WO2013169260A1

WO2013169260A1 - Container box with grips

Info

Publication number: WO2013169260A1
Application number: PCT/US2012/037402
Authority: WO
Inventors: William Mitchell SCOTT
Original assignee: Scott William Mitchell
Priority date: 2012-05-10
Filing date: 2012-05-10
Publication date: 2013-11-14
Also published as: CA2873059A1

Abstract

The invention provides for containers having grips and structure. More specifically, such ergonomic grips and structure enable a human's ability to lift and hold such containers easily and without significant strain on a human's body resulting from physical stress of a the container itself and/or a weighted load within the container.

Description

CONTAINER BOX WITH GRIPS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention provides for containers having grips positioned about a carryable item that provide some beneficial ergonomic effects when lifting or holding the carryable item. More specifically, such grips and structure enable a person's ability to lift and hold such containers easily and without significant strain on a human's body resulting from physical stress of the container itself and/or a weighted load within the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Lifting heavy items and then holding them towards the front of the human body can be burdensome and unhealthy. Depending upon the body type of the holder, the danger of additional stress and strain upon that body can be especially odious. When one lifts a heavy box, say forty pounds or more, a number of physiological responses occur. In such lifting and holding a person uses her arms, shoulders, upper back, lower back, buttocks, legs and feet to lift and to hold the box securely. The lower back especially can serve as a pivot point at which great strain can be applied depending upon how a body adjusts to the front-loaded weight. If that person has any physical weaknesses or physical degenerative attributes, those weaknesses can manifest and will be exploited in a manner that causes the person pain, noticeable discomfort, and/or injury.

[0003] Whether a strong or weak body, repetitive motions in lifting heavy items can lead to, at the least, chronic pain or discomfort and ultimately injury. For either pain, discomfort or injury, expensive ameliorative solutions for work place injuries. Work place injuries and pain from those injuries cost companies and governments billions of dollars per year.

[0004] When injuries to a person occur as a result of stress incurred from lifting and holding front loaded weight items, a number of losses can also occur. That person can lose time at her job as a result of being injured. During that time of injury, recovery time is needed to enable the worker to be healed. If this injury occurred on the job, insurance to pay for the injury derived from, for example, worker's compensation insurance, is used to compensate for lost wage earnings. When time is taken off due to injury and an injured worker is paid insurance, that person's employer loses the benefit of the worker's productivity and earning capacity.

[0005] Homes and businesses alike require the lifting and carrying of items therethrough. Often these items, e.g., laundry baskets, trash cans, industrial containers, industrial parts, and the like, are carried multiple times to multiple locales within and without a home, office or industrial structure. Many times, items to be carried are created with little thought given to their ergonomic impact on the human form. Their design, therefore, can lend itself to pain, discomfort or injury to a the human form that carries the item.

[0006] Many businesses across many industries use containers to store documents, materials and the like. A common container for such use is a corrugated file box. Such file boxes are used in the hundreds of millions to hold and store any and all sorts of items that can fit within them. Typically, these boxes carry up to forty pounds or more of materials within them. When a human holds one of these weight loaded boxes (e.g., having forty pounds or more therein), multiple physical stresses ensure. In particular, stress to the lower and back shoulders and arms occur, such stress leading to significant injury over time.

[0007] When a person holds a heavy box, e.g., thirty pounds or more, either by handles embedded within the box or by its sides or bottom, and that person has a weak lower back, say from a previous back surgery, such holding can cause immeasurable pain and potential new injury.

[0008] In such previously known boxes the standard, slit handles found in the boxes therein have not changed for fifty or more years. In corrugated boxes, in particular, that box and its handles, if any, have seen no change or improvement since the introduction of that style of box over seventy years ago.

[0009] In fact, when a human user lifts and holds a commonly used and known corrugated box with handles, a number of changes immediately occur to that person's body. When the user holds that known box (or other containers similar to it) with her arms extended, the top of the box and/or lid of the box will lie at an angle against the legs or lower torso of the holder. Because the box is weighted, the human user's center of gravity is shifted from her natural position within her body to a point outside of her body to compensate for the box's weight. This shift of the user's center of gravity shifts the user's naturally weighted stance from her heels to the front of her feet and along her toes. Such orientation can be painful and is not sustainable over time. This is true because lifting and/or holding a container or box engages muscles in the back, arms, shoulders, torso, core, hips and legs. It also puts the holder in an unbalanced position that can cause slips or falls as a holder holds the box and moves with it.

[0010] Also, when the holder's center of gravity is shifted her body operates instantly to counteract such shift and to support the weight pulling upon the front of her body. Such weight pull is compensated by most of the user's major muscle groups and in particular those about her lower back and torso.

[0011] What is needed, therefore, is a container using one or more grips coupled with the use of weighted items like a box that limits the shift of a box holder's center of gravity when the holder lifts and/or holds a weighted item thus relieving undue physical stress on the holder's muscles and joints.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Accordingly, the invention provides a mass-bearing item having at least one grip and preferably at least a pair of grips. The mass-bearing item comprises a structure having a first surface, a second surface positioned oppositely to the first surface, a first grip mechanism or grip positioned about the first surface and a second grip mechanism positioned about the second surface, a front surface, a rear surface positioned oppositely to the front surface. The front surface and the rear surface are perpendicularly connected to the first surface and the second surface. The structure is movable by use of the first grip mechanism and the second grip mechanism. The terms "grip mechanism", "grip", and "ergonomic grip(s)" are interchangeable as used herein.

[0013] Each grip herein is positioned a distance closer to the front surface of the structure and a distance away from the rear surface— i.e., the biased position of each grip herein. Each grip has a contoured outer portion having a perimeter. The perimeter has an upper gripping portion that has a surface upon which at least one finger on a human hand may grasp to apply a force, and a lower portion positioned oppositely to the gripping portion.

[0014] An opening is positioned between the gripping portion and the lower portion. The opening provides clearance through which at least one finger on a human hand may grip the gripping portion. The opening comprises a first end, and a second end positioned substantially opposite to the first end. The first end and the second end connect the gripping portion and the lower portion along the perimeter of the contoured outer portion. [0015] In practice, the combination of one or more grips, the grips' biased forward positioning on carryable-item or box and the curved structure of the grips themselves serve to re-align a human holder's center of gravity closer to a human holder's neutral position when the human holder lifts, holds or walks with the mass- bearing item. In one preferred embodiment herein, the first grip is positioned through the first panel and the second grip is positioned oppositely to the first grip mechanism through the third panel.

[0016] Preferably, the mass-bearing item is a box and most preferably a box whose dimensions are less than or equal to the shoulder of an average sized adult human. Typically, the box comprises a first panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to the top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge. The box further comprises a second panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to the top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge.

[0017] The second panel is attached to the first panel along the first connecting edge of the second panel and the second connecting edge of the first panel. A third panel of the box has a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to the top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge. The third panel is attached to the second panel along the first connecting edge of the third panel and the second connecting edge of the second panel. The box's fourth panel has a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to its top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to its first connecting edge. The fourth panel is attached to the third panel along the first connecting edge of the fourth panel and the second connecting edge of the third panel, and connected to the first panel along the second connecting edge of the fourth panel and the first connecting edge of the first panel. The box further comprises a bottom panel of at least one panel connected to the bottom edges of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel and the fourth panel. An opening is formed from the top edges of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel and the fourth panel of said box.

[0018] The box preferably comprises a lid. The lid comprises a top surface having a first edge connected to a second edge. The second edge is connected to a third edge. The third edge is connected to a fourth edge. The fourth edge is connected the first edge. The lid has a skirt extending downwardly from the top surface of the lid. The skirt is connected to the lid at the first edge, the second edge, the third edge and the fourth edge, the skirt having a first panel connected to the first edge, a second panel connected to the second edge, a third panel connected to the third edge and a fourth panel connected to the fourth edge.

[0019] The lid comprises a first grip and a second grip positioned oppositely to the first grip. The first grip in the lid is positioned within the first panel of the skirt and the second grip mechanism in the lid is positioned within the third panel of the skirt. In practice, the first grip in the lid aligns with the first grip in the box and the second grip in the lid aligns with the second grip in the box when the lid is placed fully onto the box thereby covering the opening of the box. The first grip in the lid corresponds to placement for the right hand. The second grip in the lid corresponds to placement for the left hand.

[0020] The grips are biased forward on the box. That is, the first and second grips in or about the box are positioned closer to the second connecting edge of the first panel of the box and the second grip is positioned closer to the first connecting edge of the third panel of the box. By their biased position, the grips are positioned further away from the front of a holder's body than grips or ports known in the prior art.

[0021] Alternatively, the first grip in the box is positioned equidistant between the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge on the first panel of the box, and the second grip is positioned equidistant between the first connecting edge and the second connecting edge on the third panel of the box.

[0022] The first grip and the second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about zero degrees to about ninety degrees from an x-axis. Preferably, the first grip and the second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about five degrees to about seventy-five degrees from an x-axis. More preferably, the first grip and the second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about fifteen degrees to about fifty degrees from an x-axis. Most preferably the first grip and the second grip are positioned at the same angle on their respective box panels.

[0023] In an alternative embodiment herein, the upper grip portion of the first and second grips mechanism are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about zero degrees to about ninety degrees from an x-axis. Further, the upper grip portion of the first grip and the second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about five degrees to about seventy-five degrees from an x-axis. Lastly, the upper grip portion of the first grip and the second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about fifteen degrees to about fifty degrees from an x-axis.

[0024] Another embodiment of the invention herein also provides an ergonomic grip or grip for moving a carryable item. The grip comprises a contoured outer portion having a perimeter. The contoured outer portion has an angle of curvature ranging from greater than zero degrees to less than about ninety degrees from a first normal position or frame of reference; herein, a first x-axis. Further, an upper gripping portion is provided that has a gripping surface upon which at least one finger on a human hand may grasp the grip to apply a force thereto. The upper gripping portion has an angle ranging from greater than zero degrees to less than about ninety degrees from a second normal position or frame of reference; herein, a second x-axis. A lower non-gripping portion is positioned oppositely to the upper gripping portion.

[0025] An opening or indentation or protrusion is positioned between the upper gripping portion and the lower non-gripping portion of the grip. The opening provides clearance through which at least one finger on a human hand may grip the upper gripping portion. The opening or indentation or protrusion also comprises a first end and a second end positioned substantially opposite to the grip's first end. The grip's first end and its second end connect the upper gripping portion and the lower non-gripping portion along the grip's perimeter of its contoured outer portion. For the sake of simplicity, an opening, indentation, or protrusion shall henceforth be described and called an opening.

[0026] In practice, the grip is attached to a surface of a carryable item. Preferably a pair of grips are attached to or embedded within a carryable item. Use of the grip realigns a human carrier's center of gravity thus relieving tension upon pivot points in the human body. Also, use of the grips help to return the human form substantially back to its neutral position. For example, the grips, when used in a pairing and positioned oppositely to one-another on or embedded within a carryable item, move the human carrier's center of gravity back to the starting point of a human carrier's center of gravity.

[0027] The grip is movable from greater than about zero degrees to less than about ninety degrees between its x-axis and y-axis. In one embodiment herein, the grip is rotatable about its z-axis between its x-axis and y-axis.

[0028] Herein, the grip is attachable to a surface of a carryable item. Once attached, the carryable item becomes movable by a human holder's use of the grip. One or more of the grips are attachable to a surface of a carryable item whereby the carryable item becomes movable by the holder's use of the grips. As mentioned hereinbefore, the grips may be constructed into a carryable item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the embodiments set forth herein will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements and in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred carryable item of the invention herein that is a box;

[0031] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1 showing the lid removed from the carryable item thereof;

[0032] FIG. 3 is a planar side view of FIG. 2;

[0033] FIG. 4 is a planar view of a grip herein;

[0034] FIG. 5 is an alternative embodiment of the grip of FIG. 4;

[0035] FIG. 5 is a side view of a person standing and shows that person's center of gravity;

[0036] FIG. 6 is a side view of a person holding a prior art container;

[0037] FIG. 7 is a side view of a person holding a preferred container herein with grips built therein;

[0038] FIG. 8 is a planar view of a prior art handle;

[0039] FIG. 9 is a planar view of an alternative embodiment of a grip showing one key angles of the grip being the same;

[0040] FIG. 10 is a planar side view of the carryable item of FIG. 3 without the lid;

[0041] FIG. 11 is a planar side view of a prior art box; and

[0042] FIG. 12 is a planar view of an alternative grip herein.

[0043] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a box with grips and an opening of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a box with an insert of the invention.

[0045] FIG. 15 is another perspective view of the box with the insert of FIG. 14.

[0046] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another box with another insert of the invention.

7 [0047] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the box with the insert of FIG. 16.

[0048] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a box with a grip and a locking port.

[0049] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 18 with the lid removed from the base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] By the term "attached" as used herein it means that an grip may be either attached to the surface of a carryable item as a separate and distinct item from the carryable item or the grip may be built into a carryable item be embedded therein.

[0051] By the term "carryable item" it is meant any item regardless of geometric configuration that may be carried by a human being.

[0052] By the term "center-of-gravity" it is meant herein that point within or outside of a human body at which the entire weight of a body may be considered to be concentrated.

[0053] The term "grip" or "ergonomic grip" is defined herein as a fixed or moveable, permanent or temporary handle, observation hole or opening, grip or any other opening or impression that could accommodate a hand(s) or thumb(s). The grip system was conceived to lessen the stress on the human body and improve the balance of the load across the hand and fingers, and the entire body. The grip consists of at least these components separately or together.

[0054] By the term "normal position" it is meant herein an axis corresponding to zero degrees.

[0055] By the term "neutral position" it is meant herein that position of a standing, unburdened human in which that human's center of gravity is positioned within his body.

[0056] By the term "biased position" it is meant herein the position of an grip on one side of a carryable item or box wherein the centerline of the grip is biased forward of the centerline of the panel on which the grip is positioned and rests closer to the front of the carryable item or box than the rear of the carryable item or box.

[0057] The carryable item is typically a container. The container has a pair of said grips constructed within said container on opposing sides of said container. Typically, the container is a box that comprises a first panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to the top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge. The box further comprises a second panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to the top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge. The second panel is attached to the first panel along first connecting edge of the second panel and the second connecting edge of the first panel. The box further has a third panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to the top edge. A first connecting edge and a second connecting edge are positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge. The third panel is attached to the second panel along the first connecting edge of the third panel and the second connecting edge of said second panel. The box further comprises a fourth panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to the top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to the first connecting edge. The fourth panel is attached to the third panel along the first connecting edge of the fourth panel and the second connecting edge of the third panel, and connected to the first panel along the second connecting edge of the fourth panel and the first connecting edge of the first panel. Finally, the box comprises a bottom panel of at least one panel connected to the bottom edges of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel and the fourth panel, the box having a volume created by all of its side and panels.

[0058] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a carryable item 10 or container 10 herein. The container 10 is a box 12. Box 12, as shown, has the dimensions of a typical file box used for file storage and record keeping. Box 12 also has grips 5 that are biased forward toward box front panel 14 and away from box rear panel 16. Lid 15 is shown on top of box 12. Lid 15 also has grips 5 which coincide with grips 5 in box 12, thereby providing handles through the lid and box together.

[0059] Box 12 can be made from corrugate, plasticized corrugate, metal, composite materials, plastic and nearly any material suitable for use for forming a container for use as such.

[0060] In practice, a user holds box 12 such that box rear panel 16 is the back of the box and is closest to the user, while box front panel 14 is the front of the box and faces away from a user.

[0061] FIG. 2 shows another perspective view of box 12 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows that a pair of grips 5 are positioned in box 12 as well as in lid 15. Also shown are right side box grip 6, left side box grip 7, right side lid grip 8, and left side box grip 9. Right side box grip 6 is shown aligned along line Yl with right side lid grip 8. Similarly, left side box grip 7 is shown aligned along line Y2 with left side lid grip 9. Grips 6 and 8 and grips 7 and 9 are aligned to allow a human hand to fit through lid 15 and box 12.

[0062] When a user picks up lid covered box 12, that user's right and left ands hold fast lid 15 to box body 18. Such configuration makes box 12 easier to hold and carry. Also, such configuration makes box 12 stronger and more resistant to compression forces.

[0063] FIG. 3 provides a side planar view of box 12 of FIG. 2. Right side box grip 6 and right side lid grip 8 are shown biased forward of center line Yl. Center line Yl is a center line dividing the distance equally between box front panel 14 and box rear panel 16. Grips 6 and 8 are shown with more than 50% of their perimeter surfaces on the right side of center line Yl and thus biased toward box front panel 14. Similarly, though not shown, left side box grip 7 and left side lid grip 9 are biased forward center line Y2 whereby more than 50% of the perimeter of grips 7 and 9 are biased forward to box front panel 14.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows that most of perimeter 34 of grips 6 and 8 reside on the side of centerline Yl that is closest to box front panel 14. Conversely, a smaller portion of grips 6 and 8 perimeter 34 resides closest to box rear panel 16— the same is true of grips 7 and 9. Such positioning of grip 5 is known herein as "bias" or as a "bias forward" positioning of grip 5. The biasing forward of grips 5 (6, 7, 8 and 9), aids to re-align a human's center of gravity by shifting it closer to such holder's natural, non- weighted center of gravity. This function is performed by allowing a user to hold the mass-bearing item in a manner most similar to the user's neutral posture or neutral position when standing without holding a mass-bearing item in the front of the user's body.

[0065] FIG. 4 shows an outline of grip 5. Grip 5 defines perimeter 34. Grip 5 has an angle of curvature 22 ranging from greater than about zero degrees (0°) to less than about ninety degrees (90°) when measured from intersecting x and y axes as shown. Angle of curvature 22 is an average of the angled orientation of grip 5. Grip 5 comprises upper grip portion 26 extending from first end 30 to second end 32 of grip 5. Upper grip portion 26 provides gripping surface 27 upon which at least one finger on a human hand may grasp to apply an upward force to grip 5. Importantly, upper grip portion 26 has grip angle 24 ranging from greater than about zero degrees (0°) to less than about ninety degrees (90°) from an intersecting x-axis and y-axis. A lower portion 28 positioned oppositely to upper grip portion 26 that provides an area of clearance by which a user may readily hold grip 5 at upper grip portion 26. [0066] As shown, in FIG. 4, grip 5 comprises an opening 20 positioned between the upper grip portion 26 and the lower grip portion 28. Opening 20 provides clearance through which at least one finger on a human hand may readily grip the upper grip portion 26 of grip 5. Grip 5 also has a first end 30 and a second end 32 positioned substantially opposite to the first end 30. First end 30 and second end 32 connect the upper grip portion 26 and lower grip portion 28 along perimeter 34 of contoured outer portion 35. In practice, grip 5 is cut from, or is attached to, or is attachable to a surface of a mass-bearing item (e.g., a box).

[0067] Also, grip 5 may be rotatable about a z-axis (not shown). In such practice, grip 5 is not fixed at one angular position between an x-axis and a y-axis but instead is movable (i.e., rotatable) about a z-axis. When grip 5 is movable about its z-axis, i.e., movable about a point on its z-axis, it can be rotated between its x-axis and its y-axis from greater than about zero degrees to less than about ninety degrees thereof. Preferably, grip 5 is movable (i.e., rotatable) about a z-axis from about ten degrees (10°) to about seventy degrees (70°) of an angle of curvature.

[0068] FIG. 5 provides a figure of human 40. Human 40 is shown in a side view that shows his center of gravity 25 being resident within his body about mid-way between his feet and head. Human 40's center of gravity 25 remains centered within his body so long as human 40 is not carrying anything.

[0069] FIG. 6 shows human 40 carrying prior art box 42. In FIG. 5 human's center of gravity 25 is shown moved a distance XI from her body. When human 40 becomes front-loaded, i.e., when she carries prior art box 42 at the front of her body, her center of gravity 25 moves away from its original position within her body to a new position outside of her body as shown. The distance between her center of gravity 25 at rest and its new position 25'. When the human body is in a standing position, such person's arms will hang to the sides of the person. Typically, in a normally functioning body, a human's hands will turn slightly inward toward the front of the body at between about four degrees (4°) to about seven degrees (7°).

[0070] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 each provide side profiles of a human 40 holding box 42 and box 12, respectively. Prior art box 42, as shown in FIG. 6, shows human 40 holding box 42. Box 42 is a known box commonly used for such tasks as file storage, moving, and the like. Box 42 contains prior art handles 45 that are commonly used for boxes of its type. Prior art handles 45, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11 herein, are an opening on each side panel of box 42. Prior art handles 45 lack either an angle of curvature 22 (FIG. 11) or a grip angle 24 (FIG. 11), or such angle of curvature and grip angle are both zero degrees when measured from an x-axis. Also, prior art handles 45 are not biased forward of a center line and its each half of its perimeter is positioned equidistant to the front and rear of box 42 as is shown in FIG. 11.

[0071] Conversely, FIG. 7 provides a side view of human 40 holding box 12 by grips 5. When human 40 holds box 12, she is front-loaded as in FIG. 6. However, her center of gravity 25 is either still resident within her body or it is moved to a position 25" just outside of her body at a distance X2 from its resting point. Herein, X₂ is a lesser distance than Xi. Use of grips 5 for box 12 therefore enables human 40 to be front loaded in a much less physically stressful manner.

[0072] For example, use of grips 5 as shown in FIG. 7 for box 12 enables human 40 to retain much more of her weight on the heels of her feet instead toward the front of her feet. The bias of grip 5 produces several results. First, when box 12 is held by a human 40, and especially when box 12 is loaded beyond the weight of box 12 itself, the center of gravity of box 12 shifts from the center of box 12 rearwardly toward the back of box 12, namely box rear panel 16. Such shifting of box 12's center of gravity occurs at least in part because grips 5 are biased toward box front panel 14. Also aiding such center of gravity shift is the angled orientation of grips 5 as discussed previously.

[0073] In practice, box 12 may be held by human 40 with arms fully or nearly fully extended. In such orientation (FIG. 7), lid 15 is positioned parallel or substantially parallel with a flat surface upon which human 40 is standing. In such orientation of box 12, its center of gravity is shifted rearwardly toward human 40 without orientating box 12 at an angle whereby lid 15 would no longer be parallel to a flat surface upon which human 40 is standing. Instead, by such orientation box 12 may be held and subsequently carried at an orientation in which lid 15 is parallel or substantially parallel with a flat surface upon which human 40 is walking. Box 12 may now become a carry surface upon which other similar boxes 12 can sit and be carried by human 40 and/or become a carry surface for other non-box items (e.g., folded clothing, books and the like).

[0074] Also in practice, the bias of grips 5 ranges from less than about fifty percent of perimeter 34 residing to the rear of centerline 19. Typically, no more than about forty-five percent of perimeter 34 resides rearwardly of centerline 19. More typically, no more than about forty percent of perimeter 34 resides rearwardly of centerline 19. Most typically, between about ten percent to about forty percent of perimeter 34 may reside rearwardly of centerline 19. [0075] In FIG. 12 an alternative embodiment of a grip 5' is shown. Grip 5' herein, similar to grip 5FIG. 4, has an angle of curvature 22' and a grip angle 24'. However, herein both the angle of curvature 22' and the grip angle 24' are the same. Such a configuration operates similarly to grips 5 in FIG. 4 inasmuch as there is a pronounced benefit of maintenance to a user's center-of-gravity when the user holds a container 10 herein whether loaded or un-loaded.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 12, alternate grip 5' comprises an opening 20' positioned between the upper grip portion 26' and the lower grip portion 28'. Opening 20' provides clearance through which at least one finger on a human hand may readily grip ' grip 5. Alternate grip 5' also has a first end 30 and a second end 32 positioned substantially opposite to the first end 30. First end 30' and second end 32' connect the upper grip portion 26' and lower grip portion 28' along perimeter 34' of contoured outer portion 35. In practice, grip 5 is already attached or is attachable to a surface of a mass- bearing item (e.g., a box).

[0077] Alternate grip 5 may be positioned on box 12 like grip 5 shown in FIG. 10; i.e., biased forward toward the box front panel 14. While alternate grip 5 does not provide the same ergonomic effects of grip 5 in FIG. 10 with respect to the curved upper grip portion 26 (FIG. 4), the angling of alternate grip 5 and its biased positioning still provides quantifiable ergonomic effects for shifting a person's center of gravity towards the body when box 12 using alternate grip 5 is lifted, held and/or carried using alternate grips 5.

[0078] FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a grip, 5". Grip 5" has a perimeter 34", an upper grip portion 26", and a lower grip portion 28". Opening 20" provides clearance through which at least one finger of a human hand may readily grip 5". Grip 5" has a first end 30" and a second end 32" that is substantially perpendicular to lower grip portion 28" and has a height 53. Grip 5" may be located on a container in an orientation and manner similar to grip 5 and grip 5'.

[0079] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of the invention, a box 2002 with a slotted opening for receiving waste such as papers and other items. The box 2002 is sized to fit under a desk or table. The box 2002 has a lid 2004 and a base 2006. The lid 2004 has a top 2008 and sides 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016. The side 2016 has a lower portion 2018 and an upper portion 2020, the upper portion being slanted and having an opening 2022 for receiving waste. The upper portion 2020 and the lower portion 2018 meet at a bend 2024 and create an angle theta. Typically, the angle theta is between 0 and 45 degrees, more typically between 5 and 40 degrees, more typically between 10 and 35 degrees, and most typically between 15 and 30 degrees. In addition to adding strength to the box, the angled portion 2020 with the opening 2022 make it easier to feed waste such as paper into the box when it is located under a desk or table.

[0080] The base 2002 has a bottom 2026 and sides 2028, 2030, 2032, and 2034. Sides 2032 and 2034 each have a cropped corners 2036 and 2038 that form an angle theta', which is typically measures about the same as theta on the lid. As such, the cropped corners 2036 and 2038 are angled to meet the slanted upper portion 2020 of the lid 2004 when the lid, which is sized to fit around the base, is set on the base.

[0081] The base has grip openings 2040 and 2042, similar in shape, size and orientation to those described previously, that are sized to fit a user's hands. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the lid 2004 has grip openings 2044 and 2046 that coincide with the grip openings 2040 and 2042 in the base when the lid is set on the base. Alternatively, the grip openings in the lid may be omitted.

[0082] Because the box 2002 may be used to contain confidential documents that require destruction, an ability to lock the lid 2004 to the base 2006 may be desired. As such, the lid has lock receiving holes 2048 and 2050 that mate with holes 2052 and 2054 in the lid 2004. If a double lock is desired, holes 2056 and 2058 may also be included in the sides 2030 and 2032 of the base and complementary holes 2060 and 2062 may be included in the sides 2014 and 2012 of the lid.

[0083] In another embodiment, there is an insertable and removable strengthened corrugated box comprising a partially enclosed box 1110 having four connected vertical walls 1 1 13, 1 114, 11 15, and 1116, an enclosed bottom, and a strengthening insert 1150 positioned within the corrugated box. The strengthening insert comprises at least one side panel that is disposed proximate an inside surface of one or more of the vertical walls of the corrugated box. The strengthening insert can be inserted into a open-topped corrugated box to provide compressive strength to the corrugated box against weight loads placed onto the lidded corrugated box, including one or more other boxes or items.

[0084] In one embodiment shown in Fig. 14 and 15, the strengthening insert 1150 comprises four connected vertical panels 1151, 1152, 1153, and 1154 attached at adjacent edges to for a rectilinear shape, with each panel having a height equal to or less than the height of the vertical wall of the corrugated box. The four connected vertical panels of the strengthening insert have length dimensions slightly less than the length dimensions of the corresponding four vertical walls of the corrugated box, so that the vertical panels of the strengthening insert are disposed adjacent and preferably in at least loose, close contact with the vertical walls of the corrugated box. The connections of the vertical panels of the vertical inserts improve their strength properties to vertical compression.

[0085] A vertical panel of the strengthening insert can comprise a corrugated material that has corrugations aligned in either a vertical direction (parallel to the height of the corrugated box) or a horizontal direction (perpendicular to the height of the corrugated box). Without a strengthening strengthening insert, a conventional corrugated box of the kind envisioned herein for use in most record storing facilities has a compressive strength ranging from about greater than zero pounds to less than about seventy-five pounds prior to compressive failure thereof. With use of a strengthening insert of the present invention, the compressive strength ranges from about greater than zero pounds, and up to about one-hundred fifty pounds force prior to compressive failure, for horizontally-aligned corrugations, and compressive strength ranges from about greater than zero pounds to about less than two-hundred fifty pounds prior to compressive failure, for vertically-aligned corrugations.

[0086] In another embodiment shown in Fig. 16 and 27, a strengthening insert 1 155 comprises at least three sides 1156, 1157, and 1158, wherein at least two 1 157 and 1158 of the three panels of the strengthening insert are positioned against two of the vertical walls 1202 and 1204 of the corrugated box, typically two opposed vertical walls, with the third panel positioned intermediate or between the two vertical panels of the strengthening insert. The intermediate third panel can lie in a horizontal plane, disposed against the bottom of the corrugated box, and attached to the bottom edges of the two opposed vertical panels, or can itself lie in a vertical plane, typically disposed against one of the remaining two vertical walls of the corrugated box. The strengthening insert herein may be constructed from corrugated materials, plastic, wood, foam core glass, metal and other suitable materials.

[0087] The vertical panels 1155 and 1158 of the insert can have openings 1210 and 1212 disposed in the panels to coincide with the grip openings 1206 and 1208 of the corrugated box. The size of the opening in the strengthening insert panel is preferably registers in shape and size with the grip opening.

[0088] The height of the insert panels is typically at least 50%, such as is shown in Figure 14 and 15, and up to substantially 100%, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, of the height of the side panels of the box 11 10. The resistance of the side panels of the main box body to deformation and collapse, caused by stacking container boxes into columns of several boxes, increases with the relative height of the insert panels to the box side panels.

[0089] FIGS. 18 and 19 show another embodiment, a box 12 having grips 6, 7, 8, 9 and locking ports 901, 902, 903, and 904. The locking port 901 is located adjacent the grip 5. FIG. 19 shows a container 10, here a box 12, which includes a lid 15 and a base 18. The lid has grips 8 and 9 and the base 18 has grips 6 and 7. Adjacent the grip 8 in the lid is a locking port 901, adjacent grip 9 in the lid is locking port 902, adjacent grip 6 in the box is locking port 903, and adjacent grip 8 in the box is locking port 904. When the lid is mated to the box, as shown in FIG. 18, locking port 901 coincides with locking port 903, and locking port 902 coincides with locking port 904.

[0090] The locking ports are located at a distance from their respective adjacent grips a sufficient to allow a lock to be installed to lock the lid to the base. The locking feature of the box allows a user to lock a lid to a base in situation where the use would like to secure documents in a box be alerted by a torn cardboard area between the port and the grip or removed lock that another has tampered with a locked box. The locking ports can be circular, oval or any other shape sufficient to receive a lock. Oval locking ports can be orientated horizontally or vertically.

[00 1] A lock, either a permanent type that requires its destruction, for example cutting for removal, such as a crimped lock tag such as those used to secure overseas cargo shipments or a "zip" tie or a temporary locking device that does not require its destruction for its removal, such as a keyed lock or a combination lock, can be used to secure the lid to the base. FIG. 18 shows a zip tie 905 locking the lid 15 to the base 18.

[0092] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A mass-bearing item having at least a pair of grips, comprising:

a. A structure having a first surface, a second surface positioned oppositely to said first surface, a first grip positioned about said first surface and a second grip positioned about said second surface, a front surface, a rear surface positioned oppositely to said front surface, said front surface and said rear surface being perpendicularly connected to said first surface and said second surface, said structure being movable by use of said first grip and said second grip mechanism; and

b. each said grip of said at least pair being positioned a distance closer to said front surface and a distance away from said rear surface, each said grip having,

i. a contoured outer portion having a perimeter, said contoured outer portion having

a. an upper gripping portion, said gripping portion providing a surface upon which at least one finger on a human hand may grasp to apply a force; and

b. a lower portion positioned oppositely to said gripping portion; ii. an opening positioned between said gripping portion and said lower portion, said opening providing clearance through which at least one finger on a human hand may grip said gripping portion of said gripping portion;

iii. a first end; and

iv. a second end positioned substantially opposite to said first end, said first end and said second end connecting said gripping portion and said lower portion along said perimeter of said contoured outer portion.

2. The mass-bearing item of Claim 1 wherein use of said pair of grips re-align a human holder's center of gravity closer to said human holder's neutral position when said human holder lifts said mass-bearing item.

3. The mass-bearing item of Claim 1 wherein use of said pair of grips re-align a human holder's center of gravity closer to said human holder's neutral position when said human holder holds said mass-bearing item.

4. The mass-bearing item of Claim 1 wherein use of said pair of grips re-align a human holder's center of gravity closer to said human holder's neutral position when said human holder walks with said mass-bearing item.

5. The mass-bearing item of Claim 1 is a box comprising,

a. a first panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to said top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to said first connecting edge;

b. a second panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to said top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to said first connecting edge, said second panel being attached to said first panel along first connecting edge of said second panel and said second connecting edge of said first panel;

c. a third panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to said top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to said first connecting edge, said third panel being attached to said second panel along said first connecting edge of said third panel and said second connecting edge of said second panel; d. a fourth panel having a top edge, a bottom edge positioned oppositely to said top edge, a first connecting edge and a second connecting edge positioned oppositely to said first connecting edge, said fourth panel being attached to said third panel along said first connecting edge of said fourth panel and said second connecting edge of said third panel, and connected to said first panel along said second connecting edge of said fourth panel and said first connecting edge of said first panel;

e. a bottom panel of at least one panel connected to said bottom edges of said first panel, said second panel, said third panel and said fourth panel; and f. an opening formed from said top edges of said first panel, said second panel, said third panel and said fourth panel of said box.

6. The mass-bearing item of Claim 5 wherein said box has a first said grip positioned through said first panel and a second said grip positioned oppositely to said first grip through said third panel.

7. The mass-bearing item of Claim 5 wherein said box comprises a lid.

8. The mass-bearing item of Claim 7 wherein said lid comprises a top surface having a first edged connected to a second edge, said second edge being connected to a third edge, said third edge being connected to a fourth edge, said fourth edge being connected said first edge, said lid having a skirt extending downwardly from said top surface of said lid, said skirt being connected to said lid at said first edge, said second edge, said third edge and said fourth edge, said skirt having a first panel connected to said first edge, a second panel connected to said second edge, a third panel connected to said third edge and a fourth panel connected to said fourth edge.

9. The mass-bearing item of Claim 8 wherein said lid comprises a first said grip and a second said grip positioned oppositely to said first grip.

10. The mass-bearing item of Claim 9 wherein said first grip in said lid is positioned within said first panel of said skirt and said second grip in said lid is positioned within said third panel of said skirt.

11. The mass-bearing item of Claim 10 wherein said first grip in said lid aligns with said first grip in said box and said second grip in said lid aligns with said second grip in said box when said lid is placed fully onto said covering thereby covering said opening of said box.

12. The mass-bearing item of Claim 5 wherein said first grip in said box is positioned closer to said second connecting edge of said first panel of said box and said second grip is positioned closer to said first connecting edge of said third panel of said box.

13. The mass-bearing item of Claim 5 wherein said first grip in said box is positioned equidistant between said first connecting edge and said second connecting edge on said first panel of said box, and said second grip is positioned equidistant between said first connecting edge and said second connecting edge on said third panel of said box.

14. The mass-bearing item of Claim 1 wherein said first grip and said second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about zero degrees to about ninety degrees from an x-axis.

15. The mass-bearing item of Claim 14 wherein said first grip and said second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about five degrees to about seventy-five degrees from an x-axis.

16. The mass-bearing item of Claim 15 wherein said first grip and said second grip mechanism are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about fifteen degrees to about fifty degrees from an x-axis.

17. The mass-bearing item of Claim 1 wherein said upper grip portion of said first grip and said second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about zero degrees to about ninety degrees from an x-axis.

18. The mass-bearing item of Claim 17 wherein said upper grip portion of said first grip and said second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about five degrees to about seventy-five degrees from an x-axis.

19. The mass-bearing item of Claim 18 wherein said upper grip portion of said first grip and said second grip are each positioned at an angle ranging from greater than about fifteen degrees to about fifty degrees from an x-axis.

20. A grip for moving a carryable item, comprising:

a. a contoured outer portion having a perimeter, said contoured outer portion having

i. an angle of curvature ranging from greater than zero degrees to less than about ninety degrees from a first normal position;

ii. an upper gripping portion, said upper gripping portion providing a gripping surface upon which at least one finger on a human hand may grasp to apply a force, said upper gripping portion having an angle ranging from greater than zero degrees to less than about ninety degrees from a second normal position; and

iii. a lower non-gripping portion positioned oppositely to said upper gripping portion;

b. an opening positioned between said upper gripping portion and said lower non-gripping portion, said opening providing clearance through which at least one finger on a human hand may grip said upper gripping portion; c. a first end; and

d. a second end positioned substantially opposite to said first end, said first end and said second end connecting said upper gripping portion and said lower non-gripping portion along said perimeter of said contoured outer portion, whereby said grip is attached to a surface of a carryable item, said grip operating to re-align a human carrier's center of gravity at least closer to said human carrier's non-load bearing center of gravity when said human carrier lifts said carryable item.

21. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said grip is rotatable about a z-axis.

22. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said grip is movable about a z-axis between an x-axis and a y-axis.

23. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said grip is movable from greater than about zero degrees to less than about ninety degrees between said x-axis and said y-axis.

24. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said grip is attachable to a surface of said carryable item having a surface, whereby said carryable item becomes movable by a holder's use of said grip.

25. The grip of Claim 25 wherein at least a pair of said grips are attachable to a surface of said carryable item whereby said carryable item becomes movable by said holder's use of said grip.

26. The grip of Claim 20 wherein a pair of said grips are constructed into a carryable item.

27. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said opening of said grip comprises one or more indentations.

28. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said opening of said grip comprises a protrusion.

29. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said carryable item is a container, said container comprising a pair of said grips constructed within said container on opposing sides of said container.

30. The grip of Claim 20 wherein said container is a box, said box comprising:

mass-bearing item having at least one grip, comprising:

a. a structure having a first surface, a second surface positioned oppositely to said first surface, said grip positioned about said first surface, a front surface, a rear surface positioned oppositely to said front surface, said front surface and said rear surface being perpendicularly connected to said first surface and said second surface, said structure being movable by use of said grip; and

b. said grip having,

iii. a first end; and

A strengthened corrugated box, comprising: a. an open-topped corrugated box including four connected vertical walls and an enclosed bottom; and

b. a strengthening insert positioned within said corrugated box, said strengthening insert comprising at least one vertical panel disposed adjacent an interior surface of a vertical wall of the corrugated box, for improving the compression strength of the corrugated box.

33. The strengthened corrugated box of Claim 32 wherein the vertical panel the vertical wall of the corrugated box have the same height.

34. The strengthened corrugated box of Claim 32 wherein the strengthening insert comprises four connected vertical sides.

35. The strengthened corrugated box of Claim 34 wherein the four connected vertical sides of the strengthening insert are disposed adjacent each of the four connected vertical walls of the corrugated box.

36. The strengthened corrugated box of Claim 35 wherein each connected vertical side of the strengthening insert is connected to two other vertical panels of the strengthening insert.

37. The strengthened corrugated box of Claim 32 wherein the strengthening insert comprises at least three sides.

38. The strengthened corrugated box of Claim 37 wherein at least two of the three panels of the strengthening insert are positioned against two opposed connected walls of the corrugated box.

39. The strengthened corrugated box of Claim 38 wherein the two of the three panels are connected by the third panel positioned therebetween.