U.S. patent application number 10/848682 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-24 for carton and a blank therefor.
Invention is credited to Friebe, Randall W., Frosch, Marc B., Linder, Alan John, Rice, William J..
Application Number | 20050258223 10/848682 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35374241 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050258223 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Frosch, Marc B. ; et
al. |
November 24, 2005 |
Carton and a blank therefor
Abstract
A carton includes a base panel, first and second opposed wall
panels extending transversely from the base panel, and third and
fourth opposed wall panels extending between the first and second
opposed wall panels. At least one of the first, second, third, or
fourth wall panels extends at an angle other than 90.degree. with
respect to the base panel. The carton further includes a divider
having fifth and sixth panels each having a top surface extending
between either the first and second wall panels or the third and
fourth wall panels.
Inventors: |
Frosch, Marc B.; (Racine,
WI) ; Friebe, Randall W.; (Bay City, MI) ;
Rice, William J.; (Round Lake Beach, IL) ; Linder,
Alan John; (Waukesha, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
S.C. JOHNSON & SON, INC.
1525 HOWE STREET
RACINE
WI
53403-2236
US
|
Family ID: |
35374241 |
Appl. No.: |
10/848682 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/112 ;
229/120.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/008 20130101;
B65D 5/2038 20130101; B65D 5/48048 20130101; B65D 5/5273 20130101;
B65D 5/241 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/112 ;
229/120.24 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/04 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A carton, comprising: a base panel; first and second opposed
wall panels extending transversely from the base panel; third and
fourth opposed wall panels extending between the first and second
opposed wall panels, wherein at least one of the first, second,
third, or fourth wall panels extends at an angle other than
90.degree. with respect to the base panel; and a divider having
fifth and sixth panels each having a top surface extending between
either the first and second wall panels or the third and fourth
wall panels.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the third and fourth opposed wall
panels extend perpendicularly from the base panel.
3. The carton of claim 2, where the first and second opposed wall
panels extend at an angle with respect to the base panel.
4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the first and second opposed wall
panels extend toward one another.
5. The carton of claim 4, wherein each of the first and second
opposed wall panels extends at an angle of between about 75 degrees
and about 85 degrees with respect to the base panel.
6. The carton of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second
opposed wall panels extends at an angle of between about 77.5
degrees and about 80.5 degrees with respect to the base panel.
7. The carton of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second
opposed wall panels extends at an angle of about 79.38 degrees with
respect to the base panel.
8. The carton of claim 4, wherein the top surfaces of the fifth and
sixth panels of the divider extend between the third and fourth
opposed wall panels.
9. The carton of claim 8, wherein the top surfaces of the fifth and
sixth panels of the divider form first and second compartments with
the first and second opposed wall panels, respectively.
10. The carton of claim 9, wherein an article is disposed in the
first or second compartment.
11. The carton of claim 10, wherein a plurality of articles are
disposed in the first and/or second compartments.
12. The carton of claim 11, wherein a dimension of the articles
extends beyond a height of the carton.
13. The carton of claim 1, wherein the divider is separate from the
carton and may be removed from the carton and re-inserted
therein.
14. The carton of claim 1, wherein one of the first, second, third,
or fourth panels includes a cutout portion for viewing the contents
thereof.
15. A carton, comprising: a base panel; first and second opposed
wall panels extending from the base panel, wherein at least one of
the first and second wall panels extends at an angle other than
90.degree. with respect to the base panel; third and fourth opposed
wall panels extending from the base panel, wherein one of the
first, second, third, or fourth wall panels includes a cutout
portion for viewing contents of the carton; and a divider having
fifth and sixth panels each having a top surface extending between
either the third and fourth opposed wall panels or the first and
second opposed wall panels.
16. The carton of claim 15, wherein the top surfaces of the fifth
and sixth panels of the divider extend between the third and fourth
opposed wall panels and form first and second compartments with the
first and second walls panels, respectively.
17. The carton of claim 16, wherein an article is disposed in one
of the first or second compartments.
18. The carton of claim 17, wherein a plurality of articles are
disposed in the first and/or second compartments.
19. The carton of claim 18, wherein a dimension of each article
extends beyond an upper margin of the carton.
20. The carton of claim 15, wherein the divider is separate from
the carton and may be removed from the carton and re-inserted
therein.
21. The carton of claim 15, wherein the third and fourth opposed
wall panels extend perpendicularly from the base panel.
22. The carton of claim 15, wherein each of the first and second
opposed wall panels extends at an angle with respect to the base
panel.
23. The carton of claim 22, wherein the first and second opposed
wall panels extend toward one another.
24. The carton of claim 23, wherein each of the first and second
opposed wall panels extends at an angle of between about 75 and
about 85 degrees with respect to the base panel.
25. The carton of claim 24, wherein each of the first and second
opposed wall panels extends at an angle of between about 77.5
degrees and about 80.5 degrees with respect to the base panel.
26. The carton of claim 24, wherein each of the first and second
opposed wall panels extends at an angle of about 79.38 degrees with
respect to the base panel.
27. A carton, comprising: a base panel; first and second opposed
wall panels extending from the base panel, wherein at least one of
the first and second wall panels extends at an angle other than
90.degree. with respect to the base panel; third and fourth opposed
wall panels extending perpendicularly from the base panel; a
divider having fifth and sixth panels each having a top surface
extending between the third and fourth opposed wall panels, the
divider defining first and second compartments between the fifth
and sixth panels and the first and second opposed wall panels,
respectively; and an article disposed in one of the first and
second compartments, wherein a dimension of the article extends
beyond an upper margin of the carton.
28. The carton of claim 27, wherein the divider is separate from
the carton and may be removed from the carton and re-inserted
therein.
29. The carton of claim 27, wherein a plurality of articles are
disposed in the first and/or second compartments and each of the
articles includes a dimension that extends beyond an upper margin
of the carton.
30. The carton of claim 27, where both the first and second opposed
wall panels extend at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect
to the base panel.
31. The carton of claim 30, wherein the first and second opposed
wall panels extend toward one another.
32. The carton of claim 31, wherein the first and second opposed
wall panels each extend at an angle of between about 75 degrees and
about 85 degrees with respect to the base panel.
33. The carton of claim 32, wherein the first and second opposed
wall panels each extend at an angle of between about 77.5 degrees
and about 80.5 degrees with respect to the base panel.
34. The carton of claim 32, wherein the first and second opposed
wall panels each extend at an angle of about 79.38 degrees with
respect to the base panel.
35. The carton of claim 27, wherein one of the first or second wall
panels includes a cutout portion for viewing contents of the
carton.
36. A carton blank, comprising: a base panel; first and second
opposed wall panels connected to first and second opposite edges of
the base panel, respectively, wherein the second wall panel
includes a cutout portion therein for viewing of contents when
erected; third and fourth opposed wall panels connected to third
and fourth opposite edges of the base panel, respectively; first
and second side flaps extending from first and second opposite
edges of the first wall panel; and third and fourth side flaps
extending from first and second opposite edges of the second wall
panel.
37. The carton blank of claim 36, wherein the first and second wall
panels are connected to the base panel by alternating fully
cut-through portions that are a half inch in length and scores that
are a half inch in length.
38. The carton blank of claim 36, wherein the third and fourth wall
panels are connected to the base panel by alternating fully
cut-through portions that are a half inch in length and scores that
are a half inch in length.
39. The carton blank of claim 36, wherein the first and second side
flaps are connected to the first wall panel by alternating fully
cut-through portions that are a quarter inch in length and scores
that are a quarter inch in length.
40. The carton blank of claim 36, wherein the third and fourth side
flaps are connected to the second wall panel by alternating fully
cut-through portions that are a quarter inch in length and scores
that are a quarter inch in length.
41. The carton blank of claim 36, in combination with a second
blank.
42. The carton blank of claim 41, wherein the second blank includes
first and second main panels connected to one another.
43. The carton blank of claim 42, wherein the second blank further
includes first and second stabilizing flaps extending from first
and second opposite sides of the first main panel.
44. The carton blank of claim 43, wherein the second blank further
includes third and fourth stabilizing flaps extending from first
and second opposite sides of the second main panel.
45. The carton blank of claim 44, wherein the first panel section
further includes first and second side flaps extending from the
first and second opposite edges of the first wall panel.
46. The carton blank of claim 45, wherein the first panel section
further includes third and fourth side flaps extending from first
and second opposite edges of the second wall panel.
47. A carton blank, comprising: a base panel; first and second
opposed wall panels connected to first and second opposite edges of
the base panel, respectively, wherein the second wall panel
includes a cutout portion therein for viewing of contents when
erected; third and fourth opposed wall panels connected to third
and fourth opposite edges of the base panel, respectively; a first
connector flap extending between and connected to the first and
third wall panels; a second connector flap extending between and
connected to the second and third wall panels; a third connector
flap extending between and connected to the first and fourth wall
panels; and a fourth connector flap extending between and connected
to the second and fourth wall panels.
48. The carton blank of claim 47, wherein the first and second wall
panels are connected to the base panel by alternating fully
cut-through portions that are a half inch in length and scores that
are a half inch in length
49. The carton blank of claim 47, wherein the third and fourth wall
panels are connected to the base panel by alternating fully
cut-through portions that are a half inch in length and scores that
are a half inch in length
50. The carton blank of claim 47, wherein the first connector flap
is connected to the first and third wall panels by alternating
fully cut-through portions that are a quarter inch in length and
scores that are a quarter inch in length.
51. The carton blank of claim 50, wherein the first connector flap
includes a score line down a center thereof.
52. The carton blank of claim 47, wherein the second connector flap
is connected to the second and third wall panels by alternating
fully cut-through portions that are a quarter inch in length and
scores that are a quarter inch in length.
53. The carton blank of claim 52, wherein the second connector flap
includes a score line down a center thereof.
54. The carton blank of claim 47, wherein the third connector flap
is connected to the first and fourth wall panels by alternating
fully cut-through portions that are a quarter inch in length and
scores that are a quarter inch in length.
55. The carton blank of claim 54, wherein the third connector flap
includes a score line down a center thereof.
56. The carton blank of claim 47, wherein the fourth connector flap
is connected to the second and fourth wall panels by alternating
fully cut-through portions that are a quarter inch in length and
scores that are a quarter inch in length.
57. The carton blank of claim 56, wherein the fourth connector flap
includes a score line down a center thereof.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to cartons, and more
particularly, to cartons for displaying articles therein.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Products are occasionally inserted into a display carton or
cartons when received by retailers and are positioned so that
consumers may easily view, locate, and select products therefrom.
Often, many cartons do not provide the visual access that is
necessary to successfully market and sell a product. Certain carton
designs have attempted to address this problem through the use of
different sizes and shapes of cartons as well as one or more
dividers disposed therein.
[0005] Graham et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,687,278 discloses a shipping
and display carton assembly. The assembly provides an open-topped
tray portion containing two rows of upstanding articles. A
resilient divider biases the rows of articles outwardly against
sides of the tray portion and extends upwardly to tops of the
articles.
[0006] Ellis U.S. Pat. No. 4,116,330 discloses a container for
shipping of prepackaged foodstuffs. The container includes first,
second, third, and fourth wall panels, a top portion, and a bottom
portion in a closed configuration. The top portion includes first,
second, and third side panels extending therefrom to cover the
first, second, and third wall panels, respectively, when the
container is in the closed configuration. A perforation line is
disposed between the top portion and the fourth wall panel. The
container is convertible into two display configurations. A first
display configuration is obtained by detaching the first, second,
and third side panels from the first, second, and third wall panels
and removing the top portion along the perforation line. In this
configuration, the second wall panel has a height that is less than
a height of the fourth wall panel. The second display configuration
is obtained by removing portions of the first, third, and fourth
wall panels to create a display container wherein the heights of
the first, second, third, and fourth wall panels are substantially
the same.
[0007] Miller U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,324 discloses a shipping carton
for tubes. The carton includes an upper portion, a lower portion,
and tear strip portions. A divider is disposed in the carton
wherein the divider includes upper and lower portions separated by
a score line. The upper portion of the carton is separated from the
lower portion thereof by removing the tear strip portions to form a
display unit. After the upper and lower portions of the carton are
separated from one another, the upper and lower portions of the
divider may also be separated from one another.
[0008] O'Neill U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,371 discloses a shipping and
display carton. The carton includes an outer container and an inner
partition, wherein the partition includes a pair of primary divider
panels each having a u-shaped cutout therein. The carton further
includes a perforation line in a front wall that defines the same
u-shaped cutout as the primary divider panels.
[0009] Heathcock U.S. Pat. No. 6,402,021 discloses a generally
rectangular carton for holding and displaying a product. The carton
includes a bottom, a first side, a second side, a front, a top, and
a rear, all of which define an interior space of the carton. Lines
of perforation are disposed around the carton whereby a user may
grasp a front tear away section and pull the front tear away
section upwardly and toward the rear so as to remove the front tear
away section, the top, and optionally, a rear tear away
section.
[0010] Auclair U.S. Patent Publication No. 2002/014887 A1 discloses
a carton and carton blank for packaging one or more articles
including an inner tray slidable within an outer sleeve. The carton
may include end walls that form an acute angle with inner and outer
base wall panels. Additionally, the carton is preferably provided
with an access structure in the form of a reclosable tear flap
hingedly connected to one panel of the carton, preferably the top
panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a carton
includes a base panel, first and second opposed wall panels
extending transversely from the base panel, and third and fourth
opposed wall panels extending between the first and second opposed
wall panels. At least one of the first, second, third, or fourth
wall panels extends at an angle other than 90.degree. with respect
to the base panel. The carton further includes a divider having
fifth and sixth panels each having a top surface extending between
either the first and second wall panels or the third and fourth
wall panels.
[0012] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
carton includes a base panel and first and second opposed wall
panels extending from the base panel, wherein at least one of the
first and second wall panels extend at an angle other than
90.degree. with respect to the base panel. The carton further
includes third and fourth opposed wall panels extending from the
base panel, wherein one of the first, second, third, or fourth wall
panels includes a cutout portion for viewing contents of the
carton. Still further, the carton includes a divider having fifth
and sixth panels each having a top surface extending between either
the third and fourth opposed wall panels or the first and second
opposed wall panels.
[0013] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a
carton includes a base panel and first and second opposed wall
panels extending from the base panel, wherein at least one of the
first and second wall panels extends at an angle other than
90.degree. with respect to the base panel. The carton further
includes third and fourth opposed wall panels extending
perpendicularly from the base panel. Still further, the carton
includes a divider having fifth and sixth panels each having a top
surface extending between the third and fourth opposed wall panels,
the divider defining first and second compartments between the
fifth and sixth panels and the first and second opposed wall
panels, respectively. An article is disposed in one of the first
and second compartments, wherein a dimension of the article extends
beyond an upper margin of the carton.
[0014] According to still another aspect of the present invention,
a carton blank includes a base panel and first and second opposed
wall panels connected to first and second opposite edges of the
base panel, respectively, wherein the second wall panel includes a
cutout portion therein for viewing of contents when erected. The
carton blank further includes third and fourth opposed wall panels
connected to third and fourth opposite edges of the base panel,
respectively. Still further, the blank includes first and second
side flaps extending from first and second opposite edges of the
first wall panel and third and fourth side flaps extending from
first and second opposite edges of the second wall panel.
[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
carton blank includes a base panel and first and second opposed
wall panels connected to first and second opposite edges of the
base panel, respectively, wherein the second wall panel includes a
cutout portion therein for viewing of contents when erected. The
blank also includes third and fourth opposed wall panels connected
to third and fourth opposite edges of the base panel, respectively.
Further, the blank includes a first connector flap extending
between and connected to the first and third wall panels and a
second connector flap extending between and connected to the second
and third wall panels. Additionally, the blank includes a third
connector flap extending between and connected to the first and
fourth wall panels, and a fourth connector flap extending between
and connected to the second and fourth wall panels.
[0016] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 is plan view of a first embodiment of a carton blank
according to the present invention;
[0018] FIGS. 2-4 are isometric views of a first process of erecting
the carton blank of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIGS. 5-7 are isometric views of a second process of
erecting the carton blank of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a second embodiment of a carton
blank according to the present invention;
[0021] FIGS. 9-11 are isometric views of a process of erecting the
carton blank of FIG. 8;
[0022] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a divider blank according
to the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 13 and 14 are isometric views of a process of erecting
the divider blank of FIG. 12;
[0024] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the carton of FIG. 4 with
the divider of FIG. 14 inserted therein;
[0025] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the carton of FIG. 11 with
the divider of FIG. 14 inserted therein;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the
lines 17-17 of FIG. 15;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view identical to that of FIG.
17 with a single item disposed in the carton of FIG. 15;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view identical to that of FIG.
18 except with a plurality of items disposed in the carton of FIG.
15; and
[0029] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic isometric view of the item of FIG.
18 or one of the items of FIG. 19.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, a carton blank 20 includes sections of
paperboard or other material connected by score lines. If desired,
one or more of the score lines may have partially or fully
cut-through portions. For example, a base panel 22 is joined at
score lines 24, 26 to first and second opposed wall panels 28, 30,
respectively. The base panel 22 is further joined at score lines
32, 34 to third and fourth opposed wall panels 36, 38,
respectively. First and second side flaps 40, 42 are joined to
opposite ends 44, 46 of the first wall panel 28 at score lines 48,
50, respectively. Third and fourth side flaps 52, 54 are joined to
opposite ends 56, 58 of the second wall panel 30 at score lines 60,
62, respectively. A cutout portion 63 is preferably disposed in the
second wall panel 30 whereby the cutout portion 63 allows a user to
readily view the contents of the carton when the carton is fully
erected. Optionally, the cutout portion 63 may be disposed in the
first wall panel 28 or cutout portions may be disposed in both of
the first and second wall panels 28, 30. Preferably, the score
lines 24, 26, 32, and 34 include alternating fully cut-through
portions that are a half inch in length and scores that are a half
inch in length. Also preferably, the score lines 48, 50, 60, and 62
include alternating fully cut-through portions that are a quarter
inch in length and scores that are a quarter inch in length.
[0031] The carton blank 20 of FIG. 1 is preferably erected by
machinery (not shown) as seen and described with respect to FIGS.
2-4. Optionally, the carton blank 20 of FIG. 1 may be erected
manually as described with respect to FIGS. 2-4. As seen in FIG. 2,
the third and fourth opposed wall panels 36, 38 are folded upwardly
and inwardly along the score lines 32, 34, respectively, toward the
base panel 22. Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 3, the first and second
wall panels 28, 30 are folded upwardly and inwardly along the score
lines 24, 26, respectively, toward the base panel 22. An adhesive
or other bonding agent is deposited on outer edges 64a, 64b of the
third wall panel 36 and outside edges 65a, 65b of the fourth wall
panel 38. The side flaps 40, 42 and 52, 54 are thereafter folded
inwardly toward the third and fourth wall panels 36, 38,
respectively. Simultaneously, the side flaps 40, 42 are pressed
against the outer edges 64a, 64b, respectively, of the third wall
panel 36 and the side flaps 52, 54 are pressed against the outer
edges 65a, 65b, respectively, of the fourth wall panel 38 to form
the carton of FIG. 4. The adhesive may be applied at any point
during the erection process and may, alternatively or in addition,
be applied to inner surfaces of the side flaps.
[0032] Optionally, the carton blank 20 of FIG. 1 may be erected by
machinery (not shown) as seen and described with respect to FIGS.
5-7. Also optionally, the carton blank 20 of FIG. 1 may be erected
manually as described with respect to FIGS. 5-7. As seen in FIG. 5,
the second wall panel 30 is folded upwardly and inwardly along the
score line 26 toward the base panel 22 and the third and fourth
side flaps 52, 54 are folded inwardly along the score lines 60, 62,
respectively, toward the base panel 22. As seen in FIG. 6, the
first wall panel 28 is folded inwardly along the score line 24
toward the base panel 22 and the first and second side flaps 40, 42
are folded inwardly along the score lines 48, 50, respectively,
toward the base panel 22. Thereafter, an adhesive or other bonding
agent is deposited on inner surfaces 66, 68 of each of the third
and fourth opposed wall panels 36, 38 and/or outer surfaces 70, 72,
74, 76 of the first, second, third, and fourth side flaps 40, 42,
52, and 54 respectively. The third and fourth opposed wall panels
36, 38 are then folded inwardly along the score lines 32, 34,
respectively, and pressure is applied to the various panels 36, 38
and/or flaps 40, 42, 52, and 54 to form the carton 67 as seen in
FIG. 7.
[0033] If desired, the foregoing steps may be undertaken in any
suitable sequence other than the sequences described above. The
order in which the first and second opposed wall panels 28, 30 are
erected may be reversed. For example, the first wall panel 28 may
be folded inwardly before the second wall panel 30. Also, the first
and second wall panels 28, 30 may be folded inwardly before any of
the side flaps 40, 42, 52, 54 are folded inwardly.
[0034] When erected, the first and second opposed walls 28, 30 form
first and second angles A1 and A2 with respect to the base panel
22. In a preferred embodiment, each of the angles A1 and A2 is
preferably between about 75 degrees and about 90 degrees, and more
preferably between about 77.5 degrees and about 80.5 degrees, and
most preferably about 79.38 degrees. The angles A1 and A2 are
preferably equal, but need not necessarily be equal.
[0035] A second embodiment of a carton blank 120 according to the
present invention is seen in FIG. 8 and is designed to be erected
manually. The blank, 120 includes a base panel 122 joined at score
lines 124, 126 to first and second opposed wall panels 128, 130,
respectively. The base panel is also joined at score lines 132, 134
to third and fourth opposed wall panels 136, 138, respectively. A
first connector flap 164 connects the first and third wall panels
128, 136 at score lines 166, 168, respectively, and a second
connector flap 170 connects the second and fourth wall panels 130,
136 at score lines 172, 174, respectively. Further, a third
connector flap 176 connects the first and fourth wall panels 128,
138 at score lines 178, 180, respectively, and a fourth connector
flap 182 connects the second and fourth wall panels 130, 138 at
score lines 184, 186, respectively.
[0036] First and second end flaps 188, 190 are joined at score
lines 192, 194, respectively, to the third and fourth opposed wall
panels 136, 138, respectively. The first end flap 188 includes
first and second side tabs 196, 198. Similarly, the second end flap
190 includes third and fourth side tabs 200, 201. Similar to FIG.
1, the carton blank 120 of FIG. 8 includes a cutout portion 163
preferably disposed in the second wall panel 130 for facilitating
viewing of contents of the carton when the carton is fully erected.
Optionally, the cutout portion 163 may be disposed in the first
wall panel 128 or cutout portions may be disposed in both of the
first and second wall panels 128, 130. If desired, one or more of
the score lines may have partially or fully cut-through portions.
Preferably, the score lines 124, 126, 132, and 134 include
alternating fully cut-through portions that are a half inch in
length and creases that are a half inch in length. Also preferably,
the score lines 166, 168, 172, 174, 178, 180, 184, and 186 include
alternating fully cut-through portions that are a quarter inch in
length and creases that are a quarter inch in length. Still
preferably, the score lines 192, 194, and 203-206 have no
cut-through portions.
[0037] The carton blank 120 of FIG. 8 is erected according to the
process illustrated in FIGS. 9-11. The process of erecting the
carton blank 120 includes a first step of folding the second wall
panel 130 upwardly and inwardly along the score line 126 toward the
base panel 122, as seen in FIG. 9. Simultaneously, the second
connector flap 170 is folded inwardly along a diagonal score line
203 and the score lines 172, 174, and the fourth connector flap 182
is folded inwardly along a diagonal score line 204 and the score
lines 184, 186, thereby forming gusseted regions in the second and
fourth connector flaps 170, 182. Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 10,
the first wall panel 128 is folded upwardly and inwardly along the
score line 124 toward the base panel 122. Simultaneously, the first
connector flap 164 is folded inwardly along a diagonal score line
205 and the score lines 166, 168, and the third connector flap 176
is folded inwardly along a diagonal score line 206 and the score
lines 178, 180, thereby forming gusseted regions in the first and
third connector flaps 164, 176.
[0038] The erection process further includes the step of
simultaneously folding the third and fourth opposed wall panels
136, 138 inwardly along the score lines 132, 134, respectively,
toward the base panel 122. As the third and fourth opposed wall
panels 136, 138 are folded inwardly, the first and second end flaps
188, 190 are folded inwardly along the score lines 192, 194,
respectively. The end flap 188 is then folded inwardly until the
first and second side tabs 196, 198 are adjacent first and second
slots 207, 208, respectively. The first and second side tabs 196,
198 are thereafter inserted into the first and second slots 207,
208 and are retained therein. Similarly, the end flap 190 is folded
inwardly until the third and fourth side tabs 200, 201 are
positioned adjacent third and fourth slots 209, 210, respectively,
and the third and fourth side tabs 200, 201 are inserted into the
first and second slots 200, 202 and are secured therein. When the
carton blank 120 of FIG. 8 is fully erected, a carton 212 as seen
in FIG. 11 is formed. Optionally, glue may be applied between the
first and second connector flaps 164, 170, and the third opposed
wall panel and/or between the third and fourth connector flaps 176,
182, and the fourth opposed wall panel 138 to secure the carton 212
in its erected form. Also optionally, glue may be applied between
the first end flap 188 and the third opposed wall panel 136 and/or
between the second end flap 190 and the fourth opposed wall panel
138 to secure the carton 212 in its erected form.
[0039] If desired, the foregoing steps may be undertaken in any
suitable sequence. For example, the order in which the first and
second wall panels 128, 130 are erected may be reversed, wherein
the first wall panel 128 may be folded inwardly before the second
wall panel 130.
[0040] Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, the first and second
opposed walls 128, 130 of the embodiment of FIGS. 8-11 form third
and fourth angles A3 and A4 with respect to the base panel 122. In
a preferred embodiment, each of the angles A3 and A4 is preferably
between about 75 degrees and about 90 degrees, and more preferably
between about 77.5 degrees and about 80.5 degrees, and most
preferably about 79.38 degrees. The angles A3 and A4 are also
preferably equal, but need not necessarily be so.
[0041] The carton 67 or 212 of the present invention may include a
separate divider disposed therein that is erected from a divider
blank 221. The divider blank 221, as seen in FIG. 12, includes
fifth and sixth wall panels 223, 225 attached to one another at a
score line 227. The divider blank 221 further includes first and
second stabilizing flaps 229, 231 connected at score lines 233,
235, respectively, to the fifth wall panel 223. Still further, the
divider blank 221 includes third and fourth stabilizing flaps 237,
239 connected at score lines 241, 243, respectively, to the sixth
wall panel 225 and disposed adjacent the first and second
stabilizing flaps 229, 231, respectively. If desired, one or more
of the score lines of the divider may have partially or fully
cut-through portions.
[0042] The divider blank 221 is erected by folding the fifth and
sixth wall panels 223, 225 about the score line 227 as seen in FIG.
13 such that top surfaces 245, 247 of the fifth and sixth wall
panels 223, 225, are disposed outwardly of the resulting v-shaped
structure Thereafter, as seen in FIG. 14, the first and third
stabilizing flaps 229, 237 are folded away from one another along
the score lines 233, 241, respectively and the second and fourth
stabilizing flaps 229, 237 are folded away from one another along
the score lines 235, 243 respectively. At this point, the divider
blank 221 as erected into a divider 249 is ready for insertion into
the carton 67 or 212. The divider blank 221 for use in the carton
212 of FIG. 11 may be erected manually and the divider blank 221
for use in the carton 67 of FIGS. 4 and 7 is erected either
manually or mechanically.
[0043] After the carton blank 20 or 120 of FIG. 1 or FIG. 8 and the
divider blank 231 have been erected, the erected divider 249 may be
inserted into the erected carton 67 or 212. For example, as seen in
FIGS. 15-19 the divider 249 is inserted into the carton 67 or 212
by pressing the fifth and sixth wall panels 223, 225 of the divider
249 inwardly toward one another from the position shown in FIG. 14.
Once surfaces 251, 253 of the fifth and sixth wall panels 223, 225,
respectively, are in contact with each other, the divider 249 is
inserted into the carton 67 or 212. When the divider 249 is fully
inserted into the carton 67 or 212, the top surfaces 245, 247 of
the fifth and sixth wall panels 223, 225, respectively, form first
and second compartments 252, 254 with the first and second opposed
wall panels 28, 30, or 128, 130 and portions of the base panel 22
or 122 as seen in FIGS. 15 and 16.
[0044] The divider 249 is inserted into the carton 67 or 212 such
that first and second surfaces 255, 257 of the first and third
stabilizing flaps 229, 237, respectively, are in contact with an
inner surface 259 of the fourth opposed wall 38 or 138 and third
and fourth surfaces 261, 263 of the second and fourth stabilizing
flaps 231, 239, respectively, are in contact with an inner surface
265 of the third opposed wall 36 or 136. Also, the divider 249 is
urged toward the base panel 22 or 122 of the carton 67 or 212 until
the fifth and sixth wall panels 223, 225 and the first, second,
third, and fourth stabilizing flaps 229, 231, 237, 239 are in
contact with the base panel 22 or 122 as seen in FIGS. 15 and 16.
When the divider 249 is fully inserted into the carton 67 or 212
(i.e., the fifth and sixth wall panels 223, 225 and the first,
second, third, and fourth stabilizing flaps 229, 231, 237, 239 are
in contact with the base panel 22 or 122), the fifth and sixth wall
panels 223, 225 are preferably perpendicular to the base panel 22
or 122.
[0045] The stabilizing flaps 229, 231, 237, 239 of the divider 249
are preferably, although not necessarily, configured and sized such
that the walls 223, 225 of the divider 249 are in contact with one
another for an entire height thereof. Optionally, the walls 223,
225 of the divider 249 could taper toward one another at top
portions thereof and away from one another at bottom portions
thereof. As shown, the height H of the divider 249 when disposed in
the carton 67 or 212 is less than a height of an upper margin 266
(FIGS. 16 and 17) of the carton. Optionally, the height H of the
divider 240 when disposed in the carton 67 or 212 may be greater
than or equal to the height of the upper margin 266 of the
carton.
[0046] In other embodiments, any or all of the score and/or fold
lines could be replaced with other lines of weakness in the
corrugated cardboard or other paperboard material used in the
carton black that enable the material to bend as described
herein.
[0047] As previously noted, the cartons 67 and 212 of FIGS. 4, 7,
and 11 are specifically designed for display purposes. Preferably,
the carton 67 or 212 and the divider 249 are erected by the
manufacturer, placed in a shipping container, and shipped to a
retailer. The articles may be shipped to the retailer in a separate
container, or may be shipped in the same container with the carton
67 or 212. When the retailer receives the shipping container,
he/she removes the carton 67 or 212 from the shipping container and
positions the articles 267 in the carton 67 or 212 as seen in FIGS.
18 and 19. Optionally, the carton blank 20 or 120 and the divider
blank 221 may be shipped to the retailer and the retailer would
thereafter erect the carton blank 20 or 120 and the divider blank
221. Still optionally, the erected carton 67 or 212 and the divider
blank 221 may be shipped to the retailer, wherein only the divider
blank 221 is erected by the retailer.
[0048] The carton of the present invention is preferably used to
display at least one article 267 as seen in FIG. 20 having a length
L, a width W, and a thickness T. Preferably, the width W and the
length L of the article 267 are greater than the thickness T of the
article 267 and the length L is greater than or equal to the width
W of the article 267. Also preferably, but not necessarily, the
articles 267 are placed in the carton (for example the carton 67 of
FIGS. 4 and 7) such that a top surface 269 of each article 267
extends between the third and fourth opposed wall panels 36, 38.
The articles 267 also preferably, although not necessarily,
protrude beyond the upper margin 266 of the carton 67 as seen in
FIGS. 18 and 19. When the articles 267 protrude beyond the upper
margin 266 of the carton 67, graphics or advertising disposed on
the articles 267 may be viewed beyond the upper margin 266 of the
carton 67 and through the cutout portion 63 in the second wall
panel 30. Optionally, the carton of the present invention may be
used to display or hold any articles for which there is adequate
room in the carton.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0049] It should be apparent that the present invention provides a
sturdy display carton for articles stacked therein. Specifically,
the carton provides two compartments that tend to distribute weight
in the carton evenly throughout the entire carton. The carton
further provides the consumer with a clear view of the articles
contained therein, as well as easy access to the articles
therein.
[0050] Numerous modifications to the present invention will be
apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing
description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as
illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling
those skilled in the art to make and use the invention and to teach
the best mode of carrying out same. The exclusive rights to all
modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims
are reserved.
* * * * *