US1226531A - Folding box. - Google Patents

Description

J. F. KEBBELL.

FOLDING BOX.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 29. 1917.

1,226,531 Patented May15, 1917.

Z SHEETS-SHEET I.

ms nsrsus 00 mnrwumm. wAsumcmm u c J. F. KEBBELL.

FOLDING BOX.

APPLICATION FILED .IAN.29, 19w.

1,,Q26,531 w Patented May 15, 1917.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2- extra stars a'rnn ornien.

JOHN FALCONEB KEBBELL, OF LONDON, ENGLAND, ASSIGNCR OF ONE-HALF TO GUSTAVE GEORGE GROS, OF LONDON, ENGLAND.

FOLDING BOX.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented May 15, 19 17.

Application filed January 29, 1917. Serial No. 145,273.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, JOHN Fanconnn KnenaL a subject of the King of Great Britain, residing in London, England, have invented certain new and useful Improve ments in or Relating to Folding Boxes, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to holders or boxes which are used for the protectiom'during transport or storage, of electric lamps, eggs, bottles and other fragile articles, and are cut or stamped each from a single piece or blank of cardboard, strawboard or other suitable and pliable material, such holders or boxes being of the kind that are internally provided, for the reception of articles, with cup or nest-like supports composed wholly of tongues which are formed along the end margins of the blanks and are integral end extensions of those arts of the blanks that constitute the walls or sides of the box bodies, the tongues being creased in a number of places and folded along the creases toward that face of the blank which is to constitute the inside face of the box.

It consists in an improved construction the object of which is to allow the boxforming manipulations of a blank being proceeded with to the extent that it may not only be possible to stitch, staple or otherwise secure together its side margins or edges while the blank is in a collapsed or flat condition and to store the partly completed box blanks in that state for future use, but also, in order to render a partly completed box blank ready to receive an article, it only. remains first to press the opposite side edges of the blank toward each other until the box body portion of the blank assumes a hollow multi-sided form, and secondly to apply pressure to all the support-forming tongues then projecting from one end of the box body, so as to cause them to enter within the hollow body of the box, thereby completing the formation of a cup-like support and clos ing in that end of the box without any further tucking in or manipulation of the tongues. 1

According to this invention, the tongues formed along an end of a blank are all alike in design. The tongues may be so creased and folded that when turned into the interior of the box body so as to close the end they will become selflocked, or the tongues at one end of a box may interlock with tongues at the other end. A box constructed according to this invention may have a single nest-like support or receptacle constituted by tongues formed at both ends, or it may have two receptacles, one at each end, each receptacle being formed by tongues at the respective end.

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, and for convenience of description it will be supposed the improved box is to be a foursided one.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a plan view of a piece or a blank of cardboard or other suitable material, cut or punched and shaped to constitute, when folded as hereinafter de scribed, one form of the improved holder or box; Figs. 2 and 3 are each a sectional elevation of the blank in Fig. 1 folded to form a box; in the former figure one end only of the box being closed and in the latter both ends closed. Fig. 4 is a cross section of the folded blank; Fig. 5 is an elevation of a box formed from the blank in Fig. 1; Fig. 6 is a plan of a blank shaped to constitute a modi- -fied form of the improved box. Figs. 7 and 8 are sectional elevations of the blank in Fig. 6, when folded, one end only being closed in Fig. 7 and both ends in Fig. 8; Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section of a modified form of the box, both ends being open; Fig. 10 is a similar view with both ends closed; Fig. 11 is a plan of a portion of a blank and illustrates a modification; Fig. 12 is a longitudinal section through one side of a modified box of which the blank in Fig. 11 constitutes a portion, the ends of the box being supposed open; Fig. 13 is the same section as in Fig. 12, the ends of the box being closed; Fig. 14: is the elevation of a portion of a tongue similar to a tongue of the blank shown in Fig. 6, illustrating one way of forming a secondary tongue; and

Figs. 15 and 16 are respectively an elevation and section of the tongue in Fig. 14-, showing the secondary tongue folded and adjusted in operative position.

The invention will be described first with reference to Figs. 1 to 5, in which A is a blank of appropriate material and of suitable shape and size. The blank is cut or v Z, 6 on the other end, as in Fig. 1. a" central or body portion 0 of the blank 1s punched along the margins of its two ends in a manner to form a number of tongues a, a, b, b of convenient shape and dimensions. The tongues along an end of the blank are all of the same design and all the tongues are creased or scored transversely each in two places, the first or inner crease or score 1 being at the junction of a tongue with the central or body portion 0 of the blank and the second crease 2 at a suitable distance away, but nearer the free end or tip of the tongue. The tongues a, a on one end of the blank are in line with the tongues The also creased or scored longitudinally across, in the case of a four-sided box, in three places dividing the said portion into two outer and two inner panels, each panel being as it were an integral continuation of a tongue. These said panels constitute the side walls of the box that is to be formed by folding the blank as described below. The tongues at their junction with the panels have respectively the same width as the corresponding panel.

At one side of the body portion there may be the customary extension or flap (Z for holding the side walls together, as hereinafter described. The flap d would be scored along its junction with the body portion, as indicated at 5.

After the blank has been cut or punched and scored as just described, the operation of forming the holder or box with four walls can be commenced, by first turning the outer portion of each of the tongues formed along one end of the blank about crease 2 and in a direction toward the inside of the body portion 0 so that the outer portion will overlie the alined panel of the body portion. Then the outer portions of the tongues along the other end of the blank are similarly treated. As the tongues a, a and Z), 6 on the two ends are oppositely disposed and in line, then when the tongues are turned or bent about the outer crease 2 as just stated, one tongue will directly overlie the alined body part but the opposite tongue will rest upon the last said or alined tongue. The tongues being thus folded over about crease 2, the body portion is next bent or folded about its central crease i, if that portion is to remain in a fiat condition, or

e if it is to assume a box-like or hollow form it is bent about the three creases or scores 4 so as to bring the several panels constituting the walls at right angles to one another, in both cases the margin 0 meeting the edge or crease 5. The walls constituted by the two meeting parts of the body portion can be held together in any appropriate way, for instance by means of a gummed or glue band or by the flap cl above alluded to, the flap being turned so as to abut, as shown in Fig. 4 in broken lines, against the assembled ad oining wall of the body and secured thereto by staples, glue or other agent.

The blank thus far dealt with can be stored away for future use either in its collapsed or in its box-like condition.

The next step in the box-forming process is to close in one end or the bottom of the box-like casing by turning the inner portions of the tongues at that end about the respective first or inner crease 1 until they assume positions wherein each such portion is substantially at right angles to the corresponding wall part', or in other Words until they all become substantially flush with one another and lie in one plane, as indicated at the left end of Fig. 2.

In Fig. 2 the inner portions 6 of tongues Z) 6 are shown, by Way of example, as being the portions that are thus turned about the creases 2 before the inner portions of the tongues a, a are similarly dealt with as explained later. The effect of thus turning the inner tongue portions Z) is to cause the free outer ends or tips of the tongue portions 6 to slide between the tongue portions a and the inner faces of the corresponding side wall parts 0 toward the inner tongue portions (1., the outer tongue portions 6 turning about their inner creases 1 and assuming positions inclined to the respective walls, as is seen in Fig. 2. The inner tongue portions Z), when thus folded as just described, may be retained in position by aifixing a label or the like over the folded portion or placing a cap over that end ofthe holder, but neither a label nor cap is shown in the drawings.

With the box standing on end on the portions 6, the inclined tongue portions 6 within the four side walls constitute a nest like receptacle with upwardly flaring walls, in which the article to be protected by or incased in the holder can be placed.

When the article has been placed in the holder, the top open end or mouth of the holder can be'closed in by turning the inner tongue portions a at that end about their creases l in a manner similar to that described in regard to the closing in of the bottom of the holder.

By thus closing in the mouth or top, the

tips of the top tongues will slide, as the case may be, either upon the lower tongues, Fig. 3, or upon the inner faces (Fig. 8) of the box side walls to which they are attached, and in doing so will reduce the size or capacity of the nest, as indicated in Fig. 5, and leave little or no opportunity for the article in the nest to move about therein.

The inner tongue portions (1 at the top can be held, if desired, in the closed position by a label afiixed thereto, a cap or lid, or in any other suitable manner. In the construction shown in Figs. 6, 7

"tongues shown in Fig. 1, and the tongues at the opposite end of the body comprise portions 6 and 72* which correspond to the portions 6 and b in Fig. 1, the tongues in Fig. 6 being creased and bendable on lines corresponding to the lines upon which the tongues in Fig. 1 are bent. The tongues at one end of the blank alternate 01' are in staggered relation with those at the opposite end of the blank, and the folding of the tongues is.

effected in a manner similar to that described in connection with Figs. 1-5 inclusive. In Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the creases 10 and 12 correspond to the creases 1 and 2 in Fig. 1.

In the case wherein the tongues formed on the two ends of the blank are directly opposite one another, as in Fig. 1, the nest walls will be of a double character, Figs. 3 and 4, one wall or tongue overlying another; but where the tongues have a staggered relation, as in Fig. 6, the nest walls will be of a single nature and the tongues will not overlie one another, Fig. 8. In all cases, owing to the pliable nature of the blank and hinge-like character of the creases, the nest walls will be capable of yielding to some extent and absorbing shocks.

A modified form of the improved box is shown in Figs. 9 and 10. In this form the tongues a, C612 and 6, 6 at the two ends of the box 0 are given a third crease 3 in positions nearer the free ends of the tongues than those which creases 22 occupy, and the portion of each tongue between its tip and crease 3 is doubled or turned inwardly upon the portion between creases 22 and 3 as indicated at one end of Fig. 9. When such doubled back portions are subsequently turned about creases 22 and 81 into the interior of the box, the tongue portions (1", b assume the posi tions shown in Fig. 10, and the box will have separate yieldable nest-like receptacles at each end, the resiliency of one nest being independent of that of the other, the nests being formed at the oppositeends of the box. If, after the tongue portions b 79 have been turned into the positions they have in Fig. 10, an article be inserted in the box and the tongues a", a be then turned into the corresponding positions, the pressure of the article tends to force the walls of the receptacles toward the walls of the box and the free ends of the tongues into the corners or creases 31, so that the portions (t and 1) become self-locked and unable to turn about creases 31, so that no label or lid is required to keep these portions-constituting the ends of the boxin the closed position.

A. further modification is shown in Fig. 11. In this form tongues a a and b 6 are formed on the ends of the body 0 the body is creased on the lines 5, and the flap (Z secures the body as before and, the tongues being opposite one another at each end of the blank as indicated at B, but after the tongues 6 5, say, have been folded about their creases 21 and tongues a, (L31 about creases 11 then the tongues of one end are connected or secured to those of the other end, for instance by slotting the tongues respectively at (0 b and engaging or interlocking them together as indicated at D in Fig. 11 or by means of glue, staples or other suitable means. If the blank, with the tongues folded as shown in portion C, Fig. 11, or in Fig. 12, be again folded so that the side walls 0 of the box become mutually at right angles and the meeting edges of the body are connected together by, say flap (P, then a four-sided box with both ends open will be formed ready for the reception of an article. If an article be inserted in the box and the tongue portions 5 be now pressed toward the interior of the box, turning about their creases 11, then the portions a a, a, 6 and 0 will assume the relative positions indicated in the section in Fig. 18, the two ends becoming closed and the tongues a, 6 yieldingly pressing against the article surrounded by them. If the tongues be of sufficient length the tips of the tongues at one end will abut against the turned over inner portions of the tongues at the other end whereby longitudinal movements of the walls of the receptacles will be obviated.

If the article for which the improved holder or box is to be used is of a heavy naturea bottle of liquid for instanceit is preferable not only to stagger the tongues on one end of the blank relatively to those on the other end but also to provide means whereby the walls may afford mutual support to one another, as for instance, by forming projecting parts, such as 6 (Figs. 6 and 16) on the free ends of the tongue portions 5 and of a size and shape to fit into and interlock with suitably arranged slits or slots a provided near the inner ends of the outer portions a of the other set of tongues. For the reception and transport of bottles having shouldered necks, or other similiarly shaped articles, it is advantageous to form secondary tongues on some or all of .the main tongues or nest walls and to shape and score the secondary tongues so that they can be i folded in a manner to have a part that will engage or take into notches provided for the purpose, and will project inwardly so as to bear upon the shoulder or other part of the bottle or article.

Such secondary tongues may be formed, folded and arranged as will be now described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. In a tongue portion a a secondary tongue or flap .consisting of parts a a and a is formed in suitable position by making slits 6, 7, the tongues being scored or creased at 8, 9 and 10. Notches a are provided on either side of the flap part a The parts a a are first folded about crease 9 into a position more or less normal to part a with the part a directed toward the attached side 0 The flap is then pushed inwardly and through notches at until the crease 10 is coincident with the rear face of tongue a, whereupon the part a is turned down as indicated in Figs. 15 and 16, the part a forming the desired ei'lgaging abutment or shoulder.

The parts of the tongues that would in the case of a bottle being incased, abut against the stopper or the end of an article, may be suitably slit as shown, for instance at b in Figs. 6, 15 and 16, so as to be capable of yielding and accommodating themselves to the shape of the stopper or end. The blank may be similarly slit in other parts where any give may be advantageous.

With a view to reducing the weight of a holder the tongues and other parts of the holder may be pierced with suitably shaped holes or apertures, such as a b 0 shown by way of example on a pair of tongues a, b and in the body portion 0 in Fig. 1.

The blanks after being cut or stamped out and scored can, before being folded to form a holder or box, be stored away in the flat or collapsed condition, with the tongues folded to overlie the central or body portion of the blank or otherwise.

A box having four equal sides and constructed according to this invention can itself, after being completed and made ready for the reception of an article, be collapsed and rendered fiat for easy storing, by pressing two diagonally opposite corners of the box toward each other until they meet. A collapsed blank may be converted into a hollow body by pressing the other pair of corners toward one another a sufficient amount.

These holders or boxes can be used singly by themselves or a number of them can, for transport or other purposes, be packed into an outer casing.

Having thus described the nature of the said invention and the best means I know of carrying the same into practical effect, I claim 1. A holder or box comprising a body having a set of inturned tongues at each of its ends, each tongue comprising a complemental end closing portion for the body and a nest-forming portion beyond the end closing portion, the complemental end closing portions of the tongues being foldable into a position perpendicular to the length of the body whereby the complemental end closing portions of each set of tongues cooperate to close the respective ends of the body and the nest-for1ning portions of the tongues being foldable into diagonal positions within. the body.

2. A holder or box comprising a body having a plurality of tongues along each end thereof, said tongues being bent inwardly to form a nest within the body of the box, and the tongues at one end of the body cooperao ing directly with those at the opposite end of the body whereby the tongues are mutually retained in operative position.

8. A holder or box comprising a body having a set of tongues along each end thereof, the set of tongues at one end of the body overlapping and cooperating directly with those at the other end of the body to retain the tongues in position to form a nest-like receptacle within the body.

at. A holder or box comprising a body having inturned tongues at opposite ends thereof, the tongues at one end cooperating directly with thetongues at the other end of the body to retain the tongues in inturned condition.

5. A holder or box comprising a body having sets of tongues at both ends thereof, both sets of tongues being inturned into the body to form a nest-like receptacle having walls flaring toward the inside of the body, the set of tongues at one end of the body cooperating directly with the set of tongues at the opposite end of the body whereby the sets of tongues are mutually retained in operative position.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

J. FALCONER KEBBELL.

Witnesses:

C. S. Hornms, W. J. SKERTEN.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of 2atents,

Washington, D. O.

Images