U.S. patent application number 11/072012 was filed with the patent office on 2005-09-15 for blank capable of forming a container having rounded corners.
Invention is credited to Nelson, Daniel John, Shimizu, Jamie.
Application Number | 20050199692 11/072012 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34923393 |
Filed Date | 2005-09-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050199692 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nelson, Daniel John ; et
al. |
September 15, 2005 |
Blank capable of forming a container having rounded corners
Abstract
A packaging blank capable of forming a display sleeve or
container having rounded corners comprises in one embodiment a
front panel, a rear panel, a first and second side panel, a first
and second top panel, a first and second bottom panel, a first and
second recess bridge panel, a pair of dust flaps, a plurality of
glue release sections, a series of scores, and a plurality of cut
and score lines. The packaging blank provides a partially
constructed flat container that is capable of being formed into a
container having rounded corners and a recessed bottom structure
that automatically extends and locks upon final construction of the
container.
Inventors: |
Nelson, Daniel John;
(Chagrin Falls, OH) ; Shimizu, Jamie; (River Edge,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUMMA & ALLAN, P.A.
11610 NORTH COMMUNITY HOUSE ROAD
SUITE 200
CHARLOTTE
NC
28277
US
|
Family ID: |
34923393 |
Appl. No.: |
11/072012 |
Filed: |
March 4, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60550428 |
Mar 5, 2004 |
|
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60577315 |
Jun 4, 2004 |
|
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60599986 |
Aug 9, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/182.1 ;
229/155 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/3621 20130101;
B65D 5/103 20130101; B65D 5/106 20130101; B65D 5/029 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/182.1 ;
229/155 |
International
Class: |
B65D 005/10 |
Claims
That which is claimed is:
1. A packaging blank that is capable of forming a container, said
blank comprising: a substantially rectangular body panel having a
series of scores that facilitate the folding of said blank into a
container; a substantially rectangular first top panel connected to
an upper edge of said body panel; a substantially rectangular
second top panel connected to an upper edge of said body panel,
said second top panel spaced apart from said first top panel; a
first bottom panel connected to a lower edge of said body panel,
said bottom panel having substantially rounded corners; and a
second bottom panel connected to a lower edge of said body panel,
said second bottom panel having substantially rounded corners, said
second bottom panel spaced apart from said first bottom panel;
wherein said blank is capable of forming a container having rounded
corners.
2. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said body panel
comprises: a first side panel; a front panel connected to said
first side panel, said front panel positioned between said second
top panel and said second bottom panel; a rear panel connected to
said front panel by said first side panel, said rear panel
positioned between said first top panel and said first bottom
panel; a first panel section of a second side panel connected to
said rear panel opposite said first side panel; and a second panel
section of said second side panel connected to said front panel
opposite said first side panel.
3. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said series of
scores in said body panel are substantially parallel to one another
and extend from portions of said body panel adjacent to said first
top panel and said second top panel to portions of said body panel
adjacent to said first bottom panel and said second bottom
panel.
4. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein: said second top
panel defines a tab lock positioned opposite the edge of said
second top panel to which said body panel is connected; and said
first top panel defines a slot for receiving a portion of said tab
lock.
5. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said first
bottom panel is substantially rectangular.
6. A packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein said second
bottom panel is substantially rectangular.
7. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising: a
first recess bridge panel connected to said body panel opposite
said first top panel, said first recess bridge panel connecting
said first bottom panel to said body panel; and a second recess
bridge panel connected to said body panel opposite said second top
panel, said second recess bridge panel connecting said second
bottom panel to said body panel.
8. A packaging blank according to claim 7, wherein said first and
second bottom panels, and said first and second recess bridge
panels, form a recessed bottom structure in a partially constructed
container formed from said blank.
9. A packaging blank according to claim 7, wherein said first and
second bottom panels, and said first and second recess bridge
panels, form a recessed bottom structure that automatically forms
upon final construction of said blank into the container.
10. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising: a
first glue tab connected to a free edge of said first bottom panel
opposite said body panel; and a second glue tab connected to a free
edge of said second bottom panel opposite said body panel, said
second bottom panel and said second glue tab defining a slot.
11. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising: a
first glue tab connected to a free edge of said first bottom panel
opposite said body panel, said first bottom panel and said first
glue tab defining a slot; and a second glue tab connected to a free
edge of said second bottom panel opposite said body panel, said
second bottom panel and said second glue tab defining a slot.
12. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising a
pair of dust flaps connected to upper edges of said body panel,
said dust flaps spaced apart from one another.
13. A packaging blank according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of cut and score lines in said body panel, said cut and
score lines facilitating the folding flat of a partially
constructed container formed from said blank.
14. A packaging blank according to claim 14, wherein said cut and
score lines are substantially parallel to one another and extend
from portions of said body panel adjacent to said first top panel
and said second top panel to portions of said body panel adjacent
to said first bottom panel and said second bottom panel.
15. A packaging blank that is capable of forming a container, said
blank comprising: a first side panel; a front panel connected to
said first side panel; a rear panel connected to said front panel
by said first side panel; a first panel section of a second side
panel connected to said rear panel opposite said first side panel;
a second panel section of said second side panel connected to said
front panel opposite said first side panel; a substantially
rectangular first top panel connected to an upper edge of said rear
panel; a substantially rectangular second top panel connected to an
upper edge of said front panel; a first bottom panel connected to
said rear panel opposite said first top panel; and a second bottom
panel connected to said front panel opposite said second top panel;
wherein said blank is capable of forming a container having rounded
corners and a recessed bottom panel.
16. A packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein said first
bottom panel is substantially rectangular.
17. A packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein said second
bottom panel is substantially rectangular.
18. A packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein said first and
second bottom panels include substantially rounded corners.
19. A packaging blank according to claim 15, wherein: said second
top panel defines a tab lock positioned opposite the edge of said
second top panel to which said front panel is connected; and said
first top panel defines a slot for receiving a portion of said tab
lock.
20. A packaging blank according to claim 15, further comprising: a
first recess bridge panel connected to said rear panel opposite
said first top panel, said first recess bridge panel connecting
said first bottom panel to said rear panel; and a second recess
bridge panel connected to said front panel opposite said second top
panel, said second recess bridge panel connecting said second
bottom panel to said front panel.
21. A packaging blank according to claim 20, wherein said first and
second bottom panels, and said first and second recess bridge
panels, form a recessed bottom structure in a partially constructed
container formed from said blank such that said recessed bottom
structure automatically forms upon final construction of said blank
into the container.
22. A packaging blank according to claim 15, further comprising: a
first glue tab connected to a free edge of said first bottom panel
opposite said rear panel; and a second glue tab connected to a free
edge of said second bottom panel opposite said front panel, said
second bottom panel and said second glue tab defining a slot.
23. A packaging blank according to claim 15, further comprising: a
first glue tab connected to a free edge of said first bottom panel
opposite said rear panel, said first bottom panel and said first
glue tab defining a slot; and a second glue tab connected to a free
edge of said second bottom panel opposite said front panel, said
second bottom panel and said second glue tab defining a slot.
24. A packaging blank according to claim 15, further comprising: a
series of scores in said front panel, said rear panel, said first
side panel, and said first and second panel sections of said second
side panel, said scores facilitating the folding of said blank into
a container; and a plurality of cut and score lines in said first
side panel, said first panel section, and said second panel
section, said cut and score lines facilitating the folding flat of
a partially constructed container formed from said blank.
25. A packaging blank according to claim 24, wherein: said series
of scores are substantially parallel to one another and extend from
portions of said body panel adjacent to said first top panel and
said second top panel to portions of said body panel adjacent to
said first bottom panel and said second bottom panel; and said cut
and score lines are substantially parallel to one another and
extend from portions of said body panel adjacent to said first top
panel and said second top panel to portions of said body panel
adjacent to said first bottom panel and said second bottom
panel.
26. A container having rounded corners, said container comprising:
at least one bottom panel having substantially rounded corners;
first and second side panels secured against respective opposing
edges of said bottom panel, said first and second side panels
defining substantially parallel planes and having a series of
scores; a rear panel connected to said bottom panel and to
respective opposing edges of said first and second side panels,
said rear panel having a series of scores; a front panel connected
to said bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of said first
and second side panels, said front panel having a series of scores,
said front panel and said rear panel defining substantially
parallel planes; and at least one top panel releasably connecting
said rear panel and said front panel, said top panel positioned
opposite said bottom panel; wherein said series of scores in said
first and second side panels, said rear panel, and said front panel
facilitates the formation of rounded corners in said container.
27. A container according to claim 26, wherein said bottom panel is
positioned inwardly of edges of said first and second side panels,
said rear panel, and said front panel.
28. A container according to claim 26, further comprising: a first
recess bridge panel secured to said rear panel, said first recess
bridge panel connecting an edge of said bottom panel to said rear
panel; and a second recess bridge panel secured to said front panel
opposite said first recess bridge panel, said second recess bridge
panel connecting an edge of said bottom panel to said front panel
opposite the edge to which said rear panel is connected.
29. A container according to claim 28, wherein said bottom panel
and said first and second recess bridge panels form a recessed
bottom structure, said recessed bottom structure facilitating the
folding flat of a partially constructed container for shipment such
that said bottom structure is folded inwardly against interior
surfaces of the said front panel and said rear panel.
30. A container according to claim 28 wherein said bottom panel and
said first and second recess bridge panels form a recessed bottom
structure that automatically forms upon final construction of said
container.
31. A container having rounded corners, said container comprising:
a first bottom panel having substantially rounded corners; a second
bottom panel having substantially rounded corners, portions of said
first and second bottom panels connected to one another; first and
second side panels secured against respective opposing edges of
said first and second bottom panels, said first and second side
panels defining substantially parallel planes and having a series
of scores; a rear panel connected to said first bottom panel and to
respective opposing edges of said first and second side panels,
said rear panel having a series of scores; a front panel connected
to said second bottom panel and to respective opposing edges of
said first and second side panels, said front panel having a series
of scores, said front panel and said rear panel defining
substantially parallel planes; a first top panel connected to said
rear panel, said first top panel positioned opposite said first and
second bottom panels; and a second top panel connected to said
front panel, said second top panel cooperating with said first top
panel to releasably connect said rear panel and said front panel,
said second top panel positioned opposite said first and second
bottom panels.
32. A container according to claim 31, wherein said first and
second bottom panels are positioned inwardly of edges of said first
and second side panels, said rear panel, and said front panel.
33. A container according to claim 31, wherein said series of
scores in said first and second side panels, said rear panel, and
said front panel facilitates the formation of rounded corners in
said container.
34. A container according to claim 31, further comprising: a first
recess bridge panel secured to said rear panel, said first recess
bridge panel connecting an edge of said first bottom panel to said
rear panel; and a second recess bridge panel secured to said front
panel opposite said first recess bridge panel, said second recess
bridge panel connecting an edge of said second bottom panel to said
front panel opposite the edge to which said rear panel is connected
to said first bottom panel.
35. A container according to claim 34, wherein said first and
second bottom panels, and said first and second recess bridge
panels, form a recessed bottom structure, said recessed bottom
structure facilitating the folding flat of a partially constructed
container for shipment such that said bottom structure is folded
inwardly against interior surfaces of the said front panel and said
rear panel.
36. A container according to claim 34, wherein said first and
second bottom panels, and said first and second recess bridge
panels, form a recessed bottom structure that automatically forms
upon final construction of said container.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application hereby claims the benefit of the following
commonly assigned provisional patent applications: U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/550,428, for Blank Capable of
Forming a Stackable Sleeve, filed Mar. 5, 2004; U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/577,315, for Blank Capable of
Forming a Container Having Rounded Corners, filed Jun. 4, 2004; and
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/599,986, for Blank
Capable of Forming a Container Having Rounded Corners, filed Aug.
9, 2004. This application incorporates entirely by reference these
provisional applications.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO COMMONLY ASSIGNED APPLICATIONS
[0002] This application also incorporates entirely by reference
commonly assigned and concurrently filed application Ser. No.
______ for Blank Capable of Forming a Stackable Container.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a packaging blank. In particular,
the invention relates to a packaging blank capable of forming a
display sleeve or "container" having rounded corners. The invention
also relates to a packaging blank capable of forming a container
having rounded corners and a recessed bottom. The invention further
relates to a container formed from the blank having rounded corners
and a recessed bottom that automatically forms upon the partial
construction of the container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] As known to those skilled in the art, packaging is typically
formed from packaging blanks, or blanks for short. It will be
understood that as used herein the term "blank" may include
cardboard, rigid paper, flexible plastic, or similar products made
of paperboard or plastic. In particular, the packaging industry
favors the use of one-piece flexible blanks, which are readily
incorporated into automated processes for forming sleeves.
[0005] Today, the construction of packaging blanks into sleeves,
and the subsequent insertion of products to be packaged in the
sleeve, is managed in the product manufacturers' facilities.
Manufacturers employ automated equipment that is capable of folding
the blank to form a container, inserting the product into the
container, sealing the container, and then shipping the container
by various means of transportation. For example, manufactures use
in-line processes for accomplishing the steps of folding,
inserting, sealing, and shipping as described above. Thus there is
a need for providing a packaging blank that is capable of being
formed into a container in automated processes.
[0006] Limited shelf space requires that manufacturers and
storeowners maximize shelf space for displaying products.
Containers that conform to the shapes of the articles stored
therein are preferred because they allow the storeowner to maximize
useable shelf space. Further, blanks capable of forming shaped
containers (e.g., containers having rounded corners) permit the
manufacturer to package articles more efficiently. For example, a
container having rounded corners permits the manufacturer to
package more efficiently articles having a substantially circular
shape, thereby increasing manufacturing and packaging efficiencies.
Thus, it is further desirable to provide a packaging blank capable
of forming a container having rounded corners.
[0007] Still further, is desirable to provide a substantially
rectangular container having rounded corners, whereby the rounded
corners facilitate the handling of the container by consumers.
[0008] In a related aspect, it is also desirable to provide an
aesthetically pleasing container, wherein the container includes
gradually rounded corners, as opposed to harsh right angles.
OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a blank suitable for use in automated processing.
[0010] Another object of the invention is the provision of a blank
that is capable of forming a sleeve having rounded corners.
[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide a packaging
blank capable of forming a sleeve that promotes manufacturing and
packaging efficiencies.
[0012] Still another object of the invention is to provide a
container having rounded corners that facilitates handling by a
consumer and that promotes an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
[0013] The invention meets these objectives with a packaging blank
capable of forming a container (also referred to as "sleeve")
having rounded corners. In particular, the invention is a packaging
blank and a container having a body panel, a first top panel
connected to an upper edge of the body panel, a second top panel
connected to an upper edge of the body panel and spaced apart from
the first top panel, a first bottom panel connected to a lower edge
of the body panel, and a second bottom panel connected to a lower
edge of the body panel and spaced apart from the first bottom
panel.
[0014] The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the
invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will
become clearer based on the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sleeve formed from a
preferred embodiment of the blank.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the sleeve formed from a
preferred embodiment of the blank.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
sleeve taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of a preferred embodiment of
the sleeve taken along lines 4-4 in FIG. 2.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the sleeve as partially constructed yet capable of being formed
into a substantially rectangular container having rounded
corners.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines
6-6 of FIG. 1 illustrating the packaging of articles therein.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of the
blank.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the sleeve.
[0023] FIG. 9 is top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines 9-9
of FIG. 8 illustrating the packaging of articles therein.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment
of the blank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 8.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of the sleeve.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines
12-12 of FIG. 11 illustrating the packaging of articles
therein.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment
of the blank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 11.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment
of the blank.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of a sleeve formed from the
blank in FIG. 14 illustrating the packaging of articles
therein.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of the sleeve.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines
17-17 of FIG. 16 illustrating the packaging of articles
therein.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment
of the blank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 16.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of the sleeve.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along lines
20-20 of FIG. 19 illustrating the packaging of articles
therein.
[0035] FIG. 21 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment
of the blank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 19.
[0036] FIG. 22 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment
of the sleeve.
[0037] FIG. 23 is a top plan view of the sleeve taken along the
lines 23-23 of FIG. 22 illustrating the packaging of articles
therein.
[0038] FIG. 24 is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment
of the blank that is capable of forming the sleeve in FIG. 22.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0039] The present invention will now be described more fully
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which a
preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather,
these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like
elements throughout.
[0040] As used herein, the term "panel" is used in conjunction with
the packaging blank of the present invention and refers to sections
of the blank. With reference to the orientation of the blank in
FIG. 7, it will be understood that the term "width" refers to a
distance measured from the leftmost portion of the blank to the
rightmost portion of the blank. Further, it will also be understood
by those of skill in the art that as used herein, the concept of a
panel being "between" two other panels does not necessarily imply
that the three panels or flaps are contiguous (i.e., in intimate
contact). Rather, as used herein, the concept of one panel being
between two other panels is meant to describe the relative
positions of the panels within the blank structure, respectively.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the terms
"sleeve" and "container" as used herein refer to various
embodiments of the present structure for retaining a variety
articles as formed from the various embodiments of the blank
described below. Thus the terms "sleeve" and "container" may be
used interchangeably.
[0041] Similarly, the concept of a first panel being connected to a
second panel by a third panel, "opposite" the second panel, merely
describes the relative positions of the first and second panels
within the blank structure. It will further be understood that the
term "finished" means coated with a material to produce an
attractive glossy finish. The term "finished" will also be
understood to mean the inclusion of printed material or other
identifying indicia (e.g., a company's logo). Those skilled in the
art will also appreciate that panels include edges defined as the
line of intersection of two surfaces or a border.
[0042] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the
term "score" refers to a crease along which the adjacent elements
of the blank are folded without cracking or breaking to form a
sleeve or container. It will also be understood by those skilled in
the art that the term "cut-score" refers to an impression formed by
a cutting tool (e.g., a punch, die, or blade) that extends
partially through a sheet of paperboard or the like. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the term "perforations"
refers to a series of holes or impressions formed by a cutting tool
(e.g., a punch or die) that permits easy separation of, for
example, panels. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
term "combo rule" or "cut and score" refers to a series of
alternating impressions formed by a cutting tool and creases formed
by a rule that facilitate the folding of panels. With respect to
embodiments of the present invention depicted in FIGS. 7, 10, 13,
14, 18, 21, and 24, the cut and score lines permit the folding of a
blank to form a substantially flat container that is capable of
being formed into a substantially rectangular container. Those
skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term "glue release
section" refers to a portion of, for example, a panel to which an
adhesive is applied such that another panel can be secured against
the panel having the glue release section and bearing the
adhesive.
[0043] It will also be understood that the term "substantially
rectangular" and "substantially trapezoidal" is meant to succinctly
describe simple geometric shape approximating a rectangle and
trapezoid, respectively. Similarly, the term "substantially
parallel" is meant to describe the spatial relationship between,
for example, one edge of a panel to another edge of a panel,
wherein the relationship is approximately parallel.
[0044] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the term
"adjacent" refers to two or more, for example, panels, that have a
common border or are in close proximity to one another.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that adjacent may or may not
imply contact, but always implies the absence of anything of the
same kind in between. Furthermore, as used herein, it will be
understood that the term "article" will refer primarily to consumer
products that are packaged for shipment (e.g., consumables,
bottles, cans, etc.). It will be understood, however, that
"article" may also refer to any number of goods such as
individually packaged consumables for humans and animals, as well
as individually packaged non-consumables.
[0045] It will also be understood that the term "automatic" and
"automatically" refers to elements of the blank and container that
are self-acting or self-regulating mechanisms. For example, the
automatic bottom structure of the blank and container is formed
when the blank is partially constructed into a container.
Subsequently, the automatic bottom structure forms into a completed
recessed bottom structure upon final construction of the partially
constructed container formed from the blank.
[0046] An overall view of a preferred embodiment of a packaging
blank 10 which incorporates features of the present invention is
set forth in FIG. 7. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the packaging blank
10 includes a body panel 11, a first top panel 12 (also referred to
as inner top panel) connected to an upper edge of the body panel, a
second top panel 13 (also referred to as outer top panel) connected
to an upper edge of the body panel, a first bottom panel 14 (also
referred to as outer bottom panel) connected to a lower edge of the
body panel 11, and a second bottom panel 15 (also referred to as
inner bottom panel) connected to a lower edge of the body panel.
The body panel 11 is comprised of a front panel 16, a rear panel
17, first side panel 18, first panel section 19 of a second side
panel 21, and a second panel section 20 of the second side panel
21.
[0047] The blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 also provide a first
recess bridge panel 25, a second recess bridge panel 26, a pair of
dust flaps 27, and a plurality of glue release sections 28. A tab
lock 29 may also be provided on the second top panel 13. Further,
the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 further provide a slot 30 in
the first top panel 12, a first glue tab 35 of the first bottom
panel 14, and a second glue tab 36 of the second bottom panel 15.
The second bottom panel 15 may also provide a slot 37 as described
in further detail below.
[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43,
44, 45, a series of scores 38 are provided in the front panel 16,
rear panel 17, first side panel 18, and first and second panel
sections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21. Still further,
preferred embodiments of the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 may
provide a plurality of cut and score lines 39 in the recess bridge
panels 25, 26 first side panel 18, and first and second panel
sections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21. Advantageously, the
blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are capable of forming a variety
of containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 having rounded corners
59.
[0049] Having identified a majority of elements of the present
invention, a detailed description of their positioning and
functionality follows. The front panel 16 is connected to the first
side panel 18, and the rear panel 17 is connected to the front
panel by the first side panel. The first panel section 19 is
connected to the rear panel 17 opposite the first side panel 18,
and the second panel section 20 is connected to the front panel 16
opposite the first side panel. The substantially rectangular first
top panel 12 is connected to an upper edge of the rear panel 17 and
the substantially rectangular second top panel 13 is connected to
an upper edge of the front panel 16. As configured, the second top
panel 13 is spaced apart from the first top panel 12.
[0050] The first recess bridge panel 25 is connected to the rear
panel 17 opposite the first top panel 12, and the second recess
bridge panel 26 is connected to the front panel 16 opposite the
second top panel 13. The first bottom panel 14 is connected to the
rear panel 17 by the first recess bridge panel 25. The first bottom
panel 14 preferably includes substantially rounded corners. The
second bottom panel 15 is connected to the front panel 16 by the
second recess bridge panel 26. As depicted in FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14,
18, 21, and 24, the first and second bottom panels 14, 15 are
spaced apart from one another.
[0051] It will be understood that preferred embodiments of the
first and second bottom panels 14, 15 are substantially rectangular
in shape, yet include rounded corners. Thus, the first and second
bottom panels 14, 15 of FIGS. 7, 10, 21, and 24 appear somewhat
more rectangular in appearance that the first and second bottom
panels 14, 15 of FIGS. 13, 14, and 18. Although the first bottom
panels 14 of FIGS. 7, 10, and 13 include less surface area that the
bottom panels of FIGS. 14, 18, 21, and 24, it will be understood
that term substantially rectangular aptly describes the overall
appearance of the bottom panels as a result of the shape connoted
by the rounded corners.
[0052] In each embodiment of the blanks 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, the
second bottom panel 15 and second glue tab 36 define a slot 37. As
illustrated in alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 14, 18, 21,
and 24, the first bottom panel 14 and first glue tab 35 define a
slot 46. In similar fashion, the second bottom panel 15 and second
glue tab 36 of the blanks 42, 43, 44, 45 in FIGS. 14, 18, 21, and
24 define a slot 37, although somewhat larger than the slot 37
appearing in blanks 10, 40, 41 (see FIGS. 7, 10, and 13). The
larger slots 37 of blanks 42, 43, 44, 45 promote ease of
construction of the containers 14, 18, 21, 24 formed from the
blanks 42, 43, 44, 45. The increased surface area of the first
bottom panel 14 in blanks 42, 43, 44, 45 ensures the structural
integrity of the containers 52, 53, 54, 55. In other words, the
blanks 42, 43, 44, 45 provide containers 52, 53, 54, 55 having a
structurally enhanced bottom panel as compared to the blanks 10,
40, 41. Referring to FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, 24, the first
glue tab 35 of the first bottom panel 14 is connected at a free
edge of the first bottom panel such that only one edge of the first
bottom panel is adjacent to the first glue tab.
[0053] As depicted in FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, and 24, the body
panel 11 is substantially rectangular and includes a series of
scores 38. The scores 38 are substantially parallel to one another
and extend from portions of the body panel 11 adjacent to the first
and second top panels 12, 13 to portions of the body panel adjacent
to the first and second bottom panels 14, 15. Preferably the scores
38 extend from an upper edge of the body panel 11 to a lower edge
of the body panel. Further, the body panel 11 may be a one-piece
flexible blank 10 formed from paperboard.
[0054] Accordingly, the front panel 16, rear panel 17, first side
panel 18, first and second panel sections 19, 20 of the second side
panel 21 are foldable along the series of scores 38 formed in the
blank 10. In particular, the scores 38 facilitate the folding of
the first side panel 18 and first and second panel sections 19, 20
toward the rear panel 17 and the front panel 16, respectively,
during construction of the blanks into the sleeves. Further, the
series of scores 38 in the front panel 16, rear panel 17, first
side panel 18, and first and second panel sections 19, 20 of the
second side panel 21 facilitate the formation of rounded corners 59
(also referred to as radius corners) upon construction of the
containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. The scores 38 may be formed
by perforations or similar indentations sufficient to permit the
folding of the first side panel 18 and first and second panel
sections 19, 20 to form the second side panel 21 of the
container.
[0055] The first and second bottom panels 14, 15 and the first and
second recess bridge panels 25, 26 of the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42,
43, 44, 45 of FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, and 24 are constructed
to form a recessed bottom structure 58 (see FIG. 5). The recessed
bottom structure 58 of the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 is
also referred to as a two-tab automatic bottom or recessed two-tab
automatic bottom structure as discussed herein. The bottom
structure 58 automatically forms upon final construction of the
containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.
[0056] Specifically, the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are
formed into partially constructed containers by folding the first
and second sections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21 inwards
towards one another and then adhering the sections together. Next,
the first recess bridge panel 25 is folded against and secured to
the rear panel 17 such that the first bottom panel 14 is
substantially perpendicular to the rear panel. Stated differently,
the first recess bridge panel 25 is folded against and secured to
the rear panel 17 and the first bottom panel 14 is folded along the
cut and score lines 39 between the first bottom panel and the first
recess bridge panel. In similar fashion, the second recess bridge
panel 26 is folded against and secured to the front panel 16 such
that the second bottom panel 15 is substantially perpendicular to
the front panel.
[0057] The first and second bottom panels 14, 15 of the blanks 10,
40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 are then connected by and secured to one
another. More specifically, the first and second bottom panels 14,
15 are brought together such that the first glue tab 35 of the
first bottom panel 14 overlaps portions of the second bottom panel
15 and the second glue tab 36 of the second bottom panel overlaps
portions of the first bottom panel. In this fashion, the slot 37
formed in the second bottom panel 15 receives a portion of the
first bottom panel 14--and specifically the first glue tab 35--to
form the automatic bottom structure 58 of the containers 49, 50,
51, 52, 53, 54, 55. The partially constructed containers are then
folded flat for shipment such that the bottom structure 58 (i.e.,
first and second bottom panels 14, 15 and first and second recess
bridge panels 25, 26) are folded against the interior surfaces of
the front and rear panels 16, 17 as illustrated in FIG. 5.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 10, the series of cut and score lines 39
in the first side panel 18 and second panel section 20 of the
second side panel 21 permit the folding of the blanks 10, 40, 41,
42, 43, 44, 45 into partially constructed substantially flat
containers. The cut and score lines 39 are substantially parallel
to one another and extend from portions of the body panel 11
adjacent to the first and second top panels 12, 13 to portions of
the body panel adjacent to the first and second bottom panels 14,
15. Preferably the cut and score lines 39 extend from an upper edge
of the body panel 11 to a lower edge of the body panel.
Advantageously, the flat containers are capable of being formed
into substantially rectangular containers. The series of cut and
score lines 39 in the first and second recess bridge panels 25, 26
and cut and score lines 39 in the first and second bottom panels
14, 15 permit the folding and subsequent opening of the bottom
structure 58 (see FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0059] Advantageously, the folding of the first and second recess
bridge panels 25, 26 against the rear and front panels 17, 16,
respectively, provide for a recessed bottom panel wherein the
automatic bottom structure 58 is spaced inward of the edges of the
front and rear panels, and the edges of first and second side
panels 18, 21. The recessed configuration of the automatic bottom
structure 58 enhances the structural integrity of the containers
49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 as compared to known containers. The
recessed configuration further permits the bottom structure 58 to
sag under increased loads while preventing packaged articles 22
from exiting the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.
[0060] As described, any one of the substantially flat partially
constructed containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 may then be
constructed and filled with a variety of articles 22 by the article
manufacturer. For example, the article manufacturer may insert a
plunger device into the interior space of the container to thereby
advance the automatic bottom structure 58 downward. The downward
advancement of the automatic bottom structure 58 forms a
substantially planar surface that is substantially perpendicular to
the front panel 16, rear panel 17, and side panels 18, 21 of the
containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. Advantageously, the bottom
structure 58 automatically locks into position to form the bottom
of the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.
[0061] With reference to the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, at
least one of the first and second bottom panels 14, 15 and at least
one of the first and second top panels 12, 13 are preferably
rectangular (see FIGS. 7, 10, 13, 14, 18, 21, 24). The rectangular
shape of these panels 12, 13, 14, 15 in conjunction with the
substantially rectangular shape of the rear panel 17 and front
panel 16 ensures the substantially rectangular shape of the
containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. As known to those skilled in
the art, a rectangular shaped container is preferred for shipping
and stacking purposes.
[0062] Nevertheless, it will be understood that the rear panel 17,
front panel 16, first side panel 18, and first and second panel
sections 19, 20 of the second side panel 21 are not limited to a
rectangular shape and may be trapezoidal or triangular in shape. It
will also be understood that the first and second bottom panels 14,
15 and first and second top panels 12, 13 are not limited to a
rectangular shape and may be trapezoidal in shape.
[0063] The blank 10 also includes an external planar side 32 and an
internal planar side 31 as shown in FIG. 10. For advertising and
promotional considerations, the external planar side 32 is
preferably finished (i.e., includes printed material or related
identifying indicia).
[0064] The preferred embodiments of the blanks 10, 40 41, 42, 43,
44, 45 also provides a tab lock 29 connected to the second top
panel 13 opposite the front panel 16. The tab lock 29 promotes the
opening and secure closing of the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53,
54, 55. A preferred tab lock 29 is substantially rectangular, but
it will be understood that the tab lock 29 is not limited to a
rectangular shape, and may be, for example, trapezoidal in shape.
The blanks 10 and 40 depicted in FIGS. 7 and 10 may also include a
tab 33 of the first top panel 12.
[0065] The first top panel 12 may also provide a slot 30 that is
configured to receive at least a portion of the tab lock 29 when
the blank 10 is formed into the sleeve. The slot 30 is positioned
adjacent to a free edge of the first top panel 12. Thus, the sleeve
can be opened by raising the first and second top panels 12, 13 and
then closed by lowering the first top panel 12 and second top panel
13, respectively, and inserting the tab lock 29 into the slot
30.
[0066] The blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 also include a pair of
dust flaps 27 connected to upper edges of the first side panel 18
and the second panel section 20. In a preferred embodiment, the
dust flaps 27 are substantially rectangular, but it will be
understood that the dust flaps are not limited to a rectangular
shape, and may be trapezoidal in shape.
[0067] A preferred embodiment of the dust flaps 27 define glue
release sections 28, wherein the glue release sections are
preferably oval in shape (see FIG. 7). The glue release sections 28
secure the first top panel 12 to the dust flaps 27 with, for
example, an adhesive, when the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45
are formed into the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55. As
configured, external portions of the blanks are separated from the
dust flaps 27 when the first and second top panels 12, 13 are
separated from each other and the container is opened (i.e., when
the first and second top panels of the container are raised).
[0068] As briefly described above, another aspect of the present
invention includes sleeves or containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55
formed from the packaging blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 (see
FIGS. 1, 8, 11, 16, 19, and 22). The majority of the elements of
the containers are those embodied in the blanks. For the sake of a
complete and accurate description, those elements are described
below.
[0069] A preferred embodiment of the sleeve formed from the blanks
10, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 include first and second bottom panels
14, 15, first and second side panels 18, 21, a rear panel 17, a
front panel 16, and first and second top panels 12, 13. The
container is preferably formed from a one-piece flexible blank 10
formed from paperboard. It will be understood that the containers
49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 include at least one top panel and at
least one bottom panel, but may include any number of panels that
cooperate to seal the container. Further, those skilled in the art
will appreciate that any number of known mechanisms for releasably
engaging one or more top panels may be incorporated into the
invention.
[0070] The bottom panels 14, 15 preferably include substantially
rounded corners. The first and second side panels 18, 21 are
secured to respective opposing edges of the bottom panels 14, 15
such that the first and second side panels 18, 21 define
substantially parallel planes. The first and second side panels 18,
21 and portions of the front panel 16 and rear panel 17 include a
series of scores 38. It will be understood that respective portions
of the first side panel 18, and first panel section 19 and second
panel section 20 of the second side panel 21, form the first and
second side panels 18, 21 of the sleeve upon construction.
[0071] The rear panel 17 of the sleeve is connected to the first
bottom panel 14 and to respective opposing edges of the first and
second side panels 18, 21. The rear panel 17 of the sleeve includes
a series of scores 38. The front panel 16 of the sleeve is
connected to the second bottom panel 15 and to respective opposing
edges of the first and second side panels 18, 21. As constructed,
the front panel 16 and rear panel 17 define substantially parallel
planes.
[0072] The front panel 16 may also include a series of scores 38.
The series of scores 38 in the first and second side panels 18, 21,
the rear panel 17, and the front panel 16 facilitate the formation
of rounded corners 59 in the container. The top panels 12, 13 are
positioned opposite the bottom panels 14, 15 and releasably connect
the rear panel 17 and the front panel 16.
[0073] As constructed, the bottom panels 14, 15 are positioned
inwardly of the edges of the first side panel 18, second side panel
21, rear panel 17, and front panel 16. Stated differently, the
bottom panels 14, 15 are recessed relative to the edges of the side
panels 18, 21, rear panel 17, and front panel 16.
[0074] The top panels 12, 13 are connected at one edge to the rear
and front panels 16, 17, respectively, and are positioned opposite
the bottom panels 14, 15. As configured, the top panels 12, 13 and
bottom panels 14, 15 define substantially parallel planes, thereby
defining a portion of the enclosure formed by the first and second
side panels 18, 21 and top and bottom panels 12, 13.
[0075] In the preferred embodiment, the containers 49, 50, 51, 52,
53, 54, 55 consist essentially of a one-piece flexible blank 40,
41, 42, 43, 44, 45 having an external planar side 32 and an
internal planar side 31, wherein the external planar side is
finished.
[0076] Preferably, the first and second side panels 18, 21, rear
panel 17, and front panel 16 of the containers are substantially
rectangular as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 8, 19, and 22. Nevertheless,
it will be understood that in alternative embodiments the side
panels 18, 21 are rounded (i.e., bow outwardly from the interior
compartment of the container) to define rounded corners 59 as
illustrated in FIGS. 11, 12, 15, 16, and 17.
[0077] The containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 further include a
first recess bridge panel 25 and a second recessed bridge panel 26.
The first recess bridge panel 25 is secured to the rear panel 17
and connects an edge of the first bottom panel 14 to the rear panel
17. The second recess bridge panel 26 is secured to the front panel
16 opposite the first recess bridge panel 25. The second recess
bridge panel 26 connects an edge of the second bottom panel 15 to
the front panel 16 opposite the edge to which the rear panel 17 is
connected to the first bottom panel 14.
[0078] In like fashion with respect to the blanks, the first and
second top panels 12, 13 and first and second and bottom panels 14,
15 of the container are substantially rectangular. The
substantially rectangular shape of these panels, in conjunction
with the substantially rectangular shape of the rear panel 17,
front panel 16, and first and second side panels 18, 21, ensures
the substantially rectangular shape of the container. The first and
second top panels 12, 13 and first and second bottom panels 14, 15
of the preferred embodiment of the container likewise include
substantially rounded corners, thereby facilitating the formation
of a container having rounded corners 59.
[0079] Nevertheless, it will be understood that the rear panel 17,
front panel 16, first side panel 18, and second side panel 21 are
not limited to a rectangular shape and may be trapezoidal or
triangular in shape. It will also be understood that the first and
second top panels 12, 13 and first and second bottom panels 14, 15
are not limited to a rectangular shape and may be trapezoidal in
shape.
[0080] The preferred embodiment of the sleeve also provides a tab
lock 29 connected to one of the top panels 12, 13, and preferably
to the second top panel 13. The tab lock 29 promotes the opening
and secure closing of the sleeve and releasably engages a slot 30
provided in the first top panel 12. A preferred tab lock 29 is
substantially rectangular, but it will be understood that the tab
lock 29 is not limited to a rectangular shape, and may be, for
example, trapezoidal in shape.
[0081] The sleeve further provides a pair of opposing dust flaps 27
connected to respective opposing edges of the first and second side
panels 18, 21. The dust flaps 27 are preferably rectangular and
positioned adjacent to the top panels 12, 13.
[0082] A preferred embodiment of the dust flaps 27 define glue
release sections 28, wherein the glue release sections are
preferably oval in shape (see FIG. 7). The glue release sections 28
secure the first and second top panels 12, 13 to the dust flaps 27
with, for example, an adhesive, when the blanks 10, 40, 41, 42, 43,
44, 45 are formed into the containers 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55.
As configured, external portions of the blanks, and specifically
external portions of first and second top panels 12, 13, are
separated from the dust flaps 27 when the first and second top
panels are separated from each other and the container is opened
(i.e., when the first and second top panels of the container are
raised).
[0083] In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed
typical embodiments on the invention and, although specific terms
have been employed, they have been used in a generic and
descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the
scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *