US2776082A

US2776082A - Egg carton

Info

Publication number: US2776082A
Application number: US346836A
Authority: US
Inventors: George D Bennorth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1953-04-06
Filing date: 1953-04-06
Publication date: 1957-01-01
Anticipated expiration: 1974-01-01

Description

Jan. 1, 1957 G. D. BENNORTH EGG CARTON Filed April 6, 1953 INVENTOR.

Jan. 1, 1957 I D, BENNORTH 2,776,082

EGG CARTON Filed April 6, 1953 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 :EIE I5 IN VEN TOR.

BY a/KL 147' 7' ORA/E V5 nited States Patent EGG CARTON George D. Bennorth, Mountain View, Calif. Application April 6, 1953, Serial No. 346,836

8 Claims. (Cl. 22928) The present invention relates to an egg carton, and pertains more particularly .to a cardboard cart-on which will safely and individually support and protect a plurality of eggs, such as, for example, one dozen.

The invention contemplates the provision of an improved cardboard carton for the transporting and handling of eggs. The invention also provides cushioned support and individual lateral nesting of each of a plurality of eggs packed in a carton, means being provided to expose the eggs seleotively for removal, while at the same time maintaining the remainder of the eggs safely in the carton.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a securely braced nesting partition for individually supporting each of a plurality of eggs in an egg carton. A further object of the invention is to provide improved tabs for attaching together relatively folded portions of an egg carton.

A further object of the invention is to provide cushioned egg support and retaining means for containing a predetermined number of eggs in a carton, while at the same time providing for the exposure and removal of selected lesser numbers of eggs from the carton. I

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. l is a perspective view of a carton embodying the present invention, the carton being illustrated as containing a number of eggs therein, one transverse row of the eggs being exposed for removal.

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view of the carton shown in Fig. 1 as it would appear in its fully closed condition.

Fig. 3 is a plan View in reduced scale of a portion of the blank from which the carton shown in Figs. land 2 is constructed, a central longitudinal portion of the blank being folded to form a ridge.

Fig. 4 is an end elevational view of the blank shown in Fig. 3. i

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of the ridge-forming portion of the blank shown in Figs; 3 and 4 as it appears before folding.

Fig. 6 is a similarly enlarged sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary, perspective View of one of a plurality of egg supporting fingers formed by making a plurality of centrally intersecting radial cuts of equal length in the central horizontal partition of the carton to provide an egg supporting nest.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Fig. 1, and showinga cover-locking tab in its slot.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 9, showing the tab being withdrawn from its slot in opening the cover of the carton.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a carton A (Figs. 1 and 2) is made from a partially preformed, but generally planiform cardboard blank 20.

, faces of the portions forming the ridge 44 are adhesively' The carton blank 20 is divided into three main portions by score lines 21 and 22 (Fig. 3) to facilitate folding the blank along these lines. These three main portions of the car-ton comprise a cover portion 23, an intermediate transverse egg receiving partition portion 24, and a bottom portion 25. The cover portion 23 is provided with two

longitudinal score lines

27, 28, and the bottom portion 25 is similarly provided with two longitudinal score lines 29, 36 to facilitate folding the carton blank 20 into the box like formation shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

A plurality of

locking tabs

31 and 32 are formed to extend from each of the two longitudinal terminal edges of the carton blank 20. Since these

tabs

31 and 32 are similar to each other, one only thereof will be described.

The tab 31 (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 9 and 10) has a U-shaped cut 33 therein to provide a latch tongue 34 within the confines of this U-shaped cut, the attached base of the tongue 34 being directed toward the outer or free end of the tab 31. The severed tongue portion 34 is bent in angularly offset relation to the remainder of the tab 31 along a score line indicated by the broken line 35 in Fig. 3 so as to extend inwardly into the carton when erected as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Rows of perforations 37, 37 (Figs. 1 and 3) extend transversely of the carton cover portion 23 midway between each adjacent pair of

edge fastening tabs

31, 31. These rows of perforations extend from the tab-bearing edge of the cover portion 23 to the second longitudinal score line 29 therein, and divide the cover portion 23 into a plurality of easily severable strips 38, which may be torn loose one or more at a time as shown in Fig. 1 to expose one or more pairs of eggs as desired.

A plurality of egg engaging cushions in the form of rosettes 39 are provided in the cover portion 23 and are positioned to centrally overlie the upper ends of eggs 40 inserted in a plurality of egg receiving pockets 41 formed in the central transverse partition 24 in a manner to be described later herein.

Each rosette cushion 39 is formed by making a plurality of centrally intersecting cuts 42 of equal length, reversely bending the pointed inner ends of the segments 43 thus formed so that these pointed end portions will project inwardly into the carton when formed, and then bending the entire segments along their base lines in a direction which will olfset the segments inwardly into the carton A when formed as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

A downwardly extending central ridge 44 (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4) is formed in the partition 24 by folding the carton blank 20 double along the longitudinal center of the partition portion 24, and then outwardly at angles of along the lines 45, 45 (Fig. 4). The contacting inner secured together.

A plurality of bayonet type notches 47 (Figs. 11, 3, 5 and 6) each having a tongue 48 projecting therein from a side thereof, are provided in the ridge 44, one of said notches being provided adjacent each end of the ridge, and each of the others substantially in alignment with one of a plurality of posts 49 formed from tabs cut in the carton bottom in a manner to be described later herein.

The egg receiving pockets 41 are formed in the partition portion 24 by making a plurality of centrally intersecting cuts Sil of equal length to form a plurality of radially disposed pointed segments 51, creasing the segments 51 (Fig. 7) along their longitudinal center lines as at 52 (Figs. 7 and 8), and curving the segments concavely downwardly longitudinally thereof as best shown in Figs. 1, 4 and 7 so that the segments may be easily displaced downwardly when inserting an egg 40 in the pocket. The combined creasing and curvature of the segments strengthens them and causes them to partially embrace and adequately support the egg when inserted therein as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Rosette type egg supporting cushions 53 are formed in the central bottom portion of the carton blank 20 between the

score lines

29 and 30 therein, similar to the rosettes 39 in the cover 23. These bottom rosettes 53, like the upper ones 39, are formed to extend inwardly into the carton A when formed.

A plurality of the partition support posts 49 (Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 6) for locking engagement with the notches 47 in the center ridge 44 are formed from tabs 49a (Fig. 3) cut from the bottom portion 25 of the carton blank 20.

The post tabs 49a (Fig. 3) are provided at desired spaced intervals along the longitudinal center line of the carton bottom. A notch 54 is formed in the free end of each post tab 49aand a hole 55 is punched in each tab 49a inwardly of the notch 54 to receive the tongue 48 extending inwardly from a side of each bayonet notch 47 in the ridge 44.

Score lines

57, 57 are provided adjacent each longitudinal edge of each post tab 49a, to provide angularly bent side flanges 57a (Figs. 1, 2 and 6) on each post 49, each of the side flanges being severed at its base from the carton blank 20 by a short cut 57b.

In erecting the carton, the side flanges 57a of the tabs are bent upwardly at right angles to the body of the tabs to form the posts 49. The posts then are swung to upright position as shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 6. Each post 49 fits into and has interlocking engagement with a correspondingly positioned notch 47 in the center ridge 44' (Figs. 1, 2 and 6 The end notch 54 (Fig. 3) in each post 49' receives the remaining portion of the ridge 44 at the bottom of its corresponding bayonet notch 47, while the free end of each post 49 on opposite sides of the end notch 54 engages and supports the transverse partition 24 (Figs. 2 and 6).

The resiliency of the cardboard from which the posts 49 are constructed, together with the bearing of the base ends of the post side flanges 57a on the flat bottom portion 25 of the carton A urges the posts to return toward their original flattened position coincident with the cartonbottom. In order to utilize this resilient biasing force on the posts to urge them into interlocking relation with their respective notches, each bayonet notch 47 has its tongue 48 located on the side thereof toward which its corresponding post is biased. This biasing force therefore urges the posts into interlocking engagement with their respective bayonet notches.

It is preferable to have the two outermost posts on the two ends of the carton cut to swing outward toward the ends of the carton for erection. They then will be biased inwardly toward the center of the carton as shown in Fig. 1. When thus arranged, any pressure which may be exerted on the end posts through the open ends of the carton tends to force the post so pressed more securely into interlocking relation with its interengaged bayonet notch 47.

To conserve shipping space, the carton blanks 20 are packed and shipped in their scored and partially preformed condition shown in Figs. 3 and 4. In erecting the cartons for filling, the side flanges 57a of the post tabs 49aare bent upwardly at right angles to the body of each post tab and the posts 49 are erected. The carton bottom 25 then is folded along the

score lines

29 and 30, and the partition 24 is folded over as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The posts 49 are interlocked with their respective bayonet notches 47 and the bottom latching tabs 32 are inserted in slotted openings 62 provided therefor along the score line 22 (Fig. 3').

The latch tongues 34, after passing through the slots 62 project inwardly beyond the inner edges of the slots 62 to. engage, the transverse partitionportion 24 (Figs. 1 and 2) and thus to retain the tabs 32 against withd'rawal from their respective slots. The carton A then is filled by inserting an egg 40 (Figs. 1 and 2) into each of the pockets 41. The weight of the egg is suflicient to bend the pre-curved and scored segments 51 downwardly as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to embrace and protect the side of the egg. The lower end of each egg rests upon and is supported by the rosette cushion 53 immediately beneath each egg receiving pocket 41. The rosette cushions the egg, resiliently supports it over a relatively large area, and tends to center the end of the egg therein.

When the carton A is filled, the cover 23 may be folded along the scored lines 27' nd 28, and swung to the closed position shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The cover-locking tabs 31 are inserted in slots 63, provided therefore in the front wall 64 of the carton bottom portion 25. The slots 63 preferably are somewhat wider than the slots 62 for the bottom tabs 32 since the rear tabs are intended to be inserted by means of a set-up fixture (not shown) while the cover tabs 31 may be inserted manually. The offset latch tongues 34 of the cover tabs 31 have interlocking engagement with the front wall 64 of the carton bottom portion 25 above the slots 63 to secure the cover 23 in closed position (Fig. 9).

The overall height of the carton when closed is such as to bring the top rosettes 39 into resilient cushioning and centering engagement with the upper ends of the eggs 40 in their respective pockets. Curved finger nail receiving slits 65 are provided in the front wall portion 67 of each severable cover strip 38 provided by the rows of perforations 37. Thus, when it is desired to uncover one or more pairs of eggs in the carton, ones finger nail 68 (Fig. 1) may be inserted through the opening provided by a selected one of the curved slits 65. By then exerting an upward lifting force on the cover 23 the tongues of the cover latching tabs 31 may be bent reversely upon their respective tabs as shown in Fig. 10 and withdrawn from their slots 63, while at the same time severing the cover portion 23 along the row of perforations 37 as shown in Fig. 1.

The eggs 40 to be removed may be elevated in their respective pockets by inserting ones finger 69 (Fig. 1) through the rosette cushion 53 beneath the egg which it is desired to remove. When thus elevated, the egg may be grasped by the other hand and withdrawn from its pocket 41.

The carton is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and permits of the packing of a large number of cartons in a relatively small shipping space. It is easily assembled for use, and provides positive cushioned support for the eggs during transit and storage. The eggs may be removed easily in desired quantities from the carton, and theunused eggs are securely retained in the carton and are protected from damage.

While I have illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood however, that various changes and modifications may be made in the details thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Having thus described the invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. For forming an egg carton, a blank of bendable sheet material scored for folding into a central portion and two side portions, each side portion of said blank being scored for folding to three walled box shape overlying, and enclosing opposite sides of the central portion of said blank to form a carton, a plurality of egg receiving pockets formed in two rows lengthwise of said central portion, a ridge formed lengthwise of said central portion by bending the sheet material disposed between the two rows of egg receiving pockets, said ridge having a plurality of notches formed at predetermined spaced intervals therein, a plurality of post forming tabs cut from said blank to lie opposite said ridge with the side portions of said blank folded to three wall box shape overlying the central portion, one end of each tab being attached to the blank to provide a hinge connection between the tab and the blank, each tab being scored lengthwise therefor for bending to form a stiffened post, the free end of each tab being formed to interlock with one of the notches in said ridge thereby to provide a post-like support between the ridge and the portion of the blank having the post tab formed therein.

2. For forming an egg carton, a blank of sheet material scored for folding into a partition portion and two side portions, the two side portions each being wider than the partition portion for folding to overlie and enclose opposite faces of the partition portion, a plurality of egg receiving pockets formed in two rows lengthwise of said partition portion, a ridge formed to extend lengthwise of the partition portion between the tWo rows of pockets therein, said ridge having a plurality of notches therein, a plurality of post forming tabs cut from said blank, the base of each post tab being opposite a notch in said ridge with a predetermined one of said side portions folded to overlie and enclose a predetermined side of the partition portion, said tabs being bendable at their bases to have their free ends enter a notch in said ridge, and means for connecting each tab within its corresponding notch to provide a support between the partition portion and the portion of the blank having the tab formed therein.

3. An arrangement according to claim 2 wherein each notch in the ridge has a tongue projecting from a side thereof, and the post tab has an opening therein to receive the tongue, the tab being bent in a direction to bias the free end of the post toward the side of the notch having the tongue projecting therefrom.

4. A generally rectangular blank of sheet material for forming an egg carton comprising a central partition portion and two carton forming side portions integral therewith, each side portion being substantially wider than the partition portion, a pair of scored fold lines, parallel to each other and to the terminal edges of said side portions, defining the separation between the partition portion and each of said side portions to facilitate folding the side portions toward opposite sides of the partition portion, a plurality of latching tabs extending at predetermined spaced intervals from the terminal edge of each side portion, and a plurality of egg receiving pockets in said partition portion, said blank having a plurality of tab receiving slits therein along each of said scored fold lines, the slits along each fold line being spaced apart by distances corresponding to the spacing of the tabs on the side portion more remote therefrom, whereby each row of slits receives therein the tabs of the opposite side portion when said side portions are bent toward opposite sides of the partition portion along said fold lines and are arched transversely across the partition portion.

5. A generally rectangular blank of sheet material for forming an egg carton comprising a central partition portion and two carton forming side portions integral therewith, each side portion being substantially wider than the partition portion, a pair of scored fold lines, parallel to each other and to the terminal edges of said side portions, defining the separation between the partition portion and each of said side portions to facilitate folding the side portions toward opposite sides of the partition portion, a plurality of latching tabs extending at predetermined spaced intervals from the terminal edge of each side portion, a plurality of egg receiving pockets in said partition portion, said blank having a plurality of tab receiving slits therein along each of said scored fold lines, the slits along each fold line being spaced apart by distances corresponding to the spacing of the tabs on the side portion more remote therefrom, whereby each row of slits receives therein the tabs of the opposite side portion when said side portions are bent toward opposite sides of the partition portion along said fold lines and are arched transversely across the partition portion, and a rosette formed in each side portion to have central alignment with each pocket when said side portions are arched transversely across the partition portion, each rosette comprising a plurality of segments formed in the blank by a plurality of centrally intersecting symmetrical slits, the inner end portion of each segment being bent reversely upon itself, and each entire segment being offset from the plane of the blank.

6. A generally rectangular blank of sheet material for forming an egg carton comprising a central partition portion and two carton forming side portions integral therewith, each side portion being substantially wider than the partition portion, a pair of scored fold lines parallel to each other and to the terminal edges of said side portions defining the separation between the partition portion and each of said side portions to facilitate the folding of the side portions toward opposite sides of the partition portion, a plurality of latching tabs extending at predetermined spaced intervals from the terminal edge of each side portion, and two rows of egg receiving pockets in said partition portion, said rows being parallel to the fold lines and on opposite sides of a center line of said partition portion, a ridge formed lengthwise of said partition portion by bending the blank reversely upon itself and then laterally outwardly on each side of the reverse bend, said blank having a plurality of tab receiving slits therein along each of said scored fold lines, the slits along each fold line being spaced apart by distances corresponding to the spacing of the tabs on the side portion more remote therefrom, whereby each row of slits receives therein the tabs of the opposite side portion when said side portions are bent toward opposite sides of the partition portion along said fold lines and are arched transversely across the partition portion.

7. An arrangement according to claim 6 wherein a plurality of reinforcing post forming tabs are cut from one of said side portions midway of its width, the free end of each post tab being formed for interengagement with said ridge.

8. For forming an egg carton, a blank of sheet material scored for folding into a partition portion and two side portions located one on each side of said partition portion, each side portion of said blank being scored for folding to three Walled box shape and along its line of juncture with the partition portion to overlie and enclose opposite sides of the partition portion of said blank, a plurality of egg receiving pockets formed in said partition portion, and means for releasably attaching the lateral free edge of each side portion to the blank adjacent the opposite side of the partition portion from its line of juncture with the partition portion.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,021,998 Myers Apr. 2, 1912 1,115,449 Morgan Oct. 27, 1914 1,681,700 Folmer Aug. 21, 1928 1,899,547 Addis Feb. 28, 1933 1,906,337 Rutledge May 2, 1933 1,963,378 Petter June 19, 1934 2,544,654 Brown Mar. 13, 1951 2,571,408 Bergstein Oct. 16, 1951 2,582,655 Schenk Ian. 15, 1952 2,584,595 Kowal Feb. 5, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 40,860 France May 31, 1932