Foldable Box Handle Assembly for Compact Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Boxes with handles often interfere with compact stacking due to their design, making it difficult to transport and store efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A foldable handle assembly with a locking mechanism that allows the handle to be folded down when not in use, enabling compact stacking and easy transportation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a handle is added to the box for easy carrying, then ease of operation is improved, but the box cannot be stacked compactly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carryingVSAvoidstacking space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is designed to be movable between an upright position for carrying and a folded-down position for stacking. The handle assembly includes a handle portion that can rotate or fold relative to the box body, allowing it to adapt its configuration based on whether the box needs to be carried or stacked. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by making the handle space-consuming only when needed for operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a fixed handle is provided on the box, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to the locking mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carryingVSAvoidhandle assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handle assembly is designed to be self-locking through its geometric configuration. When the handle is in the upright position, its shape and the structure of the box body automatically prevent it from collapsing or detaching. When folded down, gravity and the box structure itself maintain the folded position. This eliminates the need for additional locks, hinges, or fastening mechanisms, resolving the contradiction by making the handle system simple despite its dual functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12371221B2Box with foldable handle
Publication Date: 2025.07.29 PRATT CORRUGATED HOLDINGS INC
  • US12371221B2 patent drawing
  • US12371221B2 patent drawing
  • US12371221B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A box can include a first side panel; a second side panel positioned perpendicular to the first side panel; a top panel joined to the first side panel; and a handle assembly, the handle assembly including: a handle portion attached the top panel, the handle portion including a tab at a side end of the handle portion, and a locking panel attached to the second side panel, the locking panel defining a cut pattern, the cut pattern including a first side cut and a second side cut, a flap defined between the first side cut and the second side cut, the first side cut diverging into an inner cut extending along a bottom of the flap and an outer cut defining a space below the bottom of the flap, a portion of the second side cut extending along the bottom of the flap.