Automatic Bottom (i.e., Multipart Bottom Wall Forms Automatically During Erection Of Collapsed Box) Patents (Class 229/117)
  • Patent number: 6386437
    Abstract: A collapsible octagonal bulk box has a bottom structure that closes automatically when the box is moved from a folded-flat condition to an erected condition. The box has opposed side walls and opposed end walls foldably connected by diagonal corner panels. A pair of diagonally opposite corner panels are bisected by longitudinal fold lines, and these fold lines define the outer edges of the folded-flat box. A major bottom flap is foldably connected to the bottom edge of each side wall, and a minor bottom flap is foldably connected to the bottom edge of each end wall. Each major bottom flap has a lateral side extension on its opposite side edges, and a diagonal fold line extends across one extension on each flap to define a triangular portion on each flap. The triangular portions are adhesively attached to an adjacent minor bottom flap, and in the folded-flat condition of the box the flaps project outwardly of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Daniel John Larson, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6371363
    Abstract: A collapsible container made of paperboard and particularly a bottom structure for a collapsible containers. More particularly, a relatively flat bottom structure for a rapid set-up, octagon-shaped bulk box. The container includes an eight-sided body and a floor positioned to lie in a bottom opening of the eight-sided body upon movement of the eight-sided body from a collapsed, flattened position to assume an expanded, opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: Inland Paperboard and Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy M. Franklin, Donald E. Newcomer
  • Publication number: 20020030090
    Abstract: A convertible bread packaging product is provided for preserving loaf bread. The packaging product includes a foldable paperboard blank having first and second opposing end edges and first and second opposing side edges. The blank is folded along respective lateral fold lines and attached along the first and second end edges to define a plurality of joined walls. The walls cooperate to form a protective enclosure having a length dimension greater than its width dimension, and at least one open end for receiving a loaf of bread. The enclosure is movable between a collapsed position for stacking the packaging product prior to use, and an open position for storing the loaf of bread during transport and handling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Inventor: Francis Eric Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6349876
    Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible box made of corrugated plastic, which has improved hinge line/score line configurations between walls and panels and improved hand holds. A plastic box of this invention preferably has an automatically lockable bottom to facilitate erection of the box, and can be easily collapsed for return shipment and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: Technology Container Corporation
    Inventor: Fred Dowd
  • Publication number: 20020011513
    Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible box made of corrugated plastic, which has improved hinge line/score line configurations between walls and panels and improved hand holds. A plastic box of this invention preferably has an automatically lockable bottom to facilitate erection of the box, and can be easily collapsed for return shipment and reuse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventor: Fred Dowd
  • Patent number: 6290123
    Abstract: A container includes a four-sided body configured to be folded from an expanded, opened position to a collapsed, flattened position. The four-sided body includes a set of four walls. The container further includes a floor including first and second bottom flaps coupled to first and second walls of the set of four walls. The floor also includes an anchor plate coupled to the second bottom flap and a hinge coupled to the first bottom flap and to the anchor plate to enable pivotable movement of the first bottom flap relative to the second bottom flap about a first pivot axis established by the first hinge during movement of the four-sided body between the collapsed, flattened position and the expanded, opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Inland Paperboard and Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Lei Pei
  • Patent number: 6189776
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved telescoping container, which is set up and collapsed flat quickly and easily, and is provided to the user in one integral piece, eliminating the necessity of a lid being assembled or maintained separately. An integral lid provides an improved amount of cushioning and strength, and does not enter the cubic volume of the container and thus reduce available storage space. In another embodiment the collapsible container includes a structure enabling the storage of hanging files in a collapsible box. An embodiment of the present invention provides for a container with improved support structures for hanging files. The support structures provide a smooth, reinforced surface of sufficient width on which the hooks of hanging files may rest. Since the support structures are constructed from material integral with the container itself, no separate piece is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Motion Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Smith, Richard N. Beneroff, Eric Kim
  • Patent number: 6149052
    Abstract: A corrugated box has two side panels joined by parallel end panels. An automatic bottom panel extends from a side panel, and has two converging reverse-scored fold lines which extend between a side panel and the outer edge of the automatic bottom panel. End flaps are folded up from the automatic bottom panel and are connected to the end panels to form box side walls. One of the end flaps has a diagonal fold line, with portions of the flap above the diagonal fold line only being adhered to the end panel. The angles of the reverse scored fold lines are selected depending on the dimensions of the box to allow the automatic bottom panel to be deployed from a folded position alongside the side and end panels to an assembled position perpendicular to the side and end panels, simply by displacing one side panel with respect to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2000
    Inventor: Charles J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6135347
    Abstract: A corrugated paperboard box has two opposed side panels, connected by two opposed end panels having oblong hand hold holes. The box has an automatic bottom for rapid assembly. Overlapping side top flaps extend from the side panels, and engage with one another to temporarily retain the side top flaps closed on the container. A closure flap extends from each side top flap to overlie portions of the other side top flap and the adjacent side panel. An oblong closure tab extends from a fold line from each closure flap and may be pressed through the hand hold hole to lock the side top flap in the closed condition. Each closure flap has two diagonal fold lines, and is larger than the hand hole into which it extends, such that, once fully inserted, the closure tabs are not readily extracted, thereby retaining the container in a securely closed condition without a requirement for tape, glue, or staples.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Charles J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6119930
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a carton for co-packaging two distinct food substances, in two distinct cavities. This is accomplished by means of a single blank of paperboard which is creased, folded and glued so as to form one major cavity and one minor cavity, said minor cavity being an integral discrete compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Assignee: Bell Paper Box, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Lunstra, Mark Hill
  • Patent number: 6109513
    Abstract: A collapsible container having a deployed position in which articles may be positioned therewithin and a collapsed position for minimizing the profile of the container when not in use. The container is comprised of a wall member and a pair of bottom members including bottom panels and flaps which affix the bottom panels to the wall member. In the collapsed position, the bottom panels are stored within the outer confines of the wall member so that the profile of the container in the collapsed position is minimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Dugan Neff Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas F. Dugan
  • Patent number: 6102279
    Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible box made of corrugated plastic, which has improved hinge line/score line configurations between walls and panels and improved hand holds. A plastic box of this invention preferably has an automatically lockable bottom to facilitate erection of the box, and can be easily collapsed for return shipment and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Container Corporation
    Inventor: Fred Dowd
  • Patent number: 6102280
    Abstract: This invention provides a collapsible box made of corrugated plastic, which has improved hinge line/score line configurations between walls and panels and improved hand holds. A plastic box of this invention preferably has an automatically lockable bottom to facilitate erection of the box, and can be easily collapsed for return shipment and reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Assignee: Technology Container Corporation
    Inventor: Fred Dowd
  • Patent number: 6092716
    Abstract: Locking panels are employed to prevent the collapse of a merchandise display of the type having two sets of end closure flaps that arrange themselves into common closures in an erect condition of the display. Each locking panel overlies a respective closure and engages opposite walls of the display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Arrow Art Finishers, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Michael J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6079616
    Abstract: An adjustable box formed from a blank is disclosed. The box has two rectangular sides; a front panel and a back panel. The front panel and back panel each have two pairs of vertical fold lines on one side thereof, the front pair of vertical fold lines being on the opposite side from the back pair of vertical fold lines. Cooperating flaps including a tongue and groove arrangement are provided to close the box at the top and an automatic setup construction is provided to close the box at the bottom. As a result, the box can be folded along an inner fold line of the front and rear pair of vertical fold lines so that the bottom of the box has a first width. Alternatively, the box can be folded along an outer fold line of the front and rear pair of vertical fold lines so that the bottom of the box has a second width which is smaller than said first width.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Avmor Ltd.
    Inventors: Mattie Chinks, Koen De Winter
  • Patent number: 6016952
    Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved telescoping container, which is set up and collapsed flat quickly and easily, and is provided to the user in one integral piece, eliminating the necessity of a lid being assembled or maintained separately. An integral lid provides an improved amount of cushioning and strength, and does not enter the cubic volume of the container and thus reduce available storage space. In one embodiment of the invention the container gains strength from a double glued seam, having opposing edges sealed to one another with two tabs; alternatively one of the two tabs is sealed. The container sets up by having an inner portion telescope into an outer portion, and may be collapsed flat by pulling the inner portion back out of the outer portion. In one embodiment the ease of set up is further improved by forming the lid from a continuous sheet of material, so that the lid may be closed in one motion, rather than the sequence of steps required with other lids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2000
    Assignee: Motion Design, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Smith, Richard N. Beneroff, Eric Kim
  • Patent number: 6012629
    Abstract: A collapsible container movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position having a body including a side panel arranged to define an interior region and a bottom panel including a floor having a first floor section and a second floor section coupled to the first floor section at a floor fold line to enable pivoting movement of the second floor section relative to the first floor section about the floor fold line, a first collapsible floor mount coupled to the first and second floor sections and to the side panel, and a second collapsible floor mount coupled to the first and second floor sections and to the side panel, the first and second collapsible floor mounts cooperating to support the floor in one of a flat position wherein the first and second floor sections lie in coplanar relation to one another when the collapsible container is arranged in an expanded, opened position and a collapsed position wherein the second floor section is pivoted about the floor fold line to lie in close proximity t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Inland Paperboard and Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Newcomer
  • Patent number: 5938110
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular food package particularly suitable for use in the fast food industry, and more particularly to a modular package that can be used as a stand alone, open ended, scoop type, package suitable for containing food items, such as french fries, potato cakes, cookies, pies, and such, or two identical units may be combined to create a completely enclosed, and interlocking, package for a sandwich or other appropriate food items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Linda A. Bernstein
  • Patent number: 5927593
    Abstract: A foldable container folded into its final configuration from a single flat blank of material having side walls and end walls hingedly connected together along their side edges, two similarly sized larger bottom panels hingedly connected to the side walls and two similarly sized smaller bottom panels hingedly connected to end walls. Each larger bottom panel is hingedly attached to one adjacent smaller bottom panel, such that when the side walls are erected from their collapsed state, the bottom panels fold down from their respective side and end walls to provide a continuous floor on the bottom of the container, the larger bottom panels having relief flaps which deflect about hinges as they strike each other upon descending to their open position. The blank is optionally provided with additional panels which are hingedly attached and may be folded so as to form inner side and end walls to produce a double walled container increasing the container strength. An integrated cover is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Island Container Corporation
    Inventors: Gary Berkowitz, Christopher Broszeit
  • Patent number: 5915617
    Abstract: An automatically-operating bottom structure for use in a collapsible container includes a band (1080, 1084; 2080, 2084) pivotally connected to a first pair of panels (1016, 1020; 2016, 2020), a first pair of bottom flaps (1120, 1122 and 1160, 1162; 2120, 2122 and 2160, 2162) connected to a second pair of panels (1018, 1022; 2018, 2022), a second pair of bottom flaps (1124, 1126; 2124, 2126) connected to a third pair of panels (1017, 1019; 2017, 2019), a third pair of bottom flaps (1164, 1166; 2164, 2166) connected to a fourth pair of panels (1021, 1023; 2021, 2023) a first pair of web panels (1128, 1130; 2128, 2130) and a second pair of web panels (1168,1170; 2168, 2170). The band and bottom flaps are folded within the container when the container is in a folded-flat condition, but automatically form an operative bottom structure when the folded-flat container is moved to a fully expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Creative Tech Marketing
    Inventor: Thomas M. Gasper
  • Patent number: 5893458
    Abstract: A carton of foldable material protects an article packed therein by holding the article away from the bottom of the carton, and preferably by holding the article firmly, yet in a cushioning manner, in a position spaced away from all the exterior walls of the carton. The carton is assembled from a blank of foldable material defining a plurality of spacer panels foldably connected to automatic bottom panels, such that when the carton is erected, the auto-bottom panels form a generally planar bottom of the carton, and the spacer panels extend generally axially into the carton from the bottom to form a two-dimensional support base for holding an object at a location spaced above the bottom of the carton. A top closure includes a clamping member extending into the carton, such that when the carton is closed, the spacer panels and the clamping member are urged against opposite ends of the object within the carton, to hold the object therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: John Sisk
  • Patent number: 5887782
    Abstract: A quick-assembly corrugated box has an automatic bottom panel which extends from a side panel, and has two converging reverse-scored fold lines which extend outwardly from the side panel. End flaps are folded up from the automatic bottom panel and are adhesively connected to the end panels to form double ply side walls. One of the end flaps has a diagonal fold line, with portions of the flap above the diagonal fold line only being adhered to the end panel. The angles of the reverse scored fold lines are selected to allow the automatic bottom panel to be deployed from a folded position alongside the side and end panels to an assembled position perpendicular to the side and end panels, simply by displacing one side panel with respect to the other. Substantially increased stacking strength is provided by inserting right-angle corner pieces in reinforcement-receiving pockets defined between the edges of the end flaps and the end panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Inventor: Charles J. Mueller
  • Patent number: 5816483
    Abstract: An automatically-operating bottom structure for use in a collapsible container includes a band (80, 84) pivotally connected to a first pair of panels (16, 20), a first pair of bottom flaps (120, 122 and 160, 162) connected to a second pair of panels (18, 22), a second pair of bottom flaps (124, 126) connected to a third pair of panels (17, 19), a third pair of bottom flaps (164, 166) connected to a fourth pair of panels (21, 23) a first pair of web panels (128, 130) and a second pair of web panels (168, 170). The band and bottom flaps are folded within the container when the container is in a folded-flat condition, but automatically form an operative bottom structure when the folded-flat container is moved to a fully-expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Tech Marketing
    Inventor: Thomas M. Gasper
  • Patent number: 5799818
    Abstract: A collapsible liquid container having a flexible liquid tight bag disposed within, and having an integrally formed hand hold. The container comprises a series of generally rectangular sidewall panels interconnected along hinge lines. A plurality of endwall panels are interconnected along hinge lines to the respective sidewalls, forming automatic ends on the container. The automatic ends comprise a pair of opposing interlocking panels that interlockingly engage when the carton is erected. The flexible liquid tight bag has an opening for receiving material therein, and the bag is secured to at least one of the sidewalls. The collapsible container is designed for being shipped or stored in a flat or folded condition, and is manipulated to an unfolded or erect condition when desired to be used, such as to receive a volume of soda, water, or juice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventor: Don Ringer
  • Patent number: 5788077
    Abstract: A carton of foldable material protects an article packed therein by holding the article away from the bottom of the carton, and preferably by holding the article firmly, yet in a cushioning manner, in a position spaced away from all the exterior walls of the carton. The carton is assembled from a blank of foldable material defining a plurality of spacer panels foldably connected to automatic bottom panels, such that when the carton is erected, the auto-bottom panels form a generally planar bottom of the carton, and the spacer panels extend generally axially into the carton from the bottom to form a two-dimensional support base for holding an object at a location spaced above the bottom of the carton. A top closure includes a clamping member extending into the carton, such that when the carton is closed, the spacer panels and the clamping member are urged against opposite ends of the object within the carton, to hold the object therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Inventor: John Sisk
  • Patent number: 5775574
    Abstract: A two-cell carton including a first wall formed of two all panels, one of which is integral with a carton divider. The divider, from the edge of the corresponding wall panel, folds and extends transversely across the carton for bonding to a second single panel wall centrally thereof. The two wall panels include bottom flaps which combine to define a single full length locking flap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Dopaco, Inc.
    Inventor: Simon Whitnell
  • Patent number: 5715991
    Abstract: An automatically-operating bottom structure for use in a collapsible container includes a band (80, 84) pivotally connected to a first pair of panels (16, 20), a first pair of bottom flaps (120, 122 and 160, 162) connected to a second pair of panels (18, 22), a second pair of bottom flaps (124, 126) connected to a third pair of panels (17, 19), a third pair of bottom flaps (164, 166) connected to a fourth pair of panels (21, 23) a first pair of web panels (128, 130) and a second pair of web panels (168, 170). The band and bottom flaps are folded within the container when the container is in a folded-flat condition, but automatically form an operative bottom structure when the folded-flat container is moved to a fully-expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Creative Tech Marketing
    Inventor: Thomas M. Gasper
  • Patent number: 5690274
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a folding box structure and in particular to a folding box structure in which a box consists of two identical components. Each of the components includes a back panel which is adjacent above to a lid panel and below to a bottom panel. The back panel adjoins on its two sides respectively an adhesive flap and a side panel. A trapezoidal-like recess is formed on the bottom panel along the outer edge. A crease is formed across from the joint of the bottom panel and the bottom side panel to the nearest vertex of the recess. Perforation is also provided along the crease for the ease of bending. These two components are engaged with each other by affixing the overlapping portions and by fitting together projections and recesses to form a box. A folding box in this structure can easily be folded and extended without further adhesion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: Hsi-Chin Yang
  • Patent number: 5664726
    Abstract: A collapsible box construction in which a flat blank, made of a suitably rigid material, is assembled to form a box. The box construction can be assembled and stored in a flat configuration and thereafter erected into the box in a simple, efficient manner. Additionally, the initial assembly of the blank into the box construction provides stability and rigidity without requiring that one or more bottom flaps be glued or otherwise fixedly mounted together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: DeWitt Packaging Corp.
    Inventor: Tom S. Opper
  • Patent number: 5630543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a bulk bin box constructed from a unitary piece of cardboard folded into a substantial box shape having a top portion and bottom portion. The unitary piece of cardboard has adjacent the bottom portion at least two tabs on opposite sides of the box shape with each tab having a slot simultaneously intermeshing with the other tab. Automatic snap locking of the bottom of the box occurs on opening of the box from a folded or closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Covington Box & Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas F. Dugan
  • Patent number: 5613694
    Abstract: An automatically-operating bottom structure for use in a collapsible container includes a band (80, 84) pivotally connected to a first pair of panels (16, 20), a first pair of bottom flaps (120, 122 and 160, 162) connected to a second pair of panels (18, 22), a second pair of bottom flaps (124, 126) connected to a third pair of panels (17, 19), a third pair of bottom flaps (164, 166) connected to a fourth pair of panels (21, 23) a first pair of web panels (128, 130) and a second pair of web panels (168, 170). The band and bottom flaps are folded within the container when the container is in a folded-flat condition, but automatically form an operative bottom structure when the folded-flat container is moved to a fully-expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Assignee: Creative Tech Marketing
    Inventor: Thomas M. Gasper
  • Patent number: 5605279
    Abstract: A disposable carton accommodates food and drinks of a type commonly associated with fast food restaurants and spectator events. The carton includes a bottom and sidewalls which cooperate to form an upwardly opening box configuration. Overlapping top panels are selectively interconnected to partially enclose the carton. At least one skewed intermediate panel is disposed between a sidewall and a top panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: Flour City Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Adamek
  • Patent number: 5531374
    Abstract: An automatically operating bottom structure for use in a collapsible container includes a band (80, 84) pivotally connected to a first pair of panels (16, 20), a first pair of bottom flaps (120, 122 and 160, 162) connected to a second pair of panels (18, 22), a second pair of bottom flaps (124, 126) connected to a third pair of panels (17, 19), a third pair of bottom flaps (164, 166) connected to a fourth pair of panels (21, 23) a first pair of web panels (128, 130) and a second pair of web panels (168, 170). The band and bottom flaps are folded within the container when the container is in a folded-flat condition, but automatically form an operative bottom structure when the folded-flat container is moved to a fully-expanded condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Creative Tech Marketing
    Inventor: Thomas M. Gasper
  • Patent number: 5522628
    Abstract: A container, of knock-down variety, for picking up, enclosing, transporting and disposing of animal waste that is accomplished by a single piece of flat paperboard with folds, adhesive, tab locks and an auto-erected lock top. After it is erected, side flaps extend out from the open side of the carton. The pressure applied to the top of the carton causes the side flap panels on the open side to fold under. This creates a scooping action which picks up the waste and pushes it inside the carton. The side flaps can then be slipped into the tab locks, effectively locking the waste inside the box, and the entire carton can be thrown away.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Steven J. Fillis
  • Patent number: 5484100
    Abstract: This invention relates to a hexagonal paperboard carton that is tapered with an automatic bottom. Such structures of this type, generally, provide a peeling feature that allows the consumer to remove the carton from the product in a continual, spiral strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: William R. Rigby
  • Patent number: 5439133
    Abstract: A carton-liner assembly comprises a carton and a liner constructed and arranged for placement within the carton. The carton includes opposing top and bottom walls, opposing front and back walls, and opposing side walls. The liner includes a front panel and opposing side panels for fitting the liner within the carton. The liner front panel has an outer surface adjacent to an inner surface of the carton front wall. The carton-liner assembly further comprises a plurality of embossments integral with the liner and a plurality of debossments integral with the carton. The embossments and debossments are arranged to increase the thickness of the assembly in regions spaced from relatively thick portions of the assembly while the assembly is in flattened tubular form during production so as to counterbalance the thick portions of the assembly, thereby improving stackability of the assembly while the assembly is in flattened tubular form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 8, 1995
    Assignee: Packaging Corporation of America
    Inventor: James L. Stone
  • Patent number: 5275331
    Abstract: A foldable container includes a main bottom leaf generally rectangular shaped having an area generally equivalent to a bottom opening of the container and hingedly connected to a side wall, three small bottom leaves respectively hingedly connected to three remaining side walls having one small bottom leaf of the three small bottom leaves hingedly connected to the main bottom leaf and two other small bottom leaves hingedly connected with each other, whereby upon opening of a folded container comprised of such side walls and flaps, the main bottom leaf is fully evected to rest upon the remaining three bottom leaves for completely shielding the bottom opening of the container and the four side walls are opened to be a shape of rectangular tetrahydron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 4, 1994
    Inventor: Tsao Chung-Piao
  • Patent number: 5267645
    Abstract: A stowable container of a generally rectangular boxlike configuration which is easy to selectively erect and fold includes front and rear side walls, a pair of end walls, a top flap, a bottom wall and a pair of longitudinally partition walls while defining a longitudinally extending pocket therebetween. Rows of a plurality of bottle chambers are defined by a group of transverse walls extending between one of the longitudinal partition wall and the front side wall and between the other of the longitudinal partition wall and the rear side wall for accommodating respective rows of bottles therein. The bottom wall includes a pair of bottle wall segments continued from the front and rear side walls, respectively. When the container is folded, the bottom wall segments buckle inwardly of the box so as to protrude into the longitudinal pocket to allow the container to be flattened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: Takeda Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenshin Tokunaga, Atsushi Ueda, Yasunori Kunishige
  • Patent number: 5213253
    Abstract: A pocket-container consists of a "self-shaping" folding box (1) made of paperboard or plastic material. The box (1) has an open top (2), side walls (3) and a closed base (4) formed with die-cut sectors (5) mutually overlapping and engaging into one another. A sheet (6) of preferably elastic, waterproof material is fastened to the box side walls (3). When folded before use, the box (1) is in the form of a pack of very reduced thickness (S) so that it can be easily kept in a pocket. The container thus made is of the disposable type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1993
    Inventors: Gianluca Fantoni, Davide Gottardi
  • Patent number: 5183200
    Abstract: A box container having a bottom plate on which a rift is formed through one pair of opposite angles and a fold is running through each center of the other pair of opposite angles and having side plates each of which is connected in one piece to the periphery of said bottom plate, wherein the box container is pressed to be flat so as not to be bulky in transportation and storage and, in the case of assembling this box container, the bottom plate is unfolded to be flat along the folds which were provided on the bottom plate of said box container and, further, the whole of the bottom plate is fixed by sticking a quadrangular back plate thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1993
    Inventor: Haruo Okamoto
  • Patent number: 5161732
    Abstract: A paperboard carton having an improved locking bottom. The disclosed carton has a collapsed position and an expanded position. In its expanded position, it has a square flat bottom which includes four flaps. A first pair of floor flaps, foldably attached along the bottom edges of opposite sidewalls have tabs which interlock when the carton is in the expanded position. The second pair of floor flaps, foldably attached along the bottom edges of the remaining opposite sidewalls, are relatively large and overlie the first pair of flaps and overlap each other when the carton is in the expanded position. Each of the first pair of floor flaps is divided into two sections by a foldline when extends from a corner of the expanded carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Accurate Rolal Co. Limited
    Inventors: Allen W. Clein, Warren J. Clein, Bruce D. Clein
  • Patent number: 5098014
    Abstract: A collapsible, one-piece, bucket-type, paperboard carton especially suited for fast food operations. The carton has pairs of opposed side and end walls that tend to bow outwardly when the carton is erected, so that when handle panels which are foldably joined to top wall panels, are pushed downwardly the end walls automatically move inwardly until lock tabs projecting from the handle panels are received and locked within related end wall openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: Jefferson Smurfit Corporation
    Inventor: William H. Perkins
  • Patent number: 5074460
    Abstract: A generally rectangular container fabricated of, for example, a heavy paper material such as pressed paperboard or corrugated cardboard, includes an inner, flexible moisture impermeable bag. The container is constructed so that the side walls, end walls, bottom wall and top wall are foldable to form a thin, flat stack having a rectangular perimeter when not in use for easy storage, and which can be formed into a strong container without the use of fasteners or adhesives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Inventor: Matthew R. Hanekamp
  • Patent number: 5062527
    Abstract: A slotless, leakproof storage carton ideally adapted for storing medical waste and a unique blank which can be quickly folded to form the carton. Corrugated sheet stock is coated with a plastic liner and cut into blanks, which are thereafter scored. Each blank comprises a center panel, a pair of bordering width panels, a pair of bordering length panels, and four corner panels. The scoring lines comprises a first pair of spaced apart, parallel fold lines extending longitudinally, and a second pair of parallel fold lines crossing the width of the blank. Diagonal fold lines are scored into the corner panels. The center panel forms a bottom of the carton, and the width and length panels respectively form carton ends and sides. The corner panels foldably divided into separate segments which abut each other and overly the length panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Inventor: Frank E. Westerman
  • Patent number: 5042714
    Abstract: A collapsible, grocery bag container made of lightweight plastic or cardboard which can be used by consumers to store groceries in the back of the car. The container can be readily converted from its stored, space saving position to its in-use position without having to be set up or needing to be manipulated by the consumer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventor: John B. Hall
  • Patent number: 5011071
    Abstract: Carton consisting of two telescoping cartons which movable from a non-coextensive position in which the carton is relatively flat to a coextensive position in which the carton is erected and usable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1991
    Inventor: Louis Lopez
  • Patent number: 5009362
    Abstract: A folding carton formed from a blank sheet of carton material comprises an improved carton bottom section having three flanges that are connected to three sides of the carton bottom section and are arranged to extend at a right angle to the carton bottom section when the carton is folded into a rectangular configuration to provide additional support against bending of the carton bottom section. The carton bottom section is arranged to be locked in position at the bottom of a rectangular configuration formed by the four side walls of the folding carton. The carton bottom section is locked in position by the three flanges engaging overhanging ledges formed by three reinforcement flaps adhered to the interiors of three of the four carton side walls, or by a pair of tabs extending from opposite sides of the carton bottom section and a flange engaging in three slots formed in three of the side walls of the folding carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Inventor: Edward J. Brangle, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4993318
    Abstract: A newspaper bundler (9) having a container portion (10) formed of a unitary paperboard blank for holding the newspapers (310) to be bundled in regular arrangement, a gripper ring (50) to firmly grasp and retain a ball of string (300), a string magazine portion (11) formed of a second unitary paperboard blank to facilitate dispensing of the string into the container portion prior to the insertion of the newspapers. The bundler has string fasteners (42, 44, 46) which retain the string about the newspapers in advance of final bundling. The bundler may be assembled from the two paperboard blanks, and may be shipped in a compact, partially assembled form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Inventor: William G. Bollinger
  • Patent number: 4979547
    Abstract: An elongated sleeve made of a plurality of substantially rigid panels interconnected with one another in folding relationship. When in the stored condition, the sleeve is folded flat. When in condition to be used for its intended purpose, the sleeve is unfolded to form an open ended sleeve closed on the sides. The sleeve is adapted to positively retain and support a collapsible bag at the top while the bag is being filled by filling the interior of the sleeve. Handles are provided in the top edges of the sleeve to facilitate removal of the sleeve from the full bag. The panels are internally laminated with a water repellant adhesive while the inside of the sleeve is coated with a moisture resistant compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 25, 1990
    Inventor: L. Jeanne Hoerner
  • Patent number: 4976355
    Abstract: A waste basket simulating a basketball net comprises a square container constructed from a blank of corrugated paperboard in such manner that it can be manually erected from a substantially flat, collapsed condition and vice versa. The waste basket includes a square cover which fits over the top of the container and has therein a circular opening matching the graphic representation of a basketball net on each of the four sides of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: E. Bryant Crutchfield