Field Of Invention

The present disclosure generally relates to a box suitable for carrying a food item. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a box which includes a body portion and which can be opened by manner of resiliently compressing the body portion.

Background

In the food and beverage (F&B) industry, it is not uncommon for consumers/customers to make take-away (i.e., to go) type orders.

Typically, for such orders, the food item(s) ordered by the consumers/customers would be packed into boxes (i.e., also referable to as takeaway boxes) so that the food item can be conveniently carried out of the F&B establishment.

However, a takeaway box is typically secured in a manner which does not allow convenient access to the food item packed within the box. Specifically, dexterity of a consumer could be challenged when the consumer attempts to open the takeaway box to access the food item carried within the box.

The present disclosure contemplates that there is a need to improve the manner in which a box (i.e., a takeaway box) can be opened by a consumer. Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a box. Preferably, the box can be suitable for carrying one or more food items.

The box can include a lid portion and a body portion. The box can further include one or more adjoining portions. The lid portion can be coupled to the body portion. An adjoining portion can be defined at which the lid portion and the body portion are coupled. The body portion can include a plurality of compressible faces and a plurality of rigid faces, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The compressible faces can be coupled to the rigid faces in a manner so as to facilitate compressibility of the body portion at the compressible faces. The rigid faces can, preferably, be more structurally rigid as compared to the compressible faces.

In one embodiment, the lid portion can be moved about the adjoining portion in a manner so as to be one of brought towards the body portion and drawn away from the body portion. Preferably, the lid portion can be brought towards the body portion in a manner so as to close the box (i.e., so that the box is in a closed configuration) and the lid portion can be drawn away from the body portion so as to open the box (i.e., so that the box is in an open configuration).

In one embodiment, when the box is in the closed configuration, a contact region is defined. Preferably, a securing portion can be defined at the contact region and the securing portion can be configured to maintain the box in the closed configuration (i.e., when the box is in the closed configuration). Moreover, the securing portion can be released in a contactless manner. Contactless release can, for example, be by manner of compressing the body portion at the compressible faces.

When the securing portion is released, the lid portion can be drawn away so that the box is in the open configuration. Specifically, the lid portion can be drawn away by manner of, for example, being swung away from the body portion.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure are described hereinafter with reference to the following drawings, in which: Fig. 1 a and Fig. 1 b show a box suitable for carrying a food item, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b illustrate the manner in which the box of Fig. 1 can be resiliently compressed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

Fig, 3 shows a box producing method corresponding to a method of making the box of Fig. 1 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure contemplates that the current manner in which a takeaway box is secured does not facilitate box opening in a convenient manner because the securing structure of the takeaway box is configured in a complex manner.

It is contemplated that consumer convenience in opening a box can be facilitated if the consumer need not grapple with the securing structure when opening the box. Specifically, the present disclosure contemplates that convenience in opening of a box can be afforded if the consumer can release the securing structure of the box in a contactless manner (i.e., without the consumer having to directly contact the securing structure). The present disclosure further contemplates that to further facilitate consumer convenience, the box can be opened in an intuitive manner. Specifically, the securing structure can be released in an intuitive manner. For example, the securing structure can be released by manner of compressing the box (i.e., without directly contacting the securing structure). In a more specific example, the box can be resiliently compressed so as to release the securing structure.

The foregoing will be discussed in further detail with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 hereinafter. Referring to Fig. 1 , there is shown a box 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The box 100 can be suitable for carrying at least one food item. Specifically, Fig. 1 a shows the box 100 in a closed configuration 100a, according to an embodiment of the disclosure and Fig. 1 b shows the box 100 in an open configuration 100b, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Moreover, an enclosure 100c can be defined within the box 100, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The box 100 can include a lid portion 102 and a body portion 104. Preferably, the lid portion 102 and the body portion 104 can define an enclosure 100c within the box 100 (i.e., when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a). Preferably, at least one food item (not shown) can be carried within the enclosure 100c.

The box 100 can further include a securing portion 105 (i.e., corresponding to a securing structure). In one embodiment, as will be discussed later in further detail, the box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner such that a securing portion 105 can be defined. Moreover, the box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner such that one or more adjoining portions 106 can be defined. The lid portion 102 can be coupled to the body portion 104. Specifically, the lid portion 102 can be coupled to the body portion 104 at one or more adjoining portions 106.

The body portion 104 can include a base 108 and a plurality of sides 1 10 extending from the base 108.

Specifically, when in the closed configuration 100a, the box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned such that the lid portion 102 can be opposing the base 108. The lid portion 102 can correspond to a first face of the box 100 and the base 108 can correspond to a second face of the box 100. The first box face can be opposite in position with respect to the second box face. In this regard, the lid portion 102 and the base 108 can be considered to be opposite faces of the box 100. Moreover, the plurality of sides 1 10 can be extending from the base 108 toward the lid portion 102. In this regard, the lid portion 102 and the base 108 can be considered to be opposite faces of the box 100, and spaced apart such that the sides 110 can be defined between the lid portion 102 and the base 108.

In one embodiment, the plurality of sides 110 can include, for example, a first side 110a, a second side 110b, a third side 1 10c and a fourth side 110d. The first side 110a and second side 1 10b can be opposing sides. The third side 1 10c and the fourth side 1 10d can be opposing sides. Each of the first side 110a and the second side 1 10b can include one end (e.g., a first end) and another end (e.g., a second end). The third side 110c can be coupled to the first ends of the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b. The fourth side 1 10d can be coupled to the second ends of the first and second sides 110a/110b. Additionally, at least a portion of the lid portion 102 can be coupled to the at least one side of the plurality of sides 1 10. Specifically, at least one portion of the lid portion 102 can be coupled to at least a portion of one of the sides 1 10 (e.g., at least a portion of the first side 1 10a). Preferably, an adjoining portion 106 can be defined where the lid portion 102 is coupled to the body portion 104 (e.g., at the first side 1 10a).

In one embodiment, the lid portion 102 can be movably coupled to the body portion 104 about an adjoining portion 106. Specifically, the lid portion 102 can be moved, about an adjoining portion 106, relative to the body portion 104. More specifically, the lid portion 102 can be moved relative to the body portion 104 in a manner such that the box 100 can be in either a closed configuration 100a or an open configuration 100b. In this regard, the lid portion 102 can be generally be considered to be coupled to the body portion 104 in a hinge-like manner/the lid portion 102 can be generally pivotably coupled to the body portion 104.

Earlier mentioned, the box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner such that a securing portion 105 can be defined. In one embodiment, the box 100 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to include a securing portion 105.

Generally, the securing portion 105 can be configured in a manner so as to hold the lid portion 102 in place when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a. Specifically, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, the securing portion 105 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to hold the lid portion 102 in place for maintaining the box 100 in the closed configuration 100a. Specifically, after the lid portion 102 has been moved so that the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, the securing portion 105 can be configured to hold the lid portion 102 in place in a manner so as to maintain the box 100 in the closed configuration 100a.

The foregoing will now be discussed in an exemplary scenario where the lid portion 102 includes multiple flaps (i.e., a plurality of flap parts) and the flaps can be either brought together in a manner so that the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a or drawn apart/caused to be drawn apart in a manner so that the box 100 is in the open configuration 100b. In the exemplary scenario, the lid portion 102 can include a first flap part 102a and a second flap part 102b. The first flap part 102a can, for example, be coupled to one side 110 of the body portion 104 and the second flap part 102b can, for example, be coupled to an opposing side 1 10 (i.e., relative to the side to which the first flap part 102a is coupled) of the body portion 104. For example, the first flap part 102a can be coupled to the first side 1 10a and the second flap part 102b can be coupled to the second side 1 10b (i.e., which is an opposing side relative to the first side 1 10a).

In this regard, the first flap part 102a can be coupled to the first side 110a such that a first adjoining portion 106a can be defined and the second flap part 102b can be coupled to the second side 1 10b such that a second adjoining portion 106b can be defined. Specifically, the first flap part 102a can be considered to be adjoined to the first side 110a at the first adjoining portion 106a and the second flap part 102b can be considered to be adjoined to the second side 110b at the second adjoining portion 106b.

Preferably, the first flap part 102a can be moved relative to the body portion 104 about the first adjoining portion 106a. For example, the first flap part 102a can be moved in a hinged manner/can be pivotably moved about the first adjoining portion 106a. The second flap part 102b can be moved relative to the body portion 104 about the second adjoining portion 106b. For example, the second flap part 102b can be moved in a hinged manner/can be pivotably moved about the second adjoining portion 106b. In this manner, the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can be moved in a manner so as to be either brought together or drawn apart.

Appreciably, when the first and second flap parts 102a/102b have been drawn apart, the box 100 is in the open configuration 100b and access into the enclosure 100c can be allowed. Conversely, when the first and second flap parts 102a/102b have been brought together, the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a and access into the enclosure 100c can be impeded. Moreover, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, a contact region 1 12 can be defined. Specifically, when the first and second flap parts 102a/102b have been brought together such that the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, one or more portions of the first flap part 102a can come into contact with one or more portions of the second flap part 102b. More specifically, the contact region 1 12 can be defined/formed by contact between one or more portions of the first flap part 102a and one or more portions of the second flap part 102b.

The contact region 1 12 can include a primary region 1 12a and one or more secondary regions 1 12b. The primary region 1 12a can be adjacent to the secondary region(s) 112b. In one example, the primary region 1 12a can be defined between two secondary regions 1 12b. In a more specific example, the primary region 1 12a can be defined at the center of the contact region 1 12, one secondary region 1 12b can be defined at one side of the primary region 112a and another secondary region 1 12b can be defined at another side of the primary region 1 12a.

The primary region 1 12a can, in one example, be defined by the securing portion 105. In another example, the securing portion 105 can be defined within/at the primary region 1 12a. In a more specific example, the securing portion 105 can correspond to the primary region 1 12a.

The securing portion 105 can be configured to hold, in a releasable manner, the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b together such that the contact region 1 12 can be maintained when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a.

In one embodiment, the securing portion 105 can include a tongue portion 1 14 and a counterpart portion 1 16. The tongue portion 1 14 can, for example, generally correspond to a wedged based protrusion (i.e., a wedged shaped tongue portion 1 14) and the counterpart portion 1 16 can, for example, generally correspond to a slot shaped and dimensioned to receive and mate with the tongue portion 1 14.

The tongue portion 1 14 can, for example, be defined at the first flap part 102a and the counterpart portion 1 16 can, for example, be defined at the second flap part 102b. The first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can, for example, be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to form the tongue portion 1 14 and the counterpart portion 1 16 respectively. In this regard, the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can be considered to carry the tongue portion 1 14 and the counterpart portion 116 respectively.

The tongue portion 1 14 can include a head end 114a, a body part 114b and a tail end 1 14c. Furthermore, the tongue portion 1 14 can include a first face 1 14d and a second face 1 14e. Preferably, the head end 1 14a can be enlarged relative to the tail end 1 14c. The body part 1 14b can be defined between the head end 1 14a and the tail end 1 14c. Moreover, the first face 1 14d can be opposite the second face 1 14e. In this regard, the first and second faces 1 14d/114e can be opposing faces of the tongue portion 1 14.

Additionally, as shown in Fig. 1 b, the tongue portion 1 14, starting from the tail end 1 14c, can extend from the first flap part 102a, ending/terminating at the head end 1 14a. The body part 1 14b can be in tapered form. Specifically, the body part 1 14b can taper starting from the head end 114a to the tail end 1 14c. More specifically, the body part 1 14b can gradually reduce in width starting from the head end 1 14a and ending at the tail end 1 14c (i.e., a gradually narrowing body part 1 14b with the head end 1 14a being broadest in width and the tail end 1 14c being narrowest in width). In this regard, the body part 114b can be shaped and dimensioned so that both sides of the body part 1 14b can each be in the form of a slopping side tapering from the head end 1 14a to the tail end 1 14c. Preferably, the slopping sides of the body part 114b are in the form of a gradual slop, gradually tapering from the head end 1 14a to the tail end 114c. The counterpart portion 1 16 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to be capable of receiving the tongue portion 114. Earlier mentioned, the counterpart portion 1 16 can, for example, generally correspond to a slot shaped and dimensioned to receive and mate with the tongue portion 1 14 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a.

As shown, the counterpart portion 116 can include a primary engagement part 1 16a, one or more secondary engagement parts 116b and a stub part 1 16c. As shown, the primary engagement part 116a, a first secondary engagement part 1 16b, a second secondary engagement part 1 16b and the stub part 1 16c can form/define the perimeter of an opening 1 16d (i.e., corresponding to the aforementioned slot) through which the tongue portion 1 14 can be received. Furthermore, the primary engagement part 1 16a and the stub part 116c can be opposing sides of the opening 1 16d. The first secondary engagement part 1 16b can be adjacent to one end of both the primary engagement part 116a and the stub part 1 16c. The second secondary engagement part 116b can be adjacent to another end of both the primary engagement part 1 16a and the stub part 1 16c. Generally, the primary engagement part 116a and the stub part 1 16c can be spaced apart such that the secondary engagement part(s) 1 16b can be defined. More specifically, the secondary engagement part(s) 1 16b can be defined between the primary engagement part 1 16a and the stub part 1 16b. Furthermore, the stub part 1 16c can be projecting into the opening 116d and toward the primary engagement part 116a (i.e., but not to the extent of contacting the primary engagement part 1 16a). In this regard, it is appreciable that a portion of the opening 1 16d can be considered to be blocked/obstructed by the stub part 1 16b whilst still allowing the tongue portion 114 to be inserted through (i.e., received) the opening 1 16d.

When the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, the tongue portion 1 14 can be received and mated with the counterpart portion 1 16 in a manner such that one or more portions of the tongue portion 114 can be engaged with one or more portions of the counterpart portion 1 16.

In one embodiment, engagement can be by manner of the stub part 1 16c being urged against one face (e.g., the second face 1 14e) of the tongue portion 1 14 and the primary engagement part 1 16a being urged against the opposite face (e.g., the first face 1 14d) of the tongue portion 1 14. In this regard, it is appreciable that the counterpart portion 1 16 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to receive the tongue portion 1 14 and mate with the tongue portion 1 14 by manner of urging against opposite faces (i.e., the first and second faces 1 14d/1 14e) of the tongue portion 1 14. It is further appreciable that both faces (i.e., the first and second faces 1 14d/1 14e) of the tongue portion 1 14 can be considered to be simultaneously urged by the counterpart portion 1 16. It is yet further appreciable that the tongue portion 1 14 can be simultaneously urged in opposite directions (i.e., simultaneously in a first direction and in a second direction which is opposite the first direction) by the counterpart portion 1 16.

In another embodiment, engagement can be by manner of the stub part 1 16c being urged against one face (e.g., the second face 1 14e) of the tongue portion 1 14, the primary engagement part 1 16a being urged against the opposite face (e.g., the first face 1 14d) of the tongue portion 114 and the tongue portion 1 14 being further engaged with the secondary engagement part(s) 1 16b. In one example, a portion of the tongue portion 114 can be further engaged with a secondary engagement part 1 16b. In a more specific example, one side of the body part 1 14b nearer to the head end 1 14a of the tongue portion 1 14 can be engaged with a secondary engagement part 1 16b. Additionally, the secondary engagement part 1 16b can, for example, be shaped in the form of a counter slopping arrangement relative to the slopping side of the body part 1 14b. Specifically, the secondary engagement part 1 16b can, for example, correspond to a counter-slop with respect to the slopping side of the body part 114b of the tongue portion 1 14.

In yet another embodiment, engagement can be by manner of the primary engagement part 1 16a being urged against a face (e.g., the first face 1 14d) of the tongue portion 114 and a portion of the tongue portion 1 14 being further engaged with the secondary engagement part(s) 1 16b. In one example, a portion of the tongue portion 1 14 can be further engaged with a secondary engagement part 1 16b. In a more specific example, one side of the body part 1 14b nearer to the head end 114a of the tongue portion 1 14 can be engaged with a secondary engagement part 1 16b. Additionally, the secondary engagement part 1 16b can, for example, be shaped in the form of a counter-slopping arrangement relative to the slopping side of the body part 1 14b. Specifically, the secondary engagement part 1 16b can, for example, correspond to a counter-slop with respect to the slopping side of the body part 1 14b of the tongue portion 1 14. In this regard, it is appreciable that when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, the tongue portion 114 can be mated with the counterpart portion 1 16 by manner of one of both of:

1 ) the counterpart portion 1 16 being shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to engage the tongue portion 1 14 by manner of urging the opposite faces (i.e., the first face 1 14d and the second face 1 14e) of the tongue portion 114, and

2) the tongue portion 1 14 being shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to engage one or both of the primary engagement part 1 16a and the secondary engagement part(s) 1 16b.

Moreover, at the secondary region(s) 1 12b, one or more portion(s) of the first flap part 102a can be urged against one or more portion(s) of the second flap part 102b, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. In another embodiment, at the secondary region(s) 112b, one or more portion(s) of the second flap part 102b can be urged against one or more portion(s) of the first flap part 102a. In yet another embodiment, at one secondary region 112b at least one portion of the first flap part 102a can be urged against at least one portion of the second flap part 102b and at another secondary region 112b at least one portion of the second flap part 102b can be urged against at least one portion of the first flap part 102a.

Therefore, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, it is appreciable that the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can generally be considered to be held together in an urged manner and a contact region 1 12 can be defined/formed. Furthermore, the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be held together (i.e., held in place) by the securing portion 105.

Moreover, earlier mentioned, the securing portion 105 can be configured to hold, in a releasable manner, the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b together such that the contact region 112 can be maintained. Therefore, when it is desired for the box 100 to be in the open configuration 100b (i.e., from the closed configuration 100a to the open configuration 100b), the box 100 can be compressed (e.g., by a user/consumer) such that the hold by the securing portion 105 can be released. In this regard, it is considered that the securing portion 105 can be released by manner of compressing the box 100. Preferably, the box 100 can be resiliently compressed in a manner so that the securing portion 105 can be released.

In this regard, the securing portion 105 can, in general, be considered to be capable of being released by manner of resilient compression of the box 100. Specifically, the contact region 1 12 can be released. More specifically, when the hold by the securing portion 105 is released, the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can effectively be drawn apart so that the enclosure 100c can be accessed (i.e., the box 100 is in the open configuration 100b).

Moreover, since the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be considered to be held together in an urged manner, it is appreciable that the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be considered to be held together in a manner akin to a spring-loaded manner. Therefore, when the securing portion 105 is released, the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be caused to swing apart. Specifically, the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can swing away from each other and away from the body portion 104. When the securing portion 105 is released, each of the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can swing about an adjoining portion 106 and away from each other. In this regard, it is further appreciable that the lid portion 102 can be drawn away by manner of being swung away from the body portion 104 so that the box 100 is in the open configuration 100b.

Preferably, the box 100 can be resiliently compressed at the body portion 104. More preferably, the box 100 can be compressed at sides 110 to which the first and second flap parts 102a/102b are coupled and the first and second adjoining portions 106a/106b are respectively defined. Generally, the sides 1 10 adjacent the adjoining portions 106 can be resiliently compressed to release the securing portion 105. Specifically, the first side 1 10a (i.e., which is adjacent the first adjoining portion 106a) and the second side 1 10b (i.e., which is adjacent the second adjoining portion 106b) can be resiliently compressed for the purpose of releasing the securing portion 105. Preferably, the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b are simultaneously resiliently compressed so as to release the securing portion 105.

In one embodiment, both the first and second sides 110a/1 10b can be more pliable relative to both the third and fourth sides 1 10c/1 10d. Specifically, the third and fourth sides 110c/1 10d can be more structurally rigid as compared to the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b. In this regard, the third and fourth sides 1 10c/1 10d can provide structural support so as to facilitate resilient compression of the box 100 at the first and second faces 1 10a/1 10b.

Specifically, the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b can correspond to compressible faces of the box 100, and the third and fourth sides 1 10c/1 10d can be considered rigid faces of the box 100. The rigid faces (e.g., the third and fourth sides 110c/1 10d) can be more structurally rigid as compared to the compressible faces (e.g., the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b).

In one embodiment, the rigid faces (e.g., the third and fourth sides 1 10c/1 10d) of the box 100 are not capable of being resiliently compressed. Preferably, the rigid faces (e.g., the third and fourth sides 1 10c/1 10d) of the box 100 are not capable of being resiliently compressed in a manner analogous to the compressible faces (e.g., the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b).

In general, the rigid faces can be coupled to the compressible faces in a manner so as to facilitate compressibility of the body portion 104. Specifically, when user action (e.g., pressing action) is applied at the compressible faces, the body portion 104 can be compressed. Preferably, the body portion 104 can be resiliently compressed as will be discussed later in further detail with reference to Fig. 2. Appreciably, direct contact need not necessarily be required at the lid portion 102 for the purpose of opening the box 100 (i.e., open configuration 100b). Specifically, it is not necessary for the securing portion 105 to be directly contacted (e.g., by a user/consumer) for the purpose of opening the box 100. In this regard, the securing portion 105 can be released in a contactless manner (i.e., direct contact to the securing portion 105 need not be required). In this manner, it is contemplated that a user/consumer need not have to grapple with the securing portion 105 for the purpose of opening the box 100. Hence the box 100 can be opened in a convenient manner.

The manner in which the securing portion 105 can be released will be discussed in further detail hereinafter.

Earlier mentioned, in one embodiment, engagement can be by manner of the stub part 1 16c being urged against one face (e.g., the second face 1 14e) of the tongue portion 114 and the primary engagement part 116a being urged against the opposite face (e.g., the first face 1 14d) of the tongue portion 1 14. Additionally, as discussed earlier, the first flap part 102a can be carrying the tongue portion 1 14 and the second flap part 102b can be carrying the counterpart portion 116.

In this regard, when the first side 1 10a to which the first flap part 102a is coupled and the second side 1 10b to which the second flap part 102b are compressed, the stub part 1 16c can be further urged against the tongue portion 1 14 (i.e., at the second face 1 14e) and the tongue portion 114 (i.e., at the first face 1 14d) can be further urged against the primary engagement part 1 16a. In this manner, the tongue portion 1 14 can be released from the counterpart portion 1 16 when the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b are compressed.

Specifically, when the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b are simultaneously compressed, the stub part 116c is further urged against the second face 114e of the tongue portion 1 14 and the first face 1 14d of the tongue portion 1 14 can be simultaneously further urged against the primary engagement part 1 16a. When the tongue portion 1 14, at the first face 1 14d, is further urged against the primary engagement part 1 16a and the stub part 1 16c, when further urged, is simultaneously caused to slide along the second face 114e, the tongue portion 1 14 can eventually be dislodged from the counterpart portion 1 16 (i.e., the tongue portion 1 14 can be forced out of the opening 116d).

More specifically, the stub part 1 16c, when further urged, can be caused to pressably slide along the second face 1 14e of the tongue portion 1 14 in a direction toward the head end 1 14a (e.g., slide from the tail end 1 14c to the head end 1 14a). In this regard, the tongue portion 1 14 can eventually be dislodged from the counterpart portion 1 16 when the stub part 116c approaches the head end 1 14a. Appreciably, as the stub part 1 16c approaches the head end 1 14a at one face (e.g., the second face 1 14e) of the tongue portion 114, the tongue portion 114 is effectively caused to slide such that the primary engagement part 1 16a simultaneously approaches the head end 1 14a at the opposite face (e.g., the first face 1 14d) of the tongue portion 1 14. In this manner, the tongue portion 1 14 can eventually be dislodged from the counterpart portion 1 16 (i.e., the tongue portion 1 14 can be forced out of the opening 1 16d) and the securing portion 105 can be released. Further earlier mentioned, in another embodiment, engagement can be by manner of the tongue portion 114 can be shaped and dimensioned in a manner so as to engage the primary engagement part 116a and/or the secondary engagement part(s) 1 16b. Additionally, as discussed earlier, the first flap part 102a can be carrying the tongue portion 1 14 and the second flap part 102b can be carrying the counterpart portion 1 16. Moreover, the stub part 1 16c can be urged against a face of the tongue portion 1 14.

For example, at least a portion of the first face 114d can be in contact with the primary engagement part 1 16a and at least one side of the body part 1 14b can be in contact with a secondary engagement part 1 16b. Specifically, one side of the body part 1 14b nearer to the head end 1 14a can be in engaged contact with a secondary engagement part 1 16b. Moreover, the stub part 1 16 can be urged against at least a portion of the second face 1 14e. The body part 1 14b, as earlier mentioned, can be in tapered form (e.g., the body part 1 14b can taper starting from the head end 1 14a to the tail end 114c). Specifically, both sides of the body part 114b can each be in the form of a slopping side tapering from the head end 1 14a to the tail end 114c. Preferably, the slopping sides of the body part 114b are in the form of a gradual slop, gradually tapering from the head end 1 14a to the tail end 1 14c. Further earlier mentioned, a secondary engagement part 116b can, for example, be in the form of a counter-slop with respect to a slopping side of the body part 1 14b. In this regard, when the first side 1 10a to which the first flap part 102a is coupled and the second side 1 10b to which the second flap part 102b are compressed, the stub part 1 16c can be further urged against the second face 1 14e of the tongue portion 114 and the tongue portion 1 14 can be caused to slide in a manner such that the secondary engagement part 1 16b slides along the side of the body part 1 14b. Preferably, the first and second sides 110a/1 10b are simultaneously compressed and the secondary engagement part 1 16 slides gradually, along the side of the body part 1 14b, in a direction towards the head end 1 14a. The tongue portion 114 can eventually be dislodged from the counterpart portion 1 16 (i.e., the tongue portion 1 14 can be forced out of the opening 1 16d) as the secondary engagement part 116 slides toward the head end 1 14a. Therefore, when the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b are simultaneously compressed, the first flap part 102a is effectively gradually displaced in position relative to the second flap part 102b. Specifically, the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be positionally displaced when first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b are simultaneously compressed. The tongue portion 1 14 can be dislodged from the counterpart portion 116 when the first and second flap parts 102a/102b are positionally displaced consequent to the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b being simultaneously compressed. When the tongue portion 1 14 is dislodged from the counterpart portion 1 16, the securing portion 105 can be considered to be released. Appreciably, in one embodiment, the securing portion 105 can be released by manner of further urging opposite faces of the tongue portion 1 14 as discussed earlier. In another embodiment, as discussed earlier, the securing portion 105 can be released by manner of gradual sliding of the tongue portion 1 14 against a secondary engagement part 1 16 when stub part 1 16c is further urged against the tongue portion 1 14. In yet another embodiment, the securing portion 105 can be released by manner of a combination of further urging opposite faces of the tongue portion 1 14 and gradual sliding of the tongue portion 1 14 against a secondary engagement part 116 when stub part 1 16c is further urged against the tongue portion 1 14.

Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b illustrate the manner in which the box 100 can be resiliently compressed, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. As shown in Fig. 2a, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, the body portion 104 can be simultaneously pressed (e.g., by a user/a consumer) at the first and second sides 110a/1 10b as indicated by a first directional arrow 200a and a second directional arrow 200b, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Appreciably, the first directional arrow 200a can be pointing towards the first side 1 10a and the second directional arrow 200b can be pointing towards the second side 1 10b. Therefore, the first and second directional arrows 200a/200b can be pointing in opposite directions and toward each other.

When the first and second sides 1 10a/1 10b are simultaneously pressed, the body portion 104 can be considered to be compressed (i.e., in a compressed state).

As shown in Fig. 2b, after the body portion 104 has been compressed, the securing portion 105 can be released and the box 100 can be in the open configuration 100b. Moreover, after being released from user press, the body potion 104 can revert to its uncompressed shape/state (i.e., prior to the body portion 104 being pressed as indicated by the first and second directional arrows 200a/200b). In this regard, the shape of the body portion 104 in its uncompressed state can be substantially retained after the body portion 104 is released from the compressed state. Appreciably, the box 100 can be compressed in a shape retaining manner (i.e., after being released from compression). Therefore, the box 100 can be considered to be resiliently compressible according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring to Fig. 3, a box producing method 300 is shown, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The box producing method 300 can correspond to a method of making the box 100, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The box producing method 300 can include a lid producing step 302, a body producing step 304, a coupling step 306 and a secure mechanism producing step 308.

At the lid producing step 302, the lid portion 102 can be provided. In one embodiment, as discussed earlier, the lid portion 102 can include a first flap part 102a and a second flap part 102b. At the body producing step 304, the body portion 104 can be provided. In one embodiment, as discussed earlier, the body portion can include a base 108 and a plurality of sides 1 10.

At the coupling step 306, the lid portion 302 and the body portion 104 can be coupled. In one embodiment, as discussed earlier, the lid portion 102 can be coupled to the body portion 104 at one or more adjoining portions 106.

At the secure mechanism producing step 306, the securing portion 105 can be provided. In one embodiment, as discussed earlier, the securing portion 105 can include a tongue portion 1 14 and a counterpart portion 1 16.

In operation, to close the box 100 (i.e., in the closed configuration 100a), the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can be brought towards each other to the extent that the tongue portion 1 14 can be inserted into the counterpart portion 1 16. Upon insertion, at least a part of the tongue portion 1 14 can be engaged with at least a part of the counterpart portion 1 16. Moreover, when in the closed configuration 100a, the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can be held together in an urged manner. When in the closed configuration 100a, an enclosure 100c can be defined within the box 100. Specifically, the enclosure 100c can be defined by the first flap part 102a, the second flap part 102b, base 108 and the side(s) 1 10, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

To open the box 100 (i.e., in the open configuration 100b), the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can be drawn apart. When the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b have been drawn apart, an opening to the enclosure 100c can be defined and the enclosure 100c can be accessed via the opening. In one embodiment, the first flap part 102a and the second flap part 102b can be drawn apart when the securing portion 105 is released. The securing portion 105 can be released by, for example, manner of resilient compression at the body portion 104 of the box 100 as discussed earlier. Moreover, since the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be considered to be held together in an urged manner, it is appreciable that the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be considered to be held together in a manner akin to a spring-loaded manner. Therefore, when the securing portion 105 is released, the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can be caused to swing apart.

Specifically, the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can swing away from each other and away from the body portion 104. When the securing portion 105 is released, each of the first and second flap parts 102a/102b can swing about an adjoining portion 106 and away from each other. In this regard, it is further appreciable that the lid portion 102 can be drawn away by manner of being swung away from the body portion 104 so that the box 100 is in the open configuration 100b. It should be further appreciated by the person skilled in the art that variations and combinations of features described above, not being alternatives or substitutes, may be combined to form yet further embodiments. In one example, the lid portion 102 was earlier generally discussed in the context of a first flap part 102a and a second flap part 102b, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. It is appreciable that the lid portion 102 can correspond to a single cover (i.e., the lid portion 102 can correspond to a single flap part as opposed to a plurality of flap parts) which one of allows and impedes access to the enclosure 100c defined within the box 100.

Specifically, the lid portion 102 can be based on either a single flap arrangement or a multiple flap arrangement. In one embodiment, in the single flap arrangement (not shown), the lid portion 102 can correspond to a single flap which can be held in place by the securing portion 105 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a in a manner such that the box 100 is maintained in the closed configuration 100a. In another embodiment, in the multiple flap arrangement (i.e., as shown in Fig. 1 b), the lid portion 102 can include at least a first flap part 102a and a second flap part 102b which can be held in place by the securing portion 105 when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a in a manner such that the box 100 is maintained in the closed configuration 100a. In regard to the single flap arrangement, the lid portion 102 can be coupled to the body portion 104 at an adjoining portion 106. The lid portion 102 can movable about the adjoining portion 106 in a manner so as to be either drawn away from the body portion 104 to open the box 100 (i.e., the open configuration 100b) or brought toward the body portion 104 to close the box 100 (i.e., the closed configuration 100a).

In regard to the multiple flap arrangement, aside the first flap and second flap parts 102a/102b, the lid portion 102 can include one or more further flap parts, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. For example, aside the first and second flap parts 102a/102b, the lid portion 102 can further include one or both of a third flap part 402a and a fourth flap part 402b. The third flap and fourth flap parts 402a/402b can be coupled to the body portion 104 at the third side 1 10c and the fourth side 110d respectively. As shown, the third flap part 402a can be coupled to the third side 1 10c such that a third adjoining portion 106c can be defined. Moreover, the fourth flap part 402b can be coupled to the fourth side 1 10d such that a fourth adjoining portion (not shown) can be defined. The third and fourth flap parts 402a/402b can, for example, move relative to the body portion 104 in an analogous manner as discussed with reference to the first and second flap parts 102a/102b.

In another example, it was earlier mentioned that the securing portion 105 can be defined at the lid portion 102, in an embodiment of the disclosure. It is appreciable that a part of the securing portion 105 can be defined at the lid portion 102 and another part of the securing portion 105 can be defined at the body portion 104.

Specifically, in the single flap arrangement, it is appreciable that a contact region (analogous to the earlier discussed contact region 1 12) can, for example, be defined between the lid portion 102 and the body portion 104. More specifically, in relation to the single flap arrangement, when the box 100 is in the closed configuration 100a, the contact region can, for example, be defined/formed by contact between one or more portions of the lid portion 102 and one or more portions of the body portion 104.

In this regard, in one embodiment, the tongue portion 1 14 can, for example, be defined at the lid portion 102 and the counterpart portion 1 16 can, for example, be defined at the body portion 104. In a more specific example, the counterpart portion 1 16 can be defined at the first side 110a and the tongue portion 1 14 can be carried by the lid portion 102 at a position which can be adjacent the counterpart portion 1 16 when the lid portion 102 is drawn toward the body portion 104 to close the box 100. Alternatively, the tongue portion 1 14 can be defined at the first side 110a and the counterpart portion 1 14 can be carried by the lid portion 102 at a position which can be adjacent the tongue portion 1 14 when the lid portion 102 is drawn toward the body portion 104 to close the box 100. In the closed configuration 100a, the tongue portion 1 14 can be mated with the counterpart portion 1 16 so as to hold the lid portion 102 to the body portion 104 together in an urged manner.

In this regard, it is further appreciable that since the lid portion 102 and the body portion 104 can be held together in an urged manner by the securing portion 105, the lid portion 102 and the body portion 104 can be considered to be held together in a manner akin to a spring-loaded manner. Therefore, the lid portion 102 can be caused to swing away from the body portion 104 when the securing portion 105 is released. The lid portion 102 can swing away, about the adjoining portion 106, from the body portion 104. Therefore, in general, the lid portion 102 can be drawn away by manner of being swung away from the body portion 104 so that the box 100 is in the open configuration 100b.

In yet another example, aside the securing portion 105, one or more further securing portions can be defined, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. Specifically, in another embodiment, the box 100 can include at least one further securing portion in addition to the aforementioned securing portion 105. In this regard, the aforementioned securing portion 105 can correspond to a primary securing portion and the one or more further securing portions can correspond to one or more auxiliary securing portion.

An auxiliary securing portion can be configured in a manner analogous to the primary securing portion. In this regard, an auxiliary securing portion can include a tongue section 414 and a counterpart section 416. The tongue section 414 can be analogous to the aforementioned tongue portion 1 14 and the counterpart section 416 can be analogous to the aforementioned counterpart portion 1 16. In one embodiment, an auxiliary securing portion can be defined at/adjacent an adjoining portion. For example, an auxiliary securing portion can be defined adjacent the third adjoining portion 106c. In a more specific example, one or more tongue sections 414 can be carried by one or both of the first and second flap parts 102a/102b and one or more counterpart sections 416 can be carried by one or both of the third and fourth flap parts 402a/402b adjacent to respective third and fourth adjoining portions.

In yet a further example, as mentioned earlier, the tongue portion 1 14 can preferably be defined at the first flap part 102a and the counterpart portion 1 16 can preferably be defined at the second flap part 102b, according to an embodiment. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the tongue portion 1 14 can be defined at the second flap part 102b and the counterpart portion 1 16 can be defined at the first flap part 102a.

In the foregoing manner, various embodiments of the disclosure are described for addressing at least one of the foregoing disadvantages. Such embodiments are intended to be encompassed by the following claims, and are not to be limited to specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and it will be apparent to one skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modification can be made, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.