U.S. patent application number 16/862853 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-05 for flat pack convertible four sided storage box and eight sided nesting tote box.
The applicant listed for this patent is Eliezer Traub. Invention is credited to Eliezer Traub.
Application Number | 20200346817 16/862853 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004827527 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-05 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200346817 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Traub; Eliezer |
November 5, 2020 |
Flat Pack Convertible Four Sided Storage Box and Eight Sided
Nesting Tote Box
Abstract
A flat pack convertible stackable four sided storage box and
eight sided nesting tote box comprises a base, two opposed
longitudinal sides, two end sides having at least one cutline
defining at least one end side opening, four triangular expansion
sides with each triangular expansion side located adjacent one of
the sides, and four moving conversion panels with each panel
adjacent one of the expansion sides, each panel includes at least
one panel opening configured to selectively align with one opening
formed by at least one cutline and configured to receive a locking
element there-through to be locked into one position, wherein in
one position a stackable four sided storage box is formed and in
another position an eight sided nesting tote box is formed and the
box may be moved back and forth between the two configurations.
Inventors: |
Traub; Eliezer; (Ramat-Gan,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Traub; Eliezer |
Ramat-Gan |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004827527 |
Appl. No.: |
16/862853 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62920465 |
May 2, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/4608 20130101;
B65D 21/0233 20130101; B65D 5/64 20130101; B65D 5/241 20130101;
B65D 5/0015 20130101; B65D 5/0005 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/00 20060101
B65D005/00; B65D 21/02 20060101 B65D021/02; B65D 5/64 20060101
B65D005/64; B65D 5/24 20060101 B65D005/24; B65D 5/355 20060101
B65D005/355; B65D 5/468 20060101 B65D005/468 |
Claims
1. A flat pack convertible stackable four sided storage box and
eight sided nesting tote box comprising: A base [110, 310]
including two parallel base longitudinal score lines [112, 312] and
two parallel base end score lines [114, 314]; two opposed
longitudinal sides [120, 320] each longitudinal side [120, 320]
adjacent one of the base longitudinal score lines [112, 312] and
having opposed longitudinal side end score lines [122, 322]; two
end sides [130, 330], each end side [130, 330] adjacent one of the
base end score lines [114, 314] and having at least one cutline
[136, 336] defining at least one end side opening; four triangular
expansion sides [140, 340] each triangular expansion side [140,
340] located adjacent one of the side end score lines [122, 322]
and having an expansion side score line [142, 342]; four moving
conversion panels [150, 350] each panel [150, 350] adjacent one of
the expansion side score line [142, 342], each panel [150, 350]
includes at least one panel opening [152, 352] configured to
selectively align with one opening formed by at least one cutline
[136, 336] and configured to receive a locking element [138, 370]
there-through to be locked into one position, wherein in one
position a stackable four sided storage box [100, 300] is formed as
one configuration and in another position an eight sided nesting
tote box [100, 300] is formed as a second configuration and wherein
the box [100, 300] may be moved back and forth between the two
configurations.
2. The convertible box of claim 1, wherein the base [110] includes
two openings along each base end score line [114] configured for
receiving elements [166] which help secure the box [100] in both
the stackable four sided storage box [100] configuration and the
eight sided nesting tote box [100] configuration.
3. The convertible box of claim 2, further including a pair of
inner end sides [160], each inner end side [160] adjacent one end
side [130].
4. The convertible box of claim 3, wherein each inner end side
[160] includes a score line [162] offset from a score line [134] at
the top of the end side [130] by a thickness adapted to accommodate
folding the inner end sides [160] such that the inner end side
[160] and the end side [130] are on opposite sides of intervening
conversion panels [150].
5. The convertible box of claim 4, wherein each inner end side
[160] includes an opening [164] that aligns with the at least one
end side opening.
6. The convertible box of claim 5, wherein the at least one end
side opening in each end side [130] forms an oval handle opening
for the box [100].
7. The convertible box of claim 6, wherein each cutline [136] in
each end side defines a locking tab [138] forming the locking
element.
8. The convertible box of claim 7, wherein each panel includes a
second panel opening [156] configured to selectively align with one
opening formed by at least one cutline [136] and configured to
receive the locking tab [138] there-through to be locked into a
second position.
9. The convertible box of claim 1, wherein the box is formed of
cardboard, plastic, corrugated plastic cardboard.
10. The convertible box of claim 1, wherein the box [100, 300]
includes a lid [200] configured to be secured on top of the box
[100, 300] when in the storage box configuration.
11. The convertible box of claim 10, wherein the lid [200] is
formed of cardboard, plastic, corrugated plastic cardboard.
12. The convertible box of claim 10, wherein the lid [200] is
configured to convert to an eight sided nesting tote box.
13. The convertible box of claim 1, wherein each locking element is
a one piece double headed connecting stud [370].
14. The convertible box of claim 13, wherein each stud [370] is
received within an oval opening formed by at least one cutline in
an end side and is configured to be moved between one position
locking the box in a configuration and a second position allowing
the box to be converted from one configuration to the second
configuration.
15. The convertible box of claim 14, wherein each panel opening
[352] is formed as a slot with two detent positions.
16. A flat pack convertible stackable four sided storage box and
eight sided nesting tote box comprising: A rectangular base [110,
310]; two opposed longitudinal sides [120, 320]; two end sides
[130, 330], each end side [130, 330] having at least one cutline
[136, 336] defining at least one end side opening; four triangular
expansion sides [140, 340]; four moving conversion panels [150,
350], each panel [150, 350] including at least one panel opening
[152, 352] configured to selectively align with one opening formed
by at least one cutline [136, 336] and configured to receive a
locking element [138, 370] there-through to be locked into one
position, wherein in one position a stackable four sided storage
box [100, 300] is formed as one configuration and in another
position an eight sided nesting tote box [100, 300] is formed as a
second configuration and wherein the box [100, 300] may be moved
back and forth between the two configurations; a lid [200]
configured to be secured on top of the box [100, 300] when in the
storage box configuration.
17. The convertible box of claim 16, wherein the lid [200] is
configured to convert to an eight sided nesting tote box.
18. The convertible box of claim 16, wherein the box is formed of
cardboard, plastic, corrugated plastic cardboard.
19. The convertible box of claim 16, wherein each locking element
is a one piece double headed connecting stud [370].
20. The convertible box of claim 16, further including a pair of
inner end sides [160], each inner end side [160] adjacent one end
side [130].
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/920,465 filed May 2,
2019 titled "Opened Tray, or Opened Box, or Opened Container with
Straight up Side Walls that can Flare Out and Retract Back" which
is incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to flat pack storage boxes,
more specifically to flat pack storage boxes that are expandable to
a larger size.
2. Background Information
[0003] The phrase "flat pack" within the meaning of the present
application references products assembled from a one or more planar
components that are assembled to the desired product. The phrase
"flat pack" is often used in referencing furniture. In the field of
the present invention, namely boxes and trays, this phrase "flat
pack" can be equated with the phrase "knock down." See, for
example, the "Corrugated Plastic Knockdown Tray" sold by Minnesota
Diversified or the "Knock Down Storage Box" sold by Bigso Box of
Sweden. The terms "Collapsible" and "Foldable", and similar terms,
have also been used in this industry to convey the same concept and
can also accurately describe the present invention.
[0004] The terms "boxes" and "trays" do not have consistent and
precise definition in the art and can be interchangeably used
together with the terms container, bin, receptacle, crate, chest,
trunk, carton, and a host of other similar terms. Within the
meaning of the present application the phrase "storage box" defines
a container with substantially vertical sides (+/-7 degrees), and
the phrase "nesting tote box" defines a container with non-vertical
sides that extend upward at an angle of more than 7 degrees from
vertical and less than 75 degrees from vertical, also called
"flared sided" herein, wherein the containers may be nested
together. The nesting of the tote boxes generally aids in storage
and shipment of the containers. The flared sides of a nesting tote
box yield numerous other advantages, such as ease of access to
contained articles that are lower in a stack of article within the
nesting tote box. The outward angle yield a greater containment
volume within the box than if the sides extended vertically from
the base, thus yielding greater containment volume. Further the
nesting tote box design offers an improved display of products
within the nesting tote box then a storage box would in some
commercial establishments. For example, there are some supermarkets
that minimize shelving labor and display products within shipping
containers, and a nesting tote box allows for a better display of
products on the shelf, although the storage box is preferable for
product shipping.
[0005] The U.S. patent system has long illustrated the ingenuity of
flat pack containers, such as the 1894 U.S. Pat. No. 529,053 for a
"Paper Pail", which was later emblazoned with the graphical image
of a pagoda, and has become well known as the now ubiquitous
"Chinese food" take out container.
[0006] As noted above the present invention is directed to flat
pack storage boxes that are expandable to a larger size. The U.S.
patent system also shows innovations in this specific flat pack
container field as well, with U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,793,802; 3,373,923;
3,520,409; and 4,111,306 being representative examples of these
boxes. These patents are incorporated herein by reference.
[0007] There remains a need in the art to design cost effective,
efficient and effective flat pack storage boxes that are
expandable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The various embodiments and examples of the present
invention as presented herein are understood to be illustrative of
the present invention and not restrictive thereof and are
non-limiting with respect to the scope of the invention.
[0009] The present invention provides a flat pack convertible
stackable four sided storage box and eight sided nesting tote box.
Specifically one embodiment of the present invention provides a
flat pack convertible stackable four sided storage box and eight
sided nesting tote box which comprises a base including two
parallel base longitudinal score lines and two parallel base end
score lines, two opposed longitudinal sides each longitudinal side
adjacent one of the longitudinal score lines and having opposed
longitudinal side end score lines, two end sides with each end side
adjacent one of the base end score lines and having at least one
cutline defining at least one end side opening, four triangular
expansion sides each triangular expansion side located adjacent one
of the side end score lines and having an expansion side score
line, four moving conversion panels with each panel adjacent one of
the expansion side score line, each panel includes at least one
panel opening configured to selectively align with one opening
formed by at least one cutline and configured to receive a locking
element there-through to be locked into one position, wherein in
one position a stackable four sided storage box is formed and in
another position an eight sided nesting tote box is formed and the
box may be moved back and forth between the two configurations.
[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides a flat pack
convertible stackable four sided storage box and eight sided
nesting tote box comprising: a rectangular base; two opposed
longitudinal sides; two end sides, each end side having at least
one cutline defining at least one end side opening; four triangular
expansion sides; four moving conversion panels, each panel
including at least one panel opening configured to selectively
align with one opening formed by at least one cutline and
configured to receive a locking element there-through to be locked
into one position, wherein in one position a stackable four sided
storage box is formed as one configuration and in another position
an eight sided nesting tote box is formed as a second configuration
and wherein the box may be moved back and forth between the two
configurations; and a lid configured to be secured on top of the
box when in the storage box configuration.
[0011] These and other advantages of the present invention will be
clarified in the description of the preferred embodiments taken
together with the attached figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a flat pack stackable four
sided storage box in accordance with a first embodiment of the
present invention and shown without a lid and which storage box can
convert to an eight sided nesting tote box;
[0013] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the flat pack stackable
four sided storage box of FIG. 1A converted to an eight sided
nesting tote box;
[0014] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a nested set of a plurality
of eight sided nesting tote boxes of FIG. 1B with a nested set of a
plurality of eight sided nesting tote box lids and an exploded
perspective view of the nested boxes and nested lids;
[0015] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of a stacked set of a
plurality of four sided storage boxes of FIG. 1A with storage box
lids;
[0016] FIG. 3A is a top plan view of a flat die cut substrate used
in forming the flat pack stackable four sided storage box of FIG.
1A and the eight sided nesting tote box of FIG. 1B;
[0017] FIG. 3B is a top plan view of a flat die cut substrate used
in forming the lid for the flat pack stackable four sided storage
box of FIG. 2B and the eight sided nesting tote box lids of FIG.
2A;
[0018] FIGS. 4A-4E sequentially illustrate forming the flat pack
stackable four sided storage box of FIG. 1A from the flat die cut
substrate of FIG. 3A;
[0019] FIG. 5 sequentially illustrates the conversion, from back to
front, between the flat pack stackable four sided storage box of
FIG. 1A to the eight sided nesting tote box of FIG. 1B;
[0020] FIG. 6 sequentially illustrates forming the flat pack
storage box lid for the stackable four sided storage box of FIG. 1A
from the flat die cut substrate of FIG. 3B;
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flat pack stackable four
sided storage box in accordance with a second embodiment of the
present invention and shown without a lid and which storage box can
convert to an eight sided nesting tote box;
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a one piece double headed
connecting stud for forming the flat pack stackable four sided
storage box of FIG. 7;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a flat die cut substrate used
in forming the flat pack stackable four sided storage box of FIG.
7;
[0024] FIG. 10 sequentially illustrates the conversion, from front
to back, between the flat pack stackable four sided storage box of
FIG. 7 to an eight sided nesting tote box; and
[0025] FIG. 11 is a schematic view which sequentially illustrates
the conversion between a modified assembly of a flat pack stackable
four sided storage box of FIG. 7 to an eight sided nesting tote
box.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present invention provides a flat pack box 100 and 300,
specifically a stackable four sided storage box 100 or 300 that can
expand to a larger containment size by converting to an eight sided
nesting tote box 100 or 300, and vice-versa as shown in FIGS. 1 A
and 1B in one embodiment (box 100) and in FIG. 7 in an alternative
embodiment (box 300) of the present invention. The box 100 or 300
includes a lid 200 for use in the storage box mode and to
facilitate stacking of the storage boxes as shown in FIG. 2A. The
boxes 100 and 300 and lids 200 may be nested when in the tote box
configuration as generally shown in FIG. 2A.
[0027] The flat pack box 100, aside from the lid 200, is formed
from a die cut planar substrate or member such as cardboard,
plastic, corrugated plastic cardboard or possibly other similar
materials. The flat pack layout for the box 100 is shown in FIG. 3A
and is helpful for illustrating the various components of the
structure of the present invention. The lid 200 is also formed from
a die cut planar substrate or member analogous to the layout of the
other elements of the box 100 shown in FIG. 3A, and the lid 200
layout is shown in FIG. 3B
[0028] A base 110 forms the plan view outline of the storage box
100 and is shown as a rectangle. The rectangular base includes two
parallel base longitudinal score lines 112 for the longitudinal
sides 120 and two parallel base end score lines 114 for the outer
end sides 130. Score lines are known in the art and can also be
described or referenced as hinges, living hinges or fold lines. The
base 110 includes two openings 116 along each base end score line
114 for receiving locking tabs 166 which help secure or maintain
the box 100 in both deployed positions shown in FIGS. 1A and
1B.
[0029] The two opposed rectangular longitudinal sides 120 each have
opposed end score lines 122 along the ends between the sides 120
and triangular sides 140 and top edges 124 defining a top surface
for the box 100 upon which the lid 200 sits when attached to the
storage box 100.
[0030] The two rectangular outer end sides 130 each have opposed
cut lines 132 and a top score line 134 associated with the top
surface for the box 100 upon which the lid 200 rests when attached
to the storage box 100. Cut lines, as opposed to score lines,
extend through the substrate, and cut lines 132 separate the end
sides 130 from the material forming the moving conversion panels
150. Each rectangular outer end side 130 includes a cutline 136
around three sides of an oval handle opening and forming a locking
tab 138.
[0031] The box 100 includes four triangular expansion sides 140
located adjacent the ends of the sides 120, with the triangular
expansion sides 140 having a score line 142 between the side 140
and the conversion panel 150. Each triangular expansion side 140
has a top edge 144.
[0032] The box 100 includes four the moving conversion panels 150,
each adjacent an expansion side 140. Each panel 150 includes an
opening 152, a top edge 154 and a second expansion opening 156. The
openings 152 and 156 are configured to selectively align with the
handle opening formed by cut 136 and be locked into position with
the tab 138.
[0033] The box 100 includes a pair of inner end sides 160 generally
adjacent the end sides 130 with a score line 162 offset from score
line 134 by a thickness adapted to accommodate folding the end
sides 160 such that the sides 160 and 130 are on opposite sides of
intervening panels 150 and sides 140 as discussed below. The sides
160 include opening 164 that aligns with the handle opening formed
by cutline 136. The openings 164 are essentially the handle
openings for the box 100.
[0034] FIGS. 4A-4E sequentially illustrate forming the flat pack
stackable four sided storage box 100 of FIG. 1A from the flat die
cut substrate of FIG. 3A. Essentially the longitudinal sides 120
are folded up along score lines 112 and the triangular expansion
sides 140 and the conversion panels 150 are folded in along score
lines 122 as shown in FIG. 4B. Then the outer end sides 130 are
folded up along score line 114 and the inner end sides are folded
back down over the intervening panels 150 and sides 140 along first
score line 134 and then score line 162 as shown in FIGS. 4C and 4D.
The tabs 166 are secured within openings 116 to complete the box.
100 as shown in FIG. 4E.
[0035] In the storage box position of FIGS. 1A, 2B and 4E the
openings formed by cutline 136, the opening 152 and the opening 164
are aligned and the box may be locked into the four sided storage
box position by pushing locking tab 138 through the openings 152
and 164 and folding it so it is parallel to the inner end side 160.
The four exposed sides of the box will be lateral sides 120 and end
sides 130 (the inner end sides 160 may be considered part of the
outer end sides 130 forming a combined end side to the device.)
[0036] As noted above a key aspect to the invention is that the
present invention provides a flat pack box 100 (and 300 discussed
below), specifically a stackable four sided storage box 100 (or
300) that can convert to an eight sided nesting tote box 100 (or
300), and vice-versa as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B in one embodiment
(box 100) and in FIG. 7 in an alternative embodiment (box 300) of
the present invention. Specifically for the box 100, FIG. 5
sequentially illustrates the conversion, proceeding from back to
front, between the flat pack stackable four sided storage box 100
of FIG. 1A, and the eight sided nesting tote box 100 of FIG. 1B.
Beginning with the box 100 locked in the storage box 100
configuration, the locking tab 138 is pushed back through the then
aligned openings 164 and 152 to allow the conversion. The sides 120
are pulled laterally outwardly to fully expose the expansion sides
140. In the fully exposed position of the sides 140 the openings
156 and 164 will be aligned and the locking tab 138 can be pushed
through openings 156 and 164 and folded to be parallel with the
inner end side 160 to secure the box 100 into the now eight sided
structure. At the same time as the tab is being pushed into
position (or immediately following, because the user's hands will
be in position engaging the ends 130) the ends 130 (and 160) are
pulled outward. The outward pivoting movement of the ends 130 is
allowed by the score lines 142 permitting a movement of the
expansion panel 140 from a position parallel to the ends 130 and
160 and the panel 150 to a position angled relative to the ends
130, 160 and the panel 150. This forms the eight sided nesting tote
box 100 in which all the sides 120, 130 (and 160), and 140 flare
outwardly. In the first embodiment the edge 154 may abut against
the inner end side 160 between the score lines 134 and 162 to act
as a stop when pulling out or flaring out the sides 120. This built
in stop by edge 154 against the top of the end side allows the easy
alignment of the openings 156 and 164 in the fully flared out
position. The process can easily be reversed to convert from the
eight sided nesting tote box 100 of FIG. 1B to the stackable four
sided storage box 100 of FIG. 1A.
[0037] The box 100 of the present invention includes a lid 200
configured to be secured on top of the box 100 when in the storage
box configuration as generally shown in FIG. 2B. FIG. 3B is a top
plan view of a flat die cut substrate used in forming the lid 200
for the flat pack stackable four sided storage box 100 of FIG. 2B
and the eight sided nesting tote box lids of FIG. 2A. The lid 200
is formed essentially as a shorter version of the remainder of the
box 100 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1s sized to fit around the top of the
box as shown. The lid 200 converts between the "storage box"
configuration and the eight sided nesting tote box lids of FIG. 2A
in a similar fashion as the base or storage component of the box
100.
[0038] A top 210 forms the plan view outline of the lid 200 for the
storage box 100 and is shown as a rectangle. The rectangular top
210 includes two parallel score lines 212 for the longitudinal
sides 220 and two parallel score lines 214 for the outer end sides
230. The top 210 includes two openings 216 along each score line
214 for receiving locking tabs 266 which help secure the lid 200 of
the box 100 in a deployed position shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0039] The two opposed rectangular longitudinal sides 220 each have
opposed end score lines 222 along the ends between the sides 220
and triangular sides 240 and bottom edges 124. The two rectangular
outer end sides 230 each have opposed cut lines 232 and a top score
line 234 associated with the bottom edge for the lid 200 of the box
100. Cut lines 232 separate the end sides 230 from the material
forming the moving conversion panels 250. Each rectangular outer
end side 230 includes a cut line 236 around three sides of a
semi-circular opening and forming a locking tab 238.
[0040] The lid 200 includes four triangular expansion sides 240
located adjacent the ends of the sides 220, with the triangular
expansion sides 240 having a score line 242 between the side 240
and the conversion panel 250. Each triangular expansion side 240
has a top edge 244. The lid 200 includes four the moving conversion
panels 250, each adjacent an expansion side 240. Each panel 250
includes an opening 252, a top edge 254. The opening 252 is
configured to selectively align with the opening formed by cut 236
and be locked into position with the tab 238 when used as a storage
box lid.
[0041] The lid 200 includes a pair of inner end sides 260 generally
adjacent the end sides 230 with a score line 262 offset from score
line 234 by a thickness adapted to accommodate folding the end
sides 260 such that the sides 260 and 230 are on opposite sides of
intervening panels 250 and sides 240 as discussed below. The sides
260 include opening 264 that aligns with the opening formed by
cutline 236.
[0042] FIG. 6 sequentially illustrate forming the flat pack
stackable four sided lid 200 for the storage box 100 of FIG. 2B
from the flat die cut substrate of FIG. 3B. Essentially the
longitudinal sides 220 are folded up along score lines 212 and the
triangular expansion sides 240 and the conversion panels 250 are
folded in along score lines 222. Then the outer end sides 230 are
folded up along score line 214 and the inner end sides are folded
back down over the intervening panels 250 and sides 240 along first
score line 234 and then score line 262. The tabs 266 are secured
within openings 216 to complete the assembly of the lid 200.
[0043] With the lid 200 in position for use as a lid 200 for
storage box 100 as shown in FIG. 2B, the openings formed by cutline
236, the opening 252 and the opening 264 are aligned and the lid
200 may be locked into the "four sided storage box" position by
pushing locking tab 238 through the openings 252 and 264 and
folding it so it is parallel to the inner end side 260. The four
exposed sides of the lid will be lateral sides 220 and end sides
230 (the inner end sides 260 may be considered part of the outer
end sides 230 forming a combined end side to the device.)
[0044] The lid 200 can convert to an eight sided nesting tote box,
and vice-versa as shown essentially in the same manner as the
storage portion of the box discussed above. Beginning with the lid
200 locked in the position as a lid for the storage box 100
configuration, the locking tab 238 is pushed back through the then
aligned openings 264 and 252 to allow the conversion. The sides 220
are pulled laterally outwardly to fully expose the expansion sides
240. The lid 200 as shown differs from the storage component of the
box in that there is no method of locking the lid 200 in the eight
sided nesting box configuration. Such a locking structure could be
added if needed, but the primary purpose for conversion of the lid
200 is nesting as shown in FIG. 2A. An outward pivoting movement of
the ends 230 following full deployment of the sides 240 is allowed
by the score lines 242 permitting a movement of the expansion panel
240 from a position parallel to the ends 230 and 260 and the panel
250 to a position angled relative to the ends 230, 260 and the
panel 250. This forms the eight sided nesting tote box structure in
which all the sides 220, 230 (and 260), and 240 flare outwardly.
The edge 254 may abut against the inner end side 160 between the
score lines 234 and 262 to act as a stop when pulling out or
flaring out the sides 220. This built in stop by edge 254 against
the end side allows the easy positioning to the fully flared out
position. The process can easily be reversed to convert from the
eight sided nesting tote box lid of FIG. 2A to the lid for the
stackable four sided storage box 100 of FIG. 2B.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a flat pack stackable four
sided storage box 300 in accordance with a second embodiment of the
present invention and shown without a lid and which storage box 300
can convert to an eight sided nesting tote box 300 as generally
shown in FIG. 10.
[0046] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a flat die cut substrate used
in forming the flat pack stackable four sided storage box 300 of
FIG. 7. The flat die cut substrate may also be assembled in a
modified version in accordance with the boxes 300 shown in FIG. 11
wherein the expansion sides 340 and conversion panels 350 are on
the outer side of the end sides 330. The box 300 include components
analogous to box 100 discussed above and can utilize the lid 200
discussed above. These analogous elements includes a base 310 which
forms the plan view outline of the storage box 300. The base 310
includes two parallel score lines 312 for the longitudinal sides
320 and two parallel score lines 314 for the outer end sides
330.
[0047] The base 310 does not include openings along each score line
314 (analogous to the opening 116) for receiving locking tabs (not
present in this design) because the box 300 uses one piece double
headed connecting studs 370, one of which is shown in detail in
FIG. 8, to secure the box 300 in a deployed positions as detailed
below.
[0048] The two opposed rectangular longitudinal sides 320 each have
opposed end score lines 322 along the ends between the sides 320
and triangular sides 340 and top edges 324 defining a top surface
for the box 300 upon which the lid 200 sits when attached to the
storage box 300. The end sides 330 each have opposed cut lines 332
and a top cutline 234 associated with the top surface for the box
300 upon which the lid 200 rests when attached to the storage box
100. The top cut line 334 is opposed to score lines 134 in the
embodiment of FIG. 1 because the box 300 does not have an analogous
element to the inner side 160. Each rectangular end side 330
includes a cut lines 236 around an oval slot that receives one
piece double headed connecting stud 370, shown in FIG. 8, for
securing the box 100 together and allowing it to move between
operative positions. With the stud 370 in the lower portion of the
oval formed by cutline 336 the box 300 is locked into the operative
position and with the stud lifted to the upper portion the box 300
is allowed to transition.
[0049] The box 300 includes four triangular expansion sides 340
located adjacent the ends of the sides 320, with the triangular
expansion sides 340 having a score line 342 between the side 340
and the conversion panel 350. Each triangular expansion side 340
has a top edge 344. The box 300 includes four the moving conversion
panels 350, each adjacent an expansion side 340. Each panel 350
includes a slot opening 352 with two downward detent positions, a
top edge 354.
[0050] In the assembly of the box 300 the longitudinal sides 320
are folded up along score lines 312 and the triangular expansion
sides 340 and the conversion panels 350 are folded in along score
lines 322. Then the end sides 330 are folded up along score line
314. The studs 370 are secured within openings 336 and the openings
352 to complete the box 300.
[0051] In the storage box position the studs 370 are in the detent
of opening or slot 352 that is closest to the sides 320. The four
exposed sides of the box 300 will be lateral sides 320 and end
sides 330. FIG. 10 sequentially illustrates the conversion,
proceeding from front to back, between the flat pack stackable four
sided storage box 300 and the eight sided nesting tote box 300.
FIG. 11 sequentially illustrates the conversion between the
modified assembly of the flat pack stackable four sided storage box
300 and the eight sided nesting tote box 300 (wherein the end sides
330 are inward of the panels 350 and sides 340). The assembly and
operation between FIGS. 10 and 11 are essentially the same.
Beginning with the box 300 locked in the storage box 100
configuration, the stud 370 are pushed up to the top of the opening
336 out of the detent in slot 356 to allow the conversion. The
sides 320 are pulled laterally outwardly to fully expose the
expansion sides 340. In the fully exposed position of the sides 340
studs 370 can be returned to the lower portion of the opening 336
within the detent in the distal end of the slot 356 farthest from
the sides 320 to secure the box 300 into the now eight sided
structure. Then the ends 330 are pulled outward. The outward
pivoting movement of the ends 330 is allowed by the score lines 342
permitting a movement of the expansion panel 340 from a position
parallel to the ends 330 and the panel 350 to a position angled
relative to the ends 330 and the panel 350. This forms the eight
sided nesting tote box in which all the sides 320, 330 and 340
flare outwardly.
[0052] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to the preferred embodiments thereof, it
will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes
in form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention.
* * * * *