US2769581A - Containers, container blanks and method of making same - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 6, 1956 e. H. LOGEMANN 2,769,581

CONTAINERS, CONTAINER BLANKS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed March 20, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 m In: El 8 g l l 6| 0 Q m r J a A v Q INVENTOR. GEORGE H. LOGEHANN Mm i w),

ATTY.

Nov. 6, 1956 s. H. LOGEMANN 2,769,581

CONTAINERS, CONTAINER BLANKS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed March 20, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG.2 FIG. 3

FIG. 5

INVENTOR. GEORGE H. LOGENANN ATTY.

Nov. 6, 1956 e. H. LOGEMANN 2,769,581

CONTAINERS, CONTAINER BLANKS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed March 20, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. GEORGE H. LOGEMANN wg w ATTY.

Nov. 6, 1956 e. H. LOGEMANN 2,769,581

CONTAINERS, CONTAINER BLANKS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed March 20, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 i5 9 M FIG. I0

4 L 54 58 I J FIG ll 84 6-6 88 72' 74' Z2! Q {k2 I 42 5s' 5- 57 45 FIG. l2

INVE TOR. GEORGE H. LOGE ANN BY hW ATTY.

Nov. 6, 1956 G. H. LOGEMANN 2,769,581

CONTAINERS, CONTAINER BLANKS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME Filed March 20, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG. 14

INVENTOR. GEORGE H. LOGEMANN AT TY.

United States Patent CONTAINERS, CONTAINER BLANKS AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME George H. Logemann, Mundelein, Ill., assignor, by direct and mesne assignments, of nine-tenths to Custom Designers, lvlundelein, 111., a partnership, and one-tenth to Arthur James Wagner Application March 20, 1953, Serial No. 343,543

9 Claims. (Cl. z22-4ss The present invention is directed to a novel container, and particularly to a container having an integral measuring device for dispensing a predetermined amount of the container contents with each given tilting of the carton.

In the dispensing of free flowing substances from containers conventionally used on the example, containers for soaps, detergents, tooth-powders, confectionary sugars, starches and the like, the user frequently wastes a fair percentage of the contents by reason of the uncontrolled and unexpected nature of the flow of the contents from the box.

in instances when the box is full, the slightest tilt results in a sudden gush of the contents, and an amount far in excess of that desired is dispensed. Not infrequently in an attempt to stop the flow, the sudden righting of the box results in the further spilling of the container contents.

.s some of the contents of the box are used and the container is less full, a new problem arises. That is, in the repeated handling of the box, the contents tend to pack within the container, and the container must be tilted at a somewhat excessive angle to initiate the flow of the contents from the container. In many instances the angle is so great as to prevent righting of the container before an excessive amount of material issues from the package. As a result of these and other factors, a fair percentage of the free flowing substances packaged in conventional containers is Wasted.

In addition to the waste problem which is common to most known containers, the user also experiences an irritable inconsistency in the amount of the substance which is delivered from the container with each dispensing operation. Primarily, it is nearly impossible to tilt a box having a free flowing substance therein to effect in repeated operations the delivery of the same amount of the container contents. Additionally, even if it were possible to control the flow with any degree of accuracy, the problem of determining the amount dispensed is equally difficult. In pouring soaps or detergents into a sink or washing machine, for example, there is normally a great deal of guess work as to the amount of the substance which was actually poured therein. The cleansing action must vary accordingly in each washing.

While this problem can be minimized by first pouring the soap or detergent into a separate measuring device as recommended by various manufacturers, it is apparent that such operation is both time consuming and burdensome and accordingly is probably seldom done by the average user of the containers.

These annoying, common every-day experiences indicate a definite need in the field for a container unit which effects the delivery or dispersement of a known amount of the container contents with each given tilting of the box, and it is a specific object of this invention to provide a new and novel container having an integral unit therein which accomplishes controlled dispersement of the container contents.

The inherent simplicity of the novel container in use is market today, as for an important feature of the invention. That is, a first given tilt of the container will load a measuring device which is located inside the container, and once this measuring device has been loaded, each succeeding given tilt will automatically cause a predetermined measured amount of the container contents to be delivered.

A further feature of the novel container of the invention is the manner in which a given reverse tilting operation of the box will unload the contents of the dispensing device into the container, and should the container thereafter be tipped or tilted accidently, none of the contents of the box will be spilled. Even if this precaution is not taken prior to storage of the box between uses, it is apparent that at any time, the amount of the box contents which can be spilled will never be more than the amount of contents which the measuring device can hold.

In addition to providing measured amounts of the container contents for each given tilting operation, and providing a non-spill condition, the container is further novel in its ability to provide a continuous flow of the container contents as desired. Tilting of the box to a predetermined somewhat critical angle will initiate the flow of the contents from the box, which flow may be instantaneously stopped by righting of the box from the cont-inuous flow position. It is apparent therefrom that the novel container of the invention provides a unit which is usable in the conventional manner, and additionally provides measured amounts as desired.

A further object of the invention is to provide a new and novel blank member which is adapted for use in the I manufacture of this novel type container unit.

In the manufacture of containers, it is not uncommon to use a machine line capable of assembling several hundred boxes a minute. It is apparent therefore that the addition of even a small amount of assembly work in the fabrication of each would result in a substantial reduction in the number of containers assembled in a given time period and the cost of manufacture would be correspondingly increased.

According to the invention, the measuring device and the container are formed from a single blank member which requires only a slight amount of additional material over that used in the formation of conventional boxes, and which involves only a single additional assembly station in the manufacture of the box, whereby overall cost is maintained at a minimum.

The integral nature of the box and the measuring device insures the provision of a measuring device which is strong and durable, and which by reason of its enclosure Within the container minimizes the possibility of damage and resultant malfunctioning thereof. Further, the measuring device being in the container, is always ready for use. The simplicity of its construction and the lack of moving parts means ready use by the inexperienced parties with a minimum amount of briefing.

These and other novel features believed to be characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation together with further objects and advantages thereof Will best be understood by reference to the following specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a novel carton forming blank of the invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of a container produced from the blank of Figure 1 as prepared for shipping purposes;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the container of Figure 2 as prepared for use;

Figures 4 and 5 are sectional views along the lines 4-4 and 55 of Figures 2 and 3 respectively;

Figures 6, 7 and 8 are schematic views of the novel V at and 52 respectively,

and upper portion '70.

in which the measuring device is operative to deliver a predetermined measured amount of the contents with each tilting of the box; j p 7 Figure 9 is a schematic view indicating the approximate angle for obtaining a continuous flow of the .con- 'tents from the container;

is of generally rectangular configuration; having a punch out section 76 on the top cover thereof, and a tilted V pocket 75 located within the container below the punched out section 76. Y i

. The blank 12 (Figure 1) from which the container is formed, is cut from a single sheet of suitable material. The main body of the blank 12 comprises a substantially rectangular portion having a marginal glue flap 13 extending outwardly along one side thereof, and a portion of a flap 44 extending outwardly along a'second side thereof. a

As shown in Figure 1, blank 12 is creased'longitudinally at 14 and 16 to provide a centralor intermediate portion which is further scored to form the end walls 24, 2S, and side walls 26, 30, of the container 10, and an upper. and a lower marginal portion which are further scored to form the top flaps 40, 42, 44, 46, and bottom flaps 32, 34, 36, 38, of the container.

More specifically, the intermedi te portion of blank 12 is scored or creased laterally at 18, 20 and 22 to divide same into' relatively foldable sections or panels 24, 26, 28 and 3%. The upper and lower marginal portions of the blank are severed along the lines 18, 2t), 22 of the intermediate portion as extended on to the marginal portions. These severances divide the bottom marginal portions into flap forming sections 32 34, .36 and 38, and the upper marginal portion into flap forming sections 49, 42, 44 and 46. i e

Flap sections 42 and 46 which form the side flaps for the top of the'container as assembled are creased laterally and scored at 54 and 56, and 53 and 613 respectively to provide the punch'out sections 55, 57, The lateral creases 5i) and52 are located equidistant from their adjacent. flap ends, as are the scores 54- and 58. Thus with assembly of the box to bring the side flaps 42 and 46 into overlapping relation, the creases 51) and 52 and the scores 54 and 58 will be positioned'in coextensive relation to form the punch out section 76.

Flap section 44, a portion of which extends outwardly of the main blank portion, is creased longitudinally at 62 and 64 to provide a three-section, pocket forming flap comprised of lower portion 66, intermediate portion 68 The intermediate and'upper embodiment are of the size of the end flap section 40, the area of these sections being variable to provide a a pocket of different proportions as shown more fully hereinafter.

Lower flap section 66 is of an area equal to that of the flap portions 59 and 61, so that as the side flaps 42 and 46 are positioned in overlapping relation, the flap portions 5) and 61 are brought into coextensive relation with the ledge portion 66. r Tab or car members 72 and 74 are located at either side of the upper portion of flap 44, and are creased to be bent inwardly 90 relative to the flap portion 70.

The size of the tabs and the angular shape thereof will vary the pocket characteristics as finally assembled. W

flap sections in the present container of Figures 1-4inclusiye illustrating the manner V Variation in the length of the intermediate and upper sections 68 and 70 of the pocket forming flap 44 will also vary the size of the pocket and the amount of the package contents delivered in each dispensing operation,

Variation of the size of the flap portions e, 53 and 61 will alter the size of the ledge between the edge of the box and the edge of the opening of the aperture in' the container top as the :section 76 ispunched inwardly;

Other obvious variations in the relative sizes of the flap portions are also believed to be within the scope of the invention, as is the use of various types of materials and V various types of blanks for differently shaped containers.

The container of the illustrated embodiment is fabricated by folding the blank f Figure 1 upon the lines 15, 18, 20 and 22 to form a substantially rectangular shaped container, the opposite ends of the blank being secured together at its ends when 'so folded by using suitable adhesive or sticking means on the glue flap 13 which extends along the marginal edge of section 24 and securing same to the inner surface of the end of section p 30. In this manner sections 26 and 31} form the opposite side walls of the container, and sections 2 4 and 28 form the end walls thereof as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The bottom of the container is formed by bending and 36, which-are connected.

the opposed end flaps 32 to the bottom edge of the end walls 24 and 2%, inwardly along crease line 16, and thereafter bending inwardly along crease line 16 the inner side flap 34 which is con nected to the bottom edge of side wall 26, r The inner surface of side flap 34 now rests upon thev outer surface of the end flaps 32 and 36, and can be sealed thereto by means of glue or other suitable adhesive means.

Side flap 38 is now bent inwardly over side help 34 so that the inner surface of the outer flap 3?. now rests upon the outer surface of, the inner flap 34, and these likewise may be securely fastened by means orsuitable adhesive means.

Flap 44 is now bent to form the pocket measuring device 75, as schematically shown in In forming the pocket or hopper 75, the tabs or cars 72 and 74 are bent inwardly at to the flap portion'70 to form the sides of the pocket, and the upper section 70 is then bent toward intermediate section to bring the forward edges of the side forming tab 72 and 74 into contact with the 'face of section 63 whereby a substantially V-shaped pocketor hopper is'forrned. Flap V 7' 44 is now bent inwardly along crease line 14 to bring the ledge portion 66 of flap 44 into the plane of the container top.- The flap 44 is. then bent inwardly once more alongcrease line 62 to position the side'of the hopper formed by section 63 in a plane perpendicular to thecontainer top and in parallel spaced relation with the side wall 28.

Tabs 72 and 74 are secured to side walls 26 and 3% by suitable adhesive means so that the pocket or hopper is now positioned within the container as shown inFigures 4 and 5. Alignment of the rear wall of the pocket (section 68) with the side wall 28 causes the face open ing of the hopper to be positioned at acuterangle relative to the container top, whereby witri tilting oi the. box to move the contents towards that corner, the contents will tend to enter the hopper through the tilted face opening of the pocket. I

it is apparent that tab members 72' and 74 may be of different angular displacements which may be used to effect. a corresponding variation in the size of the pocket 75, and if desired the particular angle at which the face opening of the pocket would be positioned relative to the container top. -A particularly simple tab member form is shown in Figure 12' and is discussed more fully hereinafter.

is folded inwardly along crease line 14 to overlap the Figures 4 and 5. V

end flap 40 and the pocket member 75. Suitable adhesive means may be used to secure the inner surface of flap 42 to the outer surface of side flap 40 and the ledge portion 66 of the pocket member. The outer side flap 46 is now folded inwardly to bring its inner surface into contact with the outer surface of the inner side flap 42, and adhesive may be applied to secure the outer side flap member to the inner side flap member in the conventional manner.

At this time the container will have the appearance as illustrated in Figures 2 and 4.

With the side flaps 42 and 46 positioned over the inner end flaps 4i) and 44, section 57 of flap 46 will overlie section 55 of flap 42, and portions 59, 61 and 66 will likewise be coextensively positioned. Score line 58 of flap 46 will be in coextensive relation with score line 54 of flap 42, and score lines 56 and 60 will be on opposite sides of the package as shown in Figure 2.

With application by the user of a downward force, such as the push of a thumb, to the scored section 57, the overlying sections 57 and 55 will be detached from the container top and will move inwardly of the container as shown in Figures 3 and 5 to form punched in member 76. The angle to which the punched in member 76 is moved relative to the container top is shown in Figures 3 and 5 as being perpendicular merely for purposes of illustration, other angles being also operative.

Inasmuch as the perforated sections 55 and 57 are located on the container top at a point which is directly above the pocket 75, the section as depressed in depends downwardly into the pocket, and forms with the pocket side 76 a trap which prevents direct movement of the package contents out of the aperture in the container top as the box is tilted.

With the box thus opened, the measuring device is now loaded and with each given tilting of the container thereafter a predetermined amount of the container contents are dispensed. The manner of tilting the box to efiect such operation, and the manner in which the measuring device is operative is shown schematically in Figures 6, 7 and 8. As previously mentioned, tilting of the box for the first time will effect loading of the pocket and each continuous tilt thereafter will effect delivery of a predetermined amount of the contents from the box.

Assuming that the box has not been previously used (or that the pocket has been emptied to obtain the advantages of the non-spill feature), as the box is tilted downwardly to an angle which would ordinarily cause the dispensing of the contents from the package (Figure 6), the contents of the package will be directed into the pocket carrying corner of the container. The contents however are prevented from leaving the confines of the container through the aperture in the container top by the punched-in portion 76 which serves as a trap along with the angularly disposed side 70 of pocket 75.

As the box is now moved in the direction of its righted position (Figure 7), a predetermined amount of container contents is trapped by the punched-in section 76 and the inwardly extending sloping wall 70 of the pocket 75, will be directed into the pocket 75, the amount thus retained being determined by the size of the pocket and the length of the trap section 76.

The measuring pocket of the container is now loaded with a predetermined amount of the container contents, and tilting of the box as shown in Figure 8 will cause the contents of the box to be delivered from the pocket. Simultaneously the contents of the container are moved into the trap provided by punched-in portion 76 and sloping wall 70, and with the righting of the boX the pocket is once more loaded with a predetermined amount of the container contents. With each tilting of the box thereafter, a predetermined measured amount of material will be delivered.

It is of course obvious once the measuring device is loaded, tilting of the box in a direction opposite to that in which the box is tilted for dispersenrent will cause contents of the measuring device to be emptied back into the carton. Accordingly by emptying the pocket in this manner after use of the box, the container may be safely stored without danger of spilling should the container be accidently tipped. When the container is to be used, the measuring device is reloaded on initial tilting as before. This non-spill feature provides an arrangement in which needless waste is eliminated and messing cleaning jobs are avoided.

In the event that the user neglects to empty the measuring device prior to storage, it is apparent that the largest amount of the container contents which may be spilled from the container will be the comparatively small amount of material which is in the pocket of the container.

Should the user desire, the container is operative to provide a continuous flow of material. In such event the container is tilted to an angle which is somewhat in the order of that shown in Figure 9, whereby the material will flow from the box in a continuous manner. The angle through which the box can be rotated without rendering the trap section 76 effective is somewhat small, but can be found by trial and error. Further, if the workable boundaries of the continuous flow angle are exceeded in either direction, the flow of the material will be immediately stopped. Righting of the container past the upper working angle following such use will cause the pocket 75 to be loaded for a further measuring operation, whereas if the box is tilted downwardly past the downward limit of the angle, the amount in the pocket will be dispersed and the flow will be stopped.

Typical dimensions of a successful embodiment for a container having top dimensions of 2% x 6,

It is, of course, apparent that these dimensions are merely exemplary and are not to be considered as a limitation of the use of the invention.

In the use of the novel container with certain types of material, it may be desirable to have the punched in section 76 permanently fixed in a given position and rigidly secured against movement. In the event that rigid positioning of the tab 76 is desired, the blank would take the form set forth in Figure 10, wherein a pair of tabs 80 and 82 have been added to the outer edges of sections 55 and 57. The tabs 80 and 82 are substantially right angle triangles, the base of which are adjacent and coextensive with the edges of sections 55 and 57 respectively.

As shown in Figure 13 in the assembly of the carton to be formed from the blank of Figure 10, sections 55 and 57 are bent inwardly of the container to pre-form the trap member 76, and the tabs 89 and 82 thereon are bent at 90 thereto to lie in a plane substantially parallel to the side walls 26 and 30 of the container. The downwardly depending tab portion 76 is adjusted to the position desired, and then tabs 80 and 82 are secured to the side walls 26 and 30 by adhesive or other conventional means. In such arrangement the opening in the top of the container would be covered by means of a suitable commercially available adhesive strip.

a '7 7 *A further embodiment of the invention is set forth in Figure 11 wherein the blank member of Figure 1 is modifiedby the addition of score lines 84, 86, 83 and 90, the shortening of score lines 54 and 58 as shown, and the elimination" of score lines 56 and 66. Assembly of the carton from the blank shown in Figure 11 would provide a carton such as shown inFigure 14 in which 'a ledge portion is located along three sides of the opention 79 to form means for securing the pocket 75 as assembled to the side walls 26 and 30. It is apparent therefrom that thetabs 72 and 74 may take any donvenient shape.

In this embodiment the flap extension portion 44 comprises only a first section 68 and a second section 79 whereby the ledge portion 66 of Figure 1 is eliminated. In like manner the sections 59 and 61 are eliminated on flap portions 42 and 46.

The container as assembled using the'blank of Figure 12 will take the form shown in Figure in which the dispensing aperture extends to the edge of the side wall 7 In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 15, the tab portion 76 has been depressed into'the pocket 75 t and prepositioned. in fixed manner therein by means of tabs 80 and 82. i

It is apparent from the foregoing that various combina-' tions of the several novel features of the. invention are immediately apparent to parties skilled'in the art and are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Conclusion There has been set forth hereinbefore a novel container unit including an integral measuring device which delivers a predetermined amount of material with each tilting of the container. to eifect the continuous flow of the materials from the container as desired.

Further, it is obvious that if an amount of material less than that provided by the measuring device is desired, the container may be tilted in a limited manner to empty only the desired amount from the measuring device in the container. It is apparent from the foregoing that a container of increased flexibility is provided.

The novel measuring device of the invention is also extremely flexible in its adaptability for use with containers of various types, shapes and sizes. Furthenthesize of the measuring device and the predetermined amount of material to be delivered with each operation can be likewise varied to meet the varied requirements of different materials.

Economy and simplicity in manufacture are other valuable assets of the novel invention, the container having these novel features and advantages requiring only a'small additional amount of material and a minimum amount of additional assembly work. The integral nature of the container and the measuring device once assembled assures provision of a unit which is less subject to deformation during shipping; a unit which requires no cumbersome assembly operations on the part of the consumer prior to the usethereof; and a unit which includes no loose parts which may become detached and lost.

vancement in the art which is both advantageous and desirable. p

7 These and various other features of the disclosed containers are believed to constitute new and desirable advancements in the art and are now set forth in the accompanying claims.

What is claimed is: V

1. In a container, a pocket member formed from a ver-' tically an extended portion of an end wall and disposed within said container, said pocket member having an open side positioned in acute angular relation with an inner wall of said container so as to provide direct communica-' tion of the pocket with the interior of said containenand V aperture forming means for placing an. aperture in said wall above said pocket opening comprising spaced slit lines extending along three sides of a given section of said wall and a creased line extending along the fourth side thereof to permit depression of the section'about the creased line into said pocket opening to divide same into two communicating compartments- 2. In a container having side and end walls and a plurality of flaps extending from the side walls "adapted to be overlapped to form' thetop and bottom walls of the 7 container, a vertically extended end wall portion bent inwardly into said container'and back toward itself to form a pocket member having an opening located at an acute angle to the container top wall, and aperture forming means comprising a section of the top wall members adapted to be depressed downwardly into said container pocket to separate same into a first compartment having communication with the container interior, and a second compartment having communication with the first compartment and with the aperture in the container top.

Additionally, the container may be used 1 3.'A container as set forth in claim 2 in which said vertically extended wall portion comprises a first section bent back upon itself within the container, anda second section bent toward the first section in acute angular relation therewith and short of contact with any of the container walls. g a a 4. A container as set forth in claim 2 in which said verticallyextended wall portion comprises a first section bent inwardly to a plane parallel tothe container top member to form a ledge section, a second section beyond said ledge bent inwardly to a plane parallel with one of the side walls, and athird section bent upwardly towards said 'first section to form an acute angle therewith. 5. A container as set forth in claim 2 in which said aperture forming means comprises spaced, slit lines located on said container top to provide a depressible section and in which saidslit lines are located to provide a ledge 7 portion on three sides of the apcrturethusrformed.

The savings eifected to the consumer as a result 'of the and novel measuring device is considered. to be 311 ad- 6. A carton blank comprising a generally rectangular sheet having a pocket forming section extending outwardly of one side thereof, said blank being adapted to, fornr portions thereof into upstanding side and end walls of the carton and other portions which comprise the inner and cover'fiaps which are extensions of the side walls and which areadapted for folding and forsealing together to form the bottom and top walls for said container, a vertically extended portion on one of said end walls adapted to be folded downwardly Within the assembled 'walls and back toward itself to form a pocket therewithin, and a slit section on said inner and outer cover flaps, which sections are coextensive when the flaps are assembled in overlapping relations, creased on one side to permit depression of at least one of 'said sections about said crease downwardly into said container pocket.

7. A blank as set forth in claim 6 in 'Which'said vertically extended portion has a pair of tabs creased for inward'bending relative to the extended portion to provide means for firmly securing the pocket to the container Walls in a fixed predetermined position and in which said slit section'on said cover flaps includes means on one side thereof which are adapted to engage the side walls of the containers to maintain same in a fixed secured position as depressed into said container pockets, and which are within the general outline of said extended portion.

8. A method of making a container having an integral measuring device, said container comprising side and end walls and inner and outer flaps on the top and bottom ends of said side walls to provide a top and bottom wall for the container which comprises the steps of bending a first section of a vertical extension of One of the end walls inwardly of the container and back upon itself, bending a second section of said vertical extension toward said first section to provide a sloping wall which is disposed at an acute angle to the end wall, securing same to the side walls, and depressing a section of the side wall extensions which form the said container into said pocket to form a first and second compartment therewithin.

9. A method of making a container having an integral measuring device, said container comprising side and end walls and inner and outer flaps on the top and bottom ends of said side walls to provide a top and bottom wall for the carton which comprises the steps of bending a first section of a vertical extension of one of said end walls inwardly to the plane of the top cover of said carton, bending a second and third portion of said vertical extension downwardly as a unit into said container into a position parallel with the side wall of said container, bending the third portion of said section back toward said second extension to form an acute angle relative thereto, securing same in its angularly disposed position to the side walls and depressing a section of the top of said container into the pocket thus formed to form a first and second compartment in said pocket.

Ramsden June 30, 1942 Ramsden et a1. June 6, 1944

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