Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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FINGER TAB
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a carton comprising a finger tab for an
openable flap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Rectangular cartons containing, for example a tube of toothpaste, are
ubiquitous. Users
often open the carton to access the contents of the carton from either end
(i.e., smallest dimension
of the sides). Users report being frustrated in opening a side panel and
further frustrated by
sometimes having to shake the carton to jostle the contents free from the
interior of the carton
(given the relatively small opening that is provided by the side panel). There
is a need for users
to more easily access the tube of toothpaste contained in the carton.
Moreover, there is a need
by manufacturers to connote a premium package and opening experience to users
to provide a
premium product and experience.
On approach to address the need is the use of a flap that on one or more sides
of the
carton, i.e., along the length. In one example, the flap extends across the
top and front sides of
the carton. The use of a finger tab is used to initiate the opening of the
flap. However, the finger
tab must be relatively easy to open by the user, but have enough structural
integrity not be
opened prematurely (e.g., during manufacturing, shipping, or handling). If the
finger tab opens
prematurely, potential user may view the overall product negatively as lacking
quality or as
opening to allow contaminants to enter the carton. However, if the finger tab
is difficult to open,
the user may become frustrated with the packaging experience and may view of
the overall
product negatively as lacking quality.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based on the surprising discovery, at least in part,
that a finger
tab comprising a first intersection, wherein the first intersection is formed
by a first 1/2 cut of
weakness intersecting a first perforation that is at least 1 mm in length,
provides for the finger tab
that is easy to open by the user but does not open prematurely (under typical
shipping and
handling conditions). Accordingly, one aspect of the invention provides a
carton comprising a
finger tab for initiating the opening of a flap, wherein the finger tab
comprises a first intersection,
wherein the first intersection is formed by a first 1/2 cut line of weakness
intersecting a first
perforation. Another aspect provides for a method of opening a carton
comprising the step of
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digitly pressing the finger tab inward to grasp and then open the flap of the
carton to expose the
interior of the carton. Another aspect provides the use of a finger tab to
open a flap of a carton,
wherein the flap is openable from a front side and an adjoining top side, that
is easy to open by
the user but does not open prematurely (under typical shipping and handling
conditions).
These and other features, aspects and advantages of specific embodiments will
become
evident to those skilled in the art from a reading of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature and not
intended to
limit the invention defined by the claims. The following detailed description
of the illustrative
embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following
drawings, and in
which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carton comprising an inventive finger tab
for initiating
the opening of a flap;
Figure 2 is a front view of the finger tab of figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of a first comparative finger tab (A);
Figure 4 is a front view of a first comparative finger tab (B);
Figure 5 is a front view of a first comparative finger tab (C);
Figure 6 is a front view of a first comparative finger tab (D);
Figure 7 is a front view of a first comparative finger tab (E);
Figure 8 is a front view of a first comparative finger tab (F); and
Figure 9 is a front view of a first comparative finger tab (G);
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The following text sets forth a broad description of numerous different
embodiments of
the present disclosure. The description is to be construed as exemplary only
and does not
describe every possible embodiment since describing every possible embodiment
would be
impractical, if not impossible. It will be understood that any feature,
characteristic, component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein can be
deleted, combined
with or substituted for, in whole or part, any other feature, characteristic,
component,
composition, ingredient, product, step or methodology described herein.
Numerous alternative
embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or
technology developed
after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope
of the claims.
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Figure 1 is a perspective view of a carton (1) comprising a finger tab (3) for
initiating the
opening of a flap (5). A longitudinal axis (1) is along the length of the
carton (10). The carton is
preferably rectangular, preferably made from paperboard, and preferably having
dimensions that
are typical of those containing oral care products such as toothpaste. For
example, the tube of
toothpaste may contain from 5 g to 300 g of toothpaste, preferably from 80 g
to 250 g; non-
limiting examples include 90 g, 140 g, and 300 g of toothpaste.
The flap (5) is preferably made from paperboard, and more preferably the
carton
(1) is made from paperboard. The paperboard has a density from 50 g/m2 to 700
g/m2,
preferably from 100 g/m2 to 600 g/m2, more preferably from 200 g/m2 to 500
g/m2, yet more
preferably from 300 g/m2 to 400 g/m2. The paperboard may be 100% virgin
material, 100%
recycled material, or a combination thereof, preferably the paper board is
virgin material. The
six-sided rectangular carton (1) has the following dimensions: a length of the
carton (3)
(measured along the longitudinal axis (10)) is from 10 cm to 40 cm, preferably
18 cm to 30 cm.
The width of the carton (1) is from 3 cm to 9 cm, preferably 4 cm to 8 cm. The
height of the
.. carton (3) is from 2 cm to 8 cm, preferably from 3 cm to 7 cm. The interior
volume of the carton
(1), when devoid of contents, is from 300 cm3 to 900 cm3, preferably from 400
cm3 to 800 cm3.
Although not shown, preferably the carton contains an oral care product (e.g.,
toothbrush,
dentifrice, combination thereof) in the interior volume, more preferably the
oral care product is a
tube of toothpaste. The flap (5) of the carton (1) is formed as part of the
front side (4) and top
side (2), wherein the front and top sides (4, 2) are adjoining. The front and
top sides (2) are
along the longitudinal axis (10). These sides (4, 2) are distinguished from
the left and right end
sides (18, 8), which are in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis (10).
The finger tab (3), or
more specifically the body finger tab (2), is located on the front side (4)
preferably located in the
in the middle 1/3 of either the length or width dimension (of the front side
(4)), more preferably
both the length and width dimension (of the front side (4)). The flap (5) is
defined by a first line
of weakness (11) and second line of weakness (12) that are opposing each
other. Preferably the
carton (1) has bilateral symmetry along a plane orthogonal and at a midpoint
to the longitudinal
axis (10). It is this plane of bilateral symmetry which the first and second
lines of symmetry (11,
12) are opposing each other. There is a foldable edge (14), between the
interface of the top side
(2) and the back side (16), which is hinge for the flap (5) upon opening. The
back side (16)
opposes the front side (4). The top side (2) is between the back side (16) and
the front side (4).
The first line of weakness (11) and the second line of weakness (12) converge
on the front side (4)
to the finger tab (3). The flap (5) may occupy from 60% to 100%, preferably
70% to 95% of the
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surface area of the top side (2) of the carton (1). And the flap (5) may
further occupy from 15%
to 95%, preferably 20 to 90% of the surface rea of the front side (4) of the
carton (1). The flap (5)
contiguously extends from the top and front sides (2, 4).
The user uses a digitly (i.e., with a finger) presses the finger tab (3)
inward (toward the
interior of the carton (1) to break the press tab open from the front side (4)
to grasp a now
exposed edge of the flap (5) and pull the flap (5) open breaking the first and
second lines of
weakness (11, 12) to expose the interior of the carton (5) and the product
contained therein (e.g.,
oral care product such a tube of toothpaste (not shown)). The flap (5) is
openable from the front
side (4) and adjoining top side (2). The press tab (3) and flap (2) is easy to
open by the user but
.. does not open prematurely (under typical shipping and handling conditions).
Without wishing to be bound by theory, this relatively central location of the
finger tab (3)
may help in balancing easy of opening and robust integrity (during typical
shipping and handling)
given the observation that the pressure upon opening the finger tab will be
generally equal
throughout the front side of the carton (vs. being biased toward a corner).
Moreover, this need
for balance is particularly acute in paperboard given the relatively minimal
thickness and
properties of the paperboard material.
Turning to figure 2, the left and right lines of weakness (11, 12) have a
least a portion of
as a 1/2 cut line of weakness proximate the first and second intersection (31,
32), respectively.
The line of weakness may include any suitable type including, for example,
perforation lines, die
cut lines, or score line, to facilitate the opening of the flap (5).
Preferably the entire left and right
line of weakness (11, 12) are 1/2 cut line of weakness from the foldable edge
(14) to the first and
second intersection (31, 32). A "1/2 cut line of weakness" means a line of
weakness formed when
a first die having a first blade cuts into the carton precursor (e.g.,
paperboard) about halfway
through its thickness and an opposing second die having a second blade also
cuts into the carton
precursor about halfway through the thickness. The cuts made by the respective
blades are made
in a direction transverse relative to the thickness of the carton precursor.
The cuts (for the first
and second blades) are not made directly opposing each other, but rather, in a
distance from each
other from 2 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 3 mm to 8 mm, more preferably from 4
mm to 7 mm,
alternatively about 4 mm, 5 mm, or 6 mm. Accordingly, each cut line (from the
first and second
blade) will generally mimic the other (but at the indicated distances). The
user, upon unfolding
open the flap (5), is delaminating the carton precursor between the two
opposing cut lines (of the
1/2 cut line of weakness). In one example, the carton precursor is a
paperboard having a basis
weight of 350 grams per square meter. Preferably the length of the first and
second 1/2 cut line
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of weakness (11, 12) are each independently at least 1 cm, preferably at least
2 cm, more
preferably at least 3 cm, as measured from each respective first and second
intersection point (31,
32). One skilled in the art will appreciate that the distances between the
first and second blades
(e.g., 5 mm) will converge (i.e., distances between the blades will decrease)
as the line of
5
weakness (11, 12) meets the first and second intersection (31, 32),
respectively. One advantage
of a 1/2 line of weakness is the smooth finish provided on the surface of the
carton (1), thereby
providing graphics and artwork that appears of a high quality than otherwise
would be if
available from other types of lines of weakness that otherwise deform the
smooth finish of the
paperboard.
The finger tab (5) comprises a first intersection (31) is formed by a first
1/2 cut line of
weakness (11) intersecting a first perforation (21), where the first
perforation is at least 2 mm.
Similarly, a second intersection (32) is formed by a second 1/2 cut line of
weakness (12)
intersecting a second perforation (22). The first and second intersection (31,
32) are opposing
each other. At least one linkage (7A) is in-between the first and second
perforation (21, 22) to
form a first perforation line (41). "Perforation" made a cut through the
thickness of a side, i.e.,
paperboard, of the carton (1).
Preferably the cut is made an angle perpendicular to the side
surface. "Linkage" means that portion of the side, i.e., paperboard, along the
perforation line,
that is not cut. A perforation line may be linear or arced or combination
thereof.
Preferably the length of the first perforation (21) is from 2mm to 7 mm,
preferably greater
than 2 mm to 5 mm, more preferably from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Non-limiting
examples include 3,
3.5, 3.8, 4.1, 4.5 mm in length. Preferably the length of the second
perforation (22) is at least 2
mm, preferably from 2 mm to 7 mm, more preferably greater than 2 mm to 5 mm,
yet more
preferably from 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm. Non-limiting examples include 3, 3.5, 3.8,
4.1, 4.5 mm in
length.
Based on observation from comparative samples (discussed below) and
without
wishing to be bound by theory, the length of the first and second perforation
(21, 22) and that the
intersect the first and second intersection (31, 32) are important factors in
the finger tab (3)
demonstrating the balance of easy of opening but avoiding premature opening
(from typical
shipping and handling).
The first perforation line (41) may further comprises a plurality of
additional perforations
(70A-70E), preferably from 2 to 16 additional perforations, more preferably
from 3 to 8
additional perforations. Preferably each of the plurality of additional
perforations (70A-70E) are
independently from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, preferably from 1 to 5 mm, more preferably
2 to 4 mm in
length. Preferably each of the plurality of additional perforations (70A-70E)
are the same length.
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In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 2, there is a total of seven
perforations (i.e., first,
second (21, 22) which are 3.8 mm in length; and additional perforations (70A-
70E)) which are
each 3 mm in length).
Preferably the length of the least one linkage (7A) is from 0.1 mm to 3 mm,
preferably
from 0.3 mm to 2 mm, more preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, yet more
preferably from 0.7
mm to 1.3 mm.
Preferably the first perforation line (41) further comprises a plurality of
additional linkages (7B-7F). This plurality of additional linkages (7B-7F) may
number from 2 to
18 additional linkages, more preferably from 3 to 9 additional linkages.
Preferably each of the
plurality of additional linkages (7B-7F) are independently from 0.1 mm to 3
mm, preferably from
0.3 mm to 2 mm, more preferably from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm in length. In one non-
limiting
example illustrated in Figure 2, there is a total of six linkages (7A-7F) (of
the first perforation
line (41)) each 1 mm in length.
The linear distance between the first intersection (31) and the second
intersection (32) is
from 10 mm to 70 mm, preferably from 20 mm to 50 mm, more preferably from 24
mm to 34
mm. For example, the distance between the first intersection (31) and the
second intersection (32)
is 25, 26, 27, 28, 28.6, 29, 30, or 31 mm, preferably 28.6 mm. The first
perforation line (41)
between the first and second intersections (31, 32) is substantially linear,
preferably linear.
Preferably the finger tab (3) further comprises a third perforation (33)
intersecting at the
first intersection (31), and more preferably a fourth perforation (44)
intersecting at the second
intersection (32). At least a second linkage (9A) is in-between the third and
fourth perforations
(33, 44, respectively) to form a second perforation line (42). Preferably the
first perforation line
(41) is proximate the flap (5) while the second perforation line (42) is
distal the flap (5) (i.e.,
proximate to a non-flap region (6)). Preferably the second perforation line
(42) is nonlinear,
preferably arced. Arc may have constant radius or inconstant radius. A regular
arc has a
constant radius. More preferably the second perforation line (32) is regular
arc having a radius
from 10 mm to 30 mm, preferably from 12 mm to 24 mm, more preferably from 15
mm to 21
mm; wherein the center point of the radius is in the flap (5). Non-limiting
examples of a radius is
16, 17, 18, 18.4, 19, or 20 mm.
The second perforation line (42) preferably further comprises a plurality of
additional
linkages (9B-9E), preferably from 2 to 12 additional linkages, more preferably
from 3 to 5
additional linkages.
Preferably each of the plurality of additional linkages are independently
from 0.1 mm to 6 mm, preferably from 0.2 mm to 2 mm, more preferably from 0.5
mm to 1.5
mm in length (wherein length is measured along the second perforation line).
For example, if
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the second perforation line is arced, then the length is measured along the
arc. In the non-
limiting example illustrated in Figure 2, there is a total of 5 linkages,
i.e., 9A-9E (of the second
perforation line (42)) each 1 mm in length (along the arc).
The second perforation line (42) preferably further comprises a plurality of
perforations
(90A-90D), preferably from 2 to 12 additional perforations, more preferably
from 3 to 5
additional perforation.
Preferably each of the plurality of additional perforations are
independently from 4 mm to 7 mm, preferably from 4.5 mm to 6.5 mm, more
preferably 5 mm to
6 mm in length, (wherein length is measured along the second perforation
line.) The additional
perforation may have a length, as a non-limiting example, of 4 mm, 5 mm, 5.5
mm, 6 mm, or 7
mm. The second perforation line (42) has a length of 15 mm to 50 mm,
preferably from 20 mm
to 45 mm, more preferably from 28 mm to 38 mm. Non-limiting examples of this
length are 30
mm, 33 mm, 33.8 mm, and 36 mm. Length is measured along the second perforation
line (42).
For example, if the second perforation line (42) is arced, then the length is
measured along the
arc. In the non-limiting example illustrated in Figure 2, there is a total of
seven perforations (i.e.,
first, second, (21, 22) are each 3.8 mm; and additional perforations (70A-
70E)) are each 3 mm in
length).
Angles are formed at the first and second intersections (31, 32). A first
alpha angle (51)
is formed in the flap (5) between the first 1/2 cut line of weakness (11) and
the first perforation
(21), and is from 120 degrees to 200 degrees, preferably from 140 degrees to
180 degrees, more
preferably from 150 degrees to 175 degrees. Similarly, and a second alpha
angle (52) is
preferably formed in the flap (5) between the second 1/2 cut line of weakness
(12) and the second
perforation (22), and is from 140 degrees to 190 degrees, preferably from 150
degrees to 180
degrees, more preferably from 160 degrees to 175 degrees. Preferably the first
and second alpha
angles (51, 52) are the same. In non-limiting example, the first alpha angle
(51) and second
alpha angle (52) are each 150, 160, 170, 180, or 190 degrees, preferably 170
degrees.
A first beta angle (61) is formed between the first 1/2 cut line of weakness
(11) and the
third perforation (33), and is from 110 degrees to 170 degrees, preferably 120
degrees to 160
degrees, more preferably 130 degrees to 150 degrees. Similarly, a second beta
angle (62) is
preferably formed between the second 1/2 cut line of weakness (12) and the
fourth perforation
(44), and is from 110 degrees to 170 degrees, preferably 120 degrees to 160
degrees, more
preferably 130 degrees to 150 degree. Preferably the first and second beta
angles (61, 62) are the
same. In non-limiting example, the first beta angle (61) and second beta angle
(62) are each 120,
130, 140, 150, or 160 degrees, preferably 140 degrees.
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A first theta angle (71) is formed between the first perforation (21) and the
third
perforation (33), and is from 10 degrees to 70 degrees, preferably from 20
degrees to 60 degrees,
more preferably from 30 degrees to 50 degrees. Similarly, a second theta angle
(72) is preferably
formed between the second perforation (22) and the fourth perforation (44),
and is from 10
degrees to 70 degrees, preferably from 20 degrees to 60 degrees, more
preferably from 30 to 50
degrees. Preferably the first and second theta angles (71, 72) are the same.
In a non-limiting
example, the first theta angle (71) and second theta angle (72) are each 30,
40, 50, 60, or 70
degrees, preferably 50 degrees.
The sum of first alpha angle (51), first beta angle (61), and first theta
angle (71) is equal
to 360 degrees. If present, the sum second alpha angle (51), second beta angle
(61), and second
theta angle (71) is also equal to 360 degrees. Preferably the finger tab (3)
has bilateral symmetry
(in a plane orthogonal and a midpoint to the longitudinal axis (10)).
A body (2) of the finger tab (3) can be defined by the portion circumscribed
between the
first and second points of intersection (31, 32) and the first and second
perforation lines (41, 42).
As such, the body (2) preferably has an area from 60 mm2 to 210 mm2,
preferably from 90 mm2
to 180 mm2, more preferably from 110 mm2 to 160 mm2. Non-limiting examples of
area of the
body (2) of the finger tab (3) include 110 mm2, 120 mm2, 130 mm2, 140 mm2, 150
mm2, or 160
mm2.
Examples
User data (via consumer testing) comparing the inventive carton and that of
comparative
examples is summarized. Stacking transportation tests for the inventive carton
are also
summarized. The carton comprising the finger tab of figures 1 and 2 is an
example of the present
invention. The inventive carton is compared to comparative examples (A- G) of
figures 4-9.
The dimensions of the carton (229 mm x 55 mm x 44 mm), type of paperboard
(i.e., 350 g/m2) of
virgin material, and 1/2 cut line of weakness (opposing blades 5 mm apart)
defining the flap, are
the same for each of cartons (i.e., inventive and comparative), except for the
finger tab.
The finger tab (3) of the invention of figure 2 comprises a first intersection
(31) formed
by a first 1/2 cut line of weakness (11) intersecting a first perforation (21)
wherein the perforation
is 3.8 mm long and the linkage immediately adjacent the (7A) the first
perforation (21) is 1 mm
in length. A second intersection (32) is formed by a second 1/2 cut line of
weakness (12)
intersection a second perforation (22) that is 3.8 mm in length. A linkage
(7F) immediately
adjacent the second perforation (22) is 1 mm in length. A first (linear)
perforation line (41) is in-
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between said first and second intersections (31, 32). The first perforation
line (41) has an
additional five perforations (70A-70E) each about 3 mm in length; and the
linear perforation line
(41) has a total of six linkages (7A-7F) each about 1 mm in length. The
inventive finger tab (3)
of figure 2 also has a second (arcing) perforation line (42) with the third
perforation line (33) and
.. the fourth perforation line (44) intersecting the first intersection (31)
and the second intersection
(32), respectively.
A stacking test and transportation tests (two types) are conducted on this
inventive carton
and the finger tab remained intact despite the compression and other stresses
associated with
these tests. One transportation test is directed to mass production. Multiple
cases of cartons (e.g.,
for a retail customer) are stacked into a trucking container and then trucked
from one location to
another, and then the cartons are inspected for premature opening. Another
transportation test is
an ISTA ecommerce test. Results from these tests indicate the inventive
cartons did not
prematurely open.
Figure 3 is a comparative finger tab (103) A. A first intersection (131) is
formed by a
first 1/2 cut line of weakness (111) intersecting a scoring line (141).
Notably, there are neither
perforations nor linkages in the scoring line (142). A scoring line is made by
thin metal edge
(but not a cutting knife) pressing on the paperboard so a compressed crease is
formed to facilitate
folding/pending. A second intersection (132) is formed by a second 1/2 cut
line of weakness
(112) intersecting said scoring line (141). The scoring line (141) is in-
between said first and
second intersections (131, 132). The finger tab (103) of example A herein also
has an (arcing)
perforation line (142) with the third perforation line (133) and the fourth
perforation line (144)
intersecting the first intersection (131) and the second intersection (132),
respectively. This
perforation line (142) of example A is analogous to the second perforation
line (43) of the
inventive example. The perforation line (142) has a total of six perforation
(133, 190A-190D,
144) each 4.8 mm in length (measured along the arc) and a total of five
linkages (109A-109E) in-
between each 1 mm in length (measured along the arc). Results indicate that
users (through
consumer testing) are not able to easily push into the finger tab to open the
flap. The scoring
line provides too great of a barrier for users. Accordingly, the comparative
example A of figure
3 demonstrates the importance of having a first perforation line and a first
perforation of at least
1 mm length.
Figure 4 is another comparative finger tab (203) B. The first and second 1/2
cut lines of
weakness (211, 212) are analogous to those of the invention (of figure 2).
However, notably
there is neither a first intersection nor a second intersection. The first
perforation line (241) is
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essentially a single perforation in the middle 1/3 of first perforation line
(241) and linkages
(207A, 207B) on either end of the first perforation line (241). The second
perforation line (242)
of this comparative example B is analogous to the second perforation line of
the inventive finger
tab of the invention except that the third and fourth perforations (233, 244)
do not intersect what
5
would otherwise be the first and second intersections. Results indicate that
users (through
consumer testing) are not able to easily push into the finger tab to open the
flap. Accordingly,
the comparative example B of figure 4 demonstrates the importance of having a
first (and second)
intersection(s). And the linkages (207A, 207B) of the first perforation line
(241) are likely a
further barrier to the ease of opening.
10
Figure 5 is another comparative finger tab (303) C. Example C is analogous to
previous
example B, but the dimensions of the linkages (309A-309E) and perforations
(333, 390A-390D,
344) of the second perforation line (342) are different. The first and second
1/2 cut lines of
weakness (311, 312) are analogous to those of the invention (of figure 2).
However, notably
there is neither a first intersection nor a second intersection. The first
perforation line (341) is
essentially a single perforation in the middle 1/3 of first perforation line
(341) and a linkage
(307A, 307B) on either side of the first perforation line (341). The second
perforation line (341)
has a total of six perforations (333, 390A-390D, 344) each about 4 mm in
length (measured along
the arc) and a total of five linkages (309A-309E) in-between these
perforations each of about 2
mm in length (vs. 1 mm comparatively to example B). Results indicate that
users (through
consumer testing) are not able to easily push into the finger tab to open the
flap. Accordingly,
the comparative example B of figure 4 demonstrates the importance of having a
first (and second)
intersection(s). And the linkages (207A, 207B) are likely a further barrier to
the ease of opening.
The greater distance of the linkages in the second perforation line provides
yet an additional
greater barrier (as compared to example B above).
Figure 6 is another comparative finger tab (403) D. Example D neither has a
first
intersection nor a second intersection. The first (linear) perforation line
(441) and the second
(arced) perforation line (442) fail to intersect with each other and fail to
intersect with the
respective 1/2 cut lines of weakness (411, 412). There is about a 1 mm gap on
either end of the
first perforation line (441) to otherwise intersecting either respective end
of the second
perforation line (442). Furthermore, the first and second 1/2 cut lines of
weakness (411, 412) are
also each have about 1 mm gap to otherwise intersect either respective end of
the second
perforation line (442). The first perforation line (441) has a total of six
perforations (421, 470A-
470D, 422) each of about 2.8 mm in length, and a total of five linkages (407A-
407E) in-between
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each about 2 mm in length. The second (arced) perforation line (442) has a
total five perforations
(433, 490A-490C, 444) each about 5.2 mm in length (along the arc), and a total
of four linkages
(409A-409D) in-between, each about 2 mm in length (along the arc). Results
indicate that users
(through consumer testing) are not able to easily push into the finger tab to
open the flap.
Accordingly, the comparative example D of figure 6 demonstrates the importance
of having a
first (and second) intersection(s). Furthermore, the linkage distance of the
first perforation line
is comparatively longer at 2 mm which may provide an additional barrier to
ease of opening. Yet
still further, the linkage distance of the second perforation is also
comparatively longer at 2 mm
which may also provide a further barrier to easy of opening.
Figure 7 is another comparative finger tab (503) E. Example E neither has a
first
intersection nor a second intersection. The first (linear) perforation line
(541) fails to intersect
the second (arced) perforation line (542). There is about a 1 mm gap on either
end of the first
perforation line (541) to otherwise intersecting either respective end of the
second perforation
line (542). Furthermore, the first and second 1/2 cut lines of weakness (511,
512) are also each
have about 1 mm gap to otherwise intersect either respective end of the second
perforation line
(542). The first perforation line (541) has a total of six perforation (521,
570A-570D, 522) each
of about 2.8 mm in length, and a total of five linkages (507A-507E) in-between
each 2 mm in
length. The second (arced) perforation line (542) has a total six perforations
(533, 590A-590D,
544) each of about 4.8 mm in length (along the arc), and a total of five
linkages (509A-509E) in-
between, each 1 mm in length (along the arc). Results indicate that users
(through consumer
testing) are not able to easily push into the finger tab to open the flap.
Accordingly, the
comparative example E of figure 7 demonstrates the importance of having a
first (and second)
intersection(s). Furthermore, the linkage distance of the first perforation
line is comparatively
longer at 2 mm which may provide an additional barrier for ease of opening.
Figure 8 is another comparative finger tab (603) F. Example F neither has a
first
intersection nor a second intersection.
The first (linear) perforation line (641) fails to
intersection the second (arced) perforation line (642). There is about a 1 mm
gap on either end of
the first perforation line (641) to otherwise intersecting either respective
end of the second
perforation line (642). Furthermore, the first and second 1/2 cut lines of
weakness (611, 612) are
also each have about 1 mm gap to otherwise intersect either respective end of
the second
perforation line (642). The first perforation line (641) has a total of six
perforations (621, 670A-
670D, 622) each of about 2.8 mm in length, and a total of five linkages (607A-
607E) in-between
each 2 mm in length. The second (arced) perforation line (642) has a total six
perforations (633,
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690A-690D, 644) each of about 4 mm in length (along the arc), and a total of
five linkages
(609A-609E) in-between, each 2 mm in length (along the arc). Results indicate
that users
(through consumer testing) are not able to easily push into the finger tab to
open the flap.
Accordingly, the comparative example F of figure 8 demonstrates the importance
of having a
first (and second) intersection(s). Furthermore, the linkage distance of the
first perforation line
is comparatively longer at 2 mm which may provide an additional barrier for
ease of opening.
Yet still further, the linkage distance of the second perforation is also
comparative longer at 2
mm which may also provide further barrier to easy of opening.
Figure 9 is another comparative finger tab (703) G. Example G neither has a
first
intersection nor a second intersection. The first (linear) perforation line
(741) fails to
intersection the second (arced) perforation line (742). There is about a 0.8
mm gap on either end
of the first perforation line (741) to otherwise intersecting either
respective end of the second
perforation line (742). Furthermore, the first and second 1/2 cut lines of
weakness (711, 712) are
also each have about 1 mm gap to otherwise intersect either respective end of
the second
perforation line (742). The first perforation line (741) has a total of seven
perforations (721,
770A-770E, 722) each 3 mm in length, and a total of six linkages (707A-707F)
in-between each
1 mm in length. The second (arced) perforation line (742) has a total six
perforations (733,
790A-790D, 744) each about 4.8 mm in length (along the arc), and a total of
five linkages (709A-
709E) in-between, each 1 mm in length (along the arc). Results indicate that
users (through
.. consumer testing) are not able to easily push into the finger tab to open
the flap. Accordingly,
the comparative example G of figure 9 demonstrates the importance of having a
first (and second)
intersection(s).
In summary, inventive example of figure 2 demonstrates easy of opening (as
compared to
comparative examples A-G) but also does not prematurely open during typical
shipping and
handling conditions.
The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being
strictly
limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise
specified, each such
dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally
equivalent range
surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is
intended to mean
"about 40 mm."
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent
or
application and any patent application or patent to which this application
claims priority or
benefit thereof, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
unless expressly
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excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an
admission that it is prior
art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it
alone, or in any
combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or
discloses any such
invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in
this document
conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document
incorporated by
reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document
shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated
and
described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other
changes and
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention. It is
therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and
modifications that are
within the scope of this invention.
