| US5372269A | 1994-12-13 | |||
| US5054724A | 1991-10-08 | |||
| US4892223A | 1990-01-09 | |||
| US3632038A | 1972-01-04 | |||
| US2761609A | 1956-09-04 | |||
| US1532316A | 1925-04-07 |
| 1. | A folding device for storing, collecting and carrying objects and refuse which is constructed from: I. A box made of one sheet or by joining sheets having fold lines serving as hinge and a joint between the base and the walls and between the walls themselves, a rectangular base the sides and periphery of which are the horizontal fold lines situated at the bottom of the walls of the box made of the continuation of the walls of the box beyond the horizontal fold lines situated at the bottom of the walls where these continuations are joined together so that they form two separate parts and form the flat rectangular base of the box when it is in the container state and not folded, a horizontal fold line which constitutes one of the two short sides of the rectangular base of the box is the base of an equilateral triangle of which one side is a diagonal fold line the one opposing it is opposite the end of the second short side of the rectangle and when the box is folded flat from the container state together with the remaining sides of the rectangular base and the remaining fold lines between the walls themselves fold the base of the box into separate and opposing parts inward between the folding walls of the box each wall in its entirety is joined to another when the base of the device folds between them in two separate and opposing parts, II. A pair of rectangular opposing walls at the top part of which there is a folding edge with carrying handles where the edge at the top part enables the handles to fold inward into the box or outward in close proximity to the walls or when they are joined to each other at their ends while forming a partly open grating above the top opening of the box, a pair of rectangular opposing walls with slits at the top part permit the retention of a bag inside the box and of a top cover, III. A rectangular top cover separate from the box which is fixed into the slits in the top part of the box and between the slits when a bag is held in the box and also without a bag being held in the box, IV. A rectangular tray to be retained inside the box for reinforcing the bottom, the manner of folding the device is when each of its walls joined to another in its entirety folds and the handles fold from the sides of the device walls by means of the fold lines and then the device floor folds back between the device walls forming a flat floor when the device is restored to its container state, all this without a rectangular top cover and without a tray for reinforcing the bottom, when the device is in the container state the rectangular tray for reinforcing the bottom of the device is inserted and the top cover is fixed in the slits in the top part of the box between the handles with or without the bag inside the device. |
| 2. | A device such as in Claim No. 1 of which one and separate part of its bottom which covers and is situated above a separate and part opposing it when the box is in the container state and its floor is flat, at the end of the part which covers its opposing part there is a fold, with a tongue in it, on the horizontal fold line situated in the wall of the box opposing the tongue there is a slit situated exactly opposite the tongue and adapted for its insertion therein, when the box is in its container state and its floor is flat the tongue is fixed in the slit opposite it and the fold from which the tongue projects is attached and parallel to the box wall including the slit which receives the tongue, and the floor of the box is fastened. |
| 3. | A device such as in Claim No. 1 which is constructed of a box made of a cardboard or other sheet or a conjunction of sheets and which also includes fold lines in some of the walls, a pair of opposing rectangular walls with fold lines in the middle as well as slits in the top part which permit the retention of a bag inside the box and of a top cover, a rectangular base with a fold line in the middle the manner of folding of which is not as in Claim Numbers 1 + 2 but its manner of folding from the box container state to the flat state is implemented by folding its floor outward and then toward the walls of the device with the handles and folding a pair of opposing walls with slits at their top part inward between a pair of opposing walls in the continuations of which the handles of the device are situated, in the transition back from the flat state to the box container state the floor of the device folds back toward the walls of the device to the state of a flat floor and the opposiwallwith the slits in their top part which were folded between other opposing walls are unfurled and open again to the condition of whole and not folded flat walls. |
| 4. | A device such as in the previous Claim Numbers 1 + 2 + 3 where an external fixture is attached and which has the form of a magazine containing bags and including an upper strip in slits in the upper part of the device box which assists in cutting the bags withdrawn from the magazine. |
| 5. | A device such as in the previous Claim Numbers 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 where there are device carrying handles in the continuations of the opposing walls of the box in these walls there are slits in preparation for implementing an opening part of which is situated in the body of the handles and part of which is in the wall of the box. |
| 6. | A device such as in the previous Claim Numbers 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 where its handles when placed in conjunction with each other are attached to each other by a clamp like clasp which clamps the two handles together at their top ends. |
| 7. | AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 14 July 1999 (14. |
| 8. | 99); <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> original claims 16 replaced by new claims 18 (3 pages) 1. A folding device for storing, collecting and carrying objects and refuse which is constructed from: I. A box made of one sheet or a combination of sheets having fold lines serving as a hinge and a joint between the base and the walls and between the watts themselves, II. The box base the sides and periphery of which are horizontal fold lines situated at the bottom of the watts of the box, the continuation of the walls of the box form the base of the box, the base is built of four parts which are: a division into two of the separate and opposing pair of parts by means of diagonal fold lines that cross this pair so that the diagonal fold lines form another pair of opposing parts, so that in all the base is built of four parts, there is, in the separate and opposing parts of the base, a part that has at its edge a fold and a tongue in the fold, there is a slit in the horizontal fold situated in the bottom of the box and forming one of the box base ribs, the slit is exactly opposite and across the tongue that is in the part the edge of which has a fold, III. A pair of opposing walls at the upper part of which there is a folding rim with carrying handles, a pair of opposing walls with slits at their upper part, IV. A top cover that is separate from the box, V. A rectangular tray that is separate from the box, to be kept inside the box to reinforce its bottom. |
| 9. | 2 A folding device such as in Claim 1 for which the method of folding the box from its boxlike, container state to a flat state is implemented as follows: I. The walls of the box fold each wall is joined entirely to another, II. The handles fold from the sides of the walls of the device, III. The base of the box folds inwards between the walls of the box when; a separate and opposing pair of parts that fotd into contact with and between the walls of the box when each part of the above mentioned pair that is divided by means of a diagonal fold line causes the part in contact with it to fold with it between the walls of the box so that all four parts of the base fold at the same time into contact with and between the walls of the box, When the box is retumed from the flat state back to the container state then the base of the box becomes flat again, the tongue, located on the fold line of the base part of the box that is folded at its end, fixes itself in the slit located on the fold line opposite it, and the part that is folded at its end is fastened opposite the wall of the box located opposite it while the above mentioned part that includes the fold will be placed above the part of the box base opposite it, the box is folded without the top cover and without the tray for reinforcing the bottom, when the box is in the container state the tray for reinforcing the bottom of the box is placed inside it, and the top cover is fixed in the slits in the top part of the pair of opposing walls of the box and between the handles of the box. |
| 10. | 3 A folding device such as in Claim 1 where its base is built as follows: I. Two of its ribs are the horizontal fold fines in the bottom of the walls of the box, II. The base is built of one part that is crossed in its middle by fold lines, a fold line passes along the length in the middle in the pair of opposing walls of the box that have slits at their upper part. |
| 11. | 4 A folding device such as in Claim 3 where the manner of folding the box from a container state to a flat state is implemented by folding its floor outwards and in the continuation of the walls of the device that have handles, and folding the opposing walls that have slits in their upper part inwards between the pair of opposing walls in the continuation of which are the handles of the box, when returning from the flat state to the container state the floor of the box folds back towards the walls of the box to the state of a flat floor, and the opposing walls that have the slits in their upper part that were folded between the other opposing walls are spread and opened back to the state of whole flat and not folded walls, all this is without the top cover and without the tray for reinforcing the bottom, when the box is in the container state the tray for reinforcing the bottom of the box is placed inside it, and the top cover is fixed in the slits in the top part of the pair of opposing walls of the box and between the handles of the box. |
| 12. | 5 A folding device such as in Claims 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 when: I. The box in the container state with the lower tray fixed in its bottom, the slits located in the upper part of a pair of opposing walls of the box fix and hold the upper margins of a bag located inside the box and then the top cover will be fixed into the above mentioned stits that retain the margins of the bag between the handles of the box, II. The margins of the bag are retained by the above mentioned slits and the box is without the bottom tray and top cover, the box will fold to its flat state with the bag inside it and as before will open back to its container state with the bag inside it, III. The box opens to its container state with the bag already inside it, then the bottom tray will be fixed inside the bag and above the bottom of the bag in the bottom of the box, and the top cover will be fixed between the handles of the box and into the slits that retain the margins of the bag. |
| 13. | 6 A folding device such as in Claims 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 when an extemal device is added being a box that contains bags and has a slot through which the bags are withdrawn, and a top strip the top edge of which is folded inwards and parallel to the strip itself, inserted into and fixed in the slits in the upper part of the device box, a strip that assists in the extraction and detaching of the bags that are withdrawn from the added extemal device. |
| 14. | 7 A folding device such as in Claims 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 when in the opposing walls of the box in the continuation of which the carrying handles of the box are located there are slits that serve as a preparation for making an opening part of which is located in the body of the handles and part of which is located in the wall of the box. |
| 15. | A folding device such as in Claims 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 6 + 7 the handles of which, when brought into contact with each other, are permanently attached using a bracket resembling a clamp that clamps the two handles to each other at their upper ends. |
The uses of a fixture or a series of the fixtures and the fixtures are manifold. Since the fixture and/or the device is flat in its initial state it is convenient to store and to carry, when the fixture and/or device is opened its opening is easy and rapid and simple. After the device has been opened it is used to accumulate objects or refuse or for packaging objects.
The advantage of the device and/or fixture is manifested when the objects or the refuse are accumulated and packaged within it the device and/or fixture is very easily carried and moved and in practice it becomes a carrying basket.
The use and/or manner of use of the fixture and/or device determines its definition whether as a device or as a fixture and/or a combination of both the definitions in one body. For the purpose of any further description of the invention no distinction between a device and a fixture will be made at this stage and both the definitions in one body will be referred to, whether a fixture is indicated or a device is indicated, the method to be described arises from the manner and possibilities of utilization to be described.
The use of a device in its container state for storing paokaging and collecting may be done by using polyethylene bags which can be an aid in implementing the above mentioned objectives although this may be done without polyethylene or other bags.
Another advantage of the above mentioned device is in the method of use. The above mentioned device can if necessary be used after its filling with objects or refuse as a disposable refuse container trash can. The same applies as a carrying basket or an easily moved canister, in all the above mentioned instances the device is based on the above mentioned method and can be disposable or for multiple use as needed.
If the device is for a single use then after its filling with objects or refuse it can be moved to the nearest central refuse bin and the whole device with its contents thrown without having to retum the canister or basket which was used for this objective.
BACKGROUND ART As far as I know there are no fixtures and/or devices that are based on the design and method proposed in this invention.
There are similar elements which are mentioned in Patent Application No. 96037 that was submitted by the applicant Gideon Bar-Noy for the present invention but which was refused by the Patent Registrar in Israel due to the absence of a response by the applicant. But in my previous Application No. 96037 that was, as noted, tumed down there was no reference to manner of use as a method arising from the present form of design of the fixtures which differs from the form described in the Application No. 96037 that was tumed down.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The manner of folding and the transition of the device and the fixtures in it from the flat state to a container and back to the flat state can be done in two main ways: 1. The bottom of the device, which is known in packaging products as an"automatic bottom", folds between and into the walls of the device, and when it is opened it presents the possibility for latching and reinforcing the box. The handles of the device can also be inside or outside the device when it is folded as well as when it is in the open and container state of the box. Each entire wall of the device, when folded in this manner, is joined to another while the floor of the device, after releasing the floor and the reinforcement therein, folds away between the walls of the device whether the handles are within or outside the folded walls.
2. Another manner of folding the same device and the fixtures in it is when the middle of the bottom of the device which is the floor of the device is transversed by a fold line which also crosses a pair of opposing walls of the device as the projection of the fold line which is the floor when the device is in the container state.
Fold lines also transverse the middle of the pair of these opposing walls.
When the fold lines in the device are implemented in this manner, the pair of opposing device walls with the fold lines in the middle fold inward between the other pair of opposing walls and the floor folds outward and then to the other opposing device walls that are not transversed by a fold line. Here also the device handles can be folded into or outside the walls of the device when the device is either folded flat or when made ready as a container.
When the device is readied as a container it includes all the fixtures in it: 1. The slits in its upper part which accept the top cover between the handles as well as fixtures for a bag.
2. The top cover itself.
3. The reinforcing bottom which is additional to the floor of the device.
4. The handles with all their components and their possibilities of folding when it is in its flat state as well as when it is in the open and container state.
4.1 When the handles are folded outside the device.
4.2 When the device is with or without a bag inside it whether it is in its flat state as well as when it is in the open and container state.
4.3 When the device is with or without a top cover.
4.4 When the device is with or without an additional device reinforcing tray.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS The invention will be described while making reference to the attached drawings and figures. Figure numbers 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10.
Figure 1 illustrates the device in its open, container state with fixtures in the form of slits for retaining a bag at the upper part of the device walls-1 Figure 1,1 Figure 4, with the bag itself which is placed using the above mentioned slits inside the device-1 Figure 1,9- Figure 4. With the possibility for another opening within the device walls and in the handles which are the continuation of the device walls 2, Figures 1 and 2. With a clasp for holding the handles 3, Figure 1, with a bottom tray for reinforcing the base and body of the device in its open state 4 Figures 1 and 2. With notch and dash lines for the fold 5 Figures 1 and 2, and with carrying handles 7.
Figure 2 illustrates the device when the reinforcing bottom 4 from Figure 1 becomes the cover using the described fixtures 1 in Figure 2 and in Detail 1 Figure 4.
The body of the device, 6 in Figure 1, can also be used simultaneously with the aid of a cover as well as with the aid of a reinforcing bottom-use of a bottom for reinforcing the base and body of the device, and in addition the top cover.
Figure 3 illustrates the device in the folded state.
Figure 4 illustrates the notching furnished in the body of the device and/or the fixture 1 in Figure 4 which is used for several objectives: a. Fixing holding and stretching the brim of bags inside the body of the device 9 and 1. b. Fixing the upper cover 4 Figure 2. c. Fixing the strip used to aid detaching bags 15, Figure7.
Figure 5 shows the fixture with other possible ways of folding the bottom and the side walls in addition to those apparent in Figures 1 and 3.
Figure 6 shows another phase in the folding operation of Figure 5.
Figure 7 shows the fixture which includes possibilities for attaching a box containing bags Figure 8, and with a strip which assists to detach the bags 15, Figure7.
Fiaure 8 a box containing bags which can be attached to and removed from the body of the fixture using clasps.
Figures 9 and 10 supplement Figures 5 and 6 and they illustrate that principle applied in the folding of the"automatic bottom"which folds inward between the walls of the box. The further details in Figures 9 and 10 are that the"automatic bottom"does not necessarily have to be symmetric as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. We see a possibility for locking and fastening the bottom using a tongue 17,18 which locks and tightens in a slit opposite it when opening the device to be a container, and releasing the lockinfastening when folding into the flat state.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 3 illustrates the device in its closed state, the device is closed in accordance with the motion of the arrows 12 in Figure 3 and is opened in accordance with the motion of the arrows 13 in Figure 3. When the device is folded its bottom is folded into two 11 in Figure 3.
Figure 2-the device in the open state with an illustration of its bottom 11 an illustration of the fold lines 5 in the walls in the open state 5.
Figure 1 and Figure 5 when the device is opened and deployed as a container, Figure 5, then the device serves as a multipurpose receptacle with carrying handles Figures 5,7,1, 2.
Figure 1-the fixture in this state is capable of holding bags, 1.
Figure 4, where the brim of the bag is retained and stretched by the slit sidewall 1 and 9.
Figure 1-when the device is in this state a bottom can be added to its lower base 4.
The bottom reinforces the base and the whole body of the device at the base of which a fold line can cross.
The device is reinforced from the moment the bottom is placed in its base. In this condition when the device is open groceries, objects such as newspapers, refuse or altemately groceries purchased in a store can be stored or packed.
Figure 1 the illustrated opening 2 forms an opening with an upper cover 4, Figure 2 or without it as selected by the designer. This opening assists with the introduction and removal of the contents from the device.
Figure 1 and Figure 5 the margin and the gap formed between the handles 8, constitute openings for introducing contents into and removing them from the device.
Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 5 after filling the device up with contents it is moved and carried using the handles 7.
Examples of Use: If the device is purchased and brought by the user to the Supermarket in its closed state, Figure 3, it can be opened to its open state, Figure 1 Figure 2, with or without a cover, Figure 5, Figure 7 with or without bags, the buyer in the Supermarket uses it as a shopping basket which is placed as a convenient fixture or device in the shopping cart found in the Supermarket or on the check out counter, fills its contents with groceries while making use, as he chooses, of the bags in the body of the device in the open state by the fixture which holds it so, as noted 1 Figure 1, so that the fixture also helps with the convenient filling of the bags with groceries during the process of buying in the Supermarket and the use of the shopping cart by its permitting the filling of the open bag held in the body of the fixture placed in the shopping cart-or on the check out counters, after the bag has been filled with groceries, the buyer can easily remove the groceries in it from the body of the fixture or put it in the shopping cart or the car, arrange a new bag and continue with the purchasing process while filling the new bag.
When the purchasing process at the Supermarket is concluded the device with the groceries inside is easily carried using the carrying handles from the shopping cart or the check out counters to the trunk of the buyer's car and from it to his house.
At his house the buyer empties the device of the commodities he purchased and the device in its open state can now be used as a refuse canister with or without a bag.
If the device is constructed of a material such as cardboard then its lifetime will be shorter than if it were to be constructed of a plastic material.
After the device has served as a refuse canister in the buyer's house, he can move and carry it with or without the bag in it, as he chooses, and discard the canister-basket in the building's central refuse bin whether with or without the bag.
For example: if the buyer chose to fill the device with newspapers then when it has become full the whole device with the newspapers in it is moved to the nearest central refuse bin meant for paper to be recycle and the whole device with the newspapers in it is thrown into the said central refuse bin. An identical process is implemented for plastic, glass, etc. waste which can be recycled.
In this method of use the fixture and device become a disposable canister or basket or for such a time till it is filled. The decision regarding after how many times the whole fixture is discarded depends on the user's or the buyer's inclination.
When the device is in its open state it can also be used with the cover 4-Figures 1 and 2.
It is also possible to introduce contents through the opening shown as 2 in Figure 1, as 2 in Figure 2, as 8 in Figure 1, or contents can be introduced and removed while altemately using openings 8 and 2, Figure 1, when the handles 7,8 in Figure 1 are held upward together-Figure 1. The device can be moved with or without a cover using the handles Figure 1, Paragraph 7.
Another manner of use of the canister and basket for the canister-basket purpose is, for example, when going on an excursion, having a picnic, during a military exercise or for other tasks such as work at a building site, when the device is taken in its folded state and on arrival it is opened and refuse or the contents placed in it are thrown into the central refuse bin in the field or is disposed of be incineration.
Altemately, the device can be packed with contents, food, military maps and paperwork, etc. and they can be moved in the device to the destination, the contents can be taken out and the device folded into its flat state; when needed the device can be opened, the contents repacked and moved with the device in its open state.
Another use of the device is to pack products which, till now, were packed only in square boxes. The use of the device as a package with handles makes it easier for the client to convey the packaged product to his home or car. For example: if the product has considerable volume or is difficult to grasp, or is broken and inconvenient to move. It is possible, on bringing the product home, to use its packaging by the method described and as a canister-basket and for the purposes described instead of just discarding it.
The manner of folding the device can be as described so far but also in the manner shown as 14 in Figure 5 and in Figure 6. The bottom of the device with this manner of folding which is known as an"automatic bottom"in packaging products folds into the device 14 in Figures 5,6,9, and 10 in contrast to the bottom which is shown as 11 in Figure 3 and in Figure 2.
In Figure 5 and in Figure 6 the sidewall is folded sideways in its entirety without a fold line which folds inward-like the fold line which folds inward 5, Figure 1.5 is the open state in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the inward folding state. Also with this manner of folding it is possible to use the cover and bottom for reinforcement as shown by 4, Figure 1 and Figure 2 and to altemate between the flat and container states of the device.
These manners of folding from the flat to the container states of the device and back were quoted as existing possibilities but it is possible to combine both the above mentioned methods and to add or to remove fold lines according to the type of contents one wishes to pack, store and carry, the same also applies to the bottom.
The handles shown as 7,8 in Figures 1,2,3,5,6,7 can also be used as a cover. The above mentioned handles can be attached together by clamp 3 Figure 1 or they can be inserted into the device or affixed to the outer side of the walls of the device.
Figure 8 shows that a receptacle which contains polyethylene or other bags 16 can be added to the above mentioned device and to make use of a device which helps to detach the bags 15 Figure 7.
Figures 9 and 10 supplement Figures 5 and 6, they illustrate that principle of folding the "automatic bottom"which folds inwards between the walls of the box as described in the textual specification. The additional details in Figure 9 and in Figure10 are that the "automatic bottom"does not necessarily have to be symmetric as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
We see in Figures 9 and 10 the elongation of one of the parts of the bottom i. e. that part which has aitedge fold 17 and tongue 18 inside the fold which when the bottom folds to the flat state this tongue 18 enters the slit in the wall of the box opposing the tongue and on the horizontal fold line at the bottom of the wall of the box so that when the bottom of the box folds into the flat state tongue 18 enters the slit 19 opposite it. The part from which tongue 17 emerges folds parallel to the box wall with the slit.
Every part of the box floor with the fold at its edge and tongue 17,18 during the folding of the bottom to the flat state is laid above the opposing part opposite it and the fold with 17 at its end is parallel and attached to the sidewall with slit 19 in it.
The manner of the inward and outward folding is absolutely identical in Figures 5 and 6, and in Figures 9 and 10, as shown in detail in the explanations for the"automatic bottom".
The present supplement is to clarify that the folding bottom of the device does not necessarily have to be symmetric but there can be in it a certain part as shown in Figures 9 and 10 which when the bottom of the box is folded to the flat state will cover the certain above mentioned part which is longer than another part situated undemeath it and then while the floor folds inward into the walls of the box it will revert and fold again above that part which it previously covered.
The supplement in the elongated part 18,17. A slit 19 in the opposing wall in Figures 9,10, is intended for firmer locking of the bottom of the box when its floor is in the flat state.
However, a state is definitely possible in which one part of the floor will be longer and cover the part opposing it from the opposite but without firm locking, i. e. without details 17 and 18, that is to say without the fold and the tongue at the end of the elongated part, and of course without the slit in the opposing sidewall 19.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The device and/or the series of devices and fixtures on which the new method of use is based can be made from one scored sheet made of cardboard or plastic material when the device is constructed by a method appropriate to the packaging industry-stretching from flat sheets scoring folding and gluing or joining the edges of the stretched sheet by rivets, or stitching, or soldering, or gluing, or combinations of the above mentioned methods. The same also applies to joints between the sheets if required due to particular fabrication methods or for extemal additions such as omaments one may desire to add to the product.
The sheet may a cardboard sheet or a sheet of plastic material such as polypropylene. In this method the scored fold lines serve as hinges, which are usually known in the plastic industry as an"integral hinge". This method is, as noted, usual in the cardboard and packaging industry as well as in the fabrication of boxes and files made of flat plastic sheets. The device and the fixtures can also be constructed by combining the methods and types of materials described above. Figure 1 Paragraph 5 shows an example.
The device can altematively be constructed by joining one sheet to another whereby one sheet is joined to another by real hinges-lockable hinges which permit folding only to a desired state and/or angle such as the hinges of suitcases.
This is instead of the score lines used as folding hinges in the device.
The device may also be constructed by the user joining the edges of the stretched sheet or sheets to each other by the method of male in one sheet and female in the other whereby a tongue in one sheet is inserted into a slit in another sheet and is locked. For example: details 18,17,19 in Figures 9 and 10.