Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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IMPROVED OPENING STIdUCd'tJRE FOR
WEDGE-SHAPED I'IE C:ART(3N
This application is a continuation-in-part of my earlier filed copendlng
application Serial No. 693,864, filed May 1, 1991.
Technical Field
The present invention relates to paperboard packages far food items. More
particularly, the present invention relates to a carton, including an unproved
opening stzucture that facilitates access to the contents, for containing and
protecting
a single, wedge shaped piece of dessert-type pie.
Back round of the Invention
It is known in the prior art to use generally triangular tartans for packaging
wedge or triangular shaped food items. U.S. Patent 4,795,323 (to Platt)
discloses a
wedge shaped folding carton for packaging pizza slices. Although well-suited
for its
intended purpose, the disclosed package may not provide adequate support and
protection for the typically fragile crust of dessert-type pies: Additionally,
the
disclosed tartan does not provide access to the contents through an
unobstructed tap
opening.
U.S. Patents 4,432,490 (to Roberts) and 4,492,333 (also to lZ.oberts), owned
by the
assignee of the present invention, are directed to providing a tartan for
containing
single servings of dessert-type pies. In particular, the Roberts patents are
directed to
providing a carton having adequate strength to protect fragile slices of pie.
The
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disclosed cartons also are designed for inexpensive, efficient production and
forming of the carton from a single blank of paperboard material. While these
cartons represent improvements in cartons for co;ntairung single servings of
dessert-
type pies, they require consumer manipulation of :rear closure flaps to $ain
access to
the contents. Typically, these flaps are affixed or attached to each other by
adhesive
or other means. ?'he cartons disclosed in the Roberts patents disclose no
special
opening structure to facilitate the manipulation of the rear flaps or to
otherwise gain
access to the contents.
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,313,542 (to Roberts, et al.) and 4,432,489 (to Cote), also
owned by the assignee of the present invention, disclose cartons especially
adapted
for packaging single servings of dessert-type pie, °~e cartons
disclosed in these latter
two patents include wall and flap structures designed to protect fragile pie
crusts and
include completely removable tear strips far ope~g the carton and far
providing
completely open, tap access to the contents. However, these cartons do not
maximize cost efficiency in the production. Further, they cause excess litter
and a
clean-up problem, because the completely removable tear strips may not always
be
neatly discarded.
U.S. Patent 4,477,014 (to Brandenburger) overcomes some of the problems of
the prior art rrtentioned above. The Brandenburger patent is directed to a
generally
triangular paperboard carton having a earton closure arrangement including
means
for grasping and separating the cover p~rHon from the body portion of the
carton to
open the carton. However, the disclosed carton may be weakened because
weakened
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Lines of tear are located along the long edges of the cover portion just where
that
portion is joine~3 to the sides of the carton. Also, the means for grasping
and
separating comprises a tab located at the apex of the triangularly shaped
carton, and
if may be difficult to defleca the carton side wall sufficiently to grasp the
tab because
at the apex, four side wall panels and a front Comer flap axe adjacent and
secured to
each other. Because the tab is at one end of the carton, a force applied
thereto may
cause twisting of the carton., damaging the pie and making the product less
attractive
to a consumer. Although, it discloses a rectangular box carton, not a
triangular
carton for containing a single piece of pie, U.S. Patent 4,836,438 (to Ripby)
discloses a
carton having opener panel with an opening tab, located at a corner of the
carton,
that is somewhat similar to the tab in the Brandenburger patent. The tab 42,
in
Rigby's carton that is located in the center of the opener panel is a "carton
reclosure
tab", apparently not used to facilitate opening.
It is clear that with the current packaging methods for single servings of
dessert-type pies, cost efficient production, product protection, litter
prevention and
easy access to the contents are not enhanced to an optimum degree.
Accordingly,
there is need for a strong, efficient, easily opened, disposable paperboard
package for
containing single servings of dessert-type pies.
Summa of the Invention
In accordance with the present invention, a carton for containing and
protecting a wedge shaped single serving of dessert~iype pie is provided. The
carton
comprises generally parallel, triangular top and bottom panels each having a
base
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edge and converging side edges. A trapezoidal rear wall i.s foldably coupled
to the
base edges and extends between the top and bottom panels. When the carton is
fully
erected, the trapezoidal rear wall extends upward from the bottom panel base
edge at
an angle toward the top panel base edge. An inner side wall panel is foldably
coupled to each of the converging edges of the bottom panel, extending
generally
straight upward therefrom. An outer side wall panel is foldably connected to
each of
the converging edges of the top panel, extending generally straight downward
therefrom, whereby each outer side panel is closely adjacent to, overlying and
affixed to the corresponding inner side wall panel. Each outer side wall panel
has an
opening structure comprised of a generally central, deflectable, finger-
receiving
opening tab and a ,generally central line of weakness collinear with the
opening tab.
The line of weakness is formed by the opening tab and two spaced lines of
intenmittez~t incisions which diverge front said opening tab at an angle with
respect
to one anothex in the direction of the ends of said outer side wall panels.
The
invention also encompasses a flat blank for forming into the carton.
In another embodiment of the carton of the present invention, the opening
structure comprises a generally central, finger receiving opening edge and
generally
central lines of weakness extending from either side of the opening edge. The
opening edge is formed by a substantially continuous arcuate or curved cut,
the
central portion of the arc or curve being the portion rnosf closely adjacent
the top
panel (i.e., the arc ar curve is concave downward in the finished carton. The
lines of
weakness are formed by two spaced lines of intermitteztt inasions, each of
which
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diverges from one end of the openng edge and extends in the direction of one
end
of the outer side wall panel in which it is located. A flat blank for forming
into this
embad:ment of the present invention is encompassed.
An object of the present invention is to provide a carton that is strong
enough to adequately protect a single piece of dessert-type pie contained
therein.
Anothex object of the present invention is to provide a caxton adapted for
containing and protecting a single serving of pie that includes an opening
structure
for facilitating consumer access to the pie and for minimizing the chance of
breaking
the pie crust during the opening of the carton.
Yet another objeet of the present invention is to provide a carton which is
cost effective to produce and which conserves valuable resources, yet provides
tamper evidence, adequately protects the contents and enables easy consumer
access.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a carton for a
single
piece of dessert-type pie, wherein the carton includes an opening structure
that
facilitates access to the contents, yet minimizes litter and disposal problems
because
the carton is designed to remain in one piece following its opening.
An important advantage of the present invention is that it combines specific
shipping and packaging advantages, such as reduced breakage of fragile pieces
of pie,
with specdfic point-of-use advantages, such as improved opening
characteristics and
neatness of disposal.
Another advantage of the present invention is that the opening structure,
and specifically, the tab or edge used to initiate opening, is loeated in the
genea~ally
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central area of the side walls of the carton rather than at a corner or edge
where a
number of panels, flaps or edges thereof rzteet or overlie one another. Thus,
the tab
or edge is positioned where the canton wall and the tab ox edge may ba
manipttjated
or deflected more easily to facilikate grasping it. Additionally, the
generally eentral
~d coplanar position of the opening tab or edge with respect to the outer side
wall
eliminates the need for a tab that protrudes or extends from a free edge of
one of the
carton wall panels, yet does not dizrunish the ease of opening the carton.
Other advantages of the present invention are that it provides for the
efficient
use of resources by minimizing the amount of paperboard required to form the
package; it also allows for faster, more cost efficient assembly and gluing,
because the
adhesive material, or activation thereof, is accomplished in a single linear
pass,
without the need to time or break the application of the glue or heat to avoid
the
opening structure. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become more fully apparent and understood with reference to the following
specification and to the appended drawings and claims.
B_~ief Descri~~n of the Dra_wines
Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the blank from which the carton of the present
invention is formed and shows the die-eut profile thereof.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the partial. ~e~on of the blank shown in
Fig. 2.
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Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the carton of the present invention erected
and
filled prior to sealing.
Fig. 4 Is a perspective view of the carton of the present invention, showing
an
intermediate step in closing and sealing the carton.
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the carton of the present invention, showing
the carton filled and sealed.
Fig. 6 is a perspective view depicting the opening of the carton.
Fig. 7 is a pexspective view of the carton opened, showing the pie therein.
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the present
invention.
. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the
present
invention.
Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the present
invention,
Fig. l I is a perspective view of another embodiment of the pxesent invention.
Fig. I2 is a top plan view of the blank from which the carton of the
embodiment depicted in Fig. II is formed and shows the die-cut profile
thereof.
Detaile~ption of the preferred Embodiment
Referring to Fig. 1, a blank 12 in accordance with the present invention is
provided fox farming into a generally triangular carton I3 (see Fig. 5) fox
containing
a single piece of pie. The blank 12 has a generally triangular bottom panel 14
having
a lower base edge 16 and converging side edges I8, 20. The side edges Ig, 20
converge
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at a bottom panel apex 22. A generally rectangular, preferably trapezoidal,
rear end
wall panel 26 is foldably connected to bottom panel 14 along the lower base
edge 16.
The rear wall 26 has an upper base edge 28 that is generally parallel to the
lower base
edge r6. The rear panel 26 also has non-parallel side edges 30, 32. A minor
rear
dasure panel 34, 3b is foldably connected to each side edge 32, 30 of the rear
panel 26,
respectively. The free side edges 37 of the minor closure panels 34, 36 are
cut at an
angle with respect to the base edges I6, 28. The free end edge 38 is straight
and non-
paraLtel to the side edges 32, 30 of the rear panel 26.
rn the drawings, double lines indicate fold lines, single solid Lines indicate
cuts, scores or free edges, and broken single lines indicate intermittent cuts
or
incisions for forming lines of weakness. For example, reference to Fig. 1
shows that
the base edge 16 of the rear panel 26 is a fpld line, while edges 28, 30, 32
are fold lines,
each of which edges 28, 30, 32 includes a collinear line of pexforatioz~s or
cuts 39.
A triangular fop panel 40 is foldably connected to the upper base edge 28 of
the
rear panel z6. Like the boktom panel 14, the top panel 40 includes two side
edges 42,
44 defined by fold lines that converge at a top panel apex 4b. The generally
triangular top panel 40 has substantially the same shape as the bottom panel
14, but
it is longer from the upper base edge 28 to the top panel apex 46 than the
bottom
panel I4 is from the base edge 16 to the bottom panel apex 22.
Thus, as is disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,313,542, which disclosure is
incorporated
herein by reference, when the blank 12 is erected to form the carton 13 (see
h'ig. 4),
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the trapezoidal rear wall panel 26 will slant upwardly and outwardly from the
base
edge 16 toward the upper base edge 28.
With further referenee to Fig. I, inner side. wall panels 50, 52 are foldably
connected to the bottoan panel 14 along the side edges 18, 20, respectively.
Each side
wall panel 50, 52 includes a free edge 54. The Free edge 54 of each panel 50,
52 is
generally parallel and opposite to the corresponding side edge 18, 20. Each
side wall
panel 50, 52 has two generally opposed ends, a rear end 58 and an apex end 60.
A
front closure tab 62 is foldably connected to the apex end 60 of one of the
side wall
panels 50, 52, in this instance, panel 52. Each bottom side wall panel 50, 52
has a
linear cut edge 64 along the free edge 54 adjacent the rear end 58.
Quter side wall panels 66, 68 are foIdably connected to the top panel 40 along
the respective converging side edges 42, 44 of the top panel 40. Each outer
side wall
panel 6G, 68 has a free edge 70 generally parallel and opposite to the
respective side
edges 42, 44 of top panel 40, and two free ends, a rear end 72 and an apex end
76.
Each side wall panel 66, 68 includes a linear cut 80 along the free edge 70
adjacent to
the rear end 72. Each linear cut 80 is collinear with the corresponding cut 64
of the
bottom side wall panels 50, 52 and the free edge 38 of the minor closure
panels 34, 36.
Stripped out regions separate the minor closure panels 34, 3fi from the ends
58, 72 of
the side wall panels 50, 52, 66, 68.
The erected, unsealed carton 13 of the present invention, depicted in Fig. 4,
includes a bilateral opening structure 84 in each of the outer side wall
panels b6, 68.
With reference to Fig. l, the opening structure 84 comprises a generally
central,
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deflectable, Onger operated opening tab 86 defined'Sy a cut in each side wall
panel 66,
68. A line of weakness 88 extends froze each end of the tab 86 generally
across and
along the central longitudinal length of each side wall panel bb, 68. The line
of
weakness $f3 extends from either end of the opening tab 86 in the form of two
spaced, diverging tearable lines of weakness 90, 92. The lines 90, 92 diverge
frown the
opening tab $6 at an angle toward the free ends 72, 76 of the outer side wall
panels 66, 6$. The lines 90, 92 are formed by a plurality of angled,
intermittent
incisions or cuts 93. The bottom segments of each incision 93 are collinear.
Adhesive or glue areas 94 are provided on each outer side wall panel 66, 68
between
the opening structure 84 and the free edge 70.
With regard to the exection of the blank T2, a completed carton I3 formed
from the blank 12 is depicted in Fig. 5. Figs. 2 and 3 depict steps in the
erection
sequence. To form the carton 13, the blank I2 is folded about the converging
side
edges 18, 20 of the bottom triangular panel and about foldlines 30, 32 at the
edges of
the rear panel 26 so that the minor rear closure panels 34, 36 and the bottom
side
wall panels 50, 52 are brought into generally perpendicular upstanding
relation with
respect to the bottom panel 14. Generally simultaneously, the front closure
tab 62
may be folded inwardly in the direction of the inner side wall panel 52 to
which it is
attached, whereby it will be adjacent to the inner side of the side wall panel
50 to
which it is not attached, as depicted in Fig. 3.
With further reference to Fig. 3, the minor rear closure panels 34, 36 and the
front closure tab 62 are secured to the inner side wall panels 50, 52 at
adhesive areas
11
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94a. The contents, a v~redge-shaped single serving of dessert-type pie P may
be placed
into the carton 13 as depicted in phantom in Fig. 3. During the loading of the
pie P
into the carton 13, the top panel 4U may be reverse ;folded outwardly away
from the
interior of the Carton 13 along the upper base edge fold line 28. 'The reverse
folding
of~the top panel 40 is facilitated by the line of cuts 39 collinear with the
upper base
edge 28.
With reference to Figs. 4 and 5, the top panel 40 is folded downward to
ovbrlie
the contents and the outer side wall panels 66, 68 are folded downward in the
direction of the inner side wall panels a~0, 52 until they are overlying and
closely
adjacent to or contacting the inner side wall panels 50, 5~. The inner and
outer side
wall panels 50, 52 and 66, 68, respectively are attached or connected to each
other at
the adhesive areas 94, which (like areas 94a) bear a suitable adhesive applied
before
beginning the folding and erection sequence depicted in Figs. 2, 3 and 4, or
are coated
with heat activated adherenk means. In either case, the adhesive may be
applied or
activated with a single linear motion across the lower edge of the wall panels
bearing the adhesive. The connection between the side wall panels 50, 52 and
66, 68
substantially seals the carton, because, even though the outer side wall
panels 66, 68
include the opening structures 84, they overlie the inner side wall panels 50,
52
which are coextensive with the side of the carton 13 and have substantially
the same
surface axea as the outer wall panels 66, 68. Moreover, the opening structures
84
preferably include only limited incisions and the inner side wall panels 50,
52
preferably extend essentially the full height of the carton 13.
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Figs. 6 and 7 are provided to depict the opening of the carton 13 of the
present
invention. Specifically, as shown In Fig. 6, a consumer's finger may be
inserted
behind the opening tab 86 in each outer side wall panel 66> 68 by slight
deflection of
the tab 86 and the adjacent inner side wall panel 50 or S2. A generahy upward
and
outward lifting or tearing force applied to the finger opening tab $6 causes
the
separation of a gen2raliy upper portion 96 of the outer side wall panel 66, f$
from a
lower portion 98 thereof along the line of weakness 88. (The lower portions 98
of
the outer side wall panels 66, 68 remain affixed to the inner side wall panels
50, 52.)
Once this is done on both sides, the top panel 40 may then be rotated along
the
upper base edge 28 to the position depicted in Fig. 7, wherein the piece of
pie P in the
carton I3 is exposed. The sealed carton 13 and the opening structure 8~4 will
thus
provide evidence of atterr~pted tampering, because the only way to access the
contents of the carton 13 is to manipulate the opening tab Sb and tear the
tearable
lines 90, 92 substantially along their entire length.
It should be appreaated that the carton material comprising the top panel 40
and the upper portions 96 of the outer side wall panel db, 68 may be, if
desired,
removed from the remainder of the carton I3 along the upper base edge 28 by
tearing along that edge 28. However, it is anticipated that most users will
leave the
opened carton 13 intact, using it as a tray or dish.
Figs. 8-10 depict alternative embodiments of the present invention.
Specifically, in Fig. 8 the opening tab 86 is embossed to further facilitate
the insertion
of a consumer's finger behind the tab 86 as depicted in Fig. 6. In Fig. 9, the
opening
13
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tab 8s is a crescent shaped tab, and in Fig. 10, a finger receiving stripped
out area 100
is provided just beneath the opening tab 86. In each of the alternative
embodiments, the opening tab 86 is formed of a single continuous cut line;
only the
configuration of the cut line is different. Likewise, the operation of the
opening tab
86, and the carton 13 generally, is the same as discussed hereinabove with
regard to
the preferred embodiment.
Figs. 11 and 12 depict another embodiment of the present invention. The
features of this embodiment of the carton 13 correspond substantially to the
embodiments depicted in the foregoing Figs. 1-9, and corresponding elements
are
identified by the same numerals. iZeferring to Figs. 11 and 12, the opening
structures
84 of this embodiment each comprise a generally central, finger opezated
opening
edge 104 formed by a substantially continuous arcuate or curved cut x06 in
each side
wall panel 66, 68. The cut has ends 108, 110 and an uppermost central area
112. The
central area 112 is that portion of the cut 106 most closely adjacent the top
panel 40.
The opening structures 84 also include a line of weakness 88 comprising two
spaced, diverging tearable lines of weakness 90, 92 that diverge from the
opening
edge 104, specifically from adjacent the ends 108, 110 of the cut 106, at an
angle
toward the free ends 72, 76 of the outer side wall panels 66, 6S.
Although an arcuate opening edge 104 (and cut 106) is depicted in Figs. 11
and 12, the shape of the edge 104 can be varied. The degree of curvature can
be more
or less than that shown, or the edge could be piecewise linear segments
forming a
curve. Additionally, a nick (not shown) could be provided to interrupt the cut
106 at
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the central area 112 to assist in keeping the edges 104 in their dosed,
coplanar
relation to the panels 66, 68 and to assist in providing tamper evidence.
In use, much as shown in dig. 6, a consumer's finger may be placed just
beneath the opening edge I04 in each outer side wall panel 66, 68. Slight
inward
pressure exerted on the wall panels 66, 68 causes the panels 66, 68 to deflect
or move
slightly toward the carton interior, thereby altering the generally coplanar
relationship between the opening edges 104 and the panels 66, 6$, in effect,
deflecting
or causing the opening edge 104 to be outwardly of the lower portion 98 of the
wall
panels 66, 68. The consumer may conveniently and easily exert a generally
upward
and autward lifting force on the opening edge 104, causing the separation of
the
generally upper portion 96 of the outer side wall panel 66, 68 from the lower
portion 98 along the line of weakness 88. For most users, the inward
deflection and
grasping of edge 104 is easier to effect and makes opening easier than in the
preceding embodiments (Figs. 1-IO). When the lines of weakness 88 are torn
completely, the top panel 40 may be rotated around the upper base edge 28 to
expose
the piece of pie P in the carton 18.
A number of variations of the present invention can be made. For example,
cartons 13 of various sizes may be provided to accommodate different sizes of
pieces
of pie. While the container 13 is most suitably formed in a wedge or
triangular
shape, other container shapes, such as arcular or polygonal could be used; the
carton
13 may be adapted to fit the shape of the product to be contained therein. The
resilient paperboard from which the present invention is fabricated may be of
any
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suitable composition and may be coated with appropriate substances to impart
desirable characteri sties, such as resistance to liquids. 'I"he location and
configuration of the adhesive area 94 and 94a may be varied as long as the
lawer
portions 98 of each outer side wall panels 66, 68 are held securely to the
inner side
wall panels 50, 52. Various methods might be used to hold the carton 13 in the
closed position shown in Fig. 5; such methods include the use of various
adhesives,
heat activated substances, yr systems of interlocking tabs. Both the interior
or
exterior of the completed carton 13 may be marked with appropriate indicia.
It should be understood that as an alternative to erecting and gluing the
blank I2 into the completed carton 13, the producer may provide the blank 12
in a
completely flat, unerected condition, partially erected, or fully erected and
ready to
be filled as shown in Fig. 3. Thus, the purchaser of the carton 13 of the
present
invention has the option of how to purchase the paekage; if the person
purchases
the blanks 12 in flat condition, appropriate instructions may be provided on
how to
form the blanks 12 into the carton 13 for receiving contents.
Although the description of the preferred embodiment has been presented, it
is contemplated that various changes, including those mentioned above, could
be
made without deviating from the spirit of the present invention. xt is
therefore
desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as
illustrative, not
restrictive, and that reference be made to the appended claims rather than the
foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.
16
