CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/011,730, filed on Apr. 17, 2020. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD The present disclosure relates to a tamper-evident container, and more particularly, to a tamper-evident takeaway box.
INTRODUCTION This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.
Many food products such as pizza are prepared and cooked in restaurants for delivery to the customer's home, or to be picked up by the customer, in a hot, ready-to-eat condition. For sanitary reasons, to preserve the appearance of the food, and to maintain the appropriate temperature, it is desirable to pack the cooked food in a box for delivery to the customer.
Traditionally, restaurants hired their own delivery drivers to deliver the packaged food to the customers. However, due to the popularity of third-party delivery services, such as DOORDASH™ and GRUBHUB™ , more and more restaurants no longer directly control the packaged food during transit. Undesirably, this has resulted in concerns about food safety. In particular, consumers may be worried about third-party drivers contaminating or stealing portions of their food.
Recently, due to the global pandemic of COVID-19, consumers have become more reliant on carry-out and food delivery from restaurants. Many of these consumers would like to know if their food has been tampered with while the food was waiting to be picked up or while it was in transit during delivery. This is even more of a concern, due to the contagious nature of COVID-19. Undesirably, many of the carry-out boxes and food delivery boxes, such as pizza boxes, do not include anti-tampering qualities.
There is a continuing need for a takeaway box that has tamper-evident qualities. Desirably, the takeaway box can be unsealed once it has been received by a consumer.
SUMMARY In concordance with the instant disclosure, a takeaway box that has tamper-evident qualities, and which can be unsealed once it has been received by a consumer, has been surprisingly discovered.
This disclosure deals primarily with folded boxes, such as takeaway boxes, from flat folding blanks, made of paperboard or corrugated cardboard. However, it should be appreciated that aspects of this disclosure can be applied to different types of boxes, including non-folding boxes, and boxes manufactured from different materials.
In certain embodiments, folding blanks for a takeaway box are provided that can include a main body. The main body can have a lid. The lid can be configured to selectively move between an opened position and a closed position when the folding blank has been folded into the takeaway box. The lid can have a lid panel, a tear panel, and an adhesive panel. The tear panel can be disposed between the lid panel and the adhesive panel. The adhesive panel can have an adhesive. The adhesive can be configured to affix the adhesive panel to a base panel of the takeaway box when the lid is in the closed position. A portion of the tear panel can be configured to be torn from the tear panel, which can separate a remainder of the tear panel from the adhesive panel, thereby permitting the lid to be moved to the opened position when the adhesive panel is affixed to the base panel of the takeaway box.
In certain embodiments, takeaway boxes can have a folding blank that has been folded into the takeaway box. The folding blank can include a main body. The main body can have a lid. The lid can be configured to selectively move between an opened position and a closed position. The lid can include a lid panel, a tear panel, and an adhesive panel. The tear panel can be disposed between the lid panel and the adhesive panel. The adhesive panel can have an adhesive. The adhesive can be configured to affix the adhesive panel to a base panel of the takeaway box when the lid is in the closed position. A portion of the tear panel can be configured to be torn from the tear panel, which can separate a remainder of the tear panel from the adhesive panel, thereby permitting the lid to be moved to the opened position when the adhesive panel is affixed to the base panel of the takeaway box.
In certain embodiments, methods for securing a takeaway box can include a step of providing the takeaway box. The lid can be positioned into the closed position. The lid can be positioned into the closed position, whereby the adhesive abuts the base panel of the takeaway box. This can secure the lid in the closed position.
Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DRAWINGS The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, particularly when considered in the light of the drawings described herein.
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a folding blank for a takeaway box, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and further showing a base panel, a lid panel, an adhesive panel, and a tear panel;
FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the takeaway box, according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and further showing the lid in the closed position;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the takeaway box shown in FIG. 2, and further showing the lid panel in the closed position;
FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-3, and further showing the adhesive panel affixed to the base panel;
FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-4, and further showing the tear panel disposed over a central panel of the takeaway box;
FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-5, and further showing a rear panel of the takeaway box;
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-6, and further showing the lid in an open position with a peel-away film being removed from an adhesive on the adhesive panel;
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-7, and further showing the lid being folded into the closed position;
FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-8, and further showing the lid being folded into the closed position;
FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-9, and further showing the lid folded into the closed position with the adhesive panel affixed to the base panel;
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the of the takeaway box shown in FIGS. 2-10, and further showing the lid folded into the closed position with a tear strip being removed to separate the tear panel from the adhesive panel; and
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for securing the takeaway box, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION The following description of technology is merely exemplary in nature of the subject matter, manufacture, and use of one or more inventions, and is not intended to limit the scope, application, or uses of any specific invention claimed in this application or in such other applications as can be filed claiming priority to this application, or patents issuing therefrom. Regarding methods disclosed, the order of the steps presented is exemplary in nature, and thus, the order of the steps can be different in various embodiments, including where certain steps can be simultaneously performed.
The terms “a” and “an” as used herein indicate “at least one” of the item is present; a plurality of such items can be present, when possible. Except where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description are to be understood as modified by the word “about” and all geometric and spatial descriptors are to be understood as modified by the word “substantially” in describing the broadest scope of the technology. The term “about” when applied to numerical values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” and/or “substantially” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” and/or “substantially” as used herein indicates at least variations that can arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters.
Although the open-ended term “comprising,” as a synonym of non-restrictive terms such as including, containing, or having, is used herein to describe and claim embodiments of the present technology, embodiments can alternatively be described using more limiting terms such as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of.” Thus, for any given embodiment reciting materials, components, or process steps, the present technology also specifically includes embodiments consisting of, or consisting essentially of, such materials, components, or process steps excluding additional materials, components or processes (for consisting of) and excluding additional materials, components or processes affecting the significant properties of the embodiment (for consisting essentially of), even though such additional materials, components or processes are not explicitly recited in this application.
Disclosures of ranges are, unless specified otherwise, inclusive of endpoints and include all distinct values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Thus, for example, a range of “from A to B” or “from about A to about B” is inclusive of A and of B. Disclosure of values and ranges of values for specific parameters (such as amounts, weight percentages, etc.) are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values useful herein. It is envisioned that two or more specific exemplified values for a given parameter can define endpoints for a range of values that can be claimed for the parameter. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that Parameter X can have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping, or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1-10, or 2-9, or 3-8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X can have other ranges of values including 1-9, 1-8, 1-3, 1-2, 2-10, 2-8, 2-3, 3-10, 3-9, and so on.
When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, engaged, connected, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers can be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there can be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.
Although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms can be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.
Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms can be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below”, or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
As used herein, the term “folding blank” refers to flat box blanks that can be folded to form boxes.
As used herein, the term “takeaway box” refers to a folding blank that has been folded into a box having a lid. However, it should be appreciated that other types of boxes are contemplated and can therefore be included within the scope of this disclosure.
As used herein, the term “folding line” can include linear creases formed in the folding blank. The folding lines can be provided by compressing, perforating, and/or scoring the folding blank. It should be appreciated that the folding lines can be provided using other methods, as long as the methods facilitate folding and/or tearing of the folding blank. It should also be appreciated that a skilled artisan can employ a mechanism, such as a hinge, to substitute the folding operation, as desired.
With reference to FIG. 1, a folding blank 100 for a takeaway box 300 is shown. The folding blank 100 can have a main body 102. Now referring to FIGS. 2-11, the main body 102 can be configured to be folded into the takeaway box 300 having a box 104 and a lid 106. The main body 102 can be manufactured from paper or corrugated cardboard. Although paper and corrugated cardboard have been shown to be useful, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can manufacture the main body 102 from other suitable materials that are capable of being folded, as desired.
In certain examples, the main body 102 can include a maximum body length 108 and a maximum body width 110, as shown in FIG. 1. The maximum body length 108 can be about thirty-one and three sixteenths inches (31 3/16 inches). The maximum body width 110 can be about fifteen and seven-eighths inches (15 ⅞ inches). However, it should be appreciated that one skilled in the art can select other dimensions for the maximum body length 108 and the maximum body width 110, within the scope of this disclosure.
In certain examples, the main body 102 can have a plurality of panels. With reference to FIGS. 2-11, the plurality of panels can be configured to be folded into the takeaway box 300. The panels can include sections of the folding blank 100 formed on the main body 102. In other instances, the panels can include sections of the folding blank 100 affixed to the main body 102. Each of the panels can include an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 114. The inner surface 112 and/or the outer surface 114 of each of the panels can include printing material. Desirably, the printing material can include advertising materials for contents to be stored in the takeaway box 300.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 4, 7-8, and 10, the plurality of panels can include a base panel 116, a rear panel 118, a first side panel 120, a second side panel 122, a front central panel 124, a first front angled panel 126, and a second front angled panel 128 that when folded can define the box 104. Now referencing FIG. 7, the box 104 can have a cavity. The cavity can be configured to receive contents (not shown), for example, including various foodstuffs. A non-limiting example of the contents can include pizza. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can scale the number of the panels, within the scope of this disclosure. Likewise, the number and/or dimensions of the panels can be tailored relative to the shape and/or arrangement of various foodstuffs.
Referring back to FIGS. 1, 4, 7-8, and 10, the base panel 116 can be bounded by the rear panel 118, the first side panel 120, the second side panel 122, the front central panel 124, the first front angled panel 126, and the second front angled panel 128. When the takeaway box 300 is being used to store contents, the contents are disposed on the inner surface 112 of the base panel 116. In certain examples, the base panel 116 has a base maximum length 130 and a base maximum width 132, as shown in FIG. 4. The base maximum length 130 can be about twelve and one sixteenth inches (12 1/16 inches). However, it should be appreciated that one skilled in the art can select different dimensions for the base panel 116, as desired.
With reference to FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 8-11, the rear panel 118 can be adjacent to the base panel 116. A rear folding line 134 can be formed between the rear panel 118 and the base panel 116, as shown in FIG. 1. The rear folding line 134 can permit the rear panel 118 to fold along the rear folding line 134. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the rear panel 118 can be folded upwardly and perpendicular to the base panel 116. Desirably, this allows the rear panel 118 to function as a rear side wall for the takeaway box 300. In certain examples, the rear panel 118 can have a rear maximum length 136 and a rear maximum width 138, as shown in FIG. 6. The rear maximum length 136 can be about one and fifteen sixteenths inches (1 15/16 inches). The rear maximum width 138 can be about twelve and one sixteenth inches (12 1/16 inches). It should be appreciated that a person skilled in the art can select different dimensions for the rear panel 118, within the scope of this disclosure.
Now referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-11, the first side panel 120 can be adjacent to the base panel 116. A first side folding line 140 can be formed between the base panel 116 and the first side panel 120, as shown in FIG. 1. The first side folding line 140 can permit the first side panel 120 to fold along the first side folding line 140. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the first side panel 120 can be folded upwardly and perpendicular to the base panel 116. Advantageously, this can permit the first side panel 120 to function as a side wall for the takeaway box 300. While still referring to FIG. 1, in certain examples, the first side panel 120 can also include a first flap 142 formed adjacent to the rear panel 118. A first flap folding line 144 can also be formed adjacent to the first flap 142. The first flap folding line 144 can permit the first flap 142 to fold along the first flap folding line 144. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the first flap 142 can be folded so that the outer surface 114 of the first flap 142 is facing and abutting the inner surface 112 of the rear panel 118, as shown in FIG. 7.
With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 6-11, the second side panel 122 can be adjacent to the base panel 116 and opposite to the first side panel 120. Referring back to FIG. 1, a second side folding line 146 can be formed between the base panel 116 and the second side panel 122. The second side folding line 146 can allow the second side panel 122 to fold along the second side folding line 146. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the second side panel 122 can be folded upwardly and perpendicular to the base panel 116. Desirably, this can allow the second side panel 122 to function as another side wall for the takeaway box 300.
While still referring to FIG. 1, in certain examples, the second side panel 122 can also include a second flap 148 formed adjacent to the rear panel 118. A second flap folding line 150 can also be formed adjacent to the second flap 148. The second flap folding line 150 can permit the second flap 148 to fold along the second flap folding line 150. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the second flap 148 can be folded so that the outer surface 114 of the second flap 148 is facing and abutting the inner surface 112 of the rear panel 118, as shown in FIG. 7.
Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the front central panel 124 can be adjacent to the base panel 116 and opposite to the rear panel 118. With reference to FIG. 1, a front central folding line 152 can be formed between the base panel 116 and the front central panel 124. The front central folding line 152 can permit the front central panel 124 to fold along the front central folding line 152. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the front central panel 124 can be folded upwardly and perpendicular to the base panel 116. Advantageously, this can allow the front central panel 124 to function as a front side wall for the takeaway box 300.
As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, 7, and 10-15, the first front angled panel 126 can be adjacent to the base panel 116 and between the first side panel 120 and the front central panel 124. With reference to FIG. 1, the base panel 116 can have a first notch 154 formed between the first front angled panel 126 and the base panel 116. The first front angled panel 126 can have a first portion 156 and second portion 158 separated by a first portion line 160 formed on the front angled panel. The first portion 156 of the first front angled panel 126 can have a first tab 162 formed thereon. The second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126 can have a second tab 164 formed thereon. When the folding blank 100 is in an unfolded position, the second tab 164 is received by the first notch 154 of the base panel 116. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the second tab 164 is folded out of the first notch 154 and the first tab 162 is folded into the first notch 154, so that the inner surface 112 of the first portion 156 is facing and adjacent to the inner surface 112 of the second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126, as shown in FIGS. 10. In certain examples, the first portion line 160 can be a second portion line 166. Desirably, the second portion line 166 can facilitate more flexibility when folding the first portion 156 downwardly so that the inner surface 112 of the first portion 156 is facing and adjacent to the inner surface 112 of the second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126. In addition, the second portion line 166 in combination with the first portion line 160 can accommodate double thickness provided with the first portion 156 being folded over the second portion 158.
With reference to FIG. 1, a first front angled folding line 168 can be formed between the first front angled panel 126 and the base panel 116. The first front angled folding line 168 can allow the second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126 to fold along the first front angled folding line 168. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126 is folded upwardly and perpendicular to the base panel 116. Desirably, this can allow the first front angled panel 126 to function as an angled front side wall for the takeaway box 300.
In certain examples, the first side panel 120 can have a third flap 170 formed adjacent to the first front angled panel 126, as shown in FIG. 1. A third folding line 172 can also be formed adjacent to the third flap 170. The third folding line 172 can allow the third flap 170 to fold along the third flap folding line 172. In addition, the front central panel 124 can include a fourth flap 174 formed adjacent to the first front angled panel 126. A fourth flap folding line 176 can be formed adjacent to the fourth flap 174. The fourth flap folding line 176 can permit the fourth flap 174 to fold along the fourth flap folding line 176. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the third flap 170 and the fourth flap 174 can be positioned between the first portion 156 and the second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126. Advantageously, and with reference to FIG. 2, this can allow the first side panel 120 to be held into position via the third flap 170 being sandwiched between the first portion 156 and the second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126. Also, the front central panel 124 can be held into position via the fourth flap 174 being sandwiched between the first portion 156 and the second portion 158 of the first front angled panel 126.
Now referring to FIGS. 1-3, 5, 7, 9, and 11, The second front angled panel 128 can be adjacent to the base panel 116 and between the second side panel 122 and the front central panel 124. The base panel 116 can have a second notch 178 formed between the second front angled panel 128 and the base panel 116 as shown in FIG. 1. The second front angled panel 128 can have a first section 180 and second section 182 separated by a first section line 184 formed on the second front angled panel 128. The first section 180 of the second front angled panel 128 can have a third tab 186 formed thereon. The second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128 can have a fourth tab 188 formed thereon. When the folding blank 100 is in an unfolded position, the fourth tab 188 is received by the second notch 178 of the base panel 116. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the fourth tab 188 is folded out of the second notch 178 and the third tab 186 is folded into the second notch 178, so that the inner surface 112 of the first section 180 is facing and adjacent to the inner surface 112 of the second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128, as shown in FIG. 11. In certain examples, the first section line 184 can include a second section line 190. Desirably, this can facilitate more flexibility when folding the first section 180 downwardly so that the inner surface 112 of the first section 180 is facing and adjacent to the inner surface 112 of the second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128. In addition, the second section line 190 in combination with the first section line 184 can accommodate double thickness provided with the first section 180 being folded over the second section 182.
Referring back to FIG. 1, a second front angled folding line 192 can be formed between the second front angled panel 128 and the base panel 116. The second front angled folding line 192 can permit the second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128 to fold along the second front angled folding line 192. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128 is folded upwardly and perpendicular to the base panel 116. Desirably, this can allow the second front angled panel 128 to function as another angled front side wall for the takeaway box 300.
In certain examples, the second side panel 122 can have a fifth flap 194 formed adjacent to the second front angled panel 128, as shown in FIG. 1. A fifth flap folding line 196 can also be formed adjacent to the fifth flap 194. The fifth flap folding line 196 can allow the fifth flap 194 to fold along the fifth flap folding line 196. In addition, the front central panel 124 can include a sixth flap 198 formed adjacent to the second front angled panel 128. While still referring to FIG. 1, a sixth flap folding line 200 can be formed adjacent to the sixth flap 198. The sixth flap folding line 200 can permit the sixth flap 198 to fold along the sixth flap folding line 200. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the fifth flap 194 and the sixth flap 198 can be positioned between the first section 180 and the second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128, as shown in FIG. 7. Advantageously, this can allow the second side panel 122 to be held into position via the fifth flap 194 being sandwiched between the first section 180 and the second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128. Also, the front central panel 124 can be held into position via the sixth flap 198 being sandwiched between the first section 180 and the second section 182 of the second front angled panel 128.
With reference to FIGS. 1, 7, and 9, the plurality of panels can further include a lid panel 202, an adhesive panel 204, and a tear panel 206 that can define the lid 106 for the takeaway box 300. The lid 106 can be configured to selectively move between an opened position 208 and a closed position 210 when folding blank 100 has been folded into the box 104. When the lid 106 is in the opened position 208, the lid 106 is not covering the base panel 116, as shown in FIG. 7. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the lid 106 is covering the base panel 116, as shown in FIGS. 2-6 and 10-11. Desirably, this can permit a user to cover the box 104 with the lid 106 to protect the contents and uncover the box 104 to access the contents.
Now referring to FIGS. 1-3, 7, 9, and 11, the lid panel 202 can be adjacent to the rear panel 118. With reference to FIG. 1, a lid folding line 212 can be formed between the lid panel 202 and the rear panel 118. The lid folding line 212 can permit the lid panel 202 to fold along the lid folding line 212. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the lid 106 can be folded over the inner surface 112 of the base panel 116, as shown in FIG. 2. Advantageously, this militates against contents from falling out of the takeaway box 300 when the lid 106 is in the closed position 210.
In certain examples, the rear panel 118 can include a first venting notch 214 and a second venting notch 216 formed thereon, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. The lid panel 202 can include a first venting tab 218 and a second venting tab 220. When the folding blank 100 is in the unfolded position, the first venting tab 218 can be received by the first venting notch 214 and the second venting tab 220 can be received by the second venting notch 216, as shown in FIG. 1. When the folding blank 100 is folded into the takeaway box 300, the first venting tab 218 is rotated out of the first venting notch 214 and the second venting tab 220 is rotated out of the second venting notch 216 (shown in FIG. 6). Advantageously, this can permit airflow to pass through both the first venting notch 214 and the second venting notch 216 when the lid 106 is in the closed position 210. This can be particularly useful in militating against steam from building up in the takeaway box 300.
Now referencing FIGS. 1, 4, 7, 9, and 10, the adhesive panel 204 can be adjacent to the tear panel 206. The adhesive panel 204 can be configured to be affixed to the outer surface 114 of the base panel 116, thereby affixing the lid 106 to the box 104, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 10. In certain examples, the adhesive panel 204 can include an adhesive 222. The adhesive 222 can be configured to affix the adhesive panel 204 to the base panel 116, thereby affixing the lid 106 to the box 104. The adhesive 222 can be disposed on the inner surface 112 of the adhesive panel 204. Non-limiting examples of the adhesive 222 can include pressure sensitive adhesives, such as various tapes, or polyvinyl acetate. It should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can employ different types of adhesives 222, within the scope of this disclosure.
As shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 10, when the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the adhesive 222 can face and abut the outer surface 114 of the base panel 116, thereby affixing the adhesive panel 204 to the base panel 116. Desirably, this can allow the lid 106 to be secured to the box 104 to militate against the contents from falling out or being accessed. In some instances, the adhesive 222 can include a peel-away film 224. The peel-away film 224 can be disposed on the adhesive 222. With reference to FIG. 7, the peel-away film 224 can be configured to be selectively removed by the user. Advantageously, this can allow the lid 106 to be closed and opened without being secured, until the user removes the peel-away film 224 from the adhesive 222. A non-limiting example of the peel-away film 224 can include a polypropylene-based film. Although the polypropylene-based film has been shown to useful, a person skilled in the art can select other materials for the peel-away film 224, within the scope of this disclosure.
With reference to FIGS. 4 and 8, the front central panel 124 has a front bottom edge 226, the first front angled panel 126 has a first angled bottom edge 228, and the second front angled panel 128 has a second angled bottom edge 230. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the adhesive 222 can be adjacent to the front bottom edge 226. In certain examples, when the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the adhesive 222 can be adjacent to an entirety of the front bottom edge 226, but not adjacent to an entirety of the first angled bottom edge 228 and the second angled bottom edge 230, as shown in FIG. 4. Desirably, this can affix the lid 106 to the bottom panel without having to cover the entirety of the first angled bottom edge 228 and the second angled bottom edge 230, thereby conserving the amount of adhesive 222 being used.
Now referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 9-10, the tear panel 206 can be between the lid panel 202 and the adhesive panel 204. A tear folding line 232 can be formed between the tear panel 206 and the lid panel 202. The tear folding line 232 can allow the tear panel 206 to fold along the tear folding line 232. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the inner surface 112 of the tear panel 206 can abut and face the outer surface 114 of the front central panel 124, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 10-11. A portion of the tear panel 234 can be configured to separate the tear panel 206 from the adhesive panel 204, as shown in FIG. 11. Specifically, the portion of the tear panel 234 can be torn off the tear panel 206 by the user. In certain examples, the portion of the tear panel 234 can be formed adjacent to the adhesive panel 204. Desirably, this separates the tear panel 206 and the lid panel 202 from the adhesive panel 204, thereby allowing the lid 106 to move to the opened position 208 after the adhesive panel 204 has been affixed to the base panel 116. In addition, the user can observe if the contents of the takeaway box 300 have been tampered by observing the state of the portion of the tear panel 234. For example, if the portion of the tear panel 234 has been torn off, the user can assume the takeaway box 300 had been secured but then opened before the user had the chance to access the contents. Desirably, this can allow the takeaway box 300 to have tamper-evident qualities.
The tear panel 206 can have a tear panel width 236, shown in FIG. 3, and the front central panel 124 can have a front central width 238, shown in FIG. 1. In certain examples, the tear panel width 236 can be substantially the same as the front central width 238. Thus, the portion of the tear panel 234 that is removed can only be as long as the front central width 238. This can make removing the portion of the tear panel 234 easier since a user only needs to remove material as wide as the front central panel 124.
With reference to FIGS. 1-2, 5, and 7-11, in certain examples, the portion of the tear panel 234 defines a tear strip 240. The tear strip 240 can be configured to separate the tear panel 206 from the adhesive panel 204, when pulled off by the user. The tear strip 240 can have a pair of parallel perforated lines 242 spaced apart and formed along a portion of the perimeter of the tear strip 240. Advantageously, the pair of parallel perforated lines 242 can permit the tear strip 240 to be more easily be torn from the tear panel 206. In some instances, the portion of the perimeter of the tear strip 240 can include an entirety of the perimeter of the tear strip 240 that is adjacent to the adhesive panel 204. This can permit the tear strip 240 to be more easily torn from the adhesive panel 204. In certain examples, the tear strip 240 can have a first grip tab 244 and a second grip tab 246. The first grip tab 244 can be disposed on one end of the tear strip 240. The second grip tab 246 can be disposed on the opposite end of the tear strip 240. Desirably, the user can grip one of the first grip tab 244 and the second grip tab 246 to pull the tear strip 240 off the tear panel 206.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the plurality of panels can further include a first side wing 248, a second side wing 250, a first front angled wing 252, and a second front angled wing 254, which when combined with the lid panel 202, the adhesive panel 204, and the tear panel 206, can define the lid 106. The first side wing 248 can be adjacent to the lid panel 202. Referring to FIG. 1, a first side lid folding line 256 can be formed between the first side wing 248 and the lid panel 202. The first side lid folding line 256 can permit the first side wing 248 to fold along the first side lid folding line 256. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the first side wing 248 can fold downwardly and perpendicular to the lid panel 202 so that the outer surface 114 of the first side wing 248 can face and abut the inner surface 112 of the first side panel 120. Desirably, the first side wing 248 abutting the first side panel 120 can militate against the lid 106 from moving to the opened position 208 without a sufficient amount of force from the user. The first side lid folding line 256 can also include perforations spaced apart along the first side lid folding line 256. The perforations of the first side lid folding line 256 can facilitate a greater foldability of the first side wing 248 along the first side lid folding line 256.
In certain examples, the first side wing 248 can include a third venting notch 258 adjacent to the lid panel 202, as shown in FIG. 1. The lid panel 202 can include a third venting tab 260. When the folding blank 100 is in the unfolded position, the third venting tab 260 is received by the third venting notch 258. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the third venting tab 260 can be rotated out of the third venting notch 258, thereby allowing air to travel through the third venting notch 258 while the lid 106 in is in the closed position 210. Derisibly, this can allow steam from hot food being stored in the takeaway box 300 to escape through the third venting notch 258, which can militate against the food from getting soggy.
Now referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the second side wing 250 can be adjacent to the lid panel 202 opposite to the first side wing 248. A second side lid folding line 262 can be formed between the second side wing 250 and the lid panel 202, as shown in FIG. 1. The second side lid folding line 262 can allow the second side wing 250 to fold along the second side lid folding line 262. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the second side wing 250 can fold downwardly and perpendicular to the lid panel 202 so that the outer surface 114 of the second side wing 250 can face and abut the inner surface 112 of the second side panel 122. Advantageously, the second side wing 250 abutting the second side panel 122 can militate against the lid 106 from moving to the opened position 208 without the sufficient amount of force from the user. The second side lid folding line 262 can also include perforations spaced apart along the second side lid folding line 262. The perforations of the second side lid folding line 262 can facilitate a greater foldability of the second side wing 250 along the second side lid folding line 262.
In certain examples, the second side wing 250 can include a fourth venting notch 264 adjacent to the lid panel 202, as shown in FIG. 1. The lid panel 202 can include a fourth venting tab 266. When the folding blank 100 is in the unfolded position, the fourth venting tab 266 is received by the fourth venting notch 264. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the fourth venting tab 266 can be rotated out of the fourth venting notch 264, thereby allowing air to travel through the fourth venting notch 264 while the lid 106 in is in the closed position 210. Derisibly, this can allow steam from hot food being stored in the takeaway box 300 to escape through the fourth venting notch 264, which can assist in militating against the food from getting soggy.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, the first front angled wing 252 can be between the tear panel 206 and the first side wing 248. A first angled lid folding line 268 can be formed between the first front angled wing 252 and the lid panel 202, as shown in FIG. 1. The first angled lid folding line 268 can allow the first front angled wing 252 to fold along first angled lid folding line 268. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the first front angled wing 252 can fold downwardly and perpendicular to the lid panel 202 so that the outer surface 114 of the first front angled wing 252 can face and abut the inner surface 112 of the first front angled panel 126. Advantageously, the first front angled wing 252 abutting the first front angled panel 126 can militate against the lid 106 from moving to the opened position 208 without the sufficient amount of force from the user. The first angled folding line can also include perforations spaced apart along the first angled lid folding line 268. The perforations of the first angled lid folding line 268 can facilitate a greater foldability of the first front angled wing 252 along the first angled lid folding line 268.
The second front angled wing 254 can be between the tear panel 206 and second side wing 250, shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. Referring now to FIG. 1, a second angled lid folding line 270 can be formed between the second front angled wing 254 and the lid panel 202. The second angled folding line can allow the second front angled wing 254 to fold along second angled lid folding line 270. When the lid 106 is in the closed position 210, the second front angled wing 254 can fold downwardly and perpendicular to the lid panel 202 so that the outer surface 114 of the second front angled wing 254 can face and abut the inner surface 112 of the second front angled panel 128. Desirably, the second front angled wing 254 abutting the second front angled panel 128 can militate against the lid 106 from moving to the opened position 208 without the sufficient amount of force from the user. The second angled folding line can also include perforations spaced apart along the second angled lid folding line 270. The perforations of the second angled lid folding line 270 can facilitate a greater foldability of the second front angled wing 254 along the second angled lid folding line 270.
It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the takeaway box 300 is provided without using a folding blank 100. This can be beneficial for consumers who do not wish to fold the folding blank 100 into the takeaway box 300.
As described above and shown in FIGS. 2 and 10-11, the folding blank 100 when folded into the takeaway box 300 can have a three-dimensional shape. In some instances, the takeaway box 300 has substantially a regular hexagonal cross section. In other instances, the takeaway box 300 has substantially the shape of a regular hexagonal prism. In certain examples, the rear panel 118 has substantially right-angled corners and the first front angled panel 126 and the second front angled panel 128 project outwardly, thereby causing the takeaway box 300 to substantially have the shape of an irregular hexagonal prism. However, it should be appreciated that a skilled artisan can employ different shapes for the takeaway box 300, as desired. Certain embodiments include where the takeaway box 300 has interior angles between the rear panel 118 and each of the first side panel 120 and the second side panel 122 that are substantially right angles, where the remaining interior angles formed by the first side panel 120, the second side panel 122, the front central panel 124, the first front angled panel 126, and the second front angled panel 128 are obtuse angles.
With reference to FIG. 12, methods 400 for securing the takeaway box 300 are shown. The method 400 can have a step 402 of providing the folding blank 100 folded into the takeaway box 300. In a step 404, the lid 106 can be positioned in the closed position 210, whereby the adhesive 222 of the adhesive panel 204 abuts the outer surface 114 of the base panel 116 of the takeaway box 300. Desirably, this can secure the lid 106 in the closed position 210. It should be appreciated that the takeaway box 300 can have other beneficial qualities shown by the drawings of this disclosure.
While still referring to FIG. 12, the method 400 can include a step 403 of removing the peel-away film 224 from the adhesive 222, prior to positioning the lid into the closed position. This can permit the adhesive 222 to contact the base panel 116 in the situations where the adhesive 222 has the peel-away film 224. As mentioned previously, the peel-away film 224 can permit a user to move the lid 106 between the opened and closed position 210 without securing the box 104 while the peel-away film 224 is on the adhesive 222.
Advantageously, the takeaway box 300 has tamper-evident qualities. In particular, the user can determine if the contents of the takeaway box 300 have been accessed by observing if the portion of the tear panel 206 has been removed. In addition, the user can easily unseal the box 104 by removing the portion of the tear panel 206, which separates the tear panel 206 from the adhesive panel 204, thereby allowing the lid 106 to put positioned in the opened position 208.
While certain representative embodiments and details have been shown for purposes of illustrating the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure, which is further described in the following appended claims.
