Tearing Means Completely Encompasses The Box (i.e., The Box Is In Two Parts After It Is Torn Open) Patents (Class 229/235)
  • Patent number: 6752262
    Abstract: A flat blank (1; 25) for the formation of a rigid carton (2; 26) having the shape of a parallelepiped, in which two panels (5′, 8′) form a front wall (5) and, respectively, a lid (8) on the carton (2; 26), and in which the panel (5′) which forms the front wall (5) is divided by a pre-wakened tear line (10) into a first and a second portion (11′, 12′); and the panel (8′) which forms the lid (8) is divided by a fold line (13; 29) into a first and second portion (14′, 27′; 15′, 28′), the first portion (14′, 27′) being adjacent to the panel (5′) that forms the front wall (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: G.D S.p.A.
    Inventors: Silvano Boriani, Fiorenzo Draghetti
  • Patent number: 6685084
    Abstract: A bulk bin container and blank is provided having container walls formed of triple wall paperboard material. At least one tear tape is attached laterally to the inside surface of the triple wall material. The tear tape includes first and second ends, with the tear tape itself defining upper and lower container portions. An opening mechanism is provided at the tear tape first end for starting the tape. During use, an operator grasps the opening mechanism and pulls outward and upward on the tear tape, thereby stepping through the triple wall material and separating the upper container portion from the lower container portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Timbrook, William J. Remaks
  • Patent number: 6644541
    Abstract: A tubular paperboard container having a tear-strip opening and reclosure feature. A lid is insertably received in an open top end of a tubular body portion, with an upturned edge region of the lid being flush against an inner surface of the tubular body portion. Removal of the tear strip exposes a downwardly extending portion of the lid that is insertably receivable, in a plug-like manner, in the remaining, now-open top end of the tubular body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Stone Container Corporation
    Inventors: Noel G. Stewart, L. David Fielder
  • Patent number: 6554135
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inner container configured for shipping, storing, and displaying products. The container comprises upper and lower portions linked by a discontinuous line of weakness, wherein the upper portions collectively form a container top section that can be easily and cleanly removed and disposed of, while the lower portions collectively form a container bottom section that is retained for displaying contained products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Luceri, Jeffery S. Majetich
  • Patent number: 6546210
    Abstract: On a cut sheet packaging member 50, a separation line 53 for dividing the cut sheet packaging member into a lid part 51 and a body part 52 is formed. Cut sheet information 57 expressed by a bar code is affixed to the body part 52 at a position close to the separation line 53. In the inside of a sheet feed opening 42 of a printer 30, a bar code reader 46 is disposed. By inserting the body part 52 together with the cut sheets into the sheet feed opening 42, the cut sheet information 57 affixed to the body part 52 is read by the bar code reader 46.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Kazuo Nakamura
  • Patent number: 6513657
    Abstract: A packaged good article including an article, a packaging material and a tearable tape system. The packaging material is formed about the article. The tearable tape system is secured to the packaging material and includes at least a first section and a second section. The tearable tape system can assume a number of forms. Regardless, the first section is tearable relative to the second section. With this configuration, the tearable tape system is configured to be tearable from an initial, unopened state and an opened state. In the initial, unopened state, an area of the packaging material otherwise contacting the tearable tape system is intact. Conversely, in the opened state, the tearable tape system tears an opening through the packaging material, with the second section remaining secured to the packaging material. The second section, in combination with the packaging material, provides a handle for carrying the packaged good article in the opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Co.
    Inventor: Richard L. Sheehan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6510982
    Abstract: There is described a shipper/display carton that has high structural integrity as a shipper carton, is easy opening, and is functional as a display carton. The carton comprises a front panel with a weakened area near a bottom edge, two side panels, each having a weakened area extending substantially diagonally across the sidewall, and a weakened area across a top edge of the rear wall. Additionally, there can be a further weakened region where the rear panel weakened area intersects the weakened areas of the side panels. There is a grip aperture in the rear wall. Due to the placement and structure of the weakened areas, the carton with these weakened areas is sufficiently strong to function as a shipper carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Colgate-Palmolive Company
    Inventors: Charles Raymond White, Leonard Beer
  • Publication number: 20020190114
    Abstract: A multi-ply composite container for consumer products with at least one region of weakened strength and method for manufacturing same is provided. The composite container includes a multi-ply composite tube having a tubular body ply, a liner ply adhered to the inner surface of the tubular body ply and a label ply adhered to the outer surface of the body ply. The composite container also includes at least one circumferential score line in the multi-ply composite tube through the label ply and the body ply. The container and method overcome limitations imposed by conventional composite containers by providing a composite container which provides for easy opening, better consumer access, resealability, storage for left over food product, and easier consumer recycling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Lowry, Manson Drew Case, Kenan J. Clougherty
  • Patent number: 6478159
    Abstract: A combination shipping and display container includes a unitary blank of material foldable into a substantially rectangular container for receiving one or more items packed therein. The container has a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall and first and second side walls. The container has a line of continuous perforations extending across the rear wall, the first side wall, the front wall and the second side wall for dividing the container into a first or tear away top section and a second or bottom section. The perforations in the first and second side walls define curved slopes extending between the rear wall and the front wall. The top section may be torn away from the bottom section along the perforations formed in the container for converting the bottom section into a display container for displaying the one or more items, commonly referred to as primary packages, packed in the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Thomas H. Taylor, David Dombrowski, Brian W. Foster, Peter A. M. Robberecht, Ramon Edward Stroink
  • Publication number: 20020148883
    Abstract: A bulk bin container and blank is provided having container walls formed of triple wall paperboard material. At least one tear tape is attached laterally to the inside surface of the triple wall material. The tear tape includes first and second ends, with the tear tape itself defining upper and lower container portions. An opening mechanism is provided at the tear tape first end for starting the tape. During use, an operator grasps the opening mechanism and pulls outward and upward on the tear tape, thereby stepping through the triple wall material and separating the upper container portion from the lower container portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Ronald D. Timbrook, William J. Remaks
  • Patent number: 6435351
    Abstract: A shipping and display case having a unique series of perforated tears and cuts for opening the case. The case may have a conventional box shape, including front, back, left, right, top and bottom panels, and the case is provided with a perforated tear line that is used to open the case. The score line is formed by a multitude of perforations or slits; and the slits in selected portions of the tear line are substantially longer than the slits in the rest of the tear line. In particular, in the portions of the tear line that cross over left and right front edges of the case, and in selected angled portions of the tear line, the slits are substantially longer than the slits in the rest of the tear line. These longer slits make it easier to cut or tear through areas where it is normally difficult to tear cleanly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Holdings, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey S. Gibb
  • Patent number: 6419152
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having a tear-away top. In general, the container comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the container, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the top may be torn away from the container at the cut. The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a container that has a tear-away top. The method generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: SIG Combibloc Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Tokarski
  • Patent number: 6375069
    Abstract: A tamper resistant package for foods and other materials includes a container and a plug closure having a side wall and a flange spaced outwardly from the side wall. A detachable tear strip on the upper edge of the container is initially heat sealed to the edge of the flange. When the tear strip is detached, the heat seal ruptures to release the closure. The closure can thereafter be applied to cover the container with the upper edge of the container sandwiched closely between the closure wall and flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Sealright Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Ernest L. Smith
  • Publication number: 20020043554
    Abstract: There is described a shipper/display carton that has high structural integrity as a shipper carton, is easy opening, and is functional as a display carton. The carton comprises a front panel with a weakened area near a bottom edge, two side panels, each having a weakened area extending substantially diagonally across the sidewall, and a weakened area across a top edge of the rear wall. Additionally, there can be a further weakened region where the rear panel weakened area intersects the weakened areas of the side panels. There is a grip aperture in the rear wall. Due to the placement and structure of the weakened areas, the carton with these weakened areas is sufficiently strong to function as a shipper carton.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Inventors: Charles Raymond White, Leonard Beer
  • Patent number: 6168075
    Abstract: An improved breakaway container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and reliable breakage mechanism using a thumb cut scoring. By applying pressure to the thumb cut scoring, a tear is initiated in a circumferential scoring, thereby allowing for the separation of excess container wall from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2001
    Assignee: RECOT, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Sagel
  • Patent number: 6142366
    Abstract: An improved breakaway container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and reliable breakage mechanism using a thumb cut scoring. By applying pressure to the thumb cut scoring, a tear is initiated in a circumferential scoring, thereby allowing for the separation of excess container wall from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Recot, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Paul Sagel
  • Patent number: 6135289
    Abstract: A shipping container and display case for storing, transporting and displaying a plurality of pre-assembled packages of small items. The shipping container includes a top carton and a bottom carton integrally formed and connected along a score line around the container, in such a manner that the container can be broken into the top and bottom cartons along the score line. An upper insert is inserted in the top carton and a lower insert is inserted in the bottom carton respectively. The upper and lower inserts each has a plurality of slots configured for respective insertion of the plurality of pre-assembled packages. The shipping container can be used for storing and transporting the plurality of pre-assembled packages, and the top carton can be removed by breaking the container along the score line and the upper insert can further be removed to convert the container into a display case with the lower insert left in the bottom carton and the plurality of pre-assembled packages exposed for retail display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Master Fasteners Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher T. Miller
  • Patent number: 6102277
    Abstract: A reducible cereal box packaging for reducing the height of the cereal box as more and more cereal contained therein is consumed. The reducible cereal box packaging includes a box with a separation line extending therearound dividing the box into upper and lower portions. The box is separable along the separation line to permit separation of the upper and lower portions of the box and to define a lower opening in the upper portion of the box and a upper opening in the lower portion of the box. The upper edge of the lower portion is slidably insertable into the lower opening of the upper portion when the upper and lower portions are separated along the separation line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Robert J. Krapohl, Sr.
  • Patent number: 6098874
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a container having a tear-away top. In general, the container comprises an outer substrate layer, an inner aseptic layer secured to the outer substrate layer, and a cut in the outer substrate layer. In order to preserve the product in the container, the cut is of a predetermined depth such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer. The cut, however, is sufficiently deep so that a predetermined portion of the top may be torn away from the container at the cut. The present invention also includes a method for manufacturing a container that has a tear-away top. The method generally includes the steps of providing an outer substrate layer, securing an inner aseptic layer to the outer substrate layer, making a cut of predetermined depth in the outer substrate layer such that the cut does not puncture the inner aseptic layer, and then forming a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: SIG Combibloc Inc.
    Inventor: Michael G. Tokarski
  • Patent number: 6073833
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a container configured for shipping, storing, and displaying goods. The container comprises upper and lower portions linked by a continuous line of weakness, wherein the upper portions collectively form a container top section that can be easily and cleanly removed and disposed, while the lower portions collectively form a container bottom section that is retained for displaying contained articles. The container employs materials and design features that provide satisfactory protection during transportation, clamping and stacking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: McNeil-PPC, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Desrosiers, Luc Jette, Jean-Pierre Tremblay, Ullrich Flatmann, Christine Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6053402
    Abstract: A multi-compartment carton includes at least a first compartment and a second compartment coupled to the first compartment. An internal wall of the carton separates the compartments. In one embodiment, at least one of the compartments has a transparent viewing window. In another embodiment, the compartments are separable. Preferably, the first compartment is suitable for holding and dispensing a liquid, while the second compartment holds a solid food material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventors: Daniel Thomas, Michael Vernon Zeller
  • Patent number: 5979749
    Abstract: A combination shipping and display carton for shipping goods in a conventional manner, but adapted to remove the top to convert the shipping carton to an inventory carton suitable for stacking vertically in a point of sale display. The shipping carton is further adapted to remove a portion of the front panel of the carton to expose goods inside the carton and convert the carton to a display carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: The Glidden Company
    Inventor: Michael D. Bozich
  • Patent number: 5921398
    Abstract: A shipping and display container has two opposing end panels in a spaced parallel relationship and front and rear panels in a spaced parallel relationship defining opposing front and rear container surfaces. The front and rear panels are connected to the two opposing end panels to form a container periphery. A bottom panel extends within the container periphery to define a bottom surface of the container. A top panel also extends within the container periphery to define a top surface of the container. The top surface includes an opening for viewing the contents of the container. The container is also convertible from a storage configuration to a display configuration. The conversion mechanism includes the top surface and the front surface having a removable portion defined by a pattern of lines of weakening, at least the top surface and the rear surface including a further line of weakening, and the bottom surface defining a fold line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Star-Kist Foods, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Carroll
  • Patent number: 5836451
    Abstract: A package for containing both longer and shorter components and being transformable into a secondary package for carrying the shorter components. The package includes a unitary, tubular base carton having first and second ends and a first length extending between the first and second ends. A tear line is formed in the base carton between the first ends and defines a tubular sub-carton and a remainder portion. The sub-carton has a second length extending between the first end of the base carton and the tear line. The second length is less than the first length. A tray is slidably disposed in the sub-carton. The tray has first and second ends and a third length extending between the first and second ends of the tray. The third length is less than the first length of the base carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Mebane Packaging Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney D. Dixon
  • Patent number: 5660325
    Abstract: A method and mechanism for opening a paperboard carton that is child resistant. A dual-tab arrangement is used whereby one tab is removed to expose a second tab. The second tab is connected to a tape that is attached to and circles the interior of the carton. When the second tab is pulled it pulls with it the tape. The tape is pulled through the wall of the carton and sequentially severs the carton. The tape circles back to where the second tab was first pulled and, as a result, the carton is completely severed and the user is able to dispense the product contained within the carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Tenneco Packaging
    Inventor: Raymond L. Zacher
  • Patent number: 5651497
    Abstract: A packing case for cans or containers that can be readily opened without the use of a cutting tool and, when opened, provides a tray for the display of the contents of the packing case is disclosed. A tearing score is provided in each side panel of the packing case and has a configuration allowing the weight of the cans or containers within the case to cause the separation of the top portion of the case from the bottom portion when the top portion is lifted upwardly, such separation producing a relatively smooth edge on the bottom portion of the case which can be used for display purposes. A lifting access opening, reinforced by reinforcement material, is provided in each side panel adjacent the bottom panel of the packing case to assist in the lifting of same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Assignee: The Sherwin-Williams Company
    Inventors: Michael C. Ventura, Darlene A. Zelasko
  • Patent number: 5642833
    Abstract: A composite package for scoopable products comprising an outer rectangular paperboard box having vertical front, rear, and side walls and an upper foldable flap assembly connected to said vertical walls. An inner thin-walled plastic jar has a lower generally rectangular portion fitting within said box and an upper portion of slightly reduced cross-sectional size provided with a large open mouth. The lid is removably connected over said mouth and is normally covered by the flap assembly. The upper portion has wall sections spaced inwardly from opposed walls of the box to provide finger receiving spaces therebetween, and the opposed walls have finger receiving openings adjacent said spaces to facilitate handling of said box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Assignee: Ring Can Corporation
    Inventor: Carl D. Ring
  • Patent number: 5628452
    Abstract: A pack of cigarettes or of products of the tobacco industry is effectively protected against light, as well as against the loss or the penetration of humidity and the loss of aroma or off flavor of the products it contains, even though it is wrapped in a blank generally comprising only a single layer of material, when particular precautions are taken order to form the corners of the pack. Another advantage of the proposed package resides in the fact that it possesses several opening mechanism at the user's choice, permitting the latter to open his pack either as a conventional soft pack or as a hard pack. A package of this type is particularly ecological since it is preferably made up from a biodegradable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Philip Morris Incorporated
    Inventors: Albert Sigrist, Roberto Rizzolo
  • Patent number: 5605278
    Abstract: A carton for a package of photographic film, such as instant film. The carton is formed of a unitary paperboard blank coated on both sides by a thermoplastic barrier film. The thermoplastic functions as an adhesive when acted upon by heat and pressure, thus sealing portion sof the blank together. Each of four corners of the carton includes a gusset folded in such a manner as not to present a raw paperboard edge to the interior. The construction yields an air tight, liquid tight package with an oxygen barrier, and obviates the requirement of many similar packages that the photographic film be separately wrapped in a protective foil or film prior to being placed in a catron. Three embodiments of the carton are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: International Paper Company
    Inventor: Kurt D. Jensen
  • Patent number: 5582345
    Abstract: In order to permit opening of a box for Compact Discs regardless of the orientation of the box in a rack system, the box has two tear strips (42, 52) extending around the box at right angles to one another. The base and sides are formed as panels (6,8a,b) , the ends are formed from end panels (14a-18b) connected by fold lines to the base and side panels, and the top is formed by flaps (10a, 10b) connected by fold lines to the side panels, wherein the end panels and side panels are formed with perforations (34a-d) to define a first tear strip (42) extending around the periphery of the box between the top and base for separating the box into two halves (60, 62) and wherein the end panels and the base panel are formed with perforations (50a, b) to define a second tear strip (52) for separating the box into two further halves (64, 66), with one side panel in each half.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Assignee: EMI Compact Disc (Holland) B.V.
    Inventor: Jan P. Lankhuijzen
  • Patent number: 5582389
    Abstract: A cooking utensil has a base portion and a wall portion, wherein at least the wall portion is disposable after a single use. The wall portion includes a score line for irreversibly forming an opening in the wall portion. Tabs may be provided on either side of the score line for facilitating opening of the wall portion along the score line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: David N. Greene
  • Patent number: 5507432
    Abstract: An improved system for separating a corrugated fiberboard panel along a separation line is disclosed. A corrugated fiberboard panel has an inner liner and an outer liner with a corrugated medium sandwiched therebetween. At least two spaced-apart strings are located in the panel beneath the outer liner. The strings are located on opposite sides of a separation line defined on the panel. A pull tab is located in the outer liner, and is connected to at least one of the strings such that when the pull tab is pulled away from said panel and transverse to the separation line at least one of the strings cuts through at least a portion of the panel, and at least one of the other strings acts as a guide to define the location of the cut. The system is economical to produce and is readily incorporated in the corrugated fiberboard during its manufacture. It is also a reliable system that is easy to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1996
    Assignee: Industrial Adhesives, Inc.
    Inventor: Gilles D. Cyr
  • Patent number: 5505372
    Abstract: A carton formed from a carton blank comprising a unitary sheet of material having cut out portions, cut lines, fold lines and perforations to form various panels which are folded together to form a carton wherein the perforations are located so that a person has a choice of forming an opening from a plurality of locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Graphic Packaging Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick Edson, Raymond S. Kastanek
  • Patent number: 5464151
    Abstract: A container made of double faced corrugated board incorporates a tear tape (10,27) for opening it which is secured to the inside surface of walls (1,2,3,4,22) of the container. The tear tape is arranged to be pulled through one or more lines of weakness (14,23) formed in the outside of the board in alignment with the tear tape, the one or more lines of weakness not extending through the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: P. P. Payne Limited
    Inventors: Alan Parker, Michael C. Chapman, Stephen P. Pinchen, Carl J. Stonely
  • Patent number: 5375761
    Abstract: A pizza box adapted to be broken down after use into pieces to facilitate disposal having top and bottom panels, each having front, rear, left side, and right side edges, a rear panel hingedly connecting the top and bottom panels together at their rear edges, and left side, right side, and front flaps at the left side, right side, and front edges of the top and bottom panels. At least one divider strip extends across at least the top and bottom panels, for dividing the top and the bottom panels into smaller component pieces for easier disposal. According to the method of this invention a pizza box is provided having at least one divider strip extending across at least the top and bottom panels, for dividing the top and the bottom panels into smaller component pieces for easier disposal. After use the divider strip is grasped and pulled to thereby divide the top and bottom panels into smaller component pieces for easier disposal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1994
    Inventors: Laura C. Sullivan, Constance B. Sullivan, Timothy J. Sullivan
  • Patent number: 5332150
    Abstract: A shipping/display container that may be opened without having to use a knife or other sharp instrument, and a blank for forming such a container. The container blank includes a plurality of side panels foldably connected together in a longitudinal series, and a connecting flap foldably connected to a first end of the side panels. The side panels form a line of weakness extending substantially completely across each of the side panels, and the connecting flap forms a notch extending from the first end of the side panels. To form the container, the connecting flap is connected to the second end of the side panels, forming the side panels into a continuous side wall for the container; and as this is done, the notch in the connecting flap is positioned over the end portion of the line of weakness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Assignee: Kraft General Foods Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Norman W. Poirier
  • Patent number: 5299733
    Abstract: Disclosed is a package formed from a one-piece wrapper, typically made of carrier board, that is folded around twenty-four cans or bottles including a top and bottom of the package having cuts or perforations that partially separate the package into two twelve-packs; each side of the package having at least one tear-strip aligned with the cuts or perforations that will complete the separation into two twelve-packs; and the top of the package having a second pair of tear-strips which will allow the two twelve-packs to be separated into four six-packs. The wrapper can be folded in such a manner that the two six-packs of each of the two twelve-packs is separated by a center divider in the wrapper. This divider has a perforated top end which is aligned with the tear-strips. The two sides of the divider are held together by an adhesive which allows the six-packs to be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Assignee: Container Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Elmer D. Werth
  • Patent number: 5261595
    Abstract: A refill container for housing granular products that is adapted to be inserted into a box-type outer package. The refill container is designed so that it is easily collapsible after its use. The container comprises an enclosure formed from opposing top and bottom walls, opposing side walls and opposing front and back walls. The container is sealed so as to prevent the flow of granular products through the enclosure prior to its opening. Lastly the container of the present invention includes a tear strip extending along the front, back and side walls. The tear strip is such that it will extend above the outer box-type package when the refill container is inserted therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1993
    Assignees: The Procter & Gamble Company, Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Nanno, Masaho Hayashi
  • Patent number: 5251808
    Abstract: A variable volume carton box has a top a lid with flaps which are secured in the conventional manner for cereal boxes or other boxes used to contain like commodities sold in grocery stores and supermarkets. At least one intermediate circumferential perforation is located around the box so as to allow the box to be reduced in size. Once the box is reduced in size by tearing or cutting along the perforation, another set of intermediate flaps are attached circumferentially around an interior section of the carton box to form the new lid used when the box is reduced in size. If a flexible airtight lining is used within the box, a circumferential perforation or mark line is located thereon just above the circumferential perforation of the variable volume carton box to allow the lining to be folded, thereby forming an airtight lining within the reduced volume carton box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Darryl J. Rudd
  • Patent number: 5249738
    Abstract: Disclosed is a package formed from a one-piece wrapper, typically made of carrier board, that is folded around twenty-four cans or bottles including a top and bottom of the package having cuts or perforations that partially separate the package into two twelve-packs; each side of the package having at least one tear-strip aligned with the cuts or perforations that will complete the separation into two twelve-packs; and the top of the package having a second pair of tear-strips which will allow the two twelve-packs to be separated into four six-packs. The wrapper can be folded in such a manner that the two six-packs of each of the two twelve-packs is separated by a center divider in the wrapper. This divider has a perforated top end which is aligned with the tear-strips. The two sides of the divider are held together by an adhesive which allows the six-packs to be separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Container Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Elmer D. Werth
  • Patent number: 5167324
    Abstract: A shipping carton where at least one divider is convertible without the use of tools to an attractive display case. The dividers in the carton reinforce the carton when used for shipping and hold the contents in substantially vertical alignment for display. The conversion without tools is facilitated by a tear strip which separates the upper and lower portions in all but one side. Scores separate the upper and lower portions of the one side and the divider. The scores and the tear strip in place connect the upper and lower portions to provide a strong shipping carton, but upon removal of the tear strip, the scores are readily broken without tools to remove the upper portion and allow the lower portion to be used as an attractive display case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1992
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Christopher J. Miller
  • Patent number: 5098757
    Abstract: A tear tape opening system is provided for establishing an opening in a package or carton formed of corrugated board wherein the corrugated board consists of an outside liner, an inside liner and a corrugating medium thereinbetween, wherein the outside liner has outside and inside surfaces and the inside liner has outside and inside surfaces, and the inside surfaces of the outside and inside liners face the corrugating medium. The tear tape opening system according to the present invention includes a hot melt coated tear tape adhered to the outside surface of the inside liner along the desired line of opening and a hot melt coated tear guide tape, at least as wide as the tear tape, adhered to the inside surface of the outside liner along the desired line of opening so as to guide the tear formed by the tear tape and reinforce and stabilize at least one edge of the tear along the outside surface of the outside liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: H.B. Fuller Company
    Inventor: Thomas C. Steel