US3768722A

US3768722A - Small volume pilfer proof containers

Info

Publication number: US3768722A
Application number: US00224431A
Authority: US
Inventors: J Kupersmit
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-02-08
Filing date: 1972-02-08
Publication date: 1973-10-30
Anticipated expiration: 1990-10-30
Also published as: IT962807B

Abstract

A collapsible small volume pilfer-proof container in which the accessible walls may be sealed by means penetrating through openings therein carrying a seal, whereby the presence of pilfering may be readily detected.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Kupersmit 1 Oct. 30, 1973 SMALL VOLUME PILFER PROOF CONTAINERS [76] Inventor: Julius B. Kupersmit, 145-80 229th St., Springfield Gardens, N.Y.

[22] Filed: Feb. 8, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 224,431

[52] 11.8. CI. 229/47, 229/41, 229/23 B [51] int. Cl. 865d 45/16 [58] Field 01 Search 229/23 R, 23 C, 41 R,

229/41 B, 47, 78 A, 78 B, 79; 206/15 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Bergstein Cameron 229/47 3,195,719 7/1965 Giesler 229/41 B X 2,645,405 7/1953 D0rfman..... 229/41 B X 2,036,987 4/1936 Watson 229/6 R 1,146,847 7/1915 Carpenter. 229/47 X 2,822,973 2/1958 Armstrong... 229/47 2,973,127 2/1961 Royce 229/43 X Primary ExaminerDavis T. Moorhead AttorneyCharles E. Temko [57] ABSTRACT A collapsible small volume pilfer-proof container in which the accessible walls may be sealed by means penetrating through openings therein carrying a seal, whereby the presence of pilfering may be readily detected.

1 Claim, 18 Drawing Figures SMALL VOLUME PILFER PROOF CONTAINERS This invention relates generally to the field of shipping containers of a collapsible type which may be reduced to planar condition at the completion of an individual use and returned to a sender for refilling.

It is known in the art to provide relatively large containers of this type with sealable means which will make immediately detectable the presence of pilfering occurring during transit, such construction being exemplified by my prior U.S. Pat. No. 3,443,737, granted May, 13, 1969 Devices of the above type presume that pilfering will take place by either removing the detachable top or cover element, or by penetrating the side walls of the container, since normally the lower edges of the side walls are secured to a wood pallet, and the container, when loaded, is normally so heavy that it cannot be lifted or tilted without employing a fork lift truck, the use of which precludes access to the bottom of the container through the pallet.

Conventional smaller containers are not so protected, since they are normally openable from both top and bottom and are usually taped or glued into closed position such that when opened, the cutting or tearing necessary to provide access to the interior precludes reuse of the container. However, a very definite need exists for reusable containers of relatively low volume which are of sufficiently sturdy construction to permit recycling. Such containers must be openable without damage, and yet be capable of being sealed so that in the presence of pilfering occurring during transit will be immediately manifested to the consignee upon arrival.

It is therefore among the principal objects of the present invention to provide an improved small volume pilfer-proof container possessed of the above advantages.

Another object of the invention lies in the provision of an improved pilfer-proof container of the class described, in which the cost of fabrication may be of a reasonably low order, thereby permitting consequent wide sale, distribution and use.

Yet another object of the invention lies in the provision of an improved container of the class described in which the sealing means may be of a type already known in the art and in wide spread use, thereby permitting the incorporation of easily available hardware as a part of the construction.

These objects, as well as other incidental ends and advantages, will more fully appear in the progress of the following disclosure, and be pointed in the appended claims.

In the drawing, to which reference will be made in the specification, similar reference characters have been employed to designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an embodiment of the invention showing same in collapsed condition.

FIG. 2 is a view in elevation as seen from the right hand portion of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view in elevation showing a first step in the assembly of the embodiment.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are similar end elevational views showing subsequent steps in the assembly of the container prior to the loading thereof.

FIG. 6 is a similar end elevational view showing the positioning of a lid element upon a fully assembled container element.

FIG. 7 is a similar view showing the sealing means in position after the device has been closed.

FIG. 8 is a planar developed view of a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the second embodiment in collapsed condition.

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the second embodiment as seen from the plan 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view showing a first step in the erection of the container comprising the second embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view as seen from the plan 12ll2 in FIG. lll.

FIG. 13 is an end elevational view as seen from the plan 13-13 in FIG. 12, and showing a subsequent step in the erection of the container.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view showing the second embodiment in fully erected condition.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view as seen from the plan I515 in FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view, partly broken away to show details of the second embodiment with a cover element in position.

FIG. 17 is an exploded side elevational view showing the device in collapsed condition for storage within a cover.

FIG. 18 is a view in perspective showing the second embodiment in fully erected condition, and with the cover element removed.

In accordance with the invention, the device, generally indicated by reference character 10, comprises broadly first and second

outer side walls

11 and 12, respectively; first and

second end walls

15 and 16, respectively; first and second lower walls 17 and 18, respectively; attached

end wall flaps

19 and 20, the above mentioned parts forming a container element 21. A separable lid element 22 includes an upper wall 23 having a continuous peripheral flange 24, including end portions 25 and side portions 26.

Referring to FIGS. l and 2, the device is preferably formed as first and

second blanks

28 and 29 which are interconnected along medially disposed vertical lines by tape strips 30. The first blank 28 is bounded by an upper edge 31,

side edges

32 and 33 and a lower edge 34. An upper fold line 35, and a medial fold line 36 cooperate with

side fold lines

37, 38, 39 and 40 to delineate the above mentioned walls.

The second blank 29 is generally similar, but does not carry the flaps l9 and 20. It is bounded by an upper edge 43, upper side edges 44, lower side edges 45, vertical fold edges 46 and a lower edge 47, as well as intermediate

longitudinal fold edges

48 and 49.

Commencing from the device in folded condition, assembly of the same may be understood from a successive consideration of FIGS. 3 to 7, inclusive. The tape strips 30 which overlie abutting edges disposed therebeneath are moved to planar condition which serves to erect the first and second end walls 13-14. Next the first lower wall 17 is folded upwardly, as seen in FIG. 3 to provide adequate clearance for the second lower wall 18 which is subsequently folded thereafter. When the second lower wall is disposed at right angles with respect to the

side walls

11 and 12, the end wall flaps I9 and 20 are folded vertically whereby the slotted openings 53 in

members

13, 14, 19 and 20 are placed in congruent relation. The first lower all 17 may then be lowered to reinforce the bottom of the device, and the

inner side walls

15 and 16 are then folded downwardly to provide double thickness along the side walls for added mechanical strength, this operation exposing an upwardly facing opening through which the container element 21 is loaded.

In fastening the lid element 2 thereupon, structure 54 is used to interconnect the same, which penetrates the above mentioned openings 53 and place the same in sealed relation. The means 54 is preferably identical with that disclosed in my above mentioned prior patent, and thus need not be considered in further detail in the present disclosure.

By reversing the above described operation after the container has been emptied, it may be again reduced to planar condition shown in FIG. 2 for return shipment to the consignor and subsequent reuse.

Before entering into a detailed consideration of the second embodiment, illustrated in the drawings in FIGS. 8 to 18, inclusive, reference may be made to my co-pending application Ser. no. l80,566, filed Sept. 15, l97l, which discloses means for supporting the side walls of a bulk chemical container against bulging under the weight of materials in powdered or particulate form, the second embodiment herein combining to a substantial degree, the constructional features of the first embodiment and the embodiment disclosed in that application to provide a bulk chemical container of relatively small volume.

The second embodiment, generally indicated by reference character 60, is most conveniently fored from a planar blank 61 of corrugated board of either 2-ply of 3-ply type. As best seen in FIG. 3, the blank includes a bottom wall 62 and a pair of

inner end walls

63 and 64 interconnected to the bottom wall 62 by fold lines 65 and 66, respectively. The bottom wall 62 includes a lower surface 67 thereof mounting wood skids 68, preferably three in number which are glued thereto, which, as best seen in FIG. 18, provide interstices for the insertion of tines (not shown) of a fork lift device. The

inner end walls

63 and 64 are provided with elongated slots 69 as in the first embodiment, and with centrally disposed openings 70 bordered by reinforcing plates 71, as taught in the above-mentioned application Ser. No. 180,566.

The above-mentioned members 62-64 are interconnected to the remaining portions of the blank 61 solely by an interconnecting strip 72 bounded by fold lines 73 and 74, the latter of which interconnects with a first longitudinal side wall '75.

Fold lines

76 and 77 interconnect, respectively, with first and second

outer end walls

75 and 79, respectively, the latter mounting a glue flap 81. The wall 75 has a centrally disposed opening 82 and surrounding reinforcing plate 83. Each of the

end walls

78 and 79 includes a medially positioned fold line 84 passing throgh an elongated slot 85. A second longitudinal side wall 86 interconnects with the flap 81, and is provided with a centrally disposed opening 87 and reinforcing plate 88. It is interconnected with the first outer end wall 78 by a fold line 80.

A longitudinal fold line 90 interconnects a foldable lower wall 91 adapted, when the device is in erected condition to overlie the bottom wall 62. It is provided with a longitudinal fold line 92 to enable it to clear interconnecting ropes or cables 93 which are provided at each end with knots or enlargements 94.

A cover 95 includes an upper wall 96 and peripheral side wall 97 having elongated slots 98 therein adapted to overlie the

slots

69 and 85.

As best seen in FIG. 17, the blank 61, when not erected is most suitably contained within the cover in order to occupy minimum volume. To place the device in condition for use, the cover is removed after positioning the skid 68 on a floor or other horizontal supporting surface, the blank in this condition being illustrated in FlGs. 9 and 10.

Next the longitudinal side wall 75 is lifted to vertical position, and the

outer end walls

78 and 79 are unfolded to the position shown in FIG. 11. Continuing to FIG. 12, the

inner end walls

63 and 64 are lifted to vertical position, and the foldable lower wall 91 is moved downwardly as shown in FIG. 13 to flattened condition overlying the bottom wall 62. The device then assumes the condition shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and 18, wherein the ropes or cables 93 and tensed and the side and end walls are substantially at mutual right angles.

In this condition, the bulk of particulate load may be placed within the confines of the device and filled to desired level, the flow of the material tending to outwardly bow the side and end walls, which tendency is resisted by the cables 93. The cover 95 is then positioned as in the first embodiment and maintained in position by means 54.

When the device has been emptied, it is returned to the condition shown in FIG. 17 be reversing the above sequence, care being taken to empty remaining particulate material to facilitate folding of the component parts.

Where the second embodiment is made in a sufficiently small size, the skids 68 may be eliminated with a corresponding loss in function. If the device is intended to be used in stacked relation, additional skids may be provided to assure greater rigidity and load distribution upon a lid or cover element disposed there beneath.

I wish it to be understood that I do not consider the invention limited to the precise details of structure shown and set forth in this specification, for obvious modifications will occur to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

I claim:

1. A small volume pilfer-proof collapsible container comprising: a container element having first and second side walls, first and second end walls foldably interconnected to said side walls to form a rectangular enclosure; a first lower wall foldably interconnected to one of said side walls, said first lower wall having a pair of end flaps foldably attached thereto, and adapted to overlie said end walls when said first lower wall is disposed at a right angle with respect to said one of said side walls; a lid element having an upper wall and a pcripheral flange thereon adapted to selectively overlie an upper opening formed by said side and end walls; said end flaps, end walls and peripheral flange having corresponding openings therein which are placed in congruent relation when said container is in fully assembled and closed condition; said end walls each having a vertically oriented medially positioned foldline, whereby said container element may be placed in flattened condition when not in use; and sealable means including a bar of substantial length projecting through said congruent openings, said bar overlying a surface of respective side wall, and wherein said container cannot said lid, and extending at right angles on either side of be opened without disturbing the sealed relation of said said vertically oriented medially positioned foldline, last mentioned means.

whereby said sealable means adds to the rigidity of a

Claims

1. A small volume pilfer-proof collapsible container comprising: a container element having first and second side walls, first and second end walls foldably interconnected to said side walls to form a rectangular enclosure; a first lower wall foldably interconnected to one of said side walls, said first lower wall having a pair of end flaps foldably attached thereto, and adapted to overlie said end walls when said first lower wall is disposed at a right angle with respect to said one of said side walls; a lid element having an upper wall and a peripheral flange thereon adapted to selectively overlie an upper opening formed by said side and end walls; said end flaps, end walls and peripheral flange having corresponding openings therein which are placed in congruent relation when said container is in fully assembled and closed condition; said end walls each having a vertically oriented medially positioned foldline, whereby said container element may be placed in flattened condition when not in use; and sealable means including a bar of substantial length projecting through said congruent openings, said bar overlying a surface of said lid, and extending at right angles on either side of said vertically oriented medially positioned foldline, whereby said sealable means adds to the rigidity of a respective side wall, and wherein said container cannot be opened without disturbing the sealed relation of said last mentioned means.