초록 ▼

An universal semi-automatic foldable box is generally disclosed comprising a box body (1) having a bottom panel (2), and two or more side walls (5), and the corresponding number of soft sheets (9) and spring strips (11). Each spring strip is connected to the bottom panel and at least one side wall.

An universal semi-automatic foldable box is generally disclosed comprising a box body (1) having a bottom panel (2), and two or more side walls (5), and the corresponding number of soft sheets (9) and spring strips (11). Each spring strip is connected to the bottom panel and at least one side wall. The side walls are connected to the bottom panel such that they can unfold and rise and the sheets form foldable connecting portions for connecting the side walls, and the spring strips serve to unfold the box flat. The spring strip has the property of remaining straight when unfolded but self-folding when it is slightly bent from its straight condition. The spring strips may be provided as an integral part of the box, or alternatively, may be a separate piece, which then can be attached by the user to the side walls of the box. The box body can be of different size and shape, such as for example square, sphere, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, and the like, and can be made of any material. A box of this invention can be utilized for a variety of different storage applications and can be used in any kinds of environment in which a box would be used.

대표청구항 ▼

1. An universal semi-automatic foldable box comprising: (a) a box body having a bottom panel and at least two side walls connected to respective side edges of said bottom panel such that said side walls can be unfolded and raised; (b) internal or external sheets connecting side edges of said sid

1. An universal semi-automatic foldable box comprising: (a) a box body having a bottom panel and at least two side walls connected to respective side edges of said bottom panel such that said side walls can be unfolded and raised; (b) internal or external sheets connecting side edges of said side walls, respective corners of each sheet positioned between side edges of adjacent side walls forming connecting portions for connecting adjacent side walls respectively, said connecting portions are capable of folding when the respective adjacent side walls are raised; and (c) elongated self-folding spring strips, each connected to said bottom panel and at least one side wall, said spring strips operating to self-fold to thereby raise said side walls and form the box, said self-folding spring strips each having a concave side and a convex side and the property that, when straightened, it holds its straightened shape, and when bent in a predetermined direction, it self-folds. 2. Said box of claim 1, wherein said spring strip is composed of carbon spring steel. 3. Said box of claim 1, wherein said spring strip is composed of a stiff plastic material. 4. Said box of claim 1, wherein said side walls are connected to said bottom panel detachably, and said sheets are connected to said side edges of said side walls detachably, and said spring strips are connected to said bottom panel and said at least one side wall detachably. 5. Said box of claim 1, wherein said box body is a one-piece die-cut board. 6. Said box of claim 1, wherein said spring strips are secured to said bottom panel and said side walls by means of retaining and fastening elements. 7. Said box of claim 1, further comprising connecting means provided in said side edges of said side walls to facilitate interconnection of said adjacent side walls and form the box. 8. Said box of claim 7, wherein said connecting means are magnets. 9. Said box of claim 1, further comprising means attached to a portion of said spring strip to prevent an initiation of self-folding of said strip at said portion. 10. Said box of claim 1, further comprising a locking system disposed at an outer side of said side walls to hold said adjacent side walls together when said box is in folded condition. 11. Said box of claim 10, wherein said locking system are tab and slot engagements. 12. Said box of claim 1, further comprising a lid supported to at least one said side walls such that said lid can open and close with respect to said box body. 13. Said box of claim 1, further comprising wheels, caterpillar track or other means attached to said bottom panel such that said box can move. 14. Said box of claim 1, further comprising attachments, said attachments comprising any combination of: (a) connecting means provided in said side edges of said side walls to facilitate interconnection of said adjacent side walls and form the box; (b) retaining and fastening elements disposed at an outer side of said side walls and said bottom panel, said retaining and fastening elements designing to secure said spring strips to said bottom panel and said side walls; (c) means attached to a portion of said spring strip to prevent an initiation of self-folding of said strip at said portion; (d) a locking system disposed at an out side of said side walls to hold said adjacent side walls together when said box is in folded condition; (e) a lid supported to at least one said side walls such that said lid can open and close with respect to said box body; (f) wheels, caterpillar track or other means attached to said bottom panel such that said box can move; and (g) any other attachments facilitating use and utilization of said box.