Abstract: A foldable case and method of making same are disclosed. The foldable case is collapsible between a closed position and an open position without needing to re-fold the sheet of material. The foldable case is made of a sheet of material. The sheet of material has a central portion, opposing first and second portions, and opposing third and fourth portions. First and second portions adjoin a length of respective top and bottom edges of the central portion. Third and fourth portions adjoin a length of respective left and right edges of central portion. A number of folding lines are provided on the sheet of material. The foldable case can be made by folding along the folding lines and adhering first and second portions to the third and fourth portions so as to form a case in the folded configuration.

Abstract: A modular receptacle system for storing refuse or recyclable materials, the modular receptacle system comprising a plurality of collapsible bins, a given one of the plurality of bins comprising a base, two opposing exposed side walls, each of the opposing exposed side walls including a bottom edge that allows the opposing exposed side wall to open or fold at a joint edge attached to the base, and two opposing folding side walls, the opposing folding side walls operable to detract or retract at least a portion of the opposing folding side walls from a recess in conjunction with an opening or folding of the opposing exposed side walls at the joint edge, the base and the opposing folding side walls including a mid-section fold that allows the base and folding side walls to open and fold at the mid-section fold, and a plurality of attachment devices that modularly couple the plurality of collapsible bins.

Abstract: Provided is a folding packaging cooler box convertible from a box mode to an unfolding mode or vice versa, comprising: a box portion having a bottom portion, sidewall portions and joint portions configured to connect with one another and to form a single plane in the unfolding mode; and a cooling reinforcing portion configured to be inserted to the inside of the box and to form a hexahedron shape together with said box portion when said box portion is converted into the box mode, wherein said cooling reinforcing portion comprises a reinforcing bottom portion configured to form a lower surface and to face the bottom portion of the said box portion upon conversion into the box mode; reinforcing sidewall portions configured to connect with the said reinforcing bottom portion and to face the sidewall portions of said box portion; and reinforcing joint portions configured to join said reinforcing sidewall portions, to be folded to face itself and to be in close contact with the reinforcing sidewall portions, upon

Abstract: A nestable foldable disposable tray is disclosed which features a cavity comprising a base and an outwardly slanted continuous wall. A set of fold lines in the base and the surrounding wall causes the tray to collapse inwardly when closed and gives the contents of the tray a lateral displacement which makes the tray resistant to spillage of its contents while it is being folded.

Abstract: A dual-purpose container and diversion device for animals is disclosed including a base having a perimeter, a lower surface and an upper surface, the base having a first tensile strength, and a sidewall having a lower edge, an interior surface, and an exterior surface, the sidewall having a second tensile strength. Dual-purpose device includes at least a first linear fault region in its overall surface, defining a first curve on the overall surface and a first mating feature and having a third tensile strength less than the first tensile strength and the second tensile strength. The dual-purpose device further includes a second mating feature defined in the overall surface. The dual-purpose device is convertible from a first configuration having an interior compartment of the device to a second configuration by fracture of the at least a linear fault region and joining of the first mating feature and second mating feature.

Abstract: The mailer is made from a single blank. In one embodiment, the side flaps are folded over a front panel followed by folding over and securing of a back panel to the said flaps to form the mailer. The closure panel is folded over the front panel to close the mailer. In another embodiment, a back panel is folded over a front panel followed by folding over and securing of the side flaps to the back panel to form the mailer. The closure flap is folded over the back panel to close the mailer. In another embodiment, a blank forms a center seam mailer. Each embodiment has an improved corner construction.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating a possible pallet object in a gray scale image including one or more pallets. The method may comprise: generating, by a computer, a first confidence score ScoreLowerLeftCorner for a lower left corner associated with the possible pallet object; generating, by the computer, a second confidence score ScoreLowerRightCorner for a lower right corner associated with the possible pallet object; generating, by the computer, a third confidence score ScoreBaseboardLine for a bottom pallet board line associated with the possible pallet object; generating, by the computer, a fourth confidence score Scorehole for a center stringer associated with the possible pallet object; and calculating, by the computer, a composite score ScoreObject based on the first, second, third and fourth confidence scores.

Abstract: A foldable container comprises a body having an interior chamber with a top opening and a closed bottom. The body includes two opposing short sidewalls and two opposing longer sidewalls that form a perimeter around the interior chamber. The short sidewalls are foldable along respective vertically extending fold lines. The container also includes a bottom panel positionable within the interior chamber to be laid against the closed bottom, and a lid hingedly coupled to the body for selectively closing the top opening. The bottom panel is hingedly coupled to the body and is foldable along a first horizontal fold line. Furthermore, the lid is foldable along a second horizontal fold line. The foldable sidewalls, bottom panel, and lid allow the container to be folded between an expanded position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide boxes that are particularly useful in connection with trash collection and trash compaction. The boxes are designed as having a single-piece board construction with a strength that can contain mixed types of trash, including solids and liquids, and to effectively contain the trash during the pressure of a compaction process without tearing, splitting and/or leaking. They are also designed to use a waterproof coating for adhering seams, reducing the extra step and expense of using a glue or an adhesive to secure the box seams. The trash compaction boxes provided herein are particularly useful on aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles, where weight and performance are of primary concern.

Abstract: A packaged plumbing fixture includes a box, a plumbing fixture, and a packaging insert. The box comprises a plurality of generally vertical sides that are interconnected to cooperatively define a cavity for containing a plumbing fixture. The plurality of sides include a first side and a second side that are connected to opposite ends of a third side. The packaging insert includes first and second generally planar surfaces. The packaging insert is positioned within the cavity with each of the first and second generally planar surfaces arranged generally parallel with and proximate to one of the sides. A sum of angles between the third side and the first side and between the third side and the second side is greater than 180 degrees.

Abstract: A foldable container comprises a body having an interior chamber with a top opening and a closed bottom. The body includes two opposing short sidewalls and two opposing longer sidewalls that form a perimeter around the interior chamber. The short sidewalls are foldable along respective vertically extending fold lines. The container also includes a bottom panel positionable within the interior chamber to be laid against the closed bottom, and a lid hingedly coupled to the body for selectively closing the top opening. The bottom panel is hingedly coupled to the body and is foldable along a first horizontal fold line. Furthermore, the lid is foldable along a second horizontal fold line. The foldable sidewalls, bottom panel, and lid allow the container to be folded between an expanded position and a collapsed position.

Abstract: A box having top panels that lock together to keep the box in a closed condition is disclosed. A box blank or cutout from which the box is created by folding is further disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and a method for folding and unfolding a foldable transport container automatically. The apparatus comprises plurality of moving parts (P1, P2) and arms (A1, A2, A3, A4) to fold the sides (FS1, FS2) of the container and to fold the top (T) and bottom (B) of the container. Said moving parts and arms are operated by plurality of actuators (H1, H2, H3, H4).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo shipping crate having a base, four sides and a top cap, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel form four sides of the crate. Each panel has a first, a second and a third subpanel. The first subpanel of the first panel is positioned to overlap the third subpanel of the second panel, and the second subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The first subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions, and the third subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The top cap has four flaps, each of the four flaps are rotatable to a position superjacent a subpanel.

Abstract: Foldable container including a base having a first base portion and an opposing second base portion. The base has a base surface free of hinge lines between the first base portion and the second base portion. A sidewall surrounds at least a portion of the base and extends generally upward from the base with a non-uniform height to define a compartment. A rim having a first rim portion and an opposing second rim portion is disposed proximate the top edge of the sidewall. At least one transition region is formed in the sidewall to allow the first base portion to pivot between an open position and a closed position. When in the open position, the container defines a plate. When in the closed position, the first base portion defines at least a portion of a cover relative to the second base portion. A packaged product is also provided, including a foldable container and a cover member removably attached to the rim of the foldable container in the open position to contain a product therein.

Abstract: A packing case is provided preferably manufactured from a material on which weakening lines can be formed, such as cardboard or plastic. The packaging case includes a straight side weakening line in a center of each of two opposite folding walls of the case. The side weakening lines are vertically arranged along an entire extension of the opposite folding walls. A straight bottom weakening line is formed in a center of the bottom of the packing case, the straight bottom weakening line joining the side weakening lines together. Symmetrical sets of angled bottom weakening lines are provided, each set being arranged at each end region of the bottom of the packing case adjacent to each opposite folding wall. The weakening lines from each set are arranged parallel to one another with their vertex at the central bottom weakening line and the legs of each set ending at the base of a respective one of the opposite folding walls.

Abstract: A collapsible storage device includes a collapsible container and a lid for the container. The container includes a plurality of resilient wall panels and a flexible hinge connecting each adjacent pair of wall panels. The container may be foldably converted between a substantially flat collapsed position and a substantially rectangular prismatic expanded position by articulating the wall panels about the flexible hinges. One side of the lid is adapted to cover an opening into the container when the container is in an expanded position. The opposite side of the lid is adapted to receive the substantially flat collapsed container within a recess in the lid.

Abstract: A collapsible storage device includes a collapsible container and a lid for the container. The container includes a plurality of resilient wall panels and a hinge portion connecting each adjacent pair of wall panels. The container may be foldably converted between a substantially flat collapsed position and a substantially rectangular prismatic expanded position by articulating the wall panels about the flexible hinges. At least one of the hinge portions is arched to latch the container in the expanded position. The lid may be used to cover the container in the expanded position and receive the container in the collapsed position.

Abstract: A collapsible goods container has a rectangular base panel (10) with two hinge lines (37,38) extending between the width edges (17,18), parallel to the length edges (15,16) and disposed in the central region of the base panel. A first side wall (11) is hinged to a first length edge (15) of the base panel, the height of the side wall being not greater than one half of the length of a width edge (17) of the base panel. A second side wall (12) is connected to the first side wall (11) by opposed pairs of end walls (13,14) hinged to the side walls, each end wall having a fold line (23) disposed substantially centrally between the first and second side walls and substantially parallel to the common edges of the respective end and side walls. Fasteners (44) are provided to connect together the base panel and the adjacent edge of the second side wall, when the container is fully erected.

Abstract: The present invention includes a blank and container formed of cellulose-based materials configured to form a reusable and collapsible container. The container in the partially assembled, knock-down position lies substantially flat and is capable of being stacked and shipped. Arrival at a job site or at a time requiring the use of the container, the partially assembled knock-down container may be easily converted into a fully erect container ready for use as intended. Once loaded with product, the first and second top panels may be folded down to enclose the container. The container positions the relief scores primarily in the side panels with only a single relief score in the bottom panel. This configuration allows the bottom panel to distend while the container is in the collapsed state while not adversely affecting overall container strength.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cargo shipping crate having a base, four sides and a top cap, a first panel and a second panel. The first panel and the second panel form four sides of the crate. Each panel has a first, a second and a third subpanel. The first subpanel of the first panel is positioned to overlap the third subpanel of the second panel, and the second subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The first subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions, and the third subpanel of the first and the second panel have substantially identical dimensions. The top cap has four flaps, each of the four flaps are rotatable to a position superjacent a subpanel.

Abstract: A packaging container includes: first fold sections for folding therealong, each of the first fold sections being provided longitudinally in a substantially central part of the first opposing side plate; second fold sections for folding therealong, each of the second fold sections being provided on the first bottom plate forming flap as an extension of the first fold section; and third fold sections for folding therealong, each of the third fold sections being provided on the first top cover forming flap as an extension of the first fold section. The second opposing side plate is equal to or smaller than the first opposing side plate in width. This makes it possible to fold up the packaging container easily and compactly.

Abstract: A storage box includes a flexible box body, a hard support board removably mounted in the box body to support the box body, and a cover removably mounted on the box body. The support board is receivable into the cover, and the box body is foldable when being compressed and receivable into the cover. Thus, the support board and the box body are received in the hollow inside of the cover to reduce the volume of the storage box to the minimum size so that the storage box has a smaller volume when not in use, thereby greatly saving the space of storage, and thereby facilitating packaging, storage and transportation of the storage box.

Abstract: A heavy-duty pallet box for bulk goods and palletized loads. The knockdown box may be folded for storage. To erect it, a flat board comprising a pair of complementary, die-cut blanks, or a unitary blank comprising complementary halves, is unfolded. A central side panel and a pair of adjacent, foldable side panels on each blank are separated by score lines for folding. Suitable flaps project from each blank for gluing them together. A lower, generally trapezoidal segment is formed at each blank bottom, below the central panel. The latter segments, one from each of two blanks, are coupled to form the knockdown bottom of the desired foldable container. Smaller trapezoidal flanges project downwardly from each blank at opposite sides of the larger trapezoidal segment. These flanges include suitable glue tabs. When assembled, the flanges form a shelf that braces the container bottom, reinforcing the structure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a folding collapsible rectangular storage box in which the rectangular box body has a flexible bottom panel, two short upright peripheral panels and two long upright peripheral panels perpendicularly extending upward from the four sides of said rectangular bottom panel, the two long upright peripheral panels having a respective vertically extending folding line arranged in a diagonal manner so that the box body can be folded into a flat manner by pushing the two long upright peripheral panels toward each other and then respectively turning the two short upright peripheral panels toward the attached two long upright peripheral panels.

Abstract: An article carrier and a blank for forming an article carrier, for holding one or more articles, for example foodstuff or the like, including a base panel, a pair of outwardly sloping side wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel and one or more inwardly sloping end wall panels hingedly connected to the base panel.

Abstract: A collapsible carton which is formed from a single cardboard blank which when formed from the blank is capable of being folded between a folded flat condition and an erect condition whereby when in the erect condition the carton has a floor (11) and four side panels (12, 13, 14 and 15) to define a generally rectangular prismatic shaped space, wherein the floor panel is formed of a single panel and the junction between the floor and each of the side panels is defined by a closed fold line therebetween, a pair of opposed first side panels (12 and 13) having a pair of diagonal fold lines (21 and 22), extending from the junction between the sides of the floor and the sides of the respective first side panel and converging to terminate at a transverse central axis of the first side panel said diagonals being substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: Collapsible food containers of this invention comprise an upper and lower panel, each including a leading edge at a front portion of each panel, and a trailing edge at a rear portion of each panel. Each trailing edge is connected together by a rear panel interposed therebetween. Each panel further comprises side edges that are opposite one another and that extend between the leading edge and the trailing edge of each upper and lower panel. The container includes a first relief disposed along a surface of at least one of the upper or lower panels. The first relief extends along an axis running between opposed side edges to form a container first fold area to reduce the size of the container by approximately one half. The container can include a second relief that is disposed along a surface of at least one of the upper or lower panels.

Abstract: A rugged, hand-held container for storing beverage containers is formed by folding together multiple panels defined in a pre-scored, slot-less blank. Each blank comprises a rectangular center panel integrally bordered by a pair of end panels and side panels. Integral, diametrically spaced apart corner panels interconnect the center panel with the other panels. Score lines between the adjacent panels facilitate folding. The center panel forms a cooler bottom, and blank end and side panels respectively form carton ends and sides. Each end panel has an outer locking panel comprising an elongated receptive slot. Each side panel has an integral outer handle panel comprising an inner roof segment that forms the container top and handle segments with locking tabs that are captivated within the receptive slot. A radiused locking tab ramp comprises an enlarged portion providing an overcenter action. Notches adjacent the tabs captivate the locking panels.

Abstract: A quick erecting, disposable cooler which is transformable from a flat blank of corrugated sheet material may be non-destructively “knocked down” or collapsed after being semi-erected. The deployed cooler is moisture-proof and lacks leak paths, so it reliably stores and transports melting ice and beverage containers. A generally rectangular center panel is integrally bordered by pairs of end panels and side panels. Each side panel supports a foldable top panel with special knockouts and tabs to facilitate subsequent coupling of the panels. Each end panel has a small flap at its outer edge facilitating coupling. Four, integral, diametrically spaced-apart corner panels interconnect the center panel with the end and side panels. Score lines defined between the orthogonally arranged panels facilitate folding. Corner panels include diagonal score lines. The center panel forms a cooler bottom, and the end and side panels respectively form carton ends and sides when foldably deployed.

Abstract: A new, novel and useful folding cup that fits into a cup holder. The cup is designed to fit into an array of cup holders such as the cup holders that are often built into modern motor vehicles in an arm rest or dash of such an automobile. The cup may be made from paperboard as a paperboard blank or any other suitable material that may be formed into a collapsible or expandable configuration wherein the bottom panels form a generally circular shape which may include a polygonal configuration. When the cup is in the folded condition, the cup is in a generally flat condition for economy of storage and shipping. By squeezing opposite edges of the flat structure the cup expands such that its bottom takes on its generally circular shape which may include a polygonal configuration and the top opens to accept whatever substance will be placed in the cup. This new, novel and useful folding cup that fits in a cup holder may be used as a container for french fries, chicken pieces or bread sticks, etc.

Abstract: A collapsible carton which is formed from a single cardboard blank which when formed from the blank is capable of being folded between a folded flat condition and an erect condition whereby when in the erect condition the carton has a floor (11) and four side panels (12, 13, 14 and 15) to define a generally rectangular prismatic shaped space, wherein the floor panel is formed of a single panel and the junction between the floor and each of the side panels is defined by a closed fold line therebetween, a pair of opposed first side panels (12 and 13) having a pair of diagonal fold lines (21 and 22), extending from the junction between the sides of the floor and the sides of the respective first side panel and converging to terminate at a transverse central axis of the first side panel said diagonals being substantially perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container comprising: (a) a semi-enclosed container body including a tubular structure having two open ends and a bottom panel enclosing one end of the container body, the other end of the tubular structure opposite from the bottom panel forming a substantially continuous outwardly-extending peripheral flange; (b) a lid for selectively converting the semi-enclosed container to a closed container; and (c) a closure for sealing the lid to the container body, the closure comprising a mechanical interlocking seal and a slideable mechanical closure for sealing the mechanical interlocking seal. The container is preferably stackable and self-supporting, and the mechanical interlocking seal includes at least one interlocking bead and groove pair located on the lid and flange. The container may also be collapsible via folding of the tubular structure.

Abstract: Liquid resistant containers having double walled construction and an upwardly projecting container bottom are suitable for use, e.g., as a flower vase. Preferably, the containers are formed from a unitary carton blank having fold lines such that the container is prepared by folding the blank along fold lines to form the open-ended container, the cavity of which is lined with a liner or open bag to provide further resistance against leaks.