REVERSIBLE SHIPPING CONTAINER

Abstract

A reversible container that includes a base, a side surface, a lid, and an insert. The side surface extends from the base and at least partially defines a volume. The lid is movable between a first opened position and a first closed position to selectively cover the volume. The insert is movable between a second opened position and a second closed position to selectively cover the volume. Each of the base, the side surface, the lid, and the insert include a first side with a first pattern and a second side with a second pattern. The reversible container is selectively constructed in a first configuration or in a second configuration. The first pattern is visible in the first configuration in the first closed position and/or the second closed position. The second pattern is visible in the second configuration in the first closed position and/or the second closed position.

Claims

1. A reversible container comprising: a base; a side surface extending from the base and at least partially defining a volume; a lid movable between a first opened position and a first closed position to selectively cover the volume; and an insert movable between a second opened position and a second closed position to selectively cover the volume; wherein each of the base, the side surface, the lid, and the insert include a first side with a first pattern and a second side with a second pattern; and wherein the reversible container is selectively constructed in a first configuration or in a second configuration, wherein the first pattern is visible in the first configuration in the first closed position and/or the second closed position, and, wherein the second pattern is visible in the second configuration in the first closed position and/or the second closed position.

2. The reversible container of claim 1, wherein the first pattern is different than the second pattern.

3. The reversible container of claim 1, wherein the insert is configured to be positioned within the volume relative to the lid when the lid is in the first closed position.

4. The reversible container of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a first section and a second section connected to the first section, wherein the first section is configured to be bent relative to the second section and inserted into the volume in the second closed position, and wherein the second section is configured to be positioned parallel to the base in the second closed position.

5. The reversible container of claim 4, wherein the second section is connected to the side surface.

6. The reversible container of claim 4, wherein the first section is parallel to the side surface in the second closed position.

7. The reversible container of claim 4, wherein the insert includes an opening between the first section and the second section, and wherein the insert is configured to be grasped via the opening to move the insert between the second closed position and the second open position.

8. A method of assembling a container, the method comprising: choosing a desired pattern between a first pattern and a second pattern; orienting a blank having a first side with the first pattern and a second side with the second pattern where an unchosen one of the first pattern and the second pattern is face up; and folding the blank to construct the container, the container including, a base, a side surface extending from the base and at least partially defining a volume, a lid movable between a first opened position and a first closed position to selectively cover the volume, and an insert movable between a second opened position and a second closed position to selectively cover the volume, wherein an external surface of each of the base, the side surface, the lid, and the insert include the chosen pattern.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the first pattern is different than the second pattern.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising, pivoting the lid from the first closed position to the first open position to expose the insert, and moving the insert from the second closed position to the second open position to expose the volume.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising grasping an opening in the insert to move the insert between the second closed position to the second open position.

12. The method of claim 8, further comprising unfolding the container and returning it to the blank, flipping the blank so that the chosen pattern is face up, and folding the blank to reconstruct the container, wherein an outer face of the reconstructed container includes the unchosen one of the first pattern and the second pattern.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the insert includes a first section and a second section connected to the first section, wherein the first section is configured to be bent relative to the second section and inserted into the volume in the second closed position, and wherein the second section is configured to be positioned parallel to the base in the second closed position.

14. The method of claim 8, wherein the insert flap includes a first flap side with the first pattern and a second flap side with the second flap pattern, the method further including orienting the first portion of the insert flap the chosen pattern faces the lid.

15. A method of using a reversible container, the method comprising: choosing a desired pattern between a first pattern and a second pattern; orienting a blank having a first side with the first pattern and a second side with the second pattern where an unchosen one of the first pattern and the second pattern is face up; folding the blank to construct the container, wherein an external surface of the container includes the chosen pattern; unfolding the container and returning it to the blank; flipping the blank so that the chosen pattern is face up; and folding the blank to reconstruct the container, wherein an outer face of the reconstructed container includes the unchosen one of the first pattern and the second pattern.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the first pattern is different than the second pattern.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising covering an internal volume of the container with an insert flap, wherein the insert flap includes a first portion connected to a sidewall of the container and a second portion connected to the first portion, wherein the first portion is configured to be oriented perpendicular to the sidewall and the second portion is configured to be parallel to the sidewall and positioned within the volume, and covering the insert flap with a lid.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising grasping an opening in the insert portion to move the second portion of the insert portion out of the volume.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the insert flap includes a first flap side with the first pattern and a second flap side with the second flap pattern, the method further including orienting the first portion of the insert flap the chosen pattern faces the lid.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the container includes a base, a side surface extending from the base and at least partially defining a volume, a lid movable between a first opened position and a first closed position to selectively cover the volume, and an insert movable between a second opened position and a second closed position to selectively cover the volume.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a blank 100 that can be used to construct a container. In the illustrated example, the blank 100 may be formed from a corrugated material (e.g., cardboard), although other materials may be used.

[0035] In some forms, the blank 100 may be made up of a plurality of panels (described in more detail below). Each panel may be adjacent to at least one other panel and may be movable relative to the adjacent panel. For example, a crease 105 may be formed between adjacent panels. The crease 105 may permit relative movement (e.g., pivoting movement) between adjacent panels. The material used to construct the blank 100 may provide rigidity while also permitting relative movement of the panels.

[0036] In certain forms, the panels may have a substantially rectangular shape. As described in more detail below, the blank 100 may be used to construct a container 200-1 that is shaped like a rectangular prism. However, other examples of the blank 100 may include panels with different shapes and may be used to form containers of other shapes.

[0037] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the blank 100 includes the plurality of panels arranged in a substantially planar orientation. The panels may be grouped together in a series of rows. For example, a first row may include a pair of first side panels 110, 130, a pair of second side panels 115, 125, and a bottom panel 120. In the blank 100, the panels of the first row are arranged substantially symmetrically with the bottom panel 120 in the center. The second side panels 115, 125 are arranged adjacent to the bottom panel 120 and are each connected by a crease 105. Each first side panel 110, 130 is arranged adjacent to a respective one of the second side panels 115, 125 and is connected by a crease 105. Each second side panel 115, 125 is therefore situated in between the respective first side panel 110, 130 and the bottom panel 120.

[0038] In some forms, the first row of panels may be situated between a second row and a third row of panels. In the illustrated example, the second and third rows may be substantially similar and may each include three individual panels. However, other examples may include a different number of panels.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the second row may be disposed below the first row. The second row may include a front panel 140 that is connected to the bottom panel 120 by a crease 105. The front panel 140 may be disposed between a third side panel 135 and a fourth side panel 145. The third side panel 135 may be adjacent to one second side panel 115 and the fourth side panel 145 may be adjacent to the other second side panel 125.

[0040] In some forms, the front panel 140 may include a width that is equal to the width of the bottom panel 120. Similarly, the third side panel 135 and the fourth side panel 145 may each include a width that is substantially equal to the width of the respective second side panel 115, 125. The illustrated third side panel 135 and fourth side panel 145 may be slightly wider than the respective second side panel 115, 125 but may not extend substantially along the width of the respective first panel 110, 130.

[0041] The third row includes a back panel 155, a fifth side panel 150, and a sixth side panel 160. The third row is arranged substantially symmetrically about the first row from the second row. For example, the back panel 155 is disposed adjacent to the bottom panel 120 and includes substantially the same width as the bottom panel 120. The back panel 155 is disposed between the fifth and sixth side panels 150, 160 with the fifth and sixth side panels each being adjacent to a respective one of the second side panels 115, 125. The third and fifth side panels 135, 150 may be disposed across from one another and the fourth and sixth side panels 145, 160 may be disposed across from one another.

[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 1, a fourth row of panels may be adjacent to the third row so that the third row is disposed between the first and fourth rows. The fourth row includes a top panel 170 that has substantially the same dimensions as the bottom panel 120. The top panel 170 is disposed between a seventh side panel 165 and an eighth side panel 175. The illustrated seventh and eighth side panels 165, 175 may have a trapezoidal shape. The seventh and eighth side panels 165, 175 may also be spaced apart from the third row. For example, the seventh panel 165 may not be joined to the fifth side panel 150 via a crease 105 and the eighth panel 175 and the sixth panel 160 are similarly not joined by a crease 105. However, other examples may include one or both of the seventh and eighth panels 165, 175 joined to the respective fifth and sixth side panels 150, 160 via a crease 105.

[0043] In some forms, a fifth row may be disposed adjacent to the fourth row so that the fourth row is disposed between the third and fifth rows. The fifth row includes a second front panel 185 that has substantially the same dimensions as the front panel 140. The second front panel 185 is disposed between a nineth side panel 180 and a tenth side panel 190. In the illustrated example, the nineth and tenth side panels 180, 190 have a quadrant shape, although in other examples they may have a rectangular shape and/or a shape similar to the shape of the third and fourth side panels 135, 145.

[0044] In some forms, the nineth and tenth side panels 180, 190 may be spaced apart from the fourth row. For example, the nineth side panel 180 and the seventh side panel 165 may not be joined by a crease 105 and the tenth side panel 190 and the eighth side panel 175 may not be joined by a crease 105. However, other examples may include one or both of the nineth and tenth side panels 180, 190 joined to the respective seventh and eighth side panels 165, 175 via a crease 105.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the blank 100 may be folded along the various creases 105 to form a three-dimensional container or box 200-1. Using the orientation shown in FIG. 1 (with a first pattern facing upward), folding the blank 100 may form a container 200-1 with a second pattern on the external surface.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, each of the first side panels 110, 130 may be folded relative to the respective adjacent second side panels 115, 125. In the illustrated example, the first side panels 110, 130 are folded inwardly so that the face of each first side panel 110, 130 with the first pattern contacts the face of the respective second side panel 115, 125 with the first pattern.

[0047] In some forms, each crease 105 between the bottom panel 120 and each second side panel 115, 125 may include a slot 205. A free end of each of the first side panels 110, 130 may include a tab 210. When each first side panel 110, 130 is folded relative to the respective second side panel 115, 125, each tab 210 may be inserted into the respective slot 205.

[0048] After the tabs 210 are inserted into the slots 205, the second side panels 115, 125 may be bent relative to the bottom panel 120. The second side panels 115, 125 may be bent so that they are substantially perpendicular relative to the bottom panel 120.

[0049] In some forms, the front panel 140 may be bent toward the first and second side panels 110, 115, 125, 130 so that it is substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 120. To retain the front panel 140 in the perpendicular position, the third and fourth side panels 135, 145 may be bent about the respective crease 105 relative to the front panel 140. For example, the third and fourth side panels 135, 145 may be bent toward the respective first and second side panels 110, 115, 125, 130. The third side panel 135 may be positioned within the space between the folded first and second side panels 110, 115 and the fourth side panel 145 may be positioned within the space between the folded first and second side panels 125, 130.

[0050] In some forms, the back panel 155 may be bent toward the first and second side panels 110, 115, 125, 130 so that it is substantially perpendicular to the bottom panel 120. The fifth and sixth side panels 150, 160 may be similarly inserted into the respective gaps between the first and second side panels 110, 115, 125, 130 to retain the back panel 155 in the perpendicular position.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 3, the panels may form walls of the container 200-1. For example, the folded first and second side wall pairs 110, 115, 125, 130, the front panel 140, back panel 155, and the bottom panel 120 may at least partially form a volume 215.

[0052] In some forms, the outer faces of the panels (e.g., surfaces outside of the volume 215) may include the second pattern. In the illustrated example, the second pattern may be a plain or generic pattern (e.g., brown cardboard), although the second pattern may be any color.

[0053] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the top panel 170 may be bent about the crease 105 relative to the back panel 155. Specifically, the top panel 170 may be bent toward the opening to the volume 215. The top panel 170 may act as a lid for the container 200-1 and may enclose the volume 215 as it is pivoted toward and rests on the upper edge of the folded first and second side wall pairs 110, 115, 125, 130, the front panel 140, and back panel 155.

[0054] In some forms, the seventh and eighth side panels 165, 175 may be bent relative to the top panel 170. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the seventh and eighth side panels 165, 175 may be bent toward the face of the top panel 170 that includes the first pattern. As the top panel 170 moves to enclose the volume 215, the seventh and eighth side panels 165, 175 may be received within the volume adjacent to the respective first side panels 110, 130.

[0055] In some forms, the second front panel 185 may also be bent relative to the top panel 170. For example, the second front panel 185 may be bent toward the face of the top panel 170 that includes the first pattern. The nineth and tenth side panels 180, 190 may be similarly bent inwardly. As the top panel 170 moves to enclose the volume 215, the second top panel 185 may be positioned within the volume 215 and the nineth and tenth side panels 180, 190 may be inserted into the gap between the respective first and second side panels 110, 115, 125, 130.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the top panel 170 may enclose the volume 215. An item may be packaged and retained within the box for shipping or other forms of transport. In some forms, the container 200-1 displays the second pattern (e.g., brown cardboard). Shipping labels or other identification may be attached to the container 200-1 on a face with the second pattern to assist with transportation.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the container 200-2 may be reversed so that the first pattern is exposed in the assembled position (see e.g., FIG. 8). As described in more detail below, this may permit a user to reuse a box (e.g., to gift an item).

[0058] In some forms, the container 200-1 of FIG. 4 may be disassembled by reversing the steps described above and returning the material to a blank 100. For example, a customer may receive an item from a delivery service and then wish to reuse the box to gift the item. Because the outer surface of the container (e.g., the faces with the second pattern) may contain markings or shipping labels, the customer may wish to use the oppose face (e.g., the faces with the second pattern) to gift the item.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, the unassembled container 200-1 may be returned to a blank and flipped to expose the opposite pattern. For example, the user may begin with the second pattern (e.g., brown cardboard) facing up. The user may then repeat the steps described above to reassemble the container 200-2. As the user folds the various panels to construct the box, the first pattern will be exposed outside of the volume 215 (see e.g., FIG. 8) and the second pattern will be facing inside of the volume (see e.g., FIG. 7).

[0060] In some forms, the first pattern may be a decorative pattern (e.g., an artistic design) that replicates gift wrapping. The user may reverse the blank 100 to construct a container 200-2 that exposes the more decorative pattern for gifting. Surfaces from the original container (e.g., FIG. 4) are no longer exposed so that any surface imperfections from shipping are not substantially visible to a recipient of the reassembled container 200-2.

[0061] In certain forms, a user may purchase the blanks 100 and chose to assemble a version of the container 200-1, 200-2 based on need. For example, a user may assemble the decorative container 200-2 initially and not reusing an already assembled standard container 200-1.

[0062] FIGS. 9 to 18 illustrate an alternate example of a container. Similar features may include the same reference number plus 300. Only some similarities and difference may be described below.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 9, a blank 400 may be formed form a number of rows, each made up of several panels. Many of the panels in the blank 400 may be similar to the panels in the blank 400.

[0064] For example, the blank 400 may include a first row that includes a bottom panel 420, a second side panel 415, 425 connected on either lateral side of the bottom panel 420, and a first side panel 410, 430 adjacent to the respective second side panel 415, 425. Each of the panels may be connected via a crease 405.

[0065] In some forms, the crease between each second side panel 415, 425 and the bottom panel 420 may include a slot 505. An end of each of the first side panels 410, 430 may include a tab 520, which may be sized and shaped to fit within the respective slot 505 to retain the respective first side panel 410, 430 in a predetermined position.

[0066] With continued reference to FIG. 9, a second row may be disposed below the first row, and a third row may be disposed above the first row. The second row includes a front panel 440 adjacent to the bottom panel 420. The second row also includes third and fourth side panels 435, 445 that are adjacent to the front panel 440 and to the respective second side panels 415, 425. The third row includes a back panel 455 adjacent to the bottom panel 420. The third row also includes fifth and sixth side panels 450, 460 that are adjacent to the back panel 455 and to the respective second side panels 415, 425.

[0067] In some forms, a fourth row may be adjacent to the third row and disposed between the third row and a fifth row. The fourth row includes a top panel 470 that is disposed adjacent to the back panel 455. The fourth row also includes seventh and eighth side panels 465, 475 that are adjacent to the back panel 455 and to the respective fifth and sixth side panels 450, 460. The fifth row includes a second front panel 485 that is disposed adjacent to the top panel 470. The fifth row also includes nineth and tenth side panels 480, 490 that are adjacent to the top panel 470 and to the respective seventh and eighth side panels 465, 475.

[0068] In some forms, the blank 400 may include a second top panel 525 and a second back panel 530. In the illustrated example, the second top panel 525 is disposed adjacent to the front panel 440 and connected by a crease 405. The second back panel 530 is disposed adjacent to the second top panel 525 and connected by a crease 405. For example, the second top panel 525 is disposed between the front panel 440 and the second back panel 530.

[0069] In some forms, the second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530 may have substantially the same dimensions. Additionally, the second top panel 525 and/or the second back panel 530 may have substantially the same dimensions as the front panel 540 and/or the bottom panel 420.

[0070] In certain forms, an opening 535 may be formed along the crease 405 between the second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530. In the illustrated example, the opening 535 may have a substantially circular shape. However, other examples of the opening 535 may have a different shape (e.g., elliptical, triangular, etc.).

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the blank 400 may be folded into the container 500-1 using substantially the same steps as were used when folding the blank 100 into the container 200-1. When the blank 400 is folded, it may form a volume 515 and the first pattern may face the interior of the container 500-1 and the second pattern may be on the external faces of the container 500-1.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 11, the second top panel 525 may be connected to the front panel 540 with the first pattern exposed. Similarly, the second back panel 530 is connected to the second top panel 525 also with the first pattern exposed. The second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530 may be positioned outside of the volume 515 (e.g., opposite the top panel 470). In this position, the bottom panel 420 may be exposed. A user may put an item into the volume 515 of the container 500-1.

[0073] Once the item is positioned in the volume 515, the user may move the second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530 to at least partially enclose the volume 515. For example, the second top panel 525 may be folded toward the bottom panel 420 so that it is facing and parallel to the bottom panel 420. The second back panel 530 can be folded so that it is substantially perpendicular to the second top panel 525. The second back panel 530 can be received within the volume 515 and adjacent to the back panel 455.

[0074] After the second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530 are positioned, the top panel 470 and the second front panel 485 can be positioned to close the container 500-1 as described above. As shown in FIG. 13, the container 500-1 may have an outer surface with the second pattern, and the first pattern (not shown in FIG. 13) faces the internal volume 515.

[0075] In the closed position (e.g., FIG. 13), the second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530 may not be visible. However, when the top panel 470 is moved away from the top edges of the side panels, the second top panel 525 is exposed. In some forms, the opening 535 may be positioned proximate to the crease 405 between the top panel 470 and the back panel 455. A user may use the opening 535 to remove the second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530 and expose the volume 515.

[0076] In some forms, the user may disassemble the container 500-1 and reassemble the container 500-2 in order for a different pattern to be exposed. As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 18, the steps described above may be performed again for the blank 400 with the second pattern facing up (see e.g., FIG. 14) and folded to form the container 500-2 with the first pattern on the external surface (see e.g., FIG. 18).

[0077] As shown in FIG. 17, the second top panel 525 and the second back panel 530 may be positioned with the first pattern facing out of the volume 515 when the container 500-2 is assembled. When the user moves the top surface 470 away from the side panels, the first pattern on the second top panel 525 may still be exposed. In certain forms, the user may use the configuration of container 500-2 to cover the second pattern and to display the first pattern.

[0078] One of ordinary skill will appreciate that the exact dimensions and materials are not critical to the disclosure and all suitable variations should be deemed to be within the scope of the disclosure if deemed suitable for carrying out the objects of the disclosure.

[0079] One of ordinary skill in the art will also readily appreciate that it is well within the ability of the ordinarily skilled artisan to modify one or more of the constituent parts for carrying out the various embodiments of the disclosure. Once armed with the present specification, routine experimentation is all that is needed to determine adjustments and modifications that will carry out the present disclosure.

[0080] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or the adaptation of the features described herein. Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the above-described preferred embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described.