WO1994007750A1

WO1994007750A1 - A container

Info

Publication number: WO1994007750A1
Application number: PCT/AU1993/000047
Authority: WO
Inventors: Colin Pavli
Original assignee: Supertrim (South Eastern) Pty. Ltd.
Priority date: 1992-09-30
Filing date: 1993-02-05
Publication date: 1994-04-14

Abstract

A container is disclosed which comprises a container body formed from a blank (10), which has a plurality of die cut score or fold lines (11) to divide the blank into a plurality of surfaces (25). The blank has a tab (14) and a cut (17) for receiving the tab (14) so that the blank can be assembled into a container body. A lid (21) is provided which is formed from a flat blank divided into a plurality of segments (32a) by radial score lines (32) which emanate from at least one focal point (45) which has at least one tab (30) and at least one cut (31) so that the blank can be folded into a pitched configuration by locating the tab (30) in the cut (31). The container body blank (10) has tabs (19) for location in slots (51) in the lid (21) to secure the lid to the blank (10).

Description

A CONTAINER

This invention relates to containers and refers especially to a container for use in many applications.

More particularly the invention is directed to containers made from plastics sheet material and suitable for use as gift containers for a variety of items such as for example, confectionery, Easter eggs, biscuits, cakes and flowers but to name a few. The container is also capable of use as a terrarium or as a plant raising protective shroud.

The invention provides a container comprising: a container body; a lid formed from a flat blank having a substantially polygonal shape with a plurality of score lines extending radially outwardly from at least one focal point of the blank to form a plurality of segments, said blank having at least one tab and one cut for receiving the tab so that when the tab is received in the cut the lid is formed into a substantially pitched shape; and at least one tab on the container body or on the lid, and at least one cut on the other of the lid or container body for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body.

The invention also provides a container comprising: a container body formed at least partly from a flat container body blank having a plurality of fold or score lines which define a plurality of surfaces, at least one tab on the blank and at least one cut in the blank so that the blank can be assembled to form at, least part of the container body by locating the tab in the cut; a lid for location of the container body for

SUBSTITUTE SHEET closing the container; and at least one tab on the container body or on the lid, and at least one cut on the other of the lid or the container body for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body.

The invention also provides a container comprising: a container body formed at least partly from a flat container body blank having a plurality of fold or score lines which define a plurality of surfaces, at least one tab on the blank and at least one cut in the blank so that the blank can be assembled to form at least part of the container body by locating the tab in the cut; a lid formed from a flat blank having a substantially polygonal shape with a plurality of score lines extending radially outwardly from at least one focal point of the blank to form a plurality of segments, said blank having at least one tab and one cut for receiving th tab so that when the tab is received in the cut the lid is formed into a substantially pitched shape; and at least one tab on the container body or on the lid, and at least one cut on the other of the lid or container body for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body.

The invention also provides a container comprising: a container blank having;

(i) a container body blank portion having a plurality of fold or score lines which define a plurality of surfaces, at least one tab on the blank and at least one cut in the blank so that the blank can be assembled to form at least part of the container body by locating the tab in the cut; and (ii) a lid blank formed integrally with the container body blank and being joined to the container body blank by a hinge line, the lid blank having a plurality of score lines extending radially outwardly from at least one focal point of the blank to form a plurality of segments, said lid blank having at least one tab and one cut for receiving the tab so that when the tab is received in the cut the lid is formed into a substantially pitched shape; at least one tab on the container body blank or on the lid blank, and at least one cut on the other of the lid blank or container body blank for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body; and wherein the lid is open and closed by pivoting the lid relative to the container body about the hinge line.

The invention will be more readily understood from the ensuing description of examples of the invention which may be preferred wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a container blank prior to forming into a cylinder;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a base blank; Figure 3 is a plan view of a lid blank; Figure 4 is an exploded view of all members prior to assembly; and

Figure 5 is a plan view of a container blank according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 is a view of a lid according to the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a view of a base according to the second embodiment;

Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the container according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 9 is a view of a handle according to the second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 10 is a view of a blank according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 is a view of a lid according to the third embodiment;

Figure 12 is a view of a base according to the third embodiment;

Figure 13 is a detailed partial view of part of third embodiment of the invention;

Figure 14 is a view of a blank according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 15 is a view of a lid according to the fourth embodiment; Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the container in assembled form according to the fourth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 17 is a view of a blank according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; and Figure 18 is a view of the assembled container using the blank of figure 17.

The container blank 10 as shown in Figure 1 is preferably a sheet of clear plastic approximately 0.5 to 1 mm in thickness provided with a plurality of score or fold lines 11 die-cut in the surface of the blank. The ends 12 and 13 of the blank are formed with tabs 14, 15 which engage in cuts preferably in the form of slits 16, 17 when the sheet is formed into a substantially cylindrical article. One edge 18 of the sheet which will form the top edge of the container is provided with tabs 19 for locking engagement in cuts preferably formed as slots 20 in the lid member 21. Slots 22 are cut in the blank near the edge which will form the bottom edge of the container for receiving tabs 23 on the base member 24 in locking engagement.

The container is assembled by first bringing the ends 12 and 13 into overlapping relationship whereby the tabs 14 and 15 engage in the slits 16 and 17 respectively thus forming a cylinder having a plurality of flat surfaces 25. The tabs 23 and extensions 26 on the base member are turned at right angles to the base 24 as shown in Figure 4 and the bottom edge of the cylinder is inserted therein to thereby form the container body. The tabs 23 are turned inwardly through the slots 22 thereby locking the base securely on the container.

The lid 21 is formed by bringing the ends 27, 28 into overlapping relationship and tabs 29, 30 are inserted in slits 31, 32 respectively to secure the lid in its conical form as shown in Figure 4. The tabs or extensions 33 of the lid are turned downwardly at their fold lines 34 to engage the corresponding flat surfaces of the cylinder and the tabs 19 on the top edge of the cylinder are turned outwardly to engage in the slots 20 in the lid thereby securing the lid on the container.

If desired and preferably, the container is provided with a pair of slots 36 for receiving the ends of a handle member also formed from the same plastics sheet material. The ends of the handle strip are provided with arrowhead configurations to prevent the handle from being accidentally withdrawn from the container. It will be appreciated that depending upon the end use of the container, one or more of the members may be omitted. For example, a fully assembled container, with handle woul be used for the purpose of presenting gifts such as chocolates, Easter eggs, cakes, biscuits, flowers or the like. The handle would be omitted if the article were to be used as a terrarium and the base would be omitted if th article were to be used as a protective shelter for the propagation of plants and/or seeds. The aforesaid uses ar purely exemplary of the versatility of the article of this invention.

A second embodiment of the invention is described with references to figures 5 and 9. Figure 5 shows a flat container blank 10 which has a plurality of score or fold lines 11 die cut into the blank 10. The lines 11 divide the blank 10 into a plurality of surfaces 25 as in the earlier embodiment. One edge of the blank 10 is provided with four tabs 19 and the other edge of the blank is provided with generally rectangular tabs 35 which extend the width of each respective surface 25. Two of the surfaces 25 are of greater width than the remaining surfaces and those are identified by the reference numeral 25'. One end of the blank 10 is provided with a tab 14 an the other end is provided with a cut in the form of a slit 17. The end provided with the slit 17 has a small panel section 26 which will form an overlap when the blank 10 is assembled by bringing the tab 14 into engagement with the slit 17 so that the blank 10 forms a generally oval shape. The blank 10 is also provided with slots 36 for receiving handle 40 shown in figure 9.

When the blank 10 is formed into the oval shape the larger surfaces 25' are opposite one another so that the shape of the assembled blank in plan view matches the shape of base 24 shown in figure 7. The tabs 35 are folded inwardly at right angles to the surfaces 25 as is shown at figure 8 so that the tabs 35 form a ledge for receiving the base 24. The base 24 may then be inserted into the assembled blank 10 and rest on the ledge formed by the tabs 35 as is shown in figure 8. As is clearly seen in figure 7 the base 24 is polygonal and has sides 42 which are the same length as the surfaces 25. The base 24 also has opposite sides 43 which are longer than the remaining sides 42 and are of the same length as the sides 25' . The base 24 will therefore be a snug fit inside the blank 10 when the blank 10 is assembled into the generally oval shape having a plurality of flat surfaces 25.

A lid 21 is shown in figure 6 and is also formed from a flat blank which is polygonal in configuration. A plurality of score or fold lines 32 are die cut into the lid 21 and extend radially outwardly from two foci formed by small holes 45. This forms a plurality of generally triangular segments 32a and two rectangular segments 32b. A cutout or space 47 is left between one of the segments 32b and the two adjacent triangular segments 32a. The two adjacent segments 32a are provided with tabs 30 and the segment 32b is provided with small triangular flaps 49 which will form an overlap when the tabs 30 are located in slits 31 formed in the segment 32b. The lid 21 is also provided with four slots 51 and each of the segments 32a, 32b is provided with a generally semi-circular tab 33. The tabs 33 are folded downwardly at right angles to the segments 32a, 32b and the tabs 30 are inserted into slits 31 by overlapping the segments 32a associated with the tabs 30 with the panels 49. This pulls the lid 21 into a generally "marque" shape. The lid 21 is secured to the assembled blank 10 by locating the tabs 19 in the slots 51 and with the tabs 33 being arranged on the outside of the surfaces 25 and parallel with the surfaces 25. The handle 40 can be secured to the slots 36 by locating arrow heads 53 through the slots 36 in the blank 10.

The tabs 30 may be provided with additional die cut lines 30a and the section marked 30b may be completely cut and separate from the adjacent segment 32a so that portion 30c of the tab 30 can be bent at an angle to the remainder of the tab 30 to ensure that it is securely retained in the slit 31 and will not inadvertently pull out of the slit 31.

A further embodiment is shown in figures 10 to 12. This embodiment is formed from a blank 10 which has score or fold lines 11 die cut into the blank 10 and which also has a plurality of tabs 19. Two upper slits 61 are formed in the blank 10 and a lower slit 63 is formed into each alternative surface 25 of the blank 10. Each of the surfaces 25 are of the same width. The blank 10 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape by arranging the tab 14 into the slit 17 to thereby form a cylinder with a plurality of flat surfaces 25. A lid 21 is shown in figure 11 and is similar to the lid shown in figure 3 except that a single tab 30 is provided which is arranged in a slit 31 so that the lid is formed into a conical shape as in the embodiment of figures 1 to 4. Once again the lid 21 is scored by lines 32 which extend radially outwardly from a central hole 45 and tabs 33 are formed at the end of each of the segments 32A. Four slots 51 are formed in the lid for receiving the tabs 19 as in the earlier embodiment when the lid is located on the assembled blank 10. Tab 30 is the same as the tab 30 in the embodiment of figures 5 to 9. A base 34 is shown which is polygonal in shape and has side edges 43 which are the same in number as the number of sides 25 in the blank 10. Every second side 43 is provide with a tab 70 which includes an arrow head 72. The alternate sides 43 are provided with rounded rectangular tabs 74. In order to attach the base 24 to the assembled blank 10 the tabs 72 and 74 are bent upwardly at right angles to the base 24 and the arrow heads 72 are inserted into respective slits 63 in the blank 10 as is best shown in figure 13. This is achieved by simply inserting the arrow head 72 through the slit 63 so that the arrow head 72 is located on the inside of the assembled blank 10. The other tabs 74 simply remain on the outside of the assemble blank 10 parallel to the respective surface 25.

The base 24 is therefore securely held to the assembled blank 10 and the lid 21 may be located by arranging the tabs 19 through slots 51 with the tabs 33 extending downwardly on the outside of the surfaces 25 and parallel to the surfaces 25. A handle similar to the handle 40 shown in figure 9 can be attached to the container by inserting the arrow heads 53 through slits 61 in the blank 10.

Figures 14 to 16 show yet a further embodiment of the invention which has a container body which is dish shaped in configuration rather than generally cylindrical or oval as in the earlier embodiments. The container body is formed from a blank 10 which is shown in figure 14 and which is polygonal in configuration. The- blank 10 has a central circular cutout 45 and a plurality of fold or score lines 11 which are die cut into the blank 10 extending radially outwardly therefrom. In this embodiment the lines 11 form generally triangular surfaces 25. Four of the surfaces 25 are provided with tabs 19 at their outer edges. A cutout or space 47 is left between two adjacent segments 25 and one of those adjacent segments 25 is provided with a tab 30 which is of the same configuration as the tab 30 described with reference to figures 5 to 9 and 11 to 13. A slit 31 is also provided in the blank 10 on the score line 11 between segments 25 which are arranged on the other side of the space 47.

A fold or score line 75 is provided intermediate the opening 45 in the blank 10 and the outer periphery 74 of the blank 10. Preferably the score line 75 is arranged about one third of the way from the opening 45 towards the periphery 74.

In this embodiment in order to form the container body from the blank 10 the surfaces 25 adjacent to the cutout portion 47 are overlapped so that the tab 30 can be inserted into the slit 31. This will pull the blank 10 into a generally conical or dish shape. Central portion 77 of the blank 10 which is defined between the die cut 75 and the hole 45 can then be pushed upwardly to form a generally inverted cone 79 (best shown in figure 16) so that the score line 75 will then form a generally circular base on which the folded blank 10 can sit.

As best shown in figure 15 a lid 21 is formed and which is similar to the lid 21 shown in figure 11 except that the tabs 33 are generally rectangular instead of semi-circular. Once again the lid is provided with score- lines 32, which divide the blank into segments 32a, and a tab 30 which is received in a slit 31 so that the lid is formed from a flat blank into a generally conical shape. Four slots 51 are provided in the lid for receiving tabs 19 on the blank 10. The tabs 33 are folded relative to the segments 32a define by the score lines 32 so that they are arranged generally at right angles to those segments 32a so that they are flush with the surfaces 25 when the lid is located on the assembled blank 10.

The score line 75 and the score lines 11 may be provided with cuts 79 and 81 merely to reduce the amount of pressure required to push the inner sections 77 upwardly into the folded and assembled blank 10 in order to form the base of the container body.

A handle similar to the handle 40 described with reference to figure 9 can be attached to the container by inserting the arrow heads 53 into two opposed slots 51 which are also used to receive the tabs 19 to secure the lid 21 to the blank 10.

With reference to figures 17 and 18 which show a fifth embodiment of the invention which is substantially identical to the embodiment of figures 14 to 16 except that a single blank 100 which forms both the lid 21 and the container body blanks 10 is provided. The blank 100 is identical to the two blanks 10 and 21 described with reference to figures 14 to 17 except that the two blanks are joined along a common scored hinge line 101 and the container body blank 10 of the blank 100 is provided with only one tab 19 and the lid blank 21 of the blank 100 has only one slot 51 arranged diametrically opposite the tab 19.

The container body blank 10 and the lid blank 21 are folded to form the container body and the lid in exactly the same manner as described with reference to figures 14 to 17. The lid 21 is closed onto the body by simply pivoting the lid about the hinge 101 to bring the slot 51 into engagement with the tab 19. The tabs 33 on the lid 21 are folded downwardly as in the earlier embodiment and extend parallel to the surfaces 25.

Figure 18 shows the container with the lid in the open position designated by the reference numeral 21 and the lid in the closed position designated by the reference numeral 21'.

The hinge 101 may also be provided with a slit (not shown) at least part way along its length to accommodate a handle similar to the handle 40 previously described. Arrow head portions 53 of the handle 40 are received in the slit in the hinge 101 and also in the slot 51 to secure the handle to the container.

Whilst we have described in the foregoing description a preferred form of our invention, it will be understood that alterations or modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and we do not wish to be limited to the positive terms employed herein.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A container comprising: a container body; a lid formed from a flat blank having a substantially polygonal shape with a plurality of score lines extending radially outwardly from at least one focal point of the blank to form a plurality of segments, said blank having at least one tab and one cut for receiving the tab so that when the tab is received in the cut the lid is formed into a substantially pitched shape; and at least one tab on the container body or on the lid, and at least one cut on the other of the lid or container body for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body.

2. The container of claim 1 wherein the container body is formed from a flat blank which is provided with a plurality of score lines and wherein the blank includes at least one tab and at least one cut so that when the tab is located in the cut the blank is formed into the container body.

3. The container of claim 2 wherein the container body is a cylinder formed from a rectangular blank, and wherein the score lines divide the rectangular blank into a plurality of surfaces having substantially the same width.

4. The container of claim 2 wherein the container body is oval shaped and formed from a rectangular blank, and wherein the score liens divided the rectangular blank into a plurality of surfaces, at least two of the surfaces being wider than the remaining surfaces.

5. The container of claim 2 wherein the container body is dish shaped and formed from a polygonal blank, and wherein the dish shaped container body has a circular score line between a centre of the blank and a periphery of the blank to define a central portion which can be pushed up into the dish shaped container body to form an inverted cone to thereby provide a base for the container.

6. The container according to claim 2 wherein the container body includes a base, the container body having a plurality of tabs which are folded relative to the container body to form a ledge so that the base can sit on the ledge formed from the folded tabs.

7. The container according to claim 2 wherein the container body includes a base which has a plurality of tabs, the container body blank having a plurality of cuts for receiving the tabs on the base to secure the base to the container body blank, the tabs on the base being folded relative to the base so they can be located in the cuts in the container body blank.

8. The container according to claim 1 including a handle, the handle having a pair of arrow heads at its end for location in slots in the container body blank or the lid whereas to secure the handle to the container.

9. A container comprising: a container body formed at least partly from a flat container body blank having a plurality of fold or score lines which define a plurality of surfaces, at least one tab on the blank and at least one cut-in the blank so that the blank can be assembled to form at least part of the container body by locating the tab in the cut; a lid for location of the container body for closing the container; and at least one tab on the container body or on the lid, and at least one cut on the other of the lid or the container body for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body.

10. The container of claim 9 wherein the container body is a cylinder formed from a rectangular blank, and wherein the score lies divide the rectangular blank into a plurality of surfaces having substantially the same width.

11. The container of claim 9 wherein the container body is oval shaped and formed from a rectangular blank, and wherein the score lines divided the rectangular blank into a plurality of surfaces, at least two of the surfaces being wider than the remaining surfaces.

12. The container of claim 9 wherein the container body is dish shaped and formed from a polygonal blank, and wherein the dish shaped container body has a circular score line between a centre of the blank and a periphery of the blank to define a central portion which can be pushed up into the dish shaped container body to form an inverted cone to thereby provide a base for the container.

13. The container according to claim 9 wherein the container body includes a base, the container body having a plurality of tabs which are folded relative to the container body to form a ledge so that the base can sit on the ledge formed from the folded tabs.

14. The container according to claim 9 wherein the container body includes a base which has a plurality of tabs, the container body blank having a plurality of cuts for receiving the tabs on the base to secure the base to the container body blank, the tabs on the base being folded relative to the base so they can be located in the cuts in the container body blank.

15. The container according to claim 9 including a handle, the handle having a pair of arrow heads at its end for location in slots in the container body blank or the lid whereas to secure the handle to the container.

16. The container of claim 9 wherein the lid is formed from a flat blank having a substantially polygonal shape with a plurality of score lines extending radially outwardly from at least one focal point of the blank to form a plurality of segments, said blank having at least one tab and one cut for receiving the tab so that when the tab is received in the cut the lid is formed into a substantially pitched shape.

17. The container of claim 1 or claim 16 wherein the pitched shape of the lid is a conical shape or a marque shape, the conical shape being formed from radial score lines emanating form a single focus or the marque shape being formed from radial score lines emanating from two spaced foci.

18. A container comprising: a container body formed at least partly from a flat container body blank having a plurality of fold or score lines which define a plurality of surfaces, at least one tab on the blank and at least one cut- in the blank so that the blank can be assembled to form at least part of the container body by locating the tab in the cut; a lid formed from a flat blank having a substantially polygonal shape with a plurality of score lines extending radially outwardly from at least one focal point of the blank to form a plurality of segments, said blank having at least one tab and one cut for receiving the tab so that when the tab is received in the cut the lid is formed into a substantially pitched shape; and at least one tab on the container body or on the lid, and at least one cut on the other of the lid or container body for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body.

19. A container according to claim 1, 9 or 18 wherein the container body and the lid are formed from a single blank which has a container body blank and a lid blank joined together along a hinge line so that the lid can pivot from an open position to a closed position about the hinge line.

20. A container comprising: a container blank having;

(i) a container body blank portion having a plurality of fold or score lines which define a plurality of surfaces, at least one tab on the blank and at least one cut in the blank so that the blank can be assembled to form at least part of the container body by locating the tab in the cut; and

(ii) a lid blank formed integrally with the container body blank and being joined to the container body blank by a hinge line, the lid blank having a plurality of score lines extending radially outwardly from at least one focal point of the blank to form a plurality of segments, said lid blank having at least one tab and one cut for receiving the tab so that when the tab is received in the cut the lid is formed into a substantially pitched shape; at least one tab on the container body blank or on the lid blank, and at least one cut on the other of the lid blank or container body blank for receiving the tab to secure the lid to the container body; and wherein the lid is open and closed by pivoting the lid relative to the container body about the hinge line.