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(11) | EP 0 225 147 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Container models |
| (57) An example of a model constructed from box containers is in the form of a vintage
car 1 formed by a series of differentially sized and shaped boxes 2, 3, 4 and 5. The
boxes 2, 3,4 and 5 are constructed from cardboard templates 12 which are pre-folded
to allow easy construction of the respective box and are printed with an appropriate
design for the part of the model which the completed box will form. To form the box
the template is folded along pre-cut lines 11 and retained in constructed form using
double sided adhesive tape which also serves to fasten the boxes together. |
Summary of the Invention
[0002] According to the present invention there is provided a container for small items comprising a series of interconnected boxes, at least some of said boxes having an openable closure member, wherein said boxes are arranged to form a reproduction of a larger object.
[0003] Preferably, each of said boxes is marked with a design correspnding to the part of said larger object which each said box forms.
[0004] Further according to the present invention there is provided a model vehicle comprising a series of interconnected boxes arranged such that each box forms a discrete part of said model vehicle wherein at least some of said boxes have an openable closure member to form a container for small items. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0005]
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a vintage car model constructed from a series of box containers in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a railway engine model constructed from a series of box containers in accordance with the present invention; and
Figs 3-9 are plan views of a series of templates which form box containers for a vintage car model in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed Description
[0006] Referring to the drawings examples of models constructed from box containers of the present invention are illustrated. Fig. 1 illustrates a vintage car 1 formed by a series of differently sized and shaped boxes 2, 3, 4 and 5. Each of the boxes 2, 3, 4 and 5 form a container which may be used to store small items.
[0007] The boxes 2, 3, 4 and 5 are constructed from cardboard templates 12 which are blank forms of the respective boxes. Each template is pre-folded to allow easy construction of the respective box and is printed with an appropriate design for the part of the model which the completed box will form. To form the box the template is folded along pre-cut lines 11 and retained in constructed form using double sided adhesive tape which also serves to fasten the boxes together.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a railway engine 6 formed in a similar manner to the vintage car 1 by a series of boxes 7, 8, 9 and 10.
[0009] In addition to sets of templates which form boxes designed to produce a specific model, such as these above, various templates can be provided, without any printed designs, to form a series of blank boxes. These boxes can then be assembled to form a wide variety of different models which can then be painted as desired.
[0010] Complete kits may be provided for forming a series of different models. For example one such kit may contain the following items:
1. A selection of templates for different types of boxes in blank form without any design printed on them and unfolded.
2. A selection of pre-folded and printed templates which each have the design of a specific model printed thereon.
3. A selection of templates for internal divisions for the boxes to allow a user to sub-divide the interior of each of the boxes as desired.
4. A scoring tool for use in the folding of templates. The tool may best be formed in hard nylon material and is pencil shaped and fitted with a detachable and replaceable head.
5. A selection of paints or marker pens for applying designs to the boxes.
6. A brush for applying the paint if necessary.
7. Adhesive tape for use in the assembly of the boxes and for joining boxes together.
[0011] Such a kit provides a pre-designed model for ease of construction together with a range of templates from which boxes may be assembled and joined to form a model of a user's own design which may then be decorated as desired. The range of models which can be produced in this way is many and varied and may be graded in difficulty.
[0012] For example, the simplest models may be formed from two or three simple boxes. More complicated models such as the model car described above and still more complicated models such as the model train also described above may also be provided. Models such as the train may include added details such as a funnel and gears etc. Each of the models is provided with instructions for its construction.
[0013] Figs 3-9 illustrate the various templates 12 which form boxes for the constructions of a vintage car. The blanks are printed with designs appropriate to the section of the vehicle which is formed by the blank.
[0014] Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example models may be produced from material other than card, for example plastics material. The containers which form the model may or may not open. Models which are in the form of vehicles may be provided with plastics, wooden, metal or card wheels. Models may be produced as a series with a common theme such as, for example, victorian house models. Each particular model may be made in a variety of different sizes.
1. A container for small items comprising a series of interconnected boxes, at least
some of said boxes having an openable closure member, wherein said boxes are arranged
to form a reproduction of a larger object.
2. A container for small items as claimed in Claim 1, wherein each of said boxes is
marked with a design corresponding to the part of said larger object which each said
box forms.
3. A model vehicle comprising a series of interconnected boxes, aranged such that
each box forms a discrete part of said model vehicle wherein at least some of said
boxes have an openable closure member to form a container for small items.
4. A kit of parts for producing a reproduction of a larger object comprising a series
of blanks for forming boxes which are interconnected to form said reproduction wherein
at least some of said blanks form boxes having openable closure members to form containers
for small items.
5. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 4, wherein said blanks are marked with a design
corresponding to the part of said reproduction which said blank forms.