WO2009118666A2

WO2009118666A2 - Device, system, and method of packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2009118666A2
Application number: PCT/IB2009/050965
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gil Sat
Original assignee: Plasel Ltd.
Priority date: 2008-03-27
Filing date: 2009-03-09
Publication date: 2009-10-01
Also published as: WO2009118666A3

Abstract

Device, system, and method of packaging. For example, a container includes: a bottom member adapted to store therein one or more items; a substantially rectangular flat top member adapted to close onto the bottom member; a hinge connecting the top member to the bottom member, located at a first narrow side of the top member, to provide rotation of the top member relative to the bottom member; and a flap extending from the top member, located at a second narrow side of the top member, wherein the flap includes a locking mechanism to lock the top member and the bottom member.

Description

DEVICE, SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF PACKAGING

PRIOR APPLICATION DATA

[001] This application claims priority and benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application Number 61/039,804, titled "Device, System, and Method of Packaging", filed on March 27, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[002] Some embodiments are related to the field of packaging and packages.

BACKGROUND

[003] Packages and containers are widely used to store various items, for example, items for shipment. Some packages include a hollow receptacle in which one or more items may be placed and stored.

[004] Unfortunately, some packages do not close tightly, are not tamper-resistant, or do not sufficiently protect the item(s) stored inside them.

SUMMARY

[005] Some embodiments include, for example, devices, systems, and methods of packaging. [006] In some embodiments, for example, a container includes: a bottom member adapted to store therein one or more items; a substantially rectangular flat top member adapted to close onto the bottom member; a hinge connecting the top member to the bottom member, located at a first narrow side of the top member, to provide rotation of the top member relative to the bottom member; and a flap extending from the top member, located at a second narrow side of the top member, wherein the flap comprises a locking mechanism to lock the top member and the bottom member.

[007] In some embodiments, for example, the hinge is integral to both the top member and the bottom member.

[008] In some embodiments, for example, the flap is connected to the top member through another hinge which provides rotation of the flap relative to the top member, and wherein the other hinge is integral to the top member. [009] In some embodiments, for example, the top member comprises a first snap member, located in proximity to said other hinge and adapted to close the container by snapping into a corresponding snap member of the bottom member.

[0010] In some embodiments, for example, the flap comprises a second snap member, located away from said other hinge and adapted to lock the container by snapping into another corresponding snap member of the bottom member.

[001 1] In some embodiments, for example, the bottom member comprises a diagonal wall extending therefrom and comprising said snap members of the bottom member.

[0012] In some embodiments, for example, the flap is rotatable through said other hinge downward from a plane of the top member when the container is closed, to snap into said diagonal wall and to securely close said container.

[0013] In some embodiments, for example, the flap comprises a protrusion insertable into a corresponding recess of the diagonal wall of the bottom member, to securely attach the flap to the diagonal wall of the bottom member.

[0014] In some embodiments, for example, at least one side of the flap comprises one or more gripping ribs.

[0015] In some embodiments, for example, the bottom member comprises one or more placeholders to firmly hold the one or more items stored in the container.

[0016] In some embodiments, for example, the bottom member comprises one or more stabilizers to provide a substantially rock-free standing of said container upon its closure.

[0017] In some embodiments, for example, the top member comprises one or more rails able to snap into and snap out of one or more other, corresponding, rails of the bottom member.

[0018] In some embodiments, for example, the top member comprises one or more rails able to slide into and slide out of one or more other, corresponding, rails of the bottom member.

[0019] In some embodiments, for example, the bottom part comprises one or more breakable contacts detachably-attaching the bottom part of the container to another bottom part of another, substantially identical, container.

[0020] In some embodiments, for example, the one or more breakable contacts have a shape selected from the group consisting of: an S shape, a V shape, a Z shape, a wave shape, and a bridge shape. [0021] In some embodiments, for example, walls of the bottom member are diagonally adapted for nesting of said container within another, substantially identical, container. [0022] In some embodiments, for example, said hinge is part of a longer hinge common to a set of one or more substantially identical containers connected to said container through one or more breakable contacts.

[0023] In some embodiments, for example, the top member is substantially smooth and adapted to be printed upon.

[0024] In some embodiments, for example, a multi-compartment container includes: two or more substantially identical containers interconnected through breakable contacts, wherein substantially each one of the containers comprises: a bottom member adapted to store therein one or more items; a substantially rectangular flat top member adapted to close onto the bottom member; a hinge connecting the top member to the bottom member, located at a first narrow side of the top member, to provide rotation of the top member relative to the bottom member; and a flap extending from the top member, located at a second narrow side of the top member, wherein the flap comprises a locking mechanism to lock the top member and the bottom member. [0025] Some embodiments may provide other and/or additional benefits and/or advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity of presentation. Furthermore, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

The figures are listed below.

[0027] Figures 1A-1B are schematic illustrations of two isometric views of a container in a fully open position, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments.

[0028] Figures 2A-2D are schematic illustrations of four side views of a container in a fully open position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0029] Figures 3A-3B are schematic illustrations of two isometric views of a container in a fully closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0030] Figure 4A is a schematic illustration of a side view of a container in a closed but unlocked position, in accordance with some embodiments. [0031] Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of a side view of a container in a closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0032] Figure 5A is a schematic illustration of a side view of a portion of a container in a closed but unlocked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] Figure 5B is a schematic illustration of a side view of a container in a closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0034] Figure 5C is a schematic illustration of another side view of a container in a closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0035] Figures 6A-6B are schematic illustrations of two isometric views of a multi-compartment container in a fully closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0036] Figures 7A-7B are schematic illustrations of an isometric view and a side view, respectively, of two nested multi-compartment containers in a fully open position, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of some embodiments. However, it will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art that some embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, units and/or circuits have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the discussion. [0038] As shown in the drawings and further discussed herein, some embodiments include a pack container including multiple (e.g., two, three, five, ten, or the like) inter-connected containers. Jn some embodiments, the pack container may be divided, split, or "broken" into multiple separate containers; in other embodiments, the pack container may not be easily divided, split, or "broken" into multiple separate containers.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pack container may be implemented as a snap-pack container, such that a top part (member, lid, cover, or cap) is snapped-in into a bottom part (member or base) in order to close the snap-pack container. In some embodiments, the snap-in mechanism may utilize a hinge, pivot, or axle which may optionally be integral to the pack container and may prevent full detachment of the top part from the bottom part. In other embodiments, the hinge, pivot, or axle may be non-integral to the pack container, and/or may be implemented as a component of the top part and/or the bottom part, such that the hinge, pivot, or axle is operable upon attachment (e.g., snapping-in) of the top part into the bottom part.

[0040] In some embodiments, the hinge, pivot, or axle may be common to multiple containers in the pack container; in other embodiments, each container in the pack container may have its own hinge, pivot, or axle, to allow separate closure and opening of each container. In still other embodiments, the pack container may be implemented as a slide container or a slide-in/slide-out container or a drawer-type container, allowing a top part or cover to be slid into a rail or latches or other sliding mechanism embedded in the bottom part. In some embodiments, the pack container may be closed and/or opened using multiple mechanisms, for example, sliding mechanism and/or snap-in mechanism.

[0041] In some embodiments, the containers may be detachably attached, detachably interconnected, breakably attached, or breakably inter-connected, for example, using breakable contacts or semi-flexible contacts, or using an attachment/detachment mechanism. For example, applying a low bending force onto the container pack may bend the container pack, but may not break or split the container pack; whereas applying a high bending force onto the container pack may split the container pack into two or more containers or into two or more sets of containers. The breakable contacts may be located, for example, at the top part of each container and/or at the bottom part of each container. In some embodiments, for example, the breakable contacts may have a size of approximately 0.8 millimeter.

[0042] In some embodiments, optionally, the top parts of adjacent containers may be interconnected using a first type of contacts ("top contacts"); whereas the bottom parts of adjacent containers may be interconnected using a second, different, type of contacts ("bottom contacts"). In some embodiments, for example, S-shaped contacts, wave-shaped contacts, Z- shaped contacts, V-shaped contacts, U-shaped contacts, rectangular contacts, circular contacts, square contacts, bridge-shaped contacts, or other types of contacts may be used. For example, S- shaped contacts may provide flexibility to the contacts, to avoid erroneous breaking of a contact when a top member is inserted into a bottom member (e.g., and thereby distances itself slightly from an adjacent top member, possibly resulting in a tear of the contact, which is avoided due to a flexible shape or a spring-like function of the contact). In some embodiments, contacts may be V-shaped to allow a "cleaner" breaking of the contact when such breaking is desired. [0043] In some embodiments, for example, bottom contacts may be sufficiently strong in order to support the containers as well as the weight of items stored in the containers; and may also be breakable, conveniently breakable, or relatively easily breakable in order to allow breaking of a pack container into single or separate containers, without opening the container(s) and/or without damaging the container(s) or their content. In some embodiments, bottom contacts may be implemented using a bridge structure having similar to an upside-down V-shaped slit in its lower portion. Optionally two or more small slits may be included along the elongated side of the bottom part of the container, in order to facilitate breaking of the pack container into separate containers; this structure may also allow utilization of less-rigid or more flexible materials for manufacturing of the pack container.

[0044] In some embodiments, for example, top contacts may be implemented using bridges that are relatively weak and relatively easily breakable. In some embodiments, top contacts may be relatively flat, and may not be breakable, but rather may be tear-able; while the top contacts may be sufficiently strong to avoid erroneous tearing by the user or during assembly. In some embodiments, S-shaped bridges may be used, for example, to allow sufficient flexibility such that top parts may become integrated or may fit together.

[0045] In some embodiments, containers may include one or more components (e.g., positioning components, placeholders, guiding components, holding components, ridges, arches, internal diagonal walls, internal curves, or the like), to allow centralization or positioning of multiple containers or multiple pack containers, for example, by the manufacturer or by the user (e.g., for automatic filling of containers with items for storage, for automatic closure of containers, for automatic opening of containers, or the like). In some embodiments, a tooth or multiple teeth or rips or ridges or curves or diagonal walls may be used for centralization of containers or pack containers, in a horizontal plane, or in multiple planes (e.g., horizontal and vertical). [0046] In some embodiments, each container may be elongated and may have a rectangular top surface. The base of the container may have a semi-circle surface shape, or may be semi- cylindrical. In some embodiments, the container may have a rectangular top-view cross-section (namely, a rectangular top surface), and a semi-circular side-view cross-section (namely, a substantially semi-circular shape when viewed from the side). In some embodiments, the rectangular top-view cross section corresponds to a rectangular lid or cover or top part, which may be substantially flat and smooth (e.g., without protrusions), and may allow printing, gluing, or otherwise attaching thereto a logo, a slogan, a textual or graphical element, or the like. [0047] In some embodiments, the base of the container may have one or more "legs" or stabilizers, for example, complementing the semi-circular or semi-cylindrical base to form a trapezoid or rectangular support unit. The stabilizers allow a single container to stand without falling on its side or without "rocking" or tilting, or may otherwise provide stability to the container once placed on a surface or plane. The stabilizers may further add durability and rigidness to the container, due to their three-dimensional structure.

[0048] In some embodiments, each container may have a locking mechanism (e.g., using one or more snap-on mechanisms, clips, catches, or clasps) to prevent easy opening or erroneous opening of the container due to application of light force or due to a fall of the container. The locking mechanism may be positioned at one side of the elongated container, opposite the side having the main hinge or pivot of the container. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may include a multi-position flap or handle or stump or snap-in mechanism which may be swiveled or rotated; for example, the flap or handle may be initially provided (e.g., manufactured) in the same plane of the top part; may be rotated approximately 90 degrees downward, e.g., to become vertical, thereby closing and locking the container; and/or may be rotated approximately 135 degrees upward (from the initial horizontal position), e.g., to become a diagonal pushing stump allowing a user (e.g., a human user, an automated user, a robot, a machine, or the like) to push or slide-out the top part. In some embodiments, the handle or stump may have protrusions or bumps, to allow improved gripping by a human finger or hand in order to push the handle or stump.

[0049] In some embodiments, optionally, the locking mechanism may include a tamper-evident mechanism, such that upon closure of the container, a subsequent opening of the container requires breaking of a portion of at least a portion of the locking mechanism and/or modifying the shape or structure thereof, thereby evidencing a possible tampering with the container. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be adapted to make generate a locking sound or "click" or other audible feedback upon secure closure or locking of the container. [0050] In some embodiments, each container may have three-dimensional properties to allow nesting of containers and/or to allow stacking of containers. In some embodiments, each pack container may have three-dimensional properties to allow nesting of pack containers and/or to allow stacking of pack containers. In some embodiments, each locking mechanism, each stabilizer, and/or other parts of each container may have three-dimensional properties to allow nesting of containers and/or to allow stacking of containers. For example, teeth or latches or tabs that are used as rails or as part of a slide-in/slide-out mechanism in the top portion of the bottom part of the container, may be adapted to nest into corresponding or complementing recesses or "undercuts" or enclaves located at the bottom portion of the bottom part of the container. [0051] In some embodiments, multiple nestable containers may be used to reduce storage space of empty containers and/or of containers that include one or more items therein, or to prevent or reduce shaking or movement of nested containers (e.g., in the horizontal plane or vertically). In some embodiments, a suitable nesting ratio and/or stacking ratio may be used, for example, 1 :3 ratio, 1 :4 ratio, 1 :5 ratio, or the like. In some embodiments, multiple stackable containers may be used not necessarily to reduce storage space of containers, but rather, to allow stacking of empty containers and/or full containers, or to prevent or reduce shaking or movement of stacked containers (e.g., in the horizontal plane or vertically).

[0052] In some embodiments, containers may be interconnected or detachably attached using a mechanism that allows to conveniently disassemble a pack container into multiple containers, and to conveniently assemble or re-assemble multiple containers into a pack container. In some embodiments, containers may have a male/female connection mechanism, a mechanism of protrusions and recesses, a mechanism of insertion into a recess and removal from a recess, a mechanism requiring movement along a first vector followed by a movement along a second vector (e.g., perpendicular to the first vector), or other suitable attach/detach mechanisms. [0053] In some embodiments, a container may be opened substantially exclusively using the locking mechanism or closure mechanism located at the narrow side of the container, or may be opened substantially exclusively through the narrow side of the elongated container. In some embodiments, the container may not be opened (or may not be easily opened) by pulling the lid or snapped-in cover along the long side of the elongated container; for example, one or more latches or rails may hold the lid or snapped-in cover along the long side of the container, and may prevent opening of the container from the long side of the container. [0054] In some embodiments, containers may be adapted to securely store drills, drill bits, or cutting tools. In some embodiments, one or more rips or holders may be included inside the containers, in order to prevent movement or shaking of items stored therein. In some embodiments, one or more movable or adjustable teeth or tabs or blades (e.g., similar to a spring or coil mechanism) may be included in the bottom part of the container or in enclaves thereof, in order to accommodate the secured and non-moving storage of drill bits of various sizes and diameters, without the need to place one or more "inserts" of "space fillers" into the container. [0055] Figures 1A-1B are schematic illustrations of two isometric views of a container 100 in a fully open position, in accordance with some demonstrative embodiments. Container 100 includes a top member 1 10 and a bottom member 120, interconnected through a hinge 131. Container 100 may further include one or more external stabilizers 130, as well as one or more internal placeholders 133.

[0056] The top member 110 may include one or more rails or latches 140A, which may fit into or under one or more corresponding rails or latches 140B of the bottom member 120. The rails or latches 140A and 140B may be used to allow snap-in of the container 100 for its closure; snap- out of the container 100 for its opening; slide-in using rails for closure of container 100; and/or slide-out using rails for opening of container 100. In some embodiments, the rails or latches 140A and 140B may allow hermetic or substantially airtight closure of the container 100, for example, avoiding or minimizing entrance of dust or humidity into the container 100. [0057] Container 100 may further include a locking mechanism 134, which may include a flap 135 in the top member 1 10. The flap 135 may include a first snap-member 136A adapted to snap into (and out of) a corresponding snap-member 136B of the bottom member 120, to allow closure (and opening) of the container 1 10. Flap 135 may further include a second snap-member 137A adapted to snap into (and out of) a corresponding snap-member 137B of the bottom member 120, or of a diagonal external wall or addendum 141 extending out of the bottom member 120, to allow further locking or double-locking of the two members 1 10 and 120 of the container 100. One side of flap 135 may optionally include one or more ribs 147 (e.g., as shown in Figure IB) or other protrusions, for example, to allow improved gripping of flap 135 by a human user or by a machine.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first snap member 136A may optionally include, or may be in proximity to, a "button" or similar protrusion 150, which may snap into the corresponding snap member 136B or into a corresponding cavity located in proximity to the snap member 136, in order to securely hold in place the flap 135 and the diagonal wall 141, and/or to avoid accidental opening of the container 1 10 (e.g., due to tilting or falling). For example, due to the additional security provided by the protrusion 150, an increased force and/or a precisely-applied force may be required in order to detach the flap 135 from the diagonal wall 141, thereby allowing a controlled opening of the container 110.

[0059] In some embodiments, for example, closure of the container 100 may include: rotating the top member 1 10 approximately 180 degrees from its position shown in Figures 1A-1B; then, inserting the first snap-member 136A of the flap 135 into its corresponding snap-member 136B of the bottom member 120; rotating the flap 135 an additional rotation, of approximately 70 or 80 or 90 degrees, along an integral flap hinge 139, and inserting the second snap-member 137A of the flap 135 into its corresponding snap-member 137 of the bottom member 120. This may allow double-locking of the container 110. Opening the container may include a reversed order of operations.

[0060] In some embodiments, one or more contacts 146 (e.g., breakable contacts or tear-able contacts) may be used to detouchably-attach the container 100 with one or more other substantially identical or similar containers, thereby forming a multi-compartment container. In some embodiments, only bottom member 1 10 may include contacts 146, which may connect adjacent bottom members of multiple adjacent containers. In other embodiments, the top member 110 may also include contacts, which may connect adjacent top members of multiple adjacent containers.

[0061] In some embodiments, top member 1 10 and bottom member 120 may be manufactured as one integrated unit. In other embodiments, top member 1 10 may be manufactured separately from bottom member 120, and the two members 1 10 and 120 may be connected using a non- integral hinge 131. In some embodiments, top member 1 10 may be formed from a first material, or may have a first color or texture (e.g., smooth); whereas bottom member 120 may be formed from a second material, or may have a second color or texture (e.g., non-smooth). [0062] Figures 2A-2D are schematic illustrations of four side views of container 100 in a fully open position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0063] Figures 3A-3B are schematic illustrations of two isometric views of container 100 in a fully closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0064] Figure 4A is a schematic illustration of a side view of container 100 in a closed but unlocked position, in accordance with some embodiments. [0065] Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of a side view of container 100 in a closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0066] Figure 5A is a schematic illustration of a side view of a portion of container 100 in a closed but unlocked position, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, a first tooth or ratchet 501 of the top member is inside a corresponding recess or cavity 51 1 of the bottom member, thereby closing the container 100; but two other teeth or ratchets 502-503 (on the flap) are not inside their corresponding recesses or cavities 512-513, such that the container 100 is not locked, or not securely closed.

[0067] Figure 5B is a schematic illustration of a side view of container 100 in a closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the first tooth or ratchet 501 of the top member is inside its corresponding recess or cavity 511 in the bottom member, thereby closing the container 100; and the two other teeth or ratchets 502-503 (on the flap) are also inside their corresponding recesses or cavities 512-513, such that the container 100 is closed and also locked, or securely closed. As shown, a flexible plastic connection 520 (or optionally a hinge or pivot) between tooth 502 and tooth 501 is bent, to allow the insertion of teeth 502-503 into their corresponding cavities.

[0068] Figure 5C is a schematic illustration of another side view of container 100 in a closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, the rail or latch 140A of the top member 1 10 is held under the rail or latch 140B of the bottom member 120, thereby providing firm closure of the container 1 10. The top member 110 may end with a tooth 199A which may extend diagonally downward from the plane of the top member 110, and may accommodate a diagonal recess 199B (or a diagonal panel, slant or angle) of the bottom member, thereby allowing further hermetic or airtight closure of the container 100 and avoiding accidental or erroneous opening of container 100 (e.g., accidental opening due to application of force to the center area of the top member 1 10).

[0069] In some embodiments, for example, the general width of the walls of container 100 may be approximately 0.8 millimeters, and the size of tooth 199A and/or diagonal recess 199B may be approximately 0.3 millimeters. The pair of these two components (namely, 199A and 199B) may strengthen or reinforce or otherwise bolster the top member 1 10 against the bottom member 120 or against the entire container 100; and may further avoid, eliminate or reduce a possible sinking of the top member 1 10 into the bottom member 120 (e.g., due to a force or pressure applied on the top member 110 in a downward direction). As a result, in some embodiments, container 100 may be manufactured with a reduced wall-width or with reduced weight or using a reduced amount of manufacturing materials (e.g., plastic), while maintaining or even increasing the strength and/or durability of container 100. In some embodiments, this pair of components 199A and 199B may provide both actual strength to the container 100, as well as an increased feeling of strength and durability experienced by a user handling or holding the container 100. In some embodiments, this pair of components 199A and 199B may be used in conjunction with other types of containers, having a top member and a bottom member, or having a lead member and a base member, or with other containers which require durability, strength and/or hermetic closure.

[0070] Figures 6A-6B are schematic illustrations of two isometric views of a multi-compartment container 600 in a fully closed and locked position, in accordance with some embodiments. For demonstrative purposes, multi-compartment container 600 includes three inter-connected (e.g., and breakably detachable) containers 601-603, each one of which may be similar or identical to container 100 of Figures 1A-1B.

[0071] Figures 7A-7B are schematic illustrations of an isometric view and a side view, respectively, of two nested multi-compartment containers 701-702 in a fully open position, in accordance with some embodiments. For demonstrative purposes, each one of multicompartment containers 701 and 702 includes ten inter-connected (e.g., and breakably detachable) containers, each one of which may be similar or substantially identical to container 100 of Figures IA-I B. Multi-compartment container 701 is nested within multi-compartment container 702.

[0072] The term "snap" or used herein includes, for example, a sudden or sharp or forceful movement (e.g., closure or opening), optionally overcoming a resistance (e.g., a ratchet, a tooth, a latch), optionally including insertion of a tooth or ratchet into a corresponding cavity or recess. [0073] The terms "plurality" or "a plurality" as used herein include, for example, "multiple" or "two or more". For example, "a plurality of items" includes two or more items. [0074] Functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more embodiments, may be combined with, or may be utilized in combination with, one or more other functions, operations, components and/or features described herein with reference to one or more other embodiments, or vice versa. [0075] While certain features of some embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents may occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A container comprising: a bottom member adapted to store therein one or more items; a substantially rectangular flat top member adapted to close onto the bottom member; a hinge connecting the top member to the bottom member, located at a first narrow side of the top member, to provide rotation of the top member relative to the bottom member; and a flap extending from the top member, located at a second narrow side of the top member, wherein the flap comprises a locking mechanism to lock the top member and the bottom member.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the hinge is integral to both the top member and the bottom member.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the flap is connected to the top member through another hinge which provides rotation of the flap relative to the top member, and wherein the other hinge is integral to the top member.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the top member comprises a first snap member, located in proximity to said other hinge and adapted to close the container by snapping into a corresponding snap member of the bottom member.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein the flap comprises a second snap member, located away from said other hinge and adapted to lock the container by snapping into another corresponding snap member of the bottom member.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the bottom member comprises a diagonal wall extending therefrom and comprising said snap members of the bottom member.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the flap is rotatable through said other hinge downward from a plane of the top member when the container is closed, to snap into said diagonal wall and to securely close said container.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the flap comprises a protrusion insertable into a corresponding recess of the diagonal wall of the bottom member, to securely attach the flap to the diagonal wall of the bottom member.

9. The container of claim 1 , wherein at least one side of the flap comprises one or more gripping ribs.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the bottom member comprises one or more placeholders to firmly hold the one or more items stored in the container.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the bottom member comprises one or more stabilizers to provide a substantially rock-free standing of said container upon its closure.

12. The container of claim 1, wherein the top member comprises one or more rails able to snap into and snap out of one or more other, corresponding, rails of the bottom member.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein the top member comprises one or more rails able to slide into and slide out of one or more other, corresponding, rails of the bottom member.

14. The container of claim 1 , wherein the bottom part comprises one or more breakable contacts detachably-attaching the bottom part of the container to another bottom part of another, substantially identical, container.

15. The container of claim 14, wherein the one or more breakable contacts have a shape selected from the group consisting of: an S shape, a V shape, a Z shape, a wave shape, and a bridge shape.

16. The container of claim 1 , wherein walls of the bottom member are diagonally adapted for nesting of said container within another, substantially identical, container.

17. The container of claim 1 , wherein said hinge is part of a longer hinge common to a set of one or more substantially identical containers connected to said container through one or more breakable contacts.

18. The container of claim 1 , wherein the top member is substantially smooth and adapted to be printed upon.

19. A multi-compartment container comprising: two or more substantially identical containers interconnected through breakable contacts, wherein substantially each one of the containers comprises: a bottom member adapted to store therein one or more items; a substantially rectangular flat top member adapted to close onto the bottom member; a hinge connecting the top member to the bottom member, located at a first narrow side of the top member, to provide rotation of the top member relative to the bottom member; and a flap extending from the top member, located at a second narrow side of the top member, wherein the flap comprises a locking mechanism to lock the top member and the bottom member.

20. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the hinge is integral to both the top member and the bottom member.

21. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the flap is connected to the top member through another hinge which provides rotation of the flap relative to the top member, and wherein the other hinge is integral to the top member.

22. The multi-compartment container of claim 21, wherein the top member comprises a first snap member, located in proximity to said other hinge and adapted to close the container by snapping into a corresponding snap member of the bottom member.

23. The multi-compartment container of claim 22, wherein the flap comprises a second snap member, located away from said other hinge and adapted to lock the container by snapping into another corresponding snap member of the bottom member.

24. The multi-compartment container of claim 23, wherein the bottom member comprises a diagonal wall extending therefrom and comprising said snap members of the bottom member.

25. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the flap is rotatable through said other hinge downward from a plane of the top member when the container is closed, to snap into said diagonal wall and to securely close said container.

26. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the flap comprises a protrusion insertable into a corresponding recess of the diagonal wall of the bottom member, to securely attach the flap to the diagonal wall of the bottom member.

27. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein at least one side of the flap comprises one or more gripping ribs.

28. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the bottom member comprises one or more placeholders to firmly hold the one or more items stored in the container.

29. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the bottom member comprises one or more stabilizers to provide a substantially rock-free standing of said container upon its closure.

30. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the top member comprises one or more rails able to snap into and snap out of one or more other, corresponding, rails of the bottom member.

31. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the top member comprises one or more rails able to slide into and slide out of one or more other, corresponding, rails of the bottom member.

32. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the bottom part comprises one or more breakable contacts detachably-attaching the bottom part of the container to another bottom part of another, substantially identical, container.

33. The multi-compartment container of claim 32, wherein the one or more breakable contacts have a shape selected from the group consisting of: an S shape, a V shape, a Z shape, a wave shape, and a bridge shape.

34. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein walls of the bottom member are diagonally adapted for nesting of said container within another, substantially identical, container.

35. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein said hinge is part of a longer hinge common to a set of one or more substantially identical containers connected to said container through one or more breakable contacts.

36. The multi-compartment container of claim 19, wherein the top member is substantially smooth and adapted to be printed upon.