US2789747A

US2789747A - Carton with folding spout

Info

Publication number: US2789747A
Application number: US392559A
Authority: US
Inventors: Paul J Graybill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1953-11-17
Filing date: 1953-11-17
Publication date: 1957-04-23
Anticipated expiration: 1974-04-23

Description

April 23, 1957 Filed NOV. 17, 1953 P. J. GRAYBILL CARTON WITH FOLDING SPOUT 4 Shets-Sheet 1 1971 14775012- pazzzj gf g zzz Haws 7194s.

P. J. GRAYBILL 2,789,747

A ril 23, 1957 CARTON WITH FOLDING SPOUT 4 Sheets-Sheet? Filed Nov. 17,

THE 7 6 WM #W April 23, 1957 P. J. GRAYBILL 2,789,747

CARTON WITH FOLDING SPOUT Filed Nov. 17, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 FAQ-53 United tates Patent CARTON WITH FOLDING SPOUT Paul J. Graybill, New Haven, Conn.

Application November 17, 1953, Serial No. 392,559

Claims. (Cl. 229-17) This invention relates to spout-equipped cartons in general, and to cartons with spouts of the folding type in particular.

It is the primary aim and object of the present invention to provide on a carton a folding spout which has improved characteristics in comparison to those of previous folding spouts.

Thus, it is among the objects of the present invention to provide on a carton a folding spout which, when closed, effectively seals the carton from such extraneous matter as dust, moisture or vermin even after the spout has been opened and closed repeatedly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide on a carton a folding spout which is constructed so as to remain of its own accord in any one of an infinite number of adjustable positions substantially be tween its closed and normally fully open positions, thereby to permit ready pouring of the contents from the carton at a controlled variable rate.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide on a carton a folding spout of the aforementioned adjustable opening which is so constructed that the same will in any position within its adjustable range be tubular or near-tubular to such an extent as to permit pouring of the contents from the carton at the desired rate to which the spout opening is adjusted even if the carton is way over-tilted for the desired flow rate.

ice

nermost flap with a perceptible snap action into seating engagement with the ledge and also into interlock with the shoulder when the spout is tapped or otherwise forced into its quick-closure position, and which resists opening of the spout until force is applied thereto which, while slightin magnitude, must nevertheless be suflicient to release the interlocked surface of the innermost side flap from the shoulder with another perceptible snap action, thereby not only giving assurance to the user of the carton that the latter is satisfactorily closed when the mentioned closure snap action is perceived, but also preventing unauthorized self-opening of the spout under the weight of the contents of the carton if the latter is placed or held in partly or completely inverted disposition.

A further object of the present invention is to provide on a carton a folding spout of which the innermost fold of the innermost folded side fiap is divided by a score line or crease into complemental parts which on closure and opening of the spout are, under the compulsion of the remaining folded parts of the spout, swung similarly as the leaves of a hinge to effect orderly partial collapse and recovery, rather than random bending and unbending, of this innermost fold, thereby to achieve smooth and predetermined folding and unfolding of the spout as well as exercise control over the force required for opening and closing the spout.

Further objects and advantages will appear to those skilled in the art from the following, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Inthe accompanying drawings, in which certain modes of carrying out the present invention are shown for illustrative purposes:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a carton with a folding spout embodying the present invention, the spout being shown in its full-closure position;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the carton with its spout shown in a quick-closure position;

Another object of the present invention is to provide on a carton a folding spout of which the opposite side flaps or walls are so arranged that one side fiap or wall will gradually interfold between the bottom wall of the spout and the other folding side flap or wall when the spout is being closed from its normally open position, and will gradually unfold from between the bottom and the other unfolding side flap when the spout is being opened, thereby to achieve the tubular formation of the spout to the aforementioned extent and, by virtue of the ensuing friction between the side flaps when partly infolded, also self-retention of the spout in any of its partially open positions within the aforementioned adjustable range.

It is another object of the present invention to provide on a carton a folding spout of which the bottom and opposite side flaps are so dimensioned that the aforementioned interfolded side flap will, in a quick-closure position of the spout in which both side flaps are as yet partly unfolded beneath the bottom and the latter still extends somewhat away from the carton, fit completely, though somewhat loosely, the gap between the bottom and other side flap and close the carton for all practical intents and purposes, thereby to achieve ready and instantaneous closure of the carton on merely tapping the spout in any of its open positions in order to compel it into the above-mentioned quick-closure position.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spout-equipped carton with a ledge on which the innermost folded side flap rests, and which terminates in a shoulder over which springs the adjacent edge of the in- Figs. 3 and 4 are fragmentary perspective views of the carton with its spout shown in different partly open I positions; Fig. 5 is another fragmentary perspective view of the carton with its spout shown in fully open position;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary view of a blank from which the carton and its spout are formed;

Fig. 7 is a top plan view of the car-ton with its spout in fully open position;

Figs. 8, 9, l0 and 11 are fragmentary sections through the carton and its spout as taken on the lines 8-8, 9-9, 10-10 and 11-11, respectively, of Fig. 7;

Fig. 12 is a top plan view of the car-ton with the spout thereof in its full-closure position as in Fig. 1;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary longitudinal section through, the carton and spout as taken on the line 13-13 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary end view of the carton and spout as seen in the direction of the arrow 18 in Fig. 17;

Figs. 19 and 20 are fragmentary sections through the carton and spout as taken on the lines 19-19 and 20-20, respectively, of Fig. 17;

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary section through the carton and spout as taken on the line 21-21 of Fig. 18;

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary side view of the carton with itsspo'ut in partly open position as in Fig. 3; r ,Fig. 23 is a fragmentary view of the carton with its.

Patented Apr. 23, 1957' Fig: 25-is-.afragmentary section; through the carton.

and. spoutjastaken on. the line 25-25. of Fig. 23.;

Fig, 26' is a fragmentary side view of the carton with itsspout in. another partly open. position; I Fig; 27 is a fragmentary view of the carton with its spout in the same .partly open position as in Fig. 26, but asf -seen, from the opposite side;

Fig: 28'- is a fragmentary end view of the carton and spout-as'seen in the direction of the arrow 28 in Fig. 26; Fig; 29' is a fragmentary section through the carton andspoutas-ta'ken on the line 2929 of Fig. 26;

30f.is:-atop plan view of'a carton and spout embodying the present invention in a modified manner; and Fig. 31. is'a fragmentary view of a blank from which the-modified carton and spout of Fig. 30 are formed.

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to Figs; 1" tothereof, the reference-numeral 2 designates a carton'for holding goods which are usually packaged or maybe packaged in this manner. the dispensation of its contents provided with a spout 4 of-lthe folding type. The carton, which may be of any conventional construction, comprises opposite side walls 6 and8,

opposite ends walls

10 and 12, a bottom wall lZ4* (-Figs'. 1 and 5), and a top wall 16 covering the permanent end-closure portion of the dispensing-end of said carton. Provided in the top wall 16 is a discharge opening'18'which may be opened and closed by the folding spout 4 in a manner described hereinafter.

In the example shown, all parts of the carton 2, including the folding spout 4, are blanked in a single piece 20 (Fig. 6) from suitable carton material, and the blank 20is-suitably scored and cut so as to be foldable into the required finished form. The cut lines in the blank 20 are indicated by the reference numeral 21. Further provided on the carton 2 beneath the top wall 16 thereof is a ledge 22 (Figs. 4 and 5) on which the spout 4 is adapted to rest when folded into its fully closed position shown in Figs; 1 and 13 or into its other closed position shown in Figs. 2 and 21.

For-initially forming or setting up the carton 2, it may briefly be explained that the carton blank 20 (Pig. 6) is folded along the prescored longitudinal lines or

creases

26, 28 and 30 so as to bring the

opposite side walls

6, 8 and

opposite end walls

10, 12 into the rectangula'r disposition which they assume in the carton formation; A side tab extension 32 on the side wall6 of the blank 20 may next be folded about the prescored line or crease 34 for its attachment, by cementing for instance, to the adjacent end wall 10 in order permanently to retain the side and end walls of the carton in their rectangular disposition. The bottom' wall 14 of the blank 20 may next be folded into closure relation with the side and end walls of the carton and be permanently secureditheretoby suitable cemented tab extensions or Van Buren Ears on the bottom wall ofwhich one is shown: at 36 in Fig. 1. The ledge 22 may next be folded inwardly about the coextensive part of the prescored transverse line or crease 38 (Fig. 6) so as to span the

side walls

6 and 8, the ledge preferably having a foldable side tab extension 40 which may be cemented against the side wall 8. of the carton in order to secure the ledge in place therein: (Figs, 10 and .11). tho-discharge opening 18 and between the .top wall 16 and ledge 22 apocket or tuck-slot 42 (Figs. 8 and 9) for a purpose to be described, the blank .20 is provided with a spacer. flap 44 which, on being folded inwardly about the coextensive part or" the prescored line 38, will overlap the-mountedledge-ZZ. Next, the top wall 16 is folded-inwardly 'ab'out-the coextensive part of the same prescored line 38 and broughtinto overlappingrelation with the spacer flap 44; the top 4 wall. 16 beingpreferably The carton 2 is for In order to. provide. near.

H provided with foldable side and

end tab extensions

46 and 48 which may convenientlybe cemented to the adjacent side and

end walls

6 and 10, respectively, for permanently securing the top wall in place (Fig. 1) and holding the spacer flap 4-4 in snug interposition between the top wall and the ledge 22 (Fig. 10).

The spout 4, which in its=open position is channelshaped (Fig, 5), is in the present instance formed by opposite side flaps 50 and 52 and a bottom flap 54 which are continuous with each. other along the fold lines or creases 26 and 28, and also continuous with the adjacent carton individual hinge connectionsbetween these flaps and the adjacent carton walls so as to permit inwardfolds ing of the former: into coveringrelation with theidischarge opening .18 in the carton.

covering relation with the discharge opening 18 in the carton, the. parts ofthe

fold lines

26 and 28 which are coextensive with these flaps also serve in the setup con.-

dition of the. carton as hinge connections between these In" order that'the'side' flaps 5.0.and 52.0f the spout; 4 may thus fold inwardly beneath the bottom flap 54, the;

former mustfurthermore be scored or creased at 56 and 58, respectively, inthe usual diagonal fashion so that they may'fold on themselves when. the bottom flap 54 is turned. toward the-top: wall 16 ofthe carton. (Figs. 12 to '16).

It is;one of;the.objectives of'thc present invention to. effect closure of the spouti4 and; hence, of thecarton when th'e'side flaps 5.0 and 52 0f the spout are still partly unfolded and its bottom flap 54 is still some distance from the topwall 16 of the carton (Figs. land 17 to 19). In order to accomplish this, one of the side flaps, in this instance'the'side flapt52, is, on-closure of the spout 4 into the posit-iontshowrrjnFig-.2, causedto interfold between the bottom fi'ap 54' and;the,other side flap, in this instance the flap 50, and the dimensions of these side flaps are such that the upper. folded side flap or wall 52 fills substantially the. entire gap between the lower folded side flap 50 andthebottom flap 54.. Thus, in order that the .upperfolded side flap 52 may, in the closure position ofthe spout in Fig. 2, substantially till the entire gap bc-- .tween the lower folded side'fiap50 and the bottom flap 54, the. portions of'the'sidelflapsfit and'52 within which their respective foldlines 5.6 and 58 extend diagonally are square and each of. their. dimensions, expressedinlength andwidth. asindicated at l and w; respectively, in Figs. 8 and 9, is substantially equal to the dimension .of the carton measured across the

sidewalls

6 and 8 thereof. Further, since the .fold lin'e's.561and..5:8i extend diagonally of these square side flap portions, the latter will fold: completely upon themselveswhen thexspout isfclo'sed;

Orr-closing the:spout.4 from. its fully open position in Fig. 5 into the position in Fig. 2, the side flap 52 will frictionally be resisted by the other folding side flap 50 in its tendency to interfold between the latter and the.

bottom .flap 54. This frictional resistance to the inter folding of theiside flap- 52$ begins when both folding side flapsfit)? and 52;;engaget-each: other (Fig. 4), andpersists substantially until they reach the relativedisposition shown in Fig.2. Hence, it is within the relatively wide range of the interfolding action of the side flap SZsub-stantially fromthe position in Fig. 4 to thc'position in Fig. 2 that the side and bottom flaps 50, 52 and'd of the spout define a tubulardischarge.passage of infinitely variable cross seetionabareia. Moreover, .the; frictional resistance :encountieredbyithe. infoldingside flap 52, on the other foldingside: flapritl-1isssufiiciently large to retain thespout in ln order to permit such inwardfolding. of the flaps 5.0, 52. and 54 of the spout 4 into any of its infinite positions within the aforementioned range in which the same provides a tubular discharge passage, and permit the discharge of the carton contents through the latter without danger of self-opening of the spout beyond its adjusted position. The considerable frictional resistance encountered by the interfolding side flap 52 on the other side flap 50 may be appreciated from the fact that the fold 60 of the side flap 52 is in any of the adjustable partly-open spout positions more or less bent from the pressure exerted thereagainst by the other side flap 50 at its fold line 56. Thus, Figs. 26 to 29 show the spout in one of its infinite number of partly-open positions, and Fig. 29 clearly demonstrates the outward bending of the fold 60 of the side flap 52 under the pressure exerted thereon by the other side flap 50 at its fold line 56. Although the frictional resistance encountered by the unfolding side flap 52 on the other side flap 50 is sutficient to retain the spout in any of its infinite number of partlyopen discharge or pouring position-s as explained, this frictional resistance is not so great as to prevent closure of the spout into the position shown in Fig. 2 on merely tapping or pushing the same into the latter position with a relatively light force.

The side flap 50 of the spout is, in the present instance, provided with a further fold line 64 which, as shown in Figs. 3, 25 and 29, permits the innermost fo ld 66 of the side flap 50 to hinge sufliciently to prevent permanent random bending of the side flap 50 or of the adjacent interfolding side flap 52 under the pressure which they exert on each other when the spout is being closed into its position shown in Fig. 2. Thus, the entire side flap 50 acts, by virtue of its

fold lines

56 and 64, as a multiple hinge which not only affords a ready control over the magnitude of the frictional resistance encountered by the interfolding side flap 52 on the side flap 50, but also compels the side flap 52 to interfold between the other side flap 5t) and the bottom flap 54, as contemplated, when closing pressure is applied to the latter.

As already mentioned, the spout 4 and, hence, also the carton 2 are to all practical intents and purposes I closed when the former assumes the position shown in Fig.

2, hereinafter called quick-closure position. Even if the carton should be inverted with its spout lowermost, the contents of the carton will not at all, or at worst only to a negligible extent, escape through the spout in its quickclosure position, for any opening of the spout from the latter position under the weight of the car-ton contents thereon will be fully resisted by the considerable friction between the side flaps 50 and 52 immediately on even slight unfolding of the latter from the quick-closure position of the spout. Figs. 2 and 17 to 21 show the spout 4 in its quick-closure position, and its truly closed condition in this position is clearly demonstrated in Figs. 2, 19 and 21.

When the spout 4 is fully closed, i. e. when its bottom flap 54 is turned completely against the top wall 16 of the carton (Figs. 1 and 12 to 16), the side flaps 5t) and 52 are completely folded upon themselves between the ledge 22 and the bottom flap 54 (Figs. 13 and 15) and the spout 4 maybe retained in this position, hereinafter called full-closure position, by tucking a preferably curved tab portion 70 of the bottom flap 54 into the previously described pocket or tuck-slot 42 between the ledge 22 and the top wall 16 of the carton (Figs. 1, 12 and 13).

The interfolded side flap 52 is, on closure of the spout 4 from its quick-closure position (Fig. 2) into its fullclosure position (Fig. 1) so tensioned by the folding side flap 50 and the inwardly turning bottom flap 5d that the spout will, on its release, immediately snap back of its own accord into its quick-closure position, unless the tab portion 70 of the bottom flap 54 is tucked into the pocket 42 in the full-closure position of the spout (Fig. 13). Accordingly, the interfolded side flap 52 will have a substantial press-fit between the other folded side flap 50 and the bottom flap 54 and form an exceptionally effective seal for the carton when the spout is held in its fullclosure position by the tucked-in tab portion 70 of the bottom flap 54. On the other hand, the quick-closure position of the spout (Fig. 2) is in most cases suflicient to close the carton and protect its contents, and the spout may quickly be manipulated into its quick-closure position on merely tapping the same at its bottom flap, and if the closing force exerted on the bottom flap, should carry the spout beyond its quick-closure position and even into its full-closure position, the same will of its own accord snap back to its quick-closure position as explained. Thus, the spout 4 and, hence, also the carton 2 may for most purposes be satisfactorily closed, by merely tapping the spout quickly into or beyond its quick-closure position without any further ado whatsoever.

Since in the instant formation of the blank 20 the interfolding side flap 52 and the ledge 22 are separated by a mere cut line 21a (Fig. 6), it follows that the side flap 52 would in its interfolded condition be fully within the confines of the discharge opening 18 in the top of the carton if this flap were not made of increasing length toward the bottom fiap 54 which, in order to be insertable with its tab portion 70 into the pocket 42, must be of greater length than the side flap 52 at the ledge 22 (Figs. 8, 12 and 13). Further, the side flap 50, which becomes the bottommost folded flap of the spout 4 either in its quick-closure position or in its full-closure position, is of such over-all width (Figs. 5 and 9) that the same will rest with its bottommost fold 66 on the ledge 22 (Figs. 13, 15 and 21).

Since in the instant formation of the blank 20 the bottommost fold 66 of the side flap 50 and the top wall 16 are separated by a mere cut line 21b (Fig. 6), their adjacent edges '76 and 78, respectively, are alike and are preferably curved as shown in Figs. 4 and 5 so that the preferably curved tab portion 70 of the bottom flap 54 may the more easily be tucked into the pocket 42 in the full-closure position of the spout 4 (Fig. 12). As indicated in Fig. 14, the curved edge 76 of the bottommost fold 66 of the side flap 50, which in either closure position of the spout rests directly on the ledge 22, swings slightly away from the adjacent edge 78 of the top wall 16 of the carton when the spout is urged from its quickclosure position into its full-closure position. This is due to the fact that the bottommost fold 66 of the bottommost side flap 50 is the one which ofiers the least resistance to the inevitable slight relative shift of the side flaps 50 and 52 in consequence of the tight interfolding of the side flap 52 between the

other flaps

50 and 54 when the spout is fully closed, and it is this relative shift between the side flaps 5t and 52 which draws the bottommost fold 66 of the side flap 52 slightly away from the adjacent edge 78 of the top wall 16 of the carton in a swinging motion about the point p at which the side flap 5t) and the top wall 16 merge (Figs. 6 and 14). When the spout is released in any position intermediate its full-closure and quick-closure positions, the same will quickly revert of its own accord into its quick-closure position, as explained, and in consequence swing the bottommost fold 66 of the side flap 50 with its edge 76 into abutting engagement with the adjacent edge or shoulder 78 of the top wall 16 of the carton and thus yieldingly prevent opening of the spout from its quick-closure position. In folding the spout toward its quick closn-re position, the force with which the bottommost fold 66 of the bottommost flap 50 is urged against the top wall 16 of the carton is such that the fold 66 will springwith a readily perceptible snap action from the top wall 16 onto the ledge 22 and thereafter recede thereon slightly away from the adjacent edge or shoulder 78 of the top wall when the spout is being folded beyond its quick-closure posi tion. Conversely, the force with which the edge 76 of the bottommost flap 50 will, in the quick-closure position of the spout, engage the adjacent edge 78 of the top wall 16 of the-carton is such that the edge 7;6 will, on. opening *7 1 I the'spoutffrorn its quick-closure position,jjun ip'from engagement withthe edge. or shoulder 78- with aperceptible snap. Accordingly, the .abutting pressure .between ithe adjacent edges 76 and78ofthe spout flap t) and of the carton" wall 16 will, on opening the. spout from. its quickclosure position, increase until the-edge 76 of this spout flap jumps from engagement with the edge '78 of the carton wall 16. In order thatthis increasing abutting pressure may not permanently bend atrandorntthatportion80 of the bottommost fold '66 of the spout fiap'50 whichby virtue of this abutting pressure is subjected to maximum bending stresses,zthe spout flap 50-is provided with "another ,fold line. or crease '82 about which this maximum stressed release-flapSt) will hinge until it clears the edge 78,013 the carton.wall'1'6 when the spout is being opened from its quick-closure position (Figs. 3 and 22 to'24).

Fig. 30 shows a modified carton 2 with afolding spout 4 whichhas .allthe advantages of the described carton 2 with itsfolding spout 4, but distinguishes from the same lay providing for the extension of both folded side flaps 5t) and 52' into overlapping relation with the ledge 22 when the spout is in its full-closure position, thereby further to enhance the sealing of the carton by the spout when the latter is in its fully closed condition. To achieve this, the ledge portion 22 of the blank 20 from which the carton2' and spout 4 are formed is continuous with tlie'end wall portion of the blank (Fig. 31) so that inthe formation of the carton andspout the ledge 22' may be folded inwardly of the end wall 10' between the side walls 6' and 8' and into the confines of the channel formed by the side and bottom flaps 5t), '52 and 54' of the spout adjacent the opposite end wall 12' and the side walls 6 and 8' (Fig. 30). The spacer flap 44, is then folded into superposed relation with theledge 22, whereupon the top wall 16' is'folded over the spacer flap 44 and secured in place between the sidewalls 6' and8'. No further description of the set-up of the carton 2 and spout 4' from the blank 20' is deemed necessary since the rest of its set-up is fully suggested by thepreviously described set-up of the blank 20 into the carton 2 with its spout 4.

The invention may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention, and the present embodiments are, therefore, to be con sidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

1 claim:

1. A carton made of foldable stock having a dispensing end, with a quadrangular discharge opening, said opening having articulated thereabout on three sides, a movable folding spout, said spout comprised of a substantially quadrangular bottom wall, its free end-terminating in a tab portion, .and two diagonally creased substantially quadrangular side-walls articulated to the sides of'said bottom-wall, said carton-end comprised also ofa permanent end-closure portion articulated to part of the edges of the two carton side-walls and the edge of the adjacent carton end-wall, said permanent end-closure portion extending inwardly from said carton end-wall to its juncture with the spout side-walls, said permanent endclosure having a ledge member extending inwardly beyond the juncture of at least one ofthe spoutside-walls thus ostensibly protruding into said discharge opening, said spout adapted in one position to discharge the contents of said carton and in another position to close said discharge opening, said spout side-walls being so dimensioned, adapted and disposed that when in said closed position they are folded-inwardly each upon itself with at leastpart of'the outer terminal ends in onefldirection extended beyond the confinesof saiddiseharge opening totoverlay said ledge, and-in the other direction to at leastabut each other above said ledge, saidpermanent end-closure portion having at'least partway across thereon a shoulder, said shoulder. coincident with the edge of at .leastone of .isaid spout side-walls'against which said side-wall abuts when spout is in said closed position; also said permanent end-closure portion'having a tuckslot thereon, so disposed in its open position, to accommodate the tab portion of said spout bottom-wall; thus when spout is in said closed position the terminal ends of said side-walls are positioned in a compressed condition, partly abutting said shoulder, between said ledge and the tucked-in bottom wall of said spout, in a secured sift-proof closure.

2. A carton made of foldable stock having a dispensing end, with a quadrangulardischarge opening, said opening having articulated thereabout. on three sides, ,a movable folding spout, said spout comprised of asubstantially quadrangular bottom-wall, its free end terminating in'a tab portion, and two diagonally'creased substantially quadrangular side walls articulated to the sides of said bottom-wall, said carton-end comprised also of a permanent end-closure portionarticulated to part of the edges of the two carton side-walls and the edge of the adjacent carton end-wall, said permanent endclosure portion extending inwardly from said canton endwall to its juncture with the spout side-walls; said permanent end-closure portion also having a ledge member extending inwardly beyond the juncture of at least one of the spout side-walls thus ostensiblyprotruding into said discharge opening, said end-closure portion having a shoulder at least part way across thereon, and also a tuck-slot therein, said spout adaptedin one, open and secured, position to discharge the contents of said carton at a controlled rate with said side-walls partially folded inwardly along said diagonal creases in a bellows-like fold, abutting approximately at their ap'exes and thus forming with said bottom-wall a V tubular funnel spout, said tubular formation being sustained by the stresses and predisposition in said foldable stock to reclose, said spout also adapted in a secured quick-closure position with said side-walls being folded fully together closing said spout and completely closing said discharge opening, said spout side-walls beingdimensioned in one direction completely interfolded, with internalstresses and a predisposition to unfold, the upper of said side-walls folded between the folds of the lower side-walland the spout bottom-wall and the lower of said side-walls folded between the upper side-wall andthe ledge member, with at least the lower of said side-walls sodimensioned in the other direction that they extend beyond the confines of said discharge opening and overlay said ledge, firmly abutting said shoulder on said permanent end-closure portion, said shoulder positioned to thus firmly hold from unfolding said innermost side-wall and thence the complete spout against said stresses in its completely interfolded quick-closure position; said spout adapted alsoin a final full-closure position, with said side-walls fully collapsed along said diagonal creases and articulations with at least the innermostsidc-wallsuperimposed upon said ledge and said bottom-wall superimposed onsaid side-walls and so dimensioned as to fully cover said side-walls and allowsaid end-tab to be-positioned in said tuck-slot immediately adjacent thereto in said permanent end-closure portion, thus effecting-a completely collapsed spout and a secured. closure of-said discharge opening.

3. The carton and folding spout ofclaim 2 having the bottommost fold of said lower side wall bisected into two triangular sectors by a crease extending transersely from theouter terminal edge thereof to its opposite apex, in one position said sectors to lie flatly against said ledge when said spout is in a closed position, and in another position tounfold hinge-likewhen said spout is being opened, sa id first sector 0,2136 resisted y Said upper side-wall into which said first sector must be forced to form an arc-like bend in order to unfold, this due to the upward support of said sector by said ledge; and also, in still another position when said spout is open, said two sectors to assume a partially folded condition due to the inherent folding tendency of said stock at said crease, thus fore-shortening their total width and positioning the apex of said lower side-walls inwardly and below the apex of the opposing upper sidewall thus insuring the proper interfolding of said sidewalls when said spout bottom-wall is tapped or other- -wise forced inwardly in closing said spout.

4. The carton and folding spout of claim 3 having a triangular release flap articulated to the terminal end of said lower side-wall, said release flap having been formed from said side-wall by a crease extending from near the outer end of the medial diagonal crease of said side-wall to a point at least part way across and on said terminal end, said release flap in one position to release said lower side-wall from said shoulder by unfolding hinge-like when the spout is being forced open.

5. A carton made of foldable stock having a dispensing end, with a quadrangular discharge opening, said opening having articulated thereabout on three sides, a movable folding spout, said spout comprised of a substantially quadrangular bottom-wall, and two diagonally creased substantially quadrangular side-walls articulated to the sides of said bottom-wall, said carton-end com- 'prised also of a permanent end-closure portion articu- *lated to part of the edges of the two carton side-Wall's and the edge of the adjacent carton end-wall, said perma- *nent end-closure portion extending inwardly from said carton end-wall to its juncture with the spout side-walls; said permanent end-closure portion also having a ledge member extending inwardly beyond the juncture of at 'least one of the spout side-walls thus ostensibly protruding into said discharge opening, said end-closure portion having a shoulder at least part way across thereon, said spout adapted in one, open and secured, position to discharge the contents of said carton at a controlled rate with said side-walls partially folded inwardly along said diagonal creases in a bellows-like fold, abutting approximately at their apexes and thus forming with said bottom-wall, a V tubular funnel spout, said tubular formation being sustained by the stresses and predisposition in said foldable stock to reclose, said spout also adapted in a secured quick-closure position with said side-walls being folded fully together closing said spout and com- \pletely closing said discharge opening, said spout sidewalls being dimensioned in one direction completely interfolded, with internal stresses and a predisposition to unfold, the upper of said side-walls folded between the folds of the lower side-wall and the spout bottom-wall and the lower of said side-walls folded between the upper side-wall and the ledge member, with at least the lower of said side-walls so dimensioned in the other direction that it extends beyond the confines of said discharge opening and overlays said ledge, firmly abutting said shoulder on said permanent end-closure portion, said shoulder positioned to thus firmly hold from unfolding said innermost side-wall and thence the complete spout against said stresses in its completely interfolded quick-closure position.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,704,987 Marsh Mar. 12, 1929 2,077,341 Martin et al Apr. 13, 1937 2,205,068 Potter June 18, 1940 2,288,042 Spilman June 30, 1942 2,398,200 V-an Voorhis Apr. 9, 1946 2,565,182 Maxon Aug. 21, 1951