is
centered between the fourth fold line and an edge distal from the
fourth fold line.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/135,554, filed on Mar. 19, 2015 and
entitled TAMPER RESISTANT BOX, which is hereby incorporated in its
entirety by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This application relates to a template for a tamper
resistant box, and a tamper resistant box formed from the template
for receiving shreddable documents through a slot in a top of the
tamper resistant box.
[0004] 2. Background Technology
[0005] Individuals, businesses, and organizations often need to
discard sensitive or otherwise important data, such as business
records, client information, personal information, and various
other types of data stored in a physical format rather than
digitally. However, without proper safeguards, this information
typically ends up in a trash bin or dumpster where it is readily
available to anybody who desires to look through these waste
containers.
[0006] Often, individuals, business, and organizations may rely on
document destruction service providers to discard and destroy this
information to ensure that it cannot be obtained by others.
However, because individuals and businesses often rely on third
party shipping services to get the information to the document
destruction service providers, safeguards against tampering and
other types of unauthorized access to the information is
needed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The features and components of the following figures are
illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present
disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the
figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the
sake of consistency and clarity.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top view of a blank for a tamper resistant box
in accordance with an example of the current disclosure.
[0009] FIG. 2 is another top view of the blank of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a top view of the tamper resistant box formed from
the blank of FIG. 1 in a folded configuration.
[0011] FIG. 4 is another top view of the tamper resistant box of
FIG. 3 in a packaged configuration.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the tamper resistant box of
FIG. 3 partially assembled.
[0013] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the tamper resistant
box of FIG. 3 partially assembled.
[0014] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the tamper resistant
box of FIG. 3 partially assembled.
[0015] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the tamper resistant
box of FIG. 3 partially assembled.
[0016] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the tamper resistant
box of FIG. 3 partially assembled.
[0017] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the tamper resistant
box of FIG. 3 partially assembled.
[0018] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the tamper resistant
box of FIG. 3 fully assembled.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a top view of a blank for a tamper resistant box
in accordance with another example of the current disclosure.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a top view of a blank for a tamper resistant box
in accordance with another example of the current disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a top view of a blank for a tamper resistant box
in accordance with another example of the current disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The present invention can be understood more readily by
reference to the following detailed description, examples,
drawings, and claims, and their previous and following description.
However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are
disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention
is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods
disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course,
vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein
is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not
intended to be limiting.
[0023] The following description of the invention is provided as an
enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known
embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will
recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the
various aspects of the invention described herein, while still
obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will
also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present
invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the
present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly,
those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications
and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even
be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present
invention. Thus, the following description is provided as
illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in
limitation thereof.
[0024] As used throughout, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the"
include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a band" can include two
or more such bands unless the context indicates otherwise.
[0025] Ranges can be expressed herein as from "about" one
particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When
such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one
particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly,
when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the
antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value
forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the
endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to
the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
[0026] As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" mean
that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or can
not occur, and that the description includes instances where said
event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
[0027] The word "or" as used herein means any one member of a
particular list and also includes any combination of members of
that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such
as, among others, "can," "could," "might," or "can," unless
specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the
context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain
aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain
features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is
not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or
that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for
deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these
features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed
in any particular embodiment. Directional references such as "up,"
"down," "top," "left," "right," "front," "back," and "corners,"
among others are intended to refer to the orientation as
illustrated and described in the figure (or figures) to which the
components and directions are referencing.
[0028] In one aspect, disclosed is a tamper resistant box and
associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. The
tamper resistant box can be suitable for receiving shreddable
documents through a slot in a top of the box. The tamper resistant
box can comprise a panel for securely covering the slot and sealing
the box. In another aspect, disclosed is a method of arranging
shipment of the tamper resistant box. In one aspect, the method can
comprise an owner of the tamper resistant box containing shreddable
documents arranging to transport the tamper resistant box to a
secure shredding facility by way of a certified shipper. The method
can also comprise sending the owner a certificate of completion
from the shredding facility indicating that the contents of the
tamper resistant box have been shredded. It would be understood by
one of skill in the art that the disclosed tamper resistant box and
method are described in but a few exemplary aspects among many.
[0029] In the Figures described below, dotted lines indicate score
lines and solid lines indicate cuts between panels or edges or
areas where a cut is made. In alternative examples with
non-foldable materials, such as wood, the dotted lines can
represent the abutment lines between two panels and having hinges
or other attachment mechanisms attached to the panels to facilitate
folding. The terms score, cut, cut out, and fold are intended to
have their ordinary meaning as is known in the art.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a blank 100 for a
tamper resistant box is illustrated. FIG. 1 illustrates the blank
100 without any annotations and FIG. 2 illustrates the blank 100
with annotations. As illustrated, in some examples, the blank 100
comprises a back panel 102, a first side panel 104, a front panel
106, and a second side panel 108. The panels can be attached as
follows: the back panel 102 can be attached to the first side panel
104 at a fold line 110; the first side panel 104 can be attached to
the front panel 106 at a fold line 112; and the front panel 106 can
be attached to the second side panel 108 at a fold line 114. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one aspect, a securing panel 116
can be attached to the back panel 102 at a fold line 118 and a
securing region 120 can be defined on the side panel 108. As
described in greater detail below, to form the blank 100 into a
tamper resistant box, in one aspect, the securing panel 116 can be
secured at the securing region 120. It will be appreciated that the
location of the securing panel 116 and the securing region 120 on
the back panel 102 and the second side panel 108, respectively,
should not be considered limiting on the current disclosure as it
is contemplated that the securing panel 116 and securing region 120
can be on any of the panels 102, 104, 106, and 108 depending on the
order of the panels 102, 104, 106, and 108 on the blank 100. As one
non-limiting example, the order of the panels 102, 104, 106, and
108 may be rearranged such that when the blank 100 is viewed as in
FIGS. 1 and 2, the first side panel 104 is the left-most panel and
the back panel 102 is the right-most panel (attached to the second
side panel 108). In this non-limiting example, the securing panel
116 would be attached to the first side panel 104 and the securing
region 120 would be defined on the back panel 102.
[0031] In one aspect, a top back flap 122 and a bottom back flap
124 can be attached to the back panel 102 at fold lines 126 and
128, respectively. The top back flap 122 can comprise a securing
flap 130 attached to an edge of the top back flap 122 at a fold
line 132 distal from the fold line 126. As described in greater
detail below with reference to FIG. 11, in one aspect when the
securing flap 130 is folded along the fold line 132, a slot 184 can
be defined. In another aspect, the bottom back flap 124 can define
a gripping cut 134 at an edge of the bottom back flap 124 distal
from the fold line 128. In some aspects, the top back flap 122 can
comprise a securing mechanism 105, such as an adhesive, fastener,
or other suitable securing mechanism, which can be utilized to
secure the top back flap 122 as described in greater detail below.
One having skill in the art will appreciate that the number of
securing mechanisms 105 should not be considered limiting on the
current disclosure.
[0032] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a further aspect, the
first side panel 104 can define a center fold line 136 extending
across the first side panel 104 between the fold lines 110 and 112.
In this aspect, the center fold line 136 can be defined along a
center line between the fold lines 110 and 112.
[0033] In another aspect, the blank 100 can comprise a first side
top flap 138 attached to the first side panel 104 at a fold line
140. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first side top flap 138
can define a cut out 142 that can be dimensioned to receive a tab,
as described below. In yet another aspect, the first side top flap
138 can define a center fold line 146 that is aligned with the
center fold line 136 of the first side panel 104. In this aspect,
the center fold lines 136 and 146 can define a continuous center
fold line. The first side top flap 138 can define a side slot 144
extending towards the fold line 140 from an edge distal from the
fold line 140. In one aspect, the side slot 144 can be defined
offset from the center fold line 146 such that an innermost extent
148 of the slot 144 is not aligned with the center fold line 146.
In other words, the central axis (not shown) of the side slot 144
does not align with the central fold line 146. In another aspect,
it is contemplated that the side slot 144 can be aligned with the
center fold line 146 such that the innermost extent 148 of the slot
144 is aligned with the center fold line 146.
[0034] Similar to the first side panel 104, the second side panel
108 can define a center fold line 150 extending across the second
side panel 108. In this aspect, the center fold line 150 can be
substantially parallel to the fold line 114. In one aspect, the
center fold line 150 can be defined along a center line between the
fold line 114 and an edge of the second side panel 108 distal from
the fold line 114.
[0035] In a further aspect, the blank 100 can comprise a second
side top flap 152 attached to the second side panel 108 at a fold
line 154. The second side top flap 152 can define a cut out 156
that can be dimensioned to receive a tab, as described below. In
another aspect, the second side top flap 152 can define a center
fold line 158 that is aligned with the center fold line 150. In
this aspect, the center fold lines 150 and 158 can define a
continuous center fold line. The second side top flap 152 can
define a slot 160 extending towards the fold line 154 from an edge
distal from the fold line 154. In one aspect, the slot 160 can be
defined offset from the center fold line 158 such that an innermost
extent 162 of the slot 160 is not aligned with the center fold line
158. In other words, the central axis (not shown) of the slot 160
does not align with the central fold line 158. In another aspect,
it is contemplated that the slot 160 can be aligned with the center
fold line 158 such that the innermost extend 162 of the slot is
aligned with the center fold line 158. It is contemplated that the
slots 144 and 160 defined offset from the center fold lines 146 and
158, respectively, can reduce weakening of the top flaps 138 and
152, respectively, and can reduce the likelihood of tearing along
the center fold lines 146 and 158, respectively.
[0036] Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in another aspect, the
blank 100 can comprise a top front flap 164 attached to the front
panel 106 at a fold line 168 and a bottom front flap 166 attached
to the front panel 106 at a fold line 170. In some aspects, the
front panel 106 can define a securing slot 107, which is described
in greater detail below. In one aspect, the blank 100 can further
comprise a first side bottom flap 172 attached to the bottom front
flap 166 at a fold line 176 and a second side bottom flap 174
attached to the bottom front flap 166 at a fold line 178. In
another aspect, it is contemplated that the first side bottom flap
172 can define a first locking tab 180 at an edge distal from the
fold line 176 and the second side bottom flap 174 can define a
second locking tab 182 at an edge distal from the fold line 178. As
described in greater detail below, when the blank 100 is assembled
to form the tamper resistant box, the first locking tab 180 can be
positioned within the cut out 142 defined in the first side top
flap 138 and the second locking tab 182 can be positioned within
the cut out 156 defined in the second side top flap 152.
[0037] In a further aspect, the blank 100 can comprise a closing
flap 192 attached to the top front flap 164 at a fold line 194. In
another aspect, the top front flap 164 can define a top slot 196.
In some aspects, it is contemplated that the top slot 196 can be
aligned along a center line of the top front flap 164 extending
substantially parallel to the fold lines 168 and 194; however, it
is also contemplated that in other aspects, the slot 196 can be
offset from the center line such that the slot 196 is positioned
closer to either fold line 168 or fold line 194. In another aspect,
it is contemplated that a width 198 of the slot 196 may be less
than a width 199 of the slot 144 (which is the same as a width of
the slot 160). As described in greater detail below, when the blank
100 is assembled to form the tamper resistant box, the top front
flap 164 can be folded on top of the top flaps 138 and 152 such
that the slot 196 is positioned over the slots 144 and 160. It is
contemplated that in those aspects where the width 198 is less than
the width 199, a tolerance for misalignment of the flaps
138,152,164 may be provided. One having skill in the art will
appreciate that, because the slot 196 is intended to be positioned
above the slots 144 and 160, the positioning of the slot 196 on the
top front flap 164 may be related to the positioning of the slots
144 and 160 on the top flaps 138 and 152, respectively. However, it
is also contemplated that because the widths of the slots 144 and
160 are greater than the width 198 of the slot 196, the slots 144
and 160 can be offset even in those examples where the slot 196 is
centrally aligned.
[0038] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the blank 100 can comprise
a securing flap 186 attached to the front panel 106 at a fold line
188. In some aspects, the securing flap 186 can define an
intermediary fold line 190. As described in greater detail below,
when the blank 100 is assembled to form the tamper resistant box,
the securing flap 186 may be folded along the fold lines 188 and
190 such that the securing flap 186 can be inserted into the slot
184.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3-11, a tamper resistant box 301 formed
from the blank 100 is illustrated. In one aspect, the tamper
resistant box 301 can receive shreddable documents through the slot
196 in the top of the tamper resistant box 301.
[0040] To assemble the tamper resistant box 301 for retail
packaging, in one aspect, a suitable adhesive, such as various
glues, tapes, or other types of adhesives, may be extruded onto the
second side panel 108 in the securing region 120. The back panel
102 can be folded along the fold line 110 and the second side panel
108 can be folded along the fold line 114 such that the securing
panel 116 can contact the securing region 120. For example and
without limitation, in some aspects, the back panel 102 may be
folded 180 degrees along the fold line 110 and the second side
panel 108 may be folded 180 degrees along the fold line 114 such
that the securing panel 116 can contact the securing region 120.
The adhesive at the securing region 120 may secure the securing
panel 116 to the second side panel 108 such that once the adhesive
sets, four contiguous panels are formed, which can be knocked down
(illustrated in FIG. 4) for shipping and retail packaging and then
shaped into a rectangular tube by a customer as explained below. It
is also contemplated that mechanical fasteners or connectors, such
as hinges, pins, clips, and various other suitable mechanisms may
be utilized in place of the adhesive. Once purchased by the
customer, the tamper resistant box 301 may be assembled.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5-8, to assemble a bottom of the
tamper resistant box 301, the customer may square up the panels
102, 104, 106, and 108 to form a rectangular tube defining a cavity
503. The bottom back flap 124 can be folded along the fold line 128
such that the bottom back flap 124 is adjacent to the back panel
102 (as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5). In some aspects, the bottom back
flap 124 can be folded at 180 degrees along the fold line 128 such
that the bottom back flap 124 is against the back panel 102. The
side bottom flaps 172 and 174 can be folded along the fold lines
176 and 178, respectively, such that they are adjacent to the
bottom front flap 166. In some aspects, the side bottom flaps 172
and 174 are folded 180 degrees along fold lines 176 and 178,
respectively, against bottom front flap 166. The bottom front flap
166 can be folded toward cavity 503 along the fold line 170 to form
the bottom outside of the tamper resistant box 301. In some
aspects, the bottom front flap 166 is folded 90 degrees along the
fold line 170 to form the bottom outside of the tamper resistant
box 301.
[0042] In some examples, after the bottom front flap 166 is folded,
the bottom front flap 166 can be substantially perpendicular to the
panels 102-108. In these examples, once the bottom front flap 166
is substantially perpendicular to the panels 102, 104, 106, and 108
(or positioned at an angle of about 90 degrees relative to the
panels 102-108), the first side bottom flap 172 can be unfolded to
be at least adjacent to the first side panel 104 and the second
side bottom flap 174 can be unfolded to be at least adjacent to the
second side panel 108. In some aspects, the side bottom flaps 172
and 174 are positioned against the side panels 104 and 108,
respectively. In other aspects, the side bottom flaps 172 and 174
are unfolded such that they are substantially perpendicular to the
bottom front flap 166. The bottom back flap 124 can be unfolded
relative to the back panel 102 such that the bottom back flap 124
is on top of the bottom front flap 166. In some aspects, the bottom
back flap 124 is positioned against the bottom front flap 166 and
forms a second layer on the bottom of the tamper resistant box 301,
on top of bottom front flap 166. In other aspects, the bottom back
flap 124 can be substantially perpendicular to the back panel 102.
In some examples, positioning the bottom back flap 124 to form the
second layer on the bottom of the tamper resistant box 301
completes the assembly of the bottom of the tamper resistant box
301.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a top of the tamper resistant
box 301 can be assembled by folding the first side top flap 138
inward such that the first cut out 142 engages the first locking
tab 180 of the first side bottom flap 172 by positioning the first
locking tab 180 within the first cut out 142. Similarly, the second
side top flap 152 can be folded inward such that the second cut out
156 engages the second locking tab 182 of the second side bottom
flap 174 by positioning the second locking tab 182 within the
second cut out 156. In some aspects, the side top flaps 138 and 152
are folded such that they are substantially perpendicular to the
panels 102-108. In some examples, the locking tabs 180 and 182
positioned within the cut outs 142 and 156, respectively, can
secure the side bottom flaps 172 and 174, respectively. In these
examples, this can prevent the side bottom flaps 172 and 174 from
moving inward towards a center of the cavity 503 defined by the
tamper resistant box 301 and interfering with the operation and
filling of the tamper resistant box 301 by the customer attempting
to load paper or other items through the top slot 196. In some
examples where the cut outs 142 and 156 and the locking tabs 180
and 182 are omitted, the side bottom flaps 172 and 174 may be able
to move inward toward the center of the cavity 503. For example,
the side bottom flaps 172 and 174 may be angled at about 45 degrees
relative to the bottom front flap 166, which may substantially
impacting the ability to feed paper or other items into the top
slot 196.
[0044] As previously described, in some aspects, the side slots 144
and 160 can be offset from the center fold lines 146 and 158,
respectively. In other examples, the top slot 196 may also be
offset from a center of the top front flap 164 such that the top
slot 196 is positioned closer to either of the fold lines 168 or
194. In some aspects, the offset side slots 144 and 160 can reduce
weakening of the side top flaps 138 and 152, respectively, and can
reduce the possibility of tearing of the side top flaps 138 and 152
along the center fold lines 146 and 158, respectively. The offset
side slots 144, 160 can also reduce the possibility of tearing
along the center fold lines 136 and 150 of the first side panel 104
and the second side panel 108, respectively. In some aspects, as
described above, the side slots 144 and 160 can define side slot
widths that are wider than the width of the top slot 196. In a
further aspect, the side slots 144 and 160 can be tapered such that
the side slots 144 and 160 are wider the farther the position from
the fold lines 140 and 154, respectively. In some aspects, tapered
side slots 144 and 160 may allow for interference-free operation of
top slot 196 on top front flap 164. In this aspect, the tapered
side slots 144 and 160 can provide a tolerance for inserting papers
or other items through the top slot 196 in the event there is any
misalignment of the tamper resistant box 301, such as misalignment
of the top front flap 164 and the side top flaps 138 and 152,
during assembly or manufacture. In this aspect, the customers can
freely insert papers without the top slot 196 being blocked. For
example, if the side slots 144 and 160 were sized to correspond to
the size of top slot 196, there may be interference and blockage of
the top slot 196 if there were any misalignment of the box 301
during assembly or manufacture.
[0045] To complete the assembly of the top of the box 301 prior to
use by the customer, the top front flap 164 can be folded along the
fold line 168 such that the top front flap 164 is positioned above
the side top flaps 138 and 152. In some aspects, the top front flap
164 can contact and be positioned against the side top flaps 138
and 152. In other aspects, the top front flap 164 can be
substantially perpendicular to the panels 102-108. In some
examples, the closing flap 192 can be folded along the fold line
194 and tucked into the cavity 503 proximate to the back panel 102.
After the top front flap 164 is positioned, the box 301 can be used
by the customer, who may insert shreddable documents or other items
into the box 301 through top slot 196.
[0046] When a sufficient number of shreddable documents have been
inserted into the box, the customer may seal the box 301. To close
the box 301, the customer can utilize the securing mechanism 105 to
secure the top back flap 122 to the top front flap 164 and block
access to the top slot 196. In examples where the securing
mechanism 105 is an adhesive such as security tape, the customer
can peel release paper off the security tape. In some embodiments
the securing mechanism 105 can be double-sided tape, which can both
permanently secure the top back flap 122 to the top front flap 164
and provide rigidity to the box 301 during shipment. In another
aspect, the securing mechanism can provide evidence of tampering if
anyone were to try and access the contents of the box 301 by
opening the top back flap 122.
[0047] In some aspects, the securing flap 130 can be folded along
the fold line 132 and inserted into the securing slot 107. In
another aspect, the securing flap 186 may be folded along the fold
lines 188 and 190 such that the securing flap 186 can be inserted
into the slot 184. The customer can apply pressure to the top back
flap 122 along the position of the securing mechanism 105 to
complete the sealing process. In this aspect, the box 301 is
securely sealed in a tamper-evident container, as removal of top
back flap 122 will damage the securing mechanism 105, making it
apparent that the box 301 has been tampered with.
[0048] As discussed above, the side panels 104 and 108 comprise the
center fold lines 136 and 150, respectively. As illustrated in FIG.
4, the center fold lines 136 and 150 can allow the box 301 to be
knocked down during preparation for retail packaging to enable a
smaller footprint compared to what would normally be available. As
one non-limiting example, in an assembled box 301 having dimensions
of 143/4'' L.times.93/4'' W.times.91/8'' H (which could hold
approximately 1500-2000 sheets of shreddable paper depending on the
loading), the footprint of the width of the box 301 when in the
flat, unassembled state is approximately 243/4''. During retail
packing, the side panels 104 and 108 can be folded inward along the
center fold lines 136 and 150, respectively, to reduce the
footprint to the width of the box 301, which in the present example
can be approximately 15''. The bottom front flap 166, bottom back
flap 124, and side bottom flaps 172 and 174 can be folded along the
fold lines 170, 128, 176, 178, respectively, to further reduce the
retail packaging foot print. FIG. 3 illustrates a traditional
knocked down flat footprint of a box 301 where the center fold
lines 136 and 150 are omitted, which has dimensions of 241/2''
W.times.303/4'' H, or 5.23 ft.sup.2. FIG. 4 illustrates the knocked
down box 301 that includes the center fold lines 136 and 150, which
has the dimensions of 151/4'' W.times.21'' H, or 2.22 ft.sup.2.
Accordingly, in this non-limiting example, the box 301 that
utilizes the center fold lines 136 and 150 can have about a 57.5%
reduction in footprint. In some aspects, the reduced footprint can
allow for a more efficient use of a retailer's floor or shelf
space.
[0049] The box may be formed of any suitable materials, including
but not limited to cardboard, fiberboard (e.g., corrugated
fiberboard), plastic, wood etc. In one embodiment, the box if
formed by first stamping the blank 100 out of cardboard and then
imparting the fold lines to the blank 100. The box may be formed by
an integrally-formed blank or may be assembled from individual
panels, all of which are not formed integrally.
[0050] Embodiments of the invention further relate to methods for
the customer to arrange to ship the box 301 containing shreddable
documents to a secure shredding facility by way of a certified
shipper and to receive a certificate of completion from the
shredding facility indicating that the documents have been
shredded.
[0051] In the method, the customer accesses a website (e.g., by a
PC or mobile device) for the secure shredding facility (e.g., Iron
Mountain.TM.) and enters shipping information for the box 301
containing shreddable documents (e.g., name, home address,
telephone number, email address, billing and payment information).
The secure shredding facility can provide the customer with a
shipping label for a certified shipper (e.g., UPS), which the
customer prints out and applies to the sealed box 301. The customer
then brings the box 301 to the shipper or contacts the shipper and
arranges to have the box 301 picked up, and the box 301 is shipped
to the secure shredding facility, which shreds the documents when
they are received and sends a certificate of completion to the
customer at the email address and/or home address provided.
[0052] FIG. 12 illustrates another example of a blank 1200 for a
tamper resistant box. As illustrated in FIG. 12, in this example,
the side slot 144 is aligned with the center fold line 146 such
that the innermost extent 148 of the slot 144 is aligned with the
center fold line 146 and the side slot 160 is aligned with the
center fold line 158 such that the inner most extent 162 of the
slot 160 is aligned with the center fold line 158. In this example,
the top slot 196 is centrally positioned between the fold lines 168
and 194.
[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates another example of a blank 1300 for a
tamper resistant box. As illustrated, in this example, the side
slot 144 is further offset from the center fold line 146 compared
to the slot 144 of the blank 100. In this example, the innermost
extent 148 of the slot 144 is offset from the center fold line 146.
In a similar manner, the side slot 160 is further offset from the
center fold line 158 compared to the slot 160 of the blank 100. In
this example, the inner most extent 162 of the slot 160 is offset
from the center fold line 158. In another aspect, as illustrated in
FIG. 13, the top slot 196 is positioned between the fold lines 168
and 194 and at a position closer to the fold line 168. In this
aspect, the top slot 196 is not centrally positioned between the
fold lines 168 and 194.
[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates another example of a blank 1400 for a
tamper resistant box. As illustrated, in this example, the side top
flaps 138 and 152 are solid flaps and do not define the slots 144
and 160, respectively. In another aspect, the closing flap 192
attached to the top front flap 164 is elongated relative to the
closing flaps of the blanks 100, 1200, and 1300. In this aspect, a
distance from the fold line 194 to an edge of the closing flap 192
distal from the fold line 194 in the blank 1400 is greater than a
distance from the fold line 194 to the edge of the closing flap 192
distal from the fold line 194 in the blanks 100, 1200, and 1300. In
some aspects, the closing flap 192 is dimensioned such that the
closing flap 192 can cover the top slot 196 when the box formed
from the blank 1400 is assembled. In another aspect, the closing
flap 192 can comprise the securing mechanism 105, which is
described in greater detail below. In a further aspect, the slot
196 can be defined on the back panel 102. One having skill in the
art will appreciate that the location of the slot 196 on the back
panel 102 should not be considered limiting on the current
location.
[0055] In some aspects, the assembly of the blank 1400 to form the
bottom of a tamper resistant box is substantially the same as
described above with reference to the blank 100 and the box 301. In
other aspects, to complete the assembly of the top of the box prior
to use by the customer, the top back flap 122 can be folded to set
up the box and remain closed while shreddable documents are
inserted into the box via the slot 196. In this aspect, the top
back flap 122 can be utilized to help maintain the shape of the
box, for example by squaring up the box. In some aspects, the
securing flap 130 can be positioned within a cavity defined by the
box. After the top back flap 122 is positioned, the box can be used
by the customer, who may insert shreddable documents or other items
into the box through top slot 196.
[0056] When a sufficient number of shreddable documents have been
inserted into the box, the customer may seal the box. To close the
box, the top front flap 164 is positioned over the top back flap
122 and the customer can utilize the securing mechanism 105 to
secure the closing flap 192 to the back panel 102 and block access
to the slot 196. The top front flap 164 positioned over the top
back flap 122 can provide double wall protection similar to the
positioning of the bottom flaps 124 and 166 at the bottom of the
box. In this aspect, the box may be a durable container to
withstand the rigors of shipping.
[0057] A collection of exemplary embodiments, including at least
some explicitly enumerated as "ECs" (Example Combinations),
providing additional description of a variety of embodiment types
in accordance with the concepts described herein are provided
below. These examples are not meant to be mutually exclusive,
exhaustive, or restrictive; and the invention is not limited to
these example embodiments but rather encompasses all possible
modifications and variations within the scope of the issued claims
and their equivalents.
[0058] EC 1. A tamper resistant box comprising: a front panel; a
side panel attached to the front panel at a first fold line; a back
panel attached to the side panel at a second fold line; a side top
flap attached to the side panel at a third fold line, the side top
flap defining a tapered slot extending towards the third fold line
from an edge of the side top flap at a location distal from the
third fold line, a widest portion of the tapered slot defining a
tapered slot width; and a front top flap attached to the front
panel at a fourth fold line, the front top flap defining a top slot
having a top slot width that is less than the tapered slot width,
the front top flap positioned above the side top flap such that the
top slot is positioned above the tapered slot.
[0059] EC 2. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein the side panel is a first
side panel, the tapered slot is a first tapered slot, and the side
top flap is a first side top flap, and wherein the tamper resistant
box further comprises: a second side panel attached to the front
panel at a location distal from the first side panel at a fifth
fold line; and a second side top flap attached to the second side
panel at a sixth fold line, the second side top flap defining a
second tapered slot extending towards the sixth fold line from an
edge of the second side top flap at a location distal from the
sixth fold line, a widest portion of the second tapered side having
the tapered slot width, wherein the front top flap is positioned
above the second side top flap such that the top slot is positioned
above the second tapered slot.
[0060] EC 3. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, further comprising a securing
panel attached to the back panel at a seventh fold line distal from
the second fold line, wherein the securing panel is secured to a
portion of the second side panel at a location distal from the
fifth fold line.
[0061] EC 4. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, further comprising: a front bottom
flap attached to the front panel at an eighth fold line distal from
the front top flap; a first bottom side flap attached to the front
bottom flap at a ninth fold line, the first bottom side flap
defining a first locking tab at an edge distal from the ninth fold
line; and a second bottom side flap attached to the front bottom
flap at a location distal from the first bottom side flap at a
tenth fold line, the second bottom side flap defining a second
locking tab at an edge distal from the tenth fold line, wherein the
first side top flap defines a first cut out, wherein the first
locking tab is positioned within the first cut out, wherein the
second side top flap defines a second cut out, and wherein the
second locking tab is positioned within the second cut out.
[0062] EC 5. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, further comprising: a back top
flap attached to the back panel at an eleventh fold line; and a
back bottom flap attached to the back panel at a location distal
from the back top flap at a twelfth fold line, wherein the back
bottom flap defines a gripping cut at an edge distal from the
twelfth fold line.
[0063] EC 6. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein the back top flap is
secured to the front top flap such that the back top flap covers
the top slot.
[0064] EC 7. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein the side panel comprises a
center fold line extending substantially parallel to the first fold
line, and wherein the side top flap comprises a center fold line
that is aligned with the center fold line of the side panel.
[0065] EC 8. A tamper resistant box comprising: a front panel; a
side panel attached to the front panel at a first fold line, the
side panel comprising a center fold line extending substantially
parallel to the first fold line; a back panel attached to the side
panel at a second fold line; a side top flap attached to the side
panel at a third fold line, the side top flap comprising a center
fold line that is aligned with the center fold line of the side
panel, the side top flap defining a tapered slot extending toward
the third fold line from an edge of the side top flap at a location
distal from the third fold line, the tapered slot having an
innermost extent offset from the center fold line of the side top
flap; and a front top flap attached to the front panel at a fourth
fold line, the front top flap defining a top slot along a center
line of the front top flap extending substantially parallel to the
fourth fold line, the front top flap positioned above the side top
flap such that the top slot is positioned above the tapered
slot.
[0066] EC 9. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein the side panel is a first
side panel and the side top flap is a first side top flap, and
wherein the tamper resistant box further comprises: a second side
panel attached to the front panel at a location distal from the
first side panel at a fifth fold line, the second side panel
comprising a center fold line extending substantially parallel to
the fifth fold line; and a second side top flap attached to the
second side panel at a sixth fold line, the second side top flap
comprising a center fold line that is aligned with the center fold
line of the second side panel, the second side top flap defining a
side slot extending from an edge of the second side top flap at a
location distal from the sixth fold line towards the sixth fold
line, the side slot of the second side top flap having an innermost
extent offset from the center fold line of the second side top
flap, the side slot of the second side top flap having a side slot
width, wherein the front top flap is positioned above the second
side top flap such that the top slot is positioned above the side
slot of the second side top.
[0067] EC 10. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, further comprising a securing
panel attached to the back panel at a seventh fold line distal from
the second fold line, wherein the securing panel is secured to a
portion of the second side panel at a location distal from the
fifth fold line.
[0068] EC 11. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein a widest portion of the
tapered slot defines a tapered slot width, wherein the top slot
defines a top slot width, and wherein the tapered slot width is
greater than the top slot width.
[0069] EC 12. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, further comprising a back top flap
attached to the back panel at an eighth fold line, wherein the back
top flap is secured to the front top flap such that the back top
flap covers the top slot.
[0070] EC 13. A tamper resistant box comprising: a front panel; a
side panel attached to the front panel at a first fold line, the
side panel comprising a center fold line extending substantially
parallel to the first fold line; a back panel attached to the side
panel at a second fold line; a side top flap attached to the side
panel at a third fold line, the side top flap defining a tapered
slot extending towards the third fold line from an edge of the side
top flap at a location distal from the third fold line, a widest
portion of the tapered slot defining a tapered slot width; and a
front top flap attached to the front panel at a fourth fold line,
the front top flap defining a top slot having a top slot width that
is less than the tapered slot width, the front top flap positioned
above the side top flap such that the top slot is positioned above
the tapered slot.
[0071] EC 14. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein an innermost extent of the
tapered slot is offset from the center fold line of the side top
flap.
[0072] EC 15. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein the side panel is a first
side panel, the tapered slot is a first tapered slot, and the side
top flap is a first side top flap, and wherein the tamper resistant
box further comprises: a second side panel attached to the front
panel at a location distal from the first side panel at a fifth
fold line; and a second side top flap attached to the second side
panel at a sixth fold line, the second side top flap defining a
second tapered slot extending towards the sixth fold line from an
edge of the second side top flap at a location distal from the
sixth fold line, a widest portion of the second tapered side having
the tapered slot width, wherein the front top flap is positioned
above the second side top flap such that the top slot is positioned
above the second tapered slot.
[0073] EC 16. The tamper resistant box of claim of any of the
preceding or subsequent example combinations, wherein the second
side panel comprises a center fold line extending substantially
parallel to the fifth fold line, wherein an innermost extent of the
first tapered slot is offset from the center fold line of the first
side panel, and wherein an innermost extent of the second tapered
slot is offset from the center fold line of the second side
panel.
[0074] EC 17. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, further comprising a back top flap
attached to the back panel at a seventh fold line, wherein the back
top flap is secured to the front top flap such that the back top
flap covers the top slot; and a back bottom flap attached to the
back panel at a location distal from the back top flap at a eighth
fold line, wherein the back bottom flap defines a gripping cut at
an edge distal from the eighth fold line.
[0075] EC 18. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein an adhesive on the back
top flap secures the back top flap to the front top flap.
[0076] EC 19. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, further comprising: a front bottom
flap attached to the front panel at a ninth fold line distal from
the front top flap; and a bottom side flap attached to the front
bottom flap at a tenth fold line, the bottom side flap defining a
locking tab at an edge distal from the tenth fold line, wherein the
side top flap defines a cut out, and wherein the locking tab is
positioned within the cut out.
[0077] EC 20. The tamper resistant box of any of the preceding or
subsequent example combinations, wherein the top slot is centered
between the fourth fold line and an edge distal from the fourth
fold line.
[0078] It should be emphasized that the above-described aspects are
merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a
clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure.
Many variations and modifications can be made to the
above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from
the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. All such
modifications and variations are intended to be included herein
within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims
to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are
intended to be supported by the present disclosure. Moreover,
although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the
claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and
descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the
described invention, nor the claims which follow
[0079] Different arrangements of the components depicted in the
drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not
shown or described are possible. Similarly, some features and
subcombinations are useful and may be employed without reference to
other features and subcombinations. Embodiments of the invention
have been described for illustrative and not restrictive purposes,
and alternative embodiments will become apparent to readers of this
patent. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the
embodiments described above or depicted in the drawings, and
various embodiments and modifications can be made without departing
from the scope of the claims below.
* * * * *