CA2292121A1

CA2292121A1 - Transparent box for displaying and storing cd racks and the like

Info

Publication number: CA2292121A1
Application number: CA 2292121
Authority: CA
Inventors: Shahriar Dardashti
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-12-08
Filing date: 1999-12-08
Publication date: 2001-06-08

Abstract

A transparent display and storage box formed from a continuous sheet of transparent plastic material. According to one embodiment, the sheet is cut and fold lines formed thereon to define a plurality of panels, flaps, tabs and slots. The panels and flaps are folded relative to one another and the tabs inserted into the slots to form a self-standing transparent box for displaying and storing CD racks and the like.

Description

PATENT
DOCKET N0. 340076-135 TRANSPARENT BOX FOR DISPLAYING AND STORING CD RACKS AND THE LIKE
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to boxes for CD racks and the like, and to methods of forming them. An example of a box (or carton) known in the prior art is illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 generally at 100. Box 100 is made from a(n) (opaque) cardboard sheet configured with six side panels 104, 108, 112, 116, 120 and 124, a bottom flap and a similarly-configured top flap 132.
An end panel flap overlaps and is glued to an inside surface of an opposite end panel to hold the panels in a tubular-like shape. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the top flap 132 includes two side flaps 136 and 140 with slots 144 and 148 formed therein.
To close the top flap 132 (and similarly the bottom flap 128), the tuck flaps 152, 156 and 160 are tucked in, as shown in FIG.

2, and the tabs 164 and 168 are inserted into the slots 144 and 148, respectively, as depicted in FIG. 3. Pictures, words, logos, instructions and/or advertisements 172 are provided crowded on each of the panels and the top and bottom flaps.
When the boxes containing the CD racks or the like are stacked on retail shelves together with boxes of competing goods, the indicia 172 are confusing to the consumers, not distinguishing one box from the other, and making for a very "busy" display.
Summary of the Invention Accordingly, directed to overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art, disclosed herein is a transparent box for displaying and storing CD racks and the like. Although a number of box sizes and configurations are disclosed herein to hold various sizes and shapes of CD racks, each of the boxes is constructed from a single sheet of transparent material such as PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 plastic. Each of the sheets includes a plurality of side-by-side panels separated from each other by fold lines. The panels are (releasably) connected in a tubular-like configuration by edge tabs fitting into slots at an opposite panel edge. One of these tab-slot arrangements includes a plurality of spaced slots formed along a fold line between a narrow end panel and an adjacent panel, and the corresponding tabs extend out from a side edge of an opposite end panel. The tubular-like configuration can have a hexagonal shape, a rectangular shape, an isosceles-trapezoid shape, an arcuate shape, or a rounded triangular shape. Many of the disclosed boxes include a top flap and a bottom flap, each of which is held in place with a slot and interlocking tab arrangement. One of the arrangements includes at least one central slot or opening in a first flap and a central punch-out tab in a second flap, wherein to close the end of the tubular-like configuration the flaps are overlapped and the tab inserted into the opening. The various (mechanical) tab and slot arrangements are preferably the sole means for holding the sheet in its box shape; that is, no adhesives, staples or other fasteners are used.
The thin (.45mm) polypropylene plastic material used to form the boxes preferably has thin parallel lines (ridges on the exterior surface). The lines reduce reflection and increase the boxes' durability. The lines in the clear packaging make additional lines or bends in the packaging resulting from handling thereof less noticeable. The transparent plastic packaging construction has a number of advantages over the prior art cardboard construction including that it is easier to ship;
it is easier to pack as a whole and does not require extra attention. Because the box can be completely unfolded flat, it is less apt to fall apart. In contrast, when a cardboard box is PATENT
DOCKET N0. 340076-135 folded it is more likely to tear at the bends. The present boxes create displays that are less busy and crowded than the prior art box of FIG. 1. The clear packaging creates a simple look, which is preferred by retailers.
The box can also include a top hanger tab flap, which folds down onto itself or the top of a panel and locks in a folded-down position. The top hanger tab flap includes matching openings whereby the top tab flap defines a hang tab. A hanger at a retail location is inserted into the matched openings, and the box hangs from the hanger in a convenient display position.
One box can hang from each hanger, or a series of boxes can hang from each hanger. For the hanger embodiments, in particular, the ends or sides need not be completely enclosed by end or side flaps; rather, the flaps are configured to simply be large enough and secured to block the contained article (e.g., CD
rack) from sliding out the ends or sides. Additionally, the ceiling panel of the hanger box, in particular, can be bowed instead of flat for example to accommodate a rounded article.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a box of the prior art.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top of the box of FIG.
1 showing the top flap in an open position.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing the flap being locked closed.

PATENT
DOCKET N0. 340076-135 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first box of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the first box.
FIG. 5a is an enlarged view taken on circle 5a of FIG. 5.
FIG. 5b is a cross-sectional view taken on line 5b-5b of FIG. 5a.
FIG. 5c is an enlarged view taken on circle 5c of FIG. 5.
FIG. 5d is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on line 5d-5d of FIG. 5c.
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sheet used to form the box of FIG. 4 illustrated in a flat unfolded configuration.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first box showing the top and the bottom flaps in an open position.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the top of the first box showing the top flap being closed.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8 showing the top flap in a nearly closed position.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a second box of the present invention similar to the first box and showing a CD rack being displayed and stored therein.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third box of the present invention with a tall CD rack being displayed and stored therein.
FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the third box.
FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the third box.
FIG. 14 is a rear elevational view of the third box.
FIG. 15 is a bottom (or top) plan view of the third box.
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fourth box of the present invention with a CD rack displayed and stored therein.
FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the fourth box.
FIG. 18 is a rear elevational view of the fourth box.

PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the fourth box.

FIG. 20 is a bottom (or top) plan view of the fourth box.

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the sheet used to form the fourth box flat unfolded position.
in a FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a fifth box of the present invention with CD rack shown displayed and stored herein.
a t FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the fifth box.

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the fifth box.

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of the fifth box.

FIG. 26 is a top end view of the fifth box.

FIG. 27 is a bottom end view of the fifth box.

FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the sheet used to form the fifth box in a lat unfolded position.
f FIG. 29 is a perspective of a sixth box of the present invention with CD rack shown displayed and stored herein.
a t FIG. 30 is a front elevational view of the sixth box.

FIG. 31 is a left side elevational view of the ixth box.
s FIG. 32 is a right side elevational view of the sixth box.

FIG. 33 is a bottom plan view of the sixth box.

FIG. 34 is a top plan view of the sixth box.

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the sheet used to form the sixth box shown in a flat unfolded position.

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a seventh box of the present nvention and stored i with a CD
rack shown displayed therein.

FIG. 37 is a front elevational view of the box of the seventh box.

FIG. 38 is a right side elevational view of the seventh box.
FIG. 39 is a left side elevational of the seventh box.
FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the seventh box.

PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 FIG. 41 is a bottom plan view of the seventh box.
FIG. 42 is a top plan view of a sheet used to form the seventh box in a flat unfolded position.
FIG. 43 is a perspective view of an eighth box of the present invention with a CD rack shown displayed and stored therein.
FIG. 44 is a top plan view of the eighth box.
FIG. 45 is a bottom plan view of the eighth box.
FIG. 46 is a left side elevational view of the eighth box.
FIG. 47 is a right side elevational view of the eighth box.
FIG. 48 is a top plan view of the eighth box.
FIG. 49 is bottom plan view of the eighth box.
FIG. 50 is a top plan view of the sheet used to form the eighth box in a flat unfolded position.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention A number of transparent display and storage boxes of the present invention are pictured in the drawings and described below. Each of the boxes is preferably formed from a single continuous sheet of transparent material. The sheet is die cut into the desired shape and fold lines are scored on to the interior or backside of the sheet. An example is sheet 200 (FIG. 6) used to form the first box shown generally at 204 in FIG. 4. The sheet 200 preferably has a narrowly spaced parallel diagonal lines 208 formed as ridges on the top or outer surface of the sheet as can be seen in FIGS. 5b and 5d. The diagonal lines not only reduce light reflection on the box, but also apparently make the plastic material stronger and more stable.
The sheets are a flexible transparent plastic having sufficient rigidity so as to be self-standing when each of the boxes is folded and tab locked in place and when empty. Indicia can be printed on the outer surface of the boxes such as is shown in PATENT
DOCKET N0. 340076-135 FIG. 4 at 212. The indicia 212 can include logos, descriptive writing, trademarks, patent numbers, and/or small pictures of the contained goods, such as CD racks including stackable CD
racks.
FIG. 6 shows the sheet 200 in a flat unfolded position. It is seen to include a plurality of side-by-side panels each separated by fold lines. The panels include a very narrow first end 216, a central panel 220 and a second end panel 224, a first panel 228, a second panel 232, a third panel 236, and a fourth panel 240, and fold lines 244, 248, 252, 256, 260 and 264.
Three narrow slots are formed at the fold line of the first end panel and the first panel. They are sized and positioned to receive therein the three tabs 268, 272, 276 extending out from the side edge of the second end panel 224. It is seen that each of the tabs 268, 272, 276 has a hexagonal configuration to more effectively lock into each of the respective slots 280, 284, 288, each having a lip shape. When locked into the slots a hexagonal tubular-like arrangement as shown in FIG. 7 is formed.
At ends of the central panel 220 are top and bottom flaps 292, 296. The flaps have side flaps 300, 304, 308, 312 with slots 314, 316, 318, 320 formed in the centers of each of the fold lines of the side flaps. Pentagonal top tuck flaps 328, 332, 336, 340, are formed at the tops and bottoms of the second and third panels 232, 336, and isosceles-trapezoid tuck flaps 344, 348 are provided at the top and bottom of the second end panel 224. As illustrated in FIG. 7 by the arrows, the tuck flaps 328, 332, 344 are folded into the end opening of the tubular-like arrangement and the top flap 292 folded in with the side flaps 300, 304 folded in with respect to the main body of the top flap. The tabs 352, 356, 360, 364 at the top and bottom ends of the first and fourth panels 228, 240 are inserted into PATENT
DOCKET N0. 340076-135 the slots 314, 316, 318, 320 to releasably lock the top and bottom flaps 292, 296 in closed positions, as can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9.
With the top and bottom flaps 292, 296 folded and tab locked into position, the self-standing transparent box 204 as shown in FIG. 4 is thereby defined. This box 204 can take many sizes and shapes, as would be apparent to those skilled in the art, to display and store different sizes and shapes of CD racks and other objects. For example, a variation of the box of the FIG. 4 is illustrated in FIG. 10 generally at 370. This box 370 is shorter than the first box of FIG. 4. FIG. 10 also illustrates a CD rack 374 displayed and stored therein. As can be seen because of the unique transparent construction of the box 204 or 370, the CD rack 374 therein can be readily viewed by the potential consumer. This makes for easier and quick identification of the boxed article by the potential consumer.
It also makes for a more attractive appearance of the boxed article as compared with the very busy and confusing opaque cardboard box of FIG. 1, for example. This construction has also proven to be popular with retailers because of its neutral appearance and because it is not busy and loud with graphics.
Additionally and advantageously, the plastic transparent box (204) is lighter than the prior art cardboard box 100.
FIGS. 11-15 show a third box 380, which is a second variation of the first box of FIG. 4. This box 380 has a tall slender configuration to display and store taller objects such as the CD rack 382 shown in FIG. 11. Otherwise the third box 380 is similar to the first and second boxes.
A fourth box of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 16 20 generally at 400. Similar to the other boxes of this invention, it is formed from a single sheet of material of PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 transparent material as shown in an unfolded laid flat position in FIG. 21 generally at 404. Referring thereto, sheet 404 includes a series of parallel panels separated by fold lines 408, 412, 416, 420 and including a first end panel 424, a narrow second end panel 428, a generally central panel 432, and first and second panels 436, 440. The fold line 420 between the second panel and the second end panel includes four spaced lip slots 450, 454, 458, 462, which are adapted to receive therein respective ones of the four tabs 466, 470, 474, 478, which extend out from the first end panel 424. When inserted therein, an isosceles-trapezoid shape tube as can be understood from FIG.
is thereby defined.
The top and bottom flaps 482, 484 are formed at the top and bottom ends respectively, of the central panel 432 and separated 15 therefrom by respective fold lines 488, 492. At the ends of both of the flaps 482, 484 are end flaps 502, 504 with the fold lines 506, 510 between the end flap and the respective top and bottom flaps including central slots 506, 510, respectively.
The central slots 506, 510 are adapted to receive therein the 20 (hexagonal) tabs 514, 518, which extend from the tops and bottoms of the second panel 440. With the trapezoidal-shaped tuck flaps 522, 528, 530, 534 at the tops and bottoms of the first end panel 424 and the first panel 436 folded in, and with the panels in the tubular configuration, the top and bottom flaps 482, 484 are folded in and the end flaps 502, 504 folded down to open up the respective slots 506, 510 and the tabs 514, 518 inserted therein to close off the tops and bottom ends of the tubular-like configuration. This forms a self-standing transparent display and storage box 400, which can be used for example to display and store a CD rack such as shown in FIG. 16 at 546.

PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 A fifth box of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 22-27 generally at 580 to store a CD rack 582 (FIG. 22), for example. The sheet 584 used to form the box 580 is shown in a flat unfolded condition in FIG. 28. It comprises an end panel 588, a floor panel 592, and a ceiling panel 596, separated by fold lines 600, 604. The end panel 588 and the floor panel 592 are separated by fold line 608 and a slot 612 is formed in the center of the fold line 600. Tabs 620, 624 are formed at the end edge of the end panel 588 and a pair of push-out tabs 628, 632 are formed in the central portion of the end panel. With the ceiling panel 596 folded on to the floor panel 592 about the fold line 604 and the end panel 588 tucked folded underneath the ceiling panel along the fold line 600, the end tabs 640, 644 are fitted into the spaced slots 648, 652 in the floor panel 592 and the punch-out tabs 628, 632 are fitted into the other two slots 656, 660 parallel thereto in the floor panel 592. Side flaps 664, 668 extending out from side edges of the ceiling panel 596 are folded about their respective fold lines 672, 674, and the tabbed ends 676, 678 are inserted into parallel slots 680, 684 in the floor panel 592.
A tab strip 686 extends out an end edge of the floor panel 592. It includes portions 688, 690, a fold line 692 separating the portions, openings 694, 696 in the respective portions 688, 690 and a projecting tab end 698. By folding portion 690 on fold line 692 and inserting tab end 698 in slot 612, a hanger tab is formed. As shown in FIGS. 22-24, the openings 694, 696 are aligned to form an opening for a display hanger at the retail establishment.
A sixth box of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 29-34 generally at 700. It can be understood from these figures that this box 700 has a rectangular configuration to PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 preferably display and store therein a rectangular or cubicle or block shaped article such as the two-stack CD rack as shown in FIG. 29 at 704.
The sheet of material 708 used to form the sixth box 700 is shown in a flat unfolded position in FIG. 35. Referring thereto, it is seen to include a first end panel 712, an opposite narrow second end panel 716, a central panel 720, and first and second panels 724, 728 wherein the panels are separated by fold lines 732, 736, 740, 744. Three slots 748, 752, 756 are formed in the fold line between the second end panel 716 and the second panel 728. These slots 748, 752, 756 are adapted to receive therein three tabs 764, 768, 772, respectively, which extend out the edge of the first end panel 712. A top flap 780 is positioned at the top of the central panel 720, and it has a top strip flap 784, which folds on its fold line 788. When folded it defines a pair of lipped slots 792, 796 for receiving therein the tabs 800, 804, respectively.
With the three tabs 764, 768, 772 inserted into the three slots 748, 752, 756, a rectangular-shaped tubular structure is formed. The two top tuck flaps 812, 816 at the tops of the first end panel 712 and the first panel 724 are folded in, the top flap 780 folded down and the top strip flap 784 folded in.
The slots 792, 796 are thereby opened and the tabs 800, 804 can be inserted therein to lock the top flap 780 in place and to thereby close the top end of the tubular-like structure.
The bottom flap configuration is slightly different. It is seen to comprise two flaps 820, 824, one at the bottom of the central panel 720 and the other at the bottom of the second panel 728. The flap 820 at the bottom of the central panel has four openings or central slots 824, 828, 832, 836. The other bottom flap has two pairs of punch-out tabs 840, 844, 848, 852.

PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 The punch-out tabs are pushed out and inserted into the respective openings to lock the two flaps 820, 824 together to form the bottom flap construction of the box 700. The locations of the openings and the punch-out tabs can be reversed on the flaps 820, 824, if desired. Before the punch-out tabs are inserted into the slots the tuck flaps 860, 864 as provided at the bottoms of the first end panel 712 and the first panel 724 are tucked in. The bottom end of the box 700 is thereby enclosed.
A seventh box, which is similar to the just described sixth box, is illustrated in FIGS. 36-41 generally at 880. ~It also has a block or rectangular shape and thus can accommodate cubicle types of objects, such as the CD rack shown in FIG. 36 generally at 884. The box 880 is formed by a transparent sheet 888 as shown in FIG. 42 in an unfolded flat configuration.
The sheet 888 comprises a first end panel 892, a narrow second end panel 896, a central panel 900, a first panel 904, and a second panel 908, and fold lines 912, 916, 920, 924.
Three slots 928, 932, 936 are formed in the fold line 9~4 between the second panel 908 and the second end panel 896.
These slots are adapted to receive therein the three tabs 940, 944, 948, respectively, extending out from the edge of the first end panel 892. When the tabs are so inserted, a rectangular tubular construction is formed. A top flap 960 extends up from the top of the central panel 900 and has an end strip flap 964.
The fold line 968 between the end strip flap 964 and the body of the top flap 960 defines a central slot 972 for receiving therein the tab 976 at the top of the first end panel 892. With the two top tuck flaps 980, 984 at the tops of the first panel 904 and the second panel 908 tucked in, the end strip flap 964 PATENT
DOCKET N0. 340076-135 folded in and the tab inserted 976 into the slot 972, the top end of the tubular configuration is closed off.
Similar to the sixth box, the seventh box 880 includes a pair of bottom flaps 1000, 1004 which cooperate together to define the bottom flap construction. One of the bottom flaps 1000 extends down from the first end panel 892 and the other flap 100 from the central panel 900. One has four punch-out tabs 1008, 1012, 1016, 1020, and the other has four corresonding slots 1024, 1028, 1032, 1036 positioned for receiving the tabs therein. The punch-out tabs are inserted into the slots after the two bottom tuck flaps 1040, 1044 at the bottoms of the first and second panels 904, 908 have been tucked in. A secure bottom flap enclosing the bottom end of the box 880 is thereby formed.
Similar to the fifth box previously described, the eighth box 1100 of the present invention, as shown in FIGS. 43-49, also includes a hanger tab 1104 which when folded on its fold line 1108 and the projecting ends 1112, 1116 of the tab inserted into slots 1120, 1122 in the floor panel 1129, define an outwardly projecting hanger tab 1104. This tab 1104 has aligned openings 1124, 1128 defining a through-slot, which can hang on a hanger in a retail establishment to display the transparent box 1100 and thereby the article 1132 displayed and stored therein for sale. The displayed article 1132 can be, for example, a CD rack such as shown in FIG. 34.
A narrow end panel 1140 is to one side of the floor panel 1120, as shown in FIG. 50, and separated therefrom by a fold line 1144. And the ceiling panel 1148 is to the other side of the floor panel 1120 and separated therefrom by a fold line 1152. A second end panel 1156 is at the opposite side of the ceiling panel 1148 and separated therefrom by fold line 1160.
The fold line 1144 between the first end panel and the floor PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 panel 1120 is cut to define three spaced slots 1172, 1176, 1180.
These slots are positioned and configured to receive therein the three tabs 1184, 1188, 1192 extending out from the edge of the second end panel 1156 whereby the second end panel defines an end wall and the ceiling panel 1148 bows down to the opposite edge of the floor panel 1120 as can be seen in FIG. 43 and in FIGS. 48 and 49, for example.
The end of the tube defined by the ceiling panel 1148, the floor panel 1120 and the second end panel 1156 is closed off or blocked by a large tab 1200 extending down from the ceiling panel 1148 and which is inserted into a long slot 1204 in the floor panel 1120. The large tab 1200 then forms a locking loop at the end of the box 1100 opposite to the hanging tab end. The open top end of the tubular-like construction of the eighth box 1100 is partially closed; and its corner is reinforced with a triangular flap 1210 extending from a top edge of the ceiling panel 1148 and an angled tab 1220 extending up from a top end of the second end panel. The tab 1220 has a protrusion 1224 which is fitted into a slot 1228 in the triangular flap 1210. This can be seen in FIGS. 43 and 49, for example.
From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those skilled in the art. For example, goods or objects other than CD racks can be displayed and stored in the transparent boxes of the present invention. Additionally, the transparent sheets used to form the boxes can be sized and configured as needed to display and store objects of different sizes and shapes, as would be apparent to those in the art.
Further, the diagonal lines can be eliminated or different line patterns provided. A less preferred embodiment makes the PATENT
DOCKET NO. 340076-135 boxes) from a semi-transparent or opaque sheet, preferably a thin flexible plastic sheet. However, it is intended that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof.

Claims

1. A transparent display and storage box, comprising:
a continuous sheet of transparent material configured to form:
(a) a plurality of panels defined at least in part by parallel panel fold lines, the plurality of panels including a generally central panel, a first end panel and a second end panel;
(b) a top flap at a top end of the central panel and foldable relative thereto along a top fold line;
(c) a bottom flap at a bottom end of the central panel and foldable relative thereto along a bottom fold line;
(d) a plurality of slots in the sheet, the slots including at least first, second and third slots; and (e) a plurality of tabs extending out from at least some of the panels or flaps, the tabs including at least first, second and third tabs;
the panels and flaps are foldable relative to one another to define a transparent self-standing box, the panels define sides of the self-standing box, the top flap defines a top of the self-standing box and the bottom flap defines a bottom of the self-standing box;
the first tab inserted into the first slot at least in part holds the second end panel relative to the first end panel;
the second tab inserted into the second slot at least in part holds the top flap closed relative to the sides of the self-standing box; and the third tab inserted into the third slot at least in part holds the bottom flap closed relative to the sides of the self-standing box.

2. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein the first slot is positioned at a first end panel fold line of the first end panel relative to an adjacent one of the panels, and the first tab extends laterally out from a side edge of the second end panel.

3. The transparent display and storage box of claim 2 wherein the sheet includes a fourth tab which extends laterally out from the side edge of the second end panel and a fourth slot at the first end panel fold line, and wherein the fourth tab when inserted into the fourth slot in part holds the second end panel relative to the first end panel.

4. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein at least one of the slots is defined by a lip extending out from a fold line in the sheet.

5. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein the panels include a first panel adjacent the first end panel, a second panel adjacent and between the first panel and the central panel, a third panel adjacent the central panel, and a fourth panel adjacent and between the third panel and the second end panel.

6. The transparent display and storage box of claim 5 wherein the sheet includes top and bottom tuck flaps at top and bottom ends of the second and third panels.

7. The transparent display and storage box of claim 6 wherein each of the flaps has a five-sided shape disposed to point away from the flaps.

8. The transparent display and storage box of claim 5 wherein the second and third tabs are at ends of either the first or fourth panels.

9. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein each of the tabs has a hexagonal shape.

10. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein the central panel is adjacent the first end panel, and the panels include a first panel adjacent the central panel and a second panel adjacent and in between the first panel and the second end panel.

11. The transparent display and storage box of claim 10 wherein the sheet includes top and bottom first tuck flaps at top and bottom ends of the first end flap and top and bottom second tuck flaps at top and bottom ends of the first panel.

12. The transparent display and storage box of claim 11 wherein each of the tuck flaps has a generally pentagonal shape.

13. The transparent display and storage box of claim 11 wherein the second tab is at a top end of the second panel and the third tab is at a bottom end of the second panel.

14. The transparent display and storage box of claim 11 wherein the second slot is at an end of the top flap and the third slot is at an end of the bottom flap.

15. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein the transparent material has a plurality of narrowly spaced diagonal lines on an outer surface thereof.

16. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein the panels include second end panel includes a bottom end flap, and one of the bottom end flap or the bottom flap includes the third tab and the other includes the third slot.

17. The transparent display and storage box of claim 16 wherein the third tab is a push-out tab in a generally central area of the bottom end flap or the bottom flap.

18. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 wherein the top flap includes the second slot.

19. The transparent display and storage box of claim 1 further comprising a CD rack positioned in the self-standing box.

20. A transparent display and storage box, comprising:
a continuous sheet of transparent material configured to form:
(a) a floor panel;
(b) a ceiling panel separated at an end thereof from an end of the floor panel by a fold line;
(d) an end connector adapted to attach an end of the ceiling panel opposite to the fold line relative to an end of the floor panel opposite to the fold line such that a central portion of the ceiling panel bows outward and away from the floor panel;

(e) a first side flap interconnecting one side of the central portion to the floor panel; and (f) a second side flap interconnecting an opposite side of the central portion to the floor panel.

21. The transparent display and storage box of claim 20 wherein the end connector includes a fold flap and a tab-slot arrangement for connecting the fold flap to the floor panel.

22. The transparent display and storage box of claim 21 wherein the end connector includes a fold tab extending out from one of the floor or ceiling panels and connected in a slot in the other.

23. The transparent display and storage box of claim 22 wherein the fold tab includes a through-opening for hanging the box and its contents from a hanger.

24. The transparent display and storage box of claim 20 wherein the end connector includes a fold tab extending out from one of the floor or ceiling panels and connected in a slot in the other.

25. The transparent display and storage box of claim 20 wherein the ceiling panel is longer than the floor panel.

26. The transparent display and storage box of claim 20 wherein the floor and ceiling panels and the side flaps define a storage area therebetween, and further comprising a CD rack disposed in the storage area.

27. A transparent display and storage box, comprising:
a continuous sheet of transparent material configured to form:
(a) a series of panels separated by fold lines, the panels including a first end panel, a generally central panel, a first panel, a second panel and a second end panel, the central panel being between the first end panel and the first panel, and the second panel being between the first panel and the second end panel;
(b) a top flap at a top of the central panel;
(c) a bottom flap at a bottom of the central panel;
(d) a first tab extending our from a side edge of the first end panel;
(e) a first slot between the second panel and the second end panel;
(f) a second tab at a top edge of the second panel;
(g) a second slot in the top flap;
(h) a bottom end flap at a bottom of the second panel;
(i) one of the bottom flap and the bottom end flap including a push-out tab and the other including an opening;
wherein with the panels and flaps folded relative to one another, the first tab inserted into the first slot, the second tab inserted into the second slot and the push-out tab inserted into the opening, a transparent self-standing box is at least substantially thereby formed.

28. The transparent display and storage box of claim 27 further comprising a CD rack disposed in the self-standing box.

29. The transparent display and storage box of claim 27 wherein the sheet includes top and bottom tuck flaps at tops and bottoms of the first end panel and the first panel.

30. The transparent display and storage box of claim 27 wherein the bottom flap includes the push-out tab and the bottom end flap includes the opening.

31. A transparent display and storage box, comprising:
a continuous sheet of transparent material configured to form:
(a) series of panels separated by fold lines, the panels including a first end panel, a first panel, a generally central panel, a second panel, and a second end panel, the first panel being between the first end panel and the central panel, and the second panel being between the central panel and the second end panel;
(b) a first tab at the top of the first end panel;
(c) a top flap at the top of the central panel;
(d) a bottom flap at the bottom of the central panel;
(e) a bottom end flap at the bottom of the first end panel;
(f) a first slot in the top flap;
(g) a second tab at a side edge of the first end panel;
(h) a second slot between the second panel and the second end panel;
(i) one of the bottom flap and the bottom end flap including a push-out tab and the other including an opening;
wherein with the panels and flaps folded relative to one another, the first tab inserted into the first slot, the second tab inserted into the second slot and the push-out tab inserted into the opening, a transparent self-standing box is at least substantially thereby formed.

32. A transparent display and storage box, comprising:
a continuous sheet of transparent material configured to form:
(a) a series of panels separated by fold lines, the panels including an end panel, a floor panel, a ceiling panel, and a side wall panel;
(b) a first slot between the end panel and the floor panel;
(c) a first tab extending out from the side wall panel and insertable into the first slot;
(d) the floor panel including a bottom slot;
(e) a flap at a bottom end of the ceiling panel and insertable into the bottom slot;
(f) a top end flap at a top of the side wall panel;
(g) a corner flap at a top of the ceiling panel and attachable to the top flap; and (h) a top flap at a top of the floor panel and foldable onto and attachable to the floor panel, and including a hanger opener.

33. The transparent display and storage box of claim 32 wherein the top flap includes a top tab and the floor panel includes a top slot, and the top flap is attached to the floor panel by inserting the top tab into the top slot.

34. A transparent display and storage box, comprising:

a sheet of transparent material, the sheet including a plurality of side panels, a tab, a slot, a top flap construction, a top flap tab-slot arrangement, a bottom flap construction and a bottom flap tab-slot arrangement;
the tab being connected to the slot whereby the panels form a tubular-like construction having a top end and a bottom end;
the top flap construction locking the top flap tab-slot arrangement to at least partially close the top end; and the bottom flap construction and locking the bottom flap tab-slot arrangement to at least partially close the bottom end.

35. The transparent display and storage box of claim 34 wherein the sheet forms a clear self-standing box, and further comprising a CD rack stored and displayed in the self-standing box.

36. A method of forming a transparent display and storage box, comprising:
(a) providing a sheet of transparent material, the sheet including a plurality of side panels, a first tab, a first slot, a top flap construction, a top flap tab-slot arrangement, a bottom flap construction and a bottom flap tab-slot arrangement;
(b) connecting the first tab to the first slot whereby the panels form a tubular-like construction having a top end and a bottom end;
(c) folding the top flap construction and locking the top flap tab-slot arrangement to at least partially close the top end; and (d) folding the bottom flap construction and locking the bottom flap tab-slot arrangement to at least partially close the bottom end.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein (c) and (d) are after (b) .

38. The method of claim 36 further comprising the sheet including a hanger tab extending out from one of the panels, and folding the tab onto itself and securing it in the folded-over position whereby holes in the tab are aligned to define a hanger tab opening.

39. The method of claim 38 wherein the securing includes inserting a tab at an end of the hanger tab into a slot in the one of the panels.

40. The method of claim 36 wherein the ends have hexagonal shapes.

41. The method of claim 36 wherein the ends have rectangular shapes.

42. The method of claim 36 wherein the ends have triangular shapes.

43. The method of claim 36 wherein after (b) one of the panels has a bowed shape.

44. The method of claim 36 wherein (b), (c) and (d) at least in substantial part form a transparent display and storage self-standing box.

45. The method of claim 36 wherein the top flap construction includes at least one tuck flap, and (c) locks the at least one tuck flap in the tubular-like construction.

46. A method of forming a plastic display and storage box, comprising:
(a) providing a sheet of plastic material, the sheet including a plurality of side panels, a tab, a slot, a top flap construction, a top flap tab-slot arrangement, a bottom flap construction and a bottom flap tab-slot arrangement;
(b) connecting the tab to the slot whereby the panels form a tubular-like construction having a top end and a bottom end;
(c) folding the top flap construction and locking the top flap tab-slot arrangement to at least partially close the top end; and (d) folding the bottom flap construction and locking the bottom flap tab-slot arrangement to at least partially close the bottom end.