Container For Liquids With An Openable Pouring Spout

Abstract

In a container for liquids a sealed connecting edge strip is provided in the top of the container and the edge strip can be opened to form a pouring spout. The connecting edge strip is formed by a pair of edge strips sealed together along a connecting seam spaced inwardly from the free edges of the edge strips. To facilitate opening the spout, a cut is formed in the connecting edge strip from its free edge toward the connecting seam with the cut extending obliquely of the connecting seam. The cut can extend through one or both of the edge strips. In one embodiment a perforated line extends alongside the connecting seam in one of the edge strips on the opposite side of the connecting seam from the free edge of the edge strip. The pouring spout is openable along the perforated line by pulling up on the connecting strip from the location of the cut toward the end of the connecting strip which forms the end of the pouring spout. In a second embodiment the cut is formed through both of the edge strips and an additional perforated line is provided in the other edge strip commencing at the obliquely arranged cut. Further, in the second embodiment a cut line is provided in the outer surface of the one of the edge strips and it is spaced from and extends along the perforated line in that strip and, preferably, the cut line is located on the opposite side of the perforated line from the connecting seam.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a container for liquids formed of cardboard and the like with a sealed pouring spout formed in a connecting edge strip in the top of the container and, more particularly, it is directed to an arrangement for facilitating the opening of the pouring spout. Further, the invention is also concerned with a method for forming, filling and sealing the containers.

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a sealed pouring spout in a container for liquids, for example, for milk, which can be easily opened and also provides a compact arrangement for storage.

Disposable or one-way containers have become increasingly popular in the packaging industry. Milk and other liquid milk products are, at the present time, preferably sold in square cardboard containers, with some of the containers even partly sealed together for greater storability. The material, such as paper or cardboard, used for the containers is coated on the inside with polyethylene. Generally speaking, a single cut from a band of the material is used for forming the container with the single cut section being folded so that one or a plurality of connecting seams are provided in the finished container. Where a polyethylene coating is used in the containers the connecting seams are usually provided as welded seams. Milk containers have been used in the past which have a generally square configuration with a strong welded seam formed on the top side of the container. The seam can be raised for opening the container and it can be provided at one end close to an edge of the top of the container with a perforation. Before opening the container, the corners provided with the perforated lines must first be raised by tearing open along a top folding edge. Next each cardboard strip must be torn off along the perforated line with the welded seam in the cardboard strips being torn off without being opened. At times the tearing action is very difficult to effect. Further, carrying out the removal of the two cardboard strips which define the welded seam and which strips are still connected together, presents some difficulties and leads frequently to damage to the container or at least to the pouring spout. Another disadvantage of such known milk containers is that they cannot be completely filled with milk, for if they are the contents would overflow or spill out when the container is opened.

A number of other types of containers are also known for packaging milk. One such container coated with polyethylene is folded in the form of a parallelepiped with a triangular shaped projection extending from the narrow edges of one side, the projections or corners are bent around the folding lines extending along the narrow edges and are attached to the narrow side faces of the container. One of the folded over projections or corners forms the pouring spout for the container and must be opened in accordance with the printed instructions on the container. First the corner is bent upwardly then the outer ends of the narrow edge which form the folding line must be pressed so that the larger side faces of the container move toward one another. After these steps have been performed a perforated line can be noted, viewing the container from the side, which extends obliquely to the edges and permits the tip of the projection or corner to be torn off. If the two cardboard layers forming the projection are torn off from the remainder of the container along the perforated line, an opening is formed which tapers to a funnel in the projection, as viewed from the top, and forms the pouring spout for the container. This particular container construction has the disadvantage that the tearing action along the perforated line requires considerable effort and frequently results in the destruction of the container or of the pouring spout and a certain amount of spillage of the liquid from the container is unavoidable.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a container, generally of the above-mentioned types, which is particularly easy to open and overcomes the disadvantages experienced in known containers. Another object of the invention is to provide a method for forming the containers which is characterized by simple operations which do not require any major mechanical expenditures.

Therefore, in accordance with the present invention, a short cut or incision is provided in the connecting seam sealing the top of the container, with a perforated line extending across the top alongside the connecting seam. The perforated line extends at least along the length of the connecting seam which forms the pouring spout and is provided in the material forming only one side of the top. Moreover, the connecting seam is provided in a connecting edge strip, formed of a pair of edge strips, which can be lifted upwardly at the location of the cut for separating the container top along the portion of the perforated line extending for the length of the pouring spout. It can be appreciated that, since the perforated line is provided in a single thickness or layer of the material forming the container, it is easier to effect the opening of the pouring spout than has been the case with known container arrangements. This is particularly so due to the fact that the connecting seam, in the case of a polyethylene coating, a welded seam, does not remain but is torn off in its entirety, that is it is removed during the opening of the pouring spout. This arrangement is very simple for a housewife to handle, because it requires the expenditure of little effort in effecting the opening of the pouring spout.

In accordance with the invention, the arrangement of the container is simplified by providing the perforated line for the full extent of the connecting seam in the connecting edge strip on the top of the container. Furthermore, the opening of the container is particularly effective if the cut formed in the connecting edge strip is provided in only one of the edge strips which make up the connecting edge strip. Moreover, the arrangement of the cut is advantageous if it extends obliquely to the connecting seam so that its inner end, that is the end spaced from the free edge of the connecting edge strip, is adjacent the inner end of the spout formed by the connecting edge strip. To facilitate the opening of the pouring spout, it is advantageous if the end of the cut into the connecting edge strip extends into the inner end of the spout. By means of the cut provided in the edge strip, the opening of the spout is facilitated and assures proper opening of the container even if it is done carelessly.

The pouring spout is formed along a narrow edge on the top of the container and has a triangular form which can be folded over along the edge against the side of the container and the outer end of the triangular shaped projection forms the outer end of the spout. In forming the top of the container to provide the opening, it is particularly advantageous if two embossed lines are provided each extending from the intersection of the cut with the connecting seam so that they diverge outwardly to the opposite ends of the narrow edge of the container about which the outer end of the spout is folded. When the connecting edge strip is torn off along the perforated line, at first an open cut is provided in the top. The inner end of the cut within the top of the container forms the inner end of the spout while the outer end of the cut at the outer end of the connecting edge strip forms the outlet from which the liquid flows. With the connecting edge strip removed, the outer end of the spout is pressed lightly and the cut opens automatically into a diamond-like shape. The two embossed lines provided in the top facilitate the desired opening of the spout.

Opening of the container is further facilitated by the formation of the connecting edge strip by two edge strips sealed together so that one extends laterally outwardly beyond the other when they are folded over down on the top of the container. By taking hold of the portion of the connecting edge strip which extends laterally outwardly at a point adjacent the cut in the strip, it is only necessary to pull up on the strip and the desired opening action follows automatically.

A preferred feature of the invention is the formation of the container in a parallelepiped form produced froma one-part cut. When folded, the one-part cut has three connecting seams and the container or carton is coated on one side with polyethylene and the connecting seams are welded. In the present arrangement the container can be completely filled with liquid, this is a feature which is not possible in containers used up to the present time. The opening and formation of the pouring spout no longer results in a reduction in the volume of the container and, as a result, during opening leakage or overflow of the liquid is positively prevented. On the contrary, the special design of the pouring spout, in accordance with the present invention, affords an increased volume in the container which can contain any liquid surging from the container when the side walls are accidentally compressed so that spillage can be prevented.

To assure that the coating applied on the inner surface of the container does not tear above the perforated line when one of the edge strips forming the connecting edge strip is removed, an additional perforated line is provided in the other edge strip. With this arrangement the spout can be opened without any damage to the coating. With this arrangement the cardboard strip can be torn off in an advantageous manner and the seal closing the pouring spout is removed after the complete removal of the connecting edge strip. When the two edge strips forming the connecting edge strip are gripped next to the cut and a tearing action is provided, the connecting seam, which is a welded seam when a plastic coating or liner is used, is torn through. When the connecting edge strip is removed, one of the edge strips forming it tears off along a perforated line and the other edge strip provides an additional hold for the plastic liner on the cardboard since it sticks to the other edge strip during the opening action. This arrangement assures that the liner will tear at the desired location, that is along the perforated line in the edge strip.

An additional perforated line could be provided on the other side of and in parallel relationship with the connecting seam which would further facilitate the opening action. With these provisions for assisting in the opening of the container and in the commencement of the tearing of the liner in the container along the desired path, the production of the containers was found to be particularly favorable with regard to the machinery required. The means for applying the perforation are extremely simple. Advantageously, the additional perforated line formed in the other edge strip of the connecting edge strip extends from the inner end of the incision along and in parallel relationship with the connecting seam and then bends outwardly toward the outer or free end of the connecting edge strip. This additional perforation provides a tearing aid of about thumb width which in tests has been found to be sufficient. Accordingly, it has been possible to produce the additional perforated line by means of a die in the container or carton folding machine. The design and method of operation of such dies are well known and, therefore, do not form any part of the present invention. Moreover, the provision of still another perforated line over the entire length of the top of the carton parallel to the connecting seam could also be provided within the framework of the invention.

In liquid containers which are formed from a material coated on both sides, the opening of the container can present difficulties because the plastic coat, after the initiation of the tearing operation, does not tear uniformly, especially along the perforated line which extends over the length of the spout opening, rather the liner tends to fray along the length of the opening. However, the outer coating or liner is not torn off along an edge but is displaced freely upwardly. Though a frayed spout opening need not always present a problem, it is desirable to avoid any possible sources of difficulty during the opening of the container. To avoid any possible problems a cutting line which penetrates through the outer liner is arranged in the material forming the edge strip in which the perforated line is provided and the cut line extends in parallel with the perforated line. With this arrangement it is possible to ensure that the outer liner will also tear along a given straight line during the opening operation. It is particularly advantageous if the cut line which extends through the outer liner on the container is located on the opposite side of the perforated line from the connecting seam. Accordingly, the inner liner can then be torn off over the edge strip exerting a sort of shearing action without any interference from the outer liner. The application of such a cutting line is extremely simple in the production and assembly of the container. For example, rollers with disc blades, where the depth of penetration can be exactly determined, can be used in providing the cut line. With such apparatus it is possible to avoid any cutting action through the material forming the base for the outer liner.

In the method of producing the containers, a length of the material forming the container, such as cardboard, paper and the like is supplied continuously with longitudinal folding lines and additional folding and or cutting lines being formed, next the connecting edges are secured together and cut, the container is filled with liquid, sealed and ejected from the production line. The method, in accordance with the present invention, is characterized by providing a continuous perforated line, extending in the direction of the longitudinal folding lines, along the portion of the material which forms the connecting edge strip across the top of the container. Additionally, a cut is formed in at least one of the edge strips forming the connecting edge strip across the top of the container. The cut is formed obliquely to the longitudinal direction of the material, that is, the direction of movement of the material from its source of supply. This method is characterized by its great simplicity. While it is extremely difficult to provide a section of material moving in a longitudinal direction with transverse lines or transverse cuts, the introduction of longitudinal lines is much easier and can be effected without any great mechanical expenditures. In the production of the perforated lines the processing of the material is particularly simplified by providing the perforated lines in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the material can be perforated as it passes along smoothly and without any interruption. After the pouring spout has been formed, that is, after the container has been opened, the remainder of the perforated line on the top of the container is not in the way. Even during the opening step itself, the fact that the perforated line extends in the opposite direction from the location of the cut to the direction in which the spout is opened it does not in any way hinder or affect the opening of the container. Due to the oblique arrangement of the cut in the connecting edge strip, the opening is always effected in the proper direction and it is not possible to accidentally open the container in the wrong direction.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the longitudinally extending folding lines are formed eccentrically into the material as it is withdrawn from its source of supply. In the production of known containers, the cut is provided with the longitudinal lines and then is folded over in half. Then the other lines are formed and the connecting or welding seams are produced. Cuts formed parallel to the connecting seams separate individual partly filled containers from each other. It is not possible for one container side to project over the other. Such an arrangement is possible only when the respective side is no longer cut. This feature is utilized according to the invention. The advantage of one side projecting over the other at the connecting seam facilitates the gripping of one of the edge strips forming the connecting edge strip for carrying out the opening operation.

It is also advantageous if embossed lines are provided in the extension of the cut or incision in the edge strip which forms the connecting edge strip at the top of the container so that the embossed lines extend in diverging relationship to the next folding line in the cut. This operation can be effected simultaneously with the making of the cut. Further, the invention is characterized by great simplicity, so that a highly uncomplicated and practical projection of containers of the above-mentioned type can be performed.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2a is a vertical section through the container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is a top view of the container in FIG. 1 in its original closed, sealed condition;

FIG. 2c is a top view, similar to FIG. 2b, with the portion of the container forming the pouring spout folded upwardly and outwardly from the side of the container;

FIG 2d is a view similar to FIG. 2c with a portion of the container removed which seals its pouring spout opening;

FIG. 2e is a view similar to FIG. 2d with the pouring spout deformed into an open position;

FIG. 2f is a side view of the container shown resting on one of its sides;

FIG. 3 is a partial view of a strip of material showing the various lines formed in the material for forming the container;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a container illustrating another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional side view of the upper part of the container shown in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a partial side view of the top of the container shown in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1 a container 1 is shown in perspective having a wide vertically extending side 2, a narrow vertically extending side 3 and a top side consisting of a first section 4 and a second section 5. A pouring spout 6 is formed in the top of the container extending along the upper edge 7 of the narrow side 3 of the container 1. Along the opposite narrow edge at the top of the container a raised triangular corner projection 8 is indicated. The outer end 22 of the spout 6 is provided in a triangular corner projection similar to that shown in FIG. 2e.

In FIG. 3 a strip of the material from which the containers are formed is shown and the strip has six longitudinal fold lines 9-14 and a perforated line 15 extending generally in parallel relationship with the longitudinal fold lines. An edge strip 16 extends along the second section 5 forming the top side of the container and the perforated line 15 separates the second section from the edge strip. In the folded arrangement of the container, the edge strip 16 overlaps the first section 4 by about 6 mm and, as can be seen in FIG. 2a, the edge strip 16 is connected to the oppositely disposed first section 4 along a connecting seam 17 so that the edge strip 16 projects outwardly or upwardly from the corresponding edge formed on the first section 4. In the edge strip 16 at regular intervals a cut or incision 18 is formed which extends obliquely of the longitudinal folding lines from the edge of the strip of material inwardly toward the perforated line 15. On the extension of the cut 18 on the opposite side of the perforated line 15 an embossed line 19 is provided and its corresponding embossed line 20 (note FIG. 2e) is formed on the opposite side of the strip of material as shown in FIG. 3. Further, in FIG. 2e the inner end 21 of the spout is located adjacent the inner end of the cut 18 in the edge strip 16 while the outer end 22 of the spout is located at the outer end of the edge strip 16. The edge strip 16 forms one side of the connecting edge strip formed by the connecting seam 17 which joins edge strip 16 to the longitudinally extending edge of the first section 4.

In forming the containers a continuous strip of the material is withdrawn from a supply source and is directed toward the packing machine, not shown, and initially is provided with longitudinal folding lines 9-14 and the perforated line 15 and then the obliquely extending cut 18 is formed in the edge strip 16 and the corresponding embossed lines 19 and 20 are also provided. However, it would also be possible to provide the perforated line in the machine which places the lining or coating on the material, such as the polyethylene lining, instead of forming the perforated line as the strip of material passes toward the packing machine. In such an arrangement the strip would arrive from the supply source with the perforated line already formed. Furthermore, it should be noted that the longitudinal folding line 12 which is known container arrangements is located in the center of the strip, is arranged eccentrically as are the other longitudinal folding lines, in accordance with the invention. The folding line 12 forms the center line between the extreme left edge of the strip, as shown in FIG. 3, and the perforated line 15. The formation of such a strip of material is hardly more complicated than the production of the cut or section of material without the pouring spout, in accordance with the present invention.

The cut or section of the strip of material for forming a container is folded along the folding line 12, and it receives transverse folding lines, not shown, along with the cut 18 and the additional embossed lines 19 and 20. The connecting seam 17 between the edge strip 16 and the opposite edge of the first section 4 is welded between the folding line 9, note FIG. 3, and the outer cutting line of the strip of material. The remaining steps in filling and sealing the container are the same as in known methods, that is, the forward and bottom connecting seams, as seen in the direction of movement of the strip, is welded, the container is filled with liquid and the remaining connecting seam at the rear of the container as seen in its direction of motion is welded closed, so that the liquid is not firmly enclosed within the container and any additional cutting or trimming steps can be performed.

As shown in FIG. 2a, in the folded and sealed container 1 the free edge of the edge strip 16 projects outwardly from the other free edge strip formed by the edge of the first section 4 in the top of the container.

In FIG. 2a the finished container is shown in cross section while in FIG. 2b a top view is provided of the finished container. The outer corner or outer end 22 of the pouring spout is not visible in FIG. 2b because it is folded downwardly onto the narrow side 3 of the container and it is folded upwardly, as shown in FIG. 2c, when the container is to be opened and the pouring spout formed. With the container in the position shown in FIG. 2c, the edge strip 16 is gripped adjacent the cut 18 and on the side thereof next to the embossed line 19 and by pulling up on the strip the container is opened along the perforated line 15 from the location of the cut to the outer end of the connecting edge strip located at the outer end 22 of the spout. Accordingly, the container then assumes the appearance as set forth in FIG. 2d. At this point in the operation of opening the container a cut or opening line has been provided along the perforated line 15, however, by exerting a slight pressure on the outer end 22, the spout can be opened into a diamond shape as shown in FIG. 2e. Accordingly, the portion of the container to the right and left of the opening then moves slightly upwardly about the embossed lines 19 and 20. Seen resting on its side, with its spout extending upwardly, the open container then appears as is represented in FIG. 2f.

In FIG. 4 a top view of another embodiment of a filled and sealed container is shown illustrating the first section 4 and the second section 5 sealed together. As in the embodiment described above, embossed lines 19 and 20 diverge from the inner end of the cut 18 to the adjacent corners of the top of the container. Approximately in the middle of the top of the container extending between the narrow sides is the welded connecting seam 17 which secures the first section 4 and the second section 5 together. To avoid any projections which would interfere with the storage and transportation of the containers, the edge strips 16 and 33 which form the connecting edge strip of the container are bent or folded over onto the first section 4. Accordingly, in FIG. 4 the cut 18 extending through the edge strip 16 is clearly seen. Below the edge strip 16 the other edge strip 33 is shown in broken lines located to the right of the connecting seam 17. In the other edge strip 33, shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, another perforated line 32 is provided which extends from the inner end of the cut 18 in parallel relationship with the welded connecting seam 17 for a distance approximating the width of a thumb and then the perforated line extends outwardly away from the connecting seam to the free edge of the edge strip 33. As can be seen in the drawing, the outwardly extending portion of the perforated line 2 is in diverging relationship with the cut 18. When the two edge strips 16 and 33, which are welded together, are pulled upwardly, the portion defined by the perforated line 32 is torn away from the remainder of the edge strip extending outwardly from the cut 18. Further, in the opening operation the edge strip 16 is completely torn off or separated from the second section 5 along the perforated line 15 in the direction of the outer end 22 of the pouring spout, the perforated line is shown as a continuous line on the left side of the connecting seam 17 in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5 the edge strips 16 and 33 are shown in the raised position as compared to the folded down position shown in FIG. 4. Between the edge strips is the welded connecting seam 17 which is located directly above the folding lines of the strips. In FIG. 6 a side view of the container is shown with the edge strips in the raised position and the arrangement of the perforated line 32 can be clearly noted. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the perforated line 32 is located above the connecting seam 17. Further, the edge strip 33 is narrower than edge strip 16 so that in the raised positions the strip 16 projects noiticeably above the strip 33. The cut 18 passes through both edge strips 16 and 33 and terminates at a point just above the connecting seam 17, note FIG. 6, so that the integrity of the seal in the container is maintained. The perforated line 15 is not shown in FIG. 6.

As shown in FIG. 4, a cut line 31 extends through the outer coat of the container. This line can be positioned on either side of the perforated line 15, that is, between the perforated line and the connecting seam or on the opposite side of the perforated line from the connecting seam. However, it has been found more expedient to provide it in the position shown in FIG. 4.

For manufacturing reasons it is advantageous if the perforated line 32 is provided along the entire length of the connecting seam instead of for only the short distance shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. Furthermore, it is advisable if, in addition, a cut is made through the plastic liner on the side remaining on the container in order to facilitate the tearing action. This cut also should be continuous.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container for liquids formed of a material such as cardboard and the like, said material having at least one impermeable surface, said material forming a first edge strip and a second edge strip extending across the top of the container and each having a free edge, said first edge strip and said second edge strip sealed together along a connecting seam to form a connecting edge strip, said connecting edge strip and a portion of said material adjacent thereto form an openable pouring spout from said container, a perforated line formed in said material adjacent to and in parallel relationship with said connecting seam, wherein the improvement comprises that said connecting seam is spaced inwardly from the free edges of said first and second strips, a cut formed in said connecting edge strip and extending inwardly from the free edge of said connecting edge strip, said perforated line is formed in said material along one of said first and second edge strips of said connecting edge strip for at least the portion of said connecting edge strip which forms said spout and is located on the opposite side of said connecting seam from the free ends of said first and second edge strips forming said connecting edge strip, and said connecting edge strip arranged to be gripped adjacent said cut for pulling up thereon and being capable of separating said first edge strip and said second edge strip along said connecting seam and opening along said perforated line for opening said spout.

2. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the perforated line extends along the full length of said connecting seam.

3. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the cut in said connecting edge strip is provided in only one of said edge strips thereof and extends obliquely to said connecting seam with its inner end spaced from the free edge of said edge strip located adjacent one end of said pouring spout.

4. A container, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said cut forms an obtuse angle with the portion of said connecting seam extending along the part of said connecting edge strip which combines to form said pouring spout.

5. A container, as set forth in claim 3, wherein said cut extends to the end of said pouring spout formed in the top of said container.

6. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the top of said container having a rectangular shape with a pair of narrow sides and a pair of wide sides, said pouring spout formed in one of the narrow sides of the top of said container and having a triangular shaped projection extending outwardly from said narrow edge so that the triangular projection can be folded downwardly along the narrow edge against a narrow side of said container in the sealed condition and the apex of said triangular projection spaced from said narrow edge forming the outer end of said pouring spout.

7. A container, as set forth in claim 3, wherein a pair of diverging embossed lines extending from the intersection of the prolongation of said cut with said connecting seam and each extending toward a corner of said container.

8. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said perforated line is formed in said first edge strip with said first edge strip extending laterally from said perforated line outwardly from said connecting seam so that said first edge strip projects laterally over said second edge strip.

9. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container in the sealed position can be opened along the perforated line extending along said connecting seam.

10. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container has a parallelepiped shape and is formed from a single section cut from said material.

11. A container, as set forth in claim 10, wherein said container has three connecting seams.

12. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the impermeable surface on said material is provided by a liner coat of polyethylene formed on one side thereof and said connecting seam is a welded seam formed by said polyethylene liner.

13. A container, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said perforated line is formed along said first edge strip, a second perforated line formed in said second edge strip, and said cut extending through both of said first and second edge strips from the free edge thereof inwardly toward said connecting seam.

14. A container, as set forth in claim 13, wherein the top of said container having a first edge and a second edge extending transversely of said connecting seam, the inner end of said cut is closer to said first edge than the outer end of said cut located at the free edge of said connecting edge strip, said second perforated line extending from the inner end of said cut in parallel relationship with said connecting seam and in the direction of said first edge and for a distance less than the distance between the inner edge of said cut and said first edge, and the end of said perforated line closer to said first edge is bent outwardly and extends to the free edge of said connecting strip.

15. A container, as set forth in claim 13, wherein a cut line is formed in the outer layer of said material forming the part of the top of said container on which said first edge strip is formed, and said cut line extends in parallel relationship with said perforated line.

16. A container, as set forth in claim 15, wherein said cut line is located on the opposite side of said perforated line from said connecting seam.