Abstract:
A shipping container is reversibly transformed between (1) a closed shipping configuration, and (2) an oblique display configuration capable of laying on a flat or inclined surface, standing on a surface and being hung from a vertical surface such as a wall.

Description:
FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY 
       [0001]    The invention relates to the field of containers for storage and transport of articles or materials, more specifically containers with end closures formed by inward folding of, flaps and securing means of them by means of a tongue integral with one of the flaps, namely CPC B65D5. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0002]    The first example of the prior art has provided a transit and display container comprising a tray part, a first hood part attached to said tray part for enclosing at least partially a first item received in the tray part and a second hood part attached to the tray part for the first hood part) for enclosing at least partially a second item received on top of the first hood part. The second hood part can fold under the tray part to provide an inclined support, and the first hood part can be folded and inverted so as to receive an item for display above the tray part. 
         [0003]    Transformation of a container from a shipping configuration to a display configuration in this prior art example nevertheless requires an outlying hood to create an inclined support, and does not enable any integration into a self-contained shipping box, let alone a rigid, integrated and reusable shipping box. In addition, the transformation cannot be completed without slitting and flipping the primary hood to create a secondary shelf. Furthermore, there are no features described or enabled by the prior art that allow the display configuration to rest on a non-flat or upright support surface such as a wall. Therefore this example of the prior art does not describe a reversibly transformable container nor one with versatile display functions, and therefore its capability is limited. 
         [0004]    A second example of the prior art relates to packaging. The invention is able to be used to produce cardboard boxes having, on the one hand, two openings each provided with four flaps designed to close off the corresponding openings and, on the other hand, a hooking lug provided with a hooking opening substantially aligned with the two openings. The size of the package is defined by the size of the rear panel. The blank used to obtain the package could be printed on one side only. In short, this example of the prior art can be viewed as teaching towards the means of attaching a box in an inclined or perpendicular position. It does not describe the addition of any hanging or attachment features to a container that is transformable between a shipping configuration and a display configuration. 
         [0005]    A third example of the prior art describes a foldable, self-standing container which can be formed of plastic, paper, metal, or other materials and can be sealed with an integral top. The container is formed with unique fold lines in two side sections and the bottom section. When folded, the self-standing container lies flat and can be instantly opened into the upright, self-standing position by exerting opposing forces on two exposed sides of the container. When formed of metal, the fold lines are made in the form of joints, preferably connected with a resilient, liquid-tight, heat-proof sealant material. Also disclosed is an efficient method for bulk dispensing of the containers as well as a method of making and folding the containers, including an inventive box folding device. In short, this third example teaches the use of slots for quick access of displayed materials, which in this case is a foldable container. It also does not, describe the addition of any finger slots or quick assessment features to a container transformable between a shipping configuration and a display, configuration. 
         [0006]    Many types of shipping cartons or containers are designed for single use and then later destined for recycling or even trash. There exist cartons that can be transformed, albeit irreversibly, into a single display mode, often for temporary display in vending. However, there are no affordable shipping cartons that can carry a load of print materials or other goods aid afterwards being transformable into different multiple modes of display, on various spaces and at various display angles let alone the ability to be reassembled from the display mode back into a functional shipping box. At the time of this filing, where emphasis on reduction of material and reuse is as significant as cutting down shipping cost, there is an unmet need for an affordable shipping carton that allows free switching between shipping and versatile display modes. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0007]    The disclosure describes a container configurable for disposition on a supporting surface as an open display configuration and configurable as a closed shipping configuration comprising a rectangular frame having four side walls in opposing pairs, an opening, and a bottom, and two wings extending from two opposing ones of the four side walls of the rectangular frame. The two wings can fold toward the opening to close the opening of the rectangular frame to form the closed shipping container, and the two wings can also fold toward the bottom of the rectangular frame to form a platform to lift the box above the supporting surface when functioning in the open display configuration. 
         [0008]    The container as described can further include wings that fold along score lines to converge below the bottom of the rectangular frame. 
         [0009]    The container can also include score lines that are diagonal to the side is to enable the folded wings below the rectangular frame to lift the display configuration at an oblique angle from the resting surface. 
         [0010]    Further, the oblique angle can be between 1 to 90 degrees. 
         [0011]    In such a container the two wings can be structured so that when configured in the open display configuration the two wings are used in a manner independently of whether the supporting surface is horizontal inclined or&#39;vertical. 
         [0012]    Also, in such a container, the resting posture of the container can be elected from resting on the wings below the oblique box, or standing on the edge of the backward-folded wings to erect an oblique shelf. 
         [0013]    The container can further comprise selection from a plurality of mounting mechanisms along one of the wings to assist in attaching the backwardly-folded wing to the supporting surface. 
         [0014]    The container can further comprise an opening along one of he side ails for easy access of the contained materials. 
         [0015]    Further, the opening can be of a rectangular shape. 
         [0016]    Even further, the opening can run perpendicular to the box bottom surface. 
         [0017]    One possible embodiment is a container comprising a rectangular frame, were two wings extending from two opposing side walls of the rectangular frame that fold along the top of side walls to converge and close on top of the rectangular frame to form a closed shipping configuration of the container, where the said two wings fold backwards along diagonally placed score lines to converge be low the bottom of the rectangular frame to lift the box at an oblique angle from the resting surface when; operating in an open display configuration of the container, further containing selection from a plurality of mounting mechanisms along one of the wings to assist in attaching the backwardly-folded wing to the resting surface, and even further comprising of an opening along, one of the side walls for easy access of the contained materials. 
         [0018]    Also disclosed is a method of reversible transformation in a box from a shipping configuration into a display configuration comprising employing opposing foldable wings extending from opposing side walls of an open rectangular frame to fold towards the open rectangular frame to close the box into a shipping configuration, where the said wings can fold towards the bottom of the open rectangular frame to raise the box base in a display configuration, and where the open rectangular frame comprises four side walls in opposing pairs, an opening, and a bottom. 
         [0019]    The method further includes folding the foldable wings extending opposing side walls of an open rectangular frame along score lines to converge towards the open rectangular frame to close the box into a shipping configuration. 
         [0020]    The method further includes folding the foldable wings extending from opposing side walls of an open rectangular frame along score lines to converge towards the bottom of the rectangular frame to lift the box into a display configuration. 
         [0021]    One embodiment is the use of foldable wings to fold towards and cover the opening of a rectangular frame with four side walls in two opposing pairs, where the foldable wings can also fold towards the base of the rectangular frame in order to lift the rectangular frame from a resting surface. 
         [0022]    Another embodiment is the integration of the foldable wings as extensions of two opposite sides of the open rectangular frame base such that the transformable box can be a continuous sheet cut-out from a shipping box material such as paper or plastic. 
         [0023]    A further embodiment is the use of score lines to assist in the accurate folding of the wings both in folding towards the rectangular frame opening to close the rectangular frame, and in folding towards the rectangular frame base to foray a platform to lift the base up. 
         [0024]    An even further embodiment is the use of score lines that are diagonal or angled from the base of the rectangular frame so that the wings will fold at an angle in relation to the base of the rectangular frame and in so provide a raised platform that stands the base of the rectangular frame at an oblique angle from the resting surface. 
         [0025]    Another embodiment is, in addition to the display configuration resting with its surface of wings folded below the rectangular frame, that the display configuration can also rest on the edges of the folded wings, preferably the edges being the longer pair of edges of the wings when the wings are folded at angled perforations, so that the box can stand on the wings with the opening of the rectangular frame facing horizontally or preferably pointing upwards at an oblique angle. 
         [0026]    Further embodied is the use of one or more openings such as rectangular cutouts in one of the side walls not in direct extension of the wing that assist in convenient access of displayed materials. 
         [0027]    An illustrated embodiment is based on the use of foldable wings extending from two opposite side walls of a four-walled open rectangular frame that can fold towards and cover the opening of a rectangular frame along score lines, and where the two wings can fold towards the bottom of a rectangular frame along angled score lines to raise the display rectangular frame at an oblique angle, optionally assisted by adhesive strips and tab-and-slot to stay in the modes. The box after being transformed into an oblique display rectangular frame can also be rested or hung on a plurality of inclined surfaces including an upright wall with the assistance of built-in holes for hanging or attachment features such as adhesive strips Preferably, in addition to resting on the platform created by the surface of the wings folded below the rectangular frame, the display configuration can rest on the long pair of edges of the wings, which in effect stands the box upwards with the rectangular frame opening pointing at an oblique angle from the resting surface. Even more preferably the box contains attachments such as holes for hanging and adhesives for attaching to assist in placement of the box on an incline of a plurality of angle or for hanging on a wall. Most preferably, the box also contains of one or more openings such as rectangular cutouts in one of the side walls, preferably not in direct extension of the wing that assist in convenient access of displayed materials. 
         [0028]    It is expressly to be understood that score lines used in the specification and claims broadly encompass fold-assisting mechanisms including but not limited to score lines, precreased fold lines pre-folded lines and perforated lines. 
         [0029]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The disclosure can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a bottom plan view which exhibits the full view of the box cut pattern or die cut flat before assembly. The observed side is the bottom of the box in the shipping configuration. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view which shows a partially assembled box with four side call in opposite pairs erected above a bottom surface forming an open box, where two pairs of wings extend from the base of two opposing sides of the rectangular frame.  FIG. 2  further shows a finger slot opening at one side wall perpendicular to the extended wings. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view which shows a completely closed box in a shipping, configuration, where the two wings fold toward the box opening to converge and close using a tab and slot mechanism. 
           [0033]      FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7  are perspective views which show a sitting oblique box in the display configuration, where the two wings fold toward the bottom of the rectangular frame to converge and close using the same tab and slot mechanism  FIG. 4, 5, 6 and 7  show the display configuration from rear, top, front and side views respectively. In this embodiment, the finger slot opening is located at the rear side wall of the sitting display configuration, the side wall that is lifted up higher from the others due to the obliquely raised platform. 
           [0034]      FIGS. 8 and 9  are the side plan view and front perspective view respectively which show a standing oblique box in the display configuration, where the two wings fold toward the bottom of the rectangular frame to converge and close using the said tab and slot mechanism. The box stands on the support surface with the longer edges of the wings folded toward the bottom of the rectangular frame, such that the open face of the rectangular frame points upward from the base at an oblique angle.  FIG. 8 and 9  show the side and front view of the standing display configuration respectively. 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a three quarter perspective view which illustrates the box in a similar configuration as the standing mode but instead of the box resting on the edge of the wing.  FIG. 10  shows the box hanging on a vertical surface, with the wings folded toward the bottom of the rectangular frame and being attached to the (all with attachment features such as holes and nails. 
       
    
    
       [0036]    The disclosure and its various embodiments can now be better understood by turning to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments which are presented as illustrated examples of the embodiments defined in the claims. It is expressly understood that the embodiments as defined by the claims may be broader than the illustrated embodiments described below. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0037]    The illustrated embodiments are illustrated in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 1  is a bottom pan view of the die cut flat  30  from which the box  32  is assembled as seen before assembly. The die cut edges are shown in solid line and the precreased fold lines are shown as dotted. Each of the cuts, shapes and folds will be described and their use and function will become apparent as the assembly of the box  32  from the flat  30  in  FIGS. 2-10 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 2  shows the box  32  in an open configuration partially constructed in accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the invention to form a rectangular frame comprised of contiguous ends  20  and  21 , sides  18  and  19  and bottom  17 . Sides  18  and  19  fold in along score line segments  18   a  and  19   a  and then end  21  folds up along score line  17   a  End  20  folds down along a double score line  20   a  so that tabs  20   b  fit into slots  20   c,  thereby locking end  20  into the upright end configuration shown in  FIG. 2 . Double score line  20   a  is required to facilitate the cardboard flat in making a 180 degree fold. Sides  18  and  19  are turned down with end flaps  18   b  and  19   b  inserted between the folded opposing surfaces of end  20  when in the configuration of  FIG. 2 . By this means the rectangular frame of box  32  is partially assembled and locked into the configuration of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  shows an oblique perspective view of the box  32  in a closed and a regular rectangular configuration. Wing  6  has been folded on score lines  19   a  and  13  and over the side  19  and top of the open rectangular frame of box  32  shown in  FIG. 2 . The wings  6  and  7  are not folded along double score lines  11  and  12 . Wing  7  is folded over wing  6  covering side  16  of the box. Tab  4  is inserted into slot  5  locking wings  6  and  7  over the opening of the rectangular frame of box  32  and providing for a sealed shipping container configuration. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is an oblique perspective view of the rear of the box  32  after configured as an open display container, and while placed with wing  7  downward on a lateral surface in the sitting position. As best visualized n  FIG. 5  in the display configuration wing  6  has been folded along score line  19   a  upwardly so that section  23  of wing  6  is adjacent side  19  and fixed thereto by the use of an adhesive or Velcro® strip  14 . Wing  6  is then folded along double score line  12  by 180 degrees backwardly thereby providing an inclined bottom support  6   a.  Wing  6  is then folded back along score line  13  so that wing  6  is flat against the resting surface. Similarly as best visualized in  FIG. 4  in the display configuration wing  7  has been folded along score line  18   a  upwardly so that section  22  of wing  7  is adjacent side  18  and fixed thereto by the use of an adhesive or Velcro® strip  15 . Wing  7  is then folded along double score line  11  by 180 degrees backwardly thereby providing an inclined bottom support  7   a.  Wing  7  then folded back along score line  10  so that wing  7  is flat against the resting surface. Tab  4  is inserted into slot  5  in wing  6  to lock wings  6  and  7  together. Finger slot  8  is located at the top rear allowing for easy access of materials in the box. 
         [0041]      FIG. 6  is a front view of the box  32  while placed with wing  7  facing downward on a lateral surface in the sitting position Finger slit  8  is located at the top rear allowing for easy access of materials in the box. Section  22  is adhered to side  18  and section  23  is adhered to side  19 , forming an inclined stand to display the contents. 
         [0042]      FIG. 7  is a view of side  18  of the box  32  demonstrating the display angle while placed with side  18  facing the viewer and wing  7  downward on a lateral surface in the sitting position forming an upward angle toward finger slot  8 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 8  is a view of the box  32  in a standing position from side  19 . The box  32  is placed on a lateral surface resting on the ends of supports  6   a  and  7   a  with side  20  facing down and at a slight angle sloping toward the rear to prevent the contents from falling out of the box  32 . Finger slot  8  is located toward the bottom front for easy access to materials in the box  32 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  shows the box in the standing position from a front perspective view. The box  32  is placed on the ends of supports  6   a  and  7   a  with end  20  facing downward and end  21  on top. Finger slot  8  is located toward the bottom front for easy access to materials in the box  32 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  shows the box in a hanging position on a vertical surface (not shown) with bottom  17  facing toward the vertical surface. Wing  6  is folded around bottom  17  at score lines  12  and  13 . Wing  7  is folded around bottom  17  on top of wing  6  at score lines  9 ,  10  and  11 . The box  32  is hung from the vertical surface with nails or other fasteners inserted into hole  2  and aligned holes  1  and  3 . Alternatively, other affixing features such as adhesive strips can be employed instead of holes to attach the box  32  to the supporting vertical surface. 
         [0046]    In operation one opens the box  32  in its closed or shipping configuration and transforms it into a display configuration by retracting tab  4  from slot  5 . Wing  6  is folded at score lines  12  and  13  around bottom  17 . Wing  7  is then folded at score lines  9 ,  10 , and  11  around bottom  17  and wing  6 . Tab  4  is then inserted back into slot  5 , where the wings  6 ,  7  are now folded below the rectangular frame of the box  32 . When the box  32  is open and tab  4  is properly inserted into slot  5  so that the box  32  can be used in at least three configurations: 
         [0000]    (1) the box  32  can be placed with bottom  17  facing downward on a lateral resting surface at an angle. Finger slot  8  is located at the top rear of the box for easy access to contents as shown in  FIG. 5 .
 
(2) the box  32  can have a taller display with a steeper angle when end  20  is facing downward on the lateral resting surface. Finger slot  8  is located at the bottom front of the box for easy access to materials as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . the box  32  can be hung from a vertical surface as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . The box  32  is affixed with nails or other fasteners that are secured to the vertical surface and then inserted into hole  2  and aligned holes  1  and  3 .
 
         [0047]    It is expressly to be understood that score lines used in the specification and claims broadly encompass fold-assisting mechanisms including but not limited to score lines, precreased fold lines, pre-folded lines and perforated lines. 
         [0048]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not, be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following embodiments and its various embodiments. 
         [0049]    Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiment has been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the embodiments as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the embodiments includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. A teaching that two elements are combined in a claimed combination is further to be understood as also allowing for a claimed combination in which the two elements are not combined with each other, but may be used alone or combined in other combinations. The excision of any disclosed element of the embodiments is explicitly contemplated as within the scope of the embodiments. 
         [0050]    The words used in this specification to describe the various embodiments are to be understood not only in the sense of their commonly defined meanings, but to include by special definition in this specification structure, material or acts beyond the scope of the commonly defined meanings. Thus if an element can be understood in the context of this specification as including more than one meaning, then its use in a claim must be understood as being generic to all possible meanings supported by the specification and by the word itself. 
         [0051]    The definitions of the words or elements of the following claims are, therefore, defined in this specification to include not only the combination of elements which are literally set forth, but all equivalent structure, material or, acts for performing substantially the same function in substantially the same way to obtain substantially the same result. In this sense it is therefore contemplated that an equivalent substitution of two or more elements may be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element may be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination. 
         [0052]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements. 
         [0053]    The claims are thus to be understood to include what is specifically illustrated and described above, what is conceptionally equivalent, what can be obviously substituted and also what essentially incorporates the essential idea of the embodiments.