Method of manufacturing a box and an arrangement permitting the secure but separable connection of an edge part of a first component to an adjacent edge part of a second component. Each edge part is provided with a number of connecting portions designed to produce the connection. The connecting portions for one of the edge parts and the connecting portions for the other edge part are so poritioned with respect to each other as to include, irrespective of their directional orientation lengthwise along the respective edge part, connecting portions which correspond to each other for interacting with one another.

TECHNICAL FIELD 
The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a box having a 
number of components which may be interconnected. An edge part of one 
component is connected to an edge part of an adjacent component, and the 
connection is made by securing means attached to each edge part arranged 
to produce the connection. Each component has dimensions corresponding to 
a desired box volume. Each edge part interacts in a secure but separable 
fashion with an adjacent edge part and includes a number of securing means 
for producing the connection. 
The invention also pertains to an arrangement for permitting a secure but 
separable connection to a second component in which each edge part is 
provided with a number of the securing means for producing the connection. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
German Offenlegungsschrift No. 21 02 033 discloses the application of a 
first edge part of a metal strip bent to an angle and provided with a 
number of slots of identical length and width, and having a fixed 
separation distance between adjacent slots. Metal flaps having a width 
slightly less than the width of each slot are applied to a second edge 
part. Thus, when one component is to be brought into interaction with the 
other component, the flap must be introduced into the corresponding slot, 
whereupon the flap is bent through 180.degree. about a part of the strip, 
thereby producing a secure but separable connection between the edge 
parts. 
A number of other methods and arrangements for manufacturing boxes utilize 
metal strips as the securing means. 
It has been found to be particularly advantageous to form all the 
components of the box, the side components, the base and/or the lid from 
plywood, in which case the edge parts are reinforced by the angled metal 
strips. The metal strips also serve to provide the connection between 
adjacent edge parts. 
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
Technical Problem 
The application of the previously disclosed method for the manufacture of a 
box involves ensuring an accurate fit between the slots in the metal strip 
applied to one edge part and the flaps attached to the adjacent edge part. 
As a result of these manufacturing requirements, the previously disclosed 
method of manufacturing boxes will offer particular advantages only in 
conjunction with the manufacture of a very large number of standardized 
boxes, since difficult setting-up operations will have to be peformed on 
the machines which are to apply metal strips to one edge part and which 
are to apply flaps to an adjacent edge part in a precise position in 
relation to the slots in the metal strip. 
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for 
manufacturing boxes in which the boxes are manufactured both in the form 
of standardized boxes and in the form of special boxes, usually in smaller 
numbers than the standardized boxes, without having to change the settings 
of the machines on the production line. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a box having connecting means 
for a first edge part that are capable of being secured irrespective of 
the direction or position of the connecting means for a second, adjacent 
edge part, such that the connecting means for the second, adjacent edge 
part are also capable of being secured irrespective of the direction or 
position of the connecting means for the first edge part by providing a 
plurality of raised portions defining the length of the securing means for 
the first part and a corresponding raised portion defining the securing 
means of the second part so that the holding means is receivable in the 
securing means of the first and second parts. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a box having a strip of a 
kind which includes a number of first securing means arranged one after 
the other, such that the strip is capable of being secured to an edge part 
without being fitted to corresponding securing means, and other securing 
means which are separate from the first securing means of the first strip 
are capable of being secured to an adjacent edge part without being fitted 
to corresponding securing means, such that the securing means may be 
arranged in the form of projections or slots which are arranged to permit 
a separate connecting organ to connect together corresponding securing 
means. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a box having securing 
means which on the one hand provide for a box having great strength 
relative to the manufacturing cost of the box, yet on the other hand are 
themselves inexpensive to manufacture and to attach to the component parts 
of the box. 
Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a box in which 
corresponding connecting means can be selected at will in relation to the 
anticipated weight of the contents of the box and in relation to the 
anticipated size of the contents. 
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a box in which a 
continuous strip having securing means formed thereon may be economically 
manufactured and utilized. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a method for the manufacture 
of a box capable of being folded up, in which the connecting means for 
producing the connection between adjacent edge parts are fully protected 
by the component parts of the box, in this way enabling previously 
projecting flaps to be eliminated during storage. 
Still another object of the invention is to provide a box having securing 
means that will permit corresponding securing means to be brought in a 
simple fashion into engagement with each other, even when large boxes are 
being formed. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a box which, when fully 
assembled and with its lid removed, will have an upper edge free from 
securing means. 
Still yet a further object of the invention is to provide a box which 
provides a secure but separable connection of an edge part of a first 
component to an adjacent edge part of a second component, in which the 
separability is simplified and in which any breakage of a connecting organ 
can be repaired easily by replacing the broken connecting organ. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a box which permits a lid and 
a base to be sealed to the side components of the box in accordance with 
the objectives outlined above and in a simple fashion. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a box in which the securing 
means do not contribute to the ingress of water and/or the accumulation of 
water, yet do not constitute a waterproof seal. 
Another object of the invention is to provide a box in which the securing 
means may be specified only for the central parts of the components and 
may extend a certain distance towards the corners, in this way creating 
conditions permitting the fixing to the lid and the base of separately 
manufactured corners having dimensions usually exceeding the dimensions of 
the securing means. 
A further object of the invention is to provide a box which may be used not 
only with removable side components, but which permits the securing means 
to be used between the base or the lid and between adjacent side 
components. 
Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a box having a 
separate connecting organ which includes a stepped section enabling it to 
be brought more easily into interaction with corresponding securing means. 
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become 
apparent from the detailed description that follows. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a box having a 
number of components capable of being connected together, in which, among 
other features, an edge part of one component is capable of being 
connected to an edge part of an adjacent component, and in which the 
connection is made by securing means of corresponding connecting means 
provided to produce the connection at each edge part. The method provides 
that each component (side components, base and/or lid) be cut to size and 
manufactured so as to have dimensions corresponding to a box having a 
predetermined volume when fully assembled. An edge part for interacting in 
a secure but separable fashion with an adjacent edge part is provided with 
a number of securing means for producing the connection. 
The present invention provides a box in which the connecting means which 
are provided for a first edge part may be secured irrespective of the 
direction or position of the connecting means for an adjacent, second edge 
part, whereas the connecting means intended for the adjacent, second edge 
part may advantageously be secured irrespective of the direction or 
position of the connecting means for the first edge part by providing a 
plurality of raised portions defining the length of the securing means for 
the first part and a corresponding raised portion defining the securing 
means of the second part so that the holding means is receivable in the 
securing means of the first and second parts. 
In accordance with the foregoing, a number of components preferably are 
arranged next to each other so that edge parts already provided with 
securing means may be brought into engagement with each other. 
The invention proposes that securing means for each edge part be so 
arranged as to interact with a securing means on a adjacent edge part, the 
securing means being arranged to interact with each other. 
The invention also provides the novel arrangement of a strip having first 
securing means that is secured to one edge part and second securing means 
separate from the first securing means of the first strip secured to an 
adjacent edge part. The second securing means may include discrete 
securing members positioned along the edge part. A separate connecting 
member may be provided for the purpose of connecting together 
corresponding connecting means. 
The invention also provides an arrangement permitting the secure but 
separable connection of a first edge part for a first component with an 
adjacent edge part for a second component, with each of the edge parts 
being provided with a number of securing means for producing the 
connection. The arrangement may be utilized with advantage in the 
manufacture of a box. 
The invention provides in this context that the connecting means for the 
one edge part and the connecting means for the second edge part be so 
executed in relation to each other as to exhibit, irrespective of their 
direction or positioning lengthwise along the respective edge parts, 
securing means which correspond to each other and are capable of 
interacting with each other. 
A separate connecting organ is proposed for the purpose of interacting with 
securing means which correspond to each other, and only particular 
securing means for the one edge part are so arranged as to correspond to 
discrete securing means for the second edge part. 
it is also proposed that the strips should be in the form of metal strips 
having embossed areas or stamped depressions to form projections or slots 
and having securing organs to secure the strip to the edge part. 
The invention also proposes an arrangement which is used for the 
construction of a box or similar object, in which one side component is 
provided along one edge part with an edge strip having along its length a 
number of projections or slots arranged at a certain distance from each 
other, and in which a second side component is provided along one edge 
part with a number of projections or slots arranged at a certain distance 
from each other, and in which a connecting organ in the form of an angled 
plate or a wire or other suitable connecting device is so arranged as to 
connect together the corresponding projections or slots. 
ADVANTAGES 
The advantages which may be regarded as being associated with a method in 
accordance with the present invention include the manufacture of boxes in 
a simple fashion irrespective of whether these are standard boxes or 
specially ordered boxes. 
An advantage of the arrangement in accordance with the present invention is 
that it provides first securing means which may be applied to an edge part 
and second securing means which may be applied to an adjacent edge part 
without having to take into account any corresponding holding means, since 
the holding means are so executed that, irrespective of their arrangement 
and position, corresponding securing means will be present at all times by 
providing a plurality of raised portions defining the length of the 
securing means for the first part and a corresponding raised portion 
defining the securing means of the second part so that the holding means 
is receivable in the securing means of the first and second parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
With reference to FIG. 1 is illustrated in perspective view a box 1, having 
four side components 2, 3, 4, and 5 and a base 6. the box 1 may very well 
be provided with a lid, the lid not being shown in FIG. 1, however. 
The arrangement proposed in accordance with the invention permits the 
secure but separable connection of an edge part of a first component to an 
adjacent edge part of a second component. 
In the interest of clarity, however, the following description will pertain 
only to the arrangement depicting the interaction between the side 
component 4 and the side component 5. 
What is thus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is an arrangement permitting the 
secure but separable connection of an edge part 4a of the first side 
component 4 of the box to an adjacent edge part 5a of the second side 
component 5 of the box. Each edge part is provided with a number of 
connecting means for providing the connection. Connecting means 7 for one 
of the edge parts 4a and the corresponding connecting means 8 for the 
second edge part 5a are oriented relative to each other such that, 
irrespective of their direction or position lengthwise along the 
respective edge part, the edge parts 4a, 5a will have securing means which 
correspond to each other and which are capable of interacting with each 
other to provide a connection therebetween in a manner which is described 
below. These securing means are indicated at 7a-7c and 8a in FIG. 2 by 
providing securing means in the form of raised portions extending the 
length of the edge part 4a of the first side component 4 of the box and a 
corresponding securing means having a raised portion on the second edge 
part 5a so that the holding device 9 is receivable in the securing means 
of the first and second parts and thereby connecting the first and second 
side components 4, 5 of the box together. 
A separate connecting organ 9 is so arranged as to be capable of 
interacting with the securing means 7a-7c and 8a. The connecting organ may 
be in the form of an angled plate which is adapted for insertion into 
corresponding securing means 7a, 8a arranged in the form of projections 
extending from the surfaces of the connecting means 7, 8. 
With reference to FIG. 2, the securing means 7a rather than the securing 
means 7b provides a corresponding securing means for coupling with the 
securing means 8a. Therefore, only certain of the securing means 7a, 7b, 
7c are so arranged as to correspond to the securing means 8a of the second 
edge part. The securing means 8a thus is in the form of separate members 
which are secured to the edge part 5a. 
The securing means of the first edge part 4a will thus be in the form of a 
number of projections or slots arranged one after the other so as to form 
a strip. the strip is in the form of a metal strip with embossed areas or 
stamped depressions to form projections or slots, and with securing organs 
(not shown in the Figure) formed on the part 7' so as to secure the 
connecting means or edge strip to the edge part 4a. 
With reference to FIG. 2 it is clear, therefore, that a side component 4 is 
provided having an edge part 4a with an edge strip with is in turn 
provided along its length with a plurality of projections or slots 
arranged at a certain distance from each other, that a second side 
component 5 is provided having an edge part 5a with a plurality of 
projections or slots arranged at a certain distance from each other, and 
that a connecting organ in the form of an angled plate 9, which could be 
replaced by a wire or other suitable connecting device, connects 
corresponding projections to each other. 
The connecting means 7 may be in the form of an ege strip which is bent in 
such a way that a first member 7' is secured via securing organs not shown 
in the Figure to the edge part 4a of the side component and a second 
member 7" angled with respect to the first member 7' is so arranged as to 
extend beyond the end 4a' of the side component and for a certain distance 
along the edge part 5a of an adjacent side component. The projections or 
the slots are formed in the second member 7" a predetermined distance from 
the bend line 10. 
FIG. 2 also shows that the projections 7a, 7b or the slots in the strip are 
so executed as to be of identical length and as to exhibit an identical 
distance between adjacent projections or slots. Corresponding projections 
or slots 8a have a length which is identical with or greater than the 
distance 7a' between the projections 7a, 7c or the slots in the strip and 
are twice the width of the separate connecting organ 9. 
The bent edge strip 7 can also be advanageously secured to a base and/or 
lid, when the connecting means 8 in the form of projections or slots 8a 
can be arranged along the side parts. 
The projections or slots are also so arranged as to reduce or prevent the 
ingress of water. This may be achieved most easily by causing the slots on 
the component 7" to be situated next to the end surface 4a' but at a 
certain distance from the bend line 10. These requirements are 
particularly applicable to the base and the lid, in respect of which it is 
also preferable for adjacent edge parts to be straight. 
With reference to FIG. 3, the arrangement depicted in FIG. 2 is illustrated 
in plan view in which the connecting organ 9 is shown to be bent around 
the securing means 7a and the securing means 8a in such a way that end 
parts 9a and 9b of the connecting organ 9 are situated above the securing 
means. FIG. 3 also shows that the securing means 8a can assume a position 
other than that illustrated in FIG. 2, but without jeopardizing the 
interaction between the securing means 7a and the securing means 8a via 
the connecting organ 9. 
In the position the securing means 8a is provided in FIG. 2, the securing 
means can be brought into interaction with either the securing means 7a or 
7c, whereas in the position given to the securing means 8a in FIG. 3 the 
connecting organ 9 is able to interact with either of the securing means 
7a or 7b. In all other intermediate positions interaction is possible only 
between the securing means 7a and 8a. The significance of this arrangement 
for the securing means is that for every position to which the securing 
means 8a has been adjusted, it will always be so arranged as to interact 
with a corresponding securing means 7a or 7b or 7c. 
FIG. 4 shows a section IV--IV in FIG. 3, the FIG. 5 shows a section V--V in 
FIG. 3. Similar components have been allocated similar reference 
designations. 
With reference to FIG. 6, there is illustrated an alternative connecting 
organ 9' having a metal strip bent to a right angle at one end 9a' and 
bent through only a small angle at the other end 9b'. This arrangement 
permits the connecting organ 9' to be introduced in a simple fashion 
through the projection 8a and the projection 7a and permits the component 
9a' to be bent over the projection 8a and the component 9b' over the 
projection 7a. The embodiment in accordance with FIG. 6 facilitates the 
introduction of the connecting organ and permits simple assembly of the 
box, since the connecting organ will, on being bent, force the projections 
8a and 7a together, in so doing improving the holding together of the edge 
parts. 
With reference to FIG. 7, there is illustrated a separate corner 
reinforcement 11 which is so arranged as to be capable of being secured 
either to the lid or to the base and to one or more of the corners of the 
box. This arrangement permits the corner reinforcement to be dimensioned 
more strongly than the metal edge strips, but the edge strips should not 
extend to the corners. A certain distance should remain near the corner, 
which distance corresponds substantially to the size of the corner 
reinforcement. The corner reinforcement 11 is provided with two arms 12, 
13, the free ends 12a and 13a of which are provided with an overhanging 
part capable of enclosing one end of a metal strip. Also illustrated in 
FIG. 7 is the manner in which the corner fitting is provided with an 
additional tongue 14, 14a, although this tongue could, of course, be 
omitted. 
Finally, with reference to FIG. 8, there is shown an alternative embodiment 
of a metal edge strip similar to the edge strip 7. This metal strip 
includes a flat edge 15 for securing to the side component 4 via securing 
organs not shown in the Figure and an angled component 16. The strip 
includes an angled member having a first component secured to the edge 
part 4a and a second component extending towards the adjacent edge part 
5a. The second component includes an overhanging part 17 for forming a 
slot 19 to accommodate a depression 18 which provides the connection. The 
strip is bent through an angle of about 180.degree. to provide 
reinforcement at the point indicated by the reference designation 20. This 
arrangement provides an opportunity to stack one or more lids or bases one 
on top of the other. 
The embodiments described above illustrate with the greatest clarity that 
the number of connecting means 8 may be selected at will along an edge 
part, and that their number may be specified in relation to, among other 
consideration, the weight distribution and the size of the box. 
It is also clear that the storage of finished side components is possible 
in a simple fashion in the absence of projecting flaps which can cause 
damage and which may themselves become damaged. 
The construction is also so arranged that, even in the case of large boxes, 
the connecting organs may be brought simply into interaction with 
corresponding securing means. The securing means are also so executed as 
not to exhibit any component which extends beyond the upper edge part of 
the box. 
In view of the fact that a separate connecting organ is used, it is also 
possible in a simple fashion to open the box for customs and similar 
inspections. If, however, the end parts of the connecting organ were to 
break off, a new connecting organ can be fitted simply. 
The embodiment of the connecting organ in accordance with FIG. 6 can be 
provided with holes 21, 22, through which holes a wire for sealing the box 
may be passed, thus enabling the box to be sealed in a simple fashion. 
The invention also provides a method of manufacturing a box having a number 
of components capable of being connected together, in which among other 
features, an edge part of one component is provided for connecting to an 
edge part of an adjacent component, the connection being effected by 
connecting means which securely connect each edge part. The adjacent 
components (side components and base and/or lid) are cut to size and 
manufactured, for example, from plywood, to a dimension corresponding to 
the expected volume of the box, and the edge part which is provided to 
interact in a secure but separable fashion with an adjacent edge part is 
provided with a number of connecting means for producing the connection. 
The invention provides in particular that the securing means for a first 
edge part is secured irrespective of the expected direction or position of 
the securing means of the second, adjacent edge part, whereas the securing 
means of the second, adjacent edge part is secured irrespective of the 
expected direction or position of the securing means for the first edge 
part by providing the securing means of the first edge part as a plurality 
of raised portions and the securing means for the second edge part having 
a corresponding raised portion so that the holding device or element is 
receivable in the raised portions of the first and second securing means 
so as to connect the two sides of the box. 
With the arrangement of the present invention discussed above, the 
connecting means 8 will be applied to the edge part in relation to the 
anticipated load and the side of the box, and not in relation to the 
connecting means present on the strip 7. 
A number of components must accordingly be arranged next to each other in a 
previously disclosed fashion, in such a way that, among other features, 
edge parts provided with securing means are positioned next to each other. 
The invention thus provides an arrangement wherein preferably each of the 
securing means for the edge part is arranged to interact with such 
securing means on an adjacent edge part as are found to correspond to each 
other. 
The inventive method also provides that a strip having first securing means 
is secured to an edge part, and that other securing means separate from 
the first securing means on the strip is secured to an adjacent edge part. 
The method also provides that a strip is bent to an angle, with one part of 
the strip being attached to the edge part and so arranged that its other 
part will cover and extend towards the end surface of the component. It 
has been found to be particularly desirable to have the second securing 
means to be in the form of discrete securing means positioned along the 
edge piece. The expression discrete securing means is used in this context 
to denote the presence of a certain distance between individual securing 
members situated next to each other, within which space no corresponding 
securing means are present. 
The method provides further that a separate connecting organ be arranged 
for the purpose of connecting together corresponding securing means. 
With reference to FIG. 9, there is shown an alternative embodiment of a 
metal strip similar to the metal strip 7. This metal strip includes a flat 
edge 15 for securing to the side component 4 by securing organs 25 and an 
angled component 16'. The strip includes an angled strip having a first 
member secured to the edge part 4 and a second member extending towards 
the adjacent edge part 5a. The second member includes an overhanging part 
17" for forming a slot to accommodate a depression 18' arranged to provide 
the connection. 
The principles, preferred embodiment and modes of operation of the present 
invention have been described in the foregoing specification. The 
invention which is intended to be protected herein should not, however, be 
construed as being limited to the particluar forms disclosed, as these 
forms are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
Variations and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without 
departing from the spirit of the present invention. Accordingly, the 
foregoing detailed description should be considered exemplary in nature 
and not limited to the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in 
the appended claims.