Classifications

• • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
  • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
  • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
  • B65D5/00—Rigid or semi-rigid containers of polygonal cross-section, e.g. boxes, cartons or trays, formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks made of paper
  • B65D5/42—Details of containers or of foldable or erectable container blanks
  • B65D5/72—Contents-dispensing means
  • B65D5/74—Spouts
  • B65D5/741—Spouts for containers having a tubular body
  • B65D5/745—Spouts formed by deforming or tearing parts of the upper wall, combined with a deformation of a part of the body of the container

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a packaging container for storing small objects such as chewing gum, pastilles and/ or other goods of similar character.
• the invention is a type of packaging designed specifically to display a funnel-like opening, or pour spout, when pressure is applied onto opposing sides of the container.
• the packaging container may very well be made from one single unitary blank.
• Carton is a highly suitable material for manufacturing the container, however, materials from which the container may be manufactured are by no means limited to carton or other fibre materials.
• plastics are widely used in packaging. Different polymers can be moulded and shaped into various containers, a technique that offers a higher degree of flexibility in terms of form and functionality of the packaging, than is the case with carton. Due to an increased focus on environmental issues, carton packaging has become a preferred alternative for many, as polymers derive mainly from non-renewable sources.
• the invention addresses several of the above mentioned problems,
• the invention provides, through modern techniques and unconventional utilization of the properties of carton, an innovative and user friendly functionality that has previously been possible mainly through different types of moulding and assembly of separate parts and materials other than carton.
• the invention provides an opening and a funnel that facilitate controlled pouring and portioning of the container's content. This is a unique property that is not often seen in other packaging solutions.
• the opening and funnel of the invention are shaped and constructed such that they, in combination with graphics may simulate, three dimensionally, well known shapes and symbols commonly used in the confectionary industry, such as mountain peak(s) and wave(s) etc. This feature provides many opportunities in terms of graphic design for marketing.
• a third unique feature of the invention is the opening sequence, in which a discrete movement in the sides of the container (pressure applied onto the opposing sides of the container) results in a quickly accelerating and much larger, more visible movement in the area around the opening of the container.
• This feature ideally adds a surprise element to the opening sequence of the container, and may affect the user's experience of the packaging in a positive way.
• the invention uses a minimum of material, and the blank is easily folded into a container.
• the container is made from a single unitary blank, graphical print and/or varnishes may be applied in one single operation for the entire packaging.
• the invention is also very easy to use, as a mere squeeze to the opposing sides of the pack leads to the funnel popping up to exhibit the container's opening.
• the invention is suitable as packaging for a wide range of goods other than pastilles, mints and chewing gum, as it is easy to use, represents something new and exciting for the consumer, provides controlled portioning, offers good functionality and is cheap in production.
• An important objective of the invention is thus, through the careful positioning of creases and fold lines, to control/limit the change in volume that occurs when the container is brought to an open position, so as to achieve an opening that is optimal for pouring and at the same time avoiding substantial displacement of the content.
• US2654525 defines a box made from carton or similar material, specifically designed for dispensing granular material such as washing powder.
• the objective of the invention is to provide a dispenser carton, on which a dispenser opening unfolds when pressure is applied, and retreats into a closed position when pressure is released.
• a second objective of the invention is to provide a cost-effective packaging solution.
• US2475677 describes a carton box with a reclosable pour spout.
• the pour spout comprise a score line extending across one of the container's walls, said score line intersecting two adjoining creases, each on adjacent sidewalls to the first said wall and each crease extending from different ends of the score line.
• US2850222 describes a carton box, in which a pour spout unfolds when pressure is applied to the sides of the box.
• US3175749 relates to a self-closing packaging solution primarily for liquid and granular content.
• the container displays a pour spout when pressure is applied to opposing sidewalls of the box.
• a horizontal score line in the upper panel of the container intersects with a vertical score line on one of the sidewalls.
• the invention can be assembled from at least three separate parts in carton.
• US2818207 defines a packaging container with a reclosable spout. Certain creases are positioned in an area around one of the corners where two adjoining sidewalls meet. When pressure is applied onto the lower portion of the spout, the upper portion of the spout pops out to form an opening. The upper portion of the spout must be cut loose by the user before the box can be opened. The spout resumes a closed postion when pressure is applied onto the upper portion of the spout.
• WO2008/005468 Al is a container designed for pouring. Score lines on the upper portion of a sidewall guides the said portion of the sidewall to create a pour spout when pressure is applied onto the box. Said sidewall extends, in the container's closed position, onto the top of the container to form part of the container's topwall. Said extension of the sidewall must be separated form the topwall in a separate operation, before the spout can be brought into an open position by a mere squeeze to the container.
• WO 91/14636 relates to a container capable of forming a a funnel.
• the front panel of the container has an extension that is fixed onto the top panel. When the funnel is brought to an open position, the extension of the front panel forms an upper portion of the funnel.
• a crease line extends vertically over, and in the middle of, the funnel, from the top of the funnel and towards the bottom of the container.
• US 2097647 describes a container that exhibits a pour spout when pressure is applied onto the front and back wall of the container.
• a horizontal crease on one of the side panels of the box is connected to creases on the sidewall's adjacent front- and back panel, whereby said creases extend diagonally towards one of the upper corners of each of said front and back panel. Due to creases in the top wall of the box, the top wall deforms upwards, when pressure is applied onto the front and back panel, to exhibit a gap opening between said side- and the top panel.
• US 3269644 relates to a container for portioning of pourable articles.
• the container comprise a pour spout and an adjoining closing flap, whereby the entire area of the front panel, when the container is in its open state, constitute a pour spout.
• the invention relates to a packaging/container made from a single unitary blank with foldlines and creases, said blank comprising a front and a back panel, one or several bottom panels that together form the container's bottom, one or several top panels that together form the top of the container, and two or more side panels that together form the sides of the container.
• the blank may also comprise glue flaps for fixing of the panels to one another.
• the blank may be cut out from such materials as paper, carton and plastics, with such degree of stiffness and flexibility that the desired functionality is achieved in the container.
• the container's panels, top, bottom and sides may be of any shape or size, e.g. square or triangular.
• the basic geometrical form of the blank can be cut out from a flat element of material.
• Fold lines and creases may be formed by the means of, for example, piercing holes or scoring along predetermined lines, or through the traditional method of pressing the material along a predetermined line. The intention is to weaken the material along the line, so that the material can easily and neatly fold along the crease, in a precise manner.
• the front panel When the container is in its ready folded and closed state, the front panel is connected to the back panel, mainly through the bottom, sides and top of the container.
• the invention is a type of container formed to exhibit an open and a closed position, whereby an open position is achieved when pressure is applied onto opposing sides of the packaging.
• the invention is recognized by at least two creases that extend over the front panel of the container, and whereby at least one of the creases may extend further onto one of the top panels (the "primary top panel”).
• the here mentioned creases are hereby referred to as the container's "primary creases”.
• the primary top panel When the container is in its ready folded and closed position, the primary top panel constitutes part of the container's top. When the container is in its ready folded and open position, the primary top panel constitutes part of, and a natural extension of, the container's front panel. The primary top panel and the front panel together form, when the container is in an open position, an opening and a pour funnel for pouring out the content of the container.
• the container is considered to be in its open state when the shortest distance between the upper portion of the front panel's middle primary crease(s) and the back panel is longer than the shortest distance between the upper portion of the front panel's middle primary crease(s) and the back panel is when the container is in its closed position.
• the container is further recognized by at least two creases that both extend over that part of the container's top that is formed by the remaining top panels, other than the primary top panel. These remaining top panels are hereby referred to as “secondary top panels”. The here said creases are referred to as the "secondary creases”.
• the part(s) of the secondary top panels that is (are) defined between the secondary creases, as described above, may very well instead be an area of removed material (a hole), such that what would otherwise be considered a crease is now instead an edge or periphery. Such variant may be beneficial to achieve a larger opening.
• the secondary top panels are shaped/configured in such a way that they partially or completely overlap, so that the top of the container, while in a folded and closed position, comprise several panels and layers of material in/around that area of the top that is defined by the secondary creases, then the underlying panels/layers should also have creases on them, positioned such that these, in the container's ready folded and closed state, coincides with the visible secondary creases on the visible upper secondary panel(s)
• the invention is further recognized by a hole through the secondary top panel(s).
• Said hole may act as an aperture for connecting the top panels together, especially so the primary and the secondary top panels, to fix the container in a closed and locked position.
• Said hole is hereby referred to as "the aperture”.
• the aperture serves its function as a lock, in that the primary top panel can be bent from an open position, onto the secondary top panel(s), and further be pushed down towards the secondary top panels to such a degree that part(s) of the primary top panel pops through the aperture to be kept in a fixed position underneath the secondary top panel(s), thus locking the container in it's closed position.
• the aperture of the container may be of any shape.
• the aperture may very well be confined by secondary creases.
• the top of the container may very well comprise an upper top panel that adjoins to the front panel, said upper top panel being capable of folding onto a lower top panel(s), whereby the upper top panel comprises a flap, the flap having a width identical or similar to the largest width of the front panel's funnel. Said flap having a crease line oriented as an extension of the front panel's middle primary crease, as seen when the container is in its open position with the flap bent out.
• the lower top panel(s) of the container may very well comprise at least two creases, whereby said creases are oriented such that they define a trapezoidal (or trapezial) or triangular-like area, said area having its greatest width along the front panel's upper fold line/ edge, between the front panel and the top.
• the primary top panel is a direct extension of the front panel, however it is defined from the front panel by a fold line, such that the primary front panel can be folded along said fold line and onto the secondary top panel(s) to bring the container into a closed position.
• the primary top panel may be of any shape, e.g. square, circular or triangular.
• the primary top panel may very well have an overall area that exceeds the underlying area, on the secondary top panels, defined by the secondary creases.
• the above mentioned creases, primary creases and secondary creases provide the front panel and top with flexibility, allowing the area on the secondary top panel(s), as defined by the secondary creases, to deform and bulge inwards into the internal volume of the container, and allowing the area on the front panel, as defined by the primary creases, as well as the primary top panel, to bulge outwards, away from the back panel, such that an opening and a pour spout/funnel is displayed, when pressure is applied onto the ready folded container's opposing sides.
• the primary creases on the front panel of the container are positioned such that they define an "inner area” between the two outer primary creases, and one or two "outer area(s)" (the portion(s) of the front panel that is not between the outer primary creases), whereby any point or area on the inner area is allowed to move out and away from the back panel, when pressure is applied to at least two of the container's opposing sides, while any point or area on the outer area(s) of the front panel in general maintains its position in relation to the directly "behind- lying"/underlying area(s) on the back panel, throughout the entire opening sequence.
• the invention solves this problem by attaching parts of the front panel to the top of the container, thus limiting the expansive motion of the front panel to include only the part(s) of the front panel, the inner area, that is defined by the outer primary creases.
• the directly "behind-lying"/underlying point or area is to be understood as a directly behind-lying/ underlying point or area, as seen in front view of the container when the container is in its ready folded and closed position, while the above mentioned distance between the front and the back panel refers to the distance between the two panels while the container is in its open position, under pressure towards the sides.
• the primary top panel of the container is attached to the front panel in such a way that when pressure is applied to the opposing sides of the container, while in a closed position, the portion(s) of the front panel that is defined by the primary creases protrudes out from the container's back panel, such that the primary top panel projects out by rotating up and away from the secondary top panel(s), about an imaginary axis along that fold line that defines the primary top panel from the front panel.
• the opening of the container is formed by an area of the front panel, that is defined by two outer primary creases, and an adjoining primary top panel attached to the front panel, and an area on the secondary top panel(s) that is defined by two outer secondary creases, whereby said area of the front panel, under pressure onto the opposing sides of the container, protrudes out from the container's back panel such that the attached primary top panel projects up and away from the container's top and out from the back panel, while that part of the secondary top panel(s) that is defined by the secondary creases deforms inwards into the internal volume of the container and towards the back panel. Said part of the secondary top panels forming an inward pointing peak that, during pouring of the container's content, divides the flow of the content in such a way that unwanted accumulation and hence blockage in the opening area of the container is substantially reduced.
• the “sides” of the container is to be understood as those panels of the container, with the exception of bottom- and top panels, that connects the front panel to the back panel, while the container is in its ready folded state.
• “Opposing sides” is to be understood as those sides of the container, except from top- and bottom panels, that, in the container's ready folded state, are facing one another and that connect the front panel to the back panel.
• the primary creases comprise mainly two or more creases. These primary creases extend over the front panel and possibly onto the primary top panel, said primary creases being oriented such on the front panel that they extend from the top of the container and towards the bottom of the container. The distance between the different primary creases is at its widest where the front panel meets the container's top, when the container is in its ready folded and closed position, and gradually decreases as the creases approach the bottom of the container, until the creases possibly meet.
• the two outermost primary creases extend over the front panel, as described above, whereby each of the outermost primary creases extends from a meeting point between the edge/periphery of the primary top panel and the fold line that defines the primary top panel from the front panel, and towards the bottom of the container, and further whereby the outermost primary creases are positioned and oriented such in relation to one another that they gradually approach one another as they approach the bottom of the container.
• the creases may very well meet in a point or an area.
• the trapezoidal (or trapezial) or triangular-like inner area on the container's front panel, as defined by primary creases, has no limitation in its positioning along the length of the front panel's upper edge/fold line between the container's top and front panel, and the inner area may thus be situated closer to one of the sides of the container than the other side of the container.
• said abutting crease may be oriented in such a way that it fully coincides with, and lies parallel to, the front panel's edge towards said side, thus the abutting primary crease will constitute both a primary crease of the inner area as well as a fold line between the front panel and one of its adjoining sides.
• the primary creases that extend over the primary top panel may very well be natural extensions of the primary crease(s) of the front panel, so that the distance between creases on the primary top panel increases towards the top of the primary top panel, as seen on the container in its open position.
• T e primary creases that extend over the primary top panel need not necessarily be extensions of the primary creases that extend over the front panel, thus the orientation and positioning of the primary top panel's crease(s), in relation to one another, may deviate from what is described for the primary creases of the front panel.
• the distance between primary creases on the primary top panel may for example decrease as the creases approach the top of the primary top panel, as seen on the container in its open position.
• the primary creases that extend over the primary top panel may very well be independent creases that are not extensions of the front panel's primary creases, and hence extend merely over the primary top panel.
• the primary creases on the front panel may very well, but not necessarily, extend across the entire front panel.
• the primary creases of the front panel may very well extend such in relation to one another that the distance between them decreases as the creases approach the bottom of the container, until they almost meet, or meet, in a point of intersection.
• the primary creases do not necessarily meet in a point. It may also, in some cases, be beneficial that there is a clear and visible distance between the front panel's primary creases, even where the distance is at its minimum.
• the front panel's outermost primary creases may very well meet the periphery of the primary top panel in two points of intersection, where said periphery
• the secondary creases comprise two or more creases.
• the secondary creases extend over the secondary top panel(s), stretching from the back panel and towards the front panel of the container.
• the distance between the secondary creases is at its widest where the secondary top panel(s) meet the front panel, and decreases as the creases approach the area where the container's top meets the container's back panel.
• the secondary creases may very well meet in a point or area on the secondary top panel(s).
• the front panel is partially attached to the secondary top panel(s) on one or both sides of the outer primary creases, while that part (the inner area) of the front panel that is defined by the outer primary creases and thus constitute a pour spout, is not attached to the secondary top panel(s).
• the front panel is attached to the secondary top panel(s), on each side of the primary top panel, such that the outer area(s) on the front panel is attached to the secondary top panels.
• the front panel of the container may very well comprise at least three creases, whereby said creases together define a trapezoidal (or trapezial) or triangular-like area on the container's front panel, said area having its greatest width along the front panel's upper fold line/edge, between the front panel and the top, such that any imaginary straight axis that is situated closer to the container's top than that point/area on an outer primary crease where the distance between the outer primary creases is at its minimum; said imaginary axis extending from one point where the left side of the container meets the front panel and to the closest point where the right side of the container meets the front panel, has, in the container's ready folded and open state, two points that each represents the axis' closest points to an outer primary crease, whereby the shortest distance from said points on the axis and to the back panel, is longer than the shortest distance from the points, on the outer primary creases, that are closest to the first said points on the axis, to the back panel of the container, and the
• the container is particularly suitable as a marketing tool when logos, symbols and graphics are applied.
• Those parts of the container's area that are directly involved in the opening sequence such as the primary top panel and funnel (inner area of the front panel), are particularly suitable for marketing as these can clearly communicate known symbols, such as ice, mountain peak or gems, three dimensionally.
• the container's technical features and construction allows a seemingly insignificant motion against the sides of the container (pressure towards the opposing sides of the container) to result in a rapidly accelerating and significantly greater and more visible motion in the opening area of the container.
• This quality adds to the opening sequence, a surprise element that may affect the user's perception and experience of using the container, in a positive way.
• chewing gum and pastilles are commonly used, throughout the description of this invention, as examples of suitable content for the container, the use of this invention shall be understood to include encasing/storing of any article(s), solid as well as liquid, capable of being held within a container.
• the description also includes the following:
• the container is suitable as a container for small objects such as pastilles, chewing gum, drops, bits of chocolate, nuts, cereals and pills.
• the container is suitable as a container for granular material/content such as washing powder, herbs and spices, and flour.
• Container whereby increasing pressure applied onto at least two opposing sides, on container already in its open position, eventually leads the two outermost primary creases to coincide so that they are lying close to parallel to one another, and whereby the container's two outermost secondary creases also coincides so that these are lying close to parallel to one another.
• a container where pressure applied onto at least two of the container's opposing sides brings the container into an open position, and where those two corners (51) of the container's top, that are situated in a meeting point between the top, the back panel and a side, approaches one another as said pressure is increased.
• the container may be assembled with or without the use of glue, whichever is the optimal choice according to required structural strength/stability and or seal against leakage of granular content such as sugar
• the container is constructed such that it is easily brought from a locked to an open position, as pressure towards the opposing sides of the container in a closed position, pushes the primary top panel out through, and away from, the aperture of the container.
• the construction of the container allows it to form a pour spout/funnel, at the same time as any expansion of the container's volume during the opening sequence and while in an open position, is kept at a minimum.
• Figure la shows example of a suitable blank from which the invention can be assembled.
• the back panel 2 is defined by fold lines 24, 25, 29 and 30.
• the panels 1, 3 and 5 are in the description referred to as the sides of the container, whereby side 1 is defined by the periphery 23 of the blank and fold line 24, side 3 is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold lines 25, 26 and 30, and side 5 is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold lines 27 and 30.
• the container's bottom panels 6, 7, 8 and 9 are defined by the periphery of the blank and fold line 30.
• the secondary top panels are marked 10, 12 and 14, whereby secondary top panel 10 is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold line 29, and where secondary top panel 12 is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold lines 26 and 28, and where secondary top panel 14 is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold lines 27 and 28.
• the panels 11 and 15 are glue flaps, whereby glue flap 11 is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold line 26, and glue flap 15 is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold line 27.
• the primary creases 16, 17 and 18 extend over the front panel.
• the secondary creases 19, 20 and 31 extend here over the secondary top panel 10.
• the aperture of the blank is marked 21, and the figure illustrates an example of how the aperture may be shaped.
• the primary top panel is marked 13 and is defined by the periphery of the blank and fold line 28.
• the blank, its sides, panels, flaps, creases and fold lines, as described, may deviate in shape, quantity and proportions, from what is shown in the figures.
• Figure lb and lc shows example of another suitable blank from which the container, according to the invention, can be assembled.
• Figure lb shows the blank seen from above, in its flat and unfolded state.
• Such variant of the blank deviates from the example in figure la, mainly by the orientation and positioning of the outer primary creases, along the front panel's upper edge/fold line, as well as by the way in which the blank is assembled from a flat blank into a ready folded container.
• the blank shows the back panel, here defined by the fold lines 24, 25, 29 and 30.
• One of the container's sides (1) adjoins to both the back and the front panel of the container, and is defined by fold lines 24, 27, 29 and 30.
• the other side 3 of the container also adjoins to both the front and back panel, and is defined by fold lines 25, 26, 29 and 30.
• the inner area of the front panel is situated such on the front panel that it adjoins to the one side 3, hence the outer primary crease 18 coincides with fold line 26 of side 3, the number 26 must, in this figure, be understood to represent both a primary crease and a fold line between the front panel and a side.
• the front panel 4 of the blank comprise, in such variant of the blank as seen in its flat and unfolded state, two parts, that in the assembly of the container is joined into one unitary front panel. Due to the configuration of the blank (i.e.
• the front panel consists of two parts that in the blank's flat unfolded state is separate from one another
• the outer primary creases in this figure marked 16 and 26
• the top panels of the container are attached to the container's panels and sides, on the opposite side to the bottom panels.
• the blank of figure lb differs from the variant shown in figure la, also in that the secondary top panel 14, in the blank's unfolded state, is divided into two separate parts, until the blank is assembled into a container and said two parts coincide to form a visually unitary panel.
• first-stage gluing of the blank it is the two parts of the front panel that is glued onto one another, rather than the side panels 1 and 5 which is the case in the variant shown in figure la.
• the figure also shows a scoreline/area 66 of removed material, on the secondary top panel 10, through which other parts of the container's top, especially part(s) of the primary top panel 13, may be lead to form a lock between the primary top panel and the secondary top panels, when the container is in its closed position.
• Figure lc shows the blank of figure lb being brought into a partially assembled state.
• the figure illustrates the operation previously referred to as first-stage gluing, where the two separate parts of the front panel 4 are joined into a unitary front panel 4.
• the figure shows the blank in perspective, while lying with the back panel's printside facing down, (i.e. the print surface of the blank is not visible in the figure).
• the figure shows how one of the parts of the front panel is folded about fold line 26, so that said part lies in contact with, and close to parallel to, one of the container's sides 3 and the back panel 2, and further how the other part 4 of the front panel, together with the side panel 1, is folded about fold line 24, such that the latter of the two mentioned parts of the front panel aligns with and rests, close to parallel with, onto the other part of the front panel, so that said two parts of the front panel can be joined together by means of such as adhesive; adhesive being applied onto the area 67 of the front panel 4 that, after first-stage gluing of the blank, is defined/bordered by the middle primary crease 17 and outer primary crease 16.
• Figure Id shows another example of suitable blank form which the container can be made, seen in a flat and unfolded position.
• the blank includes additional creases, other than the primary creases, on the front panel.
• the additional creases give the front panel increased flexibility, so that less pressure onto the sides is required to bring the container from a closed position into an open position.
• Figure 2a shows outline of the ready folded container, made from the blank in figure la, in a closed state, whereby the primary top panel 13 is folded about fold line 28, towards and onto the directly underlying secondary top panel(s).
• the primary top panel may very well, but not necessarily, be somewhat larger than the aperture, such that the primary top panel, when the container is in its closed position, overlaps and covers the aperture completely.
• Figure 2b shows the container made from the blank in figure lb, in a closed position, as seen from front view in perspective.
• the figure shows the secondary top panels 12 and 14, the primary top panel 13, side 3, as well as the front panel's outer primary creases 16 and 18/26.
• Figure 2c shows front view perspective of the container in a ready folded and closed state, made from the blank in figure Id.
• the figure shows the secondary top panels 12 and 14, the primary top panel 13, side 3, the outer primary creases 16 and 18, and the middle primary crease 17.
• Figure 3a shows outline of the ready folded container in an open position, made from the blank in figure la, seen in perspective front view, whereby pressure applied onto the opposing sides of the container has brought the primary top panel 13 and the portion of the front panel that is defined by the primary creases 16, 17 and 18 into position to form a funnel/pour spout.
• the primary top panel acts, when the container is in its open position, as a direct extension of that part (those "panels”) of the front panel that is defined by the primary creases.
• Figure 3b shows outline of the ready folded container, made form the blank in figure la, in an open position after pressure has been applied onto the opposing sides of the container.
• the figure shows how the distance between the back panel 2 and the primary top panel 13, and the distance between the back panel and that portion of the front panel that is between/defined by the primary creases 16, 17 and 18, in the container's open state, is greater than the distance between the back panel and that portion of the front panel that is not between/defined by the primary creases.
• the figure further illustrates how the primary top panel acts, when the container is in its open position, as a direct extension of that part (those "panels") of the front panel that is between/defined by the primary creases.
• the primary top panel may very well be configured and positioned such that the portion of the primary crease 17, that extends onto the primary top panel, together with the portion of the primary crease 17, that extends at the front panel, appear to be one single unitary straight line, when the container is seen in a side view in its open position.
• the back panel is in the figure marked 2.
• Figure 3c shows top view outline of the ready folded container, made from the blank in figure la, held in an open position due to pressure applied onto the opposing sides of the container.
• the primary crease 17 extends from the container's primary top panel.
• the secondary creases are marked 19, 20 and 31, and extend at/over the secondary top panel(s) of the container.
• the sides of the container are marked 3 and 1.
• the container's front panel is marked 4.
• the fold line 28 defines the primary top panel from that portion of the front panel, which is defined by the primary creases 16, 17 and 18.
• Figure 3d shows front view perspective of the ready folded container in its open state, made form the blank in figure Id.
• the figure shows the primary top panel 13, the front panel and side 3.
• Figure 4-7 show the rotation of the primary top panel during the opening and closing of the container, and further how the primary top panel 13, together with the front panel 4 and the back panel 2, move during the opening and closing of the container.
• Figure 4 shows sideview outline of the ready folded container, made form the blank in figure la, in its closed position, whereby the primary top panel 13 is positioned onto, and in a parallel plane to, the secondary top panel(s).
• Figure 5 shows sideview outline of the ready folded container, made form the blank in figure la, in a partially open/closed position, whereby the primary top panel is substantially elevated from the secondary top panel(s).
• the arrow in figure 5 indicates the general direction of the primary top panel's rotation during the opening sequence.
• Figure 6 shows sideview outline of the ready folded container, made form the blank in figure la, in an open position, after pressure has been applied onto the opposing sides of the container.
• the arrow in figure 6 indicates the general direction of the primary top panel's rotation during the opening sequence.
• Figure 7 shows sideview outline of the ready folded container, made form the blank in figure la, in an open position while held under pressure towards the opposing sides of the container.
• Figure 8-17 shows example of how the container, made from the blank in figure la, may be folded/assembled.
• Figure 8 shows the general geometry of a unitary blank suitable for "assembly" of the container. The blank is seen in perspective, lying with the "printside” facing down (the printside is not visible in this figure).
• Figure 9 shows how the secondary top panels 12 and 14 are folded along/about the fold line 28, and how glueflap 11 is folded about the fold line 26, further how glue flap 15 is folded about fold line 27.
• Figure 10 further shows how side 5 is folded about fold line 27 so that side 5 may be fixed to glue flap 15.
• the figure also shows how side 3 is folded about fold line 26 so that side 3 can be fixed onto glue flap 11.
• figure 11 shows how the back panel 2 is folded about fold line 25 so that the front panel 4 and the back panel 2 become parallel to one another. Further, the figure shows how the side lmay be folded about fold line 24 such that side 1 and side 5 coincide and can be fixed together as parallel panels.
• Figure 12 shows how bottom panels 7 and 9 are folded about fold line 30.
• Figure 13 shows how bottom panel 6 is folded about fold line 30.
• figure 14 shows how bottom panel 8 is folded about fold line 30 such that bottom panel 8 can be fixed to bottom panel 6.
• Figure 15 shows the container at the same stage of folding as shown in figure 14, but here rotated 180 degrees so that the primary top panel 13 and the secondary top panels 12, 14 and 10 are visible.
• Figure 16 shows how the secondary top panel 10 is folded about fold line 29 such that top panel 10 can be fixed to the secondary top panels 12 and 14.
• Figure 17 shows front view perspective of the ready folded container, standing on its base (the bottom panels). The figure further shows how the primary top panel 13 may be folded about fold line 28. Portion(s) of the primary top panel may very well be pushed through the aperture of the container to a level below the secondary top panel(s), and thus bring the container into a locked position.
• Figure 18-20 show how the container may be used.
• Figure 18 shows ready folded container, made from the blank in figure la, in its locked position.
• Figure 19 shows the ready folded container, made form the blank in figure la, in its open position while pressure is being applied onto the container's sides 1 and 3.
• figure 20 shows the ready folded container, made form the blank in figure la, in its open position, while pressure is applied onto the sides of the container such that the container's funnel/pour spout (formed by the container's primary top panel 13 and the portion of the front panel 4 that is defined by the primary creases) bulges out to an extent where it is suitable for controlled pouring/ portioning of the content, here exemplified by a piece of chewing gum 32.
• Figure 21-29 show plan outline of different variants of blanks suitable for the assembly of the invention.
• Figure 21 shows suitable blank, whereby the primary top panel 13 has attached to it two sealing-flaps 33.
• the sealing flaps are defined from the primary top panel by two fold lines 34.
• the two sealing flaps can be fixed onto the secondary top panel(s) to seal the container.
• the primary top panel will thus act as a removable/tear-off flap that can easily be gripped and pulled to bring the container from a closed (sealed) - and into an open position.
• the sealing flaps may deviate from what is shown in figure 21, in terms of size, shape and positioning relative to the primary top panel.
• Figure 22 shows blank suitable for the assembly of the invention, whereby the glue flaps 11 and 15 are positioned differently from what is seen in previous figures.
• the glue flaps 11 and 15 extend here from the secondary top panel 10.
• the glue flaps 11 and 15 may deviate from what is shown in figure 22, in terms of size, shape and positioning relative to the secondary top panel 10.
• Figure 23 shows suitable blank, whereby secondary top panels 14 and 12 are left out, and two glue flaps 35 and 36 extend from secondary top panel 10. Such variant may be beneficial at certain methods of production.
• Figure 24 shows suitable blank, whereby an additional two (or more) primary creases 37 extends over the front panel 4 and primary top panel 13.
• Such variant of the blank changes the overall shape and appearance of the funnel/pour spout, as well as pouring.
• Figure 25 shows suitable blank, whereby material has been removed in an area on the secondary top panel(s), said area being overlapped, in the container's closed position, by the primary top panel 13, such that parts of, or the entire, said area on the secondary top panel(s), that is directly underlying the primary top panel, is cut out from the secondary top panels.
• Figure 26 shows suitable blank, whereby the outer primary creases 16 and 18 are the only primary creases on the front panel, and where the periphery of the primary top panel 13 is of another shape (curved) than in previous figures. Such variant may be beneficial to achieve easier pouring of certain goods.
• Figure 27 shows another suitable blank.
• the blank as shown in this figure, consists mainly of the same panels, flaps, creases and aperture as shown in figure la, but it differs from the blank in figure la mainly in that both its front panel 4 and its back panel 2 are attached to the bottom panel 8 when the blank is in its flat unfolded state.
• Figure 28a shows suitable blank, whereby the primary creases 16, 17 and 18 are shorter in length than the primary creases previously shown in figure la, such that they do not extend across the entire front panel 4.
• the figure further shows example of two additional creases 38 and 39 on the primary top panel 13. The positioning of the creases 38 and 39 and the primary creases 16, 17 and 18 may contribute increased stability in the container.
• Figure 28b, 28c and 28d show alternative suitable blanks for the construction of the invention, whereby additional creases are included on the front panel to add more flexibility to the front panel.
• the previously shown secondary top panels 12 and 14 are replaced by one single unitary secondary top panel 40, such that the primary top panel 13 and the secondary top panel 40 are still able to move independent of one another.
• a unitary secondary top panel 40 may make the assembly of the invention easier.
• Figure 30 shows top view of the container in an open position, made from the blank in figure la, while pressure is being applied onto the container's opposing sides.
• the figure shows how, when the container is in its open position, the distance 41 between a point on the outer area of the front panel, close to the top of the container, and a second directly underlying point on the back panel, is smaller than the distance 42 between a point on the inner area of the front panel, close to the top of the container, and a directly underlying point on the back panel. Further, the figure shows the distance 43 between a point on the outer area of the front panel, closer to the bottom of the container, and a directly underlying point on the back panel.
• the two distances 41 and 43 are equal and illustrates thus how the distance between any point on the outer area of the front panel and its directly underlying point on the back panel is mainly unchanged throughout the opening sequence.
• the directly underlying point on the back panel is to be understood as the directly underlying point to the point on the front panel when the container is seen in front view in a closed position, while any mentioned distance is described while the container is in its open position due to pressure applied onto the opposing sides of the container.
• Figure 31 shows the container, made from the blank in figure la, in a ready folded state seen in front view perspective.
• the figure shows meeting points 44 in which the periphery of the primary top panel 13 approaches/meets the primary top panel's fold line 28 and the front panel's outer primary creases.
• the figure further shows a meeting point 45, which is the point or area where the outer primary creases 16 and 18 meet.
• the figure also shows the front panel's inner area 46, as defined by the outer primary creases 16 and 18.
• the figure also shows the fornt panel's outer area 47. Further, the figure shows those areas 52 along the container's top, where the outer area 47 of the front panel is attached to the container's top, on each side of the meeting points 44 between the periphery of the primary top panel and the primary top panel's fold line 28.
• Figure 32 shows sideview of the container, made from the blank in figure la, in its ready folded and open state, while under pressure against its sides.
• the figure shows how the primary top panel and the inner area 46 of the front panel moves away from the back panel during the opening sequence.
• the figure further shows how a part 49 of the secondary top panel(s), defined by the secondary creases, moves inwards, into the internal volume of the container, and towards the bottom and the back panel of the container.
• the arrows in the figure indicate the general direction of movement of mentioned parts during the opening sequence.
• Figure 33 shows top view of the container, made from the blank in figure la, in an open position, while under pressure towards the opposing sides of the container.
• the figure shows two outer secondary creases 19 and 31, and that part 49 of the secondary top panel(s) defined by said outer secondary creases.
• Figure 34 shows top view of the container, made form the blank in figure la, while pressure is applied onto the opposing sides of the container to such an extent that the two outer primary creases 16 and 18 coincide and lie close to parallel and in contact with one another, at the same time as the two outer secondary creases 19 and 31 also coincide and lie close to parallel and in contact with one another.
• the figure further shows how, when pressure is applied onto the opposing sides of the container, the two corners of the container's top, that are situated in a meeting point between the container's top, the back panel and a side, approach one another. Said corners are in the figure marked 51.
• Figure 35 shows top view of the container, made from the blank in figure la, in an open position, whereby an imaginary straight line 54 is shown, said imaginary line being situated closer to the top than that point/area on the front panel where the distance between the two outer primary creases is at its minimum.
• Said line 54 extends from a point 53, where the left side of the container meets the front panel of the container, to the closest second point 59 on the front panel, where the right side of the container meets the container's front panel.
• the figure shows two points 56 and 57 on the line 54 that both represent the said line's closest points to each of the outer primary creases.
• the distance 56a represents the shortest distance from said point 56 to the back panel of the container, while the distance 57a represents the shortest distance from said point 57 to the back panel of the container.
• the figure further shows an additional two points 55 and 58 on the outer primary creases, whereby point 55 represents the closest point on one of the outer primary creases to the imaginary line 54, while point 58 represents the closest point on the other outer primary crease to the imaginary line 54.
• the distance 55a shows the shortest distance from the point 55 to the back panel of the container, while the distance 58a shows the shortest distance from point 58 to the back panel of the container.
• the figure shows that the distances 55a and 58a are shorter than the distances 56a and 57a, while the container is in an open position.
• Figure 36 shows top view of the container, made from the blank in figure la, in an open position.
• the figure shows an imaginary straight line 64 that is situated closer to the top of the container than that point/area on the middle primary crease that is farthest away from the top of the container. Said line extends from a point 60, where the left side meets the front panel, to the closest point 63, where the right side meets the front panel.
• the figure also shows a point 62 on the line 64.
• This point 62 represents the line's (64) closest point to the middle primary crease.
• Another point 61 on the middle primary crease shows the closest point on the middle primary crease to the imaginary line 64.
• the figure shows the distance 62a, which represents the shortest distance from the point 62 to the back panel of the container.
• the distance 61a shows the shortest distance from point 61 to the back panel of the container.
• the figure illustrates how the distance 62a is shorter than the distance 61a, while the container is in an open position.
• Figure 37 shows front view perspective of the container, made from the blank in figure la, in an open position.
• the figure shows an imaginary flat plane 65 (the crosshatched panel in the figure) that extends along and from the one 26 of the front panel's edges that directly meets the edge of the left side of the container, and to another 27 of the front panel's edges that directly meets the edge of the right side.
• the figure shows further the two outer primary creases 16 and 18, and the middle primary crease 17.
• the figure shows how the two outer primary creases 16 and 18, while the container is in its open position, are situated on opposite side of the imaginary plane 65 than the middle primary crease 17.

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Cited By (6)

Citations (13)

• 2010
  • 2010-01-11 NO NO20100038A patent/NO20100038A1/no not_active Application Discontinuation
• 2011
  • 2011-01-10 WO PCT/NO2011/000012 patent/WO2011084074A1/en active Application Filing

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