U.S. patent application number 11/127603 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-16 for variable volume carton.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Aaron Joseph Green.
Application Number | 20060255106 11/127603 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36691496 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060255106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green; Aaron Joseph |
November 16, 2006 |
Variable volume carton
Abstract
A blank can be erected into a carton that can be varied in
volume. The carton can be configured in two different closed
configurations, with the volume of the carton being different in
the two closed configurations. In a first of the closed
configurations, one or more flaps respectively hingedly connected
to end edges of the carton's panels can close the carton's opening.
In a second of the closed configurations, folding can take place so
that the carton's panels are doubled over at a position between
their ends.
Inventors: |
Green; Aaron Joseph;
(Oregon, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING 32ND FLOOR
P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Assignee: |
Graphic Packaging International,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36691496 |
Appl. No.: |
11/127603 |
Filed: |
May 12, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/101.2 ;
229/235 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/0005 20130101;
B65D 5/5405 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/101.2 ;
229/235 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/54 20060101
B65D005/54; B65D 17/00 20060101 B65D017/00 |
Claims
1. A variable volume carton, the carton comprising: first and
second ends that are spaced apart from one another in a
longitudinal direction; and a plurality of panels, wherein
longitudinally extending side edges of said plurality of panels are
respectively connected to one another so that said plurality of
panels extend at least partially around the carton's interior,
first end edges of said plurality of panels are proximate said
first end, extend crosswise with respect to the longitudinal
direction, and collectively at least partially define an opening
while the carton is in an open configuration, with said opening
being at said first end and providing access to the carton's
interior while the carton is in an open configuration, second end
edges respectively of said plurality of panels are proximate said
second end and extend crosswise with respect to the longitudinal
direction, said plurality of panels includes a plurality of fold
lines that are operative so said plurality of panels can be folded
and unfolded at a position between, and distant from, said first
and second end edges of said plurality of panels, each panel of
said plurality of panels is doubled over while said plurality of
panels is folded at said position between, and distant from, said
first and second end edges of said plurality of panels.
2. The carton according to claim 1, wherein for each panel of said
plurality of panels, said panel in its entirety is at least
generally planar while said plurality of panels is unfolded at said
position between, and distant from, said first and second end edges
of said plurality of panels.
3. A variable volume carton, the carton comprising: first and
second ends that are spaced apart from one another in a
longitudinal direction; and a plurality of panels, wherein
longitudinally extending side edges of said plurality of panels are
respectively connected to one another so that said plurality of
panels extend at least partially around the carton's interior,
first end edges of said plurality of panels are proximate said
first end, extend crosswise with respect to the longitudinal
direction, and collectively at least partially define an opening
while the carton is in an open configuration, with said opening
being at said first end and providing access to the carton's
interior while the carton is in an open configuration, second end
edges respectively of said plurality of panels are proximate said
second end and extend crosswise with respect to the longitudinal
direction, said plurality of panels includes a plurality of fold
lines that are operative so said plurality of panels can be folded
over and thereby doubled over at a position between, and distant
from, said first and second end edges of said plurality of panels,
and none of said fold lines, which are operative so that said
plurality of panels can be doubled over, is in substantially close
proximity to said second end.
4. The carton according to claim 3, wherein none of said fold
lines, which are operative so that said plurality of panels can be
doubled over, are within about 2 inches from said second end.
5. The carton according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality
of flaps respectively hingedly connected to said first end edges of
said plurality of panels, wherein said opening of the carton can be
at least substantially closed by said flaps respectively
overlapping one another.
6. A variable volume carton, the carton comprising: first and
second ends that are spaced apart from one another in a
longitudinal direction; and a plurality of panels including, at
least, first and second side panels that are spaced apart from one
another and extend in the longitudinal direction, and third and
fourth panels that extend in the longitudinal direction and are
spaced apart from one another at least while the carton in an open
configuration, wherein longitudinally extending side edges of said
plurality of panels are respectively connected to one another so
that said plurality of panels extend at least partially around the
carton's interior, first end edges of said plurality of panels are
proximate said first end, extend crosswise with respect to the
longitudinal direction, and collectively at least partially define
an opening while the carton is in the open configuration, with said
opening being at said first end and providing access to the
carton's interior while the carton is in the open configuration,
second end edges respectively of said plurality of panels are
proximate said second end and extend crosswise with respect to the
longitudinal direction, for each side panel of said first and
second side panels, said side panel includes at least one
longitudinal fold line that is positioned between, and distant
from, said side edges of said side panel and extends toward said
first end edge of said side panel, and said third panel includes at
least one fold line that extends crosswise with respect to the
longitudinal direction and is positioned between, and distant from
said first end edge and said second end edge of said third
panel.
7. The carton according to claim 6, wherein said fold line of said
third panel extends at least substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction and at least proximate each of said side
edges of said third panel.
8. The carton according to claim 6, wherein for each side panel of
said first and second side panels, said side panel further
includes, at least, oblique fold lines that extend: divergently
away from at least proximate said longitudinal fold line of said
side panel, and obliquely with respect to said longitudinal fold
line.
9. The carton according to claim 8, wherein for each side panel of
said first and second side panels, all ends of said oblique fold
lines are distant from said first and second end edges of said side
panel.
10. The carton according to claim 8, wherein for each side panel of
said first and second side panels, said side panel further
includes, at least: a first fold line that extends crosswise with
respect to the longitudinal direction, is at least proximate said
oblique fold lines of said side panel, is at least proximate said
longitudinal fold line of said side panel, and is positioned
between, and distant from, said first and second end edges of said
side panel, and a second fold line that extends crosswise with
respect to the longitudinal direction, is at least proximate said
oblique fold lines of said side panel, and is positioned between,
and distant from, said first fold line and said second end edge of
said side panel.
11. The carton according to claim 6, wherein said fourth panel
includes at least one fold line that extends crosswise with respect
to the longitudinal direction and is positioned between, and
distant from said first end edge and said second end edge of said
fourth panel.
12. The carton according to claim 6, further comprising a first
flap hingedly connected to said first end edge of said fourth
panel, and a second flap hingedly connected to said first end edge
of said third panel, wherein at least one of said first and second
flaps at least partially closes said opening of the carton while
the carton is in a first closed configuration, said first flap
includes a first tab for interacting with a feature of said second
flap for at least partially maintaining the carton in the first
closed configuration, and said first flap further includes a second
tab for mating with a slot in said third panel for at least
partially maintaining the carton in a second closed configuration
in which said opening of the carton is at least partially
closed.
13. The carton according to claim 12, wherein: said first tab
tapers in a first direction, said second tab tapers in a second
direction, and said first and second directions are opposite.
14. The carton according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality
of flaps respectively hingedly connected to said first end edges of
said plurality of panels, wherein said opening of the carton is at
least substantially closed by said plurality of flaps.
15. The carton according to claim 14, wherein: said longitudinal
fold lines extend in a common plane; and for each panel of said
first and second side panels, said flap hingedly connected to said
side panel includes a fold line that at least substantially extends
in said common plane.
16. The carton according to claim 6, wherein: said fold line of
said third panel extends at least substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal direction and at least proximate each of said side
edges of said third panel; said fourth panel includes at least one
fold line that extends at least substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction and at least proximate each of said side
edges of said fourth panel, and is positioned between, and distant
from, said first end edge of said fourth panel and said second end
edge of said fourth panel; a first longitudinal distance is defined
from said fold line of said third panel to said first edge of said
third panel; a second longitudinal distance is defined from said
fold line of said fourth panel to said first edge of said fourth
panel; and said first and second longitudinal distances are at
least about equal.
17. The carton according to claim 16, wherein: said fold line of
said third panel is a first fold line of said third panel; said
fold line of said fourth panel is a first fold line of said third
panel; said third panel includes, at least, a second fold line that
extends at least substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
direction and at least proximate each of said side edges of said
third panel, and is positioned between, and distant from said
second end edge of said third panel and said first fold line of
said third panel; said fourth panel includes, at least, a second
fold line that extends at least substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction and at least proximate each of said side
edges of said fourth panel, and is positioned between, and distant
from said second end edge of said fourth panel and said first fold
line of said fourth panel; a third longitudinal distance is defined
from said second fold line of said third panel to said first edge
of said third panel; a fourth longitudinal distance is defined from
said second fold line of said fourth panel to said first edge of
said fourth panel; and said third and fourth longitudinal distances
are at least about equal.
18. The carton according to claim 6, wherein in a closed
configuration of the carton: said opening is at least substantially
closed; for each side panel of said first and second side panels,
longitudinally extending portions of said side panel are folded
along said longitudinal fold line so that said longitudinally
extending portions are in opposing face-to-face configuration with
respect to one another; and said third and fourth panels are at
least generally folded along said fold line of said third panel so
that each of said third and fourth panels is doubled over.
19. The carton according to claim 18, wherein portions of said
third panel that are respectively located on opposite sides of said
fold line of said third panel are in opposing face-to-face
configuration with respect to one another while said third and
fourth panels are doubled over.
20. The carton according to claim 18, wherein at least in the
closed configuration: for each side panel of said first and second
side panels, said side panel further includes, at least, a
plurality of fold lines that bound and thereby define an at least
substantially triangular portion of said side panel, said
triangular portion has a tip that is at least proximate said
longitudinal fold line of said side panel, said triangular portion
has an edge connected to an edge of a rectangular portion of said
panel, and said triangular portion extends obliquely with respect
to said rectangular portion, and said triangular portions of said
first and second side panels extend convergently toward one
another.
21. The carton according to claim 18, further comprising a flap
hingedly connected to said first end edge of said fourth panel,
wherein said flap includes, at least, a tab for mating with a slot
in said third panel for at least partially maintaining the carton
in the closed configuration.
22. The carton according to claim 21, further comprising a flap
hingedly connected to said first end edge of said third panel,
wherein: the closed configuration is a first closed configuration;
said tab is a first tab; at least one of said flap hingedly
connected to said first end edge of said third panel and said flap
hingedly connected to said first end edge of said fourth panel at
least partially closes said opening of the carton in a second
closed configuration of the carton; and said flap connected to said
fourth panel further includes a second tab for interacting with a
feature of said third panel for at least partially maintaining the
carton in the second closed configuration.
23. A blank for forming a variable volume carton, the blank
comprising: a plurality of panels including, at least, first and
second panels; for each panel of said plurality of panels, said
panel includes, at least, (a) opposite first and second end edges
that are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction,
and (b) opposite first and second side edges that are spaced apart
from one another in a lateral direction; said second side edge of
said first panel is connected to said first side edge of said
second panel by a first longitudinal fold line; said first panel
includes, at least, (a) a second longitudinal fold line that is
positioned between, and distant from, said first and second side
edges of said first panel, and (b) oblique fold lines that extend
obliquely with respect to said second longitudinal fold line and
divergently away from (1) said second longitudinal fold line, and
(2) a predetermined location that is on said first panel and is
positioned between, and distant from, said first and second end
edges of said first panel; said second panel includes at least a
first transverse fold line that is positioned between, and distant
from, said first and second end edges of said second panel; a first
longitudinal distance is defined from said predetermined location
on said first panel to said first end edge of said first panel; a
second longitudinal distance is defined from said first transverse
fold line to said first end edge of said second panel; and said
first and second longitudinal distances are at least about
equal.
24. The blank according to claim 23, wherein all ends of said
oblique fold lines are spaced apart from said first and second end
edges of said first panel.
25. The blank according to claim 23, wherein said first transverse
fold line of said second panel extends to at least proximate each
of said first and second side edges of said second panel.
26. The blank according to claim 23, wherein: said plurality of
panels further includes, at least, a third panel; said second side
edge of said second panel is connected to said first side edge of
said third panel by a third longitudinal fold line; and said third
panel includes, at least, a fourth longitudinal fold line that is
positioned between, and distant from, said first and second side
edges of said third panel, and oblique fold lines that extend
obliquely with respect to said fourth longitudinal fold line and
divergently away from at least proximate said fourth longitudinal
fold line.
27. The blank according to claim 23, further comprising a flap
connected by a fold line to said first end edge of said first
panel, wherein: said flap includes a first tab and a second tab,
said first tab tapers in a first direction, said second tab tapers
in a second direction, and said first and second directions are
opposite from one another.
28. The blank according to claim 23, wherein said second panel
further includes a second transverse fold line that is positioned
between, and distant from, said first transverse fold line and said
second end edge of said first panel.
29. The blank according to claim 28, wherein said first panel
further includes at least one transverse fold line that is aligned
with said second transverse fold line.
30. The blank according to claim 23, wherein: said plurality of
panels further includes, at least, a third panel and a fourth
panel; said second side edge of said second panel is connected to
said first side edge of said third panel by a longitudinal fold
line, and said second side edge of said fourth panel is connected
to said first side edge of said first panel by a longitudinal fold
line.
31. The blank according to claim 30, further comprising: a first
attachment panel that is connected by a longitudinal fold line to
said first edge of said fourth panel and is for being attached to a
first portion of said third panel; and a second attachment panel
that is connected by a longitudinal fold line to said first edge of
said fourth panel and is for being attached to a second portion of
said third panel, wherein a gap is defined between said first and
second attachment panels.
32. The blank according to claim 23, wherein said first panel
further includes at least a second transverse fold line that is at
least proximate said predetermined location on said first
panel.
33. The blank according to claim 32, wherein said first and second
transverse fold lines are at least substantially aligned with one
another.
34. The blank according to claim 32, wherein said first panel
further includes a third transverse fold line that is at least
proximate said oblique fold lines, and said third transverse fold
line is positioned between, and distant from, said second
transverse fold line and said second end edge of said first panel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to containers that can be
reconfigured to define different volumes.
[0002] A conventional carton includes panels that are respectively
connected to one another and extend around an interior of the
carton. Typically, a bottom end of the carton remains closed by
overlapping bottom flaps, whereas an opening at the top end of the
carton can be opened and closed with top flaps. Cartons can be used
to contain a variety of goods, such as cereal. In some situations,
only a portion of the goods contained in a carton are dispensed
from the carton, and then the carton is reclosed for the purpose of
storing the remaining goods in the carton. It is typical for the
volume of some cartons to remain the same irrespective of how full
they are. This can be disadvantageous with respect to optimizing
use of a storage space (e.g., cupboard). Accordingly, variable
volume boxes are known, and examples of these are disclosed in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,251,808 and 6,102,277.
[0003] Notwithstanding, there is always a desire for cartons that
provide a new balance of properties.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME ASPECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a
blank can be erected into a carton that can be varied in volume. In
accordance with one aspect, the carton includes first and second
ends that are spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal
direction, first and second side panels that are spaced apart from
one another and extend in the longitudinal direction, and third and
fourth panels that extend in the longitudinal direction and are
spaced apart from one another at least while the carton is in an
open configuration. Longitudinally extending side edges of the
panels are respectively connected to one another so that the
plurality of panels extend around the carton's interior. First end
edges of the panels extend crosswise with respect to the
longitudinal direction, and collectively define an opening that is
located at the first end of the carton for providing access to the
carton's interior while the carton is in an open configuration.
Second end edges of the panels extend crosswise with respect to the
longitudinal direction, and collectively at least partially define
the second end of the carton, which typically remains closed. For
each of the first and second side panels, the side panel includes
at least one longitudinal fold line that is positioned between the
side edges of the side panel and extends from a location that is
positioned between, and distant from, the first and second end
edges of the side panel toward the first end edge of the side
panel. The third panel includes at least one fold line that extends
crosswise with respect to the longitudinal direction and is
positioned between, and distant from, the first end edge and the
second end edge of the third panel.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
carton can be configured in at least two different closed
configurations, with the volume of the carton advantageously being
different in the two closed configurations. In a first of the
closed configurations, one or more flaps respectively hingedly
connected to one or more of the first end edges of the panels can
close the carton's opening. In a second of the closed
configurations, folding can take place along at least the
above-discussed fold lines of the panels so that the panels are
doubled over at a position between their first and second end
edges. Optionally, different arrangements of fold lines can be
provided for enabling this folding over, and features can be
provided for maintaining the carton in its closed
configurations.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the
fold lines for facilitating the second closed configuration (e.g.,
the doubling over of the panels) do not reach to the second end
(e.g., bottom end) of the carton. As a result and advantageously,
the carton has a substantial interior volume for containing goods,
or the like, while the carton is in the second closed
configuration. The carton's volume is smaller in the second closed
configuration than it is in the first closed configuration.
[0007] Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Having described some aspects of the invention in general
terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings,
which are illustrative of an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic, pictorial view of a carton in a first
closed configuration;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the carton in a partially open
configuration;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic, pictorial view of the carton in a
second closed configuration, in which numerous panels of the carton
are doubled over; and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a blank from which the carton can
be erected.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0013] Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, in which
like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, a
carton of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is
designated by the numeral 10. As best understood with reference to
FIG. 1, the carton includes top and bottom ends 12, 14 that are
spaced apart from one another in a longitudinal direction.
Extending longitudinally between the top and bottom ends are front,
rear and side panels 16, 18, 20, 22 that are respectively connected
to one another at their side edges so that these panels extend
around the carton's interior. The directional references, for
example "top", "front" and "side", referred to in this Detailed
Description section are used for ease of understanding rather than
for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention.
For example and alternatively, the front panel 16 can be referred
to as the rear panel, and the rear panel 18 can be referred to as
the front panel.
[0014] Dashed lines are used in FIG. 1 to schematically illustrate
features that would otherwise be hidden from view. In addition,
whereas FIG. 1 can be characterized as a left side, front, top
perspective view of the carton 10, a generally corresponding right
side, front, top perspective view of the carton is a mirror image
of FIG. 1.
[0015] After being initially closed, the carton's bottom end 14
typically remains closed by an overlapping, fastened (e.g.,
adhered) together arrangement of lower flaps 24 that are
respectively connected to lower edges of the panels 16, 18, 20, 22.
The carton's bottom end 14 can be closed in any conventional
manner, and optionally it can be opened or be in any conventional
configuration that does not unduly interfere with operativeness of
the carton 10.
[0016] An upper opening 26 (partially shown in FIG. 2) to the
interior of the carton 10 can be selectively opened and closed. The
opening 26 is defined between upper edges of the panels 16, 18, 20,
22. The carton 10 (e.g., the opening 26) is shown in a first closed
configuration in FIG. 1, a partially open configuration in FIG. 2,
and a second closed configuration in FIG. 3, as will be discussed
in greater detail below. Advantageously, the volume of the carton
10 can vary significantly between the first closed configuration of
FIG. 1 and the second closed configuration of FIG. 3, although a
variety of volume changes are within the scope of the present
invention.
[0017] Some of the features of the carton 10 in its first closed
configuration will be described in the following, with reference to
FIG. 1 and in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. In the first closed configuration, the carton 10
is in the form of a box, namely a rectangular parallelepiped.
Accordingly, for each of the panels 16, 18, 20, 22, the panel is at
least generally planer, and typically substantially planar. That
is, in the first closed configuration, the panels 16, 18, 20, 22
are not folded and thereby doubled over as illustrated in FIG.
3.
[0018] In addition, while the carton 10 is in the first closed
configuration, the opening 26 is at least substantially closed, and
typically completely closed, by the overlapping arrangement of
upper flaps 28, 30, 32 that are respectively connected to upper
edges of the panels 16, 18, 20, 22. One or more of the upper flaps
28, 30, 32 can be omitted, although typically at least one of the
upper flaps will be present for securing the carton 10 in its
second closed configuration, as will be discussed in greater detail
below. Regarding the overlapping arrangement of upper flaps 28, 30,
32 that is illustrated in FIG. 1 more specifically, the forward
upper flap 30 is hingedly connected to the upper edge of the front
panel 16, the forward upper flap 30 is above the side upper flaps
28 that are respectively hingedly connected to the upper edges of
the side panels 20, 22, and the forward upper flap 30 is below the
rearward upper flap 32 that is hingedly connected to the upper edge
of the rear panel 18.
[0019] As illustrated in FIG. 1, tearing has not yet occurred along
upper tear lines 34 that are in the rearward upper panel 32. The
carton 10 can be initially opened by tearing along the upper tear
lines 34, as discussed in greater detail below. The upper tear
lines 34 can be characterized, even before being torn, as dividing
the rearward upper flap 32 into a main portion 36 (of the rearward
upper flap) that is positioned between remnant portions 38 (of the
rearward upper flap). The rearward upper flap's main portion 36
includes a forward tab 40, which is partially defined between the
upper tear lines 34, and a rearward tab 42, which is defined by a
tab-defining tear line 44. Fold lines 46, which are in the rearward
upper flap's main portion 36, extend respectively outwardly from
the ends of the tab-defining tear line 44.
[0020] Each of the rearward upper flap's remnant portions 38 are
adhered to the forward upper flap 30 for remaining with the forward
upper flap, as will be discussed in greater detail below. The
forward tab 40 is releasably fastened to a feature of the forward
upper flap 30. More specifically in accordance with the exemplary
embodiment, the forward tab 40 is releasably adhered to a portion
of the forward upper flap 30, or even more specifically the forward
tab is adhered to a tear-away portion 48 (FIGS. 2 and 4) of the
forward upper flap. As shown in FIG. 2, the forward upper flap's
tear-away portion 48 has been torn away from a corresponding
remnant portion 50 of the forward upper flap 30.
[0021] An acceptable method of arranging the carton 10 in its open
configuration, and some of the features of the carton in its open
configuration, will be described in the following, with reference
primarily to FIG. 2 and in accordance with the exemplary embodiment
of the present invention. In the open configuration, the panels 16,
18, 20, 22 are not folded and thereby doubled over as illustrated
in FIG. 3. That is, in the open configuration, for each of the
panels 16, 18, 20, 22, the entire panel is at least generally
planar, and more specifically the entire panel is at least
substantially planar as illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0022] While the carton 10 is in its first closed configuration
that is illustrated in FIG. 1, the forward tab 40 can be pulled
away from the forward upper flap 30 so that: the forward upper
flap's remnant and tear-away portions 50, 48 tear away from one
another, tearing occurs along the upper tear lines 34 so that the
rearward upper flap's main portion 36 tears away from the rearward
upper flap's remnant portions 38, and the rearward upper flap's
main portion pivots about the upper edge of the rear panel 18 to
expose the carton's opening 26. The rearward upper flap's remnant
portions 38 typically remain adhered to respective portions of the
forward upper flap 30. Thereafter, the forward and side upper flaps
30, 28 can be pivoted respectively about the upper edges of the
front and side panels 16, 20, 22 to fully open the carton's opening
26, such as for facilitating the dispensing of goods from the
carton's interior.
[0023] Once the carton 10 is in its open configuration, it can be
returned to its first closed configuration by generally performing
the above-described method of opening in reverse, except that the
tearing would not be reversed. The returning of the carton 10 to
its closed configuration can optionally include refastening the
forward tab 40 to a feature of the forward upper flap 30. In one
example, the forward upper flap 30 can include a tear line for
forming a slot (not shown) that is proximate the forward upper
flap's remnant portion 50 and is for releasably receiving the
forward tab 40.
[0024] Features for facilitating arrangement of the carton 10 in
its second closed configuration are described in the following, in
accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the second closed configuration can also be referred to
as a doubled over configuration, because in the second closed
configuration the panels 16, 18, 20, 22 are folded and thereby
doubled over as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, for each of the side panels 20, 22, the
side panel includes: oblique fold lines 52 that extend divergently
from proximate a lower end of a longitudinal fold line 54, an upper
lateral fold line 56 that extends proximate the lower end of the
longitudinal fold line, and a lower lateral fold line 58 that
extends between the spaced apart ends of the oblique fold lines.
The upper flaps 28 include fold lines 60 that respectively extend
from proximate the upper ends of the side panel's longitudinal fold
lines 54. The front panel 16 includes upper and lower lateral fold
lines 62, 64. Likewise, the rear panel 18 includes upper and lower
lateral fold lines 66, 68.
[0026] As best understood with reference to the left side panel 20
in FIG. 1, for each of the side panels 20, 22, fold lines thereof
respectively segregate the side panel into upper portions 70, a
central triangular portion 72, a forward triangular portion 74, a
rearward triangular portion 76, and a lower portion 78. Each of the
triangular portions 72 can be generally in the shape of a triangle,
or at least substantially in the shape of a triangle, or the like.
The fold lines of the front panel 16 respectively segregate the
front panel into an upper portion 80, an intermediate portion 82
and a lower portion 84. Similarly, and as best understood with
reference to FIG. 4, the rear panel 18 is segregated by its fold
lines into an upper portion 86, an intermediate portion 88 and a
lower portion 90. The front panel 16 includes a slot-defining tear
line 92 that can be torn to define a slot for releasably receiving
the rearward tab 42 in the carton's second closed configuration, as
will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0027] One acceptable method for arranging the carton 10 in its
second closed configuration, and some of the features of the carton
while it is in the second closed configuration, will be described
in the following, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of
the present invention. As mentioned previously, the second closed
configuration can also be referred to as the doubled over
configuration, because in the second closed configuration the
panels 16, 18, 20, 22 are folded so that they are doubled over as
illustrated in FIG. 3. Whereas FIG. 3 can be characterized as a
left side, front, top perspective view of the carton 10 in the
second closed configuration, a generally corresponding right side,
front, top perspective view of the carton is a mirror image of FIG.
3. Dashed lines are used in FIG. 1 to schematically illustrate the
side panel's central triangular portions 72.
[0028] In accordance with the exemplary method for achieving the
second closed configuration, the carton 10 is first configured in
its open configuration, with the upper flaps 28, 30, 32 extending
in the longitudinal direction along with the panels 16, 18, 20, 22
(e.g., so that for each side panel 20, 22 and its associated side
upper flap 28, they are coplanar and the longitudinal fold line 54
and the flap's fold line 60 are aligned (e.g., collinear) and can
be collectively referred to as aligned fold lines 54, 60). Then,
the aligned fold lines 54, 60 at the right side of the carton are
pushed toward the aligned fold lines 54, 60 at the left side of the
carton, and vice versa, which causes the carton to transition to an
intermediate configuration.
[0029] In the intermediate configuration, for each flap of the side
upper flaps 28, the portions of the flap that are segregated from
one another by the flap's fold line 60 are folded outwardly about
the flap's fold line 60 so that: the originally relatively exterior
surfaces of the portions of the flap 28 are in opposing
face-to-face configuration with respect to one another, and the
originally relatively interior surfaces of the portions of the flap
28 and the originally relatively interior surfaces of forward and
rearward upper flaps 30, 32 are respectively in opposing
face-to-face configuration with respect to one another.
[0030] Also in the intermediate configuration, for each side panel
of the side panels 20, 22: the side panel's upper portions 70 are
folded outwardly about the longitudinal fold line 54 so that the
originally exterior surfaces of the side panel's upper portions 70
are in opposing face-to-face configuration with respect to one
another, and the originally interior surfaces of the side panel's
upper portions 70 and the originally interior surfaces of front and
rear panel's upper portions 80, 86 are respectively in opposing
face-to-face configuration with respect to one another; the side
panel's central triangular portion 72 extends obliquely with
respect to the side panel's lower portion 78; the interior surface
of the side panel's forward triangular portion 74 and the interior
surface of the front panel's intermediate portion 82 are in
opposing face-to-face configuration with respect to one another;
and the interior surface of the side panel's rearward triangular
portion 76 and the interior surface of the rear panel's
intermediate portion 88 (FIG. 4) are in opposing face-to-face
configuration with respect to one another. In addition, while the
carton 10 is in the intermediate configuration, the side panel's
central triangular portions 72 extend toward one another, the front
and rear panel's intermediate portions 82, 88 converge toward one
another in the upward direction, and the inside surfaces of the
front and rear panel's upper portions 80, 86 (FIG. 4) are much
closer to one another than they were in the first closed
configuration.
[0031] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the second closed configuration, which can also be
referred to as the doubled over configuration, is like the
intermediate configuration, except for variations noted and
variations that will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art. After the carton 10 is in the intermediate configuration, the
second closed configuration can be achieved by simultaneously
folding everything that is above the front and rear panel's upper
lateral fold lines 62, 66 forwardly so portions of the front
panel's upper portion 80 is in opposing face-to-face relation with
the front panels' intermediate and lower portions 82, 84.
[0032] While the carton 10 is being configured in either the
intermediate configuration or the second closed configuration, the
forward upward flap 30 can be pivoted relative to the front panel
16 so that the forward upper flap 30 is sandwiched between (i.e.,
in opposing face-to-face association with) each of the front
panel's upper and intermediate portions 80, 82 in the second closed
configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As a result, the forward
upper flap 30 does not cover the slot-defining tear line 92.
Accordingly, the carton 10 can be secured in the second closed
configuration, for example, by inserting the rearward tab 42 into
the slot formed by tearing along the slot-defining tear line 92.
Generally described, the carton 10 can be transitioned from the
second closed configuration to the open configuration by performing
the above-described procedure in reverse.
[0033] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, while the carton 10 is fully secured in the second
closed configuration, which is also referred to as the doubled over
configuration, each of the above-described opposing face-to-face
configurations can be opposing face-to-face contacts (except for
exceptions noted and exceptions that will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art) so that the opening 26 (FIG. 2) is
securely closed. At least some of the front panel's upper portion
80 will not be in opposing face-to-face contact with the front
panel's lower portion 84 in the second closed configuration/doubled
over configuration because of the forward upper flap 30 being
sandwiched therebetween. Also during the second closed
configuration/doubled over configuration, an upper attachment panel
94 (FIGS. 1 and 4) will be sandwiched between both: a portion of
the inside surface of the front panel's upper portion 80 and the
originally inside surface of the forward upper portion 70 of the
left side panel 20, and a portion of the inside surface of the
front panel's intermediate portion 82 and the originally inside
surface of the forward triangular portion 74 of the left side panel
20. On the other hand, provisions can be made so that the forward
upper flap 30 and the upper attachment panel 94 are not sandwiched
as described above. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment,
the upper attachment panel 94 and a lower attachment panel 96
(FIGS. 1 and 4) are for holding the carton in an erected
configuration, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0034] Alternatively, other of the above-described face-to-face
configurations and/or face-to-face contacts may be obstructed while
the carton 10 is fully secured in the second closed
configuration/doubled over configuration. As one example, some of
the above-described face-to-face configurations and/or face-to-face
contacts defined at originally interior surfaces may be at least
partially impeded or prevented when the carton 10 contains goods
(e.g., food products) or a bag containing such goods, because the
goods and/or bag, or portions thereof, might get positioned between
some of the surfaces that might otherwise be in a face-to-face
configuration and/or face-to-face contact.
[0035] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the lower lateral fold lines 58, 64, 68 are
advantageously spaced apart from the carton's bottom end 14 so that
the carton 10 has a substantial interior volume for containing
goods, or the like, while the carton is in the second closed
configuration. As mentioned previously, the second closed
configuration can also be referred to as the doubled over
configuration, since the panels 16, 18, 20, 22 are doubled over
during the second closed configuration, for example as illustrated
in FIG. 3. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the
distance from the carton's bottom end 14 to the lateral fold lines
58, 64, 68 can be at least about 2 inches, or more specifically at
least about 4 inches, or even more specifically at least about 6,
and most specifically this distance is about 6 inches.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a blank 98 from which the carton 10 can
be formed, in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. As mentioned above, the forward tab 40 can be
adhered to the tear-away 48 portion of the forward upper flap 30.
This tear-away portion 48 of the forward upper flap 30 can be
formed by a continuous cut line 100 that extends about half way
into the thickness of the blank 98. As alluded to above, the carton
10 can be secured in its erected configuration through the use of
attachment panels 94, 96. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the attachment
panels 94, 96 are attached by longitudinal fold line(s) 102 to a
side edge of the front panel 16. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the
attachment panels are fastened to a marginal portion of the
interior surface of the left side panel 20. This fastening can be
via adhering, such as with glue, or the like, or this fastening can
be via any other conventional means. Other means for securing the
blank 10 in its erected configuration are also within the scope of
the present invention.
[0037] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a lateral fold line 104 extends across the upper
attachment panel 94 and a gap 106 is defined between the attachment
panels 94, 96. The upper attachment panel's fold line 104 and the
gap 106 are optional, but it can be advantageous to provide them so
that they reduce any negative impact that the attachment panels 94,
96 might have on folding the carton 10 into the second closed
configuration.
[0038] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the upper flaps 28, 30, 32 are respectively attached to
the upper edges of the side, front and rear panels 20, 22, 16, 18
by lateral fold lines 108, 110, 112, 114; and the lower flaps 24
are respectively attached to the lower edges of the side, front and
rear panels 20, 22, 16, 18 by lateral fold lines 116, 118, 120,
122.
[0039] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, a fold line can be any at least somewhat line-like
arranged, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that
facilitates folding therealong; and a tear line can be any at least
somewhat line-like arranged, although not necessarily straight,
form of weakening that facilitates tearing therealong. More
specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the
present invention, conventional fold lines include: a crease or
score line, such as formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like,
which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired
line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into the material
along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart
cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the
material along the desired line of weakness; or various
combinations of these features. More specifically, but not for the
purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention,
conventional tear lines include: a cut that extends partially into
the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of
spaced apart cuts that extend partially into and/or completely
through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various
combinations of these features.
[0040] As a more specific example, one type of conventional tear
line is in the form of a series of spaced apart cuts that extend
completely through the material, with adjacent cuts being spaced
apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like
piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent cuts for
typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line.
The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks
typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and
alternatively the nicks can be omitted from a tear line such that
the tear line is a continuous cut line.
[0041] In situations where cutting is used to provide a fold line,
typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that
might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line
to be a tear line. In contrast, where nicks are present in a cut
line (e.g., tear line), typically the nicks will not be overly
large or overly numerous in a manner that might cause a reasonable
user to incorrectly consider the subject line to be a fold
line.
[0042] In accordance with one specific version of the exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, all of the fold lines are
score lines, except that the fold lines 52, 56, 62, 66 are each in
the form of fold lines formed by a series of spaced apart cuts that
extend completely through the blank 98, and the lateral fold line
114 is in the form of a series of spaced apart cuts that are formed
in and along a score line, with these cuts extending completely
through the blank.
[0043] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, the blank 98 and carton 10 are constructed of
paperboard, or the like, and the paperboard can optionally have one
or more other materials coated or laminated thereon. For example,
paperboard typically weighs at least about 100 pounds per ream,
with each sheet of paperboard typically being at least about 0.012
inches thick, so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary
paper. The blank 98 and carton 10 can also be constructed of other
materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having
properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least
generally as described above.
[0044] For example, one or both sides of the blank 98 can be coated
with a clay coating, or the like. The clay coating can be printed
over with product, advertising, and other information or images.
The blank 98 may then be coated with a varnish or other protective
coating to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank
98 may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer,
on either or both sides of the blanks. Other coating and laminating
upon the blank 98 is also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0045] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while
the present invention has been discussed above with reference to
exemplary embodiments, various additions, modifications and changes
can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of
the invention as set forth in the following claims.
* * * * *