AU2007201973A1 - Foldable container - Google Patents
Foldable container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2007201973A1 AU2007201973A1 AU2007201973A AU2007201973A AU2007201973A1 AU 2007201973 A1 AU2007201973 A1 AU 2007201973A1 AU 2007201973 A AU2007201973 A AU 2007201973A AU 2007201973 A AU2007201973 A AU 2007201973A AU 2007201973 A1 AU2007201973 A1 AU 2007201973A1
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- blank
- container
- panels
- opposite side
- base panel
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G7/00—Flower holders or the like
- A47G7/02—Devices for supporting flower-pots or cut flowers
- A47G7/06—Flower vases
- A47G7/063—Flower vases foldable
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/008—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper the container body having a pyramidal shape
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/36—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections
- B65D5/3607—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections formed by folding or erecting a single blank
- B65D5/3635—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections formed by folding or erecting a single blank by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body
- B65D5/3678—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper specially constructed to allow collapsing and re-erecting without disengagement of side or bottom connections formed by folding or erecting a single blank by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body collapsed along median lines of two opposite sides and the central panel
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/50—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for living organisms, articles or materials sensitive to changes of environment or atmospheric conditions, e.g. land animals, birds, fish, water plants, non-aquatic plants, flower bulbs, cut flowers or foliage
- B65D85/505—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for living organisms, articles or materials sensitive to changes of environment or atmospheric conditions, e.g. land animals, birds, fish, water plants, non-aquatic plants, flower bulbs, cut flowers or foliage for cut flowers
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Botany (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Evolutionary Biology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
Description
S&FRef: 809359
AUSTRALIA
PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT Name and Address of Applicant Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: Invention Title: The Idea Network Ltd., of 17 St. Albans Road, Bristol, BS6 7SF, United Kingdom James Lott Spruson Ferguson St Martins Tower Level 31 Market Street Sydney NSW 2000 (CCN 3710000177) Foldable container The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5845c(776163_1) O FOLDABLE CONTAINER SBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention SThe present invention relates generally to containers in general, and more 0 particularly, to a foldable container.
2. Description of the Prior Art In an office, store, merchandising or any other environment, many different types of containers are abundantly used for collecting and storing various articles. Typically, known prior art container devices are of a totally rigid, noncollapsible construction and, importantly, few of the known devices are designed to be transported in a disassembled state for case of portability, while providing a design which is easy to assemble on-site. A totally rigid construction makes the known devices bulky, awkward and difficult to transport from one location to another. Moreover, the containers of a truncated pyramid shape, which are highly desirable as vases due to their stability, are difficult to make in a rigid form (the open neck being narrower than the base). Therefore, there exists a need for an inexpensive container assembly, especially of a truncated pyramid shape, which can be easily and conveniently employed in a wide variety of environments, both indoors and outdoors, which container assembly can be stored and shipped in a compact, flat folded package and can be easily and readily assembled.
Furthermore, flowers are among the most often given and most widely appreciated gifts. However, it is not always possible to quickly obtain a vase. The flowers s can therefore not be put in water immediately, and the durability of the often expensive bouquet decreases. This situation is known for example from a sick-visit in a hospital, where there often is a shortage of vases. Another example may be receptions where the number of flower bouquets can be very large, but the possibility of putting the flowers in water is missing. For this reason, many flower givers thus settle for cellophane or paper- 1o wrapped flowers with a tie string, together with a plain note card. This is typically a leaky and unimpressive manner of presentation, albeit inexpensive. It would be preferable to present flowers with an attractive, convenient, and decorative vase that even has an appropriate theme for the occasion, yet is inexpensive.
Folding paper containers are known in the prior art for holding or carrying objects. While known foldable containers, have proven to be acceptable for various applications, such devices are nevertheless susceptible to improvements that may enhance their performance and lower cost. With this in mind, a need exists to develop improved foldable containers that advance the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect ofthe present invention, there is provided a container intended to hold a liquid and formed of a single-piece sheet of a stiff but foldable material. The container of the present invention is movable between an expanded position and a folded position. The container comprises a substantially rectangular bottom wall defined by four sides thereof, and four side walls hingedly connected to each other and to the bottom wall. The side walls include first and second pairs of opposite side walls. The container if the present invention further comprises a median fold line crossing the second pair of opposite side walls and the bottom wall so that each of the opposite side walls and the bottom wall are foldable along the median fold line, and two bottom fold lines formed on the bottom wall and extending substantially diagonally across the bottom wall so that the bottom wall is foldable along the bottom fold lines.
Accoiding to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blank for forming a foldable container. The blank of the present invention is formed from a substantially flat single-piece sheet of foldable material and comprises a substantially rectangular base panel having four sides, four side panels radially outwardly extending from corresponding sides of the base panel and separated therefrom by four base fold lines defining the four sides of said base panel, and four sets of web panels each provided between each'two of the side panels. Each of the sets of web panels has a plurality of web panels hingedly connected to each other along web fold lines. The four side panels include first and second pairs of opposite side panels. The blank of the present invention further includes a plurality of side fold lines radially outwardly extending from the bottom panel for separating the sets of web panels and the side panels, a median fold line crossing the second pair of opposite side panels and the base panel so that each of the second pair of opposite side panels and the base panel are foldable along the median fold line, and two bottom fold lines formed on the bottom panel and extending substantially diagonally across the base panel so that the base panel is foldable along the bottom fold lines.
With this invention, the foldable side walls can be imprinted, embossed, engraved, etched or otherwise decorated with indicia and can be easily and simultaneously used as a sign to promote the sale of goods and/or services in a commercial setting to promote an activity or event, or to convey any particular message in an office or other environment. Because the foldable blank of this invention is easily manufactured and shipped, this enables a user to imprint a company logo, advertising promotional rhaterial, or any other message on the body panel and to display the same when the present device is utilized as a promotional container. Since the blank is made of a lightweight, preferably resilient or flexible, material as will be hereinafter explained, it can be easily inanufactured, transported and assembled for use as a container assembly.
The present assembly affords a user a simple arrangement to assemble, particularly, in a commercial environment where one is promoting and merchandising goods and/or services for short period of time with the constant need to replace one advertisement with another in a simple and inexpensive manner.
Therefore, the present invention provides a foldable container which can easily receive printing to promote goods and/or services, convey a message or present a unique design. The construction and operation of a container assembly can be packaged, stored and shipped in a substantially flat condition, and can be easily assembled without the use of tools or other fastener means for assembling the same. It will be appreciated that the present invention presents a container of very simple design and construction that is inexpensive to produce from a single-piece blank.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1.is a perspective view of a container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a fully deployed position; Fig. 2A is a first side view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the fully deployed position; Fig. 2B is a bottom view from below of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the fully deployed position; Fig. 2C is a second side view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the fully deployed position; Fig. 2D is a top view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the fully deployed position; Fig. 2E is a third side view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the fully deployed position; Fig. 2F is a fourth side view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the fully deployed position; Fig. 3A is a perspective view from above of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a partially deployed position; Fig. 3B is a perspective view from below of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in the partially deployed position; 0 Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a fully folded position; Z Fig. 5 is a side view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the Spresent invention in the fully folded position; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a partially folded position; Fig. 7 is a plan view of a single-piece blank used to construct the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 8-10 schematically show successive stages in folding parts of the blank illustrated in tig. 7 to form one of a first pair of side walls of the container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention that comprises a plurality of plies of a sheet material of the blank.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the illustrations for a better understanding of the invention, it will be seen that this invention is a foldable container indicated generally by reference numeral 2, which may be intended to hold a liquid, such as water, so as to act as a vase for flowers.
The container 2 of the present invention is movable between a deployed (or erected) position (or state) (illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2A-2F) and a folded (or collapsed) position (or state) (illustrated in Figs. 4 and Figs. 3A and 3b show the perspective views of the container 2 in a partially deployed position, i.e. the intermediate stage close to be fully erected, while Fig. 6 show the perspective views of the container 2 in a partially folded position, i.e. the intermediate stage close to be fully collapsed. In the upright position illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2A-2F, the container 2 can stand stably upright on a flat surface (not shown), such as table or the like to hold water and act as the vase for flowers.
The container 2 is of a generally truncated pyramid shape in which the truncated pyramid is a four side truncated pyramid having a substantially rectangular, flat bottom wall 3 considerably larger than an open top 14. Preferably, the bottom wall 3 is substantially square in shape. The container 2 further comprises a plurality of side walls 4, 5, 6 and 7 bingedly connected to each other and to the bottom wall 3. The side walls 4- 7 have top edges 9 defining the open top 14 of the container 2. The side walls 4, 5, 6 and 7 of the container 2 include a first pair of the opposite side walls 4 and 6, and a second pair of the opposite side walls 5 and 7. Moreover, each of the second pair of the opposite side walls 5 and 7 is provided with a median fold line 96 so that the side walls 5 and 7 are foldable along the median fold line 96. Each of the first pair of the opposite side walls 4 and 6 is not foldable. As illustrated in Figs. 1, 2A, 2D, 2E, 3A and 3B, the median fold line 96 is formed on the second pair of the opposite side walls 5 and 7 between the top edges 9 thereof and the bottom wall 3. Furthermore, the base panel 12 is provided with bottom fold lines 92, 94 and 96 formed on the bottom wall 3 and extending substantially along axes of symmetry thereof so that the base panel is foldable along the bottom fold lines 92, 94 and 96.
The container 2 is formed from a blank 8 in the form of a single-piece, substantially flat sheet cut out from a sheet of any appropriate relatively stiff but foldable material, as illustrated in Fig. 7. For instance, the blank 8 may be formed of a paper, a cardboard, a cellulose material, a sheet of plastic material, or any other appropriate relatively stiff but foldable material. Preferably, the material of the blank 8 is printable, and may be provided with any appropriate logo or advertisement printed or artistic design or written message or any combination of the previous thereon, Further preferably, the sheet of the blank 8 is liquid-proof or water-proof (waterimpermeable). However, the sheet of the blank 8 which is not liquid-proof is also within the scope of the-present invention. Examples of the liquid-proof material for the sheet of the blank 8 may be a cellulose material, a paper or cardboard having a suitable waterresistant laye rof plastic (such as polyethylene or polyester) laminate on an inner side thereof. Alterhatively, the blank 8 may be formed entirely of a plastic material.
Moreover, the plastic material of the blank 8 may be waterproofed by a layer of coating of a water-proof emulsion thereon, and/or such emulsion may be incorporated into the structure of the sheet material forming the blank 8, for example whilst the sheet material is being manu'factured. Also, the sheet of the blank 8 may be laminated or coated in somneway.
The blank 8 is indented or creased to form a plurality of fold (or crease) lines depicted by dash lines in Fig. 7. The blank 8 according to the present invention has a substantially polygonal outer periphery 10 and is integrally formed with tabs 15 ahd 16 extending radially outwardly from the outer periphery 10 of the blank 8 at two substantially diametrically opposed locations. In the blank 8, dash lines indicate fold (or crease) lines iormed by grooves or linear indentations in the blank material. Moreover, the blank 8 in'c1udes a substantially rectangular base panel 12 and four trapezoidal side panels: a first. side panel 26, a second side panel 28, a third side panel 30 and a fourth side panel 32. The farst side panel 26 and the third side panel 30 define a first pair of the opposite side panels, while the second side panel 28 and the fourth side panel 33 define a second pair of the opposite side panels. Preferably, the base panel 12 is substantially square in shape. The base panel 12 is demarcated by four base fold lines: a first base fold line 18, a second base fold line 20, a third base fold line 22 and a fourth base fold line 24.
Each of the base fold lines 18, 20, 22 and 24 defines a-respective one of four sides of -the rectangular base panel 12. In other words, the first base fold line 18 defines a first side of the base panel 12, the second base fold line 20 defines a second side thereof, the third base fold line. 22 defines a third side thereof, and the fourth base fold line 22 defines a fourth side thereof. Each of the side panels 26, 28, 30 and 32 radially outwardly extends from the corresponding side of the base panel 12 and is separated therefrom by the base fold lines I gt,'20, 22 and 24. More specifically, the first side panel 26 extends from the first side 18 of the base panel 12, the second side panel 28 extends from the second side 20 thereof:, the third side panel 30 extends from the third side 22 thereof; and the fourth side panel 32 extends from the fourth side 24 thereof.
The side panels 26, 28, 30 and 32 are provided to form the side walls 4-7 of the container 2 anid are demarcated further by side fold lines 34, 36, 3 8, 40, 42, 44, 46 and 48. As illustrated.. the tabs 15 and 16 are provided adjacent to the opposite side panels 26 and 30, respectively. Each of the trapezoidal side panels 26, 28, 30 and 32 progressively tapers in the direction away from the base panel 12 to the outer periphery 10. Between each two adjacent trapezoidal side panels 26 and 28, 28 and 30, 30 and 32, and 32 and 28 is a respective set of four substantially triangular web panels hingedly connected to each 9 other. Each of the triangular web panels widens toward the periphery 10 from an acute angle apex at a respective corner of the base panel 12. Each set of the triangular web panels is depicted with the reference characters 50A, 52A, 54A and 56A; 58A, 60A, 62A and 64A; 50B, 52B, 54B and 56B; and 5813, 60B, 62B and 64B. The above triangular web panels are demarcated at least in part by web fold lines 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 80, 82, 84, 86 and 88. Furthermore, tab fold lines 89 and 90 extend across a root of each tab and 16.
The blank 8 is'crossed by a medial fold line 96 so as to divide each Of the second pair of the truncated trapezoidal side panels 28 and 32 along its intended height into two substantially equal areas 28A, 28B and 32A, 32B and to divide the base pane 12 into two substantially equal rectangles. In other words, the median fold line 96 extends substantially along an axis of symmetry of the opposite side panels 28 and 32 and the base panel I2 Furthermore, the base panel 12 is crossed with two diagonal first and second bottom fold lines 92 and 94. Consequently, if the base panel 12 is square, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom fold lines 92, 94 and the meditan fold line 96 extend substantially along axes of symmetry of the base panel 12.
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 7, each of angles A defined between the fold lines 20 and 38, 20 and 40, 22 and 46, and 22 and 48 is substantially 780, each of angles B defined between the fold lines 70 and 38, 72 and 82 and 46; And 84 and 48 is substantially 310*, each of angles C defined between the fold lines 70 and 68, 72 and 74, 80 and 82, and 84 and 86 is substantially 26.5', each of angles D defined between the fold lines 66 and 68, 74 and 76, 78 and 80, and 86 and 88 is substantially 25.50, each of angles E defined between the fold lines 66 and 36, 76 and 42, 44 and 78, and 34 and 88 is substantially 300, and each of angles F defined between the fold lines 18 and 36, 18 and 34, 20 and 42, and 20 and 44 is substantially 791.
The container 2 may be formed from the blank 8 using an origami method. More specifically, the method for forming the container 2, as shown in Figs. I and 2A-2F, from the blank 8, shown in Fig. 7, according to one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is schematically illustrated in Figs. 8-10 and comprises the following steps. First, the base panel 12 is left comparatively flat and the trapezoidal side panels 26, 28, 30 and 32 are folded into a somewhat upright position about the fold lines 18, 20, 22 and 24. Then, the blank 8 is folded with respect to the side panels 26 and 30 inwardly of the container 2, leaving two opposite side panels 28 and 32 of the blank 8. As a result, each of the second pair of the side panels 28 and 32 defines one of the first pair of the side walls 5 and 7 of the container 2 and is formed by a single piy of the material forming the blank 8.13y contrast, each of the first pair of the side walls, 4 and 6 of the container 2 is comprises a phiurality of folded overlying plies including the respective one of the first pair of the side panel 26 and 30. The base panel 12 defines the bottom wall 3 formed by a single ply of the material forming the blank 8.
More specifically, the forming of the side wall 4 including the side panel 26 according to one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention is schematically depicted in detail in Figs. 8-10. The substantially similar procedure is carried out for the side wall 6 of the container 2 including the side panel 30. First, as illustrated in Fig. 8, the triangular web panel 54A is folded about the fold line 68 internally of the side panel 28, to overlie the triangular web panel 52A. Similarly, the triangular web panel 62B is folded about the fold line 86 to overlie the triangular web panel 60B. Then, the overlying web panels 52A and 54A are folded inwardly about the fold lines 66 and 70, respectively, so that the web panel 52A juxtaposes the web panel 50A. Next, the adjacent web panels and 56A are folded inwardly about the fold lines 36 and 38, respectively, so that the overlying web panels 52A and 54A are now sandwiched between the adjacent and overlying web panels 50A, 56A and the side panel 26, as schematically illustrated in Fig.
9. Subsequently, the overlying web panels 60B and 62B are folded inwardly about the fold lines 84 and 88, respectively, so that the web panel 62B juxtaposes the web panel
A
64B. Next, thb adjacent web panels 58B and 64B are folded inwardly about the fold lines 48 and 34, respectively, so that the overlying web panels 60B and 62B are now sandwiched between the adjacent and overlying web panels 58B, 64B and the web panel 56A, as schematically illustrated in Fig. 10. In other words, the folded web 52A, 54A and 56A are sandwiched between the web panels 58B, 60B, 62B and 64B, and the side panel 26. Then, the tab 15 is folded inwardly of the container 2 about the fold line 89 toward the side panel 26 so as to overlie the web panel 58B and to sandwich the web panels 50A, 52A, 54A, 56A and 58B, 60B, 62B, 64B between the side panel 26 and the tab 15. Finally, the tab 15 and the web panels 50A, 52A, 54A, 56A and 58B, 62B, 64B are secured to the side panel 26 by any appropriate means known in the art, such as adhesive bonding, thus defining the side wall 4 of the container 2. It would be appreciated that any other sequence of folding the web panels 50A, 52A, 54A, 56A and 58B, 60B, 62B, 64B inwardly of the container 2 adjacent to the side panel 26 to form the side wall 4 is within the scope of the present invention.
As noted above, the substantially similar procedure is carried out for the side wall 6 of the container 2 including the side panel 30. In other words, the side wall 6 is defined by the side panel 30, the tab 16 and the web panels 50B, 52B, 54B, 5BA and 58A, 62A, 64A sandwiched between the side panel 30 and the tab 16.
It will be appreciated that the method for formiing the container 2, as shown in Figs. 8- 10, from the blank 8, shown in Fig. 7, represents just one of a number of other methods of forming the container 2 from the blank 8. Any other appropriate method or sequence of folding the blank 8 to form the container 2 is within the scope of the present invention. It *ill be also appreciated that the particular method for forming the container 2 from the blank 8 is generally a matter of preference or choice.
The blank 8 may be imprinted, embossed or otherwise decorated with indicia such as a companylogo, promotional material, or other data. The foldable blank 8 forming the container 2 can be packaged, stored and'fumnished in substantially flat form and can be easily assembled.
In Figs. 1 and 2A-2F the container 2 is shown in an operational, deployed state for use, for example, as a vase for flowers wbich can be natural since the container 2 may be impervious to water. The fold line 96 together with the fold lines 92 and 94 give the container 2 a concertina-like construction enabling it to be folded into a flat state (folded position) as shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The container 2 can be expanded (for example by mnanual pull) from the folded position into the expanded position (as shown in Figs. I and 2A-2D). The iesilience provided by the nature of the material, for example a paper, forming the blank 8 combined with the effect of the fold lines 92, 94 and 96 in the base panel 12 can cause or assist the container 2 to spring or pop up from its folded position in Figs. 4 and 5 into the expanded position in Figs. 1 and 2A-2D, with the base panel 12 adopting a convex (or slightly convex) configuration inwardly of the container 2.
A decorative surrounding band 102 (shown in Fig. 4) may surround the flat container 2 to hold it in the folded position until the expanded container 2 is needed. In the expanded state of the container 2 as shown in Figs. 1 and 2A-2F, the inclination angle between the areas28A and 28B, and 32A and 32B may be obtuse.
The container 2 may be supplied with flowers, for example a bouquet, to provide a readily utilizable vase. Such a vase formed from a one-piece sheet will not leak easily because the blank 8 can be made of a water impermeable material. The geometry of the side panels and the web panels of single-piece blank 8 and the folding arrangement of the container 2 is'such that it allows the container 2 to hold a level of water high enough for the bouquet of natural flowers without leaking the water.
The present invention therefore provides a foldable container which can easily receive printing to promote goods and/or services, convey a message or present a unique design. The cnstruction and operation of a container assembly can be packaged, stored and shipped in a substantially flat condition, and can be easily assembled without the use of tools or other fastener means for assembling the same. It will be appreciated that the present invention presents a container of very simple design and construction that is inexpensive to produce from a single-piece blank.
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration in accordance with the provisions of the Patent Statutes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above 0 teachings, The embodiment disclosed hereinabove was chosen in order to best illustrate the principles of the present invention and its practical application to thereby enable those Sof ordinary skill in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated, as long as the principles described herein are followed. Thus, changes can be made in the aboverdescribed invention without departing from the intent and scope thereof. It is also c intended that the scope of the present invention be defined by the claims appended Sthereto.
Claims (26)
1. A container movable between an expanded position and a folded position, said container comprising: a substantially rectangular bottom wall defined by four sides thereof; four side walls hingedly connected to each other and to said bottom wall, said four side walls including first and second pairs of opposite side walls; said side walls having top edges defining an open top of said container; a median fold line crossing said second pair of opposite side walls and said bottom wall so that each of said opposite side walls and said bottom wall being foldable along said median fold line; and two bottom fold lines formed on said bottom wall and extending substantially diagonally across said bottom wall so that said bottom wall being foldable along said bottom fold lines.
2. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said second pair of opposite side walls and said bottom wall are foldable along said median fold line inwardly to said container.
3. The container as defined in claim 2, wherein said bottom wall is foldable along said bottom fold lines inwardly to said container.
4. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said bottom wall is substantially square in shape.
The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said side walls are substantially trapezoidal in shape so that parallel sides of said trapezoidal side walls extend along said sides of said bottom wall.
6. The container as defined in claim 5, wherein each of said trapezoidal side walls progressively tapers in the direction away from said bottom wall.
7. The container as defined in claim 6, wherein said median fold line extends across said opposite side walls and said bottom wall substantially along axes of symmetry thereof.
8. The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said container is formed of a substantially flat single-piece blank.
9. The container as defined in claim 8, wherein said blank is made from water- impermeable material.
The container as defined in claim 1, wherein said container is formed from a blank of a substantially flat single-piece sheet of foldable material, said blank comprising: a substantjally rectangular base panel defining said bottom wall and having four sides; four side planels radially outwardly extending from corresponding sides of said base panel and separated therefrom by four base fold lines defining said four sides of said base panel, said four side panels including first and second pairs of opposite side panels; four sets of web panels each provided between each two of said side panels, each of said sets of web panels including a plurality of web panels hingedly connected to each other, a plurality of fold lines radially outwardly extending from said bottom panel for separating said sets of web panels and said side panels; said nedian fold line crossing said second pair of opposite side panels and said base panel so that each of said second pair of opposite side panels and said base panel being foldable along said median fold line; wherein each of said second pair of said opposite side walls is defined solely by one of said second pair of said opposite side panels; and wherein each of said first pair of opposite side walls is defined by one of said first pair of opposite side panels and two sets of said web panels folded about said web fold lines and said side fold lines adjacent to corresponding one of said first pair of opposite side panels aid secured thereto.
11. The blank as defined in claim 10, wherein said web panels are substantially triangular in shape so as to widen toward a periphery of said blank from an acute angle apex at a respective corer of said base panel.
12. The blank as defined in claim 10, wherein each of said sets of web panels includes four web panels.
13. The blank as defined in claim 12, wherein said web panels are substantially triangular in shape so as to widen toward a periphery of said blank from an acute angle apex at a respective comer of said base panel.
14. A blank for forming a foldable container, said blank comprising: a substantially rectangular base panel having four sides; four side panels radially outwardly extending from corresponding sides of said base panel and separated therefrom by four base fold lines defining said four sides of said base panel, said four side panels including first and second pairs of opposite side panels; four sets of web panels each provided between each two of said side panels, each of said sets of web panels including a plurality of web panels hingedly connected to each other along web fold lines; a plurality of side fold lines radially outwardly extending from said bottom panel for separating said sets of web panels and said side panels; a median fold line crossing said second pair of opposite side panels and said base panel so that each of said second pair of opposite side panels and said base panel being foldable along said median fold line; and two bottom fold lines formed on said bottom panel and extending substantially diagonally across said base panel so that said base panel being foldable along said bottom fold lines; said blank being formed from a substantially flat single-piece sheet of foldable material.
The blank as defined in claim 14, wherein said web panels are substantially triangular in shape so as to widen toward a periphery of said blank from an acute angle apex at a respective corer of said base panel.
16. The blank as defined in claim 14, wherein each of said sets of web panels includes four web panels.
17. The blank as defined in claim 16, wherein said web panels are substantially triangular in shape so as to widen toward a periphery of said blank from an acute angle apex at a respective corer of said base panel.
18. The blank as defined in claim 14, wherein said base panel is substantially square in shape.
19. The blank as defined in claim 14, wherein said side panels are substantially trapezoidal in shape so that parallel sides of said trapezoidal side panels extend along said sides of said base panel.
The blank as defined in claim 19, wherein each of said trapezoidal side walls progressively tapers in the direction away from said base panel.
21. The blank as defined in claim 14, wherein said median fold line extends across said second pair of opposite side panels and said base panel substantially along axes of symmetry thereof.
22. The blank as defined in claim 14, wherein said sheet of said blank is made from water- impermeable material.
23. The blank as defined in claim 14, further comprising at least two tabs extending radially outwardly from an outer periphery of said blank at locations adjacent to the other opposite pair of said side panels and hingedly connected thereto.
24. The blank as defined in claim 14, wherein said blank is foldable to form a container comprising: a substantially rectangular single-ply bottom wall defined by said base panel; four side walls hingedly connected to each other and to said bottom wall,.said side walls having top edges defining an open top of said container, said four side walls including first and second pair of opposite side walls; wherein each of said second pair of said opposite side walls is defined solely by one of said second pair of opposite side panels; wherein each of said first pair of opposite side walls is defined by one of said first pair of opposite side panels and two sets of said web panels folded about said web fold lines and said side fold lines adjacent to each of said first pair of opposite side panels and secured thereto. O
25. A container movable between an expanded position and a folded N position, said container substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
26. A blank for forming a foldable container, said blank substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 Dated 3 May 2007 010 The Idea Network Ltd. r Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SSPRUSON FERGUSON 22 (775808_1):LZV
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/416,067 US20070257093A1 (en) | 2006-05-03 | 2006-05-03 | Foldable container |
US11/416067 | 2006-05-03 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
AU2007201973A1 true AU2007201973A1 (en) | 2007-11-22 |
Family
ID=38229756
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
AU2007201973A Abandoned AU2007201973A1 (en) | 2006-05-03 | 2007-05-03 | Foldable container |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20070257093A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1852040A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2007201973A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104724345A (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2015-06-24 | 王明圣 | Easy recycle box |
Families Citing this family (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
NL1029899C2 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2007-03-09 | Commanditaire Vennootschap Bin | Flower vase comprises folded flat part which incorporates base part (3) and two oppositely located extending main side wall parts (4) on each of which abuts an auxiliary side wall part (5) |
US8070006B2 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2011-12-06 | Evergreen Innovation Partners I, Lp | Deployable and disposable container assemblies with bendable support members |
AU2008200623B2 (en) * | 2008-02-08 | 2015-09-10 | Lynch Group Australia Pty Limited | Flower display unit and system |
NL1035703C2 (en) * | 2008-07-15 | 2010-01-18 | J B B Pack B V | Package for packaging bunch of flowers, has wall divided into two parts, where package is transformed from storage state in which package is folded in flat manner, to usage state in which package is unfolded to form opening |
US8955677B2 (en) | 2012-01-22 | 2015-02-17 | Shirley Ann Ladler-Dennis | Collapsible gift container |
GB2502823B (en) * | 2012-06-08 | 2015-03-11 | Stanley Thomas Warder | Foldable vase |
EP2799369A1 (en) * | 2013-05-02 | 2014-11-05 | DropBucket | Disposable waste bin |
US20150175294A1 (en) * | 2013-12-19 | 2015-06-25 | Ming-Sheng Wang | Recyclable Food Package |
DE202014105515U1 (en) * | 2014-11-17 | 2016-02-22 | Bischof + Klein Gmbh & Co. Kg | Stand-up pouches |
GB2560503B (en) * | 2017-03-07 | 2019-12-11 | Gc Aesthetics Mfg Ltd | Packaging |
GB201705707D0 (en) | 2017-04-10 | 2017-05-24 | Gc Aesthetics (Manufacturing) Ltd | Implant |
US11958683B1 (en) * | 2018-06-29 | 2024-04-16 | Christian Nicolas Desrosiers | Collapsible container with nested bags |
FR3128450B1 (en) * | 2021-03-03 | 2023-11-10 | Itey Frederic | “Half-opening pyramid-shaped envelope box” |
Family Cites Families (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1380880A (en) * | 1921-06-07 | Collapsible container | ||
US1486043A (en) * | 1922-05-26 | 1924-03-04 | Schwartz Isabela | Paper bag |
US1957402A (en) * | 1931-10-09 | 1934-05-01 | Central States Paper And Bag C | Bag |
US2054302A (en) * | 1935-09-20 | 1936-09-15 | Roy B Scoles | Container for pulverulent materials |
US2499780A (en) * | 1942-12-01 | 1950-03-07 | Rottman George | Carton |
US2643812A (en) * | 1949-09-05 | 1953-06-30 | Bahlsen Werner | Box construction |
US2676747A (en) * | 1950-11-24 | 1954-04-27 | Bahlsen Werner | Folded box |
US3119494A (en) * | 1961-11-15 | 1964-01-28 | Schenley Ind Inc | Convertible package |
US4877010A (en) * | 1985-04-24 | 1989-10-31 | Pyromid, Inc. | Outdoor cooking unit with disposable component |
GB9307405D0 (en) * | 1993-04-08 | 1993-06-02 | Maxwell Joanne S | A blank |
WO1998001350A1 (en) * | 1996-07-08 | 1998-01-15 | Multipak As | Flexible container for liquid |
GB9700987D0 (en) * | 1997-01-17 | 1997-03-05 | Rudolf Susan M | Disposable vase |
US6227439B1 (en) * | 1999-06-01 | 2001-05-08 | Multi-Pak As | Flexible bag in the box container for liquids |
FR2841215B1 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2004-08-20 | Au Jardin Des Arts | PACKAGE OBTAINED BY FOLDING A PRE-CUT SHEET |
GB0223772D0 (en) * | 2002-10-14 | 2002-11-20 | Cousins Jay | Foldable container |
-
2006
- 2006-05-03 US US11/416,067 patent/US20070257093A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2007
- 2007-05-03 EP EP07107445A patent/EP1852040A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2007-05-03 AU AU2007201973A patent/AU2007201973A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104724345A (en) * | 2013-12-20 | 2015-06-24 | 王明圣 | Easy recycle box |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1852040A1 (en) | 2007-11-07 |
US20070257093A1 (en) | 2007-11-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
AU2007201973A1 (en) | Foldable container | |
US4917240A (en) | Expandable floral greeting card | |
US7870995B1 (en) | Foldable packaging container | |
US7036271B2 (en) | Vase and foot therefor | |
US5878945A (en) | Self-erecting container | |
US6497601B1 (en) | Folding three dimensional construction | |
US5979745A (en) | Folded sheet packing | |
US10667632B2 (en) | Paperboard display assembly | |
US6386370B1 (en) | Tiered shadowbox pop-up structures | |
US7571566B1 (en) | Container and method of use | |
US10427836B2 (en) | Combination shipping and display package | |
US20130037435A1 (en) | Package with integral markers for containers | |
US20060026896A1 (en) | Transportation and display assembly for floral bouquets and other items | |
US7159351B2 (en) | Display kiosk | |
US10269269B2 (en) | Three-dimensional advertising/promotional display | |
US4896819A (en) | Foldable gift basket | |
WO1996030267A2 (en) | Self-erecting container which is collapsible to be substantially flat | |
US20060005438A1 (en) | Vase-like carrier for long stem candy | |
AU711582B2 (en) | Disposable plant and flower container | |
WO2007103936A2 (en) | Combined display unit and shipping container therefor | |
JP3110027U (en) | Simplified vase | |
US20040256282A1 (en) | Multi-purpose ornamental caricature device and method therefor | |
US20240206579A1 (en) | Three-dimensional display | |
JP3144463U (en) | Assembly advertising media | |
JP3117146U (en) | Simplified vase |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
MK4 | Application lapsed section 142(2)(d) - no continuation fee paid for the application |