Closure mechanisms, receptacles with closure mechanisms, and methods of manufacturing same

Abstract

An improved closure mechanism is disclosed that provides for the opening and closing of a receptacle. The closure mechanism can be integrally formed with a receptacle main body or coupled to the receptacle main body. The closure mechanism can include linking panels that are coupled to foldable flaps. The foldable flaps can allow for the linking panels to rotate, so that when linking panels are rotated to align closed edges of the linking panels, the closure mechanism is in a closed position that limits access to an interior of the receptacle main body. When linking panels are rotated to align open edges of the linking panels, the closure mechanism is in an open position that provides access to an opening of the receptacle main body and interior of the receptacle main body.

Description

TENONA 3.4-002CLOSURE MECHANISMS, RECEPTACLES WITH CLOSURE MECHANISMS,AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING SAME BACKGROUND

[0001] Numerous devices and methods of manufacture exist for closure mechanisms that provide for the opening and closing or locking and unlocking of receptacles, such as bags, handbags, and the like. Mechanical features, such as latches, buttons, hooks, snaps, and the like are commonly used to allow for the opening and closing of receptacles and / or to lock and unlock such receptacles.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0002] The present disclosure provides an improved closure mechanism, receptacle with closure mechanism, and methods of manufacturing the closer mechanism and a receptacle with closure mechanism. A receptacle includes a closure mechanism for the opening and closing of the receptacle and / or the locking and unlocking of the receptacle. In some examples, the closure mechanism may be separately manufactured and later coupled to a receptacle housing. According to aspects of the disclosure, the structural arrangement of the material used to create the bag allows for an integrally formed mechanism that minimizes the need for external structural components for the closure mechanism.

[0003] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a receptacle includes a housing enclosing an interior space; and a closure mechanism configured to allow or prevent access to an opening to the interior space. The closer mechanism further includes a first sheet of material, a second sheet of material, a first linking panel, and a second linking panel. The first sheet of material includes a front portion of the receptacle. The first sheet has a first front outer surface, a first front interior surface, a first foldable flap, and a second foldable flap. Each of the first and second foldable flaps may be configured to move between a first expanded configuration and a first collapsed configuration. The second sheet of material includes a rear portion of the receptacle and has a second front outer surface, a second rear interior surface, a third foldable flap, and a fourth foldable flap. Each of the third and fourth foldable flaps are configured to move between a second expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration. The first linking panel couples the first foldable flap of the first sheet and the fourth foldable flap of the second sheet together. The first linking panel may have a first closing edge and a first open edge that overlies the second sheet and an opening in the first sheet. The second linking panel couples the second foldable flap of the first sheet and the third foldable flap of the second sheet together. The second linking panel has a second closing edge that overlies the first open edge and the opening in the first sheet. The second linking panel further includes a second open edge overlying the first sheet and an opening in the second sheet. When the closure mechanism of the receptacle is in an open position , the first open edge and the second open edge are positioned at a top portion of the receptacle and the opening is exposed so as to provide access to the interior space. When the closure mechanism of the receptacle is in a closed position, the first closing edge and the second closing edge are positioned at the top portion, such that the first and second closing edges extend across the opening and prevent access to the interior space. The receptacle moves between the open position and the closed position as the first and second linking panels move between the front portion and rear portion of the receptacle.TENONA 3.4-002

[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a closure mechanism for a receptacle includes aligning a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material so that a front interior surface of the first sheet faces toward a rear interior surface of the second sheet, and so that a periphery of the first sheet is aligned with a periphery of the second sheet; creating a first foldable flap and a second foldable flap in the first sheet of material, the first foldable flap positioned at one corner adjacent a first edge of the first sheet and the second foldable flap positioned at an opposite corner at a second side of the first sheet, the first sheet further comprising a front outer surface opposite the front interior surface; creating a third foldable flap and a fourth foldable flap in a second sheet of material, the third foldable flap positioned at another corner adj cent a first edge of the second sheet and the second foldable flap positioned at another opposite corner that is opposite the another corner and adjacent a second edge of the second sheet, the third foldable flap being aligned with the second foldable flap, and the first foldable flap being aligned with the fourth foldable flap, and the second sheet further comprising a rear outer surface opposite the rear interior surface; folding the first foldable flap down along a first angled fold line into a collapsed configuration while retaining the second foldable flap in an expanded configuration; folding the third foldable flap down along a second angled folded line into a collapsed configuration while retaining the fourth foldable flap in an expanded configuration; coupling the first foldable flap and the fourth foldable flap together with a first linking panel having a first open edge and a first closed edge; coupling the second foldable flap and the third foldable flap together with a second linking panel having a second open edge and a second closed edge; wherein the first linking panel and the second linking panel are movable between a front portion of the receptacle and a rear portion of the receptacle, wherein moving the first linking panel and the second linking panel to align the first open edge of the first linking panel with the second open edge of the second linking panel places the closure mechanism into an open position that provides access to an interior space between the first and second linking panels; and wherein moving the first linking panel and the second linking panel to align the first closed edge of the first linking panel with the second closed edge of the second linking panel places the closure mechanism in a closed position that prevents access to the interior space between the first and second linking panels.

[0005] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a closure mechanism that is configured to allow or prevent access to an interior space of an opening of a housing includes a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material. The first sheet of material comprises a front portion of the receptacle. The first sheet has a first front outer surface, a first front interior surface, a first foldable flap, and a second foldable flap. Each of the first and second foldable flaps is configured to move between a first expanded configuration and a first collapsed configuration. The second sheet of material includes a rear portion, the second sheet having a second front outer surface, a second rear interior surface, a third foldable flap, and a fourth foldable flap. Each of the third and fourth foldable flaps is configured to move between a second expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration. The first linking panel couples the first foldable flap of the first sheet and the fourth foldable flap of the second sheet together. The first linking panel has a first closing edge, and a first open edge that overlies the second sheet and an opening in the first sheet. The second linking panel couples the second foldable flap of the first sheet and the third foldableTENONA 3.4-002flap of the second sheet together, wherein the second linking panel has a second closing edge overlies the first open edge and the opening in the first sheet, and a second open edge overlying the first sheet and an opening in the second sheet.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an example receptacle with closure mechanism in a first position according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the example receptacle with closure mechanism in the first position according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0008] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate respective example front and rear top views of the receptacle of FIG.1.

[0009] FIG. 5 A is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 5B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-scctional view taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 2.

[0012] FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line 6B-6B of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIGS. 7-8 are views of the receptacle of FIG. 1 with example linking panels in a partially open position.

[0014] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate right side and left side views of the receptacle of FIG. 1 shown between a first position and a second position.

[0015] FIGS . 11-12 illustrate front and rear views of the receptacle of FIG. 1 in a second position.

[0016] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 11 in second position.

[0017] FIG. 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view of receptacle of FIG. 12 in a second position.

[0018] FIG. 15 illustrates a view of the receptacle of FIG. 11 with example linking panels in a partially closed position.

[0019] FIG. 16 illustrates a view of the receptacle of FIG. 12 with example linking panels in a partially closed position.

[0020] FIG. 17 illustrates a view of the receptacle of FIG. 12 in a collapsed position.

[0021] FIG. 18 illustrates a view of the receptacle of FIG. 13 in a collapsed position.

[0022] FIGS. 19-30 illustrate an example method of forming an example closure mechanism for an example receptacle according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 31A-36 illustrate optional features for providing ornamentation to a receptacle having an example closure mechanism according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0024] FIGS. 37-52 illustrate an example method of forming a closure mechanism for a receptacle according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0025] FIGS. 53-59 illustrate an example method for moving the closure mechanism of FIGS. 37- 52 from an open position to a second closed position according to an aspect of the disclosure.

[0026] FIGS. 60-66 illustrate another example method and device for manufacturing a closure mechanism.TENONA 3.4-002DETAILED DESCRIPTIONF0027] A locking or closure mechanism for a receptacle is disclosed, as well as a receptacle that incorporates the disclosed locking or closure mechanism. The locking or closure mechanism may be configured to open and close and / or lock and unlock a receptacle through the use of one or more linking panels. In some examples, the closure mechanism can be integrally formed as part of receptacle without requiring or relying upon additional hardware or external structural components. In some examples, closure mechanism may be formed from the same material as a receptacle and in some examples closure mechanism may be formed from the same sheet of material that forms the receptacle to allow for easy assembly of the receptacle, which can include a closure mechanism integrally formed with the overall receptacle. In other examples, closure mechanism may be separately manufactured and then later coupled to a receptacle main body or housing. Closure mechanisms according to the present disclosure can also help to enhance the safety features of receptacles by providing a more secure structure and means for allowing the opening and closing of a given receptacle.EXAMPLE RECEPTACLE WITH EXAMPLE CLOSURE MECHANISM

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates an example receptacle 100 with an example closure mechanism shown in an expanded and open position 100A according to an aspect of the disclosure. Receptacle 100 may be a container used to hold or store another object, such as a purse, shoulder bag, coin purse, backpack, and the like. In this example, receptacle 100 may be a clutch purse with a closure mechanism that is configured to open and close or lock and unlock receptacle 100, and that can be manufactured as part of receptacle 100 without requiring or relying upon additional hardware or components. In some examples, the closure mechanism may be formed from the same material as a receptacle and in some examples the same sheet of material that forms a receptacle to allow for easy assembly. Receptacle 100 is illustrated without additional decorative panels for ease of discussion, but in other examples, receptacle 100 can take on many shapes, sizes and configurations. Throughout the description reference to the open position 100A refers to the closure mechanism and / or receptacle 100 being in an open position.

[0029] As show in FIG. 1, a front view of receptacle 100, and FIG. 2, a rear view of receptacle 100, receptacle 100 includes front portion 102, rear portion 103, right side edge portion 106, left edge portion 108, and a closure mechanism 132 that includes a first linking panel LP1 overlying front portion 102 and a second linking panel LP2 (FIG. 2) overlying rear portion 103. Left and right side edge portions 106, 108 join front portion 102 and rear portion 103 together. Front portion 102 further includes front outer surface 104, as well as first front fold line 124 and second front fold line 123 that extend horizontally across width W1 of front outer surface 104. rear portion 103, as shown in FIG. 2, includes rear outer surface 105, as well as first rear fold line 125 and second rear fold line 127 that extend horizontally across a width W2 of rear outer surface 105. In this example, width W1 and width W2 are equal, but in other examples, they may differ. First front fold line 124 and first rear fold line 125 may extend along parallel planes and demarcate a lower boundary of closure mechanism 132. In other examples, the lower boundaryTENONA 3.4-002of closure mechanism may be defined by another feature. Further, the lower boundary of closure mechanism 132 may not extend in a straight and / or continuous line.

[0030] Any material capable of being folded may be used to form receptacle 100. Examples of materials that can be used to manufacture receptacle 100 include, but are not limited to leather, plastic, synthetic materials, and the like. In one example, front portion 102 (FIG. 1) of receptacle 100 may be formed from a first sheet 184 of material, rear portion 103 (FIG. 2) may be formed from a second sheet 191 of material, and third sheet 194 (FIGS. 1-2) of connecting material may be used to join them together. Reference to front portion 102 generally refers to a front of receptacle 100 and rear portion 103 generally refers to the rear of receptacle 100, which is opposite the front of receptacle 100. In other examples what is considered a rear portion may instead be a front portion and vice versa. First, second, and third sheets 184, 191 may be the same or any one of them may be formed from a different material. First and second linking panels LP1, LP2 may also be respectively formed from one or more of the same materials forming first sheet 184, second sheet 191, or third sheet 194, but in other examples, first and second linking panels LP1, LP2 may be formed from a material not used to manufacture first, second, or third sheet 184, 191, 194 of material.

[0031] FIGS. 3-4 respectively illustrate a top view and top edge 101A of front portion 102 and a top view and top edge 101B of rear portion 103 when receptacle 100 and closure mechanism 132A are in open configuration or position 100A. In this open position 100A, access is provided to interior space 116 of receptacle 100 through top opening 118. For example, objects may be inserted into interior space 116 through top opening 118 and can be positioned within interior space 116, such as a user’s keys, wallet and any other objects. In the open configuration 100A, first linking panel LP1 is shown positioned at front portion 102 and second linking panel LP2 is positioned on an opposite side of first linking panel LP1 at rear portion 103. First linking panel LP1 can include linking subpanels, such as front linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2, which in this example are positioned directly adjacent one another. Second linking panel LP2 can include linking subpanels, such as linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4, which in this example are positioned directly adjacent one another. Linked-folding square 3 is shown positioned directly behind and aligned to linking square 2 and linking square 4 is positioned directly behind and aligned to linked-folding square 1.

[0032] FIGS.5A and 6A depict schematic cross-sectional side views of receptacle 100 and closure mechanism 132A in open position 100A. As shown in right side view of FIG. 5A, a view taken along line 5A-5A of FIG. 1, front portion 102 and first linking panel LP1, including linking square 2, are positioned at a right side of receptacle 100. End 154 of first front fold line 124 at front portion 102 is seen in this view. Left side view of FIG. 6A, which is taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 2, illustrates a mirror image where rear portion 103 and second linking panel LP2, including linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 (not shown in this view), are positioned at a left side of receptacle 100 and front portion 102 and first linking panel LP1 arc positioned at a right side of receptacle 100. End 156 of first rear fold line 125 at rear portion 103 is seen in this view. As shown in FIGS. 5 A and 6A, receptacle 100 includes at least the following two sections divided by first front fold line 124 at front portion 102 and first rear fold line 125TENONA 3.4-002at rear portion 103: closure mechanism 132 (including first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2) and main body 134 of receptacle 100.

[0033] FIGS. 5B and 6B, respectively taken along line 5B-5B of FIG. 1 and line 6B-6B of FIG.2, depict schematic cross-sectional side views of receptacle 100 in open position 100 A, but views taken along the outermost edge of receptacle 100. As shown in FIG. 5B, a surface of linking square 2 at front portion 102 is coupled to front interior surface 168 of rear portion 103, and in this example, is directly attached to rear interior surface 168. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 6B, a surface of linking square 4 at rear portion 103 is coupled to rear interior surface 160 of front portion 102, and in this example is directly attached to rear interior surface 160. Surfaces may be directly attached to respective interior surfaces 168, 160 using any known means. In this example, connecting elements 193A (FIG. 5B), 193B (FIG. 6B), such as a loop and hook fastener, may be used to join front and rear portions 102, 103 together with linking squares 2, 4, but in other examples, an adhesive material can be used to join the edges together; edges may be sewn together; edges may be joined together by one or more mechanical fasteners, such as snaps, hooks, and the like; or any other known means of joining edges of the material forming closure mechanism 132 may be used.

[0034] As will be described in more detail herein, closure mechanism 132 can include a first sheet 184 of material which forms front portion 102 of receptacle 100, a second sheet 191 of material forming rear portion 103 of receptacle 100, foldable flaps formed from first and second sheets 184, 191, of which first foldable flap 176A (FIG. 5A) and third foldable flap 176C (FIG. 6A) are seen in these views, and first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2. Each of these components can collectively form closure mechanism 132.

[0035] With reference back to FIG. 1, first linking panel LP1 of closure mechanism 132 may be comprised of one or more shapes. In one example, first linking panel LP1 is rectangular in shape and extends across at least a portion of width W1 of receptacle 100. First linking panel LP1 may further include linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2 that collectively form the shape of a rectangle. Linked-folding square 1 (also identified with an enlarged or indicia “1” for better illustration) includes vertical side edge 138, top edge 139 and lower edge 140. Linking square 2 (also identified with an enlarged or indicia “2” for better illustration) includes vertical side edge 142 and lower edge 144. A corner 145 of linking square 2 at the intersection of vertical side edge 142 and lower edge 144 overlies front portion 102 of receptacle 100. Front linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2 may be separated by closing edge or fold line edge 112 that extends between front linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2, such that fold line edge 112 further defines a common edge between front linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2. In this example, linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2 may be a continuous piece of material, as will be discussed further herein, but in other examples, linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2 may be individual pieces of material joined together at or along a common seam, such as fold line edge 112. This configuration can allow for movement of linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2. In this open position 100A, top edge 139 of linked-folding square 1 and top edge 143 of linking square 2 collectively form top edge 101A ofTENONA 3.4-002receptacle 100. Linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2 overlie front outer surface 104 and are movable relative to at least front outer surface 104.

[0036] Second linking panel LP2 of closure mechanism may be comprised of one or more shapes. In one example, second linking panel LP2 is rectangular in shape and extends across at least a portion of width W2 of receptacle 100. Second linking panel LP2 may further include linked-folding square 3 (also identified with an enlarged or indicia “3” for better illustration, as well as a linking square 4 (also shown with an enlarged or indicia “4” for better illustration). In this example, linked-folding square 3 and a linked-folded square and linking square 4 may collectively form the shape of a rectangle. Rear linked-folding square 3 may further include a vertical side edge 146, a top edge 147, and lower edge 148. Rear linking square 4 may further include vertical side edge 150, top edge 151, and lower edge 152. A corner 153 of linking square 4 at the intersection of vertical side edge 150 and lower edge 152 is positioned along left side edge portion 108 of receptacle 100.

[0037] Linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 may be separated by a fold line edge or fold line edge 114 that extends between linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4, such that fold line edge 114 forms a common edge between linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4. In this example, linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 may be a continuous piece of material, as will be discussed further herein, but in other examples, linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 may be individual pieces of material joined or coupled together at or along a common seam, such as fold line edge 114. Top edge 147 of linked-folding square 3 and top edge 151 of linking square 4 collectively form top edge 101B of second linking panel LP2 and rear portion 103 of receptacle 100 when receptacle 100 is in open position 100A.

[0038] FIG. 7 depicts first linking panel LP1 in a slightly raised or lifted position to better illustrate the area between front outer surface 104 of front portion 102 and first linking panel LP1 (which in this example includes both linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2). Linking square 2 may overlie a first foldable flap 176A. First foldable flap 176A may be configured to be folded downward or over at an angle along rear right angular fold line 158 at front outer surface 104. Rear right angular fold line 158, which extends along a folding axis FA1, creates a divider between first foldable flap 176A and first lower portion 178A of front outer surface 104, both of which underlie linking square 2 of first linking panel LP1. When first foldable flap 176A is folded over along rear left angular fold line 158, first foldable flap 176A faces toward first lower portion 178A of front outer surface 104 and is in a collapsed configuration. In this example, first foldable flap 176A and first lower portion 178A are triangular in shape and rear left angular fold line 158 forms a hypotenuse of each triangle.

[0039] Second foldable flap 176B underlies linked-folding square 1 of first linking panel LP1, and in this example underlies bottom surface of linked-folding square 1. As shown, front left angular fold line 162 at front outer surface 104 may extend along folding axis FA2. Front left angular fold line 162 similarly creates a divider between second foldable flap 176B and second lower portion 178B of front outer surface 104, both of which underlie linked-folding square 1 of first linking panel LP1. Front left angular fold line 162 extends between second foldable flap 176B and second lower portion 178B of front outer surface 104 to allow for second foldable flap 176B to be folded downward into a collapsed configurationTENONA 3.4-002toward first front fold line 124. Similarly, second foldable flap 176B and second lower portion 178B may be triangular in shape and rear right angular fold line 162 forms a hypotenuse of both second foldable flap 176B and second lower portion 178B. Rear left angular fold line 158 and rear right angular fold line 162 may meet together or intersect at apex 164.

[0040] FIG. 8 depicts second linking panel LP2 in a slightly raised position to better illustrate the area between rear outer surface 105 of rear portion 103 and second linking panel LP2 (which in this example includes linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4). Linking square 4 may overlie a third foldable flap 176C at rear portion 103. When receptacle 100 is in open position 100A, third foldable flap 176C may be in a collapsed condition. Third foldable flap 176C may be folded down or over at an angle along rear right angular fold line 166, which extends along folding axis FA3. In this configuration, third foldable flap 176C faces toward and is directly adjacent third lower portion 180A. Third foldable flap 176C may fold down toward first front fold line 125.

[0041] Fourth foldable flap 176D is also shown at rear portion 103. Rear outer surface 105 may further include a rear left angular fold line 175. Rear left angular fold line 175 similarly creates a divide between fourth foldable flap 176D and fourth lower portion 180B, both of which underlie linked-folding square 3 of second linking panel LP2. Rear left angular fold line 175 extends between fourth foldable flap 176D and fourth lower portion 180B of rear outer surface 105 to allow for fourth foldable flap 176D to be folded downward into a collapsed configuration toward first front fold line 125. Fourth foldable flap 176D and fourth lower portion 180B may be triangular in shape and rear left angular fold line 175 can form a hypotenuse of a triangles that form fourth foldable flap 176D and fourth lower portion 180B. Rear right angular fold line 166 and rear left angular fold line 175 may meet together at an apex 172. Fourth foldable flap 176D may be folded down or over at an angle along rear left angular fold line 175, which also extends along folding axis FA4. Further details regarding rear left angular fold line 158, rear right angular fold line 162, front left angular fold line 166 and front right angular fold line 175, the folded down front portion 102 and folded down front outer surface 104 will be discussed in more detail herein.

[0042] With reference back to FIG. 3, when closure mechanism 132 and receptacle 100 are in an open position, folded edge 183C of third foldable flap 176C, which underlies linking square 4 at rear portion 103, can be seen through top opening 118. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 4, folded edge 183 A of first foldable flap 176A (which underlies linking square 2 at front portion 102) can be seen through top opening 118.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 7-8, first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2, which in this example respectively include linking squares 1 and 3 and linked-folding squares 2 and 4 (collectively referred to herein as “squares 1-4”) are configured to allow for movement about front portion 102 and rear portion 103 of receptacle 100, which in turn will provide for the opening and closing, or locking and unlocking of receptacle 100. First and second linking panels LP1, LP2 may couple front portion 102 and rear portion 103 together, as well as be linked to one another so that movement of any one of first and second linking panels LP1 and LP2 allows for movement of both first and second linking panels LP1, LP2 together. In these figures, second foldable flap 176B and fourth foldable flap 176D have been slightlyTENONA 3.4-002lifted for ease of illustrating underlying features and movement of first and second linking panels LP1, LP2, but it is to be appreciated that in the open position 100A, second foldable flap 176B will be positioned adjacent first lower portion 178A and fourth foldable flap 176D will be positioned adjacent third lower portion 180A.

[0044] Turning first to first linking panel LP1, as shown in FIG. 7, vertical side edge 138 and lower edge 140 of linked-folding square 1 are free edges. Neither vertical side edge 138 nor lower edge 140 are attached to front outer surface 104 of front portion 102, which allows for movement of linked-folding square 1 about front portion 102. Vertical side edge 142 (FIGS. 1, 6B) of linking square 2 of first linking panel LP1 may have at least one fixed edge that is attached to rear portion 103. With reference back to FIGS. 3 and 5A, linking square 2 of first linking panel LP! may couple front portion 102 and rear portion 103 together. As shown, vertical side edge 142 of linking square 2 may be coupled to rear interior surface 168 of rear portion 103 and aligned with vertical side edge 146 of linked-folding square 3. Lower edge 144 of front linking square 2 may be coupled to rear interior surface 160 of front portion 102 along some or all of flap edge 182A of first foldable flap 176A. Flap edge 182A of first foldable flap 176A is not attached to front outer surface 104 of front portion 102, which allows for movement of linking square 2 about front portion 102, as well as between front portion and rear portion 103. In this example, linking square 2 is attached to both front portion 102 and rear portion 103, and in this example, linking square 2 of first linking panel LP1 is attached to foldable flap 176A .

[0045] Second linking panel LP2, which in this example includes linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4, is depicted at rear portion 103. Second linking panel LP2 may have a configuration similar to first linking panel LP1 and is a mirror image of first linking panel LP1. Turning to rear portion 103 shown in FIG. 8, linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 of second linking panel LP2 are shown lifted away from rear portion 103 and rear outer surface 105 to better illustrate the features underlying linking panel LP2. Vertical side edge 146 and lower edge 148 of linked-folding square 3 are free edges. Vertical side edge 146 and lower edge 148 are not attached to rear outer surface 105, which can allow for movement of linked-folding square 3, including movement about rear portion 103. Lower edge 152 of rear linking square 4 may be coupled to some or all of folding edge 182C of third foldable flap 176C of rear portion 103. Vertical side edge 150 of linking square 4, as best shown in FIG. 6B, may be a fixed edge attached to front portion 102. In this example, vertical side edge 150 of rear linking square 4 is attached to rear interior surface 160 of rear portion 103 and aligned with vertical side edge 138 of linked-folding square 1. Further details describing the configuration of first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2 and coupling of first and second linking panels LP1, LP2 to front portion 102 of first sheet 184 and rear portion 103 of second sheet are further described herein with regard to FIGS. 19-36 and are incorporated within this discussion.

[0046] Movement of either first linking panel LP1 or second linking panel LP2 can cause movement of the other linking panel. In this example, first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2 may be coupled together so that movement of first linking panel LP1 causes simultaneous movement of second linking panel LP2 and vice versa. Similarly, in this example, movement of any one of squaresTENONA 3.4-0021-4 can cause movement of the remaining squares. For example, as discussed above and shown in FIG.5B, linking square 2 of first linking panel LP1 is directly coupled or attached to linked-folding square 1 of first linking panel LP1, as well as directly coupled or attached to linked-folding square 3 of second linking panel LP2 (FIG. 1). Linking square 2 may also be indirectly attached to linking square 4 since linking square 4 is directly coupled to linked-folding square 3 (FIG. 1) and linked-folding square 1. As shown in FIG. 2, linking square 4 of second linking panel LP2 is coupled or attached to linked-folding square 3 of second linking panel LP2 (FIG. 2), but as shown in FIG. 6B, linking square 4 is not directly attached to linked-folding square 1 of first linking panel LP1. Linking square 4 is also indirectly attached to linking square 2 of first linking panel LP1, as already discussed above, since linking square 2 is directly attached or coupled to linked-folding square 1. The interconnection of first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2, which includes squares 1-4, as well as the overall configuration of the closure mechanism 132 further described below, can allow for easy movement of first and second linking panels LP1, LP2 about front and rear portions 102, 103. Such movement further results in placing the receptacle in an open or closed position or locked or unlocked position, where the open position provides access to the interior space between the front and rear portions, including access to an interior space of the receptacle.

[0047] Receptacle 100 can be moved from the open position 100A, which may also be an unlocked position, to a closed position 100B, which may also be a locked position (FIGS. 11-12), by movement of first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2, which can cause rotation of squares 1-4 into new positions. For example, receptacle 100 can be moved to a closed position by movement of linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2, which also causes movement of linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4, and vice versa. In one example, to move receptacle 100 into a closed position, linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2 may be moved about front portion 102 and linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 may be moved about rear portion 103. Rotating linking square 2 about a first flipping square axis FS 1 and linking square 4 about second flipping square axis FS2 will cause rotation of squares 1-4. This overall rotation of squares 1-4 allows for a closed edge of first linking panel LP1 and a closed edge of second linking panel LP2 to be rotated to a top portion 109 (FIGS. 11-12) of receptacle 100 so that the opening previously created by edges of first and second linking panels LP1 and LP2 in the open position 100A is shifted and no longer available. In this example, fold line edge 112 of first linking panel LP1, which extends between linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2, is not a free or open edge and may be characterized as a “closed” edge. Similarly, fold line edge 114 of second linking panel LP2, which is between linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4, is not a free or open edge and may be characterized as a “closed” edge. As will be described in further detail, rotation of fold line edge 112 of first linking panel LP1 and fold line edge 114 of second linking panel LP2 to top portion 109 of receptacle 100 creates a collective closed edge 101B (FIGS. 11-12) at top portion 109.

[0048] With reference back to FIG. 7, when receptacle 100 is in open position 100A, the first foldable flap 176A at front outer surface 104 is adjacent to the first lower portion 178A and, in this example, overlies first lower portion 178A of front outer surface 104. Similarly, the second foldable flap 176B of front outer surface 104 is directly adjacent to the second lower portion 178B of front outer surface 104. ToTENONA 3.4-002move from open position 100A to a closed or locked position 100B, a user may lift or pull first linking panel LP1, including either linked-folding square 1 or linking square 2 away from outer surface 104. In one example, the first linking panel LP1 can be lifted by pulling or pushing the first linking panel LP1 away from outer surface 104. For example, a user may insert at least one finger (or some other object) between front outer surface 104 and bottom surface of linked-folding square 1 and / or between front outer surface 104 and first foldable flap 176A and exert an upward force that lifts first linking panel LP1 in an upward direction away from front outer surface 104. In other examples, an additional tab may be provided or extend from rear or front outer surfaces 104, 105, or one of foldable flaps 176A-176D to aid a user in lifting first linking panel LP1 (or second linking panel LP2) upwards. This upward movement shown by arrow Al causes the first foldable flap 176A to move about folding axis FA1 from a collapsed position to an expanded position. In the expanded position, first foldable flap 176 A is spaced away from lower portion 178A and faces outwardly in the same direction as front outer surface 104.

[0049] Movement of first foldable flap 176A and attached linking square 2 about folding axis FA2 can also cause second foldable flap 176B underlying linked-folding square 1 to rotate about second folding axis FA2 in the direction shown by arrow A2. Second foldable flap 176B can be folded downward along the rear right angular fold line 162 and towards the first front fold line 124. Second foldable flap 176B can move from an expanded position to a collapsed position where the second foldable flap 176B is directly adjacent and faces toward the second lower portion 178B.

[0050] Movement of first linking panel LP1, which includes linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2, can also cause movement of second linking panel LP2, which includes linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4, and particularly movement of third foldable flap 176C and fourth foldable flap 176D can be caused by movement of first linking panel LP1 (and vice versa). As shown in FIG. 8, a rear view showing second linking panel LP2, when receptacle 100 is in open position 100A, third foldable flap 176C is adjacent third lower portion 180A, such that third foldable flap 176C faces fourth lower portion 180A of rear outer surface 105. Similarly, the fourth foldable flap 176D of rear outer surface 105 is directly adjacent to the fourth lower portion 180B of rear outer surface 105. When second linking panel LP2, including linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 moves, fourth foldable flap 176D is moved from a collapsed position to an expanded position wherein a portion of rear outer surface 105 of the rear portion at fourth foldable flap 176D is now moved away from the remainder of rear outer surface 105 and faces outwardly in a same or similar direction as rear outer surface 105. Fourth foldable flap 176D can rotate about fourth folding axis FA4 and front right angular fold line 175 in a direction of arrow A4 from a collapsed position to the expanded position.

[0051] Movement of first and second linking panels LP1, LP2 further causes rotation of each of squares 1-4. For example, movement of first linking panel LP1, as well as first foldable flap 176A, further causes linking square 2 to rotate about first flipping square axis FSA1 into an intermediate position shown in FIG. 9. When first sheet 184 and second sheet 191 arc joined together by linking square 2 of first linking panel LP1, linking square 2 overlies a flipping square axis, such as first flipping square axis FSA1, that is formed between first folding axis FA1 at front portion 102 and fourth folding axis FA4 at rear portion 103.TENONA 3.4-002First flipping square axis FSA1 may extend along an axis that is parallel to first folding axis FA1 and fourth folding axis FA4. During rotation and at this intermediate position, first flipping square axis FSA1 will be positioned along a central portion of linking square 2. In this example, linking square 2 can rotate in a clockwise direction around flipping square axis FSA1. As shown, linking square 2 overlies first flipping square axis FSA1, as well as both front portion 102 and rear portion 103. At this stage of movement, one half of linking square 2 overlies front portion 102 and the other half of linking square 2 overlies rear portion 103. Fold line edge 112 that is positioned between linking square 2 and linked-folding square 1 is also shown rotating. Corner 145 of linking square 2 will be positioned at the intersection of vertical side edge 142 and lower edge 144 along right side edge portion 106 of receptacle 100.

[0052] Linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 will also rotate into an intermediate position shown in FIG. 10, where linking square 4 also overlies second flipping square axis FSA2, as well as both front portion 102 and rear portion 103. Second flipping square axis FSA2 may be formed between the third folding axis FA3 at rear portion 103 and second folding axis FA2 at front portion 102. Second flipping square axis FS A2 also extends along an axis that is parallel to the second folding axis FA2 and third folding axis FA3. In this intermediate configuration, a portion of linking square 4 overlies front portion 102 and a portion of linking square 4 overlies rear portion 103. For example, at this point in the rotation, one half of linking square 4 overlies front portion 102 and the other half of linking square 4 overlies rear portion 103. Fold line edge 114 that is positioned between linking square 4 and linked-folding square 3 is also shown rotating to a new position. Corner 153 of linking square 4 at the intersection of vertical side edge 150 and lower edge 152 along left side edge portion 108 of receptacle 100.

[0053] Once foldable flaps 176A and 176C are fully expanded and overlying linking squares 2, 4 have been fully rotated about respective first and second flipping square axes FSA1, FSA2, closure mechanism of receptacle 100 is in a closed configuration or position 100B, where top opening 118 is no longer present and access to interior space 116 of receptacle 100 is unavailable. For example, FIGS. 11-12 illustrate receptacle 100 in closed position 100B, in which edge 101 A (FIG. 1) of first linking panel LP1 and edge 101B (FIG. 2) of second linking panel LP2 are rotated so that top opening 118 no longer appears and top portion 109 of receptacle 100 is closed. For example, closed edge or fold line edge 112 of first linking panel LP1 and closed edge or fold line edge 114 of second linking panel LP2 have been rotated to top portion 109 of receptacle 100 thereby transitioning receptacle 100 into a closed position 100B.

[0054] In the closed configuration, first foldable flap 176A and third foldable flap 176C are fully expanded, second foldable flap 176B and fourth foldable flap 176D are now collapsed. Linking square 2 will be fully rotated about the first flipping square axis FSA1 and linking square 4 will be fully rotated about the second flipping square axis FSA2. Linking square 2 has been pivoted or rotated to rear portion 103 of receptacle 100 (FIG. 11), while at the same time, linking square 4 has been pivoted or rotated to front portion 102 of receptacle 100 (FIG. 12). First linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2 will therefore both overlie both front portion 102 and rear portion 103 in this configuration.

[0055] FIG. 11 depicts the new position and orientations of linking square 2 and linked-folding square 3 shown from rear portion 103 of receptacle 100 when receptacle 100 is in closed position 100B.TENONA 3.4-002Linking square 2 and linked-folding square 3 are positioned adjacent one another and both overlie rear outer surface 105. Linking square 2 is shown rotated clockwise to the right, as best illustrated by indicia 2, which has also been rotated clockwise along with linking square 2. Linked-folding square 3 has been rotated counterclockwise to the right, as best illustrated by indicia 3, which has also been rotated counterclockwise along with linked-folding square 3.

[0056] FIG. 12 depicts the new position and orientations of linking square 4 and linked-folding square 1 shown from front portion 102 of receptacle 100 when receptacle 100 is in closed position 100B. Linking square 4 and linked-folding square 1 will also be rotated to new positions and orientations. Linking square 4 and linked-folding square 1 are positioned adjacent one another and both overlie front outer surface 104. Linking square 4 has been rotated clockwise, as illustrated by indicia 4 which also shows a clockwise rotation. Linked-folding square 1 has been rotated counter-clockwise, as illustrated by indicia 1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 13, a schematic cross-sectional view of right side edge portion 106 taken across line 13-13 of FIG. 11, linking square 2 is now positioned at rear portion 103 of receptacle 100 and linked-folding square 1 is still positioned at front portion 102 of receptacle 100, but has moved over to and now occupies the space which linking square 2 occupied in the open position 100A. Fold line edge 112 which was previously positioned laterally between linking square 2 and linked-folding square 1 and which, in this example, coupled linking square 2 and linked-folding square 1 together, has been rotated to a top portion 109 of receptacle 100. As a result, fold line edge 112 now overlies interior space 116 such that there is no longer a top opening 118 to interior space 116. As shown, fold line edge 112 overlies interior space 116 such that the connection or coupling between linking square 2 and linked-folding square 1 occurs at top portion 119 of receptacle 100. In this configuration, the first linking panel LP1 is positioned at both rear portion 103 and front portion 102.

[0058] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the left side of receptacle 100 taken across line 14-14 of FIG. 12. Linking square 4 is now positioned at front portion 102 of receptacle 100 and linked-folding square 3 is still positioned at rear portion 103 of receptacle 100, but now occupies the space which linking square 4 occupied when receptacle 100 was in the open position 100A. Fold line edge 114 which was previously positioned laterally between linking square 4 and linked-folding square 3 and which, in this example, coupled linking square 4 and linked-folding square 3 together, has been rotated to a top portion 119 of receptacle 100. As a result, fold line edge 114 now overlies interior space 116 such that there is no longer a top opening 118 to interior space 116. As shown, fold line edge 114 overlies interior space 116 such that the connection or coupling between linking square 4 and linked-folding square 3 occurs at top portion 119 of receptacle 100. In this configuration, the second linking panel LP2 is positioned at both rear portion 103 and front portion 102.

[0059] In these configurations, each edge of respective squares 1-4 has been repositioned in order to allow for closure of receptacle 100. With reference back to FIG. 11, rear portion 103 of receptacle 100 is illustrated when receptacle 100 is in closed position 100B. Linking square 2 is shown rotated in a clockwise direction, as compared to its position at front portion 102, when receptacle 100 is in open position 100A. Lower edge 144 of linking square 2 has been rotated so that it is positioned along right side edgeTENONA 3.4-002portion 106 and now forms a side edge of linking square 2; vertical side edge 142 of linking square 2 is rotated so that it is now adjacent first rear fold line 125 and now forms a bottom edge of linking square 2; fold line edge 112 is now at top portion 109 of receptacle 100 and now forms a top edge of linking square 2; and top edge 143 of linking square 2 is shown rotated so that it is now a side edge closest to left side edge portion 108 of receptacle 100.

[0060] Linked-folding square 3 is also shown in a rotated position in FIG. 11. As shown, lower edge 148 of linked-folding square 3 has been rotated in a counterclockwise direction where lower edge 148 is positioned adjacent left side edge portion 108 of receptacle 100 and is a now a side edge of linked-folding square 3; vertical side edge 146 of linked-folding square 3 is shown rotated and adjacent first rear fold line 125, and is now a bottom edge of linked-folding square 3; fold line fold line edge 114 is rotated and now positioned at top portion 109 of receptacle 100 and is now a top edge of linked-folding square 3; and top edge 147 of linked-folding square 3 is now closer to right side edge portion 106, adjacent top edge 143 of linking square 2, and is now a side edge of linked-folding square 3.

[0061] With reference back to FIG. 12, front portion 102 of receptacle 100 is depicted in closed position 100B. Linking square 4 is shown rotated in a clockwise direction. In this configuration, lower edge 152 of linking square 4 has been rotated and is positioned adjacent left side edge portion 108 of receptacle 100 and now forms a left side edge of linking square 4; vertical side edge 150 of linking square 4 is rotated so that it is now adjacent first front fold line 124 and now forms a bottom edge of linking square 4; fold line edge 114 is now at top portion 109 of receptacle 100 and now forms a top edge of linking square 4; and top edge 151 of linking square 4 is rotated and is now oriented as a side edge closest to right side edge portion 106 of receptacle 100.

[0062] Linked-folding square 1 is shown rotated in a counterclockwise direction toward linking square 4. Lower edge 140 of linked-folding square 1 is shown rotated in a counterclockwise direction so that lower edge 140 is now positioned adjacent right side edge portion 106 of receptacle 100 and is a now a side edge of linked-folding square 1; vertical side edge 138 of linked-folding square 1 is rotated so that it is adjacent first front fold line 124 and is now a bottom edge of linked-folding square 1; fold line edge 112 is now at top portion 109 of receptacle 100 and is now a top edge of linked-folding square 1 ; and top edge 139 of linked-folding square 1 is now a side edge closer to left side edge portion 108 and adjacent top edge 151 of linking square 4.

[0063] In this closed configuration, first linking panel LP1 and second linking panel LP2 will both be positioned between front portion 102 and rear portion 103. Linked-folding square 1 overlies front portion 102 and linking square 2 overlies rear portion 103. Edge 112 of first linking panel LP1, which is a closed edge and a common edge between linked-folding square 1 and linking square 2 will be positioned between front and rear portions 102, 103 at top portion 109. Similarly, linked-folding square 3 overlies rear portion 103 and linking square 4 overlies front portion 102. Edge 114 of second linking panel LP2, which is a closed edge and a common edge between linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4 will be positioned between front and rear portions 102, 103 at top portion 109. Linking square 2 and linking square 4 have respectively moved to a position at rear portion 103 and front portion 102, whereas linked-foldingTENONA 3.4-002square 1 and linked-folding square 3 remain at respective front portion 102 and rear portion 103. Linked-folding square 1 and linked-folding square 3, although remaining at respective front and rear portions 102, 103, will occupy new positions at respective front portion 102 and rear portion 103, moving directly adjacent into the positions in which linking square 4 and linking square 2 were positioned prior to movement.

[0064] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate respective views of the respective spaces between squares 2, 3 and rear outer surface 105, as well as between squares 1, 4 and front outer surface 104, to better illustrate the position of foldable flaps 176 A-D when receptacle 100 is in closed position 100B, as well as the location of squares 1-4 relative to foldable flaps 176A-D and front and rear portions 102, 103. Fourth foldable flap 176D and second foldable flap 176B have been slightly lifted for ease of illustrating underlying features, but it is to be appreciated that in the closed position, second foldable flap 176B and fourth foldable flap 176D will be respectively adjacent second lower portion 178B and fourth lower portion 180B. Turning first to FIG. 15, rear portion 103 of receptacle 100 is illustrated. Linking square 2 is now positioned at rear portion 103 and overlies fourth foldable flap 176D and fourth lower portion 180B. Linked-folding square 3 overlies third foldable flap 176C and third lower portion 180 A. In this closed configuration, the fourth foldable flap 176D will be in a collapsed position where the fourth foldable flap 176D faces directly towards and is adjacent to the fourth lower portion 180B. Third foldable flap 176C will be in an expanded position where the third foldable flap 176C faces outwardly in the same direction as the rear outer surface 105.

[0065] FIG. 16 illustrates the features of front portion 102 of receptacle 100 when receptacle 100 is in closed position 100B. Linking square 4 overlies front portion 102, second foldable flap 176B and second lower portion 178B. Linked-folding square 1 overlies first foldable flap 176 A and first lower portion 178A. In this closed configuration, the second foldable flap 176B will be in a collapsed position where the second foldable flap 176B faces directly towards and is adjacent to the second lower portion 178B. First foldable flap 176A will be in an expanded position where first foldable flap 176A faces outwardly in the same direction as front outer surface 104.

[0066] When it is desired to carry receptacle 100 around, closure mechanism 132 can be folded down along first rear fold line 125 and second rear fold line 127, as shown in FIG. 17. Linking square 2 and linked-folding square 3 will face towards the rear outer surface 105 of rear portion 103 and linking square 4 and linked-folding square 1 will face outward. None of squares 1-4 will overlie front portion 102, as shown in FIG. 18, an opposite view of FIG. 17.

[0067] When it is desired to open or unlock receptacle 100 and access interior space 116 of receptacle 100, squares 1-4 can be rotated back into the positions discussed above by lifting any one of squares 1-4 in an upward direction as previously discussed. For example, with reference back to FIG. 15, in the closed position, linking square 2 with underlying fourth foldable flap 176D can be lifted or pulled upward in a direction of arrow A5 so as to move fourth foldable flap 176D from a collapsed position to an open or expanded position. This also causes the third foldable flap 176C to rotate into a collapsed position along the front right angular fold line 166 in a direction of arrow A6. Linking square 2 will also rotateTENONA 3.4-002about first flipping square axis FSA1 as it moves from rear portion 103 to front portion 102, which also causes rotation of edges of linking square 2 and linked-folding square 3 back to their first orientation in the open position.

[0068] At the same time as linking square 2 and linked-folding square 3 are rotated to place closure mechanism 132 into an open position, with reference to FIG. 16, linking square 4 and second foldable flap 176B can be lifted or pulled upward in a direction of arrow A7 so as to move second foldable flap 176B into an open or expanded position. This will also cause the first foldable flap 176A to fold down in the direction of arrow A8 and move to a collapsed position. Linking square 4 will also rotate counterclockwise about the second flipping square axis FSA2 as it moves from front portion 102 back to rear portion 103, which also causes rotation of edges of linking square 4 and linked-folding square 1 back to their first orientation in the open position.

[0069] Decorative panels can also be incorporated onto one or more of squares 1-4, as discussed more fully herein. Additionally, closure mechanism 132 can be incorporated or used in connection with any type of receptacle. For example, main body 134 may take on various shapes and may be longer, shorter, wider, etc. Some examples are disclosed herein, but it is to be appreciated that the receptacle design is not limited to the appearance of example receptacle 100.

[0070] Although no additional hardware is required for operation of closure mechanisms 132, it is to be appreciated that it may be desired to implement additional hardware to enhance certain features, including, without limitation, hinges, screws, snaps and the like. Furthermore, additional hardware can be implemented to further improve the aesthetic appeal of the receptacle. For example, magnets and corresponding metal or material that can attract magnets may be incorporated into the design of receptacles. As shown in several figures, including FIGS. 1-4, 7-12, and 15-16, portions of the first sheet 384 and second sheet 391 can further include a magnet, designated by “M” and an element to attract magnet, designated by reference “S”, such as a metal panel or panel formed of a steel. In certain configurations, the magnets M and corresponding attractive element S can help to secure foldable flaps or portions of the first or second sheets 184, 191 in a more flush position against the rear or front outer surfaces 104, 105. EXAMPLE METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A CLOSURE MECHANISM AND RECEPTACLE WITH CLOSURE MECHANISM

[0071] FIGS. 19-30 illustrate a method for making a closure mechanism for a receptacle, and FIGS .31-34 show additional methods for making a receptacle integrally formed with a closure mechanism, as well as methods for the addition of decorative panels. The closure mechanism can be independently formed and attached to a receptacle or instead integrally formed as part of the receptacle, such as formation of the receptacle and closure mechanism from the same sheet of material. As will be explained in more detail, a receptacle 200 with an integrally formed closure mechanism can be manufactured without the need for additional hardware or the like to form the locking mechanism. While the use of such hardware can optionally be implemented to further enhance such features, receptacles with locking mechanisms in accordance with the present disclosure can be easily manufactured from few materials and components, thereby simplifying the overall manufacturing process, and reducing cost. It is to be appreciated thatTENONA 3.4-002although example methods are discussed below and described in a specific order, one or more steps can be simultaneously performed and / or performed in a different order. Further, additional steps may be added or steps may be omitted to manufacture a closure mechanism and / or receptacle according to aspects of the disclosure.

[0072] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate a first sheet of material that can be used to manufacture a closure mechanism 232 for a receptacle, such as the receptacles 100, 200 shown in FIGS. 1 and 30. It is to be appreciated that closure mechanism 232 is identical in structure to closure mechanism 132 discussed with regards to FIGS. 1-16 and the discussion of those figures is also incorporated herein by reference. But, in other examples, closure mechanism 232 can take on different configurations and / or be separately formed from receptacle body and later attached to receptacle body, as discussed herein. In this example, front outer surface 204 of first sheet 284 is depicted in FIG. 19. Front interior surface 260, illustrated in FIG.20, is shaded with a grid pattern for ease of discussion. The material forming first sheet 284 can be any desired material, such as cloth, leather, paper, synthetic materials, and the like that will be used to form a receptacle, such as receptacle 200 (FIG. 30). First sheet 284 may be formed from one continuous piece of material, but in other examples, two or more pieces of a same or different material may be connected together to form first sheet 284.

[0073] First sheet 284 may be an elongated sheet of material with a top edge 285, bottom edge 286, and side edges 287, 288 extending between top and bottom edges 285, 286. A height or length L of first sheet 284 extends from top edge 285 to bottom edge 286 and the width of first sheet 284 may vary along length L. For example, width W2 of first sheet 284 may remain constant up to second front fold line 223, at which point first sheet 284 tapers outwardly to bottom surface 286. As shown, width W3-1 is greater than width W3-2 and, as will be described in more detail below, this portion between second front fold line 223 and bottom edge 286 can be used to form a primary body of a receptacle.

[0074] In this example, first sheet 284 may include several fold lines. First front fold line 224 and a second front fold line 223, as shown, extend across width W2. Front right angular fold line 258 and front left angular fold line 262 may each extend from first front fold line 224 and adjacent respective first and second side edges 287288 towards a central portion of first sheet 284 where they intersect one another at an apex 264. In this example, front right angular fold line 258 and front left angular fold line 262 may be positioned at an angle 61 that is 45 degrees, but in other examples, the angle can be greater than or less than 45 degrees. In still other examples, the angle of front right angular fold line 258 may differ from the angle of front left angular fold line 262. Fold line 212 extends from apex 264 toward top edge 285. Fold line 290 extends from apex 264 lateral to edge 288. To create fold lines in the material forming first sheet 284, fold lines can be physically implemented into the material formed by scoring the material, stitching the material, or any other means to form a fold line. In other examples, one or more of the fold lines may not be physically provided on material, but rather folding can occur along the lines, as indicated. Further, fold lines may additionally or alternatively result from constant folding along any particular fold line and may appear at later stages of manufacture. A folding axis FA1-1 may extend along front right angular fold line 258 and a second folding axis FA2-1 may extend along front left angular fold line 262.TENONA 3.4-002

[0075] FIG. 20 illustrates front interior surface 260 of first sheet 284, which is the surface opposite front outer surface 204 and in this example, a mirror image of front outer surface 204. First and second front fold lines 224, 223, as well as front right angular fold line 258 and front left angular fold line 262 may also be visible in this view. Additionally fold lines 285, 290 may be seen in this view. There is no required thickness of the material extending between front outer and interior surfaces 204, 260, other than to be capable of being folded into the shapes described herein. Further, there is no requirement for any fold lines to be visible at the front interior surface 260 at this stage of assembly.

[0076] FIG. 21 illustrates a cutting line 289 that extends horizontally from first outer edge 287 of first sheet 284 to apex 264. First foldable flap 276A may be defined by cutting line 289, front right angular fold line 258, and foldable edge 282A, which may be defined by the portion of first side edge 287 that extends between cutting line 289 and first front fold line 224. Second foldable flap 276B may be defined by fold line 290, front left angular fold line 262, and foldable edge 282B, which is the portion of second side edge 288 that extends between fold line 290 and first front fold line 224.

[0077] First sheet 284 may be cut along cutting line 289. First foldable flap 276A may then be folded downward along right angular fold line 258 and about folding axis FA1-1 in a direction of arrow Al-1, as shown in FIG. 22. Flap edge 282A of first foldable flap 276A (which was formed by cutting line 289) may be aligned with first front fold line 224 and a folded edge 283A that extends diagonally from apex 264 to first front fold line 224 may also be formed. With the first foldable flap 276A in the collapsed position, a portion of front interior surface 260 is exposed and now faces in the same direction as front outer surface 204. A void or opening 292 within first sheet 284 will also be present in the area previously occupied by first foldable flap 276A prior to first foldable flap 276A being folded downward.

[0078] With reference to FIG. 23, a second sheet 291 may be manufactured, which in this example is structurally identical to first sheet 284. As the discussion of the features of first sheet 284 is equally applicable to second sheet 291, the individual features of second sheet 291 will be briefly described. The outer surface of second sheet 291, which will become an outer surface of receptacle 200, will be referred to as rear outer surface 205 for ease of discussion. Rear outer surface 205 is exposed in this view with rear interior surface 268 not being visible in this view. Second sheet 291 may be defined by a top edge 285-1, bottom edge 286-1 and first and second side edges 287-1, 288-1 that extend between top edge 285-1 and bottom edge 286-1. Second linking panel LP2-1 is defined in the area between top edge 285-1 and both cutting line 289-1 and fold line 290- 1. First rear fold line 225 and second rear fold line 227 extend between second side edge 288-1 and first side edge 287-1. Rear right angular fold line 266 extends from first fold line 225 adjacent edge 287-1 to apex 272 and rear left angular fold line 275 extends from first fold line 225 adjacent edge 288-1 to apex 272. Third foldable flap 276 C is defined by rear right angular fold line 266, cutting line 289-1, and edge 282C, which may be further defined by the portion of side edge 287-1 that extends between cutting line 289-1 and first rear fold line 225. Fourth foldable flap 276D is defined by rear left angular fold line 275, fold line 290-1, and edge 282D, which is a portion of side edge 288-1 that extends between fold line 290-1 and first rear fold line 225. Unlike fourth foldable flap 276C, foldable flap 276D will not be cut or include a cutting line. Second sheet 291 can be cut along cutting line 289-1TENONA 3.4-002and third foldable flap 276C may be folded over along rear right angular fold line 266 and rotated about a folding axis FA3-1 in a direction shown by arrow Al-2. As shown in FIG. 24, folded edge 283C may be formed, which is an edge that extends between apex 272 and edge 287-1. Edge 282C of third foldable flap 276C may be aligned with rear first fold line 225 and become a bottom edge when in the folded position or configuration of FIG. 24. An opening 292-1 within second sheet 291 will be present in the area occupied by the third foldable flap 276C prior to the third foldable flap 276C being folded downward.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 25, first and second sheets 284, 291 are shown in an arrangement where front interior surface 260 of first sheet 284 faces rear interior surface 268 of second sheet 291. Rear interior surface 268 of second sheet 291 can be exposed through front opening 292 in first sheet 284 and front interior surface 260 of first sheet 284 can be exposed through opening 292-1 of second sheet 291. The linking panels may be respectively formed in the top regions of first and second sheets 284, 291. As shown, first linking panel LP1-1 occupies the portion of first sheet 284 above first and second foldable flaps 276A, 276B. Second linking panel LP2-1 occupies the portion of second sheet 291 above third and fourth foldable flaps 276C, 276D. Fold line 212 along first linking panel LP1-1 and fold line 214 along second linking panel LP2-1 are also visible in this view.

[0080] Connecting elements 293A and 293B may be provided on foldable flap 276A and a connecting element 293C may be provided on the first linking panel LP1-1. Fold line 212 is also shown on linking panel LP1-1. Connecting elements 293A-293B can be used to connect first sheet 284 to first linking panel LP1-1 and connecting element 293C can be used to connect second sheet 291 to first linking panel LP1-1. For example, connecting elements 293A to 293C can be commercially available connectors such as hook and loop strips with fasteners with small loops that are attached to the underlying surface of first or second sheet 284, 291. The connecting elements 293A to 293C can join with connecting elements of another portion of first or second sheet 284, 291 which have complementary connecting elements with flexible hooks that are not shown in these views for ease of discussion. It is to be appreciated that joinder of first and second sheets 283, 291 is not limited to the structure of connecting elements or the exact position of connecting elements 293A-293C.

[0081] Connecting elements 293A-293C provide only one example of a method for joining portions of the first and second sheets together, including joining first linking panel and second linking panel to first and second sheets, and particular joinder of edges on first or second sheets. Portions and / or edges of first and second sheets 284, 291 may be joined, attached, or otherwise coupled together using any known means. For example, any portions of first and second sheets 284, 291 may be sewn together, joined together by an adhesive or other material, or other mechanical means, including for example, snaps, or hooks or rivets, can be used. Connecting elements 293A to 293C represent one example structure illustrating the joined of edges of first and / or second sheets can be joined together, but it is to be appreciated that first and second sheets can be joined together in many ways. For example, for aesthetic purposes, it may be desired to sew edges together to create clean edges. But, for purposes of more easily describing areas where features are joined or coupled together, connecting elements 293A to 293C and 293A-1 to 293C- 1 are described and illustrated herein.TENONA 3.4-002

[0082] First linking panel LP 1 - 1 of first sheet 284 and second linking panel LP2- 1 of second sheet 291 may be folded downward along respective fold lines 290, 290-1. For example, first linking panel LP1-1 of first sheet 284 may be folded down toward front outer surface 204 along fold line 290 and rotated about folding axis FA5-1 in the direction of arrow Al 2. Second linking panel LP2-1 of second sheet 291 may be folded down toward outer surface 205 of second sheet 291 along fold line 290-1 and rotated about folding axis FA6-1 in a direction of arrow A13.

[0083] First linking panel LP1-1 and second linking panel LP2-1 are shown folded downward in FIGS. 26-27. First linking panel LP1-1 of first sheet 284 is shown folded down in FIG. 26 toward and overlying front outer surface 204 along fold line 290. In the folded-over position, the now interior surface 204’ (FIG. 9) of first linking panel LP1-1, which was previously an exposed surface, now faces toward foldable flap 276A. As shown, first linking panel LP1-1 overlies foldable flap 276A and opening 292 of first sheet 284. First linking panel LP1-1 also faces toward interior surface 268 of second sheet 291, and in this example, toward fourth foldable flap 276D of second sheet 291. In the folded-over position, the former interior surface of first linking panel LP1- 1 faces outward in the same direction as front outer surface 204 and former top edge 285 of the first linking panel LP1-1 becomes bottom edge 285’ of first linking panel LP1-1. As shown, edge 285 may now be aligned with the first front fold line 224. In this configuration, left angular folding line 262 of second foldable flap 276B of first sheet 284 will be positioned behind first linking panel LP1-1 (and is represented in broken lines). Left angular folding line 262 will also be positioned between first linking panel LP1-1 and second linking panel LP2-1. First linking panel LP1-1 can be coupled to foldable flap 276A. For example, connecting elements 293 A and 293B can be provided on foldable flap 276 A to couple foldable flap 276 A to first linking panel LP1-1. Similarly, connecting element 293C can be provided on first linking panel LP1-1 to attach first linking panel LP1-1 to second sheet 291. But, in other examples, any methods or structure can be used to connect first linking panel LP1-1 to second sheet 291 and foldable flap 276A, as well as any other portions that will form the receptacle and / or closure mechanism.

[0084] First linking panel LP1-1 may be divided into two portions by fold line 212 that extends from a top edge 201 A of first linking panel LP1-1 when folded downward, which also directly overlies apex 264. In this example, as shown in FIG. 26, first linking panel LP1-1 may be divided into the shape of two squares: linked-folding square 1-1 and linking square 2-1, but in other examples, first sheet 284 and second sheet 291 can be manufactured so that first linking panel LP1-1 has an overall different shape. As shown, the periphery of linked-folding square 1-1 is defined by central fold line 212 that extends from a point Pl-1 at top edge 201A overlying apex 264 to first front fold line 224; top edge 243 that extends from point P 1 - 1 to outer edge 287 ; bottom edge 244 that is aligned with first front fold line 224 and extends from fold line 212 to edge 242; and vertical outer edge 242 that extends from top edge 201A to bottom edge 244 and first front fold line 224. The periphery of linking square 2-1 is defined by central fold line 212 that extends from top edge 201 A to first front fold line 224; top edge 243 that extends from apex 264 to outer edge 287; bottom edge 244 that is aligned with first front fold line 224 and extending from foldTENONA 3.4-002line 212 to vertical outer edge 242; and vertical outer edge 242 that extends from top edge 201 A to first front fold line 224.

[0085] Similarly, as shown in FIG. 27, when linking panel LP2-1 is folded down along fold line 290-1 (FIGS. 23, 25), second linking panel LP2-1 overlies rear outer surface 205 of second sheet 291. When folded over, the now interior surface 205’ of second linking panel LP2-1 is adjacent and faces toward foldable flap 276C and opening 292-1. Interior surface 205’ also faces toward interior surface 260 of first sheet 284, and in this example, toward second foldable flap 276B of first sheet 284. The now outer portion of second linking panel LP2-1 faces outward in the same direction as rear outer surface 205. Bottom edge of second linking panel LP2-1, which collectively includes bottom edge 248 of linked-folding square 3-1 and bottom edge 252 of linking square 4-1, may be aligned with first rear fold line 225. In this configuration, folded edge 283C of second sheet 291 can be positioned behind second linking panel LP2-1, as well as between second linking panel LP2-1 and rear interior surface 260 of first sheet 284. Second linking panel LP2-1 can be coupled to a third foldable flap 276C. For example, connecting elements 293A-1 and 293B-1 can be provided on a third foldable flap 276C to couple third foldable flap 276C to the second linking panel LP2-1. Similarly, connecting element 293C-1 can be provided on a surface of first linking panel LP1-1 in order to attach second linking panel LP2-1 to first sheet 284. Folded edge 283C of third foldable flap 276C is shown positioned behind now folded over second linking panel LP2-1 in FIG. 27, as well as between second linking panel LP2-1 and front interior surface 260 of first sheet 284.

[0086] Second linking panel LP2-1 may also be divided into two portions by central fold line 214 that extends from a top edge 201B of second linking panel LP2-1 when folded downward, which also directly overlies apex 272. In this example, as shown in FIG. 27, second linking panel LP2-1 may be divided into the shape of two squares: linked-folding square 3-1 and linking square 4-1, but in other examples, first sheet 284 and second sheet 291 can be manufactured so that second linking panel LP2-1 has a different shape.

[0087] As shown, the periphery of linked-folding square 3-1 is defined by central fold line 214 that extends from a point P2-1 at top edge 201 B of now folded-over second linking panel LP2-1 overlying apex 272 to first rear fold line 225; vertical outer edge 246 (which is also a part of edge 288-1) that extends from top edge 201 B of second linking panel LP2- 1 to first rear fold line 225; horizontal top edge 247 that extends from point P2-1 to outer edge 246 (which is also a part of edge 288-1) 288-1; horizontal bottom edge 248 (that is also a part of edge 285-1 of linking panel LP2-1) that overlies first rear fold line 225 and extends from fold line 214 to edge 246 of rear outer edge 288-1. The periphery of linking square 4-1 is defined by central fold line 214 that extends from a point P2-1 to bottom edge 252 (which is also a part of the same top edge 285-1 of second linking panel LP2-1 prior to being folded downward), and which in this example, overlies first rear fold line 225; top edge 251 that extends from point P2-1 to outer edge 287-1; bottom edge 252 that is aligned with first rear fold line 225 and extends from fold line 214 to rear outer edge 287-1; and vertical outer edge 250 that extends from top edge 201B of second linking panel LP2-1 to first rear fold line 225.TENONA 3.4-002

[0088] Although connecting elements 293 A to 293C, as well as 293 A- 1 to 293C-1, are shown at locations and shapes on respective first and second sheets 284, 291, in other examples, other forms of couplings or connections can be used to join foldable panel 276A, first linking panel LP1-1, and second sheet 291 together, such as stitches, hook and loop fasteners, snaps, or any other means for securing portions of first sheet 284 and / or second sheet 291 together. Additionally, although connecting elements 293A-293C are shown at a particular location and in a particular shape, it is to be appreciated that the adhesive panels or other form of providing attachments can be provided at various portions and in any shape or size to provide a connection between portions of first sheet 284 and / or second sheet 291 together.

[0089] FIG. 28 depicts portions of first sheet 284 and second sheet 291 above fold line 224 coupled together by first linking panel LP1-1 and FIG. 29 depicts the opposite side showing portions of first sheet 284 and second sheet 291 coupled together by first linking panel LP1-1, which can collectively be used and configured to form closure mechanism 232. Since as previously discussed, first sheet 284 and second sheet 291 arc identical or symmetrical, features of first sheet 284 will be aligned with features of second sheet 291. When necessary to aid the discussion, features of first or second sheet 284, 291 that are positioned behind or hidden by first linking panel LP1-1 in FIG. 28 or behind second linking panel LP2-1 in FIG. 29 may be shown in broken lines. With reference to FIG. 28, it is to be appreciated that first linking panel LP1-1 extends across the entire width W3-2, but for ease of discussion, a breakaway view, in which a portion of first linking panel LP1-1 has been broken away is illustrated to show some of the features behind first linking panel LP1-1. As shown, at the triangular right side corner portion of linking square 2-1, only the periphery of the triangular corner portion is illustrated (in vertical and horizontal crosshatching). This allows for the rear interior surface 268 and fourth foldable flap 276D of second sheet 291 (fully extended) to be seen in diagonal cross-hatching. As previously discussed, rear interior surface 268 of second sheet 291, along with fourth foldable flap 276D, is positioned behind the triangular corner portion of linking square 2-1 and exposed through opening 292 (FIG. 25) in first sheet 284.

[0090] With reference still to FIG. 28, as well as the features identified in FIG. 26, first linking panel LP1-1 may be attached to both first sheet 284 and second sheet 291. In one example, linking square 2-1 of first linking panel LP1-1 is attached to both foldable flap 276A of first sheet 284 and rear interior surface 268 of second sheet 291 , including fourth foldable flap 276D. As shown in this example, a portion of linking square 2-1 of first linking panel LP1-1 overlies opening 292 (FIG. 25) in first sheet 284. For example, a corner portion of linking square 2-1 overlies opening 292 so that rear interior surface 268 of second sheet 291, as well as foldable flaps 276D face toward first sheet 284 and linking square 2-1.

[0091] Linking square 2-1 can be attached to second sheet 291, using connecting element 293C. Linking square 2-1 may be coupled or otherwise attached to first sheet 284 and in this example, linking square 2-1 is attached to foldable flap 276A by connecting elements 293A and 293B. The remainder of first linking panel LP1-1, also linked-folding square 1-1, that overlies front left angular folding line 262 and that extends to edge 288 has bottom edge 240 and vertical edge 238 that arc free edges that arc neither attached to first sheet 284 or second sheet 291. Similarly, edge 244 of linking square 2-1 and bottom edge 282C of first foldable flap 276A are not attached to front surface 204. This will allow for the first linkingTENONA 3.4-002panel LP1-1 to move about front surface 204 and rear surface 205. These features are also illustrated in FIG. 30.

[0092] Linking square 2-1 of first linking panel LP1-1 may be attached to both first foldable flap 276A and fourth foldable flap 276D, which underlies linked-folding square 3-1. As in the previous embodiments, linking square 2-1 will overlie a first flipping square axis FSA1-1 that is positioned between first foldable axis FA1-1 (FIG. 21) and fourth foldable axis FA4-1 (FIG. 23). First flipping square axis FSA1-1 extends along an axis parallel to first foldable axis FA1-1 and fourth foldable axis FA4-1. In this configuration, linking square 2-1 is configured to rotate about the first flipping square axis FSA1-1 when linking square 2-1 moves between first sheet 284 and second sheet 291 (which will later correspond to a front portion and rear portion of the receptacle).

[0093] FIG. 29 shows second linking panel LP2-1 coupling first and second sheets 284, 291 together, with the majority of rear outer surface 205 of second sheet 291 being visible in this view. It is to be appreciated that the second linking panel LP2-1 extends across the entire width W3-2, but for case of discussion, a breakaway view is illustrated to show some of the features behind the second linking panel LP2- 1. As shown, at the triangular corner portion of linking square 4- 1 , only the periphery of the triangular corner portion is illustrated (in diagonal cross-hatching) so that the rear interior surface 260 and second foldable flap 276B of first sheet 284 can be seen in vertical or perpendicular cross-hatching. As previously discussed, front interior surface 260 of first sheet 284, along with second foldable flap 276B is positioned behind the triangular corner portion of linking square 4-1 and exposed through opening 290-1 (FIG. 25) in second sheet 291.

[0094] Linking square 4-1 of second linking panel LP2-1 is shown attached to first sheet 284 by connecting element 293C-1 of first sheet 284 which is exposed through opening 292-1 (FIG. 25). Linking square 4-1 may also be coupled to second sheet 294 and, in this example, can be attached to the third foldable flap 276C by connecting elements 293 A- 1 and 293B-1. The remainder of second linking panel LP2-1, which is also linked-folding square 3-1 that overlies front left angular folding line 275 and also extends to edge 288-1 has a bottom edge 248 and vertical edge 246 that are free edges, both of which are not attached to either first sheet 284 or second sheet 291. Similarly edge 252 of linking square 4-1 and bottom edge 282D of third foldable flap 276C are not attached to rear outer surface 205. This will allow for a second linking panel LP2-1, including linked-folding square 3 and linking square 4, to move about front surface 204 and rear outer surface 205.

[0095] When linking square 4-1 of second linking panel LP2-1 is attached to both second sheet 291 (which in this example includes being attached to third foldable flap 276C) and first sheet 284 (which in this example includes being attached to second foldable flap 276B and rear interior surface 260 of linked-folding square 1-1 of first linking panel LP1-1), linking square 4-1 overlies a second flipping square axis FSA1-2. Second flipping square axis FSA1-2 is positioned between third foldable axis FA3-1 and second foldable axis FA2-1 and extends along an axis parallel to first foldable axis FA3-1 and second foldable axis FA2-1. In this configuration, linking square 4-1 is configured to rotate about flipping square axis FSA2-1 between first sheet 284 and rear sheet 291.TENONA 3.4-002

[0096] Top edge 243 of linking square 2-1 and top edge 239 of linked-folding square 3-1 (which is positioned directly behind linking square 2-1 and also shown in FIG. 29) are not attached to one another (FIG. 28). Similarly, top edge 251 of linking square 4-1 and top edge 239 (FIG. 28) of linked-folding square 1-1 (which is positioned directly behind linking square 4-1) are not attached to one another. (FIG.29) This allows for an open space between first and second sheets 284, 291, which will create a top opening 218, which provides access to an interior space 216 of a body of a receptacle. The top view through top opening 218 will be identical to the top view previously described in FIGS. 3-4 and is not further illustrated or described herein.

[0097] With the joinder of first sheet 284 and second sheet 291, as described in FIGS. 28-29, an example closure mechanism 232 is formed. Closure mechanism 232, as assembled, will be in an open or unlocked position. Closure mechanism 232 can also be rotated into a closed or locked position, as previously described in FIGS. 7-16 and is not discussed in detail again. In this example, closure mechanism 232 can include the features above front fold line 224 and rear fold line 225, and as described, other than features required to join portions of first and second linking panels LP1-1 and LP2-2 to first sheet 284 and / or second sheet 291, or portions of first and second sheets 284, 291 together, additional structural features are not required to form closure mechanism 232. For example, a traditional closure mechanism may include a zipper or snap, or more complex mechanisms, such as hinges and the like. Closure mechanism 232 can be attached to another receptacle body. For example, closure mechanism 232 can be cut along one of the horizontal side lines, such as line 125, and later attached to another receptacle. Multiple closure mechanisms can therefore be created and then attached to another receptacle body. In other examples, the receptacle body can be formed from the same sheet of material. It is to be appreciated that additional hardware or components can be added to closure mechanism 232, but none are required for operation of closure mechanism 232.

[0098] With reference to FIG. 30, one example body 234 of receptacle 100 can be integrally formed from the same material forming closure mechanism 232. For example, bottom edges of first and second sheets 284, 291 can be joined together. In one configuration, with reference to FIG. 30 and as in the previous example, third sheet 294 of may be used to join ends of first sheet 284 and second sheet 291 together using any known means or in other examples, the first and second sheets 284, 291 may be formed from a same continuous piece of material such that a third sheet 294 or intermediate material or form of connection is required to couple the bottom of first and second sheets 284, 291 together. A fourth sheet of material (not shown) can be used to form side panels joining side edges 287, 287-1 of first and second sheets 284, 291, and a fifth sheet of material (not shown) can be used to form side panels coupling opposite side edges 288, 288-1 of first and second sheets 284, 291. As shown in this view, since top edge 243 of linking square 2-1 and top edge 239 of linked-folding square 3-1 are not attached to one another, and top edge 251 of linking square 4-1 and top edge of 239 of linked-folding square 3-1 are not attached to one another (FIG. 28), top opening 218 is provided to interior space 216 of receptacle 200

[0099] When it is desired to close top opening 218 to receptacle 200, the first and second linking panels LP1-1 and LP2-1 may be rotated so that edge 212 of first linking panel LP1-1 and edge 214 ofTENONA 3.4-002second linking panel LP2-1 are rotated to top portion 219 of receptacle 200. For example, movement of first linking panel LP1-1 or second linking panel LP2-1 can cause movement of linking square 2-1, 4-1, and linked-folding squares 1-1, 3-1. As in the previous example, movement of second linking square 2-1 about first flipping square axis FSA1-1 causes movement of linked-folding squares 1-1, 3-1 and linking square 4-1. Similarly, movement of linking square 4-1 about second flipping square axis FSA2-1 causes movement of second linking square 2-1, and linked folding squares 1-1, 3-1. The movement of first and second linking panels LP1-1 and LP2-1 from the open position to the closed position is identical to the configurations of FIGS. 3-17 and the discussion thereof and is not described again in detail.

[0100] Optional decorative squares, panels, or other ornamentation can be further attached to first linking panel LP1-1. FIG. 31A illustrates decorative panel 1-2; FIG. 31B illustrates decorative panel 2-2; FIG. 33A illustrates decorative panel 3-2, and FIG. 33B illustrates decorative panel 4-2, all of which, in this example, are sized to be the same size as respective linked-folding square 1-1; linking square 2-1; linked-folding square 3-1; and linking square 4-1. As shown in FIG. 32, decorative panel 1-2 can be attached to linked-folding square 1-1 and decorative panel 2-2 can be attached to linking square 2-1 (FIG.28). Similarly as shown in FIG. 34, decorative panel 3-2 is shown attached to linked-folding square 3-1 and decorative panel 4-2 can be attached to linking square 4-1 (FIG. 29). Decorative panels 1-2, 2-2, 3-2, and 4-2 may be sewn or stitched on top of respective squares 1-1 to 4-1, or some other form of mechanical fasteners, such as snaps, hook and loop fasteners, or an adhesive material can be implemented.

[0101] Any type of ornamentation may be provided on decorative panels 1-2, 2-2, 3-2, and 4-2. In this example, decorative panels 2-2 and 4-2 have images of chain links provided on a surface, but any type of ornamentation may be provided. For example, other images, beads, or any other type of attachments may be provided on any one of the decorative panels 1-2, 2-2, 3-2, and 4-2. Additionally, ornamentation may be provided on a surface of the receptacle. Such ornamentation can be provided at any time, such as prior to assembly of receptacle 100 or at any time during or after assembly of receptacle 100.

[0102] In this open configuration, the closure mechanism 232 can be collapsed to create a more compact receptacle. For example, with reference back to FIG. 32, if closure mechanism 232 is folded over in the direction of arrow FR1 and along first front fold line 224 and second front fold line 223, receptacle 200 will appear as shown in FIG. 35. To notify a user that the purse is in an open or unlocked position, the design may be created which a user would know signifies the open position. For example, the open configuration can be indicated by a disjointed chain.

[0103] In contrast, when it is desired to limit access to the purse opening, such that it is not possible to access the interior of receptacle 200, including a space between first and second sheets 284, 291, closure mechanism 232 can be opened up and moved away from surface 265 so that linking panels LP1-1 and LP2-1, with attached squares 1-2 to 4-2 may be rotated. When rotated to the closed position, as previously described herein, the opening to the interior of receptacle 200 is no longer visible, and it is not possible to access the interior of receptacle 200. Opening 218 is now unavailable and receptacle 200 is in a locked or closed position. In this configuration, linking panels LP1-1 and LP2-1 align, such that the design of the chain is a continuous chain. Closure mechanism 232 may again be folded downward alongTENONA 3.4-002first and second fold lines 223, 224 and as shown in FIG. 36, the design of the chain is continuous, which can signify to a user that receptacle 200 is in a locked or closed position. It is to be appreciated that any design may be used on receptacle or alternatively, no design is required at all.ADDITIONAL EXAMPLE LINKING PANELS AND RECEPTACLES

[0104] A linking panel with four squares is not required to achieve a closure mechanism for a receptacle. For example, closure of a receptacle can be accomplished by two squares or other shapes that are configured to rotate about the front portion and rear portion of a receptacle to achieve opening and closing of a receptacle.

[0105] FIGS. 37-59 illustrate another example method of manufacturing an example receptacle 300 that does not utilize a linking panel with four linked squares or shapes, but instead utilizes only two rotating linking panels that are configured to operate independently of one another to achieve opening and closing of receptacle 300. As the method of manufacturing and structure is similar to the discussion of FIGS. 19-35, the discussion of similar features is equally applicable here and incorporated herein so that the discussion focus on other features.

[0106] FIG. 37 illustrates an outer surface or front outer surface 304 of a first sheet 384 of material. In this example, first sheet 384 has a length L2 that extends between a top edge 385 and a bottom edge 386. Width W4 may be uniform along length L21 that extends between first edge 387 and second edge 388. A first front fold line 324 and a second front fold line 323 extend across width W4 of front surface 304. A front right angular fold line 358 and a front left angular fold line 362 each extend from first front fold line 324 and intersect one another at an apex 364. Although not required, these same fold lines 323, 324, 358, 362 may be visible on the opposed front interior surface 360 shown in FIG. 38, which is the opposite side of first sheet 384. A connecting element 393C may also be provided at rear interior surface 360 and foldable flap 376A.

[0107] Front right angular fold line 358 allows for folding of a first foldable flap 376A in one corner of first sheet 384 and a front left angular fold line 362 allows for folding of second foldable flap 376B in an opposed corner of first sheet 384. First foldable flap 376A is defined by edge 382A that extends vertically between top edge 385 and first front fold line 324 of first sheet 384; edge 381 A that extends horizontally from apex 364 to outer edge 387; and front right angular fold line 358. Second foldable flap 376B is defined by edge 382B that extends vertically between top edge 385 of first sheet 384 and first front fold line 324 of first sheet; edge 381B that extends horizontally from apex 364 to outer edge 388; and front right angular fold line 362.

[0108] First and second foldable flaps 376A, 376B are configured to be folded along respective front right angular fold line 358 and front left angular fold line 362. First foldable flap 376A may be configured to rotate about first folding axis FA1-3 and second foldable flap 376B may be configured to rotate about second folding axis FA2-3. Unlike the prior example, first foldable flap 376A and second foldable flap 376B arc readily able to be folded down since a separate linking panel is not required or in this example, otherwise provided. But in other examples, one or more linking panels could be initially cut from first or second sheet 384, 391. FIG. 39 shows a second foldable flap 376B folded downward. AsTENONA 3.4-002shown, a portion of front interior surface 360 is now visible at front outer surface 304 due to foldable flap 376B being folded downward. Connecting element 393B may be provided along edge 38 IB of second foldable flap 376B and connecting element 393 A may be provided adjacent edge 382B of second foldable flap 376B. Folded edge 383B is also shown, which in this example, is the folded over edge of the second foldable flap 376B.

[0109] FIG. 40 illustrates a second sheet 391 of material that is identical to first sheet 384 and will be briefly described. As second sheet 391 will become the rear panel of receptacle 300, the outer surface of second sheet 391, as shown in FIG. 40, will be referred to as rear outer surface 305. Second sheet 391 has a length L3 that extends between top edge 385-1 and bottom edge 386-1 of second sheet 391, as well as a uniform width W5 along its length LI and that extends from edge 387-1 to edge 388-1. A first rear fold line 325 and a second rear fold line 327 extend across width W5 of rear outer surface 305. A rear right angular fold line 366 and a rear left angular fold line 375 each extend from first rear fold line 325 and intersect one another at an apex 372. Although not required, these same fold lines 325, 327, 366, 375, may be visible on opposed rear interior surface 368 (FIG. 41), which is the opposite side of second sheet 391. Top edge 381C and edge 382C of foldable flap 376C, as well as top edge 381D and side edge 382D of foldable flap 376D are also visible in this view. A connecting element 393C-1 may also be provided at rear interior surface 366. As compared to the cross-hatching used to illustrate front interior surface 360 of first sheet 384, a different type of cross-hatching has been used to illustrate rear interior surface 368 of second sheet 391 for ease of discussion, but it is to be appreciated that in this example, both front and rear interior surfaces 360, 368 may be identical, but in other examples, they may differ.

[0110] With reference back to FIG. 40, rear right angular fold line 366 creates third foldable flap 376C in one corner of second sheet 391 and rear left angular fold line 375 creates fourth foldable flap 376D in an opposed corner. In this example, third foldable flap 376C is defined by edge 382C that extends vertically between top edge 385-1 and first rear fold line 325 of second sheet 391; edge 381C that extends horizontally from apex 372 to outer edge 387-1; and rear right angular fold line 366. Fourth foldable flap 376D is similarly defined by edge 382D that extends vertically between top edge 385-1 of second sheet 391 and first rear fold line 325; edge 381D that extends horizontally from apex 372 to outer edge 3887-1; and front left angular fold line 375.

[0111] Third and fourth foldable flaps 376C, 376D can be folded down along respective rear right angular fold line 366 and rear left angular fold line 375. Third foldable flap 376C may rotate about the third folding axis FA3-3 and the fourth foldable flap 376D may rotate about the fourth folding axis FA4-3. Third foldable flap 376C and fourth foldable flap 376D are readily able to be folded down since a separate linking panel is not provided.

[0112] FIG. 42 depicts fourth foldable flap 376D of second sheet 391 folded downward along angled rear left fold line 375 toward front outer surface 305, with edge 382D of fourth foldable flap 376D being aligned with first rear fold line 325. Although not required, connecting elements 393A-1 and 393B-1 may be provided on fourth foldable flap 376D to allow for connection between fourth foldable flap 376D and at least one other component.TENONA 3.4-002

[0113] FIG. 43 illustrates first and second sheets 384, 391 adjacent one another. The majority of front interior surface 360 of first sheet 384 faces toward rear interior surface 368 of second sheet 391, with a portion of front interior surface 360 from the folded down foldable flap 376B of first sheet 384 now facing in the same direction as front outer surface 304. When joined together, as shown in FIG. 44, third foldable flap 376C and rear interior surface 368 of second sheet 391, are exposed through opening 392A created in first sheet 384 when second foldable flap 376B is in the collapsed position. Edge 381C and edge 382C of third foldable flap 376C are also exposed through opening 392A. As shown, edge 382B of second foldable flap 376B may be aligned with first front fold line 324 and edge 38 IB of second foldable flap 376B may now extend vertically from apex 364 to first front fold line 324. Similarly, as shown in FIG.45, rear outer surface 305 of second sheet 391 is shown. Rear interior surface 360 and first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384 are exposed through opening 392B created in second sheet 391 when fourth foldable flap 376D is in the collapsed position. Edge 382D of fourth foldable flap 376D may extend along first rear fold line 325 and edge 38 ID may extend from apex 372 to first rear fold line 325. This also exposes edge 381 A and edge 382A of first foldable flap 376A.

[0114] Linking panels may be used to couple or link first and second sheets 384, 391 together and form a closure mechanism 332 for a receptacle, such as receptacle 300 (FIG. 51). For example, FIG. 46A illustrates example first linking panel LPA, also identified with a corresponding indicia A to later illustrate movement of first linking panel LPA. FIG. 46B illustrates a second linking panel LPB, with a corresponding indicia B to later illustrate movement of second linking panel LPB. Linking panels LPA and LPB are otherwise similar to linking panels described in the previous embodiments, except that they are smaller in size and do not extend across an entire width of front or rear sheets 384, 391. In this example, both of first linking panel LPA and second linking panel LPB are in the shape of a square, but in other examples, one or both of first linking panel LPA and second linking panel LPB may have a different shape.

[0115] First linking panel LPA is depicted as having upper edge 339, lower edge 340, left edge 338, and right edge 312. Second linking panel LPB may similarly include upper edge 343, a lower edge 344, a left edge 349, and right edge 342. First linking panel LPA and second linking panel LPB may each be formed from the same material or composition of materials, or the material or composition of materials may differ. First linking panel LPA and / or second linking panel LPB may further be formed from the same material or combination of materials as first and second sheets 384, 391 or they may differ from the material or combination of materials forming first and second sheets 384, 391. A wide range of thickness T can be used for linking panels LPA and LPB. In some examples, thickness T will be similar to the thickness of the material forming the body of receptacle 300, but in other examples, thickness T may be greater than or less than the thickness of the material forming the body of receptacle 300.

[0116] When first linking panel LPA and second linking panel LPB join first and second sheets 384, 391 together, a closure mechanism can be formed. In this example, linking panels LPA and LPB operate independently of one another, such that movement of first linking panel LPA and its corresponding foldable flaps does not result in movement of second linking panel LPB and movement of foldable flapsTENONA 3.4-002attached to second linking panel LPB. Instead, in order to open and close or lock and unlock closure mechanism 332, first linking panel LPA and second linking panel LPB must be individually rotated.

[0117] FIG. 47 illustrates example closure mechanism 332, including a view of first linking panel LPA coupled to first sheet 384 and second sheet 391, as well as coupling first sheet 384 and second sheet 391 together. A breakaway view is illustrated to show only the periphery of the triangular corner portion of first linking panel LPA (in stippled shading) so that the rear interior surface 368 and third foldable flap 376C of second sheet 391 are visible (in diagonal cross-hatching). As previously discussed, rear interior surface 368 of second sheet 391, including third foldable flap 376C, is aligned with and positioned behind the triangular corner portion of first linking panel LPA. First linking panel LPA may join and otherwise allow for the attachment of first sheet 384 to second sheet 391. At least one portion of first linking panel LPA may be attached to first sheet 384 and at least one portion of first linking panel LPA may be attached to second sheet 391. In this example, a lower portion of first linking panel LPA is attached to first sheet 384 and a side portion of first linking panel LPA is attached to second sheet 391.

[0118] Linking panel A may overlie and extend from folded over edge 383 A of foldable flap 376B to side edge 388, as well as from top edge 381C of second sheet 391 to first fold line 324 of first sheet 384. First linking panel LPA is coupled to first sheet 384 and overlies folded edge 383B of second foldable flap 376B of first sheet 384, which is in the collapsed or folded position. As shown, first linking panel LPA may be attached to two edges of second foldable flap 376B. For example, first linking panel LPA is shown attached to edge 381B and edge 382B of second foldable flap 376B. Edge 312 of first linking panel LPA may be aligned with edge 381B of second foldable flap 376B of first sheet 384; edge 340 of first linking panel LPA may be aligned with edge 382B of second foldable flap 376B of first sheet 384.

[0119] First linking panel LPA is shown also coupled to third foldable flap 376C of second sheet 391. In one example, only one edge of first linking panel LPA is attached to rear interior surface 368 of second sheet 391. First linking panel LPA is shown attached to edge 382C of third foldable flap 376C of second sheet 391 and upper edge 339 of first linking panel LPA is a free edge. When first linking panel LPA is attached with first and second sheets 384, 391 in this way, left edge 338 of first linking panel LPA may be aligned with edge 382C of third foldable flap 376C and upper edge 339 of first linking panel LPA may be aligned with edge 381 C of third foldable flap 376C of second sheet 391. Since upper edge 339 of first linking panel LPA is not attached to first sheet 384, there will be a space or opening between first and second sheets 384, 391 at top portion 319. Additionally, since second foldable flap 376B in the collapsed configuration overlies but is not attached to front surface 304 of first sheet 384, second foldable flap 376B is movable, as will be discussed further below. Similarly, third foldable flap 376C is movable about rear surface 305 of second sheet 391.

[0120] Although not shown or required, a second set of connecting elements may be attached to first linking panel LPA that are complementary to and align with connecting elements 393A and 393B on foldable flap 376B of first sheet 384, as well as connecting clement 393C-1 on rear interior surface 368 of second sheet 391. Connecting elements 393A-393B join edges 312, 340 of first linking panel LPA respectively to edges 38 IB and 382B of foldable flap 376B of first sheet 384 and connecting element 393C-TENONA 3.4-0021 joins edge 338 of first linking panel LPA to edge 382C of foldable flap 376C of second sheet 391. In other examples, no connector strips may be implemented and first linking panel LPA can be attached to first sheet 384 and / or second sheet 391 using any known means of attachment, including sewing edges together or depositing an adhesive at edges to joint them together. In still other examples, instead of implementing an intermediate connector, it is possible to couple first linking panel LPA and other components of first or second sheets by forming linking panel LPA directly to the sheet to which it is intended to be attached. In such example, linking panel LPA is not cut as a separate and independent piece that is later coupled to first sheet. Similarly, second linking panel LPB may also be formed from the sheet to which it is attached. Forming the first and second linking panels LPA, LPB directly from the sheets can eliminate some or all need for intermediate connectors. Instead, other means, such as, but not limited to sewing, can be used to coupling edges or surfaces together along an edge. This makes it possible to avoid use of a separate connection element by having the edges joined directly together by virtue of being part of the same sheet to which it is attached and using fold lines where necessary. Similarly, one or more foldlines can be replaced by cutting along the fold line and use of a connector to join two edge surfaces together. It is to be appreciated that this may be equally applied to all embodiments described herein.

[0121] FIGS. 48 A and 48B illustrate cross-sectional views of FIG. 47 and first linking panel LPA coupling first and second sheets 384, 391 together. FIG. 48 A shows first linking panel LPA coupling first and second sheets 384, 391 together to form part of closure mechanism 332 in open position 300A. First linking panel LPA is shown overlying front surface 304 of first sheet, as well as second foldable flap 376B and folded edge of 383B first sheet 384. First linking panel LPA is spaced away from third foldable flap 376C, shown in its expanded configuration of second sheet 391. Since second linking panel LPB appears in an opposite corner and opposite side, second linking panel LPB is not seen in this cross-sectional view.

[0122] FIG. 48B illustrates another cross-sectional view toward side edge 388 (FIG. 47) of first sheet 384 and side edge 387-1 of second sheet 391. As shown, toward edge 388, only a small portion of second foldable flap 376B is present. First linking panel LPA is shown overlying second foldable flap 376B of first sheet 384, as well as attached to rear interior surface 368 and third foldable flap 376C of second sheet 391. In this example, connecting element 393C-1 can be used to attach first linking panel LPA to second sheet 391 and third foldable flap 376C. Similarly, connecting element 393A can be used to attach first linking panel LPA to first sheet 384 and second foldable flap 376BC. In other examples, as previously discussed, instead of or in addition to connecting elements, any means can be used to join select edges of first and second sheets 384, 391 with first linking panel LPA, including, without limitation sewing edges together, depositing an adhesive at edges to joint them together, providing additional mechanical fasteners such as snaps or hooks, and the like.

[0123] When first linking panel LPA is attached to both second foldable flap 376B and third foldable flap 376C, flipping axis FSA1-3 is formed between folding axis FA2-3 and folding axis F3-3. As shown in FIG. 53, flipping axis FSA1-3 extends along an axis that is parallel to both folding axis FA2-3 and folding axis FA3-3. First linking panel LPA can rotate about flipping axis FSA1-3 to move between and about front outer surface 304 and rear outer surface 305.TENONA 3.4-002

[0124] Second linking panel LPB may similarly link or couple first sheet 384 and second sheet 391 together to form part of closure mechanism 332. FIG. 49 illustrates example closure mechanism 332, including a view of second linking panel LPB coupled to first and second sheets 384, 391. A breakaway view is illustrated to show the bottom portion of second linking panel LPB and the periphery of the triangular upper corner portion of second linking panel LPB (in diagonal shading) so that the front interior surface 360 and first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384 are visible (in horizontal and vertical crosshatching) and show through the breakaway opening.

[0125] In this example, second linking panel LPB may be positioned at an opposite side and at a corner that is diagonal to a corner where first linking panel LPA is positioned. At least one portion of second linking panel LPB may be coupled to first sheet 384 and at least one portion of second linking panel LPB may be coupled to second sheet 391. For example, second linking panel LPB may be coupled to second sheet 391, and in this example second linking panel LPB is coupled to fourth foldable flap 376D of second sheet 391 and overlies folded edge 383D of fourth foldable flap 376D, which is shown in the collapsed or folded position. As shown, second linking panel LPB may be coupled to two edges of fourth foldable flap 376D. For example, second linking panel LPB is shown attached to edge 38 ID and edge 382D of fourth foldable flap 376D. Edge 342 of second linking panel LPB may be aligned with edge 381D of fourth foldable flap 376D of second sheet 391; edge 344 of second linking panel LPB may be aligned with edge 382D of fourth foldable flap 376D of second sheet 391.

[0126] Second linking panel LPB may also be coupled to first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384, which is shown in an open or expanded position. Second linking panel LPB may be attached to first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384, and in this example, one edge of second linking panel LPB is attached to first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384. Top edge 343 of second linking panel LPB may be attached to and aligned with edge 382A of first foldable flap 376A and vertical edge 349 of second linking panel LPB is aligned with edge 382A of first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384.

[0127] Since top edge 343 of second linking panel LPB is not attached to second sheet 391, there will be a space or opening S2 between first and second sheets 384, 391 at top portion 309. Additionally, since edge 344 and 342 of fourth foldable flap 376D is not attached to rear surface 305 of second sheet 391 , fourth foldable flap 376D is movable relative to rear surface 305. Similarly, first foldable flap 376A is movable about front surface 304 of first sheet 384.

[0128] When second linking panel LPB is attached to both first foldable flap 376A and fourth foldable flap 376D, second linking panel LPB overlies second flipping axis FSA2-3, which extends between folding axis FA1-3 and folding axis FA4-31 , and along an axis that is parallel to both folding axis FA1 and folding axis FA4. Second linking panel LPB can rotate about flipping axis FSA2-3 to move between and about front surface 3204 and rear surface 3205

[0129] Although not shown, complementary connecting elements may be attached to second linking panel LPB that arc complementary to and align with connecting elements 393 A- 1 and 393B-1 at fourth foldable flap 376D of second sheet 391, as well as connecting element 393C at front interior surface 360 of first sheet 384. Connecting elements 393 A- 1 and 393B-1 may join respective edges 38 ID, 382DTENONA 3.4-002of fourth foldable flap 376D to respective edges 342, 344 of second linking panel LPB. Connecting element 393C may join edge 349 of second linking panel LPB to edge 382A of first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384. In other examples, as previously discussed, instead of or in addition to connecting elements, no connector strips may be implemented and second linking panel LPB can be attached to first sheet 384 and / or second sheet 391 using any known means of attachment, including, without limitation sewing edges together; depositing an adhesive at edges to join them together; and providing additional mechanical fasteners such as snaps or hooks, or the like.

[0130] FIGS. 50A and 50B illustrate cross-sectional views of FIG. 49 and second linking panel LPB coupling first and second sheets 384, 391 together. FIG. 50A depicts second linking panel LPB and coupling first and second sheets 384, 391 together to form part of closure mechanism 332 in open position 300A. Second linking panel LPB overlies rear surface 305 of second sheet 391, as well as fourth foldable flap 376D and folded edge 383D of second sheet 391. Second sheet 391 is adjacent first sheet 384 and foldable flap 376A, shown in an expanded configuration. Since first linking panel LPA is positioned at an opposite side and opposite corner, first linking panel LPA is not seen in this cross-sectional view.

[0131] FIG. 50B illustrates another cross-sectional view toward edge 387 of first sheet 384 and edge 388-1 of second sheet 391. As shown, toward edge 388-1 of second sheet 391, only a small portion of fourth foldable flap 376D is present. Second linking panel LPB is shown overlying fourth foldable flap 376D of second sheet 391, as well as attached to rear interior surface 360 and first foldable flap 376A of first sheet 384. In this example, connecting element 393C can be used to attach second linking panel LPB to first sheet 384 and first foldable flap 376A. Similarly, connecting element 393A-1 can be used to attach second linking panel LPB to second sheet 391 and fourth foldable flap 376D. In other examples, as previously discussed, instead of or in addition to connecting elements, any means can be used to join select edges of first and second sheets 384, 391 with second linking panel LPB.

[0132] To create a body of receptacle 300, first and second sheets 384, 391 may be joined together. As shown in the schematic side view of FIGS. 51-52, bottom edges 386, 386-1 of respective first and second sheets 384, 391 may be coupled together, as well as outer side edges (not shown in this view) to create body 334 of receptacle 300 and to create a closed and interior space 316 capable of holding objects therein. In this example, first and second sheets 384, 391 are shown directly attached to one another, such as by sewing ends 386, 386-1 of respective first sheet 384 and second sheet 391 directly together.

[0133] With the arrangement shown in FIGS. 51-52, receptacle 300 is depicted in open position 300A, where opening 318 to interior space 316 within receptacle 300 is present. In this configuration, top edge 339 of first linking panel LPA is a free edge that is not attached to first sheet 384 or second sheet 391, and upper edge 343 of second linking panel LPB is a free edge that is not attached to first sheet 384 or second sheet 391. A space SI between first linking panel LPA and opposed rear interior surface 368 of second sheet 391, as well as a space S2 between second linking panel LPB and the opposed rear interior surface 368 of first sheet 384 is provided. In contrast, as shown and will be further discussed regarding FIGS. 55 and 58, when in closed position 300B, edges are rotated, there is no space between first linking panel LPA and second sheet 391.TENONA 3.4-002

[0134] When it is desired to transition receptacle 300 into a closed position, first linking panel LPA can be rotated from front portion 302 to rear portion 303 and second linking panel LPB can be rotated in the opposite direction from rear portion 303 to front portion 302. Unlike the previous examples, movement of first linking panel LPA does not cause movement of second linking panel LPB and vice versa. Second linking panel LPB must be separately rotated between rear portion 303 and front portion 302 in order to move receptacle 300 from an open position to a closed position. As will be discussed in more detail, movement of first linking panel LPA and second linking panel LPB causes rotation of a closed edge of first linking panel LPA to top portion 309 and rotation of a closed edge of second linking panel LPB to top portion. With closed edges rotated to top portion 309 of receptacle 300, access to interior space 316 of receptacle 300 is no longer available.

[0135] In one example, as shown in FIG. 53, first linking panel LPA is shown as it begins to rotate from front portion 302 and front surface 304. As in the previous examples, first linking panel LPA overlies first flipping square axis FSA1-3, which is positioned between second folding axis FA2-3 and third folding axis FA3-3 and extends along an axis parallel to second and third folding axes FA2-3 and FA3-3. An upward force can be applied to first linking panel LPA and attached second foldable flap 376B to move second foldable flap 376B from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration along front left angular fold line 362 (FIG. 37).

[0136] As second foldable flap 376B moves about second folding axis FA2-3 from its collapsed position adj cent front surface 302 to open position, first linking panel LPA, which is coupled to and, in this example, attached to second foldable flap 376B, will rotate about flipping square axis FSA1-3 to move first linking panel LPA from front portion 302 and front surface 304 to rear portion 303 and rear surface 305. Movement of first linking panel LPA will further cause third foldable flap 376C to begin to collapse, move about third folding axis FA3-3, and fold down along rear right angular fold line 366 (FIG. 40).

[0137] Once first linking panel LPA has fully rotated about flipping square axis FSA1-3 and third foldable flap 376C is in a collapsed configuration, first linking panel LPA will have moved from front portion 302 and front surface 304 to rear portion 303 and rear surface 305. First linking panel LPA will be rotated from its original or open position at top portion 309 of receptacle 300, where edge 339 extends in a horizontal direction between side edges 387, 388 of first sheet 384, to the rotated or closed position shown in FIGS. 54-55, where edge 339 extends in a vertical direction between top portion 309 and bottom edge 386A of receptacle 300, and in this example first rear fold line 325 of second sheet 391. This rotates closed edge 312 of first linking panel LPA to a top portion 309 of receptacle 300. Edge 312 is attached to second foldable flap 376B, such that closed edge 312 rotates to top portion 309 when second foldable flap 376B is expanded and third foldable flap 376C collapses.

[0138] As shown in FIG. 56, second linking panel LPB is shown as it begins to rotate from rear portion 303 and rear surface 305. As in the previous examples, second linking panel LPB overlies second flipping square axis FSA2-3, which is positioned between first folding axis FA1-3 and fourth folding axis FA4-3 and extends along an axis parallel to first and fourth folding axes FA1-3 and FA4-3. An upward force can be applied to second linking panel LPB and attached fourth foldable flap 376D to move fourthTENONA 3.4-002foldable flap 376D from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration along rear left fold line 375 (FIG. 40). As fourth foldable flap 376D moves about second folding axis FA2-3 from its collapsed position overlying and facing rear surface 305 to its expanded position where fourth foldable flap 376D faces outwardly and in a same or similar direction as rear surface 305, second linking panel LPB begins to rotate about second flipping square axis FSA2-3 to move second linking panel LPB from rear portion 303 and rear surface 305 to front portion 302 and front surface 304. Movement of fourth foldable flap 376D and attached second linking panel LPB further causes first foldable flap 376A to collapse from its expanded configuration, move about first folding axis FA1-3, and fold down along front right angular fold line 358 (FIG. 37).

[0139] Once fully rotated, as shown in FIGS. 57-58, second linking panel LPB will be positioned at front portion 302 and front surface 304 of receptacle 300. Edge 343 of second linking panel LPB will be rotated from its original or open position at top portion 309 of receptacle 300, where edge 343 extended in a horizontal direction between side edges 387-1, 388-1 of second sheet 391, and in this example along top edge 38 ID of second sheet 391, to a rotated or closed position, where edge 343 is adjacent and extends in a vertical direction between top portion 309 and bottom edge 386A of receptacle 300 and in this example extends to first front fold line 324 of first sheet 384. This also causes closed edge 342 of first linking panel A to rotate to top portion 309 of receptacle 300. Edge 342 is attached to fourth foldable flap 376D, such that closed edge 342 is rotated to top portion 309 when fourth foldable flap 376D is expanded and first foldable flap 376A collapses.

[0140] With reference still to FIG. 57, edge 312 of first linking panel LPA and edge 342 of second linking panel LPB at top portion 309, collectively form top edge 301A of receptacle 300 in closed position 300B. In this closed position, access to interior space 316 is no longer available, as there is no longer an opening provided at top portion 319.

[0141] As shown in FIG.59, when a user desires to carry receptacle 300, a user can fold receptacle 300 along front fold line 324 (FIG. 57) in a direction towards bottom edge 386A of front portion 302. This will result in first linking panel LPA being visible in this view. In other examples, it may be desired to fold receptacle 300 in the opposite direction along rear fold line 325 so that second linking panel LPB is visible.

[0142] FIGS. 60-66 depict another example of components for a closure mechanism 432 for a receptacle. This example is similar to FIGS. 1-17, except that the angle and shape of foldable flaps, as well as the shape of the linking panels differ. As shown in FIG. 60, first sheet 484 includes a front outer surface 404 and a rear interior surface 460 (a portion of which is shown folded over and in a checkered pattern), as well as a first foldable flap 476A and a second foldable flap 476B. First and second foldable flaps 476A, 476B have an angle of incline 3 that is less than 45 degrees and may move between an expanded and collapsed position, as previously described. As in the previous example, second foldable flap 476B may be folded along a folding line 462 so that rear interior surface 460 of first sheet is visible when second foldable flap 476B is folded over folding line 462. Similarly, first foldable flap 476A may be folded along a folding line 458, such that first foldable flap is in a collapsed configuration. Second sheet 491 isTENONA 3.4-002illustrated in FIG. 61 and may have similar features. Second sheet includes a front surface 405 and third and fourth foldable flaps 476C, 476D. Fourth foldable flap 476D is also illustrated in a collapsed or folded over position so that rear interior surface 466 is visible.

[0143] FIG. 62 illustrates first linking panel LP1-2, which further includes a linking shape 1 and a linked-folding shape 2. Closed edge 412 is a common edge that extends between first linking shape 1 and linked folding shape 2, but in other examples, first and second linking panels LP1-2 and LP2-2 may be separate shapes or panels. FIG. 63 illustrates second linking panel LP2-2, which further includes a linking shape 3 and a linked-folding shape 4. Closed edge 414 is a common edge that extends between third linking shape 3 and fourth linked-folding shape 4. In this example, first linking panel LP1-2 and second linking panel LP2-2 are shown as a unitary component, but in other examples, first and second linking panels LP1-2 and LP2-2 are separate panels.

[0144] First linking panel LP1-2 can be coupled to first sheet 484, such that linked-folding shape 1 overlies second foldable flap 476B and linked-folding shape 2 overlies first foldable flap 476A. In this example, linked-folding shape 1 and linked folding shape 2 may be attached to respective first and second foldable flaps 476A, 476B using any known means, including those previously described herein. As shown in FIG. 64, first linking panel LP1-2 is attached to first foldable flap 476A. Due to the complementary shape of first and second linked-folding shapes 1, 2, lower edge 485 of linked-folding square 1 aligns with lower edge 483 of second foldable flap 776B. Lower edge 485 of linked-folding square 2 may also align with lower edge 482A (FIG. 60) of second foldable flap 485. This creates a continuous outer edge 485. Similarly, second linking panel LP2-2 can be coupled to second sheet 491. In this example, as shown in FIG. 65, third linking shape 3 may be coupled to fourth foldable flap 476D and fourth linking shape 4 may be coupled to third foldable flap 476C using known means. The complementary shape of third and fourth linked-folding shapes 3, 4 allows for respective lower edges 485-1 of third and fourth linked-folding shapes 3, 4 to align with respective lower edges 482D of fourth foldable flap 476D and lower edge 482C of third foldable flap 476D.

[0145] FIG. 66 shows first and second sheets 484, 491 arranged adjacent one another. First linked-folding shape 1 may be attached to both first sheet 484 and second sheet 491. In this example, first linked-folding square 1 may be attached to second foldable flap 476B of first sheet, as well as rear interior surface 466 of second sheet 491. Additionally, first linked folding shape 1 may overlie an opening created in first sheet 402 when second foldable flap 476B is in the folded over or collapsed configuration. Similarly, second linking panel LP2-2 and linked-folding square 3 may be attached to both first sheet and second sheet 491 at an opposite end. In this example, third linking panel 3 may be attached to fourth foldable flap 476D and first foldable flap 476A.

[0146] As in the previous examples, once first and second sheets 484, 491 are joined together, as previously described, a closure mechanism is created that allow or obstruct access to an interior portion of a receptacle. The remainder of first and second sheets 484, 491 may be used to create a housing for receptacle, such that the closure mechanism and housing are continuously formed. In other examples, first and second sheets 484, 491 may be separately manufactured and later coupled to any receptacle or housing.TENONA 3.4-002

[0147] It is to be understood that the disclosure set forth herein does not includes all possible combinations of the particular features set forth above, whether specifically disclosed herein or not. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect, arrangement, configuration, or embodiment, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with and / or in the context of other particular aspects, arrangements, configurations, and embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

[0148] It is to be further appreciated that numerous modifications can be made to the closure mechanism and receptacle with closure mechanism that fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, as discussed, linking panels may be directly or indirectly attached to the underlying sheets. The linking panels may be individual panels or each linking panel may be comprised of multiple panels. Linking panels at the front and rear of the receptacle can be directly or indirectly coupled and / or attached to one another, but may also operate independent of one another, such that they are not be attached to one another. Similarly, the shape of the linking panels can vary. While the linking panels described herein were illustrated as having a similar geometry so that edges of the panels are aligned with one another at the front and rear surfaces, the linking panels may also take on different configurations and are not required to have a similar geometry. Furthermore, any portions of the closure mechanism that are described as being folded and / or cut and / or connected are not limited to such description and can take on any combination of connection required to achieve the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, the order of steps disclosed herein is not limited to the description but can take place in any order and / or any series of steps can simultaneously occur. Furthermore, although the examples herein show that the receptacle and closure mechanism are continuously formed, it is to be appreciated that the closure mechanism can be separately manufactured and then later coupled or attached to any type of receptacle body to which the closure mechanism can be attached.

[0149] References herein to terms such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “front,” “rear,” “right,” “left,” and the like, are made by way of example, and not by way of limitation, to establish a frame of reference. The term “horizontal” as used herein is defined as a plane parallel to the convention plane or a top surface of receptacle 100 regardless of the actual spatial orientation of the receptacle 100. The term “vertical” refers to a direction perpendicular to the horizontal, as just defined. Terms, such as “on,” “above,” “over,” “top,” “under,” “bottom,” “beneath,” and the like are defined with respect to the horizontal plane. Terms such as “right,” “left,” “front,” and “rear” can be defined with respect to the vertical plane. It is to be understood that various other frames of reference may be employed for describing the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0150] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a receptacle includes a housing enclosing an interior space; and a closure mechanism configured to allow or prevent access to an opening to the interior space. The closer mechanism further includes a first sheet of material, a second sheet of material, a first linking panel, and a second linking panel. The first sheet of material includes a front portion of the receptacle. The first sheet has a first front outer surface, a first front interior surface, a first foldable flap, and a second foldable flap. Each of the first and second foldable flaps may be configured to move betweenTENONA 3.4-002a first expanded configuration and a first collapsed configuration. The second sheet of material includes a rear portion of the receptacle and has a second front outer surface, a second rear interior surface, a third foldable flap, and a fourth foldable flap. Each of the third and fourth foldable flaps are configured to move between a second expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration. The first linking panel couples the first foldable flap of the first sheet and the fourth foldable flap of the second sheet together. The first linking panel may have a first closing edge and a first open edge that overlies the second sheet and an opening in the first sheet. The second linking panel couples the second foldable flap of the first sheet and the third foldable flap of the second sheet together. The second linking panel has a second closing edge that overlies the first open edge and the opening in the first sheet. The second linking panel further includes a second open edge overlying the first sheet and an opening in the second sheet. When the closure mechanism of the receptacle is in an open position, the first open edge and the second open edge are positioned at a top portion of the receptacle and the opening is exposed so as to provide access to the interior space. When the closure mechanism of the receptacle is in a closed position, the first closing edge and the second closing edge are positioned at the top portion, such that the first and second closing edges extend across the opening and prevent access to the interior space. The receptacle moves between the open position and the closed position as the first and second linking panels move between the front portion and rear portion of the receptacle; and / orthe first and second linking panels are coupled together so that movement of the first linking panel causes simultaneous movement of the second linking panel and vice versa; and / or the receptacle moves between the open position and the closed position as each of the first and second foldable flaps move between the first expanded and first collapsed configurations, and the third and fourth foldable flaps each simultaneously move between the second expanded configuration and the second collapsed configuration; and / orwhen the first foldable flap is in the first collapsed configuration and the second foldable flap is in the second expanded configuration, the receptacle is in the open position, and wherein when the first foldable flap is in the first expanded configuration and the second foldable flap is in the first collapsed configuration, the receptacle is in the closed position; and / orwherein the first linking panel is further coupled to the second foldable flap and the second linking panel is further coupled to the fourth foldable flap, such that movement of any one of the first, second, third and fourth foldable flaps causes movement of all other flaps.wherein the first and second linking panels extend across a majority of a width of the housing; and / orthe first linking panel and the second linking panel are independent of one another, such that movement of one of the first, second, third, and fourth foldable flaps causes movement of only one other flap; and / orthe housing includes the first and second sheets of material; and / orthe closure mechanism is formed from an exposed end of the first sheet of material and a second exposed end of the second sheet of material, and the interior space of the housing is formedTENONA 3.4-002by coupling an opposed end of the first sheet of material and an opposed end of the second sheet of material together, and forming side panels further coupling the first and second sheets of material together; and / orthe closure mechanism is coupled to the housing; and / orthe first and second sheets of material includes two separate sheets of material; and / or the first and second sheets of material are a continuous sheet of a same material, and the first sheet of material is formed at a first end of the same material and the second sheet is formed at a second end of the same material; and / orthe first linking panel is formed from the first sheet of material and is a part of the first sheet of material; and / orthe first linking panel is coupled to the first sheet of material; and / orthe second linking panel is formed from the second sheet of material and is a part of the second sheet of material; and / orthe second linking panel is coupled to the first sheet of material; and / or the first linking panel further includes a first subpanel and a second subpanel, such that the first closing edge is positioned between the first subpanel and the second subpanel, and wherein in the closed position, the first closing edge overlies the opening, the first subpanel overlies the rear portion, and the second subpanel overlies the front portion; and / orthe first linking panel further includes a rectangular shape that further includes a first linking subpanel and a second linking subpanel; and / orthe first and second linking panels are coupled together so that movement of the first linking panel causes simultaneous movement of the second linking panel and vice versa.

[0151] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of forming a closure mechanism for a receptacle includes aligning a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material so that a front interior surface of the first sheet faces toward a rear interior surface of the second sheet, and so that a periphery of the first sheet is aligned with a periphery of the second sheet; creating a first foldable flap and a second foldable flap in the first sheet of material, the first foldable flap positioned at one corner adjacent a first edge of the first sheet and the second foldable flap positioned at an opposite corner at a second side of the first sheet, the first sheet further comprising a front outer surface opposite the front interior surface; creating a third foldable flap and a fourth foldable flap in a second sheet of material, the third foldable flap positioned at another corner adjacent a first edge of the second sheet and the second foldable flap positioned at another opposite corner that is opposite the another corner and adjacent a second edge of the second sheet, the third foldable flap being aligned with the second foldable flap, and the first foldable flap being aligned with the fourth foldable flap, and the second sheet further comprising a rear outer surface opposite the rear interior surface; folding the first foldable flap down along a first angled fold line into a collapsed configuration while retaining the second foldable flap in an expanded configuration; folding the third foldable flap down along a second angled folded line into a collapsed configuration while retaining the fourth foldable flap in an expanded configuration; coupling the first foldable flap and the fourth foldableTENONA 3.4-002flap together with a first linking panel having a first open edge and a first closed edge; coupling the second foldable flap and the third foldable flap together with a second linking panel having a second open edge and a second closed edge; wherein the first linking panel and the second linking panel are movable between a front portion of the receptacle and a rear portion of the receptacle, wherein moving the first linking panel and the second linking panel to align the first open edge of the first linking panel with the second open edge of the second linking panel places the closure mechanism into an open position that provides access to an interior space between the first and second linking panels; and wherein moving the first linking panel and the second linking panel to align the first closed edge of the first linking panel with the second closed edge of the second linking panel places the closure mechanism in a closed position that prevents access to the interior space between the first and second linking panels; and / ormoving the first linking panel so that a first portion of the first linking panel overlies the front surface, and a second portion of the first linking panel overlies the rear surface; and / or moving the second linking panel so that a first portion of the second linking panel overlies the front surface, and a second portion of the second linking panel overlies the rear surface; and / or moving the first linking panel so that the first linking panel overlies only the first sheet when the closure mechanism is in the open position; and / ormoving the second linking panel so that the second linking panel overlies only the second sheet when the closure mechanism of the receptacle is in the open position.

[0152] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a closure mechanism that is configured to allow or prevent access to an interior space of an opening of a housing includes a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material. The first sheet of material comprises a front portion of the receptacle. The first sheet has a first front outer surface, a first front interior surface, a first foldable flap, and a second foldable flap. Each of the first and second foldable flaps is configured to move between a first expanded configuration and a first collapsed configuration. The second sheet of material includes a rear portion, the second sheet having a second front outer surface, a second rear interior surface, a third foldable flap, and a fourth foldable flap. Each of the third and fourth foldable flaps is configured to move between a second expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration. The first linking panel couples the first foldable flap of the first sheet and the fourth foldable flap of the second sheet together. The first linking panel has a first closing edge, and a first open edge that overlies the second sheet and an opening in the first sheet. The second linking panel couples the second foldable flap of the first sheet and the third foldable flap of the second sheet together, wherein the second linking panel has a second closing edge overlies the first open edge and the opening in the first sheet, and a second open edge overlying the first sheet and an opening in the second sheet.

[0153] Unless otherwise stated, the foregoing alternative examples are not mutually exclusive, but may be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. As these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description should be taken by way of illustration rather than by way of limitation of the subject matter defined by the claims. In addition, the provision of theTENONA 3.4-002examples described herein, as well as clauses phrased as “such as,” “including,” and the like, should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to the specific examples; rather, the examples are intended to illustrate only one of many possible implementations. Additionally, reference to directions such as “up,” “down,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “clockwise,” and “counterclockwise” is provided for reference for ease of discussion, but the scope of the disclosure is not limited to such directions. Further, the same or similar reference numbers in different drawings can identify the same or similar elements.

Claims

1. TENONA 3.4-002CLAIMS1. A receptacle comprising:a housing enclosing an interior space; anda closure mechanism configured to allow or prevent access to an opening to the interior space comprising:a first sheet of material comprising a front portion of the receptacle, the first sheet having a first front outer surface, a first front interior surface, a first foldable flap, and a second foldable flap, each of the first and second foldable flaps configured to move between a first expanded configuration and a first collapsed configuration;a second sheet of material comprising a rear portion of the receptacle, the second sheet having a second front outer surface, a second rear interior surface, a third foldable flap, and a fourth foldable flap, each of the third and fourth foldable flaps configured to move between a second expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration;a first linking panel coupling the first foldable flap of the first sheet and the fourth foldable flap of the second sheet together, the first linking panel having a first closing edge, and a first open edge that overlies the second sheet and an opening in the first sheet; anda second linking panel coupling the second foldable flap of the first sheet and the third foldable flap of the second sheet together, wherein the second linking panel has a second closing edge overlying the first open edge and the opening in the first sheet, and a second open edge overlying the first sheet and an opening in the second sheet;wherein when the closure mechanism of the receptacle is in an open position, the first open edge and the second open edge are positioned at a top portion of the receptacle and the opening is exposed so as to provide access to the interior space,wherein when the closure mechanism of the receptacle is in a closed position, the first closing edge and the second closing edge are positioned at the top portion, such that the first and second closing edges extend across the opening and prevent access to the interior space, andwherein the receptacle moves between the open position and the closed position as the first and second linking panels move between the front portion and rear portion of the receptacle.

2. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first and second linking panels are coupled together so that movement of the first linking panel causes simultaneous movement of the second linking panel and vice versa.

3. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle moves between the open position and the closed position as each of the first and second foldable flaps move between the first expanded and first collapsed configuration, and the third and fourth foldable flaps each simultaneously move between the second expanded configuration and the second collapsed configuration.TENONA 3.4-0024. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein when the first foldable flap is in the first collapsed configuration and the second foldable flap is in the second expanded configuration, the receptacle is in the open position, and wherein when the first foldable flap is in the first expanded configuration and the second foldable flap is in the first collapsed configuration, the receptacle is in the closed position.

5. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first linking panel is further coupled to the second foldable flap and the second linking panel is further coupled to the fourth foldable flap, such that movement of any one of the first, second, third and fourth foldable flaps causes movement of all other flaps.

6. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first and second linking panels extend across a majority of a width of the housing.

7. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first linking panel and the second linking panel arc independent of one another, such that movement of one of the first, second, third, and fourth foldable flaps causes movement of only one other flap.

8. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the housing is further comprised of the first and second sheets of material.

9. The receptacle of claim 8, wherein the closure mechanism is formed from an exposed end of the first sheet of material and a second exposed end of the second sheet of material, and the interior space of the housing is formed by coupling an opposed end of the first sheet of material and an opposed end of the second sheet of material together, and forming side panels further coupling the first and second sheets of material together.

10. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the closure mechanism is coupled to the housing.

11. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first and second sheets of material comprise two separate sheets of material.

12. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first and second sheets of material are a continuous sheet of a same material, and the first sheet of material is formed at a first end of the same material and the second sheet is formed at a second end of the same material.

13. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first linking panel is formed from the first sheet of material and is a part of the first sheet of material.

14. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first linking panel is coupled to the first sheet of material.TENONA 3.4-00215. The receptacle of claim 13, wherein the second linking panel is formed from the second sheet of material and is a part of the second sheet of material.

16. The receptacle of claim 14, wherein the second linking panel is coupled to the first sheet of material.

17. The receptacle of claim 1, wherein the first linking panel further comprises a first subpanel and a second subpanel, wherein the first closing edge is positioned between the first subpanel and the second subpanel, and wherein in the closed position, the first closing edge overlies the opening, the first subpanel overlies the rear portion, and the second subpanel overlies the front portion.

18. The receptacle of claim 17, wherein the first linking panel further comprises a rectangular shape that further includes a first linking subpanel and a second linking subpanel.

19. The receptacle of claim 18, wherein the first and second linking panels are coupled together so that movement of the first linking panel causes simultaneous movement of the second linking panel and vice versa.

20. A method of forming a closure mechanism for a receptacle comprising:aligning a first sheet of material and a second sheet of material so that a front interior surface of the first sheet faces toward a rear interior surface of the second sheet, and so that a periphery of the first sheet is aligned with a periphery of the second sheet;creating a first foldable flap and a second foldable flap in the first sheet of material, the first foldable flap positioned at one corner adjacent a first edge of the first sheet and the second foldable flap positioned at an opposite corner adjacent a second edge of the first sheet, the first sheet further comprising a front outer surface opposite the front interior surface;creating a third foldable flap and a fourth foldable flap in a second sheet of material, the third foldable flap positioned at another corner adjacent a first edge of the second sheet and the second foldable flap positioned at another opposite corner that is opposite the another corner and adjacent a second edge of the second sheet, the third foldable flap being aligned with the second foldable flap, the first foldable flap being aligned with the fourth foldable flap, and the second sheet further comprising a rear outer surface opposite the rear interior surface;folding the first foldable flap down along a first angled fold line into a collapsed configuration while retaining the second foldable flap in an expanded configuration;folding the third foldable flap down along a second angled folded line into a collapsed configuration while retaining the fourth foldable flap in an expanded configuration;TENONA 3.4-002coupling the first foldable flap and the fourth foldable flap together with a first linking panel having a first open edge and a first closed edge; andcoupling the second foldable flap and the third foldable flap together with a second linking panel having a second open edge and a second closed edge;wherein the first linking panel and the second linking panel are movable between a front portion of the receptacle and a rear portion of the receptacle,wherein moving the first linking panel and the second linking panel to align the first open edge of the first linking panel with the second open edge of the second linking panel places the closure mechanism into an open position that provides access to an interior space between the first and second linking panels, andwherein moving the first linking panel and the second linking panel to align the first closed edge of the first linking panel with the second closed edge of the second linking panel places the closure mechanism in a closed position that prevents access to the interior space between the first and second linking panels.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising moving the first linking panel so that a first portion of the first linking panel overlies the front surface, and a second portion of the first linking panel overlies the rear surface.

22. The method of claim 21, further comprising moving the second linking panel so that a first portion of the second linking panel overlies the front surface, and a second portion of the second linking panel overlies the rear surface.

23. The method of claim 19, further comprising moving the first linking panel so that the first linking panel overlies only the first sheet when the closure mechanism is in the open position.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising moving the second linking panel so that the second linking panel overlies only the second sheet when the receptacle is in the open position.

25. A closure mechanism configured to allow or prevent access to an interior space of an opening of a housing of a receptacle, the closure mechanism comprising:a first sheet of material comprising a front portion of the receptacle, the first sheet having a first front outer surface, a first front interior surface, a first foldable flap, and a second foldable flap, each of the first and second foldable flaps configured to move between a first expanded configuration and a first collapsed configuration;a second sheet of material comprising a rear portion of the receptacle, the second sheet having a second front outer surface, a second rear interior surface, a third foldable flap, and a fourth foldable flap, each of the third and fourth foldable flaps configured to move between a second expanded configuration and a second collapsed configuration;TENONA 3.4-002a first linking panel coupling the first foldable flap of the first sheet and the fourth foldable flap of the second sheet together, the first linking panel having a first closing edge, and a first open edge that overlies the second sheet and an opening in the first sheet; anda second linking panel coupling the second foldable flap of the first sheet and the third foldable flap of the second sheet together, wherein the second linking panel has a second closing edge overlying the first open edge and the opening in the first sheet, and a second open edge overlying the first sheet and an opening in the second sheet.

Images