U.S. patent application number 10/938448 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for container with pour spout.
Invention is credited to Robert W. Bennett.
Application Number | 20060054675 10/938448 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36032824 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060054675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bennett; Robert W. |
March 16, 2006 |
Container with pour spout
Abstract
A container with an integrated pouring spout is provided. The
pouring spout is formed by a series of score lines in a panel on
the container. The pouring spout includes two triangular portions
in vertical alignment. The upper triangular portion is inverted and
the vertices of the triangular portions meet. The container
includes depressible panels that flex inwardly and assist in
forming the pouring spout. When depressed, the lower triangular
portion extends outwardly and the upper triangular portion extends
inwardly. When released the triangular portions return to their
original positions, thereby sealing the container.
Inventors: |
Bennett; Robert W.; (Duluth,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
John S. Pratt, Esq.;Kilpatrick Stockton LLP
Suite 2800
1100 Peachtree Street
Atlanta
GA
30309-4530
US
|
Family ID: |
36032824 |
Appl. No.: |
10/938448 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/743 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/215 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/72 20060101
B65D005/72 |
Claims
1. A container for storing and dispensing items comprising: an
integrated pouring spout; and at least one depressible transverse
panel joined to the side panel; the pouring spout comprising a side
panel including two triangular portions in vertical alignment,
wherein the upper triangular portion is inverted so that the
vertices of the triangular portions meet and wherein the triangular
portions are separated by a horizontal score line; and wherein the
pouring spout opens when the transverse panel is depressed and
closes when the transverse panel is released.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the at least one transverse
panel is connected to the triangular portions by the horizontal
score line.
3. The container of claim 2, wherein the at least one transverse
panel is bordered by score lines.
4. The container of claim 2, wherein the container comprises two
depressible transverse panels.
5. The container of claim 2, wherein the lower triangular portion
extends outwardly when the at least one depressible transverse
panel is depressed.
6. The container of claim 5, wherein the upper triangular portion
extends inwardly when the at least one depressible transverse panel
is depressed.
7. A container for storing and dispensing comprising: a front
panel; a back panel; a top panel; a bottom panel; and two side
panels, wherein at least one of the side panels comprises two
triangular portions in vertical alignment such that the upper
triangular portion is inverted and the vertices of the triangular
portion meet; wherein the triangular portions are separated by a
horizontal score line; and wherein applying pressure to the front
panel and the back panel causes the lower triangular portion to
extend outwardly and the upper triangular portion to extend
inwardly thereby forming a spout.
8. The container of claim 7, wherein the spout is closed by
releasing the pressure on the front panel and the back panel.
9. The container of claim 7, further comprising areas of weakness
in the front panel and the back panel to facilitate the opening of
the spout.
10. The container of claim 9, wherein the areas of weakness
comprise a first transverse score line on the front panel and a
second transverse score line on the back panel, the first and
second transverse score lines aligning with the horizontal score
line.
11. The container of claim 10, wherein the first transverse score
line forks to form a triangular portion on an edge of the front
panel and the second transverse score line forks to form a
triangular portion on an edge of the back panel.
12. A blank of material for forming a container comprising: (a) a
side flap having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a
second side edge; (b) a back panel foldably connected to the side
flap, the back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side
edge and a second side edge; (c) a first side panel foldably
connected to the back panel, the first side panel having a top
edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge; (d)
a front panel foldably connected to the first side panel, the front
panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a
second side edge; (e) a second side panel connected to the front
panel, the second side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a
first side edge and a second side edge; (f) a first bottom panel
connected to the bottom edge of the back panel; (g) a first top
panel connected to the top edge of the back panel, the first top
panel having a front edge, a back edge, a first side edge and a
second side edge; (h) a second bottom panel connected to the bottom
edge of the front panel; (i) a second top panel connected to the
top edge of the front panel; and (j) a plurality of score lines in
the first side panel, wherein the score lines form two triangular
portions in vertical alignment separated by a horizontal score line
and wherein the upper triangular portion is inverted so that the
vertices of the triangular portions meet.
13. The blank of claim 12, wherein the second side panel is
connected to the side flap when a container is constructed from the
blank.
14. The blank of claim 12, wherein the first top panel and the
second top panel are connected when a container is constructed from
the blank.
15. The blank of claim 12, wherein the first bottom panel and the
second top panel are connected when a container is constructed from
the blank.
16. The blank of claim 12, wherein when a container is constructed
from the blank, the plurality of score lines form a spout.
17. The blank of claim 12, wherein the back panel and the front
panel each comprise a transverse panel, the transverse panels being
formed by score lines and being joined by a horizontal score line,
and wherein the transverse panels facilitate the opening of a spout
when a container is constructed from the blank.
18. A container for storing and dispensing items comprising: a
front panel; a back panel; first and second side panels; a bottom
panel; a substantially horizontal perforated line extending across
the first side panel; a first angled score line extending from a
point above the perforated line to a point below the perforated
line and crossing approximately the midpoint of the perforated
line; a second angled fold line extending from a point above the
perforated line to a point below the perforated line and
intersecting the first angled fold line at approximately the
midpoint of the perforated line; the angled fold lines forming a
triangular panel above the perforated line and below the perforated
line; wherein the perforated line may be broken and the front and
back panels depressed, allowing the top triangular panel to retract
and the bottom triangular panel to protrude, forming a spout.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein the spout closes when the
front and back panels are released.
20. The container of claim 18, further comprising a first
transverse panel on the front panel and a second transverse panel
on the back panel, wherein the first and second transverse panels
are connected to the perforated line by a score line and facilitate
the opening of the spout when pressured is applied to the first and
second transverse panels.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates generally to a pour spout formed on a
container. More particularly, the invention relates to a container
having a reclosable pour spout that is formed on a panel.
[0003] 2. General Background
[0004] Containers with integrated spouts are commonly used to store
items that are most easily dispensed by pouring. For example,
liquids, such as milk, are conveniently stored in cartons with
integrated spouts. Small solid items, such as grains or powdered
soap, may also be stored in and dispensed from a carton with a
spout.
[0005] Containers including integrated spouts are generally more
convenient to consumers than containers on which a spout must be
assembled. In addition, it is desirable to have a container that
can be reclosed after it has been opened. For example, containers
often include a panel which can create an opening for pouring.
These containers may be opened by applying pressure on the panels
adjacent to the panel with the opening. When the pressure is
released, the opening is closed and the container is resealed.
[0006] Known containers including such spouts often require
multiple score lines in order to form a spout large enough to be
useful. The multiple score lines may become weak with repeated use
and tear, which allows the contents of the container to spill out.
U.S. Pat. No. 1,756,150 to Ganz and U.S. Pat. No. 2,475,677 to
Ringler disclose such containers. Thus, a container with an
integrated pouring spout that can withstand normal wear and tear is
needed.
[0007] Other containers with pouring spouts included complicated
openings. For example, many containers incorporating an integrated
spout require that the user lift panels that have been folded over
each other before the spout may be formed. U.S. Pat. No. 2,097,647
to Scott discloses a pouring spout that is formed along an edge
between the top and side panels. The panels have extensions that
must be unfolded to open the container and folded over to seal the
container. Therefore, a container utilizing a simple and easy to
use mechanism is needed.
[0008] In addition, many containers do not reclose automatically,
but require that the spout be pushed inwardly in order to close it.
Thus, a container with an integrated pouring spout that is closed
by simply releasing the container is needed.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] The invention is directed to a container that satisfies the
needs described above. The container according to certain
embodiments of the invention has a reclosable pour spout that is
easily opened and reclosed by a small amount of pressure from the
user's hands. The container of the invention is preferably formed
from a single blank and is therefore easier and less expensive to
manufacture.
[0010] Embodiments of the invention include a recloseable pour
spout that is formed from gussets along a side panel of the
container. The container is preferably an enclosed carton including
two side panels connected by a front and rear panel. One of the
side panels includes two triangular portions (i.e., gussets) in
vertical alignment. The uppermost triangular portion is inverted so
that its vertex meets the vertex of the bottommost triangular
portion. The triangular portions are formed by score lines and are
separated from each other by a horizontal score line that
preferably crosses the entire side panel. This arrangement of
panels and the horizontal score line form a reclosable spout on the
carton according to certain embodiments of the invention.
[0011] In use, the horizontal score line between the triangular
portions may be broken by the consumer. By pressing the front and
back panels on either side of the side panel (which includes the
spout) towards each other, the upper triangular portion folds
inwardly and the lower triangular portion folds outwardly, creating
a pour spout. When the consumer ceases pinching, the triangular
portions return substantially to their original positions, thereby
resealing the container.
[0012] According to certain embodiments, the sides of the upper
triangular portion are created from score lines. The base of the
upper triangular portion may be created from a score line or
preferably, the base may be the upper edge of the side panel. The
score lines assist the upper triangular portion in folding inwardly
when the spout is opened. To assist in pressing the front and back
panels together, the horizontal score line may be contiguous with
transverse score lines extending across the front and back
panels.
[0013] According to other embodiments, the invention includes a
container for storing and dispensing contained items including an
integrated pouring spout and at least one depressible transverse
panel joined to the side panel. The pouring spout includes a side
panel including two triangular portions in vertical alignment. The
upper triangular portion is inverted so that the vertices of the
triangular portions meet and the triangular portions are separated
by a horizontal score line. The pouring spout opens when the
transverse panel is depressed and closes when the transverse panel
is released.
[0014] According to other embodiments, the invention includes a
container for storing and dispensing contained items including a
front panel, a back panel, a top panel, a bottom panel and two side
panels. At least one of the side panels includes two triangular
portions in vertical alignment such that the upper triangular
portion is inverted and the vertices of the triangular portion
meet. The triangular portions are separated by a horizontal score
line. Applying pressure to the front panel and the back panel
causes the lower triangular portion to extend outwardly and the
upper triangular portion to extend inwardly thereby forming a
spout.
[0015] According to certain embodiments, the invention includes a
blank of material for forming a container including a side flap
having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second
side edge, a back panel foldably connected to the side flap, the
back panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and
a second side edge, a first side panel foldably connected to the
back panel, the first side panel having a top edge, a bottom edge,
a first side edge and a second side edge, a front panel foldably
connected to the first side panel, the front panel having a top
edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, a
second side panel connected to the front panel, the second side
panel having a top edge, a bottom edge, a first side edge and a
second side edge, a first bottom panel connected to the bottom edge
of the back panel, a first top panel connected to the top edge of
the back panel, the first top panel having a front edge, a back
edge, a first side edge and a second side edge, a second bottom
panel connected to the bottom edge of the front panel, a second top
panel connected to the top edge of the front panel, and a plurality
of score lines in the first side panel. The score lines form two
triangular portions in vertical alignment separated by a horizontal
score line and wherein the upper triangular portion is inverted so
that the vertices of the triangular portions meet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container with a closed
pour spout according to certain embodiments of the invention.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container with an open
pour spout according to certain embodiments of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of a blank that may be used to
construct the container of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] The container of the invention includes many advantages over
known containers with pouring spouts. It is formed from a single
blank, thus reducing material and manufacturing costs. It can be
assembled very simply, further reducing manufacturing costs. The
container provides multiple benefits for consumers.
[0020] The pouring spout according to certain embodiments of the
invention may be used with any container incorporating a central
panel between two larger panels. The pouring spout is particularly
useful with a box shaped container. It should be understood that
the container may be any container with at least four side panels
and a bottom panel. Although a top panel is useful for containing
material within the container, the pour spout of the invention may
be used to easily pour materials within open-topped containers,
too.
[0021] This invention will now be described more fully with
reference to the drawings, showing preferred embodiments of the
invention. However, this invention can be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth. The relational terms "back," "front," "top,"
"bottom," etc. are used to refer to the invention as it is depicted
in the drawings and is not limiting of the invention in use. As
used herein, the term "score line" refers to any line which is
shallower than the surface of the container. Score lines may be
formed by cutting or depressing an area of the container. The depth
of the score lines may be shallow, such as are useful for making
folds, to very deep or perforated, such as are useful for
tearing.
[0022] A constructed container 10 according to certain embodiments
of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. The container 10 includes a
front panel 14, a first side panel 18, a back panel 16 and a second
side panel 20. As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container may be a
simple box, such as a cereal box incorporating a first side panel
18 foldably connected to a front panel 14, which is foldably
connected to a second side panel 20, which is foldably connected to
a back panel 16. The back panel 16 may be foldably connected to a
flap 17 (shown in FIG. 3), which is adhered or otherwise connected
to the first side panel 18. To completely enclose the container, it
includes top and bottom panels 22, 28.
[0023] The second side panel 20 includes structure for defining a
pouring spout 12, shown more clearly in FIG. 2. The pouring spout
12 is formed from two triangular portions 42, 44 in vertical
alignment. The upper triangle 42 is inverted such that the vertices
46, 48 of the triangles meet. The triangular portions 42, 44 are
separated from each other by a transverse score line 50.
Preferably, the score line 50 is perforated and can be broken
easily by the user.
[0024] A first triangular-shaped transverse panel 52 is set within
the front panel 14. A second triangular-shaped transverse panel 54
is set within the back panel 16. The transverse panels 52, 54
includes three sides. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, one side 70 of
first transverse panel 52 is contiguous with an edge between the
front panel 14 and the first side panel 18. The remaining sides are
formed by score lines 60 cut or depressed into the front panel 14
of the container 10. One side of second transverse panel 54 is
contiguous with an edge 72 between back panel 16 and first side
panel 18. The remaining sides are formed by score lines 62 cut or
depressed into back panel 16. Preferably, the score lines 60, 62 do
not perforate the container 10, but are sufficiently deep to allow
flexibility between transverse panel 52 and front panel 14 and
transverse panel 54 and back panel 16.
[0025] The score lines 60 forming first transverse panel 50 meet at
the vertex 64 of the transverse panel 52. In order to facilitate
the opening of the pouring spout 12, the score lines 60 may join
together at the vertex 64 of the transverse panel 52 to form a
transverse score line 56. The score lines 62 forming second
transverse panel 54 meet at the vertex 66 of the transverse panel
54 and join together to form a transverse score line 58. The
transverse score lines 56, 58 extend from the vertices 64, 66 of
the transverse panels 52, 54 to the edge of the second side panel
20.
[0026] Pressure applied to the front panel 14 and the back panel
16, particularly at the transverse panels 52, 54 results in opening
of the pouring spout 12, as shown in FIG. 2. The lower triangular
portion 44 of the spout 12 extends outwardly between the lines 74,
76 allowing the contents of the container 10 to be poured out. The
upper triangular portion 42 may extend inwardly when pressure is
applied to the front panel 14 and the back panel, particularly the
transverse panels 52, 54, resulting in a larger opening in the
pouring spout 12. When the pressure is released, the natural
resiliency of the container 10 and the shallow score lines result
in the closing of the pouring spout 12, resealing the container 10
against air, moisture, dust and any other foreign or undesired
elements.
[0027] According to certain embodiments of the invention, the
container 10 with the pouring spout 12 is formed from a single
blank 78 as shown in FIG. 3. The blank includes a first side panel
18 attached to a front panel 14. A top flap 34 and a bottom flap 38
are attached to the first side panel 18. A top flap 24 and a bottom
flap 30 are attached to the front panel 14. The front panel 14 is
also attached to a central side panel 20. A top flap 36 and a
bottom flap 40 are attached to the central side panel 20.
[0028] The central side panel 20 includes multiple score lines that
assist in forming a pouring spout 12 when the blank 78 is
constructed to form a container. Score lines form an upper
triangular portion 42. Preferably the score lines 80, 82 are
perforated to allow easy movement of the upper triangular portion
42 inward. Score lines 74, 76 form a lower triangular portion 44.
The score lines 74, 76 allow movement of the lower triangular
portion 44 outward to form a pouring spout 12. When the container
10 is used to store and dispense liquid materials, the score lines
74, 76 may be shallow so that the pouring spout 12 is an unbroken
structure. When the container 10 is used to store and dispense dry
materials, the score lines 74, 76 may be perforated to allow easy
opening of the pouring spout 12. The upper triangular portion 42
and lower triangular portion 44 are separated by a substantially
horizontal score line 50. The score line 50 is preferably
perforated so that it can be broken easily by a consumer to form a
pouring spout 12.
[0029] When the blank 78 is constructed and a pouring spout 12 is
formed, the upper triangular portion 42 moves inwardly and the
lower triangular portion 44 moves outwardly. Panels 84, 86 form the
sides of the pouring spout 12.
[0030] The front panel 14 includes score lines that assist in
forming the pouring spout 12. Score line 56 is contiguous with
score line 50 separating the upper and lower triangular portions
42, 44. Score line 56 forks and along with score line 70 separating
the front panel 14 and side panel 18 forms a first transverse
triangular portion 52. The back panel 16 also includes score lines
that assist in forming the pouring spout 12. Score line 58 is
contiguous with score line 50 separating the upper and lower
triangular portions 42, 44. Score line 58 forks and along with
score line 72 separating the back panel 16 and side flap 17 form a
second transverse triangular portion 54. When the blank 78 is
constructed to form a container 10, the first and second transverse
triangular portions 52, 54 are substantially parallel to each
other.
[0031] The central side panel 20 is attached to a back panel. A top
flap 26 and a bottom flap 32 are attached to the back panel 16. The
back panel 16 is attached to a flap 17.
[0032] The blank 78 can be easily assembled to form a container 10
similar to that shown in FIG. 1 by adhering or otherwise attaching
first side panel 18 to side flap 17 and first bottom flap 30 to
second bottom flap 32. To completely enclose the container 10,
first top flap 24 is adhered or otherwise attached to second top
flap 26.
[0033] Advertising, product information and graphical indicia may
be printed on the paperboard or other material forming the
container. The front and back panels 14, 16 in particular are well
suited for such indicia and are easily visible. The remaining
panels my contain indicia as well. In particular, it may be useful
to print "press here", or other instructions for using the pouring
spout, on the transverse triangular panels.
[0034] The foregoing description is provided for describing various
embodiments and structures relating to the invention. Various
modifications, additions and deletions may be made to these
embodiments and/or structures without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *