Multiple use box with security feature and methods for using

Abstract

A re-usable and self-sealing box, and a flat blank that can be manipulated into the box, that can indicate tampering includes top flaps having two or more attachment and tear strips extending from the box sides. At least two of the top flaps each include an attachment strip that can be attached to another top flap or a side to close the box and a tear strip that can be removed from the top flap to separate the flap from the attachment strip. To initially close the box, a first top flap having an attachment strip is attached to a third top flap or to a side. After separating the first top flap from the attachment strip, the box can be closed a second time by attaching a second top flap having an attachment strip to the fourth top flap or to a side. To provide a box that can be re-used more than twice, four top flaps each include an attachment strip and a tear strip. Because the tear strip cannot be re-attached to the top flap without the intended recipient recognizing this, the box can provide a clear indication of any tampering with or opening of the box.

1 . A multiple use box with security feature comprising: 
 a plurality of sides connected to each other such that each side is connected to at least two other sides and defines an interior of the box;    at least two top flaps, each extending from respective sides and pivoted toward the interior, wherein at least two of the top flaps each include an attachment strip and a tear strip, and wherein one of the attachment strips is attachable to another top flap or side and the tear strip is operable to release the flap from the attachment strip when the tear strip is removed from the flap.    
     
     
         2 . The box of  claim 1  wherein at least two of the sides are glued to each other.  
     
     
         3 . The box of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of sides includes four sides that form a square interior.  
     
     
         4 . The box of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of sides includes four sides that form a square interior and each side has a top flap extending from it.  
     
     
         5 . The box of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of sides includes four sides that form a square interior, each side has a top flap extending from it and each top flap includes an attachment strip and a tear strip.  
     
     
         6 . The box of  claim 1  wherein each attachment strip is doubletape.  
     
     
         7 . The box of  claim 1  wherein the attachment strip is a single strip located along a distal end of the top flap and extends the width of the top flap.  
     
     
         8 . The box of  claim 1  wherein the tear strip is formed by perforating a portion of the top flap.  
     
     
         9 . The box of  claim 1  wherein the attachment strip is located along a distal end of the top flap and extends the width of the top flap and the tear strip is located adjacent the attachment strip between the respective side and the attachment strip.  
     
     
         10 . A blank that can be formed into a box that provides an indication of tampering when used a second or more times, comprising: 
 a plurality of sections connected to each other and operable to form the box when pivoted relative to each other; and    at least two top flaps, each extending from a respective section, that are operable to close the box when pivoted relative to their respective section,    wherein at least two of the top flaps include an attachment strip operable to attach to another top flap or side when the top of the box is formed and a tear strip operable to remove the attachment strip from an attachedtop flap.    
     
     
         11 . The blank of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of sections includes four sections.  
     
     
         12 . The blank of  claim 10  wherein the plurality of sections includes: 
 a first section;  
 a second section connected to the first section;  
 a third section connected to the second section opposite the first section;  
 a fourth section connected to the third section opposite the second section;  
 a top flap extending from the third section and including an attachment strip and a tear strip; and  
 a top flap extending from the fourth section and including an attachment strip and a tear strip.  
 
     
     
         13 . The blank of  claim 10  wherein each attachment strip is doubletape.  
     
     
         14 . The blank of  claim 10  wherein each tear strip is formed by perforating a portion of the respective top flap.  
     
     
         15 . The blank of  claim 10  wherein the attachment strip is located along a distal end of the top flap and extends the width of the top flap and the tear strip is located adjacent the attachment strip between the respective section and the attachment strip.  
     
     
         16 . A method of using a box two or more times to ship items, comprising: 
 attaching an attachment strip on a first top flap of the box to another top flap or side to close the box;    removing a tear strip from the first top flap to separate the attachment strip from the first top flap and open the box; and    attaching an attachment strip on a second top flap of the box to another top flap or side to close the box again.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein: 
 attaching the attachment strip on the first top flap of the box to another top flap or side includes attaching the attachment strip to a third top flap of the box; and  
 attaching an attachment strip on the second top flap of the box includes attaching the attachment strip to a fourth top flap of the box.  
 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16  further comprising removing a tear strip from the second top flap to separate the attachment strip from the second top flap and open the box again.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18  further comprising: 
 attaching an attachment strip on a third top flap of the box to another top flap or side to close the box again;  
 removing a tear strip from the third top flap to separate the attachment strip from the third top flap and open the box again;  
 attaching an attachment strip on a fourth top flap of the box to another top flap or side to close the box again; and  
 removing a tear strip from the fourth top flap to separate the attachment strip from the fourth top flap and open the box again.  
 
     
     
         20 . A method of closing a box, comprising: 
 moving toward an interior of a box two or more top flaps that extend from respective sides of the box wherein at least two of the top flaps include an attachment strip and a tear strip located such that removing the tear strip from one of the top flaps separates the attachment strip from the same top flap; and    attaching the attachment strip of one of the top flaps to another top flap or side to form a top of the box