Abstract: A paperboard blank for forming a carton and a machine for applying the same to a series of containers for forming a package without the need for glue or other adhesives and including novel gussets attached between a locking panel and a front panel, the gussets being properly placed in position by the machine and held in place by the weight of the containers in the finished package, thereby holding the front panel in a closed position. A particular embodiment includes drinking straws, or the like, which are protected by the front panels upon assembly of the completed package.

Abstract: A carton comprises first and second panels disposed in an overlapping relationship, and an interlocking arrangement for interconnecting the first and second panels. The interlocking arrangement comprises a slit formed in the first panel, and a tab projecting from the free end edge of the second panel and received in the slit. The slit includes a main slit portion disposed generally along the free end edge of the first panel, an intermediate slit potion emanating from an end of the main slit portion and extending away from the free end edge of the first panel, and a terminal slit portion emanating from the intermediate slit portion and extending away from the main slit portion to be disposed generally along the free end edge of the first panel. The tab comprises an ear protruding from at least one of the opposite side edges of the tab.

Abstract: A wrap-around carrier for carrying gable topped cartons with at least one end flap is formed without the use of adhesive by the addition of a gusset that holds the end flap securely in place. The gusset is held in place by the gable topped cartons that are contained within the wrap-around carrier. The wrap-around carrier also includes a paperboard locking mechanism that interconnects the bottom panel portions of the carrier together.

Abstract: For the shipping and possible return of an ordered item and an optional insert, a packaging construction is provided in which the primary item to be packaged can be transported at all times without belong damaged, regardless of whether the packaging houses an insert or whether such insert was removed. Z-shaped flaps, which envelop the item to be packaged, are for this purpose provided on the packaging construction.

Abstract: A carton comprises first and second panels disposed in an overlapping relationship, and an interlocking arrangement for interconnecting the first and second panels. The interlocking arrangement comprises a slit formed in the first panel, and a tab projecting from the free end edge of the second panel and received in the slit. The slit includes a main slit portion disposed generally along the free end edge of the first panel, an intermediate slit potion emanating from an end of the main slit portion and extending away from the free end edge of the first panel, and a terminal slit portion emanating from the intermediate slit portion and extending away from the main slit portion to be disposed generally along the free end edge of the first panel. The tab comprises an ear protruding from at least one of the opposite side edges of the tab.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided which in assembled form slides over an openable carton with a protuberance to maintain the carton in its closed position. The sleeve may be assembled prior to production and stored flat or in a roll to minimize storage space and save production costs.

Abstract: This invention relates to a single stage locking arrangement in which the male lock is formed from the terminal edge of one flap and the female lock is located in a second flap and has a unique locking ledge located on an S-shaped cut line extending from the ends of the main cut line of the female lock.

Abstract: A carton includes first and second overlapping panels and a lock for securing the panels together. The lock includes a locking tab and a retaining tab. The locking tab is joined at its one end edge to the first panel while the retaining tab defines a locking aperture and is connected at its one end edge to one end edge of the locking aperture. The locking tab is folded and received in the locking aperture. The retaining tab is folded and disposed at a folded position where the locking tab leans against the retaining tab. The respective free end edges of the locking and retaining tabs are disposed over the same side of the second panel. One of the locking and retaining tabs comprises a tongue projecting from its free end edge while the other tab is provided with a complementary notch or aperture for receiving the tongue.

Abstract: A carton and blank for forming the same including a plurality of spaced apart sections having respective end panels, at least one locking mechanism including a notch formed in one of the end panels and an edge portion formed in an adjacent end panel, each edge portion having a slanted portion and a straight portion forming a junction with the junction being insertable into the notch when the sections are folded together.

Abstract: A packaging assembly is provided for containers such as plastic tubs with snap-on removable lids. A carton is provided to receive multiple containers co-planar arranged to form a tier. The containers are also stacked one on top of another to form multiple tiers. The carton includes minor flaps having recesses for at least partially receiving removable lids on a lower iter, to prevent lateral shifting of one container in the tier with respect to another upon application of an inward force.

Abstract: A microwavable food packaging system includes a tray formed from a base and a sidewall extending from the base which sidewall terminates in a free edge. The base and sidewall define an interior cavity. The free edge defines a tray opening. The base has a raised button extending into the cavity. A sleeve surrounds the tray. The sleeve includes a front panel having a display surface and is disposed adjacent to the tray opening and a rear panel disposed adjacent to the base. The sleeve adjacent to the base extends outwardly to form a leg upon which the sleeve and tray can be upstandingly placed. The tray is adapted to receive food pouches within the cavity. The raised button stabilizes the center of gravity of the food packaging system when the food packaging system is placed in an upstanding position on the leg. Advantageously, at least one food pouch disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A cigarette carton comprises opposite front and rear walls, opposing side walls, a top portion and a generally open bottom portion. The bottom portion comprises a plurality of closure flaps connected to at least several of the front, rear and side walls, and a horizontal hinge line connects each closure flap to its respective carton wall. Each closure flap has a fully open position where the flaps are inside the carton and rest on the carton walls to which they are connected to thereby enable cigarette packs to be placed in and removed from the carton. The closure flaps have a closed position where the flaps are positioned at an angle slightly inside the carton to retain the contents of the carton.

Abstract: A single blank is used to make an expandable envelope construction having four side edges which can expand as the envelope construction is filled to capacity. The blank is provided with horizontal and vertical score lines and fold lines which permit the sides and bottom of the construction to collapse inwardly while the pocket enlarges in thickness and decreases in height and width. The blank has side flaps with rounded comers at the ends which are overlaid by the back panel and closure panel in an unsecured manner to maintain the envelope in a sealed condition when expanded.

Abstract: A blank for forming a carton for packaging a plurality of articles includes a series of hingably interconnected top, first side, bottom and second side panels for forming an open ended sleeve capable of receiving articles. The top and bottom panels are similarly non-rectangularly shaped substantially to correlate with the cross-sectional shape of the array of articles in a plane parallel to the top and bottom panels. Each side panel has a plurality of panel portions including a pair of opposite end panel portions and at least one medial panel portion. The panel portions of each side panel are foldably interconnected by fold regions. Each side panel is adapted to be folded so as to put its end and medial panel portions into at least three different planes to conform with the respective shapes of the top and bottom panels. The blank further includes a pair of gussets provided for each side panel. Each gusset includes two hingably interconnected gusset panels.

Abstract: A mechanical lock assembly for a wrap-around carton. The mechanical lock assembly has a primary variable lock belt, which both prevents withdrawal of a locking tab after it has been inserted into a locking opening of an associated overlapping panel flap, and enables the lock to adjust according to the size carried items. A secondary locking system prevents the primary locking system from disengaging.