US3255947A - Carton with improved closure - Google Patents

Description

June 14, 1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL 3, 55,947 CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE Filed Nov. 2, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS Kenneth D Bixler 8 William S. Peppler gfi BY W ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. n. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE INVENTORS KennethD. Bixlera Wi|lic|m- S. Peppler BY Km; wile/ 3 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 2, 1964 ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 BlXLER ETAL 3,255,947

CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE Filed Nov. 2, 1964 7 Sheets$heet 3 INVENTORS Kenneth D. Bixler 8 William S. Peppler Mk4 O. H0 6K A ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE INVENTORS Kenneth D. Bixller &

'7 Sheets-Sheet 4 William S.Peppler Filed NOV. 2, i964 ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Nov. 2, i964 INVENTORS Kenneth D. Bixlera William S. Peppler BY Kan (/0 men ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. D. BIXLER ETAL 3,255,947

CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE Filed Nov. 2, 1964 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS Fl G '9 Kenneth D. Bixlerfi V William S. Peppler BY @EL E a/(5 ATTORNEY June 14, 1966 K. 0. BIXLER ETAL CARTON WITH IMPROVED CLOSURE '7 Sheets-Sheet '7 ZNVENTORS Kenneth D. Bixller 8 Filed NOV. 2, i964 William S.Peppler BY /(fi/PL CQm/(s ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,255,947 CARTON WITH IMPROVED (ZLOSURE Kenneth D. Bixler, Huntington, and William S. Peppler, Chappaqua, N.Y., assignors to Diamond International Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Filed Nov. 2, 1964, Ser. No. 407,988 12 Claims. (Cl. 229-28) This invention relates generally to cartons and more particularly to an improved carton closure construction I particularly adapted for use in cellular cartons in which fragile articles such as eggs or the like are packaged.

Cartons having lid openings have been suggested in the past, however, the prior art generally discloses the top construction formed with cut-and-scored portions which form transverse reinforcing ribs and the like, however, the articles being packaged are inserted into the carton after it has been completely erected and assembled. The prior art is not particularly adapted to packaging eggs, fragile Christmas bulbs, etc., since it requires, after the carton cells are loaded with the eggs, extreme accuracy during loading in order to obviate the damage to the articles, i.e. eggs having soft spots or soft shells, for example.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a novel hinged closure or lid construction particularly adapted for use in cellular egg cartons in which the cellular portion of the carton can be initially loaded with the eggs and subsequently after the lid is closed, there is provided means for holding and stabilizing the product not only against lateral movement but also for the purpose of retaining the eggs in a relatively stable position against the lower portion of the carton cells, and also for the purpose of reinforcing the carton against lateral and vertical forces.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel hinged closure or lid construction for a carton in which the advantages mentioned above are provided as well as reinforcement of the carton against lateral and vertical forces or shocks is provided and the contents of the carton can be readily observed by the packer and purchasing customer.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a novel closure or lid which cooperates with portions of a cellular bottom section to provide superior transverse crush strength and all of the desirable qualities mentioned above without the addition of stock material thus maintaining packaging expenses at a minimum.

Briefly in summary, primary objects of the present invention are to provide an improved hinged carton closure which incorporates added strength, product visibility, facilitates merchandising, permits conventional loading prior to closing of the cartons, protects the product during shipping, affords ready access to the product in the carton and still retains the economies of a conventional package thus providing an improved carton with relatively little or, if any, increased cost.

Other and more specific objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a consideration of the specification and taken in conjunction with the drawing forming a part thereof, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of a blank showing the nature of the improved carton closure or lid construction;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of anerected carton prior to the carton being loaded with eggs and showing the closure in an open condition;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2 showing eggs in the cells of the erected carton;

FIG. 4 shows an intermediate stage of closing of the carton, i.e. illustrating the manner in which fold bars cooperate with pre-scored folds and cuts of the carton;

3,255,947 Patented June 14, 1966 FIG. 5 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the carton in a closed condition;

FIG. 6 (on sheet 1) is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially on the plane of line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 (on sheet 2) is a fragmentary view of a modified blank for producing stabilization of the transverse reinforcing ribs provided in the novel closure;

FIG. 8 (on sheet 2) is a fragmentary perspective view looking at the underside of the novel closure produced from the blank shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective view of another form of the novel closure;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to FIG. 2 and showing another embodiment of carton with a closure of FIG. 9 in an open condition;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 10, and showing the cells of the erected carton filled with eggs;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 5 and showing the closure illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 in a closed condition;

FIG. 13 is an essentially diagrammatic view, generally illustrating the distribution of vertical forces applied to the novel cover as well as the dimensional. relationship of the improved carton construction in relation to the longitudinal dividing panel of the carton of FIGS. 912;

FIG. 14 (on sheet 3) is a fragmentary vertical section taken essentially on the plane of line 1414 of FIG. 12, generally illustrating the dimensional relationship of co operating portions of the novel closure with respect to an egg in one of the carton cells;

FIGS. 15a, 15b, and (on sheet 3) are respectively modified fragmentary perspective views of modified wing portions on the transverse beams formed on the novel closure or lid of the cartons;

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary view of a portion of a blank utilized on another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIGS. 2 and 10 showing a cellular carton in an erected condition with the lid being 0 611;"

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIGS. 3 and 11 showing the carton of FIG. 6 with eggs disposed in the cells thereof;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the manner in which the lid of the carton may be readily and bodily removed by the ultimate user of the eggs;

FIG. 20 (on sheet 5) is a fragmentary perspective view of the closed carton of FIG. 18 particularly illustrating the manner in which the longitudinal partition walls of the carton are modified to accommodate the beams of the novel lid of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary plan view of another form of the novel closure;

FIG. 22 is a fragmentary perspective view of an erected carton in a closed condition, similar to FIGS. 5 and 12 and showing the embodiment of FIG. 21 in an assembled condition after eggs have been inserted in the carton cells; and

FIG. 23 is an end elevation of a pair of stacked and closed cartons of the character shown in FIG. 22, on a reduced scale, and showing the manner in which the upwardly curved lid portions provide improved stacking.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6 and first considering FIG. 1, a fragmentary portion of a blank is indicated generallyat 10, and the blank is produced from any suitable, readily cut-and-scored paperboard material, for example. The blank 10, as shown in FIG. 1, includes a back wall panel 12, as seen in FIG. 2, which comprises a portion of a cellular egg carton indicated generally at 14 and of the character disclosed and described in detail in US. Letters Patent to Reifers, No. 2,873,059, issued February 10, 1959.

As is apparent to those skilled in the art, the carton 14 is produced from a one-piece blank and. comprises, in

addition to the backwall panel 12, a front wall panel 16 and longitudinally extending partition panel 18 and transverse partition panels 20. The transverse partition panels 20 include an upper edge portion 22 which engages the under surface of the lid, to be described in detail, and vertical force is transferred from the lid through the wall panels 12 and 16 generally along a line along the points indicated at 24 and 26 in FIG. 2.

The partition panels 20 are formed by folding the panels downwardly from a planar panel section and are attached to the walls 12 and 16 at horizontally disposed panel segments 28 and 30. The longitudinal partition 18 together with adjacent transverse partitions and opposed walls 12 and 16 form a plurality of cells indicated generally at 32.

The carton as disclosed comprises in the art, a 2 x 6, i.e. for the purpose of holding a dozen eggs. Although a ,specific type of carton is disclosed for purposes of illustration, the novel closure to be described in detail is usable with other cartons as will become apparent. Although the invention as disclosed is particularly adapted for use with eggs that are being packaged, other fragile articles such as Christmas bulbs, light bulbs, etc., could be packaged in cartons of similar character through the utilization of the improved hinged lid or closure to subsequently be described in detail.

The blank discloses medially thereof at 34 a perforated tear line whereby two separate carton halves may be formed. Thus, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the 2 x 6 may be readily separated at tear line 34 to form a 2 x 3 carton for the purpose of holding onehalf dozen eggs, etc.

The blank 10 has hingedly connected to the back panel at a transverse or longitudinally extending hinge-line 36 a lid section indicated generally at 38 which has formed therein by cut-and-scored line means including a plurality of colinear, segmental fold or crease lines 48 and a back panel segment 42. Parallel to the segmental fold or score line 40 and in spaced relationship thereto and extending longitudinally across the panel section 38 is a second series of segmental colinear fold or score lines 44 to which is hingedly connected a closure fiap means 46 having formed at the free edge suitable closure means 48. The closure portions 48, in this exemplary embodiment, are disclosed as lockingly engaging beneath panel segments 30, as is apparent to those skilled in the art. However, suitable equivalent functioning means, for example, detachable gluing, removable glue tapes etc., (not shown) are considered to be the full equivalent of the disclosed mechanical lock, and the full range of equivalents is in- ,tended to be retained in this regard.

46, respectively. Fragmentary cut lines 58 and 68 are formed in the respective panels 42 and 46 transversely of the terminal ends of the cut line 52 and terminate adjacent to or short of angular pairs of scores, slits or cut lines 62, 64 and 66, 68, respectively, formed in the panels 42 and 46. Additionally, in colinear relationship With the segmental fold lines 40 and 44, respectively, are fragmentary pairs of cuts 70, 72 and 74, 76 which terminate short of the cut line 52 and terminal portions 54 and 56 thereof but which extend from the margins defined by the fold line 50. It is to be understood that in instances where cuts or scores have an equivalent function, either can be used alternatively depending upon the manufacturing requirements.

A fragmentary out line 54, a portion of cut line 58, out line 62 and out line 70 define a gusset panel segment 78 which is hingedly connected to one end of an elongated support or wing element 80. The other end of the wing element is connected to a second gusset panel segment 82 by means of the fragmentary cut line 56, a portion of cut line 60, cut line 66 and cut line 74. Formed adjacent to the wing or support element is a second wing or support element 84 which is connected at one end by a gusset panel segment 86 formed by the fragmentary cut line 54, a portion of cut line 58, cut line 64 and cut line 72. Likewise, the other end of the wing element 84 is a second gusset panel segment 88 which is formed by the fragmentary cut line 56, a portion of cut line 60, cut line 68, and out line 76.

Disposed on opposite sides of the wing elements 80 and 84 are fragmentary portions of the lid section 38 which will be conveniently identified at 90 and 92. Similarly repeated cut-and-score means will not be described in detail inasmuch as the function and structure is identical with that just described. It will be obvious that a single pair of wing elements can be provided for a single cell, if desired.

The wing elements 80 and 74 have respectively formed in spaced transverse relationship therein, T-shaped cuts 93, 94 and 96, 98, respectively, which form portions conforming to and engaging the upper ends of the fragile articles, i.e. eggs or the like which have been deposited in the cells 32 of the bottom section of the carton; this just described structure is an alternate expedient which can be incorporated in the carton lid at the option of the manufacturer, and depending upon the character of the articles being packaged.

Considering FIG. 2, the cellular bottom section 14 is erected by means of conventional apparatus. Next, the cells 32 are filled with eggs E as seen in FIG. 3.

As the first panel means 42 and closure panel means 46 are oriented in right angular or normal relationship to the general plane of the lid section 38, the respective gusset panels 78, 82 and 86, 88 will automatically orient the wing elements 80 and 84, respectively, into a normal or right angular depending relationship from the general plane of the lid section 38; see FIG. 4. Conventional folding bars F can be utilized to accomplish this manipulation.

Although folding bars F are illustrated as one means of orienting the lock-flap panel means 46 and first panel means 42 normal to the general plane of the lid section 38, other suitable rneans may be utilized for this purpose.

As indicated generally at in FIG. 5, are brace-beam means formed by opposed pairs of the wing elements and the gusset panel segments previously described.

Considering FIG. 6, it will be noted that the bracebeam means 100 include the wing elements depending into the cells 32 and having a maximum span or opening A which is less than the overall width B and thus at no time can the eggs E be withdrawn upwardly through the slots formed between and by the wing elements 80, 84. However, these slots or openings in the lid section will permit the ultimate consumer to readily observe the eggs, permit a good circulation of air, i.e. to obtain proper refrigeration and humidity conditions, etc., and the wing elements having the cuts 93, 94 or 96, 98 will provide, in a sense, a resilient cushion which will stabilize the eggs in the cells 32 and prevent accidental damage to the same.

Additionally, the lower free edge portion of the wing elements will rest upon the panel segments 28 or 30 and vertical shocks imposed on the closed carton will be transmitted from the lid section to these panel segments and then through the walls 12 or 16 down to a support surface. Additionally, the brace-beam means formed by the cut-and-score means in the lid section provide or form transverse beams extending between the walls 12 and 16 to absorb lateral shock at the walls 12 and 16 of the carton; note the panels 40 and 46 will be at right closed.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a fragmentary portion of a blank is indicated generally at 10' and comprises a lid section 38 similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1-6. The ultimate stabilization of the fragile articles, i.e. eggs, etc., is the same in this embodiment as that previously described. However, the closure panel means 46 tive gusset panel segments. Wing elements 80' and 84 are formed in the manner previously described and are automatically oriented when the carton lid is manipulated in the manner described in detail with respect to the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6.

In this embodiment, the T-shaped cuts 9398 can be incorporated therein,'however, they are not shown in this embodiment.

Formed between the wing elements 80 and 84 is a stabilizing tab or brace 85 which is hingedly connected at a fold line 87 to the wing element 84'. This tab 85 has an enlarged head 89 formed on a transverse cut 91 in the wing element 80. A corresponding opening is formed in the wing element 80', i.e. corresponding to the shape of the attaching tab 85, and as seen in FIG. 8, the head 89 will lockingly engage in the opening to extend transversely between an adjacent pair of wing elements in spaced relation beneath the portion 92 of one of the bracebeam means 100. The locking tab 85 is formed of such a length so it will be of a greater length than the cone sponding width of the lid section segment 92.

Thus, there has been disclosed several embodiments of the invention which fully conform with the objects of the invention heretofore set forth. For example, no additional material is required and yet erection of the carton, i.e. particularly the novel lid section is relatively simple, no particular modification is involved in the bottom section of the carton, and the depending wings provide a spring-clip action preventing shifting, rattling, etc., of the eggs or other fragile articles during shipment and thus provide maximum protection. Additionally, maximum product visibility is obtained in addition to means permitting uniform humidity and temperature conditions to be maintained about the eggs or other products. Further, structural strength is added to the package further protecting the articles during shipping and lateral crushresistance is increased. The product is still accessible in the conventional manner, i.e. by hingedly raising the lid, and when the lid is closed the stabilizing wing elements of the brace-beam means are automatically oriented into proper protecting position with respect to the articles.

Referring to FIGS. 9-12, and first considering FIG. 9,

a fragmentary portion of a one-piece blank is indicated generally at 110 and this blank comprises a lid section 138 hingedly connected to a hinged line 136 to a rear wall panel 112. Formed on the lid section 138 are wing elements 180 and 184 by means of the cut-and-scored lines previously described in detail. The carton bottom section is indicated generally at 114 and is of the character generally disclosed in U.S. Letters Patent to Reifers, No. 3,006,528, issued October 31, 1961.

In this bottom section, article receiving cells 132 are provided and the front wall 116 has formed therein and extending into the upper edge thereof, cut-out portions 117 facilitating the insertion of ones fingers to aid in the removal of the eggs from the cells. Without going into additional detail, in this embodiment, the longitudinal partition panel 118 extends substantially up to and is engageable with the inner surface of the lid section 138 in the carton disclosed in U.S. Letters Patent No. 3,006,- 528. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal partition panel is reduced in height, and the lower free edge of the wing elements 180 and 184 are oriented into depending relationship, and will engage the upper edge of the longitudinal partition panel 119 of the longitudinal panel 118 as illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 13. The brace-beam means 100 is formed in this embodiment just as in those previously described, and when a vertical load is impressed on the brace-beam means 100 (see FIG. 13) the forces thereof are distributed in the support surfaceengaging portions of the longitudinal partition;

It will be noted that the dimension Z in FIG. 13 generally indicates the overall carton height, the dimension X indicates the height of partition panel 118, and the dimension Y indicates the depth of the wing elements.

Considering FIG. 14, the dimension relationships A and B mentioned in regard to FIG. 6 are once more illustrated diagrammatically in FIG. 14, and it is clearly evident that the egg E cannot be withdrawn through the slot formed between the gusseted wing elements and 84.

Considering FIGS. 15a-15c, one of the wing elements 80, for example, has a fragmentary perspective portion thereof illustrated, and the general configuration assured by the portions 93-98 are indicated at 93 in FIG. 15a. FIG. 15b shows a fragmentary portion of a wing element 80' having a circular cut-out portion 93" therein which Will generally conform to the upper arcuate surface of the eggs, Christmas decoration bulbs, etc., which will be engaged by this wing element. Considering FIG. 150, a fragmentary portion of a wing element is indicated at 80" and is formed therein by means of suitable flanking cuts, a displaceable flap element 93" which also provides a cushioning or contour-conforming spring-clip portion for the upper end of the article being stabilized in one of the cells of the bottom section of the previously disclosed and described cartons.

Although the cut-outs 117 have been disclosed in FIGS. 9-12, this expedient could likewise be utilized in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, for example.

Referring to FIGS. 16-20, another embodiment of the carton is disclosed in detail with respect to the novel carton disclosure. A planar one-piece blank is indicated generally at 210 and comprises a lid section 238 similar to that previously described. A rear carton wall panel is indicated at 212 and has hingedly connected thereto the lid section 238 which includes a first panel means 242 and a lock-flap panel means 246. A hinge line 236 is formed so that the hinge section not only hinges upwardly but can be removed bodily from the carton, as clearly indicated in FIG. 19. In this embodiment of the carton the brace-beam means indicated generally at 210 will depend, below the longitudinal partition panel 218 of the cartons of the type disclosed and described in detail in U.S. Letters Patent to Swanson #3,034,696 issued May 15, 1962, and the partition panel terminates substantially at the upper surface of the lid section.

The longitudinal partition panel of this embodiment of the carton, includes a notched out portion 221 to accommodate therein the brace-beam means 210 (see the fragmentary perspective view and the illustration of the cooperation of these portions of the carton). The front wall 216 of this carton may incorporate therein fingeraccess portions 217 facilitating the removal of the eggs.v

The bottom section of the cellular carton of FIGS. 16-20 is indicated generally at 214.

It will be noted, that the rear wall 212 of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-20 may incorporate therein finger-access portions as indicated at 217', i.e. these openings will extend up to the hinge line formed by perforations as seen in FIG. 19.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, a carton bottom section of the character disclosed in FIGS. 16-20 is indicated generally at 314 and may include in the forward wall panel 316 thereof, finger access openings 317.

Considering FIG. 21, a still further modified cover panel is indicated generally at 310 and comprises a central .lid section 338. In this embodiment, the carton rear wall I 7 is indicated generally at 312, and has hingedly connected thereto at 336 first panel means 342. Carton closure means is indicated at 346 of these portions of the lid section and are similar to those previously described. Colinear, segmental fold lines 340 and 344 are formed as in the previously described embodiments.

Additional segmental, colinear fold lines 341 and 345 are provided in spaced parallel relationship with respect to the segmental fold lines 340 and 344, respectively, are pairs of arcuate score or hinge lines 350 provided in spaced relationship with respect to a transverse cut line 352. Suitable cuts form gusset panel segments 378, 386, 382 and 388 and substantially rectangular segments 379, 387, 383 and 389 are formed as clearly seen in FIG. 21. When the carton is ultimately erected as clearly seen in FIG. 22, the brace-beam means indicated generally at 310 will arch inwardly due to the arcuate fold lines 350, but the panel segments will arch upwardly by virtue of the fold lines 341, 345 and a box-like appearance will be provided at opposite ends of the brace-beam means 310 as indicated at 311.

As seen in FIG. 23, the upwardly arching brace-beam means 310 facilitates vertical stacking of the egg cartons. Additionally, the depending wing elements will engage opposite sides of the eggs to substantially stabilize them in the egg cells and additionally, the lower edges of the webs will engage the upper edge of a longitudinal partition panel 318 to ensure proper transmittal of vertical forces through the stacked egg cartons.

' Referring generally to the transmittal of vertical force, it will be noted in all of the embodiments disclosed that the vertical force applied to the closed lid of the carton is generally transferred to the outer and inner walls of the carton and in the event the carton includes foot portions on the longitudinal partition panel force will also be distributed to a support surface through this structure. Additionally, the wing elements, even in the absence of the expedience disclosed in FIGS. a15c, will in a sense form a resilient cushion to stabilize eggs or the like in the various cells, the expedience disclosed in FIGS. 15a- 15c accordingly being considered to be additive features. Once more, as mentioned above, where the terms cuts, slits or scores are used, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that slits, creases or partial cut lines (cut scores) can be used. Additionally, the upwardly arched beam disclosed in the embodiment of FIGS. 2l23, for example, affords additional strength to the transverse beams due to the resistance of these beams to deflection.

Still further, it will be recognized that during erection or closing of the cartons, an inward pressure will generally be applied to elements 80, 34 or gusset panels 78, 82 and 86, 88 as the panels 42 and 46 are folded normal to the general plane of the cover, and after initial closure, the gusset panels will automatically orient the transverse wings or beams as the carton is reclosed.

It will be noted and observed by those skilled in the art that various permutations of the teachings of the diiferent embodiments in this application may be interchanged and incorporated in diflferent types of cellular bottom sections of prior art cartons. However, each of the disclosed embodiments incorporate all of the objects of the invention and the advantages set forth in detail, and exemplary embodiments are by way of illustration and not by way of limitation.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and therefore the invention is not limited to what is shown in the drawings and described in the specification but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a one-piece, upwardly-opening carton having a bottom section integral with a hingedly displaceable lid section,

said bottom section including at least two opposed walls,

said lid section being hingedly connected on an upper portion of one of said opposed walls,

said lid section including closure panel means hingedly connected thereto opposite said one of said opposed walls,

said closure panel means including portions engageable at the upper portion of said other opposed wall for detachable connec tion thereto and permitting said lid section to be disposed upwardly therefrom to permit access to the carton contents; the improvement comprising cut-and-score means in said lid'section extending between said two opposed walls,

said cut-and-scored means comprising a first panel means hingedly connected to said one of said w-alls along the length thereof and disposed opposite said closure panel means, and automatically-erectable brace-beam means including portions connected between said last-mentioned panel in said lid section and said closure panel means and including spaced wing-elements depending into said carton and pivotally connected to said lid section, said brace-beam means including automatically-orienting portions at terminal ends thereof between said wing-elements and said panel means whereby closing of said lid section automatically orients said wing elements and forms said brace-beam means for reinforcing said carton laterally and against vertical forces and maintaining articles in said carton in a relatively stabilized position.

2. The structure of claim 1 in which said bottom section includes cell means, said brace-beam means and wing elements thereof extending transversely of an intermediate portion of said cell means.

3. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said wing elements include a lower free edge portion, said wing elements including cushioning-cut portion-s extending into said free edge portion.

4. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said bottom section includes panel-segment portions extending into said carton from said opposed walls, said wing elements including free edge portions engageable on said panel-segment portions for transmitting vertical force from said lid section to said opposed walls.

5. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said bottom section includes longitudinal partition panel means extending transversely of said brace-beam means, said longitudinal panel means being engageable on said longitudinal partition panel means for transmitting vertical forces to said carton lid section.

6. The structure as claimed in claim 5 in which said longitudinal partition panel means includes upwardly opening notch portions, said wing elements extending into said notch portions, said longitudinal partition panel means including an upper edge portion terminating adjacent the upper surface of said lid section.

7. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said adjacent wing elements include cooperating tab and notch rneans extending therebetween for stabilizing said bracebeam means.

8. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which at least one of said opposed walls includes a cut-out portion extending into the upper edge thereof .for facilitating removal of the product from the carton.

9. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said wing elements include an upper curved hinged margin, said brace-beam means including transverse fold lines at the terminal ends of adjacent pairs of said curved hinged margin, said lid section comprising an upwardly arched panel section overlying said brace-beam means, said wing elements including cut lines depending from said lastmentioned transverse fold lines.

10. The structure as claimed in claim 1 in which said lid section is hingedly connected to said bottom section on a tear line portion for facilitating bodily removal of said lid section from said bottom section.

11. The structure as claimedin claim 1 in which said bottom section comprises cell means, articles disposed in said cell means, said wing elements extending transversely of an intermediate portion of said cell means, said wing elements including free edge portions overlying opposite sides of said articles, said wing elements being spaced :1 distance less than a comparable underlying maximum dimension of said articles for preventing withdrawal of said articles from between adajacent wing elements.

12. The structure as claimed in claim 11 in which said wing elements include cut-portions partially conforming to the outer surface of said articles.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 7/ 1964 Great Britain.

GEORGE O. RALSTON, Primary Examiner.

Claims (1)

1. IN A ONE-PIECE, UPWARDLY-OPENING CARTON HAVING A BOTTOM SECTION INTEGRAL WITH A HINGEDLY DISPLACEABLE LID SECTION, SAID BOTTOM SECTION INCLUDING AT LEAST TWO OPPOSED WALLS, SAID LID SECTION BEING HINGEDLY CONNECTED ON AN UPPER PORTION OF ONE OF SAID OPPOSED WALLS, SAID LID SECTION INCLUDING CLOSURE PANEL MEANS HINGEDLY CONNECTED THERETO OPPOSITE SAID ONE OF SAID OPPOSED WALLS, SAID CLOSURE PANEL MEANS INCLUDING PORTIONS ENGAGEABLE AT THE UPPER PORTION OF SAID OTHER OPPOSED WALL FOR DETACHABLE CONNECTION THERETO AND PERMITTING SAID LID SECTION TO BE DISPOSED UPWARDLY THEREFROM TO PERMIT ACCESS TO THE CARTON CONTENTS; THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING CUT-AND -SCORE MEANS IN SAID LID SECTION EXTENDING BETWEEN SAID TWO OPPOSED WALLS, SAID CUT-AND-SCORED MEANS COMPRISING A FIRST PANEL MEANS HINGEDLY CONNECTED TO SAID ONE OF SAID WALLS ALONG THE LENGTH THEREOF AND DISPOSED OPPOSITE SAID CLOSURE PANEL MEANS, AND AUTOMTICALLY-ERECTABLE BRACE-BEAM MEANS INCLUDING PORTIONS CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID LAST-MEMTIONED PANEL IN SAID LID SECTION AND SAID CLOSURE PANEL MEANS AND INCLUDING SPACED WING-ELEMENTS DEPENDING INTO SAID CARTON AND PIVOTALLY CON-

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