Convertible folding box

US5934549A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Manfred Baumgartner · Wiener Neustadt, AT
• Karl-Ulrich Von Bischopinck · Stuttgart, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 9, 1997
• Grant date: Aug 10, 1999
• Expiry date: Jul 9, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S229/921
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A new type of folding box is disclosed, which is designed for redispatching to a second location, after it has been received at a first location. This box, which can be made from a single flat pre-cut blank, of cardboard or other suitable material, has two lids: an inner lid, and an outer lid. The outer lid is printed, stamped, or affixed with advertising information, a first mailing address, or other useful lettering, to facilitate a first delivery or sale. The inner lid, which is initially covered and preferably hidden by the outer lid, is printed or stamped with a second lettering, such as a second mailing or delivery address. The user purchases or otherwise receives the complete box, including the outer lid, and carries out any desired function with the contents of that box. For example, if the box contains collection jars, for holding blood, hair, water, or soil samples, the user would fill the jars with such samples or specimens. The customer then tears off the outer lid, thereby exposing the inner lid, which has the mailing address for the manufacturer, laboratory, or other intended location. This conveniently creates a redispatch packaging which suffers little or no risk of…