Each Of Two Opposed Extensions Includes Flanges Or Tabs Depending From Two Opposite Edges Patents (Class 229/143)
  • Patent number: 7140533
    Abstract: Configurations for a packing container formed from a single, preformed, rigid unit of generally U-shaped cross-section are disclosed. One configuration utilizes three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated end. Another configuration employs three end closures to enclose an object with an elevated mid-section. A third configuration uses two end closures to enclose an object with random elevations. With three end closures, a fourth configuration encloses two or more dissimilar objects in separate compartments. The fourth configuration is especially useful for items that should be prevented from touching or intermingling during shipping. A fifth configuration combines elements of the other four configurations, allowing a user to ship objects with elevated ends, elevated mid-sections, or random elevations in separate compartments. A sixth configuration encloses one or more objects with two end closures that are about equal in length to one another. A device for forming the container is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Michael D. Loeschen, Ian Brooks
  • Patent number: 7121453
    Abstract: A carton, fabricated preferably from corrugated paperboard material, including a bottom panel, two side panels, two end panels, a pair of top panels for closing the carton, locking flaps extending from the ends of the top panels and having tabs receivable in the end panels, and further including a plurality of corner support structures, formed from panels emanating from end edges of the end panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeff Nass
  • Patent number: 7004378
    Abstract: A container that holds small bulk articles observable through mesh-covered openings while restricting access for substituting articles among containers formed by folding a blank on scores to define a top wall with two opposing end walls and two opposing side walls. Each side wall has a bottom wall foldable on a respective score for closing the container after filing with contents. At least one of the top wall and side walls defines an opening that is covered with a netting that restricts casual removal of the contents while permitting visual inspection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: R & L Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Tharpe, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6896174
    Abstract: A packaging container is formed from a single preformed, rigid unit of U-shaped cross-section having a generally flat bottom wall. The unit forms two end closures from first and second closure panels extending from both ends of a main body portion. The closure panels are foldably connected to the main body portion and each other by first and second fold lines. The main body side walls have straight-cut corners at junctures with the first closure panels, and the first closure panel side walls have straight-cut corners adjacent to the main body, forming square corners when folded. The first closure panel side walls also have straight-cut corners adjacent to the second closure panels, and the second closure panels side walls have straight-cut corners adjacent to the first closure panels, forming square corners when folded to form the end closures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Michael D. Loeschen, Ian Brooks, Lee A. Sheridan, G. Michael Velan
  • Publication number: 20040124234
    Abstract: A container for shipping and/or storing a stack of paper is disclosed. The container, according to a disclosed embodiment, comprises a bottom wall and first and second upright, opposing side walls extending from respective edges of the bottom wall. First and second shell portions are connected in a pivotal manner to respective edges of the bottom wall. The shell portions are pivotable toward and away from each to close and open the container, respectively. When the container is closed, the stack is securely contained between the shell portions and the side walls for shipping or storing. When the container is opened, at least two opposing sides of the stack are exposed to facilitate removal of paper from the container. A handle for carrying or lifting the container may be coupled to one of the shell portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Boise Cascade Corpation
    Inventors: Christopher G. Forthaus, George I. Nukuto, Scott Belliveau, Dale J. Waite, James L. Pfaffendorf
  • Publication number: 20040065725
    Abstract: A packaging container is formed from a single preformed, rigid unit of U-shaped cross-section having a generally flat bottom wall. The unit forms two end closures from first and second closure panels extending from both ends of a main body portion. The closure panels are separated from the main body portion and each other by first and second fold lines. The main body side walls have straight-cut comers at junctures with the first closure panels, and the first closure panels side walls have straight-cut comers adjacent to the main body, forming square comers when folded. The first closure panels side walls also have straight-cut comers adjacent to the second closure panels, and the second closure panels side walls have straight-cut comers adjacent to the first closure panels, forming square comers when folded to form the end closures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Anatoly Gosis, Michael D. Loeschen, Ian Brooks, Lee A. Sheridan, G. Michael Velan
  • Publication number: 20030205613
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tissue box. Claimed and described is a tissue box (10) comprising a dispensing orifice (20) which is releasably covered by a orifice cover (22), wherein said orifice cover (22) is attached to a sheet of material (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Angela Schliebner, Antje Reimann-Manai
  • Patent number: 6595411
    Abstract: A container (10) formed from a one-piece blank (12) including a bottom panel (14), first and second opposed side walls (16), (18), and first and second end walls (20), (22). A top lid panel (24) connects to the first side wall and a bottom lid panel (26) connects to the second side wall. A locking tab (46) is formed in the first side wall and includes a thumb notch (48) located within the tab. The top lid panel includes a pair of cover latches (28) located on the outer corners thereof. The bottom lid panel includes a pair of alignment tabs (40) located on the outer corners thereof. Each end wall includes a hand hole lock (60), a lock slot (64), and a recess (66) located along the end wall exterior edge. The lock slot is located between the recess and the hand hole lock. Each end wall further includes first and second reinforcing panel sub-assemblies (56), (58), each having an inner panel (70), (100), a middle panel (72), (102), and an outer panel (74), (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Patent number: 6575356
    Abstract: A container (10) formed from a one-piece blank (12) including a bottom panel (14), first and second opposed side walls (16), (18), and first and second end walls (20), (22). A top lid panel (24) connects to the first side wall and a bottom lid panel (26) connects to the second side wall. A locking tab (46) is formed in the first side wall and includes a thumb notch (48) located within the tab. The top lid panel includes a pair of cover latches (28) located on the outer corners thereof. The bottom lid panel includes a pair of alignment tabs (40) located on the outer corners thereof. Each end wall includes a hand hole lock (60), a lock slot (64), and a recess (66) located along the end wall exterior edge. The lock slot is located between the recess and the hand hole lock. Each end wall further includes first and second reinforcing panel sub-assemblies (56), (58), each having an inner panel (70), (100), a middle panel (72), (102), and an outer panel (74), (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Publication number: 20020130168
    Abstract: A container (10) formed from a one-piece blank (12) including a bottom panel (14), first and second opposed side walls (16), (18), and first and second end walls (20), (22). A top lid panel (24) connects to the first side wall and a bottom lid panel (26) connects to the second side wall. A locking tab (46) is formed in the first side wall and includes a thumb notch (48) located within the tab. The top lid panel includes a pair of cover latches (28) located on the outer corners thereof. The bottom lid panel includes a pair of alignment tabs (40) located on the outer corners thereof. Each end wall includes a hand hole lock (60), a lock slot (64), and a recess (66) located along the end wall exterior edge. The lock slot is located between the recess and the hand hole lock. Each end wall further includes first and second reinforcing panel sub-assemblies (56), (58), each having an inner panel (70), (100), a middle panel (72), (102), and an outer panel (74), (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Publication number: 20020125307
    Abstract: A container (10) formed from a one-piece blank (12) including a bottom panel (14), first and second opposed side walls (16), (18), and first and second end walls (20), (22). A top lid panel (24) connects to the first side wall and a bottom lid panel (26) connects to the second side wall. A locking tab (46) is formed in the first side wall and includes a thumb notch (48) located within the tab. The top lid panel includes a pair of cover latches (28) located on the outer corners thereof. The bottom lid panel includes a pair of alignment tabs (40) located on the outer corners thereof. Each end wall includes a hand hole lock (60), a lock slot (64), and a recess (66) located along the end wall exterior edge. The lock slot is located between the recess and the hand hole lock. Each end wall further includes first and second reinforcing panel sub-assemblies (56), (58), each having an inner panel (70), (100), a middle panel (72), (102), and an outer panel (74), (104).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Patent number: 6402020
    Abstract: A container (10) formed from a one-piece blank (12) including a bottom panel (14), first and second opposed side walls (16), (18), and first and second end walls (20), (22). A top lid panel (24) connects to the first side wall and a bottom lid panel (26) connects to the second side wall. A locking tab (46) is formed in the first side wall and includes a thumb notch (48) located within the tab. The top lid panel includes a pair of cover latches (28) located on the outer corners thereof. The bottom lid panel includes a pair of alignment tabs (40) located on the outer corners thereof. Each end wall includes a hand hole lock (60), a lock slot (64), and a recess (66) located along the end wall exterior edge. The lock slot is located between the recess and the hand hole lock. Each end wall further includes first and second reinforcing panel sub-assemblies (56), (58), each having an inner panel (70), (100), a middle panel (72), (102), and an outer panel (74), (104).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Patent number: 6394742
    Abstract: Boxes each having opposing top and bottom walls adjoining opposing end walls and opposing side walls spaced apart a width adjoining the opposing top and bottom walls and the opposing end walls and having recessed end structure wherein a portion of the opposing side walls adjacent at least one of the opposing end walls that is narrower widthwise than the width are disposed diagonally inwardly and at least one of the top and bottom walls is tapered inwardly to the at least one of the opposing end walls that is narrower widthwise than the width, and arranging the boxes in an array of at least one row wherein each row contains the boxes disposed abreast one another with respective opposing end walls adjacent one another such that an opening is formed between adjacent opposing end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: The Mead Corporation
    Inventor: Craig W. Buscema
  • Patent number: 6386441
    Abstract: Embodiments of a pizza container are described using a container blank formed from a single piece of paperboard material. The container includes a bottom panel, first and second opposing side wall panels, and first and second opposing end wall panels. Each container further includes two top cover panels that fold over onto the container and act as lids. At least one U-shaped cut is formed along a hinge line connecting a top cover panel with an end wall panel. The U-shape has a closed side and an open side. The cut is oriented with the closed side extending into either the first end wall panel or the first top cover panel. The open side is positioned along the first hinge line. As assembled, the U-shaped portion is generally perpendicular with the panel from which it was formed. Various embodiment of lock mechanisms are described as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Philips
  • Patent number: 6367690
    Abstract: A cover panel improvement is described for a container having a bottom panel, side walls, end walls, and an open top. The improvement includes first and second cover panels connected to the side walls. Each cover panel includes side tabs that extend outwardly and fold down onto the end walls of the container. Portions of the cover panel overlap, as do portions of the side tabs. Various embodiments are provided regarding the size, shape, and placement of heavy and zero crush areas in the side tabs and cover panels. The heavy crush areas are used to reduce the overall thickness of the side tabs where overlapped. Openings may be used along the hinge line between the side tabs to help in properly forming the respective hinge line, e.g., by making the side tab more flexible along its fold line. Likewise, a spine may be used to help maintain tab stiffness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Patent number: 6352199
    Abstract: A bliss-style container is provided having a single outer member (10) and first and second separate inner members (12). The outer member (10) includes a bottom panel (14), two primary end panels (16), and two upright reinforcing flaps. Each primary end panel (16) includes two upright reinforcing side flaps (20). The first and second inner members (12) each include an upright side panel (22) and first and second secondary end panels (24) hingedly connected to opposed side panel side edges. Each secondary end panel (24) has an outer edge (26). As assembled, both sets of secondary end panels (24) are positioned so that their outer edges are within a distance of less than about 0.25 inches of one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Weyerhauser Company
    Inventor: Jeffrey M. Gardner
  • Publication number: 20010032874
    Abstract: Embodiments of a pizza container are described using a container blank formed from a single piece of paperboard material. The container includes a bottom panel, first and second opposing side wall panels, and first and second opposing end wall panels. Each container further includes two top cover panels that fold over onto the container and act as lids. At least one U-shaped cut is formed along a hinge line connecting a top cover panel with an end wall panel. The U-shape has a closed side and an open side. The cut is oriented with the closed side extending into either the first end wall panel or the first top cover panel. The open side is positioned along the first hinge line. As assembled, the U-shaped portion is generally perpendicular with the panel from which it was formed. Various embodiment of lock mechanisms are described as well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventor: Nicholas A. Philips
  • Patent number: 6109438
    Abstract: A wrap-around article carrier, comprising a bottom panel having opposing side edges and further having opposing end edges, a first side panel and an opposing second side panel, and a top panel having opposing side edges. Each one of the side panels has a top edge and an opposing bottom edge that is connected to one of the side edges of the bottom panel. The side edges of the top panel are connected to one of the top edges of the side panels. The carrier further has a first end panel and an opposing second end panel. Each of the end panels has a bottom edge that is connected to one of the end edges of the bottom panel. The carrier further has an article holder connected to the top panel. The article holder contacts and secures the top of articles contained within the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Riverwood International Corporation
    Inventor: Robert L. Sutherland
  • Patent number: 5996884
    Abstract: A novel hybrid beverage container having a rigid body and flexible polymer film ends is disclosed herein. The hybrid container may be folded in a closed state for storage, and erected for a filling state. The top end of the container has a recloseable access for filling and sealing the container with a beverage. The container may also have a handle device. In one preferred embodiment, the rigid body is composed of a polyethylene coated fiberboard material. In another embodiment, the rigid body is composed of a mineral filled polyolefin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Pepsico, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Frisk, Craig Witty
  • Patent number: 5979746
    Abstract: A container tray apparatus of the wraparound type is provided with reinforcing corner support members. The tray apparatus features internal minor flaps which have been split to create inner and outer flaps which can be folded and aligned on the inside and the outside of the corner areas of the tray apparatus to provide vertically extending corner support structures in addition to the corners formed by the end and side walls of the container tray apparatus, to provide enhanced stacking strength without requiring additional container material in the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. McLeod, Russell A. Leavitt, Elizabeth G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5934549
    Abstract: A new type of folding box is disclosed, which is designed for redispatching to a second location, after it has been received at a first location. This box, which can be made from a single flat pre-cut blank, of cardboard or other suitable material, has two lids: an inner lid, and an outer lid. The outer lid is printed, stamped, or affixed with advertising information, a first mailing address, or other useful lettering, to facilitate a first delivery or sale. The inner lid, which is initially covered and preferably hidden by the outer lid, is printed or stamped with a second lettering, such as a second mailing or delivery address. The user purchases or otherwise receives the complete box, including the outer lid, and carries out any desired function with the contents of that box. For example, if the box contains collection jars, for holding blood, hair, water, or soil samples, the user would fill the jars with such samples or specimens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1999
    Inventors: Manfred Baumgartner, Karl-Ulrich Von Bischopinck
  • Patent number: 5881949
    Abstract: Packing container made of foldable packaging material, especially cardboard.The packing container consists of two parts, namely a container-like base part (10), open at the top, and a covering part (11) which can be placed on same. The base part (10) forms folds, namely folding units (30, 31) in the region of end walls (17, 18). Cover flaps (20, 21) of the upper covering part (11) enter the folding units in such a way that the folds of the end wall (17, 18) are fixed in the folded position by the insertion tabs (20, 21). Pulling out the insertion tabs (20, 21) frees the folds and thus the base part (10) can be shaped into a flat position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)
    Inventor: Heinz Focke
  • Patent number: 5853120
    Abstract: A container tray apparatus of the wraparound type is provided with reinforcing corner support members. The tray apparatus features internal minor flaps which have been split to create inner and outer flaps which can be folded and aligned on the inside and the outside of the corner areas of the tray apparatus to provide vertically extending corner support structures in addition to the corners formed by the end and side walls of the container tray apparatus, to provide enhanced stacking strength without requiring additional container material in the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Michael B. McLeod, Russell A. Leavitt, Elizabeth G. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5474230
    Abstract: A folding box includes a pair of opposed first side walls each foldable along a vertical direction, a pair of opposed second side walls, and a pair of bottom plates. Each bottom plates includes a central trapezoidal portion and a pair of triangular portions hingedly connected respectively to opposite sides of the trapezoidal portion. With this construction, the box made, for example, of a corrugated board can be folded into a compact size, so that the area of the folded box is small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignees: Hitachi Kasei Shoji Co., Ltd., Masakatu Yotukura
    Inventor: Masakatu Yotukura
  • Patent number: 5429264
    Abstract: An insulated container has an outer box having a two part top having tabs that are received in slots in the sides of the box for securing the top in a closed position. Insulated panels are within the box along the top and the sides. An insulated bottom panel is within the box and has downwardly depending peripheral arms that define a space. A plastic sheet encapsulates the bottom panel and a plastic bag is disposed about the encapsulated bottom panel so that the space is an ice melt collection reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Transtech Service Network, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Hollander, Mark S. Rubenstein
  • Patent number: 5413273
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a merchandise container formed from folded flexible sheet material to provide a box form having side/end walls (10, 11) and a top closure (13), in which the top closure comprises integral flaps (17, 19) on the side/end walls which fold with respect to each other and the walls. The end walls (13-17) being pre-formed to bow inwardly such that when the side wall flaps (17a, 17b) are folded in overlapping relation to form the top closure, the end wall flaps (19) form outwardly extending triangular wings which fold downwardly against an increasing resistance until a certain downwardly inclined angle below the horizontal is reached when the end walls bow inwardly allowing the side walls to converge to relieve the resistance and create a force tending to bias the wings downwardly into engagement with the end walls to hold the wings against the end walls and the side wall flaps of the top closure in the closed condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: M-Pak Limited
    Inventor: Julian D. Money
  • Patent number: 5392985
    Abstract: A box-like container (10) is formed from a scored blank (12) which has a base panel (20) which serves as the bottom of the box, base side panels (22, 24) connected to the sides of the base panel (20), a rear panel (40) connected to the rear edge of the base panel (20), rear side panels (42, 44) connected to the sides of the rear panel (40), a primary top panel (50) connected to the rear panel (40), support flaps (52, 54) connected to the sides of the primary top panel (50), a secondary top panel (60) connected to the primary top panel (50), securement flaps (62, 64) forming tabs (66, 68) at each end, connected to the sides of the secondary top panel (60), a front panel (70) connected to the front edge of the base panel (20), front side panels (72, 74) connected to each side of the front panel (70), a canopy/auxiliary top panel (80) connected to the front panel (70), and support flaps (82, 84) connected to each side of the canopy/auxiliary top panel (80).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventors: Ronnie Smith, A. L. Hartley
  • Patent number: 5370303
    Abstract: A one piece container, particularly adapted for the packaging of grapes and fashioned of corrugated paperboard, exhibits three thicknesses of paperboard over the major extent of its end walls. Each of two top closure panels is provided with latching tongues for insertion into slots in respective upstanding ears at each end wall. The upstanding ears are adapted to fit in complementary recesses in the bottom of a similar container stacked thereon. Vertically extending channels are located at respective corners of the container for stacking strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 6, 1994
    Assignee: International Paper Co.
    Inventor: Stanley L. Fry
  • Patent number: 5294043
    Abstract: A paperboard panel having score lines thereon such that it can be folded to form a 4-point glued infold tray to contain product, can be folded flat for storage purposes or can receive product and be further folded to form a closed box-like structure totally enclosing the product and having a self-locking feature to keep the box in its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1994
    Assignee: The Packaging House, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald G. Platt
  • Patent number: 5289970
    Abstract: The corrugated container is provided with internal reinforcing panels to form corners of increased thickness, thereby augmenting the stacking strength of the container. Locking tabs are formed in either vertical endwalls or in horizontal lid panels of the container and are interlocked with the reinforcing panels being folded between overlapping reinforcing panels. Locking slots are provided in the carton sidewalls and locking flaps have ear portions engagable with edges of the locking slots, to hold the lid panels in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: Inland Container Corporation
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Patent number: 5269457
    Abstract: A collapsible, paperboard waste container that is particularly suitable to use for the receipt and retention of waste material such as medical waste. The container has a pair of integral, nesting, inner and outer covers with aligned covered openings that serve to prevent waste material from coming out of the container accidentally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1993
    Assignee: Container Corporation of America
    Inventor: Carlos de la Fuente
  • Patent number: 5184772
    Abstract: A reusable, recyclable carton is made from recyclable plastics material and has a closure which does not require glue, staples or other non-recyclable closing elements. The plastics material may be polyethylene. The carton is erected from a knock-down carton blank having releasable engagement tabs and slots to releasably maintain the carton in an erected condition. A two flap lid is provided, the flaps meeting on a line joining opposing walls of the carton. A flange rises from each of the opposing walls adjacent the joining line of the lid flaps. The flange is joined to its respective wall along only part of its length so that it has free ends. The flange may be bent over to overlie the lid flaps and its ends may be tucked into slots in the lid flaps for that purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Inventor: Stephen E. McGrath
  • Patent number: 5139195
    Abstract: Carton apparatus includes lid members having locking tabs received in pockets formed in triple layer sidewalls. The intermediate layer of the sidewall defines a recess for receiving the locking tab, and forms a pocket when inner and outer sidewall layers are brought into contact with the intermediate sidewall layer. The intermediate sidewall layer includes locking edges which engage locking edges on the locking tabs. The tab-receiving pockets may be either open or closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1992
    Assignee: Inland Container Corporation
    Inventor: Jack A. McClure
  • Patent number: 5065935
    Abstract: A decorative box is disclosed for gift wrapping that requires no additional wrapping paper. The box is made from a blank that has a central panel with opposed end flaps. Side panels fold up perpendicular to the central panel and have interlocking end portions that fit inside the end flaps. Outer panels attached to the side panels fold over the close the box. The outer panels have distal flaps that tuck in behind the end flaps. Wrapping paper can be applied to the outer surface of the box and adhered to the inner surface of the box blank around the periphery thereof to make a pre-wrapped gift box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1991
    Assignee: Shorewood Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Mancel
  • Patent number: 5056710
    Abstract: A collapsible box that can be formed from a one-piece sheet of foldable paperboard and that has opposed side and end walls and a top wall or cover that includes a pair of sections hinged to the end walls and that can be kept closed by snug, interlocking, frictional engagement between inner and outer panels of the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 15, 1991
    Assignee: Container Corporation of America
    Inventor: Karl M. Ritter
  • Patent number: 5029709
    Abstract: A package for securely containing a generally rectanguloid article comprises a rectanguloid box that is closable to protectively enclose the article and openable to allow ready access thereto. The box when closed has a bottom wall, spaced-panel opposite side walls, a rear end wall, a top wall, and a multi-panel front end wall. All of the box walls are formed from a single pre-cut and -scored blank of corrugated paperboard, which includes various panels, flaps, and tabs that are adapted to be folded about respective score lines and positioned in cooperative relation to one another to provide the closable and openable box desired for securely containing the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1991
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Luke T. Faulstick
  • Patent number: 5028000
    Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a packaging try with a thermoformed inner lining. The packaging tray includes, internally, in each corner, a corner panel which is inclined toward the bottom of the tray such that it approaches the center of the bottom. The corner panel is inclined at an obtuse angle with respect to the bottom and to the walls which define the corner. Also disclosed is a unitary packaging tray blank from which the packaging tray is constructed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Societe Contentale du Carton Ondule SOCAR
    Inventors: Roland Chabot, Philippe Dropsy
  • Patent number: 4913340
    Abstract: A tray for carrying food is disclosed as being constructed from a paperboard blank (12) having a central panel (14) of a rectangular shape with side portions (16, 17) and end portions (18, 19). A mid portion (20) is located therebetween. After assembly of the tray, side panels (22, 24) and end panels (30, 32) are folded upwardly from the central panel (14) about scoreline connections (26, 28-34, 36). A pair of horizontally extending roof panels (38, 40) overlie the central panel (14) in a horizontally spaced relationship to economize on the amount of paperboard needed for assembly of the tray and allow moisture to escape from the food. To provide rigidity to the tray and stability to a stack of multiple trays while preventing contact between food and the next highest tray in a stack, a retainer (46) extends upwardly from each corner of the central panel (14). Each retainer (46) comprises a pair of vertically spaced corners (48, 50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 3, 1990
    Assignee: Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Ilitch
  • Patent number: 4911355
    Abstract: A foldable carton particularly useful for packaging produce. The carton includes a central panel and a pair of opposed exterior end panels and a pair of interior end panels affixed to the exterior end panels. A pair of supplementary interior end panels are affixed to each of the interior end panels and a supplementary interior end panel flap is affixed to each supplementary interior end panels. The carton has a pair of opposed side panels affixed to the central panel formed with a plurality of spaced apart side panel ventilation holes. A pair of side panel flaps are affixed to each end the side panels and a pair of opposed cover panels with ventilation holes are also affixed to the side panels. Forming the foldable carton involves folding the supplementary interior end panel flaps to overlie the supplementary interior end panels, folding the supplementary interior end panels to overlie the interior end panels and folding the side panel flaps to overlie each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventor: James Bannister
  • Patent number: 4911356
    Abstract: A package in the form of a tray, carton or case has at least a base, side walls and end walls, a support formed by two panels positioned within the package, one adjacent each of end walls, or side walls, protrusions, and/or recesses on each panel of a size so that with the packages positioned in a stack, vertically adjacent protrusions and/or recesses are in contact without substantial compression of the packaging material positioned between vertically adjacent panels, and positioned apertures in the package to receive protrusions. The package in a preferred form also includes lugs provided at each corner of one face, the lugs being angled and the package also having corresponding cut-outs so that in a vertical stack the lugs of one package are positioned in the cut-outs of a vertically adjacent package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Inventors: Colin J. B. Townsend, Richard J. Anderson, Raymond J. Pryor, James F. Pharoah, Bruce W. Oswin
  • Patent number: 4887766
    Abstract: A rectilinear rigid and closable poultry or red meat container assembled by travel of a male forming mandrel pushing a single blank of paperboard past a series of wings and rollers. The container blank is complete with container base, end walls, side walls, bridge tabs and closable lid. The closable lid sections are interconnected with the end walls by a bridge tab between the lid section flanges and the end wall flanges. This bridge tab permits the use of simple machinery heretofore only suitable for assembly of open top containers which therefore are not lid-integral. Additionally, integral with the single blank are side wall flanges and end wall flanges which provide near complete triple thickness side walls upon assembly, imparting increased stacking strength sufficient to permit use of economically advantageous relatively light weight paperboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1989
    Inventor: Melvin W. Schoeneweis
  • Patent number: 4883221
    Abstract: An articulable carton tray apparatus for containment and protection of articles, such as food produce articles, which apparatus may be assembled in a facilitated manner, with reduced amounts of paper materials, while being capable of resisting collapse during stacking and maintaining its assembled configuration under load and stress. The apparatus includes a bottom wall, and side, end and top walls. Flaps emanate from the side, end or top wall to align and lock to one another, remaining ones of the side, end or top walls--to maintain the apparatus in its articulated configuration, through locking means operably positioned within the flap. These locking means engage and co-operate with elements in the adjacent side, end or top wall. Support columns extend between the top walls and the bottom wall to further resist collapse of the apparatus during stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 28, 1989
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventor: David J. Brundage
  • Patent number: 4860948
    Abstract: A foldable box with a bottom wall (1) and upright walls (2,3,67), one pair of walls (6, 7) being provided with foldable widening strips (10, 11) and foldable lengthening flaps (14, 15; 16, 17), whereas in one pair of walls (6, 7) from each of the bottom corner points an oblique folding line (26, 27; 28, 29) is provided extending upwardly at an angle of about 45.degree.. According to the invention the foldable widening strips (10, 11) are folded in a position parallel to the bottom (1), the oblique folding lines (26, 27; 28, 29) in the one pair of walls (6, 7) are lengthened in the widening strips and in the widening strips (10, 11) from the end points of the folding line (12, 13) between the widening strip and the wall each time a second oblique folding line (30, 31; 32, 33) is provided parallel to the first mentioned oblique folding line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 29, 1989
    Inventor: Wilhelmus Hofstede
  • Patent number: 4846398
    Abstract: The invention in its simplest form is a one piece receptacle formed from a blank that is a flat sheet and where gusseted corners are individually folded and latched to form the receptacle. The latches at each end of the receptacle are joinable to add strength to the receptacle and to provide convenient carrying and/or pull handles. The receptacle may be provided with an integral cover which is secureable to the latches and strengthens and adds to the utility of the latches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Inventor: Russell L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4842189
    Abstract: A carton blank formed from a continuous sheet of material and capable of being easily folded into a self-supporting carton structure. A unique cover locking arrangement is provided whereby both lids forming the cover are independently locked against accidental opening without the aid of external fasteners and further provide superior protection for the contents of the carton against dust and moisture. The absence of external fasteners also make the carton more economical to manufacture and aesthetically pleasing to look at. The carton is also equipped with improved hand holes to facilitate balancing and carrying of the box when loaded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 27, 1989
    Inventor: Mitch Czosnyka
  • Patent number: 4830282
    Abstract: A top closure arrangement for a container having opposed pairs of major and minor side wall panels forming a tubular structure and including opposed pairs of inner and outer closure flaps joined to upper end edges of the side wall panels with the inner closure flaps each having foldably joined to opposite sides thereof support tabs formed from material cut from adjacent portions of said outer closure flaps and folded downwardly for engagement with adjacent surfaces of related side wall panels to help support the inner closure flaps when they are in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1989
    Assignee: Container Corporation of America
    Inventor: Onis A. Knight, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4790450
    Abstract: A container for shipping and temporarily storing fresh meat cuts which is a corrugated container of right parallelepiped construction and made up of interconnected corrugated panels. Each panel has a kraft paper outer liner with an outwardly facing wire side, a wax impregnated kraft paper inner liner and a medium positioned between the liners. Each opposed side wall of the box is made up of a pair of superimposed major flaps, and minor flaps extend from the opposite side edges of the panels making up the end walls of the box along and against portions of the outer side of the outermost major flap in each of the pairs of major flaps at opposite sides of the box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1982
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1988
    Assignee: Wilson Foods Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Archibald
  • Patent number: 4779737
    Abstract: A divisible package box comprising a main sheet and a partition body, the main sheet including a bottom, two side and two cover sections, flaps and a cutting line such as a cutting tape or a perforated line across the bottom section and the bottom flaps, the partition body consisting of two partition members in back to back contact with each other, each partition member including a partition section and two end sections at its ends, the sections and the flaps being defined by score lines for folding therearound. The end sections and the side flaps constitute end faces of an assembled package box so that the inner surfaces of all faces thereof may be completely flat. The assembled package box may be divided into two small boxes along the cutting line and the partition sections which constitute each end face of the divided two small boxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Lion Corporation
    Inventors: Akiyoshi Umehara, Shintaro Ohashi, Seiji Naruse
  • Patent number: 4770339
    Abstract: A ventilated grape box and a one-piece blank for forming it. The blank is formed from corrugated paperboard and is cut and scored to permit it to be folded into a stackable grape box without the need for fasteners. The upper edges of both ends of the box are provided with upstanding stacking tabs which are adapted to fit in complementary recesses in the lower edges of an identical box stacked above it. Each of two upper closure panels is provided with tabs which frictionally engage certain end panels to thereby maintain the upper closure panels closed after the box is filled with grapes. Certain end forming panels are folded to define a triangular column at each inside corner of the box, to thereby increase stacking strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1988
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Charles P. Weimer
  • Patent number: 4702409
    Abstract: A collapsible tray is formed from a single blank of cut and scored foldable material and comprises a generally rectangular bottom panel, side walls extending from opposite sides of the bottom panel and end walls extending from opposite ends of the bottom panel. Corner connecting flaps are provided at each end of the side walls and abbreviated top panels are foldably attached to the upper edges of the side walls. The top panels also include corner reinforcing flaps located at each respective end. The corner connecting flaps are adhered to the inner surfaces of the end walls at each corner and the corner reinforcing flaps are folded downward inside the tray to overlap the corner connecting flaps. The corner reinforcing flaps are retained in place when tabs included on the ends thereof are inserted in slots provided in the bottom panel and with the aid of additional locking tabs provided on the corner connecting flaps which are accessed by openings provided in the end walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1987
    Assignee: Westvaco Corporation
    Inventor: Edward L. Osborne