Abstract:
The invention is directed toward a unique self-locking storage device for collectable cards. The container has an upper member and a lower member which are hingedly connected by a back panel. The upper member of the container fully encloses the lower member of the container when the container is closed. The panels of the upper member of the container present an uninterrupted view of decorative artwork when the container is closed. The container is preferably constructed of an acid-free poly propylene to allow protection of the collectable cards.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61776150, filed 11 Mar. 2013. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to collectible card holders. More specifically the invention is directed to a self-locking container with an uninterrupted view of the artwork on the front, top and side panels. 
       BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0003]    Collectible cards are small cards which depict images of popular games, people, comic book characters, and many other variations. Baseball cards are a type of collectible card widely recognized in the public domain. The handling and storage of collectible cards is very important to protect the integrity of the cards. When cards are handled and shuffled with other cards, breakdown, such as wearing, fraying, and discoloration of the card occurs. Therefore, collectors have typically utilized containers to store collectible cards and protect their integrity. 
         [0004]    Early on, card collections were maintained in various types of cardboard containers, including cigar containers, shoe containers, or check containers. The use of these types of cardboard containers failed to fully protect the cards because the containers easily compressed, allowing outside forces to damage the cards. The containers were also manufactured and held together with various industrial glues. The chemicals in the glues had the ability to cause damage to the collectible cards. 
         [0005]    Later on, plastic containers or sleeves were utilized to store the collectible cards. These types of containment devices were often constructed out of a transparent material which allowed a collector to view the cards. However, the transparency of the material allowed sunlight and other ultraviolet light to pass through, which had the potential to damage the card. Plastic sleeves provided further limitations as well. First, the sleeves were difficult and expensive to use because only one card could be stored in the sleeve, requiring several sleeves to accommodate large collections. Second, additional time was required to store individual cards in the sleeves than when storing multiple cards in one container. Finally, plastic sleeves were typically manufactured from polyvinylchloride (PVC) which carried the potential to create an acid that yellowed and deteriorated the cards. 
         [0006]    In recent years, there have been several other attempts to improve storage containers, including manufacturing the containers out of translucent or opaque materials to prevent light from passing through and damaging the cards. These types of containers are formed out of single flat blanks which are cut to a specific shape, allowing the blank to fold and connect to itself, forming a container with a lid. However, many of these containers require the outer lid panel to be held to the inner panel through a nonpermanent attaching means, such as hook and loop tape, or an elastic band which wraps around the entire container. These types of containers can also be manufactured with artwork on the outside of the container which serves to decorate to the container and inform the collector about the card contents of the container. For instance, external artwork showing a baseball image would inform a collector the container contained baseball cards. 
         [0007]    While lids held down by hook and loop tape do allow for an uninterrupted view of the artwork on the container, the lids are not secure when closed, resulting in the hook and loop tape becoming frayed and ineffective over time due to repeated operations. Other containers with fold down tops do not have this issue; however, the fold down top interrupts the view of the artwork displayed on the container. When a container with a fold down top is closed, a horizontal line running across the image results. This line interrupts the viewing experience and disrupts a collector&#39;s enjoyment of the artwork on the container. What is needed is a container with a fold down top which is self locking when closed, but does not interrupt the viewing of the exterior artwork on the container. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0008]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0009]    To resolve the problems mentioned above, the invention is directed towards a container for storing and protecting collectible cards formed from a single blank of material, the container being of parallelepiped shape, and having an outer member and an inner member. The outer member folds over the inner member to form a covered container. The outer member comprising a top panel, a front panel, two opposing side panels, a back panel, and a means for securing the opposing side panels to the front panel and the back panel. The front panel, back panel, and opposing side panels fold downward along the lateral edges of the top panel. The inner member comprising a flat base, an inner front panel, two opposing side panels, the back panel, and a means for securing the opposing side panels to the inner front panel and the back panel. The inner front panel, opposing side panels, and back panel fold upwards along the lateral edges of the flat base. The outer member and inner member share a hinge connection located on the back panel. The frictional fit resulting from the hinge connection and the outer member encompassing the inner member results in a self-locking container. The outer member front panel and opposing side panels of the outer member surround the inner panel and opposing side panels of the inner member. This allows for an uninterrupted, seamless view of the entire outer member when the outer member is closed over the inner member so that artwork may be displayed on all sides of the container without seams or other interruption. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment the securing means on the outer member and inner member comprise a first and second set of connection mechanisms on each member. The first set of connection mechanisms on the outer member comprising a first securing tab and a second securing tab located on the first opposing side panel. The first securing tab secures to the top panel, the second securing tab secures to the back panel. The second set of connection mechanisms on the outer member comprise a first securing tab and a second securing tab located on the second opposing side panel. The first securing tab secures to the top panel, the second securing tab secures to the back panel, the first set of connection mechanisms on the inner member comprising a first securing tab and a second securing tab located on the first opposing side panel. The first securing tab secures to the base panel. The second securing tab secures to the back panel. The second set of connection mechanisms on the inner member comprise a first securing tab and a second securing tab located on the second opposing side panel. The first securing tab secures to the base panel, the second securing tab secures to the back panel. 
         [0011]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection mechanisms of the container may be secured to the respective locations on the container by fusing. It is further envisioned that the fusing of the connection mechanisms on the outer opposing side panels and the inner opposing side panels may be accomplished through ultrasonic welding. 
         [0012]    In another embodiment of the present invention the hinge connection located on the back panel of the container, is created by an upper score and a lower score across the back panel. 
         [0013]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the back panel on the storage container is approximately 3.75 inches in width and approximately 2.81 inches in height. The outer member front panel on the storage container is approximately 3.87 inches in width, and approximately 2.77 inches in height. The inner panel on the inner member of the storage container is approximately 3.75 inches in width, and approximately 2.16 inches in height at the lowest point of the inner panel. It is further envisioned that the upper and lower scores located on the back panel of the container may also be located approximately 0.73 inches apart from each other. It is further envisioned that the upper score may be located at a distance of approximately 0.71 inches below the top of the back panel. 
         [0014]    In another embodiment of the present invention the blank material which forms the container may be comprised of a thermoplastic polymer. The thermoplastic polymer material may further include polypropylene, polystyrene, or acid-free polypropylene. 
         [0015]    The invention is also directed to a method for creating a container for storing and protecting collectible cards, the method comprising: cutting a blank of material to a foldable shape with foldable members, scoring the blank in two locations on a back panel to create a hinge connection, folding the blank into a container, and securing the foldable members together. 
         [0016]    In another embodiment, the method for creating a container may utilize fusing to secure the foldable members to the container. The fusing of the foldable members may further be accomplished by ultrasonic welding. 
         [0017]    In another embodiment, the method for creating a container may also utilize a thermoplastic polymer as the blank material. It is further envisioned that the type of thermoplastic polymer used in the method for creating a container may include polypropylene, polystyrene, or acid free polypropylene. 
         [0018]    Still other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following description wherein there is shown and described the embodiments of this invention, simply by way of illustration of the best modes suited to carry out the invention. As it will be realized, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawing and descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    Various exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, wherein like reference numerals refer to identical or similar components, with reference to the following figures, wherein: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the collectible card holder from the left perspective in accordance with the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a rear right perspective view of the collectible card holder. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a similar three dimensional view of the collectable card holder from the right perspective. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a three-dimensional view of the collectible card holder of  FIG. 1  depicting the attachment locations of the securing tabs. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of the one-piece blank of material which is suitably cut and provided with fold lines to form the container of this invention when folded, and secured. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the blank shown in one embodiment utilizing particular dimensions. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the blank of  FIG. 6  as it is partially folded. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 7 , showing a subsequent folding stage. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view, similar to  FIG. 8 , showing a subsequent folding stage. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims. Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 and 2  depict a one-piece, self-locking collectible card holder embodying the present invention.  FIG. 3  is a similar three dimensional view of the collectable card holder from the right perspective.  FIG. 4  is a three-dimensional view of the collectible card holder of  FIG. 1  with the outer member of the container open in preparation for receiving cards from the top loading position.  FIG. 5  is a plan view of the one-piece blank of material which is suitably cut and provided with fold lines to form the container of this invention when folded, and secured.  FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the blank shown in one embodiment utilizing particular dimensions.  FIGS. 7-9  are similar perspective views of the blank of  FIG. 5  showing subsequent folding stages. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the container  10  with the outer member  11  closed over the inner member  49 . The container  10  is comprised of an outer member  11 , and an inner member  49  which close to form the container  10 . The outer member  11  has a top panel  30 , a front panel  20 , two opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ), and a back panel  40  all of which are folded downwardly at a 90 degree angle along the lateral edges of the top panel  30 . The top panel  30  and front panel  20  share a horizontal fold line  31 . The top panel  30  and the back panel  40  share a horizontal fold line  35 . The back panel  40  is shared by the outer member  11  and inner member  49 . The outer member  11  has two opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ) which extend from the front panel  20  on the right and left side. The opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ) fold along vertical fold lines ( 19  and  21 ) at a 90 degree angle away from the front panel  20 . The outer member left panel  22   b  shares vertical fold line  21  with the front panel  20 . The outer member right panel  22   a  shares vertical fold line  19  with the front panel  20 . The outer member  11  includes securing means for securing the opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ) to the front panel  20  and back panel  40 . When the outer member  11  is closed over the inner member  49 , the front panel  20 , opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ), and top panel  30 , show such that artwork may be displayed on any or all of the panels on the outer member  11  in an uninterrupted view, thus allowing artwork printed on the outer member to be uninterrupted for improved optics. 
         [0031]    The design of the container  10 , allows the front panel  20  and opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ) of outer member  11  to completely encompass the inner front panel  60 , and opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ) of the inner member  49  so that artwork may be displayed on the front and sides of the container without seams or other visual interruptions. Super heroes, athletic graphics depicting players or scenes, comic book characters, animated cartoon characters and any other type of artwork now known or later discovered may be reproduced on the outer member  11  for the purpose of informing the viewer about the internal contents of the container  10 . 
         [0032]      FIG. 2  depicts the rear view of the container  10  in the closed position. When closed, the outer member  11  completely encompasses the inner panel  60  and opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ) of the inner member  49 . The outer member  11  and inner member  49  are hingedly connected on the back panel  40  of the container. An upper score  39  and a lower score  43  created in the back panel  40  create hinge  41 . The scores may be formed by any method now known or later developed in industry. The lower score  43  is positioned at the midpoint of the back panel  40 . The upper score is positioned above score  43  and between score  43  and horizontal fold line  35 . The scores are bent 90 degrees outwardly from the outer member  11  and inner member  49 . The scores serve to pivot the outer member  11  away from the inner member  49  when the container  10  is opened. When the container  10  is in the closed position the upper and lower scores ( 39  and  43 ) introduce resistance into the container  10  between the outer member  11  and inner member  49 . When the outer member  11  is closed over the inner member  49 , the introduced resistance between the two members put the outer member  11  and inner member  49  in a close proximity which results in a frictional fit between the two members. The resistance introduced by the scores combined with the frictional fit resulting from the outer member  11  front panel  20 , and opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ) encompassing the inner panel  60 , and opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ) of the inner member  49 , results in the container  10  being a self-locking container. 
         [0033]      FIG. 3  is a similar three dimensional view of the container  10  from the right perspective with the outer member  11  in an open position to receive the collectible cards. The outer member  11  is in the top loading position, and the inner member  49  is displayed. The inner member  49  has a flat base  50 , an inner front panel  60 , two opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ), and the back panel  40 , all of which are folded upwardly at a 90 degree angle along the lateral edges of the flat base  50 . The flat base  50  and inner front panel  60  share a horizontal fold line  51 . The flat base  50  and the back panel  40  share horizontal fold line  47 . The inner member  49  has two opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ) which extend from the inner front panel  60 . The opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ) fold along vertical fold lines ( 59  and  61 ) at a 90 degree angle away from the inner front panel  60 . The first inner member panel  62   b  shares vertical fold line  61  with the inner front panel  60 . The second inner member panel  62   a  shares vertical fold line  59  with the inner front panel  60 . The inner member  49  includes securing means for securing the opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ) to the inner front panel  60  and back panel  40 . In one embodiment the inner front panel  60  is designed with a recess  60   a  on the upper portion of the panel to allow for ease of loading the collectible cards. The base point of the recess  60   a  in the embodiment shown is approximately 2.16 inches above horizontal fold  51 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 4  is a three-dimensional view of the collectible card holder of  FIG. 1  depicting the attachment locations of the securing means. For clarification of exact location, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5  may be referred to as well. In the described embodiment below, the connection mechanisms used for securing the outer and inner opposing panels consist of rectangular tabs designed to secure to the appropriate locations on the container  10 , but it is envisioned that any type of connection mechanism now known or later discovered may be utilized to secure the container  10  to appropriate locations. 
         [0035]    Referring now to the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 4 , the securing means on the outer member  11  and inner member  49  comprise a first and second set of connection mechanisms on each member. The first set of connection mechanisms on the outer member  11  comprise a first and second securing tab ( 26   a  and  24   a ) which extend from opposing side panel  22   a . The first securing tab  26   a  extends from panel  22   a  and is parallel to top panel  30 . Securing tab  26   a  shares horizontal fold line  27  with panel  26   a . Securing tab  26   a  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as panel  22   a  with a slight tapering along the outer edges. Securing tab  26   a  is secured to the inner surface of top panel  30 . Securing tab  24   a  extends from the side of panel  22   a  and shares vertical fold line  23  with panel  22   a . Securing tab  24   a  attaches to the inner surface of back panel  40  in between horizontal fold line  35  and upper score line  39 . Securing tab  24   a  is substantially rectangular in form and is approximately the same width as the separation between horizontal fold line  35  and upper score line  39 . The second set of connection mechanisms on outer member  11  comprise a first and second securing tab ( 26   b  and  24   b ) which extend from opposing side panel  22   b . Securing tab  26   b  extends from panel  22   b  and is parallel to top panel  30 . Securing tab  26   b  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as panel  22   b  with a slight tapering along the outer edges. Securing tab  26   b  extends from the base of panel  22   b  and shares horizontal fold line  29  with panel  22   b . Securing tab  26   b  is secured to the inner surface of top panel  30 . Securing tab  24   b  extends from the side of panel  22   b  and shares vertical fold line  25  with panel  22   b . Securing tab  24   b  attaches to the inner surface of back panel  40  in between horizontal fold line  35  and outer score line  39 . Securing tab  24   b  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as the separation between horizontal fold line  35  and upper score line  39 . 
         [0036]    Moving to the inner member  49 , the first set of connection mechanisms on the inner member  49  comprise a first and second securing tab ( 66   a  and  64   a ) which extend from opposing side panel  62   a . Securing tab  66   a  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as panel  62   a . Securing tab  66   a  extends from panel  62   a  parallel to top panel  50  and shares horizontal fold line  67  with panel  62   a . Securing tab  66   a  is secured to the inner surface of base panel  50 . Securing tab  64   a  extends from the side of panel  62   a  and shares vertical fold line  63  with panel  62   a . Securing tab  64   a  is substantially rectangular in form with a slight tapering along the edges. Securing tab  64   a  is approximately the same height as panel  62   a  and attaches to the inner surface of back panel  40  in between horizontal fold line  47  and lower score line  43 . The second set of connection mechanisms on inner member  49  comprise a first and second securing tab ( 66   b  and  64   b ) which extend from opposing side panel  62   b . Securing tab  66   b  is of rectangular form and approximately the same width as panel  62   b . Securing tab  66   b  extends from panel  62   b  parallel to top panel  50  and shares horizontal fold line  69  with panel  62   b . Securing tab  66   b  is secured to the inner surface of top panel  50 . Securing tab  64   b  extends from the side of panel  62   b  and shares vertical fold line  65  with panel  62   b . Securing tab  64   b  is approximately the same height as panel  62   b  and attaches to the inner surface of back panel  40  in between horizontal fold line  47  and lower score line  43 . Securing tabs  64   a  and  64   b , overlap hinge  41 , but are not secured to the hinge. 
         [0037]    The securing tabs on the outer and inner members may be attached to the container by fusing, or other structural embodiments such as tacks, pins, or any other type of manner consistent with the function of the container. In one embodiment, ultrasonic welding is utilized as the securing means for attaching connection mechanisms to the container. While ultrasonic welding is described as one embodiment for attachment of the connection mechanisms, any means of attachment now known or later discovered may be utilized, if it serves the same function. 
         [0038]    The collectable card holder as depicted in  FIG. 1-4  demonstrates a self-locking container  10  which does not require additional components such as a hook and loop, rubber bands, or other type of securing means to keep the container  10  closed. The embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1-4  is one where the collectible cards are top loaded into the container  10 . The dimensions and configuration of the container  10  are such that the container may be either top loaded, where the outer member  11  opens along the vertical axis, and the cards are fed in through the top of the container, or side loaded, where the container opens along the horizontal axis, and cards are fed in from the side. In either embodiment, the dimensions and method of forming container  10  are the same. The container  10  may be sized in various widths and heights accept and receive various sizes and types of collectable cards without departing from the scope of the invention. The blank material used to create the container may be a thermoplastic polymer such as polypropylene, polystyrene, or acid-free polypropylene. Although several examples of types of material are provided, any type of material which serves the same function now known or later discovered may be utilized as the blank material. The rigid material used to form the container  10  protects the collectible cards from damage, and allows for ease of storage, loading, and access of the cards. 
         [0039]      FIG. 5  is a view of the blank in one embodiment. This embodiment discloses the required measurements and proportions utilized to form the self-locking container. As depicted in  FIG. 5 , the back panel  40  on the container  10  is approximately 3.75 inches in width and approximately 2.81 inches in height. The outer member front panel  20  is approximately 3.87 inches in width, and approximately 2.77 inches in height. The inner member inner panel  60  is approximately 3.75 inches in width, and approximately 2.16 inches in height from horizontal fold  51  to the recess  60   a  on the inner panel  60  of inner member  49 . In this embodiment, the hinge connection  41  located on the back panel  40 , is created by an upper score  39  and a lower score  43  across the back panel  40 . The upper score  39 , and lower score  43  on the back panel  40  of the container  10  are located approximately 0.73 inches apart from with the upper score  39  located at a distance of approximately 0.71 inches below the top of the back panel  40  measuring from horizontal fold line  35 . 
         [0040]      FIGS. 6-9  depict the method of forming the container in various stages of creation. In  FIG. 6 , the blank  12  is shown. The shape of the blank  12  is formed by cutting the blank  12  to a foldable shape with foldable members according to predetermined dimensions, scoring the blank in two locations on a back panel to create a hinge connection, folding the blank into a container, and securing the foldable members together. Blank  12  includes five vertically aligned panels  20 ,  30 ,  40 ,  50 , and  60  joined by horizontal fold lines  31 ,  35 ,  37 , and  51  respectively. All five panels are approximately of similar width and are rectangular in shape. Panel  20  and  60  each include opposing panels ( 22   a  and  22   b , and  62   a  and  62   b ) respectively. The opposing panels  22   a  and  22   b  are joined to panel  20  by vertical fold lines  19  and  21  respectively. All panels on the blank are in the same horizontal plane prior to folding the container. 
         [0041]    Panel  20  has opposing side panels ( 22   a  and  22   b ). The first opposing side panel  22   a  has two connecting mechanisms extending outwardly from panel  22   a  in the form of securing tabs. The first securing tab  26   a  extends from panel  22   a  and is parallel to top panel  30 . Securing tab  26   a  shares horizontal fold line  27  with panel  26   a . Securing tab  26   a  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as panel  22   a  with a slight tapering along the outer edges. Securing tab  24   a  extends from the side of panel  22   a  and shares vertical fold line  23  with panel  22   a . Securing tab  24   a  is substantially rectangular in form and is approximately the same width as the separation between horizontal fold line  35  and upper score line  39 . The second opposing side panel  22   b  has two connecting mechanisms extending outwardly in two locations in the form of securing tabs. The first securing tab  26   b  extends from panel  22   b  and is parallel to top panel  30 . Securing tab  26   b  shares horizontal fold line  29  with panel  26   b . Securing tab  26   b  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as panel  22   b  with a slight tapering along the outer edges. The second securing tab  24   b  extends from the side of panel  22   b  and shares vertical fold line  25  with panel  22   b . Securing tab  24   b  is substantially rectangular in form and is approximately the same width as the separation between horizontal fold line  35  and upper score line  39 . 
         [0042]    The connecting mechanisms may be any shape or size suitable for securing to the container. In the embodiment shown, the connection mechanisms are securing tabs, substantially rectangular in form, but it is envisioned that any design suitable for serving such securing purpose is acceptable. 
         [0043]    Panel  30  is joined to panel  20  and  40  by horizontal fold lines  31  and  35  respectively. Panel  40  is joined to panel  30  and  50  by horizontal fold lines  35  and  47  respectively. Panel  40  contains a hinge  41  which is formed by scoring the blank  12  in two locations creating an upper score  39  and a lower score  43 . Lower score  43  is located at the mid-point of panel  40 . The two scores may be created by any standard method known in the arts. Panel  40  is joined to panel  50  by horizontal fold line  47 . Panel  50  is joined to panel  40  and panel  60  by horizontal fold lines  47  and  67  respectively. All of the horizontal fold lines may be created by any method now known or later discovered suitable for forming the fold lines. 
         [0044]    Panel  60  has opposing side panels ( 62   a  and  62   b ). The first opposing side panel  62   a  has two connection mechanisms which extend outwardly from panel  62   a  in the form of securing tabs. The first securing tab  66   a  extends from  62   a  and is parallel to base panel  50 . Securing tab  66   a  shares horizontal fold line  67  with panel  62   a . Securing tab  66   a  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as panel  62   a . The second securing tab  64   a  extends from the side of panel  62   a  and shares vertical fold line  63  with panel  62   a . Securing tab  64   a  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same height as panel  62   b  with a slight tapering along the outer edges. 
         [0045]    The second opposing side panel  62   b  has two connection mechanisms which extend outwardly from panel  62   b  in the form of securing tabs. The first securing tab  66   b  extends panel  62   b  and is parallel to base panel  50 . Securing tab  66   b  shares horizontal fold line  69  with panel  62   b . Securing tab  66   b  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same width as panel  62   b . The second securing tab  64   b  extends from the side of panel  62   b  and shares vertical fold line  65  with panel  62   b . Securing tab  64   b  is substantially rectangular in form and approximately the same height as opposing panel  62   b.    
         [0046]    The connection mechanisms may be any shape or size suitable for securing to the container. In one embodiment, the connection mechanisms are rectangular tabs, but it is envisioned that any design suitable for serving such securing purpose is acceptable 
         [0047]    To form the container  10  from blank  12 , as demonstrated in  FIG. 7 , the opposing side panels located on panel  20  ( 22   a  and  22   b ) are folded upwardly about the vertical fold lines ( 19  and  21 ) at a 90 degree angle. Similarly, the opposing side panels located on panel  60  ( 62   a  and  62   b ) are folded upwardly about the vertical fold lines ( 59  and  61 ) at a 90 degree angle. In  FIG. 8 , panel  20  is folded upwardly at a 90 degree angle about horizontal score line  31 . Securing tabs  26   a  and  26   b  are folded along horizontal fold lines  27  and  29  respectively at a 90 degree angle so that the outer surface of securing tabs  26   a  and  26   b  are aligned with the inner surface of panel  30  where they are secured. Securing tabs  24   a  and  24   b  are folded inwardly at a 90 degree angle along vertical fold lines  23  and  25  respectively in preparation for securing the outer surface of the tabs to the inner surface of the back panel. 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  depicts the final steps in creating the container  10 . Panel  30  is folded about horizontal fold line  35  and pivoted toward panel  40  at a 90 degree angle. The outer surfaces of securing tabs  24   a  and  24   b  are secured to the inner surface of panel  40  between horizontal fold line  35  and upper score line  39 . This step forms the outer member  49  of the container  10 . Panel  50  is folded about horizontal fold line  51  and pivoted toward panel  40  at a 90 degree angle. The outer surfaces of securing tabs  64   a  and  64   b  are secured to the inner surface of panel  40  between horizontal fold line  51  and lower score line  43 . This step forms the inner member  49  of the container  10 . Hinge  41  is created by folding upper score line  39  and lower score line  43  at 90 degree angles downwardly, so that the outer member  11  of the container and the inner member  49  of the container rest in the open position along the same horizontal axis. The securing tabs can be secured to the container by fusing or any other method suitable for securing the members of the container. In one embodiment, ultrasonic welding is used to secure the connection mechanisms to the container  10 . 
         [0049]    To close the completed container  10 , the outer member  11  is closed over the inner member  49 . The creation of the hinge which consists of folding of the upper and lower scores ( 39  and  43 ) in the opposite direction of the container implements a resistance into the system so that upon closing the outer member over the inner member, the closeness in the two members caused from the resistance by the hinge keeps the container in a self-locking position. 
         [0050]    The embodiments of the present invention have many advantages. For example, the hinge  41  of the container  10  creates a self-locking container which does not require securing mechanisms to maintain the upper member in the closed position. This self locking feature also allows for an uninterrupted view of all sides of the upper member. Artwork may be printed on all three sides without any visual interruptions to the viewer caused by seams, tears or other dividers. 
         [0051]    What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art can recognize that many further combinations and permutations of such matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term includes is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term comprising as comprising is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.