Container and method of containing
A container and a method of containing an accessory. The container comprises a base having an external side and a cover rotatably connected to the base. A rear wall connects to the base and the cover while a front wall positioned opposite the rear wall has a height smaller than the rear wall. The container further comprises an accessory holding structure rotatably connected to the base by the front wall. The accessory holding structure comprises a slot wherein the holding tab integrally positions an accessory between the cover and the accessory holding structure. The container is well suited to support an accessory comprising a photo or picture album having a tab adapted to insert into the slot when the album is placed in the container. The method of containing comprises rotating an accessory holding structure over a base while placing an accessory on a slot forming part of the accessory holding structure. Then the cover is rotated over the accessory to enclose the accessory between the accessory holding structure and the cover. Next, a set of distribution instructions are recorded on the base wherein the accessory is distributed while enclosed between the base and the cover based on the set of distribution instructions.
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/841,913 filed May 5, 2004, entitled “Container and Method of Containing.”
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates to a container and a method of containing an accessory, such as a photo or picture album in the container. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a container having a structure to hold the accessory within the container.
In the field of containers, various accessory items are packaged for distribution and display in many different ways. Typically, containers merely cover the accessory for protection purposes. Although the container protects the accessory, the container prohibits access to the accessory unless the user separates the accessory from the container. Additionally, current containers require additional distribution materials such as mailing boxes and packaging materials for distribution. This arrangement, though, increases the total manufacturing cost of the accessory since the container requires the mailing/packing materials which become disposable distribution pieces. The additional packaging arrangement also increases the cost and space needed for storage and shipping. Still further, this arrangement leads to unwieldy and bulky handling by the distributor due to the container incorporating the additional requisite packaging material.
For commercial success, containers must present a configuration which properly stores, displays and distributes the contained accessory in a cost efficient and user friendly manner. The success depends on factors such as manufacturing cost of the container, the functionality of the container, the distribution capability of the container, and the consumer acceptance of the container. Thus, the container should be cost effective, convenient, distributable and protective while presenting an aesthetic quality to the consumer. Preferably, the container is constructed from a single blank of flat material, such as cardboard, paperboard, hard paper or the like. Additionally, the accessory should be integrally stored, distributed and displayed within the container for marketing advantages.
SUMMARYThe present disclosure relates to a container and a method of containing an accessory, such as a photo or picture album. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a container having a structure to integrally position the accessory within the container. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a container having a distribution indicia member and other indicia members for distributing the container.
In an embodiment, the container comprises a base having an external side and a cover rotatably connected to the base. A rear wall connects to the base and the cover while a front wall positioned opposite the rear wall has a height smaller than the rear wall. The container further comprises an accessory holding structure rotatably connected to the base by the front of the wall. The accessory holding structure has at least one accessory holder wherein the at least one accessory holder integrally positions an accessory between the cover and the base.
In another embodiment, the accessory holder comprises a slot attached to the accessory holding structure and adapted to engage a tab in a photo or picture album comprising the accessory.
The present disclosure also embodies a method of containing comprising rotating an accessory holding structure over a base while placing an accessory in at least one accessory holder or slot positioned in the accessory holding structure. Then, the cover is rotated over the accessory to enclose the accessory between the base or the accessory holding structure and the cover. Next, a set of distribution instructions are recorded on the base wherein the accessory is distributed while enclosed between the base and the cover based on the set of distribution instructions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure relates to a container and a method of containing an accessory. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a container having a structure to integrally position the accessory within the container. Additionally, the present disclosure relates to a container having a distribution indicia member and other indicia members for distributing the container.
It is noted that the container of the present disclosure may be bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, pairs of opposing like components are to be found, with one accessory of the pair on each side of the blank or container. For simplicity of labeling, each component of the opposing pair will have the same reference numeral. Also, a pair may be indicated by a numeral on one side of the drawing only. Where this occurs, it is to be understood that the discussion also applies to the corresponding component on the other side, even though that component may not be numerically labeled.
Referring to
The container 10 further includes side wall structures 22 oppositely positioned from each other via the base 12. Each side wall structure 22 includes a first side wall 24 rotatably attached to the base 12 at a first side wall fold line 26. The first side wall fold lines 26 extend along the length of the side wall 24, perpendicular to the rear wall 14. Each side wall 24 remains disconnected from the rear ends 18. Each side wall structure 22 further includes a second side wall 28 rotatably attached to the first side wall 24 at a second side wall fold line 30. The second side wall fold line 30 extends parallel to first side wall fold line 26. The second side walls 28 further include tabs 32 extending outward from the second side walls 28.
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The container 10 further includes a cover 42 rotatably attached to the rear wall 14 at a cover fold line 44 which runs parallel to the rear wall fold line 16. The cover 42, though, is separated from the rear ends 18 as shown in
The cover 42 comprises a cover wall structure 46 which includes a cover wall 48 rotatably connected to the cover 42 at a cover wall fold line 50 which runs parallel to the rear wall fold line 16. The cover wall structure 46 also includes cover tabs 52 rotatably attached to the cover wall 48 to extend beyond the cover wall 48. In an embodiment, the cover tabs 52 extend perpendicularly outward from the cover wall 48. The cover 42 further includes an inner side 54 which includes an inner indicia member 56. The inner indicia member 56 positions an area for displaying messages such as greetings.
The container 10 further includes an accessory holding structure 58 rotatably attached to the front wall 34 at an accessory fold line 60 which runs parallel to the front wall fold line 36. The accessory holding structure 58 may comprise a variety of configurations such as a square like configuration. The accessory holding structure 58 includes an accessory base 62 having at least one accessory holder 64 positioned within the accessory base 62. In an embodiment, the at least one accessory holder 64 is positioned through the accessory base 62. As such, the accessory holder 64 is integral with the accessory base 62. The at least one accessory holder 64 may comprise a variety of configurations. In an embodiment, the accessory holder 64 may comprise a circular configuration.
The accessory holding structure 58 further includes accessory sides 66 rotatably attached to the accessory base 62 by accessory fold lines 68. The accessory sides 66 are positioned opposite each other with respect to the accessory base 62 and are positioned perpendicular to the front wall 34 wherein the accessory sides 66 are the same height as the front wall 34. The accessory holding structure 58 also includes an accessory wall 70 rotatably connected to the accessory base 62 by an accessory front fold line 72 which runs parallel to the accessory fold line 60. The accessory wall 70 is the same height as the accessory sides 66.
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The accessory holding structure 58 is rotated along the front wall fold line 36 over the base 12 while the cover 42 remains in the open position 71. The accessory sides 66 and the accessory wall 70 are also inwardly rotated perpendicular to the accessory base 62 along the accessory side lines 68 and accessory wall fold line 72 respectively. The user then places the accessory 74 into the at least one accessory holder 64. In this position, the at least one accessory holder 64 suspends the accessory 74 over the base 12 while exposing the accessory side 73 of the accessory 74 since the front wall 34 is shorter than the rear wall 14, first side walls 24 and second side walls 28.
The user then inwardly rotates the cover 42 along the cover fold line 44 while inwardly rotating the cover wall 48 along the cover fold line 50. In this position, the cover 42 is configured to lay over the accessory holding structure 58 to enclose the accessory 74 between the base 12 and the cover 42 in the closed position 75. The double thickness of the first side walls 24 and the second side walls 28 provide support for the cover 42 in the closed position 75. In an embodiment, the accessory 74 is configured within the at least one accessory holder 64 to contact the inner side 54 to support the cover 42. In another embodiment, a space exists between the accessory 74 and the inner side 54. Next the cover tabs 52 insert within the front ends 40 and cover structures 22 to stabilize the cover 42 with the base 12. As such, the accessory 74 is integrally positioned within the container 10. The present disclosure is not limited to the described order of assembly steps and may include a variety of sequences for assembly steps.
With the container 10 positioning the accessory 74 for convenient display which protects the accessory 74, the user may display greetings directly on the container 10 via the inner indicia member 56 and the outer indicia member 78. Then the user may record the set of distribution instructions 83 such as mailing information directly on the distribution indicia member 82 positioned on the external side 80 of the base 12. Accordingly, the user may distribute, such as by mail, the container 10 without incorporating packaging materials. Furthermore, a receiver simply rotates the cover 42 to expose the accessory 74 for convenient removal from the accessory holding structure 58. As such, the container 10 of the present disclosure displays and protects the accessory 74 while simultaneously providing a distribution of the accessory 74 via the distribution indicia member 82.
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In the embodiment of
Photo or picture album 104 (
The bottommost pocket 110 of accessory 104 includes accessory portion 106 providing access between the two sheets 112, 114 comprising pocket 110. Accessory portion 106 is typically dimensioned to be slid over base portion 90, as explained below.
When preparing the embodiment of
When the desired number of photos and/or pictures are inserted into pockets 108, holding base portion 90 is lifted and pivoted upward around fold line 102. The pockets 108 of album 104 are rotated about their common pivot point until a single stack is formed on top of pocket 110. With the truncated point end of base portion 90 facing upward, the accessory portion 106 of bottommost pocket 110 of album 104 is slid over base portion 90 until base portion 90 is inserted fully into pocket 110. The accessory 104 and base portion 90 are then rotated downward around fold line 102 until the bottom side of pocket 110 rests against base 62.
In the embodiment of
When preparing the embodiment of
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In an additional embodiment, the accessory base 62 of accessory holding structure 58 is flat, without a base portion 90, or a slot 116 or an accessory holder 64. The approximate center of accessory base 62 in this embodiment includes a patch of pliable, releasable adhesive. The accessory 104 is lowered into container 10 until the underside of sheet 114 of pocket 110 of the album contacts the adhesive. The adhesive holds the accessory 104 in place until container 10 is opened by the recipient. Since the adhesive is pliable and releasable, such as rubber cement or other similar product, the album can be readily removed from accessory base 62.
While the concepts of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected by the following claims.
Claims
1. A container, comprising:
- a base having an external side;
- a cover rotatably connected to the base;
- a rear wall connecting the base and the cover;
- a front wall positioned opposite the rear wall, the front wall having a height smaller than the height of the rear wall; and
- an accessory holding structure rotatably connected to the base by the front wall, the accessory holding structure having a slot formed through the accessory holding structure, the slot adapted to integrally position an accessory between the cover and the base.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the slot is formed to receive a tab formed on the accessory.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the accessory is an album for holding photos or pictures, the album comprising a plurality of slotted pockets adapted to hold the photos or pictures, one of said slotted pockets adapted to insert into the slot.
4. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a distribution indicia member.
5. The container according to claim 4, wherein the distribution indicia member is integrally positioned on the external side of the base.
6. The container according to claim 1, further comprising an outer indicia member.
7. The container according to claim 6, wherein the outer indicia member is integrally positioned on an outer side of the cover.
8. The container according to claim 1, further comprising an inner indicia member integrally positioned on an inner side of the cover.
9. The container according to claim 1, wherein the cover is rotatably configured to reciprocate between an open position and a closed position.
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein the cover in the closed position is adapted to cover the accessory.
11. The container according claim 9, wherein the cover comprises a cover wall which overlaps the front wall in the closed position.
12. A method of containing an accessory, comprising:
- rotating an accessory holding structure over a base, the accessory holding structure spaced from the base;
- placing an accessory through a slot formed in the accessory holding structure;
- rotating a cover over the accessory to enclose the accessory between the base and the cover;
- recording a set of distribution instructions on the base; and
- distributing the accessory and container based on the set of distribution instructions and while the accessory is enclosed between the accessory holding structure and the cover.
13. A method of containing an accessory according to claim 12, further comprising rotating the cover to expose the accessory for removal of the accessory from the slot and the accessory holding structure.
14. A method of containing an accessory according to claim 12, wherein placing the accessory through the slot comprises supporting the accessory on the accessory holding structure.
15. A method of containing an accessory according to claim 12, wherein the step of rotating a cover of the accessory further comprises contacting the accessory with the cover.
16. A method of containing an accessory according to claim 12, further comprising positioning an outer indicia member on the cover.
17. A method of containing an accessory according to claim 12, further comprising positioning an inner indicia member on the cover.
18. A container, comprising:
- a base having an external side;
- a cover rotatably connected to the base;
- a rear wall connecting the base and the cover;
- a front wall positioned opposite the rear wall, the front wall having a height smaller than the height of the rear wall; and
- an accessory holding structure rotatably connected to the base by the front wall, the accessory holding structure having a base portion pivotally attached to the accessory holding structure, the base portion adapted to integrally position an accessory between the cover and the base.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein the base portion is formed from a portion of the accessory holding structure, the base portion comprising a plurality of lateral sides, one of said lateral sides forming the pivotal connection between the base portion and the accessory holding structure.
20. The container of claim 19, wherein the remaining lateral sides of the base portion are separated from the accessory holding structure.
21. The container of claim 19, wherein the remaining lateral sides of the base portion form a truncated point on the tab.
22. A container, comprising:
- a base having an external side;
- a cover rotatably connected to the base;
- a rear wall connecting the base and the cover; and
- a front wall positioned opposite the rear wall, the front wall having a height smaller than the height of the rear wall;
- an accessory holding structure rotatably connected to the base by the front wall, the accessory holding structure having a pliable, releasable adhesive applied to an upwardly facing surface of the accessory holding structure, the adhesive adapted to releasably hold accessory on the accessory holding structure between the cover and the base.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 7, 2005
Publication Date: Nov 10, 2005
Inventor: Thomas Reed (South Bend, IN)
Application Number: 11/030,936