U.S. patent application number 11/359277 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-23 for flat blank carton.
This patent application is currently assigned to Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Colin Ford.
Application Number | 20070194093 11/359277 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38328244 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070194093 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ford; Colin |
August 23, 2007 |
Flat blank carton
Abstract
A flat blank carton is provided for packaging articles or
products. The flat blank carton includes a base, a top, and a rear
panel, hingedly connected to one another, and pairs of upper and
lower side flaps hingedly attached to the top and base panels,
respectively. The upper and lower side flaps include locking
projections and corresponding locking recesses that are brought
into mating, locking engagement as the top panel is folded over the
base panel. After loading with products, the front end flaps of the
cartons can be sealed to close the cartons.
Inventors: |
Ford; Colin; (Woodstock,
GA) |
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: |
38328244 |
Appl. No.: |
11/359277 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/144 ;
229/148; 229/149 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/18 20130101; B65B
5/024 20130101; B65B 21/242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/144 ;
229/148; 229/149 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/00 20060101
B65D005/00 |
Claims
1. A carton for receiving and storing products comprising: a base
panel having front, rear, and side edges; a top panel having front,
rear, and side edges; a rear panel extending between said rear
edges of said base and top panels; upper and lower front flaps
attached to said front edges of said base and top panels; upper
side flaps extending along said side edges of said top panel, each
of said upper side flaps having at least one locking projection
arranging along a free edge thereof; and lower side flaps extending
along said side edges of said base panel, each of said lower side
flaps having at least one locking receptacle therealong and adapted
to receive a mating one of said at least one locking projection of
a corresponding upper side flap to lock said upper flaps into said
lower side flaps as said top panel is folded over said base
panel.
2. The carton of claim 1 and wherein said at least one locking
receptacle in each of said lower side flaps comprises an aperture
having a locking edge positioned so as to be engaged by and hold
said locking projection.
3. The carton of claim 2 and wherein said aperture has a triangular
configuration.
4. The carton of claim 2 and wherein said aperture has a
substantially rectangular configuration.
5. The carton of claim 1 and wherein said at least one locking
receptacle in each of said lower side flaps comprises a
substantially T-shaped slot.
6. The carton of claim 1 and wherein there are at least two locking
projections in each of said upper side flaps and at least two
corresponding locking receptacles in said lower side flaps.
7. The carton of claim 1 and further comprising gussets formed in
corners between said top and base panels and said rear panel.
8. A method of packaging products comprising: moving a series of
carton blanks along a path of travel, each of the carton blanks
comprising a substantially flat sheet of a carton material having
top and base panels connected by a rear panel, first, second,
third, and fourth side panels hingedly connected to said top and
base panels and including cooperating locking elements formed
therein, and upper and lower front flaps hingedly attached to said
top and base panels; engaging and urging the top panel toward the
base panel; as the top panel of each carton blank is moved
downwardly toward the base panel, guiding the first and second side
flaps of each carton blank toward the third and fourth side flaps;
engaging a locking projection along at least one of the first and
second side flaps of each carton blank with a locking lug and
urging the locking projection into a corresponding locking
receptacle formed in a corresponding one of the third and fourth
side flaps to lock the side flaps together and form a carton having
an open end; loading products into the open end of each carton; and
closing the upper and lower front flaps of each carton.
9. The method of claim 8 and wherein engaging and urging the top
panel toward the base panel comprises moving the top panel into
engagement with a guide, and guiding the top panel upwardly and
forwardly so as to be folded over the base panel.
10. The method of claim 8 and wherein engaging the locking
projection along at least one of the first and second side flaps
with a locking lug and urging the projection into its locking
receptacle comprises folding at least one of the side flaps
downwardly an inwardly toward the base panel, and as the at least
one side flap passes the locking lug, urging the locking projection
inwardly into and through its locking receptacle.
11. The method of claim 8 and wherein closing the upper and lower
front flaps comprises applying an adhesive to at least one of the
upper and lower front flaps and folding the upper and lower front
flaps into engagement.
12. The method of claim 8 and wherein engagement of each locking
projection with its corresponding locking receptacle forms a
substantially tamper evident lock along at least one of the first
and second side flaps.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to cartons and other
articles for packaging products, and in particular, to a flat blank
carton having integrally formed mechanisms to enable locking
together of the sides of the carton.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In the packaging of products such as bottles, cans, pouches
or other similar articles, it is common for such products to be
packaged in paperboard cartons, such as to form twelve packs,
twenty-four packs, or other similar package configurations. Such
cartons can be fed into a packaging machine and wrapped about the
products or articles being packaged, with the lower or bottom edges
of the cartons folded under and either glued or locked together by
the engagement of locking tabs with locking recesses formed
therein. Alternatively, in the packaging of larger groups of
products, such as twelve packs of cans or bottles, or for packaging
other larger and/or irregularly shaped articles, such as frozen
pizzas, juice pouches, etc., the cartons typically are formed into
pre-glued sleeves having open ends. These pre-glued sleeves
generally are pulled from a stack or supply, opened, and fed into a
packaging machine. The products then will be inserted, typically
through one end of the sleeve, and the sleeve ends folded and glued
shut.
[0003] One drawback of utilizing cartons into the pre-glued sleeves
for product packaging applications, however, is that such
pre-formed sleeves typically are more expensive to produce than
conventional stamped or die cut wrapped carton sheets. After
stamping or cutting, the carton blanks must be folded and their
side edges glued together to form the carton sleeves, which
accordingly results in increased costs from a materials and
manufacturing standpoint, due to the additional glue required to
form the sleeves, and in the need for additional folding and gluing
equipment. Further, since the carton sleeves are formed by the
folding over of the carton blank material, the carton sleeves
generally are thicker than single sheet die cut blanks, and also
need to be shipped in cases. As a result, shipping such carton
sleeves in cases typically takes up a significantly greater amount
of space when stacked on pallets for transportation and storage.
This can require additional material handling to arrange and stack
the cartons in cases, which, with the cost of the case, further
increases the costs of manufacture thereof. A flat blank carton can
be stacked directly on the pallet eliminating the need for gluing
or cases.
[0004] Accordingly, it can be seen that a need exists for a carton
design adapted for packaging various types of products that
addresses the foregoing and other related and unrelated problems in
the art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Briefly described, the present invention generally is
directed to a flat blank carton that can be used for packaging a
variety of different types and configurations of articles or
products. The carton can be transported in a flat blank, or sheet
as stamped configuration and formed into a carton for receiving the
articles to be packaged therein as the carton blank is moved along
a product packaging line. The flat blank carton of the present
invention generally will include a base panel, a top panel, and a
rear panel extending between the base and top panels, with the base
and top panels being connected to the rear panel by first and
second laterally extending fold lines. Each of the top and base
panels further includes front side edges along which upper and
lower front flaps are hingedly connected along third and fourth
laterally extending fold lines, respectively. A pair of opposed
first and second, or upper side flaps are hingedly connected to the
top panel along first and second longitudinal fold lines, while a
pair of opposed lower or third and fourth side flaps are hingedly
connected to the based panel along third and fourth longitudinally
extending fold lines. End flaps further can be hingedly connected
to the ends of the upper and/or lower side flaps adjacent the upper
and/or lower front flaps, respectively.
[0006] Locking mechanisms will be formed in each of the upper and
lower side flaps. The locking mechanisms can include a variety of
designs or features, such as, for example, including one or more
locking tabs or projections formed in each of the upper side flaps.
Each such locking projection will be received within a
corresponding locking recess or opening formed in the lower side
flaps so as to engage and create a mating engagement between the
side flaps of the flat blank carton when the top panel has been
folded over and is substantially extending parallel to the base
panel. The locking projections can be formed in various
configurations, and alternatively can be provided along the lower
side flaps, with the upper side flaps including opposed, mating,
locking recesses or openings. The locking openings further can be
formed in various configurations, including cut-outs of a
substantially triangular or rectangular design, or can be formed as
substantially T-shaped, L-shaped, or cross-shaped slits or cuts
through which the locking projections will pass.
[0007] Additionally, gussets are formed between the upper and lower
side flaps adjacent the rear panel. The gussets can be formed from
cutout or cut-away portions, or can be formed by cutting, scoring,
creasing, or otherwise forming fold lines therethrough. As a
result, when the top panel is folded over toward the lower or base
panel, the gussets tend to fold and/or be urged inwardly to enclose
and seal about the corners between the top, rear, and base panels
and the upper and lower side flaps as the upper and lower side
flaps are brought into locking engagement, so as to enclose and
seal the rear end of the carton.
[0008] Typically, during use on a packaging line, the flat blank
cartons of the present invention will be received between lugs or
within a jig mounted on a carton conveyor, which conveys the carton
blanks along a path of travel for the packaging line or packaging
machine. As the carton blanks are placed between the lugs of the
carton conveyor, their side and end flaps typically will be folded
upwardly into a substantially parallel, vertically upstanding
attitude. As the carton blanks are conveyed along their path of
travel, the top panel of each carton typically will be engaged by a
plow or similar turning mechanism that guides the top panel
upwardly across the base panel, causing the top and rear panels to
be folded along the first and second lateral fold lines. At the
same time, the gusset portions can be engaged and urged to fold
inwardly toward the side flaps and rear panel. As the top panel is
folded over the base panel, the upper side flaps are guided
inwardly, typically by the lugs of the carton conveyor, toward the
upstanding lower side flaps.
[0009] As the upper side flaps pass by the lower side flaps, the
locking projections formed in the upper side flaps generally are
engaged by one or more locking lugs mounted within the lugs or jig
of the carton conveyor, which lugs generally each include a tongue
or projection that is biased inwardly so as to urge and direct the
locking projections inwardly. As the locking projections are
pressed inwardly against the portions of the lower side flaps in
which the corresponding locking recesses are formed, the locking
projections or tabs will tend to become urged into their
corresponding locking recesses so as to engage the lower side flaps
to lock the upper and lower side flaps together.
[0010] Thereafter, articles or products to be packaged, such as
frozen pizzas, cans, etc., can be inserted into the open front ends
of the cartons. The front and end flaps of the cartons then can be
glued and folded together so as to seal the carton, which then can
be conveyed away from the product-packaging line for storage and
transport.
[0011] Various objections, features and advantages of the present
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
review of the following detailed description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, schematically illustrating the
process by which the flat blank cartons of the present invention
can be formed and loaded with products.
[0013] FIGS. 2A-2C are plan views of various alternative
embodiments of the flat blank carton of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the flat blank
carton of the present invention being folded over into a closed
configuration.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an end view taken in partial cross-section,
illustrating the engagement of the locking lugs with the side flaps
of the flat blank carton of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a side view illustrating the folding and closing
of the carton of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a side view illustrating the engagement of the
locking tabs with the locking recesses of the flat blank carton of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5C is a cut-away view of a locking tab engaging its
mating locking recess as illustrated in FIG. 5B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] Referring now in greater detail to the drawings in which
like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views,
FIGS. 1-4 generally illustrate the flat blank carton 10 of the
present invention and the folding and locking operations thereof.
The flat blank carton 10 of the present invention can be utilized
in packaging a wide variety of different sizes and shapes of
articles or products such as cans, bottles, pouches, frozen pizzas
and other, similar products, as well as a wide variety of other
configuration or sizes of products. It further will be understood
that the flat blank carton 10 of the present invention can be
formed in substantially standard sizes for various packaging
applications.
[0020] As generally indicated in FIGS. 1-2C, the flat blank carton
10 of the present invention generally will be stamped, die cut, or
otherwise formed into a flat blank 11 from one or more sheets of a
carton material such as paperboard, cardboard, or various other
paper or plastic materials. The carton 10 can be stamped or cut
from a single sheet of material, or can be formed from a series of
layers of carton materials that have been laminated together to
form the carton blank 11. The flat blanks 11 can further be stacked
as substantially flat sheets as they are stamped, die-cut, or
otherwise formed, for transport as flat stacked sheets arranged on
pallets to optimize space for storage and transport.
[0021] The flat blank carton 10 (FIGS. 2A-2C) generally will
include a top panel 12, a bottom or base panel 13, and a rear panel
14, that define the upper, lower, and rear surfaces or portions of
the carton 10. The rear panel 14 is hingedly attached to the top
panel 12 by a first laterally extending fold line 16, and to the
base panel 13 by a second laterally extending fold line 17. Each of
the fold lines 16 and 17 can be formed by scoring, creasing,
cutting, or otherwise weakening the area between the top, base, and
rear panels to facilitate folding of the top panel and base panel
with respect to the rear panel. Upper and lower front flaps 18 and
19 further are hingedly attached to the top and base panels 12 and
13, respectively, along third and fourth laterally extending fold
lines 21 and 22, as indicated in FIGS. 2A-2C. The fold lines 21 and
22 can be formed by scoring, cutting, creasing, or otherwise
weakening the area between the top and base panels and their
respective upper and lower front flaps 18 and 19 to facilitate
folding of the front flaps toward their top and base panels,
respectively, as the carton blank 11 is folded into an enclosed
carton 10, such as indicated in FIG. 1. In their folded and closed
configuration, the upper and lower front flaps generally will be
oriented parallel to the rear panel 14 to form the enclosed carton
10.
[0022] A pair of opposed upper, first, and second side flaps 26 and
27 are hingedly attached to the lateral side edges of the top panel
12 along first and second longitudinally extending fold lines 28
and 29, respectively. Similarly, a pair of opposed lower or third
and fourth side flaps 31 and 32 are hingedly attached to the
lateral side edges of the base panel 13 along third and fourth
longitudinally extending fold lines 33 and 34, respectively. In
similar fashion to the laterally extending fold lines 16, 17, 21,
and 22, the longitudinally extending fold lines 28, 29, 33 and 34
can be formed in the carton blank 11 by stamping, cutting,
creasing, or otherwise forming weakened areas in the carton blank
between the upper and lower side flaps and the their respective top
and base panels. The fold lines enable the upper and lower side
flaps 26, 27 and 31, 32 to be folded inwardly into a vertically
oriented configuration, with the upper side flaps generally being
received and locked or otherwise engaged in a folded position
adjacent the lower side flaps as the carton 10 is formed, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3, and 4 to form the sides of the
carton.
[0023] As indicated in FIGS. 2A-3, one or more locking mechanisms
40, 41 generally will be formed along at least one pair of opposed
upper and lower side flaps 26, 27, 31, and 32, respectively. As
indicated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the locking mechanisms generally can
include one or more locking tabs or protrusions 41 generally formed
in or along peripheral side edge 42 of one or both the upper and
lower side flaps of the carton blank. For purposes of illustration,
the protrusions 41 are shown as being formed along the side edges
of the upper side flaps in FIGS. 2A-2C, although they could also be
formed at other points along the upper and lower side flaps.
Locking tabs or protrusions 41 further can formed in varying
configurations, including rounded, hook-shaped configurations such
as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2B, or substantially T-shaped, with hooked
portions at either edge, such as generally indicated in FIG. 2A.
Still further, the number of locking protrusions or tab can be
varied, depending on the size and configuration of the carton 10
being formed. Thus, it will be understood that while two to four
locking tabs formed along the side edges of each of the upper side
flaps are illustrated in the example embodiments of FIGS. 2A-2C,
various other configurations including a lesser or greater number
of locking tabs also can be used.
[0024] Still further, a series of locking apertures or recesses 43
can be formed in the lower side flaps 31 and 32 for receiving the
locking tabs 41 of the upper side flaps 26 and 27 in mating,
locking engagement therewith. There generally will be a locking
recess or aperture 43 for each of the locking tabs 41, with the
locking recesses generally being formed with a design or
configuration optimized to readily or easily receive its locking
tab in mating engagement therewith. The locking recesses can
include L- or T-shaped slits or cuts as shown at 44 in FIG. 2A; can
be formed from cut-outs as shown at 43 in FIGS. 2B and 2C; that can
have a pie wedge or substantially triangular shape as shown at 46
in FIG. 2B; can be substantially square or rectangular shaped as
shown at 48 in FIG. 2C; or can be another shape adapted to engage
with the locking tabs. The engagement of the locking tabs with
their mating locking recesses (as generally illustrated in FIGS.
5A-5C) further can provide a substantially tamper-evident and/or
tamper-proof lock or connection such that attempts to open the
carton by disengaging the locking tabs and recesses will damage the
tabs and/or recesses. Such damage can provide a visual indicator of
tampering with the carton and/or its contents.
[0025] As further illustrated in FIGS. 1-2C, one or more pairs of
end flaps, as shown at 51 and 52 and 53 and 54, are attached to
distal ends of the upper side flaps 26 and 27 and lower side flaps
31 and 32 by a series of laterally extending fold lines 56-59. The
end flaps 51-54 further typically are separated from the upper and
lower front flaps by a slit, cut, or other line of separation 60 to
enable the end flaps to be folded inwardly toward the center of the
carton 10, as indicated in FIG. 1, to enable the upper and lower
front flaps to be folded over for closing and sealing the
carton.
[0026] In addition, gussets 61 and 62 can be formed between the
upper and lower side flaps along the outer side edges 63 and 64 of
the rear panel 14. As indicated in FIGS. 2A-2C, the gussets can be
created by forming stamping, cutting, pressing or creasing nicks,
cuts, creases, or otherwise forming foldable portions as so as to
define and form fold lines, indicated by lines 66 and 67 within the
gusset panels 61 and 62 adjacent the rear panel 14 to enable the
gussets to be folded against the rear panel and sides of the carton
as the carton is formed. Additionally, depending on the size of the
cartons, cutout portions 68 (FIG. 2B) also can be formed to
facilitate the folding and/or closing of the gussets inwardly as
the rear panel is folded upwardly toward the base panel during
folding and formation of the carton blank 11 into the carton 10, as
indicated in FIG. 1.
[0027] FIGS. 1, 3, and 4-5C, generally illustrate the folding of
the rear and top panels and side flaps of the carton blank 11 to
form a resultant carton 10 in which products P are received and
sealed for transportation and storage. The carton blanks 11
generally will be moved along a path of travel, indicated by arrow
71 in FIG. 1, along a product packaging line 72 or though a
packaging machine, in which the panels of the carton blank 11 will
be folded to form the carton blank into a carton 10. After which,
the products P will be inserted into the carton and the carton
sealed and removed from the product packaging line. As indicated in
FIGS. 1 and 3, at the start of a packaging operation, the base
panel 13 of the carton blank 11 generally will be placed within a
jig or flight 73 of a flighted carton conveyor 74 for conveying the
carton blanks along their path 71. Each flight 73 of the carton
conveyor 74 generally will be bordered at its upstream and
downstream edges by upstanding walls or lugs 76 and 77, with the
base panel being received in a substantially flat-lying attitude
between the front and rear walls or lugs 76 and 77. As indicated in
FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, the lugs or walls 76 and 77 can have inwardly
curving sloped sides 78 that tend to guide the side flaps of the
blank inwardly so as to be folded into a substantially vertically
oriented attitude.
[0028] As the carton blank 11 begins its movement along its path of
travel 71 along the product packing line 72, the top panel of the
carton blank generally can be engaged by a guide or plow 79 (FIG.
1), or other turning and/or guiding mechanisms, which causes the
top panel 12 to be urged upwardly and folded over toward the base
panel 13. At substantially the same time, the upper side flaps
generally are folded or directed inwardly and downwardly, while the
rear panel likewise is folded upwardly into a substantially
vertically oriented attitude. The gussets 61 and 62 in FIGS. 2A-2C,
or rear panel end flaps of the carton blank, additionally will be
directed inwardly toward the rear panel and the upstanding lower
side flaps 31 and 32, as the rear panel is folded upwardly and
forwardly. As the rear panel is oriented vertically, the gussets or
rear panel end flaps generally tend to engage the lower side flaps
to halt further forward movement of the rear panel as the top panel
is folded further forwardly along fold line 16 between the rear
panel and top panel.
[0029] As indicated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5A as the top panel is
folded forwardly into a position overlying and spaced from the base
panel, the upper side flaps 26 and 27 are guided inwardly so as to
be folded along fold lines 28 and 29, toward the center portion 81
of the carton 10. As the top panel is urged downwardly in the
direction of arrow 82, its upper side flaps 26 and 27 are urged or
guided inwardly by the sloping sides 78 of the walls 76 of each jig
or flight 73 in the direction of arrows 83 (FIG. 4). Thereafter, as
the upper side flaps slide along the sides of the walls 76 of the
flight or jig, into a position extending substantially parallel to
the folded lower side flaps 31 and 32, the locking projections or
tabs 41 formed in the upper side flaps will be engaged by locking
lugs or actuators 84 as indicated in FIG. 4. The locking lugs or
actuators 84 each generally will include a body 86 having a similar
sloped or angled construction or configuration to that of the lugs
or walls 76 and 77 of each flight 73 and can be received within
slots 87 formed in the walls 76 and 77 as indicated in FIGS. 3, and
5B-5C.
[0030] A tongue or pusher element 88 (FIG. 3) is mounted within the
body 76 of each locking lug. The tongues of the locking members
will tend to engage and urge the locking tabs or projections in the
direction of arrows 89 and 89' inwardly as the locking tabs are
passed thereover, and further can engage the locking recesses or
slits to help retain the carton in its flight. This engagement
tends to press or urge the locking tabs 41 generally into and
through their corresponding locking recesses or apertures 43, as
indicated in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5B-5C, and into locking engagement with
the locking recesses or apertures to lock and secure the upper and
lower side flaps together and thus define an open ended carton 10.
The locking lugs 84 (FIG. 4) further can be formed in a variety of
sizes, although it could be possible to provide substantially
standard sizes for the locking lugs, i.e., small, medium, and large
size locking lugs, each of which can accommodate a variety of
different size or configurations or cartons. The locking lugs also
can be removeably fitted and locked within the slots or recesses 87
when formed in the walls of each flight to enable quick and easy
replacement of the locking lugs as needed, without requiring change
out of the lugs or walls of the conveyor flights to accommodate
different size cartons.
[0031] As indicated in FIG. 1, with the side flaps locked in place,
the now-formed, open-ended carton is moved further forwardly along
its path of travel 71 to a loading station indicated by 95 in which
products P (here shown as frozen pizzas, although other various
types of products can be used) can be loaded into the open end 96
of the carton 10. Thereafter, the carton will be moved through
folder/gluer stations, generally indicated at 97 and 98, in which
the end flaps of the cartons generally will be folded inwardly. An
adhesive material can be applied to one or both of the upper and
lower front flaps, which are then folded into engaging, adhesive
contact to seal the cartons with the products contained therein.
Thereafter, transfer belts 99 can engage the completed, enclosed
cartons 10 and convey them away for transportation or storage.
[0032] Such a method of forming, packing, and sealing the flat
blank cartons of the present invention generally can be performed
as part of a substantially continuous packaging operation as
indicated in FIG. 1. However, it is also possible to form, pack,
and seal the flat blank carton of the present invention using an
intermittent motion or packaging operation. In such an intermittent
packaging operation, the flat blanks can be fed from a magazine or
supply into engagement with a forming tool or die whereupon the
blank can be engaged with a reciprocating plunger or similar tool
that engages and urges the blank into the forming tool. As the
blank engages and/or passes through the forming tool, the panels of
the blank are caused to be folded along their longitudinal and
laterally extending fold lines so that the blank is formed into an
open ended carton. Thereafter, the carton can be removed from the
forming tool, loaded with product, and sealed.
[0033] Accordingly, the present invention comprises a flat blank
carton that can be formed, shipped and stored as a substantially
single sheet of a carton material, which thereafter can be folded
into a carton with the sides of the carton being locked together as
the carton is moved along a product packaging line to enable the
rapid packaging of products as an alternative to the use of
pre-glued, pre-formed carton sleeves.
[0034] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while
the present invention has been discussed above with reference to
particular embodiments, various modifications, additions and
changes can be made to the present invention without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *