EP2035286B1 - Carton with features for pouring - Google Patents
Carton with features for pouring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2035286B1 EP2035286B1 EP07810178A EP07810178A EP2035286B1 EP 2035286 B1 EP2035286 B1 EP 2035286B1 EP 07810178 A EP07810178 A EP 07810178A EP 07810178 A EP07810178 A EP 07810178A EP 2035286 B1 EP2035286 B1 EP 2035286B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- carton
- line
- disruption
- panel
- flap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Not-in-force
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
- B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
- B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
- B65D5/74—Spouts
- B65D5/741—Spouts for containers having a tubular body
- B65D5/745—Spouts formed by deforming or tearing parts of the upper wall, combined with a deformation of a part of the body of the container
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to cartons and, more particularly, to cartons used for containing and dispensing (e.g., pouring) contents, such as foodstuffs or other dispensable products.
- a variety of such cartons are known.
- U.S. 2005/0274086 A1 discloses a packaging blank capable of forming a reclosable container comprising in one embodiment a front panel having opposing side panels, a rear panel connected to the front panel by the second side panel, a top panel connected to a top edge of the front panel, a bottom panel connected to a bottom edge of the front panel, and a pour spout flap connected to a top edge of the second side panel.
- the packaging blank Upon construction the packaging blank provides a reclosable container having an integral pour spout that is releasably securable to a portion of the top panel.
- this reference teaches a three-ply top panel structure at the pouring spout region, the innermost top flap comprising a pouring opening, the outermost top flap comprising a spout structure and a tear-off portion, and the intermediate top flap may comprise a detachable sealing tab which may be torn-off the remaining intermediate top flap along a perforation so as to expose the pouring opening in the innermost top flap.
- the present invention aims at providing an improved carton with pouring features which provides a new balance of properties.
- one aspect of the present invention is the provision of a carton from which contents may be poured.
- the carton includes a plurality of panels that extends around and defines an interior of the carton, a first end flap foldably connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels, a second end flap foldably connected to a second panel of the plurality of panels, and a third end flap connected to a third panel of the plurality of panels, with the third end flap being part of the end panel.
- the first and second end flaps are in an overlapping relationship with respect to one another so that they at least partially form an end panel that closes an end of the carton.
- the end panel cooperates with at least one of the plurality of panels to form a corner of the carton.
- the first end flap defines an opening that substantially extends to the corner of the carton and is adapted for use in pouring contents from the carton.
- the second end flap includes an obstructing portion that at least indirectly obstructs the opening.
- the second end flap is adapted so that at least the obstructing portion can be moved away from the opening.
- the obstructing portion of the second end flap may be a tear-away portion (e.g., tear grip) of the second end flap.
- the third end flap includes an obstructing portion that at least indirectly obstructs the opening.
- the third end flap is adapted so that at least the obstructing portion of the third end flap can be moved away from the opening.
- the third end flap may be positioned between the first and second end flaps while the carton is closed.
- the third end flap may be deformed to form a spout that is adjacent to the opening while the carton is open and its contents are being poured.
- the first panel of the plurality of panels may be foldably connected to the second and third panels of the plurality of panels by respective fold lines.
- the carton is adapted so that the first panel and/or an associated end flap is for being deformed to at least partially form a pour spout that is proximate the opening.
- One or more lines of disruption e.g., crease lines
- at least a portion of the end panel may be adapted for bracing the second and third panels apart from one another while the spout is formed, with the bracing seeking to keep the spout from collapsing.
- a method of pouring contents from a carton includes partially opening at least an end panel of the carton so that the carton has an opening through which contents may be poured from the carton.
- a predetermined portion of the end panel remains substantially intact, so that the predetermined portion of the end panel closes a substantial portion of an end of the carton.
- the method further includes squeezing a predetermined portion of the carton.
- the carton may be adapted so that at least one portion of the carton deforms, in response to the squeezing, to form a spout that is proximate the opening.
- the carton being adapted may further comprise the predetermined portion of the end panel bracing panels of the carton apart from one another in a manner that restricts the spout from collapsing.
- the method further includes pouring contents from the carton by way of the opening and the spout.
- the spout may automatically cease to be formed and the opening may be closed after the pouring.
- a carton blank for forming the carton of the present invention may include a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a first end flap having a first edge foldably connected to the first panel at a first fold line, and a second end flap having a first edge foldably connected to second panel at a second fold line that is substantially aligned with the first fold line.
- the third panel includes opposite first and second edges that are respectively foldably connected to the first and second panels.
- the first end flap includes opposite second and third edges.
- the first end flap may define a hole that is at least partially defined by the second edge of the first end flap.
- the second end flap includes opposite second and third edges.
- the second end flap may include a line of disruption that is proximate the second edge of the second end flap.
- the line of disruption at least partially defines a portion (e.g., tear strip) of the second end flap that is movable relative to a remainder of the second end flap, and the movable portion of the second end flap may include at least a portion of the second edge of the second end flap.
- a portion e.g., tear strip
- an aspect of a first embodiment of the present invention generally relates to features for facilitating dispensing (e.g., pouring) from a carton.
- Features of the present invention can be used, for example, in cartons that contain articles or other products that are suitable for being poured.
- the articles can be particulate products such as rice, beans, sugar, and other pourable solid products, such as soaps and detergents.
- Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first, exterior side of a blank 8 used to form a carton 130 (illustrated in Fig. 3 ) having a feature for pouring 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- Figs. 2A , 2B , and 2C depict the blank 8 in partially erected configurations.
- the blank 8 defines a longitudinal axis L, which extends in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse axis T, which extends in a traverse direction.
- the blank 8 includes a first side panel 10 foldably connected to a first end panel 20 at a first longitudinal fold line 21, a second side panel 30 foldably connected to the first end panel 20 at a second longitudinal fold line 31, and a second end panel 40 foldably connected to the second side panel 30 at a third longitudinal fold line 41.
- the longitudinal fold lines 21, 31, 41 are generally parallel to longitudinal axis L.
- An adhesive flap 50 may be foldably connected to the first side panel 10 at a fourth longitudinal fold line 51 that is also generally parallel to longitudinal axis L.
- the relative terms “bottom” and “top” may indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons.
- the first side panel 10 is foldably connected to a first side top flap 12 and a first side bottom flap 14.
- the first end panel 20 is also preferably foldably connected to a first end top flap 22 and a first end bottom flap 24, just as the second side panel 30 and the second end panel 40 may be foldably connected to their respective top flaps 32, 42 and their respective bottom flaps 34, 44.
- the top flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 may extend along a first marginal area of the blank 8, and may be foldably connected to their respective panels along a first transverse fold line 62 extending generally parallel to transverse axis T.
- the bottom flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 may extend along a second or bottom marginal area of the blank 8, and may also be foldably connected to their respective panels along a second transverse fold line 64 also extending generally parallel to transverse axis T.
- the transverse fold lines 62, 64 may be straight or substantially straight fold lines, or may be offset at one or more locations to account for, for example, blank thickness.
- Each of the transverse fold lines 62, 64 may be characterized as being a plurality of fold lines that will typically be at least somewhat colinear while the blank 8 is in its flat configuration shown in Fig. 1 .
- the carton blank 8 includes a feature for pouring 100 that typically includes an opening 102 (e.g., a hole adapted for having contents poured through) formed in the first side top flap 12, and the feature for pouring 100 optionally further includes a crease pattern 104 formed in first end panel 20 and/or the first end top flap 22.
- the opening 102 is a hole that extends through the first side top flap 12 and is substantially larger than a slit; and the opening 102 is centered along an edge of the first side top flap 12, and that edge can be characterized as defining the opening 102.
- a portion (e.g., a movable obstructing portion) of the second side top flap 32 indirectly obstructs the opening 102, and the obstructing portion of the second side flap is a tear-away feature that may more specifically be in the form of a tear strip 110.
- the tear strip 110 is defined by a first line of disruption 112 (e.g., tear line) and a second line of disruption 114 (e.g., tear line) formed in the second side top flap 32. More specifically, the second tear line / second line of disruption 114 extends along, or more specifically is colinearly formed on, a portion of the transverse fold line 62.
- tear strips 110 Differently configured obstructing portions (e.g., tear strips 110) of the second side flap 32 are also within the scope of the present invention.
- the tear strip 110 may be modified so as to remain foldably attached, such that it is a flap that is foldably attached to the remainder of the second side top flap 32 (e.g., the line of disruption 112 may be a fold line rather than a tear line).
- the tear strip 110 can have other than a strip-like shape, such that it can be more generally referred to as a tear-away portion, although it is not required that the tear strip 110 or other tear-away portion be torn completely away from the carton 130.
- the top flap 22 does not extend as far outwardly as the top flaps 12 and 32. Accordingly and while the blank 8 is in its flat configuration shown in Fig. 1 , a portion of the top flap 12 (i.e., a portion of its edge that defines the opening 102) is in opposing face-to-face relation with a portion of the top flap 32 (i.e., a portion of its edge that is included in the tear strip 110 and extends parallel to the tear line / line of disruption 112.
- the crease pattern 104 includes an elongate line of disruption 106 (e.g., a crease line and/or score line) extending in the first side end panel 20 and the first end top flap 22 from an edge of the first end top flap 22 down to an end point 107.
- the line of disruption 106 is substantially colinear with the center of both the first side end panel 20 and the first end top flap 22.
- the line of disruption 106 can be characterized as being two separate, substantially colinear lines of disruption respectively in the first end panel 20 and the first end top flap 22.
- the first side end panel 20 further includes an inverted V-shaped line of disruption 108 (e.g., crease line and/or score line), which has two legs 109a, 109b, that is positioned with its vertex coincident with the end point 107 of the elongate line of disruption 106.
- the legs 109a, 109b terminate at their respective intersections with the first and second longitudinal fold lines 21, 31.
- the crease pattern 104 or any portion thereof may be omitted.
- the first and second lines of disruption 112, 114 (e.g., tear lines) of the tear strip 110 may be continuous or substantially continuous breachable lines of disruption formed from, for example, scores, creases, cuts, gaps, perforations, offset cuts, or any combinations thereof. If cuts are used to form the first and second lines of disruption 112, 114, the cuts may be, for example, interrupted by breachable nicks.
- the elongate and V-shaped lines of disruption 106 and 108 (e.g., crease lines) may be any type of continuous or substantially continuous lines of disruption that will facilitate bending along the lines of disruption, such as scores, creases, offset cuts, perforations or combinations thereof.
- the carton 130 ( Fig. 3 ) may be erected from the blank 8 by respectively folding the blank and gluing or otherwise adhering or attaching the adhesive flap 50 to the inner side (not shown) of the second end panel 40, so that the first side panel 10, first end panel 20, second side panel 30, and second end panel 40 form a generally tubular construct with open ends.
- the partially assembled carton 130 has an open top end 132 and an open bottom end 134.
- the bottom end 134 may be closed, for example, by folding the bottom flaps 24 and 44 inward.
- the bottom flap 14 may then be folded inward and adhered to both of the bottom flaps 24 and 44.
- the bottom end 134 may then be completely secured by folding the bottom flap 34 inwardly and adhering the flaps 14 and 34 together. In this way, the bottom flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 together form the carton's bottom panel (not shown).
- the top end 132 of the carton 130 may be closed, for example, beginning with folding the flaps 12 and 42 inward, with the flap 42 typically being folded in first. Typically the inwardly folded flaps 12 and 42 are adhered to each other. The top flap 22 is then folded inward toward the top flap 12 so that the flap 22 covers (e.g., obstructs) the opening 102 ( Fig. 1 ). That is and in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a portion (e.g., an obstructing portion) of the first end top flap 22 obstructs the opening 102.
- the obstructing portion of the first end top flap 22 is that portion that overlies the opening 102.
- the flap 22 is not adhered to the flap 12; although the flap 22 may be releasably adhered to the flap 12 in an alternative embodiment.
- the top flap 32 is folded inwardly so that it covers the other top flaps 12, 22, 42 and so that the removable tear strip 110 covers the top flap 22 and indirectly obstructs the opening 102.
- the top flap 32 is adhered to the flap 12 (except that the tear strip 110 is typically not adhered, although the tear strip may be releasably adhered in an alternative embodiment), thereby completing formation of the carton's top end panel.
- the carton 130 when the carton 130 is closed as shown in Fig. 3 , its top end panel is formed by the overlapping top end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42.
- the tear strip 110 can be characterized as an obstructing portion of the top flap 32 because the tear strip obstructs access to the flap 22 and the opening 102, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fully erected carton 130 formed from the blank 8 (illustrated in Fig. 1 ).
- the carton 130 of the first embodiment is a parallelepiped, but the blank 8 may be configured such that the resulting carton has another geometric shape, such as, for example, a triangular, hexagonal or octagonal prism. It should be understood that either the carton's top end 132 or the carton's bottom end 134 may be assembled first, leaving the other end open so that the contents of the carton 130 may be introduced into the container.
- the open end may be assembled / closed, and the carton 130 will typically securely hold its contents until the opening 102 is uncovered to dispense the contents as described in further detail below in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. That is, an acceptable method of preparing for and subsequently pouring contents from the carton 130 is described in the following, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
- an acceptable process of preparing to pour contents from the carton 130 may begin with partially opening (e.g., partially dismantling) the top end 132 of the carton.
- a user 2 may open the feature for pouring 100 by grasping an end 111 of the tear strip 110 located proximate to the first side panel 10. The user 2 may then pull on the tear strip 110 in the direction of arrow A so that the tear strip separates from the remainder of the top flap 32 along the first line of disruption 112.
- the user 2 may fully remove tear strip 110 from the top flap 32 by tearing along the second line of disruption 114. The removed tear strip 110 no longer obstructs access to top flap 22 and opening 102 ( Fig. 1 ), and the user 2 may manipulate the top flap 22 as described in detail below.
- the user 2 may grasp and unfold the obstructing top flap 22 away from the top flap 12 in the direction of arrow B, thereby exposing the opening 102 ( Fig. 7 ).
- opposite side edges of the top flap 22 taper toward one another in a manner that facilitates the manually grasping of the opposite side edges of the top flap 22.
- the remaining portion of the top end panel is substantially intact, with this substantially intact, remaining portion of the top panel including the remaining portion of the second side top flap 32, the first side top flap 12 and the top flap 42 ( Fig. 1 ).
- top flap 22 is unfolded away from top flap 12, the user optionally may squeeze the carton 130 along the first and second longitudinal fold lines 21 and 31 as indicated by arrows C and D, so that the top flap 22 and first end panel 20 ( Fig. 9 ) deform (e.g., bow outwardly) generally along the crease pattern 104 ( Fig. 1 ) in the direction of arrow E.
- deformation along the elongate line of disruption 106 and the V-shaped line of disruption 108 Fig.
- the top flap 22 and/or the first end panel 20 allows the top flap 22 and/or the first end panel 20 to act as a spout 162 that assists the user 2 in minimizing the risk of spillage when pouring the contents 4 out of the carton 130.
- the spout 162 is substantially formed from predetermined portion(s) of the fully erected blank 8, without requiring the addition of additional plies, layers, patches or the like to the blank 8.
- Fig. 9 is schematic because the contents 4 hidden from view in the carton 130 are schematically shown. As the user deforms the carton 130 along the crease pattern 104 in the direction of arrow E, the effective area of opening 102 expands and allows the carton's contents to pour out more easily.
- the spout 162 may be most helpful when the opening 102 is positioned such that it extends substantially to a corner of the carton 130.
- the corner of the carton 130 that the opening 102 extends substantially to is defined where the first end panel 20 meets the top end panel.
- the top end panel is made up of the combination of the closed top flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 ( Fig. 1 ), although the top end panel can be configured differently (e.g., see Fig. 7 ).
- the opening 102 is located at the subject corner.
- the remaining portion of the top end panel which is substantially intact (which in Fig. 9 includes the remaining portion of the second side top flap 32, the first side top flap 12 and the top flap 42( Fig. 1 )) braces the first and second side panels 10, 30 apart from one another in a manner that aids in formation of the spout 162 by seeking to keep the spout from collapsing as may occur if the first and second side panels 10, 30 were to come into opposing face-to-face contact with one another.
- the substantially intact, remaining portion of the top panel also closes a substantial portion of the top end of the carton 130 so as to limit the amount of contents 4 that can be simultaneously poured from the carton.
- the feature for pouring 100 may be closed once the user 2 is finished dispensing the contents 4 ( Fig. 9 ) from the carton 130, as will be described below in accordance with the first embodiment.
- the user releases any manually-applied "squeezing" pressure exerted on the first longitudinal fold line 21 ( Fig. 1 and 2C ) and second longitudinal fold line 31 and allows the material along the crease pattern 104 ( Fig. 3 ) to substantially return to its normal, undeformed configuration (e.g., the spout 162 substantially ceases to be formed).
- the carton 130 has sufficient resilience so that the spout 162 automatically substantially ceases to be formed in response to the ceasing of the squeezing (e.g., the carton 130 automatically substantially returns to the configuration shown in Fig. 7 ).
- the user 2 may then fold the first end top flap 22 inward in the direction of arrow F so that the flap 22 (e.g., an obstructing portion of the flap 22) covers or obstructs the opening 102 in a manner that seeks to prevent the contents 4 ( Fig. 9 ) from spilling out of the carton 130.
- the user may releasably close the opening 102 by tucking an edge of the first end top flap 22 under the second side top flap 32 at the remaining portion of the first line of disruption 112 so that the previously "free" end of the first end top flap 22 is snuggly positioned between the first side top flap 12 and the second side top flap 32 as shown in Fig. 5 , thus closing the carton until the next time the user desires to dispense the carton's contents.
- the blank 8 can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials.
- the interior and/or exterior sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating.
- the clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images.
- the blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank.
- the blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier, on either or both sides of the blank.
- the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper.
- the blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above.
- the blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
- a fold line and a crease line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, line of disruption or other form of weakening that facilitates folding or deformation therealong, respectively. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, fold lines and crease lines may comprise: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; or various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line or a crease line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the line to be a tear line.
- a "panel” or “flap” need not be flat or otherwise planar.
- a “panel” or “flap” can, for example, comprise a plurality of interconnected generally flat or planar sections.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cartons (AREA)
- Laminated Bodies (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application claims benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/818,357 - The present invention generally relates to cartons and, more particularly, to cartons used for containing and dispensing (e.g., pouring) contents, such as foodstuffs or other dispensable products. A variety of such cartons are known. E.g.
U.S. 2005/0274086 A1 discloses a packaging blank capable of forming a reclosable container comprising in one embodiment a front panel having opposing side panels, a rear panel connected to the front panel by the second side panel, a top panel connected to a top edge of the front panel, a bottom panel connected to a bottom edge of the front panel, and a pour spout flap connected to a top edge of the second side panel. Upon construction the packaging blank provides a reclosable container having an integral pour spout that is releasably securable to a portion of the top panel. In greater detail, this reference teaches a three-ply top panel structure at the pouring spout region, the innermost top flap comprising a pouring opening, the outermost top flap comprising a spout structure and a tear-off portion, and the intermediate top flap may comprise a detachable sealing tab which may be torn-off the remaining intermediate top flap along a perforation so as to expose the pouring opening in the innermost top flap. - The present invention aims at providing an improved carton with pouring features which provides a new balance of properties.
- The object set out above is achieved by the carton defined in claim 1. Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention is the provision of a carton from which contents may be poured. The carton includes a plurality of panels that extends around and defines an interior of the carton, a first end flap foldably connected to a first panel of the plurality of panels, a second end flap foldably connected to a second panel of the plurality of panels, and a third end flap connected to a third panel of the plurality of panels, with the third end flap being part of the end panel. The first and second end flaps are in an overlapping relationship with respect to one another so that they at least partially form an end panel that closes an end of the carton. The end panel cooperates with at least one of the plurality of panels to form a corner of the carton. The first end flap defines an opening that substantially extends to the corner of the carton and is adapted for use in pouring contents from the carton. The second end flap includes an obstructing portion that at least indirectly obstructs the opening. The second end flap is adapted so that at least the obstructing portion can be moved away from the opening. The obstructing portion of the second end flap may be a tear-away portion (e.g., tear grip) of the second end flap.
- The third end flap includes an obstructing portion that at least indirectly obstructs the opening. The third end flap is adapted so that at least the obstructing portion of the third end flap can be moved away from the opening. The third end flap may be positioned between the first and second end flaps while the carton is closed. The third end flap may be deformed to form a spout that is adjacent to the opening while the carton is open and its contents are being poured.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention the first panel of the plurality of panels may be foldably connected to the second and third panels of the plurality of panels by respective fold lines. The carton is adapted so that the first panel and/or an associated end flap is for being deformed to at least partially form a pour spout that is proximate the opening. One or more lines of disruption (e.g., crease lines) may be provided for aiding in the formation of the spout. In accordance with one embodiment, at least a portion of the end panel may be adapted for bracing the second and third panels apart from one another while the spout is formed, with the bracing seeking to keep the spout from collapsing.
- In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a method of pouring contents from a carton includes partially opening at least an end panel of the carton so that the carton has an opening through which contents may be poured from the carton. A predetermined portion of the end panel remains substantially intact, so that the predetermined portion of the end panel closes a substantial portion of an end of the carton. The method further includes squeezing a predetermined portion of the carton. The carton may be adapted so that at least one portion of the carton deforms, in response to the squeezing, to form a spout that is proximate the opening. The carton being adapted may further comprise the predetermined portion of the end panel bracing panels of the carton apart from one another in a manner that restricts the spout from collapsing. The method further includes pouring contents from the carton by way of the opening and the spout. Optionally, the spout may automatically cease to be formed and the opening may be closed after the pouring.
- A carton blank for forming the carton of the present invention may include a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a first end flap having a first edge foldably connected to the first panel at a first fold line, and a second end flap having a first edge foldably connected to second panel at a second fold line that is substantially aligned with the first fold line. The third panel includes opposite first and second edges that are respectively foldably connected to the first and second panels. The first end flap includes opposite second and third edges. The first end flap may define a hole that is at least partially defined by the second edge of the first end flap. The second end flap includes opposite second and third edges. The second end flap may include a line of disruption that is proximate the second edge of the second end flap. The line of disruption at least partially defines a portion (e.g., tear strip) of the second end flap that is movable relative to a remainder of the second end flap, and the movable portion of the second end flap may include at least a portion of the second edge of the second end flap.
- Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following.
- Having described some aspects of the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
-
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton having a feature for pouring according to a first embodiment of the invention. -
Fig. 2A schematically illustrates a portion of a process by which the blank ofFigure 1 may be formed into the carton according to the first embodiment of the invention. -
Fig. 2B further illustrates the blank ofFigure 1 being formed into the carton according to the first embodiment of the invention. -
Fig. 2C further illustrates the blank ofFigure 1 being formed into the carton according to the first embodiment of the invention. -
Fig. 3 illustrates the erected carton according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 4 illustrates an initial step of opening the carton according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 5 further illustrates opening the carton according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 6 further illustrates opening the carton according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 7 illustrates the carton in an open configuration according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a feature for pouring (e.g., an opening and associated pour spout) formed in the carton according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 9 schematically illustrates material being poured from the carton according to the first embodiment. -
Fig. 10 illustrates the carton being closed according to the first embodiment. - Referring now in greater detail to the drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, it will be understood that an aspect of a first embodiment of the present invention generally relates to features for facilitating dispensing (e.g., pouring) from a carton. Features of the present invention can be used, for example, in cartons that contain articles or other products that are suitable for being poured. For example and not limitation, the articles can be particulate products such as rice, beans, sugar, and other pourable solid products, such as soaps and detergents.
-
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a first, exterior side of a blank 8 used to form a carton 130 (illustrated inFig. 3 ) having a feature for pouring 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention.Figs. 2A ,2B , and2C depict the blank 8 in partially erected configurations. Referring toFig. 1 , the blank 8 defines a longitudinal axis L, which extends in a longitudinal direction, and a transverse axis T, which extends in a traverse direction. The blank 8 includes afirst side panel 10 foldably connected to afirst end panel 20 at a firstlongitudinal fold line 21, asecond side panel 30 foldably connected to thefirst end panel 20 at a secondlongitudinal fold line 31, and asecond end panel 40 foldably connected to thesecond side panel 30 at a thirdlongitudinal fold line 41. In the illustrated embodiment, thelongitudinal fold lines adhesive flap 50 may be foldably connected to thefirst side panel 10 at a fourthlongitudinal fold line 51 that is also generally parallel to longitudinal axis L. - For ease of understanding in this specification, the relative terms "bottom" and "top" may indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons. The
first side panel 10 is foldably connected to a firstside top flap 12 and a firstside bottom flap 14. Thefirst end panel 20 is also preferably foldably connected to a firstend top flap 22 and a firstend bottom flap 24, just as thesecond side panel 30 and thesecond end panel 40 may be foldably connected to their respectivetop flaps - The top flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 may extend along a first marginal area of the blank 8, and may be foldably connected to their respective panels along a first
transverse fold line 62 extending generally parallel to transverse axis T. The bottom flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 may extend along a second or bottom marginal area of the blank 8, and may also be foldably connected to their respective panels along a secondtransverse fold line 64 also extending generally parallel to transverse axis T. Thetransverse fold lines transverse fold lines Fig. 1 . - According to one aspect of the first embodiment of the present invention, the
carton blank 8 includes a feature for pouring 100 that typically includes an opening 102 (e.g., a hole adapted for having contents poured through) formed in the firstside top flap 12, and the feature for pouring 100 optionally further includes acrease pattern 104 formed infirst end panel 20 and/or the firstend top flap 22. In accordance with the first embodiment, theopening 102 is a hole that extends through the firstside top flap 12 and is substantially larger than a slit; and theopening 102 is centered along an edge of the firstside top flap 12, and that edge can be characterized as defining theopening 102. - In accordance with the first embodiment, a portion (e.g., a movable obstructing portion) of the second
side top flap 32 indirectly obstructs theopening 102, and the obstructing portion of the second side flap is a tear-away feature that may more specifically be in the form of atear strip 110. Thetear strip 110 is defined by a first line of disruption 112 (e.g., tear line) and a second line of disruption 114 (e.g., tear line) formed in the secondside top flap 32. More specifically, the second tear line / second line ofdisruption 114 extends along, or more specifically is colinearly formed on, a portion of thetransverse fold line 62. Differently configured obstructing portions (e.g., tear strips 110) of thesecond side flap 32 are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, thetear strip 110 may be modified so as to remain foldably attached, such that it is a flap that is foldably attached to the remainder of the second side top flap 32 (e.g., the line ofdisruption 112 may be a fold line rather than a tear line). Also, thetear strip 110 can have other than a strip-like shape, such that it can be more generally referred to as a tear-away portion, although it is not required that thetear strip 110 or other tear-away portion be torn completely away from thecarton 130. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
top flap 22 does not extend as far outwardly as the top flaps 12 and 32. Accordingly and while the blank 8 is in its flat configuration shown inFig. 1 , a portion of the top flap 12 (i.e., a portion of its edge that defines the opening 102) is in opposing face-to-face relation with a portion of the top flap 32 (i.e., a portion of its edge that is included in thetear strip 110 and extends parallel to the tear line / line ofdisruption 112. - In the illustrated embodiment, the
crease pattern 104 includes an elongate line of disruption 106 (e.g., a crease line and/or score line) extending in the firstside end panel 20 and the firstend top flap 22 from an edge of the firstend top flap 22 down to anend point 107. In accordance with the first embodiment, the line ofdisruption 106 is substantially colinear with the center of both the firstside end panel 20 and the firstend top flap 22. The line ofdisruption 106 can be characterized as being two separate, substantially colinear lines of disruption respectively in thefirst end panel 20 and the firstend top flap 22. The firstside end panel 20 further includes an inverted V-shaped line of disruption 108 (e.g., crease line and/or score line), which has twolegs end point 107 of the elongate line ofdisruption 106. Thelegs longitudinal fold lines crease pattern 104 or any portion thereof may be omitted. - The first and second lines of
disruption 112, 114 (e.g., tear lines) of thetear strip 110 may be continuous or substantially continuous breachable lines of disruption formed from, for example, scores, creases, cuts, gaps, perforations, offset cuts, or any combinations thereof. If cuts are used to form the first and second lines ofdisruption disruption 106 and 108 (e.g., crease lines) may be any type of continuous or substantially continuous lines of disruption that will facilitate bending along the lines of disruption, such as scores, creases, offset cuts, perforations or combinations thereof. - Referring to
Figs. 1 and2A and very generally described, the carton 130 (Fig. 3 ) may be erected from the blank 8 by respectively folding the blank and gluing or otherwise adhering or attaching theadhesive flap 50 to the inner side (not shown) of thesecond end panel 40, so that thefirst side panel 10,first end panel 20,second side panel 30, andsecond end panel 40 form a generally tubular construct with open ends. Referring now toFig. 2B , the partially assembledcarton 130 has an opentop end 132 and an openbottom end 134. Thebottom end 134 may be closed, for example, by folding the bottom flaps 24 and 44 inward. Thebottom flap 14 may then be folded inward and adhered to both of the bottom flaps 24 and 44. Thebottom end 134 may then be completely secured by folding thebottom flap 34 inwardly and adhering theflaps - Turning now to
Fig. 2C , thetop end 132 of thecarton 130 may be closed, for example, beginning with folding theflaps flap 42 typically being folded in first. Typically the inwardly foldedflaps top flap 22 is then folded inward toward thetop flap 12 so that theflap 22 covers (e.g., obstructs) the opening 102 (Fig. 1 ). That is and in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, a portion (e.g., an obstructing portion) of the firstend top flap 22 obstructs theopening 102. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, the obstructing portion of the firstend top flap 22 is that portion that overlies theopening 102. Preferably, theflap 22 is not adhered to theflap 12; although theflap 22 may be releasably adhered to theflap 12 in an alternative embodiment. Finally, thetop flap 32 is folded inwardly so that it covers the othertop flaps removable tear strip 110 covers thetop flap 22 and indirectly obstructs theopening 102. Thetop flap 32 is adhered to the flap 12 (except that thetear strip 110 is typically not adhered, although the tear strip may be releasably adhered in an alternative embodiment), thereby completing formation of the carton's top end panel. That is and in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, when thecarton 130 is closed as shown inFig. 3 , its top end panel is formed by the overlapping top end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42. Thetear strip 110 can be characterized as an obstructing portion of thetop flap 32 because the tear strip obstructs access to theflap 22 and theopening 102, as will be discussed in greater detail below. -
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the fully erectedcarton 130 formed from the blank 8 (illustrated inFig. 1 ). When fully erected, thecarton 130 of the first embodiment is a parallelepiped, but the blank 8 may be configured such that the resulting carton has another geometric shape, such as, for example, a triangular, hexagonal or octagonal prism. It should be understood that either the carton'stop end 132 or the carton'sbottom end 134 may be assembled first, leaving the other end open so that the contents of thecarton 130 may be introduced into the container. Once fully filled, the open end may be assembled / closed, and thecarton 130 will typically securely hold its contents until theopening 102 is uncovered to dispense the contents as described in further detail below in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. That is, an acceptable method of preparing for and subsequently pouring contents from thecarton 130 is described in the following, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention. - After the
carton 130 has been fully closed as discussed above, an acceptable process of preparing to pour contents from thecarton 130 may begin with partially opening (e.g., partially dismantling) thetop end 132 of the carton. For example and referring toFig. 4 , auser 2 may open the feature for pouring 100 by grasping anend 111 of thetear strip 110 located proximate to thefirst side panel 10. Theuser 2 may then pull on thetear strip 110 in the direction of arrow A so that the tear strip separates from the remainder of thetop flap 32 along the first line ofdisruption 112. Referring toFig. 5 , theuser 2 may fully removetear strip 110 from thetop flap 32 by tearing along the second line ofdisruption 114. The removedtear strip 110 no longer obstructs access totop flap 22 and opening 102 (Fig. 1 ), and theuser 2 may manipulate thetop flap 22 as described in detail below. - Referring now to
Figs. 6 and7 , theuser 2 may grasp and unfold the obstructingtop flap 22 away from thetop flap 12 in the direction of arrow B, thereby exposing the opening 102 (Fig. 7 ). In the illustrated embodiment, opposite side edges of thetop flap 22 taper toward one another in a manner that facilitates the manually grasping of the opposite side edges of thetop flap 22. As shown inFig. 7 , the remaining portion of the top end panel is substantially intact, with this substantially intact, remaining portion of the top panel including the remaining portion of the secondside top flap 32, the firstside top flap 12 and the top flap 42 (Fig. 1 ). - Turning now to
Fig. 8 , oncetop flap 22 is unfolded away fromtop flap 12, the user optionally may squeeze thecarton 130 along the first and secondlongitudinal fold lines top flap 22 and first end panel 20 (Fig. 9 ) deform (e.g., bow outwardly) generally along the crease pattern 104 (Fig. 1 ) in the direction of arrow E. With particular reference toFig. 9 , deformation along the elongate line ofdisruption 106 and the V-shaped line of disruption 108 (Fig. 3 ) allows thetop flap 22 and/or thefirst end panel 20 to act as aspout 162 that assists theuser 2 in minimizing the risk of spillage when pouring the contents 4 out of thecarton 130. In accordance with the first embodiment, thespout 162 is substantially formed from predetermined portion(s) of the fully erected blank 8, without requiring the addition of additional plies, layers, patches or the like to the blank 8.Fig. 9 is schematic because the contents 4 hidden from view in thecarton 130 are schematically shown. As the user deforms thecarton 130 along thecrease pattern 104 in the direction of arrow E, the effective area ofopening 102 expands and allows the carton's contents to pour out more easily. - In the first embodiment, the
spout 162 may be most helpful when theopening 102 is positioned such that it extends substantially to a corner of thecarton 130. In accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention and as best understood with reference toFigs. 4 ,5 and7 , the corner of thecarton 130 that theopening 102 extends substantially to is defined where thefirst end panel 20 meets the top end panel. In the configuration ofFig. 4 , the top end panel is made up of the combination of the closedtop flaps Fig. 1 ), although the top end panel can be configured differently (e.g., seeFig. 7 ). As shown inFig. 7 and in accordance with the first embodiment, theopening 102 is located at the subject corner. - In accordance with the first embodiment and as shown in
Fig. 9 , the remaining portion of the top end panel which is substantially intact (which inFig. 9 includes the remaining portion of the secondside top flap 32, the firstside top flap 12 and the top flap 42(Fig. 1 )) braces the first andsecond side panels spout 162 by seeking to keep the spout from collapsing as may occur if the first andsecond side panels Fig. 9 , the substantially intact, remaining portion of the top panel also closes a substantial portion of the top end of thecarton 130 so as to limit the amount of contents 4 that can be simultaneously poured from the carton. - Referring now to
Fig. 10 , the feature for pouring 100 may be closed once theuser 2 is finished dispensing the contents 4 (Fig. 9 ) from thecarton 130, as will be described below in accordance with the first embodiment. After dispensing some of the contents 4 from thecarton 130, the user releases any manually-applied "squeezing" pressure exerted on the first longitudinal fold line 21 (Fig. 1 and2C ) and secondlongitudinal fold line 31 and allows the material along the crease pattern 104 (Fig. 3 ) to substantially return to its normal, undeformed configuration (e.g., thespout 162 substantially ceases to be formed). That is and in accordance with the first embodiment, thecarton 130 has sufficient resilience so that thespout 162 automatically substantially ceases to be formed in response to the ceasing of the squeezing (e.g., thecarton 130 automatically substantially returns to the configuration shown inFig. 7 ). Theuser 2 may then fold the firstend top flap 22 inward in the direction of arrow F so that the flap 22 (e.g., an obstructing portion of the flap 22) covers or obstructs theopening 102 in a manner that seeks to prevent the contents 4 (Fig. 9 ) from spilling out of thecarton 130. The user may releasably close theopening 102 by tucking an edge of the firstend top flap 22 under the secondside top flap 32 at the remaining portion of the first line ofdisruption 112 so that the previously "free" end of the firstend top flap 22 is snuggly positioned between the firstside top flap 12 and the secondside top flap 32 as shown inFig. 5 , thus closing the carton until the next time the user desires to dispense the carton's contents. - It should be understood that the blank 8 can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
- In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present invention, a fold line and a crease line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, line of disruption or other form of weakening that facilitates folding or deformation therealong, respectively. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, fold lines and crease lines may comprise: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; or various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line or a crease line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the line to be a tear line.
- In the present specification, a "panel" or "flap" need not be flat or otherwise planar. A "panel" or "flap" can, for example, comprise a plurality of interconnected generally flat or planar sections.
- In the foregoing, panels and/or flaps are described as being respectively adhered, and this may be done with an adhesive material such as glue. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place. Also, adhesive connections can be replaced by or supplemented with other suitable connections.
- It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the present invention has been discussed above with reference to exemplary embodiments, various additions, modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.
Claims (9)
- A carton (130) from which contents may be poured, the carton comprising:a plurality of panels (10, 20, 30, 40) that extends around and defines an interior of the carton;a first end flap (12) foldably connected to a first panel (10) of the plurality of panels;a second end flap (32) foldably connected to a second panel (30) of the plurality of panels; anda third end flap (22) foldably connected to a third panel (20) of the plurality of panels, whereinthe first and second end flaps (12,32) are in an overlapping relationship with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form an end panel that at least partially closes an end (132) of the carton,the end panel cooperates with at least one of the plurality of panels (20) to at least partially form a corner of the carton,the first end flap (12) at least partially defines an opening (102) that substantially extends to the corner of the carton and is adapted for use in pouring contents from the carton,the second end flap (32) comprises an obstructing portion (110) that at least indirectly obstructs the opening,the second end flap (32) is adapted so that at least the obstructing portion (110) can be moved away from the opening,the third end flap (22) cooperates with the first end flap (12) and second end flap (32) to form the end panel, the third end flap being below the second end flap (32),the third end flap (22) comprises an obstructing portion that at least indirectly obstructs the opening (102), andthe third end flap (22) is foldably connected to the third panel (30) so that the third end flap can be moved away from the opening to allow contents to be poured from the carton.
- The carton according to claim 1, wherein the opening (102) extends to an outer edge of the first end flap.
- The carton according to claim 1, wherein the obstructing portion (110) of the second end flap (32) is at least partially defined by at least one breachable line of disruption (112) formed in the second end flap.
- The carton according to claim 3, wherein the line of disruption (112) comprises a tear line and the obstructing portion (110) of the second end flap (32) comprises a tear-away portion that is at least partially defined by the tear line.
- The carton according to claim 1, wherein the third end flap (22) is positioned between the first and second end flaps (12, 32).
- The carton according to claim 1, wherein:the second panel (20) of the plurality of panels includes an elongate line of disruption (106) that substantially extends to the corner of the carton,the elongate line of disruption extends from proximate the corner at least partially across the second panel, andat least a portion of the elongate line of disruption is positioned between fold lines (21, 31) by which the second panel (20) is respectively foldably connected to the first and third panels (10, 30) of the plurality of panels.
- The carton according to claim 6, wherein:each of the elongate line of disruption (106) and the fold lines (21, 31) extend in a longitudinal direction (L), whereby the elongate line of disruption is a longitudinal line of disruption,the second panel includes an oblique line of disruption (109a, 109b) that extends from proximate the longitudinal line of disruption to proximate a fold line of the fold lines, andthe oblique line of disruption extends obliquely with respect to the longitudinal line of disruption.
- The carton according to claim 7, wherein:the oblique line of disruption (109a) is a first oblique line of disruption;the fold line (21) is a first fold line;a second oblique line of disruption (109b) extends(a) from proximate both the longitudinal line of disruption (106) and an end (107) of the first oblique line of disruption(b) to proximate a second fold line (31) of the fold lines.
- The carton of claim 6, wherein
the carton is adapted so that the second panel (20) is for being deformed to at least partially form a spout (162) that is proximate the opening (102) for at least partially facilitating pouring from the opening, wherein an elongate line of disruption (106) is for having the second panel deform therealong, and
the end panel is adapted for bracing the first and third panels (10, 30) apart from one another while the spout is formed.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US81835706P | 2006-06-30 | 2006-06-30 | |
PCT/US2007/015422 WO2008005468A1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Carton with features for pouring |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2035286A1 EP2035286A1 (en) | 2009-03-18 |
EP2035286B1 true EP2035286B1 (en) | 2011-01-05 |
Family
ID=38611098
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP07810178A Not-in-force EP2035286B1 (en) | 2006-06-30 | 2007-06-29 | Carton with features for pouring |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20080000953A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2035286B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE494230T1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2655650A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602007011758D1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008005468A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105849003A (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2016-08-10 | 利乐拉瓦尔集团及财务有限公司 | Packaging container with opening device and method for manufacturing the same |
CN105848892A (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2016-08-10 | 利乐拉瓦尔集团及财务有限公司 | Package material blank and method of forming the same |
BR112018000429A2 (en) * | 2015-07-08 | 2018-09-11 | Qualcomm Inc | interference reduction systems and methods for simultaneous links in beamformed communication |
Family Cites Families (26)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US818357A (en) | 1905-11-25 | 1906-04-17 | William W Harbert | Animal-trap. |
US2361984A (en) * | 1941-10-28 | 1944-11-07 | Nat Folding Box Co | Telescopic box |
US2565182A (en) * | 1947-10-24 | 1951-08-21 | Karl E Maxon | Carton construction |
US2683953A (en) * | 1951-11-20 | 1954-07-20 | Hopkins Agricultural Chemical | Container for rodenticides |
US4094456A (en) * | 1977-04-25 | 1978-06-13 | Champion International Corporation | Reclosable dispensing carton |
US4141485A (en) * | 1978-01-12 | 1979-02-27 | Champion International Corporation | Slide top carton |
US4138016A (en) * | 1978-04-27 | 1979-02-06 | Champion International Corporation | Slide top dispenser carton |
US4201329A (en) * | 1979-03-22 | 1980-05-06 | Champion International Corporation | Double cell slide dispenser |
US4361270A (en) * | 1981-06-24 | 1982-11-30 | Champion International Corporation | Double cell, double slide dispensing carton and carton blank for forming same |
US4484683A (en) * | 1982-02-19 | 1984-11-27 | Ralston Purina Company | Reclosable carton |
US4609142A (en) * | 1985-04-12 | 1986-09-02 | Waldorf Corporation | Reclosable dispenser carton and blank therefor |
US4782788A (en) * | 1987-08-05 | 1988-11-08 | Domta Inc. | Litter box with handle and blank therefor |
US5056708A (en) * | 1990-08-27 | 1991-10-15 | Waldorf Corporation | Two-cell slide top dispenser with tamper evident top |
US5251808A (en) * | 1992-12-29 | 1993-10-12 | Rudd Darryl J | Variable volume box |
DE9320241U1 (en) * | 1993-05-05 | 1994-03-10 | Efkadruck GmbH, 78647 Trossingen | Shaker |
US5344066A (en) * | 1993-09-29 | 1994-09-06 | Riverwood International Corporation | Carton with reclosable corner pour openings |
BR7600558U (en) * | 1996-01-04 | 1998-09-01 | Orniex S A | Constructive arrangement applied to opening device for packaging |
US6676009B1 (en) * | 1997-09-30 | 2004-01-13 | Harold J. Rose | Container having a plurality of selectable volumes |
US6050484A (en) * | 1999-07-21 | 2000-04-18 | Fres-Co System Usa, Inc. | Convertible-reclosable box/carton with pour spout |
US6102277A (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2000-08-15 | Krapohl, Sr.; Robert J. | Reducible cereal box packaging |
FR2802511B1 (en) * | 1999-12-20 | 2002-03-01 | Dailycer | PACKAGING, PARTICULARLY FOR FOOD PRODUCTS, AND CUTTING PLAN FOR FORMING SUCH A PACKAGING |
US6336584B1 (en) * | 2000-07-07 | 2002-01-08 | Roch Francois | Multiple use carton box |
US20050274086A1 (en) | 2004-06-10 | 2005-12-15 | Petrelli J A | Method of forming a container having an integral pour spout |
US20050274782A1 (en) * | 2004-06-10 | 2005-12-15 | Petrelli J A | Blank capable of forming a container having an integral pour spout |
US20060255106A1 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2006-11-16 | Graphic Packaging International, Inc. | Variable volume carton |
US7503475B2 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2009-03-17 | Graphic Packaging International, Inc. | Carton with slidable tab for controlling dispensing |
-
2007
- 2007-06-29 AT AT07810178T patent/ATE494230T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2007-06-29 EP EP07810178A patent/EP2035286B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2007-06-29 WO PCT/US2007/015422 patent/WO2008005468A1/en active Application Filing
- 2007-06-29 DE DE602007011758T patent/DE602007011758D1/en active Active
- 2007-06-29 US US11/824,309 patent/US20080000953A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2007-06-29 CA CA002655650A patent/CA2655650A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2655650A1 (en) | 2008-01-10 |
US20080000953A1 (en) | 2008-01-03 |
WO2008005468A1 (en) | 2008-01-10 |
ATE494230T1 (en) | 2011-01-15 |
EP2035286A1 (en) | 2009-03-18 |
DE602007011758D1 (en) | 2011-02-17 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9868563B2 (en) | Cartons with reclosable features | |
EP2121456B1 (en) | Cooler box with handle round | |
CA2634546C (en) | Carton with handle | |
US7658318B2 (en) | Packages, blanks for making packages and associated methods | |
US10472120B2 (en) | Carton with reclosable top | |
US9598202B2 (en) | Carton with handle | |
WO2007084525A2 (en) | Carton with bag closure | |
US8950657B2 (en) | Carton with handle | |
EP1968858B1 (en) | Carton having a pivotable dispenser | |
US7971773B2 (en) | Carton with spout | |
US20120138667A1 (en) | Carton with dispenser | |
EP2035286B1 (en) | Carton with features for pouring | |
US4919271A (en) | Carton with tear strip | |
WO2012061682A2 (en) | Carton with handle | |
CA3202217A1 (en) | Carton with dispenser |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20081219 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: AL BA HR MK RS |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: HO FUNG, CHARLES, F. Inventor name: JONES, EDWARD, W. |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20090908 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
RIN1 | Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected) |
Inventor name: HO FUNG, CHARLES, F. Inventor name: JONES, EDWARD, W. |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: GB Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 602007011758 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 20110217 Kind code of ref document: P |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602007011758 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20110217 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: VDEP Effective date: 20110105 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 |
|
LTIE | Lt: invalidation of european patent or patent extension |
Effective date: 20110105 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110505 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110416 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110406 Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110505 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20110629 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: CY Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: BG Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110405 Ref country code: BE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20110628 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20110629 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20111006 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: MT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602007011758 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20111006 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: MM4A |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20110630 Ref country code: IE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20110629 Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20110630 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20120629 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST Effective date: 20130228 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R119 Ref document number: 602007011758 Country of ref document: DE Effective date: 20130101 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20120629 Ref country code: MC Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20110630 Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20120702 Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20130101 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 20110629 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: TR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: HU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20110105 |