Convertible box

Abstract

Described here are convertible storage containers and methods of making and using them. These storage containers may be useful for packing goods, particularly packing fresh fruit and vegetables. The convertible storage containers typically comprise a plurality of non-convertible sides which assemble to form a storage cavity, a convertible side, and a plurality of conversion connectors that may secure the convertible side in a first position or a second position. When the convertible side is secured in the first position, the convertible storage container is a box having an attached top. When the convertible side is secured in the second position, the convertible storage container is an open-top display box. The convertible side may be secured by a self-securing conversion connector. Further, these convertible storage containers may be stackable, and may comprise alignment guides. Methods of making convertible storage containers are also described.

1 . A convertible storage container convertible between a storage container with a lid and a storage container with an opening into a storage cavity, the convertible storage container comprising: 
 a plurality of non-convertible sides, wherein the non-convertible sides form a storage cavity;    a convertible side connected to a non-convertible side; and    a plurality of conversion connectors for securing the convertible side in a first position, wherein the convertible side is secured across the opening into the storage cavity, or a second position, wherein the convertible side is secured adjacent to a non-convertible side.    
   
   
       2 . The convertible storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the convertible side further comprises a scored end region which may be bent along the scoring when the convertible side is secured in the second position by tucking the convertible side into the storage cavity.  
   
   
       3 . The convertible storage container of  claim 1 , wherein the non-convertible sides and the convertible side comprise a corrugated paper material.  
   
   
       4 . The convertible storage container of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said conversion connectors comprise a self-securing connector.  
   
   
       5 . The convertible storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment guide for securing the storage container to an adjacent storage container.  
   
   
       6 . The convertible storage container of  claim 5 , which is stackable, wherein the alignment guide projects vertically to mate with an alignment mate on another convertible storage container.  
   
   
       7 . The convertible storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising an alignment mate for mating with an alignment connector from another convertible storage container.  
   
   
       8 . The convertible storage container of  claim 1 , further comprising a ventilation passage.  
   
   
       9 . An unassembled convertible storage container comprising: 
 a plurality of non-convertible sides wherein the non-convertible sides may be assembled to form a storage cavity; and    a convertible side having a first secured position, wherein the convertible side may be secured across the opening of the assembled storage cavity by one or more conversion connectors, the convertible side further having a second secured position, wherein the convertible side may be secured adjacent to one of the non-convertible sides by one or more conversion connectors.    
   
   
       10 . A method of making a convertible storage container comprising: 
 cutting a container pattern, said container pattern comprising: 
 a plurality of non-convertible sides wherein the non-convertible sides may be assembled to form a storage cavity; and  
 a convertible side having a first secured position, wherein the convertible side may be secured across the opening of the assembled storage cavity by one or more conversion connectors, the convertible side further having a second secured position, wherein the convertible side may be secured adjacent to one of the non-convertible sides by one or more conversion connectors.  
   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising cutting a ventilation passage in the container pattern so that the assembled convertible storage container will comprise a ventilation passage.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of cutting comprises die cutting.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of cutting comprises water cutting.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of scoring the container pattern so that the container pattern may be folded along at least some of the scoring during assembly or use.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising creasing the container pattern so that the container pattern may be folded along the creases during assembly or use.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein said container pattern comprises a wrap portion, and two separated non-convertible sides, wherein the wrap portion comprises a plurality of attached non-convertible sides and a convertible side.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 10 , further comprising securing adjacent non-convertible sides to each other to form a storage cavity.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the step of securing comprises gluing.  
   
   
       19 . A convertible storage container convertible between a storage container with a lid and a storage container with an opening into a storage cavity, the convertible storage container comprising: 
 five non-convertible sides, wherein the non-convertible sides assemble to form a storage cavity;    two convertible sides, each convertible side having a first secured position wherein the convertible side is secured across the opening into the storage cavity, and a second secured position, wherein the convertible side is secured adjacent to one of the non-convertible sides;    a plurality of self-securing conversion connectors for securing each convertible side in the first secured position or the second secured position, wherein at least one of the conversion connectors is an alignment guide for securing the storage container to another storage container having an alignment mate;    a plurality of alignment mates; and    a plurality of ventilation passages through one or more of the non-convertible sides.