US20180273236A1

US20180273236A1 - Convertible box

Info

Publication number: US20180273236A1
Application number: US15/465,687
Authority: US
Inventors: David Wexler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-03-22
Filing date: 2017-03-22
Publication date: 2018-09-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to a convertible box comprising a first, second panel, and a middle panel, wherein the middle panel is hingedly engaged to the first panel at a first fold line, and wherein the middle panel is hingedly engaged to the second panel at a second fold line; a first and second sidewall, having a first end and a second end, and having a third end and a fourth end, respectively; a first flap, wherein the first flap is removably attached to the first end and wherein the first flap is removably attached to the third end; and, a second flap, wherein the second flap is removably attached to the second end and wherein the second flap is removably attached to the fourth end; wherein the first, middle and second panel, the first and second sidewall, and the first and second flap define an interior space.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to boxes for store purchases, gifts, and storage among other uses, With regard to store boxes and department store stock boxes, oftentimes these boxes come in 1-3 sizes. There is an inherent problem of wasted stock boxes (which is harmful to the environment), and running out of boxes that are better suited for certain pieces of merchandise. Because each of these different size boxes are separate from each other (creating six sets of lids and bottoms), the department store must stock large quantities of each sized box, which takes up valuable store space.
Sometimes stores run out of a specific size gift box, so at times, a clerk may have to use a box of the wrong size. For example, a customer is purchasing socks, and the store has run out of smaller boxes. So now the customer's socks are floating around an unnecessarily large box. Oftentimes clerks will then fill the box with more paper to pad the extra space, which is clearly a waste of paper and detrimental to the environment. Too much of our landfill's waste is comprised of unnecessary paper goods and packaging products. Conversely, if there are only small boxes left, one may need to forego a gift box and instead crudely drop a larger item, say a sweater, into a bag—again, filling the bag with more paper product to pad it.
Our box solution works just as well with any type of good purchased in a box, not just clothing from a department store. Whether it be a couple donuts, to boxes used for storage, the present invention would double the use of ONE size box—because it is convertible, you can turn one large box into two smaller boxes (utilizing the lid and base as the two smaller boxes, through a hinged panel). As a result, the present invention is more economical (stores will not waste money on inventory they don't need), eco-friendly in that it is better for the environment by preventing unnecessary amounts of materials used for unwanted boxes and packaging, will not take up as much room on the sales floor (no need to worry about matching tops and bottoms of boxes and or running out of a certain size), among other advantages.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention provides a convertible box comprising: a first panel; a second panel; a middle panel, wherein the middle panel is hingedly engaged to the first panel at a first fold line, and wherein the middle panel is hingedly engaged to the second panel at a second fold line; a first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall having a first end and a second end; a second sidewall, wherein the second sidewall having a third end and a fourth end; a first flap, wherein the first flap is removably attached to the first end and wherein the first flap is removably attached to the third end; and, a second flap, wherein the second flap is removably attached to the second end and wherein the second flap is removably attached to the fourth end; wherein the first panel, the middle panel, the second panel, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first flap, and the second flap define an interior space.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box further comprising: a first securing means to secure the first flap to the first end; and, a second securing means to secure the second flap to the second end.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box further comprising: a first connector; a third securing means to secure the first connector to the first end, to secure the first connector to the first flap, and to secure the first connector to the third end; a second connector; and, a fourth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end, to secure the second connector to the second flap, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the first panel having a first window.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the second panel having a second window.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a convertible box comprising: a top portion comprising: a first panel; a second panel; a first middle panel, wherein the first middle panel is hingedly engaged to the first panel at a first fold line, and wherein the first middle panel is hingedly engaged to the second panel at a second fold line; a first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall having a first end and a second end; a second sidewall, wherein the second sidewall having a third end and a fourth end; a first flap, wherein the first flap is removably attached to the first end and wherein the first flap is removably attached to the third end; and, a second flap, wherein the second flap is removably attached to the second end and wherein the second flap is removably attached to the fourth end; wherein the first panel, the first middle panel, the second panel, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first flap, and the second flap define a first interior space; and, a bottom portion comprising: a third panel; a fourth panel; a second middle panel, wherein the second middle panel is hingedly engaged to the third panel at a third fold line, and wherein the second middle panel is hingedly engaged to the fourth panel at a fourth fold line; a third sidewall, wherein the third sidewall having a fifth end and a sixth end; a fourth sidewall, wherein the fourth sidewall having a seventh end and a eighth end; a third flap, wherein the third flap is removably attached to the fifth end and wherein the third flap is removably attached to the seventh end; and, a fourth flap, wherein the fourth flap is removably attached to the sixth end and wherein the fourth flap is removably attached to the eighth end; wherein the third panel, the second middle panel, the fourth panel, the third sidewall, the fourth sidewall, the third flap, and the fourth flap define a second interior space.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box of claim 6, further comprising: a first securing means to secure the first flap to the first end; a second securing means to secure the second flap to the second end; a third securing means to secure the third flap to the fifth end; and, a fourth securing means to secure the fourth flap to the sixth end.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box, further comprising: a first connector; a fifth securing means to secure the first connector to the first end, to secure the first connector to the first flap, and to secure the first connector to the third end; a second connector; a sixth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end, to secure the second connector to the second flap, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end; a third connector; a seventh securing means to secure the third connector to the fifth end, to secure the third connector to the third flap, and to secure the third connector to the seventh end; a fourth connector; and, an eighth securing means to secure the fourth connector to the sixth end, to secure the fourth connector to the fourth flap, and to secure the fourth connector to the eighth end.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the first panel having a first window.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the second panel having a second window.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the third panel having a third window.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the fourth panel having a fourth window.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a convertible box comprising: a top portion comprising: a first panel; a second panel; a first middle panel, wherein the first middle panel is hingedly engaged to the first panel at a first fold line, and wherein the first middle panel is hingedly engaged to the second panel at a second fold line; a first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall having a first end and a second end; a second sidewall, wherein the second sidewall having a third end and a fourth end; a first flap, wherein the first flap is removably attached to the first end and wherein the first flap is removably attached to the third end; and, a second flap, wherein the second flap is removably attached to the second end and wherein the second flap is removably attached to the fourth end; wherein the first panel, the first middle panel, the second panel, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first flap, and the second flap define a first interior space; and, a bottom portion comprising: a third panel; a fourth panel; a second middle panel, wherein the second middle panel is hingedly engaged to the third panel at a third fold line, and wherein the second middle panel is hingedly engaged to the fourth panel at a fourth fold line; a third sidewall, wherein the third sidewall having a fifth end and a sixth end; a fourth sidewall, wherein the fourth sidewall having a seventh end and a eighth end; a third flap, wherein the third flap is removably attached to the fifth end and wherein the third flap is removably attached to the seventh end; and, a fourth flap, wherein the fourth flap is removably attached to the sixth end and wherein the fourth flap is removably attached to the eighth end; wherein the third panel, the second middle panel, the fourth panel, the third sidewall, the fourth sidewall, the third flap, and the fourth flap define a second interior space; wherein the first panel is engaged to the first sidewall at a first junction; wherein the first middle panel is engaged to the second flat at a second junction; wherein the second panel is engaged to the second sidewall at a third junction; wherein the first junction is removably attached to the third sidewall; wherein the second junction is removably attached the third flap; and, wherein the third junction is removably attached the fourth sidewall.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box, further comprising: a first securing means to secure the first flap to the first end; a second securing means to secure the second flap to the second end; a third securing means to secure the third flap to the fifth end; and, a fourth securing means to secure the fourth flap to the sixth end.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box, further comprising: a first connector; a fifth securing means to secure the first connector to the first end, to secure the first connector to the first flap, and to secure the first connector to the third end; a second connector; a sixth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end, to secure the second connector to the second flap, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end; a third connector; a seventh securing means to secure the third connector to the fifth end, to secure the third connector to the third flap, and to secure the third connector to the seventh end; a fourth connector; and, an eighth securing means to secure the fourth connector to the sixth end, to secure the fourth connector to the fourth flap, and to secure the fourth connector to the eighth end.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the first panel having a first window.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the second panel having a second window.
Yet another object of the present invention is a convertible box, wherein the third panel having a third window.
Another object of the present invention is a convertible box of claim 18, wherein the fourth panel having a fourth window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

The advantages and features of the present invention will be better understood as the following description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial and exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F are perspective views of various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 generally illustrate a convertible box 100 in accordance with the present invention. In FIG. 1, the convertible box 100 is shown in a flat condition for ease of reference and clarity. As illustrated by FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the convertible box 100 comprises a first panel 101; a second panel 102; a middle panel 103; a first sidewall 106; a second sidewall 109; a first flap 112; and, a second flap 113.
The middle panel 103 is hingedly engaged to the first panel 101 at a first fold line 104, and wherein the middle panel 103 is hingedly engaged to the second panel 102 at a second fold line 105.
The first sidewall 106 has a first end 107 and a second end 108. The second sidewall 109 has a third end 110 and a fourth end 111.
The first flap 112 is removably attached to the first end 107 and the first flap 112 is removably attached to the third end 110. The first flap 112 may be removably attached to the first end 107 and the third end 110 by perforations 120. The second flap 113 is removably attached to the second end 108 and the second flap 113 is removably attached to the fourth end 111. The second flap 113 may be removably attached to the second end 108 and the fourth end 111 by perforations 120.
As FIG. 1 illustrates the convertible box 100 in a flat condition, first sidewall 106 and second sidewall 109 appear to be in various parts. However, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate the first sidewall 106 as a single whole wall. Similarly, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate the second sidewall 109 as a single whole wall. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first panel 101, the middle panel 103, the second panel 102, the first sidewall 106, the second sidewall 109, the first flap 112, and the second flap 113 define an interior space 130.
Optionally, the convertible box 100 may comprise a first securing means to secure the first flap 112 to the first end 107; and, a second securing means to secure the second flap 113 to the second end 108. FIG. 2 illustrates the convertible box 100 in an open or tray form. To change the convertible box 100 to a closed form with a top, first the perforations 120 are torn between first flap 112 and first end 107, first flap 112 and third end 110, second flap 113 and second end 108, and second flap 113 and fourth end 111. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the convertible box 100 is folded along the first fold line 104 and the second fold line 105. First flap 112 is in contact with first end 107 and second flap 113 is in contact with second end 108. Note that in FIG. 3, first end 107 is not visible as it is covered by first flap 112; similarly, second flap 113 is not visible as it is covered by second end 108. Second fold line 105 acts a hinge and convertible box 100 would be in a closed position as second panel 102 is pivoted towards first panel 101. One skilled in the art appreciates that the first securing means and the second securing means are not necessary to change the convertible box 100 from a tray form (as depicted in FIG. 2) to a hinged top form (as depicted in FIG. 3). The first securing means and the second securing means makes the closed box form more sturdy. The first securing means and the second securing means may be Velcro, removable adhesive, or any suitable non-permanent securing means known to one skilled in the art.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded and partial view of the convertible box 100 with a first connector 400. The convertible box 100 may further comprise a first connector 400; a third securing means to secure the first connector 400 to the first end 107, to secure the first connector 400 to the first flap 112, and to secure the first connector 400 to the third end 110. Although not illustrated, the convertible box 100 may further comprise a second connector; and, a fourth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end 108, to secure the second connector to the second flap 113, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end 111. To change the convertible box 100 from the hinged top form to the tray form, the second panel 102 is pivoted away from the first panel 101. If the convertible box 100 has been changed to the hinged top form, the perforations 120 must have been torn. To change the convertible box 100 back to the tray form, the first connector 400 is secured to the first end 107, the first flap 112, and the third end 110. Similarly, the second connector is secured to the second end 108, the second flap 113, and the fourth end 111. Utilizing the first connector 400 and the second connect adds stability and rigidity to the tray form. The third securing means and the fourth securing means may be Velcro, removable adhesive, or any suitable non-permanent securing means known to one skilled in the art.
Optionally, the first panel 101 may have a first window (not illustrated). Similarly, the second panel 102 may have a second window (also not illustrated). When the convertible box 100 is in the hinged top form and the convertible box 100 is made of a non-transparent material, it may be advantageous to have transparent windows to allowing viewing of the interior of the convertible box 100 and its contents, if any. The window may be made of plastic, glass, or any suitable transparent material known to one skilled in the art.
The convertible box 100 may be constructed in many different shapes. FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F are non-limiting examples of different shapes that may be utilized for the present invention. For clarity, only the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 of the convertible box 100, are labeled in FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F. FIG. 5A illustrates the convertible box 100 wherein the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are square. FIG. 5B illustrates the convertible box 100 wherein the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are rectangular. FIG. 5C illustrates the convertible box 100 wherein the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are semi-circular. FIG. 5D illustrates the convertible box 100 wherein the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are semi-oval. FIG. 5E illustrates the convertible box 100 wherein the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are triangular. FIG. 5F illustrates the convertible box 100 wherein the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are pentagonal. One skilled in the art recognizes that the convertible box 100 may be of any shape where the first panel 101 and the second panel 102 are of substantially the same shape and of substantially the same size, and where the first panel 101 is a mirror-image of the second panel 102.
FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 generally illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, like in FIG. 1, the convertible box 200 is shown in a flat condition for ease of reference and clarity. As illustrated by FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the convertible box 200 comprises a top portion 600 and a bottom portion 650.
The top portion 600 comprises a first panel 601; a second panel 602; a first middle panel 603; a first sidewall 606; a second sidewall 609; a first flap 612; and, a second flap 613.
The first middle panel 603 is hingedly engaged to the first panel 601 at a first fold line 604, and the first middle panel 603 is hingedly engaged to the second panel 602 at a second fold line 605.
The first sidewall 606 has a first end 607 and a second end 608. The second sidewall 609 has a third end 610 and a fourth end 611.
The first flap 612 is removably attached to the first end 607 and the first flap 612 is removably attached to the third end 610. The first flap 612 may be removably attached to the first end 607 and the third end 610 by perforations 620. The second flap 613 is removably attached to the second end 608 and the second flap 613 is removably attached to the fourth end 611. The second flap 613 may be removably attached to the second end 608 and the fourth end 611 by perforations 620.
As FIG. 6 illustrates the top portion 600 in a flat condition, first sidewall 606 and second sidewall 609 appear to be in various parts. However, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the first sidewall 606 as a single whole wall. Similarly, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the second sidewall 609 as a single whole wall. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the first panel 601, the first middle panel 603, the second panel 602, the first sidewall 606, the second sidewall 609, the first flap 612, and the second flap 613 define a first interior space 630.
The bottom portion 650 comprises a third panel 651; a fourth panel 652; a second middle panel 653; a third sidewall 656; a fourth sidewall 659; a third flap 662; and, a fourth flap 663.
The second middle panel 653 is hingedly engaged to the third panel 651 at a third fold line 654, and the second middle panel 653 is hingedly engaged to the fourth panel 653 at a fourth fold line 655.
The third sidewall 656 has a fifth end 657 and a sixth end 658. The fourth sidewall 659 has a seventh end 660 and a eighth end 661.
The third flap 662 is removably attached to the fifth end 657 and the third flap 662 is removably attached to the seventh end 660. The third flap 662 may be removably attached to the fifth end 657 and the seventh end 660 by perforations 670. The fourth flap 663 is removably attached to the sixth end 658 and the fourth flap 663 is removably attached to the eighth end 661. The fourth flap 663 may be removably attached to the sixth end 658 and the eighth end 661 by perforations 670.
As FIG. 6 illustrates the bottom portion 650 in a flat condition, third sidewall 656 and fourth sidewall 659 appear to be in various parts. However, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the third sidewall 656 as a single whole wall. Similarly, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the fourth sidewall 659 as a single whole wall. Also, as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the third panel 651, the second middle panel 653, the fourth panel 652, the third sidewall 656, the fourth sidewall 659, the third flap 662, and the fourth flap 663 define a second interior space 680.
Optionally, the convertible box 200 may comprise a first securing means to secure the first flap 612 to the first end 607; a second securing means to secure the second flap 613 to the second end 608; a third securing means to secure the third flap 662 to the fifth end 657; and, a fourth securing means to secure the fourth flap 663 to the sixth end 658.
FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of the top portion 600 and bottom portion 650 in an open or tray form. The following will describe the bottom portion 650, but one skilled in the art understands that the description is applicable to top portion 600 as well. To change the bottom portion 650 to a closed form with a top, first the perforations 670 are torn between third flap 662 and fifth end 657, third flap 662 and seventh end 660, fourth flap 663 and sixth end 658, and fourth flap 663 and eighth end 661. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the bottom portion 650 is folded along the third fold line 654 and the fourth fold line 665. Third flap 662 is in contact with fifth end 657 and fourth flap 663 is in contact with sixth end 658. Note that in FIG. 8, fifth end 657 is not visible as it is covered by third flap 662; similarly, fourth flap 663 is not visible as it is covered by sixth end 658. Fourth fold line 665 acts a hinge and bottom portion 650 would be in a closed position as fourth panel 652 is pivoted towards third panel 651. One skilled in the art appreciates that the first securing means and the second securing means are not necessary to change the bottom portion 650 from a tray form (as depicted in FIG. 7) to a hinged top form (as depicted in FIG. 8). The third securing means and the fourth securing means makes the closed box form more sturdy. The third securing means and the fourth securing means may be Velcro, removable adhesive, or any suitable non-permanent securing means known to one skilled in the art.
The convertible box 200 may further comprise a first connector; a fifth securing means to secure the first connector to the first end, to secure the first connector to the first flap, and to secure the first connector to the third end; a second connector; a sixth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end, to secure the second connector to the second flap, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end; a third connector; a seventh securing means to secure the third connector to the fifth end, to secure the third connector to the third flap, and to secure the third connector to the seventh end; a fourth connector; and, an eighth securing means to secure the fourth connector to the sixth end, to secure the fourth connector to the fourth flap, and to secure the fourth connector to the eighth end. Although not illustrated, the above is similar to FIG. 4. To change the top portion 600 from the hinged top form to the tray form, the second panel 602 is pivoted away from the first panel 601. If the top portion 600 has been changed to the hinged top form, the perforations 620 must have been torn. To change the top portion 600 back to the tray form, the first connector is secured to the first end 607, the first flap 612, and the third end 610. Similarly, the second connector is secured to the second end 608, the second flap 613, and the fourth end 611. Utilizing the first connector and the second connect adds stability and rigidity to the tray form. The fifth securing means and the sixth securing means may be Velcro, removable adhesive, or any suitable non-permanent securing means known to one skilled in the art. To change the bottom portion 650 from the hinged top form to the tray form is similar to that as described for changing the top portion 600 from the hinged top form to the tray form.
Optionally, the first panel 601 may have a first window (not illustrated). Similarly, the second panel 603 may have a second window, the third panel 651 may have a third window, and the fourth panel 652 may have a fourth window (none of which are illustrated). When the top portion 600 and bottom portion 650 are in the hinged top form and the top portion 600 and bottom portion 650 are made of a non-transparent material, it may be advantageous to have transparent windows to allowing viewing of the interiors of the top portion 600 and bottom portion 650 and their contents, if any. The windows may be made of plastic, glass, or any suitable transparent material known to one skilled in the art.
Although not illustrated, like convertible box 100, convertible box 200 may be constructed in many different shapes. The non-limiting examples of different shapes illustrated by FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F are applicable to convertible box 200.
FIG. 9 generally illustrates yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated by FIG. 9, the convertible box 300 comprises a top portion 900 and a bottom portion 950.
The top portion 900 comprises a first panel 901; a second panel 902; a first middle panel 903; a first sidewall 906; a second sidewall 909; a first flap 912; and, a second flap 913.
The first middle panel 903 is hingedly engaged to the first panel 901 at a first fold line 904, and the first middle panel 903 is hingedly engaged to the second panel 902 at a second fold line 905.
The first sidewall 906 has a first end 907 and a second end 908. The second sidewall 909 has a third end 910 and a fourth end 911.
The first flap 912 is removably attached to the first end 907 and the first flap 912 is removably attached to the third end 910. The second flap 913 is removably attached to the second end 908 and the second flap 913 is removably attached to the fourth end 911.
The first panel 901, the first middle panel 903, the second panel 902, the first sidewall 906, the second sidewall 909, the first flap 912, and the second flap 913 define a first interior space 930.
The bottom portion 950 comprises a third panel 951; a fourth panel 952; a second middle panel 953; a third sidewall 956; a fourth sidewall 959; a third flap 962; and, a fourth flap 963.
The second middle panel 953 is hingedly engaged to the third panel 951 at a third fold line 954, and the second middle panel 953 is hingedly engaged to the fourth panel 952 at a fourth fold line 955.
The third sidewall 956 has a fifth end 957 and a sixth end 958. The fourth sidewall 959 has a seventh end 960 and a eighth end 961.
The third flap 962 is removably attached to the fifth end 957 and the third flap 962 is removably attached to the seventh end 960. The fourth flap 963 is removably attached to the sixth end 958 and the fourth flap 963 is removably attached to the eighth end 961.
The third panel 951, the second middle panel 953, the fourth panel 952, the third sidewall 956, the fourth sidewall 959, the third flap 962, and the fourth flap 963 define a second interior space 980.
The first panel 901 is engaged to the first sidewall 906 at a first junction 991; the first middle panel 903 is engaged to the second flap 913 at a second junction 992; and, the second panel 902 is engaged to the second sidewall 909 at a third junction 993. The first junction 991 is removably attached to the third sidewall 956 by perforations; the second junction 992 is removably attached the third flap 962 by perforations; and, the third junction 993 is removably attached the fourth sidewall 959 by perforations.
Although not labeled, convertible box 300 includes perforations, illustrated in FIG. 9 by the dashed lines. Convertible box 300 may be changed into two boxes by tearing the perforations between the first junction 991 from the third sidewall 956; by tearing the perforations between the second junction 992 from the third flap 962; and, by tearing the perforations between the third junction 993 from the fourth sidewall 959.
If convertible box 300 is changed to two boxes by the tearing the perforations between the top portion 900 and the bottom portion 950, FIG. 9 illustrates the top portion 900 and bottom portion 950 in an open or tray form. The following will describe the bottom portion 950, but one skilled in the art understands that the description is applicable to top portion 900 as well. To change the bottom portion 950 to a closed form with a top, first the perforations (not labeled for clarity but illustrated by dashed lines) are torn between third flap 962 and fifth end 957, third flap 962 and seventh end 960, fourth flap 963 and sixth end 958, and fourth flap 963 and eighth end 961. Thereafter, the bottom portion 950 is folded along the third fold line 954 and the fourth fold line 965. Third flap 962 is in contact with fifth end 957 and fourth flap 963 is in contact with sixth end 958. Fourth fold line 965 acts a hinge and bottom portion 950 would be in a closed position as fourth panel 952 is pivoted towards third panel 951. One skilled in the art appreciates that the first securing means and the second securing means are not necessary to change the bottom portion 950 from a tray form (as depicted in FIG. 9) to a hinged top form (not depicted, but similar to FIG. 8). The third securing means and the fourth securing means makes the closed box form more sturdy. The third securing means and the fourth securing means may be Velcro, removable adhesive, or any suitable non-permanent securing means known to one skilled in the art.
Although not illustrated, top portion 900 and bottom portion 950 may be utilized as hinged top boxes, similar to top portion 600 and bottom portion 650 illustrated in FIG. 8. Alternatively, each of top portion 900 and bottom portion 950 may be utilized as trays, similar to convertible box 100 illustrated in FIG. 2.
Optionally, the convertible box 300 may comprise a first securing means to secure the first flap 912 to the first end 907; a second securing means to secure the second flap 913 to the second end 908; a third securing means to secure the third flap 952 to the fifth end 957; and, a fourth securing means to secure the fourth flap 963 to the sixth end 958.
The convertible box 300 may further comprise a first connector; a fifth securing means to secure the first connector to the first end, to secure the first connector to the first flap, and to secure the first connector to the third end; a second connector; a sixth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end, to secure the second connector to the second flap, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end; a third connector; a seventh securing means to secure the third connector to the fifth end, to secure the third connector to the third flap, and to secure the third connector to the seventh end; a fourth connector; and, an eighth securing means to secure the fourth connector to the sixth end, to secure the fourth connector to the fourth flap, and to secure the fourth connector to the eighth end. Although not illustrated, the above is similar to FIG. 4. To change the top portion 900 from the hinged top form to the tray form, the second panel 902 is pivoted away from the first panel 901. If the top portion 900 has been changed to the hinged top form, the perforations (not labeled for clarity but illustrated by dashed lines) must have been torn. To change the top portion 900 back to the tray form, the first connector is secured to the first end 907, the first flap 912, and the third end 910. Similarly, the second connector is secured to the second end 908, the second flap 913, and the fourth end 911. Utilizing the first connector and the second connect adds stability and rigidity to the tray form. The fifth securing means and the sixth securing means may be Velcro, removable adhesive, or any suitable non-permanent securing means known to one skilled in the art. To change the bottom portion 950 from the hinged top form to the tray form is similar to that as described for changing the top portion 900 from the hinged top form to the tray form.
Optionally, the first panel 901 may have a first window (not illustrated). Similarly, the second panel 903 may have a second window, the third panel 951 may have a third window, and the fourth panel 952 may have a fourth window (none of which are illustrated). When the top portion 900 and bottom portion 950 are in the hinged top form and the top portion 900 and bottom portion 950 are made of a non-transparent material, it may be advantageous to have transparent windows to allowing viewing of the interiors of the top portion 900 and bottom portion 950 and their contents, if any. The windows may be made of plastic, glass, or any suitable transparent material known to one skilled in the art.
Although not illustrated, like convertible box 100 and convertible box 200, convertible box 300 may be constructed in many different shapes. The non-limiting examples of different shapes illustrated by FIG. 5A through FIG. 5F are applicable to convertible box 300.

Claims

I claim:

1. A convertible box comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel;

a middle panel, wherein the middle panel is hingedly engaged to the first panel at a first fold line, and wherein the middle panel is hingedly engaged to the second panel at a second fold line;

a first sidewall, wherein the first sidewall having a first end and a second end;

a second sidewall, wherein the second sidewall having a third end and a fourth end;

a first flap, wherein the first flap is removably attached to the first end and wherein the first flap is removably attached to the third end; and,

a second flap, wherein the second flap is removably attached to the second end and wherein the second flap is removably attached to the fourth end;

wherein the first panel, the middle panel, the second panel, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first flap, and the second flap define an interior space.

2. The convertible box of claim 1, further comprising:

a first securing means to secure the first flap to the first end; and,

a second securing means to secure the second flap to the second end.

3. The convertible box of claim 2, further comprising:

a first connector;

a third securing means to secure the first connector to the first end, to secure the first connector to the first flap, and to secure the first connector to the third end;

a second connector; and,

a fourth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end, to secure the second connector to the second flap, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end.

4. The convertible box of claim 3, wherein the first panel having a first window.

5. The convertible box of claim 4, wherein the second panel having a second window.

6. A convertible box comprising:

a top portion comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel;

a first middle panel, wherein the first middle panel is hingedly engaged to the first panel at a first fold line, and wherein the first middle panel is hingedly engaged to the second panel at a second fold line;

wherein the first panel, the first middle panel, the second panel, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first flap, and the second flap define a first interior space; and,

a bottom portion comprising:

a third panel;

a fourth panel;

a second middle panel, wherein the second middle panel is hingedly engaged to the third panel at a third fold line, and wherein the second middle panel is hingedly engaged to the fourth panel at a fourth fold line;

a third sidewall, wherein the third sidewall having a fifth end and a sixth end;

a fourth sidewall, wherein the fourth sidewall having a seventh end and a eighth end;

a third flap, wherein the third flap is removably attached to the fifth end and wherein the third flap is removably attached to the seventh end; and,

a fourth flap, wherein the fourth flap is removably attached to the sixth end and wherein the fourth flap is removably attached to the eighth end;

wherein the third panel, the second middle panel, the fourth panel, the third sidewall, the fourth sidewall, the third flap, and the fourth flap define a second interior space.

7. The convertible box of claim 6, further comprising:

a first securing means to secure the first flap to the first end;

a second securing means to secure the second flap to the second end;

a third securing means to secure the third flap to the fifth end; and,

a fourth securing means to secure the fourth flap to the sixth end.

8. The convertible box of claim 7, further comprising:

a first connector;

a fifth securing means to secure the first connector to the first end, to secure the first connector to the first flap, and to secure the first connector to the third end;

a second connector;

a sixth securing means to secure the second connector to the second end, to secure the second connector to the second flap, and to secure the second connector to the fourth end;

a third connector;

a seventh securing means to secure the third connector to the fifth end, to secure the third connector to the third flap, and to secure the third connector to the seventh end;

a fourth connector; and,

an eighth securing means to secure the fourth connector to the sixth end, to secure the fourth connector to the fourth flap, and to secure the fourth connector to the eighth end.

9. The convertible box of claim 8, wherein the first panel having a first window.

10. The convertible box of claim 9, wherein the second panel having a second window.

11. The convertible box of claim 10, wherein the third panel having a third window.

12. The convertible box of claim 11, wherein the fourth panel having a fourth window.

13. A convertible box comprising:

a top portion comprising:

a first panel;

a second panel;

a bottom portion comprising:

a third panel;

a fourth panel;

wherein the third panel, the second middle panel, the fourth panel, the third sidewall, the fourth sidewall, the third flap, and the fourth flap define a second interior space;

wherein the first panel is engaged to the first sidewall at a first junction;

wherein the first middle panel is engaged to the second flap at a second junction;

wherein the second panel is engaged to the second sidewall at a third junction;

wherein the first junction is removably attached to the third sidewall;

wherein the second junction is removably attached the third flap; and,

wherein the third junction is removably attached the fourth sidewall.

14. The convertible box of claim 13, further comprising:

a first securing means to secure the first flap to the first end;

a second securing means to secure the second flap to the second end;

a third securing means to secure the third flap to the fifth end; and,

a fourth securing means to secure the fourth flap to the sixth end.

15. The convertible box of claim 14, further comprising:

a first connector;

a second connector;

a third connector;

a fourth connector; and,

16. The convertible box of claim 15, wherein the first panel having a first window.

17. The convertible box of claim 16, wherein the second panel having a second window.

18. The convertible box of claim 17, wherein the third panel having a third window.

19. The convertible box of claim 18, wherein the fourth panel having a fourth window.