GB2314528A - A stackable storage box for papers and files having reinforced sidewalls - Google Patents

Abstract

The box is made from a blank comprising four side wall panels 9,12,13 and 16, a top panel 2 and a base panel 3. Sidewall panel 16 is openable to allow access to the inside of the box and side wall panel 9 forms a rear wall. Side wall panels 12,13 are formed by folding inwards along lines 38,39 panel portions 12a,12b and 13a,13b. The side wall panels 12,13 form, together with additional panels 7,8,10,11,17 and 18, a reinforcement comprising four panels positioned adjacent to each other.

Description

A Storage Box The invention provides a storage box which has side walls of reinforced strength, making the box suitable, in particular, for vertical stacking and which has a side wall which can be opened to allow access to the inside of the box, thereby avoiding the need to remove a storage box from a stack to gain access to its contents.

Available in the prior art are conventional style lever arch files, box files and transfer cases.

Lever arch files are difficult to store and they take up alot of space that is not necessary.

Lever arch files are generally expensive and tend to be used more for current files. The new storage system of the invention provides the advantage of easy storage and access, low cost and it is even cheaper to transfer contents of a good lever arch file using an E clip or similar and store in a storage box of the invention to save money on stationary costs and storage costs.

Box files are rigidly made up boxes with a fixed clip at the side or back. The clip limits the size of files or wallets that can normally be stored in this box and as a result one cannot easily mix paper formats in the box file.

Transfer cases are not generally very strong and in situ transfer cases do not tend to stack very well.

Hence, the invention provides a storage box which comprises four side walls, a base panel and a top panel, wherein one of said side walls comprises an opening means for opening said side wall to allow access to the inside of said storage box, one of said side walls forms a rear wall and wherein at least a portion of each remaining side wall is composed of at least four reinforcement panels which are positioned adjacent to each other and together form one of said side walls of the storage box having reinforced strength, preferably said two side walls of reinforced strength are each composed of five adjacent panels, although more adjacent panels can be incorporated into the assembled box depending on its end use, for example, six, seven, eight etc. Preferably, the reinforcement panels are formed by folding side panel portions extending integrally from a blank which is folded in use to form the 3-dimensional storage box.

The storage box according to the invention may additionally have means for allowing access to the inside of the box through the top panel.

According to a preferred embodiment a storage box is provided which further comprises, means for securing loose paper within said storage box wherein said means is integral with a portion of the inside of said box, preferably said paper securing means comprises one or more flap portions which extend from one or more of said side panels, wherein said flaps overlie at least a portion of the inside surface of the base panel of the storage box and more preferably wherein said flap portions comprises slots over which a band is placed.

The box according to the invention may be collapsable and so constructed by the user from a blank when required.

The invention further provides a blank for constructing a 3-dimensional box described above which comprises a substantially rectangular portion defining by fold lines a top panel, a base panel and one side wall of the 3-dimensional box forming the rear side wall in use, wherein said substantially rectangular portion is extended on at least a portion of each of the sides of said rectangular portion, by side panel portions said side panel portions may individually be extended by additional side panel portions or by flap portions, wherein said side panel portions and said flap portions are defined by fold lines and wherein at least four side panel portions are folded to form four adjacent side panels per side wall of reinforced strength in the 3-dimensional box, said flap portions provide means in the 3-dimensional box for opening said front side wall.

The invention provides a method of folding the blank to form a 3-dimensional storage box according to the invention.

According to an embodiment of the invention, therefore, there is provided a low cost, versatile, collapsable storage box. The box may be side opening, giving in-situ access to contents of box, top or bottom of stack regardless of the boxes position in a vertical stack.

It may also be made sealable and tamper evident.

The box is capable of storing loose papers, various files, A4 suspension files and punch paper using clips. This box can hold mixed formats of the above. a complete case/job box, it can hold files loose notes and clipped paper all together.

The box can be stored flat, on an edge or on its side. It can reduce storage space needed with lever arch files if clips are used, it may also be cheaper to free an inactive expensive lever arch file. With this box no racking is needed to store boxes or for them to be accessible.

The box has been particularly designed to optimise strength, ultra strong sides (for example, preferably 5 board thickness) for good steady stacking, and durability.

This box can be produced in various sizes, A4, computer, A3, suspension, transfer and various other configurations. There is a large list of available standard compatible products, elastic bands, clips, tabs etc. The box can be side opening, top opening and top half opening. Half open drop front allows for self locking in front. Box can be stacked individually, in an outer box or using a division locater at back. Separate die cut liner boards allow any fixed paper format easy access and withdrawal of files in-situ. This box can incorporate winged spring clip. Stacking locaters side and front and back locking system ensure proper, safe and secure stacking.

The box is at least equal to the storage capability of a box file, transfer case, lever arch, legal pockets, mag hold, however the storage box of the invention has the additional benefit of improved flexibility and vastly improved ease of access and dramatic savings. This is a box for active records to inactive archives with equal easy access. The box could also incorporate conventional metal spring clip and lever arch clip.

The box optionally can be produced with a carry handle.

The box can be manufactured from corrugated board using various grades to fully suit the requirement. The material for manufacturing the box, for example, corrugated board may be stamped out of a die as the required blank, which when folded forms the 3-dimensional box. The container can be easily overprinted for specific customised requirements. The storage box of the invention is versatile and easy to adapt to most paper storage formats, it is possible to mix loose paper, files, punch and clipped papers all in one box say for one job or client. It allows the user an effective way to store and retrieve important files and papers quickly, easily and at low cost. If the file you need is at the bottom of the stack you can retrieve it without moving everything on top with this system.

Loose paper is held in the storage box by at least one simple extended internal flap at the base of the box on the inside and simply placing a rubber band over precut slots fixes the band position and paper is held securely under the band. There can be a flap applied on the other side of the box also in order that the band can run across the box instead of along the side. This internal extended flap also has perforations that if pulled back allow the user to use a spring clip.

Twin punched paper is stored in the box in several ways, there are two punch holes in the base of the box that fit standard clips, also the special die cut liner can be used with E clips which actually bundle the punched paper, and can also be used. A lever arch clip could be added but this may significantly add to cost and limit flexibility.

The storage box can be supplied with a special die cut liner board which is manufactured to accommodate and hold loose paper with a rubber band acting in a similar way to the base, clips and 2 hole punched paper. These liners can use crystal tabs on the edge for sorting and indexing. The liner allows easy and fast access to your papers from the side opening of the box.

Special style of division locking system will be available to ensure safe and correct stacking of the box. Alternatively an outer box can be used to house these boxes in.

Manufacturing The storage box can be manufactured from any substrate with reasonable burst and compression strength. The preferred material being corrugated cardboard, single wall board is preferred to double wall but if an EB double wall board is used it would be better than standard BC double wall board, double wall may present problems with assembly and tolerance, but it could be produced in solid cardboard or even correx a plastic corrugated material or some other form of rigid plastic material or formed plastic or paper bases moulding. the box can be manufactured from special material such as anti static board for media and computer data storage.

It is preferred for the corrugated cardboard to incorporate a heavy weight flute material to add stacking strength. The finish or appearance of the box is limited only by design imagination and customer preference. It could be finished in a plain brown kraft or it could be finished in a coated white material with 6 colour print. The overall appearance of the box is a marketing issue and does not effect the properties of the box, only in the sense that with the box made of corrugated board it is very easy for a company to have their own customized print or style on a relatively small manufacture order.

The container is designed to incorporate various easily available and low cost stationary products, for example, rubber bands, file savers/E clips and file fasteners, bulldog clips, and crystal tabs.

The storage box has many obvious applications: business - records and general file storage; domestic - tidy file and storage of papers, films, and various items; academic - course or study sets, student brief cases; research compilation centres; and general - part and item storage, to name but a few.

The invention will now be described with specific reference to the drawings with are not intended to be limiting Figures 1-3 illustrate blanks according to the invention.

Figures 4-10 illustrate a method of folding the blanks to form a 3-dimensional box.

Figures 12-15 illustrate various applications of the storage box.

Figures 11 and 16 illustrate a perspective view of the 3-dimensional storage.

Figure 1 shows a blank from which a storage box according to the invention can be constructed. The fold lines are shown as broken lines.

Blank 1 provides top panel 2 which is preferably generally square or rectangular in shape and forms the top panel of the 3-dimensional box and base panel 3 which is a corresponding shape to top panel 2 and forms the base panel in the folded box.

Top panel 2 is extended by side panel 4 along fold line 32 which is preferably a rectangular panel which forms a portion of the front opening side wall in the folded box. Panel 4 is extended at opposite sides along fold lines 34a and 35a by flap portions 5 and 6 respectively, which preferably have corresponding shapes to each other. One of the external sides of each of the flap portions 5 and 6 is preferably curved. The remaining external side of each of the flap portions is preferably straight. Flap portions 5 and 6 in the assembled box are folded along fold lines 34a and 35a, respectively, and inserted between two of the side panel portions forming part of each of the side walls of reinforced strength and have dimensions such that the flap portions can be easily inserted and removed by the user to allow opening of a front side wall and access to the inside of the box.

Top panel 2 can optionally be scored by fold line 33 separating portions 2a and 2b. In the folded box top panel 2 forms the top panel of the box which can be opened by removing flap portions 5 and 6 and partial side panel portions 8a and 7a and folding back the top panel along fold line 33. This allows access to the inside of the box from the top panel. Fold line 33 is preferably half way along or less than half way along top panel 2.

According to an alternative embodiment, top panel 2 has no fold line 33 and side panel portions 8 and 7 are not formed by partial side panel portions 8a, 8b; and 7a, 7b, respectively, but are each comprised of one continuous side panel. Hence, when constructed access to the box is only via the assembled front side wall formed from folded side panel portions 4 and 16, opening of the front side panel is effected by removing flap portions 5 and 6 and 17 and 18 due to side panel 4 being folded back along fold line 32 and side panel 16 being folded back along fold line 42, to give access to the user to the inside of the box.

Portion 2a is extended along fold line 35b by partial side panel portion 8a and is extended along fold line 34b by partial side panel portion 7a. Portion 2b is extended along fold line 35c by partial side panel portion 8b and is extended along fold line 34c by partial side panel portion 7b. Together, partial side panel portions 8a and 8b form side panel portion 8 in the assembled box. Similarly, partial side panel portions 7a and 7b form side panel portion 7 in the assembled box.

In the assembled box side panel portions 7a and 7b together form one of the adjacent panels forming of one of the side walls having reinforced strength. Side panel portions 8a and 8b play an equivalent role in the second side wall having reinforced strength forming together a side panel formed by side panel portion 8 of the blank.

Side panel 9 is defined by fold lines 36 and 37 and is preferably rectangular in shape and has corresponding dimensions to side panel portion 4. In the assembled box it forms a side wall of the box which is usually the rear panel of the assembled box. Side panel 9 is extended at opposite ends along fold lines 34d and 35d by side panel portions 10 and 11, respectively.

In the assembled box, side panel portion 10 is partly folded along fold line 34d and forms at least a portion of one of the panels of one of the side walls having reinforced strength.

Side panel portion 11 is folded along fold line 35d and has a similar function in the second side wall having reinforced strength.

Base panel 3, which in the folded box forms the base panel. is extended along fold line 35e by side panel portion 13. In the assembled box side panel portion 13 is folded in half inwards along double fold line 39 and is folded along fold line 35e, so that side panel portions 13a and 13b form two of the reinforcing panels of one of the side walls of reinforced strength of the box. Side panel portions 13a and 13b are of the same depth as side panel 9 and side panel portion 4.

Similarly, base panel 3 is extended along fold line 34e by side panel portion 12. In the assembled box, side panel portion 12 is folded inwards along double fold line 38 and is folded along fold line 34e so that side panel portions 12a and 12b form two of the reinforcing panels of one of the side walls having reinforced strength. Side panel portions 12a and 12b have the same dimensions as side panel portions 13a or 13b and additionally preferably, side panel 9 and side panel portion 4.

At least one of side panel portions 13a or 13b, is extended along, for example, fold line 41 by side panel portion 15. Side panel portion 15 may be the same length or shorter in length than side panel portion 13. In addition, it is preferably the same depth as side panel portions 13a and 13b, for example. In the assembled box, side panel portion 15 may form at least part of one of the reinforcement panels of one of the assembled side walls having reinforced strength.

Side panel portion 12 can be extended in a corresponding manner. For example, side panel portion 12b can be extended along fold line 40 by side panel portion 14, having equivalent dimensions and function to side panel portion 15 described above.

Base panel 3 is extended along fold line 42 by side panel portion 16. Side panel portion 16 together with side panel portion 4 in the assembled box form the openable front side panel, which can be opened and closed to allow easy access to the inside of the assembled box.

According to Figure 1, side panel portion 16 is comprised of two portions having corresponding dimensions, side panel portions 16a and 16b. In the assembled box, portion 16b is folded inwards along fold line 42 and portion 16a is folded inwards along fold line 43.

The dimension of side panel portions 16a and 16b individually correspond to the dimensions of side panel 9 and side panel portion 4.

According to an embodiment of the invention, portion 16 may form part of the front side panel having the same dimensions as side panel 9 and side panel portion 4.

Side panel portion 16 is extended along fold line 35f by flap portion 18 and is extended along fold line 34f by flap portion 17. Flap portions 17 and 18 have corresponding dimensions to each other and furthermore, preferably have corresponding dimensions to flap portions 5 and 6, respectively. Hence, one outer edge of each of flap portions 17 and 18 is straight and is the same length or shorter than the depth of side panel portions 8a or 8b and 13a or 13b, in the case of flap portion 18 and 7a, 7b and 12a or 12b, in the case of flap portion 17. At least one outer edge of each of flap portions 17 and 18 is preferably curved as depicted in Figure 1 for easy movement within the structure of the folded box.

In the assembled box, flap portions 17 and 18 are each inserted between two of the reinforcement panels forming the two side walls having reinforced strength, preferably, formed by side panel portions 12a, 12b. in the case of flap portion 17 and 13a, 13b, in the case of flap portion 18. Flap portions 17 and 18 can be removed and then re-inserted from their slot within the assembled side panels, to open and close the front side wall of the assembled box together, preferably with the operation in a similar manner of flap portions 5 and 6.

The above represents a preferred embodiment of the invention, but the blank may be extended along both or only one of side panel portions 4 and 16 by one or more flap portions. For example, side panel portion 4 may be extended along the central portion or at a number of locations, along its outer edge by one or more flap portions defined by fold lines. When folded these flap portions may be received by corresponding slits in side panel portion 16. Any mechanism for releasably holding in position the side panel portions of the blank which in the constructed box form the opening side wall, can be used. Preferably, the mechanism includes the use of extended flap portions as part of the blank which slot into part of the constructed box, either through slots formed due to the folding of the blank, for example, between 2 of the side panel portions forming the adjacent, reinforcement panels in a side wall, or through pre-cut slots, positioned accordingly.

Preferably, the combined length of flap portion 17 and side panel portion 10 is approximately equal to the length of side panel portion 12. Hence, in the assembled box, side panel portion 10 and flap portion 17 together can form one of the reinforcement panels of one of the side walls having reinforced strength. The same applies to the dimensions and function of flap portion 18 and side panel portion 11. In use, however, part of each of these reinforcement panels, that is, flap portions 18 and 17 can be removed from their position in each of the side walls to allow opening of the front side wall of the box, without affecting significantly the strength of the two side walls of the box each having reinforced strength due to the remaining reinforcement panels formed from, for example, side panel portions 13a, 13b, 8 (8a and 8b), 11 and. optionally, 15 and the remaining part of side panel portion 11 which provides in any event, most of a reinforcing panel.

Hence, because of the increased strength of two the side walls of the assembled box, the storage boxes of the invention can be stacked one on top of each other, even if the contents of higher boxes in the stack are heavy. In addition, a user can access the inside of any of the boxes in the stack without having to remove an individual storage box from the stack, by removing flap portions 5 and 6 and 17 and 18 from their locked positions between the side panels of the side walls having reinforced strength, when the box is closed. Removing these flap portions means that side panel portion 4 and side panel portion 16, which together form the front side wall in the folded box, are folded back along fold lines 32 and 42, respectively. Front side wall is, therefore, opened to allow access to the inside of the box.

Removing the flap portions 17, 18 and 5, 6 from their positions in the closed, assembled box and thereby opening up the front side wall does not significantly reduce the strength of the side walls having reinforced strength. Hence, the storage box can be used in a stacked formation even for heavy loads.

Figure 2 illustrates a blank according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The blank of Figure 2 when folded to form a 3-dimensional storage box provides preferred features to allow improved usability of the storage box of the invention. It should be noted that any of the hereinafter described features is optional and furthermore, additional features, either to further improve usability or as a direct requirement of a particular use, can be added, for example, a carrying handle.

In the blank according to Figure 2, side panel portion 4 has apertures 1 10a and 110b cut from its outer edge. The position and size of these apertures corresponds with aperture 109a and 109c, respectively, which are cut from the outer edge of side panel portion 16 but this is not an essential requirement. In the assembled box apertures 100a and 109a, and 110b and 109c coincide to form thumb holes for easy handling. In use, when the assembled box is closed, the thumb holes are located within the inside portion of the folded box. When flap portions 5 and 6 and 17 and 18 are pulled out from their respective positions between the reinforcement panels of the side walls having reinforced strength, the thumb holes provided by apertures 100a and 100b and 109a and 109c can be accessed by the user to easily pull back side panel portion 4 along fold line 32 and side panel portion 16 along fold line 42.

This allows access to the inside of the box through the front side panel, with the remainder of the assembled box remaining intact.

A further thumb hole which operates in this way may be provided in the assembled box by aperture 109b in the outer edge of side panel portion 16 and by aperture 113 cut in the central region of side panel portion 16 of the blank.

A means for securing the assembled box is provided by apertures 1 12a in side panel portion 4 and 1 12b in side panel portion 16. When the box is assembled apertures 1 12a and 1 12b align in the formed assembled side wall. A security tag can be inserted through the aperture to prevent unauthorised access to the inside of the box.

In the blank of Figure 2 there are also provided aperture 106a in side panel portion 13b, aperture 106b in side panel portion 13a, aperture 106c in side panel portion 11 and aperture 106d in side panel portion 8b. The apertures are preferably the same size. In the assembled box, the apertures align to form a single aperture through the assembled, adjacent side panels of a side wall having reinforced strength. This aperture is used as a fmger hole to lift the box or remove it from a stack. A similar aperture can be formed in the assembled front side wall and/or second side wall having reinforced strength. The positioning of the assembled aperture in the folded blank is not crucial.

The assembled box is formed by folding of a blank according to the invention. To improve the rigidity of the assembled box the blank can provide tabs and corresponding slots to receive the tabs to lock a portion of the folded blank in place in the assembled box. This also allows the box to be collapsable since the tabs can be easily removed from the slots, to allow assembly and disassembly of the storage box as required. Optionally, the storage box can be formed from a blank, with or without the slots and tabs, wherein the portions of the blank folded to form the assembled box are held in place by any securing means, for example, adhesive, staples, tacks, clips etc. However, a particular advantage of the blank according to Figure 2 is that when folded the tabs are received in the corresponding slots and the side panels of the assembled box are securely held in place. The tabs can be removed from the slots, particularly in the front side panel to allow this side panel to open, but in addition, to allow the box to be collapsable.

Tabs and their corresponding slots are depicted in Figure 2, although it should be noted that their size and location is not essential.

Side panel portions 8a and 8b are extended by tab portions 107a and 107b, respectively which together form tab 107. Side panel portion 13 is extended by tab 105. Tab 105 and tab 107 are preferably of corresponding dimensions and have the same dimensions or smaller dimensions compared with their receiving slot 102 formed in base panel 3. When the box is assembled from the blank, side panel portion 13b is folded inwards along fold line 39 so that it overlies side panel portion 13a. Side panel portion 13a is folded upwards along fold line 35e so that it is at substantially 90 to base panel 3. Tab 105 is received into slot 102 locking side panel portion 13 into position to form one of the adjacently lying reinforcement panels of a side wall. In the assembled box, side panel portion 8 is folded so that it overlies the inside of assembled side panel portion 13. Tab 107 is also then received into slot 102.

This therefore acts to lock the top panel 2 in position in the closed box. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, removal of tab 107 from slot 102 acts to partially release the top panel 2 from the closed box allowing opening or partial opening of the top panel.

Corresponding tabs and slots are located in the blank for securing the side panel portions of the blank forming the adjacently lying, reinforcement panels of a second side wall having reinforced strength. Tab 108 extends from side panel portion 7 and tab 104 extends from side panel portion 12. Tabs 108 and 104 are received in slot 103 in base panel 3 in the assembled box.

Similarly, the side panel portions 4 and 16 forming the front side wall of the assembled box can be secured in position in the closed box by tabs 101 a, 101b, 101c, and 101d which in the assembled box are received into correspondingly positioned slots 100a, 100b, 100c and 100d, respectively. Removal of the tabs from their corresponding slots, together with removal of tab portions 17 and 18 and folding of side panel portion 16 backwards along fold line 42, provides means for opening of the front side wall of the assembled box.

The size, number and location of the tabs and corresponding slots may vary.

Figure 3 illustrates a blank according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This blank corresponds to the blank of Figure 2, but side panel portion 12a is extended by a base panel portion 120. When the box is assembled, side panel portions 12a and 12b are folded to form two of the adjacently positioned, reinforcement panels of an assembled side wall having reinforced strength. Base panel portion 120 is folded upwards to approximately 90" compared with side panel portion 12a along fold line 121. Base panel portion 120 in the assembled box overlies a portion of the inside surface of base panel 3.

The size and shape of base panel portion 120 is not critical. In addition base panel portion 120 can be formed of two or more parts. The base panel portion 120 can be extended from side panel portion 13b or alternatively both side panel portions 12b and 13b can be extended by corresponding base panel portions.

Base panel portion 120 comprises two slots 122 and 123 for receiving a band, for example an elastic band, string, ribbon etc, which extends at least over the exposed surface of base panel portion 120 in the inside of the assembled box. Alternatively slots 122 and 123 can be any securing means for holding the band in position, for example, apertures, hooks, clips etc. In use, the band is used to securely hold loose papers within the assembled storage box.

Base panel portion 120 also comprises a cut away region 127 which corresponds in shape to tab 104 of side panel portion 12. When the box is folded, the cut away region 127 allows the tab 104 to be exposed so that it can be received in slot 103 as described above.

Base panel portion 120 may optionally have a perforated region 124 for additionally receiving a wing clip in use.

Figure 3 also shows twin apertures 125 and 126 in base panel 3. These can be used to punch paper clips, in use in the assembled box.

The features depicted in Figure 3 are examples only of features which can be incorporated into the blank to improve the use of the storage box formed from the folded blank, by increasing the number of possible applications.

Method of folding Starting with any of the blanks according to the invention, the blank is folded to form an assembled 3-dimensional storage box. It should be noted that the precise sequence of folding steps described hereinafter is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting.

Any sequence of folding steps resulting in the assembled box according to the invention is suitable. Accordingly, therefore, the folding sequence depicted in Figures 4 to 10 is for illustrative purposes only.

Stage 1 As shown in Figure 4, side panel 9 is folded upwards along fold line 37 so that it is upstanding and at substantially 90" to base panel 3. Side panel 9 may form the rear, nonopening side wall in the assembled box. Side panel portion 16 is folded upwards along fold line 42 so that it is upstanding and at substantially 90" to base panel 3. Side panel portion 16 forms part of the front side wall in the assembled box.

Stage 2 As shown in Figure 5, side panel portion 11 is folded inwards along fold line 35d so that it is substantially at 90" to side panel 9. Tab portion 18 is folded inwards along fold line 35f so that it is substantially at 90" to upstanding side panel portion 16. Length C of tab portion 18 and length B of side panel portion 11 shown in Figure 1, together, are approximately equal to the length of side panel portion 13. When folded, side panel portion 11 together with tab portion 18 substantially form one of the adjacently positioned, reinforcement panels of one of the side walls of the closed, 3-dimensional box, which has reinforced strength and partly form one of the reinforcement panels in the open box.

Stage 3 As shown in Figure 6, side panel portion 13 is folded upwards along fold line 35e so that it is approximately at 90" to the base panel 3. Side panel portion 15 is folded inwards by approximately 1800 along fold line 41 so that is overlies side panel portion 13b. Side panel portion 15 preferably has the same dimensions as side panel portion 13b but may be shorter in length. Side panel portion 13b, with side panel portion 15 still in its folded position is folded inwards along double fold line 39 (by preferably 1800), so that side panel portion 13b is upstanding and side panel portion 13a is upstanding, both side panel portions being substantially at 90" to the base panel 3. In their assembled position, side panel portions 1 3a and 13b sandwich side panel portion 11 and tab portion 18, and side panel portion 15 (see Figure 7).

Side panel portions 15, 13a. 13b, 11 together with tab portion 18, in the 3-dimensional box, each form one of the reinforcement panels of one of the side walls having reinforced strength. These reinforcement panels stand upright and adjacent to each other, in close proximity, to form a side wall having increased strength. Double fold line 39 forms the top, exposed edge of the side wall in the folded box.

Optionally, if a blank according to Figure 2 is used, tab 105 is then received in slot 102 to secure the side panel portions of the blank forming the reinforcement side panels of the assembled side wall of the box in place thereby increasing its strength and rigidity.

Stage 4 As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the second side wall having reinforced strength is assembled in a corresponding manner as described above under Stage 3, by correspondingly folding the side panel portion 10 along fold line 34d and tab portion 17 along fold line 34f; side panel portion 14 along fold line 40; side panel portion 12a along fold line 34e; and side panel portion 12b along double fold line 38.

Optionally, according to a blank of Figure 2, tab 104 is received in slot 103.

Stage 5 As shown in Figure 8, side panel portion 16b is folded inwards along fold line 42 so that it overlies upstanding side panel portion 16a and is substantially at right angles to base panel 3.

Optionally, according to the blank of Figure 2, one or more tabs, denoted as 101a, 101b, 101c and/or 101d is received into corresponding slots 100a, 100b, 100c and/or 100d.

Upstanding side panel portions 16a and 16b form a part of the front side wall of the assembled box. They may serve a dual function.

Firstly, if the box is opened via the top panel 2, side panel portions 16a and 16b remain upstanding due to the positioning of folded tab portions 17 and 18 within the adjacent, reinforcing side panels of the side walls with increased strength box and optionally, tabs 101a etc are positioned within corresponding slots 100a etc (see Figure 16).

Secondly, whether or not the box is or can be opened via the top panel, side panel portions 16a and 16b together with tab portions 17 and 18 provide a means for opening the assembled box to allow access to the inside of the box through the front side wall as shown in Figure 12. Upstanding side panel portion 16a is folded backwards along fold line 42 which causes simultaneous movement of tab portions 18 and 17, allowing them to be removed from in between upstanding side panel portions 13a and 13b and 12a and 12b in the assembled side walls, respectively. Hence, the side panels having reinforced strength remain in position and due to the reinforced strength by the overlapping of at least 4 panels, preferably 5, the storage boxes of the invention can be stacked on top of each other and accessed via their front side walls without any need to remove a storage box from the stack. The side panels having reinforced strength shoulder the weight of storage boxes stacked above.

stage 6 The top panel 2 of the box is folded to the closed position as illustrated by Figures 9 and 10.

Side panel portions 8a and 8b are folded inwards along fold lines 35b and 35c, respectively so that they are positioned substantially at 90" to top panel 2.

Side panel portions 7a and 7b are similarly folded along fold lines 34b and 34c, respectively. Top panel 2 is folded inwards along fold line 36 so that it is substantially at right angles to upstanding side panel 9. Folded side panel portions 8a and 8b are positioned at 90" to the base panel 3 and overlap upstanding side panel portion 13b. Together, side panel portion 8a and 8b in the assembled box when the top panel is closed, form side panel portion 8 which is one of the overlapping reinforcement panels of a side wall of the box having reinforced strength. Hence, side panel portion 8 in the assembled box is a further reinforcement panel adjacent to three or more additional reinforcement panels forming a side wall of the box when folded.

Side panel portions 7a and 7b are similarly positioned to form a panel side-by-side with assembled side panel portion 12b.

Stage 7 Tab portion 6 is folded inwards along fold line 35a and tab portion 5 is folded inwards along fold line 34a, so that both tab portions are substantially at right angles to side panel portion 4, as shown in Figure 10. Side panel portion 4 is then folded inwards along fold line 32 so that it is substantially at right angles to top panel 2. At the same time, tab portions 6 and 5 are inserted between upstanding side panel portions 13a and 13b, and 12a and 12b, respectively. Hence, in the assembled, closed box, tab portions 5 and 6 overlap with tab portions 17 and 18, respectively, sandwiched between side panel portions 12a, 12b and 13a, 13b, respectively. In the closed box, side panel portion 4 overlies the outer surface of side panel portion 1 6a and is also substantially at right angles to base panel 3.

Side panel portion 4, together with tab portions 5 and 6 hence complete the structure of the front wall of the 3-dimensional box, together with side panel portions 16a and 16b and tab portions 17 and 18.

In a similar manner described hereinbefore (stage 4), when side panel portion 4 is folded upwards along fold line 42 in relation to top panel 2, it causes tab portions 5 and 6 to move out of their sandwiched position between side panel portions 12a and 12b, and 13a and 13b, respectively. This is shown in Figure 10, in particular. Similarly, as described hereinbefore, side panel portion 16a is folded backwards along fold line 42 so that it is flat with base panel 3, causing simultaneous release of tab portions 17 and 18 from their closed position. Hence, the front side wall is opened, without altering significantly the structure and strength of the two side walls of the box compared of at least 4 reinforcement panels positioned side-by-side in close proximity in each of the side walls, after folding.

Folding and unfolding of side panel portions 4 and 16 in this manner is made easier by the presence of apertures 113 and 1 10a and 110b, in particular, which can be used as thumb and finger holes by the user.

The box can be closed by folding side panel portion 16a upwards along fold line 42 as described in stage 4 for the assembly of the box and by folding side panel portion 4 downwards along fold line 32. Tab portions 17, 18 and 5, 6, are inserted within the adjacent side panels as described hereinbefore.

Optionally, once side panel portion 4 has been folded upwards along fold line 32 and tab portions 5 and 6 are removed from the adjacent side walls, top panel 2b can be folded backwards along fold line 33. This allows additional access to the top of the assembled storage box. This is illustrated in Figure 15.

Hence, when the storage boxes are stacked, for example, on top of each other, one or more can be pulled forward (using apertures positioned in the side panels on thumb holes), rather like a drawer. The storage box can be slidably withdrawn approximately halfway from its position in the stack and part of the top panel opened as described before. This may allow more access to the inside of the storage box, again without having to remove storage boxes in a stack above the particular storage box required.

The following is a description of folding a blank according to Figure 3, which is not intended to be limiting.

The blank is folded essentially as described hereinbefore, except during assemble of the side wall having extended base panel portion 120, at some point in the folding process, which is not critical, base panel portion 120 is folded backwards along fold line 121 so that it is substantially at right angles to side panel portion 12a. When the side panel is folded and assembled as described hereinbefore, base panel portion 120 overlies at least a portion of the inside surface of base panel 3 within the assembled box. This is illustrated in Figure 9.

The function of this additional base panel portion 120 is to provide a means for securely holding loose paper within the storage box. Any arrangement suitable for carrying out this functional is within the scope of the invention. Preferably, the base panel portion 120 has pre-cut slots over which an elastic band is placed. Loose paper is secured under the elastic band in the base of the box as shown in Figure 13.

Figures 11 and 16 show the assembled box according to the invention. Figure 11 illustrates the assembled box in its closed state. Figure 16 shows the assembled box with top panel 2 slightly open. It is possible to fold top panel 2 backwards along fold line 33 to partly open the box through top panel 2, or alternatively, completely open top panel 2.

Figures 12-15 show applications of the storage box of the invention, both in its closed and opened structure.

Figure 12 shows the use of the storage boxes in a stacked formation. The storage boxes, due to their front opening means and side walls of reinforced strength can be efficiently used, even at the base of a heavy stack of heavy boxes. Figure 12 shows the easy access to the bottom most storage boxes, which is according to the invention, through opening the front side panel of the box. There is, therefore, no need to remove a box from the stack in order to gain access to its contents.

Figure 14 shows the use of a division insert 150. Division panels 151a, 151b, 151c extending along one side of division insert 150 have slightly smaller dimensions than the side walls of the assembled box which are of reinforced strength. The division panels of the division insert 150 are inserted in between two of the reinforcing panels by slipping the divisions, for example, in between upstanding side panel portions 13a and 13b. The division insert gives rigidity to a stack of storage boxes according to the invention without adversely affecting the ability of a user to open the front facing side panel of a box positioned in a stack. Furthermore, each division panel adds another adjacent panel to reinforce the strength of a side panel of the box, for increased strength, by lying adjacent to panels 13a, 13b, 11, 15 etc. Hence, the invention provides a storage box wherein at least one of the reinforcing panels of a side wall of the box is not integral with the blank.

Figure 13 shows several uses of the storage box of the invention. A punch clip has been inserted through apertures 125 and 126 in a box constructed from a blank according to Figure 3. Base panel portion 120 in Figure 3 is in two parts (120a and 120b). An elastic band is in place over slots 122 and 123 to hold paper in place. A further elastic band is placed over side panel portion 16b to hold additional material within the box, for example, identification tags, business cards etc. The box can additionally be provided with a separate liner made from, for example, cardboard which fits within the inside of the assembled storage box. The liner can be fitted with elastic band securing means, clips, punch clips etc., to hold papers neatly within the box and which can be removed from box when opened.

Figure 15 shows an assembled box being stored sideways, resting on side panel 9 which forms the rear wall in the assembled box. Top panel 2a has been folded backwards along fold line 33 causing tab portions 5 and 6 to leave their respective positions within the side panels of the side walls having reinforced strength. Side panel portions 8a and 7a can optionally be folded backwards 180" along fold lines 35b and 34b, respectively, and inserted alongside side panel portions 13b and 8b, side panel portions 12b and 7b, respectively. As shown in Figure 15, this allows for the box to be locked in the open position with access through part of the front panel.

Claims (10)

Claims:

1. A storage box which comprises four side walls, a base panel and a top panel, wherein one of said side walls comprises an opening means for opening said side wall to allow access to the inside of said storage box, one of said side walls forms a rear wall, and wherein at least a portion of each remaining side wall is composed of at least four panels which are positioned adjacent to each other and forming a side wall of reinforced strength of the storage box.

2. A storage box according to claim 1 wherein said side walls of reinforced strength are each composed of five adjacently positioned panels.

3. A storage box according to any of claims 1 and 2 wherein said top panel provides opening means so that the inside of said storage box can be additionally accessed from the top panel as well a side wall.

4. A storage box according to any of claims 1 to 3 which comprises means for securing loose paper within said storage box wherein said means is integral with a portion of the inside of said box.

5. A storage box according to claim 4 wherein said paper securing means comprises one or more flap portions which extend from one or more of said side panels, wherein said flap portion overlie at least a portion of the inside surface of the base panel of the storage box.

6. A storage box according to claim 5 wherein said flap portion comprises slots over which a band is placed.

7. A storage box according to any of claims 1 to 6 which is collapsable to a blank.

8. A storage box according to claim 1 wherein said side walls of reinforced strength are each formed by folding at least four side panel portions which integrally form part of a blank used to form said 3-dimensional box, wherein said side panels extend from the main body of the blank wherein each side panel is defined by fold lines and wherein fold lines additionally define base panel, top panel and remaining side walls of a box folded from said blank.

9. A storage box according to claim 1 wherein said means for opening said front side wall is formed by folding side panel portions which integrally form part of a blank folded to form a 3-dimensional box and wherein said side panel portions are extended by flap portions which when the box is in the closed position are located in between the reinforcing panels of the side walls of the assembled box having reinforced strength, wherein said side panel portions extend from opposite ends of a main body of the blank defining by fold lines base panel, top panel and rear side wall of a box assembled by folding said blank.

10. A blank for constructing a 3-dimensional box according to claim 1, which comprises a substantially rectangular portion wherein fold lines define a top panel, a base panel and one side wall of the 3-dimensional box, wherein said substantially rectangular portion is extended on at least a portion of each of its edges, by side panel portions, said side panel portions may individually be extended by additional side panel portions or by flap portions, wherein said side panel portions and said flap portions are defined by fold lines and wherein at least four side panel portions are folded to form at least four adjacent side panels per side wall of reinforced strength in the 3-dimensional box, said flap portions provide means in the 3-dimensional box for opening said front side wall.