U.S. patent number 3,554,430 [Application Number 04/817,107] was granted by the patent office on 1971-01-12 for gable top container.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Phillips Petroleum Company. Invention is credited to George E. MacEwen.
United States Patent |
3,554,430 |
MacEwen |
January 12, 1971 |
GABLE TOP CONTAINER
Abstract
A gable top container and blank for forming same. The container
includes inclined roof panels which define a gable opening
therethrough, and a pair of end closure panels for closing opposite
ends of the gable opening. The gable top structure is provided with
a novel score line configuration for causing one of the end closure
panels to snap outwardly forming a pouring spout.
Inventors: |
MacEwen; George E. (Kansas
City, MO) |
Assignee: |
Phillips Petroleum Company
(N/A)
|
Family
ID: |
25222361 |
Appl.
No.: |
04/817,107 |
Filed: |
April 17, 1969 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/214;
229/123.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
5/068 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B65D
5/02 (20060101); B65D 5/06 (20060101); B65d
005/72 (); B65d 005/74 () |
Field of
Search: |
;229/17,37 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Bockenek; David M.
Claims
I claim:
1. A gable top container of sheet material including a tubular body
having four sidewalls; a bottom closure fixed to said body; a pair
of opposed roof panels inclining toward each other and overlying
the top of said body; a pair of opposed end closure panels enfolded
between said roof panels from the opposite gable ends formed by the
later; first and second pairs of foldback panels, each pair of
foldback panels being joined to opposite sides of a respective one
of said end closure panels along fold lines which are in proximity
with said roof panels, said foldback panels being folded against
the underside of said roof panels; a ridge panel surmounting each
of said roof panels; a ridge panel surmounting each of said
foldback panels, each pair of ridge panels surmounting a pair of
foldback panels being hinged together at the apex of the contiguous
end closure panels and being folded about said hinge joinder in
face-to-face relation between the ridge panels surmounting said
roof panels, wherein the improvement comprises lower and upper
score lines located in each of said pair of roof panels, said lower
and upper score lines defining an elongate beam section extending
diagonally from the upper edge of their respective roof panels
toward the lower corner thereof contiguous with one of said closure
panels, the upper end of said beam section being tapered to
terminate substantially in a point on said upper edge, said lower
score line extending continuously from said upper edge to said
lower corner, the lower end of said upper score line terminating at
a point longitudinally spaced from said lower corner and laterally
spaced from said lower score line, said lower end of said upper
score line defining the lower end of said beam section, the plane
of said closure panel lying in the area defined by said beam
section.
2. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said lower score
line includes first, second and third score portions, said lower
score line second portion extending generally parallel to the plane
of said one end closure panel, said lower score line first portion
interconnecting the upper end of said lower score line second
portion and said upper edge, and said lower score line third
portion interconnecting the lower end of said lower score line
second portion and said lower corner; and said upper score line
includes first, second and third score portions, said upper score
line second portion downwardly diverging outwardly from said lower
score line second portion, said upper score line first portion
interconnecting the upper end of said upper score line second
portion and said upper edge, said upper score line third portion
extending from the lower end of said upper score line second
portion in a downwardly converging direction toward said lower
score line second portion, said upper score line third portion
terminating at a point spaced from said lower score line second
portion and said lower corner.
3. The invention as recited in claim 1 wherein said first and
second score lines are arranged so that the plane of said end
closure panel is closer to said lower score line second portion
that said upper score line second portion.
4. The invention as recited in claim 3 wherein said four sides are
of substantially equal width, the apexes of said pair of opposed
end closure panels being located substantially at the midpoint of
the upper edge of their respective roof panels, and the point of
intersection of said first score portion of each of said upper and
lower score lines with the upper edge of the respective roof panels
being substantially at the midpoint of said upper edge.
5. The invention as recited in claim 4 wherein said upper score
line second portion extends in a diagonal straight line forming an
angle with the upper edge of its respective roof panel, said angle
being in the range from 44.degree. to 49.degree. and the plane of
said one of said end closure panels extending generally parallel to
said upper score line second portion.
6. A gable top container of sheet material comprising a tubular
body having four sidewalls integrally joined along four corner
edges, a bottom closure fixed to said body, a pair of opposed roof
panels inclining toward each other and overlying the top of said
body forming a gable opening having a top longitudinally extending
ridge, a first enclosure panel extending angularly through said
gable opening to close one end thereof, said closure panel having
an apex disposed proximate the ridge of said gable opening and at a
medial point therealong, the improvement comprising a second
closure panel for closing the opposite end of said gable opening,
said second closure panel including an end closure panel integrally
hinged to the upper edge of one of said sidewalls along a fold
line, and a pair of foldback panels flanking said end closure panel
and integrally connected thereto along upwardly converging fold
lines, said fold line panels being integrally joined to respective
roof panels, said end closure panel having a first section
extending angularly upwardly from said integral hinge through said
gable opening and having the form of a trapezoid, and a second
section extending angularly upwardly from said first section and
joined thereto along an integral junction line, said second section
having the form of a triangle and terminating at an upper apex, a
weakened line of severance extending transversely across said
second section and portions of said foldback panels, said weakened
line of severance being proximate and parallel to said junction
line, said foldback panels underlying said respective roof panels,
each of said roof panels having pry score lines extending
diagonally from the medial point of upper edge of its respective
roof panel toward the lower corner contiguous with said end closure
panel, said pry score having an elongate portion disposed above the
plane of said second section and parallel thereto.
7. The invention as recited in claim 6 wherein said roof panels are
identical terminating at lower parallel and generally horizontally
extending edges, and said integral hinge includes first, second,
and third portions, said second portion extending horizontally and
disposed slightly above said lower edges of said roof panels, and
said first and second portions interconnecting the outer ends of
said second portion and respectively one of said upwardly
converging fold lines at adjacent sidewall edges and at a point
below the elevation of said horizontally extending lower edges of
said side roof panels, said first and second portions tending to
pull said apex of said enclosure panel into sealing engagement with
said apex of said first end closure panel.
8. The invention as recited in claim 6 wherein the fold lines
defining said second section of said enclosure panel are
discontinuous on either side of said weakened line of
severance.
9. The invention as recited in claim 8 wherein said closure panel
includes a coating of thermoplastic material permanently bonded on
the exterior side thereof, a tape overlying the exterior side of
said weakened line of severance, at least the surface of said tape
confronting said closure panel being formed of thermoplastic
material heat sealable to said thermoplastic coating on said
closure panel, said tape being bonded to the entire marginal area
of said closure panel, said tape being bonded to the about said
weakened line of severance by the heat sealing of said
thermoplastic materials, said fold lines defining said score lines
of said second section of said closure panel terminating at a point
below the lower edge of said tape.
10. In a gable top container of the type having a pair of inclined
roof panels defining first and second gable openings; a ridge panel
surmounting each of said roof panels, said ridge panels being
disposed in confronting relation, a first end closure including a
panel of triangular configuration inclined upwardly and inwardly
into said first gable opening and having its apex terminating
proximate the midpoint of the upper edges of said roof panels, a
ridge panel surmounting said first end closure and folded into
face-to-face relation and disposed between said confronting ridge
panels surmounting said roof panels, pry scores formed in the
surface of each of said roof panels, each of said pry scores
extending from the upper edge of its respective roof panel
diagonally downwardly toward the lower corner of said second gable
opening, the improvement for closing said second gable opening,
said improvement comprising a second end closure including a panel
having a lower edge and a pair of converging side edges which meet
at an apex, said panel being inclined upwardly into said second
gable opening, said apex being positioned proximate said apex of
said first closure panel, each of said converging side edges having
lower ends located below the lower edges of said roof panels, said
lower edge of said closure panel having first, second and third
portions, said second portion being substantially horizontal and
having ends spaced from said converging side edges, said first
portion extending downwardly from one of said ends of said second
section to the lower end of one of said converging side edges, said
third section extending downwardly from the other end of said
second section to the lower end of the other of said converging
side edges; and foldback panels interconnecting the outer edges of
said closure panel and the outer edges of said roof panels.
11. The invention as recited in claim 10 wherein said second end
closure has a horizontal line of severance extending across the
upper portion thereof, said line of severance completely
tranversing said end closure panel and a substantial portion of
each of said foldback panels.
12. A paperboard blank for forming a container of rectangular
formation and having a gable top, said blank being formed with
laterally spaced-apart score lines extending vertically from the
lower edge to the upper edge of the blank, a score line extending
transversely on the blank in downward spaced relation to the upper
edge thereof, said latter score line, in conjunction with said
vertically extending score lines, defining opposed front and rear
wall panels and opposed sidewall panels, a second transversely
extending score line arranged intermediate the upper edge of said
blank and said first transversely extending score line and
defining, in conjunction therewith and with said vertically
extending score lines, a front roof panel surmounting said front
wall panel, a rear roof panel surmounting said rear wall panel, and
an area surmounting each of said sidewall panels, each of said
areas being provided with converging score lines inclining upwardly
from said first transverse score line to said second transverse
score line and defining in each of said areas an end closure panel
and a pair of foldback panels hinged to the end closure panel, said
second transversely extending score line, in conjunction with said
vertically extending score lines, defining ridge panels surmounting
said front and rear roof panels and each pair of said foldback
panels, and a weakened line of severance tranversing upper portion
of said end closure panel and extending across a portion of said
foldback panels, wherein the improvement comprises upper and lower
pry score lines located on each of said roof panels, said score
lines defining an elongate beam section extending diagonally from
the upper edge of its respective roof panel toward the lower corner
thereof contiguous with one of said end closure panels, the upper
end of said beam section being tapered to terminate substantially
at a point on said upper edge, said lower score line extending
continuously from said upper edge to said lower corner, the lower
end of said score line terminating at a point longitudinally spaced
from said lower corner and laterally spaced from said lower score
line.
13. The invention as recited in claim 12 wherein said lower score
line includes first, second, and third portions, said lower score
line second portion extending diagonally and downwardly along said
respective roof panel at an angle between 45.degree. and 50.degree.
with said upper edge of said respective roof panel, said lower
score line first portion interconnecting the upper end of said
lower score line second portion, said upper edge of said respective
roof panel, and said lower score line third portion interconnecting
the lower end of said lower score line second portion and said
lower corner; and said upper score line including first, second,
and third portions, said upper score line second portion downwardly
diverging outwardly from said upper score line second portion, said
upper score line first portion interconnecting the upper end of
said upper score line second portion and said upper edge of said
respective roof panel, said upper score line third portion
extending from the lower end of said second score portion in a
downwardly converging direction toward said lower score line second
portion, said upper score line third portion terminating at a point
spaced from said lower score line second portion and said lower
corner.
14. The invention as recited in claim 13 wherein said front and
rear wall panels and said opposed sidewall panels are of
substantially equal width, and the upper end of said beam is
substantially at the midpoint of the upper edge of said roof
panels.
Description
This invention relates to blanks for forming gable top containers
and to the resulting container. In one aspect the invention relates
to a novel gable top score line configuration which improves the
snap action of the opening spout. More specifically, this invention
is an improvement over the gable top container disclosed and
claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,348,755, issued to G. E. MacEwen, and
dated Oct. 24, 1967.
The invention is particularly applicable to gable top containers of
rectangular cross section formed from a paperboard blank coated on
one or both sides with thermoplastic material. These containers are
commonly used in the dairy industry for packaging milk, orange
juice, lemonade, and the like. A gable top closure structure
consists generally of inclined roof panels which form gable end
openings, and a pair of end closure panels inclined upwardly into
the gable end openings. The end closure panels have integral
foldback panels that assume a position lying against the underside
of the front and rear roof panels. The foldback panels and the
front and rear roof panels are formed with integral ridge panels,
which are arranged in vertical contacting relation and are joined
together by some form of adhesive, usually by a bonding of the
thermoplastic coating, to form the ridge of the gable top.
Pry score lines are formed on one side of each of the roof panels
so that when the roof panels and companion foldback panels are
moved in opposite directions the uncovered end closure panel is
permitted to snap out forming a pouring spout. The pry score lines
shown in the aforementioned patent are configurated to provide a
beam which when angularly disposed in relation to the plane of its
associated roof panel imparts an outward force on the end closure
panel causing it to snap open. While this configuration has been
satisfactory for large containers, e.g., one-half gallon or larger,
it has not been entirely reliable for small containers, e.g., quart
or smaller cartons. The difficulty arises from the premature
breaking of one of the score lines preventing the complete
development of the beam portion.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
novel score line configuration which improves the snap action of
the closure end to form the pouring spout. Another object is to
improve the sealability of the gable top container.
These and other objects will become apparent to those skilled in
the art from the following disclosure taken in conjunction with the
attached drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carton constructed according to
the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the paperboard blank used to form the
container of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of the gable top container
shown in FIG. 1; and
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the gable top
container shown in FIG. 1, the container being shown with the end
closure panel extending outwardly forming a pouring spout.
The reference character designations in FIGS. 1 and 2 follow
generally that of the aforementioned patent of which the present
invention is an improvement.
Referring to FIG. 2, the rectangular blank is provided with
vertical score lines 12, 13, 14 and 15 which in combination with a
generally horizontally extending score line 16 define sidewall
panels 17, 18, 19, 21 and 22. In the assembled condition then, the
panel 17 comprises the front wall of the container, panels 21 and
22 the sidewalls, and panels 18, 19 bonded together in overlapping
relation comprise the rear panel of the container. A bottom closure
20 is permanently sealed to the lower end of the walls 17, 18, 19,
21 and 22 (see FIG. 1). Extending upwardly from the horizontal
score lines 16 and aligned generally with vertical score lines 12,
13 14 and 15 are additional score lines 23, 24, 25 and 26,
respectively. The score lines 23, 24, 25 and 26 are arranged in
parallel relation and all terminate near the upper edge of the
carton blank. A second continuous, generally horizontal score line
27, in combination with score lines 23, 24, 25 and 26, defines rib
panels 29, 33-34 which on the blank are aligned with front wall 17
and rear wall 18-19, respectively. Thus when the carton is
assembled, overlapping ribs 33 and 34 are bonded together in
abutting relation (see FIG. 1).
Score lines 16, 24, 25 and 27 define a rectangular roof panel 28,
and score lines 26, 16, 27 and 23 define roof panel comprising
panels 31-32 bonded together in overlapping relation.
Score lines 23, 24, 16 and 27 define a closure panel which is
divided into triangular sections 37, 38 and 39 by converging score
lines 35 and 36. The score lines 35 and 36 meet at the junction
with score line 27 forming the apex 37a of section 37 and a score
line 41 extends upwardly to near the blank edge from the apex 37a.
Triangular section 37 comprises the end closure panel for one of
the gable openings defined by roof panels 28 and 31-32 and
triangular sections 39 and 38 comprise the foldback panels which
underlie the roof panels 28 and 31-32, respectively, in the
assembled carton. As shown in FIG. 3, panel 37 in the assembled
container extends angularly through the gable opening and the apex
37a is located near the midpoint of the upper ridge of the roof
panels 28 and 31-32. Returning to FIG. 2, score lines 23, 24, 27
and 41 define two rib panels 42 and 43 which fold inwardly and are
maintained in abutting relation between the confronting rib panels
29 and 33-34 surmounting the roof panels 28 and 31-32,
respectively. (See assembled carton in FIG. 4). Score lines 25, 26,
16 and 27 define a second closure panel which is divided into
polygonal sections 46, 47 and 48 by angulated score lines 44,45 and
an angulated portion 16a, 16b,and 16cof score line 16. Score lines
44 and 45 meet at the junction with score 27 forming the apex 46a
of section 46 and score 49 extends upwardly to near the edge of the
blank from the apex 46a. Score lines 25, 26, 27 and 49 define rib
panels 51 and 52 which when folded about score 49 are maintained in
abutting relation between rib panels 29 and 33-34 surmounting roof
panels 28 and 31-32, respectively. In the assembled container,
section 46 comprises the end closure for gable opening defined by
roof panels 28 and 31-32, and sections 47 and 48 comprise the
foldback panels which underlie portions of roof panels 28 and
31-32. Score line 16 which defines the bottom edge of closure panel
46 is angulated having portions 16a, 16b, and 16c. Portion 16a
joins score 44 at the junction with score 14 and section 16c joins
score 45 at the junction with score 15. These junctions are located
slightly below the score 16 of panels 17 and 18. The angular
configuration afforded by 16a, 16b and 16c creates a downward
pulling force on closure panel 46 so that its apex 46a is drawn
downward and inward so as to maintain a forceful engagement of the
folded edge along score line 49 with the folded edge along score
line 41, which extend upwardly from apex 46a and 37a, respectively,
thereby providing a secure top seal (see FIG. 3).
The score lines 44 and 45 are angulated having portions 44a, 44b
and 45a, 45b, respectively. Portions 44 a and 45 a converge
upwardly from a lower hinge line provided by 16a, 16b, 16c, define
a generally trapezoidal section 46b. Portions 44b and 45b extend
upwardly from the upper ends of 44b and 45a, respectively,
terminating at apex 46a. The portions 44a and 45b define a
triangular section 46c of panel 46 which has its base integral with
the generally trapezoidal section 46b. A weakened line of severance
60 passes horizontally through the unscored portions of scores 44b
and 45b. The junctions of 44a to 44b, and 45a to 45b are located a
distance below the severance line 60. Thus, when a prying pressure
is applied to panel section 46, the portion of panel section 46
below the severance line snaps open, the panel section 46 and the
foldback panels 47 and 48 defining a pouring spout (see FIG. 4). As
best seen in FIG. 4, the angular configuration of score lines 44
and 45 provide an improved pouring spout characterized as narrow
and pointed. A strip of tape 61 (FIGS. 1 and 3) is bonded to the
closure panel sections 46, 47, 48 in overlying relation to the
weakened line of severance 60. The tape 61 is applied over the
weakened line of severance 60 and heat sealed to the entire
marginal surface about the weakened line of severance. The tape 61
can be formed of thermoplastic material or it can be a
nonthermoplastic material provided with a coating of thermoplastic
material compatible and heat sealable to the thermoplastic coating
on the container. It is presently preferable that the
nonthermoplastic material have a heat reflective outer surface to
prevent any weakening of the bond between the tape 61 and the
container during the time the top section of the container is being
subjected to radiant heat in preparation for sealing the rib panels
to form the central laminar ridge. The ends 62 of tape 61 extend
beyond the ends of the closure panel sections 46, 47, 48 to provide
grasping tabs.
It has been found that the angular attitude of portions 44b and 45b
provides for a more uniform seal by tape 61 over the line of
severance 60 than with the prior art configuration which had an
included angle at 46a much greater than that disclosed herein. With
the higher included angle between score lines 44 and 45, the tape
61 wrinkles at the angular edges between the panel section 46 and
panel sections 47 and 48. The reduced included angle between scores
44 and 45 places the panel 46 bounding severance line 60 in a more
vertical attitude (see FIG. 3) permitting the tape to lie flatter
at the edges of panels 46, 47 and 48.
In order to provide a snap action for opening and closing the
pouring spout, the roof panels 28 and 31 are provided with pry
score lines shown generally as 71,72 and 74,75, respectively. Since
the pairs of pry score lines 71,72 and 74,75 are identical, only
the configuration of pair 71-72 will be described, it being
understood that 74-75 are similarly configurated.
In the aforementioned patent, the score lines 71 and 72 were
symmetrically disposed on either side of an imaginary line 73 which
extended diagonally from a medial point on score line 27 to the
junction of score line 16 to score line 14. The pry score lines 71
and 72 according to this invention are arranged in asymmetric
relation. Score 71 is generally the same as that described in the
aforementioned patent having portions 71a, 71b, and 71c. Portion
71b extends generally parallel to the imaginary line 73 and
portions 71a and 71b, respectively, interconnect the opposite ends
of portion 71b to the upper ridge of roof panel 28 and the lower
corner of roof panel 28. Depending on the dimensions of the carton,
the imaginary line 73 and hence portion 71b forms an acute angle
with score 27 in the range from 45.degree. to 50.degree.. Pry score
lines 71,72 define an intermediate elongate beam section 77 and are
so arranged that score 71 first breaks when section 47 and portion
28a of panel 28 are moved outwardly, causing the beam section 77 to
be angularly disposed in relation to the plane of roof panel 28.
Continued outward movement of section 47 and 28a acts as a lever
having the fulcrum at score line 72 to cause panel sections 46 to
snap outwardly from the line of severance 60 after the tape 61 has
been removed.
In order to ensure that the score 71 breaks first, the score 72 is
configurated to present more resistance to breaking. More
specifically, the score 72 has portions 72a, 72b and 72c. Score 72a
meets with score 71 at the junction with score 27 and portion 72b
downwardly diverges outwardly with respect to portion 71b,
generally in a plane parallel to the plane of end closure panel
section 46b and forms an angle with score 27 in the range from
44.degree. to 49.degree.. Portion 72c joins portion 72b at a point
substantially removed from the junction of 71c to scores 16 and 14.
Score portion 72c extends generally toward the junction of scores
71c and 16 but terminates a short distance therefrom. Thus there is
an unscored portion between the end of 72c and the junction. The
unscored portion presents additional resistance to breaking of the
score 72 thereby insuring that score 71 breaks first. The junction
of score portion 44a and 44b on the end closure panel defined by
sections 46, 47, 48 is geometrically located so that maximum pry
force is applied at this point which is proximate the line of
weakness 60. With panel 46 closed as shown in FIG. 3, the plane of
panel section 46b intersects the area defined by score lines 71,72
and 74,75. The line of intersection lies closer to score portions
71b and 74b to permit development of the beams 77,77 during the pry
action. Thus when the pry force is applied about the fulcrum
defined by score 72, maximum pry force is applied at the junction
of 44a, 44b snapping the spout outwardly to a stable pouring
position. Similarly when the spout is forced inwardly to an over
center position in relation to the fulcrum defined by score 72, the
spout is snapped inwardly to a stable closed position. That is to
say, score 75 has portions 75a, 75b and 75c, portion 75c
terminating at a point removed from the junction thereby leaving an
unscored space. Likewise, score 74 has sections 74a, 74b and
74c.
The container of FIGS. 1 and 4 can be opened by applying outward
pressure against the foldback panel sections 47 and 48 to cause
separation of the bond between adjacent outer faces of rib panels
51 and 52. Initial outward movement causes the roof panels 28,
31-32 to break along the pry score lines 71 and 74, respectively.
Note that the increased resistance of scores 72 and 75 ensures that
the breaking will be first along scores 71, 74 Additional outward
movement of roof panels 28, 31-32 causes a break along score lines
72 and 75 to form the elongate beam structure 77. The lever action
applies a maximum force at the junction of 44a to 44b and 45a to
45b causing splitting along the line of weakness which in turn
permits the spout defined by panel sections 46, 47, 48 to snap
outwardly to a pouring position. The over center position of the
panel 46 in relation to scores 25 and 26 maintains the spout in a
stable pouring position. Now when the panel 46 is moved toward the
retracted position to a point over center of the score lines 25 and
26, the spout snaps to a stable closed position. The opening and
closing of the spout is identical to that disclosed in the
aforementioned patent.
While the invention has been illustrated with the presently
preferred container employing weakened line of severance 60, it is
applicable to other side opening containers which do not utilize a
weakened line of severance or which provide the weakened line of
severance in a different location and of a different
configuration.
Reasonable variations and modifications are possible within the
scope of the foregoing disclosure, the drawings, and the appended
claims to the invention.
* * * * *