U.S. patent application number 11/143697 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-15 for combination shipping container and dispenser.
This patent application is currently assigned to Georgia-Pacific Corporation. Invention is credited to Smith, Tracy C..
Application Number | 20050274638 11/143697 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34975210 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050274638 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith, Tracy C. |
December 15, 2005 |
Combination shipping container and dispenser
Abstract
A combination shipping container and dispenser is described
herein. A regular slotted container (RSC) is modified to include at
least a first and second dispensing feature such that the RSC can
dispense product when it is configured in either a horizontal or in
a vertical orientation.
Inventors: |
Smith, Tracy C.; (Stone
Mountain, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT GROUP GA030-43
GEORGIA-PACIFIC CORPORATION
133 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E.
ATLANTA
GA
30303-1847
US
|
Assignee: |
Georgia-Pacific Corporation
Atlanta
GA
|
Family ID: |
34975210 |
Appl. No.: |
11/143697 |
Filed: |
June 2, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60578132 |
Jun 9, 2004 |
|
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60641443 |
Jan 6, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/389 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/0066 20130101;
B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D 2571/0058 20130101; B65D 2571/00438
20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101; B65D 2571/00728 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/389 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/67 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A combination shipping container and dispenser, comprising: a
top; a bottom opposite the top; two end walls, each end wall being
located between the top and the bottom; two sides, each being
located between the top and the bottom and adjacent to each of the
end walls; a first substantially continuous perforation formed in
the top and extending to each of the sides, which defines a first
opening to allow access to a generally cylindrically shaped product
disposed within the combination shipping container and dispenser; a
second substantially continuous perforation formed in one of the
end walls and extending to each of the sides, which defines a
second opening to allow access to the product disposed within the
combination shipping container and dispenser; and wherein the
product has a diameter and at least one of the first opening and
the second opening extends into each of the sides a distance of
between about 0.25 to about 0.75 times the diameter of the
product.
2. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 1
wherein the other of the first opening and the second opening
extends into each of the sides a distance of between about 0.25 to
about 0.75 times the diameter of the product.
3. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 1
further comprising a third substantially continuous perforation
formed in one of the end walls and a fourth substantially
continuous perforation formed in the other of the end walls, each
such third and fourth substantially continuous perforation defining
an access opening.
4. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 3
wherein the third substantially continuous perforation and the
fourth substantially continuous perforation are substantially
vertically and horizontally aligned.
5. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 1
further including a fifth perforation and a sixth perforation
formed in the bottom wherein the fifth perforation and the sixth
perforation are substantially aligned parallel to a major axis of
the first opening.
6. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 1
wherein at least one of the first opening and the second opening
has a height that is between about 0.75 to about 1.25 times the
diameter of the product.
7. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 6
wherein the other of the first opening and the second opening has a
height that is between about 0.75 to about 1.25 times the diameter
of the product.
8. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 1
wherein the first substantially continuous perforation has a
beginning and an end and a fold line connects the beginning and the
end and extends across the top.
9. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 1
wherein the second substantially continuous perforation has a
beginning and an end and a fold line connects the beginning and the
end and extends across one of the end walls.
10. A combination shipping container and dispenser, comprising; a
top; a bottom opposite the top; two end walls, each end wall being
located between the top and the bottom; two sides, each being
located between the top and the bottom and adjacent to each of the
end walls; a first substantially continuous perforation formed in
the top and extending to each of the sides and having a beginning
and an end; a first fold line extending between the beginning and
the end of the first substantially continuous perforation, the
first substantially continuous perforation and the first fold line
defining a first opening in the combination shipping container and
dispenser and a first hinged door for covering the first opening;
the first hinged door defining three notches therein and wherein
three tabs extend into the first opening and each tab engages with
one of the three notches to help hold the first hinged door over
the first opening; a second substantially continuous perforation
formed in one of the end walls and extending to each of the sides
and having a beginning and an end; a second fold line extending
between the beginning and the end of the second substantially
continuous perforation, the second substantially continuous
perforation and the second fold line defining a second opening in
the combination shipping container and dispenser and a second
hinged door for covering the second opening; the second hinged door
defining three notches therein and wherein three tabs extend into
the second opening and each tab engages with one of the three
notches to help hold the second hinged door over the second
opening.
11. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 10
wherein the first hinged door is located in the top adjacent to the
end wall that does not contain the second hinged door.
12. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 10
further including a third perforation extending from the beginning
of this first perforation generally perpendicular thereto and a
fourth perforation extending from the end of the first perforation
generally perpendicular thereto and a third fold line generally
parallel to the first fold line and extending between the third
perforation and the fourth perforation.
13. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 10
further including a fifth perforation extending from the beginning
of the second perforation generally perpendicular thereto and a
sixth perforation extending from the end of the second perforation
generally perpendicular thereto and a fourth fold line generally
parallel to the second fold line and extending between the fifth
perforation and the sixth perforation.
14. A blank for forming a combination shipping container and
dispenser, comprising: an adhesive tab; a bottom panel adjacent to
the adhesive tab and having a top and a bottom; a first vertical
fold line between the adhesive tab and the bottom panel; a first
end panel adjacent to the bottom panel and having a top and a
bottom; a second vertical fold line between the bottom panel and
the first end panel; a top panel adjacent to the first end panel
and having a top and a bottom; a third vertical fold line between
the first end panel and the top panel; a second end panel adjacent
to the top panel and having a top and a bottom; a fourth vertical
fold line between the top panel and the second end panel; a bottom
panel top flap adjacent to the top of the bottom flap; a bottom
panel bottom flap adjacent to the bottom of the bottom panel; a
first end panel top flap adjacent to the top of the first end
panel; a first end panel bottom flap adjacent to the bottom of the
first end panel; a top panel top flap adjacent to the top of the
top panel; a top panel bottom flap adjacent to the bottom of the
top panel; a second end panel top flap adjacent to the top of the
second end panel; a second end panel bottom flap adjacent to the
bottom of the second end panel; a first horizontal fold line
disposed between the first end panel top flap and the first end
panel and between the top panel top flap and the top panel; a
second horizontal fold line disposed between the first end panel
and the first end panel bottom flap and between the top panel and
the top panel bottom flap; a first generally rectangular
perforation formed in the first end panel and extending partially
into the first end panel top flap and the first end panel bottom
flap; and a second generally rectangular perforation formed in the
top panel and extending partially into the top panel top flap and
the top panel bottom flap.
15. The blank of claim 14 wherein the top panel top flap, the top
panel bottom flap, the second end panel top flap and the second end
panel bottom flap each define a notch in a left portion
thereof.
16. The blank of claim 15 wherein the bottom panel top flap and the
bottom panel bottom flap each define a notch in a right portion
thereof.
17. The blank of claim 14 wherein the first generally rectangular
perforation extends below second horizontal fold line between about
0.25 to about 0.75 times the diameter of a product to be disposed
in the combination shipping container and dispenser formed from the
blank and the first generally rectangular perforation extends above
first horizontal fold line between about 0.25 to about 0.75 times
the diameter of the product.
18. The blank of claim 14 wherein the second generally rectangular
perforation extends above first horizontal fold line and below
second horizontal fold line between about 0.25 to about 0.75 times
the diameter of a product to be disposed in the combination
shipping container and dispenser formed from the blank.
19. The blank of claim 14 including a fifth vertical fold line on
the first end panel extending between the first horizontal fold
line and the second horizontal fold line and a first and second
perforation between the fifth vertical fold line and the first
generally rectangular perforation.
20. The blank of claim 14 including a sixth vertical fold line on
the top panel extending between the first horizontal fold line and
the second horizontal fold line and a third and fourth horizontal
perforation between the sixth vertical fold line and the second
generally rectangular perforation.
21. A combination shipping container and dispenser, comprising: a
top; a bottom opposite the top; two end walls, each end wall being
located between the top and the bottom; two sides, each being
located between the top and the bottom and adjacent to each of the
end walls; a first perforation formed in the top and extending to
each of the sides and having a beginning and an end; a first fold
line extending across the top between the beginning and the end of
the first perforation; a second perforation formed in one of the
end walls and extending to each of the sides and having a beginning
and an end, and a second fold line extending across the one of the
end walls between the beginning and the end of the second
perforation.
22. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 21
further including a third perforation and a fourth perforation
extending from the first fold line toward the first perforation and
a fifth perforation and a sixth perforation extending from the
second fold line toward the second perforation.
23. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 21
wherein at least one of the first perforation and the second
perforation defines a tab in each side.
24. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 21
wherein a cylindrical product having a diameter is stored in the
combination shipping container and dispenser and the first
perforation extends into each of the sides a distance of between
about 0.25 to about 0.75 times the diameter of the product.
25. The combination shipping container and dispenser of claim 21
wherein a cylindrical product having a diameter is stored in the
combination shipping container and dispenser and the second
perforation extends into each of the sides a distance of between
about 0.25 to about 0.75 times the diameter of the product.
26. A blank for forming a combination shipping container and
dispenser, comprising: an adhesive tab; a bottom panel adjacent to
the adhesive tab and having a top and a bottom; a first end panel
adjacent to the bottom panel and having a top and a bottom; a top
panel adjacent to the first end panel and having a top and a
bottom; a second end panel adjacent to the top panel and having a
top and a bottom; a bottom panel top flap adjacent to the top of
the bottom panel; a bottom panel bottom flap adjacent to the bottom
of the bottom panel; a first end panel top flap adjacent to the top
of the first end panel; a first end panel bottom flap adjacent to
the bottom of the first end panel; a top panel top flap adjacent to
the top of the top panel; a top panel bottom flap adjacent to the
bottom of the top panel; a second end panel top flap adjacent to
the top of the second end panel; a second end panel bottom flap
adjacent to the bottom of the second end panel; a first perforation
formed in the first end panel and extending partially into the
first end top flap and the first end bottom flap, the first
perforation having a beginning and an end; a first fold line
extending between the beginning and the end of the first
perforation; a second perforation formed in the top panel and
extending partially into the top panel top flap and the top panel
bottom flap, the second perforation having a beginning and an end;
and a second fold line extending between the beginning and the end
of the second perforation.
27. The blank of claim 26 wherein the top panel top flap, the top
panel bottom flap, the second end panel top flap and the second end
panel bottom flap each define a notch in a left portion
thereof.
28. The blank of claim 27 wherein the bottom panel top flap and the
bottom panel bottom flap each define a notch in a right portion
thereof.
29. The blank of claim 26 further including a third fold line
substantially parallel to the first fold line and a third
perforation extending between the beginning of the first
perforation and the third fold line and a fourth perforation
extending between the end of the first perforation and the third
fold line.
30. The blank of claim 26 further including a fourth fold line
substantially parallel to the second fold line and a fifth
perforation extending between the beginning of the second
perforation and the fourth fold line and a sixth perforation
extending between the end of the second perforation and the fourth
fold line.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/578,132 filed Jun. 9, 2004 and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/641,443, filed Jan. 6, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to packaging for shipping and
dispensing products. More particularly, the invention relates to
packaging for dispensing cylindrical product, preferably core paper
based items such as paper towels and toilet tissue, in a
combination shipping and dispensing container.
[0003] Manufacturers typically ship products, especially paper
products or products packaged in small boxes, in light weight
cardboard containers, known as regular slotted containers (RSCs).
These are very common, and a visit to almost any retail store
indicates how ubiquitous these containers are. RSCs are
manufactured from many different types of paperboard materials,
each with their own load carrying characteristics. Additionally,
these RSCs can be printed with decorative printing, operating as
advertisement for the products contained within.
[0004] The end users of RSCs, the store owners, desire to maximize
usage of their floor and storage space. Storage space is valuable
real estate that does not directly earn the store owner money.
While having excess inventory on hand can be important, especially
if demand is high, all the product stored in storage areas
represents an investment in money by the store owner. This
inventory is typically not immediately available to the consumer to
provide sales opportunities to the store owner. Indeed such excess
inventory can actually cause the store owner to incur additional
cost to store the inventory and then move the merchandise from the
storage area and onto the floor where consumers can encounter it.
Therefore, store owners have taken to storing product on the floor
in their original RSCs to be immediately accessed by the consumer.
For example, in some industries, there are free standing floor
displays that utilize 15 count RSC designs. This means that the
RSCs are stacked 15 units high. Unfortunately, presently available
RSCs are not specifically designed to efficiently and effectively
dispense the product they contain. The RSCs of the prior art must
have their flaps opened, which does not present an aesthetically
pleasing display for the consumer. These flaps or portions of the
RSC can be cut-away with a knife to allow the product contained
therein to be retrieved. Cutting away portions of the RSC may lead
to loss of product through accidental knife-cutting damage to the
product. The acts of opening closed flaps and cutting away portions
of the RSC and the loss of product through damage are deficiencies
that represent monetary losses to the store owner. It can even lead
to future lost sales where consumers are not pleased with the
shopping environment and begin to frequent other stores to purchase
items shipped in such RSCs.
[0005] Other industries that use RSCs include the hotel industry
and the commercial cleaning industry. In the hotel industry, there
are small storage spaces, and the cleaning personnel must move
products to multiple locations easily and without distraction. The
same requirements apply to commercial restroom facility cleaners.
The personnel whose task it is to clean restrooms need to get small
carts in the restrooms to clean them while minimizing the
possibility of dropping supplies on the floor. Similarly, it would
be beneficial if personnel could store certain supplies in limited
areas adjacent to the restrooms so that users of the restroom
facilities could easily access certain products, without the hotel
or commercial restroom facility owner having to pay the additional
personnel costs to restock these items in the restrooms. Moving
product in the original RSC, in both the hotel and cleaning
industries, appears to save time and make the operation more
efficient. This is somewhat deceiving because use of the prior art
RSCs in this manner suffers some of the same deficiencies that
those in the retail outlet industry experience, plus additional
difficulties. For example, cleaning and hotel industry personnel
will also open the RSC with a knife that can lead to product damage
and waste. Furthermore, even if the product is not damaged,
spillage from carts is possible with prior art RSCs as they are
clumsy and inefficient in dispensing product. These deficiencies
lead to inefficiencies in completing the tasks, leading to larger
labor costs.
[0006] As an alternative to the RSC described above, another
commonly used shipping/containment material is poly-propylene wrap
(poly-wrap). Poly-wrap does not maintain its shape and integrity
without the influence of the contained product. Therefore, after
the poly-wrap material is opened and product is retrieved from the
poly-wrap material, the poly-wrap material loses its ability to
contain the product initially wrapped in the material making the
product remaining in the poly-wrap material difficult to store and
retrieve.
[0007] The foregoing problem with poly-wrap material is a problem
that generally, though not exclusively, occurs to users in their
home. Product such as paper towels and toilet tissue can be
packaged in large quantities in poly-wrap material. This is a
convenience and cost-savings for the consumer. However, it is
difficult for consumers to store these large quantities of product
in their home because of the shortcomings of the poly-wrap material
noted above. After the first few products are removed from the
poly-wrap material, the remaining products may spill out from the
area where the consumer has stored the initial package requiring
the consumer to remove all of the product from the poly-wrap
material in order to maintain the storage area in some semblance of
organization. At a minimum, the storage area can become unsightly
and disorganized once the poly-wrap material loses its ability to
adequately contain the product therein.
[0008] Therefore, there is a need to design an RSC, that allows a
dispensing feature for use in homes, stores, the hotel industry,
the commercial restroom facility cleaning industry and other
locations and industries that does not suffer the deficiencies
noted above.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] A combination shipping container and dispenser ("container")
is provided having a top, a bottom, two end walls and two sets of
closure flaps forming the sides of the container. Perforations
formed in the container are provided to allow a consumer or other
user to form a dispenser opening in the top of the container by
removing the material of the container bounded by the perforations.
In addition or alteratively, perforations may also be formed in the
container to allow the consumer or other user to form another
dispenser opening in one of the ends thereof. The dispenser
openings formed in the top and one end preferably extend partially
along the two sides of the container to facilitate the removal of
the product stored therein. The provision of two sets of
perforations gives the consumer or other user of the container
flexibility in terms of the orientation that the container can be
placed in a display area, storage area or other location while
still allowing easy dispensing of the product therefrom. The
material used to form the combination shipping container and
dispenser can be any standard material such as corrugated
paperboard that is typically used for packaging or shipping
containers. This material provides enough rigidity to the
combination shipping container and dispenser to allow it to
maintain its shape and retain the product therein until the product
is to be dispensed therefrom.
[0010] A blank for forming the combination shipping container and
dispenser is also provided. The blank includes an adhesive tab, a
bottom panel, a first end panel, a top panel and a second end
panel. Adjoining the top and bottom of the bottom panel are a
bottom panel top flap and a bottom panel bottom flap respectively.
Adjoining the top and bottom of the first end panel are a first end
panel top flap and a first end panel bottom flap respectively.
Adjoining the top and bottom of the top panel are a top panel top
flap and a top panel bottom flap respectively. Adjoining the top
and bottom of the second end panel are a second end panel top flap
and a second end panel bottom flap respectively. A generally
rectangular perforation is formed in the first end panel and
extends partially into the first end top flap and the first end
bottom flap. In addition, another generally rectangular perforation
may be formed in the top panel and extends partially into the top
panel top flap and the top panel bottom flap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The various objects, advantages and novel features of the
present invention will be best understood by reference to the
detailed description of the preferred embodiments which follows,
when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combination shipping
container and dispenser according to an embodiment of the present
invention configured for product loading;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser in a typical shipping orientation;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser in a vertical dispensing orientation
wherein the dispenser opening is in the top panel;
[0015] FIG. 4A is a side schematic view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser in a vertical orientation wherein the
combination shipping container and dispenser is fully loaded with
15 pieces of product;
[0016] FIG. 4B is a side schematic view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser in a horizontal dispensing orientation
wherein the shipping container and dispenser is fully loaded with
15 pieces of product;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser in a horizontal dispensing orientation
wherein the dispenser opening is in an end panel;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first paperboard blank that can
be used to make the combination shipping container and
dispenser;
[0019] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
combination shipping container and dispenser in a horizontal
dispensing orientation with the dispenser opening in an end
panel;
[0020] FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
combination shipping container and dispenser in a vertical
dispensing orientation with the dispenser opening in the top
panel;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a second paperboard blank that can
be used to make the combination shipping container and dispenser of
FIGS. 7A and 7B;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the
combination shipping container and dispenser with a plurality of
mounting openings therein;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a third paperboard blank that can
be used to make the combination shipping container and dispenser of
FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a fourth paperboard blank that can
be used to make the embodiment of the combination shipping
container and dispenser shown in FIG. 12;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
combination shipping container and dispenser in a horizontal
dispensing orientation with the dispenser opening in an end
panel;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser of FIG. 12 in a vertical dispensing
orientation with the dispenser opening in the top panel;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a close up schematic view of a first locking tab
on the combination shipping container and dispenser of FIG. 12 and
a first notch on the end panel door;
[0028] FIGS. 15A and 15B are perspective views of the combination
shipping container and dispenser of FIG. 13 without the top panel
door but which shows the top panel hinged door portion;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a fifth paperboard blank that can
be used to make the combination shipping container and dispenser of
FIG. 17;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
combination shipping container and dispenser in the horizontal
dispensing orientation with the dispenser opening in an end
panel;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser of FIG. 17 in the vertical dispensing
orientation with the dispenser opening in the top panel; and
[0032] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the combination shipping
container and dispenser of FIG. 17 which further illustrates
operation of the top panel door.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Several embodiments of the present invention will now be
described in detail with reference to the annexed drawings. In the
drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference
numerals even though they are depicted in different drawings and
the same reference numerals followed by one or more (') denotes
similar elements in the different drawings. As used herein, the
term "top" refers to a location on the combination shipping
container and dispenser of this invention along the upper surface
thereof as seen in the orientation of FIG. 5. As used herein, the
term "bottom" refers to a location on the combination shipping
container and dispenser of this invention along the lower surface
as seen in the orientation of FIG. 5. As used herein, the term
"end" when used in reference to a position on the combination
shipping container and dispenser of this invention refers to either
the right most or left most side of the combination shipping
container and dispenser as seen in the orientation of FIG. 5. In
addition, although the embodiments of the invention described
herein include both an end panel door and a top panel door, with
all of the structure that is required for those doors, it is
contemplated that the invention can include either one of the end
panel door or the top panel door separately without departing from
the spirit of the invention.
[0034] One of the advantages of the combination shipping container
and dispenser (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as the
container) 100 of this invention is its unique ability to act as
both a shipping container and dispenser for product 8 located
therein. Such product 8 can include paper towels and toilet tissue,
both at the retail and consumer level. A regular slotted container
(RSC), which can be manufactured using conventional industry
equipment, can be modified to include perforations 112 and 114 that
define end panel dispenser opening 12 and top panel dispenser
opening 14 respectively therein to form combination shipping
container and dispenser 100. Preferably, perforations 112 and 114
are disposed in the top and one end of combination shipping
container and dispenser 100. Although the preferred embodiment
includes perforation 114 in the top of container 100, it is to be
understood that perforation 114 could be included in the bottom of
container 100. These perforations 112 and 114 allow combination
shipping container and dispenser 100 to be transformed from a
shipping unit into a merchandising/dispensing unit. The entire
combination shipping container and dispenser 100 can be located on
the shelf or the floor of a retail outlet for use as a modular
display or can be stored at a consumer's home or office. There can
also be optionally added mounting openings to combination shipping
container and dispenser 100 so that a user, generally a consumer,
can purchase product 8 in bulk in container 100 and hang it on
hooks at home or in an office or workshop or any other area where
product 8 is stored or needed. Product 8 can then be dispensed from
either end panel dispenser opening 12, or top panel dispenser
opening 14 as if it were on the ground or display table.
[0035] The location of end panel and top panel dispenser openings
12 and 14 as described allows combination shipping container and
dispenser 100 to be placed in multiple orientations, i.e. in a
generally vertical orientation, see FIG. 3, or a generally
horizontal orientation, see FIG. 5, in order to utilize end panel
dispenser opening 12 and/or top panel dispenser opening 14 when or
if needed. If end panel and/or top panel dispenser openings 12, 14
are not required, i.e. during shipping, either or both of
perforations 112, 114 can be left intact, i.e., not separated from
combination shipping container and dispenser 100, so it can operate
as a conventional regular slotted container to ship product
contained therein. End panel and top panel dispenser openings 12,
14 do not compromise the structural integrity of container 100. A
first end panel access opening, which is created by removing the
material surrounded by perforation 116, and a second end panel
access opening, which is created by removing the material
surrounded by perforation 118, can be incorporated into both ends
of container 100 to provide a location for a user to easily grab
container 100 and thus assist a user in maneuvering and carrying
combination shipping container and dispenser 100. All of these
features, and others, will now be discussed in greater detail
below.
[0036] In FIG. 1, combination shipping container and dispenser 100
has the bottom panel top flap 10A, the first end panel top flap
20A, the top panel top flap 30A and the second end panel top flap
40A configured in an open position for product loading. While
product 8 typically is a paper product wound around a cylindrical
core (toilet paper, paper towel among others), other types of
products can also be shipped in and dispensed from container 100.
Preferably, product 8 is loaded along the axis of its core, as
shown by arrow A, so that product 8 is vertical, as depicted in
FIG. 1. This is the same loaded orientation as a product is
typically loaded in a conventional RSC. Because product 8 has a
paperboard cylindrical core, combination shipping container and
dispenser 100, once filled with product 8, can withstand greater
loads in the same vertical axis as the cylindrical cores than when
combination shipping container and dispenser 100 is empty, or if
product 8 were loaded horizontally. Therefore, because of this
greater load bearing capacity, many combination shipping container
and dispensers 100 can be stacked one on top of each other after
they are loaded with product 8.
[0037] In FIG. 2 combination shipping container and dispenser 100
is shown in a typical shipping configuration with bottom panel top
flap 10A, the first end panel top flap 20A, the top panel top flap
30A and the second end panel top flap 40A folded over, closed and
sealed for shipping. Combination shipping container and dispenser
100 shown in the configuration of FIG. 2 does not have end panel
dispenser opening 12 or top panel dispenser opening 14 exposed for
access to product 8 therein since in this configuration combination
shipping container and dispenser 100 is performing its shipping
function. Perforations 112 and 114 are located in combination
shipping container and dispenser 100 and can be used to tear away a
portion of the paperboard material circumscribed by the perforation
to provide access to product 8. Similarly, perforations 116 and 118
can be used to tear away a portion of the paperboard material
circumscribed by the perforation to form the first end panel access
opening and the second end panel access opening, which can be used
to conveniently and easily move and carry combination shipping
container and dispenser 100.
[0038] FIG. 3 shows combination shipping container and dispenser
100 in a generally vertical dispensing orientation with top panel
dispenser opening 14 facing forward. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B,
combination shipping container and dispenser 100 can be fully
loaded with 15 rolls of product 8. This is referred to as a
3.times.5 container (three rows of five units of product in each
row). In another embodiment of the present invention, container 100
can also be configured to contain 12 rolls of a larger size of the
product 8.
[0039] The relationship between the dimensions of end panel
dispenser opening 12 and top panel dispenser opening 14, on the one
hand, and product 8 being dispensed, on the other hand, should be
such as to allow relatively easy removal of product 8 from
combination shipping container and dispenser 100. If the cross
sectional dimensions of a product that is shipped in combination
shipping container and dispenser 100 do not appropriately match the
dimensions of end panel dispenser opening 12 or top panel dispenser
opening 14, then it is possible that the product may become stuck
in container 100 or may not be easily removed therefrom.
Preferably, the length L1 and the height H1 of end panel dispenser
opening 12 and top panel dispenser opening 14 are at least slightly
larger than the cross sectional dimensions of product 8 in its
dispensed orientation. If product 8 is compressible, alternatively
the length L1 and the height H1 of end panel dispenser opening 12
and top panel dispenser opening 14 can be slightly smaller than the
cross sectional dimensions of product 8 in its dispensed
orientation. Height H2, which is the height of the end panel
containment lip 25 and top panel containment 35, should be
sufficient to prevent product 8 from rolling out of combination
shipping container and dispenser 100 when it is in its dispensing
configuration. Preferably height H2 is in the range of about 0.25
to about 0.75 times the diameter D1 of product 8. More preferably
height H2 is in the range of about 0.45 to about 0.55 times the
diameter D1 of product 8. Even more preferably height H2 is about
0.5 times the diameter D1 of product 8. Preferably height H1, which
is the height of end panel dispenser opening 12 and top panel
dispenser opening 14, should be in the range of about 0.75 to about
1.25 times the diameter D1 of product 8. More preferably height H1
is in the range of about 0.95 to about 1.05 times the diameter D1
of product 8. Even more preferably height H1 is about the same as
diameter D1. Even with this dimension for height H1, product 8 can
be relatively easily removed from container 100 as long as product
8 is compressible to a certain extent. To assist in the removal of
product 8, end panel and top panel dispenser openings 12, 14 also
include wrap-around portions 12A, 12B and 14A, 14B respectively.
First wrap around portion 12A for end panel dispenser opening 12
extends into first end panel top flap 20A and second wrap around
portion 12B for end panel dispenser opening 12 extends into first
end panel bottom flap 20B. Third wrap around portion 14A for top
panel dispenser opening 14 extends into top panel top flap 30A.
Fourth wrap around portion 14B for top panel dispenser opening 14
extends into top panel bottom flap 30B. The width W of wrap-around
portions 12A, 12B, 14A and 14B are substantially the same and
preferably are in the range of about 0.25 to about 0.75 times the
diameter D1 of product 8. More preferably W is in the range of
about 0.45 to about 0.55 times the diameter D1 of product 8. Even
more preferably W is about one-half the diameter D1 of product 8.
These dimensions for W allow the user to easily remove product 8
from combination shipping container and dispenser 100 because the
user can grab the cylindrical core of product 8. Again, because
product 8 is compressible, being made of paper products, it can be
relatively easily removed from a combination shipping container and
dispenser 100 that is fully loaded.
[0040] A first paperboard blank 200 that can be used to make
combination shipping container and dispenser 100 is shown in FIG.
6. Blank 200 includes four main panels, a bottom panel 10, a first
end panel 20, a top panel 30 and a second end panel 40. Blank also
includes an adhesive tab 201, which is connected along its right
side to the left side of bottom panel 10 along a first vertical
fold line 210. Bottom panel 10 is connected along its right side to
the left side of first end panel 20 along a second vertical fold
line 220. First end panel 20 is connected along its right side to
the left side of top panel 30 along a third vertical fold line 230.
Top panel 30 is connected along its right side to the left side of
second end panel 40 along a fourth vertical fold line 240. Each of
bottom panel 10, first end panel 20, top panel 30, and second end
panel 40 includes a top flap defined above a first horizontal fold
line 270 and a bottom flap defined below a second horizontal fold
line 280. Bottom panel top flap 10A is adjacent to bottom panel 10
above first horizontal fold line 270 while bottom panel bottom flap
10B is adjacent to bottom panel 10 below second horizontal fold
line 280. First end panel top flap 20A is adjacent to first end
panel 20 above first horizontal fold line 270 while first end panel
bottom flap 20B is adjacent to first end panel 20 below second
horizontal fold line 280. Top panel top flap 30A is adjacent to top
panel 30 above first horizontal fold line 270 while top panel
bottom flap 30B is adjacent to top panel 30 below second horizontal
fold line 280. Second end panel top flap 40A is adjacent to second
end panel 40 above first horizontal fold line 270 while second end
panel bottom flap 40B is adjacent to second end panel 40 below
second horizontal fold line 280.
[0041] All of the top and bottom flaps, i.e. bottom panel top flap
10A, bottom panel bottom flap 10B, first end panel top flap 20A,
first end panel bottom flap 20B, top panel top flap 30A, top panel
bottom flap 30B, second end panel top flap 40A, and second end
panel bottom flap 40B have substantially the same height. Bottom
panel top flap 10A and bottom panel bottom flap 10B have
substantially the same width. First end panel top flap 20A and
first end panel bottom flap 20B also have substantially the same
width. Note that notches 31A, 31B on top panel top flap 30A and top
panel bottom flap 30B, respectively, are needed to avoid having top
panel top flap 30A cover first wrap around portion 12A for end
panel dispenser opening 12 and to avoid having top panel bottom
flap 30B cover second wrap around portion 12B for end panel
dispenser opening 12 when paperboard blank 200 is assembled into
combination shipping container and dispenser 100. Similarly, notch
41A on second end panel top flap 40A prevents second end panel top
flap 40A from covering third wrap around portion 14A and notch 41B
on second end panel bottom flap 40B prevents it from covering
fourth wrap around portion 14B. The width of notches 31A, 31B, 41A
and 41B should be at least equal to or greater than height H2 and
the length of notches 31A, 31B, 41A and 41B should be at least
equal to or greater than height H1.
[0042] Perforation 112 is formed to create a generally rectangular
shape that extends across first end panel 20 and into first end
panel top flap 20A and first end panel bottom flap 20B. The area
circumscribed by perforation 112 is end panel door 24. Preferably
the right most side of perforation 112 is formed a distance H2 from
third vertical fold line 230. The dimension H2 is defined above.
Preferably, the width of the rectangle formed by perforation 112 is
H1 as also defined above. Preferably, the portion of the rectangle
defined by perforation 112 that extends into first end panel top
flap 20A above first horizontal fold line 280 is defined by
dimension W, which has also been defined above. Similarly the
portion of the rectangle defined by perforation 112 that extends
into first end panel bottom flap 20B below second horizontal fold
line 280 is also defined by dimension W. Similarly perforation 114
is formed to create a generally rectangular shape that extends
across top panel 30 and into top panel top flap 30A and top panel
bottom flap 30B. The area circumscribed by perforation 114 is top
panel door 34. Preferably the right most side of perforation 114 is
formed a distance H2 from fourth vertical fold line 240. The
dimension H2 is defined above. Preferably, the width of the
rectangle formed by perforation 114 is H1 as also defined above.
Preferably, the portion of the rectangle defined by perforation 114
that extends into top panel top flap 30A above first horizontal
fold line 280 is defined by dimension W, which has also been
defined above. Similarly, the portion of the rectangle defined by
perforation 114 that extends into top panel bottom flap 30B below
second horizontal fold line 280 is also defined by dimension W.
[0043] Perforation 116 is formed in first end panel 20 and is
preferably adjacent to first horizontal fold line 270. Perforation
116 can form a generally rectangular or oval space by itself or in
combination with a portion of first horizontal fold line 270. If
perforation 116 forms a generally rectangular space by itself, the
material circumscribed by perforation 116 can be completely removed
from the paperboard material so that the first end access opening
is completely unobstructed for receiving a user's hand. Where
perforation 116 forms a generally rectangular space by itself, it
can be located in other locations in first end panel 20.
Alternatively, if perforation 116 only extends to first horizontal
fold line 270, a flap will be formed where the material
circumscribed by perforation 116 remains connected to the rest of
the paperboard material along first horizontal fold line 270.
Similarly, perforation 118 is formed in second end panel 40 and is
preferably adjacent to first horizontal fold line 270. Perforation
118 can form a generally rectangular or oval space by itself or in
combination with a portion of first horizontal fold line 270. If
perforation 118 forms a generally rectangular space by itself, the
material circumscribed by perforation 118 can be completely removed
from the paperboard material so that the second end panel access
opening is completely unobstructed for receiving a user's hand.
Where perforation 118 forms a generally rectangular space by
itself, it can be located in other locations in second end panel 40
but should be horizontally and vertically aligned with perforation
116 formed in first end panel 20 so that the first end panel access
opening and the second end panel access opening are aligned in the
resulting combination shipping container and dispenser 100 making
it easier to manipulate. Alternatively, if perforation 118 only
extends to first horizontal fold line 270, a flap will be formed
where the material circumscribed by perforation 118 remains
connected to the rest of the paperboard material along first
horizontal fold line 270. Again, in this situation perforation 118
should be horizontally aligned with perforation 116 so that first
end access panel opening 16 and second end panel access opening 18
are substantially aligned.
[0044] All perforations in paperboard blank 200 are formed by
scoring the paperboard so it is cut about 50% into the outer side
of the paperboard material. This 50% cut is a continuous cut that
extends from the surface of the material down to a depth that is
half of the thickness of the material. The 50% cut assures a clean
tear at the surface that leaves a relatively pleasing appearance,
particularly when the paperboard blank 200 is printed.
[0045] All of the fold lines, i.e. first vertical fold line 210,
second vertical fold line 220, third vertical fold line 230, fourth
vertical fold line 240, first horizontal fold line 270 and second
horizontal fold line 280, are formed by crushing the paperboard
material along the line to be folded to facilitate bending of the
paperboard material to form the various panels.
[0046] To assemble combination shipping container and dispenser
100, blank 200 is first folded along first horizontal fold line 270
and second horizontal fold line 280 and then unfolded. Then the
shape of combination shipping container and dispenser 100 is formed
by bending the paperboard material along first vertical fold line
210, second vertical fold line 220, third vertical fold line 230
and fourth vertical fold line 240 so that each of the adjacent
panels, i.e. bottom panel 10, first end panel 20, bottom panel 30,
and second end panel 40, and adhesive tab 201 are generally
perpendicular to each other. This will put adhesive tab 201
adjacent to second end panel 40 so that first vertical fold line
210 can be aligned with the right edge of second end panel 40. When
in this position, adhesive tab 201 can be glued, stapled or
otherwise adhered by conventional means to second end panel 40 to
form a box configuration that is open on both the top and bottom.
Thereafter, bottom panel bottom flap 10B, first end panel bottom
flap 20B, top panel bottom flap 30B and second end panel bottom
flap 40B are folded inward toward the interior of the resulting
combination shipping container and dispenser 100 so that each flap
is generally perpendicular to its respective panel. Preferably,
first end panel bottom flap 20A and second end panel bottom flap
40A are folded first and then bottom panel bottom flap 10B and top
panel bottom flap 30B are folded second so that bottom panel bottom
flap 10B and top panel bottom flap 30B are on the outside of
combination shipping container and dispenser 100. These bottom
flaps are glued, stapled or otherwise adhered to each other by
standard fastening means. Combination shipping container and
dispenser 100 is now ready to be filled with product 8, after which
the top flaps are folded over and sealed in a manner analogous to
the bottom flaps so that bottom panel top flap 10A and top panel
top flap 30A are on the outside. Thereafter, combination shipping
container and dispenser 100 can be shipped to its ultimate retail
destination.
[0047] A second embodiment of combination shipping container and
dispenser 100', as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, includes an upstanding
tab 21A and 21B located at about the midpoint of the bottom of end
panel dispenser opening 12 and top panel dispenser opening 14,
respectively. Such a tab acts to restrain smaller product that may
be shipped in and dispensed from combination shipping container and
dispenser 100' and prevent them from being prematurely dispensed
therefrom. Tabs 21A and 21B are especially useful where combination
shipping container and dispenser 100' is used to ship and dispense
rolls of toilet tissue, which are smaller than rolls of paper
towel.
[0048] The paperboard blank 200' used for making combination
shipping container and dispenser 100' is shown in FIG. 8.
Paperboard blank 200' is substantially identical to paperboard
blank 200 shown in FIG. 6, except for the shape of perforation 112'
and perforation 114'. As seen in FIG. 8, the right side of
perforations 112' and 114' define a leftwardly extending tab 21A
and 21B, respectively, that remains on combination shipping
container and dispenser 100' after the material circumscribed by
perforations 112' and 114' has been removed from the paperboard
material. As noted above, tabs 21A and 21B are used to keep the
rolls of toilet paper product separate and prevent them from being
dispensed prematurely from combination shipping container and
dispenser 100' once end dispenser opening 12 and top dispenser
opening 14 have been created therein.
[0049] The combination shipping container and dispenser of this
invention may also include additional openings or holes therein,
which are formed by tearing away perforations 150 and 152, to allow
the combination shipping container and dispenser of this invention
to be hung from a hook, hangar or other device extending from a
wall. For example, the user can use hooks found at hardware stores,
grocery stores or other outlets that can be attached to the walls
at home in their pantry, basement or other location to hang
combination shipping container and dispenser 100" from the wall.
Once container 100" is empty, it can be easily removed from the
wall and replaced with another combination shipping container and
dispenser 100" while the old one can be discarded, preferably
recycled, or used for other purposes. Use of the first and second
mounting openings provides the advantage of saving space, which can
be very useful for consumers that live in a small home or
apartment. Although it is conceivable for the mounting openings to
be formed in second end panel 40 so that combination shipping
container and dispenser 100" would extend from the wall in a
horizontal dispensing orientation, preferably the mounting openings
are located in bottom panel 10 in proximity to first end panel 20.
This will allow combination shipping container and dispenser 100"
to be hung from the wall in a vertical dispensing orientation so
that product 8 can be dispensed from top panel dispenser opening
14.
[0050] Paperboard blank 200" is substantially identical to
paperboard blank 200 except for the addition of additional
perforations 150, 152 formed in bottom panel 10. As seen in FIG.
10, perforations 150, 152 and thus the resulting mounting openings,
should be vertically aligned so when container 100" is assembled
the mounting holes will be horizontally aligned when container 100"
is in a vertical dispensing orientation. Preferably perforations
150 and 152 should be in proximity to second vertical fold line
220. Perforations 150 and 152 can extend in a completely closed
geometrical figure, e.g. a circle, to allow the user to completely
punch out all of the material circumscribed by perforations 150 and
152. Alternatively, perforations 150 and 152 may not completely
circumscribe an area to allow the material circumscribed by
perforations 150 and 152 to remain attached to the rest of bottom
panel 10 so that this material can be folded back out of the way,
either into or out of combination shipping container and dispenser
100" to allow access to mounting openings 50 and 52.
[0051] Another embodiment of the combination shipping container and
dispenser of this invention may include a hinged end panel door
24"' and an end panel hinged door portion 26 connecting hinged end
panel door 24"' to end panel 20"' and a hinged top panel door 34"'
and a top panel hinged door portion 36 connecting hinged top panel
door 34"' to top panel 30. See FIGS. 12 and 13. The hinged end
panel door 24"' and hinged top panel door 34"' allow end panel
dispenser opening 12"' and top panel dispenser opening 14"' to be
closed when desired. Hinged door portions 26 and 36 are primarily
useful to provide extra space in end panel dispenser opening 12"'
and top panel dispenser opening 14"' to dispense the product when
the product is not compressible, such as when paper towel or toilet
tissue is tightly wound making it less pliable, which would
adversely affect the user's ability to squeeze the product through
end panel dispenser opening 12"' and/or top panel dispenser opening
14"'. Hinged door portions 26 and 36 can also be effective when a
commercial grade of rolled paper product that is not embossed is
stored in and dispensed from container 100"'. Embossing normally
adds a bit of "fluffiness" to make the product more flexible. Thus
when the product is not embossed it may be more difficult to pull
the product out of end dispenser opening 12"' and/or top dispenser
opening 14"'. In addition, end panel hinged door portion 26 and top
panel hinged door portion 36 provide a small amount of resistance
against the product that is gravity fed from a higher vertical
location in the combination shipping container and dispenser of
this invention to a lower vertical location in order to prevent any
dispensing that can prematurely occur accidentally after some
product has been dispensed.
[0052] End panel dispenser opening 12"' and top panel dispenser
opening 14"' also each include locking tabs. First and second end
panel locking tabs 22A, 22B are located in end dispenser opening 12
and extend from first end panel top flap 20A"' and first end panel
bottom flap 20B"'. First and second top panel locking tabs 32A, 32B
are located in top panel dispenser opening 14 extending from top
panel top flap 30A"' and top panel bottom flap 30B"'. Corresponding
notches 23A, 23B, 33A, 33B are formed in either end of end panel
door 24"' and top panel door 34"'. See FIGS. 12-14. The purpose of
locking tabs 22A, 22B, 32A, 32B is to cooperate with notches 23A,
23B, 33A, 33B to hold end panel door 24"' and top panel door 34"'
in place after they have been opened to provide a more
aesthetically pleasing appearance and also to prevent inadvertent
dispensing of product from combination shipping container and
dispenser 100"'. Because locking tabs 22A, 22B, 32A and 32B are
formed by a perforation they also provide a starting point for a
user to tear the paperboard material along perforations 112"' and
114"' to form end panel dispenser opening 12"' and top panel
dispenser opening 14"'.
[0053] If desired, end panel door 24"' can be detached from end
panel hinged door portion 26 and top panel door 34"' can be
detached from top panel hinged door portion 36 to leave end panel
dispenser opening 12"' and top panel dispenser opening 14"',
respectively, uncovered. In that case, there may be no need for
locking tabs 22A, 22B, 32A, and 32B, although it may be desirable
to include these locking tabs to facilitate tearing of the
paperboard material along perforations 112"' and 114"' as noted
above.
[0054] The paperboard blank 200"' that can be used to make
combination shipping container and dispenser 100"' shown in FIGS.
12-15 is shown in FIG. 11. Paperboard blank 200"' is substantially
similar to paperboard blank 200 illustrated in FIG. 6, except as
discussed below. Paperboard blank 200"' includes a fifth vertical
fold line 250 that extends between first horizontal fold line 270"'
and second horizontal fold line 280"'. In addition, in order to
ensure that end panel hinged door portion 26 can hinge about fifth
vertical fold line 250, first horizontal fold line 270"' and second
horizontal fold line 280"' are both perforated between fifth
vertical fold line 250 and the left most portion of perforation
112"' so the portion of end panel hinged door portion 26 adjacent
to first end panel top flap 20A"' and first end panel bottom flap
20B"' can be detached therefrom. Similarly, paperboard blank 200"'
also includes a sixth vertical fold line 260 that extends between
first horizontal fold line 270"' and second horizontal fold line
280"'. And, in order to ensure that top panel hinged door portion
36 can hinge about sixth vertical fold line 260, first horizontal
fold line 270"' and second horizontal fold line 280"' are both
perforated between sixth vertical fold line 260 and the left most
portion of perforation 114"' so the portion of top panel hinged
door portion 26 adjacent to top panel top flap 30A"' and top panel
bottom flap 30B"' can be detached therefrom.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 12, end panel door 24 has been separated
along a portion of perforation 112"' so that it is hinged along an
upper portion of end panel dispenser opening 12"'. End panel door
24"' can be re-closed, if necessary, with end panel locking tabs
22A and 22B interlocking with corresponding notches 23A and 23B.
See FIG. 14 as an example. As shown in FIG. 13, top panel door 34
has been separated along a portion of perforation 114"' so that it
is hinged along an upper portion of top panel dispenser opening
14"'. Top panel door 34"' can be re-closed, if necessary, with top
panel locking tabs 32A and 32B interlocking with corresponding
notches 33A and 33B.
[0056] Another embodiment of the combination shipping container and
dispenser of this invention having end panel door 24"" and top
panel door 34"" does not include end panel hinged door portion 26
or top panel hinged door portion 36. See FIGS. 17-19. In this
embodiment, end panel door 24"" and top panel door 34"" each have
an access portion formed therein to facilitate the tearing of the
paperboard material along perforations 112"" and 114"" to form end
panel door 24"" and top panel door 34"" respectively. End panel
locking tabs 22A"", 22B2"" and top panel locking tabs 32A"" and
32B"" cooperate with notches 23A"" and 23B"" formed in end panel
door 24"" and notches 33A"" and 33B"" formed in top panel door 34""
to hold end panel door 24"" and top panel door 34"" in place after
they have been opened and then reclosed. By re-closing end panel
door 24"" and top panel door 34"", the outside environment, such as
dust, dirt or any other foreign materials, can be kept out of
combination shipping container and dispenser 100"". In addition,
the perforations surrounding a portion of end panel locking tabs
22A"", 22B"" and top panel locking tabs 32A"", 32B"" allow the user
to easily tear the paperboard material along perforations 112"" and
114"" to form end panel door 24"" and top panel door 34"". As shown
in FIG. 17, end panel door 24"" has been partially separated from
the end panel 20"" and completely separated from first end panel
top flap 20A"" and first end panel bottom flap 20B"" and is hinged
along an upper portion of end panel dispenser opening 12"". End
panel door 24"" can be re-closed, if necessary, and held in the
closed position by interlocking end locking tabs 22A"", 22B"" with
the corresponding notches 23A"", 23B"". As shown in FIGS. 18 and
19, top panel door 34"" has been partially separated from the top
panel 30"" and completely separated from top panel top flap 30A""
and top panel bottom flap 30B"" and is hinged along an upper
portion of top panel dispenser opening 14"". Top panel door 34""
can be re-closed, if necessary, and held in the closed position by
interlocking top panel locking tabs 32A"", 32B"" with the
corresponding notches 33A"", 33B"".
[0057] A fifth paperboard blank 200"" can be used to make
combination shipping container and dispenser 100"" is shown in FIG.
16. Paperboard blank 200"" is substantially similar to paperboard
blank 200 shown in FIG. 6, except as discussed below. In order to
allow end panel door 24"" and top panel door 34"" to be hinged with
respect to end panel 20"" and top panel 30"", respectively,
perforations 112"" and 114"" do not extend between first horizontal
fold line 270"" and second horizontal fold line 280"" along its
leftmost side. Instead, a fold line is created along that portion.
In addition, perforations 112"" and 114"" do not extend completely
parallel to first horizontal fold line 270"" and second horizontal
fold line 280"" along its top edge and bottom edge respectively.
Instead, a generally semi-circular portion is included along the
top edge and the bottom edge of each of perforations 112"" and
114"". These semi-circular portions create end panel locking tabs
22A"" and 22B"" and top panel locking tabs 32A"" and 32B"". In
addition perforations 112"" and 114"" define a handle portion along
the right side thereof. The handle portion also provides a place to
facilitate the initiations of the tearing of perforations 112"" and
114"".
[0058] Fifth paperboard blank 200"" is designed to form a container
100"" that can ship and dispense twelve rolls of paper towels
products. The first end panel 20"" and second end panel 40"" are
not as wide as the end panels in the other embodiments. This
requires notches 11A, 11B formed in bottom panel top flap 10A"" and
bottom panel bottom flap 10B"" respectively so that bottom panel
top flap 10A"" does not cover first wrap around portion and bottom
panel bottom flap 10B"" does not cover second wrap around portion
when container 100"" is assembled. The width of the notches should
be about the same dimension as or slightly larger than the distance
between second vertical fold line 220 and the right most portion of
perforation 112"". The length of the notches should be about the
same as height H1 or slightly larger.
[0059] The present invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be readily apparent,
however, to those skilled in the art that it is possible to embody
the invention in specific forms other than those of the exemplary
embodiments described above. This may be done without departing
from the spirit of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are
merely illustrative and should not be considered restrictive in any
way.
* * * * *