IP Library Granted Patent US 12,035,791
Granted Patent B2
US 12,035,791 · App. 18/168,147 · Granted Jul 16, 2024

Automatically opening box

Inventor: Michael T Storey (Wimborne, GB)
Assignee: Sherrill, Inc.
A45C7/0063A45C13/007A45C13/02
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,035,791
App. No.
18/168,147
Granted
Jul 16, 2024
Kind
B2
Abstract

An automatically opening box comprising a rectangular base formed from two rectangular panels joined by a foldable spine. A pair of opposed sides extend upwardly from the base at base corners perpendicular to the spine, each having a vertical fold aligned with the spine. A pair of opposed sides extend upwardly from edges of the base at base corners parallel to the spine. Adjacent sides are connected at side corners. At least two side corners include sprung hinges. Both sides of one of the pairs of opposed sides having diagonal folds. The box has a collapsed configuration where both pairs of opposed sides are folded down to be parallel to the base, the base is folded along the spine and vertical folds, and a fastener secures the box in the collapsed configuration, and a deployed configuration where the fastener is released and the sprung hinges deploy the sides and base.

Claims (18)

1. An automatically opening box comprising:

(a) a rectangular base formed from two rectangular panels joined by a foldable spine;

(b) a pair of perpendicular opposed sides extending upwardly from edges of the base at base corners perpendicular to the spine and each of the perpendicular opposed sides having a vertical fold aligned with the spine, a pair of parallel opposed sides extending upwardly from edges of the base at base corners parallel to the spine, and adjacent sides connected at side corners to define an open topped box;

(c) at least two side corners include sprung hinges;

(d) both sides of one of the pairs of opposed sides having diagonal folds;

(e) the automatically opening box having two configurations, a collapsed configuration in which both pairs of opposed sides are folded down to be parallel to the base, the base is folded along the spine and vertical folds, and a fastener secures the automatically opening box in the collapsed configuration, and a deployed configuration in which the fastener is released and the sprung hinges act to deploy the sides and base.

2. The automatically opening box of claim 1 wherein each side has at least one supporting rod extending along the side from one of the sprung hinges.

3. The automatically opening box of claim 2 wherein each sprung hinge holds three supporting rods.

4. The automatically opening box of claim 3 wherein each rod is of a different length.

5. The automatically opening box of claim 1 wherein the sprung hinges include at least one torsion spring to bias the spring open.

6. The automatically opening box claim 1 wherein the pair of opposed sides with diagonal folds each have triangular panels that define the diagonal folds.

7. The automatically opening box of claim 6 further comprising a fabric cover with pockets for the panels and wherein stitching further defines the corners and folds.

8. The automatically opening box of claim 1 further comprising at least one pouch arranged on an inner surface of the box.

9. The automatically opening box of claim 1 wherein the base has feet.

10. The automatically opening box of claim 1 wherein base has at least one eyelet to provide a drainage hole.

11. The automatically opening box of claim 10 wherein the eyelet operates as a foot.

12. The automatically opening box of claim 1 further comprising at least one touch pad.

13. The automatically opening box of claim 1 further comprising reinforced webbing.

Assignments (3)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jun 19, 2026
From: SHERRILL, INC.
To: VERTICAL SUPPLY GROUP, INC.
Reel/Frame 075960/0258 →
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Aug 5, 2025
From: SHERRILL, INC.
To: GOLUB CAPITAL LLC, AS AGENT
Reel/Frame 071932/0360 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 2, 2023
From: STOREY, MICHAEL T
To: SHERRILL, INC.
Reel/Frame 062859/0870 →
Priority Claims (1)
GB 2201899 · Feb 14, 2022 · national
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20230255332A1 · Aug 17, 2023