3 BOXES

THERE DOES NOT SEEM to be a universal rule to help determine the ideal box size in relationship to a basket. If shelf space were not a consideration, the best guide would be to make the boxes with dimensions that enable them to be easily and safely handled. Small boxes containing baskets can be carried safely because one's arms are close together. Large boxes, however, have to be carried with arms extended and it is relatively easy inadvertently to topple the basket out of a large shallow box.

In general, boxes for small and average sized baskets should be slightly larger that the largest horizontal dimension of the basket. The slightly wider box facilitates monitoring for insects and debris and insures a safe distance between baskets on the shelf.

For large, heavier baskets, a box that comfortably cradles the base and also encompasses the support, if one is needed, is less vulnerable to mishaps than a box that exceeds the largest dimension of the basket.

3.1 Materials and Construction (Fig. 1)

Fig. 1. Box construction.

Three-ply, buffered, corrugated cardboard is used in the construction of all boxes regardless of size. It provides the necessary strength and rigidity for boxes of even quite large dimensions.

Boxes are made of one single piece of corrugated cardboard which is scored to make it possible to fold the sides up. Extensions of the side edges are peeled down to the bottom layer of paper and these become tabs which are glued to the adjacent sides to form the corners. PVA emulsion CM Bond M-2 works well in gluing the corners, especially when clothespins are used to hold the joins together until they dry.

Standard boxes are made with 1-�″ high sides, while others are designed to enclose special support forms of many different shapes and heights. The larger customized boxes are more appropriately called support stands. Although the dimensions vary greatly, the materials and method of construction are the same for all of them.