MXPA97002613A - Manufactured cooler based on pa - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a waterproof cardboard box for beverage containers, which comprises: a waterproof, rectangular bottom and having a perimeter, a first water resistant side wall and extending upwards from a side of said bottom, a second water resistant side wall and extending upwardly from an opposite side of said bottom, a first water resistant end wall extending upwardly from one end of said bottom, a second end wall resistant to water and extending upwardly from an opposite end of said, wherein said side walls and said end walls cooperate with said bottom to define a water-resistant and open compartment, in which beverage containers are packed, and refrigerant storage means for storing a coolant near the beverage containers and that includes: a first water resistant flap, connected to a upper end of said first side wall, a second water-resistant flap, connected to an upper end of said second side wall, wherein said flaps are bent towards each other and overlap to close said compartment, a first hinge member, water resistant, connected to an upper end of said first terminal wall and interconnected between said first and second flaps, and a second hinge member, water resistant, connected to an upper end of said second terminal wall, opposite said first member of hinge, and interconnected between said first and second flaps, wherein said first hinge member is separated into an upper rectangle and a lower rectangle by a first fold line extending parallel to said upper end of said first terminal wall, and said upper rectangle is separated into adjacent squares by a second fold line extending perpendicularly to said first fold line, and said lower rectangle is separated into two smaller straight isosceles triangles and a larger straight isosceles triangle by divergent third and fourth fold lines, perpendicular to each other, from a point of intersection between said lines of first and second fold, towards opposite corners of said lower rectangle near said upper end of said first wall, wherein said second hinge member is separated into an upper rectangle and a lower rectangle by a fifth fold line extending parallel to said second terminal, and said upper rectangle is separated into adjacent squares by a sixth fold line extending perpendicularly to said fifth fold line, and said lower rectangle is separated into two in two smaller straight isosceles triangles and one straight isosceles triangle more large by divergent seventh and eighth fold lines , perpendicular to each other, from a point of intersection between said fifth and sixth fold lines, towards opposite corners of said lower rectangle near said upper end of said wall, and wherein when said flaps are unfolded away from said compartment, said hinge members and said flaps cooperate to define an additional compartment, substantially closed, above the drinking containers.

Description

COOLER MANUFACTURED BASED ON PAPER Field of the Invention The present invention relates to packaging methods and structures and, in particular, to a substantially watertight cardboard box, made of paper that is coated with a polymer, and applicable to the fields of storage and / or packaging. transportation of relatively short duration of food, drinks, medicines, etc., to keep them colder than room temperature.

Background of the Invention The conventional cooler or ice box is a common solution to the need for storage and / or transportation of items to be cooled or kept cool relative to the ambient temperature. A typical application for the conventional cooler is directed toward the desirability of having cold drinks at a remote location. The cooler is filled with a cooling source, such as ice, and the desired beverage (s), whether cans, bottles, or other types of containers. The cooler successfully insulates the items stored therein and thus keeps the beverage (s) at a relatively cool temperature during the course of a day. However, the conventional cooler is inconvenient in certain aspects. For example, the conventional cooler is somehow expensive to purchase, it is relatively expensive to handle and store; and is not typically available for use in unforeseen situations. Thus, there is room to improve the known methods and apparatus to keep items colder than room temperature.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a sheet of paper is coated with a water sewer and subsequently folded into a cardboard box capable of storing ice together with one or more items that are to be kept colder. than the ambient temperature. Paperboard is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and distribute. The low cost of paperboard and its ease of being distributed in the form of sheets gives the cardboard less discomfort in handling and is more conveniently available for purchase through convenience stores and the like. The paperboard is also easy to use and easily disposable, because the paper is recyclable despite its waterproof coating. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a conventional cardboard box of some other form for beverage containers is modified to be selectively expandable to accommodate ice or some other source of cooling in the vicinity of the beverage containers. By incorporating the functional aspects of a conventional icebox or cooler into a beer case, for example, the present invention jointly eliminates the need for a conventional icebox or cooler, as well as the inconveniences associated with them. These advantages of the present invention as well as others will be clear from the description of the present invention that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS With reference to the Figures of the Drawings, where like numerals represent similar parts and assemblies throughout the various views, Figure 1 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of a carton constructed of according to the principles of the present invention, describing the carton in a first configuration; Figure 2 is an isometric view of the cardboard box shown in Figure 1, illustrating the carton in a second configuration having increased capacity; Figure 3 is an isometric view of the cardboard box shown in Figure 2, illustrating the carton in a third configuration that provides access to containers packed with the carton; Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the cardboard box shown in Figure 2, illustrating beverage containers and packed ice inside the carton; Figure 5 is a plan view of a sheet of material that is manipulated to form the cardboard box shown in Figures 1-4; Figure 6 is a plan view of another sheet of material that is capable of being worked with the hands to form the cardboard box shown in Figures 1-4; Figure 7 is an isometric view of a cardboard box of an alternative embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 8 is an isometric view of another cardboard box of an alternative embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 9 is an isometric view of yet another cardboard box of an alternative embodiment constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 10 is a plan view of a sheet of material that is capable of being worked with the hands to form the cardboard box shown in Figure 9; Figure 11 is an isometric view of yet another cardboard box constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; Figure 12 is a plan view of a sheet of material that is capable of being worked with the hands to form the cardboard box shown in Figure 11; and Figure 13 is a plan view of another sheet of material that is capable of being worked with the hands to form the cardboard box with external appearance to the cardboard box shown in Figure 11.

Detailed Description of a Preferred Modality A preferred embodiment of a cardboard box constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is designated 100 in Figures 1-5. As shown in Figure 3, the carton 100 has an outer surface 101 and an inner space 102 that is bounded by an inner surface 110. The carton is assembled from a sheet of cardboard or paperboard, such as those shown in Figures 5 and 6, respectively. The inner surface 110 of the paper of the carton 100 is coated with a water-resistant material or sealant to improve the structural integrity of the carton and make the carton effectively watertight when in an upright position. The carton 100 of the preferred embodiment is coated with a substance sold under the trademark PROTECOAT 3003 from NuCoat, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Despite being resistant to water, paper cardboard with PROTECOAT 3003 sealant is also recyclable. While recyclability is a desirable attribute of the carton 100 of the preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that other waterproof coatings, which are less susceptible to recycling, could be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. . In the configuration 129 of the carton shown in Figure 1, the interior space 102 includes a first compartment 108 that houses beverage containers 80. In the configuration 139 of the cardboard box shown in Figures 2 and 4, the space interior 102 further includes a second compartment 109 that houses a cooling source, such as ice cubes 90, near the beverage containers 80. While ice is quite appropriate for this application because of how cheap it is since it is Environmentally friendly, those skilled in the art will recognize that other sources of cooling may be used in conjunction with the carton 100 without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in Figure 5, the cardboard sheet 100 includes portions that may be characterized by a bottom wall 120, a first side wall 121, a second side wall 123, a first terminal wall 125, and a second end wall 127 These portions cooperate to define the shape of the first configuration 129 of the carton, which is a rectangular parallelepiped having appropriate dimensions to comfortably hold twelve twelve-ounce cans 80 arranged sideways in a three-by-four formation inside. of the first compartment 108. In this first configuration 129 of the preferred embodiment, adjacent cans 80 are retained in contact with one another to maximize the stability of the cans 80 during the shipping and handling of the carton 100, and thus minimizes the disturbance of the contents of the cans 80. The lower wall 120 and the first side wall 121 are integrally joined to each other as along a fold line 122. The bottom wall 120 and the second side wall 123 are integrally joined to one another along a fold line 124. The bottom wall 120 and the first terminal wall 125 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 126. The bottom wall 120 and the second terminal wall 127 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 128. The fold lines 122 and 124 are substantially parallel to one another , as are fold lines 126 and 128. Bending lines 122 and 124 are substantially perpendicular to fold lines 126 and 128. A first corner flap 130 is integrally joined to first side wall 121 throughout of the fold line 131, which is co-linear with the fold line 126. A second corner flap 132 is integrally attached to the first side wall 121 along the fold lines 133, which is co-linear with the fold line 128. The assembly of the sheet 100 towards the carton 100 requires the bending of the corner flaps 130 and 132 relative to the first side wall 121, along their respective fold lines 131 and 133, and towards the inner surface 110 of the carton 100. Also the first side wall 121 is bent relative to the bottom wall 120, along the fold line 122, and towards the surface interior 110. A third corner flap 134 is integrally joined to the second side wall 123 along the fold line 135, which is co-linear with the fold line 126. A fourth corner flap 136 is integrally attached to the interior. second side wall 123 along the fold line 137, which is co-linear with the fold line 128. The assembly of the carton 100 further requires the bending of the corner flaps 134 and 136 relative to the second lateral wall 123, along go from their respective fold lines 135 and 137, and towards the inner surface 110 of the carton 100. Also the second side wall 123 is bent relative to the bottom wall 120, along the fold line 124, and towards the inner surface 110. At this point in the assembly process, the interior surfaces of the side walls 121 and 123 are generally confronted with each other, as are the interior surfaces of the first and second corner flaps 130. and 132, and the inner surfaces of the third and fourth corner flaps 134 and 136. Adhesive is applied to the outer surfaces of the corner flaps 130, 132, 134 and 136, the interior surfaces of the end walls 125 and 127, or both . The end walls 125 and 127 are subsequently folded relative to the bottom wall 120, along the respective fold lines 126 and 128, and towards the inner surface 110 of the carton 100. The adhesive secures the corner flaps 130. and 134 to the terminal wall 125, and the corner flaps 132 and 136 to the terminal wall 127, thereby forming the box 129 in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped shown in Figure 1. The cardboard sheet 100 further includes portions that may be characterized as a first extension of side wall or grip board 140, a second extension of side wall or grip board 146, a first extension of terminal wall or hinge member 142, and a second extension of terminal wall or hinge member 148 These portions cooperate to enclose the second compartment 109 and are sized and configured to retain ice 90 on the containers 80 of the drinks that are located in the container. an in the first compartment 108. These portions are combined with the box 129 to define the shape of the configuration 139 of the closed carton shown in Figures 2 and 4.

The first grip board 140 and the second side wall 123 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 141, which is parallel and opposite the fold line 124 between the bottom 120 and the second side wall 123 The first grip board 140 and the first hinge member 142 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 143, which is co-linear with the fold line 137 and perpendicular to the fold line 141. The first hinge member 142 and the second grip board 146 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 145, which is parallel to the fold line 143. The first hinge member is also integrally joined to the fourth corner flap 136 along the fold line 144, which is co-linear with the fold line 141. A first adjoining flap 150 is integrally attached to the second grip board 146 along the line of fold 151, which is co-linear with the fold line 144. The second grip board 146 is also integrally joined to the second hinge member 148 along the fold line 147, which is parallel to the fold line 145. A second adjacent board 152 is integrally joined to the second hinge member 148 along the fold line 153, which is co-linear with the fold line 151. Also, a fifth corner flap 154 is integrally attached to the fold. second hinge member 148 along fold line 155, which is perpendicular to fold line 153. Assembly of carton 100 requires bending of the first grip board 140 relative to the second side wall signal 123, along the fold line 141, and towards the inner surface 110 of the carton 100, and similarly, the folding of the first hinge member 142 relative to the fourth corner flap 136, along the the line of do blez 144; the second grip board 146 relative to the first adjacent flap 150, along fold line 151; and the second hinge member 148 relative to the second adjacent flap 152, along the fold line 153. The first hinge member 142 is bent relative to the first grip board 140, along the fold line 143; the second grip board 146 is bent relative to the first hinge member 142, along the fold line 145; the second hinge member 148 is bent relative to the second grip board 146, along the fold line 147; and the fifth corner flap 154 is bent relative to the second hinge member 148, along the fold line 155, all the folds bringing the inner surfaces toward each other. Adhesive is applied to the outer surfaces of the fifth and sixth corner flaps 136 and 154 and to the outer surfaces of the adjacent flaps 150 and 152 to secure portions of the upper compartment relative to the adjacent non-integral portions of the upper compartment and compartment. bottom, and thus the sheet 100 is secured to the configuration of the cardboard box 149 shown in Figure 3. Each of the hinge members 142 and 148 includes a pair of adjacent, upper, square portions, 161 and 162 that they are integrally joined along the fold line 160. The square portions 161 and 162 define a first rectangular area approximately equal in size and shape to a second rectangular area that is separated into three isosceles straight triangles. One of the shorter sides of the first triangle 164 is integrally joined to the first square portion 161, along the fold line 163, and the other short side shares the fold line 147 with the second grip board 146. One of the shorter sides of the second triangle 166 is integrally joined to the second square portion 162, along the fold line 165, and the other short side shares the fold line 155 with the fifth corner flap 155.

The third triangle168 is twice as large as each of the first triangle 164 and the second triangle 166. The hypotenuse of the first triangle 164 is integrally attached to one of the shorter sides of the third triangle168, along the fold line 167 The hypotenuse of the second triangle 166 is integrally joined to the other short side of the third triangle 168, along the fold line 169. The hypotenuse of the third triangle 168 shares the fold line 153 with the second adjacent board 152.

The operation of the hinge members 142 and 148 is perhaps best described with reference to Figures 2 and 3, as well as Figure 5. The movement of opposing fold lines 160, one towards the other, causes each pair of adjacent squares 161 and 162 bend to each other and cause the grip boards 140 and 146 to move toward each other. Each pair of the small triangles 164 and 166 are bent towards a respective larger triangle 168, and each larger triangle 168 bends towards the lower compartment 108 to accommodate movement of the grip boards 140 and 146, one towards the other. Because the grip boards 140 and 146 converge, one can easily assemble the upper portions of these 171 and proceed to secure the cardboard box in the second configuration 139, securing the grip boards, in relation to one another, by means of adhesive strips 117, as shown in Figure 2, and / or by inserting one or more fingers 70 through the aligned apertures 170 in the grip boards, as shown in Figure 4. The lines of fold 118 extend through the grip boards 140 and 146 just below the grip apertures 170 to facilitate the finishing of the upper portions 171 thereof. The fold lines 119 extend through the grip boards 140 and 146 and are co-linear with the fold lines 163 and 165 on the hinge members 142 and 148. In the carton 100 of the preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 1, the fold line 119 crossing the board 149 facilitates the folding of the grip board 140 back against itself to achieve the configuration of the carton 129. In this configuration 129, the outer surfaces of each pair of minor triangles 164 and 166 face the outer surface of a respective larger triangle 168, and squares 161 and 162 are confronted with each other. The grip board 146 substantially covers the components of the upper compartment, as well as the lower compartment 108, wherein the beverage containers 80 are stored in substantially the same way (including size and configuration) as in conventional cartons for containers. of drinks.

A consumer in possession of the carton 100 has the option of using the carton as a cooler or cooler. He or she simply (1) detaches or cuts the tape 117 of the configuration 129 from the cardboard box shown in Figure 1; (2) unfolds the grip boards 140 and 146 to arrive at the configuration 139 of the cardboard box 139 shown in Figure 2; (3) separates the grip boards 140 and 146 to arrive at the configuration 140 of the cardboard box shown in Figure 3; (4) places ice 90 on top of beverage cans 80; and (5) bring the upper portions 171 of the grip boards 140 and 146 back until they meet to arrive at the configuration 139 of the cardboard box shown in Figure 4. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the carton 100 of the preferred embodiment requires relatively few changes to the existing cartons for beverage containers and to the processes of manufacture and use thereof; and that adds significant volume to such cardboard boxes. As shown in Figure 6, the alternative sheet of paperboard 200 similarly includes portions that can be characterized as a bottom wall 220., a first side wall 221, a second side wall 223, a first terminal wall 225, and a second terminal wall 227. Similar to its counterpart in the sheet 100 shown in Figure 5, these portions cooperate to define a first compartment sized and configured to comfortably hold twelve 12-ounce beverage cans, arranged side by side in a three-by-four arrangement. The cardboard sheet 200 may further include portions that may be characterized as a first grip board 240, a second grip board 246, a first hinge member 242, and a second hinge member 248. These additional portions cooperate to define a second compartment dimensioned and configured to retain ice above the beverage containers in the first compartment. The side walls, end walls, grip boards and hinge members of the paperboard sheet 200 are functionally equivalent to those described above with reference to the paperboard sheet 100 shown in Figure 5.

A first fold line 290 separates the bottom wall 220 from the first side wall 221. A second fold line 291, which is parallel to the first fold line 290, separates the side walls 221 and 223 and the end walls 225 and 227 of the grip boards 246 and 240 and the hinge members 248 and 242, respectively. A third fold line 292, which is perpendicular to the first and second fold lines 290 and 291, separates the second side wall 223 and the first grip board 240 from the second terminal wall 227 and first hinge member 242, respectively. A fourth fold line 293, which is parallel to the third bend line 292, separates the second terminal wall 227 and the first hinge member 242 from the first side wall 221 and second hold board 246, respectively. The fourth fold line 293 also separates a first attachment flap 280 from the bottom wall 220. A fifth fold line 294, which is parallel to the fourth fold line 293, separates the first side wall 221 and the second grip board. 246 of the first side wall 225 and second hinge member 248, respectively. The fifth fold line 294 also separates a second tie flap 281 from the bottom wall 220. A sixth fold line 295, which is parallel to the fifth fold line 294, separates a third tie flap 254 from the second hinge member. 248 and separates a fourth tie flap 282 from the first terminal wall 225. A seventh fold line 296, which is parallel to the first fold line 290, separates a fifth tie flap 283 from the bottom wall 220. An eighth line of fold 297, which is parallel to the second fold line 291, extends through the grip boards 240 and 246 and the hinge members 242 and 248, intermediate the upper ends thereof and the second fold line 291 After the sheet 200 has been folded along fold lines 290-297, adhesive is applied to the outer surfaces of the tie flaps. The first connecting flap 280 interconnects the lower wall 220 and the interior of the second terminal wall 227. The second joining flap 281 interconnects the lower wall 220 and the interior of the first terminal wall 225. The third connecting flap 254 connects the second hinge member 248 and the interior of the first grip board 240. The fourth attachment flap 282 interconnects the first terminal wall 225 and the interior of the second side wall 223. The fifth attachment flap 283 interconnects the bottom wall 220 and the inside of the second side wall 223. The other interconnections between walls, hinge members and grip boards are inherent in the integral nature of the sheet 200. The cardboard sheet 200 of Figure 6 can be preferred over the paperboard sheet 100. of Figure 5 to the extent that this requires a less fold line and four fewer tie flaps to assemble the carton 100. An alternative embodiment of the The present invention is designated as 300 in Figure 7. The carton 300 is similar to that of the preferred embodiment 100 to the extent that, similarly, it has a first compartment 308 sized and configured to comfortably hold twelve cans 80 of twelve ounces arranged side by side in a three-by-four arrangement. However, this carton 300 of the alternative embodiment is laterally expandable, to selectively provide a second compartment 309 for retaining ice 90 near the beverage containers in the first compartment 308.

At least one of the terminal walls 327 is secured in an accordion-like manner relative to the beverage holding compartment 308. In particular, extended side walls, one of which is designated 374, and extended bottom and top walls, one of which is designated 377, extend from one end of the cardboard box 300. The extended side walls are attached to additional sidewall extensions, one of which is designated 373, along common edges in respective fold lines, one of which is designated 375. The extended bottom and top walls are attached to additional wall extensions, one of which is designated as 376, along common edges in respective fold lines, one of which is designated as 378. Each corner between an adjacent extension of side wall and extension of top and bottom wall is formed by folding the assembly. of hinge 379 similar to that found in boxes of file folders sold under the SMEAD brand. The extensions cooperate to form an expandable bag that is movable from a first collapsed configuration, as shown on the remote end 325 of the cardboard box 300 in Figure 7, to a second expanded configuration 349 that provides an additional compartment 309 for ice 90, as shown on the near end 327 of the carton 300 in Figure 7. A cut 399 is formed along an intermediate portion on the fold line 378 to facilitate the passage of ice 90 into the compartment 309. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements and / or additional bag or bag configurations can be used in the implementation of the present invention. For example, the sidewall extensions 373 and 374 could be triangular in shape, with the sides converging in a downward direction, in which case the cross section of the expanded bag that results would be triangular rather than rectangular. A pair of elongated slots are formed in the upper wall 338 of the carton 300 to provide a hold 372. Strips of adhesive 317 extend from the side walls, one of which is designated 321, towards the end walls 325 and 327 to releasably secure the bags in a collapsed configuration until it is desired to use the expanded bag. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the adhesive can alternatively be deposited between opposite walls, such as 373 and 374, to releasably secure the bags in a collapsed configuration. Another alternative embodiment of the present invention is designated as 400 in Figure 8. The carton 400 is similar to that of the other embodiments 100 and 300, to the extent that, similarly, it has a first compartment 408 sized and configured to comfortably retain twelve twelve-ounce cans 80 arranged side by side in a three-by-four arrangement. Furthermore, on the cardboard box 300, at least one of the end walls 427 is secured in an accordion shape to the beverage holding compartment 408 of the carton 400. In particular, the extended top wall 477 is attached to an additional extension of wall 476 along the common edge at bending line 478. In this mode 400, end wall 427 travels outwardly from first compartment 408 to form a second compartment 409 that is substantially open on one side when not covered by the flap 417. The opening 499 in the second compartment 409 is sized and configured to receive a refrigerant pack 92, as an alternative source of cooling to the ice cubes. The refrigerant package 92 has an outer shell 93 that encloses a containment space 94. Removal of a cover 95 provides access to the containment space 94, so that the refrigerant package 92 can be filled with a liquid and subsequently drained of the liquid according to is desired The filled refrigerant pack 92 is left in a freezer until required, at which time it is simply inserted into the compartment 409 to provide a cooling source for the beverage containers 80. One of the many suitable alternatives for refrigerant package 92 is a commercially available bag with chemical contents that undergo an endothermic reaction when handled. A flap 417 containing adhesive releasably secure the terminal wall 427 in a collapsed position. Subsequently, the flap 417 releasably covers the access opening 499 in the second compartment 409, as well as an access opening 497 in the first compartment 408, through which the beverage containers 80 can be removed. When the carton 400 is positioned so that the terminal wall 427 faces the floor or other support surface, the cans 80 can be reached through the opening 497 and are close to the cooling source 92 immediately before their removal. from the cardboard box. Still another cardboard box constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is designated 500 in Figures 9-10. The cardboard box 500 has an outer surface 501 and an inner space 502 that is joined by an inner surface 510. The cardboard box 500 is assembled from a sheet of paperboard shown in Figure 10, wherein the solid internal lines designate cuts in the paper 500, and cut internal lines designate folds of the paper 500. The inner surface 510 of the paperboard 500 is coated with a water-resistant polymer that does not significantly impede paper recycling. A coating suitable for this purpose is sold under the trademark PROTECOAT 3003 by NuCoat, LLc of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The sheet or sheet of paper 500 includes portions that may be characterized as a terminal wall section 520, a side wall 530, a terminal wall 540, another side wall 550, another terminal wall section 560, an intermediate wall 570, a board 580, and another support board 590. The terminal wall section 520 is generally rectangular in shape and integrally connects a first lower flap 521 along the fold line 522. The terminal wall section 520 extends laterally from a distal side portion 523 to a fold line 512 extending along a junction between the end wall section 520 and the first side wall 530. The end wall section 520 extends longitudinally from the bottom flap 521 to a peak 524. A wedge-shaped notch 525 is cut between the peak 524 and the first side wall 530, and an angled end 527 extends from an opposite side of the peak 524 ha down and out to the distant side portion 523.

The first side wall 530 is of generally rectangular shape and integrally connects a second bottom flap 531 along the fold line 532. A line is cut between the first bottom flap 521 and the second bottom flap 531 to allow independent folding the lapels. The first side wall 530 extends laterally from the fold line 512 to another fold line 513 extending along the line of a joint between the first side wall 530 and the end wall 540. The first side wall 530 is extends longitudinally from the lower flap 521 to an intermediate flap-cover 533, a top flap 535, and a distant flap-cover 536. The intermediate flap-cover 533 is disposed between fold lines 534 and 538 that extend laterally; the upper flap is disposed between lateral fold lines 538 and 537; and the distant cover flap 536 is disposed above the lateral fold line 537.

Holes 539 are formed in the cover flaps 533 and 536 along opposite sides of the top flap 535. The cover flaps 533 and 536 are substantially mirror images, one from the other, so that when they are folded around respective fold lines 538 and 537, the corresponding holes 539 in the cover flaps 533 and 536 are aligned with each other. The end wall 540 is generally rectangular in shape and integrally connects a third bottom flap 541 along the fold line 542. A line is cut between the second bottom flap 531 and the third bottom flap 541 to allow for independent bending flaps. The end wall 540 extends laterally from the fold line 513 to the fold line 514 extending along the junction between the end wall 540 and the second side wall 550. The end wall 540 extends longitudinally from the flap lower 541 to a pair of peaks 544 and 548 separated by a "V" shaped notch 547 that is disposed there in the middle. The wedge-shaped notches 545 and 549 are cut between respective peaks 544 and 548 and respective sidewalls 530 and 550. The notch 545 corresponds in size and configuration to the notch 525, and one end of the notch 547 corresponds in size and orientation to the end 527 on the terminal wall section 520. The second side wall 550 is similar to the first side wall 530. In particular, the second side wall 550 is of generally rectangular shape and integrally connects a fourth bottom flap 551 along the fold line 552. A line is cut between the third bottom flap 541 and the fourth bottom flap 551 to allow independent bending of the flaps. The second side wall 550 extends laterally from the fold line 514 to the other fold line 515 which extends along the junction between the second side wall 550 and the terminal wall section 560. The second side wall 550 is extends longitudinally from the lower flap 551 to an intermediate flap-cover 553, a top flap 555, and a distant flap-cover 556. The intermediate flap-cover 553 is disposed between side fold lines 554 and 558; the upper flap is disposed between the lateral fold lines 558 and 557; and the distant cover flap 556 is disposed above the side fold line 557. Holes 559 are formed in the cover flaps 553 and 556 on opposite sides of the top flap 555. The cover flaps 553 and 556 are substantially images of mirror, one of the other, so that when they are folded over respective fold lines 558 and 557, corresponding holes 559 in the cover flaps 553 and 556 are aligned with each other. The terminal wall section 560 is of generally rectangular shape and integrally connects a fifth lower flap 561 along the fold line 562. A line is cut between the fourth lower flap 551 and the fifth lower flap 561 to allow independent folding of the flaps. The end wall 560 extends laterally from the fold line 515 to the other bend line 516 extending along the junction between the end wall section 560 and the intermediate wall 570. The end wall 560 extends longitudinally from the bottom flap 561 to a peak 564. Notches 567 and 569 are cut on opposite sides of the peak 564. The notch 567 corresponds in size and configuration to one half of the notch 547, and the notch 569 corresponds in size and configuration to the notch 549. The intermediate wall 570 is generally rectangular in shape. The intermediate wall 570 extends laterally from the fold line 516 to another fold line 517 extending along a junction between the intermediate wall 570 and the first support wall 580. The intermediate wall 570 extends longitudinally from another fold line 518 extending along a junction between the intermediate wall 570 and the second support wall 590, to a distant hold portion 576. A fold line 577 extends along the junction between the portion of remote grip 576 and the main body of the intermediate wall 570. Holes 579 are formed in the remote grasping portion 576, and holes 575 are formed in the main body of the intermediate wall 570 in such a manner that the holes 575 and 579 are they align, in relation to each other, when the distant hold portion 576 is bent over the fold line 577 and against the main body.

The first support wall 580 is of generally rectangular shape and extends laterally from the fold line 517 to a remote flap portion 587. The first support wall 580 extends longitudinally from a lower end to an upper end. The first support wall 580 includes a first adjacent flap 573 disposed between the fold line 517 and another fold line 574 extending parallel to the fold line 517. The first support wall 580 further includes a second adjacent flap 583 disposed between the fold line 574 and another fold line 584 extending parallel to the fold line 574 along a junction between the terminal flap 583 and the main body of the first support wall 580. A first transverse board 581 is defined by an indirect cut and a fold line 582 on the first support wall 580. The first transverse board 581 includes a flap of generally "T" 589 shape defined by a substantially "U" shaped cut and the line of fold 586 on the first support wall 580. The first transverse board 581 and the flap 589 are folded relative to their respective fold lines 582 and 586 in such a way that the inner side 510 of the first transverse board 581 faces the bending line 517, and the inner side 510 of the flap 589 faces in the same direction as the inner side 510 of the first support wall 580. A second transverse board 585 is defined by external sides of the first support wall 580, as well as a fold and cut line 586 in the first support wall 580. The second transverse board 585 includes a flap in the generally "T" shape defined by a line of fold and cut 588 substantially "U" shaped in the first support wall 580. The second transverse board 585 and the second flap 587 are bent relative to their respective fold lines 586 and 588 in such a way that the side interior 510 of the second transverse board 585 faces the fold line 517, and on the inner side 510 of the second flap 587 faces in the same direction as the inner side 510 of the first stop support 580. The second support wall 590 is generally rectangular in shape and extends laterally from a distant end flap 593 toward a cut between the second support wall 590 and the fifth lower flap 561. The second support wall 590 is extends longitudinally from a lower edge to a fold line 518 extending along the junction between the second support wall 590 and the intermediate wall 570. A first transverse board 595 is defined by an indirect cut and bending line 596 on the second support wall 590. The first transverse board 595 includes a generally "T" shaped flap 597 defined by a generally "U" shaped cut and the fold line 598 on the second support wall 590. The first transverse board 595 and the flap 597 are bent relative to their respective fold lines 596 and 598 in such a way that the inner wall 510 of the first transverse board 595 gives the face away from the fold line 517, and the inner side 510 of the flap 597 faces in the same direction as the inner side 510 of the second support wall 590. A second transverse board 591 is defined by outer edges of the second support wall 590, as well as a cut along the fold line 518 between the second support wall 590 and the intermediate wall 570, and a fold line 598 on the second support wall 590. The second board cross section 591 includes a generally "T" shaped flap 593 defined by a substantially "U" shaped cut and bending line 594 in the second support wall 590. The second transverse board 591 and the second flap 593 are bent in relation to their respective fold lines 598 and 594 in such a way that the inner side of the second transverse board 591 faces away from the fold line 517, and the inner side 510 of the second flap 593 faces in the same direction as the inner side 510 of the second support wall 590. A water-resistant adhesive is used to secure the sheet 500 in a suitable configuration to maintain a amount of ice together with six bottles, as shown in Figure 9. The adhesive is deposited in the region designated A on the coated side 510 of the intermediate wall 570 and / or on a corresponding region on the second supporting wall 590 The second support wall 590 is bent around the fold line 518 and in contact with the region A, where it is secured adjacent the coated side 510 of the intermediate wall 570. The adhesive is also deposited on the opposite side. or uncoated (not shown) of the intermediate wall 570 in a region that is approximately a mirror image of the region A and / or a corresponding region the first support wall 580. The adhesive is also deposited on the uncoated sides of the adjacent flaps 573 and 583. When the first support wall 580 is bent around the fold line 574 and to the side without coating the intermediate wall 570, adjacent flaps 573 and 583 are secured to one another, and first support wall 580 is secured adjacent to the unlined side of intermediate wall 570. The adhesive is deposited on the uncoated side (not shown ) of the remote grasping portion 576. The remote grasping portion 576 is then bent around the fold line 577 to the unlined side of the intermediate wall 570 and secured adjacent thereto by the adhesive. The adhesive is also deposited in the regions designated C and D on the side with coating 510 of the second side wall 550 and / or on the uncoated side of the flaps 593 and 597. The intermediate wall 570 is bent around the line of fold 516 and towards the side with coating 510 of the end wall section 550, which in turn, is bent around the fold line 515 and towards the side with coating 510 of the second side wall 550. The side without The flap lining 593 is secured by the adhesive to the region D of the side with liner 510 of the second side wall 550, and the transverse board 591 extends substantially perpendicularly between the intermediate wall 570 and the second side wall 550. unlined side of the flap 597 is secured by the adhesive to the region C on the side with liner 510 of the second side wall 550, and the transverse board 595 extends substantially perpendicularly between the intermediate wall 570 and the second side wall 550. The flaps 573 and 583 are folded around their respective fold lines 574 and 584 and to the unlined side of the intermediate wall 570. adhesive is deposited in the region designated E on the side with liner 510 of the terminal wall 540 and / or on the side with liner 510 of the flap 573. The second side wall 550 is folded around the fold line 514y towards the side with liner 510 of the terminal wall 540. The flap 573 is secured by the adhesive to the region E on the side with liner 510 of the terminal wall 540, and the intermediate wall 570 extends substantially perpendicularly from the terminal wall 540 The adhesive is also deposited in the regions designated as F and G on the side with coating 510 of the first side wall 530 and / or on the side with liner 510 of the flaps 587 and 589. The terminal wall 540 is bent around the fold line 513 and towards the side with liner 510 of the first side wall 530. The side with liner 510 of the flap 587 is secured by the adhesive to the G region on the side with coating 510 of the first side wall 530, and the transverse board 585 extends substantially perpendicularly between the intermediate wall 570 and the first side wall 530. The side with coating 510 of the flap 589 is secured by the adhesive to the region F on the side with coating 510 of the first side wall 530, and transverse board 581 extends substantially perpendicularly between intermediate wall 570 and first side wall 530. The adhesive is also deposited in the region designated as H on the side with coating 510 of the first lower flap 521 and the distal side portion 523 of the terminal wall section 520. The end wall section 520 and its associated bottom flap 521 are folded around the fold line 512 and toward the side with coating 510 of the first side wall 530. The first bottom flap 521 overlaps a portion of the fifth bottom flap 562 and The side portion 523 overlaps the end wall section 560 and is secured to the uncoated side of the latter, below the wedge-shaped notch 567, by the adhesive. adhesive in the H. region The lower flaps first 521 and fifth 561 are folded around their respective fold lines 522 and 562 inwardly 502 of the cardboard box 500. The third lower flap 541 is also folded around its respective fold line 542 inwards 502 of the cardboard box 500. The adhesive is deposited on the uncovered, exposed sides of these flaps 521, 561 and 541 and / or in the region designated J on the side with coating 510 of the second bottom flap 531. The second lower flap 531 is folded around its respective fold line 532 and into the interior 502 of the carton 500 and is secured relative to the flaps 521, 561 and 541 by the adhesive deposited therein in the middle. The adhesive is also deposited in the region designated K on the side with coating 510 of the fourth lower flap 551, which is then folded around its respective fold line 552 and made into the inside of the carton 500 and is secured with respect to the flaps 551, 521, 561 and 541 by the adhesive deposited therein in the middle. In this step, the carton 500 has interconnected side walls, end walls and bottom walls capable of containing ice and / or water. Six bottles 85 are packaged within the interior of the space 502 of the carton 500. Adjacent bottles 85 are separated either by one of the transverse boards 581, 585, 591 or 595, or by the intermediate wall 570. Each of the upper walls 535 and 555 are folded around their respective fold line 538 or 558 and rests on top of a series of rows of three bottle caps. Each of the distant cover walls 536 and 556 is bent around its respective fold line 537 or 557 and opposite to a respective intermediate cover-wall 533 or 553. The holes 539 and 559 are disposed on opposite sides of one another. respective row of bottle tops, and the bottle tops protrude through the holes 539 and 559 and thereby retain the distant cover walls 536 and 556 in a closed position, as shown in Figure 9. Either or both Distant cover walls 536 and 556 can be decoupled from their respective row of bottle covers to access interior space 502 for purposes of removing a bottle 85 or placing ice inside the carton 500. The hold portion 576 and an upper portion of the intermediate wall 570 extends up between the two rows of bottles 85 and has openings 579 and 575. A person can conveniently lift and transport r the cardboard box 500 by placing one or more fingers through the openings 579 and 575. Yet another cardboard box or cooler constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is designated 600 in Figures 11-12. Contrary to the previously described embodiments, the cooler 600 is not specifically designed to house any particular article or items, such as a group of beverage containers. Rather, the cooler 600 is designed to be of a more universal nature, to maintain any article of appropriate size, below the ambient temperature. Anticipated uses for cooler 600 include short-term storage and / or transportation of food, beverages and medications. However, those skilled in the art will recognize other applications as well. The cooler 600 has an outer surface 601 and an inner space 602 that is bounded by an internal surface 610. The cooler 600 is assembled from a sheet of corrugated cardboard designated 600 in Figure 12. The inner surface 610 of the box of cardboard 600 is coated with a waterproof substance sold under the trademark PROTECOAT 3003 by NuCoat, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The paper 600 coated with the substance is disposable and recyclable. The cardboard sheet 600 includes portions that can be characterized by a lower wall 620, a first side wall 621, a second side wall 623, a first end wall 625, and a second side wall 627. The bottom wall 620 and the first side wall 621 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 622. The lower wall 620 and the second side wall 623 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 624. The fold lines 622 and 624 extend parallel to one another along the opposite sides. of the rectangular bottom wall 620. The bottom wall 620 and the first end wall 625 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 626. The bottom wall 620 and the second end wall 627 are integrally joined with each other along the fold line 628. The fold lines 626 and 628 extend parallel to one another along the opposite sides of the rectangular bottom wall 620, and perpendicular to the lines of d Oblez 622 and 624. The side walls 621 and 623 are rectangular and similar to one another in size and configuration. The end walls 625 and 627 are also similar to one another in size and configuration. Each of the terminal walls 625 and 627 includes a substantially square portion 690 and 695 and a substantially triangular portion 691 and 696, respectively. Each of the triangular portions 691 and 696 have a base flank that coincides with a side of a respective rectangular portion 690-0 695 opposite the bottom wall 620, and a pair of sides or edges of equal length that converge from the base towards a respective distant tongue 692 or 697. A rectangular slot 693 or 698 is formed in each of the triangular portions 691 or 696 including portions of the tabs 692 and 697, respectively. A first top wall 680 is integrally joined to the first side wall 621 along the fold line 681. The first top wall 680 is generally rectangular in shape and extends from the first side wall 621 to the first hold flap 682 , which is integrally joined to the first top wall 680 along the fold line 683. The first grip flap 682 is generally rectangular in shape, and a rectangular slot 684 is formed through a central portion thereof. A second top wall 670 is integrally joined to the second side wall 623 along the fold line 671. The second top wall 670 is of generally rectangular shape and extends from the second side wall 623 to the second hold flap 672 , which is integrally attached to the second top wall 670 along the fold line 673. A third grip flap 674 is integrally attached to the second grip flap 672 along the 675 fold line, which it extends parallel to bending line 673. The third hold flap 674 is a mirror image of the second hold flap 672, relative to bending line 675. The second and third hold flaps 672 and 674 are generally rectangular in shape, and a rectangular slot 678 is formed through a central portion of each. 676 substantially "L" -shaped members extend from opposite ends of each of the second grip flaps 672 and third 674 and towards the fold line 675, thereby defining openings 677. A first corner flap 630 integrally interconnects the first terminal wall 625 and second side wall 623. Flap 630 includes a first portion 631 in the shape of an isosceles straight triangle, and a second portion 633 in the shape of an isosceles straight triangle similar in size and configuration to that of the first portion 631. A shorter side of the first triangular portion 631 is defined along the fold line 632 at the junction between the second side wall 623 and flap 630. The other short side of first triangular portion 631 extends perpendicularly away from second side wall 623. A shorter side of second triangular portion 633 is defined along fold line 634 at the junction between the first terminal wall 625 and the flap 630. The other shorter side of the second triangular portion 633 extends perpendicularly away from the first terminal wall 625. The triangular portions 631 and 633 share a common hypotenuse along the the 635 fold line at the junction between them. A) Yes, the triangular portions 631 and 633 cooperate to define a square corner flap 630, and the fold line 635 extends diagonally through the flap 630, from an outer corner to an inner corner formed by the bottom wall 620, the second wall side 623, and the first end wall 625. Similarly, a second corner flap 640 integrally ipterconnects the second end wall 627 and the second side wall 623. The flap 640 includes a first portion 641 in the shape of an isosceles straight triangle, and a second portion 643 in the shape of a right isosceles triangle similar in size and configuration to that of the first portion 641. A shorter side of the first triangular portion 641 is defined along the fold line 642 at the junction between the second side wall 623 and the flap 640. The other shorter side of the first triangular portion 641 extends perpendicularly away from the second wall lat. 623. A shorter side of the second triangular portion 643 is defined along the fold line 644 at the junction between the first terminal wall 627 and the flap 640. The other shorter side of the second triangular portion 643 is extends perpendicularly away from the second terminal wall 627. The triangular portions 641 and 643 share a common hypotenuse along the fold line 645 at the junction between them. Thus, the triangular portions 641 and 643 cooperate to define a square corner flap 640, and the fold line 645 extends diagonally through the flap 640, from an outer corner to an inner corner formed by the bottom wall 620, the second side wall 623, and second end wall 627 Bending line 624 extends co-linearly between bending line 644 and bending line 634. A third corner flap 650 integrally interconnects first end wall 625 and first side wall 621. Flap 650 includes a first portion 651 in the shape of a trapezoid, and a second portion 653 in the shape of an isosceles straight triangle. The portions 651 and 653 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 655, which extends along the longer parallel side of the first trapezoidal portion 651 and the hypotenuse of the second triangular portion 653. The first trapezoidal portion 651 includes an isosceles straight triangle which is a mirror image of the second portion 653 relative to the fold line 655, as well as another portion 656 substantially in the shape of an isosceles triangle. One of the shorter sides of the triangular mirror image portion of the first trapezoidal portion 651 coincides with a larger base side, of the triangular portion 656. The other shorter side of the triangular portion of the mirror image of the The first trapezoidal portion 651 is defined along the fold line 652 at the junction between the first side wall 621 and the flap 650. The fold line 626 extends co-linearly between the fold line 652 and the fold line 632. A shorter side of the second triangular portion 653 is defined along the fold line 654 at the junction between the first terminal wall 625 and the flap 650. The other shorter side of the second triangular portion 653 extends perpendicularly away from the first terminal wall 625. The portions 651 and 653 cooperate to define a square corner flap 650 with the isosceles triangle 656 extending from an outer edge thereof. The shorter sides of the isosceles triangle 656 converge from opposite sides of the square corner flap 650 to a distant tongue 657. A rectangular groove 658 is formed through a portion of the isosceles triangle 656 including a portion of the distant tongue 657. triangular 656, tab 657 and slot 658 are similar in size and configuration to those of the first end wall 625. Similarly, a fourth corner flap 660 integrally interconnects the second end wall 627 and the first side wall 621. The flap 660 includes a first portion 661 in the shape of a trapezoid, and a second portion 663 in the shape of an isosceles straight triangle. The portions 661 and 663 are integrally joined with one another along the fold line 665, which extends along the longer parallel side of the first trapezoidal portion 661 and the hypotenuse of the second triangular portion 663. The first trapezoidal portion 661 includes an isosceles straight triangle which is a mirror image of the second portion 663 relative to the fold line 665, as well as another portion 666 substantially in the shape of an isosceles triangle. One of the shorter sides of the triangular mirror image portion of the first trapezoidal portion 661 coincides with the hypotenuse of the triangular portion 666. The other shorter side of the triangular portion of the mirror image of the first trapezoidal portion 661 is defined along fold line 662 at the junction between first side wall 621 and flap 660. Bending line 628 extends co-linearly between fold line 662 and fold line 642.

A shorter side of the second triangular portion 663 is defined along the fold line 664 at the junction between the second terminal wall 627 and the flap 660. The fold line 622 extends co-linearly between the fold line 664 and the fold line 654. The other shorter side of the second triangular portion 663 extends perpendicularly away from the second terminal wall 627. The portions 661 and 663 cooperate to define a square corner flap 660 with the isosceles triangle 666 extending from an outer edge of this one. The shorter sides of the isosceles triangle 666 converge from opposite sides of the square corner flap 660 to a distant tongue 667. A rectangular groove 668 is formed through a portion of the isosceles triangle 666 including a portion of the distant tongue 667. triangular 666, the tab 667 and the slot 668 are similar in size and configuration to those of the second terminal wall 627. To arrive at the configuration shown in Figure 11, the side walls 621 and 623 are bent around their respective fold lines 622. and 624 so that the interior or side with liner 610 of each is confronted with one another. Similarly, the end walls 625 and 627 are bent around their respective fold lines 626 and 628 so that the interior or the facing flange 610 of each confronts one another. The corner flaps 630, 640, 650 and 660 are folded around their respective diagonal fold lines 635. 645, 655 and 665 so that the unlined sides of each are confronted with each other, and the corner flaps are contained within. of the compartment defined by the side walls 621 and 623 and the end walls 625 and 627. In this step, the cooler 600 has interspersed side walls, end walls and bottom walls capable of containing ice and / or water, as well as one or more objects to be cooled or kept cold. While the corner flaps are held against the surrounding end walls, the object (s) and ice are placed in the cooler and thereafter can operate to keep the flaps angled against the surrounding walls. The slots 658 and 668 through the corner flaps 650 and 660 are aligned with the slots 693 and 698 through the end walls 625 and 627, respectively. The end walls 625 and 627 are displaced slightly away from one another to allow clearance between them for the top walls and the grip flaps. The upper first 680 and second 670 walls are bent around their respective fold lines 681 and 671 and towards each other. The first grip flaps 682 and second 672 are folded around their respective fold lines 683 and 673 so that their facing sides are parallel to and in contact with each other. The third grip flap 674 is folded around the fold line 675 so that the lining side 610 of the third grip flap 674 is parallel to and in contact with the unlined side of the first grip flap 682. In this Stage, the first hold flap 682 is made sandwich between the second and third hold flaps 672 and 674. The pair of overlapping members. in the form of "L", 676 are inserted into the slots 658 and 668 in respective corner flaps 650 and 660, and the slots 693 and 698 in respective end walls 625 and 627. The portions of the corner flaps and end walls immediately underneath the slots are interengaged or inserted into the openings 677 and thus secure the cooler 600 in the configuration shown in Figure 11. The aligned slots 684 and 678 in the grip flaps provide means for conveniently lifting and transporting the cooler 600. Another sheet of corrugated cardboard, from which a cooler similar to that of the preceding embodiment can be assembled, is designated 700 in Figure 13. The cardboard sheet 700 has an inner surface 710 and an opposing outer surface ( not shown). The inner surface 710 is coated with a waterproof substance, sold under the trademark PROTECOAT 3003 by NuCoat, LLC of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The cardboard or paper coated with this substance is disposable and recyclable.

Cardboard sheet 700 includes portions that may be characterized by a bottom wall 720, a first side wall 721, a second side wall 723, a first end wall 725, and a second end wall 727, all of which have designated counterparts and numbered similarly on the carton 600 described above. The cardboard sheet 700, similarly, includes portions that may be characterized as a first top wall 780 and a second top wall 770. both of which have counterparts designated and numbered in a similar manner on the carton 600 described above. The cardboard sheet 700 also includes corner flaps 730, 740, 750 and 760, all of which have a similar shape, and all of which function in a manner similar to the corner flaps 630 and 640 of the carton 600 described above. The notches 739, 749, 759 and 769 are formed in respective distant corners of the corner flaps 730, 740, 750 and 760 and effectively face these distant corners when the sheet 700 is manipulated into a cardboard box similar to the carton 600 illustrated in Figure 11. The cardboard sheet 700 does not include a first grip flap similar to that included in the carton 600. Rather, a grip flap 772 is connected to the first top wall 780, with a line of fold 783 extending there in between. Also, the cardboard sheet 700 does not include a second grip flap similar to that included in the carton 600. Rather, a grip flap 774 is connected to the second top wall 770, with a fold line 773 extending therein. in the middle. As a result of these changes with respect to the carton 600, the sheet 700 is symmetrical about a reference line drawn through the slots 793 and 798 on the end walls 725 and 727, respectively. Each of the grip flaps 772 and 774 includes "L" shaped tabs or ears extending away from opposite sides of each tab and thereafter toward counterparts on opposite flap. When the sheet 700 is manipulated into a cardboard box, the grip flaps 772 and 774 abut one another and adjacent ears 776 extend through each of the slots 793 and 798 to hold the cardboard box together. While the present invention is described with reference to particular embodiments and applications, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited. For example, the present invention is no less applicable to six packs ("six packs") or to any other size or configuration of a carton that is different from the twelve packs shown here. Also, the present invention is not limited to beverage containers or any particular type of beverage containers. The present invention is described with reference to a cardboard box for cans simply because that particular size and configuration is common in the market. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that other types of materials and patterns could be used for cartons constructed and used in accordance with the present invention. For example, many other forms of sheet and paper-based products, including paper and cardboard, are suitable materials for constructing embodiments of the present invention. Also, many forms of cooling sources, including ice and endothermic chemical packages, are suitable materials for use in conjunction with the embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the extension of the appended claims.

Claims (21)

1. Novelty of the Invention 1. A cardboard box of a type in which beverage containers are packaged, which comprises: a plurality of interconnected walls that in a first configuration form a first compartment sufficient in size to comfortably accommodate the beverage containers , and that in a second configuration form a second larger compartment, sufficient in size to accommodate a cooling source and the beverage containers.
2. 2. A cardboard box according to claim 1, wherein said walls are made of water-resistant cardboard, and the cardboard box is capable of retaining water when properly oriented.
3. 3. A cardboard box according to claim 1, wherein said second, longer compartment includes said first compartment and additional space adjacent to said first compartment and the beverage containers packed in said first compartment.
4. 4. A cardboard box according to claim 1, wherein said second, larger compartment includes said first compartment and additional space above said first compartment and the beverage containers packed in said first compartment.
5. 5. A cardboard box according to claim 4, wherein said second, larger compartment is formed by lateral wall extensions of said first compartment.
6. 6. A cardboard box according to claim 5, wherein openings are formed through opposing side wall extensions, near ends of said lateral wall extensions opposite said first compartment to provide a hold for the carton.
7. 7. A water-resistant cardboard box, of a type in which beverage containers are packaged, which comprises: a water-resistant, rectangular bottom and having a perimeter; a first side wall resistant to water and extending upwards from one side of said bottom; a second water resistant side wall and extending upwardly from an opposite side of said bottom; a first terminal wall resistant to water and extending upwards from one side of said bottom; a second water resistant end wall and extending upwardly from an opposite end of said bottom, wherein said side walls and said end walls cooperate with said bottom to define a water-resistant and open compartment, in which the water containers are packed. drink; and coolant storage means associated with at least one of said walls, for storing a coolant near the beverage containers.
8. 8. A cardboard box according to claim 7, wherein said refrigerant storage means includes: a first water resistant flap, connected to an upper end of said first side wall; a second water resistant flap, connected to an upper end of said second side wall, wherein said flaps are bent toward each other and overlap to close said compartment; a first hinge member, water resistant, connected to an upper end of said first terminal wall and interconnected between said first and second flaps; and a second hinge member, water resistant, connected to an upper end of said second terminal wall, opposite said first hinge member, and interconnected between said first and second flaps, wherein when said flaps are unfolded away from said compartment said hinge members and said flaps cooperate to define an additional, substantially closed compartment above the beverage containers.
9. 9. A cardboard box according to claim 8, further comprising securing means for releasably securing said flaps in a folded position.
10. 10. A cardboard box according to claim 9, wherein said securing means includes tape connecting one end of said first flap relative to an intermediate portion of said second flap.
11. 11. A cardboard box according to claim 8, wherein said flaps are similar in size and shape to said bottom, and one of said flaps is bent half to allow selective folding of the other of said flaps relative to their respective ones. side wall and within an orientation parallel to said bottom and covering said water resistant and open compartment.
12. 12. A cardboard box according to claim 8, wherein each of said hinge members is separated within an upper rectangle and a lower rectangle by a first fold line extending parallel to said upper end of a respective terminal wall. , and said upper rectangle is separated into adjacent squares by a second fold line extending perpendicularly to said first fold line, and said lower rectangle is separated into two smaller right isosceles triangles and a larger straight isosceles triangle by third and fourth diverging fold lines, perpendicular to each other, from a point of intersection between said first and second fold lines, towards opposite corners of said lower rectangle near said upper end of the respective terminal wall.
13. 13. A paper-based, recyclable packaging, consisting essentially of: A sheet of paper capable of being folded into a configuration having an interior space accessible from above and sufficient in size to accommodate an article to be kept colder in relation to the ambient temperature and an amount of ice near the article; and a waterproof, non-metallic, biodegradable coating on said sheet, wherein the package is substantially watertight when in an upright position, and the package is recyclable.
14. 14. A package according to claim 13, wherein portions of said sheet are interengaged to maintain said sheet in said configuration.
15. 15. A package according to claim 13, wherein the package is expandable from a first size suitable for storing and shipping a group of beverage containers disposed upright, sideways side, in an array, to a second size plus Large and suitable for storage of ice near the group of beverage containers.
16. 16. A package according to claim 13, wherein the package is designed to adopt a rectangular parallelepiped shape having dimensions suitable for comfortably retaining a group of beverage containers arranged upright, side by side, in an array, and the The cardboard box is expandable upwards to provide a convenient transport hold and an increased volume to keep the ice on the beverage containers.
17. 17. A method for packaging beverage containers, which comprises the steps of: placing the containers in a box having at least one bottom and side walls cooperating to maintain stability of the containers, in relation to one another; and providing at least one expandable bag on the box to allow a cooling source to be placed near the containers.
18. 18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of providing a hold on one end of the expandable bag opposite the bottom of the box.
19. 19. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of releasably securing the expandable bag in a closed position relative to the box to facilitate shipping of the box.
20. 20. A method according to claim 19, wherein the step of placing containers in the box involves placing the containers in an upright position and sideways in a three-by-four arrangement inside a box having a rectangular bottom and walls. laterals extending up from said bottom and interconnected with each other, to comfortably enclose the three-by-four arrangement of the containers.
21. 21. A method according to claim 17, wherein bottom and said side walls are water resistant and cooperate to retain water when the box is properly oriented, and the step of providing at least one expandable bag on the box is performed in a manner which allows a coolant source to be placed in fluid communication with the containers.