US3469766A

US3469766A - Shipping case with stitched ripcord

Info

Publication number: US3469766A
Application number: US685735A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lloyd A Nelson
Original assignee: Gerber Products Co
Current assignee: Gerber Products Co
Priority date: 1967-11-21
Filing date: 1967-11-21
Publication date: 1969-09-30
Anticipated expiration: 1986-09-30

Description

P 1969 L. A. NELSON 3,469,766

SHIPPING CASE WITH STITCHED RIPCORD Filed Nov. 21, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR IZMW ATTORNEYS FIG 5 I LLOYD A. NELSON Sept. 30, 1969 L. A. NELSON 3,469,766

SHIPPING CASE WITH STITCHED RIPCORD Filed Nov. 21, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 l J INVENTOR. BY LLOYD A. NELSON ATTORNEYS v 230 F W W p 30, 1969 1.. A. NELSON 3,469,766

SHIPPING CASE WITH STITCHED RIPCORD Filed NOV. 21, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet I W g W ATTORNEYS Sept. 30, 1969 L. A. NELSON SHIPPING CASE WITH STITCHED RIPCORD 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Nov. 21, 1967 FIG-12326 s---------. .w w .www

INVENTOR.

LLOYD A. NELSON FIG...14

ATTORNEYS Sept. 30, 1969 1.. A. NELSON 3,4

SHIPPING CASE WITH STITCHED RIPCORD Filed Nov. 21, 1967 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

LLOYD A. NELSON BY WWW ATTORNEYS Sept. 30, 1969 L. A. NELSON SHIPPING CASE WITH STITCHED RIPCORD INVENTOR. LLOYD A. NELSON BY Filed Nov. 21, 1967 ATTORNEYS United States Patent ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A shipping case of corrugated fiber material which has stitched ripcord means therein for severing the same into top and bottom portions, whereby contents of the shipping case will become exposed and accessible for removal from the bottom portion. The stitched ripcord means can be utilized with regular slotted container-type shipping cases and shipping cases of the wraparound type.

This is a continuation-in-part of my copending applications Ser. No. 551,108, filed May 18, 1966, entitled Shipping Case With Stitched Ripcord, now abandoned, and Ser. No. 589,552 filed Oct. 26, 1966, entitled Shipping Case With Stitched Ripcord, now abandoned.

This invention relates to improvements in shipping cases and, more particularly, to a shipping case of corrugated material having an improved tear member or ripcord for opening the same.

The present invention resides in a shipping case of corrugated material having stitched ripcord means formed therein so that the shipping case may be severed by the ripcord means not only to open the shipping case, but also to separate the same into top and bottom portions. The invention is especially suitable for use with shipping cases of corrugated fiber material such as cardboard or the like. Also, stitched ripcord means can be formed in shipping cases of different types such as regular slotted container-type shipping cases and Wraparound shipping cases. In both cases, the ripcord means can be stitched in the blank which is subsequently manipulated to assemble or form the shipping case itself. A pull string or pull tab can also be provided to initiate the severing action of the ripcord means.

In the past, shipping cases have been opened by knives or other cutting instruments. However, this operation oftentimes damages the contents of the case since the knife may penetrate too deeply into the interior of the shipping case. When glass jars or tin cans are inside the case, fracture points can be formed on the glass jars and corrosion points can develop on tin cans. Much damage is caused to products of aluminum, paper, plastic and the like.

High strength tape applied to the inner surface of a shipping case has also been used in the past for opening the case. The tape must be pulled outwardly and through the case side wall to open the same and, if the material forming the side wall is relatively thick or strong, the pulling force on the tape must be quite large. Also, this may not provide a clean out since the pulling force may not be exerted in the plane of the tape.

Still another way of severing a shipping case is to provide score lines in the case side wall to define a tear member strip capable of being pulled outwardly of the case. However, score lines weaken the side wall and limit the use of the case itself.

The present invention overcomes the problems set forth above by utilizing a stitched ripcord which allows considerable latitude in the selection of the material for forming the shipping case. For instance, the distance beice tween adjacent perforations in the shipping case formed by the stitching needle can be selected according to the strength of the material of the case. Also, the type of stitching can be chosen in accordance with the spacing and the type of string or tear member. The stitching can be quickly accomplished as a simple, additional step in the formation of the shipping case blank and a pull string or pull tab can also be quickly and easily provided for the ripcord.

The primary object of this invention is to provide a shipping case having a flexible tear member stitched therein so that the tear member, when it is pulled outwardly, will sever the shipping case into top and bottom portions.

Another object of this invention is to provide a stitched tear member in the blank of a shipping case whereby the teachings of the invention can be applied to shipping cases of different types, such as regular slotted containertype shipping case and a wraparound shipping case.

Another object of the invention is to provide a stitched tear member in a shipping case of corrugated fiber material wherein the stitching itself can be varied as to the type of stitch, the strength of the tear member and the spacing between the stitching holes so that the teachings of the invention are applicable to shipping cases which meet different requirements.

Other objects of this invention will become apparent as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings for illustration of several ways in which the invention can be utilized.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a regular slotted container-type shipping case having a single stitched ripcord;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the blank for forming the shipping case of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the side wall of the shipping case of FIG. 1, showing the way in which the ripcord may be applied;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but showing the shipping case as it is being opened;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the shipping case of FIG. 1 with a pair of stitched ripcords;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 1, but showing the ripcord having an extension providing a pull string therefor;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the blank used to form the case of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the shipping case of FIG. 6 as it is being assembled;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a pair of regular slotted container-type shipping case blanks being stitched to form the ripcords therein;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view of a portion of the shipping case of FIG. 6 showing the ripcord as it is being stitched;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but showing the severing action of the ripcord;

FIG. 12 is perspective view of a wrap-around type shipping case having a stitched ripcord;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the shipping case of FIG. 12 after it has been opened;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the stitched blank for making the shipping case of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to FIG. 12 but showing the shipping case stitched in a different way.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the shipping case of FIG. 15 after it has been opened;

FIG. 17 is a plan view of the stitched blank for making the shipping case of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a view similar to FIGS. 12 and 15 but showing the shipping case stitched in still another way;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the shipping case of FIG. 18 after it has been opened;

FIG. 20 is a plan view of the stitched blank for making the shipping case of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 21 is a fragmentary cross-sectional View of the shipping case of FIG. 18.

The teachings of this invention, as utilized with a regular slotted container-type shipping case 10, may be described with reference to FIGS. l-5 wherein shipping case has top and

bottom flaps

12 and 14 respectively, these flaps being hingedly coupled to side wall panels 16 along fold lines 18. A blank 20 for forming case 10 is shown in FIG. 2 and preferably is stamped from a sheet of perforable, bendable material, such as corrugated fiber material or cardboard. Blank 20 is provided with a projection or boxmakers tab 22 which is used to interconnect the outermost side wall panels 16 to present the substantially continuous side wall of case 10.

Case 10 has a tear member 24, such as a string or cord, stitched in its side wall to permit severing of the latter and thereby the separation of the top portion 26 from the bottom portion 28. Tear member 24 is stitched in blank 20 by advancing the latter through a stitching machine so that tear member 24 will extend from end edge 30 of blank 20 to at least the opposite end edge 32. Blank 20 is also die-cut to define tab means to initiate the severing action of tear member 24. While this tab means may be of any configuration, it is preferred that it comprises a pair of

tabs

34 and 36 and that tear member 24 be comprised of a first section 37 extending from tab 34 to end edge 30 and a second section 39 extending from tab 36 to at least end edge 32 and preferably through tab 22 (FIG. 2). The presence of tear member 24 does not interfere with the formation of case 10 from blank 20 inasmuch as member 24 is flexible and freely permits the bending of the blank at the junctions between adjacent side wall panels 16.

In use, blank 20 is initially formed in any suitable manner, such as by a stamping process. The blank is then moved through a stitching machine so that tear member 24 can be formed in side wall panels 16 in spanning relationship to end

edge

30 and 32. The stitching will preferably pass through tab 22 as shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 illustrates one way in which the stitching operation occurs. A reciprocal needle 38 carrying one strand 40 of a string or cord cooperates with a spool 42 carrying a second strand 44. As needle 38 pierces the corresponding side wall panel 16 it forms aligned perforations or needle holes 46, 48 and 50 through layer 52, corrugation 54 and layer 56 defining the side wall panel 16. Strands 40 and 44 are simultaneously threaded through these aligned holes to present the particular stitching of the type shown in FIG. 3.

Apparatus other than that shown in FIG. 3 can be used for stitching member 24 in the side wall of case 10.

This will allow for variations in the spacings between.

adjacent sets of holes 46, 48 and 50 as well as for variations in the size of the holes, the type of string or cord used and the type of stitch employed. Such variations permit considerable latitude in the selection of the material for forming the shipping case. For instance, for relatively high strength material, the sets of holes can be spaced closer together than for material of less strength. Also, larger or smaller needles can be used depending upon the strength characteristics that are to be maintained for case 10.

After the stitching operation has been performed,

tabs

34 and 36 are die-cut in one of the outermost side wall panels 16. Blank 20 is then manipulated to form case 10 in the usual way. The contents can be placed in the case and the top flaps are then closed so that the case is ready for shipment or storage.

To open case 10, tab 34 is grasped and pulled outwardly in the manner shown in FIG. 4. As this occurs, section 37 of tear member 24 successively severs the various side wall portions between adjacent sets of perforations 46, 48 and 50 to, in turn, progressively sever the side .4 wall of case 10. The severing action of section 37 will cease as it reaches a location on case 10 corresponding to end edge 30 of blank 29. It is then a simple matter to grasp tab 36 and pull it outwardly to complete the severance of the corresponding side wall panel 16 by section 39. Top portion 26 can then be lifted from bottom portion 28 to expose the contents.

Case 10 is cleanly severed by the action of tear member 24 so that bottom portion 28 can be used in displaying the contents supported thereby, in lieu of moving the contents out of portion 28 for placement elsewhere.

A second Way of utilizing a ripcord structure in a regular slotted container-type shipping case is shown in FIG. 5 wherein shipping case has a pair of tear members 124 stitched in the side wall panels 116 thereof, each tear member being sectioned in the manner set forth above so that a pair of tabs 134 and 136 die-cut in one of the panels 116 can be used to initiate the severing action of the sections of the tear members. Except for the pair of tear members, case 110 is identical to and constructed in the same manner as case 10. The double tear member construction is used with certain types of corrugated fiber material where it is desired to open the case by pulling the band of material between the tear members as well as the tear members themselves.

Another way of providing a stitched ripcord in a regular slotted container-type shipping case is shown in FIGS. 6-11 wherein shipping case 210 is formed from a blank 212 having longitudinal fold lines 214 and a number of transverse fold lines 216 disposed to present the bottom flaps 218, the top flaps 220 and the side and end panels 222 of case 210. A boxmakers tab 224 is integral with one edge of a side panel 222.

Blank 212 is formed from a sheet of corrugated fiber material and the sheet is stamped to define

fold lines

214 and 216 and to form the slits 226 between

adjacent flaps

218 and 220. The blank is handled in the usual manner to form case 210, the assembly of the case being shown in FIG. 8 wherein one end panel 222 is separated from tab 224 and bottom flaps 218 are in place.

Blank 212 is direct-ed through a sewing machine so that a tear member or ripcord 228 is stitched in panels 222 and tab 224 as shown in FIG. 7. Ripcord 228 may be closer to bottom flaps 218 than it is to top flaps 220. Thus, the side wall of the tray 231 (FIG. 6) formed by severing case 210 will allow the labels on the products on the tray to be readily observed.

Ripcord 228 has an end 230 which projects outwardly from edge 232 of blank 212. End 230 provides a pull string for starting the severing action of the ripcord. Also, ripcord 228 extends completely through and projects outwardly from tab 224 at the opposite end of blank 212 to form a tail. Thus, the ripcord completely severs the case into top and bottom portions when it is pulled outwardly and about the case.

End 230 is advantageously formed by first moving a number of blanks 212 successively through a sewing machine in the manner shown in FIG. 9. Adjacent blanks are spaced apart and the stitching of the blanks is uninterrupted so that a length 234 of the stitching material interconnects the blanks. Length 234 is preferably about 3" long and it is cut so that the end 230 is approximately 2% long. This provides a convenient length for the pull screen and avoids having to form tabs integral with the case side wall.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a preferred form of the stitch used to construct ripcord 228. This stitch comprises a two thread type 401 Federal chain wherein a pair of strings or

threads

236 and 238 are interconnected by the action of a needle 240, with thread 238 being on the normally innermost surface 242 of the corresponding panel 222. Needle 240 forms a number of spaced perforations 244 through the sheets 246 and the corrugated panel 248 between sheets 246 which define panel 222. The distance between perforations 244, the material of the

threads

236 and 238 and the size of needle 240 can be varied, as desired. Also, the grade and material of panel 222 can be changed to match the first-mentioned parameters.

The threads of ripcord 228 are of any suitable material provided they have a strength sufiicient to avoid being broken as they cut through the case side wall. Nylon cord is one type of thread adapted for this purpose.

In FIG. end 230 is shown extending outwardly from panel 222 before the panel is to be severed. Generally, end 230 will hang along the side of the case due to the flexibility of ripcord 228. In FIG. 11, the panel has been partially severed and ripcord 228 extends outwardly under tension from panel 222. The inner thread clearly severs the portions of sheet 246 and panel 248 between perforation 244 so that the panel is divided along the line passing through the perforations.

In certain applications, it may be desirable to form an edge different from the straight line edge resulting from the severing action of ripcord 228 (FIGS. 6 and 8). With respect to this, the edge may desirably be sawtoothed or irregular in configuration. To provide for a specific edge configuration, the ripcord is stitched in panels 222 according to the desired configuration so that the particular edge results when the tear member severs the panels as described above. In all cases, the threads of the tear member follow the contour of the design provided by the side wall perforations.

In use, case 210 is partially assembled with the top flaps open. The contents are placed in the case and the top flaps are closed and adhesively or otherwise secured together. The case is then moved to a point of use or to a storage area until it is ready to be used.

To open the case, it is only necessary to grasp the pull string of the ripcord to pull it away from the case. As this occurs, the case side wall is severed to form tray 231 with the contents supported thereon. The top portion formed by the severing action can then be discarded while the tray can be placed on a shelf or the ilke for displaying the contents.

A wraparound shipping case having one form of a stitched ripcord means therein is broadly denoted by the numeral 310 and includes a body formed from an initially flat sheet of corrugated fiber material or other suitable shipping case material. Shipping case 310 has a number of walls or panels, specifically, a bottom panel 312, a pair of

opposed side panels

314 and 316, a top panel 318, a pair of inside end panels 320 and a pair of outside end panels 322. Case 310 also has a ripcord 324 stitched in certain of the panels thereof to permit the case to be opened and to be separated into top and bottom sections denoted by the numerals 326 and 328, respectively (FIGS. 12 and 13). FIG. 13 shows bottom section 328 after top section 326 has been separated therefrom with various articles 330 being supported on the bottom section and exposed or displayed.

Case 310 is made with end tabs 332 on side panel 314 and end tabs 334 on side panel 316 so that the articles in the case can be better packaged by slightly decreasing the volume of the case. Also, the articles can be better packaged at increased speeds and without damage and provides that the articles be compacted to prevent relative movement of the articles in the case.

FIG. 14 illustrates outer or print-receiving face of the blank 336 for forming case 310. Blank 336 is made in any suitable manner, such as by a stamping process or the like to define the various panels and at the same time, to provide the necessary fold lines and slots 'at the junctions of adjacent panels.

Panel 314 is hingedly coupled at

fold lines

338 and 340 to bottom and

top panels

312 and 318, respectively, and side panel 316 is connected at fold line 342 to top panel 318. The attachment or boxmakers tab 344 is hingedly connected along a fold line 346 to bottom panel 312.

End panels 320 are hingedly connected at fold lines 348 to bottom panel 312 and end panels 322 are connected at fold lines 350 to top panel 318 and tabs 334 are connected at fold lines 354 to side panel 316.

Ripcord 324 is stiched in blank 336 along the generally continuous path shown in FIG. 14. One way to accomplish this is to commence the stitching operation at location 355 and then progressively stitching the blank as shown in FIG. 3 beyond the proximal tab 334 to provide a pull string 356. Thus, the stitching proceeds along and adjacent to one fold line 350 corresponding to one end panel 322, then longitudinally through panel 314. The stitching continues along and adjacent to the other fold line 350 adjacent to the other panel 322, and finally along and through panel 316 from which it emerges to form pull string 356. Essentially, therefore, the ripcord defines a generally continuous path, so that, when the ripcord is pulled away from the case, it will sever the case and divide it into top and bottom portions, permitting the top portion to be removed from the bottom portion so that the latter will not only continue to support articles 330 in the manner shown in FIG. 13 but will display the articles as well.

One way of assembling case 310 can be described with reference to the packaging of a number of articles 330 which are initially arranged in a movable slug in a predetermined pattern, such as a slug of 24 articles in a 4 x 6 pattern. Blank 336 will initially be in a stack arranged in a magazine. When each blank is fed from the magazine, it is formed by a plow into an L shape with one leg down. The blank is then moved into the path of the slug of articles and, as this is done, a hinged member raises the bottom of the case to form a slide surface to accept the slug. At this stage, the blank is C-shaped with the articles therewithin. A conveyor with overhead crossbars then carries the blank downstream and adhesives are applied so that tab 344 can be glued to panel 316. As the blank moves downstream, both panels 320 are folded up, then end

tabs

332 and 334 are folded and glued to panel 320. Glue is applied to panels 322 and they are then folded down and held under compression until the glue sets.

Other ways of assembling the wraparound shipping case can be used, if desired.

When it is desired to open the case, stretch 356 of the ripcord is grasped and pulled away from the case, whereupon the case is severed by the action of the ripcord passing through the corresponding panels. The severing action continues until the ripcord is completely pulled through the shipping case so as to define the top and bottom portions with the top portion being immediately removable from the bottom portion. The bottom portion, therefore, provides a tray for supporting articles 330 as thesame are lifted into place onto a display shelf or otherwise used while the articles remain confined between the two side wall portions 358 (FIG. 13) and the end walls of the case. Articles 330 can then be removed, as desired, from the bottom section.

A second way of utilizing a stitched ripcord means in a wraparound shipping case is shown in FIGS. 15-17 wherein a shipping case 410 has a ripcord 424 stitched therein and extending about the same to permit the case to be separated into a top section 426 and a bottom section 428 when the ripcord is pulled in a direction to sever the case. The bottom section will have the configuration shown in FIG. 16 wherein one end wall of the case will be essentially intact while the opposite end wall will essentially be removed from bottom section 428. This particular configuration of bottom section 428 allows articles 430 supported on section 428 to be moved upwardly or forwardly off the same, whereby the bottom section can provide a supporting tray for the articles such .as on a display shelf or the like.

The blank 436 which is used to define case 410 is substantially identical to blank 336 shown in FIG. 14. In blank 436, however, the ripcord spans the distance between a pair of opposed side edges of blank 436 and follows a serpentine path between the edges. The ripcord has a pull string 4S6 adjacent to one side edge of panel 416.

The ripcord is stitched in the blank with the fold scores of the blank facing downwardly and with the printreceiving face or the needle entry side facing upwardly. The stitching preferably begins at edge 459' and proceeds across panel 420 approximately A" from the adjacent fold line 448, then across the slot adjacent to the proximal tab 432, then along a radius into panel 414, then through panel 414, then across to and through panel 422 along the top panel side of the adjacent fold line 450, and then across to and through panel 416 from which the ripcord emerges to form a pull string 456.

Case 410 can be assembled in the same way as case 310 and, when properly assembled, pull string 456 will be accessible so that it can be grasped and pulled outwardly to open the shipping case and sever it into top and bottom portions.

To open the case, pull strip 456 is grasped and pulled outwardly from the case, whereupon the case is severed along the line defined by the ripcord. The resulting wall configuration of bottom section 428 will be as shown in FIG, 16 with one end wall substantially intact and with only a relatively small portion 420a of the opposite end wall attached to bottom section 428 inasmuch as the ripcord passes along the end panel 420 about A away from fold line 443. Portion 420a thus prevents the articles from moving laterally and off bottom section 428 when the latter supports and displays the articles. However, the removal of one end wall of the case allows the articles to be removed from bottom section 428 more readily since they can be moved essentially laterally as well as upwardly. Also, this feature also gives full view of the articles for convenience, etc.

A third Way of utilizing a stitched ripcord means in a wraparound shipping case is shown in FIGS. 18-21 Wherein a shipping case 510 has a stitched ripcord means 524 and is adapted to hold a plurality of articles 530 and to be severed along a relatively straight line extending about the case to define a bottom section 528 whose side and end walls are essentially of the same height. The feature may oftentimes be required where uniformity in side wall height is desired either for reasons of practicality or to present a specific appearance for display purposes. While the side and end walls of bottom section 528 are shown as being uniform in height, this is not necessary and the upper edges of these walls could be inclined, if desired, it being clear that this can be accomplished by the specific way in which the ripcord is stitched in the blank which defines the case.

The blank (FIG. 20) for forming case 510 is broadly denoted by the number 536 and is substantially identical in all respects to

blanks

336 and 436. In blank 536, however, ripcord means 524 comprises two ripcords 524a and 5241). One of the ripcords severs one of the side panels and a first pair of end panels; whereas, the other ripcord severs the other side wall and the other pair of end panels.

Ripcord 524a has an end pull strip 556a and enters the blank at one side of one of the end panels 520. The stitching continues through this end panel, then across and into and through panel 514, then across and into and through the opposite end panel 520, and finally across and into and through a portion of tab 544 from which ripcord 524a emerges to form pull string 556a.

The opposite ripcord 524b has a pull string 55Gb and enters one of the end panels 522 and passes therethrough, following which the ripcord passes into and through the other side panel 516. The ripcord then passes into and through the opposite end panel 522 and emerges therefrom to form pull string 556]).

Shipping case 510 can be assembled in the same Way as

cases

310 and 410 and, when properly assembled, case 510 will have pull

strings

556a and 556b accessible so that they can be grasped and pulled outwardly to open the case and to sever it into top and bottom portions. To open the case, ripcord 524a is first pulled away from the case to sever the portion of the panels through which the same extends. Firstly, pull strip 556a is grasped and pulled away from the case, whereupon panel 516 is severed along line of weakness 517, following which ripcord 524a is pulled through a portion of tab 544, through the first end panel 520, through side panel 514 and finally through the other end panel 520. This action merely severs only a part of the case and the other ripcord must be pulled to sever the remaining part of the case.

Pull strip 55612 is then grasped and pulled outwardly, whereupon the ripcord passes through and severs the first end panel 522, then passes through and severes the other side panel 216 and finally passes through and severs the other end panel 522. The top section 526 can then be lifted off bottom section 528 to expose articles 530 and to allow bottom section 528 to serve as a tray for moving or displaying the articles.

While the teachings of the invention have been described with respect to regular slotted containers type and wraparound shipping cases, it is clear that such teachings can be applied to other shipping cases as well.

While several embodiments of this invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent that other adaptations and modifications can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A shipping case comprising a body formed from corrugated material capable of being stitched; and ripcord means stitched in said body for severing the same, said ripcord means having a pair of ends at respective locations on said body with said locations being in proximity to each other, said ripcord means extending away from said locations and along a line interconnecting said locations with said line defining a substantially continuous boundary between a pair of portions of the body, whereby said pair of body portions will be separated from each other at said boundary when said ripcord means is pulled along said line from one of said locations to the other location.

2. A shipping case comprising: a body formed from corrugated material capable of being stitched and having a number of panels, a pair of said panels defining a pair of spaced side walls; and ripcord means stitched in said body and extending longitudinally of and through said side walls for separating the body along a substantially continuous line into a top portion and a bottom portion when the ripcord means is pulled outwardly of the body.

3. In a shipping case: a substantially continuous, perforable side wall of corrugated material having spaced top and bottom margins; and a tear member stitched in and extending substantially completely about said side wall between said margins, and adapted to be pulled outwardly of the side wall to sever the same and thereby divide it into upper and lower portions.

4. In a shipping case as set forth in claim 3, wherein said tear member has an end, and wherein is provided tab means formed in said side wall and being separable therefrom, said end of the tear member being coupled to said tab means whereby the tab means can be pulled outwardly from the side wall to initiate the severing ac- Hon.

5. In a shipping case as set forth in claim 3 wherein said tear member is stitched in said side Wall along a. single line extending longitudinally of said margins.

6. A blank for forming a shipping case having a substantially continuous side wall comprising: a substantially fiat, perforable sheet adapted to be manipulated to form a shipping case and having elongated panel means of corrugated fiber material defining the side wall of the shipping case; and a tear member stitched in and extending substantially the entire length of said panel means and adapted, when said shipping case is formed, to be pulled outwardly of the side wall thereof to sever the same and thereby divide it into upper and lower portions.

7. In a shipping case: a side wall of corrugated material; and a flexible ripcord stitched in said side wall and extending completely about the same, said ripcord having an end portion integral therewith and extending outwardly of said side wall, whereby the end portion may be grasped and pulled to initiate a severing of the side wall by said ripcord.

8. In a shipping case as set forth in claim 7, wherein said ripcord comprises a pair of threads, proximal ends of said threads being intertwined together to form said end portion.

9. A blank for forming a shipping case comprising a sheet of corrugated fiber material having a stretch defining a number of interconnected side panels; and a flexible ripcord stitched in said stretch and extending from one extremity thereof to at least its opposite extremity, said ripcord having an end portion extending outwardly from said one extremity, said end portion adapted to be grasped and pulled to initiate the severing action of said ripcord.

10. A shipping case comprising a body of corrugated material capable of being stitched and having panel structure including a first top panel, a first bottom panel, and a pair of opposed side panels, one of the side panels being integral with and spanning the distance between the adjacent side marginal edges of the top and bottom panels, the other side panel being integral with and extending outwardly from the opposite side marginal edge of one of said first panels, said top, bottom and side panels defining an article-receiving space; and ripcord means stitched in said body for severing the panel structure along a substantially continuous path sufficient to separate the body into top and bottom portions.

11. A shipping case as set forth in claim 10, wherein said ripcord means includes a ripcord having a first section extending through said one side panel longitudinally of said side marginal edges, a second stretch extending longitudinally of and adjacent to one end marginal edge of a first of the top and bottom panels, a third stretch extending through said other side panel longitudinally of said side marginal edges, and a fourth stretch extending along and adjacent to the other end marginal edge of said first panel.

12. A shipping case as set forth in claim 10, wherein said ripcord means includes a ripcord having a first stretch extending through said other side panel longitudinally of said side marginal edges, a second stretch extending longitudinally of and adjacent to an end marginal edge of the top panel, a third stretch extending through said one side panel longitudinally of said side marginal edges, and a fourth stretch extending longitudinally of and adjacent to an end marginal edge of the bottom panel.

13. A shipping case as set forth in claim 10, wherein said panel structure includes a pair of opposed end panels for each of the top and bottom panels, respectively, said ripcord means including a pair of ripcords, one ripcord having a first stretch extending through one end panel of said bottom panel longitudinally of said end marginal edges, a second stretch extending through said one side panel longitudinally of said side marginal edges, and a third stretch extending through the other end panel of said bottom panel longitudinally of said end marginal edges, the second ripcord having a first stretch extending through one end panel of said top panel longitudinally of said end marginal edges, a second stretch extending through said other side panel longitudinally of said side marginal edges, and a third stretch extending through the other end panel of said top panel longitudinally of said end marginal edges.

14. A blank for a shipping case comprising: a relatively fiat sheet of material capable of being stitched and folded, said sheet having a number of fold lines and a plurality of slots therein to present a first top panel, a first bottom panel, a pair of opposed side panels, and a pair of opposed end panels for each of the top and bottom panels, respectively, said sheet adapted to be folded along said fold lines to arrange the panels in respective location sufiicient to cause the panels to form a shipping case, one of the side panels being integral with and spanning the distance between the adjacent side marginal edges of the top and bottom panels, the other side panel being integral with and extending outwardly from the opposite side marginal edge of one of said first panels, the end panels being integral with corresponding end marginal edges of respective top and bottom panels; and ripcord means stitched in said sheet and extending longitudinally of said side panels for severing the sheet along a substantially continuous line into top and bottom portions when the sheet is folded to form said shipping case and when the ripcord means is pulled outwardly thereof.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,323,779 7/ 1943 Kennedy 229-51 3,043,490 7/1962 Burnett 229-51 3,159,328 12/1964 Keim 22951 3,276,665 10/ 1966 Rasmussen 229-51 3,301,687 1/1967 Davy 229-51 DAVID M. BOCKENEK, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 229-37