US3692230A - Box-sox system for protecting contents of opened boxes - Google Patents

Abstract

Adjustable semi-rigid, or rigid plastic covers for protecting the contents of opened food boxes and the like during storage and for preserving pouring sanitation; deep skirts are provided for simplest protection of all types of openings and special dovetail provisions are made to assure free, non-jamming operation.

Description

United States Patent Kapilofi [451 Se t. 19,1972

1541 BOX-SOX SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING CONTENTS OF OPENED BOXES [72] Inventor: Anita L. Kapiloff, Mariposa, Stevenson Rd. Extended, Stevenson, Md. 21153 [22] Filed: Jan.4, 1971 [21] Appl.No.: 103,522

[52] US. Cl ..229/43, 220/8, 229/6 R,

229/D1G. 3 [51 Int. Cl. ..B65d 5/64 [58] Field of Search ..229/43, DIG. 3, 6 R; 220/8 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,695,222 12/ 1928 Arnold et al. ..220l8 UX 2,627,801 2/ 1953 Danziger ..220/8 X 2,628,761 2/ 1953 Yancey ..229/43 X 2,805,812 9/ l 957 Seaton ..229/43 2,948,624 8/ 1960 Watson et a1. ..220/8 X 3,110,436 11/1963 Wagner ..229/43 3,134,499 5/1964 Johnson ..220/ 8 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant Examiner-Thomas C. Culp, Jr. Attorney-John F. McClellan, Sr.

[5 7] ABSTRACT Adjustable semi-rigid, or rigid plastic covers for protecting the contents of opened food boxes and the like during storage and for preserving pouring sanitation; deep skirts are provided for simplest protection of all types of openings and special dovetail provisions are made to assure free, non-jamming operation.

5 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures minnow 1 e m SHEEI 1 0F 2 INVENTOI K. ANITA L. KAPILOFF ATTORNEY PATENTED E l 9 7 rb 1 ||2- 1 TOP SIDE END SIDE Q J FlG. 4

U ll4\ SIDE END SID-E ,5

FIG. 5

INVENTORm ANITA L.KAPILOFF BY WQTW L ATTORNEY BOX-SOX SYSTEM FOR PROTECTING CONTENTS OF OPENED BOXES This invention relates generally to package utilization and specifically to box reclosure systems.

Although food products have been packaged and sold in shelf-storage type boxes, principally of cardboard, for generations, and although they are in greater demand every year, there are both obvious and hidden disadvantages in the use of such boxes.

Most such boxes are opened by cutting or tearing away a portion of the structure, making the contents accessible for removal. Usually the entire contents are not required, and the remainder is stored in the opened box until needed.

Unfortunately, until the present time, there has been no widely accepted means of reclosing such boxes, and the contents, when boxes are opened, are usually accessible to contamination and subject to deterioration.

Contamination can be of many kinds, depending on the location, and can be difficult to detect, depending on the source. Crawling and flying insects and their droppings, rodent infestations, and airborne impurities can all be responsible for package contamination and human illness.

Not always noticed, but dangerous, are contaminations by non-foodstuffs such as insecticidal sprays and dusts, cleaning powders and fluids, disinfectants, drain opening chemicals, and the like, which are accidentally spilled onto the tops of food packages by housewives, food handlers, young children, or others who may be removing or placing articles in adjacent shelf-storage.

Even if the food box has a side-opening, when the contents are poured from the opening, as into a cereal bowl, any free particles or liquid which may have been spilled on the box top will gravitate into the bowl along with the food. Housewives and other food handlers may wipe-off box tops after purchase and before opening, but not always after storage on their own shelves.

It is a principal object of the present invention, therefore, to provide a closure system for opened food boxes which protects the contents against adulteration and deterioration.

Another object of the invention is to provide a clo sure system as described which will prevent foreign material from being spilled onto the tops of food boxes and then poured off into food receptacles when the contents are poured from the boxes.

A further object of this invention is to provide a closure system as described which will reliably close a wide variety of sizes of boxes and types of box openings.

And a further object of this invention is to provide a system as described which will also fit the bottoms of boxes, so that the boxes can be set on moist surfaces without wetting the contents.

Still further objects of this invention are to provide a closure system as described which is simple to understand and to use, which is convenient and nonjamming in operation, and which is easy to clean.

And yet further objects of this invention are to provide a closure system which is attractive in appearance, which is extremely economical to manufacture, and which affords areas suitable for advertising and other messages.

The invention is characterized by paired inter-sliding box-top closure halves forming an assembly sized to fit in width where desired, and adjustable in length, with provision for interchangeability of parts of a given width; in all embodiments oversize width is compensatable by friction fit in length for top-opening and side opening boxes.

The above objects and advantages of this invention will become better appreciated on examination of the following description, including the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of this invention, in place on a box;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the underside of an assembly similar in most respects to the FIG. 1 embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an end elevation in section of another embodiment of this invention installed on a box; and

FIGS. 4 and 5 are layouts indicating the relative sizes of the parts of an assembly made according to this invention.

Turning now to the Figures in detail, FIGS. 1 and 2 show in perspective, various features of an assembly comprising one embodiment 10 of this invention, a sock-like assembly fitted over the box forming a Box- Sox closure. FIG. 1 shows the invention in place on a box B.

The assembly is composed of only two parts, unit 12, shown on the left and unit 14 shown on the right. The units are similar in design, although sized differently so that one unit 12 adjustably slides within the other unit 14.

Unit 12, the inner unit consists of a top 18, parallel-spaced sides 20 and 22, and an end 24. Unit 14, the outer unit similarly consists of a top 26, parallelspaced sides 28 and 30, and an end 32. The top and sides are integral and continuous, with no openings between or in them.

On assembly, the inner and outer units are in nested adjustable relation, top sliding against top and sides against sides, but with the ends opposed, forming an adjustable box-shaped enclosure having an open bottom, as best diagrammed by FIG. 2, the inverted view of an assembly similar to that of the FIG. 1 assembly.

In use, as shown, this assembly is placed as a shelter or cover over an opened food box such as a pancake flour box, a cereal box, a confectioners sugar box, or the like. A tight fit is assured, if desired, by choosing the proper Box-Sox assembly from a set. The extreme simplicity and directness of design makes it possible to produce these closures at trifling unit cost, using high-volume thermoplastic molding techniques to form polyethylene, polystyrene or other suitable plastics in quantity. Sets of various stepped sizes to fit the most common box-top widths are supplied, and box-top length is easily matched by adjusting the sliding feature of this invention.

In addition to the designed difference in size to permit the tight, but non-jamming, sliding relation of the parts there is another difference in the design of the two units, a guide-track engagement which holds the two units together.

The bottom edges 34, 36 of the sides 28, 30 of the outer unit 14 inwardly extend to overlap at least a portion of the bottom edges 38, 40 of the sides 20, 22 of the inner unit 12. The overlap is omitted, for clarity, in FIG. 2. This engagement preserves the close fitting relation of the two parts of the assembly at all times they are together, yet allows easy disassembly, quick and thorough cleaning, and easy reassembly, when necessary. Preferably, the outer unit is inwardly extended throughout the length of the unit to improve the seal.

As supplied, the units are made sufficiently long, in proportion to common box sizes to retain at least onehalf inch overlap when fully extended as required, so that there is no air passage to the interior. Foods retain freshness, neither becoming stale nor soggy, when covered securely in this manner. Granular soap products which would otherwise harden into lumps on exposure to moisture remain free-pouring.

Whendesired, the assembly can be fitted on the bottom of, for example, a soap container which is in the use during laundering operations, to protect the bottom of the package from wet surfaces on which placed after the laundering is completed. When the box is to be removed for storage, the Box-Sox assembly can be placed on the top again to prevent deterioration of the contents, or spillage when the box is moved. This feature prevents loss of the assembly, as well. The invention is also very useful at the beach, when camping, on picnics, or in moving trailers for these reasons.

As indicated in the Figures, the two units 12 and 14 are of approximately equal length, so that they can be extended to fit any boxtop length from the completely retracted dimension of the units to the fully extended dimension, which is almost double the retracted dimension, maximizing the range of extension.

The generous downward extensions of skirts of the sides and ends are proportioned to assure covering any ordinary box opening whether on top, side, or end of the box.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of serried or recessed areas 42, 44, on the sides of the respective units, affording non-slip grips under all conditions, and making possible one-hand adjustment of the lengths of most sizes of the assembly. These areas may also be placed on the other exterior surfaces of the assembly.

From FIGS. 1 and 2 it will be appreciated also that the flat top and end areas of the assembly are ideally adapted to bear advertising or other messages, whether molded in or applied. A variety of colors can be provided to give the consumer choices.

FIG. 3 is a transverse section in elevation of a different embodiment 50 of this invention in place on a box B. Although operation and uses of this embodiment are the same as previously described, the structures of the inner unit 118 and the outer unit 126 are somewhat modified to provide different guide-track means, which is better adapted for some injection molding production processes.

In the FIG. 3 embodiment a dovetail arrangement engages the sliding interfaces of the nested tops of the inner and outer members, as follows. An undercut spline 34 protrusive from one member engages an undercut longitudinal keyway 136 in the other member. The spline and the keyway can be in either member. The spline is integrally 'molded, as is the keyway, preserving the two-part simplicity and economy of the assembly.

In this embodiment as in the prior one, it can be seen that jamming and snagging of parts of the assembly on torn or distorted box structure is entirely avoided, since the interior surface of the Box-Sox in all embodiments are smoothly faired.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are proportional layouts of the end, top, and sides of an inner unit 112, and of the end, top, and sides of a matching outer unit 114, as realized in a preferred plastic embodiment like that of FIG. 3, showing the extremely simple relation of the parts.

Disregarding allowance for sliding clearance, it can be seen that the dimensions which are not identical differ only by one or by two thicknesses t of the plastic. A typical small-size box representing commercial packaging practice has a top length of 1 V4 inches and a top width of 3 34 inches. A typical larger-size box has a top length of 3 inches and a top width of 6 it inches. The present invention in suitable size-embodiments covers these boxes perfectly, and can be made in practical embodiments to fit much larger or much smaller boxes.

It will readily be appreciated that the sides and top of either unit can be extended without altering the fit. Particularly, is is apparent that the outer unit 14 can be elongated in this manner to provide a greater range of extension than before while preserving the exact same internal retracted dimension.

Although the width dimension of the closure is fixed, it will be appreciated that the cup-like design of the device affords good closure of a top-opened box or an end-opened box even though the width dimension of the closure is oversize. Good retention is assured by closing the length of the assembly to a tight friction-fit with the ends of the box. Even though there may be sprin gy, torn cardboard or paper atop the box, the assembly can be pressed down and retained by the tight friction-fit of the cover with the ends of the box.

Because there are no closure slides or parts to be bent, boxes protected by this invention are safe for children to open and reclose. Last but not least, is another safety feature of this invention, previously indicated. Because the B0x-Sox" must be removed to allow any pouring of the contents from a box protected by it, any contaminative matter which may have been spilled accidentally over a box protected by this invention will not be poured with the food or other contents, but instead will be safely set off to the side with the protective cover.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

I claim:

1. An adjustable-length closure adapted for protecting the top and upper side portions of a rectangular box, including openings therein, and, alternatively, for protecting the box bottom portion from liquid penetration, comprising: a first, rectangular unit having integral, continuous top, parallel-spaced sides, and end; a second rectangular unit having integral, continuous, top, parallel-spaced sides, and end; the first unit being adapted for sliding within the second unit, with all said top and sides in contact and said ends opposed, the lower edges of the sides of the second unit inwardly extended, overlapping and sealing the lower edges of the first unit, thereby forming an adjustable-length assembly having an opening for receiving and protecting said portions of a box.

2. An adjustable-length closure as recited in claim 1, wherein the lengths of the respective first and second units are substantially equal, thereby providing max- 5 imum range of extension of said closure.

3. An adjustable-length closure as recited in claim 2, wherein outer portions of the sides of the respective wherein the respective tops of said units are joined by a dovetail slide.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,692,230 Dated September 19, 1972 Inventor(s) Anita L. Kapiloff It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent v and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

, On the cover sheet, item [72] should read Anita L. Kapiloff, 2845 McGill Terrace, Washington, D.C. 20008 Signed andsealed this 2nd day of January 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLE TCHER,JR. ROBERT G OTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-10S0 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-5 69 v U15. GOVERNMENT FRINYING ornc: I!" o-aes-azm

Claims (5)

1. An adjustable-length closure adapted for protecting the top and upper side portions of a rectangular box, including openings therein, and, alternatively, for protecting the box bottom portion from liquid penetration, comprising: a first, rectangular unit having integral, continuous top, parallel-spaced sides, and end; a second rectangular unit having integral, continuous, top, parallel-spaced sides, and end; the first unit being adapted for sliding within the second unit, with all said top and sides in contact and said ends opposed, the lower edges of the sides of the second unit inwardly extended, overlapping and sealing the lower edges of the first unit, thereby forming an adjustablelength assembly having an opening for receiving and protecting said portions of a box.

2. An adjustable-length closure as recited in claim 1, wherein the lengths of the respective first and second units are substantially equal, thereby providing maximum range of extension of said closure.

3. An adjustable-length closure as recited in claim 2, wherein outer portions of the sides of the respective units have grip improving means thereon.

4. An adjustable-length closure as recited in claim 3, wherein said closure consists of thermoplastic material.

5. An adjustable-length closure as recited in claim 1, wherein the respective tops of said units are joined by a dovetail slide.

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