Foldable box
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023550294
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2021-02-20
- Filing Date
- 2022-02-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-19
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-02-11
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The invention disclosed herein relates generally to a foldable box, and more particularly to a foldable box for transportation from one point to another, which when the box is empty can be folded into a practical configuration and can maintain the configuration for convenient return handling, storage, and transportation. [Background technology]
[0002] Currently, boxes or containers are commonly used in the transportation, moving, transporting, conveying, sorting, and storage of goods and materials, and are used by diverse industries such as trucking, warehousing, manufacturing, online shopping transportation, and household goods transportation. Conventional containers are configured to fold in a manner suitable for stacking on pallets in bulk. The containers are stacked on pallets in a manner suitable for transporting in bulk from manufacturers to dealers or to homes by vehicles. The main drawback of conventional containers formed by rigid prismatic structures stems from the fact that after use and delivery, the size and shape of the folded boxes make them difficult to handle for individual return. For example, the boxes do not maintain their shape and form while folded. As a result, the boxes are often discarded rather than reused.
[0003] Other boxes are hard cases and are designed for reuse, but cannot be folded. Generally, the containers occupy a large space and retain or maintain their shape and form. These containers take up a large area for the containers and are inconvenient for individual handling, storage, and transportation for reuse or recycling purposes. Conventional containers have some drawbacks while folded or by folding methods to provide enough folding space to occupy less space. To overcome these problems, an improved foldable or collapsible box or container is needed.
[0004] Applicant's U.S. Patent No. 5,933,636 discloses a corrugated box with a unique foldable design, which allows for convenient return shipping by fitting it into the slot of a standard mailbox. In addition, the corrugated box takes up less space and maintains its shape and form while or by the folding method. However, a reusable closure mechanism for the box can only be designed by applying a zipper or the like.
[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a foldable storage box in which the inside of the storage box is partitioned using a partition plate that prevents products stored inside the storage box from being mixed together.
[0006] A folding storage box generally includes a bottom plate, a side plate, a connecting plate, an adhesive plate, a magnet, a cover plate, a fixing plate, and a partition plate, and the side plate is connected to the bottom plate folding line. The cover plate is connected to the rear plate folding line. The magnet may be inserted into the connecting plate and the adhesive plate.
[0007] However, the above-mentioned prior art does not disclose or teach a second pair of fasteners attached to the bottom plate, and the first pair of fasteners engage with the second pair of fasteners in the folded configuration of the box by folding the top plate over the bottom plate.
[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, it is desirable to provide a foldable or collapsible box that allows for stacking of the parts of the foldable box, thereby allowing the foldable box to be closed without the use of zippers. There is also a need for a new design of a foldable box that has similar stacking as a normal box and therefore can be sealed with only tape or stickers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0009] [Patent Document 1] Danish Patent Application Publication No. 178719 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 20110036292 Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a foldable box that minimizes the size of the folded box and has a closure mechanism that keeps the box securely and conveniently folded.
[0011] The present invention relates to a base panel including a front edge opposite a rear edge, a right edge opposite a left edge, and an outer surface having a fastening element; a right wall extending from the right edge and configured to fold along the right edge; a left wall extending from the left edge and configured to fold along the left edge; a front wall extending from the front edge and configured to fold along the front edge; a rear wall extending from the rear edge and configured to fold along the rear edge; and a top panel extending from the rear wall and defining a first portion and a second portion by fold lines. , the first portion being separated from the second portion by a fold line, and a top plate having an inner surface carrying complementary fastening elements, wherein the right and left walls are configured to fold onto the bottom plate, and the top plate is configured to fold onto the right and left walls when folded onto the bottom plate to provide a folded configuration, and the top plate is configured to fold along the fold lines in the folded state, wherein the inner surface of the top plate at the first portion abuts an outer surface of the bottom plate and the fastening elements engage the complementary fastening elements.
[0012] The foldable box has a right wall and a left wall. The right wall and the left wall may be collectively referred to as "side walls", and the foldable box may be said to have a pair of opposing walls, e.g., opposing side walls. Correspondingly, the foldable box has a front wall and a rear wall, and the front wall and the rear wall may also be referred to as a pair of opposing walls. The side walls may be referred to as a first wall, and the front wall and the rear wall may be referred to as a second wall. Thus, the foldable box may be said to have a first pair of opposing walls and a second pair of opposing walls.
[0013] The walls of the foldable box are configured to fold along the edges, thereby making the box foldable. It should be understood that the foldable box has a folded state and an assembled state. In the assembled state, the opposing walls of the foldable box form an internal compartment. The internal compartment provides a container for goods, the foldable box in the assembled state is useful for transporting goods from one point to another, and when the box is empty, it can be folded into a practical configuration, i.e., a folded state, and can maintain this configuration for convenient return handling, storage, and transport. The foldable box can be returned in a sustainable and convenient manner by simply placing it in a mailbox.
[0014] Due to the foldable nature of the box, the box is folded in a folded state, which is understood as a state in which the side walls are folded on the bottom plate, the front wall is folded on the side walls, and the top plate is folded on the side walls. The folded state may also be called a compressed state, and in the present context the two terms may be used interchangeably. Correspondingly, the box may be in an assembled state, which should be understood as when the walls are not folded on each other, for example when the box is unfolded. The top plate may be in any state, for example the top plate may close the box, thereby allowing the box to enclose the item to be transported, or the top plate may not close the foldable box in the assembled state.
[0015] In general, the shape of the base plate is rectangular, for example, the angles between the rear edge and the right edge and between the rear edge and the left edge may be approximately right angles, and similarly the angles between the front edge and the right edge and between the front edge and the left edge may be approximately right angles. The edges of the base plate may have any shape that allows the walls to fold along the corresponding edges. For example, the edges may follow straight lines, although other shapes are also contemplated. The base plate is not limited to a rectangular shape, other shapes are also contemplated, in particular polygonal shapes.
[0016] The tabletop defines a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being separated from the second portion by a fold line. The fold line provides flexibility and allows the tabletop, e.g., the first portion and the second portion, to bend along the fold line. The fold line is generally a straight line, but the fold line is not limited to being a straight line. The fold line may extend between two opposing edges of the tabletop. In particular, the fold line may be parallel to the front edge.
[0017] The right wall, left wall, and front wall may each have a top edge. Typically, the top edge faces a respective edge from which the corresponding wall extends and along which it is configured to fold. Thus, the right wall can have a top edge opposite a right edge of the base plate, the left wall can have a top edge opposite a left edge of the base plate, and the front wall can have a top edge opposite a front edge of the base plate.
[0018] In one example of the present disclosure, the foldable box may have at least one of a right flap extending from a top edge of the right wall, a left flap extending from a top edge of the left wall, and a front flap extending from a top edge of the front wall. The one or more flaps may be configured to hold the foldable box in a closed position and / or ensure that the contents of the foldable box remain within the foldable box. For example, the one or more flaps may have an abutment surface that abuts against an inner surface of the top plate when the foldable box is in an assembled state and the top plate closes the foldable box. The abutment surface and the corresponding location on the inner surface may include a suitable fastener.
[0019] The bottom plate has an outer surface, which should be understood as the side of the bottom plate that faces the external environment when the box is in its assembled state, and the outer surface may also be referred to as the underside of the bottom plate. The top plate has an inner surface, which should be understood as the side that faces the interior of the box, e.g. the inner compartment, when the box is in its assembled state, and the inner surface may also be referred to as the upper surface of the top plate.
[0020] The foldable box, i.e., the bottom panel, the first and second pair of opposing walls, the top panel, and any portion, may be made of any material. The different panels and walls may be made of the same material, but do not have to be made of the same material. The materials may be rigid or flexible. The materials may be, for example, polymeric materials, cardboard, paper, wood, metal. For example, the different panels and walls may be made of boards or materials, for example, rigid or flexible materials. In one example, the different panels and walls are made of fabric.
[0021] The walls are configured to fold along the edges and the top comprises fold lines. Adjacent walls and panels may be made from separate pieces of material, e.g., a plate or sheet of fabric, joined at the edges to allow folding along the edges. Similarly, the top may comprise two separate pieces of material joined at a fold line to allow folding along the fold line. It is also possible that adjacent walls and panels, or the top, are made from a single piece of material, e.g., a plate or sheet of fabric that is modified, e.g., weakened, along the edges or fold lines to allow folding along the edges or fold lines.
[0022] The outer surface has a fastening element. The fastening element may also be referred to as a fastener, and the two terms may be used interchangeably in this context. The inner surface has a complementary fastening element. It should be understood that the complementary fastening element on the inner surface is complementary to the fastening element on the outer surface. The fastener may be any fastening concept, such as, but not limited to, a push button, a hook-and-loop fastener, a hook-and-pile fastener, a touch fastener, a magnet, and combinations thereof. Thus, the fastening element may engage with the complementary fastening element, and the fastening element and the complementary fastening element may be said to be engageable. The fastening element and the complementary fastening element are preferably releasably engageable. The outer surface and the inner surface may comprise a plurality, for example a pair, of engageable fastening elements. Thus, if the bottom plate comprises two fastening elements, the fastening elements may be referred to as a first pair of engageable fasteners, and the complementary fastening elements on the top plate may be referred to as a second pair of engageable fasteners. By anchoring fastening elements on the top plate, i.e., on the exterior surface, and the bottom plate, i.e., on the interior surface, a reusable closure mechanism is provided, thereby enabling the repeated use of the box to be extended in its lifespan.
[0023] The foldable box may comprise pleats. The pleats may also be referred to as gables. For example, the foldable box may comprise one or more pleats connecting the front wall to the right wall, the front wall to the left wall, the rear wall to the right wall, and the rear wall to the left wall. In a particular example, a pleat connects the front wall to the right wall, a pleat connects the front wall to the left wall, a pleat connects the rear wall to the right wall, and a pleat connects the rear wall to the left wall. In the present context, a pleat should be understood as a connection element between two adjacent walls, the connection element being of a bendable nature that allows the two adjacent walls to be movable relative to each other. The pleats allow the foldable box to be transformed from a foldable state to an assembled state while keeping the respective walls structurally connected.
[0024] The foldable box may further comprise a handle. The handle may be configured to hold the foldable box. The handle may be attached to any panel or wall of the foldable box, for example, the top panel. In one embodiment, the handle is sewn to the left wall, the side wall, the front wall, or the back wall. The handle may be made from any material, including, for example, leather, plastic, polyester resin, and / or non-woven material. In one embodiment, the handle provides a sufficient grip for a user's hand.
[0025] The foldable box may comprise a shipping label, e.g. on the top plate. The shipping label specifies the contents and the destination address of the foldable box. The foldable box may comprise, e.g., a return slip for returning the foldable box after shipping. The return slip simplifies the reuse of the foldable box in a sustainable and convenient way, e.g. by simply dropping it in a post box. The return slip may be placed anywhere on the foldable box, e.g. in a place that is visible when the box is in the folded state. In one embodiment, the return slip specifies details for re-sending the foldable box to a return address, e.g. a return address or a PO box. In one embodiment, the foldable box comprises a shipping label and a return slip, the return slip being attached to the shipping label.
[0026] In one embodiment, the return slip is not visible when the foldable box is in an assembled state, but is visible when the foldable box is in a folded state, hi one embodiment, the return slip is releasably attached to the foldable box.
[0027] In another example, the present disclosure provides a foldable box used to transport goods from one point to another, the box comprising: a top plate having at least two portions including a first portion and a second portion; a base plate having a front edge, a rear edge, a right edge, and a left edge; a first pair of opposing walls including left and right walls, the first pair of opposing side walls being folded over the base plate; a second pair of opposing walls including a front wall and a rear wall, the front wall being folded over the top of the first pair of opposing walls folded over the bottom plate; the bottom plate has at least two folds to reach a second portion of the top plate, the top plate is in a folded position and wrapped around the foldable box to ensure stability in the folded configuration, the foldable box has a first pair of fasteners attached to the top plate and a second pair of fasteners attached to the bottom plate, the first pair of fasteners engage with the second pair of fasteners by folding the top plate onto the bottom plate, thereby a foldable box configured to securely transport goods from one point to another, and when the box is empty, it can be folded into a practical configuration and maintain this configuration for convenient return handling, storage, and transportation.
[0028] The collapsible box may be configured, for example, to further include pleated folds between edges to enable folding of the first pair of opposed walls and the second pair of opposed walls.
[0029] In a further example of the collapsible box, a first portion of the top plate is folded over the folded bottom plate so as to wrap around the collapsible box.
[0030] In yet another example of the collapsible box, a first pair of opposing walls extend from right and left edges, respectively, of the bottom panel.
[0031] In a further example of the collapsible box, a second pair of opposed walls extend from the front and rear edges, respectively, of the bottom plate.
[0032] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further disclosed in the Detailed Description of the Invention. This Summary is not intended to identify the substance or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0033] The present invention discloses a foldable box for transporting goods from one point to another, which when the box is empty, can be folded into a practical form and can maintain this form for convenient return handling, storage and transport. In one embodiment, the foldable box allows for a sustainable and convenient return by simply dropping it into a mailbox. In one embodiment, the foldable box comprises a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate comprises at least two parts, three of which include a first part and a second part. The bottom plate comprises a front edge, a rear edge, a right edge and a left edge.
[0034] In one embodiment, the foldable box further comprises two sets of side walls, such as a first pair of opposing walls and a second pair of opposing walls. The first pair of opposing walls comprises a right wall and a left wall. The second pair of opposing walls comprises a front wall and a rear wall. In one embodiment, each side wall has a flap extending from a top edge of the wall configured to hold the foldable box in a closed position. In one embodiment, the first pair of opposing walls extends from a right edge and a left edge of the bottom plate. In one embodiment, the second pair of opposing walls extends from a front edge and a rear edge of the bottom plate. In one embodiment, the foldable box can be a foldable box that is bendable. In one embodiment, the foldable box further comprises pleat-like folds between edges configured to allow folding of the first pair of opposing walls and the second pair of opposing walls.
[0035] In one embodiment, the first pair of opposing walls is configured to fold or fold onto the bottom plate. In one embodiment, the second pair of opposing walls is configured to fold over the first pair of opposing walls using pleat folds. In one embodiment, the bottom plate is folded to reach a second portion of the top plate. In one embodiment, the top plate is configured to fold to extend outwardly from the second pair of opposing walls. In one embodiment, the top plate is wrapped around the foldable box to ensure stability in the folded configuration.
[0036] In one embodiment, the foldable box further comprises one or more fasteners having a first pair of fasteners and a second pair of fasteners. In one embodiment, the first pair of fasteners is attached to the top panel and the second pair of fasteners is attached to the bottom panel. In one embodiment, the first pair of fasteners engages the second pair of fasteners by folding the top panel over the bottom panel, thereby the foldable box 4 is configured to reliably transport goods from one point to another, and when the box is empty, it can be folded into a practical configuration and maintain this configuration for convenient return handling, storage, and transportation.
[0037] In one embodiment, the foldable box further comprises a handle. In one embodiment, the handle is configured to hold the foldable box. In one embodiment, the handle is attached to the top of the top plate. In one embodiment, an end of the handle is sewn to one of the second pair of opposing walls. In one embodiment, the handle is made from any one of the following materials: leather, plastic, polyester resin, and non-woven material. In one embodiment, the handle provides a sufficient grip for a user's hand.
[0038] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, the detailed description and specific examples (which indicate particular embodiments of the invention) are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0039] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, are better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, exemplary forms of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention is not limited to the particular methods and structures disclosed herein. A description of a method or structure referred to by a numeral in a drawing is applicable to the description of that method or structure referred to by the same numeral in any subsequent drawing of this specification. [Figure 1]FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a collapsible box in a closed position in one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates a perspective view of a foldable box in an open position in an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exemplary top perspective view of a foldable box having folded side walls in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary top perspective view of a collapsible box having a folded front wall in an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exemplary top perspective view of a foldable box having a folded bottom wall in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates one or more steps for folding a foldable box in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] With reference to Figure 1, the collapsible box 100 is shown in an assembled state with a closed top panel 101, thereby enclosing an interior compartment of the collapsible box 100. The interior compartment is not shown in Figure 1. A front edge 104 can be seen, from which extends a front wall 116. Opposite the front edge 104, an upper edge 116a of the front wall can be seen adjacent the top panel 101.
[0041] Referring to Figure 2, the top panel 101 is lifted up, showing the interior compartment 1000 of the foldable box 100. The inner surface of the bottom panel 102 can be seen, along with the front and rear edges 104, 106, the right and left edges 108, 110. Extending from these edges are the front wall 116, the rear wall 118, the right wall 112, and the left wall 114, respectively. Each of the walls 116, 118, 112, 114 is shown with a corresponding upper edge 116a, 118a, 112a, 114a, and it can be seen that the flaps 107 extend from the front wall 116, the right wall 112, and the left wall 114, respectively. The top panel 101 can be seen extending from the rear wall 118, which is bounded by a fold line 127 that separates the first portion 103 from the second portion 105 of the top panel 101.
[0042] Pleats 124 can be seen connecting walls 116, 118, 112, and 114 and, in this embodiment, are shown in a partially deployed state, thereby illustrating how pleats 124 can be deployed to allow walls 116, 118, 112, and 114 to be folded up. Fastening elements 120 are visible on the inner surface 101a of top plate 101.
[0043] 3, the collapsible box 100 can be seen in a fully unfolded state with the pleat folds 124. The right wall 112 and the left wall 114 are folded over the bottom plate 102 in this embodiment. From this state, the front wall 116 is folded over the right wall 112 and the left wall 114 as seen in FIG.
[0044] 5, the right and left walls 112, 114 are envisioned as folding inwardly of the base plate 102 and front wall 116, such that they fold over the right and left walls 112, 114. The exterior surface 102a of the base plate 102 is shown having complementary fastening elements 122. Additionally, a handle 126 can be seen according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 6, seven different states of the collapsible box 100 can be seen with arrows indicating how to reach the different states.
[0046] Starting from Fig. 6i, the foldable box 100 is in an assembled state with the top plate 101 closed, as also shown in Fig. 1. From the assembled state, the top plate 101 is lifted in Fig. 6ii to reveal the inner compartment 1000 and the bottom plate 102 of the foldable box 100. In Fig. 6iii the right wall 112 and the left wall 114 are folded onto the bottom plate 102, and in Fig. 6iv the foldable box 100 can be seen from a front perspective view with the front wall 116 folded onto the right wall 112 and the left wall 114. In Fig. 6v the same state of the foldable box 100 known from Fig. 6iv is shown in a top perspective view. In Figure 6vi, the foldable box 100 is seen in its folded state, with the top panel 101 folded over the right wall 112, the left wall 114, and the front wall 116 to reveal the outer surface 102a of the bottom panel 102 having fastening elements 120 and the inner surface 101a of the top panel 101 having complementary fastening elements 122. In Figure 6vii, the top panel 101 is folded along fold line 127, with the inner surface 101a of the top panel abutting the outer surface 102a of the bottom panel.
[0047] 1 and 2 further illustrate perspective views of a foldable box 100 in a closed position and an open position, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The foldable box 100 is configured to reliably transport writing items from one point to another, and can be folded into a practical configuration when the box is empty and can maintain this configuration for convenient return processing, storage, and transportation. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 allows for a sustainable and convenient return by simply dropping it into a mailbox. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 comprises a top panel 101 and a bottom panel 102. The top panel 101 comprises at least two portions, including a first portion 103 and a second portion 105. The bottom panel 102 comprises a front edge 104, a rear edge 106, a right edge 108, and a left edge 110.
[0048] In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 further comprises two sets of side walls, such as a first pair of opposing walls and a second pair of opposing walls. The first pair of opposing walls includes a right wall 112 and a left wall 114. The second pair of opposing walls includes a front wall 116 and a rear wall 118. In one embodiment, each side wall (112, 114, 116, and 118) has a flap 107 extending from a top end of the wall (112, 114, 116, and 118) configured to hold the foldable box 100 in a closed position. In one embodiment, the first pair of opposing walls (112 and 114) extend from the right and left edges (108 and 110) of the bottom plate 102. In one embodiment, the second pair of opposing walls (116 and 118) extend from the front and rear edges (104 and 106) of the bottom plate 102. In one embodiment, the collapsible box 100 may be a bendable collapsible box.
[0049] 3-4, according to one embodiment of the present invention, opposing side walls of the foldable box 100 are folded. FIG. 3 illustrates a first pair of folded opposing walls (112 and 114) in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a folded front wall 116 in one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the first pair of opposing walls (112 and 114) are configured to fold or fold down to the bottom plate 102. In one embodiment, the second pair of opposing walls (116 and 118) are configured to fold over the first pair of opposing walls (112 and 114).
[0050] In one embodiment, the bottom plate 102 is folded to reach the second portion 105 of the top plate 101. In one embodiment, the top plate 101 is configured to be folded outward and extend from the second pair of opposing walls (116 and 118). In one embodiment, the top plate 101 is wrapped around the foldable box 100 to ensure stability in the folded configuration. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 further comprises pleat folds 124 between the edges (104, 106, 108, and 110) configured to allow folding of the first pair of opposing walls (112 and 114) and the second pair of opposing walls (116 and 118).
[0051] 5 shows a perspective view of the folded bottom wall 118 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 further comprises one or more fasteners having a first pair of fasteners 120 and a second pair of fasteners 122. In one embodiment, the first pair of fasteners 120 is attached to the top panel 101 and the second pair of fasteners 122 is attached to the bottom panel 102. In one embodiment, the first pair of fasteners 120 engage with the second pair of fasteners 122 by folding the top panel 101 onto the bottom panel 102, whereby the foldable box 100 is configured to securely transport goods from one point to another, and when the box is empty, it can be folded into a practical configuration and maintain this configuration for convenient return handling, storage, and transportation.
[0052] In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 further comprises a handle 126. In one embodiment, the handle 126 is configured to hold the foldable box 100. In one embodiment, the handle 126 is attached to the top of the top plate 101. In one embodiment, an end of the handle 126 is sewn to one of the second pair of opposing walls 118. In one embodiment, the handle 126 is made of any one of the following materials: leather, plastic, polyester resin, and non-woven material. In one embodiment, the handle 126 provides a sufficient grip for a user's hand.
[0053] 6, an exemplary sequence of steps in a folding technique is shown according to one embodiment of the present invention. The folding technique allows the foldable box 100 to assume a folded configuration into a box suitable for transporting or storing items through a standard mailbox. The folding technique is optimized to allow the folded foldable box 100 to be folded in a configuration suitable for return in a sustainable and convenient manner by simply dropping it into a mailbox.
[0054] In one embodiment, the first folding technique includes various steps, in one step, the closed foldable box 100 is opened. In another step, the first pair of opposing walls (112 and 114) is folded to the bottom plate 102 using the pleat folds 124. In another step, the front wall 116 is folded to the first pair of opposing walls (112 and 114) using the pleat folds 124. In one embodiment, each side wall (112, 114, 116, and 118) has a flap 107 extending from the top end of the wall (112, 114, 116, and 118) configured to hold the foldable box 100 in a closed position. In another step, the bottom plate 102 is folded to reach the second portion 105 of the wall of the top plate 101. In another step, the top plate 101 is folded to wrap around the foldable box 100. In one embodiment, the top panel 101 is in a folded position and extends from the rear wall 118 to wrap around the foldable box 100 to ensure stability in the folded configuration.
[0055] In one embodiment, fasteners (120 and 122) are provided on the foldable box 100 to hold the items contained therein. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 is reconfigurable between different states. The fasteners (120 and 122) may be, but are not limited to, push buttons or hook and loop fasteners. In one embodiment, the fasteners (120 and 122) include, but are not limited to, hook and loop fasteners, hook and pile fasteners, and touch fasteners. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 is folded into a compressed state, thereby positioning the first pair of fasteners 120 flush with the second pair of fasteners. When the foldable box 100 is in a closed position, the fasteners prevent the foldable box 100 from folding into the compressed state.
[0056] In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 further comprises a shipping label attached on the top plate 101 of the foldable box 100. The shipping label specifies the contents and destination address of the foldable box 100. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 further comprises a return slip for returning the foldable box 100 after shipping for reuse in a sustainable and convenient way by simply dropping the foldable box 100 in a post box. In one embodiment, the return slip can be attached to the shipping label. In another embodiment, the return slip can be placed anywhere on the foldable box 100 that is visible when the box 100 is in the folded or folded configuration. In one embodiment, the return slip specifies a return address or PO box details for re-sending the foldable box 100 to the address. In one embodiment, the return slip is not visible when the foldable box 100 is in the box configuration, but is visible when the foldable box 100 is in the folded or folded configuration. In one embodiment, a return slip is removably attached to and removable from the foldable box 100.
[0057] Advantageously, the folded form is easily protected, and thus the foldable box 100 can be handled as a standard package and in the folded form, thereby enabling a sustainable and commercially viable return process for the foldable box 100. Furthermore, this design allows for minimizing the material used to form the foldable box 100, which results in a minimized weight and more sustainable production. The foldable box 100 requires less space during storage and transportation by vehicle. In one embodiment, the foldable box 100 can be used as, but not limited to, a storage bag, travel bag, etc. In one embodiment, a manufacturer or trader can sell this foldable box 100 as a return packaging bag for goods, which can occupy less space and maintain its shape and form while folded or by the method / way in which it is folded in the market.
[0058] The foregoing examples are provided merely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the concepts disclosed herein. Although the concepts have been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the terms used herein are not terms of limitation, but words of description and illustration. Moreover, although the concepts have been described herein with reference to specific means, materials, and embodiments, the concepts are not intended to be limited to the details disclosed herein, but rather, the concepts extend to all functionally equivalent structures, methods, and uses, as may be within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings herein, may affect and modify numerous modifications thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the concepts in their aspects.
Claims
1. A foldable box (100), comprising: a base plate (102) having a front edge (104) opposite a rear edge (106), a right edge (108) opposite a left edge (110), and an outer surface (102a) including fastening elements (120); a right wall (112) extending from the right edge (108) and configured to be folded along the right edge (108); a left wall (114) extending from the left edge (110) and configured to be folded along the left edge (110); a front wall (116) extending from and configured to fold along the front edge (104); a rear wall (118) extending from and configured to fold along the rear edge (106); a top plate (101) extending from said rear wall (118) and defining a first portion (103) and a second portion (105), said first portion (103) being separated from said second portion (105) by a fold line (127), said top plate (101) having an inner surface (101a) carrying a complementary fastening element (120); Equipped with the right wall (112) and the left wall (114) are configured to be folded onto the bottom plate (102), and the top plate (101) is configured to be folded onto the right wall (112) and the left wall (114) when folded onto the right wall (112) and the left wall (114) to provide a folded configuration; The foldable box (100), wherein the top plate (101) is configured to be folded along the fold line (127) in a folded state, the inner surface (101a) of the top plate (101) in the first portion (103) abuts against the outer surface (102a) of the bottom plate (102), and the fastening element (120) engages with the complementary fastening element (122).
2. 2. The foldable box (100) of claim 1, further comprising one or more pleat-like folds (124) connecting at least one of the front wall (116) to the right wall (112), the front wall (116) to the left wall (114), the rear wall (118) to the right wall (112), and the rear wall (118) to the left wall (114).
3. The foldable box (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first portion (103) of the top plate (101) is folded over the folded bottom plate (102) so as to wrap around the foldable box (100).