Abstract: A top-loading carton of paperboard or the like is constructed from a one-piece blank and enclosed by gussetted top panels. The top panels end in handles which define locking tabs which are received in slots in the side walls of the carton. The gusset panels urge the locking tabs into locking engagement with the slots. The end walls and top panels attached thereto taper outwardly from bottom to top of the carton, causing the side walls to bow outwardly when the top panels are closed, enhancing the appearance of the carton. The carton can be initially assembled into a collapsed flattened form from which it can be easily erected. An automatic bottom closure is provided.

Abstract: A drinking cup base is provided which may be used as either a coaster or an attached stabilizer in combination with a variety of cups, including disposable cups. In both modes of operation, a cup is placed within a recess in the base, such that the mouth of the base contacts and forms a friction fit with the outside surface of the cup. In this position, the base functions as a coaster, as the friction fit any may be overcome by raising the cup. However, if it is desired to utilize the base as an attached stabilizer, the cup is forced within the recess, forming a vacuum fit, which, combined with the friction fit, maintains the base in continuous attachment to the bottom of the cup, until the cup and base are manually separated. The base includes a spill tray to retain spillage from the cup, and one embodiment of the base includes a turned-back outer rim which maintains the spillage even when the base is tilted during tilting of the cup for drinking.

Abstract: A composite package for warm food items, and the like, in which a moisutre permeable flexible liner is laminated to a relatively rigid vented container base. Vent openings are provided by openings in the panels of the base, or by the open top of the base, all of which are enclosed by the liner. The liner is preferably treated to be impermeable to grease. Permeability of the liner to moisture allows moisture to escape from the interior of the package, while the liner prevents air circulation within the package and thereby keeps the contents from rapidly cooling.

Abstract: A self-erecting end-loading top-dispensing container which is convertible from a substantially flattened configuration for shipping the empty container into an erected box-like configuration for loading product into the container and for shipping loaded containers. By removing a tear-away portion of the top panel, the container is convertible into a tray having an open top for dispensing product. Connecting webs join the end closures of the container to the front and rear side walls, preserving the structural integrity of the container when the removable top is torn away.

Abstract: A top-loading carton of paperboard or the like is constructed from a one-piece blank and enclosed by gussetted top panels. The top panels end in handles which define locking tabs which are received in slots in the side walls of the carton. The gusset panels urge the locking tabs into locking engagement with the slots. The end walls and top panels attached thereto taper outwardly from bottom to top of the carton, causing the side walls to bow outwardly when the top panels are closed, enhancing the appearance of the carton. The carton can be initially assembled into a collapsed flattened form from which it can be easily erected. An automatic bottom closure is provided.

Abstract: A partition assembly has longitudinal and cross partition strips with interlocks for joining the longitudinal and cross strips. Each interlock has a first slot in a longitudinal strip and a second slot in a cross strip. One of the slots has a tab with the side surface of the tab adhered to a wall of the strip having the other slot. The tab is foldable generally along the line of intersection of the strips to accommodate unfolding of the partition assembly between collapsed and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A nesting open-top container for popcorn and the like which includes a single, substantially rectangular paperboard blank, a pair of short inner side walls joined to opposite sides of a bottom panel, a pair of outer side walls joined to the remaining opposite sides of the bottom panel, four outer side wall panel halves which are positioned in overlapping relationship in the completed container, and connecting panels which are joined to the short inner side walls and the outer side wall panel halves. The preferred embodiment may be fabricated with fewer and simpler scoring, cutting, and pre-breaking operations, produces fewer wasted die-cut portions, and avoids jamming of adjacent parts in assembly.

Abstract: A carton divider of the type having interlocked partitions of identical construction, each of which has a slot extending inwardly from one edge at an angle thereto and curving back to provide a tab projecting laterally from a hinging line, and a second opening spacer beyond the slot to receive the tab of the companion partition, both openings affording aligned spaced hinging edges on the line; the slot also having a third edge inwardly of the tab, spaced out of alignment with the two hinging edges, and one end of the tab has a slit extending transversely to the tab, and the second opening also has a slit extending toward the slot parallel to, but spaced from, the hinging edges and the crest of the tab slopes inwardly toward the hinging edge.

Abstract: An interlock for a partition assembly made of paper board or the like and having interlocking longitudinal and cross partition strips that form a divider for insertion in a box for shipping items such as bottles, cans, and the like. The interlock includes a slot in each of the longitudinal and cross strips, the slots interfitting to lock the strips together but allowing them to hinge freely between collapsed and open configurations.

Abstract: A combination tray for carrying a drink container and a food container includes a tubular enclosure closed at one end by an automatic-type closure. The drink container is inserted through break-away tabs in the top of the tray, and the food container is slid into an open end of the enclosure and protected by a removable tear-away panel. A retaining panel folds into the open end to prevent the food container from sliding out of the enclosure.

Abstract: A carton of paperboard or the like includes side and end wall panels joined by an automatic bottom closure, cover panels extending from the side panels to enclose the carton, and connecting panels joining the cover and end wall panels such that locking tabs insertable into the end wall panels are formed when the cover panels are closed. Mating score configurations defined in the cover panels align to form an opening to receive an article, such as a drink container, which extends partially above the cover after insertion, and to form a tear-away section which is removable to expose the interior of the carton.

Abstract: A wedge-shaped container is formed from a generally rectangular blank by collapsing triangular gusset panels defined in the side walls of the carton. The front wall panel includes a downwardly extending tongue that can be depressed into the carton to access a roll of strip material. An end of the strip material is drawn around the tongue and secured against the front wall panel of the carton for display to potential purchasers, and the entire carton and displayed strip material are preferably wrapped in clear plastic.

Abstract: An erectable container of paperboard or the like has an integral lid and a novel locking mechanism associated with Beers corner structures for retaining the carton in its erected position. Drag tabs pressing against the bottom panel of the box are provided and are trapped between slits cut in the bottom panel. The slits prevent the drag tabs from returning to their collapsed position, but do not permit the drag tabs to protrude outside the container. The container can be easily erected and loaded and is particularly useful for packaging sandwiches and the like.

Abstract: A paperboard carton and a blank for forming same, including a collapsible interior partition and locking means therefor. The carton also includes an interior biasing flap formed in the blank in a novel configuration.

Abstract: An open-ended collapsible paperboard container includes front and back wall panels, and side wall panels tapering to a bottom edge joining the front and back wall panels. In one embodiment of the invention, the side wall panels widen from the bottom edge to a location less than half the distance to the top of the container, and extend therefrom at essentially the same width to the top of the container. In a second embodiment of the invention, the side wall panels comprise diamond-shaped scores which bow inwardly, the diamond-shaped scores encompassing less than one-half the height of the container.