US2442079A - Carton - Google Patents

Description

y 9 r R. M. DUNNING 2,442,079

CARTON Filed July 14, 1943 v 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 R. M. DUNNING May 25, 1948.

CARTON Filed July 14, 1943 4 sheets-sh et s 1 r v M ||ll| i l}: w

May 25, 1948. R. M. DUNNING 2,442,079

canon Filed July 14, 1943 4 Sheets-Shee t 4 Patented May 25, 1948 CARTON Robert M. Dunning, St. Paul, Minn assignor to Waldorf Paper Products Company, St. Paul, Minn a corporation of Minnesota Application July 14, 1943, Serial No. 494,683

3 Claims. (Cl. 229-37) My invention relates to an improvement in cartons, wherein it is desired to provide an efllcient end closure seal to protect the contents of the carton.

In cartons having the ends thereof sealed by means of overlapping glue flaps, difilculty has been experienced in providing a tight seal between the flaps due to the lack of a firm support within the carton. It is usual practice to fold a pair of opposed end flaps into a common plane and to subsequently fold the remaining flaps upon the opposed flaps, adhesive being applied to hold the flaps in this relation. It has been found, however, that when the opposed inner flaps are moistened with adhesive they have a tendency to curve or curl inwardly, thereby preventing the remaining flaps fromsealing against a large area thereof. Furthermore, as no means is provided tosupport these opposed flaps in a cominon plane, external pressure has a tendency to bend the opposed flaps inwardly, thus preventing an effective seal with theremaining flaps of the closure, q I

It is the object of the present invention to provide a means of holding the opposed flaps in substantially a common plane and to so support these flaps thatthey will not fold or bend inwardly when moistened with adhesive or when external pressure is applied thereto. As a result these opposed flapsare normally adhered to the remaining flaps of the closure over the entire area thereof, thus providing a more effective seal.

When the inner opposed closure flaps of a container curve inwardly, thereby adhering to the remaining flaps over a relatively small area, the closure seal is somewhat ineffective, allowing sifting of the contents through the closure. Thus when theinneropposed flaps are supported on a substantially common plane, so that the remaining closure flaps can be adhered to the entire area thereof, this tendency for the carton to sift is to a large extent eliminated.

A feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a support within the carton upon which the opposed end flaps of the carton may rest when in fol ded position. The opposed flaps are accordingly held in sealing position by the internal support. p

A further feature of the present invention, resides in the fact that the support, upon which the opposed inner end flaps of a carton are supported, may be constructed so that no special or unusual machinery is necessary in order to seal the carton. My flap support is designed to fold with the opposed inner end flaps of -the carton,

and accordingly the mechanism usually employed to fold the opposed end flaps can be utilized for positioning the inner support in operative position.

An additional feature of the present invention lies in the provision of a carton which employs an inner support for the closure flaps of the cartonand in the construction of this inner support so that the cartons may be shipped in flat formation subsequent to the filling and sealing operations. This feature is of extreme importance as no extra cost is therefore involved in the gluing of the cartonsor in shipping the same.

An additional feature of the present invention lies in the fact that little extra stock is required in the formation of the flap support. The cost of forming cartons including the inner, support istherefore but slightlygreater than the cost-.of making a carton of similar size of any conventional form.

A further feature of the present invention lies in the provision of an inner support for the end closure flaps of a carton which is-designed. to engage both of the inner end flaps of the closure. The same supporting means is engageable with any or all of the flaps to properly support the same. 1

These andother objects and novel features of my invention will be more clearly and fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming apart of my specificatiom.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carton having one end thereof open to show the construction thereof.

Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing the inner support folded into operative position. v I

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sealed box, portions thereof being broken away to disclose the inner supporting construction. 7 Figure 4 is a vertical section through the box, showing the means for the upper and lower ends of the carton.

Figure 5 is a died-out diagram of the blank of which the carton is formed.

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 showing a slightly different form of construction.

Figure '7 is a perspective view of a modified form of construction of carton.

Figure 8 is a perspective view similar to Figure '7, portions thereof having been broken away with the inner support folded into operable position.

Figure 9 is a plan view of the blank of which by a fold line '31 to a closure panel 39.

the carton illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 is formed.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a modified form of carton construction.

Figure 11 illustrates the carton of Figure 10 in partially closed condition.

Figure 12 is a plan view of the blank of which the carton illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 is formed. g

The carton A, illustrated in Figures 1 through 5, is preferably constructed from a blank such as that illustrated in Figure 5. The side panel I of the carton is connected along a fold line H to a rear panel l2. The rear panel I2 is connected along the fold line l3 to the side panel l4. The side panel [4 is connected by a fold line |5 to a front panel It. This front panel I6 is connected along the fold line I! to an overlapping panel l9 designed to overlap the panel l6. While the panels l2 and I6 have been designated rear and front panels, obviously this terminology is merely illustrative, for all of the various wall panels form a substantially tubular carton body.

An end closing flap 20 is connected to the lower edge of the panel I6 along a fold line 2|. A

. closing flap 22 is connected along the lower edge of the panel l2 by a fold line 23. An end flap or closing panel 24 is connected along the lower edge of the panel H by a fold line 25. Similarly a closing panel 26 is connected along the lower edge of the wall |6 along a fold line 21.

A supporting panel 29 is connected to the lower edge of the flap l9 along a fold line 36.. The various flaps 22, 24, 26, and 29 are disconnected except through their fold lines in the died-out formation of the carton.

The supporting panel 29 is connected along a fold line 3| which forms substantially a continuation of the edge 32 of the overlapping flap or panel l9, as illustrated, to a nap 33. The edge 34 of the flap 33 is at substantially a right angle with respect to the edge 32, or this angle may be slightly less than ninety degree.- under certain conditions. The angle illustrated, how-' ever, is aninety degree angle.

The side wall I9 is connected along a fold line to a top closing flap or panel 36. The rear wall I2 is connected along its upper efie e side wall I4 is connected along its upper edge by a fold line 46 to a top closing panel 4|. The front panel I6 is connected along, its upper edge by a fold line 42 to a top closing panel 43. Similarly the overlapping wall or panel I9 is connected along its upper edge by a fold line 44 to a supporting flap 45. The various panels or flaps 36, 39, 4|, 43, and 45 are disconnected except through the fold lines mentioned.

The flap 45 is provided with a tongue or flap 46 connected along an edge thereof by means of the fold line 41. The fold line 41 extends in alignment with the edge 32 of the carton blank, while the angle between the edge 32 and the edge 49 of the flap 46 is substantially a right angle, or may be slightly less than ninety degrees.

In the formation of the carton A, the carton is first formed in tubular shape so that it may be shipped flat to its destination where the carton is to be filled and sealed. In the construction illustrated adhesive is applied to the inner surface of the panel l9 and its foldably connected end closing panels 26 and 36. The-carton is then folded so that the inner surface of the panel [0 engages the outer surface of the panel l9. When thus folded the panel 36 will overlie the major portion of the flap or panel fold line I! so that the panel I9 is folded fiat upon the panel i6 and subsequently folding the carton along fold line 3 so as to fold the panel Ill onto the panel l9 as has been described.

The next step in completing the carton is to close one end thereof. One end of the carton may be folded over an internal mandrel so that one end of the carton may, if desired, be formed in the conventional manner. For example, if the carton is to be sealed over a sealing mandrel the flaps or panels 29 and 33 could be omitted, thus forming a carton which at one end is virtually identical to the construction ordinarily employed in simple cartons of this type.

When the glued carton is folded into rectangular or tube-shape form, it will be noted that the panel 33 lies interiorly of the panel 22,'while I t the flap or panel 46 lies interiorly ofthe rear end panel or flap 39. In sealing the lower end of the carton the flaps or panels 20 and 24 are first folded inwardly into a common plane, this action folding the panel 29 beneath the panel 26. The inward folding of thepanel 20 is restricted by the flap 33 and in folding the panel 26 downwardly the edge 34 of the flap 33 engages the inner surface of the end wall, comprising panels I0 and 9. As the angle between the edge 32 and the flap edge 34 is substantially a right angle, it is possible for the flap 29 to fold inwardly at right angles to the side wall of the carton. Similarly the inward pivoting of the flap 24 is limited by engagement with the extremity of the flap 29, as this flap 29 projects beyond the end of the flap so as to overlie the marginal edge of the flap 24.

; for the folding operation, but after the carbon has been folded into substantially rectangular form. The next step in sealing the carton com prises folding the flap 36 and the attached flap 45 downwardly intothe. position illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. It will be noted that the flap 45 projects beyond the end of the flap 36 to engage the undersurface of the flap 4|. It will be noted from Figure 4 of the drawings that as the flaps 36 and 45 are pivoted downwardly toward the position illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings, the edge 49 of the flap 46 will be brought against the inner surface of-the panel I 9, thus restricting the pivotal movement of these flaps. As a result the flap 36 can not pivot into the carton as it has a tendency to do when moistened and when subjected to pressure from an external source.

After the flaps 36 and 45 have been pivoted into the position illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings the flap 4| is pivoted into coplanar relation with the flap 36, the end of the flap 4| resting upon the end of the flap 45 which projects beyond the end of the flap 36. The sealing flaps 43 and 39' are then folded to overlie the flaps 36 and 4| and are adhered thereto in the usual manner as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 of the drawings.

In actual practice the flaps 98 and 4| may be pivoted inwardly simultaneously, it being necessary, however, that the flap 35 be folded slightly in advance of the flap 4I so that the flap 45 will engage beneath the edge of the flap 4|.

If it is desired a weakened line of separation .98 may be provided at, or adjacent, the fold line 35. Because of the double thickness of stock at the fold line35, the fold along this'llne has a tendency to draw the outer lamination, or to buckle the inner lamination. While some carton stock is capable of withstanding this tendency, the weakening line of separation may be provided if necessary to permit separation of the outer lamination at or adjacent the fold line.

In the foregoing description the carton A has been described as having thepanels 20 and adhered to the exterior surface of flaps or panels "and 45. While this construction is permissible with certain types of carton stock, with other types of stock it is impractical to draw the stock suiiiciently to fold flaps 20 and 90 in unison with flaps 29 and 45. Therefore, in some instances, it is desirable to leave the supporting panels disconnected from the flaps which they support,

thereby permitting individual folding of the supporting flaps and the end closure flaps which they support.

The carton B. illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings, is virtually identical with the carton A, with the exceptions that the supporting flaps are not connected to the end closure flaps by glue or other means and that the supporting flaps are connected by a fold line slightly off-set from the fold lines connecting the closure flaps to the various walls so that the supporting flaps may lie interlorly of the closure flaps without stretching the stock of which the carton is constructed.

The carton B is provided with a side wall.50 foldably connected at to a. rear panel 52. The rear panel 5 2 is connected by a fold line 53 to a side panel 54, which in turn is connected along a fold line 55 to the front panel 58. The front panel 56 is connected along a. fold line 52 to the overlapping wall or panel 59. The construction from the fold line 56 to the left end of the blank, as illustrated in Figure 6, is identical to the corresponding portions of the construction shown in Figure 5. I

The panel 50 is connected along a fold line 00 to an end closure flap 6|. The rear panel 52 is connected along its lower edge by a fold line 62 to a closure panel 63. The side panel 54 is connected at its lower edge along a fold line 60 to an end closing panel 65. The front panel 56 is connected along the fold line 66 to a closure panel orfiap 61. The panel 59 is connected along a fold line 69 to a supporting flap or panel I0. The fold line 69 is located slightly off-set inwardly of the blank from the aligned fold lines 60, 02, 64, and 69, so that the supporting panel I0 will fold interlorly oflthe end closure flaps.

The panel or flap I0 is connected along a fold line II to a flap 12. The edge 19 of the flap I2 extends at substantially a right angle with respect to the end I4 of the carton blank.

Similar closing flaps are provided at the upper edge of the carton blank. The panel 50 is connected along a fold line 15 to an end closing panel 15. The panel 52 is connected along afold line 11 to an end closing panel 19. Side panel 54 is connected along fold line 80 to an end closing panel 8|. Front panel 56 is connected along fold line 82 to the top closing panel 83. Overlapping panel 59 is connected along fold line 04 to the carton blank. The edge 09 of the flap 00 extends at substantially a right angle with respect to the carton end I4.

The adhesive. indicated by the numeral 90. is

applied only to the inner surface of the panel '50 between the fold lines 00 and 15. Thus the carton may be folded in flat formation such as by folding the blank along fold lines 51 and I3 and adhering the inner surface of the panel 50 to the exterior surface of thepanel 50. The cartons are usually shipped when in this flat formation.

The operation of sealing the carton B is identical to that described in connection with the carton A, it being noted that the panels 10 and to lie interlorly of the opposed panels 0i and 65, and the opposed panels I0 and ll respectively.

The supporting panels 10 and 05 are prevented from folding into the carton by engagement of the edges I0 and 09 of the flaps I2 and 00, respectively, with the adjacent inner surface of the side wall of the carton. The remaining flaps which are adhered together merely overlie the supporting flaps and are held in position thereby.

In Figures 7 through 9 of the drawings, I'disclose a slightly different form of carton construction. Inthis carton, which is indicated in general by the letter C, the supporting flaps which lie interlorly of the end sealing flaps are provided along opposite edges of the flaps, thereby more firmly securing the supporting flaps or panels.

The carton C is formed of a blank of the type illustrated in Figure 9 of the drawings. This blank is disclosed as having a side wall panel 9| connected along a fold line '92 to the rear wall panel 93. The rear wall panel 93 is connected along a fold line 94 to a side wall 95, which in turn is connected by fold line 95 to the front panel 91. The front panel 91 is connected along fold line 99 to the overlapping flap or panel I00 which is designed to lie exterlorly of the panel 9| and to be adhered thereto.

The side panel 9-2 is connected along its lower edge by'a fold line :IOI toan end closing flap I02. This end closing flap is connected along a fold line I03 to an additional supporting flap I04. The edge I05 of the flap I04 extends at substantially right angles with respect to the edge I06 of the side panel 9i.

The rear panel 93 is connected along the fold line I01 to the closing panel I09, and the side panel 95 is connected along the fold line IIO to the end closing panel III. The front panel 91 is connected along its lower edge by a fold line I I2 to a, closing flap H3 and the overlapping flap the closing flap I20, which in turn is connected along a. fold line I:2I to the supporting flap I22.

The panel 93 is connected along the fold line I23" to the closing flap I24 and the side wall 95 is connected along the fold line I 25 to the flap or panel m; The front wall 91 is connected along the v fold line I21 to the closure panel I29and the wall I iscounec'ted along the fold line I30 to the first folded and glued in tubular formation, such as by foldingthe carton along the fold lines 34 and 39 and adhering the outer surface of the panel 9I to the inner surface of the panel I00. The adhesive is preferably provided on the inner surface of the panel I00 as indicated by the number I34. If desired the panels H and I3I may be adhered to the outer surface of the panels I02 and I-20, respectively.

The manner in which the upper extremity of the carton is sealed is illustrated in Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings. The flap I3I, together with the flap I to which it is adhered or against which it engages, is pivoted into the position illustrated in Figure 8 of the drawings, and the flap I26 is folded along its fold line I so as to marginally engage the projecting edge of the flap I20. The edges I and I35 of the flaps I22 and I33 are atsubstantially right angles to the ends I06 and I31 of the blank and therefore act to support the sealing flaps from pivoting into edge of the overlapping panel I 41 along a fold line I12. The flap or panel "I is of the same somewhat wider than the overlapping panel I41.

A locking flange I13 is connected along a fold the interior of the carton by limiting the pivotal movement to ninety degrees. The flap I25 is marginally supported by the flap I20 and the sealing flaps I24 and I129 fold over the closing flaps and are adhered thereto.

close a modified form of carton construction illustrated in general by the letter D. In this form of construction the carton is formed as best illustrated in Figure 12 of the drawings, showing a panel I39 which is foldably secured to the rear panel I40 along a fold line I. The rear panel I40 is connected by a fold line I42 to the side panel I43. This panel I43 is in turn connected along the fold line I44 to the front wall panel I45. This panel in turn is connected along the fold line I46 to the side wall overlapping panel I41. The panel I41 is somewhat narrower than the panel I39 which it overlaps and a locking panel I49 is connected thereto along the fold line I50. Thus .the panel I50 folds inwardly from a point spaced from the innersurface of the rear 5 illustrated, thus positively locking the flaps from width as the panels I02 and I53 and is therefore line I14 to an edge of the flap'IBII. A similar flange I15 is connected to the flap "I along the foldline I16. These flanges I13 and I15 operate in the manner described in connection with the,

previous constructions by enga ing against the inner surface of the side wall panel. I39 so as to limit inward pivoting of the flaps Ill and I60. These last mentioned flaps are somewhat longer than the flaps I5I, I52, I5I, and I53, which are preferably arranged to fold into abutting relationship. Thus the lockingflaps I and HI underlie pgtihias of both the abutting flaps I5I, I52, and I In operation the overlapping panel I41 is adhered to the surface of .the side wall I39 and the lower'end of the container is sealed. In sealing the lower end of the container the flap III is folded inwardly by the flap I62 so that the panel I" limits inward folding of the panels I52 and I63, the flange I15 folds between the locking panel I49 and the rear wall I40, the flap "I thus being locked positively from folding inwardly more than a predetermined amount.

The manner in which the top of the container is sealed is identical-to that described. The flap I50 is folded downwardly beneath the flap iii, the flaps I5I and I52 folding into substantially coplanar relation. The closure flaps I55 and I55 are then folded over the previously folded flaps I5I and I52 and are adhered thereto.

In folding from the position illustrated in Figure -10 to the position shown in Figure 11, it is understood that the flange I13 will extend between the locking panel I49 and the rear wall I40 01 the container due to the fact that a space is provided between these two elements because of the position of the fold line I50. As best illustrated in Figure ll, the flap I50 is positively locked from folding to a greater extent than that -folding inwardly.

In accordancewith the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my carton, and while I have endeavored to set forth the best embodiments thereof, I desire to have it understood thatobvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my wall I40 so as to provide a space or opening between the locking panel I49 and the rear wall I40. Top closure flaps I5I and. I52 are connected to the upper edges of the panels I39 and I43, respectively, along fold lines I53 and I54. Closure flaps I55 and I55 are connected to the upper edges of the panels I40 and I45 along fold lines I51 and I59. A top panel I50 is connected along a fold line I6I to the upper edge of the overlapping panel I41. The panel I50 is of the same width as the panels I5I and I52 and is therefore somewhat wider than the overlapping panel I41.

Closure flaps I52 and I63 are connected to the 'panels I39 and I43 along fold lines I54 and I55.

invention.

Iclaim: l. A carton comprising four rectang'ularly arranged side walls. 'a' panel on one side wall overlapping an adjacent side wall and being adhered thereto to lie inwardly thereof, a pair of op d closure flaps on two opposed side walls folded into coplanar relationship, closure panels on the remaining side walls folded to overlie said coplanar flaps and adhered thereto in superimposed relation, a supporting flap hingedly connected to said panel along a fold line parallel to and adjacent the fold line of the side wall panel overlapped,

said supporting flap being folded to lie inwardly of the closureformed by said closure flap and in surface contact with-both of said coplanar flaps, and a flap means foldably connected to an edge of said supporting flap along a line of fold .at

' substantially right angles to the line of fold connecting said supporting flap to said panel, said flap means having an edgeengaging the inner surface of said supporting panel to limit inward folding of said supporting flap relative to said panel. I g

2. A carton comprising four rectangularly arranged side walls, a panel secured to one of said side walls and adhesively secured in overlapping relation to an adjacent side wall to secure said side walls in tubular form, said panel lying inwardly of the side wall which it overlaps, a pair of closure flaps secured to said overlapped wall and the opposite. wall and folded into coplanar relationship, a closure panel on a remaining side wall overlying said coplanar flaps and adhered thereto, a closure flap on the remaining side wall folded to overlie said last named closure flap and adhered thereto, a supporting flap foldably connected to the said panel along a line of fold parallel to and adjacent the fold line connecting the overlapping side wall to its closure flap, said supporting flap being folded inwardly of said opposed flaps and extending beyond the end of the closure flap issuing from the overlapping panel and into engagement with the closure flap on the opposite side wall so as to lie inwardly of portions of both of said opposed closure flaps, flap means 'on an edge of said supporting flap extending inwardly of a portion of the side wall next adjacent the overlapped side wall, said flap means being connected to said supporting flap along a line of told at substantially right angles to the line of fold connecting said supporting flap to said panel, and an edge on said flap means engageable against the inner surface of the overlapped side wall to limit inward folding of said supporting flap relative to said panel.v

3. A carton comprising four rectangularly arranged side walls, a panel secured to one of said side walls and adhesively secured in overlapping relation to an adjacent side wall to secure said side walls in tubular form, said panel lying inwardly of the side wall which it overlaps, a pair of closure flaps secured to said overlapped wall and the opposite wall and folded into coplanar 10 wall overlying said coplanar flaps and adhered thereto, a closure flap on the remaining side wall folded to overlie said last named closure flap and adhered thereto, a supporting flap foldably connected to the said panel along a line of fold parallel to and adjacent the fold line connecting the overlapping side wall to its closure flap, said supporting flap being folded inwardly of said opposed flaps and extending beyond the end of the closure flap issuing from the overlapping panel and into'engagement with the closure flap on the opposite side wall so as to lie inwardly of portions of both of said opposed closure flaps, flap means on an edge of said supporting flap extending inwardly of a portion of the side wall next adjacent the overlapped side well, said flap means being connected to said supporting flap along a line of fold at substantially. right angles to the line of fold connecting said supporting flap to said panel, and an added panel foldably connected to said first named panel at a point spaced from the side edges of said overlapped side wall,

relationship, a closure panel on a remaining side and lyingspaced from but adjacent an adjacent side Well, said flap means lying between said added panel and said adjacent side wall.

ROBERT M. DUNNING.

REFERENCES orrEn The foliowing references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS Country Date Great Britain Mar. 25, 1926 Number Number

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