Leena Ahsan Receives Patent

Computer Engineering student Leena Ahsan was awarded a patent for creating a box that was collapsible as the contents is used. The patent for a "container having a plurality of identified markings to reduce container volume during use," she applied for while she was still at John Jay High School in Hopewell Junction, NY. The invention allows one to remove the unused cardboard or outside packaging as the content inside are being consumed.  This allows for space saving, especially, where space is a premium, such as, the International Space Station, an RV, a Dorm room, a small pantry, etc.

Her coop employer Draper Laboratory, Cambridge, MA, did a special presentation on June 18, 2015, in front of her team and other coop students, where she received her US Patent Grant from her Divisional Director. Negotiations are underway to bring this product into the market.


Abstract Source: US Patent Office

The present invention relates generally to a container or a carton having a plurality of selectable volumes. The present invention is also directed to a container having a plurality of identified markings to reduce container volume upon partial consumption of content. The container includes a plurality of fold facilitating creases adapted to allow panels to be folded or removed along a fold facilitating crease and/or perforation. At least one set of perforations or identified creases are provided in the box so as to form a shell and a second or a secondary box, where the shell is removed after the contents of the box have been partially consumed and space becomes available. The container may further include perforations, flaps, tabs, slits, indentations, notches, along or at an edge of the panel. A blank of bendable and creaseable material for forming a predefined selectable volume carton box is also disclosed.

Related Departments:Electrical & Computer Engineering