US3082930A - Package construction - Google Patents

Description

March 26, A1963 R. M. WATTS ETAL 3,082,930

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 1, 1960 '7 SheeLs-Sheel 1 THEIR ATTORNEYS March 26, 1963 Filed NOV. l, 1960 R. M. WATTS ETAL PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION 7y sheets-sheet 2 FIG. 4

INVENroR RICHARD M. wATTs EDWARD T. BRYANT BY 4W 2 gm THEIR ATTORNEYS March 26, 1963 R. M. WATTS ETAL 3,082,930

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. l, 1960 '7 Sheets-Sheet 3 INvNToRs RICHARD M. wATTs EDWARD T. BRYANT THEIR ATTORNEYS March 26, 1963 R. M. WATTS ETAL PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION 7 Sheets-Shee 4 Filed Nov. l, 1960 l 15 r l@ www w l l ....L'

INVENTORS RICHARD M. WATTS EDWARD T. BRYANT THEIR ATTORNEYS March 26, 1963 R. M. WATTS ETAL PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. l, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 THEIR ATTORNEYS March 26, 1963 R. M. WATTS ETAL 3,082,930

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. 1, 1960 '7 SheetS-Shee'b 6 INVENTORS RICHARD M. WATT EDWARD T. BRYAN F1625 E" f4/1M www THEIR ATTORNEYS Mardi 26, 1963 R. M. WATTS ETAL. 3,032,930

PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Filed Nov. l, 1960 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 7 KZ //j"/ ,//2 /Z mvl-:NToR RlCHARD M. wATTs EDWARD T .BRYANT THEIR ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,082,930 Patented Mar. 26, 1953 3,082,930 PACKAGE CONSTRUCTION Richard M. Watts, Henrico County, and Edward T.

Bryant, Chesterfield County, Va., assignors to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 1, 1960, Ser. No. 66,621 18 Claims. (Cl. 229-33) This invention relates to package constructions expandable to Lazy Susan arrangements, each package construction including a central, collapsible receptacle having a plurality of containers secured to the outer surfaces of the sidewalls of the receptacle to form an integral unit.

I'his invention also relates to the particular containers and receptacles tor such package constructions and the like, as well as to the blanks for forming such containers and receptacles.

Each package construction of this invention generally comprises a collapsible receptacle having sidewall means that define an open end `of the receptacle when the receptacle is expanded to its article-receiving position, the receptacle forming a at compact structure when collapsed. An endwall means is carried by the receptacle and effectively forms the bottom thereof when the Ireceptacle is expanded, whereby the expanded or erected receptacle is adapted to receive and support articles therein.

A plurality of containers are secured in aligned relation to Ithe outer surface of the sidewall means of the reecptacle, each container having an open end extending in the same direction as the open end of the expanded receptacle and having a closure means for selectively closing the respective open end of the container.

When the receptacle is collapsed into a compact, substantially -flat arrangement, the interconnected containers are disposed into two component rows in such a manner that the collapsed package construction has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration. A suitable overwrap, such as cellophane and the like, may be provided around the package construction to maintain the same in its compact, collapsed condition.

When it is desired to expand the particular package construction into a Lazy Susan type of arrangement, the overwrap is removed and the receptacle is expanded or erected to its article-receiving position, whereby the interconnected containers a-re respectively disposed substantially radially about the expanded receptacle.

Thereafter, each closure means of the containers is opened and interconnected to an adjacent container in such a manner that the closure means provide at, traylike surfaces between the adjacent containers, the traylike surfaces being dispo-sed in a common plane passing over the open ends of the containers, whereby the expanded package construction simulates a Lazy Susan arrangement.

Such package constructions have a wide variety of uses. For example, crackers and the like can be packaged in the containers. Thereafter, the lled containers are asesmbled to the collapsed receptacles to form completed package constructions, the completed package constructions being subsequently sold in their collapsed, compact conditions to the ultimate consumers.

Subsequently, the consumers open and expand the package constructions in the above manner and ll the erected receptacles with cheese dip or the like, whereby the expanded constructions provide attractive serving units -for the crackers and dip. Such package constructions can be utilized over and over again by the consumers, if desired, and can be readily stored in their collapsed conditions.

Accordingly, the package constructions of this invention not only provide means for packaging the desired articles but also provide means for attractively serving the same with a minimum of eitort and preparation, thereby increasing the merchantability of the articles originally packaged therein.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a package construction having `one or more of the novel features set forth above and/ or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved container for such a packaging vconstruction or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved receptacle for such a packaging construction or the like.

Further objects of this invention are to respectively provide blanks for forming such containers and receptacles.

Other objects, uses and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the package construction of this invention and illustrates the vsame in its expanded and opened cond-tiion.

FIGURE 2 is a View similar to FIGURE 1 and illustrates the package construction in its expanded and unopened condition.

FIGURE 3 is a top view of the package construction and illustrates the same in its partially expanded .condition.

FIGURE 4 is a bottom View `of the partially expanded package construction illustrated in FIGURE v3.

FIGURE 5 is a -top view of the package construction in its collapsed condition.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary, bottom view of the expanded package construction .of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the locking means of the package construction and is taken on line 7-7 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 8 `is a perspective, partially broken away view of one of the containers of this invention.

FIGURE `9' is a plan view of a container blank of this invention.

FIGURE 10 is a View similar lto FIGURE 8 and illustrates lanother method of closing the container.

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the receptacle of this invention, the receptacle being in its expanded condition.

FIGURE `12 is a plan view of a receptacle blank of this invention.

FIGURE 13 is a View similar .to FIGURE 11 and illustrates the expanded vreceptacle with the endwall thereof partially brok-en away. l

FIGURE 14-is a perspective view illustrating one method of making the package construction of this invention.

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view illustrating another package construction of this invention in its collapsed condition.

FIGURE 16 is a side view illustrating the method of initially expanding the package construction of FIGURE 15 FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of the package construction of FIGURE 15 in its partially expanded condition.

FIGURE 18 is a top view of the package construction in its fully expanded condition.

FIGURE 19 is a plan view of another' receptacle blank of this invention.

FIGURE 2O is a perspective View illustrating .one of the steps in the method of forming a receptacle from the blank of FIGURE 19.

FIGURE 21 is a view similar to FIGURE 20, illustrating the completed receptacle in its collapsed condition.

FIGURE 22 is a perspective view illustrating the receptacle of FIGURE 2l in its partially expanded condition. FIGURE 23 is a view simnar or FIGURE 22 and illustrates the receptacle in its fully expanded condition.

FIGURE 24 is airagmentary, cross-sectional view of the receptacle illustrated in FIGURE 23 and is taken on line 2424 thereof. FIGURE 25 is a bottom, perspective view of the eX- panded receptacle illustrated in FIGURE 23. Referring to FIGURES 1, 2 and 5, one embodiment of the package construction of this invention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 20 and comprises a plurality of containers 21a, 2lb, 21C, 21d, 21e, and 211, secured to a collapsible receptacle 22.

When the package construction 2i) is collapsed, by collapsing the receptacle 22, the containers 21a-21]c are arranged in two opposed compact rows 23 and 24 on each side of the attened receptacle 22, FIGURE 5, whereby the collapsed package construction 26 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional contguration.

If desired, the package construction 2t) can be initially maintained in its collapsed condition in any suitable manner, and in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 5, an overwrap 25, such as cellophane or the like, is provided to maintain the package construction 2i) in its collapsed condition.

When it is desired to expand the package construction 20, the overwrap 25 is removed and the receptacle 22 isv expanded to its article-receiving position, FIGURE 2, with the containers 21a-21]c being disposed substantially radially about the receptacle 22. w

Thereafter, the respective closure means 26a--26f of the containers 21a-211|c are opened and interconnected to adjacent containers 21d-21]c in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 1, whereby an attractive Lazy Susan ltraylike arrangement is provided.

Such a package construction has a wide variety of uses, andone such use is illustrated in FIGURE 1, wherein the containers 21a-21;c contain crackers 27 and the receptacle 22 contains a cheese dip 28 or the like. Thus, the containers 21a-21]c can be originally lled with the crackers 27, and the lled package construction 20 can be displayed and sold to the ultimate consumer in its collapsed condition, as illustrated in FIGURE 5. When the consumer desires to serve the crackers .27, the consumer merely removes the overwrap 25 and expands the construction 20 to the Lazy Susan arrangement of FIGURE 1. After disposing the desired product, such as the cheese dip 28, into the receptacle 22, the expanded package construction 201 can be served Vinlany desired manner, such as by placing the same on a table or the like or passing the same around by hand, as the expanded package construction 20 `is locked in its expanded condition in a manner hereinafter described to form a relatively rigid serving unit.

The package construction 20 can be utilized over and over again by merely removing the product 28 from the receptacle 22 and collapsing the construction 20 to its compact storing condition of FIGURE 5. Even after the original products disposed in the containers 21a-2li have been consumed, additional and other types of products can be used to refill the containers 2a21f.

Accordingly, not only does the package construction 20 provide means for packaging the desired articles, but the same also has the additional feature of providing an attractive serving arrangement for the consumer.

While the package construction 20 has been described as being particularly adaptable for serving Acrackers and a cheese dip therefor, it is to be understood that the package construction can be utilized for serving other food products, such as candy and the like. Further, such a package unit can be utilized to originally package articles unrelated to the Lazy Susan arrangement of the construction, whereby the salability of the articles is enhanced as the package construction can later be utilized by the consumer as a serving unit in the above manner when the original product is removed from the containers.

'Ille more specic details of the package construction 20 will now be described.

The containers 2MP-21)F may each comprise a container 21, FIGURE 8, formed from a container blank 29, FIGURE 9, the container blank 29 being formed of any suitable material, such as cardboard or the like.

The blank 29 is suitably cut and score to define a rectangular endwall 3G respectively foldably connectedat the side edges thereof to sidewalls 31, 32, 33, and 34, the side edges of the endwall 3G being deiined by the score or fold lines -38.

A pair of interconnecting ilaps 39 and 40 are respectively foldably connected to the opposed ends of the sidewall 31 at the score or fold lines 41 and 42. Similarly, a pair interconnecting flaps 43 and 44 are respectively foldably connected to the opposed ends ofthe sidewall 33 at the score or fold lines 45 and 46.

A pair of endwall aps 47 and 48 are respectively Ifoldably connected :to the free ends of the sidewalls 32 and 34 at the respective score or fold lines 49 and 50, the endwall aps 47 and 48 respectively having arcuate ends 51 and 52.

The closure flap or endwall 26 is foldably connected to the end edge of the sidewall 33 at the score or fold line S3.

An interlocking tongue portion 54 is -formed by scoring the closure ap 26 at 55 along a line substantially parallel to the score line 53. However, the score 5S terminates short of the central portion of the closure ilap 26 and interconnects with a die cut S6, carving a grasping tab 57 out of the tongue portion 54, the grasping tab 57 Istarting from the score 55 and 'extending toward the tip S8 of the tongue portion 54.

The tongue portion 54 is substantially triangular and has angularly disposed edges 59 and 60 respectively extending from the ends of the score 55 to the tip 58.

The closure flap 26 is foldable into three sections or portions 61, 62, and 63, by being scored along lines 64 and 65, the score lines 64 and 65 respectively extending kfrom the opposed ends of the score or fold line 53 and intersecting each other at the tip S8 of the tongue portion 54 for a purpose heerianter described. The score lines 64 and 65 are formed in the closure flap 26, in a direction opposite to the direction of the other scores in the blank 29 and divide the closure ilap 26 into the three sections 61-63 that are adapted to cooperate with the other containers 21 in the package construction 20 as will be apparent hereinafter.

In particular, the embodiment of the blank 29 illustrated in FIGURE 9 has the scores 64 and 65 indented into the unexposed side of the blank 29, whereas the scores 35-38, 40, 41, 45, 46 and 5S are indented into the exposed side ofthe blank 29.

The length of the score line 65 is substantially the same as the Width of the sidewall 31, whereby the closure iiap 26 is adapted to be interconnected with an adjacent, similar container 21 in the package construction 20 to form the tray-like surface therebetween in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 1.

A die cut 66 is formed in the sidewall 31 and defines a flap 167 therein which has a substantially trapezoidal configuration, the lflap 67 and the slot means or die cut 66 providing locking means for the closure flap -26 in a Imanner hereinafter described.

After the blank 29 has been cut and scored in the above manner, the same is formed into the container 21 by bringing the sidewalls 31 and 33 substantially perpendicular to the endwall 30. The respective pairs of interconnecting flaps 39, 40Vand 43, 44, of the sidewalls 31 and 33 are folded perpendicular thereto and extend toward each other in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 8.

Thereafter, the sidewalls 32 and 34 are bent substantially perpendicular to the sidewall '30 and are respectively brought into contact with the outer surfaces of the respective pairs of adjacent interconnecting flaps 40, 44 and 39, 43. The sidewalls 32 and 34 are respectively secured to the pairs of interconnecting flaps 40, 44 and 39, 43 by a suitable adhesive or lthe like.

After the container 21 is filled with the desired product, the end vflaps 47 and 43 of the sidewalls 32 and 34 are brought over the open end 69 of the container 21 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 8.

The endwall or closure flap 26 is folded at the score of -fold line 53 and brought over the open end 69 of the container 21 to completely close the open end 69, and the tongue portion 54 is bent perpendicularly thereto and inserted between the edges of the endwall flaps `47 and V4S and the inside surface of the sidewall 31. The tip 58 of the tongue portion 54 is inserted through the slot means 66 kof the sidewall 31 to lock the closure fiap 26 in its closed position.

The slot means 66 is so constructed and arranged that the edges l59 and 60 of the tongue portion 54 make contact with the respective terminal ends of the slot means 66 when the closure fiap 26 is disposed flush ywith the open end 69 of the container 21, whereby `further movement of the closure iiap 26 toward the container -21 is prevented. Thus, the slot means 66 not only provides means for selectively locking the closure flap 26 in its closed position, but also prevents the closure flap 26 from being pushed downwardly into the container 21 Ibeyond the open end 64 thereof and damaging the product disposed therein.

When the tongue portion 54 has been inserted in the slot means 66 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 8, the flap 67 defined thereby is pushed slightly inwardly by the tongue portion 54 and tends to spring back into the natural plane of the sidewall 31 because of the resiliency of the material of the blank 29. Accordingly, the flap 6'7 pushes outwardly against the adjacent area of the tongue portion 54 and compresses the tongue portion 54 between the iiap 67 and the inside surface of the -sidewall 31 to Ifrictionally hold the closure liap 26 in the closed position.

When the closure flap 26 is disposed in the closed posi- Ition, FIGURE 8, the grasping tab 57 rests against the free edge 70 of the sidewall 31 and projects slightly beyond the outer surface of the sidewall 31. In this manner, the grasping tab 57 also cooperates with the slot means 66 to prevent movement of the closure flap 26 into the container 21 beyond the plane of the open end 69 thereof.

When it is desired to open the container 21, it is merely necessary to grasp the tab 57 and lift outwardly, whereby the tongue portion 54 can be withdrawn Vfrom the slot means 66. Also, a fingernail or the like can be inserted under the tab 57 through the die cut `56, and, thereafter, raised outwardly to release the tongue portion 54 from the slot means 66.

If desired, the closure fiap or endwall 26 can close the open end 69 of the container 21 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE l0.

In particular, the tongue portion 54 of the closure flap 26 is brought over the outer surface of the sidewall 31 and inserted behind the flap 67 and into the slot means 66. Thus, not only does the slot means 66 prevent further movement of lthe closure flap 26 into the container 26 in the manner previously set forth, but also the closure iiap 26 is brought against the free edge '70 of the sidewall 31, whereby further inward movement of the closure ap 26 is prevented by the free edge 70 of the sidewall 31.

While it is not illustrated, it is to be understood that suitable liners and the like may be provided for the container 21, if desired.

The collapsible receptacle 22 of the package vconstruction 20 can be formed from a blank 71, FIGURE l2, formed of any suitable material, such as cardboard or the like.

The lblank 71 is suitably cut land scored to define an aligned series of foldably connected sidewalls 72, 73, 74, 75, 76 and 77, respectively connected together at the score or fold lines 78-82.

An interconnecting flap 83 is foldably connected to the free edge of the sidewall 72 at the score or fold line 84.

An endwall or bottom 85 is foldably connected to the end edge of the sidewall 77 at the score or fold line v86. The endwall 85 has a substantially hexagonal configuration because there are six sidewalls 72-77. However, since the receptacle 22 may be formed with any desired number of sidewalls, the end wall 85 would be formed with a complementary number of iside edges, as will be apparent hereinafter.

The endwall 85 has opposed pairs of side edges 87, -88 and I89, 90, respectively terminating at outwardly projecting locking tabs `91 and 92, the tabs 91 and 92 being located at the opposed ends of a medial score or -fold line 93.

The other side edge of the endwall 85 is defined by a score or fold line 94 foldably connecting an interconnecting -iiap 95 to the endwall '85.

A pair of endwall supporting flaps 96 and 97 are respectively foldably connected to the end edges of the sidewalls 7=2 and 76 at the respective score or fold lines 98 and 99. The support flaps 96 and 97 have substantially trapezoidal configurations and respectively have interconnecting fiaps 100 and 101 foldably connected to the outer edges thereof at the score or fold lines '102 and 103. The support fiaps 96 and 97 respectively extend from one edge of the sidewalls 72 and 76 to points short of the other end edges thereof and are medially scored at I104 and v105 for purposes hereinafter described.

The medial score or fold lines 93, 104, and 105 in the endwall 85 and support flaps 96 and 97 are formed in the blank 71 in an opposite direction from the other score or fold lines to permit the endwall 85 and support flaps 96 and 97 to be folded in a particular direction, as will be hereinafter apparent.

In particular, the embodiment of the blank 71 illustrated in FIGURE l2 has the scores 93, 104 and 105 indented into the exposed side of the blank 71, whereas the scores 7S- 82, 84, `86, 94, 98, 99', 102 and 103 are indented into the unexposed side of the blank 71..

After the blank 7,1 has been cut and scored in the above manner, the same is assembled in any desired manner to form the receptacle 22 illustrated in FIGURE 11.

One such method of assembling the blank 71 is 4to interconnect the sidewalls 72*77 into a continuous sidewall means by securing the interconnecting liap 83 to the inside surface of the sidewall 77 by la suitable adhesive .or the like.

Thereafter, the interconnecting flaps 100 and 101 of the support flaps 96 and 97 are respectively secured to the inside surfaces of the sidewalls 73 and 75 by a suitable adhesive or the like, as best illustrated in FIGURE 13.. In this manner, when the receptacle 22 is expanded or erected to its article-receiving position, the support flaps 96 and 97 extend across the open end 106 thereof in the same plane as the open end 106. However, the support flaps 96 and 97 are so constructed and arranged that the same respectively define .slots 1,07 and 1.08 at the juncture of the respective pairs of adjacent sidewalls 72, 73 and 75, 76.

The interconnecting liap 9.5 of the endwall 85 is then secured to the inside surfaceof the sidewall 7=4 by a suitable adhesive or .the like. The endwall 85 is interconnected to the sidewall 74 in such a manner that the support iiaps 96 and V97l aredisposed across the outer surface of the endwall 85 (see FIGURE 6), when the receptacle is expanded to article-receiving position, whereby the endwall S is supported across the open end 106 'of the receptacle 22 by the support flaps 96 and 97 and is adapted to support a load disposed therein.

, .When the receptacle 22 is expanded to article-receiving position, the endwall 85 is adapted to lock the receptacle 22 in its article-receiving position by respectively inserting the locking tabs 91 and 92 of the endwall 85 into the slots 108 and i107defined respectivelyby the support flaps 97 and 96. For example, as shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, when the locking tab 91 is inserted in the slot 108, the locking tab 91 has the outer portion thereof disposed beneath the end edges of the sidewalls 75 and 76. Similarly, the locking tab 92 has the outer portion thereof disposed beneath the end edges of the sidewalls 72 and 73, lwhereby the endwall S5 is maintained in its flattened condition and holds the sidewalls 72,-77 of the receptacle 22 in its expandedcondition.

In practice, when the receptacle 22 is expanded to its article-receiving position,'it is merely necessary to push the tabs 91 and 92 toward the Vopen end 106 of the recepta'cle 22 until `the same snap into the respective slots l108 and 107 and lock the receptacle 22 in its opened position. Thus, the sidewalls 72-77 can not be collapsed toward each other as the endwall 85 is held in its flattened position across the open end 106 of the receptacle by the locking tabs 91 and 92 and has the side edges 87, 88, 89 and 90 thereof respectively disposed in abutting engagement with the inside surfaces of the sidewalls 76 and 72 and the interconnecting flaps 101 and` 100. Therefore, the locked endwall S5 causes the sidewalls 72-77 to remain n'their expanded hexagonal configuration as illustrated in FIGURES 1l and 13 until it is desired to collapse the receptacle 22. When it is desired to collapse the receptacle 22, the locking tabs 91 'and 92 of the endwall 85 are withdrawn from vbeneath the end edges of the respective pairs of sidewalls 75, 76 and 72, 73, and the series of sidewalls 76, 77 and 72 is brought toward the series of sidewalls 75, 74 and 73 by folding the endwall 85 along its medial score or fold line 93 in the manner illustrated in FIG- URES 3 and 4.

In practice, the endwall 85 can have the tabs 91 and 92 thereof unlocked from the slots 108 and 107 'by merely pushing inwardly on the outside central portion of the endwall 85 until the tabs 91 and 92 have been forced inwardly from beneath the end edges of the respective pairs of sidewalls 75, 76 and 72, 73.

Thus, as the endwall 85 is progressively folded along the medial score line 93 thereof and has the central portion thereof progressively moved from the open end 106 toward the open end 109 of the receptacle 22, the series of sidewalls 76, 77 and 72 and 75, 74 and 73 begin to flatten out and progressively move toward each other, as illustrated in FIGURES 3 and 4, with the endwall 85 being folded therebetween. y

' Similarly, the end wall supporting flaps 96 and 97 are also progressively folded on the respective medial fold lines 104 and 105 thereof and have the central portions thereof progressively moved from the open end 106 toward the open end 109 of the receptacle 22, whereby the support flaps 96 and 97 are respectively folded between the pairs of sidewalls 72, 73 and 75, 76.

Since the medial scores 93, 104 and 105 of the endwall 95 and support flaps 96 and 97 are scored in an opposite direction from the direction of the other scores in the blank 71 of the receptacle 22, the same will tend to fold between the collapsing sidewalls 72-77 of the receptacle 22 rather than outwardly therefrom, whereby the .endwall 8S and support flaps 96-and 97 are folded between the sidewalls 72-77 in a compact manner.

The receptacle 22 is collapsed in the above manner until the endwall 85 and the support liaps 96 and 97 are completely 'folded into adjacent halves and the series of sidewalls 76, 77 and 72 are disposed parallel to the series of sidewalls 75, 74 and 73 in the flat, compact condition illustrated in FIGURE 14.

'Ihe package construction 20 can be assembled from the thus-formed containers 26 and receptacles 22 in any suitable manner, and, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGURE 14, the containers 21a-21] are arranged into two compact rows 23 and 24. The row 24 consists of the containers 21a-21o arranged with the closure liaps 26a- 26e thereof extending in the same direction to the left. Similarly, the row 23 consists of the containers 21d-211c arranged with the closure flaps 26d-267c extending in the same direction to the right.

Thereafter, the row 24 of the containers 21a- 21C is secured to the outer surfaces of the series of sidewalls 72, 77 and 76 of the liattened receptacle 22 by having the respective sidewalls 32a-32C of the containers 21a21c secured by a suitable adhesive or the like to the respective sidewalls '72, 77 and 76 of the receptacle 22, each sidewall 32a-32e of the containers 21a-21C having the same width as the width of the respective sidewalls 72, 77 and 76 of the receptacle 22. Similarly, the sidewalls 32d-32f of the containers 21d-21]c are secured by a suitable adhesive or the like to the outer surfaces of the respective sidewalls 75, 74 and 73 of the receptacle 22.

The containers 21a-21]c can be filled with the desired product before or after the same have been secured to the receptacle 22 to form the package construction 20. Further, the containers 21a-21f and receptacles 22 can be manufactured and assembled by automatic` machinery or the like, whereby a plurality of package constructions 20 can be continuously produced.

While the height of the receptacle 22 as illustrated in the drawings is substantially smaller than the height of the containers 21, it is to be understood that the height of the receptacle 22 can be the same as or greater than the height of the containers 21, as desired. However, in the embodiment illustrated, the containers 21a-21]c are assembled to the receptacle 22 in such a manner that the open end 109 of the receptacler22 is disposed in the same plane as the open ends 69a-69f of lthe containers 21a-213, whereby the package construction 20 rests solely on the endwalls 30a-30j of the containers 21a-21]c and the endwall 8S of the receptacle isl spaced inwardly from the endwalls 30a-30j in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 7.

In this manner, when the expanded package construction 20 is disposed in the position illustrated in FIG- URES 1 and 2 on a suitable supporting surface (not shown), any articles disposed in the receptacle 22 on the endwall means thereof, such as the cheese dip 28 and the like, tend to force the endwall means 85 downwardly toward the supporting surface whereby the thus attened endwall means 85 tends to hold the sidewalls of the receptacle 22 in their article-receiving positions in the manner previously described. Therefore, the article or articles received in the receptacle 22 assist in maintaining the receptacle in its article-receiving position.

After the package construction 20 has been assembled in the manner set forth above, the same may be provided with the overwrap 25, FIGURE 5, to maintain the same in its collapsed condition.

When it is desired to form the expanded Lazy Susan arrangement illustrated in FIGURE l, the overwrap 25 is removed and the receptacle 22 is expanded and locked Into its hexagonal configuration in the manner previously described, whereby the containers 21:1--211c are disposed in the radial positions illustrated in FIGURE 2.

' Thereafter, each container 21a- 2li is opened by unlocking the respective closure flap 26a- 26j thereof in the manner previously described. Each closure flap 26a-26f is then interconnected to an adjacent container in the following manner.4

For example, the closure flap 26a of the container 21a is opened and has the section 63a thereof folded substantially perpendicular to the central section 62a along the fold line 65a. The bent portion or section 63a is then adapted to be inserted between the product 27 and the inside surface of the sidewall 3112 of the container 21b, whereby the central portion 62a of the closure flap 26a completely lls the space between the adjacent containers 21a and 2lb and provides a triangular tray-like surface therebetween in the same plane as the open ends 69a and 69h of the containers 21a and 2lb. The other section 61a of the closure ilap 26a is bent substantially perpendicular to the central portion 62a thereof along the fold line 64a, whereby the portion 61a provides an attractive triangular edging between the adjacent containers 21a and 2lb.

Since the score or fold lines 64a and 65a are formed in the closure iiap 26a in a reverse direction, the sections 61a and 63a of the closure ap l26a can be readily bent in the desired direction to form the respective edging and interlocking means.

Each closure flap i26zz-26f is folded in the above manner and interconnected to the respective adjacent container to provide the tray-like Lazy Susan arrangement illustrated in FIGURE l.

The size of the containers 21a-21]t is such that the central sections 62a-62f of the respective closure tlaps 26a- 26j completely till the spaces between the adjacent containers 21a-S21)c when the closure flaps 26a-26f are interconnected therebetween.

The thus interlocked closure flaps 26a-26f assist the endwall S in maintaining the package construction 26 in its expanded, rigid, serving condition.

When it is desired to collapse the package construction 20 illustrated in FIGURE l, after the contents 28 of the receptacle 22 are removed, the closure flaps 26a-26f are disconnected from the adjacent containers and are utilized to reclose the respective containers 21a--21f in either of the two manners previously set forth.

Thereafter, the central receptacle 22 is collapsed to compact the package construction into its collapsed form illustrated in `FIGURE 5. Thus, the package construction 20 can be stored in its compact, collapsed condition and utilized over and over again.

Another package construction of this invention is illustrated in its compact, collapsed condition in FIGURE 15 and is generally indicated by the reference numeral 12th, the package construction 120 comprising a plurality of containers similar to the containers 21 previously .described, and a collapsible, central receptacle 121. Since the containers of the package construction 120 can be substantially identical to the containers 21a-21jc of the package construction 2t), if desired, the containers of the package construction .120 are indicated by like reference numerals and letters followed by a prime mark.

As illustrated in FIGURE 15, when the package construction 1-26 is disposed in its collapsed position, .the containers 21a--21c thereof are arranged in a compact row l122 that is substantially superimposed upon another compact row 1-23 formed by the containers 21M-A211". The receptacle 121 is disposed in a substantially at condition against one side of the opposed rows 122 and |126-, whereby the resulting collapsed package construction 120 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional configuration.

The package construction 120 may be originally maintained in its compact, collapsed condition by a suitable overwrap 124 in substantially the same manner as the overwrap 25 of FIGURE 5, or by other suitable means, as desired.

Since the closure ilaps 26a', 26h and 26C' of the containers 21:1', 2lb and 21e' are respectively disposed against the closure flaps 26j", 26e and 26d of the containers 21]", 21e' .and 21d when the package construction .120 is in its collapsed position, such an arrange- 10 ment provides a tamper-'proof relation of the containers 21d-2li and also permits the individual closure flap locking means of the containers 21a and 21f' to be eliminated, if desired.

When it is desired to expand the package construction 120 to its Lazy Susan arrangement, the overwrap i124 is removed and the containers 421a-21c' are moved relative to the containers .21d-21f in substantially the manner illustrated in FIGURE 16. As the two sets of containers 21a-21c and 21d-21)" are moved relative to each other, the receptacle 121 begins to expand in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 17 and causes the containers I21a-21]" to spread relative to each other, until the same are disposed in substantially radial positions about the receptacle 121 when the receptacle 121 has been fully erected to its article-receiving position as illustrated in FIGURE r1-8.

Thereafter, the closure aps 26a'-26f are utilized to form the completed Lazy Susan, tray-like arrangement by interconnecting the same with adjacent containers in the manner previously described and as partially illustrated in FIGURE .18.

Subsequently, any desired article or articles can be .disposed in the `receptacle .121 in t-he manner previously described.

The collapsible receptacle 1,21 may be for-med from the receptacle blank of this invention illustrated in FIG- URE 19 and generally indicated by the reference numeral 125.

The receptacle blank 125 is formed from any suitable material, and, in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the container blank 125 is formed from cardboard and the like, which may have the interior or exterior surface or both thereof covered with an attractive lining material, such as aluminum foil and the like.

The receptacle blank 125 is suitably cut and scored to deiine a substantially rectangular endwall means 126; a Irst series i127 of foldably connected outer sidewalls 128, |129, and i130; a second series 131 offoldably connected outer sidewalls 132, 133, and 134, and a pair of inner sidewalls '135 and 136. The various walls of the receptacle blank 125 yare defined by a pair of parallel score or fold lines 137 and 138 and a pair of transversely dis- 1 posed, parallel score -or fold lines 139 Vand `140. In this manner, the middle sidewalls 1129 and |133 of the series 127 and 131 of sidewalls are respectively foldably connected to opposed side edges of the endwall means y126 at the score or fold lines 137 and 138. Similarly, the inner sidewalls '135 and 136 are respectively foldably connected to the other opposed side edges of the endwall means 126 at the score or fold lines 139 and 140. The

` inner sidewalls 135 and 136 are respectively foldably connected to the terminal sidewalls 128, 132 and 130, `134 of the series 127 and 1i3'1 of lsidewalls at the respective `score or fold lines 137 and 1138.

Each inner sidewall and 136 is divided into three triangular sections 141, 142., and `143 by a pair of fold or score lines 144 and `145, the fold lines 144 and 145 each being `disposed at angles of approximately 45 with the respective score or fold lines 139 and 140 and inter.

secting each other at the outer edge of the respective inner sidewall 135 and 136, at points equidistant from the score lines 13-7 and 138. -If desired, the score or fold lines `144 and 145 can comprise a series of die cuts or slits to facilitate the folding of the sidewalls 1-35 and 136 in a manner hereinafter described, or can Icom-prise a series of slits that pass only partially through the sidewalls 135 and 136.

A plurality of interconnecting flaps 146, 147, 148, and 149 are respectively foldably connected to the outer edges of the sidewalls 128, 130, 132, and 134 `at the respective score or fold lines 151, 152, 153, and 154, each interconnecting ap 146-149 having one edge 155 thereof disposed at van angle of approximately 45 with the respective score or fold line 151454 :and :the other edge 1 1 thereof, l156 converging toward the edge 155, as illustrated in FIGURE 19'.

While the receptacle 121 can be formed from the receptacle blank 125 in any folding sequence thereof and by any suitable apparatus; one method of forming the receptacle '121 from the receptacle blank 125 is illustrated in FIGURES 20 and 2l.

tAfter the blank 125 has been suitably cut and scored in the above manner, the interconnecting aps 146-149 vare respectively folded on the respective score or fold lines 151-154 so as to be superimposed on the interior surfaces of the respective sidewalls 128, 130, i132, and 134 in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 20. Thereafter, suitable adhesive is placed on the exposed surfaces of the superimposed interconnecting iiaps 146-149. Alternately, the ladhesive can be placed on the appropriate portions of the triangular sections 141 and 143 of the sidewalls -135 4and 136 in addition to the adhesive placed on the exposed surfaces of the interconnecting flaps 146- 149 -or in lieu thereof. Subsequently, each series 127 and 1-31 of the sidewalls is folded on the respective score or fold lines 137 or 138, in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 20, whereby the series 127 of Ithe sidewalls 12S-'130 are superimposed on their adjacent halves of the inner sidewalls 13S and .136 and the endwall means 1126,V while the series 131 of sidewalls 132-134 are folded on their adjacent halves of the inner sidewalls A135 and 136 and the endwall means 126, as illustrated in FIGURE 21. When the series 127 and 131 of sidewalls are so folded, the interconnecting aps 146- 149 are respectively secured to the triangular sections .i141 and 143 of the inner sidewalls 135 and 136 by the interposed layers of adhesive, whereby 'the receptacle 121 is formed and disposed in its collapsed position.

After the receptacle 121 has been so formed, the collapsed, ilattened receptacle 121, as illustrated in FIGURE 21, is adapted to beassembled to the containers 21a 21j while arranged in the position illustrated in FIG- URE 15, by respectively securing `the interior surfaces of the sidewalls 41732, 133, 134, 130, 129, and 128 to the respective endwalls 32a'-32f' of the containers 21a'- 21f by a suitable adhesive or the l-ike, in substantially, the same manner as the containers 21a21f are assembled to the collapsed receptacle 22.

Therefore, the receptacle :121 can be formed in a relatively simple manner from .the blank 125 and, while in its tinished, collapsed condition, effectively secured to the containers 21a-21 to form the completed package construction 120. Because the receptacle 121 is formed by a simple folding and gluing operation, conventional folding and gluing machinery can be utilized for forming a plurality of receptacles 121, whereby the completed receptacles 121 can be subsequently secured to .the containers 21 without changing the conditions of the receptacles 121 as they leave the forming apparatus. Further, a simple straight line gluing operation can be utilized to secure the receptacle-s 121 to the containers 2l.

The receptacle 121 is adapted to be erected or expanded to article-receiving position in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 22-25. When it is desired to erect the receptacle 121 from its collapsed condition illustrated in FIG- URE 21, it is merely necessary to grasp the inner, abutting free edges of the outer sidewalls 129 and 133 and pull outwardly on the same, as illustrated in FIGURE 22, whereby each series 127 and 131 of lthe sidewalls is brought at substantially right angles .to the endwall means 126. As the sidewalls 129 and 133 are progressively moved away from the endwall means 126, the inner sidewalls 135 and 136 are respectively 'bent on the score or told lines 144 and 145 by the movement of the sidewalls 128 and 130, 132, and 134 interconnected to the inner sidewalls 135 and l136 at the score or fold lines 137 and 138. .When the sidewalls 129 yand V133 lare brought at 'right angles to the endwall means 126, the terminal sidewalls 128, 130 and 132, 134 of the respective series 127 and 131 of sidewalls are disposed with their free side edges adjacent each other to provide a hexagonal coniiguration with the sections 142 of the inner sidewalls 135 and 136 extending from .the side edges 139 and 140 of the endwall means 126 to the adjacent portions of the sidewalls 128, 132 and 130, 134 at the open end 157 of the erected or expanded receptacle 121, as illustrated in FIGURES 23 and 24.

The expanded receptacle 121 is substantially leakproof, because .the sections 142 -of the inner sidewalls and 136 are integrally connected to the endwall means 126 at the score or fold lines 139 and 140 and have their converging side edges detined by the score or fold lines 144 and 145 respectively disposed in line contact with the interior surfaces of the outer sidewalls 128, 132 yand 130, 134. If lany material disposed in the expandedreceptacle should leak past the triangular sections 142 of the inner sidewalls 135 and y136 at the side edges 144 and 145 thereof, the same is prevented from leaking out of the `receptacle 121 because the outer sidewalls 128, 132 yand 130, 134 are integrally connected to the triangular sections .143 and 141 of the inner sidewalls 135 and .136 at the bottom edges 137 and 138 thereof and at the side edges thereof by the interconnecting flaps 146-149. Thus :a relatively liquid or powdered material can be disposed in the expanded receptacle 121 without leakage thereof.

Thus, when the package construction 120 is expanded from the position illustrated in FIGURE 15 to the position illustrated in FIGURE 18, the receptacle 121 is expanded in the same manner as illustrated in FIGURE 21-25, whereby the containers 21d-21]" are disposed substantially radially with respect to the expanded receptacle 121 to form the desired Lazy Susan arrangement. As illustrated in FIGURES l and 18, the closure flaps 26a'26f can be opened Iand interconnected lin the manner previously described to provide the 4tray-like structure and fto hold the package construction 120l in its expanded, serving condition.

While the sidewalls 12S-130 and 132-134 of the receptacle 121 are so constructed and arranged that the endwall means 1'26 of the receptacle 121 is suspended above -a supporting surface when the package construction 126 is expanded and placed thereon, itis to be understood that the receptacle 121 could be so arranged that the endwall means 126 also lrests on such supporting structure together with the containers 21d-21j' or that endwall means 126 rests `on the supporting structure, 'with fthe containers 21a'21f suspended above such supporting structure.

However, as illustrated in the embodiment in the drawings, when the sidewalls 12S-130 :and 132-134 of the receptacle 121 are utilized to suspend the endwall means 126 above the supporting surface, any article or articles placed in the receptacle 121 on the endwall means 126 thereof tends to assist in holding the receptacle `121 in its `article-receiving position, because such downward force on the endwall means 126 tends to bring fthe sections 142 of the inner sidewalls 135 and 136 at right angles thereto in directions opposite to their receptaclecollapsing directions.

When it is desired to collapse the expanded package construction 120, the closure aps 2-6a'-26f' are disconnected from the adjacent containers 21d-21j" and the article or articles are removed from the receptacle 1121. Thereafter, the package construction is collapsed in a simple and effective manner to the position illustrated in FIGURE 15, whereby the package con-struction 120 can be stored in its compact condition.

Thus it can be seen that the package construction 120 can be utilized for the same purposes and in the same manner as the package construction 20l previously described.

While the containers 21 have been illustrated as being utilized with the receptacles 22 and 121 to form the package constructions 20 and 1'20, it is to be understood rthat any suit-able container structure or combinations f container structures can be combined with the receptacles 22 and 120 .to form the package constructions of this invention.

As an alternate construction, it is. possible to eliminate the end wall 85 of the center collapsible receptacle shown in FIGS. 11-13 4and the end wall means 12'6 shown in FIGS. 15-20 so that the remaining side walls in .each embodiment become simply a band. This permits the Lazy Susan type of container to be arranged in the same manner as previously described but now the bottomless center receptacle allows the inserting of prepared cheeses or the like which are frequently sold in small cups or jars. The use yof this arrangement has the advantage of reducing cost and further of making the composite struc- -ture suitable for re-use since .the Lazy Susan will not come in direct contact with the cheese dip.

Accordingly, it can be seen that this invention provides package constructions that can be shipped and stored in compact collapsed arrangements and subsequently expanded to attractive Lazy Susan serving units when desired. The package constructions can be sold to the ultimate consumers either with a desired product or products packaged in rthe containers thereof or with the containers empty, as the package constructions themselves can be utilized as serving units and, thus, are desirable even by themselves, without the added feature of products initially sold therewith.

Also this invention provides improved containers and receptacles for forming `such package constructions and the like, 'as well as provides improved blanks for forming such containers and receptacles. While the receptacles and containers of this invention have been described as being particularly yadaptable for forming the package constructions of this invention, it is to be understood that the receptacles and containers can be utilized individually for other purposes, as desired.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by the statutes, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow:

What is claimed is:

1. In combination, a receptacle having sidewall means and a .plurality of containers ysecured in aligned relation to the outer surface of said sidewall means, each of said containers having lan open end and having a closure means for closing the respective open end, said closure means of each container having a portion thereof receivable in said open end of an adjacent container.

2. In combination, a collapsible receptacle having sidewall means defining an open end thereof when said receptacle is erected to article-receiving position, and a plurality of containers secured in aligned relation to the outer surface of said sidewall means, said containers being substantially radially disposed relative to said receptacle when said receptacle is erected to article-receiving position and being arranged into two rows when said receptacle is collapsed, each of said containers having an open end extending in the same direction as said open end of said receptacle and having closure means for closing said open end of the respective container, each closure means having a portion receivable in the open end of an adjacent container when said receptacle is erected to article-receiving position and having another portion thereof extending between said adjacent containers in the same plane as said open ends thereof.

3. A combination as set forth in claim 2, wherein each of said closure means has a third portion foldable to a position substantially perpendicular to the portion thereof extending between said adjacent containers, whereby said third portions of said closure means provide an edging between said containers.

4. A collapsible receptacle comprising a plurality of outer sidewalls defining .opposed ends of said `receptacle when said receptacle is erected to article-receiving position, an endwall foldably connected to certain of said outer sidewalls and extending across one of said ends when said receptacle is erected to article-receiving position, said end wall tending to maintain said receptacle in article-receiving position when an article is supported on said endwall and said receptacle is suspended by said outer sidewalls, and a plurality of inner sidewalls each being foldably .connected to said endwall and to a plurality of said outer sidewalls.

5. A receptacle blank comprising a 4series of foldably connected sidewalls having opposed end edges, an endwall foldably connected to one of said sidewalls at one of said end edges thereof, and a pair of endwall supporting aps respectively foldably connected to said one end edge of a pair of said sidewalls, said series of sidewalls being adapted to be disposed around the entire perimeter of said endwall.

6. A receptacle .blank as set forth in claim 5 wherein said endwall and said supporting flaps respectively have free edges and a plurality of interlocking aps are respectively foldably connected to said free edges of said endwall and said supporting flaps.

7. A receptacle blank as set forth in claim 5 wherein said endwall is medially scored along a line .disposed substantially parallel to said one end edge of said series of sidewalls.

8. A receptacle blank as set forth in claim 7 wherein said endwall has interlocking tabs at each end `of said medial score line.

9. A receptacle blank comprising an endwall, a first series of foldably connected outer sidewalls foldably connected to said endwall, a second series of foldably connected outer sidewalls foldably connected to said endwall, and a pair of inner sidewalls respectively foldably connected to said endwall and to said first and second series of outer sidewalls.

10. A receptacle blank as set forth in claim 9 wherein each of said inner sidewalls is foldable into three sections.

ll. A receptacle blank as set forth in claim 9 wherein each series of outer sidewalls comprises three sidewalls, the middle sidewall of each series being foldably connected to said endwall, and the terminal sidewalls of each series being respectively foldably connected to said inner sidewalls.

l2. A receptacle blank as set forth in claim 9 wherein a plurality of interconnecting flaps are respectively foldably connected to the terminal ends of said rst and second series of outer sidewalls.

13. A package construction expandable to a Lazy Susan arrangement and comprising a collapsible receptacle having a plurality of sidewalls defining an open end of said receptacle when said receptacle is expanded to article-receiving position, said receptacle having endwall means providing a surface for supporting an article disposed in said receptacle when said receptacle is expanded to article-receiving position, and a plurality of containers respectively secured in aligned relation to the outer surfaces of said sidewalls of said receptacle, each of said containers having an open end and a closure ap for closing the respective open end of the container, each closure flap having a portion thereof receivable in the open end of an adjacent container when said receptacle is expanded to article-receiving position and having another portion thereof extending between said adjacent containers and disposed in the same plane as said open ends thereof whereby said expanded construction simulates a Lazy Susan arrangement.

14. A package construction expandable for a Lazy Susan arrangement and comprising a collapsible receptacle having a plurality of sidewalls defining an Iopen end of said receptacle when sa-id receptacle is expanded to articlereceiving position, said receptacle having end wall means providing a surface for supporting an article disposed in said receptacle when said receptacle is expanded to article-receiving position, and a plurality of containers respectively secured in aligned relation to the outer surfaces of the sidewalls of said receptacle, each of said containers having an 4open end and a closure flap for closing the respective open end of the container, each of said containers having means for locking the respective closure flap in the closed position.

-15 In combination, a collapsible receptacle having sidewall means and a plurality of containers secured in aligned relation to the outer sur-face of said sidewall means, said containers being substantially radially disposed relative to said receptacle when said receptacle is erected to article-receiving position and -being arranged into two rows when said receptacle is collapsed, said two rows of said containers being disposed in superimposed relation with said receptacle disposed at one side of `said superimposed rows when said receptacle is collapsed.

16. A container having a plurality of sidewalls defining a pair of vopposed open ends thereof and having endwall means for respectively closing said open ends, one of said sidewalls having a Aslot means therein, one of said endwall means being -foldably connected to a sidewall opposite to said one sidewall and having a yfoldable tongue portion receivable in said slot means to close the respec- -tive open end of said contianer, said one endwall means being foldable along two score lines extending respectively from the opposite ends of said opposite sidewall to the tip of said tongue portion.

17. A container having a plurality of sidewalls defining (a pair of opposed open ends thereof and having endwall means yfor respectively closing said open ends, one of said sidewalls having a slot means therein, said slot means dening a flap in said sidewall, said ap having a substantially trapezoidal conguration, one of said endwall means being `folda'tzly connected to a sidewall opposite to said one sidewall and having a foldable tongue portion receivable in said slot means to close the respective open end of said container.

18. A container blank comprising a rst endwall, a plurality of sidewalls respectively `foldably connected jtol the side edges of said first endwall along end edges thereof, and a second endwall Ifoldably connected to one of said sidewalls dong an opposite end edge thereof, said endwall havin-g a tongue portionlfoldable along a score means disposed substantially parallel to said opposite end edge of said one sidewall, said second endwall being foldable along two score `lines extending respectively from the opposed ends of said opposite end edge of said one sidewall to the tip of said tongue por-tion.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

Claims (1)

1. IN COMBINATION, A RECEPTACLE HAVING SIDEWALL MEANS AND A PLURALITY OF CONTAINERS SECURED IN ALIGNED RELATION TO THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID SIDEWALL MEANS, EACH OF SAID CONTAINERS HAVING AN OPEN END AND HAVING A CLOSURE MEANS FOR CLOSING THE RESPECTIVE OPEN END, SAID CLOSURE MEANS OF

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