Patent ID: 6708836
Filing Date: 2004-03-23
Classification: B65D,Y02W

Abstract:
A container, comprising:a base and a plurality of flaps, each of the flaps being hingedly connected at a front edge thereof to the base by at least one hinge mechanism; each hinge mechanism comprising at least one hinge pin affixed to the corresponding flap and a groove formed in the base for receiving the hinge pin, the hinge pin extending parallel to the front edge of the flap and being affixed to the front edge by a connecting link that extends therebetween such that the hinge pin is spaced at a distance from the front edge, wherein the groove is formed in a peripheral ridge that projects above a surface of the base, the groove extending along a longitudinal axis thereof and having an opening extending laterally thereinto through which the hinge pin can be inserted into the groove, said opening facing in a direction parallel to the base toward an interior of the container, the groove having an end region forming a housing chamber for an end region of the hinge pin, the end region of the hinge pin having a length projecting beyond the connecting link in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the groove, the housing chamber being defined by a retaining shoulder preventing the hinge pin from being laterally withdrawn from the groove, the peripheral ridge defining a recess therein so as to provide a region for the connecting link of the hinge pin to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the groove, the recess for the connecting link being delimited in the direction of the longitudinal axis by the retaining shoulder and a stop, a distance between the retaining shoulder and the stop being at least as great as a length of the connecting link in a direction parallel to the hinge pin but not greater than a sum of the length of the connecting link and the length of the end region of the hinge pin, and wherein each hinge mechanism is structured and arranged such that the hinge pin is insertable laterally into the groove when the respective flap is positioned approximately parallel with the base and such that the hinge pin is movable in the groove in the direction of the longitudinal axis thereof while the flap is so positioned.