CA1262112A - Flat top end closure for liquid containers - Google Patents
Flat top end closure for liquid containersInfo
- Publication number
- CA1262112A CA1262112A CA000506138A CA506138A CA1262112A CA 1262112 A CA1262112 A CA 1262112A CA 000506138 A CA000506138 A CA 000506138A CA 506138 A CA506138 A CA 506138A CA 1262112 A CA1262112 A CA 1262112A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- panel
- panels
- fold
- top end
- closure
- 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
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/02—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body
- B65D5/06—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper by folding or erecting a single blank to form a tubular body with or without subsequent folding operations, or the addition of separate elements, to close the ends of the body with end-closing or contents-supporting elements formed by folding inwardly a wall extending from, and continuously around, an end of the tubular body
- B65D5/061—Rectangular containers having a body with gusset-flaps folded inwardly beneath the closure flaps
- B65D5/062—Rectangular containers having a body with gusset-flaps folded inwardly beneath the closure flaps with supplemental means facilitating the opening, e.g. tear lines, tear tabs
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Table Devices Or Equipment (AREA)
- Closures For Containers (AREA)
- Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
- Compression Or Coding Systems Of Tv Signals (AREA)
- Lubrication Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
Abstract
FLAT TOP END CLOSURE FOR LIQUID CONTAINERS
Abstract There is disclosed herein a flat top end closure for a liquid carrying container, which includes two oppositely disposed, overlapped outer closure panels, one being longer than the other, and two oppositely disposed, three-segment fold-in panels, one of which serves as the pour spout when opened. Each of the three-segment fold-in panels includes a substantially triangular panel portion defined by converging diagonal score lines extending from the upper edge of the tubular container body, and a pair of fold-back panels integrally connected to and folded between the substantially triangular panel portion and the respective adjacent outer closure panels. The shorter of the outer closure panels includes a plurality of equally spaced triangular shaped tufts formed on the free edge thereof so as to be squeezed upon abutment of the shorter panel against one of one pair of fold-back panels in the closing process, to thereby fill any fluid leakage channels which may tend to remain therebetween after sealing.
Abstract There is disclosed herein a flat top end closure for a liquid carrying container, which includes two oppositely disposed, overlapped outer closure panels, one being longer than the other, and two oppositely disposed, three-segment fold-in panels, one of which serves as the pour spout when opened. Each of the three-segment fold-in panels includes a substantially triangular panel portion defined by converging diagonal score lines extending from the upper edge of the tubular container body, and a pair of fold-back panels integrally connected to and folded between the substantially triangular panel portion and the respective adjacent outer closure panels. The shorter of the outer closure panels includes a plurality of equally spaced triangular shaped tufts formed on the free edge thereof so as to be squeezed upon abutment of the shorter panel against one of one pair of fold-back panels in the closing process, to thereby fill any fluid leakage channels which may tend to remain therebetween after sealing.
Description
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FLAT TOP END CLOSURE FOR LIQUID CONI'AINERS
Technical Field This invention relates generally to thermoplastic coated paperboard containers for carrying liquids and blanks for constructing same and, more particularly, to an improved, easy openable flat top end closure therefor.
Back~round Art Containers for beverages such as milk and juices are conventionally constructed from thermoplastic coated paperboard. One common type of these containers includes a top end closure with a folded gable roof having a vertically projecting sealed fin at the roof ridge for sealing the container. Such containers are shown by U.S.
Pat. No. 3,270,940. The bottom end closure for same is conventionally of the infolded type, such as that shown by U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,335.
.
Another type of container includes a slant top or a flat top end closure wherein what coul~ otherwise be a vertically projecting sealed fin, or a slanted sealed fin, may be folded flat and releasably secured to the rest of the closure. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,869,078 and 4,211,357 disclose such slant and/or flat top closures.
Various techniques have been employed to enhance the folding of a sealed fin in one particular direction to facilitate packing the containers in layers on top of each other to minimize storage and cargo space, without re-quiring any shipping tray between layers. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,715 there is disclosed a top end closure with an inclined sealed fin that includes a "harder crease" on one side thereof than on the other for ~2~i2~
facllitating folding of the sealed Ein from a vertical position to the inclined po~sition.
U.S~ Pat. Nos. 4,012,997 and ~,093,115 disclose a 05 container folding method and the container made by the method, wherein one side of the gable panels of the top end closure is provided with double score lines extending parallel to each other. Folding of a sealed top fin of the end closure ~rom a vertical position to a flat posi-tion requires the application of a downward force againstthe outside panel to bend the sealed fin downwardly.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,867, a wide score line is formed on one side of the gable panels, in lieu of the above mentioned double score lines, with a conventional score line of the opposite side providing unequal foldback panels~
In the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,357, unequal angles at the base of the infolded gable or gusset panels, with or without lower score lines on one side thereof than on the other, enhance folding in the direction of the larger base angles. In an alternative embodiment, a lowered andtor inclined wide score line provide the inclination to slant in one direction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,570 is an example of an improved flat top end closure for a liquid carryin~, paperboard container wherein the sealed fin previously used in conjunction with flat end closures is not required, but wherein a pitcher pour spout is included. An external lift tab is integrally formed on one outer closure panel for initial lifing of a portion of the pitcher pour spaut, and an underlying lift tab is formed on one fold-back closure panel of another portion of the pitcher pour spout, in or~er to facilitate the opening process. An improved opening feature for this type of arrangement is . .
2~
shcwn and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,582,246 of April 15, l9a6.
In each of the above described arrangements, whether it be the gable top configuration or the non-sealed fin flat top confi~ura~ion, there is a tendency in non-hermetically sealed containers for there to be a channel between abutting and/or adjacent end closure panels which may permit fluid prcducts t~ escape or leak therethrcugh.
In the past, various technique~ have been used to prevent such 1uid leakage. One techni~ue is popular for bottom end closures, as des-criked in U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,335, wherein abutting panels have been made slightly oversize, i.e., each is slightly more than half a ~ull side panel width wide, with the result that a "crcwding" of material occurs at the abutting edges, effectively preventing the formation of a fluid escape channel therebetween. However, the crowding of the abutting edges tends to result in an overlapping of the edge portions, which would not be satisfac-tory for a sealed top end closure whlch nust be openable wi~h reasonable facility.
Another techni~ue is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
FLAT TOP END CLOSURE FOR LIQUID CONI'AINERS
Technical Field This invention relates generally to thermoplastic coated paperboard containers for carrying liquids and blanks for constructing same and, more particularly, to an improved, easy openable flat top end closure therefor.
Back~round Art Containers for beverages such as milk and juices are conventionally constructed from thermoplastic coated paperboard. One common type of these containers includes a top end closure with a folded gable roof having a vertically projecting sealed fin at the roof ridge for sealing the container. Such containers are shown by U.S.
Pat. No. 3,270,940. The bottom end closure for same is conventionally of the infolded type, such as that shown by U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,335.
.
Another type of container includes a slant top or a flat top end closure wherein what coul~ otherwise be a vertically projecting sealed fin, or a slanted sealed fin, may be folded flat and releasably secured to the rest of the closure. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,869,078 and 4,211,357 disclose such slant and/or flat top closures.
Various techniques have been employed to enhance the folding of a sealed fin in one particular direction to facilitate packing the containers in layers on top of each other to minimize storage and cargo space, without re-quiring any shipping tray between layers. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,078,715 there is disclosed a top end closure with an inclined sealed fin that includes a "harder crease" on one side thereof than on the other for ~2~i2~
facllitating folding of the sealed Ein from a vertical position to the inclined po~sition.
U.S~ Pat. Nos. 4,012,997 and ~,093,115 disclose a 05 container folding method and the container made by the method, wherein one side of the gable panels of the top end closure is provided with double score lines extending parallel to each other. Folding of a sealed top fin of the end closure ~rom a vertical position to a flat posi-tion requires the application of a downward force againstthe outside panel to bend the sealed fin downwardly.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,206,867, a wide score line is formed on one side of the gable panels, in lieu of the above mentioned double score lines, with a conventional score line of the opposite side providing unequal foldback panels~
In the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,211,357, unequal angles at the base of the infolded gable or gusset panels, with or without lower score lines on one side thereof than on the other, enhance folding in the direction of the larger base angles. In an alternative embodiment, a lowered andtor inclined wide score line provide the inclination to slant in one direction.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,422,570 is an example of an improved flat top end closure for a liquid carryin~, paperboard container wherein the sealed fin previously used in conjunction with flat end closures is not required, but wherein a pitcher pour spout is included. An external lift tab is integrally formed on one outer closure panel for initial lifing of a portion of the pitcher pour spaut, and an underlying lift tab is formed on one fold-back closure panel of another portion of the pitcher pour spout, in or~er to facilitate the opening process. An improved opening feature for this type of arrangement is . .
2~
shcwn and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,582,246 of April 15, l9a6.
In each of the above described arrangements, whether it be the gable top configuration or the non-sealed fin flat top confi~ura~ion, there is a tendency in non-hermetically sealed containers for there to be a channel between abutting and/or adjacent end closure panels which may permit fluid prcducts t~ escape or leak therethrcugh.
In the past, various technique~ have been used to prevent such 1uid leakage. One techni~ue is popular for bottom end closures, as des-criked in U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,335, wherein abutting panels have been made slightly oversize, i.e., each is slightly more than half a ~ull side panel width wide, with the result that a "crcwding" of material occurs at the abutting edges, effectively preventing the formation of a fluid escape channel therebetween. However, the crowding of the abutting edges tends to result in an overlapping of the edge portions, which would not be satisfac-tory for a sealed top end closure whlch nust be openable wi~h reasonable facility.
Another techni~ue is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No.
3,471/076 as triangular shaped tufts formed on the free edges of inner rib panels of a gable top sealed fin, wherein the tufts assum2 a side-by-side relationship to extend into and between adjacent inner rib horizontal e~ges and overly m g mheren~ channel outer rib or fin panels wh~^c]h are bent toward each other arcund the square inner edges.
Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, a ge ~ ubject of the invention is to provide a flat top enl closure for a liquid carry ~ , paperboard container, inclu~ung impro~ed means for elimlnating fluid leakage ch~nnels ~etween abuttLng panel edges of the non-sealLng fin type end closure disclosed in the above-menti~ned Patent No. 4,422,570.
Another object oE the invention is to provide an improved flat top end clcsure, wherein fl~id leakage ch ~ s between abutt m g panel ed~es is eliminated by thQ formation of spaced protrusions on the one of the edges which is squeezed between the edges to block off any channel therebetween.
A further object of the invention is to provide an overlappel flat tcp end closure which is not formed from a sealed fin arrangement, and havLng spaced txianyular tufts formed on o~e of abuttin~ edges in ~he vicinity of the typical pi~cher pour spcut where anti-adhesive provisions LCM:mls are employed to provide a sealed, yet easlly openable spout, for the purpose. of blocking ofE a possible Pluid leakage channel while the end closure is sealed.
The above objects are met by the present invention which provides in a flat top end closure for a liquid carrying, paperboard container having a tubular body and including two oppositely disposed infolded panels and two oppositely disposed outer closure panels, the infolded panels each including a set of a substantially triangular center panel portion defined by lo converging diagonal score lines and being integrally connected to the tubular body, and a pair of fold-back panels integrally connected at the diagonal score lines and folded between the substantially triangular panel portion and the respective adjacent outer closure panels, the two oppositely disposed outer closure panels including one shorter and one longer panel, with the edge portion of the longer panel overlapping the edge portion of the shorter panel and each having a diagonal opening-assist score line formed thereon and overlying the respective converging diagonal score lines, a first lift tab formed on a side edge of the longer panel for lifting the portion o~ the overlying longer panel adjacent its diagonal opening-assist score line and the integrally connected underlying fold-back panel, and a second lift tab formed on one of one set of the fold-back panels for lifting the fold-back panel andlsthe portion of the overlying shorter closure panel adjacent its diagonal opening-assist score line to enhance the opening of the underlying infolded panel into a pour spout, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced projections formed on, so as to extend beyond, the free edge of the shorter outer closure panel adjacent and on the same plane with the other of the one set of ~old-back panels so as to abut against the latter and be crushed between the adjacent edges to eliminate any fluid leakage channel therebetween.
LCM:mls .
12~ 12 5a These and other objections and advantages of the invention will be apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
Brief Mode of Carryin~ Out the Invention FIG. 1 is a fragmentary layout view of a blank from which the top end closure of the invention is formed, showing the outside surface thereof;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary layout view of the outside surface of a blank after it is side seamed from the blank illustrated in FIG. l;
FIGS. 3 and 4 are fragmentary perspective views illustrating sequentially various steps in forming the flat top end closure;
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FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are fragmentary perspective views illustrating sequentially various steps in opening the flat top end closure; and 05 FIG. ~ is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 4, showing the top closure in a reclosed condition after having been opened.
Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, Figure 1 illustrates the outside surface of a blank 10 including a top closure portion 12 and a body portion 14, separated by a staggered horizontal score line 16. The latter includes a first side panel 18, a front panel 20, a second side panel 22, a back panel 24, and a narrow fifth panel or side seam 26. The panels 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are defined, respectively, by a first free cut edge 28, vertical score lines 30, 32, 34, and 36, and a second free cut edge 38.
A pair of outer top closure panels 40 and 42 are ~ integrally connected to the first and second side panels 18 and 22, respectively, at the score line 16. A pair of ~old-in top panels 44 and 46 are integrally connected to the back and front panels 20 and 24~ respectively, at the score line 16. The top panels are integrally connected to each other by the above-mentioned vertical score lines.
~n end closure extension 48 of the side seam 26 is in-tegrally connected to the latter at the score line 16 and to the fold-in panel 46 at the score line 36. The panel 44 will serve as a pour spout, as will be explained.
A lift tab 50 is formed on the upper edge portion of the top panel 42 so as to be integrally connected thereto by a score line 52 extension of the vertical score line ~l~62~L~
32, extendin~ laterally and substantially parallel to a portion of the free cut edge 86 of the panel 44.
Opening-assist diagonal score lines 54 and 56 are 05 formed on the outer top panels 40 and 42, respectively.
The score line 54 extends substantially from the inter-section of the vertical score line 30 and the horizontal score line 16 to a free cut edge 60, and divides the panel 62 into segments 62a and 62b. The score line 56 extends from the intersection of the score lines 32 and 16 to the free cut edge 66 of the panel 42, dividing the panel 42 into segments 42a and 42b, the lift tab 50 extending from the segment 42b.
A series o selectively shaped projections or tufts 70, say, three triang~lar in shape, are formed on the edge substantially equally spaced intermediate the score line 30 and the point where the score line 54 contacts the edge 60, for a reason to be explained.
A pair of converging diagonal score lines 72 and 74 are formed on the fold-in top panel 44, forming a triangu-lar pouring panel 76 with the horizontal score line 16.
Likewise, a pair of converging diagonal score lines 78 and are ~ormed on the fold-in top panel 46, forming a triangular panel 82 with the horizontal score line 16.
The diagonal score lines 72, 74, 78 and 80 are preferably spaced at their lower ends slightly inward from the respective adjacent vertical score lines 30, 32, 3~ and 36 along the horizontal score line 16, but may intersect the junctures of score lines 30 and 16, 34 and 16, 36 and 16, and 34 and 16, respectively, if desired.
There remains on the panel 44 A pair of fold-back panel portions consisting oE a conventional panel portion 84 between the score lines 74 and 32 and A free cut edge 86 of the panel 44, and a longer panel portion 88 between the score lines 72 and 30 and a free cut edge 90 of the ' ":
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panel 44. An edge portion 92 extends between the adjacent ends of the free cut edges 86 and 90, with one end sub-stantially aligned with the diagonal score line 74 and the other end arcuately connected to the free cut edge ~0.
I-t is the area of the longer panel portion 88 which extends past a continuation of the line formed by the free cut edge 86 which is adapted to serve as a lift tab 94, as will be explained.
The fold-in panel 46 includes fold-back panel por-tions 96 and 98, each comparable to the conventional panel portion 84 of the fold-in panel 44. The panel portion 96 is defined by the score lines 78 and 34 and the free cut edge 100 of the panel 46. The panel portion 98 is defined by the score lines 80 and 36 and the free cut edge 100. A
free cut edge 102 at the end o~ the side seam extension 48 aligns with the edge 100.
The container blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is formed into a side seamed blank, as illustrated in Figure 2, b~ rotating the body panel 24 and the side seam flap 26 as a unit about the vertical score line 34, and having the inside surfaces of the body panel 24 come into contact with the inside surface of the body panel 22, with the vertical score line 36 positioned next to the vertical score line 32, and with the inside surface of the side seam flap 26 in contact with the inside surface of the body panel 20 adjacent the vertical score line 32. The body panel 18 is then rotated about the vertical score line 30 to bring its inside surface into contact with the outside surface of the side seam flap 26, and the edge 28 is positioned parallel and substantially aligned with the vertical score line 36. The various members of the end closure 12 will make si.milar movements, and the container blank will appear as illustrated in Figure 2. The container blank 10 is then sealed where the inside areas of the body panel 18 and the closure panel 40 come into ~62~L~2 contact with the outsicle surface of the side seam flap 26 and its extension 48.
The next step in forming the side seam blank into a container is illustrated in Figure 3. The side seam blank is opened up into a squared or rectangular conditions, after which the various parts of the end closure 12 are folded about the various score lines in the following manner. As may be noted from Figure 3, the triangular closure panels 76 and 82 are moved around the horizontal score line 16 over the end of the lo container toward each other. At the same time, the outer panels 40 and 42 are also moved toward each other about the horizontal score line 16. This causes the fold-back panel portion 88 to bend around the vertical score line 30 such that the inside surfaces of the panel portion 88 and the outer panel 40 are approaching each other. Concurrently, the panel portion 84 is moved around the diagonal score line 74 such that the inside surfaces of the panel portion 84 and the panel segment 42b are approaching each other. The outside surfaces of the two fold-back panel portions 88 and 84 approach the outside of the triangular panel 76 such that the inside surfaces of the panel portion 88 and the panel segment 62b are approaching each other. The lift tab 94 extends beyond the free cut edge 60 of the panel segment 62b, beneath the series of tufts 70.
As may be noted in Figure 3, during this folding process, each o~ the edges 86 and 60 approaches the center line of the triangular panel 76 and a coplanar relationship with each other. As they abut together, the tufts 70 on the edge 60 become crushed or squeezed between the edges and form barriers to fill any channel which tends to result between the edges 86 and 60, serving the minimize any leakage therethrough.
This eliminates the need for any supplemental sealing material, such as wax or "hot melt" in this area, such as might be applied to the Lnside surface of the overlying panel segment 42b.
LCM:mls ~LZS2~Z
The fold-back panel portions 96 and 98 make the same movements as described for the panel portions 84 and 88, with respect to their adjacent panels 42 and 82 and 40 and 82 respectively.
The lift tab 50 (Figure 4) may be bent downwardly about the score line 52 and sealed against the ~ront panel 20 to accommodate shipping and stacking.
Referring now to Figures 5-7, it may be noted that opening of the flat top closure is effectuated by first releasing the lift tab S0 from the front body panel 20 and then using the released tab to lift the outer roof panel segment 42b and the underlying panel portion 84 about the lS respective diagonal score lines 56 and 74, lifting the edge 86 away from the edge 60 and the distorted tufts 70.
This exposes the underlying portions of the panels 841 such that one may grasp the lift tab 94 portion oE the panel 88, as defined by the free cut edges 90 and 92. The pour spout s~own in Figure 7, enhanced by the presence of suitable "abhesive" or anti-sealant patterns on the inside surfaces thereof, is then opened as follows: the panel portions 76, 84 and 88 of the panel 44 are caused to assume a substantially planar attitude, as shown in Figure 6, whereupon pressure against the vertical edye score lines 30 and 32 tends to cause the triangular panel portion 76 to extend outwardly. The lift tab 94 may be used to lift up the panel 88 and, hence, the triangular panel portion 76 and the panel 84 from their planar attitude and beyond, into the usual pitcher pour spout (Figure 7) for dispensing the contents of the container.
The pour spout may, of course, be generally reclosed after use. As shown in Figure 8, the lift tab 50 may be tucked inwardly, between the fold-back panel 84 and the triangu-lar pouring panel 76 to effectuate a "locking" conditionEor the reclosed flat top structure.
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Industrial A~EE~icabllity It should be apparent that the resultant flat top OS container is effectively sealed with improved provisions for minimizing leakage through any channels which may occur between abutting panel edges during the folding process in the vicinity of the pitcher pour spout where anti-sealant precautions have been taken for the easy opening thereof.
While but one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, other modifications thereof are possible within the scope of the following claims.
: 25
Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, a ge ~ ubject of the invention is to provide a flat top enl closure for a liquid carry ~ , paperboard container, inclu~ung impro~ed means for elimlnating fluid leakage ch~nnels ~etween abuttLng panel edges of the non-sealLng fin type end closure disclosed in the above-menti~ned Patent No. 4,422,570.
Another object oE the invention is to provide an improved flat top end clcsure, wherein fl~id leakage ch ~ s between abutt m g panel ed~es is eliminated by thQ formation of spaced protrusions on the one of the edges which is squeezed between the edges to block off any channel therebetween.
A further object of the invention is to provide an overlappel flat tcp end closure which is not formed from a sealed fin arrangement, and havLng spaced txianyular tufts formed on o~e of abuttin~ edges in ~he vicinity of the typical pi~cher pour spcut where anti-adhesive provisions LCM:mls are employed to provide a sealed, yet easlly openable spout, for the purpose. of blocking ofE a possible Pluid leakage channel while the end closure is sealed.
The above objects are met by the present invention which provides in a flat top end closure for a liquid carrying, paperboard container having a tubular body and including two oppositely disposed infolded panels and two oppositely disposed outer closure panels, the infolded panels each including a set of a substantially triangular center panel portion defined by lo converging diagonal score lines and being integrally connected to the tubular body, and a pair of fold-back panels integrally connected at the diagonal score lines and folded between the substantially triangular panel portion and the respective adjacent outer closure panels, the two oppositely disposed outer closure panels including one shorter and one longer panel, with the edge portion of the longer panel overlapping the edge portion of the shorter panel and each having a diagonal opening-assist score line formed thereon and overlying the respective converging diagonal score lines, a first lift tab formed on a side edge of the longer panel for lifting the portion o~ the overlying longer panel adjacent its diagonal opening-assist score line and the integrally connected underlying fold-back panel, and a second lift tab formed on one of one set of the fold-back panels for lifting the fold-back panel andlsthe portion of the overlying shorter closure panel adjacent its diagonal opening-assist score line to enhance the opening of the underlying infolded panel into a pour spout, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced projections formed on, so as to extend beyond, the free edge of the shorter outer closure panel adjacent and on the same plane with the other of the one set of ~old-back panels so as to abut against the latter and be crushed between the adjacent edges to eliminate any fluid leakage channel therebetween.
LCM:mls .
12~ 12 5a These and other objections and advantages of the invention will be apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings.
Brief Mode of Carryin~ Out the Invention FIG. 1 is a fragmentary layout view of a blank from which the top end closure of the invention is formed, showing the outside surface thereof;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary layout view of the outside surface of a blank after it is side seamed from the blank illustrated in FIG. l;
FIGS. 3 and 4 are fragmentary perspective views illustrating sequentially various steps in forming the flat top end closure;
LCM:mls l~3 :~ ;~"
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FIGS. 5, 6, and 7 are fragmentary perspective views illustrating sequentially various steps in opening the flat top end closure; and 05 FIG. ~ is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 4, showing the top closure in a reclosed condition after having been opened.
Best Mode of Carrying Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, Figure 1 illustrates the outside surface of a blank 10 including a top closure portion 12 and a body portion 14, separated by a staggered horizontal score line 16. The latter includes a first side panel 18, a front panel 20, a second side panel 22, a back panel 24, and a narrow fifth panel or side seam 26. The panels 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 are defined, respectively, by a first free cut edge 28, vertical score lines 30, 32, 34, and 36, and a second free cut edge 38.
A pair of outer top closure panels 40 and 42 are ~ integrally connected to the first and second side panels 18 and 22, respectively, at the score line 16. A pair of ~old-in top panels 44 and 46 are integrally connected to the back and front panels 20 and 24~ respectively, at the score line 16. The top panels are integrally connected to each other by the above-mentioned vertical score lines.
~n end closure extension 48 of the side seam 26 is in-tegrally connected to the latter at the score line 16 and to the fold-in panel 46 at the score line 36. The panel 44 will serve as a pour spout, as will be explained.
A lift tab 50 is formed on the upper edge portion of the top panel 42 so as to be integrally connected thereto by a score line 52 extension of the vertical score line ~l~62~L~
32, extendin~ laterally and substantially parallel to a portion of the free cut edge 86 of the panel 44.
Opening-assist diagonal score lines 54 and 56 are 05 formed on the outer top panels 40 and 42, respectively.
The score line 54 extends substantially from the inter-section of the vertical score line 30 and the horizontal score line 16 to a free cut edge 60, and divides the panel 62 into segments 62a and 62b. The score line 56 extends from the intersection of the score lines 32 and 16 to the free cut edge 66 of the panel 42, dividing the panel 42 into segments 42a and 42b, the lift tab 50 extending from the segment 42b.
A series o selectively shaped projections or tufts 70, say, three triang~lar in shape, are formed on the edge substantially equally spaced intermediate the score line 30 and the point where the score line 54 contacts the edge 60, for a reason to be explained.
A pair of converging diagonal score lines 72 and 74 are formed on the fold-in top panel 44, forming a triangu-lar pouring panel 76 with the horizontal score line 16.
Likewise, a pair of converging diagonal score lines 78 and are ~ormed on the fold-in top panel 46, forming a triangular panel 82 with the horizontal score line 16.
The diagonal score lines 72, 74, 78 and 80 are preferably spaced at their lower ends slightly inward from the respective adjacent vertical score lines 30, 32, 3~ and 36 along the horizontal score line 16, but may intersect the junctures of score lines 30 and 16, 34 and 16, 36 and 16, and 34 and 16, respectively, if desired.
There remains on the panel 44 A pair of fold-back panel portions consisting oE a conventional panel portion 84 between the score lines 74 and 32 and A free cut edge 86 of the panel 44, and a longer panel portion 88 between the score lines 72 and 30 and a free cut edge 90 of the ' ":
62~
panel 44. An edge portion 92 extends between the adjacent ends of the free cut edges 86 and 90, with one end sub-stantially aligned with the diagonal score line 74 and the other end arcuately connected to the free cut edge ~0.
I-t is the area of the longer panel portion 88 which extends past a continuation of the line formed by the free cut edge 86 which is adapted to serve as a lift tab 94, as will be explained.
The fold-in panel 46 includes fold-back panel por-tions 96 and 98, each comparable to the conventional panel portion 84 of the fold-in panel 44. The panel portion 96 is defined by the score lines 78 and 34 and the free cut edge 100 of the panel 46. The panel portion 98 is defined by the score lines 80 and 36 and the free cut edge 100. A
free cut edge 102 at the end o~ the side seam extension 48 aligns with the edge 100.
The container blank 10 illustrated in Figure 1 is formed into a side seamed blank, as illustrated in Figure 2, b~ rotating the body panel 24 and the side seam flap 26 as a unit about the vertical score line 34, and having the inside surfaces of the body panel 24 come into contact with the inside surface of the body panel 22, with the vertical score line 36 positioned next to the vertical score line 32, and with the inside surface of the side seam flap 26 in contact with the inside surface of the body panel 20 adjacent the vertical score line 32. The body panel 18 is then rotated about the vertical score line 30 to bring its inside surface into contact with the outside surface of the side seam flap 26, and the edge 28 is positioned parallel and substantially aligned with the vertical score line 36. The various members of the end closure 12 will make si.milar movements, and the container blank will appear as illustrated in Figure 2. The container blank 10 is then sealed where the inside areas of the body panel 18 and the closure panel 40 come into ~62~L~2 contact with the outsicle surface of the side seam flap 26 and its extension 48.
The next step in forming the side seam blank into a container is illustrated in Figure 3. The side seam blank is opened up into a squared or rectangular conditions, after which the various parts of the end closure 12 are folded about the various score lines in the following manner. As may be noted from Figure 3, the triangular closure panels 76 and 82 are moved around the horizontal score line 16 over the end of the lo container toward each other. At the same time, the outer panels 40 and 42 are also moved toward each other about the horizontal score line 16. This causes the fold-back panel portion 88 to bend around the vertical score line 30 such that the inside surfaces of the panel portion 88 and the outer panel 40 are approaching each other. Concurrently, the panel portion 84 is moved around the diagonal score line 74 such that the inside surfaces of the panel portion 84 and the panel segment 42b are approaching each other. The outside surfaces of the two fold-back panel portions 88 and 84 approach the outside of the triangular panel 76 such that the inside surfaces of the panel portion 88 and the panel segment 62b are approaching each other. The lift tab 94 extends beyond the free cut edge 60 of the panel segment 62b, beneath the series of tufts 70.
As may be noted in Figure 3, during this folding process, each o~ the edges 86 and 60 approaches the center line of the triangular panel 76 and a coplanar relationship with each other. As they abut together, the tufts 70 on the edge 60 become crushed or squeezed between the edges and form barriers to fill any channel which tends to result between the edges 86 and 60, serving the minimize any leakage therethrough.
This eliminates the need for any supplemental sealing material, such as wax or "hot melt" in this area, such as might be applied to the Lnside surface of the overlying panel segment 42b.
LCM:mls ~LZS2~Z
The fold-back panel portions 96 and 98 make the same movements as described for the panel portions 84 and 88, with respect to their adjacent panels 42 and 82 and 40 and 82 respectively.
The lift tab 50 (Figure 4) may be bent downwardly about the score line 52 and sealed against the ~ront panel 20 to accommodate shipping and stacking.
Referring now to Figures 5-7, it may be noted that opening of the flat top closure is effectuated by first releasing the lift tab S0 from the front body panel 20 and then using the released tab to lift the outer roof panel segment 42b and the underlying panel portion 84 about the lS respective diagonal score lines 56 and 74, lifting the edge 86 away from the edge 60 and the distorted tufts 70.
This exposes the underlying portions of the panels 841 such that one may grasp the lift tab 94 portion oE the panel 88, as defined by the free cut edges 90 and 92. The pour spout s~own in Figure 7, enhanced by the presence of suitable "abhesive" or anti-sealant patterns on the inside surfaces thereof, is then opened as follows: the panel portions 76, 84 and 88 of the panel 44 are caused to assume a substantially planar attitude, as shown in Figure 6, whereupon pressure against the vertical edye score lines 30 and 32 tends to cause the triangular panel portion 76 to extend outwardly. The lift tab 94 may be used to lift up the panel 88 and, hence, the triangular panel portion 76 and the panel 84 from their planar attitude and beyond, into the usual pitcher pour spout (Figure 7) for dispensing the contents of the container.
The pour spout may, of course, be generally reclosed after use. As shown in Figure 8, the lift tab 50 may be tucked inwardly, between the fold-back panel 84 and the triangu-lar pouring panel 76 to effectuate a "locking" conditionEor the reclosed flat top structure.
2~
Industrial A~EE~icabllity It should be apparent that the resultant flat top OS container is effectively sealed with improved provisions for minimizing leakage through any channels which may occur between abutting panel edges during the folding process in the vicinity of the pitcher pour spout where anti-sealant precautions have been taken for the easy opening thereof.
While but one embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, other modifications thereof are possible within the scope of the following claims.
: 25
Claims (4)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a flat top end closure for a liquid carrying, paperboard container having a tubular body and including two oppositely disposed infolded panels and two oppositely disposed outer closure panels, said infolded panels each including a set of a substantially triangular center panel portion defined by converging diagonal score lines and being integrally connected to said tubular body, and a pair of fold-back panels integrally connected at said diagonal score lines and folded between said substantially triangular panel portion and the respective adjacent outer closure panels, said two oppositely disposed outer closure panels including one shorter and one longer panel, with the edge portion of said longer panel overlapping the edge portion of said shorter panel and each having a diagonal opening-assist score line formed thereon and overlying said respective converging diagonal score lines, a first lift tab formed on a side edge of said longer panel for lifting the portion of said overlying longer panel adjacent its diagonal opening-assist score line and the integrally connected underlying fold-back panel, and a second lift tab formed on one of one set of said fold-back panels for lifting said fold-back panel and the portion of said overlying shorter closure panel adjacent its diagonal opening-assist score line to enhance the opening of said underlying infolded panel into a pour spout, the improvement comprising a plurality of spaced projections formed on, so as to extend beyond, the free edge of said shorter outer closure panel adjacent and on the same plane with the other of said one set of fold-back panels so as to abut against the latter and be crushed between the adjacent edges to eliminate any fluid leakage channel therebetween.
2. The flat top end closure described in claim 1, wherein said plurality of projections consists of three equally spaced tufts formed on said free edge of said shorter outer closure panel between said adjacent one of one set of said fold-back panels and between the intersection of said diagonal opening-assist score line with said free edge of said shorter outer closure panel.
3. The flat top end closure described in claim 1, wherein said projections are triangular in shape.
4. The flat top end closure described in claim 1, wherein said spaced projections consist of three equally spaced tufts.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US72286385A | 1985-04-09 | 1985-04-09 | |
| US722,863 | 1985-04-09 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1262112A true CA1262112A (en) | 1989-10-03 |
Family
ID=24903724
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000506138A Expired CA1262112A (en) | 1985-04-09 | 1986-04-09 | Flat top end closure for liquid containers |
Country Status (20)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0201169B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS61287530A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE52981T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU585001B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR8601581A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1262112A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3671419D1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK158486A (en) |
| ES (1) | ES296684Y (en) |
| FI (1) | FI861462A (en) |
| GR (1) | GR860898B (en) |
| IL (1) | IL78300A0 (en) |
| NO (1) | NO861211L (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ215506A (en) |
| PT (1) | PT82329A (en) |
| SU (1) | SU1530089A3 (en) |
| TR (1) | TR22600A (en) |
| YU (1) | YU48986A (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA862413B (en) |
| ZW (1) | ZW6586A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0297742A3 (en) * | 1987-06-22 | 1990-05-16 | Elopak Systems Ag | Flat top end closure for liquid containers |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3471076A (en) * | 1967-10-17 | 1969-10-07 | Ex Cell O Corp | Container closure construction |
| US4422570A (en) * | 1982-08-26 | 1983-12-27 | Ex-Cell-O Corporation | Flat top end closure for liquid containers |
| US4520929A (en) * | 1984-05-31 | 1985-06-04 | Ex-Cell-O Corporation | Flat top end closure for liquid container |
-
1986
- 1986-03-12 EP EP86301787A patent/EP0201169B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1986-03-12 DE DE8686301787T patent/DE3671419D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1986-03-12 AT AT86301787T patent/ATE52981T1/en active
- 1986-03-18 NZ NZ215506A patent/NZ215506A/en unknown
- 1986-03-19 ZW ZW65/86A patent/ZW6586A1/en unknown
- 1986-03-25 NO NO861211A patent/NO861211L/en unknown
- 1986-03-28 IL IL78300A patent/IL78300A0/en unknown
- 1986-03-28 YU YU00489/86A patent/YU48986A/en unknown
- 1986-04-02 ZA ZA862413A patent/ZA862413B/en unknown
- 1986-04-02 PT PT82329A patent/PT82329A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1986-04-04 FI FI861462A patent/FI861462A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-04-04 AU AU55680/86A patent/AU585001B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1986-04-04 GR GR860898A patent/GR860898B/en unknown
- 1986-04-08 DK DK158486A patent/DK158486A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1986-04-08 TR TR19018/86A patent/TR22600A/en unknown
- 1986-04-08 SU SU864027268A patent/SU1530089A3/en active
- 1986-04-08 BR BR8601581A patent/BR8601581A/en unknown
- 1986-04-08 ES ES1986296684U patent/ES296684Y/en not_active Expired
- 1986-04-08 JP JP61079353A patent/JPS61287530A/en active Pending
- 1986-04-09 CA CA000506138A patent/CA1262112A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ATE52981T1 (en) | 1990-06-15 |
| NZ215506A (en) | 1988-11-29 |
| YU48986A (en) | 1988-08-31 |
| PT82329A (en) | 1986-05-01 |
| DK158486A (en) | 1986-10-10 |
| ES296684Y (en) | 1988-05-16 |
| EP0201169A3 (en) | 1987-08-26 |
| FI861462A (en) | 1986-10-10 |
| ZA862413B (en) | 1986-11-26 |
| GR860898B (en) | 1986-08-07 |
| DE3671419D1 (en) | 1990-06-28 |
| AU585001B2 (en) | 1989-06-08 |
| ZW6586A1 (en) | 1986-10-15 |
| EP0201169B1 (en) | 1990-05-23 |
| EP0201169A2 (en) | 1986-11-12 |
| DK158486D0 (en) | 1986-04-08 |
| IL78300A0 (en) | 1986-07-31 |
| NO861211L (en) | 1986-10-10 |
| SU1530089A3 (en) | 1989-12-15 |
| TR22600A (en) | 1987-12-16 |
| FI861462A0 (en) | 1986-04-04 |
| AU5568086A (en) | 1986-10-16 |
| ES296684U (en) | 1987-12-01 |
| JPS61287530A (en) | 1986-12-17 |
| BR8601581A (en) | 1986-12-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |