US2565182A - Carton construction - Google Patents

Description

A 21 1 1 K. E. MAXON 2,565,182

CARTON CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 24, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. KAR L E. MAXON Wig/jg Aug. 21, 1951 K, E. MAXON CARTON cousmucwrou 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 24, 1947 INVENTOR. K AR L E. MA XON lTfdiY/YEYS Aug. 21, 1951 K. E. MAXON 2,565,182

CARTON CONSTRUCTION Filed Oct. 24, 1947 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. KARL E. MAX ON IYTTORNEVS Patented' Aug. 21, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CARTON CONSTRUCTION Karl E. Maxon, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application October 24, 1947, Serial No. 781,977

14 Claims.

My invention relates to carton constructions,

more particularly to carton constructions which are provided with pouring spouts. Included in the objects of my invention are:

First, to provide a carton having a pouring spout which is formed integrally in the carton blank and which, apart fromnormal alteration in the carton-forming machinery, adds no appreciable cost to the manufacturer of the carton.

Second, to provide a carton of this character in which the pouring spout is foldable and when folded is fiush with the surface of the carton so that the external dimensions of the carton are any one of which may serve toguide the contents so that the angle to which the carton is held while pouring is not critical but instead the most convenient angle may be selected.

Fifth, to provide a pouring spout carton which may be rendered "sift-proof; that is, the contents of the carton, even if in powder form, may be retained without danger of sifting through the pouring spout prior toinitial opening of the carton, and even after the carton is once opened, the pouring spout may be effectively closed to prevent loss or spilling of the contents.

Sixth, to provide a pouring spout carton which, although suitable for powdered material, is equally suitable for the packaging of coarse or flake material.

Seventh, to provide a pouring spout carton which, by reason of the complete seal which may be afforded and an inherently large pouring spout provided, may by the use of liquid-proof materials be adapted to the packaging of liquids.

With the above and other objects in view, as will appear hereinafter, reference is directed to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary perspective view showing one end of a carton incorporating my novel pouring spout, the spout being shown sealed prior to initial opening.

Figure 2' is a similar fragmentary perspective view showing the spout partially opened.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the spout fully opened and in pouring position.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary perspective view similar to Figure 3 showing a modified arrangement of the pouring. spout.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary developed view of the carton blank as it appears before folding.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view showing a modified form of my carton construction in which the pouring spout is initially concealed by a tearable tab, this tab being shown in the process of removal.

Figure 7 is a similar fragmentary perspective view showing the pouring spout partially opened.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating a modified arrangement of the tearable tab.

Y Figure 9 is a perspective view of a still further modified form of my carton wherein the spout is initially closed bya sealed tab.

Figure 10 is a perspective view thereof showing the spout open.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view of a carton blank corresponding to the construction shown in Figures 9 and 10.

Figure 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a further modified form of my carton construction showing the carton in its initial or sealed position.

Figure 13 is a similar fragmentary perspective view showing the pouring spout partially open.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view of a carton blank corresponding to the construction shown in Figures 12 and 13.

Except for the end or side at which the pouring spout is placed and the adjacent portions of a carton my carton is conventional in construction, that is, the carton includes a front panel I, a back panel 2, and intermediate side panel 3 between panels I and 2, an extreme side panel 4 which is adapted to be joined to a glued flange 5 provided at the extreme edge of panel 2. The side panel 4 is provided with a top end flap 6 and panels I and 2 are provided with top side flaps I and 8 respectively. Similar flaps not shown but conventional in construction are provided at the bottom of the carton.

My pouring spout is incorporated in the top flaps 'I and 8 and the intervening portion above the intermediate side panel 3. The top flap 8 is connected to the side panel 3 by an articulate web comprising substantially triangular sections 9, III, II and I2. These sections are joined by a center crease l3, intermediate creases l4 and I5 and side folds I 6 and IT. The crease I6 defines the upper extremity of the panel 3 while the crease l'l defines the adjacent extremity of the top flap 8. An angular crease line I8 extends from the intersection of the crease lines It and II diagonally across the flap 8 preferably at approximately a 45 angle. The crease line I8 defines the hypotenuse of a triangular portion l9 which forms a cover for the spout sections 9, I0, II and 12 as will be brought out hereinafter.

The cover portion I9 is provided with a flange 20 which, when the carton is folded, overlies the front panel I. The flange 20 is adapted to be temporarily or lightly glued to the front panel i and may include a tab 2| adapted to begrasped in order that the flange 20 may be broken free of the front panel I. Under the tab 2| the front panel may have a weakened portion 22 capable of forming a slit into which the tab 2| may be inserted after the carton is initially opened.

When the carton is folded, the top flap 1 is folded under the flap 8. The comer of the top flap I which lies adjacent the confronting corners of the panel 3 and top flap 2 is notched as indicated by 23 so as to provide an opening through which the contents of the carton may be poured.

When the carton is folded, the spout sections 9 and I are folded under spout sections I2 and II respectively so that the creases I4 and I5 lie unfolded adjacent each other and crease I3 which is thus folded underlies the crease line I8 defining the cover portion I3. When it is desired to open the carton and utilize the spout, the tab 2| is raised to free the cover portion I9, as indicated in Figure 2. The cover portion is folded about the crease line I8 until virtually doubled back upon the top flap 8. This frees the pouring spout comprising the sections 9, III, II and I2. When the cover portion I8 is returned to an intermediate or vertical positio such as that shown in Figure 3, the sections tend to form with the cover portion and the underlying flap I a pyramidal spout structure at the apex of which is a hole formed by the notch 23.

It will be observed that the several sections form V troughs, any one of which may serve to guide the contents of the carton. Also, it will be observed that the spout forms a funnel of, general proportions to facilitate return of excess contents or to contain excess contents during the course of pouring from the package.

In'some instances, it is desirable that the section 9 be cemented to the top of flap 7, as shown in Figure 4. This is particularly desirable for finely powdered materials as it tends to insure .firm contact between not only section 9 but section I II and the flap I when the spout is folded.

While the various crease lines, particularly l4 and I5, may radiate from exactly the same apex as the crease lines It, II and I8, this is not' I3 to cause the reverse snap action so that the cover portion may be returned to its initial position.

It has also been found that while the crease line I3 may extend it approximately 45' relative to crease lines I6 and II it may be offset slightly toward crease line I! so that sections 9 and I0 are slightly wider than sections II and I2. This has the effect of forcing the crease line I3 slightly under the crease line l8 when the cover portion I8 is folded so that sections 9 and III tend to lie flat and snug against the under flap I and thus provide a tighter closure for the carton.

While the tab 2| and weakened portion 22 are illustrated, it is, of course, obvious that these members may be omitted. The flaps I and 8 may be glued together in their areas not occupied by the spout sections and cover portion. In addition, or alternatively, the flap 8 may be provided with a glued flange 24 which overlies the upper edge of the front panel I and continue from the flange 20. This flange, of course, may be omitted. if desired.

Reference is now directed to the constructions shown in Figures 6, '7 and 8. The arrangement here shown is essentially the same as in the previously described structure except that top flap I is placed over instead of under top flap 8 to form a cover panel. In the construction shown in Figures 6 and '7 the top flap I is provided with a triangular tear flap 25 which may be torn free along perforations 26. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8, the tear flap 21 may be rectangular and bordered by perforations 28. In either case the pouring spout and cover portion is is completely covered by the tear flap 25 or 21. Upon removal of the tear flap the spout may be opened and operated in the manner shown in Figures 2 and 3. It will, of course, be

observed that the entire triangular area under the cover portion I9 forms the opening between the interior of the carton and the pouring spout and is thus suited for packages containing relatively large-sized objects. This does not, however, preclude the use of the construction shown in Figures 1 and 4 for similar contents inasmuch as the notch 23 may be made as large as desired.

Reference is now directed to the construction shown in Figures 9, l0 and 11. This construction is essentially the same as that shown in Figures 1-5 except that flanges 20 and 24, as well as tab 2|, have been omitted. In addition,

the spout portion is shown ascomprising three spout sections 29, 30and 3| in place of the four spout sections previously employed. In effect, crease line I5 is omitted. The spout sections. however, fold under the cover portion I9 as in the previously described structure. In this case the cover portion is initially held closed by means of a label or sticker 32. While the size of the spout formed by the sections III. I I and I2 or 28, 30' and 3| may vary, depending upon'the contents for which the carton is designed, it is preferred that the extreme edges of the spout defined by these sections extend beyond a line between the remote extremities of the crease lines It and II; that is, the spout preferably occupies the major portion of the square or rectangle defined by flaps I and 8 and side panel 3.

Reference is now directed to the construction shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14. The construction here shown is particularly designed to minimize the alteration required in conventional packaging machinery. In this construction the panel I2 is notched as indicated by 33 so that it terminates short of the extremity of the flap I 9.

The projecting portion of the flap I9 is provided with adhesive 34 which extends along the margin of the flap and is adapted to overlie the area 35 0f the end member I as well as a comer of the may be notched along the broken line 38 shown in Figure 13 so that direct contact is had between the flapl9 and the end member I. It is preferred, however, to extend the panel 9 the full width of the edge 3 to improve the "sift-proo qualities of the container.

When the carton is sealed as shown in Figure 12 the folded edges! 6 and I1 confront each other and form the reinforced sides of a slit 31 in which ones finger nails or an implement may be inserted to pry apart the sealed extremity of the flap l9 so that the package may be opened for use.

It should be noted that members I, 2, 3, I and 8 may be termed panels; that members 8, I and 8 may be termed edge panels"; that the cover l9 functions as and maybe termed a "flap" or a monoplanar flap and that the spout sections 9, I, II and I2 of Figures 1 through 5 or the corresponding sections in the other figures may be considered as portions of a radially articulated web.

Having fully described my invention, it is to be understood that I do not wish to be limited to the details herein set forth, but my invention is of the full scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A carton involving: side and edge panels, the edge panels being foldably connected to the side and to extremities of said side panel and having corners contiguous to a corner of said side panel and, when folded, having adjacent extremities; a bellows member foldably connected to the adjacent extremities of said edge panels and having crease-lines radiating from the contiguous corners of said panels; one of said edge panels having a crease line also radiating from said contiguous corner to the extended margin of said edge panel to define a monoplanar flap bordering said bellows member; said bellows 4.'A carton involving: side and edge panels,

the edge panels being foldably connected to the side and top extremities of said side panel-and having comers contiguous to a corner of said side panel; a bellows member foldably connected to those extremities of said edge panels which, when folded, are adjacent each other, said bellows having crease lines radiating from the contiguous comers of said panels; one of said edge panels having a crease line also radiating from said contiguous corner to define a monoplanar flap bordering said bellows member; said bellows member foldable under said flap, and cooperating with said flap when open to form a pouring spout; and a further edge panel underlying said bellows member and defining an opening in the region adjacent the contiguous corners of said panels for discharge of the contents of said carmember foldable under said flap, and cooperating with saidfiap when open to form a pouring spout.

2. A carton involving: panel members so connected as to define when folded a box of rectangular form; a monoplanar flap integral with one of said panel members occupying a corner thereof, said flap having edges substantially coinciding with edges of said panel member, and a foldable edge traversing said panel; an articu lated member joined to said panel and to an edge of said flap, said articulated member movable between a folded position under said flap when said flap lies substantially in the Plane of said panel and an extended position when said flap is folded outwardly from said panel along said foldable edge, said articulated member and flap cooperating to form a pouring spout.

3. A carton involving: an underlying and an overlying end panel; a side panel connecting said end panels; an articulated web, including triangular sections radiating from substantially a common point, foldably connected between said side panel and one of said end panels, and, when folded, adapted to fit under said end panel; said end panel incorporating a monoplanar flap continuing from its folded connection with said web ton through said spout, said opening occupying a minor portion of the area under said flap whereby said bellows member and flap may form a furmel for return of excess contents to the carton through said opening.

5. A carton involving: side and edge panels, the edge panels being foldably connected to the side and top extremities of said side panel and having corners contiguous toa corner of said side panel; a bellows member foldably connected to the adjacent extremities of said edge panels and having crease lines radiating from the contiguous corners of said panels; one of said edge panels having a crease line also radiating from said contiguous corner to define a flap bordering said bellows member; said bellows member foldable under said flap, and cooperating with said fiap when open to form a pouring spout; and a further edge panel overlying said fiap and perforated to form a section covering said flap, said section being removable to expose said flap thereby to permit opening of said pouring spout.

6. A carton involving: sideand edge panels, the edge panels being foldably connected to the side and top extremities of said side panel and having corners contiguous to a corner of said side panel; a bellows member foldably connected to the adjacent extremities of said edge panels and having crease lines radiating from the contiguous corners of said panels; one of said edge panels having a crease line also radiating from said contiguous corner to define a flap bordering said bellows member; said bellows member foldable under said flap, and cooperating with said flap when open to form a pouring spout; said flap having a tab continuing therefrom and overlying said side panel, and a weakened portion in said side panel adapted when ruptured to form a slit for receiving said tab.

7. A carton as set forth in claim 2, wherein:-

a tab is foldably connected to said flap and ocgupies an initial position overlying a side of said 8. A carton as set forth in claim 2, wherein:- a tab is foldably connected to said flap and occupies an initial position overlying a side of said box; and said side is provided with a rupturable slit-forming portion to receive the extremity of said tab.

9. A-carton as set forth in claim 2, wherein: a cover panel overlies said-flapand includes a removable tear fiap at least coincidental in area to the flap thereunder.

10. A carton as set forth in claim 2, wherein: a flap member underlies said fiap and a portion of said articulated member; said flap extends beyond said articulated member whereby said flap and flap member have confronting portions; and adhesive on said confronting portions.

11. A carton as set forth in claim 1, wherein: a tab is foldably connected to said flap and is adapted to overlie said side panel.

12. A carton as set forth in claim 1, wherein: said side panel is provided with a slit adapted to receive the extremity 0! said tab.

13. A carton as set forth in claim 1, wherein: a cover panel overlies said flap and, includes a removable tear flap at least coincidental in area to the flap thereunder.

14. A carbon as set forth in claim 1, wherein: a flap member underlies said flap and a portion of said articulated member; said flap extends 15 beyond said articulated member whereby said flap and flap member have confronting portions; and adhesive on said'confronting portions.

KARL E. MAXON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 205,531 Donahue July 2, 1878 1,704,987 Marsh Mar. 12. 1929 2,313,987 Buttery Mar. 16, 1943

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