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Patent 2635749 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2635749
(54) English Title: COLLAPSIBLE PACKAGE, AND METHODS
(54) French Title: EMBALLAGE REPLIABLE ET PROCEDES CORRESPONDANTS
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • B65D 5/68 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • STEINHAUSER, MARK ROBERT (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • STEINHAUSER, MARK ROBERT (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • STEINHAUSER, MARK ROBERT (United States of America)
(74) Agent: ROBIC
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2006-12-21
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2007-07-12
Examination requested: 2011-12-19
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/US2006/048960
(87) International Publication Number: WO2007/079018
(85) National Entry: 2008-06-27

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
11/321,017 United States of America 2005-12-28

Abstracts

English Abstract




A package having a top (20) or lid and a coordinating container (50) , which
at least partially opens itself to expose an item retained therein. The
container is configured to readily change from a first, assembled
configuration to a second, at least partially collapsed configuration. At
least one, and preferably all of the sidewalls (52, 54 ,56, 58) or portions of
the sidewalls, collapses, open, drops, or otherwise changes from the assembled
position when the lid is removed from the container. The sidewall or portion
of sidewall that collapses is hinged to another portion (55) of the container.


French Abstract

L~invention porte sur un emballage ayant un dessus ou un couvercle et un contenant associé, qui s'ouvre au moins partiellement pour exposer un article retenu à l'intérieur. Ce contenant est configuré de façon à passer facilement d'une première configuration assemblée à une deuxième configuration, au moins partiellement repliée. Au moins une, et de préférence la totalité, des parois latérales ou des parties de parois latérales se replie, s'ouvre, s'affaisse ou subit un autre changement à partir la position assemblée lorsque le couvercle est enlevé du contenant. La paroi latérale ou la partie de paroi latérale qui se replie est articulée à une autre partie du contenant.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



What is claimed is:

1. A package, comprising:
(a) a container having a base wall and at least three sidewalls, wherein at
least a portion of at least one of the sidewalls is pivotal in relation to
the base wall; and
(b) a lid removable from the container, the lid configured and arranged to
engage the container sidewalls and retain the sidewalls orthogonal to
the base wall.

2. The package of claim 1, wherein the container comprises four sidewalls.
3. The package of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of each of the four
sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.

4. The package of claim 3, wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotal in
relation to the base wall.

5. The package of claim 4, wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotally
connected to the base wall with a living hinge.

6. The package of claim 3, wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotally
connected with a living hinge.

7. The package of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of at least one of
the
sidewalls is pivotally connected with a living hinge.

8. In combination, a lid configured to engage with and be removable from a
container, the container comprising:
(a) a base wall;
(b) at least one sidewall connected to the base wall, at least a portion of
which is pivotal in relation to the base wall.

12



9. The combination of claim 8, wherein the container comprises four sidewalls
connected to the base wall, and at least a portion of one of the sidewalls is
pivotal in relation to the base wall.


10. The combination of claim 9, wherein one of the sidewalls is pivotal in
relation to the base wall.


11. The combination of claim 10, wherein the container further comprises a
living hinge between the base wall and the pivotal sidewall.


12. The combination of claim 9, wherein at least a portion of each of the four

sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.


13. The combination of claim 12, wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotal
in
relation to the base wall.


14. The combination of claim 13, wherein the container further comprises a
living hinge between the base wall and each of the four sidewalls.


15. A container comprising:
(a) a base wall;
(b) four sidewalls, each connected to the base wall, wherein a portion of
each of the four sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall.


16. The container of claim 15, further comprising a living hinge between the
portion of each of the four sidewalls that is pivotal in relation to the base
wall
and a portion of the sidewall that is not pivotal in relation to the base
wall.


17. The container of claim 15, wherein each of the four sidewalls is pivotal
to the
base wall.


18. The container of claim 17, further comprising a living hinge between the
four
sidewalls and the base wall.


13

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.



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COLLAPSIBLE PACKAGE, AND METHODS

Technical Field
This disclosure generally relates to packaging, more particularly, to boxes.
Background
Packaging boxcs exist in all shapes and sizes. One common type is a two-
part package, having a container and a removable and replaceable lid. Examples
of
such packages include shoe boxes, hat boxes, sweater boxes, and inany gift
boxes.
To gain access to the interior of the container retaining the item, the lid is
removed,
exposing the item through the area exposed by the removed lid.
Boxes such as these have been used for giving gifts for numerous years. A
different and more exciting box would be welcomed.

Summary of the Disclosure
The present invention provides a new box that adds spark and excitement to
gift giving and receiving. The disclosure of this application is directed to a
package,
more particularly a box, e.g., a rigid box, that collapses, opens, unfolds,
flattens, or
otherwise changes from a first configuration to a second configuration to
expose at
least a portion of its interior volume. In the first configuration, the box
has an
interior volume for retaining an item therein. In the second configuration, at
least a
portion of the box has pivoted or collapsed, eliminating at least a portion of
the
interior volume and preferably exposing at least a portion of any item
therein. In an
alternate second configuration, the box has pivoted to a generally planar
configuration with no interior volume; that is, the box walls have collapsed.
In a
way, the box opens itself, creating excitement for the receiver of the gift.
In one specific aspect, the invention is a package that includes a container
and a lid removable from the container, the lid configured and arranged to
engage
the container sidewalls and retain the sidewalls orthogonal to the base wall.
The
container has a base wall and at least three sidewalls, wherein at least a
portion of at
least one of the sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall. The
container could
have four sidewalls, where at least a portion of each of the four sidewalls is
pivotal
in relation to the base wall. It is possible that the entire sidewall is
pivotal in relation
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to the base wall. The pivotal nature can be provided by a hinge, such as a
living
hinge.
In another specific aspect, the invention is a combination of a lid configured
to engage with and be removable from a container, and the container, which has
a
base wall and at least one sidewall connected to'the base wall, at least a
portion of
which is pivotal in relation to the base wall. The container can have four
sidewalls
connected to the base wall, with at least a portion of one of the sidewalls
being
pivotal in relation to the base wall. The entire sidewall could be pivotal,
which
could be via a living hinge between the base wall and the pivotal sidewall.
Each of
the four sidewalls could pivotal in relation to the base wall, and the entire
sidewalls
could be pivotal, such as by a living hinge.
In yet another specific aspect, the invention is to a container that has a
base
wall and four sidewalls, each connected to the base wall, wherein a portion of
each
of the four sidewalls is pivotal in relation to the base wall. A living hinge
can be
positioned between the portion of each of the four sidewalls that is pivotal
in relation
to the base wall and a portion of the sidewall that is not pivotal in relation
to the base
wall. The entire sidewall, of each of the four sidewalls, cail be pivotal to
the base
wall. A living hinge can be positioned between the four sidewalls and the base
wall.
Methods for using the boxes or containers, and of making the boxes or
containers, are described.
These and various other features which characterize the boxes or containers
of this disclosure are pointed out with particularity in the attached claims.
For a
better understanding of the boxes of the disclosure, their advantages, their
use and
objectives obtained by their use, reference should be made to the drawings and
to the
accompanying description, in which there is illustrated and described
preferred
embodiments of the invention of this disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. I is a perspective view of a first box plan embodiment in a first,
assembled configuration, having a lid thereon, according to the present
disclosure;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the box plan of FIG. I with the lid lifted off
from the box;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the box plan of FIGS. I and 2, showing the
walls of the box plan moving from the first assembled configuration;

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FIG. 4 is a top view of the box plan in a second, planar configuration;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second box plan embodiment in a first,
assembled configuration, with the lid lifted off from the box;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the box plan of FIG. 5, showing portions of
'the walls of the box plan moving from the first assembled configuration;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the second box plan in a second, planar configuration;
FIG. 8 is a top view of the lid of FIGS. 1 and 5, illustrated in a planar
configuration; and
FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lid.
Detailed Description
The present invention is directed to a package having a top or lid and a
coordinating container. The container is configured to be readily changed from
a
first, assembled position to a second, at least partially collapsed condition.
At least
one, and preferably all of the sidewalls or portions of the sidewalls,
collapses, open,
drops, or otherwise changes from the assembled position when the lid is
removed
from the container. In other words, at least a portion of the container
collapses,
providing access to the container interior, in addition to the access gained
via the
removed lid.
The package is particularly suited for use as a gift box, for retaining a gift
or
present. When the recipient of the gift removes the lid from the container, at
least a
portion of at least one sidewall collapses, opens, or otherwise changes its
position, to
preferably reveal at least a portion of the gift inside. In some
einbodiinents, all
sidewalls collapse, or, a portion of all sidewalls collapse.
Referring to the drawings, particularly to FIGS. I through 4, a first
embodiment of a package according to the present invention is illustrated. The
illustrated package is a box 10 having an interior volume for retaining an
item
therein. Box 10 includes a top 20 and a container 50, with top 20 being
configured
to removably engage with and seat over a portion of container 50; see FIG. 2.
Referring to FIGS. I through 4, and FIGS. 3 and 4 in particular, container 50
is a generally rectangular or square structure, having four sidewalls 52, 54,
56, 58
connected to and surrounding a bottom wall 55. Sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 and
bottom wall 55 define an interior 60 (FIG. 2) for retaining an item therein.

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As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, each of sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 has a top edge
52A, 54A, 56A, 58A, an opposite bottom edge 52B, 54B, 56B, 58B, a first side
edge
52C, 54C, 56C, 58C, and a second side edge 52D, 54D, 56D, 58D opposite the
first
side edge 52C, 54C, 56C, 58C. The terms "top", "bottorn" and "side" are
relative,
and, in this discussion, refer to the positioning of sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58
when in an
orientation as in FIG. 2. Bottorn wall 55 has first edge 55A, second edge 55B,
third
edge 55C and fourth edge 55D.
When in a first, assembled configuration, such as illustrated in FIGS. I and
2, sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 join at corners 62, 64, 66, 68. Specifically,
sidewall 52
and sidewal154 form corner 62 where side edge 52D and side edge 54C meet;
sidewall 54 and sidewall 56 form a corner 64 where side edge 54D and side edge
56C meet; sidewall 56 and sidewall 58 form a corner (not seen) where side edge
56D and side edge 58C meet; and sidewall 58 and sidewall 52 form corner 68
where
side edge 58D and side edge 52C meet. Sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 contact one
another
at corners 62, 64, 68, but are not attached or connected. See FIG. 3, which
illustrates sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 not contacting one another and forining
corners.
Additional discussion regarding sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 and comers 62, 64, 68
is
below.
Each of sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 is connected to bottom wall 55 by a hinge
102, 104, 106, 108, respectively. Specifically, bottom edge 52B of sidewall 52
is
pivotally connected to bottom wall 55 at edge 55A via hinge 102; bottom edge
54B
of sidewall 54 is pivotally connected to bottom wall 55 at edge 55B via hinge
104;
bottom edge 56B of sidewall 56 is pivotally connected to bottom wall 55 at
edge
55C via hinge 106, and bottom edge 58B of sidewall 58 is pivotally connected
to
bottom wall 55 at edge 55D via hinge 108.
In the preferred embodiment, hinge 102, 104, 106, 108 is a living hinge 112,
114, 116, 118, meaning, that living hinge 112, 114, 116, 118 is a thin section
of
material that connects two parts to keep them together and allow the part to
be
opened and closed; the material may be integral with the two hinged parts.
Additional details regarding living hinge 112, 114, 116, 118 are provided
below. It
should be understood that hinge 102, 104, 106, 108 could have other suitable
configurations. Hinge 102, 104, 106, 108 allows pivotal movement between each
of
sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 and bottom wall 55.

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Referring now to FIGS. 5. 6 and 7, a second embodiment of a package
according to the present invention is illustrated. The illustrated package is
a box 10'
having an interior volume for retaining items. therein. Elements of box 10'
that are
the same as eleinents of box 10 retain the same reference numerals; similar,
though
not exact elements are designated with a prime (') mark.
Box 10' includes top 20 (similar to top 20 of box 10) and a container 50'.
Top 20 is configured to removably engage with and seat over a portion of
container
50'. Container 50' is a generally rectangular or square structure, having four
sidewalls 52, 54', 56, 58' connected to and surrounding bottom wall 55.
Sidewalls
52', 54', 56', 58' and bottom wall 55 define an interior 60' (FIG. 5) for
retaining an
item therein.
Each of sidewalls 52', 54, 56', 58' has a top edge, an opposite bottom edge, a
first side edge, and a second side edge, similar to sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58.
When in
a first, assembled configuration, such as illustrated in FIG. 5, sidewalls
52', 54', 56',
58' join at four comers.
Each of sidewalls 52', 54', 56, 58' differ from sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 in
that
each of sidewalls 52', 54, 56, 58' has a bottom wall portion 72, 74, 76, 78,
respectively, and a top wall portion 82, 84, 86, 88, respectively. Each of
bottom
wall portion 72, 74, 76, 78 has a top edge 72A, 74A, 76A, 78A, an opposite
bottom
edge 72B, 74B, 76B, 78B, a first side edge 72C, 74C, 76C, 78C, and a second
side
edge 72D, 74D, 76D, 78D opposite the first side edge 72C, 74C, 76C, 78C. Each
of
top wall portion 82, 84, 86, 88 has a top edge 82A, 84A, 86A; 88A, an opposite
bottom edge 82B, 84B, 86B, 88B, a first side edge 82C, 84C, 86C, 88C, and a
second side edge 82D, 84D, 86D, 88D opposite the first side edge 82C, 84C,
86C,
88C. Again, the terins "top", "bottom" and "side" are relative, and, in this
discussion, refer to the positioning of wall portions 72, 74, 76, 78, 82, 84,
86, 88
when in an orientation as in FIG. 5. Bottom wall 55 has first edge 55A, second
edge
55B, third edge 55C and fourth edge 55D.
Top wall portions 82, 84, 86, 88 are pivotally connected to its respective
bottom wall portion 72, 74, 76, 78 by a hinge 122, 124, 126, 128.
Specifically,
bottom edges 82B, 84B, 86B, 88B are pivotally connected to the respective top
edges 72A, 74A, 76A, 78A. In the preferred embodiment, hinge 122, 124, 126,
128
is a living hinge 132, 134, 136, 138. Additional details regarding living
hinge 132,
134, 136, 138 are provided below. It should be understood that hinge 122, 124,
126,
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128 could have other suitable configurations. Hinge 122, 124, 126, 128 allows
pivotal movement between each of top wall portions 82, 84, 86, 88 and bottom
wall
portion 72, 74, 76, 78.
When in a first, assembled configuration, such as illustrated in FIG. 6,
bottom wall portion 72, 74, 76, 78 join at comers 162, 164, 168. Specifically,
wall
portion 72 and wall portion 74 form corner 162 where side edge 72D and side
edge
74C meet; wall portion 74 and wall portion 76 form a corner 164 where side
edge
74D and side edge 76C meet; wall portion 76 and wall portion 78 form a corner
(not
seen) where side edge 76D and side edge 78C meet; and wall portion 78 and wall
portion 72 form corner 168 where side edge 78D and side edge 72C meet. Bottom
wall portions 72, 74, 76, 78 contact one another at corners 162, 164, 168, and
preferably have a mechanism to attach or connect. In one embodiment, a
flexible
adhesive tab is used to connect the sidewall edges together. In FIG. 7,
extending
from wall portion 74 at side edge 74C is a tab 162', which is configured to
adhere to
wall portion 72 at side edge 72D, to form corner 162. Similarly, extending
from
wall portion 76 at side edge 76C is a tab 164', which is configured to adhere
to wall
portion 74 at side edge 74D, to form corner 164; extending from wall portion
78 at
side edge 78C is a tab 166', which is configured to adhere to wall portion 76
at side
edge 76D, to form the unseen corner; and extending from wall portion 72 at
side
edge 72C is a tab 168', which is configured to adhere to wall portion 78 at
side edge
78D, to form corner 168. A close up of various adhesive tabs is illustrated in
and
discussed in reference to FIG. 9.
Referring now to FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, details regarding lid 20 are discussed. In
FIGS. 8 and 9, lid 20 is in a planar configuration; that FIGS. 7 and 8 show
lid 20
prior to being assembled and oriented for use, as in FIG. 1; such a
configuration
facilitates storage and shipping of lid 20.
As seen in FIG. 1, when assembled, lid 20 is a generally rectangular or
square structure, having four sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 connected to and
surrounding a
top wall 25. Sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 and top wall 25 are configured to
provided lid
20 with dimensions to interact with container 50, 50'.
As best seen in FIG. 8, each of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 has a bottom edge
22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, an opposite top edge 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B, a first side edge
22C, 24C, 26C, 28C, and a second side edge 22D, 24D, 26D, 28D opposite the
first
side edge 22C, 24C, 26C, 28C. The tenns "bottom", "top" and "side" are
relative,

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and, in this discussion, refer to the positioning of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28
when in an
orientation as in FIG. 1. When in a first, assembled configuration, such as
illustrated
in FIG. 1, sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 join at corners 32, 34, 38. Specifically,
sidewall
22 and sidewall 24 form corner 32 where side edge 22D and side edge 24C meet;
sidewall 24 and sidewall 26 form a corner 34 where side edge 24D and side edge
26C meet; sidewall 26 and sidewall 28 form a corner (not seen) where side edge
26D and side edge 28C meet; and sidewall 28 and sidewall 22 form comer 38
where
side edge 28D and side edge 22C meet. Sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 contact one
another
at corners 32, 34, 38, and preferably have a mechanism to attach or connect.
In one
embodiment, a flexible adhesive tab is used to connect the sidewall edges
together.
In FIG. 8, extending from sidewall 24 at side edge 24C is a tab 32', which is
configured to adhere to sidewall 22 at side edge 22D, to form corner 32.
Similarly,
extending from sidewall 26 at side edge 26C is a tab 34', which is configured
to
adhere to sidewall 24 at side edge 24D, to form corner 34; extending from
sidewall
28 at side edge 28C is a tab 36', which is configured to adhere to sidewall 26
at side
edge 26D, to form the unseen corner; and extending from sidewall 22 at side
edge
22C is a tab 38, which is configured to adhere to sidewall 28 at side edge
28D, to
form corner 38. FIG. 9 illustrates a close-up of tab 32', with a portion of a
release
liner 100 removed exposing adhesive tape 101, which will connect to sidewall
22.
Each of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 is connected to top wall 25 by a hinge 142,
144, 146, 148. In the preferred embodiment, hinge 142, 144, 146, 148 is a
living
hinge 152, 154, 156, 158. Additional details regarding living hinge 152, 154,
156,
158 are provided below. It should be understood that hinge 142, 144, 146, 148
could have other suitable configurations. Hinge 142, 144, 146, 148 allows
pivotal
movement between each of sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 and top wall 25.

Referring now to FIG. 9, living hinge 152, 154 is discussed. It should be
understood that this discussion, even though directed to living hinge 152, 154
between top wall 25 and sidewalls 22, 24, is likewise applicable to living
hinges
112, 114, 116, 118 and 132, 134, 136, 138 and 156, 158. In FIG. 9, top wall 25
and
sidewalls 22, 24 are illustrated; this is analogous to bottom wall 55 with
sidewalls
52, 54 and bottom wall 55 with sidewalls 52', 54'.
Living hinge 152, 154 is formed by an extension of inaterial connecting
sidewall 22, 24 and bottom wall 25, respectively. An example of a suitable

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extension of material is an adhesive tape or other adhesive backed material,
such as
paper. In a preferred embodiment, a single piece of adhesive tape is used for
all of
living hinges 152, 154, 156, 158 and tabs 32', 34', 36', 38'; this material
would
generally then cover all of top wall 25 and sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28. The
material
forming living hinge 152, 154 (and the others) is sufficiently flexible to
allow
pivoting of sidewalls 22, 24 in relation to bottom wall 25, preferably
repeated
pivoting. In particular, living hinges 152, 154 are sufficiently flexible to
allow
sidewalls 22, 24 to be moved to a position orthogonal (i.e., 90 degrees) to
top wall
25. After positioning both sidewalls 22, 24 orthogonal to top wall 25, tab 32'
can be
used to adhere edge 22D to edge 24C to form corner 32 (FIG. 1). It is desired
to
tightly abut edges 22D to edge 24C, in order to form a strong corner 32. It is
also
desired to obtain a tight connection between sidewall 22 and top wall 25
(i.e., at
edges 25A and 22B), and between sidewall 24 and top wall 25 (i.e., at edges
25B
and 24B) at the location of living hinges 152, 154.
To facilitate a tight connection between sidewalls 22, 24 and bottom wall 25,
the meeting edges are configured for tight abutment. Bottom wall 25 has edge
25A
which is a beveled edge 25A' and edge 25B which is a beveled edge 25B'.
Sidewall
22 has edge 22B which is a beveled edge 22B', and likewise sidewall 24 has
edge
24B which is a beveled edge 2413'.
Beveled edges 25A', 22B' mect at living hinge 152 between bottom wall 25
and sidewall 22, and beveled edges 25B', 24B' meet at living hinge 154 between
bottom wall 25 and sidewall 24.
Pairs of meeting beveled edges, such as 25A' and 22B', and 2513' and 24B,
are preferably configured to abut each other when bottom wall 25 and sidewalls
22,
24 are in the desired assembled position, in the embodiment discussed,
orthogonal
(i.e., 90 degrees) to each other. A pair of beveled edges preferably forms a
90
degree or right angle, or close thereto, for these embodiments. Preferably,
each of a
pair of beveled edges, such as 25A' and 2213', and 25B' and 24B, are about 45
degrees, so that when positioned at a right angle, the edges have a tight
connection.
It may be desired, in some instances, to have each at-about 43-44 degrees, to
allow
for a little play when brought together. Other angles for beveled edges may
also be
used, although not as preferable as 45 degrees. For example, one edge of a
pair
could have a 30 degree bevel and the other edge of the pair could have a 60
degree
bevel. The bevel of each edge, along with the edge in combination with its
pair,

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affects the ease with which top wall 25 and sidewalls 22, 24 can be brought
orthogonal to each other, and the rate at which sidewalls of container 50, 50'
fall or
collapse. It should be understood that depending on the shape of the box, for
example, a tapered or pyramidal container, the edges may be beveled to form an
angle other than 90 degrees.
As discussed above, this discussion has been directed to living hinges 152,
153 between sidewalls 22, 24 and top wall 25 and their respective edges. The
principles discussed can be adapted to any of living hinges 112, 114, 116,
118,
sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 and bottom wall 55, and living hinges 132, 134, 136,
138,
bottom wall portions 72, 74, 76, 78, and top wall portion 82, 84, 86, 88.
Referring again to FIG. 9, sidewall 22 has edge 22D wliich forms corner 32
(FIG. 1) with sidewall 24 at edge 24C. To facilitate a tight connection
between
sidewalls 22, 24, the meeting edges are configured for tight abutment.
Sidewall 22
has edge 22D which is a beveled edge 22D', and likewise sidewall 24 has edge
24C
which is a beveled edge 24C. The bevel of each edge, along with the edge in
combination with its pair, affects the ease with which sidewalls 22, 24 can be
brought together to form corner 32.
It should be understood that although this discussion has been directed to
sidewalls 22, 24 that form corner 32, the beveled edge principles discussed
can be
adapted to any of the sidewalls that forrn a corner, such as sidewalls 52, 54
which
meet at corner 62.

To use package 10, any item can be placed into interior volume 60 and lid 20
carefully placed on container 50'so as to hold sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58
together. It
should be understood that any packing material can also be added to volume 60.
Assembled package 10 would have the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1.
To remove the item from within, lid 20 is raised off of container 50, as
illustrated in FIG. 2. With the containment caused by lid 20 removed,
sidewalls 52,
54, 56, 58 pivot or otherwise fall down, as illustrated in FIG. 3, exposing
the item
and any packing material. The rate by which sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 fall or
collapse
depends on hinge 102, 104, 106, 108 (e.g., living hinge 112, 114, 116, 118)
and
edges 52B, 54B, 56B, 58B and 55A, 55B, 55C, 55D, such as whether or not the
edges arc beveled and to what degree. A particulate or other packing material
having numerous items (e.g., packing peanuts) will have a tendency to spill
out. In

9


CA 02635749 2008-06-27
WO 2007/079018 PCT/US2006/048960
this embodiment of the package, the item is generally complete exposed, with
no
portion of sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58 extending above bottom wall 55.
To use package 10', any item can be placed into interior volume 60' and lid
20 carefully placed on container 50' so as to hold sidewalls 52', 54, 56',
58',
particularly top wall portions 82, 84, 86, 88, together. It should be
understood that
any packing material can also be added to volume 60'.
To remove the item, lid 20 is raised off of container 50', as illustrated in
FIG.
5. With the retainment caused by lid 20 removed, top wall portions 82, 84, 86,
88
pivot or otherwise fall down in relation to bottom wall portions 72, 74, 76,
78, as
illustrated in FIG. 6, exposing the item. In this embodiment, the item is
generally at
least partially retained within interior 60' by bottom wall portions 72, 74,
76, 78.
Bottom wall portions 72, 74, 76, 78 will also retain some packing material.

In a preferred embodiment, each of sidewalls 52, 54, 56, 58, 52', 54', 56', 58
and bottom wall 55 of container 50, 50' and sidewalls 22, 24, 26, 28 and top
wall 25
of lid 20 are either paperboard or hardboard. Suitable thicknesses include 1/8
inch
and 1/16 inch. These materials can be readily formed, e.g., cut, to have
beveled
edges, if desired. Adhesive tape, such as tab 32', readily adheres to
paperboard or
hardboard. Another preferred material for container 50, 50' and lid 20 is
plastic. A
plastic sheet can be readily stamped, cut, embossed, or otherwise manipulated
to
create the walls and beveled edges. Alternately, plastic can be directly
molded to
forrn the desired configuration. Living hinge 112, 114, 116, 118 can be
readily
molded or pressed into plastic.

It should be understood that the package of the present invention could be
modified and remain within the scope of the invention. For example, a pentagon-

shaped package could be made, with the container and the top each having five
side
walls. Other shapes for the package are also suitable, such as triangular,
elongate
rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, tapered or pyramidal and the like. For
example, a
triangular box would have a triangular bottom wall and three rectangular
sidewalls.
It is not necessary to have a lid; other designs would be suitable. For
example, 3-
sided pyramidal box could have a triangular bottom wall and three triangular
sidewalls that meet and are retained at a peak by a bow. A 4-sided pyramidal
box
could have.a square bottom wall and four triangular sidewalls that meet and
are



CA 02635749 2008-06-27
WO 2007/079018 PCT/US2006/048960
retained by a ribbon. It is not necessary that all of the sidewalls or
portions of all of
the sidewalls collapse; rather, any number of sidewalls could collapse. For
example,
for a square container, two sidewalls could be hinged and configured to
collapse and
the other two sidewalls could be fixed in position. As another example, for a
hexagonal package, three adjacent sidewalls could be hinged and configured to
collapse. The assembled package could be essentially any size; examples of
suitable
sizes include 3 x 3 x 3 inches, 4 x 4 x 4 inches, and 6 x 6 x 6 inches. Still
further, it
should be understood that the package could be made from any suitable
material,
including wood, inetal, cardboard, etc. Any suitable decoration or indicia can
be
present on the exterior or interior of the box or lid. For example, the
decoration or
indicia could have a theme related to the item within the box, or could be
directed to
an occasion, such as a birthday, or a holiday. This decoration or indicia
could be
placed directly onto the sidewalls or be applied as a larninate or otherwise
with a
carrier.
The above specification and examples are believcd to provide a complete
description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the
invention.
Because many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention, the true scope and spirit of the
invention reside
in the broad meaning of the claims hereinafter.

11

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(86) PCT Filing Date 2006-12-21
(87) PCT Publication Date 2007-07-12
(85) National Entry 2008-06-27
Examination Requested 2011-12-19
Dead Application 2014-12-23

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2013-12-23 FAILURE TO PAY APPLICATION MAINTENANCE FEE
2014-02-27 R30(2) - Failure to Respond

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $200.00 2008-06-27
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2008-12-22 $50.00 2008-10-28
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2009-12-21 $50.00 2009-09-22
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2010-12-21 $50.00 2010-09-21
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2011-12-21 $100.00 2011-09-29
Request for Examination $400.00 2011-12-19
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2012-12-21 $100.00 2012-09-24
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
STEINHAUSER, MARK ROBERT
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Abstract 2008-06-27 1 62
Claims 2008-06-27 2 65
Drawings 2008-06-27 5 124
Description 2008-06-27 11 625
Representative Drawing 2008-10-17 1 10
Cover Page 2008-10-23 1 40
Correspondence 2011-08-23 1 23
PCT 2008-06-27 2 74
Assignment 2008-06-27 6 148
Correspondence 2008-11-05 2 60
Correspondence 2010-08-10 1 45
Prosecution-Amendment 2011-12-19 2 61
Correspondence 2012-01-09 1 92
Prosecution-Amendment 2013-08-27 3 122