U.S. patent application number 15/977509 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-14 for hinged click to close container.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Procter & Gamble Company. Invention is credited to Grace Catherine COOK, Gary Joseph FOOSE, Kassandra WALBURGER.
Application Number | 20190344926 15/977509 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66542024 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190344926 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COOK; Grace Catherine ; et
al. |
November 14, 2019 |
HINGED CLICK TO CLOSE CONTAINER
Abstract
A container having a hinged opening flap having free end
portion. The free end portion comes into facing relationship with a
free end portion seat. One or more locking tabs connected to the
opening flap or the free end portion seat edge are provided. The
locking tabs can lock the opening flap into a closed position. The
container can be erected from a blank.
Inventors: |
COOK; Grace Catherine;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; WALBURGER; Kassandra;
(Cincinnati, OH) ; FOOSE; Gary Joseph; (Ft.
Thomas, KY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Procter & Gamble Company |
Cincinnati |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
66542024 |
Appl. No.: |
15/977509 |
Filed: |
May 11, 2018 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/5435 20130101;
B65D 5/6623 20130101; B65D 5/6608 20130101; B65D 43/162 20130101;
B65D 5/541 20130101; B65D 5/0227 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/66 20060101
B65D005/66; B65D 5/54 20060101 B65D005/54 |
Claims
1. A container comprising: a top panel having a top panel exterior
facing surface; a hinge; an opening flap connected to said hinge;
two locking tabs connected to one of said opening flap and a free
end portion seat having a free end portion seat edge, wherein said
free end portion seat is recessed relative to said top panel
exterior facing surface; and a container body engaged with said top
panel, wherein said top panel, said opening flap, and said
container body together define an interior space; wherein said
opening flap comprises: a hinged portion having two hinged portion
ends; a free end portion in facing relationship with said free end
portion seat; and two opening flap edges separable from said top
panel, each opening flap edge extending from one of said hinged
portion ends to said free end portion; wherein said free end
portion overlies said free end portion seat edge between two
intersection points separated by a separation distance; wherein for
each opening flap edge, said opening flap edge is in a
nonoverlapping relationship with said top panel from said
intersection point to along said opening flap edge to a distance of
more than about 20% of said separation distance; wherein said
locking tab is closer to said hinge than said free end portion is
to said hinge: wherein said free end portion is between said
locking tabs; and wherein said locking tabs are connected with and
extend away from one of said opening flap edge and said free end
portion seat edge.
2. The container according to claim 1, wherein said opening flap
edges are discontinuous with said top panel and said opening flap
and said free end portion seat are operably engaged with one
another by said locking tabs.
3. The container according to claim 2 wherein said nonoverlapping
relationship is an abutting relationship.
4. The container according to claim 3, wherein said hinge connects
said opening flap to said top panel or a rear panel connected to
said top panel, said container body further comprising said rear
panel.
5. The container according to claim 4, wherein along at least a
portion of said opening flap edges from proximal said hinged
portion ends towards said locking tab said opening flap overlaps
said top panel.
6. (canceled)
7. The container according to claim 1, wherein said locking tabs
are separated from one another by a locking tab spacing and each of
said opening flap edges is in a nonoverlapping relationship with
said top panel from said locking tabs to along said opening flap
edge to a distance of more than about 20% of said locking tab
spacing.
8. The container according to claim 7, wherein along at least a
portion of said opening flap edges from proximal said hinged
portion ends towards said locking tabs said opening flap overlaps
said top panel.
9. The container according to claim 8, wherein said locking tabs
are integral with said opening flap.
10. The container according to claim 9, wherein between each said
locking tab and said free end portion is a slit.
11. The container according to claim 9, wherein said opening flap
comprises one or more weakened portions having an end or ends
oriented towards said locking tabs.
12. The container according to claim 1, wherein said container body
comprises a front panel connected to said top panel, wherein said
locking tabs are integral with and extend away from said opening
flap edge towards said front panel, wherein said locking tabs have
locking tab edges oriented towards said front panel, wherein said
locking tab edges are nearer to said front panel than said free end
portion seat edge.
13. The container according to claim 1: wherein said locking tabs
are separated from one another by a locking tab spacing; wherein
said opening flap edges are at least partially defined by reverse
cuts extending from proximal said hinged portion ends towards said
locking tabs; and wherein at a distance from said locking tabs of
more than about 20% of said locking tab spacing said reverse cuts
merge.
14. The container according to claim 13, wherein said top panel has
a top panel interior facing surface oriented towards said interior
space; wherein said container body comprises a front panel
extending from said free end portion seat and said free end portion
seat is in facing relationship with and joined to said top panel
interior facing surface; wherein said container body comprises a
rear panel connected to said top panel wherein said hinge connects
said opening flap to said top panel or said rear panel; and wherein
said front panel, said free end portion seat, said top panel, said
opening flap, and said rear panel are a one-piece paperboard.
15. The container according to claim 14, wherein said locking tabs
are integral with said opening flap.
16. The container according to claim 15, wherein between each said
locking tab and said free end portion is a slit.
17. The container according to claim 15, wherein said opening flap
comprises one or more lines of weakness having an end or ends
oriented towards said locking tabs.
18. A container according to claim 1, wherein said locking tabs are
integral with said opening flap and said locking tabs project
beyond said free end portion seat edge; wherein said nonoverlapping
relationship is an abutting relationship; wherein at least a
portion of said opening flap edges and said panel are separable
from one another by a reverse cut structure; and wherein said
opening flap, said panel, and said container body comprise a
one-piece paperboard.
19. A container comprising: a top panel having a top panel interior
facing surface; a free end portion seat in facing relationship with
and joined to said top panel interior facing surface, wherein said
free end portion seat has a free end portion seat edge; a hinge; an
opening flap connected to said hinge; two locking tabs integral
with one of said opening flap and said free end portion seat edge;
and a container body engaged with said top panel, wherein said top
panel, said opening flap, and said container body together define
an interior space, wherein said container body, said free end
portion seat, said locking tab, said top panel, and said opening
flap are a one-piece paperboard; wherein said opening flap
comprises: a hinged portion having two hinged portion ends; a free
end portion in facing relationship with said free end portion seat,
wherein said free end portion is between said locking tabs and
wherein said free end portion overlies said free end portion seat
edge between two intersection points separated by a separation
distance; and two opening flap edges at least partially defined by
reverse cuts extending from proximal said hinged portion ends
towards said locking tabs, wherein at a distance from said locking
tabs of more than about 20% of said separation distance said
reverse cuts merge; wherein said locking tabs are closer to said
hinge than said free end portion is to said hinge; and wherein said
container contains dryer sheets comprising a fabric softening
active and perfume.
20. A carton blank comprising: a free end portion seat having a
free end portion seat edge; a front panel extending from and
integral with said free end portion seat across a first fold line,
said free end portion seat between said first fold line and said
free end portion seat edge; a bottom panel extending from and
integral with said front panel across a second fold line; a rear
panel extending from and integral with said bottom panel across a
third fold line; a top panel extending from and integral with said
rear panel across a fourth fold line; and an opening flap connected
to said top panel or said rear panel by a hinge; wherein said
opening flap comprises: a hinged portion having two hinged portion
ends; two opening flap edges at least partially defined by reverse
cuts extending from proximal said hinged portion ends towards a
free end portion opposing said hinged portion, wherein each opening
flap edge has an opening flap edge length along said opening flap
edge between said hinged portion end to said free end portion,
wherein said reverse cuts merge at a location more than about 10%
of said opening flap edge length away from said free end portion;
and two locking tabs at a location selected from the group
consisting of extending from and integral with the opening flap
edge, extending from and integral with the free end portion seat
edge, and in the opening flap nearer to said free end portion than
a distance orthogonal to said first fold line and between said
first fold line and said free end portion seat edge.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A container having a hinged opening flap that is
mechanically engageable with another portion of the container when
the opening flap is in a closed position.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A variety of goods are packaged in containers having an
opening flap. Opening flaps are an attractive opening feature since
when opened, the opening flap remains connected to some other part
of the container. Such opening flaps are desirable since the
opening flap conveniently remains attached to the container when
the user of the container desires to close the container.
[0003] Containers typically employ an opening flap in one of two
arrangements. In the first arrangement, the opening flap is an
entire planar surface of the container and the opening flap is
pivotably connected to the remainder of the container body. This
arrangement advantageously provides for a wide opening into the
container and can make it convenient to access the contents of the
container. For plastic containers, the opening flap may seal to the
remainder of the container by a wedge seal between a channel about
part of the periphery of the opening flap and a rim about part of
the container. To open the user must apply sufficient force to
dislodge the channel in the opening flap from the rim of the
remainder of the container. Such wedge seals can provide for an
opening flap that tightly seals to the remainder of the container.
However, opening flaps having wedge seals that are too tight can be
inconvenient to open. For paperboard containers, the opening flap
is commonly provided with one or more flaps that are tucked into
the inner periphery of the remainder of the container. Opening
flaps that are tuck closed are notorious for being leaky, sometimes
unpredictably pop open, and can be over-rotated and end up being
pushed into the interior of the remainder of the container when
heavy objects are placed on the opening flap or when the user
applies too much force to the opening flap when closing the opening
flap.
[0004] In the second arrangement, the opening flap is part of a
planar surface of the container. When the user opens the flap, a
portion or portions of the surface remain connected to the
remainder of the container body. Typically, the opening flap is a
partial cutout of the planar surface with the boundary between the
opening flap and planar surface from which it is cut being a
through cut of the planar surface made orthogonal to the planar
surface of the container. This arrangement advantageously provides
for an opening that can be sized and dimensioned to provide easy
access to the contents of the container, can be easy to
manufacture, and can be sized and dimensioned to help retain the
contents of the container if the container is tipped over. Problems
associated with such types of opening flaps include that they may
be leaky, they may unpredictably open, and they can be over-rotated
and end up pushed into the interior of the remainder of the
container when heavy objects are placed on the opening flap or when
the user applies too much force when closing the opening flap.
[0005] With these limitations in mind, there is a continuing unmet
need for containers having an opening flap that can be securely
closed and be less prone to over-rotating into the interior of the
container.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A container comprising: a top panel having a top panel
exterior facing surface; a hinge; an opening flap connected to said
hinge; a locking tab connected to one of said opening flap and a
free end portion seat having a free end portion seat edge, wherein
said free end portion seat is recessed relative to said top panel
exterior facing surface; and a container body engaged with said top
panel, wherein said top panel, said opening flap, and said
container body together define an interior space; wherein said
opening flap comprises; a hinged portion having two hinged portion
ends; a free end portion in facing relationship with said free end
portion seat; two opening flap edges separable from said top panel,
each opening flap edge extending from one of said hinged portion
ends to said free end portion; and wherein said free end portion
overlies said free end portion seat edge between two intersection
points separated by a separation distance; and wherein for each
opening flap edge, said opening flap edge is in a nonoverlapping
relationship with said top panel from said intersection point to
along said opening flap edge to a distance of more than about 20%
of said separation distance; wherein said locking tab is closer to
said hinge than said free end portion is to said hinge.
[0007] A container comprising: a top panel having a top panel
interior facing surface; a free end portion seat in facing
relationship with and joined to said top panel interior facing
surface, wherein said free end portion seat has a free end portion
seat edge; a hinge; an opening flap connected to said hinge; a
locking tab integral with one of said opening flap and said free
end portion seat edge; a container body engaged with said top
panel, wherein said top panel, said opening flap, and said
container body together define an interior space, wherein said
container body, said free end portion seat, said locking tab, said
top panel, and said opening flap are a one-piece paperboard;
wherein said opening flap comprises; a hinged portion having two
hinged portion ends; a free end portion in facing relationship with
said free end portion seat; wherein said free end portion overlies
said free end portion seat edge between two intersection points
separated by a separation distance; and two opening flap edges at
least partially defined by reverse cuts extending from proximal
said hinged portion ends towards said locking tabs, wherein at a
distance from said locking tabs of more than about 20% of said
separation distance said reverse cuts merge; wherein said locking
tab is closer to said hinge than said free end portion is to said
hinge.
[0008] A carton blank comprising: a free end portion seat having a
free end portion seat edge; a front panel extending from and
integral with said free end portion seat across a first fold line,
said free end portion seat between said first fold line and said
free end portion seat edge; a bottom panel extending from and
integral with said front panel across a second fold line; a rear
panel extending from and integral with said bottom panel across a
third fold line; a top panel extending from and integral with said
rear panel across a fourth fold line; an opening flap connected to
said top panel or said rear panel by a hinge; wherein said opening
flap comprises: a hinged portion having two hinged portion ends;
two opening flap edges at least partially defined by reverse cuts
extending from proximal said hinged portion ends towards a free end
portion opposing said hinged portion, wherein each opening flap
edge has an opening flap edge length along said opening flap edge
between said hinged portion end to said free end portion, wherein
said reverse cuts merge at a location more than about 10% of said
opening flap edge length away from said free end portion; and one
or more locking tabs at a location selected from the group
consisting of extending from and integral with the opening flap
edge, extending from and integral with the free end portion seat
edge, and in the opening flap nearer to said free end portion than
a distance orthogonal to said first fold line and between said
first fold line and said free end portion seat edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a container constructed from a one-piece
paperboard, then flaps at one end of the container illustrated in
an unfolded open position.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a top view of a container.
[0011] FIG. 3 is partial view as denoted in FIG. 2.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross section view as marked in FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross section view as marked in FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 6 is container having a top panel engaged with a
container body.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross section view of a locking tab in the
opening flap engaged with the free end portion seat.
[0016] FIG. 8 is container in which the locking tabs are provided
on the opening flap edges. A portion of the sides of the container
are removed so that the interior space and interior surface of the
front panel, the bottom panel, and the rear panel are visible.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross section view of a locking tab on the
opening flap edge operably engaged with the free end portion
seat.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a container in an unopened condition. The locking
tabs are connected to the opening flap edges and the free end
portion is between the locking tabs.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a cross section of a container as marked in FIG.
10.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a cross section of a container as marked in FIG.
10.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a container in an unopened condition. The locking
tab is provided in the opening flap. A portion of the front panel
and sides of the container are removed so that the interior space,
bottom panel, and rear panel are visible.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a container in an unopened condition. The locking
tabs extend from the free end portion seat edge.
[0023] FIG. 15 is a blank for constructing a container of the
general configuration shown in FIG. 10.
[0024] FIG. 16 is a blank for constructing a container of the
general configuration shown in FIG. 14.
[0025] FIG. 17 is a blank for constructing a container of the
general configuration shown in FIG. 13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] Containers of the type disclosed herein can be convenient
for packaging and storing goods including food products,
confectionaries, powder laundry detergent, fabric softening sheets,
toys, paper goods, diapers, feminine care products, articles
comprising perfume, facial tissue, soluble unit dose pouches,
doughnuts, pastries, cakes, cookies, and the like.
[0027] A container 1 is shown in FIG. 1. The container 1 can
comprise a top panel 10 and a hinge 20. The container 1 can further
comprise an opening flap 30 connected to the hinge 20. The
container 1 can be a one-piece paperboard 3. Optionally, the
container 1 can be a plastic tub to which a plastic top panel 10 is
attached. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, the container 1
comprises a plurality of flaps 40 suitable for closing the ends of
the container 1. The flaps 40 at one end of the container 1 are
illustrated in an open position.
[0028] To provide for securely closing the opening flap 30, the
container 1 can comprise a locking tab 50. The locking tab 50 can
be connected to one of the opening flap 30 and the free end portion
seat 60, the free end portion seat 60 having a free end portion
seat edge 70. The locking tab 50 or tabs 50 can be connected to or
integral with one of the opening flap 30 and the free end portion
seat edge 70. When the opening flap 30 is moved from an open
position to a closed position, the locking tab 50 can interfere
with movement of the opening flap. Force applied by the user of the
container 1 can deform one or both of the locking tabs 50 or an
edge with which the locking tab 50 or tabs 50 are attached or an
edge with which the locking tab 50 passes enough so that the
locking tab 50 can move past the edge with which the locking tab 50
is engaged when the opening flap 30 is in a closed condition. The
movement of the locking tab 50 and or edge with which the locking
tab 50 is attached or engaged past one another can produce an
audible click sound. The locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 can have
from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about 0.2 mm to
about 2 mm, optionally about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm of interference
with the structure with which it or they interfere.
[0029] The container 1 can comprise a container body 80 engaged
with the top panel 10. The top panel 10, opening flap 30, and
container body 80 can together define an interior space 90. The top
panel 10 can have a top panel interior facing surface oriented
towards the interior space 90 and an opposing top panel exterior
facing surface 12. Similarly, the opening flap 30 can have an
opening flap interior facing surface oriented towards the interior
space 90 and an opposing opening flap exterior facing surface
32.
[0030] The opening flap 30 can comprise a hinged portion 100 having
two hinged portion ends 110. The opening flap 30 can comprise two
opening flap edges 120 that are separable from or separated from
the top panel 10. Each opening flap edge 120 can extend from one of
the hinged portion ends 110 to a free end portion 130. The free end
portion 130 can be the distal end of the opening flap 30. The free
end portion 130 can be in facing relationship with the free end
portion seat 60 when the opening flap 30 is in the closed position
or before the opening flap 30 is first opened. The locking tab 50
or locking tabs 50 can be nearer to the hinge 20 than the free end
portion 130. The free end portion seat 60 can be recessed relative
to the top panel 10. The free end portion seat 60 can be recessed
relative to the top panel exterior facing surface. Such an
arrangement can allow the top panel exterior facing surface 12 of
the top panel 10 and the opening flap exterior facing surface 32 of
the opening flap 30 to be flush with one another or substantially
flush with one another. The top panel 10 and the free end portion
seat 60 can lie in planes parallel or generally parallel to one
another. The free end portion seat 60 can be recessed relative to
the top panel exterior facing surface 12. So, the free end portion
seat 60 can lie in a different plane than the top panel exterior
facing surface 12. Such positioning of the free end portion seat 60
can be provided during fabrication of the top panel 10 and the
opening flap 30. The free end portion seat 60 can be an extension
of the front panel folded underneath the top panel 10 and free end
portion 130 and the free end portion seat edge 70 can be oriented
towards the hinged portion 100. The free end portion seat 60 can be
substantially parallel or parallel to the top panel 10. The free
end portion seat 60 can be in partial facing relationship with the
top panel 10. To provide for mechanical stability of the container
1 when a one-piece paperboard 3 is employed, the free end portion
seat 60 can be in facing relationship with and joined to the top
panel interior facing surface, for instance by a glue or
interlocking tab and slot features or the like. The flaps 40 may be
folded inwardly and one or more of the flaps 40 may be glued to one
or more flaps 40 to provide closed ends of the container 1.
[0031] The free end portion 130 can have from about 1 cm.sup.2 to
about 20 cm.sup.2, optionally from about 1 cm.sup.2 to about 10
cm.sup.2, optionally from about 1 cm.sup.2 to about 5 cm.sup.2, of
the surface thereof in facing relationship with the free end
portion seat 60. Such quantity of the free end portion 130 in
facing relationship with the free end portion seat 60 can provide
for adequate bearing area to support the opening flap 30 when the
opening flap 30 is pushed to click the locking tab 50 or locking
tabs 30 into a locked position.
[0032] For a locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 connected to the
free end portion seat 60, the locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 are
beneath a plane defined by the opening flap 30 when the locking tab
50 or locking tabs 50 are disengaged with the opening flap 30. That
is, the locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 are beneath a plane
defined by the opening flap 30 when the locking tab 50 or locking
tabs 50 are disengaged with the opening flap 30. Another way of
describing the position of the locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 if
they are connected to the free end portion seat 60 is that the
locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 are in plane with the free end
portion seat 60.
[0033] For a locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 connected to opening
flap 30, the locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 can be above a plane
defined by the free end portion seat 60 when the locking tab 50 or
locking tabs 50 are disengaged with the free end portion seat edge
70. That is, the locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 are above a
plane defined by the free end portion seat 60. Another way of
describing the position of the locking tab 50 if it is connected to
the opening flap 30 is that the locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50
are in plane with the opening flap 30.
[0034] The hinge 20 can be a fold line between the material
constituting the opening flap 30 and the top panel 10. The hinge 20
can be a fold line between the material constituting the opening
flap 30 and the rear panel 150. The hinge 20 can coincide with the
fold line between the top panel 10 and the rear panel 150. The
hinged portion 100 comprises the entirety of the portion of the
opening flap 30 that moves pivotably about the hinge. The hinged
portion 100 may comprise a hinge 20. Of course, the entirety of the
hinged portion 100 can be a hinge 20. The hinged portion 100 may
comprise two or more spaced apart hinges 20. The opening flap 30
can pivot about the one or more hinges 20.
[0035] The free end portion 130 can overlie the free end portion
seat edge 70 between two intersection points 140 that are separated
by a separation distance SD. For each opening flap edge 120, the
opening flap edge can be in a nonoverlapping relationship with the
top panel 10 from the intersection point 140 to along the opening
flap edge 120 to a distance of more than about 20% of the
separation distance SD. Optionally, the opening flap edge 120 can
be in a nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10 from the
intersection point 140 to along the opening flap edge 120 to a
distance of more than about 20% of the separation distance SD up to
a total of an entirety of the opening flap edge 120 being in
nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10.
[0036] The container 1 can be conveniently provided as a one-piece
paperboard carton and be in a closed condition in which the opening
flap 30 or portions of the opening flap are integral with the top
panel 10. When the consumer desires to open the container 1, the
consumer can lift the free end portion 130 and apply force to
controllably separate the opening flap edges 120 or portions
thereof from the top panel 10.
[0037] The container 1 can also be conveniently provided as a
plastic tub having a top panel 10. The top panel 10 and opening
flap 30 can be a one-piece plastic part. The top panel 10 can be
connected to the container body 80, for instance by a wedge seal
connecting the container body 80 to the top panel 10, and thereby
the opening flap 30 as well. Optionally the top panel 10 can be
connected to the container body 80 by some other mechanical
fastening, by way of nonlimiting example by a threaded fastener
between top panel 10 and container body 80, rivets, screws, nuts
and bolts, interlocking tabs, and the like. Optionally, the top
panel 10 can be connected to the container body 80 by an adhesive
bond or weld. The top panel 10 and opening flap 30 can be molded so
that the opening flap edges 120 are discontinuous with the top
panel 10. Optionally, the top panel 10 and the opening flap edges
120 can be molded so that the two elements are integral with one
another or connected to one another in some manner across the
boundary between the two elements and the two elements can be
separated from one another upon first opening the opening flap
30.
[0038] Independent of the type of material constituting the top
panel 10 and opening flap 30, the opening flap edges 120 can be
discontinuous with the top panel 10 and the opening flap 30 and the
free end portion seat 60 can be operably engaged with one another
by the locking tab 50 connected to one of the opening flap 30 and
the free end portion seat 60 and the locking tab 50 can be
mechanically engaged with the other of the opening flap 30 and the
free end portion seat 60. For instance, if the locking tab 50 is
connected to the opening flap 30, the locking tab 50 can
mechanically engage with the free end portion seat 60 to restrain
the opening flap 30 from freely swinging open about the hinge 20.
Alternatively, if the locking tab 50 is connected to the free end
portion seat 60, the locking tab 50 can mechanically engage with
the opening flap 30 to restrain the opening flap 30 from freely
swinging open about the hinge 20. Net, the locking tab 50 can be
connected to the opening flap 30 and mechanically engage with the
free end portion seat 60 or the locking tab 50 can be connected to
the free end portion seat 60 and mechanically engage with the
opening flap 30. Regardless to which structure the locking tab 50
or locking tabs 50 are connected or integral with, the locking tabs
50 can have from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about
0.2 mm to about 2 mm, optionally about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm of
interference with the structure with which it or they interfere.
Locking tabs 50 provided on the opening flap edge 120 can project
from the opening flap edge by about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm,
optionally from about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm, optionally about 0.3 mm
to about 1 mm, so as to provide adequate interference between the
locking tab 50 and the free end portion seat 60. The force required
to lock and or unlock locking tabs increases with an increasing
magnitude of interference.
[0039] The free end portion 130 can be in facing relationship with
the free end portion seat 60 to restrain the opening flap 30 from
over rotating into the interior space 90 under reasonable amounts
of force applied by the user or weight on the opening flap 30. The
area of contact between the free end portion seat 60 and free end
portion 130 is greater than the cross sectional area of the free
end portion 130 in line with the intersection points 140. Such an
arrangement can provide for a large bearing area on the free end
portion seat 60 for the free end portion 130 to rest upon.
[0040] The hinge 20 can be a continuous hinge 20 along the rotation
axis RA of the opening flap 30. Optionally, the hinge 20 can be one
or more discrete hinges 20 along the rotation axis RA of the
opening flap 30. The hinge 20 can be living hinge. The hinge 20 can
be a bi-stable hinge having a higher potential energy state between
the position in which the opening flap 30 is fully open and the
position in which the opening flap 30 is fully closed than when the
hinge 20 is in either such fully open or fully closed position, for
example a butterfly living hinge.
[0041] The hinge 20 can connect the opening flap 30 to the top
panel 10 or a rear panel 150 connected to the top panel 10. In FIG.
1, the hinge 20 is at boundary between the top panel 10 and rear
panel 150. This arrangement can be practical if container 1 is a
one-piece paperboard. Optionally, the opening flap 30 can extend
beyond the boundary between the top panel 10 and rear panel 150 and
the hinge 20 can be on the rear panel 150. In such an arrangement,
the opening flap edges 120 may contact both the rear panel 150 and
the top panel 10 to close the container. This can provide the
container with a large aperture through which the contents of the
container 1 can be accessed.
[0042] The hinge 20 can practically be located in the top panel 10.
In such an arrangement, there would be a portion of the top panel
10 between the hinge 20 and the rear panel 150. Such an arrangement
can be practical if the container 1 is a one-piece paperboard or if
the top panel 10 is a plastic lid fitted to a container body 80
that is a tub. The portion of the top panel 10 between the hinge
and the rear panel 150 can provide for additional top load strength
and overall stability of the container 1.
[0043] To permit the locking tab 50 to move past the edge with
which the locking tab 50 engages, it can be convenient to provide
for the ability for at least part of the opening flap 30 proximal
the free end portion 130 to be able to deform to be even with or
below the free end portion seat 60. This can be accomplished by
sizing and dimensioning each opening flap edge 120 so that the
opening flap edge 120 is in a nonoverlapping relationship with the
top panel 10 from the intersection point 40 to along the opening
flap edge 120 to a distance of more than about 20% of the
separation distance SD. Thus, when the user pushes on the portion
of the opening flap 30 between the free end portion 130 and the
hinge 20 and nearer to the free end portion 130 than the hinge 20,
a portion of the opening flap 30 between the free end portion seat
edge 70 and the hinge 20 and nearer to the free end portion seat
edge 70 than the hinge 20 can be deformed to be even with or below
the free end portion seat 60. This can permit the locking tab 50
and the edge with which the locking tab 50 interferes to move past
one another relatively when the opening flap 30 is moved from the
closed position to the open position or from the open position to
the closed position. Seating of the free end portion 130 on the
free end portion seat 60 can resist over rotation of the opening
flap 30 to a position in which the free end portion 130 ends up
moving past the free end portion seat towards the interior space
90.
[0044] The nonoverlapping relationship amongst the opening flap
edge 120 and the top panel 10 can be an abutting relationship. An
abutting relationship is one in which the edges of the two planar
elements are side by side with one another and the planar elements
can freely move relative to one another in directions orthogonal to
the planar element.
[0045] A top view of a container 1 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. In
FIG. 2, the hinge 20 is shown to connect the opening flap 30 to the
top panel 10. The locking tab 50 is centrally located proximal the
free end portion 130 and is positioned towards the interior space
90 and locked underneath the free end portion seat edge 70. That
is, the locking tab 50 and the free end portion 130 can be on
opposite sides of the free end portion seat 70. The locking tab 50
in this position can impede the opening flap 30 from opening. The
locking tab 50 can interfere with the free end portion seat edge by
about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about 0.2 mm to about 2
mm, optionally about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, to provide for the
ability to securely close the opening flap 30.
[0046] A cross section of the container 1 in FIG. 2 is shown in
FIG. 4. Along at least a portion of the opening flap edges 120 from
proximal the hinged portion 100 towards the locking tab 50, or
locking tabs 50, the opening flap 30 can overlap the top panel 10.
The overlap can help reduce the potential for the opening flap 30
to over rotate into the interior space 90 of the container 1.
Together, the free end portion 130 resting on the free end portion
seat 60 and the overlapping portions of the opening flap edges 120
can inhibit over rotation of the opening flap 30.
[0047] As described herein, the opening flap edge 120 can be in a
nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10 from the
intersection portion 140 to along the opening flap edge 120 to a
distance of more than about 20% of the separation distance SD. An
example of a nonoverlapping relationship proximal the free end
portion 130 is shown in FIG. 5, which is another cross section of
the container shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 5, the opening flap edges
120 abut the top panel 10. Also shown in FIG. 5 is the opening flap
interior facing surface 33. A container 1 in which the opening flap
30 is in an open position is shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6,
the when the opening flap 30 is closed, the free end portion 130
can be in facing relationship with the free end portion seat 60.
The opening flap 30 can be closed by the user by pushing the
opening flap 30 at a location between the locking tab 50 and the
hinged portion 100 and nearer to the locking tab 50 than the hinged
portion 100. When the free end portion 130 is positioned to be in
facing relationship with the free end portion 60, further pushing
in such location, which can be location that is between portions of
the opening flap edges 120 that are in a nonoverlapping
relationship with the top panel 10, can bend opening flap 30 and
cause the locking tab 50 to bend out plane with respect to portions
of the opening flap 30 immediately surrounding the locking tab 50
and force the locking tab 50 to engage with the free end portion
seat 60. Optionally, the user can push downwardly on the locking
tab 50 itself to force the locking tab 50 out of plane as compared
to portions of the opening flap 30 immediately surrounding the
locking tab 50 and slip over the free end portion seat edge 70 to
engage with the free end portion seat 60. The nonoverlapping
relationship with the top panel 10 near free end portion 130 allows
for deformation of the opening flap 30 proximal the free end
portion 130 and between portions opening flap 30 between the
portions of the opening flap edges 120 that are in a nonoverlapping
relationship with the top panel 10 which in effect creates space
for locking tab 50 to move past the free end portion seat edge
70.
[0048] To provide for more control of deformation of the opening
flap 30 proximal the free end portion 130 when the user closes the
opening flap 30, the opening flap 30 can be provided with one or
more weakened portions 160. The opening flap 30 can comprise a
weakened portion 160 between portions of the overlapping flap edges
120 that are in nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10
and between the free end portion seat edge 70 and the hinged
portion 100 and nearer to the free end portion seat edge 70 than
the hinged portion 100. The weakened portion 160 can be a crease or
score line if a paperboard top panel 10 or if a one-piece
paperboard is used to construct the container. The weakened portion
160 can be a discrete portion of the opening flap 30 that is
thinner than portions of the opening flap adjacent the weakened
portion 160. The weakened portion 160 can have an arc shape open
towards the free end portion 130.
[0049] A cross sectional view of the portion of the container 1
shown in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 7. The locking tab 50 can be part
of the opening flap 30 and positioned between the free end portion
130 and the hinged portion 100. Such arrangements are shown in
FIGS. 1-6. The locking tab 50 when engaged with the free end
portion seat 60 can be beneath the free end portion seat 60 and or
free end portion seat edge 70. The more interference there is
between the locking tab 50 and free end portion seat 60 the more
force that will be required to open the opening flap 30 since the
locking tab 50 must be bent more or moved more by deformation of
the opening flap 30 to dislodge it over the free end portion seat
60 and free end portion seat edge. The locking tab 50 or locking
tabs 50 can have from about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from
about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm, optionally about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm
of interference with the free end portion seat 60. As shown in FIG.
6, when the opening flap 30 is in the closed position, the free end
portion seat 60 can be between the locking tab 50 and the free end
portion 130. That is, the locking tab 50 can be beneath the free
end portion seat 60 or free end portion seat edge 70.
[0050] The container 1 can comprise two locking tabs 50, for
example as shown in FIG. 8. In FIG. 8, the opening flap 30 is
illustrated to be in a slightly opened position. The free end
portion 130 can be between the locking tabs 50. The locking tabs 50
can be engaged with and extend away from one of the opening flap
edge 120 and the free end portion seat edge 70. In FIG. 8, the
locking tabs 50 are illustrated to be engaged with and extend away
from the opening flap 30. The locking tabs 50 may be engaged with
the opening flap by being integral with the opening flap 30. That
is, the locking tabs 50 may be continuous extensions of the opening
flap 30. This can be conveniently provided for when a one-piece
paperboard constitutes the container 1 and the one-piece paperboard
is die cut to form a blank that can be folded into a container 1
having all of the requisite features. Optionally the top panel 10
and opening flap 30 can be a molded plastic part, for example an
injection molded part or thermoformed part. The locking tabs 50 may
be integrally molded parts or formed by a multistage injection
molding process or joined to opening flap 30 as desired. The
locking tabs 50 may be spaced apart by a locking tab spacing
between the locking tabs 50 of from about 10 mm to about 100 mm,
optionally from about 10 mm to about 60 mm, optionally from about
20 mm to about 60 mm, optionally about 40 mm. Such spacing of the
locking tabs 50 can permit the locking tabs 50 to lock into place
with an acceptable amount of deformation of the opening flap 30 and
or free end portion seat 60. The same such spacing may be practical
if the locking tabs 50 extend from the free end portion seat
60.
[0051] The user can transition the opening flap 30 from an open
position, as shown in FIG. 8, to a closed position, by pressing the
opening flap 30 at a location proximal the free end portion 130
that will, when the opening flap 30 is closed, end up being between
the free end portion seat edge 70 and the hinged portion 100. As
the user pushes the opening flap 30 down, the free end portion 130
can come into facing relationship with the free end portion seat
60. Further slight pushing on the opening flap 30 can deform the
opening flap 30 which can move the locking tabs 50 towards the
hinge 20. The locking tabs 50 can then mechanically engage with the
opening flap edge 120. Optionally, the locking tabs 50 can slip
over or pass by the free end portion seat edge 70 so that the
locking tabs 50 end up positioned beneath the free end portion seat
60. Resistance to the opening flap 30 unintentionally opening can
be provided by mechanical engagement of the locking tabs 50 with
the free end portion seat edge 70 and or free end portion seat 60.
To open the opening flap 30, the user can conveniently lift the
free end portion 130 up and away from the free end portion seat 60
and the locking tabs 50 can be disengaged from the free end portion
seat 60 and or free end portion seat edge 70 and the opening flap
30 can be swung open. Lifting force applied to the free end portion
130 can be transferred to the locking tabs 50 which bend to get
past the free end portion seat edge 70 or force from the locking
tabs 50 can be transferred to one or both of the free end portion
seat edge 70 and opening flap 30 to deform to provide room for the
locking tabs 50 to get past the structure with which they are
engaged.
[0052] The locking tabs 50 can be separated from one another by a
locking tab spacing LTS. Each of the opening flap edges 120 can be
in a nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10 from the
locking tabs 50 to along the opening flap edge 120 to a distance of
more than about 20% of the locking tab spacing LTS. The opening
flap edges 120 can be in a nonoverlapping relationship with the top
panel 10 from the locking tabs 50 up to a total of an entirety of
the opening flap edge 120 being in nonoverlapping relationship with
the top panel 10. The nonoverlapping relationship of the opening
flap edge 120 and top panel 10 near the locking tabs 50 can provide
the opening flap 30 with the ability to deform in a manner that
helps the locking tabs 50 get out of the way of free end portion
seat edge 70 as opening flap 30 is pushed to be in a closed
position. When the user releases the closing force, that portion of
the opening flap 30 can flatten out, thereby engaging the locking
tabs 50 with the free end portion seat edge 70 and or free end
portion seat 60.
[0053] It can be practical to provide an opening flap 30 wherein
along at least a portion of the opening flap edges 120 from
proximal the hinged portion 100 ends 110 towards the locking tabs
50 the opening flap 30 overlaps the top panel 30. Over rotation of
the opening flap 30 towards the interior space 90 of the container
1 may be resisted by a portion or portions of the opening flap 30
that overlap with the top panel 10.
[0054] A slit 170 can be provided between each locking tab 50 and
the free end portion 130. A slit 170 can be practical for providing
flexibility to the locking tab 50 beyond the flexibility inherent
to the constituent material. If the manner in which the opening
flap 30 is transitioned from an open position to a closed position
results in the free end portion seat edge 70 interfering with
movement of a locking tab 50 into engagement with the free end
portion seat edge 70 or free end portion seat 60, the slit 170
effectively lengthens the locking tab 50 thereby reducing the
stiffness of the locking tab 50. The slit 170 can have a length
from about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm. The slit 170 can have a length
that is from about 1 times to about 10 times the thickness of the
opening flap 30. Such a range may provide for suitable flexure of
the locking tab 50. In an arrangement in which the container 1
comprises two locking tabs 50 and the free end portion 130 is
between the locking tabs 50, it can be practical for the opening
flap 30 to comprise one or more weakened portions 160 having a
weakened portion end 161 or weakened portion ends 161 oriented
towards the locking tabs 50. The weakened portion 160 or weakened
portions 160 can provide for preferential and controlled
deformation of the opening flap 30. That is, the opening flap 30
can be provided with enough flexibility near the free end portion
130 to enable the locking tabs 50 to get past the structure with
which they engage and much of the of the deformation of the opening
flap 30 is constrained to locations near the weakened portions 160,
as opposed to other areas of the opening flap 30. Weakened portions
160 provided between portions of the overlapping flap edges 120
that are in nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10 and
between the free end portion seat edge 70 and the hinged portion
100 and nearer to the free end portion seat edge 70 than the hinged
portion 100 can provide for enhanced flexibility of the opening
flap 30 near the locking tabs 50.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 8, the container body 80 can comprise a
front panel 180 extending from the free end portion seat 60. The
free end portion seat 60 can be joined to the top panel interior
facing surface. The locking tabs 50 can be integral with and extend
away from the opening flap edge 120 towards the front panel 180.
The locking tabs 50 can have locking tab edges 190 oriented towards
the front panel 180 and the locking tab edges 190 can be nearer to
the front panel 180 than the free end portion seat edge 70. The
locking tabs 50 can project away from the opening flap edge 120 by
about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about 0.2 mm to about 2
mm, optionally about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, to provide for adequate
interference between the locking tabs 50 and the opening seat 60 to
securely close the opening flap.
[0056] This arrangement can be conveniently provided for by
constructing the container 1 from one piece of paperboard cut in a
manner so that when the one-piece paperboard is folded to construct
the container 1, the container 1 has the desired features in the
desired locations. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, the front
panel 180 is connected to the top panel 10 via a bottom panel
opposite the top panel 10 and a rear panel 150 opposite the front
panel 180, and the free end portion seat 60, front panel 180,
bottom panel, rear panel 150, and top panel 10 are formed a single
contiguous piece of paperboard. The front panel 180 is also
connected to the top panel 10 through the free end portion seat
60.
[0057] When the opening flap 30 of the container 1 shown in FIG. 8
is closed, the locking tabs 50 can engage with the free end portion
seat edge 70 as shown in FIG. 9, which is a cross section of the
pertinent parts of the opening flap 30, locking tab 50, and free
end portion seat edge 70, with the cross section taken through a
locking tab 50. When the opening flap 30 is closed, the locking tab
50 can engage with end portion seat edge 70 or be positioned under
the opening seat edge 70 to resist opening of the opening flap 30.
By providing the locking tab edges 190 nearer to the front panel
180 than the free end portion seat edge 70, the free end portion
seat edge 70 will interfere with the locking tabs 50 when the
opening flap 30 is pushed closed. As the user pushes the opening
flap 30 closed, as the locking tabs 50 move from being above the
free end portion seat edge 70 to below the free end portion seat
edge 70, an audible click can be emitted as the locking tabs slip
over the free end portion seat edge 70 or the locking tabs 50 snap
into place. The audible click can reassure the user of the
container 30 that opening flap 30 is securely closed.
[0058] For a one-piece paperboard container 1, it can be practical
to provide reverse cuts to define the distinction between the top
panel 10 and the opening flap 30. Reverse cuts are partial cuts in
opposite sides of the paperboard with the cuts being offset from
one another.
[0059] A one-piece paperboard container 1 is shown in FIG. 10, with
locations of various cross sections marked. In the embodiment of
container 1 shown in FIG. 10, the container 1 is yet to be opened
after erection of the container 1. Reverse cuts 200 are provided at
portions of the boundaries of the top panel 10 and opening flap 30.
The reverse cuts 200 can extend from or proximally from the hinged
portion ends 110 towards the locking tabs 50, wherein at a distance
from the locking tabs 50 of more than about 20% of the locking tab
spacing the reverse cuts 200 merge. Also, shown in FIG. 10, the
container 1 can contain a plurality of fabric treatment articles 2.
The opening flap 30 has a longitudinal axis L orthogonal to the
hinge 20 and passing through the free end portion 130.
[0060] In the cross section shown in FIG. 11, the reverse cuts 200
are shown to be on opposite sides of the top panel 10. The reverse
cuts 200 are offset from one another, one cut made from the upper
surface of the top panel 10 and the other offset cut made from the
lower surface of the top panel 10. Each reverse cut 200 can
penetrate from about 25% to about 75% of the thickness of the
paperboard. The reverse cuts 200 can be characterized by a pair of
continuous offset parallel cuts on opposing sides of the paper
board. Of course, the reverse cuts need not be straight or parallel
to one another if decoration, for example a wavy tear line or
tapered tear line, is to be provided by the shape of the tear line
formed by the reverse cuts 200 or if it is desirable that variable
amounts of force be required to provide delamination between the
reverse cuts 200. When the opening flap 30 is formed by pulling on
the free end portion 130, the area of the paperboard between the
reverse cuts 200 delaminates. The reverse cuts 200 can provide for
opening flap edges 120 that are separable from the top panel
10.
[0061] The reverse cuts 200 can merge into a single through cut or
a tear line at a location more than about 20% of the locking tab
spacing LTS away from the locking tabs 50. If a tear line is
employed, the tear line can be perforations, partial perforations,
a score line, or other structure designed to provide for separation
across the tear line when sheared or placed under tension across
the tear line.
[0062] At the location at which the cross section shown in FIG. 11
is taken, when the structure of the opening flap 30 is formed by
pulling on the free end portion 130 and tearing the reverse cuts
200, the part of the opening flap edge 120 formed from tearing the
reverse cuts 200 will provide for part of the opening flap edge 120
being in overlapping relationship with the top panel 10. The top
panel interior facing surface 11 is also shown in FIG. 11. The
opening flap 30 can be considered to have an opening flap outer
surface 31 and an opposing opening flap inner surface 32. The
opening flap inner surface 32 is oriented towards the interior
space 90. In the portion of the opening flap 30 having reverse cuts
200, the reverse cuts 200 made on the opening flap inner surface 32
can be closer to the longitudinal axis L of the opening flap than
the reverse cuts made on the opening flap outer surface 31. Such an
arrangement can provide for neat delamination of the opening flap
30 from the top panel 10.
[0063] As shown in the cross section shown in FIG. 12, a line of
weakness 210 can be provided in the top panel 10 to at least
partially define the structure that becomes part of the opening
flap edges 120 when the container 1 is first opened. The line of
weakness 210 can create the nonoverlapping relationship amongst the
opening flap edge 120 and the top panel 10, which can be an
abutting relationship. The line of weakness 210 can be a through
cut, a frangible line, a score line, a perforated line, partial die
cut, partial die cut on opposing surfaces, or the like. The line of
weakness 210 can be a zipper cut.
[0064] The experience of the user of the container 1 when first
opening the container 1 can be as follows. The user lifts the free
end portion 130 from the free end portion seat 60. The portion of
what is to become the portion of the opening flap edge 120 that is
in nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10 lifts easily
as the opening flap edge 120 separates from the top panel 10 along
the line of weakness 210. Further lifting of the free end portion
130 applies stress across the reverse cuts 200 and the paperboard
between the reverse cuts 200 separates by delamination.
Delamination runs along the reverse cuts 200 towards and to the
hinged portion end 110.
[0065] It can be convenient for the container 1 to comprise a
one-piece paperboard. That is, the free end portion seat 60, front
panel 180, top panel 10, opening flap 30, and rear panel 150 can be
a one-piece paperboard. The container body 80 can comprise a front
panel 180 extending from the free end portion seat 60 and the free
end portion seat 60 can be connected to the top panel 10. The
container body 80 can comprise a rear panel 150 connected to the
top panel 10. The hinge 20 can connect the opening flap 30 to the
top panel 30 or the rear panel 150. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
8, the container 1 is a parallelepiped container 1. The container 1
can be an irregular polyhedron.
[0066] FIG. 13 is a container 1 in which the locking tab 50 is
integral with the opening flap 30 and the locking tab 50 projects
beyond the free end portion seat edge 70. The opening flap edge 120
can be in a nonoverlapping relationship with the top panel 10
proximal the free end portion 130. The nonoverlapping relationship
can be an abutting relationship. At least a portion of the opening
flap edges 120 and the top panel 10 are separable from one another
by a reverse cut structure. The container body 80 can comprise a
one-piece paperboard. The locking tab 50 can project beyond the
free end portion seat edge 70 by about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm,
optionally from about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm, optionally about 0.3 mm
to about 1 mm. Such a magnitude of projection can provide for
enough interference between the locking tab 50 and the free end
portion seat 60 to securely close the opening flap 30.
[0067] FIG. 14 contrasts with the container 1 shown in FIGS. 8 and
10 in that the locking tabs 50 are connected to the free end
portion seat edge 70. The locking tabs 50 can project from the free
end portion seat edge 70 by about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally
from about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm, optionally about 0.3 mm to about 1
mm to provide for secure closure of the opening flap 30. The
container 1 shown in FIG. 14 can be conveniently comprise a
container body engaged with the top panel 10. The top panel 10, the
opening flap 30, and the container body 80 can together define the
interior space 90. The container body 80, the free end portion seat
60, the locking tabs 50, the top panel 10, and the opening flap 30
can be one-piece paperboard 3. When these elements are a one-piece
paperboard 3, the elements are integral with one another. That is,
the elements are continuous uninterrupted paperboard 3.
[0068] A container 1 comprising a one-piece paperboard forming the
container body 80, free end portion seat 60, locking tab 50 or
locking tabs 50, top panel 10, and opening flap 30, can be
fabricated from a carton blank. Carton blanks 4 are shown in FIGS.
15, 16, and 17.
[0069] The blank 4 can comprise a free end portion seat 60 having a
free end portion seat edge 70. The blank 4 can further comprise a
front panel 180 extending from and integral with the free end
portion seat 60 across a first fold line 220. The blank 4 can
further comprise a bottom panel 230 extending from and integral
with the front panel 180 across a second fold line 240. A rear
panel 150 can extend from and be integral with the bottom panel 230
across a third fold line 250. A top panel 10 can extend from and be
integral with the rear panel 150 across a fourth fold line 260. The
blank 4 can further comprise an open flap 30 connected to the top
panel 10 or the rear panel 150 by a hinge 20. The opening flap 30
can comprise a hinged portion 100 having two hinged portion end
110. Two opening flap edges 120 can be at least partially defined
by reverse cuts 200 extending from extending from the hinged
portion ends 110 towards an free end portion 130 opposing the
hinged portion 100. Each opening flap edge 120 can have an opening
flap edge length EL between the hinged portion end 110 and the free
end portion 130. The opening flap edge length EL is a scalar
quantity that is measured from the hinged portion end 110 to the
free end portion 130 along the opening flap edge 120 or what
ultimately becomes the opening flap edge 120 when the container 1
is opened. The free end portion 130 is the point or edge of the
opening flap 30 that is furthest away from the hinge 20. If the
free end portion 130 is a straight line segment, then the
measurement of the opening flap edge length EL is made from the
hinged portion end 110 to the end of the straight line segment that
is or forms the free end portion 130 nearest to the hinged portion
end 110 from which the measurement is made. If the free end portion
130 is a straight line segment that is parallel to the hinge 20,
then the measurement of the opening flap edge length EL is made
from the hinged portion end 110 to the end of the straight line
segment that is the free end portion 130 nearest to the hinged
portion end 110 from which the measurement is made. If the free end
portion 130 is point on the opening flap edge 120 furthest from the
hinge 20, for example for an opening flap 30 shaped as shown in
FIG. 6 in which the opening flap 30 is curved proximal the opening
flap free end portion 130, then the opening flap edge length EL is
made from the hinged portion end 110 to the point that is the free
end portion 130. Note that the opening flap edge length EL includes
the functional or decorative shaping that is provided to opening
flap 30 as the opening flap edge 120 approaches, or in other words
is proximal to, the opening flap free end portion 130, but does not
include slits 170 next to the locking tabs 50 if provided. The
reverse cuts 200 can merge at a position more than about 10% of the
opening flap edge length EL away from the free end portion 130. The
fold lines may be a crease in the one-piece paperboard 3
constituting the blank 4. The crease may be from about 90% to about
10% of the thickness of one-piece paperboard 3 away from the
crease. Optionally, the fold lines may be a score in the one-piece
paperboard 3 penetrating the one-piece paperboard 3 to a depth of
10% to about 90% of the thickness of the one-piece paperboard 3
away from the score.
[0070] One or more locking tabs 50 can be provided at a location
selected from the group consisting of extending from and integral
with said opening flap edge, extending from and integral with said
free end portion seat edge 70, and in said opening flap between
said hinge 20 and said free end portion 130 and nearer to said free
end portion 130 than said hinge 20. One or more locking tabs 50 can
be provided at a location selected from the group consisting of
extending from and integral with said opening flap edge, extending
from and integral with said free end portion seat edge 70, and in
said opening flap 30 nearer to the free end portion 130 than a
distance between the first fold line 220 and the free end portion
seat edge 70. The locking tabs 50 can extend away from the free end
portion 130 by about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm, optionally from about
0.2 mm to about 2 mm, optionally about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm to
provide for secure closure of the opening flap 30. If locking tabs
50 extend from the free end portion seat edge, they can extend
therefrom by the same aforesaid magnitudes with the same
prospective benefit.
[0071] The blank 4 can be a die cut one-piece paperboard 3. Die-cut
blanks 4 can be cut from paperboard using a die cutting press with
blanking and stripping sections to convert sheets or of paperboard
or a roll of paperboard into blanks 4. The blank 4 can be erected
into the container 1 manually or using an automated carton
erector.
[0072] The container 1 disclosed herein can be suitable for
containing a variety of solid objects. The container 1 can be
plastic container 1 in which a top panel 10 having an opening flap
30 is engaged with a plastic tub. Such a container 1 can be
convenient for storing loose items, particularly loose solid
items.
[0073] The container 1 disclosed herein can be suitable for
containing a plurality of articles 2 comprising perfume. The
container 1 disclosed herein can be suitable for containing a
plurality of fabric treatment articles 2 or solid fabric treatment
compositions such as powders, beads, and the like. The fabric
treatment articles 2 can be selected from the group consisting of
water soluble films comprising fabric treatment agents, water
soluble foam comprising fabric treatment agent, water soluble
particles comprising fabric treatment agent, water soluble fibrous
sheets comprising fabric treatment agent, fibrous sheets comprising
fabric treatment agent, water insoluble fibrous sheets comprising
fabric treatment agent. The fabric treatment agent can be selected
from the group consisting of surfactant, fabric softener,
unencapsulated perfume, encapsulated perfume, and combinations
thereof. The fibrous fabric treatment articles 2 can be dryer
sheets comprising a fabric softening active, optionally a
quaternary ammonium compound. Without being bound by theory it is
thought that by providing a locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 to
securely close the container 1 and providing an overlapping
relationship in a portion or portions of the opening flap edges 120
that contents of the container 1 can be protected from the external
environment. If the fabric treatment articles 2 comprise
unencapsulated perfume or encapsulated perfume, it is thought that
by providing a locking tab 50 or locking tabs 50 to securely close
the container 1 and providing an overlapping relationship in a
portion or portions of the opening flap edges 120 loss of perfume
from the fabric treatment articles can be reduced as compared to a
similarly dimensioned carton without the locking tab 50 or locking
tabs 50 and the reverse cuts 200.
[0074] The one-piece paperboard 3 can have a thickness from about
0.1 mm to about 4 mm, optionally from about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm,
optionally from about 0.3 mm to about 1 mm, optionally about 0.7
mm. The paperboard 3 can be a laminate paperboard 3. The paperboard
3 can have one or more coatings, for instance to provide for a
surface suitable for printing or to provide a barrier function,
such as a moisture barrier. The one-piece paperboard 3 can be solid
bleached board, solid bleached sulfate paperboard, foil-coated
paperboard, film-coated paperboard, wax-coated paperboard, solid
unbleached board, folding box board, white lined chipboard, and the
like.
Combinations:
[0075] An example is below: A. A container (1) comprising: a top
panel (10) having a top panel exterior facing surface (12); a hinge
(20); an opening flap (30) connected to said hinge; a locking tab
(50) connected to one of said opening flap and a free end portion
seat (60) having a free end portion seat edge (70), wherein said
free end portion seat is recessed relative to said top panel
exterior facing surface; and a container body (80) engaged with
said top panel, wherein said top panel, said opening flap, and said
container body together define an interior space (90); wherein said
opening flap comprises; a hinged portion (100) having two hinged
portion ends (110); a free end portion (130) in facing relationship
with said free end portion seat; two opening flap edges (120)
separable from said top panel, each opening flap edge extending
from one of said hinged portion ends to said free end portion; and
wherein said free end portion overlies said free end portion seat
edge between two intersection points (140) separated by a
separation distance (SD); and wherein for each opening flap edge,
said opening flap edge is in a nonoverlapping relationship with
said top panel from said intersection point to along said opening
flap edge to a distance of more than about 20% of said separation
distance; wherein said locking tab is closer to said hinge than
said free end portion is to said hinge. B. The container according
to Paragraph A, wherein said opening flap edges are discontinuous
with said top panel and said opening flap and said free end portion
seat are operably engaged with one another by said locking tab
connected to one of said opening flap and said free end portion
seat and said locking tab is mechanically engaged with the other of
said opening flap and said free end portion seat. C. The container
according to Paragraph A or B, wherein said nonoverlapping
relationship is an abutting relationship. D. The container
according to any of Paragraphs A to C, wherein said hinge connects
said opening flap to said top panel or a rear panel (150) connected
to said top panel, said container body further comprising said rear
panel. E. The container according to any of Paragraphs A to D,
wherein along at least a portion of said opening flap edges from
proximal said hinged portion ends towards said locking tab said
opening flap overlaps said top panel. F. The container according to
any of Paragraphs A to E, wherein said container comprises two said
locking tabs and said free end portion is between said locking
tabs, wherein said locking tabs are engaged with and extend away
from one of said opening flap edge and said free end portion seat
edge. G. The container according to Paragraph F, wherein said
locking tabs are separated from one another by a locking tab
spacing (LTS) and each of said opening flap edges is in a
nonoverlapping relationship with said top panel from said locking
tabs to along said opening flap edge to a distance of more than
about 20% of said locking tab spacing. H. The container according
to Paragraph G, wherein along at least a portion of said opening
flap edges from proximal said hinged portion ends towards said
locking tabs said opening flap overlaps said top panel. I. The
container according to Paragraph H, wherein said locking tabs are
integral with said opening flap. J. The container according to
Paragraph I, wherein between each said locking tab and said free
end portion is a slit (170). K. The container according to any of
Paragraphs A to J, wherein said opening flap comprises one or more
weakened portions (160) having a weakened portion end (161) or ends
oriented towards said locking tabs. L. The container according to
any of Paragraphs F to K, wherein said container body comprises a
front panel (180) connected to said top panel, wherein said locking
tabs are integral with and extend away from said opening flap edge
towards said front panel, wherein said locking tabs have locking
tab edges (190) oriented towards said front panel, wherein said
locking tab edges are nearer to said front panel than said free end
portion seat edge. M. The container according to Paragraphs F to L:
[0076] wherein said locking tabs are separated from one another by
a locking tab spacing (LTS); [0077] wherein said opening flap edges
are at least partially defined by reverse cuts (200) extending from
proximal said hinged portion ends towards said locking tabs; and
[0078] wherein at a distance from said locking tabs of more than
about 20% of said locking tab spacing said reverse cuts merge. N.
The container according to Paragraph M, wherein said top panel has
a top panel interior facing surface (11) oriented towards said
interior space; wherein said container body comprises a front panel
(180) extending from said free end portion seat and said free end
portion seat is in facing relationship with and joined to said top
panel interior facing surface; wherein said container body
comprises a rear panel (150) connected to said top panel wherein
said hinge connects said opening flap to said top panel or said
rear panel; and wherein said front panel, said free end portion
seat, said top panel, said opening flap, and said rear panel are a
one-piece paperboard (3). O. The container according to Paragraph
N, wherein said locking tabs are integral with said opening flap.
P. The container according to Paragraphs F to O, wherein between
each said locking tab and said free end portion is a slit (170). Q.
The container according to Paragraphs F to P, wherein said opening
flap comprises one or more weakened portions (160) having an end or
ends oriented towards said locking tabs. R. The container according
to Paragraph A, wherein said locking tab is integral with said
opening flap and said locking tab projects beyond said free end
portion seat edge wherein said nonoverlapping relationship is an
abutting relationship; wherein at least a portion of said opening
flap edges and said panel are separable from one another by a
reverse cuts (200); and wherein said opening flap, said panel, and
said container body comprise a one-piece paperboard (3). S. The
container according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said
container contains dryer sheets comprising a fabric softening
active and perfume. T. The container according to any of the
preceding claims, wherein said container contains articles
comprising perfume. U. A container comprising: a top panel (10)
having a top panel interior facing surface (11); a free end portion
seat (60) in facing relationship with and joined to said top panel
interior facing surface, wherein said free end portion seat has a
free end portion seat edge (70); a hinge (20); an opening flap (30)
connected to said hinge; a locking tab (50) integral with one of
said opening flap and said free end portion seat edge; a container
body (80) engaged with said top panel, wherein said top panel, said
opening flap, and said container body together define an interior
space (90), wherein said container body, said free end portion
seat, said locking tab, said top panel, and said opening flap are a
one-piece paperboard (3); wherein said opening flap comprises; a
hinged portion (100) having two hinged portion ends (110); a free
end portion (130) in facing relationship with said free end portion
seat; wherein said free end portion overlies said free end portion
seat edge between two intersection points (140) separated by a
separation distance (SD); and two opening flap edges (120) at least
partially defined by reverse cuts (200) extending from proximal
said hinged portion ends towards said locking tabs, wherein at a
distance from said locking tabs of more than about 20% of said
separation distance said reverse cuts merge wherein said locking
tab is closer to said hinge than said free end portion is to said
hinge. V. A carton blank (4) comprising: a free end portion seat
(60) having a free end portion seat edge (70); a front panel (180)
extending from and integral with said free end portion seat across
a first fold line (220), said free end portion seat between said
first fold line and said free end portion seat edge; a bottom panel
(230) extending from and integral with said front panel across a
second fold line (240); a rear panel (150) extending from and
integral with said bottom panel across a third fold line (250); a
top panel (10) extending from and integral with said rear panel
across a fourth fold line (260); an opening flap (30) connected to
said top panel or said rear panel by a hinge (20); wherein said
opening flap comprises: a hinged portion (100) having two hinged
portion ends (110); two opening flap edges (120) at least partially
defined by reverse cuts (200) extending from proximal said hinged
portion ends towards free end portion (130) opposing said hinged
portion, wherein each opening flap edge has an opening flap edge
length (EL) along said opening flap edge between said hinged
portion end to said free end portion, wherein said reverse cuts
merge at a location more than about 10% of said opening flap edge
length away from said free end portion; and one or more locking
tabs (50) at a location selected from the group consisting of
extending from and integral with said opening flap edge, extending
from and integral with said free end portion seat edge, and in the
opening flap nearer to said free end portion than a distance
orthogonal to said first fold line and between said first fold line
and said free end portion seat edge 70.
[0079] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be
understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values
recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension
is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension
disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm. "
[0080] Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced
or related patent or application and any patent application or
patent to which this application claims priority or benefit
thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any
document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to
any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in
any combination with any other reference or references, teaches,
suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent
that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts
with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document
incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to
that term in this document shall govern.
[0081] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those
skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims
all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of
this invention.
* * * * *