US2819009A - Retaining notch for a container - Google Patents

Description

J. 1958 F. A. DAVID, JR

RETAINING NOTCH FOR A CONTAINER 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Aug. 26. 1954 IN VEN TOR FRANK AM W0, JR.

HTTWM EV ited rates Patent O RETAINING NQTCH FOR A CONTAINER Frank A. David, in, St. Louis, Mo., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Crown Zeilerbach Corporation, San Francisco, Caliii, a corporation of Nevada Application August 26, 1954, Serial No. 452,340

7 Claims. (Cl. 229-47) This invention appertains to an improved retaining means for receiving banding or strapping materials and the like for containers constructed of bendable materials, such as solid fibreboard, corrugated fibreboard and the like.

Many styles and types of containers and packages require encircling means, such as band, wire or strap, to secure the container for shipment. One example of a particular style container embodying a closure employing a banding means is illustrated in Patent No. 2,214,220, issued to George B. Beaman, on September 10, 1940. In containers of this type, open notches are often provided at the corners of the closure members to fix the proper position of the banding or other encircling means. Containers of the general type disclosed in the Beaman patent and employing closure caps having depending marginal flanges with notches in the edges thereof may be sealed manually or by machinery. In the operation of sealing the containers, it is necessary to force the plurality of the closure cap flaps downwardly against the adjacent body walls and maintain them in position until the strap or banding means is encircled thereabont and secured in place. It is difficult, if not impossible, especially in containers having four or more sides, for one man to hold the closure cap flaps in position and at the same time to manipulate and properly locate the banding or strapping means about the container. It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved retaining means or notch for the depending flaps of closure caps for the class of containers described or other style containers requiring banding means, the retaining means being adapted to retain banding or strapping means securely into position without manual or mechanical assistance.

It is a further object of this invention to provide an improved retaining means for closure flaps which, when banding or strapping means are inserted in position, will positively maintain the closure flaps in proper relation for sealing permanently in place.

Another object is to provide a retaining means or notch of the type described which has side edge portions adapted to firmly grip the strapping or banding means to prevent accidental removal or release thereof.

A still further object is to provide a retaining means of the type described which may be adapted to provide a smooth path to facilitate the easy tightening of the strapping or banding means.

Another object is to provide an entirely safe means for unpacking a banded container to eliminate the hazard of injury to operators from the flying sharp end and side edges of the spring-like band when it is severed under the high tension required to hold the cover flanges in parallel relation to the walls of the container.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a full and complete understanding of the construction and operation of the invention.

The invention also consists in the parts, arrangements and combinations of the parts hereinafter described.

The accompanying drawings form a part of this specifiice cation and like numerals and symbols therein appearing refer to like parts wherever they occur.

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a closure for a container employing a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary plan view of the retaining notch illustrated in Fig. l

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an erected and assembled container employing the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view through section 4-4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view through section 5-5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a modified form of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary plan view of a still further modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of another modified embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged, fragmentary, perspective view of a corner of the container employing the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a view through section ill-10 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a modified form of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 8;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a further modified form of the invention shown in Fig. 8;

Fig. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a corner of the container employing the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a view through section M -M of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of another modified embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a corner of the container employing the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Fig. 15; and

Fig. 17 is a view through section 17-17 of Fig. 16.

A typical container A, as shown in Fig. 3 and embodying a preferred form of the invention, is provided with a body portion 20 and a closure member 21. The body portion is made up of upstanding side walls 22 and foldably connected side wall top flaps 23. The closure member 21 of the container A illustrated is provided with a suitable closure panel 24 bounded by side score lines 25. Closure side flanges 26 are foldably connected to the closure panel 24 along the side score lines 25. Double score lines 27 define the inner boundary of foldably con nected closure side flaps 28.

A series of spaced retaining slits 29 disposed in substantially horizontal relation to each other, as best shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and positioned adjacent the end edges 30 of the side flanges 26. The retaining slits 29 are disposed in diverging relation as they extend inwardly away from the adjacent end edge of the side flange 26 thereby defining a trapezoidal shaped intermediate portion or tongue 31. The slits 29 may be of any satisfactory length, however, it has been determined that a preferred length is one which will permit the banding means to be posi tioned adjacent the corner portion defined by the body side walls 22. As shown in Fig. 2, it will be observed that the distance between the portion of the retaining slits closely adjacent the end edges 30 is substantially less than the distance between the free end portions 32 of the retaining slits 2d.

The container A employing the embodiment of the in vention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 5 may be erected in any suitable manner, however, a preferred means is to erect the side walls 22 of the body portion 2t) into upright, right angular relationship. The side wall top flaps 23 are then folded downwardly in spaced parallel relation with their respective side walls 22 as shown in Fig. 5. The closure member Zll is then placed on the body portion 2h so that the closure panel 24 is in registering alignment with the body portion. The side flaps 28 are then folded downwardly about the double score lines 27 and then the side flanges 26 are also swung downwardly about their adjacent side score lines 25. As the folding operation is continued, the side flaps 28 are swung further about the double score line 27 until they are in vertical position intermediate the previously positioned side wall top flaps 23 and the container side walls 22. In this position, as most clearly illustrated in Fig. 5, the side flanges 26 will be in firm contacting relation against the side wall top flap 23. A banding means, B, such as a steel strap 33, is then inserted between the diverging retaining slots 29 thereby deflecting the tongue 31 inwardly. The width of the banding means is substantially greater than the distance between the end portions of the retaining slits adjacent the end edges 30. However, the distance between the free end portions 32 is preferably substantially equal to the width of the strap 33. As the strap member 33 is inserted inbetween the adjacent, registering retaining slits at each corner, the strap will tend to prevent the inherent tendency of the side flanges 26 and the side flaps 28 to swing upwardly. In this manner, as the operator proceeds to insert the strap 33 in the retaining slits of successive corners of the container, it is absolutely necessary to provide extrinsic means to maintain the side flanges 26 and the side flaps 28 in position. In effect, as the worker inserts the strap 33 in each adjacent corner pair of retaining slits 29, the corner will be automatically maintained in proper interlocked position with respect to the adjacent container body. The fact that the distance between the portions of the retaining slis 29 adjacent the end edges 34 is substantially less than the width of the strap 33, prevents the strap from becoming accidently withdrawn. After the strap 33 is inserted into all of the retaining slits 29, the overlapping ends thereof are tightened and secured in place, as shown in Fig. 3.

In the operation of the invention, the tongue member greatly facilitates the easy tightening of the strap 33 into position. As the strap is tightened, it is apparent, as illustrated most clearly in Fig. 4, that the tongues 31 will be folded inwardly to provide a smooth, rounded surface for the strap member thus greatly reducing the force required to tighten the strap into position. It is contemplated that the invention will be employed on a great variety of containers, some employing more than four sides such as hexagons, octagons, etc. While the friction reducing effect of the tongues 31 will be most readily apparent in the rectangular containers, which have right angular corners, it will also be an advantage in the other style polygonal containers. The infolded tongue members 31 have also been found to substantially reduce the usual strain conditions in the strap 33 at the corners of the container, thus reducing substantially the tendency of the banding means to fail.

The container illustrated in Fig. 3 may be readily opened at its destination by merely severing the strapping means 33. The retaining slits 29 are of a further benefit at this time since they act to prevent the straps from springing outwardly with the attendent possibility that the person opening the container might be injured. The strap 33, after being severed, may be readily removed by pulling it outwardly, lengthwise from the retaining slits. The folded together flaps 23 and 2% and the flange 2t; may then be disengaged to permit release of the closure member.

A modified embodiment of the invention is shown in Pig. 6. A relatively shallow guide depression 34 is provided along the outer end edge 30 of the side flange 26. The guide depression assists the operator to locate the ti. retaining slits 29 so as to facilitate the rapid insertion of the banding means. The use of the guide depression 34 is especially desirable in large containers wherein certain of the retaining slits are hidden from the view of the individual sealing the container.

In the variation employing the invention illustrated in Fig. 7, the tongue member 31 is omitted leaving an unobstructed trapezoidal shaped area 35 between the diverging retaining slits 29. The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 7 is often used when employed on containers having six or more sides and where the amount of force required to tighten the banding means B into position is substantially less than with the rectangular container. In all other respects, the embodiments of the invention illustrated in Figs. 6 and 7 are similar to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, that is, the distance between the ends of the diverging, retaining slits 29 adjacent the end edges 30 is substantially less than the width of the banding means employed, while the distance between the free end portions 32 of the retaining slits 29 is substantially equal to, or slightly greater than, the width of the banding means B.

A further embodiment employing the invention is illustrated in Figs. 8 through 10. In this embodiment theretaining slits are formed from a central slit portion 36 which extends inwardly from the adjacent free edge 30 of the side flange 26 to a transverse slit portion 37. The transverse slit is preferably in substantially parallel relation with the end edge 30 while the central slit portion 36 is in right angular relation thereto. The length of the transverse slit is substantially equal to, or preferrably slightly larger than, the width of the banding means employed. As shown in Figs. 8 through 10, a strap 33 is one example of a banding means which may be employed with the modified embodiment illustrated. A rectangular band or strap receiving tongue 3% is formed by providing end slits 39 at opposite end portions of the transverse slit 37. The position of the end slits 39 determines the length of the rectangular tongue 38 which may be varied to accommodate various sizes of banding means.

As illustrated in Fig. 11, the modified embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 8 through 10 may be varied by providing a guide depression 34 to facilitate the entry of the strap or banding means into the central slit portion. The modified forms of the invention are utilized in substantially the same manner as the embodiment employing the central and transverse slit arrangement and will maintain the banding means B in place more positively than the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7. In order to employ the modified form it is necessary to force the strap 33 into the central slit portion 36, thereby deflecting the side tabs 40 temporarily out of the plane of the side flanges until the strap 35 is in contacting relation with the free outer edge of the rectangular tongue 38. After the strap is in position, the inherent resiliency of the material will cause the side tabs 40 to return into substantially coplanar relationship with their adjacent side flanges 26. In this manner, the inner edges 41 of the side tabs firmly contact and engage the strap member 33 thereby preventing accidental release thereof. The side tabs 40 and the inner edges 41 thereof act to engage the strap to maintain the side flanges 26 and side flaps 28 in position as the remaining portions of the strap 33 are positioned in the other adjacent corner pairs of retaining slits.

The modified embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 12 through 14 is substantially similar in configuration to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 8 and 9. That is, the band retaining means are provided with a central longitudinal slit portion 36 and a transverse slit portion 3'7 defining side tabs having inner edges 41. However, the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 12 to 14 is particularly designed for use with wire or string banding means 42 as shown in Fig. 13. It is found that when the Wire 42 is employed, the end slits 39, which define the rectangular tongue 38 (as shown in Fig. 8), may be omitted if desired. The embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 12 through 14 is utilized in a manner similar to the previous embodiments, that is, the wire banding means 42 is inserted into the central slit portion 36 by deflecting the side tabs 40 temporarily out of the plane of the side flanges 26. The wire 42 is then moved inwardly into the transverse slit 37. The side tabs 40 will then, due to the resiliency of the material from which they are formed, return outwardly into the plane of the adjacent side flanges 26 thereby eifectually holding the banding means 42 firmly within the transverse slit 37. As the wire banding means 42 is tightened in position, the portion of the side flange adjacent the transverse slit 37 will ordinarily be deflected slightly inwardly as shown at 43 in Fig. 13, thereby providing a smooth surface at the corner of the container for the wire banding means to be tightened against. Of course, if desired, a guide depression 34 (not shown) may be employed in conjunction with the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 12 through 14.

A still further embodiment of the invention, particularly adapted for use in receiving wire banding means 42, is illustrated in Figs. 15 to 17 inclusive. The embodiment employs diverging retaining slits 29 which meet at a point 44 on the end edge 30 of the side flange 26. The diverging slits define a substantially triangular tongue 45. In operation, the wire banding means is forced inwardly at 44 thereby deflecting the triangularly shaped tongue 45 inwardly as best shown in Figs. 16 and 17, thereby providing a smooth path for the wire banding means 42 at the corners of the container. It will be apparent that the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 15 to 17 will prevent the accidental release of the wire banding means 42 since the distance between the retaining slits 29 at the point 44 will be insufficient to permit passage of the wire 42.

Each of the embodiments of the invention illustrated have the desirable features of providing means for retaining the banding means B in place in the side flanges 26. The embodiments also provide means for utilizing the previously positioned banding means B to maintain the side flanges 26 and side flaps 28 in proper position prior to the tightening and sealing the banding means. While various embodiments of the invention are illustrated and described, it is apparent that in each embodiment, the banding means is maintained in place by the structure of the side flange portions 26 adjacent the end edge 30 thereof. The retaining slits in each instance are formed in the side flange portions 26 to define an opening which is of substantially smaller width than the particular banding means employed. That is, the band retaining effect is identical whether diverging retaining slits 29, or central slit portions 36 and transverse slit portions 37 are employed.

The invention described herein is not limited to the specific type of container illustrated. Strapping and banding means are employed with various types of boxes and receptacles which may also utilize to excellent advantage the invention described.

It is thereby understood that the embodiments herein described are illustrative and not restrictive, and it is also to be understood that the invention may be susceptible of embodiments in other modified forms, and that all such modifications which are similar or equivalent hereto come equally within the scope of the claims next appearing.

What is claimed is:

1. In an improved paperboard container having at east four upstanding connected together walls resulting in corners and a closed bottom, a cover member including a top panel with sides substantially coextensive in width with the said walls and slightly flexible, but resilient flanges depending from and integral with the side edges thereof, the flanges each having side edges and overlapping an upper marginal portion of the walls and with adjacent side edges in close proximity to the said corners, and a band under high tension contactingly encircling the flanges to maintain same in substantially parallel relationship with adjacent marginal portions of the Walls; the said improvement comprising a restricted band entrance opening at least from one side edge of a flange, the said entrance being in communication with and terminating in a vertically disposed edge-like seat for said band, the band being of greater width than the width of the restricted entrance, the seat being of greater Width than the width of the restricted entrance and of slightly greater width than the width of the band, to hold a portion of the band positioned on the said seat solely by the restricted band entrance until the band is tightened and to retain the flying sharp ends and side edges of the band when it is severed under the high tension required to maintain the flanges in said substantially parallel relationship with upper marginal portions of their adjacent upstanding walls.

2. The improvement set forth and claimed in claim 1 wherein said restricted entrance comprises a pair of slits diverging from a horizontal plane inwardly and said vertically disposed edge-like seat for said band is formed between the inward terminals of said diverging slits.

3. The improvement set forth and claimed in claim 2 wherein the said restricted entrance comprises a pair of slits diverging from a common apex positioned at the edge of said flange inwardly from a horizontal plane.

4. The improvement 'set forth and claimed in claim 2 wherein the said vertically disposed edge-like seat for said band comprises a slit connecting the inward terminals of the diverging slits.

5. The improvement set forth and claimed in claim 2 wherein said vertically disposed edge-like seat for said band comprises the inward edge portion of the depressed paperboard between said inwardly diverging slits.

6. The improvment set forth and claimed in claim 1 wherein said restricted band entrance comprises an inwardly extending slit and said vertically disposed edgelike seat for said band comprises a vertical slit.

7. The improvment set forth and claimed in claim 6 wherein the said vertically disposed edge-like seat for said band comprises a vertical slit with a relatively shorter horizontal inwardly extending slit from each terminal edge of the vertically disposed slit.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 79,441 Boughton June 30, 1868 517,407 Grifliths Mar. 27, 1894 572,657 McRonald Dec. 8, 1896 1,322,290 Cibulka Nov. 18, 1919 1,480,358 Wirtz Jan. 8, 1924 1,763,393 Fluellen June 10, 1930 2,131,389 Rhodes Sept. 27, 1938 2,214,220 Beaman Sept. 10, 1940 2,260,951 Mulnix Oct. 28, 1941 2,453,829 Blackman Nov. 16, 1948 2,527,191 Lambert Oct. 24, 1950

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