GB2430190A - Storage and display container - Google Patents

Abstract

The container is made from a blank comprising a polygonal base 5 and a plurality of walls 3 that are attached to the base via fold lines 6. The walls have wings 9a, 9b attached to the lateral wall edges that are folded via fold lines (10, Fig.4) against their respective wall to form storage in the form retention members for storing flat articles, and furthermore may also comprise a sheet 11 comprising graphics or information. The walls are supported in upright position by closure member 4 interacting with a wall flap 7. An inner box 13, Fig.6 comprising a lid 14 may be positioned inside the walls, and either the lid or the closure member may comprise storage means for storing a disk.

Description

Foldable Container This invention relates to a container. More

particularly, the invention relates to a storage and display system for the integration of storage and presentation of subject matter in an attractive and easy-to-use manner.

The general form of a book is well known, with a stack of leaves held between two covers. However, while books are well-adapted to contain prerecorded information, they are less successful for the owner of a book to store information within them.

Blank journals, diaries etc are well known, in which the owner may write information. Albums, such as photo albums are also well known, which may have the general form of a book, but wherein the pages may comprise envelopes suitable for inserting and holding photographs, clippings, pressed flowers etc. However, these known albums are not suitable for holding bulkier items, as the pages are stored substantially flat.

A simple box may be used to hold solid items. However, a box lacks the utility of a book, as it is difficult to write much information in a readable manner, either on or in the box. Furthermore, a box is generally unattractive, and unappealing to use, for example to store treasured or personal items.

In order to overcome the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a container which may be used to hold solid items and a variety of information, presented in an attractive and easy-to-use manner.

In accordance with the invention there is provided a container comprising a polygonal base and outer walls, each outer wall being attached to the base by a respective fold- line at an edge of the base and an inner wing attached to each outer wall on a neighbouring edge of the outer wall to the fold-line, such that the container may be formed in a closed arrangement in which the outer walls are folded at an angle to the base to form a polyhedral structure defined by the outer walls and base, with the inner wings being substantially parallel to the respective outer walls defining a central space, or in an open arrangement in which at least one of the outer walls is folded outwardly to allow access to an inner wing.

Preferably, each inner wing is attached to an outer wall by a double fold. Two inner wings may be attached to each outer wall. In the closed position, the volume defined by the outer wall, inner wing and double fold may provide a storage volume.

Advantageously, an outer wall comprises at least one sheet, which may be attached to an edge of the outer wall opposite to the base fold line. In the closed arrangement, the sheet may be positioned between the outer wall and a respective inner wing. The sheet may be foldable.

Preferably, the container further comprises a closing member for retaining the container in the closed arrangement, enclosing the central space. The closing member may comprise storage means. The storage means may be adapted to retain an electronic storage disc.

The closing member may retain the container in the closed arrangement by engaging with the outer walls.

The outer walls may comprise respective foldable flaps connected to an edge of the outer wall opposite to the base fold-line. With this arrangement, the closing member may retain the container in the closed arrangement by engaging with the flaps.

Advantageously, the container comprises a box shaped for positioning within the central space. The box may comprise a lid.

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematically shows a container in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the container of Fig. I when opened out; Figure 3 shows the container of Fig. 2 in more detail; Figure 4 shows a portion of the container; Figure 5 shows perspective view of a partially opened container; Figure 6 shows the container of Fig. 5 partially closed; Figure 7 shows the container fully closed; and Figure 8 shows a further embodiment of the invention.

With reference firstly to Fig. 1, an inventive container 1 in a first embodiment is shown in a closed arrangement. The container comprises a body 2 with outer side walls 3 and a closing member 4 engaging the flaps on the top of the side walls. Here the container has a generally square footprint, and the side walls 3 all substantially trapezoidal, such that in this closed state the walls are not perpendicular to the base, but are angled such that the top of the container is smaller than the base, although still of substantially square shape. The trapezoidal form shown adds to the attractiveness of the container, while maintaining constructional strength and rigidity. In practice, other footprint shapes and wall shapes are possible.

Fig. 2 shows the body 2 in an opened arrangement. Here the body has been unfolded so that the shape of the body blank may be seen. The square base panel 5 is located at the centre of the body blank, with the four side walls 3 attached to the base panel 5 by fold lines 6. Each side wall 3 has a foldable flap 7 attached to the edge of the wall distal from the base, via a fold line 8. To the remaining two edges of the side walls are attached inner wings 9a, b. These are preferably attached by double folds 10, i.e. two parallel fold lines, although a single-fold may be used as required. The base 5, side walls 3, flaps 7 and wings 9a, b may be integrally formed, for example from cardboard. Sheets 11 are attached to the side walls 3. In the embodiment shown, the sheets are attached to an edge of each side wall opposite the base fold line 6.

However, the sheets may be attached to the walls at any position, as long as they are attached along a line of the sheet 12 so that they are free to hinge about that line. A plurality of sheets may be stackably provided on each wall. The sheets may be constructed from paper or card for example. The arrangement of the sheets may thus be similar to the pages of a book, so that individual sheets may be viewed and turned over to access the next sheet in the stack. Information, in the form of writing or pictures, for example, may be provided on the sheets, or they may be left blank for the user to fill with information. Some or all of the sheets may also be provided with means for holding photographs, papers or other flat media, for example with see- through envelopes to allow easy viewing.

Alternatively, the sheets may not be attached to the walls, but rather may be removably retained within the "envelope" formed by the wall and inner wings.

Fig. 3 shows the container in a different state. Here, a sheet 11 is folded out on two of the side walls about line 12, SO as to open the "page". Additionally, some of the inner wings 9a, b are folded over to lie on top of their respective sheets 11. When in the closed arrangement, the sheets are held between the wings and the walls. The spacing of the double fold 10 is therefore selected appropriately to enable the wings to accommodate the sheet stacks, as shown in Fig. 4, where the double fold 10 is shown in closer detail. The dimensions of the double fold may also be selected to increase the structural strength of the container when it is in its closed state.

Fig. 5 shows the container ready to be folded into the closed arrangement. The sheets are folded into their closed positions and all of the inner wings 9a, b are folded over them. A box 13 is positioned on the base panel. The box is substantially the same shape as the container as a whole, and sized so that when in the closed arrangement, the inner wings are held snugly between the side walls and the box.

The box provides an internal storage area, and may be compartmentalised as required.

The top of the box is provided with a lid 14. The closing member 4 may be detachably attached to the lid 14. The lid and br closing member may comprise storage means, and in a preferred embodiment may retain an electronic data storage disc, such as a DVD, CD, laser disc, DVD-ROM etc. This may be retained on the underside of the closing member to prevent damage thereto. The box and lid may be formed from cardboard or plastics material for example, and the closing member is preferably formed from plastics material.

Fig. 6 shows a method for closing the container. In the embodiment shown, each foldable flap 7 engages with the closing member to hold the respective side wall in position. There are many possible methods of engagement, for example slots may be provided on the flaps 7, which engage with lugs (not shown) provided on the closing member 4. Once inserted through the slot in the flap, the lugs may fold flat so they do not substantially protrude from the plane of the closing member. In a preferred embodiment, the lugs may be attached to the closing member by memory creases, to aid engagement and folding. The flaps may engage with the top or underside (as shown in Fig. 6) of the closing member 4. Alternatively, the flaps may engage directly with the cover 14. As shown in Fig. 6, the side walls may be raised or lowered independently.

Fig. 7 shows the container in the closed arrangement, with all the flaps engaged with the closing member.

Fig. 8 shows a further optional embodiment. Here, further storage space is provided by the addition of individual stackable boxes 15. These boxes may be added as required. The inventive container provides a novel way of storing, displaying and accessing information. As an example of a possible application, the container could be used as a "time capsule" for storing information relating to someone's life, to be updated and revisited throughout the lifetime of that person. Photographs, letters, press cuttings or any substantially flat items can be stored on the sheets 11, or indeed information can be written directly onto the sheets. Objects of sentimental value, such as toys, jewellery etc may be stored within the central box. Audio / audiovisual recordings of the baby may be stored on CD or DVD etc and retained in the closing member. Externally, the container may be suitably decorated for its intended purpose.

As a further example, the container may be regarded as a "book which wraps itself around its subject". The sheets may essentially correspond to a standard book, while objects relating to the story for example are held within the storage means. Music, video or a spoken-word version may be provided by CD, DVD etc. Many other possibilities will be apparent. For example, further storage compartments may be provided, for example in the cover, in the lid, within the side walls or on the base. Many types of engagement means may be used to retain the container in its closed arrangement. Locks or seals may be provided to protect privacy of the contents. Some or all of the surfaces may be transparent to allow display of the contents. The container may be any reasonable shape, for example with a triangular or rectangular footprint, with square, trapezoidal, triangular or rectangular side walls.

Claims (15)

1. A container comprising a polygonal base and outer walls, each outer wall being attached to the base by a respective fold-line at an edge of the base and an inner wing attached to each outer wall on a neighbouring edge of the outer wall to the fold- line, such that the container may be formed in a closed arrangement in which the outer walls are folded at an angle to the base to form a polyhedral structure defined by the outer walls and base, with the inner wings being substantially parallel to the respective outer walls defining a central space, or in an open arrangement in which at least one of the outer walls is folded outwardly to allow access to an inner wing.

2. A container according to Claim 1, wherein each inner wing is attached to an outer wall, by a double fold.

3. A container according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein two inner wings are attached to each outer wall.

4. A container according to either of Claims 2 and 3, wherein in the closed position, the volume defined by the outer wall, inner wing and double fold provides a storage volume.

5. A container according to any preceding claim, wherein an outer wall comprises at least one sheet attached to an edge of the outer wall opposite to the base fold-line.

6. A container according to Claim 5, wherein the sheet is attached to an edge of the outer wall opposite to the base fold line.

7. A container according to either of Claims 5 and 6, wherein in the closed arrangement, the sheet is positioned between the outer wall and a respective inner wing.

8. A container according to any preceding claim, further comprising a closing member for retaining the container in the closed arrangement, and closing the central space.

9. A container according to Claim 8, wherein the closing member comprises storage means.

10. A container according to claim 9, wherein the storage means is adapted to retain an electronic disc.

11. A container according to Claims 8 to 10, when dependent on Claim 7, wherein the lid retains the container in the closed arrangement by engaging with the flaps.

12. A container according to Claim 7, wherein the lid comprises storage means.

13. A container according to Claim 11, wherein the storage means is adapted to retain an electronic storage disc.

14. A container according to any preceding claim, including a box shaped for positioning within the central space.

15. A container substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.