GB2043598A

GB2043598A - Cartons formed from blanks

Info

Publication number: GB2043598A
Application number: GB7941757A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1978-12-05
Filing date: 1979-12-04
Publication date: 1980-10-08

Abstract

A two part carton e.g. for fruit is formed from two blanks, one of which is erectable into a tray with downwardly diverging sides by bending up side walls 6-9 and joining flaps 12,13 on one pair of walls 6,7 to the adjacent walls 8,9 and the other of which is formed into a lid with diverging sides by folding down side walls 19,20,23,24 and securing flaps 29,30 on one pair of walls 23, 24 to the remaining walls 19, 20. A flap 32 defined by a cut 33 within a top panel 16 of the lid may be erectable to form a display panel. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Blanks for cartons and cartons made therefrom This invention relates to blanks for forming into cartons and to cartons made from such blanks.

With fruit and like commodities such as mushrooms, it is desirable that the cartons containing them should not only be able to resist collapsing when erected and formed into boxes containing the commodities, but also that they should adequately aerate the contents when loaded into the carton when closed to form boxes.

In practice such blanks are supplied flat to the customers who erect them to form trays, which when loaded with the commodities, are closed by applying over them lids formed from separate blanks sold flat for erection by the customers. Such filled boxes must be capable when stacked one upon another to withstand the pressure upon them in a downward direction by loaded cartons above them without collapsing.At the same time the blanks must be so formed that in the erected condition as well as stacked as boxes the contents are adequately aerated. Also in manufacturing blanks for such cartons the shape is important in that in their manufacture the minimum of carton material is used.

The main object of the present invention is to provide an improvement in such cartons in which the pressure resistance in the boxes erected from the blanks is improved.

According to the present invention a two part carton suitable for use in holding fruit and like commodities such as mushrooms comprises a first generally rectangular blank having a substantially rectangular carton bounded by score lines disposed inwardly of the edges of the blank, score lines in prolongation of and at an angle to the score lines on one pair of opposite sides of the section, and incisions in the blank in prolongation of and at an angle to the score lines on the other pair of opposite sides of the section to form flaps on some of the extensions, the blank being erectable into a tray with downwardly tapering sides by bending up the extensions and folding the flaps along and securing them to the adjoining upturned extensions, and a second separate blank having a substantially rectangular central section with extensions on each side secured thereto by score lines disposed inwardly of the edges of the blank, the extensions on each of one pair of opposite sides of said section having free sides tapering inwardly from the score lines and the extensions on each of the other pair of opposite sides of said section having score lines tapering outwardly from the score lines and having attached by their tapered scored sides flaps disposed in prolongation of and separated from the first extensions and canted inwards from the second extensions, the arrangement being such that on erection all the extensions are bent along said score lines with respect to said section to form upstanding walls and the flaps are in bent to engage the inner faces of said first named extensions to form an inverted tray-like carton with downwardly outwardly tapering walls for disposal as a lid over said tray.

In one preferred construction the first blank is formed with the flaps secured by score lines to one pair of extensions on the opposite sides of the section and separated from the first extensions and canted outwardly from the second extensions. The flaps are preferably separated from the extensions on the first pair of sides by tapered or open cutouts.

In one construction the second blank has a partly cut out foldable central portion which can be folded to permit its free edge to be inserted between the walls of the tray and the walls of the lid structure to clamp the two erected blanks together and to hold the lid portion in a display position.

According to the present invention a two part carton suitable for holding fragile article such as fruit or mushrooms comprises a flat blank having a substantially central panel separated by score lines from the outer portions of the blank, a tapered extension on each of a first pair of opposite sides of the central panel formed by spaced divergent cutouts in the outer portions of the blank, an extension on each of the second pair of opposite sides of the central panel, outwardly converging score lines on the last named extensions in continuation of but at an angle to the score lines separating the first extensions from the central panel, flaps on the ends of the last named extensions having outwardly inclined outer and inner sides separated from the first named extensions by the cut-outs and feet forming tabs extending from the flaps into the cut-outs, the blank being erectable by turning up the four extensions while turning the flaps against the ends of the contiguous upturned extensions and inserting the tabs into slots formed in the region of the score lines defining the central panel to form a tray with downwardly outwardly sloping sides, and a second flat blank having a substantially central panel separated by score lines from the outer portions of the blank, a tapered extension on each of one pair of opposite sides of the panel, an extension on each of the other pair of opposite sides of the panel, inwardly converging score lines on the last named extensions in continuation of but at an angle to the panel separating score lines of the first extensions, flaps on the ends of the last named extensions having inwardly inclined outer and inner sides separated from the first named extensions by incisions in the blank, the second blank being erectable by turning up the four extensions while turning the flaps against the ends of contiguous upturned extensions to form a lid with downwardly tapering sides for disposal over the tray formed from the first blank.

In an alternative construction the first extensions on the first blank are tapered and separated from the flaps on the second extensions by the cut outs which are divergent, the second extensions have converging score lines extending outwardly separating them from the flaps. The flaps may have outwardly inclined outer and inner sides, the feet being formed on the latter. The blank can be folded for packing with the flaps bent about their score lines onto the second named extensions which are then folded onto the central panel: in this position the feet enter slots formed in the region of the score lines separat ing these score lines from the central panel.

Also in a preferred form of the alternative construction the first extensions on the central panel of the second blank are inwardly tapered and the second extensions are separated from their flaps by score lines which are in continuation of but at an angle to the panel separating score lines of the first extensions of this blank. The outer and inner sides of the flaps are canted towards the first named extensions, the inner sides being separated from the first named extensions which are inclined or may be divergent.

In one construction the central portion of the second blank has a partly cut out foldable central portion which can be bent up and folded to permit its free edge to be inserted into or through the aperture thus formed to provide a display surface. The free edge of the folded central portion may be engaged on the contigual walls of tray and lid to clamp the two erected blanks together.

The blanks can be made from any suitable material which by scoring can be made readily foldable and is preferably made of thick paper, thin card or solid card, preferably with a caliper of 700 microns to 1.0 to 1.5 mms, according to the load to be carried.

Where solid board is used this may be coated with a laminated plastics coating paper. Alternatively the blank material may be directly coated with wax or other waterproofing material. The blanks may be of any suitable material such as corrugated paper, board or plastics which may be made by injection, vacuum or blow moulding.

From another aspect according to the invention a carton is formed by erecting the blanks of the invention and mounting one on the other.

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood an embodiment in accordance therewith will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first blank for forming a tray; Figure 2 is a plan view of a second blank for forming a lid to the tray of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the blanks of Figures 1 and 2 erected into a tray and a lid therefor, one disposed above the other and the lid having the central lid portion flat; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view similar to Figure 3 but with the lid disposed over and closing the carton and the central lid portion erected to form a display panel.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a first blank for forming a tray; Figure 6 is a plan view of a second blank for forming a lid to the tray of Figure 5; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the blanks of Figures 5 and 6 erected into a tray and a lid therefor, one disposed above the other and the lid having the central lid portion flat; and Figure 8 shows a perspective view similar to Figure 7 but with the lid disposed over and closing the tray and the central lid portion erected to form a display panel.

In the drawings the same references designates the same parts.

Referring to the drawings the blank in Figure 1 comprises a central section 1 bounded by score lines 2,3,4 and 5. On the outside of the central section extending from a front set of score lines 2,4, on opposite sides of the central section 1, are extensions respectively 6,7 while similar sections 8,9 extend outwardly from the score lines 1,3 on the other pair of opposite sides of the score lines 1,3 respectively.

The extensions 6,7 each have tapered score lines 10, 11 generally in prolongation of the score lines 3, 5 respectively and from the score lines 6,7 extend flaps 12,13 separated by cut-outs 14 from the extensions 8,9 respectively and canted outwardly therefrom. The cut-outs are shown as V-shaped but they may have any shape which creates a space from the extensions 8,9. The flaps are preferably substantially as long as the height of the extensions 8,9 but they may be shorter or if desired longer providing in the erected position the flaps 12, 13 do not overlap at their contiguous free ends.

All the extensions have apertures 15, and the central section 1 may have such apertures also, all. of which in the erected blank permit air to flow over the contained contents.

It will thus be seen that if the extensions 6,7 are folded up about the score lines 2,4 and the flaps 12, 13 about the score lines 10, 11 so that they lie within the upturned extensions 8,9 a tray is formed having slightly downwardly and outwardly tapering sides, as can be seen in the lower part of Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 2 this blank has a rectangular central section 16 separated by score lines 17,18 from extensions 19,20 on one pair of opposite sides of section 16 and each of these extensions has slightly inwardly tapered end edges 21,22. The other pair of opposite sides of the central portion 1 have respectively extensions 23, 24 connected thereto by score lines 25, 26. Generally in prolongation of the score lines 17,18 but slightly outwardly tapering are score lines 27, 28 in the extensions 23,24 beyond which are flaps 29, 30 each of which is inwardly canted towards the extensions 19,20 but separated therefrom by incisions or wider cut-outs 31.

The blank of Figure 2 is erected by folding up the extensions 19,20 and then folding up the extensions 23,24 while folding the flaps 29, 30 to lie within and against the extensions 19,20 to which the flaps are secured preferably by an adhesive, stapling or other suitable means. Suitable adhesives are polyvinyl acetate or hot-melt glue such for example as used on a C.G.F machine.

The blank of Figure 2 thus erected forms a lid with downwardly and outwardly tapering sides as seen in the upper part of Figure 2 and this lid can be fitted over the tray formed of the blank of Figure 1.

For display the central portion 16 has a flap 32 cut out along the line 33 while remaining attached to the section by a score line 34. This flap has an incision 35 shown as a semi-circle but it may be of any configuration and the ends of this score line terminate in score lines 36. This flap may be folded up along the score line 36 so that the part 37 and the cut out 38 can form a display panel with its outer edge 39 engaged in the erected lid between the lid and the tray.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8 the Rat blank in Figure5 is for erection into a tray to receive the objects to be packed, such as fragile articles e.g. fruit such as pears, tomatos or mushrooms or even electric light bulbs. This tray blank is similar to that in Figure 1 and on each of a first pair of opposite sides of the panel a tapered extension 8 or 9 is formed by spaced divergent cut-outs 14 in the outer portions of the blank. These cut-outs are shown as V--shaped, but they may have other configurations such as Ushaped and may be generally in prolongation of or at an angle to the score lines 2,3 An extension 6 or 7 is formed on each of the second pair of opposite sides of the panel.Outwardly directing convering score lines 10, 11 are provided in each of the extensions 6,7 which are generally in continuation of the score lines 2,3 but at an angle thereto for the purpose to be described. Each of the extensions 6,7 has on its end flaps 12, 13 each having outwardly inclined outer sides 12a, 13a respectively while their inner sides are bounded by the cut-outs 14. Feet forming tabs 40 are formed on each flap by leaving material of the blank uncut when the cut-outs 14 are made in the blank.

In or adjacent to the score lines 2,3 cuts 41 are made in the blank. These are shown as U-shaped cuts but they may be any shape to provide slots to receive the tabs 40 so as to penetrate therethrough and form feet to the tray. Alternatively the cuts 41 may be elongated slots cut in the blank through which the feet can penetrate when the blank is collapsed to prevent the feet being bent.

This blank is erectable by folding the flaps 12, 13 upwardly perpendicular to the extensions 6,7 and these extensions are folded up so that the tabs 40 engage the panel and bend over as seen in Figure 3 and wedge the side walls 8, 9 and prevent them collapsing inwards. The extensions 8, 9 are then folded up to engage the outwardly facing surfaces of the flaps to which they can be secured by glue, pressure-sensitive adhesive, staples or other means to form a stable tray with outwardly and downward ly tapering walls into which the articles to be packed are loaded. Suitable adhesives if used are polyvinyl acetate or hot melt glue such for example as used on a C.G.F machine.The flaps 12,13 are preferably substantially as long as the height of the extensions 8, 9 but they may be shorter or if desired longer providing in the erected position the flaps 12, do not overlap at their contiguous free ends and their tabs 40 engage in the cuts 41.

All the extensions have apertures 15, and the central section 11 may have such apertures also, all of which in the erected blank permit air to flow over the contained contents. The number and size and shape of the apertures may be selected to suit the articles packed or to suit the users requirements.

Referring to Figure 6 this flat blank has a substantially central panel 16 separated by score lines 17, 18 from the outer portions of the blank. A tapered extension 19 or 20 is provided on each of one pair of opposite sides of panel 16 and each of these extensions has slightly inwardly tapered end edges 21, 22. Each of the other pair of opposite sides of the central panel 16 has an extension 23 or 24 connected thereto by score lines 25, 26. Generally in prolongation of the score lines 17, 18 but slightly outwardly tapering thereto are score linrs 27, 28 in the extensions 23, 24 on the ends of each of which are flaps 29, 30 each of which is inwardly canted towards the extensions 19, 20 but separated therefrom by incisions or wider cut-outs 31 in the blank.

The blank of Figure 6 is erected by folding up the flaps 29,30 perpendicular to the extensions 23,23 and then folding up the extensions 23, 24. The extensions 19, 20 are then folded up to contact the outer faces of the flaps 29, 30 to which they are secured by suitable means such as are used in the blank of Figure 1.

This blank may have a number of apertures 15 of a size, shape and spacing to assist in aeration of the interior of the erected tray closed by the lid.

The blank of Figure 6 thus erected forms a lid with downwardly and outwardly tapering sides as seen in the upper part of Figure 6 and this lid can be fitted over the tray formed of the blank of Figure 1.

For display purposes the central portion of the panel 16 has a flap 32 cut out along the line 33 while remaining attached to the section by a score line 34.

This flap has an incision 35 shown as a semi-circle but it may be of any configuration and the ends of this incision terminate in score lines 36. This flap may be folded up along the score line 36 so that the part 37 and the cut out 38 can form a display panel with its outer edge 39 engaged in the aperture thus formed in the erected lid or it may pass through the aperture and be engaged between the lid and the tray. The part 37 may have cut out tabs 43 to enable the part 37 to be engaged in another part of the lid or the wall of the tray in the erected position.

While the cut outs 14 in the blank of Figure 5 are oblique the actual angle of obliquity is selected for the degree of taper required.

The flaps 12,13 may have feet forming tabs (not shown), as in the blank of Figure 5, and the incisions 31 will be cut to provide them. These tabs as in the blank of Figure 5 are designed to fit into incisions or slots in the blank as in Figure 5 for the tabs 40.

The flap 32 may be folded in more sections than two as shown providing a free end is capable of being inserted in the lid opening or between the wall of the tray and the downwardly extending wall of the lid. The flap may have a cut out 44 for engagement by the finger or thumb to facilitate raising it.

By this means, a stable carton is provided to house commodities such as fruit, mushrooms and the like, to be packed into the base tray; when packing is complete and ready for transit, the lid is inserted providing a sealed container. For display purposes the flap 32 can by breaking the folding nicks, be folded back or be removed completely by tearing along the line 36.

The flap 32 may be folded in more sections than two as shown providing a free end is capable of being inserted between the wall of the tray and the downwardly extending wall of the lid. Preferably each of the blanks has apertures 15 both in the central section of Figure 5 and in the extensions of both the carton and the lid to aerate the contents of the carton.

The blanks may be reversed so that with appropriate sizes to permit the lid to fit over the tray the blank of Figure 6 may form the tray and the blank of Figure 5 may form a lid to the tray.

It will be seen that the blanks can be stored and sold flat and can be quickly erected by a customer or shop keeper. After erection the blanks with the flaps glued to adjacent extensions can be folded for storage. The score lines 45 assist this. The blanks can be packed in bundles and may be supplied in suitable wrappers or containers as required. By means of the taper formation when used, the erected trays can be nested one inside the other when they are made up as can the lids.

The material from which the trays and lids are made may be the same or different and may be made from solid fibre boards with a calliper of 1000 microns. The fibre board may be laminated of two sheets of equal or differing thickness secured together by an adhesive and may have secured to it a suitable sulphite or other kraft paper or thin card, preferably in caliper range of 700 microns to 1.5 mm, according to the load to be carried.

The blanks may be overprinted to suit the customer's requirements and the overall colour on the inside may be tinted to enhance the appearance of the contents of the erected cartons.

It can be seen that by means of the carton of this invention the cartons supplied to the customer in a flat condition i.e. unfolded blanks so that they can be packed economically when the cartons are erected from the blanks the tapered corners in the assembled cartons can be easily nested and will resist pressure upon them as well as preferably aerating the contents. The blanks are rectangular and may be square e.g. for containing mushrooms or they may be otherwise rectangular e.g. for containing potplants, pots or jars, or vice versa.

Claims

1. Atwo part carton suitable for use in holding fruit and like commodities such as mushrooms comprises a first generally rectangular blank having a substantially rectangular section bounded by score lines disposed inwardly of the edges of the blank, score lines in prolongation of and at an angle to the score lines on one pair of opposite sides of the section, and incisions in the blank in prolongation of and at an angle to the score lines on the other pair of opposite sides of the section to form flaps on some of the extensions, the blank being erectable into a tray with downwardly tapering sides by bending up the extensions and folding the flaps along and securing them to the adjoining upturned extensions, and a second separate blank having a substantially rectangular central section with extensions on each side secured thereto by score lines disposed inwardly of the edges of the blank, the extensions on each of one pair of opposite sides of said section having free sides tapering inwardly from the score lines and the extensions on each of the other pair of opposite sides of said section having score lines tapering outwardly from the score lines and having attached by their tapered scored side flaps disposed in prolongation of and separated from the first extensions and canted inwards from the second extensions, the arrangement being such that on erection all the extensions are bent along said score lines with respect to said section to form upstanding walls and the flaps are inbent to engage the inner faces of said first named extensions to form an inverted tray-like carton with downwardly outwardly tapering walls for disposal as a lid over said tray.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein the first blank is formed with the flaps secured by score lines to one pair of extensions on the opposite sides of the section and separated from the first extensions and canted outwardly from the second extensions.

3. A carton according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the flaps are separated from the extensions on the first pair of sides by tapered or open cut-outs.

4. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the second blank has a partly cut out foldable central portion which can be folded to permit its free edge to be inserted between the walls of the tray and the walls of the lid structure to clamp the two erected blanks together and to hold the lid portion in a display position.

5. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 4 comprising a flat blank havlng a substantially central panel separated by score lines from the outer portions of the blank, a tapered extension on each of a first pair of opposite sides of the central panel formed by spaced divergent cut-outs in the outer portions of the blank, an extension on each of the second pair of opposite sides of the central panel, outwardly converging score lines on the last named extensions in continuation of but at an angle to the score lines separating the first extensions from the central panel, flaps on the ends of the last named extensions having outwardly inclined outer and inner sides separated from the first named extensions by the cut-outs and feet forming tabs extending from the flaps into the cut-outs, the blank being erectable by turning up the four extensions while turning the flaps against the ends of the contiguous upturned extensions and inserting the tabs into slots formed in the region of the score lines defining the central panel to form a tray with downwardly sloping sides, and a second flat blank having a substantially central panel separated by score lines from the outer portions of the blank, a tapered extension on each of one pair of opposite sides of the panel, an extension on each of the other pair of opposite sides of the panel, inwardly converging score lines on the last named extensions in continuation of but at an angle to the panel separating score lines of the first extensions, flaps on the ends of the last named extensions having inwardly inclined outer and inner sides separated from the first named extensions by incisions in the blank, the second blank being erectable byturning up the four extensions while turning the flaps against the ends of contiguous upturned extensions to form a lid with downwardly tapering sides for disposal over the tray formed from the first blank.

6. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the first extensions on the first blank are tapered and separated from the flaps on the second extensions by divergent cut-outs, the second extensions have converging score lines extending outwardly separating them from the flaps.

7. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the flaps have outwardly inclined outer and inner sides and the feet are formed on the latter engageable on erection of the blank slots formed in the region of the score lines separating the second extensions from the central panel.

8. A carton according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the central portion of the second blank has a partly cut out foldable central portion which can be bent up and folded to permit its free edge to be inserted into or through the aperture thus formed to provide a display surface.

9. Atwo part carton substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 4 or Figures 5 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.

New claims or amendments to claims filed on 20th June1980 Superseded claims 1 New of amended claims:

1. A two part carton suitable for use in holding fruit and like commodities such as mushrooms comprises a first generally rectangular blank having a substantially rectangular central section bounded by score lines disposed inwardly of the edges of the blank to form foldable extensions to the central section said score lines on one pair of opposite sides of the section being in prolongation of and at an angle to said score lines, and incisions in the blank in prolongation of and at an angle to the score lines on the other pair of opposite sides of the section to form flaps on said last named extensions, the blank being erectable into a tray with downwardly and outwardly tapering sides by bending up the extensions to form single thickness walls to the tray and securing the erected tray solely by folding the flaps and securing them to the adjoining upturned extensions, and a second separate blank having a substantially rectangular central section with extensions on each side secured thereto by score lines disposed inwardly of the edges of the blank to form foldable extensions to the central section, the extensions on each of one pair of opposite sides of said section having free sides tapering inwardly from the score lines and the extensions on each of the other pair of opposite sides of said section having score lines tapering outwardly from the score lines and having attached by their tapered scored sides flaps disposed in prolongation of and separated from the first extensions and canted inwards from the second extensions, the arrangement being such that on erection all the extensions are bent along said score lines with respect to said section to form upstanding single thickness walls and the flaps are inbent to engage the inner faces of said first named extensions to form an inverted tray-like carton with downwardly outwardly tapering walls for disposal as a lid over said tray.