US3545667A - Self-secured containers - Google Patents

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventor Paul Vjecsner References Cited 350 W. 51st St., New York, N.Y. 10019 UN ED TE PATENTS 1 99 N9 788,298 701,014 8/1902 Bennett 229/82 [22] Filed Dec- 31, 2,079,211 5/1937 l-l rdlicka et a1. 229/35 [451 Patented Dec-8,1970 2,784,900 3/1957 Bauer 229135 FOREIGN PATENTS 735,800 8/1955 Great Britain 229/l.5

Primary Examiner-David M. Bockenek [541 SELF-SECURED CONTAINERS Lazar 1 Claim, 28 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 229/35, ABSTRACT: In a paper container an integral lock used 229/31 without external fasteners by folding flap attached to end of [51] Int. Cl B65d 5/26 wall panel over extension of other wall panel, inserting it in slit [50] Field of Search 229/35, 36, therein. Insertion of flap is in direction opposed to stress on joined wall panels, thereby securing structure.

mum-um 8m SHEET 1 OF 3 IIVIR PATENTEU m emu SHEET 2 BF 3 PATENTEB DEC 8 Ian SHEET 3 0F 3 SELF-SECURED CONTAINERS This invention relates to paper containers or other structures made from an integral blank without external fasteners. The main object of the invention is elimination of cost of ex ternal fasteners in material and time, while retaining their advantages. Particularly, the objects are: strength comparable to that of other fasteners; simplicity and speed of application; unbroken comers and outer walls for unmarred printing surface; absence of obstructions within-specifically, absence of odd and protruding edges-with straight edges closed at both ends or ending at floor, and parallel or diagonal to movement of contents in-andout or to movement of cover constructed by this means; single edges at openings, rather than multiplelayer edges between which matter may get caught.

Another object of invention is to enable shipping and storage in flat condition with assembly at place of use, this, besides commercially, also applicable at consumer leveleither at point of sale or with consumers own assembly, as of gift boxes, making the object also maximum application and simplicity, enabling use by layman or child.

In the drawings, FIG. 1 is a plan view of locking elements securing structure, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of said elements folded along score lines, FIG. 3 is a view of unit being locked, FIG. 4 is a view of locked position, FIG. 5 shows another means of assembly, FIG. 6 shows a variation of lock, FIG. 7 shows a blank for a tray-type container, FIG. 8 shows the preceding and cover assembled, FIG. 9 shows a blank for a tube-type container, with suggested blank formation, FIG. 10 shows the preceding assembled, FIGS. 11 and 12 show a tubetype container with maximum economy in blank formation, FIGS. 13 and 14 show another tube-type container of economic blank formation, FIGS. 15 and 16 show a container with locking panel holding closure flaps, FIGS. 17, 18 show a tray-type variation, FIGS. 19 and 20 show an envelope, FIG. 21 shows a variation of locking unit, FIG. 22 shows locking unit for midsection, FIG. 23 shows another locking unit, FIG. 24 shows blocking unit, FIG. 25 is a cutaway view of cylindrical structure using units of FIGS. 21, 22, FIGS. 26 and 27 show cylindrical structures with integral floor, using units of FIGS. 21 to 23, and FIG. 28 shows cylinder with units of FIGS. 22 and 24.

In FIG. 1 flap 1 is attached to joining-end of wall panel 2 at opening-edge 3, said flap having tab 4 received by slit 5 in locking panel 6 attached to wall panel 7 at joining-edge 8. Flap 1 is diagonal on side with tab, and a straight-line continuation of joining-edge 9 on other side; its base is substantially the width of locking panel 6. Slit 5 is coincidental with base of tab 4 when locked.

In FIGS. 2 through 4, upon joining of wall panels, flap is folded over locking panel, and tab tucked into slit. Lock is secure due to the elements mutual blocking of movement; the usual catch" associated with locking tabs is superfluous, as vertically moving flap is freed from horizontal stress on joined wall panels. Proportions of flap are variable, permitting small dimensions to be compensated in other direction.

As in FIG. 5, tube-type containers can be locked by bringing walls beyond final position, returning to it after insertion of tab into slit.

In FIG. 6 slit and tab base are parallel with base of flap, for straight insertion and shorter distance.

FIGS. 7 and 8 apply to, among others, boxes with telescopic covers such as shoe or gift boxes. Low walls may have flap reaching floor, with slit open at bottom.

FIGS. 9 and 10 indicate containers such as used for drugs and toiletries or other consumer products.

in FIGS. 11 and 12 economy in blanks is achieved through sharing of opening-edge by locking flap and closure flap.

FIGS. 13 and 14 show same economy through attachment of minor closure flap to major one, for fully closed corner.

In FIGS. 15, 16 a container such as used for commercial shipping has locking panel extended to hold closure flaps, for full flaps with every wall.

FIGS. 17, 18 show slip-case for books or other matter. Short flaps between narrow walls serve to close corners, and fasten said walls.

Envelope of FIGS. 19, 20 locks externally, closing interior for usual paper contents. Locking panels are slanted, removing projecting corners, and aiding blank formation. Tabs need not be scored if paper is flexible.

Lock of FIG. 21 has second tab, blocking inward movement of walls when lock is not at corner.

Lock of FIG. 22 closes walls at midsection, this feasible in cylindrical structures, with centrifugal stress, but applicable elsewhere, on long joints. It is applied as lock in FIG. 5, with folded-in flap inserted in larger and smaller slit successively, then pulled back. Long slit is coincidental with base of flap when locked, short slit fitting midarea.

Lock of FIG. 23 functions as preceding, but blocks movement in all directions, and can be used independently. Flap is received by long slit of which tab simultaneously enters slit at base of flap; tip of flap is then tucked into short slit. Slits fit when locked, as in preceding.

Unit of FIG. 24 blocks inward movement of walls, used with unit of FIG. 22. Slit is coincidental with base of tab when joined.

Cylinders of FIGS. 26, 27 may have more wall units for added attachment to floor. Assembly is from bottom up.

Cylinder of FIG. 28 gives maximum economy.

Above items do not show the only use of invention, which may differ from that described while still retaining spirit of invention as claimed.

I claim:

1. In a structure of paperboard or similar material having a least two panels, an integral lock of the same material adapted to join and secure two adjacent panels (2, 6,) of said structure, said lock comprising a flap (1) attached to one of said panels (2), a second panel (6) adapted to overlie said one panel (2), said second panel (6) having a slit (5) adapted to receive at least a portion of said flap (1), said flap (1) having a fold-line to provide an articulated movement of said flap for insertion in said slit (5), said fold-line and said slit being in substantial overlying coincidence when said flap portion (1) is inserted in said slit (5), said flap having an edge which upon insertion in the slit will oppose the separation of said two panels.

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