Multi-stable folding container

Abstract

The invention discloses a multistable folding container which comprises a plurality of outer box units. The side edges of the outer box units are connected with one another in a foldable mode through folding lines. The plurality of outer box units are in a fan-shaped multi-overlapping state when being closed; the plurality of outer box units are in a semi-annular double-overlapping state when being semi-unfolded; and the plurality of outer box units are uniformly distributed along the annular direction and are in a flat state when being fully unfolded. After the multiple outer box units are connected with one another in a foldable mode through the folding lines, all the outer box units interact with one another in the opening or closing operation process, so that different forms are formed, and the fan-shaped multi-folding form, the semi-annular double-folding form and the annular flat-unfolding form can be formed in the closed state, the semi-unfolding state and the full-unfolding state respectively; two different display effects can be displayed through the two forms of semi-annular double overlapping and annular flat unfolding so as to meet the use requirements of different scenes. And the opening process of the container also has better novelty visually, so that the effect of seeing large with small can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of packaging, and in particular to a multistable folding container. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, most display containers on the market (such as gift boxes) adopt simple hinged or flip-top opening structures, resulting in a relatively limited range of open states, typically only fully closed or fully open. This lack of flexibility in intermediate display states makes it difficult to meet the diverse and dynamic product display needs. Especially in the high-end gift sector, consumers not only value the ritualistic feel of opening the packaging but also expect the packaging itself to present innovative and multi-faceted display effects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-stable folding container, which aims to solve the problems of limited display effects, lack of novelty and diverse form changes of existing display containers.

[0004] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solution: providing a multi-stable foldable container, comprising multiple outer box units; the sides of the multiple outer box units are foldably connected to each other via fold lines;

[0005] The multiple outer box units are arranged in a fan-shaped overlapping state when closed;

[0006] The multiple outer box units are in a semi-circular double-overlapping state when partially unfolded;

[0007] The multiple outer box units are evenly distributed circumferentially and flat when fully unfolded.

[0008] Furthermore, the plurality of outer box units include a first outer box, a second outer box, a third outer box, a fourth outer box, a fifth outer box, and a sixth outer box, and each outer box unit is fan-shaped;

[0009] In the fan-shaped multi-layer stacked state, the second outer box, the third outer box, the fourth outer box and the fifth outer box are stacked between the first outer box and the fourth outer box to form a four-layer stacked structure;

[0010] In a semi-circular double-overlapping state, the first outer box, the second outer box, and the sixth outer box overlap with the third outer box, the fourth outer box, and the fifth outer box to form a double-layered structure.

[0011] In a flat state, the first outer box, the second outer box, the third outer box, the fourth outer box, the fifth outer box, and the sixth outer box are connected sequentially on the ring to form a flat ring structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the first outer box and the second outer box are provided with a first connecting part on the front side, and a first fold line is provided on the first connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0013] The second outer box and the third outer box have a second connecting part on the back side, and a second fold line is provided on the second connecting part corresponding to the position of the back side.

[0014] The third outer box and the fourth outer box are provided with a third connecting part on the front side, and a third fold line is provided on the third connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0015] The fourth outer box and the fifth outer box are provided with a fourth connecting part on the front side, and a fourth fold line is provided on the fourth connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0016] The fifth outer box and the sixth outer box are provided with a fifth connecting part on the back side, and a fifth fold line is provided on the fifth connecting part corresponding to the position of the back side.

[0017] The sixth outer box and the first outer box have a sixth connecting part on the front side, and a sixth fold line is provided on the sixth connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0018] Furthermore, the first outer box and the fourth outer box have the same shape and size, and the second outer box, the third outer box, the fourth outer box and the fifth outer box have the same shape and size. The sector angle of the first outer box is twice the sector angle of the second outer box.

[0019] Furthermore, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth fold lines are all provided with a curing material to enhance the folding resistance of the fold lines.

[0020] Furthermore, a connecting member is provided on the side between the second outer box and the third outer box, and on the side between the fourth outer box and the fifth outer box; the connecting member is used to engage the multiple outer box units when they are in a fan-shaped multi-overlapping state and a flat state, so as to limit the multiple outer box units to maintain relative stability.

[0021] Furthermore, the connecting member is a magnetic or snap-fit ​​structure that can be connected to each other.

[0022] Furthermore, the connecting piece is glued to the corresponding side of the outer box using a set cardboard adhesive.

[0023] The cardboard is provided with a curing material to enhance contact abrasion resistance.

[0024] Furthermore, the curing material is a curing ink.

[0025] Furthermore, each outer box unit has at least one receiving slot on its front side.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: Multiple outer box units are foldably connected to each other via fold lines. During the opening or closing process, these units interact with each other, forming different shapes. Specifically, this embodiment can present fan-shaped multi-layered, semi-circular double-layered, and circumferentially flattened shapes in three states: closed, partially unfolded, and fully unfolded. The semi-circular double-layered and circumferentially flattened shapes can display two different presentation effects to meet the needs of different scenarios. The opening process of the container also has a visually novel effect, achieving a sense of scale in a small space, making it particularly suitable for high-end gifts, exhibitions, and other similar scenarios.

[0027] In practical applications, when in a closed, fan-shaped, multi-layered state, the overall structure is compact, easy to carry and store, and does not take up too much storage space. When in a semi-open, semi-circular, double-layered state, it provides display effects on both sides without taking up too much display space when fully opened. When in a fully opened, flat state, it provides a more comprehensive display effect. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multistable folded container in the closed state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of a multistable folding container during its unfolding process, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is another structural schematic diagram of the multistable folding container provided in the embodiment of the present invention during the unfolding process.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multistable folding container in its fully unfolded state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multistable folding container in a semi-expanded state, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Explanation of the markings in the image:

[0035] 1. First outer box; 2. Second outer box; 3. Third outer box; 4. Fourth outer box; 5. Fifth outer box; 6. Sixth outer box; 7. First fold line; 8. Second fold line; 9. Third fold line; 10. Fourth fold line; 11. Fifth fold line; 12. Sixth fold line; 13. First magnet; 14. Second magnet; 15. Third magnet; 16. Fourth magnet; 17. Receiving slot. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0038] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0039] It should also be further understood that the term "and / or" as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0040] Please see Figures 1 to 5 This invention provides a multi-stable foldable container, including multiple outer box units; the sides of the multiple outer box units are foldably connected to each other through fold lines;

[0041] Multiple outer box units are arranged in a fan-shaped, overlapping state when closed;

[0042] Multiple outer box units are in a semi-circular double-overlapping state when partially unfolded;

[0043] Multiple outer box units are evenly distributed along the circumference and are in a flat state when fully unfolded.

[0044] In this embodiment, multiple outer box units are foldably connected to each other via fold lines. During the opening or closing process, the outer box units interact with each other, thus forming different shapes. Specifically, this embodiment can present fan-shaped multi-overlapping, semi-circular double-overlapping, and circumferential flattening shapes in three states: closed, semi-open, and fully open, respectively. The semi-circular double-overlapping and circumferential flattening shapes can display two different display effects to meet the needs of different scenarios.

[0045] In practical applications, such as Figure 1 As shown, when in a closed, multi-fan-shaped stacked state, the overall structure is compact, easy to carry and store, and does not take up too much storage space.

[0046] In practical applications, such as Figure 5 As shown, when in a semi-expanded, semi-circular, double-overlapping state, it can provide display effects on both sides without taking up too much display space when fully unfolded.

[0047] In practical applications, such as Figure 4 As shown, when fully unfolded and flat, it provides a more comprehensive display effect.

[0048] Based on this, the multi-stable folding container in this embodiment, during the opening process, will create different display effects through the interaction of multiple outer box units, resulting in a visually novel effect and achieving a sense of grandeur in a small space. It is particularly suitable for high-end gifts, exhibitions, and other similar scenarios.

[0049] In one embodiment, the plurality of outer box units include a first outer box 1, a second outer box 2, a third outer box 3, a fourth outer box 4, a fifth outer box 5 and a sixth outer box 6, and each outer box unit is fan-shaped;

[0050] In the fan-shaped multi-layer stacked state, the second outer box 2, the third outer box 3, the fourth outer box 4 and the fifth outer box 5 are stacked between the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4 to form a four-layer stacked structure.

[0051] In the semi-circular double-overlapping state, the first outer box 1, the second outer box 2 and the sixth outer box 6 are overlapped with the third outer box 3, the fourth outer box 4 and the fifth outer box 5 to form a double-layered structure.

[0052] In a flat state, the first outer box 1, the second outer box 2, the third outer box 3, the fourth outer box 4, the fifth outer box 5, and the sixth outer box 6 are connected sequentially on the ring to form a flat ring structure.

[0053] In this embodiment, the number of outer box units is preferably six, and the shape of the outer box units is preferably set to a fan shape. The fan angle of each outer box unit is between 30° and 90°, which allows multiple outer box units to form a complete ring after unfolding, making the structure more stable.

[0054] In this embodiment, the fan-shaped design allows each outer box unit to fit tightly when stacked, forming a four-layer stacked fan-shaped structure when closed, which greatly reduces space occupation and improves the compactness of the overall structure.

[0055] In this embodiment, the fan-shaped design allows the six outer box units to be opened in a three-to-three semi-flat manner, forming a double-layered stacked structure, with both sides serving as the display surfaces for the effect; or they can be completely unfolded to form a flat ring structure, with the entire unfolded plane for the effect display.

[0056] In some more specific embodiments, to ensure that each outer box unit is more regular after being closed and unfolded, the shape, size, and sector angle of each outer box unit are further defined. Specifically, the first outer box 1, the second outer box 2, the third outer box 3, the fourth outer box 4, the fifth outer box 5, and the sixth outer box 6 are connected in sequence; the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4 have the same shape and size, the second outer box 2, the third outer box 3, the fourth outer box 4, and the fifth outer box 5 have the same shape and size, and the sector angle of the first outer box 1 is twice the sector angle of the second outer box 2.

[0057] In this specific embodiment, the shape, size, and fan-shaped angle of the six outer box units are defined based on the state after the ring is unfolded. It can be inferred that the fan-shaped angles of the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4 are both 90° and the same in shape and size. The fan-shaped angles of the second outer box 2, the third outer box 3, the fourth outer box 4, and the fifth outer box 5 are all 45° and the same in shape and size. The total angle of the six outer box units after the ring is unfolded is 360°. Based on this, this embodiment can still maintain the morphological integrity and aesthetics of the three states with a limited number of outer box units, reflecting a high degree of unity between structural design and functional requirements.

[0058] In one embodiment, the front side of the first outer box 1 and the second outer box 2 is provided with a first connecting part, and a first fold line 7 is provided on the first connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0059] The second outer box 2 and the third outer box 3 are provided with a second connecting part on the back side, and a second fold line 8 is provided on the second connecting part corresponding to the position of the back side.

[0060] The third outer box 3 and the fourth outer box 4 are provided with a third connecting part on the front side, and a third fold line 9 is provided on the third connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0061] The fourth outer box 4 and the fifth outer box 5 have a fourth connecting part on the front side, and a fourth fold line 10 is provided on the fourth connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0062] The fifth outer box 5 and the sixth outer box 6 have a fifth connecting part on the back side, and a fifth fold line 11 is provided on the fifth connecting part corresponding to the position of the back side.

[0063] The sixth outer box 6 and the first outer box 1 have a sixth connecting part on the front side, and a sixth fold line 12 is provided on the sixth connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

[0064] In this embodiment, the connection method between the six outer box units is defined, with six connecting parts corresponding one-to-one to the six connecting sides of the six outer box units. After passing through the six connecting parts, the six outer box units can be precisely folded along the six fold lines, ensuring the stability and robustness of the outer box structure. At the same time, the fold lines serve as guides and positions, ensuring that each outer box unit can be accurately aligned during folding and unfolding, thereby forming a neat and aesthetically pleasing overall structure.

[0065] In this embodiment, it is further necessary to define whether the six connecting parts are located on the front side (i.e., the display surface of the container) or the back side between the outer box units, because the location on the front or back side directly determines the folding and unfolding path between the outer box units. For example, if all six connecting parts are located on the front side or all on the back side, it is obviously impossible to achieve a folded-closed fan-shaped structure. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the location based on the relative positions between the first outer box 1 to the sixth outer box 6 and the pre-defined closing and folding method (i.e., Figure 2 and Figure 3 The folding path shown is used for setting. Based on this, and using the positions of the six connecting parts described above in this embodiment, by simply operating the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4 to close or unfold relative to each other, the other outer box units can be synchronized to close or unfold under the action of the six connecting parts and the six fold lines, ultimately forming a regular fan-shaped structure or unfolded structure. The design of this embodiment not only simplifies the operation process but also improves the convenience and practicality during use. When it is necessary to store or carry the container, the user only needs to gently close the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4, and the other outer box units will automatically fold accordingly, greatly saving space; conversely, when opening, only the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4 need to be operated to unfold.

[0066] In one specific embodiment, the first connecting part can be a connecting paper piece integrally extending outward from the front side of the first outer box 1 or the second outer box 2, or it can be a separate connecting paper piece glued to the front side of the first outer box 1 and the second outer box 2. Similarly, the second connecting part can be a connecting paper piece integrally extending outward from the back side of the second outer box 2 or the third outer box 3, or it can be a separate connecting paper piece glued to the back side of the second outer box 2 and the third outer box 3. And so on, the third to sixth connecting parts all use the same method to achieve the connection between each outer box unit.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first fold line 7, the second fold line 8, the third fold line 9, the fourth fold line 10, the fifth fold line 11 and the sixth fold line 12 are all provided with a curing material to enhance the fold line resistance.

[0068] In this embodiment, by setting a curing material along each fold line, the folding resistance at the fold line can be enhanced, thereby effectively delaying the occurrence of breakage or damage during repeated folding and unfolding, and improving the stability and service life of the overall structure.

[0069] Furthermore, the curing material can be a UV-curable ink. The curing material is applied to the fold lines using a screen printing process and then rapidly cured by UV light to form a protective layer. This protective layer maintains the material's flexibility and effectively disperses stress concentration during folding. In some other embodiments, the curing material can also be a resin coating.

[0070] In one embodiment, a connecting member is provided on the side between the second outer box 2 and the third outer box 3, and on the side between the fourth outer box 4 and the fifth outer box 5; the connecting member is used to connect the multiple outer box units in a fan-shaped multi-overlapping state and a flat state, so as to limit the multiple outer box units to maintain relative stability.

[0071] In this embodiment, the connecting members are used to maintain the relative stability of each outer box unit in both the fan-shaped multi-overlapping state and the flat state. Specifically, in the fan-shaped multi-overlapping state, the sides of the second outer box 2 and the third outer box 3 are attached to each other and further connected by corresponding connecting members. The sides of the fourth outer box 4 and the fifth outer box 5 are also attached to each other and further connected by corresponding connecting members. Based on this, the movement of the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4 is restricted by the connecting parts, thus maintaining the relative stability of each outer box unit in the fan-shaped multi-overlapping state. Similarly, in the flat state, the second outer box 2 and the third outer box 3, and the fourth outer box 4 and the fifth outer box 5 are also kept stable by the connecting members, which similarly restricts the movement of the first outer box 1 and the fourth outer box 4, thereby maintaining the relative stability of each outer box unit in the flat state. This enhances the practicality and reliability of the product.

[0072] It should be noted that in the semi-circular double-overlapping state, the sides of the second outer box 2, the third outer box 3, the fourth outer box 4, and the fifth outer box 5 form a plane. This plane is placed on the display stand and can maintain the relative stability of the entire container without the jointing effect of the connecting parts.

[0073] It should also be noted that, in these three states, more connecting parts can be added between the outer box units that are in contact with each other, thereby further enhancing the stability of the state. However, this will also create resistance to the folding and unfolding process. The specific design can be adapted according to actual needs.

[0074] In one embodiment, the connecting member is a magnetic or snap-fit ​​structure that can be connected to each other.

[0075] In this embodiment, either the magnetic attraction structure or the snap-fit ​​structure can achieve a stable connection between the outer box units to maintain the stability of each state.

[0076] Preferably, in this embodiment, a first magnet 13 and a second magnet 14 are respectively provided on the sides of the second outer box 2 and the third outer box 3, and a third magnet 15 and a fourth magnet 16 are respectively provided on the sides of the fourth outer box 4 and the fifth outer box 5; based on this, the stability of each outer box unit in the fan-shaped multi-overlapping state and the flat state can be achieved.

[0077] In one embodiment, the connector is bonded to the corresponding outer box side by a cardboard adhesive; the cardboard is provided with a curing material to enhance contact abrasion resistance.

[0078] This embodiment specifies the installation method for the joint. Specifically, it can be achieved by covering the joint with cardboard and applying a curing material to enhance wear resistance. The curing material can be the same material and process used for the fold lines described above.

[0079] In one embodiment, each outer box unit has at least one receiving groove 17 on its front side.

[0080] In this embodiment, the receiving slot 17 is used to store the display items. The shape of the receiving slot 17 can be customized according to the shape of the display items. The receiving slot 17 can be equipped with cushioning material or limiting structure to improve the storage stability of the display items and ensure that they will not fall during the unfolding process.

[0081] In summary, the multi-stable folding container of this invention achieves morphological changes in multiple outer box units in a fan-shaped multi-overlapping state, a flat state, and a semi-annular double-overlapping state. In the closed fan-shaped multi-overlapping state, the overall structure is compact, easy to carry and store, and does not occupy excessive storage space. In the semi-open semi-annular double-overlapping state, it provides display effects on both sides without occupying too much display space when fully opened. In the fully opened flat state, it provides a more comprehensive display effect.

[0082] The multi-stable folding container of this invention can be manufactured using a die-cutting process to create the individual outer box units, connecting parts, and cardboard, which are then glued together to form a whole. The overall molding process is simple, easy to mass-produce, and convenient to use. Furthermore, thanks to the unique display effect of this invention, these outer box units can be reused as storage tools, serving as both mobile storage boxes and display boxes.

[0083] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-stable folding container, characterized in that, It includes multiple outer box units; the sides of the multiple outer box units are foldably connected to each other by fold lines; The multiple outer box units are arranged in a fan-shaped overlapping state when closed; The multiple outer box units are in a semi-circular double-overlapping state when partially unfolded; The multiple outer box units are evenly distributed circumferentially and flat when fully unfolded.

2. The multistable folding container according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of outer box units include a first outer box, a second outer box, a third outer box, a fourth outer box, a fifth outer box, and a sixth outer box, and each outer box unit is fan-shaped; In the fan-shaped multi-layer stacked state, the second outer box, the third outer box, the fourth outer box and the fifth outer box are stacked between the first outer box and the fourth outer box to form a four-layer stacked structure; In a semi-circular double-overlapping state, the first outer box, the second outer box, and the sixth outer box overlap with the third outer box, the fourth outer box, and the fifth outer box to form a double-layered structure. In a flat state, the first outer box, the second outer box, the third outer box, the fourth outer box, the fifth outer box, and the sixth outer box are connected sequentially on the ring to form a flat ring structure.

3. The multistable folding container according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first outer box and the second outer box have a first connecting part on the front side, and a first fold line is provided on the first connecting part corresponding to the front side position; The second outer box and the third outer box have a second connecting part on the back side, and a second fold line is provided on the second connecting part corresponding to the position of the back side. The third outer box and the fourth outer box are provided with a third connecting part on the front side, and a third fold line is provided on the third connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side. The fourth outer box and the fifth outer box are provided with a fourth connecting part on the front side, and a fourth fold line is provided on the fourth connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side. The fifth outer box and the sixth outer box are provided with a fifth connecting part on the back side, and a fifth fold line is provided on the fifth connecting part corresponding to the position of the back side. The sixth outer box and the first outer box have a sixth connecting part on the front side, and a sixth fold line is provided on the sixth connecting part corresponding to the position of the front side.

4. The multistable folding container according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The first outer box and the fourth outer box have the same shape and size. The second outer box, the third outer box, the fourth outer box and the fifth outer box have the same shape and size. The sector angle of the first outer box is twice the sector angle of the second outer box.

5. The multistable folding container according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth fold lines are all provided with a curing material to enhance their folding resistance.

6. The multistable folding container according to claim 2, characterized in that, On the side between the second outer box and the third outer box, and on the side between the fourth outer box and the fifth outer box, there are connecting members; the connecting members are used to join the multiple outer box units when they are in a fan-shaped multi-stacked state and a flat state, so as to limit the multiple outer box units to maintain relative stability.

7. The multistable folding container according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting components are magnetic or snap-fit ​​structures that can be connected to each other.

8. The multistable folding container according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connecting piece is glued to the corresponding side of the outer box using a set cardboard adhesive. The cardboard is provided with a curing material to enhance contact abrasion resistance.

9. The multistable folding container according to claim 5 or 8, characterized in that, The curing material is a curing ink.

10. The multistable folding container according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each outer box unit has at least one receiving slot on its front side.

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