Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MULTIPLE UNIT CARTON CAR~YING INDICIA
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the use of a label bearing
indicia encoded for automatic pricing to connect two separate
cartons (sub-cartons), in particular, cigarette cartons, to form a
combined dual carton, the indicia being positioned such that the
code is rendered unreadable when the two cartons are separated.
Cigarette packs (which usually contain twenty cigarettes)
are generally rectan~tllar in shape, havihg front and back long walls
and two short side walls.
Cigarette cartons typically contain two rows of five
cigarette packs per row (each row arranged so that the front long
walls of the packs are in the same plane and the back long walls are
in a parallel plane spaced from the front long walls), and are
generally known in the art as ten-pack cartons. Such cigarette
cartons are generally filled with cigare~te packs by the
manufacturer, temporarily closed (e.g., by folding the top flap of
the carton over the box and releasably securing the flap in the
closed position), and shipped to various distributors. The
distributors generally open the cartons, after they are received, to
apply any tax stamp that may be required by the jurisdiction in
which they operate to the individual cigarette packs inside the
cartons. Such procedures are commonly automated to reduce time,
cost, and labor through the use of specially designed machines for
applying tax stamps. Tax-stamping machines have been developed to
open the cartons, apply the st~nps, and finally seal the cartons $or
distribution. Such machines are generally commercially available,
and are well known in the art. These machines have been developed
for standard ten-pack cigarette cartons. A typical tax-stamping
machine is model FUSON manufactured by Meyercord Co. of 365 East
North Avenue, Carol Stream, Illinois 601~7.
Single row cigarette cartons which are dimensioned to
contain one row of five cigarette packs (each pack usually
containing twenty cigarettes, the packs arranged so that the front
long walls of the packs are in the same plane and the back long
walls are in a parallel plane spaced from the front long walls),
i.e., five-pack cartons, are also known in the art. However,
although machinery exists for manufacturing such cartons, machinery
does not exist for stamping the cigarette packs contained in
five-pack cartons. Consequently, such single row cartons must
either be hand-stamped (as is done currently) or would have to be
secured together in pairs to be run through the existent
tax-stamping equipment. To assure that the tax stamp is properly
registered, the means for securing the cartons must be strong enough
to keep the cartons together such that they are not sheared apart by
the vertical rollers of the tax-stamping machines which roll along
the vertical walls of the cartons to transfer the cartons between
the various stages of the process. If two single row cartons are to
be secured together, the means for securement must allow for later
separation of the cartons, if desired, by the retailer or consumer.
For marketing purposes, once separated, the two cartons should have
little or no trace of the means for securement which would disfigure
the outward appearance of the cartons.
In order to facilitate automatic pricing, indicia encoded
for automatic pricing of the dual carton are generally included on
an outer face of the cartons to be scanned by automatic pricing
equipment. Each carton is also usually priced for individual sale.
The use of such automatic pricing indicia often presents several
difficulties. When two narrow cartons, each coded for individual
sale, are connected, an automatic scanner may scan both prices
thereby charging the price of two cartons. If the price of the
combined carton is to be less than the price of two cartons sold
together, the customer may be overcharged if the automatic scanner
scans both price codes instead of the reduced price. Furthermore,
if the automatic scanner only scans one price code, the
retailer/wholesaler has undercharged. If a label bearing indicia
coded for the price of the combined carton is placed on the combined
carton, the label may still be readable ii the cartons are separated
o~
for individual sale and the customer may be charged the price of the
combined carton instead of the individual carton. The scanner may
also register both the combined price and the individual price,
thereby overcharging the customer.
It is desired to provide a means for securing two narrow
cigarette cartons together to have the combined dimensions of a dual
cigarette carton such that the two cartons do not move relative to
one another while being transferred throughout the tax-stamping
machinery.
It is also desired to provide a means for making a clean
separation between the two narrow cartons, if desired, for sale as
individual cartons instead of as a dual carton composed of two
narrow cartons.
It is further desired to connect the two narrow cartons such
that the price coding indicia of the individual cartons are not
readily visible to be scanned by automatic equipment.
It is further desired to provide a label bearing price
coding indicia for sale of the combined carton.
It is further desired to print or position such a label such
that the price coding indicia are destroyed upon separating the
cartons for individual sale.
According to the invention there is provided a label bearing
price coding indicia, such as Universal Product Code (U.P.C.)
indicia, positioned across two adjacent, coplanar walls of two
sub-cartons. The label serves as a means for connecting the two
sub-cartons and also as a means for automatic pricing of the dual
carton. The price coding indicia for the dual carton are positioned
across the two sub-cartons such that the price coding is rendered
unreadabie by automatic equipment once the sub-cartons are separated
for individual sale. The price coding indicia of the sub-cartons
are positioned such that the indicia are not readily visible until
the sub-cartons are separated for individual sale.
Further features of the invention, its nature, and various
advantages will be more apparent from the accompanying drawings and
the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,
wherein like reference characters represent like
elements throughout, and in which:
~3.~ 2
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an illustrative sub-carton blank
for a five-pack sub-carton in accordance with this invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of two five-pack
sub-cartons, each constructed from a blank similar to that shown in
FIG. 1, connected together in accordance with this invention to
form, once connected, a tèn-pack carton;
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of two five-pack cartons before
tax-stamping, connected with a label bearing price coding indicia
affixed to the external sides of the sub-cartons to thereby connect
the sub-cartons;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an illustrative carton blank for
forming two $ive-pack sub-cartons joined by a perforated line in
accordance with this invention;
FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view similar to that of FIG.
2 but with the blank oi FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a plan view of an illustrative carton blank for
forming the ten-pack carton shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a carton Eormed from the
blank of FIG. 6, with the lid open;
FIG. 8 is an isometric view similar to that of FIG. 7, but
with the lid closed;
FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of two five-pack sub-cartons
connected with a label bearing price coding indicia affixed across
the bottom walls of the sub-cartons;
FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view similar to that of
FIG. 9, but showing a label having a grip tab;
FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view similar to that of
FIG. 9, but showing a label having a lift-up corner;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of two fi~e-pack sub-cartons
connected with a label bearing price coding indicia which is an
integral part of the two sub-cartons and bridges the two
sub-cartons, made from the blank of FIG. 6;
FIG. 13 is an isometric view of two five-pack sub-cartons,
each bearing price coding indicia for sale of each five-pack
sub-carton printed directly on the sub-cartons, which sub-cartons
are to be connected with a label bearing price coding indicia $or
sale of a ten-pack dual carton, which label covers the indicia for
five-pack sub-carton sale;
FIG. 14 is an isometric view similar to that of
FIG. 13 but with clear carrier means positioned between the label
and the sub-cartons;
FIG. 15 is an isometric view similar to that of
FIG. 13 but with the price coding indicia for sale of each five-pack
sub-carton printed on labels which are affixed to the sub-cartons;
FIG. 16 shows a single blank of paperboard that when folded
forms a sub-carton;
FIG. 17 shows two assembled sub-cartons each formed from a
blank of FIG. 16 positioned in parallel for attachment;
FIG. 18 shows the two sub-cartons of FIG. 17 after being
attached;
FIG. 19 shows the process of temporarily closing the top
closures of the sub-cartons of FIG. 18 for shipment to be later
re-opened for tax stamping;
FIG. 20 is a side view of the double sub-carton unit of
FIG. 18 with the top closures in the temporarily closed position;
FIG. 21 is a side view showing the top closures of the
double sub-carton unit of FIG. 18 being tucked into each sub-carton
after having been tax stamped;
FIG. 22 shows the double sub-carton unit of FIG. 18 after
separation into two fully enclosed sub-cartons of five cigarette
packs; and
FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of a carton according to
the invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, blank 100, used for forming a
sub-carton adapted to hold one row of five cigarette packs (each
pack usually containing twenty cigarettes), i.e., a five-pack, has a
plurality of fold lines represented by broken lines. Blank 100 is
preferably formed from a substantially rigid material such as
paperboard or cardboard. Each relatively large panel 10 and 12 of
blank 100 is substantially five times the width oE a long wall of
the cigarette pack to be enclosed therein. As used herein, a
standard cigarette pack is defined as any pack commonly used for
holding a predetermined number of cigarettes, and generally having
front and back long walls connected by two short side walls. When
blank 100 is folded along respective fold lines lOa and 12a, panel
10 becomes the iront wall of the sub-carton and panel 12 becomes the
rear wall of the sub-carton. Joining panels 10 and 12 is bottom
panel 14, which forms the bottom wall of the sub-carton when the
blank is folded into a sub-carton. Panel 16, having substantially
the same dimensions as bottom panel 14, extends from rear panel 12.
After walls 10 and 12 are assembled, panel 16 is folded along ~old
line 16a over the top of the sub-carton to extend between ~alls 10
and 12 of the sub-carton. Extension panel 18 joins panel 16 along a
fold line 18a. Additional fold lines are shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 6
as broken lines but are not identified with individual reference
characters.
Panels 16 and 18 together form a top and tuck-in flap 17.
When the sub-carton is formed and ready for distribution to
consumers, extension panel 18 lies substantially parallel to front
wall 10, preferably inside the sub-carton, and panel 16 is folded
over the top of the carton towards front wall 10. Side panels 20a
and 20b are folded one over the other to form a side wall 20 of the
sub-carton. Side panels 22a and 22b are folded in a similar fashion
to form side wall 22. The "a" panel is preferably folded over the
"b" panel. Tabs 24 and 26 are preferably folded perpendicular to
panel 14 before the side panels are folded and will eventually lie
substantially parallel to side walls 20 and 22, respectively. 'rhe
distance between panels 10 and 12 of the completed carton is
substantially the same as the distance between the front and back
long walls of the enclosed cigarette pack.
FIG. 2 shows two five-pack sub-cartons 30, 32 connected
along their front walls 10, hereinafter referred to as interior
walls 11, prepared for insertion of a bundle 34 of ten cigarette
packs 36.
Rear walls 12 remain visible after connection of sub-cartons
30, 32, and hence are hereinafter referred to as exterior walls 13.
Flaps 17, which are formed from panels 16 and 18 of each blank 100
which forms the sub-cartons 30, 32, are opened such that the
interiors of the sub-cartons 30, 32 are readily accessible for
insertion of bundles 34. Because the "an panels of blank 100 are
preferably folded over the "b" panels, the free edge of each of the
~ ~ ~ h9~ Z
"a" panels faces inwardly, i.e., the free ed~es lie adjacent
interior walls ll, when cartons 30, 32 are joined. In this
configuration, the free edges of the "a" panels are not readily
accessible and thus are relatively safe from being accidentally
lifted from their place adjacent the "b" panels.
Packs 36 are preferably arranged in two rows of five packs
per roN with the short walls of adjacent packs facing each other and
the long walls of the packs arranged in parallel planes such that
the front walls of each row are in a first single plane and the rear
walls of each row are in a second single plane spaced from the first
single plane. The outer faces of packs 36 preferably bear printed
matter 35, such as the brand name, a list of the contents, etc.,
such matter printed such that the pack has a front face and a rear
face. An example of such printed matter 35 being the letter "M",
the bottom of which is positioned towards the front face of the pack
36. When a consumer opens a cigarette carton, it is desirable for
the front face of the cigarette packs inside the carton to face the
consumer. It is therefore desirable to arrange cigarette packs 36
in the sub-cartons 30, 32 such that the front faces of the packs
face each other and hence lie adjacent interior walls ll once the
packs are positioned in their respective sub-cartons.
As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-cartons 30, 32 may be formed
from a single blank 200. Each half of blank 200 resembles blank
100, with like reference characters representing like elements, and
broken lines representing fold lines. The substantially identical
halves of blank 200 are connected by a line of weakness 31,
preferably a perforated line. Each half is individually folded to
form a separate, five-pack sub-carton. The blank is additionally
folded along line 31 so that walls 10 lie against one another,
facing each other. The completed combined sub-cartons may be seen
in FIG. 5, which is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 (with like
reference characters representing like elements) except the
sub-cartons are joined along a perforated line formed in the blank
which forms the sub-cartons.
A modified single blank 300, shown in FIG. ~, may also be
used to form the sub-cartons 30, 32. Blank 300 resembles blank 200,
but there are differences as will be noted. Side panels 320a, 320b,
322a and 322b are substantially the same as side panels 20a, 20b,
22a, and 22b of hlank 200, except the corners of the side panels of
blank 300 are cut differently. Similarly, tabs 324 and 326 of blank
300 are substantially the same as tabs 24 and 26 of blank 200,
except that the corners are cut differently. Blank 300 further
includes additional tabs 323a and 321a extending from side panels
322a and 320a, respectively.
A further difference between blank 200 and blank 300 is the
construction of the panels which are folded to form the top walls of
the sub-cartons. Instead of having two top and tuck-in flaps 17,
such as formed from panels 16 and 18 of blank 200, blank 300 has a
single top wall 317 formed from two panels 316 and 318. Top wall
317 has two slits 319 which divide the wall into the panels 316 and
318, and which each terminate at label 42d which bridges across and
joins panels 3i6 and 318. A line of weakness (not shown) such as
described above, may also be included, joining slits 319. Label 42d
will be described in further detail below. Panel 316 may have an
extension panel (not shown) similar to extension panel 18 of blank
100 .
Blank 300 is folded in substantially the same manner as
blank 200 is folded. FIG. 7 shows blank 300 formed into sub-cartons
30, 32, with the top wall 317 not yet folded over the tops of the
sub-cartons. Cigarette bundle 34 has already been placed inside the
formed sub-cartons. FIG. 8 shows the completed, closed sub-cartons
30, 32, after top wall 317 has been folded over the tops of the
sub-cartons.
An illustrative carrier means bearing price coding indicia,
hereinafter referred to as label 42, is shown joining two five-pack
sub-cartons, in FIG. 3. Label 42 utilizes a carrier means such as
mylar or paper, which bears an either permanent or releasable
pressure-sensitive adhesive. Releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive
is herein defined as any adhesive known in the art, which,
preferably, is clear, has no taste or odor, and does not cause fiber
pull of the carrier means or leave a tacky residue once the suriaces
joined by the adhesive are separated (e.g., any adhesive known in
the art which provides a strong bond between surfaces but once the
surfaces are pulled apart, the bonds of the adhesive are broken and
the adhesive is no longer tacky). The selected adhesive should be
sufficiently strong to hold the sub-cartons firmly in place relative
to one another and resist such shearing force which would
reasonably be applied through a difference in forces applied by
vertical rollers of tax-stamping machines which roll along the
exterior walls 13 of the cartons during the tax- stamping process.
Label 42 is applied across adjacent, coplanar walls of the
sub-cartons 30, 32, such as bottom walls 14, to maintain the walls
and hence the sub-cartons in the same plane and adjacent one
another. Label 42 may have a line of weakness 41, such as a
perforated line, preferably positioned substantially parallel to the
line defined by the intersection of the sticker and the plane which
extends between and out from interior walls 11 (i.e., positioned
between the two sub-cartons), to facilitate a clean separation of
the two sub-cartons.
Label 42 bears Universal Product Code (U.P.C.) indicia or
other pricing indicia, preferably a bar code, preferably encoded for
the sale of the dual carton.
Additional labels (not shown), preferably without indicia,
may be applied across other adjacent, coplanar walls to join the
sub-cartons together even more securely.
Flaps 17 are shown as being lapped over one another in
preparation to be shipped to a distributor and later opened, or,
alternatively, in position for distribution to individual
wholesalers or retailers for subsequent distribution to consumers.
As seen in FIG. 9, label 42a is placed along adjacent,
coplanar walls, such as bottom walls 14, of the sub-cartons 30, 32,
the lines of the bar code being positioned substantially parallel to
the adjacent edges of the walls across which label 42a is placed.
The bar code is preferably encoded for the sale of the dual carton.
The bar code extends across the bottom walls oi the two sub-cartons
so that when they are separated the bar code is split substantially
; parallel to the bar code lines and only incomplete, unreadable barcode remains on each sub-carton. Optional perforated line 41 may be
included across label 42a, substantially parallel to the lines of
the bar code and approximately above and parallel to interior walls
11 .
~r.~
Label 42b, shown in FIG. lO, is substantially the same as
label 42a, but has an additional grip tab 44 to facilitate removal
of label 42b so that the price coding indicia are rendered
unreadable by automatic equipment upon separating the two
sub-cartons.
Preferably no adhesive is applied under tab 44 so that tab
44 may be lifted easily from the walls across which label 42b is
applied.
Label 42c, shown in FIG. ll also is substantially the same
as label 42a, but has a lift-up corner 46 (instead of tab 44 of
label 42b) to facilitate removal of label 42c for separation of the
two sub-cartons. Preferably no adhesive is applied below corner 46
so that corner 46 may be lifted easily from the wall on which it
rests.
Although the price coding indicia of label 42d of
FIG. 12 are positioned similarly to the indicia of labels 42a, 42b,
and 42c the indicia are printed directly on and across the top walls
of the t~o five-pack sub-cartons, instead of on a separate
label/carrier means. Blank 300 is preferably used to form a dual
carton with label 42d, although a blank such as blank 100 but with
panels such as 316 and 318 (not shown) instead of panels 16 and 18
may also be used, in conjunction with a blank such as blank 100 but
without panels 16 and 18.
To separate the sub-cartons 30, 32, label 42d must be torn
so that slits 319 join to form a continuous slit, thus separating
panels 316 and 318. A line of weakness such as perforated line 41
may be included to facilitate such separation.
The readily visible indicia on label 42 are preferably coded
for sale of the combined ten-pack dual carton and are rendered
unreadable by automatic scanning equipment upon tearing or removing
label 42 to separate the two five-pack sub-cartons. Indicia encoded
for the sale of an individual sub-carton may be printed on the
walls of each of the sub-cartons or on labels applied to the walls
of the sub-cartons. Preferably these indicia are located such that
they are not readily visible when the sub-cartons are joined. These
indicia are only accessible to automatic scanning equipment after
the sub-cartons are separated.
- 10 -
Indicia encoded for the sale of an individual sub-carton
(not shown) may be located on the outer surface of the interior
walls 11 of the sub-cartons. In this position, these indicia are
hidden when the sub-cartons are joined to form a dual carton, and
can only be scanned after the individual sub-cartons are sepa~ated
from the dual coniiguration.
As shown in FIGS. 13-15, indicia encoded for the sale of an
individual sub-carton alternatively may be located underneath label
42 such that label 42 covers these indicia when the sub-cartons are
joined to form a dual carton. Upon separation of the two
sub-cartons, the indicia for individual sale are uncovered and can
be scanned by automatic scanning equipment. ~uch indicia may either
be printed directly on the walls of the sub-cartons or on labels
affixed to the walls o~ the cartons. Label 42 may optionally have a
tab 44 (such as shown in FIG. 10) or a lift-up corner 46 (such as
shown in FIG. 11) to facilitate removal of label 42.
FIGS. 13 and 14 reveal labels 50, bearing indicia encoded
for the sale of an individual sub-carton. Labels 50 are printed
directly on the outer surface of each wall of a pair of adjacent,
coplanar walls of cartons 30, 32. Label 42, bearing indicia encoded
for the sale of the dual carton, is positioned over labels 50 such
that labels 50 are completely covered by label 42 in the dual carton
configuration. Releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive is preferably
used to affix label 42 across adjacent, coplanar walls and above the
indicia of labels 50 printed on these walls. Label 42 thus may be
easily removed to reveal labels 50 when the dual carton is separated
into its component sub-cartons for individual sale.
Optional clear carrier means 52 may be included between
label 42 and labels 50, as shown in FIG. 14. Clear carrier means
52 are secured with permanent adhesive to labels 50. Label 42 is
then placed over clear carrier means 52 to cover labels 50, as
discussed above. Releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive is
preferably used to secure label 42 to clear carrier means 52 so that
label 42 may be easily removed to separate the dual carton into its
component sub-cartons for individual sale.
As shown in FIG. 15, indicia encoded for the sale of an
individual sub-carton may alternatively be printed on separate
- 11 -
2~3~'~2
labels 54, one label affixed to each wall of a pair of adjacent,
coplanar walls of sub-cartons 30, 32. Label 42 is placed above
labels 5~ to join sub-cartons 30, 32 and to cover labels 5~ such
that labels 54 are completely covered by label 42 in the dual carton
configuration. Releasable pressure-sensitive adhesive is used to
affix label 42 across adjacent, coplanar walls and above the indicia
of labels 54 affixed to these walls, such that label ~2 may be
easily removed to reveal labels 54 when the dual carton is separated
into its component sub-cartons for individual sale. Permanent
adhesive is preferably used to affix labels 54 to the sub-cartons
such that labels 54 are not easily removed when label 42 is removed.
Clear carrier means 52 may be used between labels 54 and 42 as used
between labels 50 and label 42, as discussed above.
Although label 42 is shown placed across bottom walls 14 of
blanks 100 and 200, label 42 may also be placed across side walls 20
or 22, or panels 16.
Although wall 317 is referred to as a top wall, it may
alternatively be referred to as a bottom wall.
Although label 42 is described as bearing indicia for
automatic pricing such as U.P.C. indicia, any indicia may be used
which similarly are intended to be destroyed upon separating the
sub-cartons.
Although extension panel 18 is described as tucked inside
the sub-carton, extension panel 18 may alternatively be glued to the
outside of the sub-carton.
! Although flaps 17, designed to be tucked into sub-cartons
30, 32, are shown, it will appreciated that any appropriate flap may
be used, such as a flap with panel 16 without extension 18, intended
to be lapped over the top of the sub-carton, but not tucked
partially inside the sub-carton. Although the sub-cartons 30, 32
are described as each dimensioned to hold one row of five cigarette
packs, they may be lengthened or shortened to hold more or fewer
'l than five packs. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that these
concepts may be applied to the connection of sub-cartons of other
configurations for which distributors commonly haYe processing
machinery.
~`~3 ;~
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, shown in
FIGS. 15 to 22, a tab carrying UPC indicia extends from a side wall
of one sub-carton of the multiple and is affixed to the side wall of
an adjacent sub-carton, as is described below.
A blank of paperboard is fabricated as shown in FIG. 16,
which will ultimately form one sub-carton. The dashed lines
containing alternating long and short dashes are fold lines or
perforated scores along which the walls of the sub-carton are folded
to form the sub-carton configuration. Dashed line 1200, which
separates side panel 1025 and extension tab 1030, is perforated to
allow for later separation of the extension tab and the two
sub-cartons. UPC indicia characteristic of the multiple carton of
which the sub-carton will form part is carried in part on the side
panel 1025 and in part on the extension tab 1030. Separation of
the tab 1030 from the side panel 1025 will render the UPC indicia
indecipherable.
The blank is folded along the fold lines or perforated
scores to encase five cigarette packs aligned side-by-side. The top
of the cigarette packs will rest along bottom wall 1040. Interior
wall 1055 is folded up such that it rests against the interior walls
of the five cigarette packs. Dust flaps 1045 and 1050 and inner
side panels 1060 and 1065 are folded up to rest along the side walls
of the two cigarette pack positioned farthest from each other.
Exterior wall 1020 is then folded up to rest against the exterior
walls of the five cigarette packs, and side walls 1025 and 1035 are
folded in and glued to the outer faces of the inner side panels 1060
and 1065; respectively.
The extension tab 1030 is preferably semi-circular in shape
and has a radius of curvature that is less than the width of side
wall 1035, that is, less than the shortest distance between exterior
wall 1020 and interior wall 1055 when the sub carton is assembled.
Of course, any shape of extension tab may be provided, so long as it
does not extend out more than the width of side wall 1035.
Those skilled in the art will understand that the sub-carton
does not need to be formed around five cigarette packs but instead
may be formed hollow, so that the cigarette packs may later be
inserted into the sub-carton.
The cigarette packs are preferably positioned in each
sub-carton with the bottom o~ the pack next to the top closure and
with the logo or brand name readable when the top closure is opened
away from the consumer. In other words, the bottom of the logo or
brand name on the exposed side of the cigarette pack is adjacent to
the interior wall and the top is adjacent to the exterior wall.
In addition, those skilled in the art will recogni~e that
the blank may be folded into a sub-carton in any position. For
example, the blank may be folded with bottom wall 1040 positioned
vertically.
Finally, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many
types of glue, tape or adhesive may be used to attached side panels
1025 and 1035 to inner side panesl 1060 and 1065, respectively, and
extension tab 1030 may be detachably attached to side panel 1025 by
other means than perforation line 1200. Also, many shapes and sizes
of inner side panels 1060 and 1065 may be used, and dust flaps 10g5
and 1050 may also be of any si~e, or omitted altogether. However,
the preferred embodiment includes dust flaps and uses larye box
insert side walls to provide greater stability to the sub-carton.
FIG. 17 shows two assembled sub-cartons, labeled 1300~ and
1300B, positioned for attachment. Each half-carton contains five
cigarette packs 1101- 1105, the numbers in incremental order
starting at side panel 1025 and ending at side panel 1035. The
cigarette packs in sub-carton 1300A are labeled 1101a-1105a, and
those in sub-carton 1300B are labeled 1101b-1105b. This parallel
numbering system -- in which each part is designated with the number
used in FIG. 16 followed by the letter 'a" or "b" to indicate the
sub-carton being referred to -- is used throughout FIGS. 17-22.
One sub-carton has been rotated 180 such that interior
walls 1055a and 1055b face each other. This configuration allows
extension tab 1030a to be attached to side panel 1035b, and
extension tab 1030b to be attached to side panel 1035a. Top
closures 1015a and 1015b are positioned opposite each other such
that when the half-cartons are moved together, as shown by the two
arrows in FIG. 17, and attached, the top closures are on opposite
sides of the top of the double sub-carton unit. This configuration
is important so that the top closures may later be bent back to
- 14 -
A.~ ~ J ~
allow for tax stamping. Thus, it is important that extension tabs
1030a and 1030b extend from the side remote from the side to which
top closures 1015a and 1015b, respectively, are hinged.
FIG. 18 shows the sub-cartons of EIG. 17 attached to each
other. In the preferred embodiment, extension tab 1030a is secured
to side panel 1035b with glue; however, tape or any other adhesive
may be used. On the opposite side of the double sub-carton unit,
which is not visible in FIG. 18, extension tab 1030b is similarly
glued or otherwise secured to side panel 1035a. The glue, tape or
other adhesive used must withstand greater force than that required
to tear perforation lines 1200a and 1200b. It must also withstand
the force of the tax-stamping machine.
Because one sub-carton is rotated 180, cigarette pack 1101a
is adjacent to cigarette pack 1105b, cigarette pack 1102a is
adjacent to cigarette pack 1104b, cigarette pack 1103a is adjacent
to cigarette pack 1103b, cigarette pack 1104a is adjacent to
cigarette pack 1102b, and cigarette pack llQ5a is adjacent to
cigarette pack 1101b, as shown in FIG. 18.
The cigarette packs 1101a-1105a and 1101b-1105b are
preferably positioned such that the brand name or logo is readable
when top closure 1015a or 1015b is opened and pivoted away from the
consumer. Thus, the orientation of the logos and brand names on the
cigarette packs in one sub-carton are inverted relative to the
orientation of those in the adjoining sub-carton. This orientation
is illustrated by the letter "C" on each cigarette pack shown in
FIGS. 17 and 18.
When the sub-cartons are attached, interior walls 1055a and
1055b abut against each other, forming a centerline that divides the
two rows of cigarette packs. Exterior walls 1020a and 1020b form
the exterior walls of the double sub-carton unit. Perforation lines
1200a and 1200b form a vertical centerline between half-cartons
1300A and 1300B, and function as the only direct connection between
and attaching the sub-cartons. However, the sub-cartons may be
further secured by other detachable adhesive means at other
locations.
Top closures 1015a and 1015b are then temporarily closed, as
shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. Top closure 1015b is first folded across
the open top of the two rows of cigarette packs. The tuck portion
1005b of top closure 1015b will lay on top of sub-carton 1300A in a
non-tucked position, directly above cigarette packs 1101a-1105a.
The top wall portion 1010b of top closure 1015b will lay on top of
sub-carton 1300B, directly above cigarette packs 1101b-1105b.
Top closure 1015a is then folded across the top of
temporarily closed top closure 1015b. When closed, tuck portion
1005a of top closure 1015a will lay directly on top of top wall
portion 1010b of top closure 1015b, and top wall portion 1010a of
top closure 1015a will lay directly on top of tuck portion 1005b of
top closure 1015b.
Top closures 1015a and 1015b are preferably secured by glue
points 1070 that are strong enough to keep the unit closed during
shipment, but weak enough to be torn open without significantly
damaging the paperboard on the top closures. The glue may be placed
at one or more places along top wall 1010b.
Three equally spaced glue points 1070 are shown in FIG. 19.
Alternately, one or more glue points may be applied to the bottom of
tuck portion 1005a. In either case, the glue will temporarily affix
top wall 1010b to tuck portion 1005a as shown by glue point 1070 in
FIG. 20.
Tape or another adhesive may be used instead of glue, and
the glue or other adhesive means may be located at other positions
on the dual sub-carton configuration. Such adhesive means are
common in the industry and obvious to implement by one ordinarily
skilled in the art.
Alternately, top closure 1015a may be closed before tuck
flap 1015b. Because the sub-cartons are identical, the double
sub-carton unit has rotational symmetry along the vertical major
axis positioned between and at the center of interior walls 1055a
and 1055b. Thus, regardless of which top closure is closed first,
the temporarily closed, double sub-carton is the same.
The temporarily closed, double sub-carton unit is then
shipped either directly or indirectly via a warehouse to a
tax-stamping facility. Once there, the temporarily closed top
- 16 -
closures 1015a and 1015b are opened, using machinery and techniques
that will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Once opened, the
double sub-carton will be the same as it was prior to closing the
top closures, as shown in FIG. 18.
Top closures 1015a and 1015b are then folded back along
exterior walls 1020a and 1020b, respectively, and run through an
existing tax-stamping machine. Top closures 1015a and 1015b are
then tucked into each respective sub~carton as shown in FIG. 21.
Tuck portion 1105a of top closure 1015a is inserted between the
cigarette packs 1101a-1105a and the inside of interior wall 1055a.
Top portion 1010a of tuck flap 1015a forms the top wall of
sub-carton 1300A.
Similarly, tuck portion 1005b is inserted between cigarette
pac~s 1101b-1105b and interior wall 1055b, and top portion 1010b
forms the top wall of sub-carton 1300B.
The closed, double sub-carton unit is then ready for final
shipment to retailers for sale to consumers. A retailer may sell
the double sub-carton unit as one carton of ten cigarette packs, or
the retailer may separate and sell individual sub-cartons of five
cigarette packs.
The dual carton may be separated by applying force to each
half-carton in the direction indicated by the arrows in FIG. 22.
This action will tear perforated lines 1200a and 1200b and separate
the carton into individual sub-cartons. When separated, extension
tab 1030a is attached to side wall 1035b, and extension tab 1030b is
attached to side wall 1035a. Thus each extension tab remains on the
opposite sub-carton from which it originates. Since the UPC indicia
is partly on one of the extension tabs and partly on the side wall
from which that tab extends, the UPC indicia is destroyed when the
packs are separated.
It will be apparent that minor modifications to the manner
in which the sub-cartons are fabricated, temporarily closed, opened
for tax stampin~, closed for shipment to retailers, or separated
into sub-cartons for sale to consumers, may be made. For example,
the sub-carton fabrication process may include two identical
machines that make sub-cartons from blanks configured to produce
pairs of sub-cartons with the interior walls facing each other for
3~2
attachment. This would alleviate the need to rotate one sub-carton
180~ prior to attachment.
The top closures need not be tucked into the sub-cartons
after tax stamping. Instead, they may be tucked into the space
between interior walls 1055a and 1055b such that tuck portion 105a
is glued, taped or otherwise secured to interior wall 1055a, and
tuc~ portion 1005b is glued, taped or otherwise secured to interior
wall 1055b.
In addition, the shape and size of the extension tabs may be
modified. The extension tab may be located on the opposite side
wall (i.e., attached to side wall 1030). Or both extension tabs may
be located on one sub-carton, on each of its two side walls.
Alternately, the size and shape of the dust flaps and insert
side walls may be changed, or other or both may be eliminated.
Sticky glue points, tape or other adhesive may be added to
the interior walls of the sub-cartons, or across the centerline of
the two sub-cartons to provide greater adhesion of the double
sub-carton unit during tax stamping.
FIG. 23 shows another embodiment of a dual carton 2212
according to the invention. Two sub-cartons 1230, 1232 are joined
and closed by adhesion of a top lid flap 2116 extending from one
sub-carton to a lower lid flap extending from the other sub-carton
(not shown). Additionally, stickers (not shown) may join adjacent
walls of the sub-cartons. A line of perforations 2117 separates
detachable portion 2116' from upper lid flap 2116. The upper lid
flap 2116 carries UPC indicia 2200 characteristic of the dual carton
2212, which extends across the line of perforation 2117.
When the two sub-cartons 1230, 1232 are separated, tne upper
lid flap 2116 is torn along the line of perforations 2117, rendering
the UPC indicia indecipherable.
Ad~antageously, the detachable portion 2116' of the upper
lid flap 2116 is adhered to the inner lid flap with releasable
adhesive, so that the detachable portion can be removed from the
sub-carton.
Each sub-carton 1230, 1232 also includes a secondary lid
flap, not shown, extending from the interior walls of the
sub-cartons which in the dual carton 2212 are folded down between
- 18 -
~2~3~
the sub-cartons before tax stamping. After tax stamping, each
secondary lid flap is folded over the top of the sub-carton from
which it extends and upper lid flap 2116 is folded over the
secondary lid flaps. When the sub-cartons have been separated,
these secondary lid flaps cooperate with the remaining portion of
the upper lid flap 2116 on one half-carton 1230 and with the
detachable lid flap portion 2116 on the other sub-carton 1232,
respectively, to provide lap type lids for each half- carton 1230,
1232.
It will be appreciated that references to cigarette cartons
and cigarette packs are not limited to only rectangular cartons and
packs, but are intended to include all configurations which are
available to consumers. Cigarette cartons include cartons with
windows, cartons with rounded edges, and other configurations which
are designed to be passed through tax-stamping equipment. Cigarette
packs include such packs as oval packs, packs with rounded edges,
and other non-rectangular shapes.
It will be appreciated that references to tax-stamping
machinery are intended to include any existing equipment which is
readily available to distributors, and modified versions.
Additional labels 42, but preferably without indicia, may be used
along the other ad~acent, coplanar, adjoining walls of sub-cartons
30, 32 to more securely join the cartons together for tax-stamping
purposes. The present embodiments are described for the purpose of
illustration rather than limitation, and the present invention is
limited only by the claims which follow.
- 19 -
