US2270343A - Collapsible box - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 20, 1942. w, RINGLER 2,270,343

COLLAPSIBLE BOX Filed June 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ATTbRNEY Jan.-20, 1942. w. A. RINGLER COLLAPSIBLE BOX Filed June 12, 1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 rt R Y WW W m 4 MM mm w Patented Jan. 20, 1 942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE COLLAPSIBLE BOX William A. Ringler, Wayne, Pa", asslgnor to National Folding Box Company, New Haven, Conn., a corporation of New Jersey Application June 12,11939, Serial No. 278,657

4 Claims.

This invention relates to collapsible boxes, and more particularly to boxes that can be economically made and produced from, a single blank of paperboard material, that can be shipped and stored in fully collapsed condition and thereafter quickly and expeditiously set up and expanded by the user as needed.

Set-up boxes in common use, while reasonably economical to manufacture and while possessing requisite strength and stiffness to support and protect the contents, have certain serious inherent drawbacks. Such rigid set-up boxes cupy enormous cubical space in relation to the number of boxes occupying such space, with the result that shipping and storage costs play a highly important part in the final cost of such boxes up to the time merchandise is packed therein. Furthermore, such boxes often become damaged during shipment and storage, since the superimposed weight of the stacked boxes and the incidental shifting of the boxes during shipment result in substantial breakage and splitting at the corners and bulging of the side, bottom, and end walls, to the point where they are no longer serviceable. To reduce this damage and loss to a minimum, the set-up boxes must be carefully packed in strong packing cases with only.a limited number of boxes therein. In many instances it has been found necessary to .provide separating partitions between the individual boxes to protect them from damage.

It is an object of this invention to provide a highly serviceable merchandising box or carton that can be produced and assembled by automatic machinery at relatively low cost,-which can be shipped and stored in flat, completely collapsed condition so that large numbers of collapsed boxes may be contained in a limited space and when thus collapsed are'not subjected to' damage or breakage.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved collapsible box which can be quickly erected and expanded from collapsed form to merchandise-containing expanded form quickly and expeditiously by the user as needed,

which box has means associated therewith to maintain the bottom, end, and side wall panels in rigid, fiat wall-forming position, and which has rigidity, strength, stillness and serviceability when the merchandise is packed therein fully comparable to the set-up box.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent as the disclosure proceeds.

In accordance with this invention, my improved collapsible box may be formed from a single blank of paperboard material having two securing tabs only to'which adhesive need be applied, which tabs may be pressed into adhesive contact with the end'wall panels of the box on an automatic box assembling machine to complete the box assembly operation. The bottom wall panel and the end'wall panels are provided with fold lines intermediate the side edges thereof which permit flat collapse of the box and superimposed stacking of the collapsed boxes so as to occupy the very minimum of space. A bottom flap is hinged to each of the'end wall panels, each flap being provided with a plurality of radially extending score lines which permit partial collapse of these flaps. The free edge of each of these bottom flaps is of generally arcuate ape and this feature, along with the collapsing feature above noted, permits ready insertion of the bottom flaps into 'the partially expanded box so-as to overlie the inside face of the bottom wall panel. A top flap is hinged to each end wall panel, which top flaps may be turned inwardly after merchandise has been packed within the box. These top flaps when so inturned provide bracing struts which maintain the end wall panels and bottom wall panel in fully expanded straightline position. The

box may also be provided with a cover panel hinged'to oneof the side wall panels, which cover panel may be provided with a tuck-in flap adapted to seat against the inside face of the opposite side wall panel to further maintain the box in jects and advantages, and the manner in which it may be carried out, may be better understood by referring 'to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, in which-- Fig. l is an expanded view of a preparedblank suitably cut and scored to form my improved collapsible box;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the blank shown in Fig. 1 as it appears when assembled to form 3 the collapsed boxes arranged in stacked relationship ready for storage or shipment;

Fig. 4 is an exterior fragmentary perspective vview of the box in process of erection, this view showing the bottom flap partially collapsed and undergoing insertion into the box to overlie th inside face of the bottom wall panel;

Fig. 5 is an interior fragmentary perspective view of the partially erected box shown in Fig. 4; Fig. 6 is 'a further fragmentary perspective view of the fully erected box as it appears when My improved collapsible box may be formed 7 from a single blank of paperboard material of the requisite strength and stiffness to hold the desired merchandise. The blanks may be cut from large sheets or rolls of the selected paperboard material, the cutting of the blank from the sheet or roll into the proper shape and the scoring thereof being advantageously performed on an automatic cutting and scoring machine. Each blank, as shown in Fig. 1, comprises more particularly a bottom wall panel, generally designated as I, having side wall panels 2 and 3 connected to each side edge thereof by hinge or fold lines 4. An end wall panel, generally designated as 6, is hinged to each end of the side wall panel 3 along fold lines I. A cover panel l6 hinged to the side wall panel 2 along the fold line H may also be provided. Cover panel l6 may be provided with a box-bracing tuck-in flap l8 hinged thereto along the fold line l9.

It will be noted, by referring more particu larly to Fig. 1, that the bottom panel, generally designated as l, is provided with a longitudinally extending fold line 5 equally spaced between the parallel extending fold lines 4, dividing the panel I into a pair of substantially equal hingedly connected collapsing sections la and lb. It will also be noted that each end panel 6 is provided with a top tuck-in flap, generally designated as l3, hinged to each end wall panel 6 along a fold line H which is generally co-extensivewith the top edge of the side wall 'panel 3. Each end wall panel. 6 is also provided with a bottom tuck-in flap, generally designated as 9, which is hinged to its end wall'panel ,6 along a fold line I'll generally co-extensive with the fold line 4 which defines the lower edge of the side wall panel 3. Each bottom tuck-in flap 9 has a free edge 2l of generally arcuate configuration or otherwise so shaped as to permit the bottom fiap 9 to be readily tucked into the partially collapsed assembled box to overlie the bottom wall panel I.

It will be noted that a continuous fold line 8 traverses each end wall panel 6, top flap l3,

and bottom flap 9, which score line 8 extends substantially equidistantly between and generally parallel to the score line I and the free edge score line II, which extends from the meeting point of the score lines 8 and Ill, traverses the bottom flap section 9a 95 so as to divide the same hingedly connected bottom flap portions 90 and M. A securing tab I5 is hinged to each end of the side wall panel 2 along the score line 20.

To assemble the box from the blank shown in i Fi 1, a strip of adhesive g is applied to the inside face of each-panel section 6b, which adhesive may bereadily applied by automatic gluing devices associated with the box assembly machine. The box assembly machine first raises the side wall panels 2 and 3 into generally parallel position. Each tab l5 and end wall panel 6 is then swung inwardly so as to extend generally perpendicular to the side wall panels 2 and 3 respectively, and the outside face of each tab is pressed into adhesive contact with the inside glued face of the adjacent end panel section 6b, as illustrated in Fig. 2. It will be appreciated that each end panel section 61) is so arranged with respect to the adjacent securing tab l5 that the free edge 23 thereof substan- .tially coincides with the fold line 20 of the adjacent securing tab.

When the prepared blank has thus been assembled, as shown in Fig. 2, the side wall panels 2 and 3 can be collapsed together so as to closely overlie one another, which operation is permitted by the collapsing fold line 5 in the bottom wall panel I and the collapsing fold line 8 provided in each of the end wall panels 6, the top flaps l3 and bottom flaps 9. Thus when completely collapsed, bottom section la will overlie the inside face of bottom section lb, each end wall section So will overlie the inside face of the adjacent end wall section 6b, each top fiap section l3 will overlie the inside face of the adja- 23, of the end wall panel 6. Score line 8 thus divides each end wall panel 6 into two similar hingedly connected end panel sections 6a and 6b and also divides the top flap l3 int0.two similar top flap sections I31: and l3b. Similarly, score line 8 divides the bottom flap 9 into two similar hingedly connected generally arcuate shaped sections 9a 9b and 9c 9d. A diagonally extending cent top flap section I31; and each bottom fiap section "9a 9!) will overlie the inside face of'the adjacent bottom' fiap section 9d. Each collapsed box will then appear as shown in Fig. 3. It will now be appreciated that a large number of the collapsed boxes may be stacked one upon.

the other, occupying a minimum of space during shipment and storage. The stacked collapsed boxes, as shown in Fig. 3, may be shipped to and stored by the merchandise manufacturer to be set up and used by him as needed.

When the collapsed box is to be filled with merchandise, bottom flap portions 9b and lie at each end of the box are pinched together, as shown more particularly in Figs. 4 and 5, which operation is permitted by reason of the fold lines 8, I l and I2. When the bottom flap portions 9b and 90 have been thus pinched together, as by grasping the same with the fin'gers, pinching tool or other mechanism, each bottom wall flap 9 may be swung inwardly over the adjacent free edge 22 of the 'bottom wall panel I so as to extend inwardly in superimposed relationship over the inside face of the bottom wall panel I. This operation is facilitated by reason of the arcuate shape or configuration of the free edge 2| of each bottom wall flap 9, the edge 2l being so shaped that the boundary defining edge of bottom flap portions 9a and 9b may-be readily inserted over and inwardly of the bottom panel sections la and lb respectively, and the boundary defining by a suitable automatic jig,

easily ride over the free edge 22 of the bottom wall panel I adjacent the inside face of the fold line 5. When the bottom flap inserting opera-' .swinging the bottom flaps inwardly over the adjacent free edge 22 of the partially collapsed bottom. wall panel I so as to position the bottom flaps over the inside face of the bottom wall panel I. The merchandise is then packed within the box, and the merchandise during packaging thereof serves to further expand the box so as to bring the hingedly connected end panel sections 6a and I 6b and the hingedly connected bottom panel sec-- so positioned and arranged as to occupy-the full interior cubical area of the box. After packaging, each top wall flap i3 is turned inwardly so as to extend generally perpendicular to its associated end wall panel 6, the cover panel'then folded over the top of the packed box and the tuck-in flap I8 inserted into the box so as to lie against the inside face of the side wall panel 3. A suitable sealing strip may be provided,,if

desired, to seal the box and thus prevent unauthorizedremoval of the contents.

- The box as thus assembled and packed provides a rigid, strong and highly serviceable container for numerous merchandise products. When the merchandise is packed in the expanded box and the top -flaps l3 folded inwardly, it will be noted that the inwardly turned top flaps l3 act as stiffening struts which prevent either inward or outward collapse of the end panel sections 6a and 61), thus holding the hingedly connected end panel sections 6a and 6b in rigid and positive straight wall alignment. The hingedly connected end panel sections 6a and 6b are further held in rigid, straight wall alignment by reason of the pressure ,of the merchandise against the inside faces of the side wall panels 2 and 3,

tions, la and lb into straight wall alignment. The top wall flaps -13 are then turned inwardly,

, providing an end wall-bracing strut for each end of the box, and the cover panel I6 is then brought into closing, position, the tuck-in flap inserted into the box, and, if desired, a sealing strip applied. My improved box as thus packaged and closed is substantially as stiff and rigid as a box of the set-up type which does not possess the collapsing feature. My improved box may be produced at substantially the same cost as setup boxes of the simplest type, and substantial economies can be effected in shipping and storage costs. l

While certain novel features of the invention have been disclosed and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it will be understood that various omissions, substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departand finally the cover panel IS, with its tuck-in flap l8 abutting the side wall panel 3, also acts as a shape-maintaining end panel strut. It will be further appreciated that when the hingedly connected end wall sections 6a and 6b are rigidly held and maintained in straight wall alignment by reason of the three forces above indicated, the fan-shaped bottom flaps 9 are also maintained in fully expanded form and in close abutting relationship to the inside face of the bottom wall panel I and, additionally, the bottom panel sections la and lb are also maintained in straight wall alignment.

The blanks from which my improved collapsible boxes are formed 'can be economically pro-- duced at a h gh production rate byscoring and cutting the blanks on an automatic scoringand cutting machine from large sheets or rolls of the selected paperboard material. The strip of adhesive g may be applied to the inside face of each of the panel sections 6b by suitable automatic gluing mechanism, .and each tab may be folded inwardly and secured to the inside face of the adiacentend wall panel section 6b at a high production rate by means of a box assembly machine of well known construction. The boxes are ejected from the box assembly machinein collapsed condition. The collapsed boxes are stacked together, as shown in Fig. 3, and packed in suitable shipping boxes. A large number of collapsed boxes may be contained in a shipping box of limited cubical content. I

When the user is ready to pack the merchandise, each collapsed box is expanded by hand or which box-expanding operation comprises the pinching together of the bottom flap portions 91) and 9c and then ing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An improved paperboard box including, a bottom wall panel having free end edges, oppositely arranged side wall panels hinged to said bottom wall panel, oppositely arranged end wall panels hinged to said side wall panels but otherwise free of said bottom wall panel, a bottom flap hinged to each of said end wall panels, each of said bottom flaps having a plurality of radially extending fold lines radiating from the hinge line defining said bottom flap whereby each bottom flap may be partially collapsed and inserted over the adjacent free edge of said bottom wall panel to overlie the inside face thereof, a top flap hinged to each of said end wall panels adapted to be turned inwardly, a cover panel hinged to one 'of said side wall panels, and a tuck-in flap hingedto said coverpanel adapted to be inserted .into the box adjacent the opposite side wall panel thereof, said top flaps and cover panel serving as box-bracing and rigidifying struts.

2. A collapsible box formed from paperboard material including, a bottom wall panel, oppositely arranged side wall panels hinged to said bottom wall panel, oppositely arranged end wall panels hinged'to said side wall panels but otherwise free of said bottom wall panel, said bottom wall panel and end wall panels each having a fold line extending generally parallel to and substantially equidistantly spaced between the side edges thereof thereby'permitting substantially fiat collapse of said box, a'bottom fiap having a generally arcuate free edge hinged to each of said end wall panels, each of said bottom flaps having at least two radially extending fold lines said bottom wall panel.

3. A collapsible box formed from paperboard -material including, a bottom wall panel, oppositely arranged side wall panels hinged to said bottom wall panel, oppositely arranged end wall panels hinged to said side wall panels but otherwise iree of said bottom wall panel, said bottom wall panel and end wall panels each having a fold line extending generally parallel to and substantially equidistantly spaced between the'side edges thereof thereby permitting substantially flat collapse of said box, a bottom flap having a generally arcuate free edge hinged to each of said end wall panels, each of said bottom flaps having at least two radially extending fold lines radiating from the hinge line defining said bottom flap, said generally arcuate free edge and said radially extending fold lines permitting manipulation of each bottom flap to eflect insertion thereoi' over the adjacent free edge of said bottom wall panel, and a top flap hinged to each of said end, wall panels adapted to be turned inwardly to serve as a box-bracing and rigidifying bottom wall panel, said bottom wall panel having. a fold line extending parallel to and substantial- 1y equidistantly spaced between the hinged side edges of said bottom wall panel, an end wall panel at each end of the blank, each end wall panel being hinged to one end of a side wall panel but otherwise tree of said bottom wall. panel, and a bottom flap hinged to each of said-end wall panels along the respective edges thereof which edges;are substantially a straight line continuation or the fold line hinging the adjacent side wall panel to the bottom wall panel and ex-' tending coextensive with said edges, each of said bottom flaps having a substantially arcuate free edge and a length approximately half the width of the bottom wall panel, each of said bottom flaps having a plurality of radial told lines radiating from the midportion of its hinged edge, each of said end wall panels and bottom flaps having a fold line therein extending generally parallel to and spaced substantially equidistantly between the side edges of the end wall panel.

WILLIAM A. RINGLER.

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