US3397772A - Display carton for a bottle-like container and blanks for making same - Google Patents

Description

1968 M. T. FARQUHAR 3, 97,772

DISPLAY CARTON FOR A BOTTLE-LIKE CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME Filed Feb. 9, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVEN'IOR MELVILLE I FARQUHAR HIS ATTORNEYS 1968 M. T. FARQUHAR 3,397,772

DISPLAY CARTON FOR A BOTTLE-LIKE CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME Filed Feb. 9, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR MELVILLE T. FARQUHAR HIS ATTORNEYS a 0, 1968 M. T. FARQUHAR 3,397,772

DISPLAY CARTON FOR A BOTTLE-LIKE CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME Filed Feb. 9, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 zz fifl' INVENTOR 44 y 5O M ELVILLE T FARQUHAR 5| 5| 55 BY 54 604,

H l '5 ATTORNEYS 1953 M. T. FARQUHAR 3,397,772

DISPLAY CARTON FOR A BOTTLE-LIKE CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME Filed Feb. 9, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 v Hi 2 To 25 40 7'0 INVENTOR. ,6] MELVILLE T- FARQUHAR HIS ATTORNEYS Aug. 20, 1968 M. T. FARQUHAR DISPLAY CARTON FOR A BOTTLE-LIKE CONTAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 9, 1967 My S y m m M E m I I I I I I l i i I I l I l all @N E am Q Y w. k 46 W. R k E Mm u m m a WM Na n l llii wl UL--iliiiil i- HIS ATTORNEYS Aug. 20, 1968 M. T. FARQUHAR 3,397,772

DISPLAY CARTON FOR A BOTTLE-LIKE CONTAINER AND I BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME Filed Feb. 9, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 90A E 3OA mvmron MELVILLE T. FARQUHAR BY 49, W //M HIS ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,397,772 DISPLAY CARTON FOR A BOTTLE-LIKE CON- TAINER AND BLANKS FOR MAKING SAME Melville T. Farquhar, Bon Air, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Feb. 9, 1967, Ser. No. 614,902 12 Claims. (Cl. 206-45314) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a high strength display carton for a bottle-like container which is constructed without requiring additional fastening means, is easily erected by hand, and which defines an attractive shadow box for such container; further, this disclosure relates to improved blanks for making such a display carton.

This invention relates to container means and more particularly to an improved display carton for a bottlelike container and to blanks for making same.

Many products such as bottles of premixed cocktails, for example, are preferably packaged and sold in attractive display cartons to help increase sales thereof. It is especially desirable to provide an inexpensively produced display carton which can be readily set up and fastened together manually in a retail establishment, for example, without requiring additional fastening means such as adhesive means, or the like.

Therefore, it is a feature of this invention to provide a display carton which forms a decorative shadow box for container means carried therewithin and which is of simple and economical construction.

Another feature of this invention is to provide such a carton which is held together in a unique manner by integral fastening flap means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide such a carton which can be easily assembled by hand without requiring additional fastening means.

Another feature of this invention is to provide an attractive high strength display carton of the character mentioned particularly adapted to be used to display a bottle having a long slender neck and which firmly holds such bottle therewithin without impairing the decorative appearance of such carton.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improved carton having one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide improved carton blanks for making such a carton, or the like.

Other objects, uses, and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary carton of this invention with a bottle-like container or bottle supported therewithin.

FIGURE 2 is a front view of the carton and bottle of FIGURE 1. 7

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view on the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2 primarily illustratin outer structural wall means.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2 again primarily illustrating outer structural wall means.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 2 in which the upper portion of such sectional view shows main structural wall means.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 5 primarily showing main outer wall means.

3,397,772 Patented Aug. 20, 196$ FIGURE 7 is a detailed fragmentary perspective view of the lower end portion of the carton of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 8 is a detailed sectional view on the line 8-8 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 9 is a detailed sectional view on the line 9-9 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 10 is a detailed fragmentary sectional view illustrating another way of assemblying the bottom wall means of the carton of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 11 is a sectional view on the line 11-11 of FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is a plan view of the blank used to make the carton of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary sectional view similar to the upper end portion of the illustration of FIGURE 5 and showing another embodiment of this invention which utilizes background surface means behind the neck portion of such bottle to provide a more decorative appearance.

FIGURE 14 is a sectional view on the line 14-14 of FIGURE 13.

FIGURE 15 is a sectional view on the line 15-15 of FIGURE 13.

FIGURE 16 is a perspective view illustrating the background surface means utilized in the embodiment of FIG- URE l3.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adaptable for providing an improved display carton which is simply and readily assembled without requiring additional or independent fastening means such as glue, or the like, and which is particularly adapted for carrying a bottle containing premixed cocktails and having a long slender neck, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combination to provide an improved carton for other products and for other uses as desired.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate one of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIGURES 1-12 an improved carton 20 is illustrated, as well as an improved blank, shown in FIGURE 12, for making such carton. Carton 20 is particularly adapted for carrying a bottle-like container shown in this example as a bottle 21 containing premixed cocktails, or the like. Bottle 21 has a substantially cylindrical main lower portion 22 which extends substantially across the full width of carton 20 and a long slender neck designated by the numeral 23.

The exemplary display carton 20 comprises a rear wall 25, a pair of parallel spaced apart side wall means or side walls each designated by the numeral 26, bottom wall means indicated generally by the numeral 27, and top wall means indicated generally by the numeral 30.

As seen particularly in the drawings, side walls 26 are arranged in parallel relation and fastened to opposite side edges of rear wall 25 and each side wall 26 comprises an extension flap portion 31 extending beyond an associated side edge designated by the numeral 32 of rear wall 25. Each side wall 26 also has a flap portion 33 extending beyond an associated score line 34 defining the terminal outer edge of side wall portion 31. Portion 33 is adapted to be folded substantially coplanar with portion 31 so that each score line 34 defines the front edge of an associated side wall 26.

Bottom wall means 27 has bottom supporting means comprised substantially of two layers with one layer extending from the bottom edge of rear wall 25 and another layer being defined by cooperating extension flap means extending from side walls 26. Bottom wall means 27 also has a substantially vertically arranged bottom framing surface designated by the numeral 37 which in this example of the invention extends upwardly from the bottom supporting means and is arranged substantially perpendicular thereto. I

In addition, bottom wall means27 further comprises bottom transverse surface means or a bottom transverse su face designated by the numeral 38 which extends substantially horizontally inwardly and adjoins the top edge of bottom framing surface 37. Transverse surface 38 has bottom opening means shown as a bottom opening 39 which corresponds in peripheral outline to the peripheral outline of lower portion 22 of bottle 21.

Top wall means 30 is fastened to rear wall and side walls 26 and has a top surface 40 and a vertically arranged top framing surface 41 extending downwardly from top surface 40. In this example of the invention framing surfaces 37 and 40 lie substantially in the same plane together with the terminal front edges of side walls 26 and cooperate with such front edges to define display carton 20 which when viewed from the front has the appearance of an attractive shadow box, or the like.

In a similar manner as described in connection with bottom wall means 27, top wall means has top transverse surface means 42 extending inwardly of and adjoining bottom edge means of top framing surface 41. Top transverse surface means 42 has top opening means shown as an opening 43 which corresponds in peripheral outline to the outline of the neck portion 23 of bottle 21.

As seen in the drawings, a part of lower portion 22 of bottle 21 extends through associated opening 39 defined in transverse surface 38. In a similar manner a part of neck 23 of bottle 21 extends through associated opening 43 in transverse surface 42 and such transverse surfaces hold bottle 21 securely within carton 20.

Each side wall 26 has fastening flap means each designated by the numeral 44 extending beyond its associated bottom edge means defined by a score line designated by the numeral 45. Each fastening flap means or fastening flap 44 is folded perpendicular to its associated side wall 26 and fastened in position in a manner as will be subsequently described to define surface means comprising bottom supporting means 35.

Each side wall 26 also has fastening flap or tab means shown as a fastening flap 46 extending beyond a centrally arranged score line 47 along its top edge. Each fastening tab 46 has a pair of ears or side tabs 46A extending from its opposite side edges and tabs 46 with ears 46A are adapted to engage portions of top wall means 30 and hold the upper portion of each side wall 26 in position in a substantially vertical manner.

Thus, it is seen that each side wall 26 is foldably connected along its rear edge means to rear wall 25 and each side wall 26 also has fastening flap means 44 at its lower end and fastening tab means 46 at its upper end which are adapted to hold carton 20 together without requiring additional or separate fastening means, such as adhesive means, or the like.

The main portion of bottom wall means 27 is preferably foldably fastened to rear wall 25 and in the illustration of FIGURE 5 comprises an outer planar surface layer 50 which defines the configuration of bottom wall means 27. Layer 50 has spaced apart slit means provided therein which in this example of the invention are shown as facing U-shaped slits each designated by the numeral 51. Each U-shaped slit 51 has a rectilinear score line 52 extending between the terminal ends of its parallel leg portions.

Each fastening flap 44 extending from each portion 31 of each side wall 26 has a terminal end portion designated by the numeral 53 and each portion 53 has locking tab means shown as a pair of locking tabs each designated by the numeral 55 extending from opposite side edges of terminal end portion 53. Upon assembly carton 20 planar surface layer 50 is folded perpendicular to s 4 rear wall.25 and defines one layer of bottom support 35 while each flap 44 is folded substantially coplanar therewith and the terminal portions 53 are placed in overlapped relation to enable inserting each locking tab in an associated U-shaped slit 51 and thereby hold the bottom portion of carton 20 together in a firm manner.

As seen particularly in FIGURES 5 and 7 of the drawings, transverse surface 38 provided in bottom wall means 27 has a pair of oppositely arranged side edge means shown as a pair of-side edges each designated by the numeral 60. Extension flap means shown as a wing flap 61 is foldably connected to each side edge 60.

Each extension flap 61 has anupwardly extending portion 62 which extends above an associated edge'60 which is adapted to be engaged by a portion of side wall 26 as will be subsequently described. Each flap 61 also has a spacing portion designated by the numeral 63 which extends below edge and holds transverse surface 38 above bottom surface means 35 in substantially parallel relation.

Bottom Wall means 27 also has a front flap designated by the numeral 64 which is adapted to be folded substantially vertically and engages the front lower surface of bottle 21. Flap 64 is folded about a score line 65 which provides a smooth top edge for the central portion of vertically arranged bottom framing surface 37.

As seen particularly in FIGURES 2, 8, and 9 of the drawings, top wall means 30 has a top surface 40 as previously mentioned which is preferably foldably connected to rear wall 25 and top framing surface 41 is arranged substantially coplanar and vertically above vertical framing surface 37 in spaced apart relation.

Top surface 40 is of substantially rectangular outline and has a pair of backup flaps each designated by the numeral extending from its opposite side edges defined by a pair of parallel score means 73. Each flap 70 has substantially U-shaped cut means or a U-shaped cut 71 provided therein with a score line 72 extending between the terminal ends of the parallel leg portions of each U-shaped cut 71.

Upon folding top wall means 30 in position, it will be seen that flaps 70 are arranged along an associated side Wall 26 and fastening tabs 46A of each fastening flap 46 are inserted in an associated U-shaped cut to hold the associated side wall 26 in position. Each extension flap 70 provides backup support for the upper portion of an associated side wall 26.

Top transverse surface 42 of top wall means 30 has extension flap means shown as a pair of extension flaps each designated by the numeral 74 extending from its opposite side edges defined by a pair of parallel spaced apart score lines 75. Each flap 74 is folded downwardly along an adjoining side wall 26 and is held flatly thereagainst by flap portion 33 of side wall 26.

Top transverse surface 42 has rear edge means shown as a score line with a third extension flap designated by the numeral 81 extending therebeyond. Extension flap 81 is substantially trapezoidal and is folded perpendicular to top surface 40 to hold top transverse surface 42 substantially parallel to top surface 40.

Top opening means 43 defined in top transverse surface 42 is preferably formed by substantially U-shaped cut means or cut 82. U-shaped cut 82 has its substantially parallel leg portions arranged perpendicular to rear edge 80 of flap 81 and the area bounded by such U- shaped cut defines supporting tab means designated by the numeral 85. i

As extension flap 81 is folded perpendicular to top surface 40 it will be seen that tab 85, in effect, forms a downward extension of flap 81 which extends beneath top transverse surface 42 thereby defining opening 43. Upon inserting the upper portion of neck 23 of bottle 21 through opening 43, tab 85 engages neck 23 and assures that flap 81 remains substantially vertically and thus holds transverse surface 42 substantially parallelto top surface 40.

Each side wall 26 of exemplary carton 20 has its main portion 31 foldably connected to an associated side edge 32 of rear wall 25 as previously mentioned and a centrally arranged extension flap 33 extends from the outer edge 34 of each main portion 31. Each central flap 33 is folded to lie between bottom transverse surface means 38 and top transverse surface means 42.

Each side wall 26 also has a pair of comparatively narrow extension flaps at its lower and upper opposite end portions designated by the numerals 87 and 88 respectively. As seen in FIGURE 7 of the drawings, each extension flap 87 is folded substantially coplanar with the inside surface of lower framing surface 37 and with each flap 87 thus folded in position flap 64 is folded thereagainst so that upon inserting bottle 21 in position against the opposite side of flap 64 flaps 87 provide added support and rigidity for display carton 20.

Each extension flap 88 is folded behind the inside surface of top framing surface 41 and thus serves, in eflFect, as a backup flap for such top framing surface which also provides improved strength for top wall means 30.

As previously described, each flap 61 comprising bottom wall means 27 has an upwardly extending portion 62 which extends above an associated side edge 60 of bottom transverse surface 38. Upper portion 62 is folded substantially coplanar with and against the inside surface of portion 31 of side wall 26. In a similar manner, extension flap 70 is folded substantially along the inside surface of portion 31 of side wall 26. With flaps 70 and the upper portion 62 of fiap 61 thus arranged, central extension flap 33 of side wall 26 is folded thereagainst to sandwich flaps 70 and portions 62 against the associated inside surface of side wall portion 31. This arrangement, of course, provides added strength and rigidity for carton 20.

The width of carton 20 is preferably dimensioned so the lower portion 22 of associated bottle 21 fits closely therewithin and central flap portions 33 lie immediately adjacent such main portion. Thus, the bottle itself is used to help strengthen the carton and, of course, with neck portion 23 of bottle 21 inserted in its opening 43 and the lower portion 22 of bottle 21 inserted in its associated opening 39 the bottle is firmly held in position.

An alternate manner of folding and defining bottom wall means 27 is illustrated in FIGURES l and 11 of the drawingswherein planar surface layer 50 is folded to define the inside surface of bottom support 35 while extension fiaps 44 are folded therebelow against the outside surface of layer portion 50 to provide a smoother exposed bottom surface for carton 20. With this arrangement fastening tabs 55 extend to a protected position within carton 20 and bottle 21 helps hold them in position by resting thereon.

Irrespective of whether carton 20 is assembled with its flaps defining bottom wall means 27 in the manner as illustrated in FIGURES and 7 or in the manner illustrated in FIGURES l0 and 11, the improved carton thus defined has bottom wall means 27 which is of optimum strength and rigidity and yet provides the smooth lines and improved decorative shadow box appealdefined by carton 20 of this invention. 7

Carton 20 may be formed in any suitable manner and made from any suitable foldable material. It is preferably formed from the blank 90 illustrated in FIGURE 12 of the drawings. Blank 90 is made of cardboard, or the like, having a side such as the exposed surface thereof laminated with metallic foil, such as aluminum-containing metallic foil, or the like, suitably colored, embossed, imprinted, or remaining plain as desired.

Blank 90 is suitably cut and scored and includes a pair of parallel rectilinear score or fold lines 91 and 92 defining the vertical height of the main central portion of blank 90 and, of course, such height establishes the vertical height of assembled carton 20.

The central portion of blank 90 defines rear wall 25 which has its bottom and top defined by score lines 91 and 92 respectively and its side edges defined by a pair of parallel score lines 32.

The main portion 31 of each side wall 26 is defined in blank 90 between a pair of score lines 32 and 34 and each score line 34 is arranged parallel to score line 32 and perpendicular to score lines 91 and 92.

Each side wall portion 31 has score line 34 extending along its full height and has extension flaps 33, 87, and 88 extending beyond score line 34. Extension flap 87 is provided adjoining the lower side edge of side wall portion 31 and is defined by a portion of score line 34 designated by the numeral 93, cut means 94 extending perpendicular to score line 93, and the associated corner of blank 90. Extension fiap 88 is defined by a portion of score line 34 designated by the numeral 95, cut 96 similar to cut 94, and an associated corner of blank 90.

Bottom wall means 30 provided by the unique display carton of this invention is comprised of component portions of blank 90 practically all of which are arranged outwardly of score line 91. In a similar manner, top wall means 30 of carton 20 is arranged by portions of blank 90 practically all of which are arranged outwardly of score line 92.

The main portion 50 of bottom wall means 27 extends from the central portion of score line 91 and has a pair of parallel edges 100 and 101 defining its side edges and its rear and front edges (in the assembled carton) are defined by score lines 91 and a score line 102 respectively. Bottom framing surface 37 is defined by score line 102 and score line 65 extending between edges 100 and 101 and the remainder of the main portion of bottom wall means 27 extends outwardly beyond score line 65.

vThe previously mentioned bottom transverse surface 38 is comprised of a pair of substantially triangular portions each also being designated by the same numeral 38 and each being defined by terminal end portion of score line 65 along one side, score line defining the other side edge thereof, and substantially arcuate cut 104 extending between the terminal end of score line 60 at one end and engaging center portion of score line at the opposite end. Each arcuate cut 104, in effect, comprises the hypotenuse portion of each triangular portion 38. Bottom transverse surface 38 has its front flap 64 which has an outline similar to a part of a circular disc and has its substantially arcuate edge portion defined by a central portion of score line 65 and a portion of arcuate cuts 104. The terminal outer edge of flap 64 is substantially straight and defined by a pair of aligned cuts 105 arranged on opposite ends of and aligned with an edge of blank designated by the numeral 106.

Transverse surface 38 has oppositely arranged wing flaps 61 and each wing flap 61 has a portion 62 which is adapted to be rotated ninety degrees away from the plan of blank 90 to extend vertically above score line 60 in the assembled carton 20. Simultaneously each portion 63 of wing flap 61 is rotated in the assembled carton so that it extends below score line 60. As seen in FIGURE 12 eachfiap has a substantially rectangular peripheral outline andthe space shown at 108 between adjacent inner side edges of such rectangular flaps together with space provided upon moving portions 63 and flap 64 vertically in the assembled carton20 completely delnes bottom opening means 39.

. 7 therein and arranged so that the open parallel legs thereof extend toward each other. Each U-shaped cut 51' has rectilinear score means designatedby the -nuremal 52extending between the terminal ends of its parallel leg 'portions to enable folding each tab' portion 109 definedby each cut 51 and score line 52 about suchscore line to lock an associated fastening tab 55 in position. 3

Top wall means 30 of carton is formed in blank 90 so that it extends outwardly of score line 92 P P 'vided therein. Thus, top" wall means has parallel spaced apart rectilinear score lines 92, 112, 113, and 80' defining respectively the lateral extent of flap portion 40 of top wall means 30 between score lines 92 and 11 2, vertical framing surface 41 between score lines 112 and 113, top transverse surface 42 arranged between score lines 113 and 80, and extension flap 81 extending beyond score line 80.

A pair of oppositely arranged extension flaps are provided extending beyond opposite side edges of main flap 40 of top wall means 30. Each flap 70 extends beyond a portion 73 of score line 32 and is essentially trapezoidal in outline. Each extension flap 70 has a U-shaped cut 71 defined therein with a score line 72 arrangedbetween the terminal ends of the parallel leg portions of U- shaped cut 71 so as to define rectangular tab 114 which is foldable about score line 72.

Fastening flap means 46 provided in each side wall portion 31 extending from score means 47 which is arranged substantially in line with the top edge of portion 31 and each fastening flap 46 has a pair of oppositely arranged fastening tabs 46A each extending beyond an associated score line 115 in flap 46. Upon assemblying blank 90 to define carton 20, fastening flaps 46 are inserted so that their fastening tab portions or ears 46A :are inserted along an associated side of U-shaped cut 71 and sandwiched between an associated rectangular tab 114 and adjoining wall means to provide a firm fastening action at top of carton 20.

Top transverse surface 42 of top wall means 30 has U-shaped cut 82 provided therein and arranged so that its parallel legs extend perpendicular to score line and the area bounded by U-shaped cut 82 defines tab 85, as previously explained. Flap 81 is folded in a perpendicular manner toward top surface 40 in assembled carton 20 causing tab 85 to move downwardly beneath transverse surface 42 to define top opening 43.

Thus, it is seen that the blank is formed having a main central portion which primarily defines the vertical walls of assembled carton 20 and the oppositely arranged bottom and top wall means are defined by extension flap means extending from such vertical walls.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGURES 13-16 of the drawings. The improved carton illustrated in FIGURES 13-16 is practically identical to the carton 20; therefore, such carton will be designated generally by the numeral 20A and parts thereof which are identical to corresponding parts of carton 20 will be designated by the same numeral as carton 20 also followed by the letter designation A and not described again. Only those component parts which are different from corresponding parts in carton 20 will be designated by a new numeral also followed by the letter designation A and described in detail. i

The only difference between carton 20A and carton 20 lies in the fact that a preferably separate decorative background surface means is provided therefor and adapted to provide a background surface immediately adjacent the rear vertical surface of neck portion 23 of bottle 21. The decorative background surface means is shown in perspective view FIGURE 16 of the drawings and the description will proceed making reference to the perspective view of FIGURE 16 and the illustration of FIGURE-S 13-15 concurrently and a separate showing in plan view of the blank used to form the decorative background surface in FIG- URE 16 will not be presented.

'The decorative background surface means comprises surface means designated generally by the numeral A which has a main portion which is adapted to extend substantially the full height of the neck 23 of bottle 21 and such main portion is designated by the numeral 121A. Background surface 120A also has an offset portion designated by the numeral 122A which is sandwiched between the main portion 22 of bottle 21 and rearwall 25A. An interconnecting portion designated by the 'nu-' meral 123A interconnects the main portion 121A with the offset portion 122A. 2

Decorative background surface 120A is made from a single sheet of foldable material as will be apparent from FIGURE 16 and its interconnecting portion 123A is foldably connected along a score line 134A to the lower edge of main portion 121A. Offset portion 122A extends beyond and downwardly below interconnecting portion 123A and is foldably connected thereto along a score line 125A.

Although background surface 120A may be formed as an integral part of top wall means 30A, in this example of the invention such background surface is formed as a separate piece and is held in position in a manner as will be presently described. Main portion 121A has an upwardly extending tab designated by the numeral A which extends above the top edge 131A of main portion 121A. Tab 130A is inserted through top opening 43A of transverse surface 42A and is supported against flap 81A to hold main portion 121A immediately behind neck 23. Tab 121A also serves to locate background surface 120A in its desired position.

Tab 130A of this example is shown as being semicircular in configuration; however, it will be appreciated that such tab may be of any desired configuration, for example, tab 130A may have parallel or taperedside edges.

Main portion 121A has a pair of oppositely arranged side edges defined by a pair of score lines each designated by the numeral 132A and a pair of extension flaps 133A which are rectangular in peripheral outline extending beyond side edges 132A. Similarly, offset portion 122A has a pair of rectangular extension-flaps each designated by the numeral 134A which extend beyond its opposite side edges defined by a pair of score lines 135A.

With tab 130A supported against flap 81A, i.e., sandwiched between neck 23 and flap 81A and its lower extension 85A, flaps 133A and 134A are each adapted to lie substantially coplanar with an adjoining portion of an associated side wall portion 31A of side wall means 26A; The outer extension flap portion 33A of each side wall 26A is then folded against associated extension flaps 133A and 134A.

Thus, it is seen that the top portion of surface means 120A is held in position by sandwiching tab 130A between flap 81A and the top portion of bottle neck 23. The lower portion of surface means 120A is held in position by sandwiching offset portion 122A between the lower portion 22 of bottle 21 and rear wall 25A. Thus, background surface 120A is firmly held in position and provides an even more appealing display of bottle 21 carried within carton 20A.

Terms such as upwardly, downwardly, sides, side wall, bottom, bottom wall, top, top wall, front, rear, etc., have been used in this disclosure of the invention merely for ease of description and to correspond to the arrangement of components as illustrated in the drawings and such terms should not be considered as limiting the scope of this invention in any way.

Thus, it is seen that an improved shadow box display carton has been provided by this invention which provides optimum aesthetic appeal and which can be readily assembled by hand without requiring additional fastening means such as glue, or the like.

Further, this invention provides improved blanks for making such carton, or the like. v

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claimed subject matter which follows.

What is claimed is:

1. A framing display carton for a bottle-like container comprising, a rear wall, parallel spaced apart side wall means fastened along opposite side edges of said rear wall and extending forwardly therefrom, each of said side wall means comprising bottom edge means, a pair of fastening flap means each extending beyond bottom edge means of an associated side wall means, each of said fastening flap means being folded perpendicular to its associated side wall means and each having a terminal portion provided with locking tab means extending from opposite side edge means thereof, bottom wall means fastened to said rear wall and side wall means, said bottom wall means comprising bottom supporting means having a main portion defined by a planar surface layer which is foldably fastened to said rear wall and defines the configuration of said bottom wall means, spaced apart slit means in said planar surface, and a vertically arranged bottom framing surface extending upwardly from said bottom supporting means, and top wall means fastened to said rear wall and side wall means, said top wall means comprising a top surface and a vertically arranged top framing surface extending downwardly from said top surface, said framin surfaces lying substantially coplanar and cooperating with front edge means of said side wall means to define said display carton having the appearance of an attractive shadow box, and said carton being held together independently of additional fastening means at its bottom end portion by folding said fastening fiap means substantially coplanar with said planar surface layer and with said terminal portions in overlapped relation and locking Said locking tab means in said slit means and at its top end portion by said fastening tab means holding said side wall means against said top wall means.

2. The carton as set forth in claim 1 in which, said bottom wall means further comprises bottom transverse surface means extending inwardly of and adjoining top edge means of said bottom framing surface and having bottom opening means therein corresponding in peripheral outline to the lower peripheral outline of said container, and said top wall means further comprises top transverse surface means extending inwardly of and adjoining bottom edge means of said top framing surface and having top opening means therein corresponding in peripheral outline to the upper peripheral outline of said container, whereby a portion of said container extends below and above said bottom and top transverse surface means respectively and is held within said carton thereby.

3. The carton as set forth in claim 2 in which said bottom transverse surface means comprises oppositely arranged first side edge means and first flap means adjoining each of said first side edge means, said first flap means having an extension portion extending above said first side edge means and a spacing portion extending therebelow holding said bottom transverse surface means above said bottom supporting means in substantially parallel relation.

4. The carton as set forth in claim 3 in which said spacing portion of said first flap means is defined by a portion of carton material which is rotated approximately ninety degrees away from its original position to define a portion of said bottom opening means.

5. The carton as set forth in claim 2 in which said top transverse surface means comprises oppositely arranged second side edge means and second flap means extending beyond each of said second side edge means, each of said second flap means being folded downwardly along an adjoining side wall means and held thereagainst by wedging fiap means extending from said adjoining side wall means.

6. A framing display carton for a bottle-like container comprising; a rear wall; parallel spaced apart side wall means fastened along opposite side edges of said rear wall and extending forwardly therefrom; each of said side wall means comprising, bottom edge means, a pair of fastening fiap means each extending beyond bottom edge means of an associated side wall means, and each of said fastening flap means being folded perpendicular to its associated side wall means and having a terminal portion provided with locking tab means extending from opposite side edge means thereof; bottom wall means fastened to said rear wall and side wall means; said bottom wall means comprising, bottom supporting means having a main portion defined by a planar surface layer which is foldably fastened to said rear wall and defines the configuration of said bottom wall means, spaced apart slit means in said planar surface, a vertically arranged bottom framing surface extending upwardly from said bottom supporting means, bottom transverse surface means extending inwardly of and adjoining top edge means of said bottom framing surface and having bottom opening means therein corresponding in peripheral outline to the lower peripheral outline of said container; and top wall means fastened to said rear wall and side wall means; said top wall means comprising, a top surface, a vertically arranged top framing surface extending downwardly from said top surface, and top transverse surface means extending inwardly of and adjoining bottom edge means of said top framing surface, said top transverse surface means has top opening means provided therein corresponding in peripheral outline to the upper peripheral outline of said container and also comprises, rear edge means having third flap means extending therebeyond and folded perpendicular to said top surface to hold said top transverse surface means substantially parallel to said top surface, and said top opening means is defined by substantially U-shaped cut means in said transverse surface means with said U- shaped cut means having its substantially parallel leg portions arranged perpendicular to said rear edge means, said U-shaped cut means defining supporting tab means comprising a downward extension of said third flap means which extends beneath said top transverse surface means and assures said top transverse surface means is held parallel to said top surface upon inserting the neck of said bottle-like container through said top opening means; whereby said carton is held together independently of additional fastening means at its bottom end portion by folding said fastening flap means substantially coplanar with said planar surface layer with said terminal portions in overlapped relation and locking said locking tab means in said slit means and at its top end portion by said fastening tab means holding said side wall means against said top wall means and a portion of said container extends below and above said bottom and top transverse surface means respectively and is held within said carton thereby.

7. The carton as set forth in claim 6 adapted to carry said bottle-like container having a comparatively narrow neck defining its upper portion and further comprising decorative background surface means comprising, a main portion extending substantially the full height of said neck immediately adjacent the rear surface thereof, an offset portion which is sandwiched between a main portion of said bottle and said rear wall, :and in interconnect ing portion interconnecting said main portion and said offset portion, whereby said sandwiched offset portion helps hold said background surface means in position behind said neck.

8. The carton as set forth in claim 7 in which said background surface means is defined as a separate member and said main portion comprises, oppositely arranged fourth side edge means and fourth flap means extending beyond each of said fourth side edge means, each of said fourth fiap means being folded substantially perpendicular to said main portion to lie substantially coplanar with an associated side wall means, and supported tab means extending upwardly from top edge means of said main portion, said supported tab means being adapted to be supported :against said third flap means, whereby said supported tab means and fourth flap means help in holding and locating said main portion of said background surface means immediately adjacent the rear surface of said narrow neck to provide an even more appealing display of said bottle-like container.

9. A blank for forming a framing display carton for a bottle-like container; said blank being cut and scored to define a rear Wall; parallel spaced apart side wall means fastened along opposite side edges of said rear wall and being adapted to extend forwardly therefrom when said carton is assembled from said blank; each of said side wall means comprising, bottom edge means, a pair of fastening flap means each extending beyond bottom edge means of an associated side wall means, and each of said fastening flap means being adapted to be folded perpendicular to its associated side wall means in said assembled carton and each having a terminal portion provided with locking tab means extending from opposite side edge means thereof; bottom wall means fastened to said rear wall and side wall means; said bottom wall means comprising, bottom supporting means having a main portion defined by a planar surface layer which is foldably fastened to said rear wall and defines the configuration of said bottom wall means, spaced apart slit means in said planar surface layer, a bottom framing surface being adapted to extend vertically upwardly from said bottom supporting means in said assembled carton, and bottom transverse surface means being adapted to extend inwardly of and adjoining top edge means of said bottom framing surface in said assembled carton and having bottom opening means therein adapted to correspond in peripheral outline in said assembled carton to the lower peripheral outline of said container; and top Wall means being adapted to be fastened to said rear wall and side wall means in said assembled carton; said top wall means comprising, a top surface, a top framing surface being adapted to extend vertically downwardly from said top surface in said assembled carton, and top transverse surface means being adapted to extend inwardly of and adjoining bottom edge means of said top framing surface in said assembled carton and having top opening means therein adapted to correspond in peripheral outline in said assembled carton to the upper peripheral outline of said container; whereby said assembled carton is held together independently of additional fastening means at its bottom end portion by folding said fastening flap means substantially coplanar with said planar surface layer with said terminal portions in overlapped relation and locking said locking tab means in said slit means and at its top end portion by said fastening tab means holding the top portion of said side wall means against said top wall means, said framing surfaces being adapted to befolded substantially coplanar with front edge meansof said side wall means in said assembled display carton, and in said assembled carton a portion of said container extends below and above said bottom and top transverse surface means respectively and is held within said carton thereby.

10. The blank as set forth in claim 9 in which said bottom transverse surface means comprises oppositely arranged first side edge means and first .flap means adjoining each of said first side edge means, said firs'oflap means having an extension portion adapted to extend above said first side edge means and-a spacing portion adapted to extend below said first side edge means in said assembled carton and hold said bottom transverse means above said bottom supporting means in substantially parallel relation.

11. The blank as set forth in claim 10 in which said top transverse surface means comprises oppositely arranged second side edge means and second flap means extending beyond each of said second side edge means, each of said second flap means being adapted to be folded along an adjoining side wall means in said assembled carton and held thereagainst by wedging flap means extending from said adjoining side wall means. 7 v 1 12. The blank as set forth in claim 11 in which said top transverse surface means further comprises, rear edge means having third flap means extending therebeyond, and said top opening means is defined by substantially U-shaped cut means in said top transverse surface means with said U-shaped cut means having its substantially parallel leg portions arranged perpendicular to said rear edge means, whereby in said assembled carton said U-shaped cut means defines supporting tab means comprising a downward extension of said third flap means which extends substantially vertically beneath said top transverse surface means and assures said top transverse surface means is held parallel to said top surface upon inserting the top portion of said container through said top opening means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,039,026 9/1912 Carter 22939 1,546,601 7/ 1925 Morris 22939 2,114,422 4/ 1938 Guyer 22939 3,184,136 5/1965 Forbes 22936 FOREIGN PATENTS 530,769 12/ 1940 Great Britain.

WILLIAM T. DIXSON, IR., Primary Examiner.

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