US3512699A - Container with locking cover - Google Patents

Description

May 19, 1970 R. K. W|LSON 3,51 ,69

CONTAINER WITH LOCKING COVER Filed May 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY y 9, 1970 R. K. WILSON 3,512,699

CONTAINER WITH LOCKING COVER Filed May 15, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

Pa] in. M75072 May 19, 1970 K. IL N 3,512,699

CONTAINER WITH LOCKING COVER 7 Filed May 15, 1968 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG.6

FIG] FIG.8 9

71 67 13 4 3 12 112 "J CZYIJE$ h 214+ 154 I Z 206 212 3a In F"! I' Z2" 4.4 if JQIHI I C23 if I 26 ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,512,699 CONTAINER WITH LOCKING COVER Roy K. Wilson, Tampa, Fla, assignor, by mesne assignments, to Allied Container Corporation, Tampa, Fla., a corporation of Florida Filed May 15, 1968, Ser. No. 729,220 Int. Cl. B65d 5/02, /00

US. Cl 22945 20 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A box having a body portion, a bottom, and upstanding generally opposed side walls including a pair of body flaps having first portions respectively attached to a pair of opposed side walls by fold lines adjacent the upper edges thereof and lying in a generally horizontal plane extending inwardly of the box perimeter. Each of the body flaps includes a re-entrant portion folded on a score line spaced from and generally parallel to the wall upper edge and respectively underlying the first portions of the body flaps and extending outwardly from the score line to a position adjacent the inner surface of the pair of opposed side walls. The pair of opposed side walls are further provided with a slot positioned closely adjacent their upper edge and each re-entrant portion of the body flaps includes a locking tab. The locking tabs are positioned in respective slots in the pair of opposed side walls and extend therethrough outwardly beyond the side walls, these tabs are adapted and arranged to be engaged by portions of a cover closing the body portion thereby locking the cover thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the invention This invention relates to a novel and improved construction for boxes and is particularly adapted for use in connection with boxes for transporting fruit and vegetables. More particularly this invention is directed to novel and improved means for closing and locking such a box and for impeding and detecting unauthorized opening of such a box or container.

Corrugated or kraft board is commonly employed in the construction of boxes, and the blanks therefor, for use in the transportation or storage of produce and the like. Such fiberboard typically comprises a pair of spaced apart, parallel, flat liner sheets between which is engaged and adhesively secured a corrugating medium which imparts strength to the overall constructionqsuch. a construction of fiberboard is commonly referred to in the trade as single wall corrugated board. While the present invention is particularly adapted to boxes constructed of single wall corrugated board, it will be understood by, as well as apparent to, those skilled in the art that double wall corrugated board or other suitable material may be used in the construction of a box or container incorporating this invention.

In boxes of the type described, it is a known method of fabrication to cut and stamp a flat piece of corrugated board to provide a box blank. The finished blank includes score or fold lines and incized or cut portions defining, at least the walls or side and end panels of the main body of the box. The blank is usually shipped flat to the packing plant, where it is then erected for use by folding along the fold lines and securing portion of the blank in a suitable manner to provide the body of the box, which might by way of example be hollow and rectangular in shape. The box body, after such erection or sitting up may comprise a rectangular tube open at both its top and bottom. In other cases the blank may be fabricated so that the set up box body is provided with integral and connected flaps "ice which may be folded and secured such as to close one or both of the top and bottom of the box. This invention is concerned with boxes of the type or construction wherein a separate closure member or cover is provided for closing the top of the box body.

Where a separate closure member is provided for the top of the box body it is desirable to provide means to connect the top closure member or cover to the body in a secure manner so as to prevent or impede accidental opening of the box and spilling of the contents. However, in certain instances it is also desirable that there be provided means for determining unauthorized opening of the box or pilfering of its contents.

Description of the prior art There have in the past been many boxes and box arrangements provided with tops or cover portions which are secured or locked to the box body portion, and in which locking tabs have been provided on the box body portion for locking the cover portion thereto. One such piror art box arrangement is generally disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,195,798. Applicants invention herein disclosed is an improvement over such prior art boxes and box arrangements, as shown for example, in the above-mentioned patent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to provide a box of the general class described having a separate closure member for the top of the box body, and novel and improved means for securing the closure member to the box body so as not only to prevent unintentional or accidental opening of the box but also to provide means for detecting if there has been any unauthorized opening of the box.

A further object of this invention is to provide locking tabs for a box cover which will automatically engage the cover as the same is placed in position on the box body thereby to provide quick and secure closure of the box.

Another object of the instant invention is to provide a box having a cover in which it is difiicult to remove the cover once it has been placed in position on the box.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a box in which the locking means for the cover thereof are formed from the fiberboard material forming the box and its cover.

These objects are in general attained by providing a box having a body portion, a bottom, and generally opposed and upstanding outer side walls including a pair of body flaps respectively attached to a pair of opposed side walls by fold lines adjacent their upper edges. The pair of body flaps lie in a generally horizontal plane and extend inwardly of the box perimeter and each includes a locking tab. Each of a pair of outer side walls is provided with a slot positioned closely adjacent its upper edge and being so arranged to receive thereinto a respective locking tab. Each of the locking tabs is positioned in and through the respective slots and extends outwardly therethrough and beyond the side walls, these tabs are adapted and arranged to be engaged by portions of a cover closing the body portion thereby locking the cover thereto. I

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for the box body and bottom constructed in accordance with this invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a blank for the box cover constructed in accord With the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view, portions thereof broken away, showing the box comprising the blank of FIGS. 1 and 2, fully set up;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the blank of FIG. 1 in a partially set up condition;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the blank of FIG. 2 in a partially set up condition;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 66 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 77 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 9 showing the folding of the top flap of the body of the box; and

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the box top in position on the body of the box.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings in detail, and in particular to FIG. 1 thereof, there is provided an integral pre-cut and pre-sco-red blank 10 for erecting and setting up into the body 12 and bottom 14 portions of a box 16. Blank 10 is cut from a substantially rectangular sheet of single walled corrugated fiberboard with a minimum of waste. The broken lines 18 generally indicate crease lines scored on blank 10, while the full lines 20 generally indicate cut lines stamped on blank 10. In accordance with this invention integral blank 10 includes a body portion 12, and a bottom portion 14 of a completed box 16, including a locking cover portion 22. Blank 10 further includes a body or top flap portion 24; all portions being more particularly described hereinbelow.

Body portion 12 of the blank 10 includes four Wall panels 26, 28, and 32. End wall panel 26 is connected to side wall panel 28 by wall angle fold line 34; side wall panel 28 is connected to end wall panel 30 by wall angle fold line 36; and side wall panel 32 is connected to end wall panel 30 by wall angle fold line 38. Additionally attached to side wall panel 32 is flap or panel 40 connected by wall angle fold line 42, which is adapted to be glued or stapled, such as at 44, to end wall panel 26 to form and maintain blank 10 in a collapsed container condition. End wall panel 26 includes a pair of side edges 46 and 48; side wall panel 28 has a pair of side edges 50 and 52; end Wall panel 30 includes a pair of side edges 54 and 56; and side wall panel 32 includes a pair of side edges 58 and 60; all of the panel side edges 46 through 60 being substantially paralel to wall angle fold lines 34, 36, 38 and 42.

The bottom portion 14 of container blank 10 comprises bottom panels 62, 64, 66 and 68. Bottom end panel 62 is connected to the lower edge 70 of end wall panel 26 by a fold line 72, which fold line 72 is adjacent the upper edge 74 of bottom end panel 62. Attached to the lower edges 76 of side wall panel 28 and by fold line 78 is bottom side panel 64; the fold line 78 being adjacent the upper edge 80 of bottom side panel 64. Bottom end panel 66 is attached to side end panel 30 adjacent its lower edge 82 by fold line 84; which fold line is adjacent the upper edge 86 of bottom end panel 66. Connected to side wall panel 32 adjacent its lower edge 88 and by fold line 90 is bottom side panel 68. Fold line '90 is adjacent the upper edge 92 of this bottom side panel 68. Fold lines 72, 78, 84 and 90' are substantially perpendicular to wall angle fold lines 34, 36, 38 and 42. Bottom end panel 62 has a pair of side edges 94 and 96 and a lower edge 98. Bottom side panel has included therein a lower edge 100 and a pair of side edges 102 and 104. A lower edge 106 is included in bottom end panel 66 as well as a pair of side edges 108 and 110. Bottom side panel 68 is provided with a pair of side edges 112 and 114 and a lower edge 116.

The upper or flap portion 24 of blank 10 includes four body flaps 118, 120, 122 and 124. Body flap or flap first portion 118 is connected adjacent the upper edge 126 of wall panel 26 by means of a fold line 128 closely adjacent the lower edge 130 of flap 118. Flap 120 is connected to side wall panel 28 by means of fold line 132 adjacent the upper edge 134 of panel 28 and closely adjacent the lower edge 136 of flap 120. Attached to the upper edge 138 of the end wall panel 30 is a body flap or flap first portion 122; the connection being made by fold line 140 which is positioned closely adjacent the lower edge 142 of end flap 122. Side flap 124 is connected to side wall panel 32 by fold line 144, which is adjacent the upper edge 146 of panel 32 and adjacent the lower edge 148 of flap 124. Side flap 124 includes an upper edge 150 and a pair of upwardly and inwardly sloping side edges 152, 154. End flap 122 includes two inwardly and upwardly sloping side edges 156 and 158, and a second or upper portion, described as a re-entrant portion 160, attached to the first flap portion or body flap 122 by means of a fold line 162. Locking flap or re-entrant portion 160 of body flap first portion 122 has upwardly and outwardly sloping side edges 164 and 166 and an upper edge 168 which includes a pair of locking tabs 170 and 172. Side flap 120 has an upper edge 174 and two upwardly and inwardly inclined side edges 176 and 178. Body flap 118 includes two inwardly and upwardly sloping side edges 180 and 182, and a locking flap or re-entrant portion 184 attached theretoby fold line 186. Re-entrant portion or locking flap 184 of body flap first portion 118 has a pair of upwardly and outwardly sloping side edges 188 and 190 and an upper edge 192 which is provided with a pair of locking tabs 194 and 196.

End wall panels 26 and 30 are provided with respective elongated hand holds 198 and 200 such that the box can be easily grasped, lifted and moved by hand. Also end wall panel 26 is provided with a pair of elongated slots or openings 202 and 204 having respective slits 206, 208 and 210, 212 extending downwardly from the ends thereof, arranged to receive respective locking tabs 194 and 196 of flap 118 and re-entrant portion 184 thereof, see FIGS. 8 and 9. Additionally end wall panel 30 is provided with similar elongated slots or openings 214 and 216 adapted to respectively receive locking tabs 170 and 172 of flap 122 and re-entrant portion 160 thereof, see FIG. 3. Slits 224, 218 and 220, 222 extend downwardly respectively from the ends of slots 214 and 216. Slits 206, 208 and 210, 212 form respective hinge shoulders 207 and 211 therebetween within end wall panel 26, which shoulders define the lower edge of respective slits 202 and 204. Shoulders 207 and 211 are pivotable and deformable outwardly of the plane of end wall 26 upon insertion of locking tabs 194 and 196 into and through respective slots 202 and 204; these shoulders resume their normal positions within the plane of the end wall after insertion of the tabs into the slots to aid in retaining the tabs within the slots, see FIGS. 9 and 10. In similar fashion slits 224, 218 and 220, 222 within end wall panel 30 form respective hinged shoulders 217 and 221 which define the lower edge of respective slots 214 and 216. Shoulders 217 and 221 are deformable and pivotable outwardly of the plane of end wall 30 upon insertion of locking tabs 170 and 172 into and through respective slots 214 and 216, shoulders 217 and 219 resuming their normal positions within the plane of the end wall after insertion of the tabs into the slots to aid in retaining same within the slots.

The corrugations 226 within corrugated fiberboard blank 10 extend in a generally vertical direction and are generally perpendicular to fold lines 128, 132, 140 and 144 to thereby stiffen the locking tabs 170, 172, 194 and 196 and provide bending resistance thereto when they are engaged within their respective slots. Additionally the vertically extending corrugations 226 stiffen, strengthen and provide bending resistance to shoulders 207, 211, 217 and 221.

To form blank 19 into a collapsed, open-topped con tainer, blank is first folded upwardly along fold line 36 and along fold line 42. Flap 40 is then positioned adjacent the inside of wall panel 26 such that fold line 42 and side edge 46 of wall panel 26 are closely parallel. Flap 40 is secured to the inside of wall panel 26 by any of a number of suitable means, such as by stapling, as at 44, or gluing, and a collapsed container is formed as known in the art. The container normally is fabricated to this collapsed condition and shipped to the location where it is to be used and/or stored until it is desired to put the container into use, at which time the collapsed container is erected into its usable form.

Turning now to the cover 22 of box 16 (see FIG. 3), the blank for the cover is generally indicated by reference numeral 11 in FIG. 2. Blank 11 as in the case of blank 10 previously described is shown in its finished form, having been cut from a piece of single wall corrugated fiberboard to provide the desired peripheral outline. Blank 11 is also provided with crease of fold lines 18 and incisions or cut lines 20 which are indicated in the same manner as in the blank of FIG. 1. More particularly, blank 11 includes a center panel 13 of rectangular plan and defined by fold lines 15, 17, 19 and 21. The blank further includes a pair of side panels or walls 23 and 25 respectively connected to center panel 13 by fold lines 17 and 21. Side panel or wall 23 further includes a pair of end or anchor flaps 27 and 29 respectively attached to the opposite ends of side wall 23 by means of fold lines 31 and 33. Fold lines 31 and 33 are respectively spaced inwardly from fold lines 15 and 19 a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the fiberboard from which the blank is fabricated for reasons which will be hereinafter apparent. End or anchor flaps 27 and 29 are respectively provided with notched or cutout portions at 35 and 37, the purpose of which will hereinafter become apparent. In like manner side panel or wall 25 has a pair of end or anchor flaps 39 and 41 attached to its opposite ends by means of respective fold lines 43 and 45 which are spaced inwardly of adjacent fold lines 15 and 19 a distance substantially equal to the thickness ofthe fiberboard from which the blank is cut. Anchor flaps 39 and 41 are respectively provided with notched or cut-out portions 47 and 49. The length of each anchor flap 27, 29, 39 and 41 is no greater than one-half the width of center panel 13 for purposes as will be more fully explained hereinbelow.

Cover blank 11 further comprises a pair of end walls or panels 51 and 53 respectively attached to the opposite ends thereof by means of respective fold line 15 and 19. The width of end panels 51 and 53 is approximately equal to the width of side walls or panels 23 and 25. The outer or lower edge of end wall 51, 53 is defined by a respective fold line 55, 57 extending parallel to fold lines 15 and 19. Blank 11 is further provided with fold lines 59 and 61 extending parallel to fold lines 55 and 57 and spaced therefrom on the sides opposite panel 13 a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the blank. Fold line 59 hingedly connects to end wall 51. an inner end wall friction locking flap or re-entrant locking flap 63, and fold line 61 hingedly connects to end wall 53 another inner wall friction locking flap or reentrant flap 65, which re-entrant flaps extend parallel to the respective associated walls. Locking flaps 63 and 65 are of a height less than that of the end walls 51 and 53 by a predetermined amount, for reasons which will become hereinafter more apparent, and each locking flap 63, 65 has integral therewith a respective locking tab 67 and 69 located intermediate the ends of the flap and extending outward or downward from the outer free edge of the flap in the same general plane of the Center panel 13 of cover blank 11 is provided with a pair 71 and 73 of slots or openings in alignment with and adapted to be engaged by respective tabs 67 and 69 on proper setting up of the cover. Slots 71 and 73 are defined along one of their longitudinal edges by respective fold lines 15 and 19 connecting panel 13 to end walls 51 and 53. Slots 71 and 73 are of a width at least equal to the thickness of tabs 67 and 69 and of a length substantially equal to the length of these tabs.

The corrugations 75 within corrugated fiberboard blank 11 extend in a generally longitudinal direction, generally parallel to the longitudinal dimension or axis of the cover blank, and generally perpendicular to fold lines 15 and 19 to thereby stiffen locking tabs 67 and 69 and provide bending resistance thereto when they are engaged within their respective slots. Additionally the longitudinally extending corrugations 75 stifi'en, strengthen and provide bending resistance to the outer free edges of reentrant or locking flaps 63 and 65.

In setting up the cover, the side walls 23 and 25 are folded upwardly, for example out of the plane of the drawing, and into right angle relation to panel 13 as shown in particular in FIG. 5, see also FIG. 3. Anchor flaps 27, 29, 39 and 41 are then folded inwardly of panel 13 so as to extend generally along fold lines 15 and 19; remembering that the anchor flaps are each of a length not greater than one-half the length of end wall 51 and 53 sothat the ends of the anchor flaps will not overlap. The blank is then folded along lines 15 and 19 so that the end walls 51 and 53 are juxtaposed with the anchor flaps 27, 29, 39 and 41 as can be seen in FIG. 5. Blank 11 is then further folded along fold lines 55, 57, 59 and 61 so that each of the locking flaps is juxtaposed with the anchor fiaps on the side opposite thereof to end walls 51 and 53 of the cover, and the locking tabs 67 and 69 are inserted into their respective slots 71 and 73, all as shown in FIG. 5. Tabs 67 and 69 extend through and should fit snuggly into slots 71 and 73 respectively, either at the end of the tabs or at the faces of the tabs or a combination thereof to provide a friction lock, as seen in FIG. 7. With the elements of the cover assembled as described, anchor flaps 27, 29, 39'

and 41 are nested and frictionally held or clamped between end walls 51, 53 and locking flaps 63, 65 to retain the cover in its assembled forms, see FIGS. 3 and 6.

To set up or erect the collapsed container into a usable container the blank 10, which has previously been folded inward along fold lines 36 and 42 to form a collapsed container, is now squared up by directing forces inwardly adjacent fold lines 36 and 42 such that the container has the side and wall panels to form a container having a rectangular cross-section. The next step is to secure the bottom by folding inwardly of the box perimeter along fold lines 72 and 84 the bottom end panels 62 and 66 to a position generally within the plane defined by fold lines 72, 78, 84 and 90, and as depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4. Next the bottom side panels 64 and 68 are folded inwardly of the box perimeter along fold lines 78 and to underlie previously folded bottom end panels 62 and 66, see FIG. 3. The box bottom is then secured by stapling, gluing or employing other like fastening means. The box may now be packed with fruits, vegetables or other like articles desired to be packaged therein. When the packing of the container is completed the panels or flaps of upper or top flap portion 24 are folded inwardly of the box perimeter to overlie the fruit, vegetable or other like contents in the box. Side flaps and 124 are folded inwardly of the box perimeter along their respective fold lines 132 and 144, as depicted in FIG. 4, see also FIG. 3. The re-entrant portions and 184 of respective body flap first portions 122 and 118 are folded downwardly and inwardly of flap portions 122 and 118 along respective fold lines 162 and 186 such that these portions 160, 184 are juxtaposed to the flap portions 122, 118 as shown in FIG. 10.

Now end flap portions 118 and 122 are folded inward of the box perimeter along their respective fold lines 128 and 140 whereby tabs 170, 172 and 194, 196 enter their respectivt slots or openings 214, 216 and 202, 204 as more clearly seen in FIGS. 9 and 10. In this manner re-entrant portions 160, 184 underlie flap portions 122, 118 with locking tabs 170, 172, 194, 196 inserted into respective slots 214, 216 and 202, 204 as seen in FIGS. 3 and 9. The locking tabs extend into and should fi: snugly in their respective slots at the faces of the tabs to provide a friction lock therewith. In folding end flap portions 118 and 122 downward and inward of the box perimeter with re-entrant portions 184, 160 respectively folded thereunder, as particularly depicted in FIG. 10, these portions or shoulders 207, 211, 217 and 221 of end wall panels 26 and 30 between slits 206, 208 and 210, 212, and 216, 218 and 220, 222 move outwardly of the plane of their respective end wall panels to permit tabs 170, 172, 194 and 196 to readily enter respective slots 214, 216, 202, 204. Shoulders 207, 211, 217 and 221 resume their normal positions within the plane of end walls 26 and 30 after insertion of the tabs into the slots to aid in retaining the tabs within the slits.

In assemblying the cover 22 on the box body 12 and bottom 14, flaps 118 through 124 are folded to incline inwardly of the box such that tabs 170, 172, 194, 196 are inclined outwardly of the box, see FIGS. 3 and 9. The cover is placed over the top of the body and pressed downwardly with the main panel 13 contacting flaps 118 through 124 and urging these flaps to swing toward horizontal positions until the cover panel rests on the top surface of the flaps as shown in FIG. 11. Tabs 194 and 196 are urged farther and farther out as the cover is applied and are finally received between the longitudinal free edge of locking flap 63 of the cover and then main cover panel 13 and within openings 35 and 47, see FIG. 11. In like manner tabs 170' and 172 are urged farther outwardly as the cover is applied and are finally received between longitudinal free edge of locking flap 65 of the cover and main cover panel 13 and within openings 37 and 49.

As can be seen from FIG. 11, there will be interference between the body tabs and the lower edge of depending end wall of the cover as the cover is placed on the body. However, the body flaps carrying these tabs are free to be inclined upwardly and they and their attached tabs and the connection therebetween is sufiiciently flexible that the tabs may more or less be snapped into the position shown in FIG. 11. The body and cover blanks are so dimensioned that when the body and cover are assembled, the inner surfaces of the depending side and end wall portions of the cover are in closely spaced relationship or engaged with the outer surface of the box body. Also, as will be seen in FIG. 11 the free longitudinal edge of each of the locking flaps of the cover is located at least closely adjacent to, if not engaged with, the underside of the body tab. In this manner the cover is in effect clamped or locked to the box body.

When the cover is placed on the body it will be observed as in FIG. 11 that the top surface of flaps 118 through 124 are in underlying engagement with the undersurface of the cover center panel 13 and that the width and stiffness of body tabs 170, 172, 194 and 196 are sufficient that upward force on the underside of the tab will not permit free pivoting of the flaps or tabs such as to permit the tabs to be disengaged from the cover. Also when the box is filled the contents thereof will ordinarily either be engaged by or closely adjacent the underside of locking flaps 160 and 184 so that any downward pivoting of end flaps 118 and 122 is substantially prevented. Accordingly any attempt to remove the cover by lifting will be resisted and the only way that the cover can be lifted off is by the application of sufiicient force 7 such that body tabs will be torn or materially deformed so as to be thereafter much less effective. Thus it will be readily apparent when there has been unauthorized opening of the box. Furthermore, since the locking means are invisible externally and are not operable to permit free opening, there is no invitation to open the box. One must force his way in.

While only a certain preferred embodiment of this invention has been shown and described by way of illustration, many modifications will occur to those skilled in the art and it is, therefore, desired that it be understood that it is intended in the appended claims to cover all such modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed as new and what it is desired to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. In a box body portion having a bottom and upstanding generally opposed side walls the improvement comprising a pair of integral body flaps having first portions respectively attached to said opposed side walls by fold lines adjacent the upper edges thereof, said pair of body flaps lying in a generally horizontal plane and extending inwardly of the box perimeter, each said body flap having a re-entrant portion folded on a score line spaced from and generally parallel to said wall upper edges, said re-entrant portions respectively underlying said first portions of said body flaps and extending outwardly from said score lines to a position adjacent the inner surfaces of said respective pair of side walls, each said side Wall having a slot positioned closely adjacent said upper edge of said side wall, each said re-entrant portion including a locking tab, each said locking tab being positioned in said respective slots in said side walls and extending outwardly beyond said side Wall, said tabs being adapted and arranged to be engaged by portions of a cover closing the box body portion thereby locking the cover thereto.

2. In the box body portion as defined in claim 1 further comprising a cover portion, said cover portion including means for locking said cover portion to said body portion and including a pair of oppositely disposed portions terminating upwardly in respective locking edges within said cover portion, said tabs of said body portion being adapted to be engaged by said oppositely disposed upwardly extending locking edges of said cover portion.

3. In the box body portion as defined in claim 1 wherein each said side wall has a shoulder defining the lower edge of said slot, said shoulder being pivotable outwardly of the plane of said side wall upon insertion of said locking ta=b into and through said slot, said shoulder substantially resuming its position generally within the plane of said side wall after temporary outward deformation thereof by insertion of said tab into said slot.

4. In the box body portion as defined in claim 1 wherein each said side wall contains a pair of spaced slits, each said pair of slits extending generally upwardly and intersecting respective said slot, each said pair of slits defining a hinged shoulder therebetween, each said shoulder defining the lower edge of respective said slot and being pivotable outwardly of the plane of respective said side wall to permit insertion of said locking tab into and through said slot and retention thereof within said slot.

5. In the box body portion as defined in claim 1 wherein each said side wall further includes another slot spaced from said slot and positioned closely adjacent said upper edge of respective said side wall, each said re-entrant portion includes another locking tab spaced from said locking tab, each said other locking tab being positioned respectively in each said other slot in respective said sidewall and extending outwardly beyond said side wall.

6. In the box body portion as defined in claim 5 further comprising a cover portion, said cover portion including means for locking said cover portion to said body portion and including a pair of oppositely disposed portions terminating upwardly in respective locking edges within said cover portion, said locking tabs of said body portion being adapted to be engaged by said oppositely disposed upwardly extending locking edges of said, cover portion.

7. In the box body portion as defined in claim wherein each said side wall contains a pair of spaced slits intersecting each said slot, each pair of said slits extending generally downwardly from said slot, each said pair of slits defining a hinged shoulder therebetween, each said shoulder defining the lower edge of respective said slot and being pivotable outwardly of the plane of respective said side wall to permit insertion of said locking tab into and through said slot and retention thereof within said slot.

8. In the box body portion as defined in claim 1 wherein said box body portion is fabricated from corrugated fiberboard, said corrugations of said fiberboard extending generally perpendicular to said upper edges of said side walls to provide the corrugations in said tabs in a direction perpendicular to said side walls thereby stiffening said locking tabs and providing bending resistance thereto when engaged within said slot.

'9. In the box body portion as defined in claim 8 wherein said slot is terminated at its respective opposite ends by a pair of spaced slits, said slits extending generally downwardly from said slot ends and being generally perpendicular to said upper edges of said side walls, said slits defining a hinged shoulder therebetween, said shoulder defining the lower edge of said slot and being pivotable outwardly of the plane of said side wall upon insertion of said locking tab into said slot, said corrugations stifling said shoulder and providing bending resistance thereto.

10. In the box body portion as defined in claim 1 wherein said slot is generally elongated and has its longitudinal axis extending in a generally horizontal direction, said locking tab being generally laterally extending to fit within said elongated slot and to substantially fill the longitudinal dimension of said slot.

11. In the box body portion as defined in claim 10 wherein said elongated slot is of a small vertical dimension, the lower edge of said body flap defining the upper edge of said slot, said side wall being provided with a generally horizontal shoulder, said shoulder being closely adjacent to and spaced from and generally parallel to said lower edge of said body flap, said shoulder defining the lower edge of said elongated slot.

12. In the box body portion as defined in claim 11 wherein each said side wall contains a pair of spaced slits, each said pair of slits extending generally upwardly and intersecting respective said slot, each said pair of slits defining the outer ends of respective said elongated slot and defining said hinged shoulder therebetween, each said shoulder being pivotable outwardly of the plane of respective said side wall to permit insertion of said locking tab into and through said slot and retention thereof within said slot.

13. In a blank for folding into a box body having a plurality of side walls, the improvement comprising a pair of flaps having first portions respectively attached to the upper edges of a pair of alternate side walls by fold lines, each said flap having a re-entrant portion connected to said first portion by a score line generally parallel to said upper edge of said alternate side wall, each said alternate side wall having a slot positioned .closely adjacent said upper edge thereof, each said re-entrant portion including an integral locking tab connected to its free edge oppositely disposed and spaced from said score line, each said flap first portion and re-entrant portion being foldable with said re-entrant portion lying beneath said first portion and with each said locking tab positioned in and through each said slot in said alternate side wall and outwardly thereof.

14. In the blank as defined in claim 13 wherein each said alternate side wall has a shoulder defining the lower edge of said slot, said shoulder being pivotable outwardly of the plane of said side wall upon insertion of said locking tab into and through said slot, said shoulder substantially resuming its position generally within the plane of said side wall after temporary outward deformation thereof by insertion of said tab into said slot.

15. In the blank as defined in claim 13 wherein each said alternate side wall contains a pair of spaced slits, each said pair of slits extending generally upwardly and intersecting respective said slot, each said pair of slits defining a hinged shoulder therebetween, each said shoulder defining the lower edge of respective said slot and being pivotable outwardly of the plane of respective said side wall to permit insertion of said locking tab into and through said slot and retention thereof within said slot.

16. In the blank as defined in claim 13 wherein said blank is fabricated from corrugated fiberboard, said corrugations of said fiberboard extending generally perpendicular to said upper edges of said side walls to provide the corrugations in said tabs in a direction perpendicular to said side walls thereby stiffening said locking tabs and providing bending resistance thereto when engaged within said slot.

17. In the blank as defined in claim 16 wherein said slot is terminated at its respective opposite ends by a pair of spaced slits, said slits extending generally downwardly from said slot ends and being generally perpendicular to said upper edges of said side walls, said slits defining a hinged shoulder therebetween, said shoulder defining the lower edge of said slot and being pivotable outwardly of the plane of said side wall upon insertion of said locking tab into said slot, said corrugations stiffening said shoulder and providing bending resistance thereto.

18. In a box body portion having a bottom and generally opposed and upstanding outer side walls, the improvement comprising a pair of body flaps respectively attached to a pair of opposed side walls by fold lines adjacent the upper edges thereof, said pair of body flaps lying in a generally horizontal plane and extending inwardly of the box perimeter, each said body flap including a locking tab, a pair of outer side walls each having a slot positioned closely adjacent its upper edge and being adapted to receive thereinto a respective said locking tab, each said locking tab being positioned in and through a respective said slot and extending outwardly beyond said side wall, said tabs being adapted and arranged to be engaged by portion of a cover closing the box body portion thereby locking the cover thereto.

19. In the box body portion as defined in claim 18 wherein each of said pair of outer side walls contains a pair of spaced slits, each said pair of slits extending generally upwardly and intersecting respective said slot, each said pair of slitsdefining a hinged shoulder therebetween, each said shoulder defining the lower edge of respective said slot and being pivotable outwardly of the plane of respective said outer side wall to permit insertion of said locking tab into and through said slot and retention thereof within said slot.

20. In the box body portion as defined in claim 18 wherein each of said pair of body flaps includes a first portion respectively attached to one of said pair of opposed side walls by a fold line adjacent the upper edge thereof, said body flap first portions lying in a generally horizontal plane and extending inwardly of the box perimeter, each of said pair of body flaps including a reentrant portion folded on a score line spaced from and generally parallel to said wall upper edge, said re-entrant portions respectively underlying said first portions of said body flaps and extending outwardly from said score lines to a position adjacent the inner surfaces of respective said pair of side walls, each said locking tab being an extension of said re-entrant portion.

(References on following page) 12 References Cited 3,195,798 7/1965 Wilson 229-45 XR 3,202,337 8/ 1965 Cramer et a1. 22945 XR UNITED STATES PATENTS Bliss 229-45 DAVIS T. MOORHEAD, Primary Examiner Ethridge 22945 r Dunning 22945 US. Cl. X.R.

DEsposito et a1 229--45 229-37 Patent No.

Inventor(s) Column 1, line 66,

portions Column 3, line 54, -parallel Column 4, line 31, thereto by Column 5, line 23, Column 6, line 51, Column 6, line 51,

Column 6, line 65,

EAL Atteau mmillnetchor, I},

aiting Offioer Roy K.

90 degree wall angles between ad UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Dated May 19, 1970 Wilson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

the word "portion" should read the word "paralel" should be the word "theretoby" should read the word "of" should read or after "and" insert end after "panels" insert upstanding with jacent wall panels the word "of" should read or mm I. W, JR- Oomisslaner of Patents FORM PO-1OSU (10-69] USCOMM-DC 60376-PO9 Q U S GOVEHNMINY PRINYING OFFICE IQ! U'3i5-]ll

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