CA2096753C - Top panel spout carton - Google Patents
Top panel spout cartonInfo
- Publication number
- CA2096753C CA2096753C CA 2096753 CA2096753A CA2096753C CA 2096753 C CA2096753 C CA 2096753C CA 2096753 CA2096753 CA 2096753 CA 2096753 A CA2096753 A CA 2096753A CA 2096753 C CA2096753 C CA 2096753C
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- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- top panel
- cut
- panel
- carton
- extending
- Prior art date
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Abstract
A carton is disclosed having a reclosable pour spout formed in a top panel thereof.
The pour spout being formed by cooperating portions of an upper minor flap, an exterior top panel and an interior top panel which cooperate to form the top panel of the carton. A portion of the interior top panel forming a central closure pane is formed by inside and outside cut scores formed in the interior top panel defining a ply-separation region therebetween which extends from a lift tab to a hinge line formed in the interior top panel. The exterior top panel includes a central closure pane defined by lines of perforation which exend from the lift tab to a hinge line formed in the exterior top panel which overlies the hinge line formed in the interior top panel, such that upon the application of an opening force to the lift tab, ply-separation occurs in the ply-separation region of the interior top panel which consequently forms a stop lip in the interior top panel and a stop tab on the central closure pane which when reclosed contacts the stop lip and prevents the central closure pane from being inserted into an interior of the carton.
The pour spout being formed by cooperating portions of an upper minor flap, an exterior top panel and an interior top panel which cooperate to form the top panel of the carton. A portion of the interior top panel forming a central closure pane is formed by inside and outside cut scores formed in the interior top panel defining a ply-separation region therebetween which extends from a lift tab to a hinge line formed in the interior top panel. The exterior top panel includes a central closure pane defined by lines of perforation which exend from the lift tab to a hinge line formed in the exterior top panel which overlies the hinge line formed in the interior top panel, such that upon the application of an opening force to the lift tab, ply-separation occurs in the ply-separation region of the interior top panel which consequently forms a stop lip in the interior top panel and a stop tab on the central closure pane which when reclosed contacts the stop lip and prevents the central closure pane from being inserted into an interior of the carton.
Description
BACKGROIJNI) OF 111~; INVENTION
Paperboard cartons convey products from ' ~, to consumer admirably.
Even though i~ C, they are durable, protective and easily imprinted with instructions, il~ro~ dliOI~ and attractive graphics. They are even better at storing the product on the shelf prior to ~ use but a fair degree of self-control can be required to avoid becoming at least mildly aggravated when trying to open "easy-open" spouts or to reclose reclosable flaps such as are found on many prior art cartons. At one time, metal pour spouts found widespread use on many cartons for granular products but, with ever increasing ~;UllI~ iV~ and ecological pressure, the relatively expensive metal pour spout has become, if not an exorbitant luxury, then at least an expensive frill, better eliminated if at all possible.
Pour spouts formed entirely of paperboard can be less expensive than metal spouts but so far it has proved exceedingly difficult to combine a reliable, reclosable, easily opened pour spout with a simple design which is both frugal with board and suitable for existing high speed packaging machinery. U.S. Patent No. 5,000,320 discloses side panel pour spout cartons largely U.~,l- ' l,g these problems while requiring only a moderate additional board area over that required for the basic carton. However, as with all side panel pour spout cartons, if such cartons are filled to the top, care may be required to prevent product from spilling upon initial opening.
SUMMARY OF Tlll; INVF~TION
The carton of the present invention may easily be ~ ~d ûn existing ` ,~ 2096~53 machinery without requiring patterned application of adhesive and uses only the amount of board required for the basic carton while obviating possible spillage problems attendant upon opening.
The sealed carton strongly resists infestation and reseals firmly making it highly resistant to spills even after initial opening. Cooperating incisions forrned in one of the minor flaps and both top panels constitute a multi-layer top panel pour spout feature having a central closure pane ~ JOld~ b portions of both the exterior and interior top panels of the carton. Upon resealing, strong frictional forces firmly retain the central closure pane over the opening so that minor bumps and jostles can be tolerated without accidentally reopening the carton and u..J~ dbly spilling product.
Beginning at one edge of the exterior top panel, a first through cut substantially norrnal thereto is formed leading rearwardly to a first line of perforation ~ , therewith and extending rearwardly to a first hinge line such as a crease score ' lly normal to the line of perforation extending transversely across the top panel of the carton to a second line of p~lro.dliulls leading forwardly to a second through cut extending forwardly to the edge of the carton. A slight protrusion of the exterior top panel between the first and second through cuts extends over the edge of the carton to facilitate opening ~ ' ' ' ~ t''~
first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel underlying the first line of p~lruld~iu..s and extending rearwardly to a second hinge line underlying said first hinge line. A first interior cut score begins at the of the third through cut with the first upper cut score and extends rearwardly to the second hinge line along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score .. .... .. .. , .... . ... . .. _ ... _ .. ... ... . . . . ... . . . . _ _ . .
20g6753 between the first and second lines of ~lruld~iu.l~. A second upper cut score underlies the second line of p~ r,.~ and extends forwardly to a point underlying the of the second through cut with the second line of pc;lru...liu.., where the second upper cut score intersects with a fourth through cut underlying the second through cut and extending forwardly to the edge of the carton. Beginning at a point i"t~ .6 the second hinge line between the first interior cut score and the second line of ~ r.",.l;"., a second interior cut score extends forwardly to a point underlying the of the second upper cut score and the fourth through cut. A portion of the interior top panel protrudes beyond the edge of the carton between the third and fourth through cuts.
Third and fourth upper cut scores are formed in the minor flap underlying the third and fourth through cuts and each extends rearwardly beneath one of those through cuts to a point Iying beneath the of its respective through cut with the adjoining upper cut score formed in the interior top panel. An aperture is formed in the minor flap underlying the region defined by the first and second interior cut scores, the hinge lines and an imaginary line extending between the - of each of the first and second through cuts with its adjusting line of ~. ,ru-d~iOIls.
A fifth through cut may be formed in the interior top panel extending along the line between, but not bridging, the ;"~ 1;" ~ of the first and second upper cut scores with the adjoining through cuts.
The carton is opened by lifting the ~lulJu~io.~D upward, grasping the lift tab defined by the sections of the top panels Iying between the first and second through cuts and pulling the lift tab upwardly and rearwardly thereby inducing ply ~ u~liu.. in the region between the third and fourth upper cut scores formed in the minor flap, parting the exterior top i~ 20~6753 panel along the lines of p~lrulaliOA5 while inducing ply-separation in the two regions of the interior top panel adjacent to and located between the first and second upper cut scores and t'Aereby forming an opening extending through both top panels and t'Ae minor flap into the interior of the carton while ' . 'y forming a central pane which comprises portions of tAe top paAels Iying between the interior cut scores.
I'A the erect and opened carton, attached to the central closure pane are: the lift tab extending to and slightly past the edge of the carton, as well as two stop tabs adjoining the central closure panel which , one complete thickness of board and a ply-separated region of about half that in t'Aickness. Adjacent the opening formed by upward aAd rearward movement of the central closure pane are two stop lips formed by that plS ~ ala~ ll in regions of the interior top panel adjacent the central closure pane. Thus, the stop lips underlie and are engage~ble against the stop tabs attached to the central closure providing a highly effective means of preventing the central closure pane from passing through the pour spout opening and becoming lodged inside the carton. A glue lip is formed in the minor end flap underlying the lift tab while aA opening through the minor end flap underlies the opening formed in both top panels by lifting of the central closure pane.
Upon initial opening, the stop tabs are formed by tAe regions of the exterior top panel adjacent the central closure pane of the spout as well as by the portions of the upper plies of the interior top panel which ply-separate from those regions of the interior top paAel forming the stop lips adjacent the pour spout. Similarly, a retention lip is formed by ply-separation of the glue lip. Both formation of the accessory spout structure and initial opening of the pour spout itself are ~ h~1 by lifting the ~JIU~ iOAs away from the carton, then grasping the lift tab and pulling upwardly and rearwardly toward the center of the carton.
~ 2~96~3 Reclosing is ~ ' by inserting the lift tab into the pour spout opening then tucking it under the retention lip formed by ply-separation of the glue lip on the minor end flap underlying the two top panels. The central closure pane is retained outside of the carton by of the two stop tabs against the two stop lips adjoining the pour spout opening formed through the top panels and minor end flap.
Reopening may be eased by providing a reildily attachable edge along the junction of the lift tab with the central closure panel as, for example, by a short through cut between the lift tab and the central closure pane or by removing or entirely omitting the portion of the exterior top panel overlying that portion of the interior top panel ~ the lift tab.
In accordance with an alternative ~ o~ of the present invention, a cut-out is formed adjacent an edge of the exterior top panel leading rearwardly to first and second lines of perforation which intersect therewith and extend reilrwardly to a first hinge line in the form of a crease score substantially normal to the lines of perforation and extending i .~
across the exterior top panel of the carton. Formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying a periphery of the cut-out is a first through cut extending rearwardly ~ CbCllCd~ll.
At a point underlying the irf~rcr~ti~-n of the cut-out and the first line of pclr~dti~ , the first through cut intersects with a first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying and spaced inwardly of the fist line of ~, r.~ C and extending rearwardly to a second hinge line underlying said first hinge line. A second through cut begins at a point adjacent and spaced from the il-t~ of the first through cut with the first upper cut score and extends redrwardly to the second hinge line along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score between the first and second lines of 1~ r.,.~l,.,..~ A second upper cut score c~,b~c~qn-iqlly underlies and is slightly spaced inwardly of the second line of p. . r~ ,C and ... , . , . , . ,,, . , . , ... ,,, ,, ., . ,, . . . ,,, . ,,,, . , . _ .. , .. ,, . , . , . ,, . , , ,,, . , ,,, . . _ _ _ _ . .
~ 2~96~53 extends forwardly to a point underlying the i"'~ of the cut-out with the second line of p~. ru.dliul.D where the second upper cut score intersects with a third through cut substantially underlying the periphery of the cut-out and extending forwardly to the edge of the carton.
Beginning at a point ~ ~ the second hinge line between the first interior cut score and the second line of p~ r~ C, a fourth through cut extends forwardly to a point adjacent to and spaced from the of the second upper cut score and the third through cut. A portion of the interior top panel protrudes beyond the edge of the carton between the first and third through cuts.
Third and fourth upper cut scores are formed in the minor flap underlying the first and third through cuts and each extends rearwardly beneath one of those through cuts to a point Iying beneath the i ~ rl ~i.. of its respective through cut with the adjoining upper cut score formed in the interior top panel. An aperture is formed in the minor flap s~ ~c~ ly underlying the region defined by the second and fourth through cuts, the hinge lines and an imaginary line extending between the i ~ of each of the first and third through cuts with its adjoining upper cut score. A fifth through cut may be formed in the interior top panel extending along the line between, but not bridging, the i " ~ l i. . - of the first and second upper cut scores with the adjoining through cuts.
The carton is opened by lifting the protrusion upward, grasping the lift tab defined by the section of the interior top panels Iying between the first and third through cuts and pulling the lift tab upwardly and rearwardly thereby inducing ply- separation in the region between the third and fourth upper cut scores formed in the minor flap, parting the exterior top panel along the lines of p~l ruldliullD while inducing ply-separation in the two regions of the interior top panel adjacent to and located between the first and second upper cut scores and thereby forming an ~ 209~
opening extending through both top panels and the minor flap into the interior of the carton while ' 'y forming a central pane which comprises portions of the top panels Iying between the second and fourth through cuts.
Similar to the previous; ' ' t, in the erect and opened carton, attached to the central closure pane are: the lift tab extending to and slightly past the edge of the carton, as well as two stop tabs adjoining the central closure panel which IJ' one complete thickness of board and a ply-separated region of about half that in thickness. Adjacent the opening formed by upward and rearward movement of the central closure pane are two stop lips formed by that ply-separation in regions of the interior top panel adjacent the central closure pane. Thus, the stop lips underlie and are engageable against the stop tabs attached to the central closure providing a highly effective means of preventing the central closure pane from passing through the pour spout opening and becoming lodged inside the carton. A glue lip is formed in the minor end flap underlying the lift tab while an opening through the minor end flap underlies the opening formed in both top panels by lifting of the central closure panel.
Upon initial opening, the stop tabs are formed by the regions of the exterior top panel adjacent the central closure pane of the spout as well as by the portions of the upper plies of the interior top panel which ply-separate from those regions of the interior top panel forming the stop lips adjacent the pour spout. Similarly, a retention lip is formed by ply-separation of the glue lip. Both formation of the accessory Spout structure and initial opening of the pour spout itself are ~r~-~rl ' by lifting the protrusion away from the carton, then grasping the lift tab and pulling upwardly and rearwardly toward the center of the carton.
Reclosing is ' ' ' in a manner like that of the previous ~ ,I.o.l" ~"l by inserting the lift tab into the pour spout opening then tucking it under the retention lip formed 2~ 3 by ply-separation of the glue lip on the minor end flap underlying the two top panels. The central closure pane is retained outside of the carton by ~ of the two stop tabs against the two stop lips adjoining the pour spout opening formed through the top panels and minor end flap. Reopening may be eased by providing a portion of the central closure panel formed by the exterior top panel which extends slightly beyond the fold line of the lift tab. This portion thus contacts the lip and may be grasped by the consumer for reopening the carton.
PDT~iF DFAC~RTDTI~N OF l~TT1. DD`~W~GS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following det~iled description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE I is a ~ iYe view illustrating a carton formed in ac~ol,' - with an ~ ' ' of the present invention before opening;
FIGURE 2 is a p~l~Live view illustrating the carton of FIGURE 1 open with the lift tab folded downwardly as it would be in pll,~)dld~i~JII for reclosing;
FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a blank for forming the carton of FIGURE I in accordance with an ~ ...I)~Iill,. ~ of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is an enlargement of those portions of FIGURE 3 illustrating the details of the incisions forming the spout feature of the carton of FIGURE l;
FIGURE S is a perspective view illustrating an alternative carton of the present invention before opening;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view illustrating the alternative carton of FIGURE 5 open with the lift tab folded do...~w~dly as it would be in IJlCi~)dldLiU.. for reclosing;
.. . .... _ .... ..... ...... . . . .. ...... .. . ....... .. _ ... . . _ .. ....... .. . .... .. . _ .
2~9~3 g FIGURE 7 is a plan view of a blank for forming the carton of FIGURE 5 in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURES 8 and 9 are Pnl~r~PmPnt~ of those portions of FIGURE 7 illustrating the details of tbe incisions forming the spout feature of alternative cartons of the present invention;
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view illustrating a carton formed in accordance with an alternative l ',o~li..~. .,1 of the present invention before opening;
FIGURE l l is a perspective view illustrating the carton of FIGURE 10 open with the lift tab folded du....w~dly as it would be in preparation for reclosing; and FIGURE 12 is a plan view of a blank for forming the carton of FIGURE 10 in accordance with an alternative ( . ..l~o~ of the present invention.
Throughout these Figures, the following convention is used to denote the character of the various incisions: a through cut, also sometimes referred to as a knife cut, is shown as a solid line; a crease score, as a line of long dashes of equal length; ~.ru,~ S, as a line of short dashes of equal length; while a cut score is indicated by a line of alternating long and short dashes.
l)ETAn~ R~PllOl~ OF T~IF PRFh~RRl~n ~,l\ll~Ol~I~.l~TS
In Figures I through 4, carton 10 comprises lateral body panels 12 and 14 hingedly joined to minor lateral panel 17. Side panel 16 hingedly adjoining main lateral panel 12 may be adhesively bonded to glue flap 18 adjoining main lateral panel 14. Shoulder 20 between main body panel 14 and glue flap 18 assists in formation of a tight corner with good .. .. . . . _ . . _ . .. . _ _ _ . .
2~9~7~3 sift resistance. Similarly, minor flaps 24, 26, 28 and 30 assist in providing sift resistance to the seals formed in the cu..~, ' manner by , , of interior and exterior lower end panels 32 and 34 as well as that formed with top panels 36 and 38.
Pour spout is formed by ~ ; g incisions formed in: upper minor flap 30, exterior top panel 36 and interior top panel 38, the details of which are best seen in Figures 3 and 4. Beginning with interior top panel 38, lower central closure pane 42 is formed by inside cut scores 44 and 46 each extending from the hinge line defined by crease score 48 to through cuts 50 and 52 respectively. Stop tab 54 is formed from the upper plies of interior top panel 38 adjoining lower central closure pane 42 in the region c;., ' ' by inside cut score 46, crease score 48, and upper cut score 60 extending from crease score 48 to the i,.~ ., of inside cut score 46 with through cut 50 while stop tab 56 is similarly formed in the region by crease score 48, inside cut score 44 and upper cut score 58. Preferably, inside cut scores 44 and 46 begin on the interior or lower surface of interior top panel 38 and extend upwardly through about 50% of the thickness of the board while upper cut scores 58 and 60 extend du..~.vdldly into the board for about the same distance. Lower lift tab 66 is defined by through cut 64, through cuts 50 and 52 extending from through cut 64 to through cut 68 dividing interior top panel 38 from minor flap 30 and thereby defining protrusion 69 formed at the edge of lower lift tab 66. Short through cut 64 is spaced away from each of through cuts 50 and 52 and thus is formed in the central portion of the fold line resulting when lift tab 66 is bent downward from lower central panel 42 as shown in Figure 2 thereby easing downward folding of lower lift tab 66 for reclosing.
Exterior central closure pane 70 lies above lower central closure pane 42 while the upper portions of stop tabs 54 and 56 occupy the regions between exterior central closure 2096~3 pane 70 and perforated cuts 72 and 74 extending through exterior top panel 36 forward of the hinge line defined by crease score 76 and rearward of short through cut 78 in exterior top panel 36. When carton 10 is erected, perforated cuts 72 and 74 lie " '~/ above upper cut scores 60 and 58 ~ Iy formed in interior top panel 38 while crease score 76 and through cut 78 are i, ' '~/ above crease score 48 and through cut 64, ~ ~L~ ly. Exterior lih tab 80 is defined by short through cut 78 as well as through cuts 82 and 84 formed in exterior top panel 36 and through cut 86 dividing exterior top panel 36 from minor flap 30 and thereby defining ~)-u~ub~ - 87. As best seen in Figure 4, through cuts 69 and 86 defining the boundaries between interior top panel 38, exterior top panel 36 and minor flap 30 both have convexities formed in the center thereof so that, upon erection, both ~JIU~ ;U~ 69 on lower lift tab 66 and ~ ul,~ l~ulC~ 87 on exterior lift tab 80 extend slightly beyond the plane of minor lateral panel 17 thereby easing ~ r, ' and grasping of lift tabs 80 and 66. Exterior central closure pane 70 and upper lift tab 80 are adhesively bonded to lower central closure panel 42 and lower lift tab 66 so that all remain joined upon opening. Through cut 78 serves to ease downward folding of upper lift tab 80 as well as to ease retrieval of both lower lift tab 66 and exterior lift tab 80 from the pour spout opening. Aperture 88 is punched out of upper minor flap 30 and lies ' '~ beneath lower central closure panel 42. When UppOE cut scores 90, 91 and 92 are formed, glue lip 94 is embossed so that it more readily engages lower lift tab 66 so that the two are more easily joined by gluing as well as to induce incipient ply-separation. This embossing may be ,q~mnrlich~ y with formation of the blank by displacing the upper cut score knife slightly more outwardly of the counter (not shown) than normal, an offset of about twice the board caliper being suitable when used with a counter of the normal height of about the board caliper plus seven tho~q~lthC of an inch. The ~ v~ ' offset also induces shear 20967~3 stress between plies of glue lip 94: ' ~ to ply-separation in glue lip 94 between upper cut scores 90 and 92 which underlie through cuts 50 and 52 so that lift tabs 66 and 80 may be peeled back more easily. If sufficient incipient ply-separation is not obt~ined with a counter of st~ndard height, it may be beneficial to increase the height of the counter slightly to a height of about the board caliper plus up to fifteen ~ "~ h of an inch usually being apt depending on the properties of the board. The slightly convex shape of upper score 91 also eases ply-separation in plies underlying glue lip 94 as ply-separation is initiated when minor flap 30 is bent inward from minor lateral panel 17.
To open the carton of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1-4, lift tabs 66 and 80 are lifted then gripped and pulled inwardly and rearwardly causing ply i~OldliUII of glue lip 94 as well as those portions of interior top panel 38 in the two regions between inside cut scores 44 and 46 and upper cut scores 58 and 60 as well as severing exterior top panel 36 along ~ iUII~ 72 and 74. Stop tabs 54 and 56 are formed by the upper plies of the regions of interior top panel 38 Iying between inside cut scores 44 and 46 and upper cut scores 58 and 60 respectively as well as by that portion of exterior top panel 36 Iying immediately thereabove.
Stop lips 96 and 98 are formed by the underlying plies of the separated regions of interior top panel 38 while retention lip 99 is similarly formed by the underlying plies of the separated region of glue lip 94. In preferred l ,1.ù1;~"~ ~ of the present invention, to further facilitate easy opening, the machine direction of the board will be parallel to: cut scores 44 and 46; and the rearward portions of cut scores 58 and 60 as well as the rearward portions of lines of perforation 72 and 74.
The ~...I,o,' of the present invention illustrated in Figures 5-9 differs primarily in that short through cut 78 in Figures 1-4 is replaced by extended through cut line 79 .. .... . ... .. . .. . _ . . _ . . . _.. . _ .. ..... . _ . ..
209~7~3 .
in Figures 5-9 so that exterior lift tab 80 is omitted therefrom by punching out the ~Ull~ -r ~' g~
section of board rather than leaving it attached. While through cut 64 is replaced by crease score 62. For many carton forming machines,; ' -' such as those shown in Figures 1-4 having the incisions ~UII~ " V a central minor flap will be preferred when the spout portion is to be formed on the trailing portion of the carton as it is fed through the carton forming machine. Whether the carton is to be fed through the machine with the spout feature leading or trailing is, of course, ~ of whether a single layer or a double layer lift tab is to be used and, similarly, the minor lateral panel adjoining the minor flap bearing the glue lip may be attached to either major lateral panel as a matter of ~u..~,.h ..~ ~;. Similarly, either a single layer or double layer lift tab may be used in either .iul.r~ )n whether the incisions forming the opening feature are located around a central minor lateral panel or at corners of the periphery of the blank.
Refe}ring now to Figures 10 through 12, carton 110 being similar to carton 10 discussed llc~ l~uve~ comprises lateral body panels 112 and 114 hingedly joined to minor lateral panel 117. Side panel 116 hingedly adjoining main lateral panel 112 may be adhesively bonded to glue flap 118 adjoining main lateral panel 114 in a manner similar to that previously discussed. Shoulder 120 between main body panel 114 and glue flap 118 assists in formation of a tight corner evidencing good sift resistance. Similarly, minor flaps 124, 126, 128 and 130 assist in providing sift resistance to the seals formed in the ~,OllV~l~Liulldl manner by :iUp~lJU~ iUll of inteAor and exterior lower end panels 132 and 134 as well as that formed with top panels 136 and 138.
A pour spout 140 is formed by ~OO~ i"v incisions formed in each of upper minor flap 130, exterior top panel 136 and interior top panel 138, the details of which are best . . . , . , . , .. , . , ,,, .. . , . _,,,,, ,,, _ . . . . . . . . . .
~ 2~9~7~3 illustrated in Figure 12. Beginning with interior top panel 138, lower central closure pane 142 is formed by inside through cuts 144 and 146 each extending from a hinge line defined by crease score 148 to a point adjacent through cuts lS0 and 152 ~ ,ly. A first stop tab 154 is formed in a manner similar to that disclosed h~ , from the upper plies of interior top panel 138 adjoining the lower central closure pane 142 in a region ~i,, ' ~ ~ by through cut 144, crease score 148, and an upper cut score 158 extending from crease score 148 and ~ with through cut lS0 adjacent and ending lS9 of through cut 144. A second stop tab 156 is similarly formed in the region ci-~ - . ;I.ed by crease score 148, through cut 146 and upper cut score 160. Preferably, upper cut scores 158 and 160 are formed in an upper surface of interior panel 138 and extend downwardly into the board ~ y 50% of the board thickness. Lift tab 166 is defined by line of weakness 164, through cuts lS0 and 152 extending from line 164 to through cut 169 dividing interior top panel 138 from minor flap 130 and thereby defining protrusion 168 formed at the edge of the lift tab 166. The line of weakness 164 extends between through cuts lS0 and 152 and thus forms a fold line when lift tab 166 is bent downward with respect to the lower central pane 142 as shown in Figure 11 thereby easing downward folding of lower lift tab 166 for reclosing. The line 164 may be a cut score and intersect and form an extension of cut scores 158 and 160 or may be in the form of a crease score for aiding in the folding of lift tab 166.
An exterior central closure pane 170 lies above the lower central closure pane 142 when the blank is erected as carton 110. The upper portions of stop tabs 154 and 156 occupy the regions between exterior central closure pane 170 and perforated cuts 172 an d 174 extending through exterior top panel 136 forward of the hinge line defined by crease score 176 and rearward of a cut-out 180 in exterior top panel 136. When carton 110 is erected, perforated cuts 209~73~
.
172 and 174 lie substantially above upper cut scores 160 and 158 ~ ,ly formed in interior top panel 138. In accordance with the present . ..~.~l;" ~ the perforated cuts 172 and 174 encompass the upper cut scores 158 and 160. That is, the surface area of closure pane 170 defined by the perforated cuts 172 and 174 and crease score 176 is greater than that of pane 142.
While this ensures that there is sealing between the pane 170 and the surface of the interior top panel 138 outside the area designated as pane 142, the pane 170 is readily released by application of an opening force to lift tab 166. Further, any possible overlap which would inhibit opening of the pour spout is eliminated. As best seen in Figure 12, a cut-out 180 is provided in the exterior top panel 136 which is of a greater area than that of lift tab 166. In doing so, the lift tab 166 is easily folded along line of weah~ess 164 where reclosure of that carton is desired, and by providing only a single thickness lift tab, the lift tab may be readily inserted into the carton and held in place. Because the cut-out 180 is of a greater surface area than the lift tab 166, the lift tab 166 can be readily raised when first opening the carton and is not obstructed by the exterior top panel 136. Additionally, through cuts 169 and 186 defining the boundaries between interior top panel 138, exterior top panel 136 and minor flap 130 both have convexities formed in the center thereof so that, upon erection, protrusion 168 on lift tab 166 extends slightly beyond the plane of minor lateral panel 117 thereby easing .' ' -1~, and grasping of lift tab 166. The exterior central closure pane 170 is adhesively bonded to the lower central closure panel 142 so that these panes remain joined upon opening.
Aperture 188 is pun~hed out of upper minor flap 130 and lies ~ beneath lower central closure pane 142. The punch out 188 angles outwardly at an angle of a~JIn~ ' 1y 5- away from the minor lateral panel 117. This again ensures that no sealing between the pane 142 and the outer periphery of the punch out 188 occurs. Further, upper cut ,, . . . .. .. .. . _ . .. . . _ . _ . . . .. _ _ . .
2096~3 scores 190, 191 and 192 are formed thus producing a release area or glue lip 194 which is embossed so that it more readily engages lift tab 166 so that the two are more easily joined by gluing as well as to induce incipient ply s_~dld~ . As can be seen from Figure 12, cut scores 190 and 192 are offset from the perimeter of the punch out 188, such that the cut scores 190 and 192 are not overlapped by through cuts 150 and 152 formed in the interior top panel 138.
Again, this permits ply s_~ud~i~,.. to occur at the glue lip 194 with the ply-separation being terminated by cut scores 190 and 192 inside of through cuts 150 and 152, thereby permitting easy lifting of the lift tab 166.
As with the previous rllll,.~.l;ll...ll embossing of the glue lip 194 may be .rd ~ u~ly with formation of the blank by displacing the upper cut score knife slightly more outwardly of the counter (not shown) than normal, an offset of about twice the board caliper being suitable when used with a counter of the normal height of about the board caliper plus seven ~ --llh- of an inch. The .~ I offset also induces shear stress between plies of glue lip 194 .. ~,;l.; ~;.~g to ply-separation in glue lip 194 between upper cut scores 190 and 192 which underlie through cuts 150 and 152 so that lift tab 166 may be peeled back more easily. If sufficient incipient ply-separation is not obtained with a counter of standard height, it may be beneficial to increase the height of the counter slightly to a height of about the board caliper plus up to fifteen ;' '' of an inch usuaUy being apt depending on the properties of the board. The slightly convex shape of upper cut score 191 also eases ply-separation in plies underlying glue lip 194 as ply-separation is initiated when minor flap 130 is bent inward from minor lateral panel 117.
To open the carton of the present invention illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, lift tab 166 is lifted then gripped and pulled upwardly and rearwardly causing ply s~ ldliol~ of glue ~ 209~753 lip 194 as well as those portions of interior top panel 138 in the two regions between through cuts 144 and 146 and upper cut scores 158 and 160 as well as severing exterior top panel 136 along ~.ru~ h~l,s 172 and 174. As shown in Figure 11, stop tabs 154 and 156 are foremd by the upper plies of the regions of the interior top panel 138 lying between through cuts 144 adn 146 and upper cut scores 158 and 160 respectively as well as by that portion of exterior top panel 136 lying ' ~y thereabove. Stop lips 196 and 198 are formed by the underlying plies of the separated regions of interior top panel 138 while retention lip 199 is similarly formed by the underlying plies of the separated region of glue lip 194. Additionally, a stop 200 may be formed by a portion of pane 170 which overhangs pane 142. Accordingly, when the carton is reclosed, stop 200 will contact retention lip 199 and stop tabs 154 and 156 will contact stop lips 196 and 198 ~ ,ly thereby keeping the closure from passing into the interior of the carton. Further, stop 200 may form a small tab which aids in the reopening of the closure by the consumer when desired.
As with the previously discussed r. ~ O~ I Ir~ of the present invention, to further facilitate easy opening, the machine direction of the board is positioned parallel to: through cuts 144 and 146; and the rearward portions of cut scores 158 and 160 as well as the rearward portions of lines of perforation 172 and 174.
While the present invention has been described with reference to preferred I;" - 1~, it will be ~ , ' by those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced otherwise and as specifically described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the spirit and scope of the invention be limited only by the appended claims.
Paperboard cartons convey products from ' ~, to consumer admirably.
Even though i~ C, they are durable, protective and easily imprinted with instructions, il~ro~ dliOI~ and attractive graphics. They are even better at storing the product on the shelf prior to ~ use but a fair degree of self-control can be required to avoid becoming at least mildly aggravated when trying to open "easy-open" spouts or to reclose reclosable flaps such as are found on many prior art cartons. At one time, metal pour spouts found widespread use on many cartons for granular products but, with ever increasing ~;UllI~ iV~ and ecological pressure, the relatively expensive metal pour spout has become, if not an exorbitant luxury, then at least an expensive frill, better eliminated if at all possible.
Pour spouts formed entirely of paperboard can be less expensive than metal spouts but so far it has proved exceedingly difficult to combine a reliable, reclosable, easily opened pour spout with a simple design which is both frugal with board and suitable for existing high speed packaging machinery. U.S. Patent No. 5,000,320 discloses side panel pour spout cartons largely U.~,l- ' l,g these problems while requiring only a moderate additional board area over that required for the basic carton. However, as with all side panel pour spout cartons, if such cartons are filled to the top, care may be required to prevent product from spilling upon initial opening.
SUMMARY OF Tlll; INVF~TION
The carton of the present invention may easily be ~ ~d ûn existing ` ,~ 2096~53 machinery without requiring patterned application of adhesive and uses only the amount of board required for the basic carton while obviating possible spillage problems attendant upon opening.
The sealed carton strongly resists infestation and reseals firmly making it highly resistant to spills even after initial opening. Cooperating incisions forrned in one of the minor flaps and both top panels constitute a multi-layer top panel pour spout feature having a central closure pane ~ JOld~ b portions of both the exterior and interior top panels of the carton. Upon resealing, strong frictional forces firmly retain the central closure pane over the opening so that minor bumps and jostles can be tolerated without accidentally reopening the carton and u..J~ dbly spilling product.
Beginning at one edge of the exterior top panel, a first through cut substantially norrnal thereto is formed leading rearwardly to a first line of perforation ~ , therewith and extending rearwardly to a first hinge line such as a crease score ' lly normal to the line of perforation extending transversely across the top panel of the carton to a second line of p~lro.dliulls leading forwardly to a second through cut extending forwardly to the edge of the carton. A slight protrusion of the exterior top panel between the first and second through cuts extends over the edge of the carton to facilitate opening ~ ' ' ' ~ t''~
first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel underlying the first line of p~lruld~iu..s and extending rearwardly to a second hinge line underlying said first hinge line. A first interior cut score begins at the of the third through cut with the first upper cut score and extends rearwardly to the second hinge line along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score .. .... .. .. , .... . ... . .. _ ... _ .. ... ... . . . . ... . . . . _ _ . .
20g6753 between the first and second lines of ~lruld~iu.l~. A second upper cut score underlies the second line of p~ r,.~ and extends forwardly to a point underlying the of the second through cut with the second line of pc;lru...liu.., where the second upper cut score intersects with a fourth through cut underlying the second through cut and extending forwardly to the edge of the carton. Beginning at a point i"t~ .6 the second hinge line between the first interior cut score and the second line of ~ r.",.l;"., a second interior cut score extends forwardly to a point underlying the of the second upper cut score and the fourth through cut. A portion of the interior top panel protrudes beyond the edge of the carton between the third and fourth through cuts.
Third and fourth upper cut scores are formed in the minor flap underlying the third and fourth through cuts and each extends rearwardly beneath one of those through cuts to a point Iying beneath the of its respective through cut with the adjoining upper cut score formed in the interior top panel. An aperture is formed in the minor flap underlying the region defined by the first and second interior cut scores, the hinge lines and an imaginary line extending between the - of each of the first and second through cuts with its adjusting line of ~. ,ru-d~iOIls.
A fifth through cut may be formed in the interior top panel extending along the line between, but not bridging, the ;"~ 1;" ~ of the first and second upper cut scores with the adjoining through cuts.
The carton is opened by lifting the ~lulJu~io.~D upward, grasping the lift tab defined by the sections of the top panels Iying between the first and second through cuts and pulling the lift tab upwardly and rearwardly thereby inducing ply ~ u~liu.. in the region between the third and fourth upper cut scores formed in the minor flap, parting the exterior top i~ 20~6753 panel along the lines of p~lrulaliOA5 while inducing ply-separation in the two regions of the interior top panel adjacent to and located between the first and second upper cut scores and t'Aereby forming an opening extending through both top panels and t'Ae minor flap into the interior of the carton while ' . 'y forming a central pane which comprises portions of tAe top paAels Iying between the interior cut scores.
I'A the erect and opened carton, attached to the central closure pane are: the lift tab extending to and slightly past the edge of the carton, as well as two stop tabs adjoining the central closure panel which , one complete thickness of board and a ply-separated region of about half that in t'Aickness. Adjacent the opening formed by upward aAd rearward movement of the central closure pane are two stop lips formed by that plS ~ ala~ ll in regions of the interior top panel adjacent the central closure pane. Thus, the stop lips underlie and are engage~ble against the stop tabs attached to the central closure providing a highly effective means of preventing the central closure pane from passing through the pour spout opening and becoming lodged inside the carton. A glue lip is formed in the minor end flap underlying the lift tab while aA opening through the minor end flap underlies the opening formed in both top panels by lifting of the central closure pane.
Upon initial opening, the stop tabs are formed by tAe regions of the exterior top panel adjacent the central closure pane of the spout as well as by the portions of the upper plies of the interior top panel which ply-separate from those regions of the interior top paAel forming the stop lips adjacent the pour spout. Similarly, a retention lip is formed by ply-separation of the glue lip. Both formation of the accessory spout structure and initial opening of the pour spout itself are ~ h~1 by lifting the ~JIU~ iOAs away from the carton, then grasping the lift tab and pulling upwardly and rearwardly toward the center of the carton.
~ 2~96~3 Reclosing is ~ ' by inserting the lift tab into the pour spout opening then tucking it under the retention lip formed by ply-separation of the glue lip on the minor end flap underlying the two top panels. The central closure pane is retained outside of the carton by of the two stop tabs against the two stop lips adjoining the pour spout opening formed through the top panels and minor end flap.
Reopening may be eased by providing a reildily attachable edge along the junction of the lift tab with the central closure panel as, for example, by a short through cut between the lift tab and the central closure pane or by removing or entirely omitting the portion of the exterior top panel overlying that portion of the interior top panel ~ the lift tab.
In accordance with an alternative ~ o~ of the present invention, a cut-out is formed adjacent an edge of the exterior top panel leading rearwardly to first and second lines of perforation which intersect therewith and extend reilrwardly to a first hinge line in the form of a crease score substantially normal to the lines of perforation and extending i .~
across the exterior top panel of the carton. Formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying a periphery of the cut-out is a first through cut extending rearwardly ~ CbCllCd~ll.
At a point underlying the irf~rcr~ti~-n of the cut-out and the first line of pclr~dti~ , the first through cut intersects with a first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying and spaced inwardly of the fist line of ~, r.~ C and extending rearwardly to a second hinge line underlying said first hinge line. A second through cut begins at a point adjacent and spaced from the il-t~ of the first through cut with the first upper cut score and extends redrwardly to the second hinge line along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score between the first and second lines of 1~ r.,.~l,.,..~ A second upper cut score c~,b~c~qn-iqlly underlies and is slightly spaced inwardly of the second line of p. . r~ ,C and ... , . , . , . ,,, . , . , ... ,,, ,, ., . ,, . . . ,,, . ,,,, . , . _ .. , .. ,, . , . , . ,, . , , ,,, . , ,,, . . _ _ _ _ . .
~ 2~96~53 extends forwardly to a point underlying the i"'~ of the cut-out with the second line of p~. ru.dliul.D where the second upper cut score intersects with a third through cut substantially underlying the periphery of the cut-out and extending forwardly to the edge of the carton.
Beginning at a point ~ ~ the second hinge line between the first interior cut score and the second line of p~ r~ C, a fourth through cut extends forwardly to a point adjacent to and spaced from the of the second upper cut score and the third through cut. A portion of the interior top panel protrudes beyond the edge of the carton between the first and third through cuts.
Third and fourth upper cut scores are formed in the minor flap underlying the first and third through cuts and each extends rearwardly beneath one of those through cuts to a point Iying beneath the i ~ rl ~i.. of its respective through cut with the adjoining upper cut score formed in the interior top panel. An aperture is formed in the minor flap s~ ~c~ ly underlying the region defined by the second and fourth through cuts, the hinge lines and an imaginary line extending between the i ~ of each of the first and third through cuts with its adjoining upper cut score. A fifth through cut may be formed in the interior top panel extending along the line between, but not bridging, the i " ~ l i. . - of the first and second upper cut scores with the adjoining through cuts.
The carton is opened by lifting the protrusion upward, grasping the lift tab defined by the section of the interior top panels Iying between the first and third through cuts and pulling the lift tab upwardly and rearwardly thereby inducing ply- separation in the region between the third and fourth upper cut scores formed in the minor flap, parting the exterior top panel along the lines of p~l ruldliullD while inducing ply-separation in the two regions of the interior top panel adjacent to and located between the first and second upper cut scores and thereby forming an ~ 209~
opening extending through both top panels and the minor flap into the interior of the carton while ' 'y forming a central pane which comprises portions of the top panels Iying between the second and fourth through cuts.
Similar to the previous; ' ' t, in the erect and opened carton, attached to the central closure pane are: the lift tab extending to and slightly past the edge of the carton, as well as two stop tabs adjoining the central closure panel which IJ' one complete thickness of board and a ply-separated region of about half that in thickness. Adjacent the opening formed by upward and rearward movement of the central closure pane are two stop lips formed by that ply-separation in regions of the interior top panel adjacent the central closure pane. Thus, the stop lips underlie and are engageable against the stop tabs attached to the central closure providing a highly effective means of preventing the central closure pane from passing through the pour spout opening and becoming lodged inside the carton. A glue lip is formed in the minor end flap underlying the lift tab while an opening through the minor end flap underlies the opening formed in both top panels by lifting of the central closure panel.
Upon initial opening, the stop tabs are formed by the regions of the exterior top panel adjacent the central closure pane of the spout as well as by the portions of the upper plies of the interior top panel which ply-separate from those regions of the interior top panel forming the stop lips adjacent the pour spout. Similarly, a retention lip is formed by ply-separation of the glue lip. Both formation of the accessory Spout structure and initial opening of the pour spout itself are ~r~-~rl ' by lifting the protrusion away from the carton, then grasping the lift tab and pulling upwardly and rearwardly toward the center of the carton.
Reclosing is ' ' ' in a manner like that of the previous ~ ,I.o.l" ~"l by inserting the lift tab into the pour spout opening then tucking it under the retention lip formed 2~ 3 by ply-separation of the glue lip on the minor end flap underlying the two top panels. The central closure pane is retained outside of the carton by ~ of the two stop tabs against the two stop lips adjoining the pour spout opening formed through the top panels and minor end flap. Reopening may be eased by providing a portion of the central closure panel formed by the exterior top panel which extends slightly beyond the fold line of the lift tab. This portion thus contacts the lip and may be grasped by the consumer for reopening the carton.
PDT~iF DFAC~RTDTI~N OF l~TT1. DD`~W~GS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following det~iled description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE I is a ~ iYe view illustrating a carton formed in ac~ol,' - with an ~ ' ' of the present invention before opening;
FIGURE 2 is a p~l~Live view illustrating the carton of FIGURE 1 open with the lift tab folded downwardly as it would be in pll,~)dld~i~JII for reclosing;
FIGURE 3 is a plan view of a blank for forming the carton of FIGURE I in accordance with an ~ ...I)~Iill,. ~ of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is an enlargement of those portions of FIGURE 3 illustrating the details of the incisions forming the spout feature of the carton of FIGURE l;
FIGURE S is a perspective view illustrating an alternative carton of the present invention before opening;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view illustrating the alternative carton of FIGURE 5 open with the lift tab folded do...~w~dly as it would be in IJlCi~)dldLiU.. for reclosing;
.. . .... _ .... ..... ...... . . . .. ...... .. . ....... .. _ ... . . _ .. ....... .. . .... .. . _ .
2~9~3 g FIGURE 7 is a plan view of a blank for forming the carton of FIGURE 5 in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURES 8 and 9 are Pnl~r~PmPnt~ of those portions of FIGURE 7 illustrating the details of tbe incisions forming the spout feature of alternative cartons of the present invention;
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view illustrating a carton formed in accordance with an alternative l ',o~li..~. .,1 of the present invention before opening;
FIGURE l l is a perspective view illustrating the carton of FIGURE 10 open with the lift tab folded du....w~dly as it would be in preparation for reclosing; and FIGURE 12 is a plan view of a blank for forming the carton of FIGURE 10 in accordance with an alternative ( . ..l~o~ of the present invention.
Throughout these Figures, the following convention is used to denote the character of the various incisions: a through cut, also sometimes referred to as a knife cut, is shown as a solid line; a crease score, as a line of long dashes of equal length; ~.ru,~ S, as a line of short dashes of equal length; while a cut score is indicated by a line of alternating long and short dashes.
l)ETAn~ R~PllOl~ OF T~IF PRFh~RRl~n ~,l\ll~Ol~I~.l~TS
In Figures I through 4, carton 10 comprises lateral body panels 12 and 14 hingedly joined to minor lateral panel 17. Side panel 16 hingedly adjoining main lateral panel 12 may be adhesively bonded to glue flap 18 adjoining main lateral panel 14. Shoulder 20 between main body panel 14 and glue flap 18 assists in formation of a tight corner with good .. .. . . . _ . . _ . .. . _ _ _ . .
2~9~7~3 sift resistance. Similarly, minor flaps 24, 26, 28 and 30 assist in providing sift resistance to the seals formed in the cu..~, ' manner by , , of interior and exterior lower end panels 32 and 34 as well as that formed with top panels 36 and 38.
Pour spout is formed by ~ ; g incisions formed in: upper minor flap 30, exterior top panel 36 and interior top panel 38, the details of which are best seen in Figures 3 and 4. Beginning with interior top panel 38, lower central closure pane 42 is formed by inside cut scores 44 and 46 each extending from the hinge line defined by crease score 48 to through cuts 50 and 52 respectively. Stop tab 54 is formed from the upper plies of interior top panel 38 adjoining lower central closure pane 42 in the region c;., ' ' by inside cut score 46, crease score 48, and upper cut score 60 extending from crease score 48 to the i,.~ ., of inside cut score 46 with through cut 50 while stop tab 56 is similarly formed in the region by crease score 48, inside cut score 44 and upper cut score 58. Preferably, inside cut scores 44 and 46 begin on the interior or lower surface of interior top panel 38 and extend upwardly through about 50% of the thickness of the board while upper cut scores 58 and 60 extend du..~.vdldly into the board for about the same distance. Lower lift tab 66 is defined by through cut 64, through cuts 50 and 52 extending from through cut 64 to through cut 68 dividing interior top panel 38 from minor flap 30 and thereby defining protrusion 69 formed at the edge of lower lift tab 66. Short through cut 64 is spaced away from each of through cuts 50 and 52 and thus is formed in the central portion of the fold line resulting when lift tab 66 is bent downward from lower central panel 42 as shown in Figure 2 thereby easing downward folding of lower lift tab 66 for reclosing.
Exterior central closure pane 70 lies above lower central closure pane 42 while the upper portions of stop tabs 54 and 56 occupy the regions between exterior central closure 2096~3 pane 70 and perforated cuts 72 and 74 extending through exterior top panel 36 forward of the hinge line defined by crease score 76 and rearward of short through cut 78 in exterior top panel 36. When carton 10 is erected, perforated cuts 72 and 74 lie " '~/ above upper cut scores 60 and 58 ~ Iy formed in interior top panel 38 while crease score 76 and through cut 78 are i, ' '~/ above crease score 48 and through cut 64, ~ ~L~ ly. Exterior lih tab 80 is defined by short through cut 78 as well as through cuts 82 and 84 formed in exterior top panel 36 and through cut 86 dividing exterior top panel 36 from minor flap 30 and thereby defining ~)-u~ub~ - 87. As best seen in Figure 4, through cuts 69 and 86 defining the boundaries between interior top panel 38, exterior top panel 36 and minor flap 30 both have convexities formed in the center thereof so that, upon erection, both ~JIU~ ;U~ 69 on lower lift tab 66 and ~ ul,~ l~ulC~ 87 on exterior lift tab 80 extend slightly beyond the plane of minor lateral panel 17 thereby easing ~ r, ' and grasping of lift tabs 80 and 66. Exterior central closure pane 70 and upper lift tab 80 are adhesively bonded to lower central closure panel 42 and lower lift tab 66 so that all remain joined upon opening. Through cut 78 serves to ease downward folding of upper lift tab 80 as well as to ease retrieval of both lower lift tab 66 and exterior lift tab 80 from the pour spout opening. Aperture 88 is punched out of upper minor flap 30 and lies ' '~ beneath lower central closure panel 42. When UppOE cut scores 90, 91 and 92 are formed, glue lip 94 is embossed so that it more readily engages lower lift tab 66 so that the two are more easily joined by gluing as well as to induce incipient ply-separation. This embossing may be ,q~mnrlich~ y with formation of the blank by displacing the upper cut score knife slightly more outwardly of the counter (not shown) than normal, an offset of about twice the board caliper being suitable when used with a counter of the normal height of about the board caliper plus seven tho~q~lthC of an inch. The ~ v~ ' offset also induces shear 20967~3 stress between plies of glue lip 94: ' ~ to ply-separation in glue lip 94 between upper cut scores 90 and 92 which underlie through cuts 50 and 52 so that lift tabs 66 and 80 may be peeled back more easily. If sufficient incipient ply-separation is not obt~ined with a counter of st~ndard height, it may be beneficial to increase the height of the counter slightly to a height of about the board caliper plus up to fifteen ~ "~ h of an inch usually being apt depending on the properties of the board. The slightly convex shape of upper score 91 also eases ply-separation in plies underlying glue lip 94 as ply-separation is initiated when minor flap 30 is bent inward from minor lateral panel 17.
To open the carton of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1-4, lift tabs 66 and 80 are lifted then gripped and pulled inwardly and rearwardly causing ply i~OldliUII of glue lip 94 as well as those portions of interior top panel 38 in the two regions between inside cut scores 44 and 46 and upper cut scores 58 and 60 as well as severing exterior top panel 36 along ~ iUII~ 72 and 74. Stop tabs 54 and 56 are formed by the upper plies of the regions of interior top panel 38 Iying between inside cut scores 44 and 46 and upper cut scores 58 and 60 respectively as well as by that portion of exterior top panel 36 Iying immediately thereabove.
Stop lips 96 and 98 are formed by the underlying plies of the separated regions of interior top panel 38 while retention lip 99 is similarly formed by the underlying plies of the separated region of glue lip 94. In preferred l ,1.ù1;~"~ ~ of the present invention, to further facilitate easy opening, the machine direction of the board will be parallel to: cut scores 44 and 46; and the rearward portions of cut scores 58 and 60 as well as the rearward portions of lines of perforation 72 and 74.
The ~...I,o,' of the present invention illustrated in Figures 5-9 differs primarily in that short through cut 78 in Figures 1-4 is replaced by extended through cut line 79 .. .... . ... .. . .. . _ . . _ . . . _.. . _ .. ..... . _ . ..
209~7~3 .
in Figures 5-9 so that exterior lift tab 80 is omitted therefrom by punching out the ~Ull~ -r ~' g~
section of board rather than leaving it attached. While through cut 64 is replaced by crease score 62. For many carton forming machines,; ' -' such as those shown in Figures 1-4 having the incisions ~UII~ " V a central minor flap will be preferred when the spout portion is to be formed on the trailing portion of the carton as it is fed through the carton forming machine. Whether the carton is to be fed through the machine with the spout feature leading or trailing is, of course, ~ of whether a single layer or a double layer lift tab is to be used and, similarly, the minor lateral panel adjoining the minor flap bearing the glue lip may be attached to either major lateral panel as a matter of ~u..~,.h ..~ ~;. Similarly, either a single layer or double layer lift tab may be used in either .iul.r~ )n whether the incisions forming the opening feature are located around a central minor lateral panel or at corners of the periphery of the blank.
Refe}ring now to Figures 10 through 12, carton 110 being similar to carton 10 discussed llc~ l~uve~ comprises lateral body panels 112 and 114 hingedly joined to minor lateral panel 117. Side panel 116 hingedly adjoining main lateral panel 112 may be adhesively bonded to glue flap 118 adjoining main lateral panel 114 in a manner similar to that previously discussed. Shoulder 120 between main body panel 114 and glue flap 118 assists in formation of a tight corner evidencing good sift resistance. Similarly, minor flaps 124, 126, 128 and 130 assist in providing sift resistance to the seals formed in the ~,OllV~l~Liulldl manner by :iUp~lJU~ iUll of inteAor and exterior lower end panels 132 and 134 as well as that formed with top panels 136 and 138.
A pour spout 140 is formed by ~OO~ i"v incisions formed in each of upper minor flap 130, exterior top panel 136 and interior top panel 138, the details of which are best . . . , . , . , .. , . , ,,, .. . , . _,,,,, ,,, _ . . . . . . . . . .
~ 2~9~7~3 illustrated in Figure 12. Beginning with interior top panel 138, lower central closure pane 142 is formed by inside through cuts 144 and 146 each extending from a hinge line defined by crease score 148 to a point adjacent through cuts lS0 and 152 ~ ,ly. A first stop tab 154 is formed in a manner similar to that disclosed h~ , from the upper plies of interior top panel 138 adjoining the lower central closure pane 142 in a region ~i,, ' ~ ~ by through cut 144, crease score 148, and an upper cut score 158 extending from crease score 148 and ~ with through cut lS0 adjacent and ending lS9 of through cut 144. A second stop tab 156 is similarly formed in the region ci-~ - . ;I.ed by crease score 148, through cut 146 and upper cut score 160. Preferably, upper cut scores 158 and 160 are formed in an upper surface of interior panel 138 and extend downwardly into the board ~ y 50% of the board thickness. Lift tab 166 is defined by line of weakness 164, through cuts lS0 and 152 extending from line 164 to through cut 169 dividing interior top panel 138 from minor flap 130 and thereby defining protrusion 168 formed at the edge of the lift tab 166. The line of weakness 164 extends between through cuts lS0 and 152 and thus forms a fold line when lift tab 166 is bent downward with respect to the lower central pane 142 as shown in Figure 11 thereby easing downward folding of lower lift tab 166 for reclosing. The line 164 may be a cut score and intersect and form an extension of cut scores 158 and 160 or may be in the form of a crease score for aiding in the folding of lift tab 166.
An exterior central closure pane 170 lies above the lower central closure pane 142 when the blank is erected as carton 110. The upper portions of stop tabs 154 and 156 occupy the regions between exterior central closure pane 170 and perforated cuts 172 an d 174 extending through exterior top panel 136 forward of the hinge line defined by crease score 176 and rearward of a cut-out 180 in exterior top panel 136. When carton 110 is erected, perforated cuts 209~73~
.
172 and 174 lie substantially above upper cut scores 160 and 158 ~ ,ly formed in interior top panel 138. In accordance with the present . ..~.~l;" ~ the perforated cuts 172 and 174 encompass the upper cut scores 158 and 160. That is, the surface area of closure pane 170 defined by the perforated cuts 172 and 174 and crease score 176 is greater than that of pane 142.
While this ensures that there is sealing between the pane 170 and the surface of the interior top panel 138 outside the area designated as pane 142, the pane 170 is readily released by application of an opening force to lift tab 166. Further, any possible overlap which would inhibit opening of the pour spout is eliminated. As best seen in Figure 12, a cut-out 180 is provided in the exterior top panel 136 which is of a greater area than that of lift tab 166. In doing so, the lift tab 166 is easily folded along line of weah~ess 164 where reclosure of that carton is desired, and by providing only a single thickness lift tab, the lift tab may be readily inserted into the carton and held in place. Because the cut-out 180 is of a greater surface area than the lift tab 166, the lift tab 166 can be readily raised when first opening the carton and is not obstructed by the exterior top panel 136. Additionally, through cuts 169 and 186 defining the boundaries between interior top panel 138, exterior top panel 136 and minor flap 130 both have convexities formed in the center thereof so that, upon erection, protrusion 168 on lift tab 166 extends slightly beyond the plane of minor lateral panel 117 thereby easing .' ' -1~, and grasping of lift tab 166. The exterior central closure pane 170 is adhesively bonded to the lower central closure panel 142 so that these panes remain joined upon opening.
Aperture 188 is pun~hed out of upper minor flap 130 and lies ~ beneath lower central closure pane 142. The punch out 188 angles outwardly at an angle of a~JIn~ ' 1y 5- away from the minor lateral panel 117. This again ensures that no sealing between the pane 142 and the outer periphery of the punch out 188 occurs. Further, upper cut ,, . . . .. .. .. . _ . .. . . _ . _ . . . .. _ _ . .
2096~3 scores 190, 191 and 192 are formed thus producing a release area or glue lip 194 which is embossed so that it more readily engages lift tab 166 so that the two are more easily joined by gluing as well as to induce incipient ply s_~dld~ . As can be seen from Figure 12, cut scores 190 and 192 are offset from the perimeter of the punch out 188, such that the cut scores 190 and 192 are not overlapped by through cuts 150 and 152 formed in the interior top panel 138.
Again, this permits ply s_~ud~i~,.. to occur at the glue lip 194 with the ply-separation being terminated by cut scores 190 and 192 inside of through cuts 150 and 152, thereby permitting easy lifting of the lift tab 166.
As with the previous rllll,.~.l;ll...ll embossing of the glue lip 194 may be .rd ~ u~ly with formation of the blank by displacing the upper cut score knife slightly more outwardly of the counter (not shown) than normal, an offset of about twice the board caliper being suitable when used with a counter of the normal height of about the board caliper plus seven ~ --llh- of an inch. The .~ I offset also induces shear stress between plies of glue lip 194 .. ~,;l.; ~;.~g to ply-separation in glue lip 194 between upper cut scores 190 and 192 which underlie through cuts 150 and 152 so that lift tab 166 may be peeled back more easily. If sufficient incipient ply-separation is not obtained with a counter of standard height, it may be beneficial to increase the height of the counter slightly to a height of about the board caliper plus up to fifteen ;' '' of an inch usuaUy being apt depending on the properties of the board. The slightly convex shape of upper cut score 191 also eases ply-separation in plies underlying glue lip 194 as ply-separation is initiated when minor flap 130 is bent inward from minor lateral panel 117.
To open the carton of the present invention illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, lift tab 166 is lifted then gripped and pulled upwardly and rearwardly causing ply s~ ldliol~ of glue ~ 209~753 lip 194 as well as those portions of interior top panel 138 in the two regions between through cuts 144 and 146 and upper cut scores 158 and 160 as well as severing exterior top panel 136 along ~.ru~ h~l,s 172 and 174. As shown in Figure 11, stop tabs 154 and 156 are foremd by the upper plies of the regions of the interior top panel 138 lying between through cuts 144 adn 146 and upper cut scores 158 and 160 respectively as well as by that portion of exterior top panel 136 lying ' ~y thereabove. Stop lips 196 and 198 are formed by the underlying plies of the separated regions of interior top panel 138 while retention lip 199 is similarly formed by the underlying plies of the separated region of glue lip 194. Additionally, a stop 200 may be formed by a portion of pane 170 which overhangs pane 142. Accordingly, when the carton is reclosed, stop 200 will contact retention lip 199 and stop tabs 154 and 156 will contact stop lips 196 and 198 ~ ,ly thereby keeping the closure from passing into the interior of the carton. Further, stop 200 may form a small tab which aids in the reopening of the closure by the consumer when desired.
As with the previously discussed r. ~ O~ I Ir~ of the present invention, to further facilitate easy opening, the machine direction of the board is positioned parallel to: through cuts 144 and 146; and the rearward portions of cut scores 158 and 160 as well as the rearward portions of lines of perforation 172 and 174.
While the present invention has been described with reference to preferred I;" - 1~, it will be ~ , ' by those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced otherwise and as specifically described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the spirit and scope of the invention be limited only by the appended claims.
Claims (43)
1. An improved paperboard carton having:
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, wherein the improvement comprises:
means incised into said interior top panel for forming at least one stop lip by ply-separation of a region of said interior top panel, said means comprising an upper cut score and a closely adjacent inside cut score both being incised into said interior top panel;
means defining a central closure panel having at least one stop tab attached thereto, said means comprising perforations formed in said exterior top panel, at least one line of said perforations overlying an upper cut score in said interior top panel, said stop tab also comprising a portion of said interior top panel formable by ply-separation thereof overlying said stop lip, said central closure panel being foldably connected to one of said top panels;
means defining a lift tab adjoining said central closure panel; and means separably adhering said lift tab to said minor flap.
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, wherein the improvement comprises:
means incised into said interior top panel for forming at least one stop lip by ply-separation of a region of said interior top panel, said means comprising an upper cut score and a closely adjacent inside cut score both being incised into said interior top panel;
means defining a central closure panel having at least one stop tab attached thereto, said means comprising perforations formed in said exterior top panel, at least one line of said perforations overlying an upper cut score in said interior top panel, said stop tab also comprising a portion of said interior top panel formable by ply-separation thereof overlying said stop lip, said central closure panel being foldably connected to one of said top panels;
means defining a lift tab adjoining said central closure panel; and means separably adhering said lift tab to said minor flap.
2. The carton of claim 1 wherein said central closure panel includes a portion of said interior top panel bordered on at least two sides thereof by inside cut scores, with an uppercut score being spaced outwardly from each inside cut score closely adjacent thereto, said central closure panel being adhesively attached to a portion of said exterior top panel bordered by at least two lines of perforation, each of said lines overlying one of said upper cut scores in said interior top panel.
3. The carton of claim 2 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a through cut extending through said exterior top panel from the edge of said top panel to the line of perforation defining said central closure panel.
4. The carton of claim 2 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a pair of through cuts, each extending through said exterior top panel from the edge of said top panel to one of the lines of perforation defining said central closure panel.
5. The carton of claim 4 wherein said means defining a lift tab further comprises a second pair of through cuts, each extending through said interior top panel from the edge of said interior top panel to one of the inside cut scores underlying the lines of perforation defining said central closure pane.
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6. The carton of claim 5 wherein each of said upper cut scores intersects with the closely adjacent inside cut score.
7. The carton of claim 2 wherein each of said upper cut scores intersects with the closely adjacent inside cut score and wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises two pair of through cuts, the first extending through said exterior top panel and the second through said interior top panel each extending from the edges of the panel in which it is formed to a point at which one of the lines of perforation on said top panel defining said central pane overlie one of said inside cut scores.
8. The carton of claim 1 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a through cut extending through said exterior top panel from the edge of said top panel to the perforations defining said central closure pane.
9. An improved paperboard carton having:
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels, said exterior top panel having three free edges, at least one first edge being substantially normal to the joint between the exterior top panel and the adjoining main lateral panel;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, wherein the improvement comprises:
a first through cut formed in the exterior top panel beginning at the first free edge and being substantially normal thereto, leading rearwardly to a first line of perforations intersecting therewith extending rearwardly to a first hinge line extending transversely across the top panel of the carton substantially normal to the line of perforation, a second line of perforations intersecting said first hinge line and leading forwardly, a second through cut intersecting said second line of perforations and extending forwardly to the edge of the carton, a third through cut formed in the interior top panel immediately underlying the first through cut, extending rearwardly therebeneath, a first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel intersecting with the third through cut at a point underlying the intersection of the first through cut and the first line of perforations, said first upper cut score underlying the first line of perforations and extending rearwardly, a second crease score formed in the interior top panel underlying said first crease score, a first interior cut score formed in the interior top panel beginning at the intersection of the third through cut with the first upper cut score and extending rearwardly to the second crease score along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score between the first and second lines of perforations, a second upper cut score formed in the interior top panel underlying the second line of perforations and extending forwardly to a point underlying the intersection of the second through cut with the second line of perforations, a fourth through cut formed in the interior top panel underlying the second through cut extending forwardly to edge of the carton and intersecting with said second upper cut score, a second interior cut score beginning at a point intersecting the second crease score between the first interior cut score and the second line of perforations, extending forwardly to a point underlying the intersection of the second upper cut score and the fourth through cut, a portion of the interior top panel protruding beyond the edge of the carton between the third and fourth through cuts.
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels, said exterior top panel having three free edges, at least one first edge being substantially normal to the joint between the exterior top panel and the adjoining main lateral panel;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, wherein the improvement comprises:
a first through cut formed in the exterior top panel beginning at the first free edge and being substantially normal thereto, leading rearwardly to a first line of perforations intersecting therewith extending rearwardly to a first hinge line extending transversely across the top panel of the carton substantially normal to the line of perforation, a second line of perforations intersecting said first hinge line and leading forwardly, a second through cut intersecting said second line of perforations and extending forwardly to the edge of the carton, a third through cut formed in the interior top panel immediately underlying the first through cut, extending rearwardly therebeneath, a first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel intersecting with the third through cut at a point underlying the intersection of the first through cut and the first line of perforations, said first upper cut score underlying the first line of perforations and extending rearwardly, a second crease score formed in the interior top panel underlying said first crease score, a first interior cut score formed in the interior top panel beginning at the intersection of the third through cut with the first upper cut score and extending rearwardly to the second crease score along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score between the first and second lines of perforations, a second upper cut score formed in the interior top panel underlying the second line of perforations and extending forwardly to a point underlying the intersection of the second through cut with the second line of perforations, a fourth through cut formed in the interior top panel underlying the second through cut extending forwardly to edge of the carton and intersecting with said second upper cut score, a second interior cut score beginning at a point intersecting the second crease score between the first interior cut score and the second line of perforations, extending forwardly to a point underlying the intersection of the second upper cut score and the fourth through cut, a portion of the interior top panel protruding beyond the edge of the carton between the third and fourth through cuts.
10. The carton of claim 9 wherein an aperture is formed in the minor flap underlying the region defined by the first and second interior cut scores, the first hinge line and the imaginary line extending between the intersections of each of the first and second through cuts with its adjoining line of perforations.
11. The carton of claim 9 further comprising a slight protrusion of the exterior top panel between the first and second through cuts extending over the edge of the carton.
12. The carton of claim 9 further comprising third and fourth upper cut scores formed in the minor flap underlying the third and fourth through cuts and each extending rearwardly beneath one of said third and fourth through cuts to a point lying beneath the intersection of said respective through cut with the adjoining upper cut score formed in the interior top panel.
13. The carton of claim 12 further comprising a protuberance formed from one of said top panels extending beyond the plane defined by said minor lateral panel.
14. The carton of claim 9 further comprising a protuberance formed from one of said top panels extending beyond the plane defined by said minor lateral panel.
15. An improved paperboard carton having:
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, wherein the improvement comprises;
means incised into one of said top panels for forming at least one stop lip and at least one mating stop tab by ply-separation of a region of said one top panel, comprising an upper cut score and a closely adjacent inside cut score incised into said one top panel circumscribing said region, the portion of said one top panel forming said stop tab being plies in said region adjacent to the plies forming said stop lip;
means defining a central closure pane having said stop tab attached thereto, said means comprising perforations formed in the other of said top panels, at least one line of said perforations in said other top panel being juxtaposed to one of said cut scores in said one top panel, said central closure pane being foldably connected to one of said top panels;
means defining a lift tab adjoining said central closure pane; and means separably adhering said lift tab to said minor flap.
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, wherein the improvement comprises;
means incised into one of said top panels for forming at least one stop lip and at least one mating stop tab by ply-separation of a region of said one top panel, comprising an upper cut score and a closely adjacent inside cut score incised into said one top panel circumscribing said region, the portion of said one top panel forming said stop tab being plies in said region adjacent to the plies forming said stop lip;
means defining a central closure pane having said stop tab attached thereto, said means comprising perforations formed in the other of said top panels, at least one line of said perforations in said other top panel being juxtaposed to one of said cut scores in said one top panel, said central closure pane being foldably connected to one of said top panels;
means defining a lift tab adjoining said central closure pane; and means separably adhering said lift tab to said minor flap.
16. The carton of claim 15 wherein said means defining a central closure pane includes a portion of said one top panel bordered on at least two sides thereof by cut scores formed into one surface of said one panel, with an opposing cut score being spaced outwardly from but closely adjacent to each cut score formed in said one surface, said central closure pane being adhesively attached to a portion of said other top panel said means defining said central closure pane further comprising at least two lines of perforation bordering said pane, each of said lines being juxtaposed to one of said cut scores in said one top panel.
17. The carton of claim 16 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a through cut extending through said other top panel from the edge of said top other panel to a line of perforation defining said central closure pane.
18. The carton of claim 16 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a pair of through cuts, each extending through said one top panel from the edge of said one top panel to one of the lines of perforation defining said central closure pane.
19. The carton of claim 16 wherein said means defining a lift tab further comprises a second pair of through cuts, each extending through said one top panel from the edge of said one top panel to one of the cut scores juxtaposed to the lines of perforation defining said central closure pane.
20. The carton of claim 19 wherein each of said cut scores formed in said one surface of said one top panel intersects with the opposing cut score located closely adjacent thereto.
21. The carton of claim 16 wherein each of said cut scores formed in said one surface of said one top pane intersects with the opposing cut score located closely adjacent thereto and wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises two pair of through cuts, each of one pair extending through one of said top panels from the edges thereof to a point at which one of the lines of perforation on said other panel defining said central pane are juxtaposed to one of said cut scores, and each of the other pair extending through said other top panel from the edges thereof to a point at which one of the lines of perforation on said top panel defining said central pane are juxtaposed to one of said cut scores.
22. The carton of claim 15 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a through cut extending through said other top panel from the edge of said top panel to the perforations defining said central closure pane.
23. A paperboard carton having:
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
at least one minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, with said exterior top panel, said interior top panel and said minor flap forming an opening and reclosure means comprising;
means incised into said interior top panel for forming at least one stop lip, said means comprising at least one ply-separation region;
means defining a central closure panel having at least one stop tab attached thereto, said means comprising perforations formed in said exterior top panel in a surrounding relationship about said stop lip; said stop tab also comprising a portion of said interior top panel formable by ply-separation thereof overlying said stop lip, said central closure panel being foldably connected to one of said top panels;
means defining a lift tab adjoining said central closure panel; and means for separably adhering said lift tab to said minor flap.
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
at least one minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, with said exterior top panel, said interior top panel and said minor flap forming an opening and reclosure means comprising;
means incised into said interior top panel for forming at least one stop lip, said means comprising at least one ply-separation region;
means defining a central closure panel having at least one stop tab attached thereto, said means comprising perforations formed in said exterior top panel in a surrounding relationship about said stop lip; said stop tab also comprising a portion of said interior top panel formable by ply-separation thereof overlying said stop lip, said central closure panel being foldably connected to one of said top panels;
means defining a lift tab adjoining said central closure panel; and means for separably adhering said lift tab to said minor flap.
24. The carton of claim 23, wherein said means for forming said stop lip includes at least one upper cut score formed in said interior top panel and at least one through cut positioned substantially parallel to and spaced apart from said upper cut score in a manner such that said upper cut score and said through cut do not intersect.
25. The carton of claim 24 wherein said central closure panel includes a portion of said interior top panel bordered on at least two sides thereof by through cuts with the upper cut score extending substantially parallel to and spaced outwardly from each through cut score, said central closure panel being adhesively attached to a portion of said exterior top panel bordered by at least two lines of perforation, each of said lines of perforation being spaced outwardly of said upper cut scores forced in said interior top panel.
26. The carton of claim 25 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a through cut extending through said interior top panel from an edge of said top panel to the outside cut scores.
27. The carton of claim 25 wherein said means defining a lift tab comprises a pair of through cuts, each extending through said interior top panel from an edge of said top panel to a respective one of the outside cut scores.
28. The carton of claim 27, wherein at least the portion of said exterior top panel overlying said lift tab is cut-out of said exterior top panel.
29. The carton of claim 27 wherein the cut-out portion of said exterior top panel is greater in area than said lift tab.
30. The carton of claim 27, further comprising a release area formed in said minor flap and underlying said lift tab, said lift tab being adhered to said release area, wherein ply-separation occurs at said release area when an opening force is applied to said lift tab.
31. A paperboard carton comprising:
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels, said exterior top panel having three free edges, at least one first edge being substantially normal to the joint between the exterior top panel and the adjoining main lateral panel;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, and an opening and reclosure means comprising;
a cut-out formed in the exterior top panel beginning adjacent the first free edge leading rearwardly to a first line of perforation intersecting therewith and extending rearwardly to a first hinge line extending transversely across the exterior top panel of the carton substantially normal to the line of perforation, a second line of perforations intersecting said first hinge line and leading forwardly and intersecting said cut-out, a first through cut formed in the interior top panel adjacent a periphery of said cut-out and extending rearwardly therebeneath, a first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel intersecting with the first through cut at a point underlying the intersection of the cut-out and the first line of perforations, said first upper cut score substantially underlying the first line of perforations and extending rearwardly, a second hinge line formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying said first hinge line, a second through cut formed in the interior top panel beginning adjacent to the intersection of the first through cut with the first upper cut score and extending substantially parallel to the first upper cut score to the second hinge line along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score, a second upper cut score formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying the second line of perforations and extending forwardly to a point underlying the intersection of the cut-out with the second line of perforations, a third through cut formed in the interior top panel adjacent a periphery of said cut-out and extending forwardly to the first free edge of the carton and intersecting with said second upper cut score, a fourth through interior cut beginning at a point intersecting the second hinge line between the second through cut and the second line of perforations, extending forwardly to a point adjacent to the intersection of the second upper cut score and the third through cut.
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a minor lateral panel disposed between said first main lateral panel and said second main lateral panel;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels, said exterior top panel having three free edges, at least one first edge being substantially normal to the joint between the exterior top panel and the adjoining main lateral panel;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said lateral panels and underlying said exterior top panel; and a minor flap adjoining said minor lateral panel and underlying said interior top panel, and an opening and reclosure means comprising;
a cut-out formed in the exterior top panel beginning adjacent the first free edge leading rearwardly to a first line of perforation intersecting therewith and extending rearwardly to a first hinge line extending transversely across the exterior top panel of the carton substantially normal to the line of perforation, a second line of perforations intersecting said first hinge line and leading forwardly and intersecting said cut-out, a first through cut formed in the interior top panel adjacent a periphery of said cut-out and extending rearwardly therebeneath, a first upper cut score formed in the interior top panel intersecting with the first through cut at a point underlying the intersection of the cut-out and the first line of perforations, said first upper cut score substantially underlying the first line of perforations and extending rearwardly, a second hinge line formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying said first hinge line, a second through cut formed in the interior top panel beginning adjacent to the intersection of the first through cut with the first upper cut score and extending substantially parallel to the first upper cut score to the second hinge line along a line displaced inwardly from the first upper cut score, a second upper cut score formed in the interior top panel substantially underlying the second line of perforations and extending forwardly to a point underlying the intersection of the cut-out with the second line of perforations, a third through cut formed in the interior top panel adjacent a periphery of said cut-out and extending forwardly to the first free edge of the carton and intersecting with said second upper cut score, a fourth through interior cut beginning at a point intersecting the second hinge line between the second through cut and the second line of perforations, extending forwardly to a point adjacent to the intersection of the second upper cut score and the third through cut.
32. The carton of claim 31 wherein an aperture is formed in the minor flap underlying the region defined by at least the second and fourth through cuts, the first hinge line and an imaginary line extending between the intersections of each of the first and third through cuts with their adjoining upper cut scores.
33. The carton of claim 31 further comprising third and fourth upper cut scores formed in the minor flap underlying the first and fourth through cuts and each extending rearwardly beneath a respective one of said first and fourth through cuts to a point lying beneath the intersection of said respective through cut with the adjoining upper cut score formed in the interior top panel.
34. The carton of claim 31, wherein each of said first and second upper cut scores are spaced inwardly of the respective line of perforations.
35. The carton of claim 32, wherein said aperture formed in said minor flap is of a greater area than that area defined by the second and third through cuts, the first hinge line and the imaginary line.
36. The carton of claim 31, further comprising a release area formed in said minor flap and underlying said lift tab, said lift tab being adhered to said release area, wherein ply-separation occurs at said release area when an opening force is applied to said lift tab.
37. The carton of claim 31, wherein said first and third through cuts, said imaginary line and said first free edge define a lift tab.
38. The carton of claim 37 wherein the cut-out portion of said exterior top panel is greater in area than said lift tab.
39. The carton of claim 38, wherein a portion of said lift tab extends beyond a plane formed by said minor lateral panel.
40. A paperboard blank for forming a carton having a top pour spout for dispensing a product contained therein comprising:
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a first minor lateral panel disposed between said first and second main lateral panels;
a second minor lateral panel adjacent one of said first and second main panels;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said main lateral panels;
first and second minor flaps adjoining said respective first and second minor lateral panels; and an opening forming means for permitting access to the product;
said opening forming means comprising;
an aperture formed in a central portion of one of said first and second minor flaps, an opening force receiving means formed in said interior minor flap for overlying said aperture comprising;
a lift tab defined by a free edge of said interior top panel and first and second substantially parallel through cuts extending from said free edge;
third and fourth through cuts substantially coextensive with respective first and second through cuts and spaced apart therefrom and extending to a first hinge line in said interior top panel; and first and second upper cut scores extending from said hinge line substantially parallel to said third and fourth through cuts and intersecting said first and second through cuts; and a closure means for closing the carton, said closure means defined by first and second lines of perforation formed in said exterior top panel extending substantially parallel to one another from a free edge of said exterior top panel to a second hinge line formed in said exterior top panel, said second hinge line positioned so as to substantially overly said first hinge line in a formed carton;
wherein said closure means substantially overlies said opening force receiving means and said opening force receiving means substantially overlies said aperture when a carton is formed of the blank.
a first main lateral panel;
a second main lateral panel;
a first minor lateral panel disposed between said first and second main lateral panels;
a second minor lateral panel adjacent one of said first and second main panels;
an exterior top panel adjoining one of said main lateral panels;
an interior top panel adjoining the other of said main lateral panels;
first and second minor flaps adjoining said respective first and second minor lateral panels; and an opening forming means for permitting access to the product;
said opening forming means comprising;
an aperture formed in a central portion of one of said first and second minor flaps, an opening force receiving means formed in said interior minor flap for overlying said aperture comprising;
a lift tab defined by a free edge of said interior top panel and first and second substantially parallel through cuts extending from said free edge;
third and fourth through cuts substantially coextensive with respective first and second through cuts and spaced apart therefrom and extending to a first hinge line in said interior top panel; and first and second upper cut scores extending from said hinge line substantially parallel to said third and fourth through cuts and intersecting said first and second through cuts; and a closure means for closing the carton, said closure means defined by first and second lines of perforation formed in said exterior top panel extending substantially parallel to one another from a free edge of said exterior top panel to a second hinge line formed in said exterior top panel, said second hinge line positioned so as to substantially overly said first hinge line in a formed carton;
wherein said closure means substantially overlies said opening force receiving means and said opening force receiving means substantially overlies said aperture when a carton is formed of the blank.
41. The blank of claim 40, wherein an area defined by said aperture is greater than an area defined by said first hinge line, said third and fourth through cuts and imaginary line extending between the intersection of said first through cut and said first upper cut score and said second through cut and said second upper cut score.
42. The blank of claim 40, wherein said first and second lines of perforation are spaced apart a greater distance than said first and second upper cut scores.
43. The blank of claim 40, further comprising a cut-out formed adjacent said free edge of said exterior panel, wherein said first and second lines of perforation extend from said cutout.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US887,043 | 1992-05-22 | ||
| US07/887,043 US5259552A (en) | 1990-12-28 | 1992-05-22 | Top panel spout carton |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2096753A1 CA2096753A1 (en) | 1993-11-23 |
| CA2096753C true CA2096753C (en) | 1996-12-24 |
Family
ID=25390335
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2096753 Expired - Fee Related CA2096753C (en) | 1992-05-22 | 1993-05-21 | Top panel spout carton |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2096753C (en) |
-
1993
- 1993-05-21 CA CA 2096753 patent/CA2096753C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2096753A1 (en) | 1993-11-23 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |