CA1145308A - Container - Google Patents
ContainerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1145308A CA1145308A CA000373944A CA373944A CA1145308A CA 1145308 A CA1145308 A CA 1145308A CA 000373944 A CA000373944 A CA 000373944A CA 373944 A CA373944 A CA 373944A CA 1145308 A CA1145308 A CA 1145308A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tab
- slot
- slit
- panel
- panels
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Cartons (AREA)
Abstract
INVENTOR
RICHARD DENNIS McFADDEN
TITLE
CONTAINER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention concerns a container or carton such as that used to enclose beer bottles which is made of cardboard in the usual manner. The carton may be sealed manually by the provision of carton side panels with tabs which are adapted to enter associated slots in underlying end panels and thereby secure said side panels to said end panels thus sealing the carton. The carton may also be sealed using an adhesive and presently used high-speed equipment and consequently the user need only maintain an inventory of one type of carton to cover both applications.
RICHARD DENNIS McFADDEN
TITLE
CONTAINER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present invention concerns a container or carton such as that used to enclose beer bottles which is made of cardboard in the usual manner. The carton may be sealed manually by the provision of carton side panels with tabs which are adapted to enter associated slots in underlying end panels and thereby secure said side panels to said end panels thus sealing the carton. The carton may also be sealed using an adhesive and presently used high-speed equipment and consequently the user need only maintain an inventory of one type of carton to cover both applications.
Description
30~
- .
The present inven-tion relates to containers or cartons for packaging of bottled and canned beverages or the like for distribution.
Background of Invention The provision of packaging means, e.g. containers or cartons for the distribution of bottled and canned beverages, for example beer and ale, is a major aspect of the beverage manufacturing industry in North Arnerica and elsewhere. The container itself should be of the lowest cost consistent with adequate protection, both mechanical and, important ~rom an alcoholic beverage viewpoint, from light, for its contents. It should be supplied to the beverage manufacturer in a compact (usually flat or "knocked down") form and must be conveniently, i.e. easily and rapidly erectable for reception of bottles or cans containing the beverage and sealed following such filling.
Many containers (cartons) at present in use in the alcoholic beverage industry are of the top loading type, that is, the top wall of the carton is constituted by a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels, attached to associated side and end walls, overlying the end panels and extending from its associated side wall to about the midpoint of the carton so as to abutt, but not overlap, the other side panel. The cartons are supplied by the manufacturer in a collapsed condition and are in most instances erected mechanically leaving the panels in an open condition to allow the bottles or cans, to be introduced by dropping into the container. The end panels are then folded into position overlying the bottles or cans, adhesive is applied to the outer surface thereof and the side panels are then folded over and onto the side flaps and become secured thereto by the adhesive.
Further, many of such containers have a handhole in one end wall;
refer, for example, to United States Patent Specification
- .
The present inven-tion relates to containers or cartons for packaging of bottled and canned beverages or the like for distribution.
Background of Invention The provision of packaging means, e.g. containers or cartons for the distribution of bottled and canned beverages, for example beer and ale, is a major aspect of the beverage manufacturing industry in North Arnerica and elsewhere. The container itself should be of the lowest cost consistent with adequate protection, both mechanical and, important ~rom an alcoholic beverage viewpoint, from light, for its contents. It should be supplied to the beverage manufacturer in a compact (usually flat or "knocked down") form and must be conveniently, i.e. easily and rapidly erectable for reception of bottles or cans containing the beverage and sealed following such filling.
Many containers (cartons) at present in use in the alcoholic beverage industry are of the top loading type, that is, the top wall of the carton is constituted by a pair of side panels and a pair of end panels, attached to associated side and end walls, overlying the end panels and extending from its associated side wall to about the midpoint of the carton so as to abutt, but not overlap, the other side panel. The cartons are supplied by the manufacturer in a collapsed condition and are in most instances erected mechanically leaving the panels in an open condition to allow the bottles or cans, to be introduced by dropping into the container. The end panels are then folded into position overlying the bottles or cans, adhesive is applied to the outer surface thereof and the side panels are then folded over and onto the side flaps and become secured thereto by the adhesive.
Further, many of such containers have a handhole in one end wall;
refer, for example, to United States Patent Specification
2,710,135. It should be emphasized, that such containers generally enclose six, twelve or even twenty-four bottles or cans which, when filled, constitute a relatively heavy load and apply quite severe rnechanical strains to the cGntainer. For example, six filled "pint" bottles of an alcoholic beverage such as ale or (3 beer weigh about 120 oz. In many instances, for example, in the Canadian context where all such bottles and cans are returna'ole, -the container rnust also be adapted to receive the bottles or cans when empty to enable same to be returned. The result is that when the cartons are being carried -there is a force created tending to disengage the side panels from the end panels and so open the container with obviously disadvantageous results. Although as stated, in most instances such containers are sealed with adhesive using high speed equipment, -there are a signficiant number of occasions, such as when a car-ton is damaged in a retail store or the beverage in question has such a low volume that running a high speed packaging line is not justified, when hand packaging or re-packaging, is carried out. Presently, in the latter situations, all the operations including the gluing and sealing the containers ~re messy, inconvenient, time-consuming manual operations.
In various food areas, for example, the packaging of breakfast cereals etc., containers or cartons are known of the type wherein the top wall is constituted by two overlapping side flap members which, in the original unopened condition, are glued together. Upon opening, a tab is formed in the middle portion of one flap, which tab is adapted to be inserted into a slot in the other side flap whereby the two side flaps are maintained in a loose engagement and so close the container; the objective being to prevent ingress of ~oreign matter such as dust or the like into the container. The arrangement contributes little, if any, mechanical strength to the package which characteristic, in any event, is not important or required in such applications. In such containers, the tab is loosely located in its associated slot and is in a plane virtually parallel to the top wall of the container, i.e. such containers are merely closed rather than tightly sealed as is the case of the beer and similar containers.
A similar objective is achieved in the carton disclosed in Canadian Patent ~12,099 by providing each end flap wit~ a tab having a neck portion secured or hinged to said end flap and a transverse locking tongue mernber. Corresponding side flaps have notches in their abutting end edges such that ~hen the side flaps are in an abutting relationship overlying the interior of the conthiner, adjacent notches combine to define an aperture. To close the container, the locking tongue is inserted through the aperture and abutts the top surface of the underlying end flap thereby loosely "locking" the container. As taught by t'ne patent, such containers are used to enclose large but light items. A very similar container is disclosed in Canadian Patent 1,016,913, the only difference being that the tongue member is bendible so as to be able to contact the underside of the end flap. Both these containers are designed for light loads and, as indicated by the lack of handholes or the like, when carried, are obviously intended to be supported from a mechanical viewpoint by the arms of the person carrying them. Additionally, the containers are designed to be used without the need for costly packaging equipment. If such a container, carrying any signficant load whatsoever, were to be supported by a handle or the like on an end wall, the locking tongue or whole tab would, unless the carton material used was impracticably strong, be torn away. Moreover, such a handle would also be ineffective if included on a side wall since the bowing effect caused by the container contents would merely result in the side flap becoming disengaged from its associated locking tab arrangement and the carton opening with potentially disastrous results for the contents.
In summary, these containers are c]osed for presentation purposes, the means of closing the containers not assisting the mechanical strength and integrity of the container in any manner.
An object of the present invention is to provide a beer carton or like container for containing rela-tively heavy loads and which may conveniently and rapidly be sealed manually without adhesive but which carton may, if required, be sealed with adhesive using standard high speed automated equipment.
Statement of Invention It has been found that a carton of the type described but which has a tab in each side panel and associated slots in underlying end panels which slots are inclined at an angle -to the hinge between the end panel and the associated side wall can be ~53~
closed, following filling with product, using adhesive and the presently used high speed automated equipment or can be sealed manually via the tab and slot arrangement, both methods of sealing resulting in a structurally sound and presentable container.
~ ccording -to the present invention ther~ is provided a container of the type described which includes~end and side walls hinged to one another, opposing pairs of end and side panels hinged via hinge lines to the upper edges, and extending for substantially the length, of each of the associated end and side walls respectively, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing end or side panel respectively, with the side panels overlying the end panels and adapted to co-act therewith to form the top wall the longitudinal edges of the side panels substantially abutting, a pair of tabs, one tab disposed on each side wall and adapted to overlie the same end panel, each tab being adapted to bend out of the plane of its associated side panel and enter an associated slot provided in the said end panel to mechanically secure said side and end panels, each slot being oriented at an angle to tha hinge line between the said end panel and its associated end wall.
In its basic form, therefore, the two side panels are secured to only one and the same end panel to form the top wall.
In those cases wherein a handhole is provided in the carton the said securing arrangement involves the end panel attached to the end wall carrying the handhole.
In most instances, however, each side panel will be secured to each underlying end panel and in the region of the latter adjacent the associated end wall.
In a further aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a container of the type described which includes a base, end and side walls connected by hinge lines to one another;
opposing pairs of end and side panels connected by hinge lines to the upper edges of respective end and side walls and extending substantially the length thereof, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing respective end or side panel, said side panels being further adapted to overlie said end panels and co-act therewith to form the top wall with the longitudinal edges of said side walls substantially abutting; a pair of -tabs on ~ 1 ~53~3~
each side panel, each tab disposed in the area of its respective side panel adapted to overlie said end panels, said tabs being adapted to bend out of the plane of its respective side panel and enter an associa-ted slo~ provided in said end panels, each said slot being oriented at an angle to the hinge line between said end panel and respective end wall; said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
A still further aspect of the invention provides a container of the type described which includes a base, end and side walls connected by hinge lines to one another, at least one said end wall being provided with a handhole; opposing pairs of end and side panels connected by hinge lines to the upper edges of respective end and side walls and extending substantially the length thereof, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing respective end or side panel, said side panels being further adapted to overlie said end panels and to co-act therewith to Eorm the top wall with the longitudinal edges of said side walls substantially abutting; a pair of tabs on each side panel, each tab disposed in the area of its respective side panel adapted to overlie said end panels, said tabs being adapted to bend out of the plane of its respective side panel and enter an associated slot provided in said end panels, each said slot being oriented at an angle to the hinge line between said end panel and respective end wall; said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
It is preferable that each slot is oriented at an angle of from about 45 to about 135 to the hinge line between the ena panel con-taining the slot and the end wall associated with that panel. Moreover, it is also preferred -that the line defining t'ne base line of the tab, which line is preferably a hinge line to assist bending or deflecting the tab out of the plane of the end wall, also be at an angle of about 45 to about 135 to a line which includes the hinge line between the end panel adjacent the tab and its associated end wall. It is most preferable that the slot and the said line defining the tab base substantially coincide when the side panels overlie the associated end panels as described above.
Also, deflecting the tabs out of the plane of the side panels is most conveniently effected when the tabs are located in the free "corner" regions of the end panels, i.e. the adjoining portions of the three longitudinal and lateral edges of the panels define in part the tab members. T~e third free or inner side of the tab may generally be of any configuration but preferably is constructed so that the free corner thereof is rounded or arcuate, resulting in the width of the tab at its free end being less than that of its base, a shape which assists in introducing the tab through its associated slot. Most preferably, the base portion of the inner side is straight and the free corner of the inner side is rounded or arcuate. Other shaped tabs may be used provided the free end is of less width than the base, the tab base generally should have a width not substantially less than the length of the associated slot.
It is also advantageous to have a slit extending from the slot, preferably at an extremity thereof especially the extremity remo-te from the hinge line joining the end panel to the end wall. Such a slit, in combination with the slot, provides, when the tab is being pushed through the slot, a door, or doors if the slit is not at an extremity of the slot, which door is easily deflected to allow the tab to be inserted through what is, in effect, a temporarily enlarged slot. Following insertion of the tab, the resilience of the board material ensures that the door is constantly urged against the under part of the inserted tab ana will restrain it. To maximize the restraint, it is preferred that the slot, and slit, have no appreciable width and are actually merely cuts in the board material with no excision of the material.
To achieve the resilient door or doors, the slit can extend away from the slot in a direction generally either away from or toward the tab, the latter being desired to facilitate insertion of the tab into the slot.
As stated above, it is preferable that the slit be disposed at the extremity of the slot remote from the hinge line joining the end panel to the end wall and when so disposed, the slit extends from the slot away from or towards the tab at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between the inner side of the tab and at least a portion of an edge of the slit. Such contact assists greatly in achieving a desired "locking" of the tab in the slot. To further enhance the locking of the tab in the slot, it is preferred that the slit extends from the slot in a direction towards the tab at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between the tab and at least a portion of an edge of the slit. To maximize the desired locking of the tab, it is most preferable that the angle defined by the slot and the slit, extending from the said remote end of the slot in a direction toward the tab, is an acute angle.
When the slot is oriented at an angle of from about 45 to about 135 to the hinge line between the end panel and its end wall, it is preferred that the slit extend from the said remote end of the slot away from or towards the tab and at an angle parallel to or toward the hinge line between the end panel and its associated end wall. It is most preferred again in this instance that the slit extends toward the tab and forms an acute angle, in combination with the slot, sufficient to ensure contact between the inner side of the tab and at least a portion of an edge of the slit, While the length of the sli-t relative to that of the slot is not critical, it is desirable that the slit length is less than the slot length. It is preferred -that the slit is of small length relative to the length of the slot and most preferable that it is about one quarter to about one third the slot length.
The present invention will be further described, but not limited by, reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a container according to the present invention in a collapsed condition as it is supplied to the beverage manufacturer, in this case, the brewer since the container is in the form of a beer carton for containing six of the so-called "pint" bottles of an alcoholic brewery beverage;
Figure 2 is a further container of the present invention again taking the form of a "six-pack" beer carton;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the carton of Fig. 2 in an erected condition but wherein the end panels have been folded towards each other and overlie the container interior and the side panels have been folded away from each other, both side and end panels lying in a plane which would include the top wall of the container when formed;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the carton of Fig. 2 but wherein the side panels have also been folded towards each other and overlie and are secured to the end panels with adhesive means using the standard high speed equipment; and Figure 5 is a similar view to that shown in Fig. 4 but wherein the side panels have been folded towards each other, the side panel tab members have been inserted through their associated slots in the underlying end panels so as to secure the side panels to the end panels to form the carton top wall in a mechanical manner without the use of adhesive in the manner taught by the present invention.
- The heer carton shown in Figures 2 to 5, for the reason given below, constitutes a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is described in detail as follows. The carton generally designated 10 is a "six-pack", adapted or designed to contain six twelve-fluid imperial ounce bottles (commmonly called "pint") of an alcoholic brewery product such as beer. The carton 10 is in the collapsed condition as it is received by the brewer from the manufacturer and comprises first side wall 12 affixed via crease hinge line 14 -to an end wall 16. End wall 1~ is similarly affixed to a second side wall 20' (not shown in Fig. 2) by hinge line 18 and side wall 20' is affixed to a second end ~1all 16' (also not shown in Fig. 2) which in turn is affixed to first side wall 12 via hinge line 20. Bottom side and end panels (not shown) which, upon the carton being erected, form the base wall 13, are enclosed within the sleeve formed by the side and end walls. The construction of such panels and their arrangement to -form the '~ase wall are well-known in the art and utilized in many standard cartons such as the beer six-pack produced in Canada by The Continental Can Company under No. 530. The carton is manufactured in the usual manner from one piece cardboard blank and the usual glue joint to form the basic sleeve structure as denoted by 22.
Affixed to side wall 12 via slotted hinge line 24 is side panel 26 defined generally by edges 28, 30 and 32. A tab 34 defined generally by edges 28 and 32 in part and inner edge or side 36, the latter having a rounded or arcuate free corner, is formed at each end of panel 26 by simply punching, as the blank is formed, a roughly triangular portion of the material from panel 26. The base of each tab 34 is formed by a hinge line 38 which, it will be noted, is inclined at an angle to the end walls of the carton when erected and also to longitudinal hinge lines 24. Panel 26' is similar to panel 26 having similar tab members 34' and is affixed to side wall 20' by hinge line 24'.
Affixed to end wall 16 via hinge line 40 is end panel 42 which consists of a main body portion 44 and extending therefrom a tongue member 46. It may be noted that the combined width of body member 44 and tongue member 46 is only about one-third the length of the full container and consequently, when the end panels are folded down so as to overlie the interior, and the contents, of the car-ton there is a space or gap between the outer edges thereof of about one-third the length of the carton. As the man skilled in the art will readily apprecia-te, the spacing and the tongue arrangement are provided and indeed required, so as to enable the carton to be filled and sealed by high speed automatic equipment.
In particular, the standard plough members, each of which folds over one end panel by contacting the tongue member oE that end panel would prevent the folding inwards of the second end panel if the second end panel has a width equivalent to the width of the body member 44 and tongue 46. In other words, the provision of tongue 46 may be considered to be equivalent to t'ne provision o~
cutout in the panel adjacent tongue 46 through which cutout ~he plough which folds over the opposing end panel may pass wit'nout contacting the one end panel. A major feature of the present invention comprises providing in each end panel 42 (and 44') a slot 48 (and 48') which is in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, slot 48 is oriented at an angle to hinge line 40, (and consequently end wall 16, when panel 42 is folded to overlie the carton interior), and a slit 52 which, in the embodiment shown, is located parallel to hinge line 40, (and end wall 16), and extends from the end of slot 48 (and 48') from end wall 16, so as to define a triangular "door". The slit can be angled toward the hinge line 40, so that it passes under the tab when the tab is inserted in the slot, thereby increasing the locking action if desired or necessary. In this embodiment, no panel material is removed, and each end panel 42 and 42' are provided with a pair of slots 48 and 48' respectively. It may be noted that these slots are located in the portion of the panel adjacent the hinge line 40 and indeed the slot 48 extends substantially to hinge line 40. As will be discussed in more detail slit 52 although advantageous, and therefore preferred, is not considered essential to the present invention.
End wall 16 is provided with a potential handhole 60 defined by side slits 62; perforated hinge line 64; and potential slit 66. Two crease hinge lines 68 extend, at an angle, from the upper extremities of slits 62 to horizontal slit 66. In smaller cartons, such as the beer six-packs shown in the accompanying drawings, only one end wall is provided with such a handhole.
However, larger containers, ~or example, a beer 24-case, will generally have such a handhole in hoth end walls.
Turning more speci~ically to Figs. 3 to 5, these show the container of Fig. 2 in the erected condition, the collapsed version in Fig. 2 being erected by applying pressure to, in effect squeezing, the collapsed carton in the direction of the arrows shown in Fig. 2. The base of the container 13 is, as mentioned above, quite standard and is of the type which, upon applying pressure as aforementioned so as to form a rectangular wall
In various food areas, for example, the packaging of breakfast cereals etc., containers or cartons are known of the type wherein the top wall is constituted by two overlapping side flap members which, in the original unopened condition, are glued together. Upon opening, a tab is formed in the middle portion of one flap, which tab is adapted to be inserted into a slot in the other side flap whereby the two side flaps are maintained in a loose engagement and so close the container; the objective being to prevent ingress of ~oreign matter such as dust or the like into the container. The arrangement contributes little, if any, mechanical strength to the package which characteristic, in any event, is not important or required in such applications. In such containers, the tab is loosely located in its associated slot and is in a plane virtually parallel to the top wall of the container, i.e. such containers are merely closed rather than tightly sealed as is the case of the beer and similar containers.
A similar objective is achieved in the carton disclosed in Canadian Patent ~12,099 by providing each end flap wit~ a tab having a neck portion secured or hinged to said end flap and a transverse locking tongue mernber. Corresponding side flaps have notches in their abutting end edges such that ~hen the side flaps are in an abutting relationship overlying the interior of the conthiner, adjacent notches combine to define an aperture. To close the container, the locking tongue is inserted through the aperture and abutts the top surface of the underlying end flap thereby loosely "locking" the container. As taught by t'ne patent, such containers are used to enclose large but light items. A very similar container is disclosed in Canadian Patent 1,016,913, the only difference being that the tongue member is bendible so as to be able to contact the underside of the end flap. Both these containers are designed for light loads and, as indicated by the lack of handholes or the like, when carried, are obviously intended to be supported from a mechanical viewpoint by the arms of the person carrying them. Additionally, the containers are designed to be used without the need for costly packaging equipment. If such a container, carrying any signficant load whatsoever, were to be supported by a handle or the like on an end wall, the locking tongue or whole tab would, unless the carton material used was impracticably strong, be torn away. Moreover, such a handle would also be ineffective if included on a side wall since the bowing effect caused by the container contents would merely result in the side flap becoming disengaged from its associated locking tab arrangement and the carton opening with potentially disastrous results for the contents.
In summary, these containers are c]osed for presentation purposes, the means of closing the containers not assisting the mechanical strength and integrity of the container in any manner.
An object of the present invention is to provide a beer carton or like container for containing rela-tively heavy loads and which may conveniently and rapidly be sealed manually without adhesive but which carton may, if required, be sealed with adhesive using standard high speed automated equipment.
Statement of Invention It has been found that a carton of the type described but which has a tab in each side panel and associated slots in underlying end panels which slots are inclined at an angle -to the hinge between the end panel and the associated side wall can be ~53~
closed, following filling with product, using adhesive and the presently used high speed automated equipment or can be sealed manually via the tab and slot arrangement, both methods of sealing resulting in a structurally sound and presentable container.
~ ccording -to the present invention ther~ is provided a container of the type described which includes~end and side walls hinged to one another, opposing pairs of end and side panels hinged via hinge lines to the upper edges, and extending for substantially the length, of each of the associated end and side walls respectively, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing end or side panel respectively, with the side panels overlying the end panels and adapted to co-act therewith to form the top wall the longitudinal edges of the side panels substantially abutting, a pair of tabs, one tab disposed on each side wall and adapted to overlie the same end panel, each tab being adapted to bend out of the plane of its associated side panel and enter an associated slot provided in the said end panel to mechanically secure said side and end panels, each slot being oriented at an angle to tha hinge line between the said end panel and its associated end wall.
In its basic form, therefore, the two side panels are secured to only one and the same end panel to form the top wall.
In those cases wherein a handhole is provided in the carton the said securing arrangement involves the end panel attached to the end wall carrying the handhole.
In most instances, however, each side panel will be secured to each underlying end panel and in the region of the latter adjacent the associated end wall.
In a further aspect, therefore, the present invention provides a container of the type described which includes a base, end and side walls connected by hinge lines to one another;
opposing pairs of end and side panels connected by hinge lines to the upper edges of respective end and side walls and extending substantially the length thereof, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing respective end or side panel, said side panels being further adapted to overlie said end panels and co-act therewith to form the top wall with the longitudinal edges of said side walls substantially abutting; a pair of -tabs on ~ 1 ~53~3~
each side panel, each tab disposed in the area of its respective side panel adapted to overlie said end panels, said tabs being adapted to bend out of the plane of its respective side panel and enter an associa-ted slo~ provided in said end panels, each said slot being oriented at an angle to the hinge line between said end panel and respective end wall; said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
A still further aspect of the invention provides a container of the type described which includes a base, end and side walls connected by hinge lines to one another, at least one said end wall being provided with a handhole; opposing pairs of end and side panels connected by hinge lines to the upper edges of respective end and side walls and extending substantially the length thereof, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing respective end or side panel, said side panels being further adapted to overlie said end panels and to co-act therewith to Eorm the top wall with the longitudinal edges of said side walls substantially abutting; a pair of tabs on each side panel, each tab disposed in the area of its respective side panel adapted to overlie said end panels, said tabs being adapted to bend out of the plane of its respective side panel and enter an associated slot provided in said end panels, each said slot being oriented at an angle to the hinge line between said end panel and respective end wall; said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
It is preferable that each slot is oriented at an angle of from about 45 to about 135 to the hinge line between the ena panel con-taining the slot and the end wall associated with that panel. Moreover, it is also preferred -that the line defining t'ne base line of the tab, which line is preferably a hinge line to assist bending or deflecting the tab out of the plane of the end wall, also be at an angle of about 45 to about 135 to a line which includes the hinge line between the end panel adjacent the tab and its associated end wall. It is most preferable that the slot and the said line defining the tab base substantially coincide when the side panels overlie the associated end panels as described above.
Also, deflecting the tabs out of the plane of the side panels is most conveniently effected when the tabs are located in the free "corner" regions of the end panels, i.e. the adjoining portions of the three longitudinal and lateral edges of the panels define in part the tab members. T~e third free or inner side of the tab may generally be of any configuration but preferably is constructed so that the free corner thereof is rounded or arcuate, resulting in the width of the tab at its free end being less than that of its base, a shape which assists in introducing the tab through its associated slot. Most preferably, the base portion of the inner side is straight and the free corner of the inner side is rounded or arcuate. Other shaped tabs may be used provided the free end is of less width than the base, the tab base generally should have a width not substantially less than the length of the associated slot.
It is also advantageous to have a slit extending from the slot, preferably at an extremity thereof especially the extremity remo-te from the hinge line joining the end panel to the end wall. Such a slit, in combination with the slot, provides, when the tab is being pushed through the slot, a door, or doors if the slit is not at an extremity of the slot, which door is easily deflected to allow the tab to be inserted through what is, in effect, a temporarily enlarged slot. Following insertion of the tab, the resilience of the board material ensures that the door is constantly urged against the under part of the inserted tab ana will restrain it. To maximize the restraint, it is preferred that the slot, and slit, have no appreciable width and are actually merely cuts in the board material with no excision of the material.
To achieve the resilient door or doors, the slit can extend away from the slot in a direction generally either away from or toward the tab, the latter being desired to facilitate insertion of the tab into the slot.
As stated above, it is preferable that the slit be disposed at the extremity of the slot remote from the hinge line joining the end panel to the end wall and when so disposed, the slit extends from the slot away from or towards the tab at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between the inner side of the tab and at least a portion of an edge of the slit. Such contact assists greatly in achieving a desired "locking" of the tab in the slot. To further enhance the locking of the tab in the slot, it is preferred that the slit extends from the slot in a direction towards the tab at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between the tab and at least a portion of an edge of the slit. To maximize the desired locking of the tab, it is most preferable that the angle defined by the slot and the slit, extending from the said remote end of the slot in a direction toward the tab, is an acute angle.
When the slot is oriented at an angle of from about 45 to about 135 to the hinge line between the end panel and its end wall, it is preferred that the slit extend from the said remote end of the slot away from or towards the tab and at an angle parallel to or toward the hinge line between the end panel and its associated end wall. It is most preferred again in this instance that the slit extends toward the tab and forms an acute angle, in combination with the slot, sufficient to ensure contact between the inner side of the tab and at least a portion of an edge of the slit, While the length of the sli-t relative to that of the slot is not critical, it is desirable that the slit length is less than the slot length. It is preferred -that the slit is of small length relative to the length of the slot and most preferable that it is about one quarter to about one third the slot length.
The present invention will be further described, but not limited by, reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a container according to the present invention in a collapsed condition as it is supplied to the beverage manufacturer, in this case, the brewer since the container is in the form of a beer carton for containing six of the so-called "pint" bottles of an alcoholic brewery beverage;
Figure 2 is a further container of the present invention again taking the form of a "six-pack" beer carton;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the carton of Fig. 2 in an erected condition but wherein the end panels have been folded towards each other and overlie the container interior and the side panels have been folded away from each other, both side and end panels lying in a plane which would include the top wall of the container when formed;
Figure 4 is a plan view of the carton of Fig. 2 but wherein the side panels have also been folded towards each other and overlie and are secured to the end panels with adhesive means using the standard high speed equipment; and Figure 5 is a similar view to that shown in Fig. 4 but wherein the side panels have been folded towards each other, the side panel tab members have been inserted through their associated slots in the underlying end panels so as to secure the side panels to the end panels to form the carton top wall in a mechanical manner without the use of adhesive in the manner taught by the present invention.
- The heer carton shown in Figures 2 to 5, for the reason given below, constitutes a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is described in detail as follows. The carton generally designated 10 is a "six-pack", adapted or designed to contain six twelve-fluid imperial ounce bottles (commmonly called "pint") of an alcoholic brewery product such as beer. The carton 10 is in the collapsed condition as it is received by the brewer from the manufacturer and comprises first side wall 12 affixed via crease hinge line 14 -to an end wall 16. End wall 1~ is similarly affixed to a second side wall 20' (not shown in Fig. 2) by hinge line 18 and side wall 20' is affixed to a second end ~1all 16' (also not shown in Fig. 2) which in turn is affixed to first side wall 12 via hinge line 20. Bottom side and end panels (not shown) which, upon the carton being erected, form the base wall 13, are enclosed within the sleeve formed by the side and end walls. The construction of such panels and their arrangement to -form the '~ase wall are well-known in the art and utilized in many standard cartons such as the beer six-pack produced in Canada by The Continental Can Company under No. 530. The carton is manufactured in the usual manner from one piece cardboard blank and the usual glue joint to form the basic sleeve structure as denoted by 22.
Affixed to side wall 12 via slotted hinge line 24 is side panel 26 defined generally by edges 28, 30 and 32. A tab 34 defined generally by edges 28 and 32 in part and inner edge or side 36, the latter having a rounded or arcuate free corner, is formed at each end of panel 26 by simply punching, as the blank is formed, a roughly triangular portion of the material from panel 26. The base of each tab 34 is formed by a hinge line 38 which, it will be noted, is inclined at an angle to the end walls of the carton when erected and also to longitudinal hinge lines 24. Panel 26' is similar to panel 26 having similar tab members 34' and is affixed to side wall 20' by hinge line 24'.
Affixed to end wall 16 via hinge line 40 is end panel 42 which consists of a main body portion 44 and extending therefrom a tongue member 46. It may be noted that the combined width of body member 44 and tongue member 46 is only about one-third the length of the full container and consequently, when the end panels are folded down so as to overlie the interior, and the contents, of the car-ton there is a space or gap between the outer edges thereof of about one-third the length of the carton. As the man skilled in the art will readily apprecia-te, the spacing and the tongue arrangement are provided and indeed required, so as to enable the carton to be filled and sealed by high speed automatic equipment.
In particular, the standard plough members, each of which folds over one end panel by contacting the tongue member oE that end panel would prevent the folding inwards of the second end panel if the second end panel has a width equivalent to the width of the body member 44 and tongue 46. In other words, the provision of tongue 46 may be considered to be equivalent to t'ne provision o~
cutout in the panel adjacent tongue 46 through which cutout ~he plough which folds over the opposing end panel may pass wit'nout contacting the one end panel. A major feature of the present invention comprises providing in each end panel 42 (and 44') a slot 48 (and 48') which is in the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 3, slot 48 is oriented at an angle to hinge line 40, (and consequently end wall 16, when panel 42 is folded to overlie the carton interior), and a slit 52 which, in the embodiment shown, is located parallel to hinge line 40, (and end wall 16), and extends from the end of slot 48 (and 48') from end wall 16, so as to define a triangular "door". The slit can be angled toward the hinge line 40, so that it passes under the tab when the tab is inserted in the slot, thereby increasing the locking action if desired or necessary. In this embodiment, no panel material is removed, and each end panel 42 and 42' are provided with a pair of slots 48 and 48' respectively. It may be noted that these slots are located in the portion of the panel adjacent the hinge line 40 and indeed the slot 48 extends substantially to hinge line 40. As will be discussed in more detail slit 52 although advantageous, and therefore preferred, is not considered essential to the present invention.
End wall 16 is provided with a potential handhole 60 defined by side slits 62; perforated hinge line 64; and potential slit 66. Two crease hinge lines 68 extend, at an angle, from the upper extremities of slits 62 to horizontal slit 66. In smaller cartons, such as the beer six-packs shown in the accompanying drawings, only one end wall is provided with such a handhole.
However, larger containers, ~or example, a beer 24-case, will generally have such a handhole in hoth end walls.
Turning more speci~ically to Figs. 3 to 5, these show the container of Fig. 2 in the erected condition, the collapsed version in Fig. 2 being erected by applying pressure to, in effect squeezing, the collapsed carton in the direction of the arrows shown in Fig. 2. The base of the container 13 is, as mentioned above, quite standard and is of the type which, upon applying pressure as aforementioned so as to form a rectangular wall
3(3~
structure or sleeve, au-tomatically the bottom and end side pan21s lock into place and provide a firm bottom or base wall 13.
Turning in particular to Fig. 3, this is a plan view of the erected carton wherein the side panels 26 and 26' and end panels 42 and 42' are located in the plane which will include -the top wall when formed, the side panels 26 and 26' having been folded away from each other whereas end panels 42 and 42' have been folded towards each other; the spacing between the extremities of the end panels 42 and 42' is clearly evident from this Figure.
The interior height of the carton is approximately the same height as the enclosed bottles or cans which means that the top wall when formed from the side and end panels contacts or almost contacts the crown corks or can tops of the enclosed bottles or cans respectively. It will be readily appreciated, therefore, that the slots 48 and 48' must be located in the end panels 42 and 42' respectively so as not to overlie a bottle or can top, otherwise it will be impossible to insert the tabs 34 and 34' through their associated slots. The areas enclosed by the dotted lines in Fig. 2 denote the location of a bottle top when the carton encloses six pint beer bottles and hence denotes the areas where a slot 48 or 48' may not be located.
Turning to Fig. 4, this illustrates the carton when sealed using automatic equipment. In effect, the side panels 26 and 26', as shown in Fig. 3, have been folded towards each other so as to overlie end panels 42 and 42'. Prior to their being folded, adhesive has been applied via automatic equipment to the outer surface of end panels 42 and 42' as indicated by the shaded areas 54 in Fig. 3.
Figure 5 illustrates the carton shown in Figs. 2 and 3 closed or sealed in a mechanical manner as taught by the present invention. Each of tabs 34 and 34' have been displaced downwardly out of the plane of panels 26 and 26' respectively, the latter having been folded so as to overlie end panels 42 and 42' respectively with t~bs 34 and 34' inserted through slots 48 and 48' respectively. Substantially all of each tab passes through its associated slot and is unable to slip out thereof since they are engaged and restrained by the resilient board material 30~
defining the slot and the restraint is assisted by the contact of the inner side of the tab and an edge portion of the slit. In this embodiment, since substantially no board materi~l is removed in forming the slot and slit the "door" portion deflected inwardly to allow the tab to enter into the carton is constantly urged, due to the resiliency of the board material as stated above, to return to its original undeflected condition which, because of the presence of the associate tab, it cannot achieve. The result is a very positive engagement between the end panel and the tab restraining the latter from slipping out. Since substantially all oE each tab is located within the interior volume of the carton, mechanical securing using a tab member at each edge of side panels 26 and 26' results in the side panels lying in close proximity to, if not actually contacting, the end walls 42 and 42' respectively along virtually their full overlying length, the overall effect of which is that the mechanically closed carton is as pleasing to the eye as one sealed using adhesive and automatic machinery.
Moreover, the sealed carton is almost as mechanically sound as the adhesive sealed carton and is particularly well suited for carrying large, heavy items, such as filled bottles.
It should be noted that for mechanical strength and integrity, it is not necessary to secure both side portions of each side panel 26 and 26' to the underlying end panel. The carton has sufficient strength and mechanical and structural stability to be used if only the end 42 (in this instance) adjacent to end wall 16 is secured to the overlying areas of side panels 26 and 26'. This ensures that the strain incurred as the full carton is picked up using the handhole is adequate and the overall integrity of the carton, upon which the strength etc., relies is not lost by, for example, excessive distortion such as bo~,ling or tearing of the carton end wall 16.
Turning to Fig. 1, this illustrates a simple or basic embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5, and is a view similar to Fig. 2. Again, the container takes the form of a beer six-pack and its general construction is similar to that of the carton of Figs. 2 to 5. Consequently, it is believed that detailed description of features common -to the two embodiments is unnecessary, with special reference to the manner 3S~
in which the base wall is formed and the provision of a handhole in one end wall.
The major differences between the embodiment of Fig. 1 and that of Figs. 2 to 5 reside in the configuration of the associated tab and slot and the inclusion of a slit. Turning to Fig. 1, the tab member 34''' has been formed simply by providing an end panel slit 62 extending from edge 32''' of panel 26''' at right angles to edge 32''' and perforated hinge line 24'''. The tab 34''' therefore, is generally rectangular in shape and defined by edges 30''', and 32''' in part and 36'''. It may be noticed that no creased hinge line is provided to define the base of the tab although, in effect, such a line would be formed upon the tab 34 '' being displaced out of the plane of the side panel 26'''.
The slot 48''', which is adapted to co-operate with tab 34''' to mechanically secure the carton, comprises a simple slit cut in end panel 42'''. It is oriented at right angles to hinge line 40''' and extends substantially thereto. Again, for all practical purposes, slot 48''' is formed without removing any board material from end panel 42'''.
It should be noted that this carton includes only one tab/slot arrangement and this is locatea adjacent the end wall 16''' carrying the potential handhole 60'''.
As stated above, a major advantage of the carton of the present invention is that it can be filled and sealed using high speed automated equipment or rapidly and conveniently by hand.
To assemble, the "knocked down" or "flat" carton shown in Fig. 2 is squeezed, mechanically in the direction of the arrows. This erects the carton, forming the rectangular body and locking the base wall 13 in place. The carton is filled (top loadedl, mechanically with six pint bottles o~ ale, lager or the like. The carton is then sealed using adhesive in the presently used manner. The operation may be summarized as follows. Six filled pint bottles are top loaded i.e. dropped into the carton as it travels on a conveyor. A double plough arrangement then folds the two end panels 42 and 42''' successively, whereafter adhesive is then applied to the end panels at locations 54. The side panels 26 and 26' are then folded over and onto the end panels 42 and 42' respectivPly via a cam arrangement with the adhesive 5~8 securing the two pairs of panels together. The machinery involved is quite standard and well-known in the art and it is felt neea not be described in further detail.
To seal the cartons manually and without adhesive, as shown in Fig. 5, the erected carton as shown in Fig. 2 is proauced by squeezing the flat carton manually in -the direction of the arrows in Fig. 2. It is then filled manually with six pint bottles and the end panels are folded over to overlie the bottles.
The side panel 26 is then folded over, the thumbs of both hands conveniently and easily deflecting the tabs 34 downwards and inwards a little due to the angled fold lines 38, such that the leading edges of the tabs 34 readily enter the associated slots 4B
and 48'. It will be noted that the use of slit 52 effectively creates, in combination with slot 48, a "door" member which may, relatively easily, be deflected by tab 34 to gain entry but which then continuously attempts to regain its original position because of the inherent resiliency of the carton material and in so doing, engages the tab and prevents its being removed unless a significant extracting force is applied. Moreover, because the tab is always inclined at an angle to the hinge line 40, and consequently, the end wall upper edge, the natural tendency for the side panel 26 to "pop up" is utilized to increase the functional engaging force between the tab and the end panel, thus ensuring the mechanical integrity, strength, etc. of the carton.
The latter tendency is further assisted to a significant exten-t in the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 5 by the combination of the arcuate or rounded corner of edge 36 and angled hinge line 38, which results in the tab 34, following its insertion through a slot 48, bending to some extent under the end panel material adjacent the join of slot 48 and slit 52 to further enhance mechanical engagement of the side and end panels. Side panel 26' is treated in the same manner -to complete closure of the car-ton.
In fact, as can be seen from the drawings, sealing the carton mechanically in this manner is substantially equally as effective as sealing via adhesive as regards presentation and little, if any, loss of mechanical strengt'n, results. Moreover, the carton can be opened and re-sealed, with no loss of efficiency, a number 3~3 of times, an advantage especially in circumstances ~,Jhere t'ne empty bottles are to be returned to collection centres, etc.
It should also be noted that the tapering effect brought about by the arcuate or rounded corner of edge 36 also assists in inserting the tab in i-ts associated slot since exact alignment of the tab with the whole length of the slot 48 is unnecessary. Once entry of the tab has commenced the remainder of the leading edge of the tab will automatically align itself with and enter the remaining opening of the slot. In this embodiment the hinge line 38 and slot 48 coincide upon the side panels overlying the associated end panels.
The carton embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is treated in substantially the same manner as detailed above for the earlier described embodiment, mutatis mutandis. However, although this carton is quite utilitarian, it has several disadvantages compared with the alternative embodiment:
(i) The generally rectangular configuration of the tab free end of 34''' coupled with the simple single straight line character of the associated slot 48''' means that the tab is not as conveniently inserted into ~he slot, this action being almost automatic in the earlier described embodiment;
(ii) The lack of a hinge line at the base of the tab 34''' generally results in the creation of such a line oriented at right angles to edge 36''' of tab 34. Consequently, the tab, although quite sufficiently restrained frorn a practical viewpoint, when inserted in the slot 48''', does not engage the end panel 42''' to the same extent as the earlier embodiment; and (iii) The provision of only one pair of tabs and associated slots obviously means t~at the other end portions of the side panels are not affixed to the underlying end panel members.
Therefore, although the carton is sufficiently strong, there is tendenc~ for such end portions to move a small amount from the underlying end panels and this -to some extant can reduce the ,8 aesthetic appearance of the carton. It should be notea th~t w'nen only one tab/slot arrangement is provided as in this embodiment, it must be positioned in the side/end panel areas adjacent the end wall carrying the handhole (if such is present as is preferred and generally the case). If not, then the mechanical integrity of the carton is greatly reduced or even eliminated as the end wall carrying the handhole would bow as the carton is lifted and indeed, the side wall would tear, etc.
structure or sleeve, au-tomatically the bottom and end side pan21s lock into place and provide a firm bottom or base wall 13.
Turning in particular to Fig. 3, this is a plan view of the erected carton wherein the side panels 26 and 26' and end panels 42 and 42' are located in the plane which will include -the top wall when formed, the side panels 26 and 26' having been folded away from each other whereas end panels 42 and 42' have been folded towards each other; the spacing between the extremities of the end panels 42 and 42' is clearly evident from this Figure.
The interior height of the carton is approximately the same height as the enclosed bottles or cans which means that the top wall when formed from the side and end panels contacts or almost contacts the crown corks or can tops of the enclosed bottles or cans respectively. It will be readily appreciated, therefore, that the slots 48 and 48' must be located in the end panels 42 and 42' respectively so as not to overlie a bottle or can top, otherwise it will be impossible to insert the tabs 34 and 34' through their associated slots. The areas enclosed by the dotted lines in Fig. 2 denote the location of a bottle top when the carton encloses six pint beer bottles and hence denotes the areas where a slot 48 or 48' may not be located.
Turning to Fig. 4, this illustrates the carton when sealed using automatic equipment. In effect, the side panels 26 and 26', as shown in Fig. 3, have been folded towards each other so as to overlie end panels 42 and 42'. Prior to their being folded, adhesive has been applied via automatic equipment to the outer surface of end panels 42 and 42' as indicated by the shaded areas 54 in Fig. 3.
Figure 5 illustrates the carton shown in Figs. 2 and 3 closed or sealed in a mechanical manner as taught by the present invention. Each of tabs 34 and 34' have been displaced downwardly out of the plane of panels 26 and 26' respectively, the latter having been folded so as to overlie end panels 42 and 42' respectively with t~bs 34 and 34' inserted through slots 48 and 48' respectively. Substantially all of each tab passes through its associated slot and is unable to slip out thereof since they are engaged and restrained by the resilient board material 30~
defining the slot and the restraint is assisted by the contact of the inner side of the tab and an edge portion of the slit. In this embodiment, since substantially no board materi~l is removed in forming the slot and slit the "door" portion deflected inwardly to allow the tab to enter into the carton is constantly urged, due to the resiliency of the board material as stated above, to return to its original undeflected condition which, because of the presence of the associate tab, it cannot achieve. The result is a very positive engagement between the end panel and the tab restraining the latter from slipping out. Since substantially all oE each tab is located within the interior volume of the carton, mechanical securing using a tab member at each edge of side panels 26 and 26' results in the side panels lying in close proximity to, if not actually contacting, the end walls 42 and 42' respectively along virtually their full overlying length, the overall effect of which is that the mechanically closed carton is as pleasing to the eye as one sealed using adhesive and automatic machinery.
Moreover, the sealed carton is almost as mechanically sound as the adhesive sealed carton and is particularly well suited for carrying large, heavy items, such as filled bottles.
It should be noted that for mechanical strength and integrity, it is not necessary to secure both side portions of each side panel 26 and 26' to the underlying end panel. The carton has sufficient strength and mechanical and structural stability to be used if only the end 42 (in this instance) adjacent to end wall 16 is secured to the overlying areas of side panels 26 and 26'. This ensures that the strain incurred as the full carton is picked up using the handhole is adequate and the overall integrity of the carton, upon which the strength etc., relies is not lost by, for example, excessive distortion such as bo~,ling or tearing of the carton end wall 16.
Turning to Fig. 1, this illustrates a simple or basic embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 2 to 5, and is a view similar to Fig. 2. Again, the container takes the form of a beer six-pack and its general construction is similar to that of the carton of Figs. 2 to 5. Consequently, it is believed that detailed description of features common -to the two embodiments is unnecessary, with special reference to the manner 3S~
in which the base wall is formed and the provision of a handhole in one end wall.
The major differences between the embodiment of Fig. 1 and that of Figs. 2 to 5 reside in the configuration of the associated tab and slot and the inclusion of a slit. Turning to Fig. 1, the tab member 34''' has been formed simply by providing an end panel slit 62 extending from edge 32''' of panel 26''' at right angles to edge 32''' and perforated hinge line 24'''. The tab 34''' therefore, is generally rectangular in shape and defined by edges 30''', and 32''' in part and 36'''. It may be noticed that no creased hinge line is provided to define the base of the tab although, in effect, such a line would be formed upon the tab 34 '' being displaced out of the plane of the side panel 26'''.
The slot 48''', which is adapted to co-operate with tab 34''' to mechanically secure the carton, comprises a simple slit cut in end panel 42'''. It is oriented at right angles to hinge line 40''' and extends substantially thereto. Again, for all practical purposes, slot 48''' is formed without removing any board material from end panel 42'''.
It should be noted that this carton includes only one tab/slot arrangement and this is locatea adjacent the end wall 16''' carrying the potential handhole 60'''.
As stated above, a major advantage of the carton of the present invention is that it can be filled and sealed using high speed automated equipment or rapidly and conveniently by hand.
To assemble, the "knocked down" or "flat" carton shown in Fig. 2 is squeezed, mechanically in the direction of the arrows. This erects the carton, forming the rectangular body and locking the base wall 13 in place. The carton is filled (top loadedl, mechanically with six pint bottles o~ ale, lager or the like. The carton is then sealed using adhesive in the presently used manner. The operation may be summarized as follows. Six filled pint bottles are top loaded i.e. dropped into the carton as it travels on a conveyor. A double plough arrangement then folds the two end panels 42 and 42''' successively, whereafter adhesive is then applied to the end panels at locations 54. The side panels 26 and 26' are then folded over and onto the end panels 42 and 42' respectivPly via a cam arrangement with the adhesive 5~8 securing the two pairs of panels together. The machinery involved is quite standard and well-known in the art and it is felt neea not be described in further detail.
To seal the cartons manually and without adhesive, as shown in Fig. 5, the erected carton as shown in Fig. 2 is proauced by squeezing the flat carton manually in -the direction of the arrows in Fig. 2. It is then filled manually with six pint bottles and the end panels are folded over to overlie the bottles.
The side panel 26 is then folded over, the thumbs of both hands conveniently and easily deflecting the tabs 34 downwards and inwards a little due to the angled fold lines 38, such that the leading edges of the tabs 34 readily enter the associated slots 4B
and 48'. It will be noted that the use of slit 52 effectively creates, in combination with slot 48, a "door" member which may, relatively easily, be deflected by tab 34 to gain entry but which then continuously attempts to regain its original position because of the inherent resiliency of the carton material and in so doing, engages the tab and prevents its being removed unless a significant extracting force is applied. Moreover, because the tab is always inclined at an angle to the hinge line 40, and consequently, the end wall upper edge, the natural tendency for the side panel 26 to "pop up" is utilized to increase the functional engaging force between the tab and the end panel, thus ensuring the mechanical integrity, strength, etc. of the carton.
The latter tendency is further assisted to a significant exten-t in the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 2 to 5 by the combination of the arcuate or rounded corner of edge 36 and angled hinge line 38, which results in the tab 34, following its insertion through a slot 48, bending to some extent under the end panel material adjacent the join of slot 48 and slit 52 to further enhance mechanical engagement of the side and end panels. Side panel 26' is treated in the same manner -to complete closure of the car-ton.
In fact, as can be seen from the drawings, sealing the carton mechanically in this manner is substantially equally as effective as sealing via adhesive as regards presentation and little, if any, loss of mechanical strengt'n, results. Moreover, the carton can be opened and re-sealed, with no loss of efficiency, a number 3~3 of times, an advantage especially in circumstances ~,Jhere t'ne empty bottles are to be returned to collection centres, etc.
It should also be noted that the tapering effect brought about by the arcuate or rounded corner of edge 36 also assists in inserting the tab in i-ts associated slot since exact alignment of the tab with the whole length of the slot 48 is unnecessary. Once entry of the tab has commenced the remainder of the leading edge of the tab will automatically align itself with and enter the remaining opening of the slot. In this embodiment the hinge line 38 and slot 48 coincide upon the side panels overlying the associated end panels.
The carton embodiment shown in Fig. 1 is treated in substantially the same manner as detailed above for the earlier described embodiment, mutatis mutandis. However, although this carton is quite utilitarian, it has several disadvantages compared with the alternative embodiment:
(i) The generally rectangular configuration of the tab free end of 34''' coupled with the simple single straight line character of the associated slot 48''' means that the tab is not as conveniently inserted into ~he slot, this action being almost automatic in the earlier described embodiment;
(ii) The lack of a hinge line at the base of the tab 34''' generally results in the creation of such a line oriented at right angles to edge 36''' of tab 34. Consequently, the tab, although quite sufficiently restrained frorn a practical viewpoint, when inserted in the slot 48''', does not engage the end panel 42''' to the same extent as the earlier embodiment; and (iii) The provision of only one pair of tabs and associated slots obviously means t~at the other end portions of the side panels are not affixed to the underlying end panel members.
Therefore, although the carton is sufficiently strong, there is tendenc~ for such end portions to move a small amount from the underlying end panels and this -to some extant can reduce the ,8 aesthetic appearance of the carton. It should be notea th~t w'nen only one tab/slot arrangement is provided as in this embodiment, it must be positioned in the side/end panel areas adjacent the end wall carrying the handhole (if such is present as is preferred and generally the case). If not, then the mechanical integrity of the carton is greatly reduced or even eliminated as the end wall carrying the handhole would bow as the carton is lifted and indeed, the side wall would tear, etc.
Claims (27)
1. A container comprising a base, end and side walls connec-ted by hinge lines to one another; opposing pairs of end and side panels connected by hinge lines to the upper edges of respective end and side walls and extending substantially the length thereof, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing respective end or side panel, said side panels being further adap-ted to overlie said end panels and co-act therewith to form the top wall with the longitudinal edges of said side walls substan-tially abutting: a pair of tabs on each side panel, each tab dis-posed in the area of its respective side panel adapted to overlie said end panels, said tabs being adapted to bend out of the place of its respective side panel and enter an associated slot provided in said end panels, each said slot being oriented at an angle to the hinge line between said end panel and respective end wall;
said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
2. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein each slot is oriented at an angle of from about 45° to about 135° to the hinge line between the end panel containing said slot and its associated end wall.
3. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a line defi-ning the base of the tab is oriented at an angle of from about 45°
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
4. A container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a line defi-ning the base of the tab is oriented at an angle of from about 45°
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
5. A container according to claims 1, 2, or 3 wherein each tab is defined in part by adjacent portions of the lateral and longitudinal free edges of the associated side panel.
6. A container according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the tab is generally rectangular in shape, two sides of which are defined by adjacent portions of the lateral and longitudinal free edges of the associated end panel, the base of the tab having a width mar-ginally less than the length of the slot, the free end of the tab being tapered to assist the tab's insertion in the slot.
7. A container according to claim 4 wherein the tab is generally rectangular in shape, two sides of which are defined by adjacent portions of the lateral and longitudinal free edges of the associated end panel, the base of the tab having a width mar-ginally less than the length of the slot, the free end of the tab being tapered to assist the tab's insertion in the slot.
8. A container according to claim 7, wherein at least the base portion of the inner side is straight.
9. A container according to claim 8, wherein the free corner of said inner side is arcuate.
10. A container according to claim 9, wherein said slit is of of a small length relative to -the length of said slot.
11. A container according to claim 10, wherein said slit extends away from said slot in a direction toward or parallel to the upper edge of the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit.
12. A container according to claim 11, wherein said slit extends away from said slot in a direction toward or parallel to the upper edge of the respective end wall, and in a direction toward said tab, at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit.
13. A container according to claim 12, wherein the angle defined by the slot and slit is an acute angle.
14. A container comprising a base, end and side walls con-nected by hinge lines to one another, at least one said end wall being provided with a handhole; opposing pairs of end and side panels connected by hinge lines to the upper edges of respective end and side walls and extending substantially the length thereof, each end and side panel being adapted to fold towards its opposing respective end or side panel, said side panels being further adap-ted to overlie said end panels and to co-act therewith to form the top wall with the longitudinal edges of said side walls substan-tially abutting; a pair of tabs on each side panel, each tab dis-posed in the area of its respective side panel adapted to overlie said end panels, said tabs being adapted to bend out of the plane of its respective side panel and enter an associated slot provided in said end panels, each said slot being oriented at an angle to the hinge line between said end panel and respective end wall;
said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
said end panels being further provided with a slit extending away from the extremity of said slot remote from the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit, whereby said side and end panels are adapted to be mechanically secured together.
15. A container as claimed in claim 14, wherein each slot is oriented at an angle of from about 45° to about 135° to the hinge line between the end panel containing said slot and its associated end wall.
16. A container as claimed in claim 14, wherein a line defi-ning the base of the tab is oriented at an angle of from about 45°
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
17. A container as claimed in claim 15, wherein a line defi-ning the base of the tab is oriented at an angle of from about 45°
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
to 135° to a line including the hinge line between the end panel which said tab overlies and the associated end wall.
18. A container according to claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein each tab is defined in part by adjacent portions of the lateral and longitudinal free edges of the associated side panel.
19. A container according to claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the tab is generally rectangular in shape, two sides of which are de-fined by adjacent portions of the lateral and longitudinal free edges of the associated end panel, the base of the tab having a width marginally less than the length of the slot, the free end of the tab being tapered to assist the tab's insertion in the slot.
20. A container as claimed in claim 17 wherein said slit is of small length relative to the length of the slot.
21. A container according to claim 20, wherein at least the base portion of the inner side is straight.
22. A container according to claim 21, wherein the free cor-ner of said inner side is arcuate.
23. A container according to claim 22, wherein said slit is of a small length relative to the length of said slot.
24. A container according to claim 23, wherein said slit extends away from said slot in a direction toward or parallel to the upper edge of the respective end wall at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit.
25. A container according to claim 24, wherein said slit extends away from said slot in a direction toward or parallel to the upper edge of the respective end wall, and in a direction toward said tab, at an angle sufficient to ensure contact between said tab and at least a portion of an edge of said slit.
26. A container according to claim 25, wherein the angle defined by the slot and slit is an acute angle.
27. A container according to claim 26, wherein the length of said slit is about one quarter to about one third the length of said slot.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US13407980A | 1980-03-26 | 1980-03-26 | |
| US134,079 | 1998-08-13 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1145308A true CA1145308A (en) | 1983-04-26 |
Family
ID=22461688
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000373944A Expired CA1145308A (en) | 1980-03-26 | 1981-03-26 | Container |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1145308A (en) |
-
1981
- 1981-03-26 CA CA000373944A patent/CA1145308A/en not_active Expired
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| KR0157295B1 (en) | Side loaded carton | |
| US3708108A (en) | Flip top carton | |
| US4022372A (en) | Article carrier | |
| US4405078A (en) | Article carrier and a blank for forming the same | |
| US4484683A (en) | Reclosable carton | |
| US5588585A (en) | Automatic set-up carton with corner posts | |
| US5480091A (en) | Stress-relieving arrangement for carton handles | |
| US6676013B2 (en) | Carton and carton blank | |
| US4497433A (en) | Combination food tray | |
| US7000824B2 (en) | Carton and carton blank therefor | |
| US5520325A (en) | Channel H divider pack | |
| US5941389A (en) | Wrap-around carrier with reinforcing flaps | |
| US4327829A (en) | Display carton and blank therefor | |
| US4340170A (en) | Article carrier and a blank for forming the same | |
| US5213255A (en) | Opening structure for wedge-shaped pie carton | |
| US4735315A (en) | Can carton | |
| US4174041A (en) | Reclosable dispensing carton | |
| US4032053A (en) | Article carrier with handle feature | |
| US4367840A (en) | Container | |
| US5316207A (en) | Container adapted for stacking | |
| CA2026935C (en) | Sleeve-type carrier with integral alignment feature | |
| US5573175A (en) | Octagonal container with lock bottom | |
| US4185765A (en) | Hermetic sealed carton | |
| US5169059A (en) | Dispensing carton with integral side wall pour spout | |
| EP1652781B1 (en) | Carton and carton blank |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |