BACKGROUND Prior art solutions for carrying and displaying fresh fruit, such as peaches or strawberries, are constructed from woven strips of thin wood. Though sturdy, prior art solutions are labor intensive to construct, expensive to ship, and difficult to brand.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a sturdy, yet inexpensive fruit basket that may be constructed by folding flat corrugated material. Further, there is a need in the art for a fruit basket suitable for custom branding, such as by printing of a logo on one or more of its surfaces.
SUMMARY Exemplary embodiments of an improved fruit basket according to the solution are disclosed. Certain embodiments may be constructed from a corrugated material, such as a wax-coated cardboard, although it is envisioned that embodiments of the solution may be constructed from any material that can be die-cut or otherwise converted into a foldable template.
An improved basket system may include a handle component, where the handle component has at least two panels. Each panel may have a plurality of ear features. And the system may further include a box component, where the handle component is coupled to the box component by the plurality of ear features. The box component may have side walls, where each side wall includes a pair of panels folded over each other for engaging an ear feature of the handle component.
The system may also have ports disposed within the box component. One or more of the ports may be positioned within a floor portion of the box component. One or more of the ports may be positioned within a side wall of the box component. And, each one or more of the ports may have a substantially rectangular geometry. The handle component may also have an arch geometry such that it is positioned between a side of the handle component and a floor portion of the box component.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise indicated. For reference numerals with letter character designations such as “102A” or “102B”, the letter character designations may differentiate two like parts or elements present in the same figure. Letter character designations for reference numerals may be omitted when it is intended that a reference numeral to encompass all parts having the same reference numeral in all figures.
FIG. 1 illustrates a top, perspective view of an improved fruit basket according one exemplary embodiment of the invention;
FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary side, perspective view of the improved fruit basket according to one exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary top view of the improved fruit basket according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary side, tilted bottom perspective view of the improved fruit basket according to one exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 5 illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the handle component which usually has three panels which are folded together for the finished product;
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled handle component according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 7 illustrates a top, perspective view of an assembled handle component according to an exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 8 illustrates another top, magnified, perspective view of an assembled handle component;
FIG. 9 illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the box component which usually has several panels folded together to form the walls;
FIG. 10 illustrates the box component in a partially assembled state according to one exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 11 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component relative to the embodiment of FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 illustrates further partial assembly of the box component with the handle component;
FIG. 18 illustrates a fully assembled view of the inventive basket system where the system is supporting a payload of objects; and
FIG. 19 illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the several handle components which may be manufactured together efficiently.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as exclusive, preferred or advantageous over other aspects.
Various exemplary embodiments, aspects and features of the present invention encompass a system and method for constructing a fruit basket from flat templates of a perforable and foldable material such as, but not limited to, a wax-coated corrugated cardboard. Advantageously, because embodiments of the solution are constructed from flat components made of corrugated cardboard (or similar material) that has been die-cut, perforated and/or creased according to templates, the components may be inexpensively and efficiently shipped in their flat forms before being folded and integrated together on-site to form an improved fruit basket. Additionally, and advantageously over prior art solutions, because embodiments of the solution are constructed from corrugated cardboard (or similarly suitable material), they may be suitable for display of printed material, including, but not limited to, artwork, logos, branding, etc. Also, due to the novel design and construction of embodiments of the solution, a fruit basket according to the solution may be particularly robust with significant structural rigidity suitable for carrying a relatively heavy payload.
FIG. 1 illustrates a top, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an improved fruit basket 100 according to the solution. As can be understood from FIG. 1, the exemplary fruit basket 100 may be constructed from a corrugated cardboard material. However, other materials are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other materials could include wood, metal, composites, corrugated plastic sheets, plastic sheets, etc.
The exemplary fruit basket 100 may be formed from two components: a box component 102 and a handle component 104, both of which may be folded from perforated and/or creased flat templates. The box component 102, formed from folded corrugated cardboard material, has a bottom 110, two elongated side walls 106a, 106b, and two end walls 106c, 106d. The side walls 106a, 106b and end walls 106c, 106d collectively define an open top, as can be understood from the illustration. The handle component 104, formed from folded corrugated cardboard material, is configured to span between the side walls 106a, 106b of the box component 102 and, advantageously, define an open space 108 beneath the handle component 104 and above the bottom 110 of the box component. In this way, a payload of fruit carried (not visible in FIG. 1, but see FIG. 18] by the fruit basket 100 may reside beneath the handle component 104. Moreover, the scope of the solution is not limited to configurations that include the handle component 104 spanning from side wall 106a to side wall 106b, as it is envisioned that certain embodiments may be configured such that handle component 104 spans from end wall 106c to end wall 106d.
Returning to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each side wall 106 may also provide one or more air-vents/fluid discharge ports 112. Specifically, the first side wall 106a may provide a first pair of air-vents/fluid discharge ports 112a, 112b. Meanwhile, the second sidewall 106b, may provide a second pair of air-vents/fluid discharge ports 112d. It is noted that the bottom 110 of the box component 110 may further provide a portion of each port 112. That is, for each of the four ports 112 illustrated in FIG. 1, the bottom 110 may have a groove/portion removed that forms part of one of the four ports of FIG. 1.
Each port 112 may support an air-flow function by permitting air to flow in and/or out of the volume contained by the box component 102. Similarly, each port 112 may also support a fluid discharge function by allowing any fluids contained within the box component 102 to exit or drain from the box component 102.
Exemplary fluids that may be discharged from each port 112 may include, but are not limited to, water used to wash a payload or juices/discharges from payloads such a fruit that may be compressed and/or fermenting/decomposing. According to one exemplary embodiment, each port 112 may have a rectangular geometrical shape. However, other shapes for the ports 112 are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other shapes include, but are not limited to, square, oval, circular, trapezoidal, hexagonal, octagonal, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 2, this figure illustrates an exemplary side, perspective view of the improved fruit basket 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. In this figure, printed materials 116a, 116b have been placed on one end wall 106c and one side wall 106b, respectively. The printed material 116 may comprise a label but other printed materials are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other printed materials include ink, artwork, branding, and trademarks. In addition to or in the alternative to printed materials, the walls 106 may also support engravings or “sticker” labels that contain artwork, branding, and/or trademarks.
FIG. 2 also shows again the open space 108 that may exist between a bottom portion of the handle component 104 and the bottom 110 of the box component 102. As noted previously, the open space 108 permits payload, such as fruit, to stay under/reside under the handle component 104. Also illustrated in FIG. 2, is an aperture 114 within the handle component 104. The aperture 114 may be advantageously sized to permit fingers of a user to penetrate therethrough and to grasp a top portion of the handle component 104.
Referring now to FIG. 3, this figure illustrates an exemplary top view of the improved fruit basket 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. As noted previously, the improved fruit basket 100 comprises a box component 102 and a handle component 104. The box component 102 further comprises two elongated side walls 106a, 106b and two shorter end walls 106c, 106d (shorter relative to the elongated side walls 106a, 106b).
While the box component 102 as illustrated in the several figures has a rectangular shape, other shapes for the box component are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Other shapes include square shapes where each side 106 is equal in at least one of length and height.
Referring now to FIG. 4, this figure illustrates an exemplary side, tilted bottom perspective view of the improved fruit basket 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. Tab receptacles 133 in the bottom 110 of the box component 102 are visible in this FIG. 4. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of box construction, tabs at the ends of the inner side wall panels and the inner end wall panels may be received into the tab receptacles 133 of the bottom 110 and, thereby, secure the walls 106. In the FIG. 4 illustration, the following eight tab receptacles are visible in bottom 110 of box component 110: 133a, 133b, 133c, 133d, 133e, 133f, 133g, and 133h. The inventive fruit basket is not limited to the number or geometry of tab receptacles 133 illustrated, fewer or additional tab receptacles of any geometry deemed advantageous for a given application may be provided within the fruit basket 100 as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
As will become better understood from the subsequent figures, the box component side walls (and end walls, for that matter) are each comprised of an outer panel and an inner panel(s) to form a double wall. The handle component may be received into grooves defined by cut-out features of inner panels of the box component side walls such that the handle component is fixed in place to define open space 108; the ear features of the handle component are received by, and reside between, the inner and outer panels of the box component side walls. Moreover, the handle component may be fixedly positioned relative to the side walls and above the bottom of the box component by virtue of the aforementioned grooves defined by cut-out features in the box component side walls.
Referring now to FIG. 5, this figure illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the handle 104 component which usually has three panels 515 which are folded together for the finished product. The first panel 515A has a first arch 501A and a first aperture 114A. The first panel 515A further includes a first ear feature 505a and a second ear feature 505b.
The second panel 515B has a second arch 501B and a second aperture 114B. The second panel 515B further includes a third ear feature 505c and a fourth ear feature 505d. Meanwhile, a third panel 515C has a third arch 501C and a third aperture 114C, but this third panel 515C does not have any ear features according to this exemplary embodiment. Each of the apertures 114 may have substantially the same geometrical shape. The shape may comprise a generally rectangular shape with rounded corners at each of the four corners. However, other geometries are possible for the apertures 114 and are included within the scope of this disclosure.
The four ear features 505a-505d help with securing/coupling the handle component 104 to the box component 102 as described above and which will be explained in further detail below. FIG. 5 further illustrates exemplary dimensions for the handle component 104. Other dimensions larger or smaller, as well as ratios of dimensions larger or smaller, than these exemplary dimensions and ratios are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure.
The exemplary dimensions listed in FIG. 5 are as follows: dimension H1=about seventeen and three-sixth inches; dimension H2=about five and three-sixteenth; dimension H3=about one-fourth of an inch; dimension H4=about five and eleven-sixteenths; dimension H5=about five and nine-sixteenths; dimension Wh1=about fourteen and three-eighth inches; dimension Wh2=about two and one-half inches; dimension Wh3=about two and one-half inches; and dimension Wh4=about nine and three-eighth inches.
Referring now to FIG. 6, this figure illustrates a perspective view of a partially assembled handle component 104 according to an exemplary embodiment. As shown in this FIG. 6, the third panel 515C is folded into parallel with the second panel 515B. This means that third aperture 114C of third panel 515C aligns with the second aperture 114B of the second panel 515B. Once the second and third panels 515B, 515C are folded upon one another such that the apertures 114B, 114C are juxtaposed and aligned, then those two aligned panels 515B, 515C are together folded into parallel with first panel 515A, as illustrated in FIG. 7.
Referring now to FIG. 7, this figure illustrates a top, perspective view of an assembled handle component 104 that is not coupled to the box component 102 (not visible in this figure). As noted above in connection with FIG. 6, the first, second, and third panels 515A, 515B, 515C are folded together, such that the third panel 515C is sandwiched between the first panel 515A and second panel 515B. A narrow connector panel 520 that couples first panel 515A to second panel 515B extends over third panel 515C when the handle component 104 is in an assembled state, as shown in the FIG. 7 illustration. The ear features 505a-505d are then aligned with each other, such that the first ear feature 505a of first panel 515A aligns with the third ear feature 505c of the second panel 515B. Similarly, the second ear feature 505b of the first panel 515A aligns with the fourth ear feature 505d of the second panel 515B.
Referring now to FIG. 8, this figure illustrates another top, magnified, perspective view of an assembled handle component 104 that is not coupled to the box component 102 (not visible in this figure). According to this view, the third panel 515C sandwiched between the first panel 515A and second panel 515 is more visible compared to FIG. 7. According to this view and exemplary embodiment, the ear features 505a-505d have been rotated as shown by the four directional arrows relative to the straight position of the ear features 505a-505d illustrated in FIG. 7, such that the handle component 104 may be coupled to the box component 102 (not visible in this figure) by using the ear features 505a-505d.
Referring now to FIG. 9, this figure illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the box component 102 which usually has several panels folded together to form the walls 106. That is, each wall 106 may comprise a plurality of panels as will be described below and shown in some of the later figures described below. The plurality of panels that comprise a wall 106 work to generally define a double walled wall (i.e., an inner wall and an outer wall). Specifically, side wall 106a of FIG. 1 having a length dimension L10 may comprise five panels 106a1, 106a2, 106a3, 106a4, and 106a5 which are folded together to form the side wall 106a illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the finished product. Panel 106a1 defines the outer wall of side wall 106a and panels 106a2 and 106a3 define the inner wall of side wall 106a. Panels 106a4 and 106a5 reside in a space defined between the outer and inner walls of side wall 106a, as do the ears 505a and 505c of handle component 104, as will be better understood from a review of figures to follow. Similarly, the side wall 106b of FIG. 1 which also has the length dimension L10 may comprise five panels 106b1, 106b2, 106b3, 106b4, and 106b5 which are folded together to form the wall 106b illustrated in FIG. 1 showing the finished product. Panels 106b4 and 106b5, along with handle component 104 ears 505b and 505d, reside in a space defined between the inner and outer walls of wall 106b (outer wall defined by 106b1 and inner wall defined by panels 106b2 and 106b3).
And similarly, the end wall 106c of FIG. 1 which has a width dimension W10 may comprise two panels 106c1 and 106c2 that are folded together. And the end wall 106d of FIG. 1 which also has the width dimension W10 may also comprise two panels 106d1 and 106d2 which are folded together. In this way, end walls 106c and 106d are double walled (outer walls of end walls 106c and 106d defined, respectively, by panels 106c1 and 106d1 and inner walls of end walls 106c and 106d defined, respectively, by panels 106c2 and 106d2). The sequence of how the various panels shown in the FIG. 9 illustration are folded together to form a box component 102 will be described in more detail below in connection with the later figures. For brevity, only one side walls 106a or 106b or only one end walls 106c or 106d will be described where one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that sides which mirror one another are formed in a similar manner.
FIG. 9 further illustrates exemplary dimensions for the box component 102. Other dimensions larger or smaller, as well as ratios of dimensions larger or smaller, than these exemplary dimensions and ratios are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure.
The exemplary dimensions listed in FIG. 9 are as follows: dimension L1=about forty seven and seventh-eighth inches; dimensions L2=L3=about three-sixteenth of an inch; dimensions L4=L7=about seven and three-sixteenth inches; dimensions L5=L6=about one-fourth of an inch; dimensions L8=L10=about seven and one-quarter inches; dimension L9=about eighteen and one-eighth inches; dimension W1=about 39 and three-eighth inches; dimensions W2=W3=about three-sixteenths of an inch; dimensions W4=W5=about seven and three-sixteenth inches; dimensions W6=W7=about one quarter of an inch; dimensions W8=W9=about seven and one-quarter inches; and dimension W10=about 9 and five-eighth inches.
Further details of the ports 112 and tab receptacles 133 are shown in FIG. 9. Ports 112 may be formed by at least two panels. Only first port 112a will be described here. However, the other ports 112-112b, 112c, and 112d may also be formed like first port 112a. First port 112a may comprise portions 112a1, 112a2, and 112a3 in three surfaces.
Specifically, first port 112a may be formed by a first port portion 112a1 present in panel 106a4. Second portion 112a2 of the first port 112a may be formed within two surfaces: within panel 106a1 and within bottom portion 110 as shown in FIG. 9. That is, three sides of the second portion 112a2 may be present within panel 106a1 and one side of the second portion 112a2 may be present within the bottom portion 110. And the third portion 112a3 of the first port 112a, may be formed in panel 106a2. When panels 106a4, 106a2, and 106a1 are folded together, the three portions 112a1, 112a2, 112a3 align with each other to form the single first port 112a.
As noted previously, ports 112, when box component 102 is an assembled state, may support an air-flow function by permitting air to flow in and/or out of the volume contained by the box component 102. Similarly, each port 112 may also support a fluid discharge function by allowing any fluids contained within the box component 102 to exit or leave the box component 102.
Turning now to the tab receptacles 133 shown in the FIG. 9 illustration, only the function of tab receptacles 133c and 133d will be described here. However, the function of the remaining tab receptacles 133a, 133b, 133e, 133f, 133g and 133h are consistent with that which will be described relative to receptacles 133c and 133d and, as such, will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art reviewing this description in view of the figures. Notably, panel 106d2, which forms the inner wall of wall 106d, comprises two tabs 134c and 134d. Advantageously, when panels 106d2 and 106d1 are folded together to form double walled wall 106d, the tabs 134c and 134d are received, respectively, by tab receptacles 133c and 133d, thereby securing the planar juxtaposition of panels 106d2 and 106d1 to define end wall 106d. Notably, although not labeled in the FIG. 9 or elsewhere, it will be understood that the various tab receptacles 133 are configured to receive certain tabs of panels 106.
Referring now to FIG. 10, this figure illustrates the box component 102 in a partially assembled state according to one exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 10, panels 106b4 and 106a4 have been moved to a position that is about ninety degrees relative to the bottom portion 110. Panel 106a4 is now in a location that is in front of panel 106a1 (as described above, panel 106a1 forms the outer wall of side wall 106a).
Though not visible in FIG. 10, panel 106c1 (not shown in FIG. 10, but see FIG. 9) has also been moved into a position which is about ninety degrees relative to the bottom portion 110. Panel 106c2, which is visible in FIG. 10, has been folded over and into parallel juxtaposition with panel 106c1 relative to the positions shown in FIG. 9. Panel 106a2 is in a position which will allow it to be folded over panel 106a4 and a portion of panel 106a1. In this way, and consistent with that which has been described above, panel 106a2 will form part of the inner wall of wall 106a. Tabs on 106a2 (not shown in FIG. 10, but see FIG. 9) may be received into tab receptacles 133 on bottom surface 110. Panel 106a2 has a cut-out section 1005a that forms a supporting ledge 1010a that will support handle 104 once ear features 505 of the handle component 104 are inserted into the space defined between the inner and outer walls of wall 106a (not shown in FIG. 10).
Referring now to FIG. 11, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 10. As illustrated in FIG. 11, panel 106a2, relative to its prior position shown in FIG. 10, has been folded over a portion of panel 106a1 such that an end of panel 106a2 now is coupled to the bottom portion 110 via tabs and tab receptacles (as previously described). Next, ear feature 505b of the handle component 104 is positioned between the panel 106a2 and panel 106a1 and adjacent to the cut-out section 1005a.
Referring now to FIG. 12, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 11. In this view, handle component 104 has moved up and away from floor portion 110 and towards cut-out section 1005a as shown by directional arrow A. The ear feature 505b has also moved towards cut-out section 1005a shown by directional arrow B.
Referring now to FIG. 13, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 12. In this view, the ear feature 505b (not visible now in FIG. 13) has also moved towards and is positioned flush against cut-out section 1005a such that handle component 104 rests on top of ledge 1010a, as shown by directional arrow B. With the handle component 104 in this position, the ear features 505 are sandwiched between the inner and outer walls of wall 106a such that a lifting force applied to handle 104 will be distributed to the ear features 505 and applied to the folded junction that forms the top edge of the respective side walls 106.
Returning to the figures, and referring now to FIG. 14, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 13. In this view, the other side of the handle component 104 is now brought into focus relative to FIG. 13. In this view, second ear feature 505d is ready to be covered/held in place by and between panels 106a3 and 106a1 (see FIG. 15). It is noted panel 106a3, unlike panel 106a2, does not have a cut-out section 1005a as panel 106a3, when folded over to form its portion of the inner wall of wall 106a, mates along the edge of the handle component 104 to secure its position on ledge 1010a and prevent handle component 104 from sliding off of ledge 1010a.
Referring now to FIG. 15, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 14. In this view, compared to FIG. 14, the panel 106a3 has been folded over panel 106a1 (not visible in FIG. 15, but see FIG. 14). Panel 106a3 is positioned so that an end portion contacts a bottom edge of the floor portion 110 of the box component 102. Tabs associated with panel 106a3 are received into tab receptacles associated with bottom floor 110 in order to secure the position of panel 106a3 as a portion of the inner wall of side wall 106a.
Referring now to FIG. 16, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104 relative to the embodiment of FIG. 15. In this view, compared to FIG. 15, the panel 106a3 has been completely folded over panel 106a1 (not visible in FIG. 15, but see FIG. 14). Similarly, panel 106a2 is visible and was previously folded over panel 106a1 (not visible in FIG. 16, but see FIG. 14). Panels 106a2 and 106a3 collectively form the inner wall of the side wall 106a while panel 106a1 (not seen in the FIG. 16 illustration) forms the outer wall of side wall 106a. Cut-out section 1005a, which defines handle supporting ledge 1010a, of panel 106a2 is visible in this view. The other ear features 505b, 505c visible in this FIG. 16 are positioned within and between panels 106b1, 106b2, and 106b3 in a similar manner compared to ear features 505a, 505d as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Referring now to FIG. 17, this figure illustrates further partial assembly of the box component 102 with the handle component 104. In this view, additional panels 106b1, 106b2, 106b3, 106b4, and 106b5 are now visible. A second cut-out section 1005b present in panel 106b3 is also now visible and defines a second handle supporting ledge 1010b. Panels 106b4 and 106b5 may now be pushed-in towards floor portion 110; panel 106b1 may now be positioned at about a ninety-degree angle relative to the floor portion 110 (i.e., substantially perpendicular to floor 110). Once panel 106b1 is at about a ninety-degree angle with the floor portion 110, panels 106b2 and 106b3 may be folded over panel 106b1 such that the second cut-out section 1005b is aligned with ear-feature 505c of handle component 104, similar to what was described previously for the other side of the box component 102. Panel 106b1 will form the outer wall of wall 106b, while panels 106b2 and 106b3 will form respective portions of the inner wall of wall 106b, consistent with that which has been previously described. Tabs (not shown in the FIG. 17 illustration) on the panels 106b2 and 106b3 may be received into complementary tab receptacles in floor 110 in order to fix the position of the panels, consistent with that which has been previously described.
Referring now to FIG. 18, this figure illustrates a fully assembled view of the inventive basket system 100 where the system 100 is supporting a payload of objects 1800. The system 100 has the box component 102 and the handle component 104 as described previously.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the objects may comprise fruit, such as, but limited apples, oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, melons, etc. However, other food stuffs or payload objects are possible and are included within the scope of this disclosure. Further, the objects 1800 are not limited to food and they can include any type of object that may be available for sale and/or available for transport. For example, instead of food, the basket system 100 may carry tennis balls, baseballs, and other type of objects which may be loose and difficult to contain or hold without a box component 102.
Referring now to FIG. 19, this figure illustrates a die-cut template drawing for the several handle components 104 which may be manufactured together efficiently. According to this exemplary embodiment, two rows of three handle components 104a, 104b, 104c may be manufactured efficiently. The template may have an exemplary width dimension Ww1 of about twenty-eight and three-quarter inches, and a height dimension Hh1 of about fifty-one and nine-sixteenths inches. However, other dimensions are possible as well as the number of handle components 104 which may be positioned in each row and in each column as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
Although a few embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.
Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words ‘means for’ together with an associated function.
Therefore, although selected aspects have been illustrated and described in detail, it will be understood that various substitutions and alterations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as defined by the following claims.
