AU2006249209A1 - Collapsible Packaging Component - Google Patents

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT \o Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor Address for service is: Airpak Pty Ltd Kehoe, Richard Norman Kongras, Anthony Dimetrious Kulsiriwadi, Chaiyaboon Florenca, Isaias WRAY ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Collapsible Packaging Component The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- "Collapsible Packaging Component"

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Field of the Invention This invention relates to packaging. The invention is concemrned with a packaging component having collapsed and erected conditions, and also a blank from N which a packaging component in accordance with the invention can be assembled.

The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, as a packaging component in the form of a box or a lid for a box.

Background Art It is common to transport goods in packaging comprising cartons having a bottom portion configured as a box with an open top, and a top portion configured as a lid for closing the open top of the box. It is particularly advantageous if the upper and lower portions of the carton can be collapsed for transportation and storage. This is particularly so in cases where the carton is to be reused.

The present invention seeks to provide a packaging component which is collapsible for transportation and storage and which can be easily erected for use.

Disclosure of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a packaging component comprising a central panel having two opposed first edges, two opposed second edges, and corners therebetween, a first side panel connected to each first edge and a second side panel connected to each second edge, the first and second side panels being foldable with respect to the central panel -3-

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Sbetween collapsed and erected conditions, and corner panels interconnecting adjacent ends of the side panels, each corner panel being foldably connected to the ends of the respective side panels and having a fold line incorporated therein extending from the adjacent corner of the centre panel to an outer edge of the comer panel, whereby the corner panels can fold inwardly for location adjacent the second side panels when the side panels are in the erected condition, a locking panel foldably connected to each second side panel at the outer end thereof, the locking panel being adapted to fold inwardly to locate against the respective inwardly folded corner panels whereby the inwardly folded comer panels are confined between the respective second end panel and the locking panel connected thereto, and securing means for releasably securing each locking panel in the inwardly folded position.

The central panel may be of rectangular configuration, in which case each first edge comprises a longitudinal side edge and each second edge comprises a transverse edge. With this arrangement, each first side panel would comprise a longitudinal side panel and each second side panel would comprise an end panel.

Preferably, each locking panel is foldably connected to its second side panel by an integral hinge therebetween.

In one arrangement, each securing means may comprise a removable clamp device for clampingly engaging the locking panel and the second end panel with the fold therebetween.

The clamp device may comprise a clip of inverted U-configuration.

In another arrangement, the securing means may comprise a releasable connection between the respective locking panel and the central panel.

The releasable connection may comprise at least one tab provided on the free end of the locking panel and a corresponding number of tab recess provided in -4-

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the central panel, whereby the tab is received and releasably retained in the tab recess when the locking panel is folded inwardly toward the central panel.

In still another embodiment, the securing means may comprise a locking flap hingedly mounted on the end of the respective locking panel, the locking flap being adapted to locate adjacent the central panel to releasably retain the Olocking panel in the inwardly folded position.

N The central panel may have a crease line disposed inwardly from each second 0 side panel at a position corresponding to the location of the free end of the N locking flap when the latter is located adjacent the central panel. With this arrangement, the two crease lines divide the central panel into an inner section and two outer sections. The two outer sections deflect angularly with respect to the inner section about the crease lines, with the result that the free end of each locking flap can abut the adjacent crease line thereby assisting retention of the locking panel in position located adjacent the central panel.

A packaging component in accordance with the invention is particularly suitable as a box, in which case the central panel would provide the bottom of the box.

Further, a packaging component in accordance with the invention is also particularly suitable as a lid, in which case the central panel would provide the top of the lid.

According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a blank from which a packaging component according to the first aspect of the invention can be assembled.

According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a blank for a packaging component, the blank comprising a central panel having two opposed first edges, two opposed second edges and corners therebetween, a first side panel foldably connected to each first edge, a second side panel foldably connected to each second edge, and corner panels interconnecting adjacent ends of the side panels, each comer panel being foldably connected to the ends of the respective side panels and having a fold line incorporated therein

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0 extending from the adjacent corner of the centre panel to an outer edge of the corner panel, and a locking panel foldably connected to each second side panel Sat the outer end thereof.

Preferably, the blank is formed from polymer sheet material. A particularly suitable form of polymer sheet material comprises polypropylene extruded 0 corrugated board.

N According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a collapsible box Ocomprising a central panel having two opposed side edges, two opposed end N edges and corners therebetween, a side panel connected to each side edge and an end panel connected to each end edge, the side and end panels being foldable with respect to the central panel between collapsed and erected conditions, and corner panels interconnecting adjacent ends of the side and end panels, each corner panel being foldably connected between the respective side and end panels and having a fold line incorporated therein extending from the adjacent comer of the centre panel to an outer edge of the corner panel whereby the corner panels can fold inwardly for location adjacent the end panels when the side and end panels are in the erected condition, a locking panel foldably connected to each end panel at the outer end thereof, the locking panel being adapted to fold inwardly to locate against the respective inwardly folded corner panels whereby the inwardly folded corner panels are confined between the respective second end panel and the locking panel connected thereto, and securing means for releasably securing each locking panel in the inwardly folded position.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided a collapsible lid comprising a central panel having two opposed side edges, two opposed end edges and corners therebetween, a side panel connected to each side edge and an end panel connected to each end edge, the side and end panels being foldable with respect to the central panel between collapsed and erected conditions, and corner panels interconnecting adjacent ends of the side and end panels, each corner panel being foldably connected between the respective side -6-

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and end panels and having a fold line incorporated therein extending from the adjacent corner of the centre panel to an outer edge of the corner panel whereby Sthe corner panels can fold inwardly for location adjacent the end panels when the n side and end panels are in the erected condition, a locking panel foldably connected to each end panel at the outer end thereof, the locking panel being adapted to fold inwardly to locate against the respective inwardly folded corner panels whereby the inwardly folded corner panels are confined between the respective second end panel and the locking panel connected thereto, and Ssecuring means for releasably securing each locking panel in the inwardly folded position.

Brief Description of the Drawings The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carton comprising a box according to a first embodiment with a lid fitted into position to close the open top of the box; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the box according to the first embodiment; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a blank from which the box according to the first embodiment can be erected; Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one stage of erection of the blank to form the collapsible box; Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 except that the collapsible box is shown in a further stage of erection; -7-

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Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the collapsible box in the erection condition; Figure 7 is a schematic fragmentary elevational view illustrating an end of 0the box in the erected condition; S 5 Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 7 with the exception that a clip is shown fitted to the box for securing the box in the erected condition; 0 Figure 9 is a perspective view of a carton comprising a box according to a N second embodiment with a lid fitted into position to close the open top of the box; Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a blank from which the box according to the second embodiment can be erected; Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one stage of erection of the blank to form the collapsible box; Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11 except that the collapsible box is shown in a further stage of erection; Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating the collapsible box in the erected condition; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a carton comprising a collapsible lid according to a third embodiment fitted onto a box; Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a blank from which the collapsible lid according to the third embodiment can be erected; Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view illustrating one stage of erection of the blank to form the collapsible lid; -8-

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Figure 17 is a view similar to Figure 16 except that the collapsible lid is shown in a further stage of erection; and SFigure 18 is an underside perspective view illustrating the collapsible lid in the erected condition.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention C, Referring to Figures 1 to 8, the first embodiment is directed to a collapsible box 010 having an open top 11, with the lid 12 adapted to fit onto the box 10 to close c the open top 11, thereby providing a carton 13 as shown in Figure 1. The carton 13 has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, for transport of seafood, including: chilled fresh and frozen whole fish and fillets; live, chilled fresh and frozen lobster and crabs; live and chilled fresh mussels and oysters; and chilled fresh and frozen prawns.

Because it is collapsible, the box 10 can assume collapsed and erected conditions. In the collapsed condition, the box 10 assumes a compact configuration for storage and transport. In the erect condition, the box 10 has a bottom 15 and walls 17 defining a compartment 19 for receiving goods such as seafood of the type referred to above.

The collapsible box 10 is erected from a blank 20 formed of a high-grade polymer which is resistant to impact, which is non-absorbent and which is waterproof, thereby being suitable for transportation of seafood by air. In this embodiment, the high-grade polymer comprises polypropylene extruded corrugated cardboard marketed under the trade mark "FUTURE BOARD", comprising 50% homo-polymer and 50% co-polymer of a Grade ANirgin specification. The box 10 assembled from the blank 20 is also waterproof.

The blank 20 as shown in Figure 3 represents the collapsed condition of the box -9-

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The box 10 comprises a central panel 21 which is of rectangular configuration and which provides the bottom 15. The central panel 21 has two opposed side Sedges 23 and two opposed end edges 25. The central panel 21 also has four n corners 27 at the junctions between the side edges 23 and end edges A side panel 31 is connected to each side edge 23 at fold line 33. An end panel 0 35 is connected to each end edge 25 and end fold line 37.

(Each side panel 31 has an inner longitudinal edge 41 connected to the central panel 21 at fold line 33, an outer longitudinal edge 42 which is a free edge, and two opposed end edges 43.

Each end panel 35 has an inner edge 45 connected to the central panel 21 at fold line 37, an outer edge 47, and two opposed end edges 49.

Corner panels 51 interconnect the end edges 43 of the side panels 31 with the end edges 49 of the end panels 35, as best seen in Figure 3. Each corner panel 51 is foldably connected to the end section 43 of respective side panel 31 by fold line 53. Additionally, each corner panel 51 is foldably connected to end edge 49 of the respective end panel 45 by fold line 55. In the blank 20, the fold lines 43 are aligned with, and are in effect are extensions of, the fold lines 37. Similarly, the fold lines 55 are aligned with, and are in effect extensions of, the fold lines 33.

Each corner panel 51 has an outer edge 57 which is curved to provide a continuous transition between the outer edge 42 of the adjacent side panel 31 and the outer edge 47 of the adjacent end panel Each corner panel 51 further comprises a fold line 59 extending from the adjacent corner 27 of the centre panel 21 to the outer edge 57, thereby dividing the corner panel into two sections 61, 62. With this arrangement, each corner panel 51 can fold inwardly (with fold line 59 leading) upon movement of the side panels 31 and the end panels 35 from the collapsed condition (represented by the blank 20 in Figure 3) into the erected condition as shown in Figure 2. In the

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erected condition, the inwardly folding corner panels 51 locate adjacent the inner side of the respective end panels 35, as best seen in Figure A locking panel 71 is foldably connected to each end panel 35 at the outer edge S47 thereof by hinge 73. The hinge 73 is parallel to the fold line 37 at the inner edge 45 of the end panel. The hinge 73 comprises two fold lines 75 with a web 77 therebetween.

N Each locking panel 71 is approximately the same size and shape as the end panel 35 to which it is attached by hinge 73.

The hinge 73 allows the locking panel 71 to fold inwardly to locate against the adjacent inwardly folded corner panels 51, thereby confining the corner panels 51 between the end panel 35 and the locking panel 71. This serves to secure the corner panels 51 in the inwardly folded position and thereby retain the box in the erected condition. The web 77 in the hinge 73 bridges the distance between the exposed faces of the end panel 35 and the locking panel 71 arising from the thickness of those panels and the corner panels 51 confined therebetween.

Securing means 81 are provided for releasably securing the locking panels 71 in the inwardly folded position to thereby maintain the box 10 in the erected condition. The securing means 81 comprises a clamping clip 83 comprising two jaws 85 interconnected by web 87, with the two jaws cooperating to define a clamping space therebetween. The clamping clip 83 is fitted onto the end panel and the locking panel 71 in a manner to straddle the hinge 73 with the locking panel 71 and end panel 35 received within the clamping space, as shown in Figure 8 of the drawings, thereby clamping the locking panel 71 in the inwardly folded condition.

Various stages of the process of erecting the box 10 from the blank 20 is shown in sequence in Figures 3 to 6 of the drawings. The process is simple, in that it involves folding the side panels 31 and end panels 35 about the centre panel 21 into the erected condition, with the corner panels 51 folding inwardly to accommodate the folding action of the side and end panels. With the side and -11

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end panels 31 and 35 in the erected condition, the corner panels 51 are located adjacent the inner sides of the adjacent end panels 35. The locking panels 71 are then folded about hinges 73 into a position located against the inwardly folded corner panels 51 to confine the corner panels between the respective end panels 35 and the locking panels 71. All that is then necessary is to fit the clip 83 into position in order to retain the locking panels 71 in the folded condition, 0thereby maintaining the bo x in the erected condition. To collapse the box, it is merely necessary to remove the clips 83, fold the locking panels 71 outwardly and then fold the side panels 31 and the end panels 35 outwardly to return the box to the disposition corresponding to the blank as illustrated in Figure 3.

Referring now to Figures 9 to 13, the second embodiment is directed to a collapsible box 90 having an open top 91, with a lid 92 adapted to fit onto the box to close the open top, thereby providing a carton as shown in Figure 9.

The collapsible box 90 according to the second embodiment is similar in many respects to the collapsible box 10 according to the first embodiment and so similar reference numerals are used to identify corresponding parts.

The collapsible box 90 according to the second embodiment differs from the collapsible box 10 according to the first embodiment in relation to the securing means 81 provided for releasably securing the locking panel 71 in the inwardly folded position to thereby maintain the box in the erected condition.

In this second embodiment, the securing means 81 comprises a releasable connection 93 between the respective locking panel 71 and the centre panel 21.

The releasable connection 93 comprises a plurality of tabs 94 provided on the free end of each locking panel 71 and corresponding tab recesses 95 provided in the central panel, whereby the tabs 94 are received and releasably retained in the tab recesses 95 when the locking panel 71 is in the inwardly folded position, as shown in Figure 13.

In this embodiment, the box 90 may be provided with a rib 96 on each end panel The ribs 96 at the two ends of the box may function as handles to assist -12-

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carrying of the box. Additionally, the ribs 96 each present an upper edge 97 against which the depending peripheral lip 97 of the lid 92 can locate when the a lid is fitted onto the box, as shown in Figure 9.

SReferring to Figures 14 to 18, the third embodiment is directed to a collapsible lid 100 for a box 101 having an open top, with the lid 100 adapted to fit onto the box 0101 to close the open top, thereby providing a carton 103 as shown in Figure 14.

c Because it is collapsible, the lid 100 can assume collapsed and erected conditions. In the collapsed condition, the lid 100 assumes a compact Sconfiguration for storage and transport. In the erect condition, the lid 100 provides a top 105 and depending lip 107 for closing the box 101.

The collapsible lid 100 is of a similar construction to the collapsible box according to the first embodiment and so similar reference numerals are used to identify corresponding parts.

The collapsible lid 100 differs from the collapsible box 10 in relation to the securing means 81 provided for releasably securing the locking panels 71 in the inwardly folded position to thereby maintain the lid in the erected condition.

In this third embodiment, the securing means 81 comprises a locking flap 111 provided on the end of each locking panel 71, with a fold line 113 therebetween.

The fold line 113 provides a hinged connection between the locking flap 111 and the locking panel 71. The locking flap 111 is adapted to locate adjacent the central panel 21 to releasably retain the locking panel 71 in the inwardly folded position.

The central panel 21 is provided with two crease lines 115 disposed inwardly from each end panel 35 and parallel to the end fold line 37 between the central panel 21 and the end panel 35. The inward spacing of the crease line 115 is such that the free end 117 of the locking flap 111 locates along the crease line when the locking flap is located adjacent the central panel, as illustrated in Figure 18.

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SThe two crease lines 115 serve to divide the central panel 21 into an inner section 121 and two outer sections 123. Because of the presence of the crease Slines 115, the two outer sections 123 can deflect angularly with respect to the n inner section 121 about the crease lines, with the result that the free ends 117 of the locking flaps 111 can abut the crease lines, thereby assisting in retention of the locking panels 71 in position.

The angular relationship between the centre section 121 and each end section N 123 is such that the angle defined therebetween on the side confronting the locking flaps 111 is less than 1800. Because of this the angular relationship between the centre section 121 and each end section 123, a lip 125 is defined at each crease line against which the free end of the locking flap 111 engages, with the result that the locking flap 111 is releasably retained in that position by the respective lip 125.

To collapse the box, it is simply necessary to grasp the locking flaps 111 at their free ends and lift them out of engagement with the lips 125 at the crease lines 115, and then fold the locking panels 71 outwardly in a reverse operation to the assembly operation.

From the foregoing, it is evident that the present embodiments each provides a simple yet highly effective construction for a collapsible box or lid which is easy to erect from a collapsed condition and also easy to return to the collapsed condition for storage and transportation.

It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood -14-

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to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

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Claims (21)

1. 2. The packaging component of claim 1 wherein the central panel is of rectangular configuration such that each first edge comprises a longitudinal side edge and each second edge comprises a transverse edge, wherein each first side panel comprises a longitudinal side panel and each second side panel comprises an end panel.
2. 3. The packaging component of claim 1 or 2 wherein each locking panel is substantially the same size and shape as the second side panel to which it is attached.
3. 4. The packaging component of any one of the preceding claims wherein each locking panel is foldably connected to its second side panel by an integral hinge therebetween, -16- \O The packaging component of claim 4 wherein the hinge comprises two fold lines with a web therebetween. C)
4. 6. The packaging component of any one of the preceding claims wherein each Ssecuring means comprises a removable clamp device for clampingly engaging the locking panel and the second end panel with the fold 0therebetween.
5. 7. The packaging component of claim 6 wherein the clamp device comprises a Sclip of inverted U-configuration.
6. 8. The packaging component of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the securing means comprises a releasable connection between the respective locking panel and the central panel.
7. 9. The packaging component of claim 8 wherein the releasable connection comprises at least one tab provided on the free end of the locking panel and a corresponding number of tab recesses provided in the central panel, whereby each tab is received and releasably retained in a corresponding tab recess when the locking panel is folded inwardly toward the central panel. The packaging component of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the securing means comprises a locking flap hingedly mounted on the end of the respective locking panel, the locking flap being adapted to locate adjacent the central panel to releasably retain the locking panel in the inwardly folded position.
8. 11. The packaging component of claim 10 wherein the central panel has a crease line disposed inwardly from each second side panel at a position corresponding to the location of the free end of the locking flap when the latter is located adjacent the central panel.
9. 12. The packaging component of claim 11 wherein the two crease lines divide the central panel into an inner section and two outer sections, the two outer -17- \O sections deflect angularly with respect to the inner section about the crease O lines such that the free end of each locking flap can abut the adjacent crease r line to retain the locking panel in position located adjacent the central panel.
10. 13. A blank for a packaging component, the blank comprising a central panel having two opposed first edges, two opposed second edges and corners 0therebetween, a first side panel foldably connected to each first edge, a second side panel foldably connected to each second edge, and corner Spanels interconnecting adjacent ends of the side panels, each corner panel being foldably connected to the ends of the respective side panels and having a fold line incorporated therein extending from the adjacent corner of the centre panel to an outer edge of the comer panel, and a locking panel foldably connected to each second side panel at the outer end thereof.
11. 14. The blank of claim 13 wherein the blank is formed from polymer sheet material.
12. 15.The blank of claim 14 wherein the polymer sheet material comprises polypropylene extruded corrugated board.
13. 16. The blank of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the central panel is of rectangular configuration such that each first edge comprises a longitudinal side edge and each second edge comprises a transverse edge, wherein each first side panel comprises a longitudinal side panel and each second side panel comprises an end panel.
14. 17. The blank of any one of claims 13 to 16 wherein each locking panel is substantially the same size and shape as the second side panel to which it is attached.
15. 18. The blank of any one of claims 13 to 17 wherein each locking panel is foldably connected to its second side panel by an integral hinge therebetween, the hinge comprising two fold lines with a web therebetween. 18- O19. The blank of any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the blank includes at least one tab provided on the free end of the locking panel and a corresponding number of tab recesses provided in the central panel I. The blank of any one of claims 13 to 18 wherein the blank includes a locking flap hingedly attached on the end of the respective locking panel.
16. 21. A collapsible box comprising a central panel having two opposed side iedges, two opposed end edges and corners therebetween, a side panel connected to each side edge and an end panel connected to each end edge, the side and end panels being foldable with respect to the central panel between collapsed and erected conditions, and comer panels interconnecting adjacent ends of the side and end panels, each comer panel being foldably connected between the respective side and end panels and having a fold line incorporated therein extending from the adjacent comer of the centre panel to an outer edge of the comer panel whereby the corner panels can fold inwardly for location adjacent the end panels when the side and end panels are in the erected condition, a locking panel foldably connected to each end panel at the outer end thereof, the locking panel being adapted to fold inwardly to locate against the respective inwardly folded corner panels whereby the inwardly folded corner panels are confined between the respective second end panel and the locking panel connected thereto, and securing means for releasably securing each locking panel in the inwardly folded position.
17. 22. A collapsible lid comprising a central panel having two opposed side edges, two opposed end edges and corners therebetween, a side panel connected to each side edge and an end panel connected to each end edge, the side and end panels being foldable with respect to the central panel between collapsed and erected conditions, and comer panels interconnecting adjacent ends of the side and end panels, each corner panel being foldably connected between the respective side and end panels and having a fold line incorporated therein extending from the adjacent corner of the centre panel to -19- \O an outer edge of the corner panel whereby the corner panels can fold o inwardly for location adjacent the end panels when the side and end panels are in the erected condition, a locking panel foldably connected to each end n panel at the outer end thereof, the locking panel being adapted to fold inwardly to locate against the respective inwardly folded corner panels whereby the inwardly folded corner panels are confined between the N respective second end panel and the locking panel connected thereto, and securing means for releasably securing each locking panel in the inwardly IDfolded position.
18. 23. A packaging component substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8; Figs 9 to 13; or Figs. 14 to 18 of the accompanying drawings.
19. 24. A blank for a packaging component, the blank substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8; Figs 9 to 13; or Figs. 14 to 18 of the accompanying drawings.
20. 25. A collapsible box substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 1 to 8 or Figs 9 to 13 of the accompanying drawings.
21. 26.A collapsible lid substantially as herein described with reference to Figs. 14 to 18 of the accompanying drawings.