US20200270051A1 - Convertible Container - Google Patents
Convertible Container Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200270051A1 US20200270051A1 US16/799,899 US202016799899A US2020270051A1 US 20200270051 A1 US20200270051 A1 US 20200270051A1 US 202016799899 A US202016799899 A US 202016799899A US 2020270051 A1 US2020270051 A1 US 2020270051A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- end wall
- tab
- convertible
- cuboid
- sections
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/36—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/365—Containers, or parts thereof, simulating or being incorporated into other items, e.g. puppet, animal, vehicle, building, dumb bells
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/36—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
- B65D81/368—Foldable carton-boxes simulating, or transformable into, a special configuration, e.g. a car, a house, an animal
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/36—Details; Accessories
- A63H3/52—Dolls' houses, furniture or other equipment; Dolls' clothing or footwear
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/20—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form
- B65D5/2052—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides to form a container body, e.g. of tray-like form characterised by integral closure-flaps
- B65D5/2057—Inter-engaging self-locking flaps
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H3/00—Dolls
- A63H3/02—Dolls made of fabrics or stuffed
Definitions
- the invention relates to retail packaging, home storage, and display of and play with soft or flexible toy figurines and dolls, and use of packaging as a communication or consumer engagement medium.
- toys are customarily packaged in elaborate multi-piece boxes which are discarded on opening. Dolls, figures and soft toys are often removed and left loose or in piles when not being played with, unless capable of standing independently.
- Manufacturers and marketers are constantly seeking novel methods of packaging which distinguish their products on the shelf, provide distinctive branding and a communication medium appealing to consumers and add value to the products and experience associated with their toys.
- the invention is a convertible cuboid box constructed from a printable and foldable blank composed of a paper or cardboard (card) material, which may be solid or corrugated multilayer, engineered to be a box for a soft doll which converts in just two steps to be a scaled and proportioned armchair for storage, display of and play with the same doll is disclosed.
- the blank is designed and engineered to be assembled as an appealingly designed and printed box and converts simply to a surprisingly decorated armchair without the use of adhesives or any tools, added attachments or structural components.
- the blank template for manufacturing is designed for the box to be lightweight, inexpensive, assembled from a single sheet of card, printed both sides, die cut, and scored or creased to shape with a single perforated line, which may be separated by pressing through one face to create what then becomes the back of the chair, and is creased for easy construction and with reversal of the folds in top panels of box converts to a rigid, stable, and stylish form of chair.
- the squares of the blank sheet may be printed in a programmed design template so that the interior of the box either matches the exterior of the box, or so that the interior of the box which becomes the seat, arms, sides and back of the chair may be differently decorated to be complementary to each soft doll or its mood, style, theme or message associated with the doll.
- the soft doll may be any suitable toy such as an animal figure, such as a bear, or a humanoid, or fantasy creature, or the like.
- the blank is designed and engineered so that the top panel of the box has folded and concealed wings which when opened become a “wingback” and wider triptych for printing of messages or a panoramic background when converted to the armchair form.
- the space under the seat may be used for storage or concealing in the box of an extra surprise item when lifted, such as a wearable clothing accessory or other attachable accessory for the doll or the chair itself.
- the top or the back of the chair may also be shaped in creative ways to complement the doll and the decoration of the chair, such as the outline of a fanciful head and ears.
- the external faces of the box and faces of the armchair may be printed and the soft doll designed or selected either to be styled for collectability or for play by children.
- the boxes are 3 inch cubes, with the soft toys being approximately 5 inches tall, which allows an assortment to be pre-packed in regular 9 inch ⁇ 12 inch groups. This conforms to a very popular and successful trend and promotional device in the toy industry of packaging small toys and collectibles in “blind” formats so that the contents of these affordably priced toys remain a surprise until purchased and multiple units are purchased to become collected sets.
- An alternative preferred embodiment which conforms to standard toy sizes is a 5′′ cube box containing and 8′′ long doll.
- a further objective of this versatile convertible package is to minimize material used in packaging and make the packaging an integral accessory to the doll contained therein so that it adds to the pleasure of the recipient and the perceived value of the gift or purchase, and remains in use and not discarded. It may further be manufactured entirely from recycled and/or recyclable material and assembled with no more labor cost than a conventional single purpose disposable box for a doll.
- FIG. 1A is a plan view of one face of a blank template comprising squares for making the cuboid box of the first preferred embodiment, showing lines to die cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version indicated.
- FIG. 1B is a plan view of one face of a blank template comprising squares for making the cuboid box of the first preferred embodiment, showing lines to die cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version indicated
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cuboid box formed from the blank of FIGS. 1A and 1B .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the unprinted box of FIG. 2 which is opened and partially re-folded to convert itself into an open chair scaled for a seated toy figure.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the box of FIG. 2 containing an “understuffed” soft toy figure or doll scaled to fit the open chair.
- FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the box formed from the template of FIGS. 1A and 1B converted into the open chair of FIG. 3 containing a seated “understuffed” soft toy figure or doll.
- FIG. 5B is a front perspective of the version of the chair created without a perforation line as detailed in FIG. 14 which converts to a lower flat back to the chair, with smaller printable space.
- FIG. 5C is a front perspective of a chair with an alternative shaped back created by styling and shaping the perforation line.
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the right side section of the box of FIG. 3 showing the die-cuts, folds and spacing which create the shaped arms of the chair, and the order of side squares to optimize the aesthetic appearance of the chair and the width of its arms.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the seat section of the box of FIG. 3 showing its optional function in a preferred embodiment in which it may be used for storage of an accessory item for the soft toy figure or the chair.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the back of the chair of FIG. 3 which is formed by pressing open along the perforation and folding along the perforated line on the back section shown in the blank of FIG. 1A and 1B .
- FIG. 9A is a plan view of each face of a blank template composed of squares for making the cuboid box of the second preferred embodiment, showing lines to die-cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version with “wings” on back (“wingback”) indicated.
- FIG. 9B is a second plan view of each face of a blank template composed of squares for making the cuboid box of the second preferred embodiment, showing lines to die-cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version with “wings” on back (“wingback”) indicated.
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the box formed from the blank of FIG. 9A and 9B when partially opened showing and unfolding tabs to create wings.
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the box of FIG. 10 which is opened and re-folded to convert itself into an open chair scaled for a seated toy figure or doll, with a wide wingback to be decorated with a panorama or illustrated message.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pre-packed shelf or counter display in a standard commercial size and construction 12 units of the cuboid box of the preferred embodiments as a cost-efficient and commercially appealing sales, shipping, merchandising and point-of-sale format.
- FIG. 13 is the plan view of a blank template comprising squares for making the rectangular cuboid box in a preferred embodiment, showing those parallel elongated edges which allow the box to be converted to a sofa or “love-seat” for paired dolls.
- FIG. 14 shows the square section of the same blank of FIGS. 1A and 1B without the perforation line which unfolds and converts to create the lower backed armchair of FIG. 5B .
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device converted into a chair showing the front and side of the chair.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device converted into a chair showing the back and side of the chair.
- the invention is a convertible cuboid 100 that is formed from a single sheet of printable paper or card material, solid or corrugated multilayer.
- the single sheet, or blank 2 is die cut along straight line edges 11 and curved line edges 10 , scored or creased along creased lines 13 and perforated according to a flat template. Once the single sheet is cut, creased, and perforated is may be simply folded, without requiring adhesives, to form either a cuboid when closed or a sitting device, such as a chair or couch, when open and converted.
- the closed cuboid is capable of containing a flexible figure or doll 40 , and when opened and converted the device 100 is correctly scaled for the doll and a permanent themed and attractive display and storage accessory for the doll.
- the sitting device resembles a conventional armchair with a styled back.
- the sitting device is wingback styled chair, with wider winged panels which together with the chair back may display panoramic background scenes or messages on a triptych.
- the width may be enlarged relative to the depth and height to form a rectangular cuboid shaped box which converts into a wider seat resembling a “love-seat” or sofa, capable of containing and seating a pair of scaled flexible dolls.
- the inside faces may be designed and printed to coordinate with the exterior faces of the box, or to surprisingly contrast, or to portray a themed setting or to display a themed and decorated message.
- the seat may be lifted to expose a storage space 41 , for example as shown in FIG. 7 , containing, in some variations, a hidden surprise accessory for the doll, such as an item of apparel or an article to be held by the doll or attached to the chair.
- each cuboid is not limited but a preferred embodiment is a 3′′ cube containing a 5′′ soft doll, of which 12 units may be pre-packed together in 12′′ ⁇ 9′′ countertop displays D as shown in FIG. 12 , in an attractive, versatile and effective display for retailers and a cost-efficient packaging and shipping format for manufacturers.
- the storage space is likely to be approximately 1′′ in depth with a length, i.e. distance from front of the chair to the back of the chair, of approximately 3′′ and a width, i.e. distance from one side of the chair to the other, of between approximately 2′′ inches and 3′′ depending on the width and style of the chair arms.
- each of the embodiments may be quickly printed for assembly using a standard printer connected to a driver with a programmed template to allow personalized and customized options and versions of the doll and cuboid. This facilitates online order capture and location-based production in a kiosk, with blanks either printed entirely or partially pre-printed for completion with added photo or name personalization of box and doll.
- FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a standard template for the blank 2 , with the blank formed into a closed cuboid in FIG. 2 and converted into a sitting device, in this case a chair, in FIGS. 15 and 16 .
- the blank is cut along a number of lines 11 to form, at a minimum, a base 28 from which two sidewalls 29 and two end walls 30 , 27 extend.
- the sidewalls 29 include inner sections 29 A and outer sections 22 that are connected to one another by side wall creased sections 14 .
- the bottom end wall 30 is connected to a left tab 24 and a right tab 24 , and has an inner section 30 A and an outer section 30 B, the outer section 30 B being an extension tab 30 B.
- the inner section 30 A and outer section 30 B being created along creased lines 13 so that they may be folded or folded to form either one of the closed walls of the cuboid or to serve as the seat in the sitting device.
- the top end wall 27 includes a right tab 23 and a left tab 23 and an extension tab 26 .
- the left tab 23 and the right tab 23 of the top end wall 27 are folded inward along the creased lines 13
- the left tab 24 and the right tab 24 of the bottom end wall 30 are folded inward along the creased lines 13
- the top end wall 27 and bottom end wall 30 are folded upward along creased lines 13 , loosely forming four sides of the cuboid.
- the left sidewall 29 and right sidewall 29 are folded upward, approximately 90 degrees, along creased lines 13 and then the outer sections 22 are bent or folded roughly 180 degree over inner sections 29 A of each of the left side wall 29 and the right side wall 29 along the respective side wall creased sections 14 to form two sides of the cuboid and create apertures 38 between the outer sections 22 and the inner sections 29 A on both a front side and a back side of the cuboid.
- either or both of the top end wall's extension tab 26 and the bottom end wall's extension tab 30 B extend over the top side walls and end walls to cover the cuboid.
- the left tab 23 and the right tab 23 of the top end wall 27 are bent or folded inward along the creased lines 13
- the left tab 24 and the right tab 24 of the bottom end wall 30 are folded inward along the creased lines 13
- the top end wall 27 and bottom end wall 30 are bent or folded upward along creased lines 13 , loosely forming four sides of the cuboid.
- the left sidewall 29 and right sidewall 29 are bent or folded upward, approximately 90 degrees, along creased lines 13 and then the outer sections 22 are bent or folded roughly 180 degree over inner sections 29 A of each of the left side wall 29 and the right side wall 29 along the respective side wall creased sections 14 to form two sides of the sitting device, effectively acting as arm rests as well, and create apertures 38 between the outer sections 22 and the inner sections 29 on both a front side and a back side of the cuboid.
- the top end wall's 27 extension tab 26 is extended upward to form a back of the sitting device and the bottom end wall's 30 extension tab 30 B is folded inward to form a seat in the sitting device.
- the blank 2 is formed to include a securing tab 25 that is connected to the top end wall's 27 extension tab 26 .
- the securing tab includes a pair of locking tabs 32 that are curved and angled tabs, the shape of which facilitates locking rigidly into the apertures 38 and secures the shape as, generally, a box or as a chair.
- the top end wall 27 extends upward
- the extension tab 26 extends over the top of the cuboid
- the securing tab extends downward on a front side of the cuboid and the locking tabs are inserted into the apertures 38 from the front side of the cuboid.
- the extension tab 26 extends upward and the extension tab 26 and closing tab 25 are bent or folded behind the sitting device so as to allow the locking tabs 32 to be inserted into and secured in the apertures from a back side of the device 100 .
- the extension tab 26 may include a perforated section 31 that allows a part of the tab 26 to bend downward while another portion remains upright.
- FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of the convertible cuboid 100 , in which the blank 2 may most simply be considered as comprising equally sized squares 3 of which the edges are the same length as the external sides or faces in its box and chair forms.
- the squares in the blank on each of its sides are identified to correspond to squares 3 in a template for a printer which allows the overall design and orientation of the image in each square 3 to be programmed via conventional means to correspond to the faces which become the outside of the box and the inside and outside faces which are revealed when the box is opened, partially re-folded and converted into a chair.
- 20 b is the lower square back of the chair and the inside of what was the top section, or cover section, 26 is exposed as 20 a and becomes the inside back of the chair with its shaped top at the perforation line 12 and its side strips above the perforation folding behind, or at the fold 13 b in the lower flat backed version as shown in FIG. 14 .
- the inside back of the chair 20 a and the lower square back 20 b are faces to be printed as the inside back of the chair.
- the underside front section, or closing section, 25 becomes the outside back 21 of the chair, which may also have a printed image.
- the blank 2 is die cut along straight lines 11 to create exterior edges. Cutting straight lines 11 along three edges of upper tabs 23 and lower tabs 24 leaves the center base 28 which becomes the base of the box and the corresponding chair.
- the side walls 29 are connected to and extend away from the center base 28 , each of the side walls 29 is connected to the base by a creased section 13 .
- the top end wall 27 and the bottom end wall 30 are also connected to the center base 28 by creased sections 13 .
- the top end wall 27 is connected to the cover section 26 that is in turn connected to the closing section 25 .
- the closing section 25 is attached to locking tabs 32 that are curved and angled tabs, the shape of which facilitates locking rigidly as a box and as a chair.
- the blank 2 may be solid color printed on both sides to blend with the box and chair surface printing.
- the bottom end wall 30 has an upper section 30 A and a lower section 30 B.
- the side walls 29 have inner sections 29 A and outer 22 sections that are connected by creased sections 14 , which may include multiple creases as indicated by three dotted lines 14 in FIG. 1 so as to create curved and wider arm tops of chair.
- the blank 2 is also die cut along curved lines 18 to create the curved top fronts of the arms of the seat and establishing the width and spacing indicated in detail in FIG. 6 .
- the blank 2 is further die cut along curved and angled edges 10 creating the shape of the locking tabs 32 which facilitates their being slotted snugly into the apertures 38 under the side walls 29 in front to tightly hold closed the box without need of adhesives with the indentation 19 at the bottom front to facilitate subsequently lifting for exposure of doll and conversion to chair.
- the blank 2 is perforated along a shaped line 12 to create the cover section 26 that serves as a solid single square face 26 on top of the box 100 in its closed form.
- the perforation on this face 20 a is pressed through to release the perforated edge, becoming a creatively styled top of the back of the chair, best shown in FIGS. 5A and 5C , with the balance of the square 20 a folded to reinforce the back of the seat and allow the curved and angled tabs 32 to perfectly extend to and slot snugly into the apertures 39 , shown in FIG. 8 , in back under the sides 29 of the chair to complete the conversion to chair with a locked, stable and rigid back.
- the perforation is not required and the back is simply folded along the crease 13 b straight across the middle of square 20 a to create a lower straight armchair back.
- the blank 2 is creased along the straight uncut edges of squares 13 each to be folded just ninety degrees as square sides of the box 100 , and in some cases 13 a after subsequently opening and partially refolding to convert the box to a chair.
- the blank is creased along edges of sections 16 to allow the seat to sit higher than the base with a space the width between its creases 13 .
- the blank 2 is creased along lines 15 to create a spacer section to fold outwards 90 ° flat on the base to support and maintain the width of the arms of the chair.
- the blank 2 is creased along parallel lines 14 each to be folded partially and gradually in order to create an arched or rounded top to the arms of the chair shown in FIG. 6 .
- the box 100 is constructed by folding along each creased edge of square and laying the tabs from the back 23 inside the tabs from the front 24 against the outside sides of the chair 29 .
- the outer sections 22 are then folded over the top of the layered square sides and down to the base 28 .
- the rounded arm top created by the gradual folding of lines 14 become the inside top of the box sides with the spacer 15 flat against the base.
- the upper section 30 A of the end wall 30 has a perforated section, illustrated on FIG. 1A , to help form the seat portion of the sitting device.
- the seat is created by folding the bottom end wall 30 back along the crease lines 13 with sections 16 becoming the spacer and base support folded flat against the back and base, with its tab 17 folded separately up against the back.
- the upper square 26 is folded forward to become the top of the box and square 25 to become the front by slotting the locking tabs 32 from the front inside the aperture between exterior sides 22 and interior side panel 24 .
- the distance between the crease lines in the spacer sections 16 of the seat are equal to allow the seat to be supported flat and level at the front and the back of the seat or seat cushion whether in the form of a closed box or open as a chair.
- the front section 25 and top section 26 are lifted using the die cut indent 19 on the front panel and folded backward.
- the perforated line 12 within the top section 26 / 20 a is pressed through to separate and create the curved or shaped top of back of chair and allow the strips above and outside the perforation line to fold back independently along its short outer crease lines 13 b at the mid-point of the sides of the square.
- the locking tabs 32 are folded back in the opposite direction along their crease lines 13 a and slotted from the back inside the apertures 39 between exterior sides 29 and the layered interior side squares 24 .
- the seat may be lifted using the lifting tab 17 against the back and replaced in position once the accessory has been removed, with the depth of the seat still maintained by the spacers 16 .
- section 21 is a face to be printed as an outside back of the chair; sections 22 are faces to be printed as inside sides of the chair; sections 23 form the inside middle of box; sections 24 form the outside middle sides of the box; section 25 is a face to be printed as front of box; section 26 is a face to be printed as top of box; section 27 is a face to be printed as back of box; section 28 is a face to be printed as base of box; sections 29 are faces to be printed as sides of box or outside sides of chair; and section 30 a is a face to be printed as front of seat and while section 30 b is the seat (cushion) of chair.
- FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in which an additional section 43 with curved and angled tabs 35 are added to the top section 45 with curved and angled tabs in the blank 2 as shown in FIG. 9A .
- the orientation of the curved and angled tabs 35 is the opposite of 33 so that when folded along line 13 b they match.
- the indentation 19 of the first embodiment is replaced by a small oval 36 .
- the chair form of this embodiment has flat sides with no need for the creases and spacers which form the wider rounded arms of the first embodiment. Instead, the seat is die cut along angled lines 42 as shown in FIG.
- the spacers 15 and the partial fold lines 14 of the first embodiment are not required, and the folds 14 are replaced by a single 180° as shown in FIG. 9A .
- the small oval 36 is a die cut curved oval which when in closed box form with folded and doubled front face creates an indentation to facilitate lifting and opening of box.
- the box is constructed in the same process as in the first embodiment except that the top section 43 with locking tabs 35 is folded forward against the matching section 45 and its tabs 33 .
- the doubled tabs are then slotted together into the front side apertures 38 formed as described above to close and lock the box.
- the insides of the box and corresponding chair are created with flat sides by a 180° degree fold at the top of the arm 13 b .
- the seat and storage are then created with spacers as in the first embodiment and when folded in place holds the sides together.
- the seat in this embodiment with its angled sides holds the sides rigidly together with an aesthetically angled front arm from the top of the arms to the front of the seat.
- the squares may be printed as in the first embodiment to become the external faces of the box and the front of the box is created by the section 44 which is reversed at the back in its chair form.
- the front section and tabs 33 and 35 are lifted using the die cut indent 36 on the front panel and folded backward.
- the top square with its locking tabs 35 is folded back in the opposite direction along the crease lines 13 b and the tabs are folded in reverse and slotted from the back inside the apertures 39 between exterior sides and the layered interior side squares.
- the squares which form the chair back 37 a and 37 b may be printed to coordinate with the underside of the wing tabs 34 to create a continuous panorama or convey themes or messages across the back of the seat which are complementary to the doll.
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Abstract
A convertible cuboid box constructed from a printable and foldable blank that is engineered to be a container for a soft or flexible figure or doll and which converts in just two steps to be a scaled and proportioned armchair for storage, display of and play with same doll.
Description
- The invention relates to retail packaging, home storage, and display of and play with soft or flexible toy figurines and dolls, and use of packaging as a communication or consumer engagement medium.
- In the toy industry toys are customarily packaged in elaborate multi-piece boxes which are discarded on opening. Dolls, figures and soft toys are often removed and left loose or in piles when not being played with, unless capable of standing independently. Manufacturers and marketers are constantly seeking novel methods of packaging which distinguish their products on the shelf, provide distinctive branding and a communication medium appealing to consumers and add value to the products and experience associated with their toys. In an always extremely price-sensitive market, it is critical that any such innovations add only minimal cost of manufacturing and materials, if at all.
- In the greeting card industry publishers and marketers are often seeking formats for communication which are three dimensional, surprising and have novel added features which distinguish greetings from printed or digital media images and messages, and thereby increase the pleasure and satisfaction for recipients.
- In direct-to-consumer channels whether online, via catalog or location-based kiosks, retailers and marketers seek product, presentation and packaging options which may be customized and personalized without complexity with minimal added labor, time and expense required.
- What is needed, therefore, is a stylish, versatile, functional yet inexpensive to produce packaging format combined with a complementary doll, which may utilize only fully recyclable or recycled material.
- The invention is a convertible cuboid box constructed from a printable and foldable blank composed of a paper or cardboard (card) material, which may be solid or corrugated multilayer, engineered to be a box for a soft doll which converts in just two steps to be a scaled and proportioned armchair for storage, display of and play with the same doll is disclosed. The blank is designed and engineered to be assembled as an appealingly designed and printed box and converts simply to a surprisingly decorated armchair without the use of adhesives or any tools, added attachments or structural components.
- The blank template for manufacturing is designed for the box to be lightweight, inexpensive, assembled from a single sheet of card, printed both sides, die cut, and scored or creased to shape with a single perforated line, which may be separated by pressing through one face to create what then becomes the back of the chair, and is creased for easy construction and with reversal of the folds in top panels of box converts to a rigid, stable, and stylish form of chair. The squares of the blank sheet may be printed in a programmed design template so that the interior of the box either matches the exterior of the box, or so that the interior of the box which becomes the seat, arms, sides and back of the chair may be differently decorated to be complementary to each soft doll or its mood, style, theme or message associated with the doll. The soft doll may be any suitable toy such as an animal figure, such as a bear, or a humanoid, or fantasy creature, or the like.
- As a second embodiment and variation, the blank is designed and engineered so that the top panel of the box has folded and concealed wings which when opened become a “wingback” and wider triptych for printing of messages or a panoramic background when converted to the armchair form.
- Various alternative uses and features are also disclosed. The space under the seat may be used for storage or concealing in the box of an extra surprise item when lifted, such as a wearable clothing accessory or other attachable accessory for the doll or the chair itself. The top or the back of the chair may also be shaped in creative ways to complement the doll and the decoration of the chair, such as the outline of a fanciful head and ears. The external faces of the box and faces of the armchair may be printed and the soft doll designed or selected either to be styled for collectability or for play by children. Or it may function as a themed gift for all age groups, with the capability to display printed complementarily themed messages and images which may be humorous, serious or sentimental greetings on interior panels to function as a three-dimensional greeting card, with greater perceived value than a flat or pop-up card.
- The versatile convertible package is intended to promote collectability of multiple soft dolls and display of collections and facilitate play with and storage thereof. It is designed to be efficiently sold and shipped and displayed in conventionally sized pre-packed counter or shelf displays in regular retailer stores or promoted and sold individually direct-to-consumer online, in catalogs or on tv.
- In a preferred embodiment the boxes are 3 inch cubes, with the soft toys being approximately 5 inches tall, which allows an assortment to be pre-packed in regular 9 inch×12 inch groups. This conforms to a very popular and successful trend and promotional device in the toy industry of packaging small toys and collectibles in “blind” formats so that the contents of these affordably priced toys remain a surprise until purchased and multiple units are purchased to become collected sets.
- An alternative preferred embodiment which conforms to standard toy sizes is a 5″ cube box containing and 8″ long doll.
- A further objective of this versatile convertible package is to minimize material used in packaging and make the packaging an integral accessory to the doll contained therein so that it adds to the pleasure of the recipient and the perceived value of the gift or purchase, and remains in use and not discarded. It may further be manufactured entirely from recycled and/or recyclable material and assembled with no more labor cost than a conventional single purpose disposable box for a doll.
- The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale.
-
FIG. 1A is a plan view of one face of a blank template comprising squares for making the cuboid box of the first preferred embodiment, showing lines to die cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version indicated. -
FIG. 1B is a plan view of one face of a blank template comprising squares for making the cuboid box of the first preferred embodiment, showing lines to die cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version indicated -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the cuboid box formed from the blank ofFIGS. 1A and 1B . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the unprinted box ofFIG. 2 which is opened and partially re-folded to convert itself into an open chair scaled for a seated toy figure. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the box ofFIG. 2 containing an “understuffed” soft toy figure or doll scaled to fit the open chair. -
FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of the box formed from the template ofFIGS. 1A and 1B converted into the open chair ofFIG. 3 containing a seated “understuffed” soft toy figure or doll. -
FIG. 5B is a front perspective of the version of the chair created without a perforation line as detailed inFIG. 14 which converts to a lower flat back to the chair, with smaller printable space. -
FIG. 5C is a front perspective of a chair with an alternative shaped back created by styling and shaping the perforation line. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the right side section of the box ofFIG. 3 showing the die-cuts, folds and spacing which create the shaped arms of the chair, and the order of side squares to optimize the aesthetic appearance of the chair and the width of its arms. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the seat section of the box ofFIG. 3 showing its optional function in a preferred embodiment in which it may be used for storage of an accessory item for the soft toy figure or the chair. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the back of the chair ofFIG. 3 which is formed by pressing open along the perforation and folding along the perforated line on the back section shown in the blank ofFIG. 1A and 1B . -
FIG. 9A is a plan view of each face of a blank template composed of squares for making the cuboid box of the second preferred embodiment, showing lines to die-cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version with “wings” on back (“wingback”) indicated. -
FIG. 9B is a second plan view of each face of a blank template composed of squares for making the cuboid box of the second preferred embodiment, showing lines to die-cut, perforate, crease or score (crease) for folding, and square sections for printing inside and out in which correspond to the exposed faces outside and inside the box and chair version with “wings” on back (“wingback”) indicated. -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the box formed from the blank ofFIG. 9A and 9B when partially opened showing and unfolding tabs to create wings. -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the box ofFIG. 10 which is opened and re-folded to convert itself into an open chair scaled for a seated toy figure or doll, with a wide wingback to be decorated with a panorama or illustrated message. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a pre-packed shelf or counter display in a standard commercial size andconstruction 12 units of the cuboid box of the preferred embodiments as a cost-efficient and commercially appealing sales, shipping, merchandising and point-of-sale format. -
FIG. 13 is the plan view of a blank template comprising squares for making the rectangular cuboid box in a preferred embodiment, showing those parallel elongated edges which allow the box to be converted to a sofa or “love-seat” for paired dolls. -
FIG. 14 shows the square section of the same blank ofFIGS. 1A and 1B without the perforation line which unfolds and converts to create the lower backed armchair ofFIG. 5B . -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the device converted into a chair showing the front and side of the chair. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the device converted into a chair showing the back and side of the chair. - The present invention will now be described more fully in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
- The invention is a
convertible cuboid 100 that is formed from a single sheet of printable paper or card material, solid or corrugated multilayer. The single sheet, or blank 2, is die cut along straight line edges 11 and curved line edges 10, scored or creased along creasedlines 13 and perforated according to a flat template. Once the single sheet is cut, creased, and perforated is may be simply folded, without requiring adhesives, to form either a cuboid when closed or a sitting device, such as a chair or couch, when open and converted. The closed cuboid is capable of containing a flexible figure ordoll 40, and when opened and converted thedevice 100 is correctly scaled for the doll and a permanent themed and attractive display and storage accessory for the doll. In the first embodiment, the sitting device resembles a conventional armchair with a styled back. In the second embodiment, the sitting device is wingback styled chair, with wider winged panels which together with the chair back may display panoramic background scenes or messages on a triptych. - In each embodiment, the width may be enlarged relative to the depth and height to form a rectangular cuboid shaped box which converts into a wider seat resembling a “love-seat” or sofa, capable of containing and seating a pair of scaled flexible dolls. The inside faces may be designed and printed to coordinate with the exterior faces of the box, or to surprisingly contrast, or to portray a themed setting or to display a themed and decorated message. The seat may be lifted to expose a
storage space 41, for example as shown inFIG. 7 , containing, in some variations, a hidden surprise accessory for the doll, such as an item of apparel or an article to be held by the doll or attached to the chair. - The size of each cuboid is not limited but a preferred embodiment is a 3″ cube containing a 5″ soft doll, of which 12 units may be pre-packed together in 12″×9″ countertop displays D as shown in
FIG. 12 , in an attractive, versatile and effective display for retailers and a cost-efficient packaging and shipping format for manufacturers. In a case of a 3″ cube, the storage space is likely to be approximately 1″ in depth with a length, i.e. distance from front of the chair to the back of the chair, of approximately 3″ and a width, i.e. distance from one side of the chair to the other, of between approximately 2″ inches and 3″ depending on the width and style of the chair arms. - An additional advantage of each of the embodiments is that the flat printable cuboid may be quickly printed for assembly using a standard printer connected to a driver with a programmed template to allow personalized and customized options and versions of the doll and cuboid. This facilitates online order capture and location-based production in a kiosk, with blanks either printed entirely or partially pre-printed for completion with added photo or name personalization of box and doll.
-
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a standard template for the blank 2, with the blank formed into a closed cuboid inFIG. 2 and converted into a sitting device, in this case a chair, inFIGS. 15 and 16 . The blank is cut along a number oflines 11 to form, at a minimum, a base 28 from which two sidewalls 29 and twoend walls sidewalls 29 includeinner sections 29A andouter sections 22 that are connected to one another by side wall creasedsections 14. Thebottom end wall 30 is connected to aleft tab 24 and aright tab 24, and has aninner section 30A and anouter section 30B, theouter section 30B being anextension tab 30B. Theinner section 30A andouter section 30B being created along creasedlines 13 so that they may be folded or folded to form either one of the closed walls of the cuboid or to serve as the seat in the sitting device. Thetop end wall 27 includes aright tab 23 and aleft tab 23 and anextension tab 26. - To create a closed cuboid shown in
FIG. 2 theleft tab 23 and theright tab 23 of thetop end wall 27 are folded inward along the creasedlines 13, theleft tab 24 and theright tab 24 of thebottom end wall 30 are folded inward along the creasedlines 13, and then thetop end wall 27 andbottom end wall 30 are folded upward along creasedlines 13, loosely forming four sides of the cuboid. Next, theleft sidewall 29 andright sidewall 29 are folded upward, approximately 90 degrees, along creasedlines 13 and then theouter sections 22 are bent or folded roughly 180 degree overinner sections 29A of each of theleft side wall 29 and theright side wall 29 along the respective side wall creasedsections 14 to form two sides of the cuboid and createapertures 38 between theouter sections 22 and theinner sections 29A on both a front side and a back side of the cuboid. Finally, either or both of the top end wall'sextension tab 26 and the bottom end wall'sextension tab 30B extend over the top side walls and end walls to cover the cuboid. - To create a sitting device as shown in
FIGS. 15 and 16 theleft tab 23 and theright tab 23 of thetop end wall 27 are bent or folded inward along the creasedlines 13, theleft tab 24 and theright tab 24 of thebottom end wall 30 are folded inward along the creasedlines 13, and then thetop end wall 27 andbottom end wall 30 are bent or folded upward along creasedlines 13, loosely forming four sides of the cuboid. Next, theleft sidewall 29 andright sidewall 29 are bent or folded upward, approximately 90 degrees, along creasedlines 13 and then theouter sections 22 are bent or folded roughly 180 degree overinner sections 29A of each of theleft side wall 29 and theright side wall 29 along the respective side wall creasedsections 14 to form two sides of the sitting device, effectively acting as arm rests as well, and createapertures 38 between theouter sections 22 and theinner sections 29 on both a front side and a back side of the cuboid. Finally, the top end wall's 27extension tab 26 is extended upward to form a back of the sitting device and the bottom end wall's 30extension tab 30B is folded inward to form a seat in the sitting device. - To secure the
convertible cuboid 100 in either of the closed cuboid or sitting device configuration without the need of additional accessories or adhesives the blank 2 is formed to include a securingtab 25 that is connected to the top end wall's 27extension tab 26. The securing tab includes a pair of lockingtabs 32 that are curved and angled tabs, the shape of which facilitates locking rigidly into theapertures 38 and secures the shape as, generally, a box or as a chair. More specifically, to secure thedevice 100 in the shape of a closed cuboid thetop end wall 27 extends upward, theextension tab 26 extends over the top of the cuboid, the securing tab extends downward on a front side of the cuboid and the locking tabs are inserted into theapertures 38 from the front side of the cuboid. To secure thedevice 100 in the form of a chair theextension tab 26 extends upward and theextension tab 26 andclosing tab 25 are bent or folded behind the sitting device so as to allow thelocking tabs 32 to be inserted into and secured in the apertures from a back side of thedevice 100. Theextension tab 26 may include aperforated section 31 that allows a part of thetab 26 to bend downward while another portion remains upright. -
FIGS. 1-8 illustrate a first embodiment of theconvertible cuboid 100, in which the blank 2 may most simply be considered as comprising equallysized squares 3 of which the edges are the same length as the external sides or faces in its box and chair forms. The squares in the blank on each of its sides are identified to correspond tosquares 3 in a template for a printer which allows the overall design and orientation of the image in each square 3 to be programmed via conventional means to correspond to the faces which become the outside of the box and the inside and outside faces which are revealed when the box is opened, partially re-folded and converted into a chair. - In that process, by way of example, 20 b is the lower square back of the chair and the inside of what was the top section, or cover section, 26 is exposed as 20 a and becomes the inside back of the chair with its shaped top at the
perforation line 12 and its side strips above the perforation folding behind, or at thefold 13 b in the lower flat backed version as shown inFIG. 14 . In this regard, the inside back of thechair 20 a and the lower square back 20 b are faces to be printed as the inside back of the chair. The underside front section, or closing section, 25 becomes theoutside back 21 of the chair, which may also have a printed image. - As previously noted, the blank 2 is die cut along
straight lines 11 to create exterior edges. Cuttingstraight lines 11 along three edges ofupper tabs 23 andlower tabs 24 leaves thecenter base 28 which becomes the base of the box and the corresponding chair. Theside walls 29 are connected to and extend away from thecenter base 28, each of theside walls 29 is connected to the base by a creasedsection 13. Thetop end wall 27 and thebottom end wall 30 are also connected to thecenter base 28 by creasedsections 13. - In addition to right
upper tabs 23 and leftupper tabs 23, thetop end wall 27 is connected to thecover section 26 that is in turn connected to theclosing section 25. Theclosing section 25 is attached to lockingtabs 32 that are curved and angled tabs, the shape of which facilitates locking rigidly as a box and as a chair. In either configuration, as a box or a chair, the blank 2 may be solid color printed on both sides to blend with the box and chair surface printing. In addition tolower right tab 24 and lowerleft tab 24, thebottom end wall 30 has anupper section 30A and alower section 30B. Theside walls 29 haveinner sections 29A and outer 22 sections that are connected by creasedsections 14, which may include multiple creases as indicated by three dottedlines 14 inFIG. 1 so as to create curved and wider arm tops of chair. - The blank 2 is also die cut along
curved lines 18 to create the curved top fronts of the arms of the seat and establishing the width and spacing indicated in detail inFIG. 6 . The blank 2 is further die cut along curved andangled edges 10 creating the shape of the lockingtabs 32 which facilitates their being slotted snugly into theapertures 38 under theside walls 29 in front to tightly hold closed the box without need of adhesives with theindentation 19 at the bottom front to facilitate subsequently lifting for exposure of doll and conversion to chair. - The blank 2 is perforated along a shaped
line 12 to create thecover section 26 that serves as a solid singlesquare face 26 on top of thebox 100 in its closed form. When opened and converted the perforation on thisface 20 a is pressed through to release the perforated edge, becoming a creatively styled top of the back of the chair, best shown inFIGS. 5A and 5C , with the balance of the square 20 a folded to reinforce the back of the seat and allow the curved andangled tabs 32 to perfectly extend to and slot snugly into theapertures 39, shown inFIG. 8 , in back under thesides 29 of the chair to complete the conversion to chair with a locked, stable and rigid back. In an alternative embodiment shown inFIG. 14 the perforation is not required and the back is simply folded along thecrease 13 b straight across the middle of square 20 a to create a lower straight armchair back. - The blank 2 is creased along the straight uncut edges of
squares 13 each to be folded just ninety degrees as square sides of thebox 100, and in somecases 13 a after subsequently opening and partially refolding to convert the box to a chair. The blank is creased along edges ofsections 16 to allow the seat to sit higher than the base with a space the width between itscreases 13. The blank 2 is creased alonglines 15 to create a spacer section to fold outwards 90° flat on the base to support and maintain the width of the arms of the chair. The blank 2 is creased alongparallel lines 14 each to be folded partially and gradually in order to create an arched or rounded top to the arms of the chair shown inFIG. 6 . - The
box 100 is constructed by folding along each creased edge of square and laying the tabs from the back 23 inside the tabs from the front 24 against the outside sides of thechair 29. Theouter sections 22 are then folded over the top of the layered square sides and down to thebase 28. The rounded arm top created by the gradual folding oflines 14 become the inside top of the box sides with thespacer 15 flat against the base. Theupper section 30A of theend wall 30 has a perforated section, illustrated onFIG. 1A , to help form the seat portion of the sitting device. Specifically, the seat is created by folding thebottom end wall 30 back along the crease lines 13 withsections 16 becoming the spacer and base support folded flat against the back and base, with itstab 17 folded separately up against the back. Theupper square 26 is folded forward to become the top of the box and square 25 to become the front by slotting the lockingtabs 32 from the front inside the aperture betweenexterior sides 22 andinterior side panel 24. - The distance between the crease lines in the
spacer sections 16 of the seat are equal to allow the seat to be supported flat and level at the front and the back of the seat or seat cushion whether in the form of a closed box or open as a chair. - To open and convert the box to its chair form, the
front section 25 andtop section 26 are lifted using the die cutindent 19 on the front panel and folded backward. Theperforated line 12 within thetop section 26/20 a is pressed through to separate and create the curved or shaped top of back of chair and allow the strips above and outside the perforation line to fold back independently along its shortouter crease lines 13 b at the mid-point of the sides of the square. The lockingtabs 32 are folded back in the opposite direction along theircrease lines 13 a and slotted from the back inside theapertures 39 betweenexterior sides 29 and the layeredinterior side squares 24. - To access the
storage space 41, shown inFIG. 7 , and reveal the surprise accessory under the seat once in seat form, which is a preferred or optional variation, the seat may be lifted using thelifting tab 17 against the back and replaced in position once the accessory has been removed, with the depth of the seat still maintained by thespacers 16. - In short,
section 21 is a face to be printed as an outside back of the chair;sections 22 are faces to be printed as inside sides of the chair;sections 23 form the inside middle of box;sections 24 form the outside middle sides of the box;section 25 is a face to be printed as front of box;section 26 is a face to be printed as top of box;section 27 is a face to be printed as back of box;section 28 is a face to be printed as base of box;sections 29 are faces to be printed as sides of box or outside sides of chair; and section 30 a is a face to be printed as front of seat and while section 30 b is the seat (cushion) of chair. - Each of these same features, methods, processes and options apply to preferred variations with an elongated width along
parallel edges 31 which convert to and form a couch or “love-seat” for pairs of dolls from rectangular cuboid boxes as shown inFIG. 13 . -
FIGS. 9-11 illustrate a second embodiment of the device according to the invention in which anadditional section 43 with curved andangled tabs 35 are added to the top section 45 with curved and angled tabs in the blank 2 as shown inFIG. 9A . The orientation of the curved andangled tabs 35 is the opposite of 33 so that when folded alongline 13 b they match. In this embodiment there is no perforation line in 43 as there is in the corresponding square 20 a in the first embodiment. Theindentation 19 of the first embodiment is replaced by asmall oval 36. The chair form of this embodiment has flat sides with no need for the creases and spacers which form the wider rounded arms of the first embodiment. Instead, the seat is die cut alongangled lines 42 as shown inFIG. 9B so that in its chair form the seat widens to the back to the width of the box. Thespacers 15 and thepartial fold lines 14 of the first embodiment are not required, and thefolds 14 are replaced by a single 180° as shown inFIG. 9A . Thesmall oval 36 is a die cut curved oval which when in closed box form with folded and doubled front face creates an indentation to facilitate lifting and opening of box. - In this second embodiment the box is constructed in the same process as in the first embodiment except that the
top section 43 with lockingtabs 35 is folded forward against the matching section 45 and itstabs 33. The doubled tabs are then slotted together into thefront side apertures 38 formed as described above to close and lock the box. The insides of the box and corresponding chair are created with flat sides by a 180° degree fold at the top of thearm 13 b. The seat and storage are then created with spacers as in the first embodiment and when folded in place holds the sides together. The seat in this embodiment with its angled sides holds the sides rigidly together with an aesthetically angled front arm from the top of the arms to the front of the seat. The squares may be printed as in the first embodiment to become the external faces of the box and the front of the box is created by thesection 44 which is reversed at the back in its chair form. - To open and convert the box to its wingback chair form, the front section and
tabs indent 36 on the front panel and folded backward. The top square with itslocking tabs 35 is folded back in the opposite direction along the crease lines 13 b and the tabs are folded in reverse and slotted from the back inside theapertures 39 between exterior sides and the layered interior side squares. The squares which form the chair back 37 a and 37 b may be printed to coordinate with the underside of thewing tabs 34 to create a continuous panorama or convey themes or messages across the back of the seat which are complementary to the doll. - It is understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention. Variations in the construction of the convertible cuboid container may be contemplated by one skilled in the art without limiting the intended scope of the invention herein disclosed and as defined by the following claims.
Claims (12)
1: A convertible cuboid container comprising:
a blank cut to form a base from which at least four walls extend, the at least four walls including a left side wall, a right side wall, a top end wall, and a bottom end wall;
each of the left side wall and the right side wall including an outer section and an inner section that are connected to one another by side wall creased sections;
each of the bottom end wall and the top end wall are connected to a left tab, a right tab, and an extension tab, each of the tabs connected to the respective end wall by end wall creased sections;
wherein to form a closed cuboid the top end wall's left tab and right tab are folded inward along the end wall creased sections, the bottom end wall's left tab and right tab are folded inward along the end wall creased sections, and the top end wall and bottom end wall are folded upward along end wall creased sections, the left sidewall and right sidewall are folded upward along the sidewall creased sections and then the outer sections are folded over the inner sections of each of the left side wall and the right side wall along the side wall creased sections to form two sides of the closed cuboid and create apertures between the outer sections and the inner sections on both a front side and a back side of the closed cuboid, and the bottom end wall and the top end wall extend upward in a vertically oriented direction to form end walls of the closed cuboid, and either or both of the top end wall's extension tab and the bottom end wall's extension tab extend over a top of the closed cuboid to cover the closed cuboid; and
wherein to form a sitting device the top end wall's left tab and right tab are folded inward along the end wall creased sections, the bottom end wall's left tab and right tab are folded inward along the end wall creased sections, the top end wall and bottom end wall are folded upward along the end wall creased sections, the left sidewall and right sidewall are folded upward along the side wall creased sections and the outer sections are folded over the inner sections of each of the left side wall and the right side wall along the respective side wall creased sections to form two sides of the sitting device and create apertures between the outer sections and the inner sections on both a front side and a back side of the sitting device, the top end wall's extension tab is extended upward to form a back of the sitting device and the bottom end wall's extension tab is folded inward to form a seat in the sitting device.
2: The convertible cuboid container of claim 1 , wherein the top end wall's extension tab is connected to a closing wall that has a right locking tab and a left locking tab, and wherein the locking tabs fit in the apertures.
3: The convertible cuboid container of claim 2 , wherein when the convertible cuboid container is in the form of a closed cuboid the locking tabs are inserted into the apertures from the front side of the closed cuboid and wherein when the convertible cube container is in the form of a sitting device the locking tabs are inserted into the apertures from the back side of the sitting device.
4: The convertible cuboid container of claim 1 , wherein the closing wall includes a perforated section that extends upward as an extended back when the convertible cuboid container is in the form of a sitting device.
5: The convertible cuboid container of claim 1 , wherein the bottom end wall's extension tab includes in upper segment and a lower segment and wherein the bottom end wall's extension tab's upper segment includes a perforated section that folds inward towards an inner portion of the convertible cuboid and wherein the bottom end wall's extension tab's lower section includes two creased lines that allow the bottom end wall's extension tab's lower section to be a spacer above the base.
6: The convertible cuboid container of claim 5 , wherein the base and the at least four walls are sized to contain a toy when the convertible cuboid container is in the form of a closed cuboid and to serve as a seat for the toy when the convertible cuboid container is in the form of a sitting device.
7: The convertible cuboid container of claim 6 , wherein the spacer is sized to store a toy accessory beneath the seat and wherein the seat is openable so as to allow access to the toy accessory.
8: A convertible cuboid container comprising:
a blank cut to form a base from which at least four walls extend, the at least four walls including a left side wall, a right side wall, a top end wall, and a bottom end wall;
each of the left side wall and the right side wall including an outer section and an inner section that are connected to one another by side wall creased sections;
each of the bottom end wall and the top end wall are connected to a left tab, a right tab, and an extension tab, each of the tabs connected to the respective end wall by end wall creased sections;
wherein the top end wall's left tab and right tab are folded upward along the end wall creased sections, the bottom end wall's left tab and right tab are folded upward along the end wall creased sections, and the top end wall and bottom end wall are folded upward along end wall creased sections, the left sidewall and right sidewall are folded upward along the sidewall creased sections and the outer sections are folded over the inner sections of each of the left side wall and the right side wall along the side wall creased sections to form two sides of the convertible cuboid container cuboid and create apertures between the outer sections and the inner sections on both a front side and a back side of the convertible cuboid container, the bottom end wall and the top end wall extend upward in a vertically oriented direction to form end walls of the convertible cuboid container, and either or both of the top end wall's extension tab and the bottom end wall's extension tab extend over the top side walls and end walls to cover the convertible cuboid container; and
wherein to convert the convertible cuboid container into a sitting device the top end wall's extension tab is extended upward to form a back of the sitting device and the bottom end wall's extension tab is folded inward to form a seat in the sitting device.
9: The convertible cuboid container of claim 8 , wherein the top end wall's extension tab is connected to a closing wall that has a right locking tab and a left locking tab, each of the locking tabs sized and shaped to fit in the apertures; and
wherein when the convertible cuboid container is in the form of a closed cuboid the locking tabs are inserted into the apertures from a front side of the convertible cuboid container and wherein when the convertible cuboid container is in the form of a sitting device the locking tabs are inserted into the apertures from a back side of the convertible cuboid container.
10: The convertible cuboid container of claim 9 , wherein the bottom end wall's extension tab includes in upper segment and a lower segment and wherein the bottom end wall's extension tab's upper segment includes a perforated section that folds inward towards an inner portion of the convertible cuboid and wherein the bottom end wall's extension tab's lower section includes two creased lines that allow the bottom end wall's extension tab's lower section to be a spacer above the base such that the bottom end wall's extension tab is a seat of the sitting device.
11: The convertible cuboid container of claim 10 , wherein the base and the at least four walls are sized to contain a toy when the convertible cuboid container is in a closed cuboid form and to be a seat for the toy when the convertible cuboid container is in the form of a sitting device.
12: The convertible cuboid container of claim 11 , wherein the spacer is sized to store a toy accessory beneath the seat and wherein the seat portion is openable so as to allow access to the toy accessory.
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US11672346B2 (en) * | 2022-10-14 | 2023-06-13 | Two in Ten Holdings Inc. | Collapsible outdoor seating with hinge assemblies |
US11958658B1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2024-04-16 | Foldables LLC | Flat packaging and packaging methods |
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US3889868A (en) * | 1973-10-15 | 1975-06-17 | Liberty Carton Co | Mail handling container |
US4168028A (en) * | 1978-05-19 | 1979-09-18 | Mack-Chicago Corporation | Shipping box for coats |
US6840437B2 (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2005-01-11 | Waterson Corp. | Box formed from a foldable blank sheet |
US20170001751A1 (en) * | 2015-07-01 | 2017-01-05 | Generation Tux, Inc. | Shoe packaging systems and methods |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11958658B1 (en) * | 2020-01-22 | 2024-04-16 | Foldables LLC | Flat packaging and packaging methods |
US11672346B2 (en) * | 2022-10-14 | 2023-06-13 | Two in Ten Holdings Inc. | Collapsible outdoor seating with hinge assemblies |
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