A conventional storage container top-loading box has one or more vertical sides and a bottom formed into an enclosure with an opening at the top. The container is typically fitted with a lid configured to close the opening at the top. The lid may be hinged to the top of one or more of the vertical sides. Alternatively the lid may be a separate removable piece. Often the container is provided with dividers or inserts that divide up the interior of the box into separate compartments for protection and organization of the articles stored in the container. Although such containers have been used from time immemorial to store articles, they suffer drawbacks. Most notably, if, as is often the case, it is desirable to stack a plurality of such containers for storage, the containers must be un-stacked to gain access to the contents of the containers below the top of the stack. To overcome this, side-loading containers have been developed.
Side-loading boxes have been known in the art of box making for over 100 years. The basic construction of such a side-loading box is similar to that of the more conventional top-loading box laid upon one of its vertical sides such that the opening is at the side rather than the top. However, slightly different construction is necessary for the side opening box in order to provide satisfactory means of closing the open side.
One solution simply provides a conventional top-loading box with one side that folds down. The folding side is often secured in place by a conventional lid. Although side-loading boxes of this type provide satisfactory loading, they suffer from drawbacks. First, the folding side panel weakens the structure of the box limiting the maximum load that can be stored before the box begins to bulge. Second, the weakening of the box limits the maximum height to which such boxes can be stacked. Third, if the lid is of the conventional type, it must be either displaced or removed in order to open the side panel. If the lid is integrally incorporated into the top of the box, it is often necessary to open the box by wedging the fingers of the hand in between the side-opening panel and the top of the box to pry the box open. In addition to the associated discomfort. this method of opening the box eventually weakens either the top or the side-opening panel or both. In some cases a string-and-button type latch secures the side-opening panel. Alternatively, a metal or plastic turn-knob type latch is provided. Unfortunately, both of these latching mechanisms complicate construction and add to the cost of the box.
An additional disadvantage of prior art side-loading and top-loading boxes occurs when the box is constructed of material such as corrugated cardboard. For example, single-wall corrugated boxes require braces, sidewall stiffeners or other structural reinforcement to withstand the weight of multiple stacked loaded boxes. Such stiffeners are typically made from metal, wood, wire or plastic and provide the necessary mechanical strength to withstand heavy loads. For example, conventional side-loading boxes, loaded with 15 to 20 pounds of articles in each box, can be stacked two boxes high without bracing. Beyond that, either the boxes must be less heavily laden or sidewall stiffeners are necessary for at least the lowermost boxes in the stack.
A further disadvantage of prior art boxes of both types lies in the fact that they are often of multi-piece construction. Such boxes are often delivered in pallet loads requiring up to four separate pallets for the boxes, the lids, the stiffeners, and the inserts. The multiple pallet loads necessitate additional manufacturing, warehousing and transportation expenses.
Thus, there is a need in the art, for a side-loading box that can be easily opened and stacked without requiring stiffeners or braces.