US20250108953A1

US20250108953A1 - Sealable box assembly

Info

Publication number: US20250108953A1
Application number: US18/899,210
Authority: US
Inventors: Shifeng Chen
Original assignee: Pratt Corrugated Holdings Inc
Current assignee: Pratt Corrugated Holdings Inc
Priority date: 2023-09-29
Filing date: 2024-09-27
Publication date: 2025-04-03

Abstract

A sealable box assembly includes a box that itself includes a sidewall enclosure and a plurality of top panels extending from the sidewall enclosure at a top end of the box, the plurality of top panels including a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel, and a fourth top panel; wherein: the sealable box assembly is configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration; in the open configuration, a top opening formed at the top end of the box is uncovered to allow access to an interior cavity of the box; and in the closed configuration, the top panels are folded to cover the top opening and a tape strip seals the top panels in the closed configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/541,731, filed on Sep. 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to packaging. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a sealable box assembly comprising a box with a pre-applied tape strip for sealing an end of the box in a closed configuration

BACKGROUND

Typical boxes can comprise upper end flaps for covering an upper end of the box in a closed configuration and lower end flaps for covering a lower end of the box in a closed configuration. The upper end flaps and lower end flaps usually can be sealed in the closed configuration with tape. To seal the box closed, a user can be required to procure a tape roll, then cut or tear tape strips from the tape roll, and then manually apply the tape strips to the box.

SUMMARY

It is to be understood that this summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. This summary is exemplary and not restrictive, and it is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor delineate the scope thereof. The sole purpose of this summary is to explain and exemplify certain concepts of the disclosure as an introduction to the following complete and extensive detailed description.
Disclosed is a sealable box assembly comprising a box comprising a sidewall enclosure and a plurality of top panels extending from the sidewall enclosure at a top end of the box, the plurality of top panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel, and a fourth top panel; a tape strip extending continuously across the first, second, and third top panels; wherein: the sealable box assembly is configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration; in the open configuration, a top opening formed at the top end of the box is uncovered to allow access to an interior cavity of the box; and in the closed configuration, the top panels are folded to cover the top opening and the tape strip seals the top panels in the closed configuration.
Disclosed is a sealable box assembly comprising a box comprising a sidewall enclosure and a plurality of top panels extending from the sidewall enclosure at a top end of the box, the plurality of top panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel, and a fourth top panel, the fourth top panel defining a height that is greater than a height of the first, second, and third top panels; wherein: the sealable box assembly is configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration; in the open configuration, a top opening formed at the top end of the box is uncovered to allow access to an interior cavity of the box; and in the closed configuration, the top panels are folded to cover the top opening and a distal top portion of the fourth top panel overlies a distal top portion of the second top panel.
Also disclosed is a method of sealing a sealable box assembly, the method comprising providing the sealable box assembly, the sealable box assembly comprising a box and a tape strip, the box comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel opposite the first top panel, and a fourth top panel opposite the second top panel, the tape strip defining a first tape strip portion applied to the first top panel, a second tape strip portion applied to the second top panel, and a third tape strip portion applied to the third top panel; folding the first top panel and the third top panel towards an interior box cavity of the box; folding the second top panel towards the interior cavity and adhering the second top panel to the first and third tape strip portions; and folding the fourth top panel towards the interior cavity and adhering the fourth top panel to the first, second, and third tape strip portions.
Various implementations described in the present disclosure may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages, which may not necessarily be expressly disclosed herein but will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. It is intended that all such systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within the present disclosure and protected by the accompanying claims. The features and advantages of such implementations may be realized and obtained by means of the systems, methods, features particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of such exemplary implementations as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, explain various principles of the disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures may be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a box with pre-applied tape strips in a blank configuration, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the box of FIG. 1 with pre-applied tape strips in a partially assembled configuration, in accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the box of FIG. 2 in the partially assembled configuration.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an interior of the box of FIG. 2 in the partially assembled configuration.

FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the box of FIG. 2 in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 6 is a rear plan view of the box of FIG. 2 in the collapsed configuration.

FIG. 7 is a detail view of one pre-applied tape strip of the box of FIG. 2 , wherein the pre-applied tape strip is covered by a peelable backing.

FIG. 8 is a detail view of the peelable backing of FIG. 7 .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the box of FIG. 2 showing a first step in a method of folding the box to an assembled configuration.

FIG. 10 is a detail view of one of the pre-applied tape strips of the box as shown in FIG. 7 with the backing of the tape strip removed.

FIG. 11 illustrates a second step in the method of folding the box of FIG. 2 to the assembled configuration.

FIG. 12 illustrates a third step in the method of folding the box of FIG. 2 to the assembled configuration.

FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth step in the method of folding the box of FIG. 2 to the assembled configuration.

FIG. 14 illustrates a fifth step in the method of folding the box of FIG. 2 to the assembled configuration.

FIG. 15 illustrates a sixth and final step in the method of folding the box of FIG. 2 to the assembled configuration.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the box in the assembled configuration.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the box in a fully closed configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, and the previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, and, as such, can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
The following description is provided as an enabling teaching of the present devices, systems, and/or methods in its best, currently known aspect. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the present devices, systems, and/or methods described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.
As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “an element” can include two or more such elements unless the context indicates otherwise.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
For purposes of the current disclosure, a material property or dimension measuring about X or substantially X on a particular measurement scale measures within a range between X plus an industry-standard upper tolerance for the specified measurement and X minus an industry-standard lower tolerance for the specified measurement. Because tolerances can vary between different materials, processes and between different models, the tolerance for a particular measurement of a particular component can fall within a range of tolerances.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. Further, one should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain aspects include, while other aspects do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular aspects or that one or more particular aspects necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular aspect.
Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific aspect or combination of aspects of the disclosed methods.
Disclosed is a sealable box assembly and associated methods, systems, devices, and various apparatus. Example aspects of the sealable box assembly can comprise a box and one or more pre-applied tape strips. It would be understood by one of skill in the art that the sealable box assembly is described in but a few exemplary embodiments among many. No particular terminology or description should be considered limiting on the disclosure or the scope of any claims issuing therefrom.
FIG. 1 shows a box blank 102 of a sealable box assembly 100, in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure. The box blank 102 of the sealable box assembly 100 can be folded from a blank configuration, as shown, to an assembled configuration (shown in FIG. 17 ). In the assembled configuration, the sealable box assembly 100 can be configured to receive contents therein. Example aspects of the sealable box assembly 100 can comprise a box 104 and one or more pre-applied tape strips 106. For example, in the present aspect, the sealable box assembly 100 can comprise an upper tape strip 106 a and a lower tape strip 106 b. The box 104 can define an outer surface 108 and an inner surface 208 (shown in FIG. 2 ) opposite the outer surface 108. The upper tape strip 106 a and the lower tape strip 106 b can be applied to the outer surface 108 of the box 104. Once the box blank 102 has been folded to the assembled configuration, the upper tape strip 106 a and the lower tape strip 106 b can be utilized to seal the sealable box assembly 100 in a closed configuration, as described in further detail below, to retain the contents within the sealable box assembly 100.
According to example aspects, the box 104 can comprise a plurality of side panels 110. In the present aspect, the box 104 can comprise first, second, third, and fourth side panels 110 a,b,c,d, respectively. Other aspects of the sealable box assembly 100 can comprise more or fewer side panels 110. In the assembled configuration, the plurality of side panels 110 can define a sidewall enclosure 210 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The first side panel 110 a can be hingedly connected to the second side panel 110 b at a first side fold line 112 a; the second side panel 110 b can be hingedly connected to the third side panel 110 c at a second side fold line 112 b; and the third side panel 110 c can be hingedly connected to the fourth side panel 110 d at a third side fold line 112 c. In the assembled configuration (shown in FIG. 2 ), the side panels 110 can be folded at the corresponding side fold lines 112 a,b,c to form the sidewall enclosure 210.
A proximal outer side edge 114 of the first side panel 110 a can confront a distal outer side edge 116 of the fourth side panel 110 d in the assembled configuration shown in FIG. 2 . In example aspects, a connector strip 118 can be provided for securing the side panels 110 in the assembled configuration. In the present aspect, the connector strip 118 can extend from the distal outer side edge 116 of the fourth side panel 110 d; however, in various aspects the connector strip 118 can extend from the proximal outer side edge 114 of the first side panel 110 a. The connector strip 118 can be hingedly connected to the fourth side panel 110 d at a connector fold line 120 formed at the distal outer side edge 116, as shown. In the assembled configuration, the connector strip 118 can be folded at the connector fold line 120 and can be attached to the first side panel 110 a. The connector strip 118 can be attached to the first side panel 110 a at the outer surface 108 or the inner surface 208 of the box 104 in various aspects. In example aspects, a fastener, such as, for example, an adhesive, can be used to attach the connector strip 118 to the first side panel 110 a. The adhesive can be any suitable adhesive, including but not limited to hot melt, tape, epoxy, and glue. In other aspects, any other suitable mechanical fastener such as staples, clips, etc., and chemical or joining fasteners such as welding, can attach the connector strip 118 to the first side panel 110 a. In some aspects, a height H of the connector strip 118 can taper (i.e., decrease) away from the connector fold line 120. In other aspects, the height H of the connector strip 118 can be straight or non-tapering.
Each of the side panels 110 can extend between a first end 122 of the box 104 and a second end 124 of the box 104. In the present aspect, the first end 122 can be a top end 122 and the second end 124 can be a bottom end 124 in the present aspect, relative to the orientation shown. A plurality of top panels 130 can extend from the top end 122 of the box 104. In the present aspect, a one of the top panels 130 can extend from each of the side panels 110, such that four top panels 130 can be provided. First, second, third, and fourth top panels 130 a,b,c,d can correspond with first, second, third, and fourth side panels 110 a,b,c,d, respectively. Similarly, a plurality of bottom panels 150 can extend from the bottom end 124 of the box 104. In the present aspect, a one of the bottom panels 150 can extend from each of the side panels 110, such that four bottom panels 150 can be provided. First, second, third, and fourth bottom panels 150 a,b,c,d can correspond with first, second third, and fourth side panels 110 a,b,c,d, respectively.
Each of the top panels 130 can be hingedly connected to the corresponding side panel 110 by a top fold line 132, and each of the bottom panels 150 can be hingedly connected to the corresponding side panel 110 by a bottom fold line 152. In the assembled configuration, the top panels 130 can be folded relative to the side panels 110 at the top fold line 132 to selectively cover a top opening 412 (shown in FIG. 4 with the box 104 upside-down) of the box 104 at the top end 122 thereof. Similarly, the bottom panels 150 can be folded relative to the side panels 110 at the bottom fold lines 152 in the assembled configuration to selectively cover a bottom opening 410 (shown in FIG. 4 ) of the box 104 at the bottom end 124 thereof. A method of folding the bottom panels 150 to cover the bottom opening 410 is described in further detail below, and the top panels 130 can be folded in the same manner as the bottom panels 150.
According to example aspects, each of the first, second, and third top panels 130 a,b,c, respectively, can define a first height H₁(i.e., a distance that each of the first, second, and third top panels 130 a,b,c can extend from the corresponding first, second, and third side panels 110 a,b,c, respectively). The fourth top panel 130 d can define a second height H₂that can be greater than the first height H₁. Moreover, each of the first, second, and third bottom panels 150 a,b,c can define a third height H₃, and the fourth bottom panel 150 d can define a fourth height H₄that can be greater than the third height H₃. In the present aspect, the first height H₁of each of the first, second, and third top panels 130 a,b,c can be about equal to the third height H₃of each of the first, second, and third bottom panels 150 a,b,c, and the second height H₂of the fourth top panel 130 d can be about equal to the fourth height H₄of the fourth bottom panel 150 d.
In other aspects, the first height H₁can be of a dimension other than about equal to the third height H₃, and/or the second height H₂can be of a dimension other than about equal to the fourth height H₄. Moreover, in other aspects, the first height H₁can be about equal to the second height H₂, and/or the third height H₃can be about equal to the fourth height H₄. In some aspects, the first height H₁, second height H₂, third height H₃, and/or fourth height H₄can all be about equal.
Each of the top panels 130 can define a free distal top end 134 opposite the corresponding top fold line 132, and each of the bottom panels 150 can define a free distal bottom end 154 opposite the corresponding bottom fold line 152. According to example aspects, the upper tape strip 106 a can extend continuously across each of the first, second, and third top panels 130 a,b,c proximate to the distal top ends 134 thereof. That is, the upper tape strip 106 a can be unbroken across the first, second, and third top panels 130 a,b,c in various aspects. In example aspects, the lower tape strip 106 b can extend continuously across each of the first, second, and third bottom panels 150 a,b,c proximate to the distal bottom ends 154 thereof. That is, the lower tape strip 106 b can be unbroken across the first, second, and third bottom panels 150 a,b,c. The upper tape strip 106 a and the lower tape strip 106 b can comprise any suitable adhesive.
In some aspects, a top slot 136 can be defined between each adjacent pair of the top panels 130, and a bottom slot 156 can be defined between each adjacent pair of the bottom panels 150. The upper tape strip 106 a can extend across the top slots 136 formed between the adjacent first and second top panels 130 a,b and the adjacent second and third top panels 130 b,c. The lower tape strip 106 b can extend across the bottom slots 156 formed between the adjacent first and second bottom panels 150 a,b and the adjacent second and third bottom panels 150 b,c. In some aspects, an upper peelable backing 220 a (shown in FIG. 2 with the box 104 upside-down) can be applied to the upper tape strip 106 a and can be selectively peeled away to uncover the upper tape strip 106 a. In some aspects, a lower peelable backing 220 b (shown in FIG. 2 ) can be applied to the lower tape strip 106 b and can be selectively peeled away to uncover the lower tape strip 106 b.
Example dimensions of the box 104, the upper tape strip 106 a, and the lower tape strip 106 b are illustrated in FIG. 1 . However, these dimensions can vary in other aspects of the sealable box assembly 100 and should not be construed as limiting. As shown, in the present aspect, a length L₁of each of the first side panel 110 a and the third side panel 110 c can be less than a length L₂of each of the second side panel 110 b and the fourth side panel 110 d, and the box 104 can define a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape in the assembled configuration. In other aspects, however, the box 104 can define any other suitable dimensions and/or shapes.
A top outer portion 138 of the fourth top panel 130 d can be arranged at the distal top end 134 thereof and can extend outward past the distal top ends 134 of the first, second, and third top panels 130 a,b,c. According to example aspects, the top outer portion 138 of the fourth top panel 130 d can define a sixth height H₆depending inwardly from its distal edge. In example aspects, the sixth height H₆can be larger than a fifth height H₅of the upper tape strip 106 a that is disposed along the distal top end 134 of the second top panel 130 b. A bottom outer portion 158 of the fourth bottom panel 150 d can be arranged at the distal bottom end 154 thereof and can extend outward past the distal bottom ends 154 of the first, second, and third bottom panels 150 a,b,c. According to example aspects, the bottom outer portion 158 of the fourth bottom panel 150 d can define an eighth height H₈. In example aspects, the eighth height H₈can be larger than a seventh height H₇of the lower tape strip 106 b that is disposed along the distal bottom end 154 of the second bottom panel 150 b. According to example aspects, a thickness of the box blank 102 (i.e., going into the page) can be substantially uniform. However, in some example aspects, the top outer portion 138 of the fourth top panel 130 d and the bottom outer portion 158 of the fourth bottom panel 150 d can be crushed or compressed to a reduced depth, thereby forming a recess, that can be less than the substantially uniform depth of the remainder of the box blank 102. In other aspects, however, the top outer portion 138 and/or the bottom outer portion 158 can also define the substantially uniform depth of the remainder of the box blank 102.
FIGS. 2-4 illustrate the sealable box assembly 100 folded from the box blank 102 (shown in FIG. 1 ) to a partially assembled and expanded configuration. The sealable box assembly 100 is shown upside down in FIGS. 2-4 , such that the bottom panels 150 can extend upward from the side panels 110 and the top panels 130 can extend downward from the side panels 110, relative to the orientation shown. As such, the bottom end 124 of the box 104 can be arranged vertically above the top end 122 of the box 104 in the present orientation. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 , as previously described, the side panels 110 can be folded at the corresponding side fold lines 112 a,b,c (112 a shown in FIG. 3 ) to form the sidewall enclosure 210. The top panels 130 can extend from the side panels 110 at the top end 122 of the box 104, and the bottom panels 150 can extend from the side panels 110 at the bottom end 124 of the box 104. As shown, the bottom outer portion 158 of the fourth bottom panel 150 d can extend outward past the distal bottom ends 154 of the first, second, and third bottom panels 150 a,b,c. As shown in FIG. 3 , the top outer portion 138 of the fourth top panel 130 d can extend outward past the distal top ends 134 of the first, second, and third top panels 130 a,b,c (second and third top panels 130 b,c shown in FIG. 1 ).
Referring now to FIG. 4 , the connector strip 118 extending from the distal outer side edge 116 of the fourth side panel 110 d can be coupled to the first side panel 110 a to retain the sealable box assembly 100 in the partially assembled configuration. In the present aspect, the connector strip 118 can be coupled to the inner surface 208 of the box 104 at the first side panel 110 a; however, in other aspects, the connector strip 118 can be coupled to the outer surface 108 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the box 104. In the partially assembled configuration, an additional one of the top slots 136 can be defined between the first top panel 130 a and the fourth top panel 130 d after the first side panel 110 a and the fourth side panel 110 d are coupled together. Similarly, an additional one of the bottom slots 156 can be defined between the first bottom panel 150 a and the fourth bottom panel 150 d after the first side panel 110 a and the fourth side panel 110 d are coupled together. Moreover, the side panels 110 can at least partially define an interior box cavity 420 of the box 104, which can be configured to receive contents therein. The bottom opening 410 can allow access to the interior box cavity 420 at the bottom end 124 of the box 104, and the top opening 412 can allow access to the interior box cavity 420 at the top end 122 of the box 104.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate front and rear views, respectively, of the sealable box assembly 100 in a partially assembled and collapsed configuration, wherein a volume of the sealable box assembly 100 can be reduced in comparison to the volume of the sealable box assembly 100 when erect. To collapse the sealable box assembly 100, such as for storage and/or shipping, the third side panel 110 c can be folded inwards towards the fourth side panel 110 d at the third side fold line 112 c, and the second side panel 110 b can be folded inwards towards the first side panel 110 a at the first side fold line 112 a. As shown, the third side panel 110 c can confront and lie substantially flat against the fourth side panel 110 d, and the second side panel 110 b can confront and lie substantially flat against the first side panel 110 a. In other aspects, the first side panel 110 a can be folded inwards towards the fourth side panel 110 d at the connector fold line 120, and the second side panel 110 b can be folded inwards towards the third side panel 110 c at the second side fold line 112 b to collapse the sealable box assembly 100. In the collapsed configuration, the sealable box assembly 100 can be substantially flat and can occupy minimal space.
FIG. 7 is a detail view of the lower peelable backing 220 b covering the lower tape strip 106 b. More specifically, FIG. 7 is a detail view of the lower tape strip 106 b and the lower peelable backing 220 b extending continuously across the bottom slot 156 formed between the second bottom panel 150 b and the third bottom panel 150 c. Although the lower tape strip 106 b is covered by the lower peelable backing 220 b in the present view, the lower peelable backing 220 b can be translucent in the present aspect such that the lower tape strip 106 b can be visible therethrough. The lower tape strip 106 b can also be more clearly seen in FIGS. 9-13 . In various aspects, the lower peelable backing 220 b (and/or the upper peelable backing 220 a, shown in FIG. 2 ) can be transparent or opaque. In the present aspect, the lower tape strip 106 b and the lower peelable backing 220 b can be applied to the box 104 proximate to, but slightly spaced from, the distal bottom ends 154 of the corresponding bottom panels 150. However, in other aspects, the lower tape strip 106 b and the lower peelable backing 220 b can be applied at the corresponding distal bottom ends 154.
A tape bridge portion 710 of the lower tape strip 106 b and a backing bridge portion 720 of the lower peelable backing 220 b can extend across the bottom slots 156 defined between the second bottom panel 150 b and the adjacent first bottom panel 150 a and third bottom panel 150 c. Similarly, a tape bridge portion 710 of the upper tape strip 106 a (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a backing bridge portion 720 of the upper peelable backing 220 a can extend across the top slots 136 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 17 ) defined between the second top panel 130 b and the adjacent first top panel 130 a and third top panel 130 c. In example aspects, a tape slit 712 can be formed in each of the tape bridge portions 710, which can allow the tape bridge portion 710 to be broken under the application of a suitable force, as described in further detail below. The tape slit 712 can be formed, for example and without limitation, by cutting into the tape bridge portion 710 with a blade, scissors, or any other suitable cutting tool. In some aspects, a backing slit 722 can also be formed in each of the backing bridge portions 720. In various aspects, perforated tape slits may be utilized rather than full tape slits.
The backing slit 722, if provided, can be aligned with the corresponding tape slit 712. The backing slit 722 can be cut or otherwise formed at the same time as the tape slit 712. In various aspects, the backing slit 722 can be cut or otherwise formed after the lower peelable backing 220 b has been applied to the lower tape strip 106 b. In other aspects, however, the lower peelable backing 220 b and/or the upper peelable backing 220 a can be applied to the lower tape strip 106 b and upper tape strip 106 a, respectively, after the tape slits 712 have been cut. In such cases, the lower peelable backing 220 b and/or the upper peelable backing 220 a can omit the backing slits 722. As shown, each tape slit 712 can extend in a substantially longitudinal direction, relative to the orientation shown, into the lower tape strip 106 b at an outer strip end 714 thereof. Similarly, each backing slit 722 can extend in a substantially longitudinal direction, relative to the orientation shown, into the lower peelable backing 220 b at an outer backing end 724 thereof. The substantially longitudinal direction can be substantially perpendicular to the distal bottom ends 154 of the bottom panels 150.
FIG. 8 illustrates a close-up view of the lower peelable backing 220 b, which can be substantially the same as the upper peelable backing 220 a (shown in FIG. 2 ). In some aspects, indicia 810, such as words or images for example, can be printed on or otherwise applied to the lower peelable backing 220 b and/or the upper peelable backing 220 a. For example and without limitation, in the present aspect, the indicia 810 printed on the upper peelable backing 220 a and the lower peelable backing 220 b can include instructions 812 for removing the upper and lower peelable backings 220 a,b to expose the adhesive of the upper and lower tape strips 106 a,b (upper tape strip 106 a shown in FIG. 1 ), respectively.
FIG. 9 illustrates a first step in assembling the sealable box assembly 100 from the partially assembled configuration to the assembled configuration (shown in FIG. 16 ) and sealing the bottom panels 150 in a closed configuration to enclose the interior box cavity 420 at the bottom end 124 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the sidewall enclosure 210 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The top panels 130 (shown in FIG. 1 ) can be sealed in the same manner as the bottom panels 150 to enclose the interior box cavity 420 at the top end 122 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the sidewall enclosure 210. As shown, a user can grip a free backing side 920 of the lower peelable backing 220 b and pull the lower peelable backing 220 b away from the lower tape strip 106 b to expose the adhesive of the lower tape strip 106 b. In the present aspect, the free backing side 920 of the lower peelable backing 220 b gripped by the user can be a first backing side 922 arranged at the first bottom panel 150 a, adjacent to the fourth bottom panel 150 d. In other aspects, the user can grip an opposite second backing side 222 (shown in FIG. 2 ) of the lower peelable backing 220 b arranged at the third bottom panel 150 c (shown in FIG. 1 ), adjacent to the fourth bottom panel 150 d.
FIG. 10 illustrates the lower tape strip 106 b with the lower peelable backing 220 b (shown in FIG. 2 ) peeled away. As shown, the lower tape strip 106 b can define the tape bridge portion 710 extending across the bottom slots 156 defined between adjacent bottom panels 150. More specifically, the tape bridge portion 710 extending across the bottom slot 156 between the first bottom panel 150 a and the second bottom panel 150 b is illustrated and the tape bridge can include a tape slit 712 as described above.
FIG. 11 illustrates a next step in assembling the sealable box assembly 100, wherein the each of the tape bridge portions 710 of the continuous lower tape strip 106 b can be broken to detach the distal end of the first bottom panel 150 a from the distal end of the second bottom panel 150 b and to detach to the distal end of the second bottom panel 150 b from the distal end of the third bottom panel 150 c (shown in FIG. 2 ). The tape slits 712 can facilitate tearing the lower tape strip 106 b at the tape bridge portions 710. The tape bridge portions 710 can be torn by manually pulling the adjacent bottom panels 150 (i.e., the adjacent first bottom panel 150 a and second bottom panel 150 b and the adjacent second bottom panel 150 b and third bottom panel 150 c) in opposing directions (e.g., inward and outward) or simply by manually applying pressure to the tape bridge portion 710 at the tape slit 712. Once the continuous lower tape strip 106 b is broken at the tape bridge portions 710, the lower tape strip 106 b can define a separate first tape strip portion 1110 applied to the first bottom panel 150 a, a separate second tape strip portion 1112 applied to the second bottom panel 150 b, and a separate third tape strip portion 1214 (shown in FIG. 12 ) applied to the third bottom panel 150 c.
Referring now to FIG. 12 , each of the first tape strip portion 1110, the second tape strip portion 1112, and the third tape strip portion 1214 are visible. A next step in assembling the sealable box assembly 100 can comprise folding the first bottom panel 150 a and the third bottom panel 150 c inward towards the interior box cavity 420 of the box 104. The first bottom panel 150 a and the third bottom panel 150 c can at least partially cover the bottom opening 410 formed at the bottom end 124 of the box 104. As shown, the first bottom panel 150 a and the third bottom panel 150 c can be folded to be about perpendicular to the side panels 110.
As shown in FIG. 13 , a next step in fully assembling the sealable box assembly 100 can comprise folding the second bottom panel 150 b inward towards the interior box cavity 420 of the box 104. The second bottom panel 150 b can be folded to at least partially overlay the first bottom panel 150 a and the third bottom panel 150 c. Furthermore, the second bottom panel 150 b can be adhered to each of the first tape strip portion 1110 of the first bottom panel 150 a and the third tape strip portion 1214 of the third bottom panel 150 c to retain the second bottom panel 150 b in the folded position. In the present aspect, the second bottom panel 150 b need not fully cover the first bottom panel 150 a nor the third bottom panel 150 c, such that sections of the first tape strip portion 1110 and the third tape strip portion 1214 can remain exposed. Additionally, the entire second tape strip portion 1112 of the second bottom panel 150 b can be exposed, as shown. The second bottom panel 150 b can be about perpendicular to the side panels 110 in the folded position. The fourth bottom panel 150 d can then be folded inward towards the interior box cavity 420 of the box 104 and can be adhered to the exposed sections of the first and third tape strip portions 1110,1214 and to the second tape strip portion 1112. The bottom opening 410 can thereby be completely covered by the bottom panels 150 to prohibit access to the interior box cavity 420 at the bottom end 124.
FIG. 14 illustrates the fourth bottom panel 150 d folded over and adhered to the first, second, and third bottom panel 150 a,b,c (first and third bottom panels 150 a,c shown in FIG. 1 ). The bottom panels 150 can thereby be configured in a closed configuration. The fourth bottom panel 150 d can be about perpendicular to the side panels 110 in the folded position. The bottom outer portion 158 of the fourth bottom panel 150 d can overlay the second tape strip portion 1112 (shown in FIG. 13 ) of the second bottom panel 150 b, as shown. According to example aspects, the reduced depth of the compressed bottom outer portion 158 of the fourth bottom panel 150 d can receive, at least partially, a portion of the distal bottom end 154 of the second bottom panel 150 b therein. As such, the bottom outer portion 158 of the fourth bottom panel 150 d can lie substantially or somewhat flush with the second bottom panel 150 b. Once the bottom panels 150 are configured in the closed configuration, the sealable box assembly 100 can be turned right-side up to arrange the top end 122 of the box 104 vertically above the bottom end 124 of the box 104. The bottom panels 150 can be configured to rest on a support surface in the right-side up orientation, as shown in FIG. 16 .
Referring now to FIG. 15 , in some aspects, the method of assembling the sealable box assembly 100 can further comprise reaching into the interior box cavity 420 through the top opening 412 (shown in FIG. 4 ) and pressing the bottom panels 150 down against the support surface to ensure that the first, second, and third tape strip portions 1110,1112,1214 (shown in FIG. 12 ) of the lower tape strip 106 b (shown in FIG. 1 ) are properly adhered with the relevant bottom panels 150 to secure the bottom panels 150 sturdily in the closed configuration.
FIG. 16 illustrates the sealable box assembly 100 in the assembled configuration and flipped right-side up, such that the bottom panels 150 in the closed configuration can rest on the support surface. The top opening 412 can be defined at the top end 122 of the box 104, and contents can be inserted into the interior box cavity 420 through the top opening 412. Once the desired contents have been placed within the interior box cavity 420, the upper peelable backing 220 a can be peeled away from the upper tape strip 106 a, and the top panels 130 can be folded to the closed configuration in the same manner as previously described for the bottom panels 150. FIG. 17 illustrates the top panels 130 folded to the closed configuration. With both the bottom panels 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and the top panels 130 in the closed configuration, the sealable box assembly 100 can be sealed fully closed. Note, various aspects allow the sealable box assembly 100 to assembled into the closed configuration shown in FIG. 17 without the use of additional tapes, glues, staples, etc. The sealable box assembly 100 can then be transported with the contents securely contained therein.
One should note that conditional language, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more particular embodiments or that one or more particular embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without user input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present disclosure. Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included in which functions may not be included or executed at all, may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the present disclosure. Further, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any and all combinations and sub-combinations of all elements, features, and aspects discussed above. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present disclosure, and all possible claims to individual aspects or combinations of elements or steps are intended to be supported by the present disclosure.

Claims

That which is claimed is:

1. A sealable box assembly comprising:

a box comprising a sidewall enclosure and a plurality of top panels extending from the sidewall enclosure at a top end of the box, the plurality of top panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel, and a fourth top panel;

a tape strip extending across the first, second, and third top panels;

wherein:

the sealable box assembly is configurable in an open configuration and a closed configuration;

in the open configuration, a top opening formed at the top end of the box is uncovered to allow access to an interior cavity of the box; and

in the closed configuration, the top panels are folded to cover the top opening and the tape strip seals the top panels in the closed configuration.

2. The sealable box assembly of claim 1, wherein the tape strip extending across the first, second, and third top panels comprises a continuous tape strip.

3. The sealable box assembly of claim 2, wherein the tape strip comprises an adhesive strip and a backing strip that is removably adhered to the adhesive strip.

4. The sealable box assembly of claim 2, wherein a first slit is defined in a first bridge portion of the tape strip that extends between the first top panel and the second top panel, and a second slit is defined in a second bridge portion of the tape strip that extends between the second top panel and the third top panel.

5. The sealable box assembly of claim 4, wherein the first slit and the second slit extend into the tape strip from an outer strip end of the tape strip.

6. The sealable box assembly of claim 1, wherein the tape strip extends across a distal top end of each of the first, second, and third top panels.

7. The sealable box assembly of claim 1, wherein the tape strip is displaced a given distance from the distal top end of each of the first, second, and third top panels.

8. The sealable box assembly of claim 1, wherein the fourth top panel defines a height that is greater than a height of the first, second, and third top panels so that a distal end of the fourth top panel extends outwardly beyond a distal end of each of the first, second, and third top panels when the sealable box assembly is in the open configuration.

9. The sealable box assembly of claim 8, wherein the sidewall enclosure further comprises a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, and a fourth side panel, wherein the first side panel and the third side panel define a first length, the second side panel and the fourth side panel define a second length, and the first length is less than the second length.

10. The sealable box assembly of claim 8, wherein a distal top end of the fourth top panel is configured to overlap the tape strip disposed on the second top panel when the sealable box assembly is in the closed configuration.

11. The sealable box assembly of claim 10, wherein the distal top end of the fourth panel defines a recess that is configured to receive at least a portion of the distal top end of the second top panel therein when the sealable box assembly is in the closed configuration.

12. A sealable box assembly comprising:

a box comprising a sidewall enclosure and a plurality of top panels extending from the sidewall enclosure at a top end of the box, the plurality of top panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel, and a fourth top panel, the fourth top panel defining a height that is greater than a height of the first, second, and third top panels;

wherein:

in the closed configuration, the top panels are folded to cover the top opening and a distal end of the fourth top panel overlies a distal end of the second top panel.

13. The sealable box assembly of claim 12, further comprising a tape strip extending across the first, second, and third top panels.

14. The sealable box assembly of claim 13, wherein the tape strip extends across a distal top end of each of the first, second, and third top panels.

15. The sealable box assembly of claim 12, wherein the sidewall enclosure further comprises a first side panel, a second side panel, a third side panel, and a fourth side panel, wherein the first side panel and the third side panel define a first length, the second side panel and the fourth side panel define a second length, and the first length is less than the second length.

16. A method of forming a box assembly, the method comprising:

obtaining the sealable box assembly, the sealable box assembly comprising a box and a tape strip, the box comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a third top panel opposite the first top panel, and a fourth top panel opposite the second top panel, the tape strip defining a first tape strip portion applied to the first top panel, a second tape strip portion applied to the second top panel, and a third tape strip portion applied to the third top panel;

folding the first top panel and the third top panel towards an interior box cavity of the box;

folding the second top panel towards the interior cavity and adhering the second top panel to the first and third tape strip portions; and

folding the fourth top panel towards the interior cavity and adhering the fourth top panel to the first, second, and third tape strip portions.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of obtaining the sealable box assembly further comprises obtaining a continuous tape strip assembly that comprises the first, second, and third tape strip portions.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of breaking the tape strip to detach a distal end of the second top panel from a distal end of each of the first top panel and the third top panel.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of providing the sealable box assembly further comprises providing the fourth top panel with a height that is greater than a height of the first, second, and third top panels.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of providing the sealable box assembly further comprises providing the fourth top panel with a recessed distal top portion that is configured to receive a distal top portion of the second top panel therein when the fourth top panel is adhered to the first, second, and third top panels.