U.S. patent application number 16/439581 was filed with the patent office on 2019-09-26 for material storage and transport system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Material Technologies, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Material Technologies, LLC. Invention is credited to Paul Charles BIRD, Adam I. SANDOW, Sarah SMITH.
Application Number | 20190291919 16/439581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 67984696 |
Filed Date | 2019-09-26 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190291919 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SANDOW; Adam I. ; et
al. |
September 26, 2019 |
MATERIAL STORAGE AND TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Abstract
A material storage and transport system is disclosed. The
material storage and transport system can include a material
storage tray forming a storage volume defined by a bottom and walls
extending up from the bottom along a perimeter of the bottom. The
material storage and transport system can also include a releasable
strap adapted to extend across the bottom when in a securing
configuration and a sample carrier, including at least one sample
secured to a sample support substrate by a molded sheet. The
material storage and transport system can include a hinged lid that
is integrally connected to a wall of the material storage tray, and
configured to convert between a folded-in position, an opened
position, and a closed position.
Inventors: |
SANDOW; Adam I.; (Boca
Raton, FL) ; BIRD; Paul Charles; (Brooklyn, NY)
; SMITH; Sarah; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Material Technologies, LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Material Technologies, LLC
New York
NY
|
Family ID: |
67984696 |
Appl. No.: |
16/439581 |
Filed: |
June 12, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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16144698 |
Sep 27, 2018 |
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16439581 |
|
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62563979 |
Sep 27, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/64 20130101; B65D
77/0433 20130101; B65D 2301/20 20130101; B65D 77/08 20130101; B65D
5/6664 20130101; B65D 5/22 20130101; B65D 5/5035 20130101; B65D
5/5028 20130101; B65D 25/102 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/64 20060101
B65D005/64; B65D 77/04 20060101 B65D077/04 |
Claims
1. A material storage and transport system, comprising: a material
storage tray, forming an open-top storage volume defined by a
bottom and walls extending up from the bottom along a perimeter of
the bottom; a releasable strap adapted to extend across the bottom
in a securing configuration; and a hinged lid that is integrally
connected to one of the walls.
2. The material storage and transport system of claim 1, further
comprising a lid element adapted to (i) fit within the storage
volume when arranged parallel to the bottom, and (ii) be secured to
the material storage tray by the releasable strap.
3. The material storage and transport system of claim 1, further
comprising a sample carrier, comprising at least one sample secured
to a sample support substrate by a molded sheet.
4. The material storage and transport system of claim 3, wherein
the material storage tray includes a first end wall and a second
end wall opposite the first end wall, each extending from opposing
lateral sides of the bottom, and a first side wall and a second
side wall opposite the first side wall, each extending from
opposing longitudinal sides of the bottom; and the hinged lid
comprises a first lid portion integrally connected the second side
wall, a second lid portion integrally connected to the first lid
portion at a first fold line, and a third lid portion integrally
connected to the second lid portion at a second fold line, wherein
the hinged lid is configured to convert between a folded-in
position, an open position, and a closed position.
5. The material storage and transport system of claim 4, wherein
said sample carrier is adapted to fit between the bottom and the
second lid portion of the hinged lid when the hinged lid is secured
to the material storage tray in a closed position.
6. The material storage and transport system of claim 5, wherein
the hinged lid is formed of a corrugated material.
7. The material storage and transport system of claim 4, wherein
the hinged lid further comprises a first side flap and a second
side flap integrally connected to opposing lateral sides of the
second lid portion.
8. The material storage and transport system of claim 7, further
comprising a sample carrier, comprising at least one sample secured
to a sample support substrate by a molded sheet, wherein said
sample carrier is adapted to fit between the bottom and the second
lid portion of the hinged lid when the hinged lid is secured to the
material storage tray in a closed position.
9. The material storage and transport system of claim 1, wherein
the walls comprise a first end wall and a second end wall opposite
the first end wall; wherein the releasable strap comprises a first
strap element and a second strap element; wherein a proximal
portion of the first strap element is attached to the first end
wall and a proximal portion of the second strap element is attached
to the second end wall, and wherein distal portions of the first
and second strap elements releasably couple with one another.
10. The material storage and transport system of claim 9, wherein
the first end wall comprises a pull tab opening and a pull tab
strip extends through the pull tab opening to form a pull tab
outside the material storage tray.
11. The material storage and transport system of claim 9, wherein a
portion of the first strap element is the pull tab strip.
12. The material storage and transport system of claim 9, wherein
the walls further comprise a first side wall and a second side wall
opposite the first side wall, wherein the first side wall comprises
a pull tab opening and a pull tab strip extends through the pull
tab opening to form a pull tab outside the material storage
tray.
13. The material storage and transport system of claim 9, wherein
the first end wall is formed by a first end lip and the second end
wall is formed by a second end lip; wherein a first end fold line
is located between the bottom and the first end lip and a first end
free edge includes at least one first end lip tab, wherein at least
one first end tab slot is located adjacent to the first end fold
line; wherein a second end fold line is located between the bottom
and the second end lip and a second end free edge includes at least
one second end lip tab, wherein at least one second end tab slot is
located adjacent to the second end fold line; wherein the at least
one first end tab slots are adapted for receiving the at least one
first end lip tabs when the first end lip is folded up then in half
toward the bottom; and wherein the at least one second end tab
slots are adapted for receiving the at least one second end lip
tabs when the second end lip is folded up then in half toward the
bottom.
14. The material storage and transport system of claim 13, wherein
the walls further comprise a first side wall and a second side wall
opposite the first side wall.
15. The material storage and transport system of claim 14, wherein
the perimeter has a rectangular shape.
16. The material storage and transport system of claim 14, wherein
the first side wall is formed by a first side lip and the hinged
lid is integrally connected to the second side wall; wherein a
first side fold line is located between the bottom and the first
side lip and a first side free edge includes at least one first
side lip tab, wherein at least one first side tab slot is located
adjacent to the first side fold line; wherein a second side fold
line is located between the bottom and the second side wall; and
wherein the at least one first side tab slots are adapted for
receiving the at least one first side lip tabs when the first side
lip is folded up then in half toward the bottom.
17. The material storage and transport system of claim 16, wherein
the first side lip comprises two opposing first side wing tabs
extending outward from edges of the first side lip, and the second
side wall comprises two opposing second side wing tabs extending
outward from edges of the second side wall; wherein one first side
wing tab and one second side wing tab are adapted to fit within a
void formed when the at least one first end lip tabs are received
by the at least one first end tab slots; and wherein the other
first side wing tab and the other second side wing tab are adapted
to fit within a void formed when the at least one second end lip
tabs are received by the at least one second end tab slots.
18. The material storage and transport system of claim 14, further
comprising a sample carrier, comprising at least one sample secured
to a sample support substrate by a molded sheet.
19. The material storage and transport system of claim 18, wherein
the hinged lid further comprises a first side flap and a second
side flap integrally connected to opposing lateral sides of the
second lid portion.
20. The material storage and transport system of claim 19, wherein
said sample carrier is adapted to fit between the bottom and the
second lid portion of the hinged lid when the hinged lid element is
secured to the material storage tray in a closed position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/144,698, filed on Sep. 27, 2018, the
content of which is relied upon and incorporated by reference in
its entirety, and the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
120 is hereby claimed. This application also claims the benefit of
priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 62/563,979, filed Sep. 27, 2017, the content
of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to systems for the storage and
transport of delicate, three-dimensional materials and objects.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A variety of packaging technologies exist for storage and
transport of products. These technologies, as well as, the products
they package have evolved over time.
SUMMARY
[0004] In various embodiments, a material storage and transport
system is disclosed. The material storage and transport system can
include a material storage tray forming an open-top storage volume
defined by a bottom and walls extending up from the bottom along a
perimeter of the bottom. The material storage and transport system
can also include a releasable strap adapted to extend across the
bottom when in a securing configuration, and a hinged lid that is
integrally connected to one of the walls and/or a lid element
adapted (i) to fit within the storage volume when arranged parallel
to the bottom, and (ii) to be secured to the material storage tray
by the releasable strap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] The features and advantages of the sample storage and
transport device will be more fully disclosed in, or rendered
obvious by the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, which are to be considered together with the
accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and
further wherein:
[0006] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a sample carrier as described
herein.
[0007] FIG. 2 is perspective view of a sample carrier as described
herein.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an exploded view showing a material storage and
transport system as described herein.
[0009] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a sample carrier as described
herein prior to vacuum forming of the thermoplastic sheet.
[0010] FIG. 5 is an unfolded and exploded view of a material
storage tray as described herein.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a top view of a first and second strap element as
described herein.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a top view of an unfolded second end lip 126
showing how the second strap element is connected thereto as
described herein.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a material storage tray
as described herein.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a top, perspective view of a complete material
storage and transport system with the sample carrier, low-profile
materials, and lid element secured by the strap.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a top, perspective view of the material storage
and transport system of FIG. 9, with the strap released and the lid
element removed to reveal the low-profile materials and sample
carrier.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a folded-in top view of a material storage tray,
as described herein.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view along the X-X' line of the
material storage tray of FIG. 11.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a opened top view of the material storage tray of
FIG. 11, as described herein.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a closed perspective view of a material storage
tray of FIG. 11, as described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The description of the embodiments is intended to be read in
connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be
considered part of the entire written description. The drawing
figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features of the
may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in
the interest of clarity and conciseness. In this description,
relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down,"
"top," "bottom," as well as derivatives thereof (e.g.,
"horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed
to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the
drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for
convenience of description and normally are not intended to require
a particular orientation. Terms including "inwardly" versus
"outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be
interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of
elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms
concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected"
and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures
are secured or attached to one another either directly or
indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both moveable
or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described
otherwise, and includes terms such as "directly" coupled, secured,
etc. The term "operatively coupled" is such an attachment,
coupling, or connection that allows the pertinent structures to
operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.
[0021] In various embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-14, a material
storage and transport system 10 is disclosed. The material storage
and transport system 10 can include a material storage tray 100
forming an open-top storage volume 102 defined by a bottom 104 and
walls 106 extending up from the bottom 104 along a perimeter 108 of
the bottom 104. The material storage and transport system 10 can
include a releasable strap 200 adapted to extend across the bottom
104 when in a securing configuration. In some embodiments, as shown
in FIGS. 3 and 9, the material storage and transport system 10 can
include a lid element 300 adapted (i) to fit within the storage
volume 102 when arranged parallel to the bottom 104, and (ii) to be
secured to the material storage tray 100 by the releasable strap
200. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, the material
storage and transport system 10 can include a hinged lid 178 that
is integrally connected to a wall of tray 100.
[0022] The material storage and transport system 10 can also
include a sample carrier 400 that includes at least one sample 500
secured to a sample support substrate 402 by a molded sheet 404.
The at least one sample can be a three-dimensional sample, e.g.,
one that is at least 0.125'' in each dimension, or at least 0.25''
in each dimension, or at least 0.375'' in each dimension, or at
least 0.5'' in each dimension.
[0023] In some embodiments, the molded sheet 404 can include
plastic. In some embodiments, the molded sheet 404 can be plastic.
In some embodiments, the molded sheet 404 is secured to the sample
support 402 substrate by adhesive. In some embodiments, in a
securing configuration the sample carrier 400 is adapted (i) to fit
within the storage volume 102 when arranged parallel to the bottom
104, and (ii) to be secured to the material storage tray 100 by the
releasable strap 200. FIGS. 9 and 10 show examples of a material
storage and transport system 10 both in a secured configuration
with the lid element (FIG. 9) and in an unsecured configuration
with the lid element removed (FIG. 10).
[0024] In some embodiments, the samples 500 can be placed on the
sample support substrate 402, and the molded sheet 404 can be
formed by heating a sheet of thermoplastic material 405 then vacuum
sealing it to the sample support substrate 402. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the samples 500a-500e can be
spaced apart. In some embodiments, the samples 500 are at least 1''
from any edges of the sample support substrate 402, or at least
0.75'' from any edges of the sample support substrate 402, or at
least 0.5'' from any edges of the sample support substrate 402. In
some embodiments, each samples is at least 0.25'' from any adjacent
samples, or at least 0.5'' from any adjacent samples, or at least
0.75'' from any adjacent sample, or at least 1'' from any adjacent
sample. This allows the molded sheet 404 to form sample storage
bubbles 406 that fixedly attaches the samples 500 to the sample
support substrate 402 and isolated the samples 500 from one another
to minimize damage to the samples 500.
[0025] In such embodiments, the sample support substrate 402 can
include pores that allow a vacuum to be pulled through the sample
support substrate 402 when the heated thermoplastic sheet is
brought into contact with the sample support substrate 402. In some
embodiments, the thermoplastic sheet 405 is at least 125.degree. F.
when it contacts the sample support substrate 402, or at least
150.degree. F. when it contacts the sample support substrate 402,
or at least 175.degree. F. when it contacts the sample support
substrate 402, or at least 200.degree. F. when it contacts the
sample support substrate 402. In some embodiments, the
thermoplastic sheet 405 is from 1 mm and 10 mm prior to bonding to
the sample support substrate 402, in some embodiments, the
thermoplastic sheet 405 is from 2 mm to 9 mm, or from 3 mm to 9 mm,
or from 4 mm to 8 mm, or any combination thereof (e.g., from 2 mm
to 8 mm).
[0026] In some embodiments, the pores are present in order to allow
sufficient vacuum to be pulled to form the sample storage bubbles
406 and secure the molded sheet 404 to the sample support substrate
402. In some embodiments, the sample support substrate 402 can be
continuously or intermittently coated with a heat activated
adhesive to facilitate bonding between the sample support substrate
402 and the molded sheet 404. In some embodiments, the heat
activated adhesive is not tacky at room temperature (e.g.,
<100.degree. F.). In some embodiments, the adhesive can be a
thermoplastic resin. In some embodiments, the adhesive can be an
ionically cross-linked thermoplastic based upon ethylene
copolymerized with carboxyl groups and a metal ion, such as those
sold by DUPONT.RTM. under the name SURLYN.RTM..
[0027] In some embodiments, the sample support substrate 402 is
formed of corrugated cardboard or corrugated plastic. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4, the sample support substrate 402
can include a cut-out 403 so the recipient of the shipment can more
easily pull the molded sheet 404 away from the sample support
substrate 402 and access the samples. In some embodiments, the
cut-out 403 can have a maximum dimension of 1.5'' or less (compared
to a symmetrical sample support substrate without the cut-out), or
1.25'' or less, or 1'' or less. In some embodiments, the cut-out
403 can have a maximum dimension of at least 0.5'', or at least
0.75'', or at least 1''. FIG. 4 shows the thermoplastic sheet 405
prior to vacuum and heat treatment to produce the sample storage
bubbles 406, which are evident in FIG. 1.
[0028] Using this approach it is possible to produce a sample
carrier 400 that is customized for the specific samples 500 placed
on the sample support substrate 402. In particular, each of the
samples 500a-500e can be isolated in a discrete sample storage
bubble 406. This prevents each sample 500 from moving parallel to
the plane of the sample support substrate 502. In some embodiments,
the molded sheet 404 can be transparent or translucent so that the
samples 500 can be viewed even when they are sealed in the sample
carrier 400.
[0029] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the lid element 300
includes a first lid edge 302 comprising a first strap notch 304
and a second lid edge 306, opposite the first lid edge 302, wherein
said second lid edge 306 comprises a second strap notch 308. In
some such embodiments, the first strap notch 304 and the second
strap notch 308 are adapted for receiving the releasable strap 200
when the lid element 300 is secured to the material storage tray
100 by the releasable strap 200. In some embodiments, the first
strap notch 304 can extend over the mid-point of the first lid edge
302, the second strap notch 308 can extend over the mid-point of
the second lid edge 306, or both.
[0030] In some embodiments, the lid element 300 is formed of a
stiff material. In some embodiments, the lid element 300 is formed
of corrugated cardboard, corrugated plastic, or wood. In some
embodiments, the lid element 300 can be formed of two layers of
B-flute cardboard adhered or laminated together.
[0031] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the material
storage and transport system 10 is designed so the sample carrier
400 fits between the bottom 104 and the lid element 300 when the
lid element 300 is secured to the material storage tray 100 by the
releasable strap 200. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the
material storage and transport system 10 is designed so the sample
carrier 400 and low-profile materials 600 fit between the bottom
104 and the lid element 300 when the lid element 300 is secured to
the material storage tray 100 by the releasable strap 200. In some
embodiments, the low-profile materials 600 can be one or more
envelopes, folders, or other organizers with material samples
(e.g., textiles, wall coverings, etc.) stored therein.
[0032] The releasable strap 200 can be formed of a fabric, which
can be stretchable or non-stretchable. The releasable strap 200 can
be adapted to hold the stored elements (e.g., the sample carrier
400 and low-profile materials 600) securely in the material storage
and transport system. In particular, the strap prevents the sample
carrier 400 from bouncing vertically if the material storage and
transport system 10 is dropped or jostled. In combination with the
sample storage bubbles 406 and the sample support substrate 402
fitting precisely within the material storage tray 100 (i.e.,
having the same or nearly the same length and width dimensions as
the perimeter 108), this limits movement of the samples 500 within
the material storage and transport system 10 in all three
orthogonal directions and protects the samples 500 from being
damaged during transport.
[0033] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3, 5, 6, and 8-10,
the walls 106 comprise a first end wall 110 and a second end wall
112 opposite the first end wall 110. The releasable strap 200 can
include a first strap element 202 and a second strap element 204.
In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, a proximal portion of the
first strap element 202 is attached to the first end wall 110 and a
proximal portion of the second strap element 204 is attached to the
second end wall 112.
[0034] In some such embodiments, distal portions of the first and
second strap elements 202, 204 releasably couple with one another.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, a distal portion of
the first strap element 202 includes a hook/loop material 206 and a
distal portion of the second strap element 204 includes a
corresponding loop/hook material 208 so that the first strap
element 202 and the second strap element 204 are releasably
coupled.
[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the
first end wall 110 comprises a pull tab opening 114 and a pull tab
118 extends outside the material storage tray 100 through the pull
tab opening 114. In some embodiments, a pull tab strip 116 extends
through the pull tab opening 114 to form the pull tab 118. As shown
in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, in some embodiments, the first strap element
202 (e.g., a proximal portion) is the pull tab strip 116.
[0036] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, and 8, the
walls 106 further comprise a first side wall 120 and a second side
wall 122 opposite the first side wall 120. In some embodiments, the
first side wall 120 comprises the pull tab opening 114 and the pull
tab 118 extends outside the material storage tray 110 through the
pull tab opening 114. In some such embodiments, the first and
second strap elements 202, 204 are attached to the first and second
end walls 110, 112, respectively, and the pull tab 118 is formed
from a pull tab strip 116 other than the first or second strap
element 202, 204. Although the FIGS. show the end walls 110, 112 as
being shorter than the side walls 120, 122, the end walls 110, 112
and the side walls 120, 122 could be the same length or the end
walls 110, 112 could be longer than the side walls 120, 122. In
some embodiments, the perimeter 108 has a shape selected from a
square, a rectangle, a hexagon, or an octagon.
[0037] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, each strap 202, 204
can extend out from a lower half of the end wall 110, 112 to which
it is attached. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, each strap
202, 204 can extend out from a lower third or lower half of the end
wall 110, 112 to which it is attached. In some embodiments, when
the straps 202, 204 are pulled tight and secured together, the
straps 202, 204 contact the bottom 104. In some embodiments, each
strap 202, 204 can extend out from under the end wall free edge
130, 138 of the end wall 110, 112 to which it is attached. In some
such embodiments, each strap 202, 204 can extend under the end wall
free edge 130, 138 between the end wall lip tabs 132, 140.
[0038] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first
end wall 110 is formed by a first end lip 124 and the second end
wall 112 is formed by a second end lip 126. In some embodiments, a
first end fold line 128 is located between the bottom 104 and the
first end lip 124, and a first end free edge 130 includes at least
one first end lip tab 132, and at least one first end tab slot 134
is located adjacent to the first end fold line 128. In some
embodiments, a second end fold line 136 is located between the
bottom 104 and the second end lip 126, and a second end free edge
138 includes at least one second end lip tab 140, and at least one
second end tab slot 142 is located adjacent to the second end fold
line 136. In some such embodiments, the at least one first end tab
slots 134 are adapted for receiving the at least one first end lip
tabs 132 when the first end lip 124 is folded up then in half
toward the bottom 104, and the at least one second end tab slots
142 are adapted for receiving the at least one second end lip tabs
140 when the second end lip 126 is folded up then in half toward
the bottom 104. In such embodiments, the first end fold line 128
and the second end fold line 136 define a portion of the perimeter
108 of the bottom 104.
[0039] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the walls
106 further comprise a first side wall 144 and a second side wall
146 opposite the first side wall 144. In some embodiments, the
first side wall 144 is formed by a first side lip 145 and the
second side wall 146 is formed by a second side lip 147. In some
embodiments, a first side fold line 148 is located between the
bottom 104 and the first side lip 145 and a first side free edge
150 includes at least one first side lip tab 152, and at least one
first side tab slot 154 is located adjacent to the first side fold
line 148. In some embodiments, a second side fold line 156 is
located between the bottom 104 and the second side lip 147 and a
second side free edge 158 includes at least one second side lip tab
160, and at least one second side tab slot 162 is located adjacent
to the second side fold line 156. In some embodiments, the at least
one first side tab slots 154 are adapted for receiving the at least
one first side lip tabs 152 when the first side lip 1445 is folded
up then in half toward the bottom 104, and the at least one second
side tab slots 162 are adapted for receiving the at least one
second side lip tabs 160 when the second side lip 147 is folded up
and in half toward the bottom 104.
[0040] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the first
side lip 145 comprises two opposing first side wing tabs 155
extending outward from edges of the first side lip 145, and the
second side lip 147 comprises two opposing second side wing tabs
163 extending outward from edges of the second side lip 147. In
some such embodiments, one first side wing tab 155a and one second
side wing tab 163a are adapted to fit within a void formed when the
at least one first end lip tabs 132 are received by the at least
one first end tab slots 134, and the other first side wing tab 155b
and the other second side wing tab 163b are adapted to fit within a
void formed when the at least one second end lip tabs 140 are
received by the at least one second end tab slots 142.
[0041] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, the hinged lid
178 can be integrally connected to at least one of the side walls
(120 or 122) or one of the end walls (110 or 112). The hinged lid
178 can also include a first lid portion 180, a second lid portion
184 and a third lid portion 188, wherein the second lid portion 184
is connected to the first lid portion 180 along a first edge of the
second lid portion 184, and the second lid portion 184 is connected
to the third lid portion 188 along a second edge of the second lid
portion 184, opposite the first edge. In some embodiments, the
second lid portion 184 can be integrally connected to the first lid
portion 180 along a fold line at the first edge, and the second lid
portion 184 can be integrally connected to the third lid portion
188 along a fold line at the second edge. In some such embodiments,
the first lid portion 180 can be integrally connected to at least
one of the side walls (120 or 122) or one of the end walls (110 or
112). The first lid portion 180 can be integrally connected to the
wall (110, 112, 120, or 122) along a fold line 181. In such
embodiments, the hinged lid is configured to convert between a
folded-in position, an opened position, and a closed position.
[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11-14, the hinged lid
178 includes a first lid portion 180 that is integrally connected
to the second side wall 122 at fold line 181, a second lid portion
184 that is integrally connected to the first lid portion 180 at
fold line 182, and a third lid portion 188 that is integrally
connected to the second lid portion 184 at fold line 186.
[0043] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 14, the
third lid portion 188 includes a through hole 190. In such
embodiments, a user can easily convert the hinged lid 178 from a
folded-in position, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, to an opened
position, as shown in FIG. 13, by inserting a finger or other
object through the though hole 190 to grip an opposing surface of
the third lid portion 188 or an edge of the through hole 190, and
lift the hinged lid 178 up to expose the bottom 104. The through
hole 190 can include a hole, cut out, notch or other opening
through a portion of the third lid portion 188. In some
embodiments, the through hole has a shape selected from a circle,
oval, square, a rectangle, triangle, a hexagon, or an octagon. In
some embodiments, the through hole 190 has a width that is less
than a width of the third lid portion 188.
[0044] In some embodiments, the total width of the hinged lid 178
can be approximately equal to the total of the width of the side
wall 122 plus the width of the bottom 104. In such embodiments, the
total width of the second and third lid portions (184 and 188) can
be approximately equal to the width of the bottom 104. In other
embodiments, the total width of the hinged lid 178 can be greater
than the total of the width of the side wall 122 plus the width of
the bottom 104. In one example, a width of the first lid portion
180 is approximately equal to a width of the side wall 122 and the
total width of the second and third lid portions (184 and 188) is
greater than the width of the bottom 104. In such embodiments, the
difference in the respective total widths can be 6 inches or less,
or 4 inches or less, or 2 inches or less, or 1 inch or less, or 0.5
inch or less. In other embodiments, the total width of the hinged
lid 178 can be less than the total of the width of the side wall
122 plus the width of the bottom 104. In one example, a width of
the first lid portion 180 is approximately equal to a width of the
side wall 122 and the total width of the second and third lid
portions (184 and 188) is less than the width of the bottom 104. In
such embodiments, the difference in the respective total widths can
be 6 inches or less, or 4 inches or less, or 2 inches or less, or 1
inch or less, or 0.5 inch or less.
[0045] In other embodiments, the total width of the hinged lid 178
can be approximately equal to the total of the width of the side
wall 122 plus the width of the bottom 104 plus the width of the
other sidewall 120. In such embodiments, the width of the first lid
portion 180 can be approximately equal to the width of the sidewall
122, the width of the second lid portion 184 can be approximately
equal to the width of the bottom 104, and the width of the third
lid portion 188 can be approximately equal to the width of the
other sidewall 120.
[0046] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the hinged
lid 178 includes side flaps 192, 193. In such embodiments, the side
flaps 192, 193 are integrally connected to the ends of the second
lid portion 184. In some embodiments, when the hinged lid 178 is in
a folded-in position to form a tray structure, as shown in FIGS. 11
and 12, the side flaps 192, 193 can be folded under the second lid
portion 184 before the hinged lid 178 is pressed down toward the
bottom 104. As shown in FIG. 12, the hinged lid 178 is integrally
connected to the second side wall 122, and when folded in toward
the bottom 104, the first lid portion 180 is in contact with the
second side wall 122, and the second and third lid portions 184,
188 are in contact with the bottom 104. The material storage and
transport system 10 can function as a tray when the hinged lid 178
is in such a position.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 13, when the hinged lid 178 is in an opened
position, the storage volume 102, along with the releasable strap
200, are accessible. From the opened position, the side flaps 192,
193 and the third lid portion 188 can be extended outward from the
second lid portion 184, and the hinged lid 178 can be converted
from the opened position in FIG. 13 to the closed position in FIG.
14. In some embodiments, when in the closed position, the side
flaps 192, 193, and the third lid portion 188 can be folded down
toward the first end wall 110, the second end wall 112, and the
first side wall 120, respectively. In some embodiments, the side
flaps 192, 193, and the third lid portion 188 can be fixed to the
first end wall 110, the second end wall 112, and the first side
wall 120, respectively, in any suitable manner, including, for
example, adhesive, tape, hook and loop material (e.g.,
Velcro.RTM.), etc. The material storage and transport system 10 can
function as a sealed container (e.g., box) when the hinged lid 178
is in such a position.
[0048] In some embodiments, the hinged lid 178, the bottom 104, the
second side wall 122 are formed from a unitary piece of material.
In some embodiments, the hinged lid 178, the bottom 104, the first
side wall 120, the second side wall 122, the first end wall 110,
and the second end wall 112 are formed from a unitary piece of
material.
[0049] In some embodiments, the material storage and transport
system 10 can be sized to fit snuggly within a sealable box (e.g.,
a shipping box). As used herein, snuggly refers to having at least
two of thickness, width, and length of the material storage tray 10
within 0.5 inches or less than the corresponding interior
dimensions of the shipping box, or within 0.25 inches of less than
the corresponding interior dimensions of the shipping box.
[0050] This provides an added layer protection during shipping and,
in combination with the compression strap 200 limits movement of
the samples 500 during transport. The pull tab also facilitates
removal of the material storage and transport system 10 from the
sealable box, once the box has been opened. The walls of the tray
can be formed of two layers of E-flute (corrugated) cardboard (one
folded back against the other) for durability. These folds create a
concealed location for attaching the strap to the walls of the
material storage tray. Adhesive 164 attached the straps 202, 204
securely to the box. The pull tab opening 114 allows the strap 200
to extend out of the material storage tray 100 to create a pull tab
128 and be attached to the inside of the wall 106 on both sides of
the pull tab opening 114. The thinness of the E-flute cardboard
allows a user to use a small pull tab opening 114 and receive the
pull tab strap 116.
[0051] From an aesthetic point, the material storage and transport
system is as useful as a display object as it is functional for
shipping. Constructing the Sample Tray out of E-flute, allows a
user to get crisp edges while maintaining stiffness. The user can
write on the outside of the walls 106 to indicate what project or
type of samples are contained within.
[0052] The informational materials 600 can be folders containing
two dimensional materials samples such as, but no limited to,
textiles, leather, laminates, wallcoverings, window treatments,
paints, coatings, as well as, information regarding the
materials/samples in the material storage tray. The folders provide
an organizational system for these types of samples both in terms
of packaging and in the customer's environment. Folders are sized
to be compatible with the material storage stray allowing for
scalable fulfillment depending on the size of a customer's order.
The folders 600 can accommodate all typical two-dimensional sample
sizes without folding or creasing.
[0053] Although the subject matter has been described in terms of
various embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the
appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other
variants and embodiments, which may be made by those skilled in the
art.
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