Partitioned Container with Self-Locking Access Portion

This application is an original filing, and does not claim priority to any other foreign or domestic filing.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to a partitioned container having a self-locking access portion for use with storage or transportation of various objects.

The present disclosure relates generally to containers, and more particularly to divided containers for use with object storage or shipping, such as for use in palletized shipping systems. Traditional divider systems are primarily configured for providing internal dividers within the box containing perimeter. The dividers may be formed of interlocking sheets. The interlocking sheets commonly comprise interior divided cells, and perimeter cells that are open around the perimeter of the divider. Alternatively, interlocking divider partitions do not delineate a complete perimeter cell, but provide for an abbreviated perimeter cell that functions as an air cell around the perimeter of the divider.

The use of perimeter cells results in a waste of a significant portion of the box container volume, and adds weight to the divider system that does not provide for additional item cells. In addition, heavy items carried in the interior cells may shift and collapse the perimeter air cells, allowing additional shifting of the contents of the box container. Shifting can cause impact damage or lead to the collapse of a stack of divider sections or box containers. Furthermore, the traditional divided container having exterior panels surmounting the interior divided cells cannot be folded about fold lines to a substantially flat state.

Certain issues with traditional divider systems have been previously addressed by introducing a crate formed from mated slotted transverse panels and slotted longitudinal panels, where said transverse panels and longitudinal panels (collectively or independently “interior panels”) are surmounted by exterior panel(s), as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,096,349 B2 (the “349” patent) and other related patent applications. In the prior devices according to the '349 patent and other related prior patents/applications (technology disclosed therein may be referred to herein as “prior assemblies”), folding tab sections of certain interior panels may be connected to the exterior panel(s), wherein each folding tab section may extend horizontally along a portion of the exterior panel(s) for substantially a distance from a fold line of the folding tab section to a side edge of the folding tab section opposite of the fold line. Each folding tab section may further be substantially affixed to a portion of an interior face of the exterior panel(s) in contact thereto for substantially the aforementioned distance (“facially affixed”) by adhesive, tape, staples, some combination thereof, or the like, thus eliminating perimeter cells. Fold lines of the interior and exterior panel(s) may permit the assembly to be folded into a substantially flat state.

An exterior panel of a traditional divider system/prior assembly container may include four walls defining a perimeter of an interior compartment. When the container is positioned in a substantially cuboid configuration, a roof may be located immediately above the four walls, and/or a base may be positioned immediately below the four walls. Any face of a container adapted to permit access therethrough to an interior compartment, including by way of example and not limitation a roof and/or a base of the container, may be referred to herein as an “access region” or “access portion.” An access region of a traditional divider system/prior assembly container may be formed in a closed position from four exterior panel folding tab sections. Each aforementioned exterior panel folding tab section may be rotated about a respective fold line to surround a portion of the interior compartment. The exterior panel folding tab sections may then be restrained, at least temporarily, by being affixed to one another and/or to another portion of the container, such as by adhesive, tape, staples, some combination thereof, or the like. Alternatively, or additionally, each exterior panel folding tab section may be positioned below a first substantially perpendicular exterior panel folding tab section at one area, and positioned above a second substantially perpendicular exterior panel folding tab section at another area (referred to herein as “access region overlap-folding”) to restrict, at least temporarily, rotation of each exterior panel folding tab section. An access region of a traditional divider system/prior assembly container may alternatively or additionally comprise a detachable surface, such as a lid.

A significant drawback with a traditional divider system/prior assembly container is that an access region thereof lacks adaptation to be optimally secured through features and material of the container itself. Access region overlap-folding is a well-known method for forming an access region in a closed position, and it may be performed without employing additional material such as tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like, but access region overlap-folding, without more, may provide poor access region integrity. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the weight of one or more heavy objects bearing down on a base formed from access region overlap-folding may cause one or more exterior panel folding tab sections forming said base to deflect or slip through another exterior panel folding tab section, leading to, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, failure of the base to support and secure objects positioned there above. The failure of the base to adequately support and secure objects positioned there above may lead to damage to, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, the objects originally positioned in the container (such as by way of example and not limitation, an object being discharged from the bottom of the container and striking the ground thereafter), the container itself, and material in the surrounding environment.

Because access region overlap-folding, without more, may not be adequate to maintain the integrity of the access region, a substantial amount of tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like may be required to store or transport certain objects in traditional divider system/prior assembly containers. The use of tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like, especially in substantial quantities, may have disadvantages. By way of example and not limitation, more material, labor, money, and energy may be required to apply and/or remove said tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like. Thus, the overall monetary, labor and environmental costs of using traditional divider systems and the prior assemblies may be higher. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, monetary expenditures may be required to obtain tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like. As another example, by way of illustration and not limitation, a substantial amount of waste may be generated from repeated applications and removals of shipping tape, wherein shipping tape may be discarded as solid waste to be shipped to a landfill after each removal. An individual may also be required to employ potentially dangerous tools, such as by way of example and not limitation, box cutters, scissors, staplers, staple removers, glue dispensers, or the like, to apply and/or remove portions of tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like. In addition, higher amounts of additional material, such as tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like may noticeably increase the weight of the container.

In some cases, the use of tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like, even together with access region overlap-folding, may be inadequate to support and secure heavy objects. Sufficient reinforcement material may be lacking in a traditional divider system/prior assembly container. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like may be inadequate to maintain connections between different portions of the container, and/or may be inadequate to prevent deflection of and/or damage to certain portions of the container. As a specific example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the weight of one or more heavy objects bearing down on an exterior panel folding tab section may cause material defining said tab to rip, tear, split or the like from one or more staples, an amount of tape, an amount of adhesive, or the like. Object(s) may be unintentionally discharged from the container as a result. As another specific example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the weight of one or more heavy objects bearing down on a base of a container may cause deflection of or damage to corrugated paperboard material defining an exterior panel folding tab section thereof. Damage to corrugated paperboard may reduce container lifespan.

Another issue with an access region of a traditional divider system/prior assembly container is that repeated applications and removals of tape, staples, adhesive, some combination thereof, or the like may contribute to degradation of the container material, and thus may reduce the lifespan of the container. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, a number of removals of shipping tape from corrugated paperboard may cause thinning of the corrugated paperboard over time as a certain amount of corrugated paperboard is stripped from the container during each tape removal.

Additionally, there may be disadvantages to employing removable surfaces such as lids as access regions. For instance, by way of example and not limitation, a detachable lid may potentially be lost as a result of being structurally independent of the container itself. As another example, by way of illustration and not limitation, a detachable lid may require a substantial amount of tape, staples, adhesive, some combination thereof, or the like to be secured to a container. As yet another example, a detachable lid may require an additional amount of storage space. As yet another example, a detachable lid may require a separate manufacturing procedure, thus it may be more expensive to employ removable surfaces such as lids as access regions.

In view of the foregoing, alternatives to traditional interlocking divider systems known in the art and to the prior assemblies are needed to improve efficiency in the shipping and manufacturing industries.

It is an exemplary objective of the present invention to provide a partitioned container comprising a plurality of individual compartments or cells formed by the interlocking of a first series of substantially parallel interior panels with a second series of substantially parallel interior panels. The present invention requires less material than traditional systems for manufacturing a specific sized container because the wasted space of perimeter cells is eliminated. Additionally, the foldability of the present design minimizes the amount of storage space needed for storing the exemplary container because the container, when folded, is in a substantially flat state.

It is another exemplary objective of the present invention to provide a partitioned container comprising a reinforced access portion adapted to be secured and disengaged through a self-locking feature of the container (“self-locking access portion”). An exemplary self-locking access portion in accordance with the present invention comprises reinforcement material which may provide optimal support for objects in the container, and thus may be particularly advantageous for storing or shipping heavier objects. An exemplary partitioned container with a self-locking access portion may be adapted for optimal performance without the need for tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like to secure the access portion. An exemplary partitioned container with a self-locking access portion may further be adapted for optimal performance without the need for potentially dangerous tools such as, by way of example and not limitation, box cutters, scissors, staple removers, or the like to “disengage the access portion” (to reposition material defining the access portion to substantially reveal the interior compartment). An exemplary partitioned container with a self-locking access portion may further be adapted for optimal performance without the need for any removable surface, such as, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, a lid.

In the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated herein, a partitioned container comprises a self-locking access portion adapted to define a base of the container (“self-locking base portion”). It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that an exemplary partitioned container may comprise one or more self-locking access portions, each positioned at any face of the container, without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, an exemplary partitioned container may comprise both a self-locking base portion and self-locking access portion adapted to define a roof of the container.

One embodiment of an exemplary partitioned container with a self-locking access portion includes a series of substantially parallel transverse panels defining a portion of interior panels. Each transverse panel may include a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. Each transverse panel may further include a partitioning section and one or more folding tab sections, wherein each folding tab section may extend from either side of the partitioning section. Each transverse panel may also include a number of transverse panel slots. The aforementioned embodiment may further include a series of substantially parallel longitudinal panels defining a portion of the interior panels. Each longitudinal panel may include a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. Each longitudinal panel may further include a partitioning section and one or more folding tab sections, wherein each folding tab section may extend from either side of the partitioning section. Each longitudinal panel may also include a number of longitudinal panel slots.

The longitudinal panels may be substantially perpendicularly disposed with the transverse panels, where the transverse panel slots may be placed within the longitudinal panel slots to create a crate of individual compartments. The number of slots in each of the transverse and longitudinal panels may be varied depending on the number of interior partitions or individual compartments desired. The crate of individual compartments may substantially occupy an interior compartment of the exemplary container. One or more exterior panels may define the interior compartment, wherein a plurality of exterior wall panels of the exterior panel(s) may define a perimeter of the interior compartment. The exterior wall panels may include a number of side wall panels (also referred to herein as “side walls”).

The exterior panel(s) may include at least one self-locking access portion, such as by way of example and not limitation, a self-locking base portion. The self-locking access portion may comprise a plurality of exterior wall panels, including by way of example and not limitation, a support panel, a lock panel, and one or more insert panels. The support panel may comprise a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. At least one edge of the support panel may define a fold line shared with a side wall panel. The lock panel may comprise a top edge, a bottom edge, a pair of side edges, and one or more lock apertures. At least one edge of the lock panel may define a fold line shared with a side wall panel. Each insert panel may comprise a top edge, a pair of side edges, a plurality of panel tabs, and at least one intermediate fold line adapted to permit at least one panel tab to be positioned in or away from at least one lock aperture. At least one edge of the insert panel may define an edge fold line shared with a side wall panel.

The self-locking access portion may be adapted to be secured by, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, positioning the support panel in a position substantially perpendicular to the side walls and in close substantially perpendicular proximity to the interior panels, positioning the lock panel in close planar proximity to the support panel, and positioning at least one panel tab of each insert panel into a respective lock aperture adapted to substantially immobilize the insert panel and lock panel, such as to achieve a locked configuration of the access portion. In an exemplary locked configuration of a self-locking base portion, the support panel, together with the interlocked lock and insert panels positioned there below, may provide multiple layers of immobilized material at the base of the container, wherein the layers may be adapted to reinforce one another, preventing any objects positioned there above from causing deflection of the base, and/or preventing any objects positioned there above from compromising the integrity of the base.

The self-locking access portion may further be adapted to be disengaged from

a locked configuration, such as by, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, positioning each panel tab of each insert panel away from a respective lock aperture, positioning the lock panel away from planar proximity to the support panel, and positioning the support panel away from a position substantially perpendicular to side walls of the exterior panel(s) and in close substantially perpendicular proximity to the interior panels, such as to achieve an open configuration of the access portion. In an exemplary opened configuration of a self-locking base portion, the interior compartment of the container is substantially revealed at a base region, and objects may be introduced to or removed from the container through the aforementioned base region.

Side walls of the exterior panel(s) may each comprise a fold line at one or more edges of each side wall. Each side wall may comprise a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. Each side wall may share a fold line with another exterior wall panel at shared edges thereof. At least one side wall may comprise a handle. At least one side wall may comprise an open side edge not defined by a fold line. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the exterior panels and interior panels specifically described herein. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, in other embodiments, certain interior panels may not comprise folding tab sections. Furthermore, by way of example and not limitation, in other embodiments, additional reinforcing layers may be introduced to the self-locking access portion.

At least one mating tab may be provided on an exterior panel, wherein the mating tab may share a fold line with a side wall of the exterior panel, and wherein the mating tab may be configured to overlap a portion of an opposing side edge of an exterior panel. The at least one mating tab may be configured to be affixed to said overlapped portion, such as, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, to cause the exterior panel to close around the crate of individual compartments. In other embodiments, at least one exterior panel may have one or more tabs at an edge thereof. Mating recesses corresponding to said tabs may be positioned on an opposing edge of an exterior panel. The at least one exterior panel may at least partially surround the crate for forming an outside of the partitioned container. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that there may be any

number of methods for mating portions of one or more exterior panels to define an interior compartment without departing from the scope of the present invention. Each interior panel folding tab section may be joined to the exterior panel(s). The resulting partitioned container may be folded about the various fold lines of the exterior and interior panels such as to a substantially flat state. It will also be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that more than one exterior panel may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The disclosed partitioned container is useful in shipping various objects, for example individual component parts for automobiles, in individual compartments so as to prevent damage to the various objects or component parts, for example by parts bumping against each other during shipment. The disclosed partitioned container may be shipped or stored in a relatively flat, folded down configuration and then unfolded for insertion of various objects or component parts. The entire volume of the partitioned container may be used for storing objects or component parts inasmuch as individual compartments fill the entire interior volume of the partitioned container. The disclosed partitioned container assembly may contain a plurality of fold lines and folding tab sections that permit folding of the assembly. Exemplary partitioned containers comprise at least one self-locking access portion adapted to provide structural support thereto, such as for withstanding applied forces from any number of different objects positioned therein.

Referring initially to, an exemplary partitioned container having a self-locking base portionis shown. Here, the self-locking base portion (itself not visible in) of the containeris positioned below a crateof individual cells or compartmentsfor stuffing with the same or different objects or component parts (not shown) for storage or shipment. The partitioned containermay be useful for shipping small automobile parts, although such use is not required. Such number of individual compartmentsis by way of illustration and not limitation.

The partitioned containermay further comprise at least one exterior panelcomprising a plurality of side walls, wherein the exterior panelmay define an interior compartment comprising the crateof individual cells or compartments. The exterior panelmay comprise a top edge and a pair of side edges. Each side wallmay comprise a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. Each side wallmay comprise at least one fold lineat one or more edges thereof. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, a first side wallmay comprise a fold lineat a side edge thereof, and a second side walladjacent to the first side wall may share a side edge comprising fold linewith the first side wall, such that each of the first and second side wallsmay be rotated about the fold line.

The at least one exterior panelmay further comprise a mating tabhaving a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. A fold linemay define a shared side edge of the mating tabwith a side wallpositioned adjacent thereto. The at least one exterior panelmay also comprise a side wallincluding an open side edge not defined by a fold line (“open-end wall”). The mating tabmay be rotated about the fold lineto be positioned over a portion of the open-end wall, and affixed thereto (such as by, for example not by way of limitation, adhesive, staples, tape, some combination thereof, or the like), permitting the exterior panelto close around the crateof individual cells or compartments, thus defining the outside of the partitioned container. The mating tabmay be affixed to the open-end wallby, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, adhesive, tape, bands or other securing mechanisms.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that individual features of an exemplary exterior panelmay be any number of different shapes and/or sizes. In some embodiments, an exemplary mating tabmay be approximately 2 inches wide from an open side edge to the fold line, and 24 inches tall from top edge to bottom edge. In some embodiments, an exemplary side wallmay be approximately 24 inches wide from side edge to side edge, and 24 inches tall from top edge to bottom edge. The present invention is also not intended to be limited to the use of a single exterior panel (e.g.,) having a single mating tab (e.g.,). In other embodiments, the partitioned container may comprise multiple exterior panels. In some embodiments, at least one exterior panel may have one or more tabs at an edge thereof, and mating recesses corresponding to said tabs may be positioned an opposing edge of the same or a separate exterior panel. In such embodiments, the number of fold lines will be adjusted accordingly. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that there may be any number of methods for mating portions of one or more exterior panels to define an interior compartment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The partitioned containermay also comprise one or more longitudinal panelshaving one or more folding tab sections, wherein each folding tab sectionmay be positioned on either side of a partitioning section of the longitudinal panel. The partitioned containermay additionally comprise one or more transverse panelshaving one or more folding tab sections, wherein each folding tab sectionmay be positioned on either side of a partitioning section of the transverse panel. Each longitudinal panelmay comprise a number of slots along the partitioning section thereof, wherein each slot may be configured to receive a portion of a transverse panel. Each transverse panelmay comprise a number of slots along the partitioning section thereof, wherein each slot may be configured to receive a portion of a longitudinal panel. The longitudinal panelsmay be configured to extend across a length of the containerin substantial parallel proximity to one another in a first direction. The transverse panelsmay be configured to extend across a length of the containerin substantial parallel proximity to one another in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The transverse panelsand longitudinal panelsmay interlock to define the crate, wherein the perimeter of each individual compartment or cellis defined by portions of interior panels,in proximity to one another. The transverse panelsand longitudinal panelsmay be surrounded at least partially by the at least one exterior panel.

The folding tab sectionsof each longitudinal panelmay be facially affixed to a portion of an interior face of a side wallof an exterior panel. Furthermore, the folding tab sectionsof each transverse panelmay be facially affixed to a portion of an interior face of a side wallof an exterior panel. Each folding tab section,of interior panels,may be facially affixed to the exterior panelby, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, an amount of adhesive, staples, tape, some combination thereof, or the like. The partitioned containermay further comprise at least one handle, such as for, by way of example and not limitation, permitting an individual to carry the containerfrom one location to another.

In theembodiment, the partitioned containercomprises a self-locking base portion, as described below, but a roof is not shown. The present invention does not require omission of a roof, but omission of a roof may be advantageous for, by way of example and not limitation, reducing container weight, stacking containers, storing containers, some combination thereof, or the like. In other embodiments, the partitioned container may include a roof. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, a self-locking access portion of the present invention may be adapted to define a roof of the container, such that independent self-locking access portions are located at each of the base and the roof of the container. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that any number of different materials and configurations thereof may be employed to define a roof of an exemplary partitioned container having a self-locking base portion without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the exterior panel(s) may comprise additional folding tab sections that may be rotated about fold lines, and thereafter restrained, at least temporarily, by access region overlap-folding, adhesive, tape, staples, some combination thereof, or the like to define a roof of the partitioned container. In yet other embodiments, the roof of the partitioned containermay be a detachable lid, or the like.

Referring now to, varying plan views of an exemplary exterior panelin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention are shown. The exterior panelmay comprise a plurality of exterior wall panels including side wallsseparated by fold lines, one or more handleseach defined, at least partially, by an opening or aperture in a side wall, and a mating tabat an edge of the exterior panel opposite of an open-end wall. The exterior panelmay further comprise a number of exterior wall panels (e.g.,,,) collectively defining a self-locking access portion. In this particular embodiment, a support panel, lock panel, and one or more insert panelscollectively define a self-locking base portion. Each insert panelmay comprise a plurality of insert panel tabs-separated from one another by slots. Each insert panelmay further comprise an intermediate fold line. Each lock panelmay comprise lock apertures.

Each of the support paneland lock panelmay include a top edge, a bottom edge, and a pair of side edges. Each insert panelmay include a top edge and a pair of side edges. A top edge of the lock panelmay define a fold lineshared with a side wall. A top edge of the support panelmay define a fold lineshared with a side wall. A top edge of each insert panelmay define an edge fold lineshared with a side wall. Bottom edges of each of the support paneland lock panelmay define open edges thereof. Side edges of each of the support panel, lock panel, and insert panelsmay comprise open edges.

The self-locking access portion (e.g.,) may be configured to provide optimal support for objects positioned in a partitioned container. The self-locking access portion may comprise corrugated paperboard material, but corrugated paperboard is not required. In exemplary embodiments, additional material such as, for example, tape, adhesive, staples, some combination thereof, or the like are not required to secure the access portion, and additional tools, such as, for example, box cutters, scissors, staple removers, or the like are not required to disengage the access portion. The various panels and tabs (e.g.,,,,,) of the exterior panel may be folded about fold lines (e.g.,), and the various interior panels may be folded about respective fold lines, such as to permit the partitioned container to be folded to a substantially flat state. The exterior wall panels (e.g.,,,) may be rotated with respect to one another about fold lines, such as to permit the container to be folded to a substantially flat state.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that individual features of an exemplary self-locking access portion (e.g.,) may be any number of different shapes and/or sizes. In some embodiments, an exemplary support panelmay be approximately 22 inches long from a bottom side edge to the fold line, and 24 inches wide from side edge to side edge. In some embodiments, an exemplary lock panelmay be approximately 22 inches long from a bottom side edge to the fold line, and 24 inches wide from side edge to side edge. In some embodiments, an exemplary insert panelmay be approximately 22 inches wide from side edge to side edge. It will further be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that an insert panel does not require a single intermediate fold line (e.g.,) and three substantially rectangular panel tabs (e.g.,-). In other embodiments, multiple fold lines may be positioned between an edge fold line of an insert panel and an opposing side edge thereof. In other embodiments, portions of an insert panel adapted to engage at least one aperture of a lock panel may be arranged in any number of different numbers, shapes, and/or sizes, and may include any number of different slot configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

illustrates the exemplary partitioned containerof theembodiment wherein a self-locking base portioncomprising a support panel, lock panel, and insert panelsof an exterior panelis positioned in an open configuration. Referring now to, each of the support panel, lock panel, and insert panelsmay be configured to rotated about a respective fold line, such as, for example by way of illustration and not limitation, to cause the panel (e.g.,,,) to surround a portion of the cratecomprising interior cells or compartments, thus defining a self-locking base portionconfiguration other than an open configuration (as illustrated in). Side wallsmay also each be configured to rotate about a fold line, thus permitting the partitioned containerto be folded to a substantially flat state.

Referring specifically to, the cratemay comprise a series of longitudinal panelscomprising folding tab sections, wherein the longitudinal panelsmay be mated with a series of transverse panelscomprising folding tab sectionsto form the individual cells or compartmentsin the interior of the partitioned container. The folding tab sections,of interior panels,and partitioning sections of the interior panels,may be configured to rotate with respect to one another about fold lines. In an exemplary open configuration, one or more objects are permitted to be introduced to and/or removed from the partitioned containerpast the top edge of each panel,,of the self-locking access portion (e.g.,).

The lock panelmay comprise lock apertures, wherein each lock aperturemay be adapted to receive a portion of a respective insert panel. Each lock aperturemay comprise a gapand an aperture tab section, wherein the aperture tab sectionmay be folded about a fold line. Each insert panelmay comprise a plurality of insert panel tabs-separated from one another by slots, and an intermediate fold line. The intermediate fold linemay permit separate portions of the insert panelto be rotated with respect to one another about the intermediate fold line, such as for, by way of example and not limitation, repositioning the insert panel tabs-for securing the self-locking access portion (e.g.,), and/or repositioning the insert panel tabs-for disengaging the self-locking access portion (e.g.,).

In, the self-locking base portioncomprising the support panel, lock panel, and insert panelsof the exterior panelof the exemplary partitioned containerof theembodiment is shown, wherein the self-locking base portionis positioned in a first configuration intermediate with respect to an open configuration (as illustrated in) and a locked configuration (as illustrated in FIG.). Referring specifically to, the first intermediate configuration may be achieved by positioning a support panelin a position substantially perpendicular to the side walls, and in close substantially perpendicular proximity to the interior panels. In the first intermediate configuration shown, the lock panel(comprising lock apertureseach including a gapand an aperture tab sectionadapted to rotate about a fold line) is positioned away from close planar proximity to the support panel. In the aforementioned configuration, rotation of the support panelabout its respective fold lineis not restricted by either the lock panelor insert panels(each comprising an intermediate fold lineand insert panel tabs-separated from one another by slots). The self-locking base portionmay be repositioned from the first intermediate configuration to an open configuration by repositioning the support panelto a position away from substantially perpendicular proximity to the interior panels. The self-locking base portionmay be repositioned from the first intermediate configuration to a second intermediate configuration by repositioning the lock panelas described below.

Referring now to, the self-locking base portioncomprising the support panel, lock panel(comprising lock apertureseach including a gapand an aperture tab sectionadapted to rotate about a fold line), and insert panels(each comprising an intermediate fold lineand insert panel tabs-separated from one another by slots) of the exterior panelof the exemplary partitioned containerof theembodiment is shown, wherein the self-locking base portionis positioned in a second intermediate configuration. The second intermediate configuration shown may be achieved by positioning the lock panelin close planar proximity to the support panel(which in the second intermediate configuration, may be substantially perpendicular to the side walls, and in close substantially perpendicular proximity to the interior panels). In the second intermediate configuration shown, the lock panelmay restrict rotation of the support panelabout its respective fold line. In the second intermediate configuration shown, rotation of the lock panelis not restricted by the insert panels. The self-locking base portionmay be repositioned from the second intermediate configuration to the first intermediate configuration by repositioning the lock panelto a position away from close planar proximity to the support panel. The self-locking base portionmay be repositioned from the second intermediate configuration to a third intermediate configuration by repositioning the insert panelsas described below.

Referring now to, the self-locking base portioncomprising the support panel, lock panel(comprising lock apertureseach including a gapand an aperture tab sectionadapted to rotate about a fold line), and insert panels(each comprising an intermediate fold lineand insert panel tabs-separated from one another by slots) of the exterior panelof the exemplary partitioned containerof theembodiment is shown, wherein the self-locking base portionis positioned in a third intermediate configuration. The third intermediate configuration shown may be achieved in part by rotating each insert panelabout a respective edge fold lineto a position in close proximity to the lock panel(which in the third intermediate configuration, may be in a position in close planar proximity to the support panel, which may be substantially perpendicular to the side walls, and in close substantially perpendicular proximity to the interior panels). In the third intermediate configuration, the insert panelsmay restrict rotation of the lock panelabout its respective fold line.

In the third intermediate configuration, a first portion of each insert panelmay be rotated about a fold line, wherein the fold linemay separate the first portion of the insert panelfrom a second portion of the insert panel, wherein the second portion of the insert panelmay share another fold line (e.g., edge fold line) with a side wall. The first portion of each insert panelmay be rotated to permit an insert panel tab (e.g.,) to be positioned in a gapand secured under an aperture tab sectionof a respective lock aperture. The aperture tab sectionof the lock aperturemay be rotated about a fold lineto permit the insert panel tab (e.g.,) to be positioned thereunder. Positioning of the insert panel tab (e.g.,) of insert panelin a respective lock aperturemay cause substantial immobilization of the insert paneland the lock panel, which in turn may cause substantial immobilization of the support panel. The self-locking base portionmay be repositioned from the third intermediate configuration to the second intermediate configuration by repositioning the insert panelsaway from close proximity to the lock panel. The self-locking base portionmay be repositioned from the third intermediate configuration to a locked configuration by repositioning the insert panelsand tabs thereof (e.g.,-) to a secured position, such as shown in.

illustrates the exemplary partitioned containerof theembodiment, wherein the self-locking base portioncomprising the lock panel(comprising lock apertureseach including an aperture tab sectionadapted to rotate about a fold line) and insert panels(each comprising an intermediate fold lineand insert panel tabs (e.g.,and c)) of the exterior panelis shown positioned in a locked configuration. In an exemplary intermediate or locked configuration, one or more objects may not be permitted to be introduced to and/or removed from the partitioned containerpast the top edge of each panel,,of the self-locking access portion (e.g.,). The locked configuration shown may be achieved by positioning an insert panel tab of each insert panelin the gapof the respective lock aperture, and under the aperture tab sectionof the same, and causing each insert panelto be in substantial close planar proximity to the lock panel. In the aforementioned configuration, a slotof an insert panelmay receive an edge of a lock aperture.

In the exemplary locked configuration shown, the support panel (itself not visible in), together with the interlocked lockand insertpanels positioned in close planar proximity thereto, may provide multiple layers of immobilized material between object(s) in the partitioned containerand the surrounding environment, wherein the layers (e.g.,,) may reinforce one another. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the reinforced layers (e.g.,,) may prevent any objects positioned there above from causing deflection of the baseof an exemplary partitioned container, and/or may prevent any objects positioned there above from compromising the structural integrity of the baseof the container. Referring now to, as an example by way of illustration and not limitation, object mass-related deflection of any panel,,of the self-locking base portionmay be prevented, at least in part, by the layered exchange and distribution of force(s) across the various secured and/or interlocked surfaces of the panels,,. Also, the size and rigidity of the support panelmay act to prevent deflection of subsequent layers (e.g.,,). As another example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the surface of one panel (e.g., lock panel) may contact the surface of another panel (e.g., support panel) to provide structural support thereto and prevent deflection thereof. Furthermore, portions of the lock paneland/or the support panelin close proximity to the insert panel tab(s) (e.g.,) may act with respect to the insert panelto prevent an insert panel tab (e.g.,) from being released from a respective lock aperture, unless a portion of the insert panelis folded about a fold lineby action of a user to cause the aforementioned release. Thus, the exemplary partitioned containermay be secured using exclusively features (e.g.,,,) of the containeritself.

The self-locking base portionmay be disengaged from the locked configuration by being repositioned from the locked configuration to an intermediate or open configuration. The aforementioned repositioning may be achieved by, at least in part, removing from each lock apertureany insert panel tab (e.g.,) positioned therein, such as by folding an aperture tab section (e.g.,) away from the insert panel tab (e.g.,) positioned thereunder, and folding a portion of the insert panelabout a fold lineto release the insert panel tab (e.g.,), and repositioning each insert panelaway from substantial planar and close proximity to the lock panel. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the self-locking base portionmay be repositioned from a locked configuration to an open configuration by repositioning each of the insert panels, the lock panel, and the support panelfrom being in close substantial perpendicular proximity to both the side wallsand interior panels,.

It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the shapes and configurations illustrated and described herein. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, in other embodiments, an exemplary partitioned container may comprise a self-locking access portion defined by more than one support panel. As another example, by way of illustration and not limitation, in other embodiments, a plurality of lock apertures of any number of different shapes or sizes may be adapted to receive a plurality of insert panel tabs of any number of different shapes or sizes of a single insert panel. As yet another example, by way of illustration and not limitation, in other embodiments, only one insert panel may be employed. In yet other embodiments, more than two insert panels may be employed.

In, the interlocked transverse panelsand longitudinal panelssurrounded by the exterior panelare seen in a position forming a crateof individual compartmentsof an exemplary partitioned container. In this particular embodiment, each interior panel,comprises two folding tab sections (e.g., two folding tab sectionsfor longitudinal panel; e.g., two folding tab sectionsfor transverse panel), each on either side of a partitioning section of the panel,, wherein the folding tab sections (e.g.,) of each panel (e.g.,) extend in opposite directions with respect to one another, and are substantially parallel with respect to one another. Each interior panel folding tab section,may be facially affixed by adhesive, tape, staples, some combination thereof, or the like to an interior face of at least one side wallof an exterior panel, wherein side wallsmay be separated from one another by fold lines. In the embodiment shown, a number of transverse panel folding tab sectionscomprise a folding tab section aperture, wherein the folding tab section aperturemay be configured to align with an exterior panel aperture to define a handleof the partitioned container. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more handles of an exemplary partitioned container may be formed in any number of different shapes, sizes or configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, a support panelis positioned immediately below the crate, and may be configured to provide support for objects positioned in one or more individual compartmentsthereof. An advantage of providing reinforced material (e.g.,) at the base of partitioned container, by way of example and not limitation, is that the reinforced material (e.g.,) may prevent impact damage by sufficiently maintaining objects within the container. The support panelmay comprise paperboard or other sufficiently rigid material to support objects in the partitioned container.

Referring now to, the exemplary partitioned containerof theembodiment is shown, wherein the partitioned containeris positioned in a partially folded configuration. Force(s) may be applied to one or more portions of a partitioned containerbeing substantially devoid of objects (“substantially empty”) to cause the interior panel,partitioning sections of the interior crate, the support panel, the lock panel(comprising lock apertureseach including a gapand an aperture tab sectionadapted to rotate about a fold line) and insert panels(each comprising an intermediate fold lineand insert panel tabs-separated by slots) of the self-locking base portion, and side wallsof the exterior panelto rotate about respective fold lines (e.g.,) (direction of rotation of the partitioned containeris demonstrated by way of example and not limitation by arrow A) until air volumes defining the interiors of each substantially empty compartmentof cratehave been substantially reduced or eliminated. The reduction of air volumes defining the interiors of each substantially empty compartmentof cratepermits compaction of the cratewithin the container.