Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6662947
-
Patent Number
6,662,947
-
Date Filed
Thursday, September 27, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, December 16, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 206 147
- 206 152
- 206 168
- 206 169
- 206 194
- 206 139
- 229 115
- 229 12023
- 229 12035
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A box is formed from a blank of foldable material and includes a first wall and a second wall. The second wall is folded about a first wall fold line to form a first box corner. A third wall is folded about a second wall fold line to form a second box corner. A triangular top is folded about a top fold line. A triangular bottom is folded about a bottom fold line. A plurality of apertures is formed in the top. An insert having a plurality of panels is positioned between the first, second and third walls when the walls are folded about the wall fold lines.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a box, and, more particularly, to a box for carrying bottles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Boxes are typically formed of material, such as corrugated fiberboard, that is die cut into a sheet having a desired shape. Fold lines are scored on the sheet, demarcating separate walls, a top, a bottom, and closure flaps, thus forming a blank. The blank is then folded about the fold lines and the closure flaps are glued, male/female locked, or stapled to the walls, top and bottom, thereby forming a box.
U.S. Pat. No. 2,173,494 to Rous discloses a carton for carrying six bottles. Rous is limiting in that it does not provide for protection between the bottles during transport. U.K. Pat. No. 1,338,230 to Smallwood discloses a case for carrying 10 bottles. Smallwood is limiting in that a fastener, such as adhesive or staples, is required to retain the case in its assembled condition, and no protection is provided between the bottles.
In view of the foregoing it is an object of the present invention to provide a box that reduces or overcomes the aforesaid difficulties inherent in prior known boxes for carrying bottles.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principles of the invention maybe used advantageously to provide a simple and effective box for carrying bottles that is easy to assemble and disassemble, while at the same time providing protection for the bottles, and which is easy for an individual to carry.
In accordance with a first aspect, a blank of foldable material for forming a box includes a first wall panel, and a second wall panel foldable about a first wall fold line demarcating the first and second wall panels. A third wall panel is foldable about a second wall fold line demarcating the second and third wall panels. One side of a triangular top extends along a top edge of the second wall, and is foldable about a top fold line demarcating the top and the second wall. A plurality of apertures is formed in the top. One side of a triangular bottom extends generally along a bottom edge of the second wall and is foldable about a bottom fold line demarcating the bottom and the second wall. An insert includes a first panel, and a second panel adjacent the first panel and foldable about an insert panel fold line demarcating the first panel and the second panel. A slit in the first panel extends from the insert panel fold line through the first panel and back to the insert panel fold line to form a third panel foldable about the insert panel fold line.
In accordance with another aspect, a box formed from a blank of foldable material includes a first wall and a second wall adjacent the first wall. The second wall is folded about a first wall fold line demarcating the first and second walls to form a first box corner. A third wall adjacent the second wall is folded about a second wall fold line demarcating the second and third walls to form a second box corner. A triangular top extends along a top edge of the second wall and is folded about a top fold line demarcating the top from the second wall. A triangular bottom extends along a bottom edge of the second wall and is folded about a bottom fold line demarcating the bottom from the second wall. A plurality of apertures is formed in the top, with each aperture configured to receive a neck of a bottle. An insert has a plurality of panels folded from of a sheet of material, the insert being positioned between the first, second and third walls when the walls are folded about the wall fold lines.
In accordance with another aspect, a blank of foldable material for forming a box includes a first wall panel and a second wall panel. The second wall panel is foldable about a first wall fold line demarcating the first and second wall panels, to form a first box corner. A third wall panel is foldable about a second wall fold line demarcating the second and third wall panels. A pair of wall tabs extends from a side edge of the first wall panel. A wall closure flap is foldable about a wall closure flap fold line demarcating the wall closure flap and the third wall. A pair of wall tab slots extends generally along the wall closure flap fold line, with each wall tab slot configured to receive a respective wall tab. A triangular top has one side extending along a top edge of the second wall and is foldable about a top fold line demarcating the top and the second wall. A pair of top tabs is also included, with a first top tab projecting from a top edge of the first wall and a second top tab projecting from a top edge of the third wall. A pair of top closure flaps is included as well, with each top closure flap extending along one side of the top and foldable about a top closure flap fold line demarcating the top closure flap from the top. A pair of top slots is included, with each top slot extending generally along one of the top closure flap fold lines and configured to receive a top tab. A triangular bottom has one side extending generally along a bottom edge of the second wall and is foldable about a bottom fold line demarcating the bottom and the second wall. Also included is a pair of bottom tabs, with a first bottom tab projecting from a bottom edge of the first wall and a second bottom tab projecting from a bottom edge of the third wall. Also included is a pair of bottom closure flaps, with each bottom closure flap extending along one side of the bottom and foldable about a bottom closure flap fold line demarcating the bottom closure flap from the bottom. A pair of bottom slots is also included, with each bottom slot extending generally along one of the bottom closure flap fold lines and configured to receive a bottom tab. An insert includes a first panel and a second panel. The second panel of the insert is adjacent the first panel and folded about an insert panel fold line demarcating the first panel and the second panel. A slit in the first panel extends from the insert panel fold line through the first panel and back to the insert panel fold line to form a third panel foldable about the insert panel fold line. The insert is positioned between the first, second and third walls when the walls are folded about the wall fold lines.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that preferred embodiments of the present invention can provide a box for carrying bottles that is easy to assembly and disassemble, provides a simple and efficient device for protecting the bottles from one another, as well as being easy to carry. These and additional features and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent and fully understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, taken with reference to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a plan view of a box precursor in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG.
2
. is a perspective view of a box formed from the box precursor of
FIG. 1
, shown carrying three bottles.
FIG. 3
is an elevation view of a wall closure flap of the box precursor of
FIG. 1
in its folded position.
FIG. 4
is an elevation view of a top closure flap of the box precursor of
FIG. 1
in its folded position.
FIG. 5
is a plan view of the box of FIG.
2
.
FIG. 6
is an elevation view of a bottom closure flap of the box precursor of
FIG. 1
in its folded position.
FIG. 7
is a plan view of an insert precursor for insertion in the box of FIG.
2
.
FIG. 8
is a perspective view of an insert formed from the insert precursor of
FIG. 7
, shown in its folded position as used when inserted into the box of FIG.
2
.
FIG. 9
is a perspective view of the insert of
FIG. 8
, shown in its folded position between three bottles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
As shown in
FIG. 1
, a box precursor or blank
2
in accordance with the present invention comprises a sheet that is die cut to a desired size. In a preferred embodiment, blank
2
is formed of corrugated fiberboard. Blank
2
may also be formed of folding carton, chip board, or any other material suitable for carrying the contents of the box such as, for example, bottles. Blank
2
, when folded, will form a box-shaped container
4
as seen in FIG.
2
and described more fully below.
The terms top, bottom and side, as used herein, are relative terms and refer generally to box
4
as illustrated in
FIG. 2
, with bottles protruding upwardly out of the box as seen here. It is to be appreciated that other orientations of box
4
are considered to be within the scope of the invention. For example, in one orientation where the user holds the box by its handle and the bottles protrude horizontally out of the box, the top and bottom would not refer to vertical directions, and in such a case could be considered to be end panels.
Blank
2
includes a first wall panel
6
, separated or demarcated from an adjacent second wall panel
8
by a first wall fold line
10
. A wall fold line, commonly referred to in the industry as a “score,” is a partially compressed region of blank
2
formed by scoring, which facilitates the folding of blank
2
. A third wall panel
12
is similarly demarcated from adjacent second wall panel
8
by a second wall fold line
14
. Wall fold lines
12
,
14
form corners of a three-sided box
4
, as seen in FIG.
2
.
A pair of wall tabs
11
(tabs are commonly referred to in the industry as “male locks”) are formed along a side edge of first wall
6
, and are separated or demarcated from first wall panel
6
by a wall tab fold line
13
. In the illustrated embodiment, wall tabs
11
have rounded or radiused corners
9
that provide for easy insertion of wall tabs in slots
20
, described in greater detail below. In other preferred embodiments, corners
9
may be chamfered or otherwise modified to facilitate insertion of wall tabs
11
in slots
20
. In certain preferred embodiments, notches in wall tabs
11
at the juncture of wall tabs
11
and wall tab fold line
13
form barbs
15
. Barbs
15
maintain wall tabs
11
in their engaged position within slots
20
, as described in greater detail below.
A flange or wall closure flap
16
extends along a side edge of third wall panel
12
, and is similarly separated or demarcated from third wall panel
12
by a wall closure flap fold line
18
. A pair of slots
26
, seen in FIG.
3
and commonly referred to in the industry as “female slots,” are formed generally along wall closure flap fold line
18
. As seen in
FIG. 1
, each slot
26
is formed by a plurality of slits formed in blank
2
. A slit
20
in wall closure flap
16
extends generally parallel and proximate to wall closure flap fold line
18
. A first end slit
22
extends from a first end of slit
20
to wall closure flap fold line
18
. A second end slit
24
extends from a second end of slit
20
to wall closure flap fold line
18
. Each slit
20
and its corresponding end slits
22
,
24
form a slot
26
, as seen in FIG.
3
. Slots
26
receive wall tabs
11
when box
4
is assembled, and the engagement of wall tabs
11
in slots
26
serves to maintain the walls of box
4
in their folded state. In certain preferred embodiments, end slits
22
,
24
extend at an angle with respect to wall closure flap fold line
18
. In the illustrated embodiment, end slits
22
,
24
are angled outwardly from slit
20
toward the top and bottom of third wall panel, respectively, such that slot
26
has a generally trapezoidal shape. It is to be appreciated that more or less than two wall tabs
11
and corresponding slots
26
may be formed along first wall panel
6
and third wall panel
12
.
As seen in
FIG. 1
, a triangular end or top panel
28
extends along an edge (seen as an upper edge in the illustrated embodiment) of second wall panel
8
, and is demarcated from second wall panel
8
by a top fold line
30
extending along the length of the upper edge of second wall panel
8
. One or more cut outs or apertures
32
are formed in top panel
28
. As seen in
FIG. 2
, apertures
32
are seen to receive the necks
34
of bottles
36
carried within box
4
. In the illustrated embodiment, three bottles
36
are carried in box
4
, and, consequently, three apertures
32
are formed in top panel
28
.
A top tab
38
is formed along an edge (seen as an upper edge in the illustrated embodiment) of each of first wall panel
6
and third wall panel
12
. A first portion
40
of top tab
38
is formed by a pair of slits
42
, extending downwardly from the upper edge of the respective wall panel to a first top tab fold line
44
about which first portion
40
may be folded. A second portion
46
extends upwardly from the upper edge of its respective wall panel, and is separated or demarcated from first portion
40
by a second top tab fold line
48
. Top tab fold line
48
preferably extends just below and parallel to the upper edge of its respective wall panel. Slits
42
preferably extend generally parallel to one another and perpendicular to the upper edge of the respective wall panel. In the illustrated embodiment, second portion
46
has rounded or radiused corners
50
that provide for easy insertion of top tabs
38
in slots
62
, as further described below. In other preferred embodiments, corners
50
may be chamfered or otherwise modified to facilitate insertion of top tabs
38
in slots
62
.
A top flange or closure flap
52
extends along each side edge of top panel
28
, and is similarly separated or demarcated from top panel
28
by a top closure flap fold line
54
. A slit
56
is formed in top closure flap
52
, and extends generally parallel and proximate to top closure flap fold line
54
. A first end slit
58
extends from a first end of slit
56
to top closure flap fold line
54
. A second end slit
60
extends from a second end of slit
56
to top closure flap fold line
54
. Each slit
56
and its corresponding end slits
58
,
60
form a slot
62
, as seen in FIG.
4
. Slots
62
receive respective top tabs
38
when box
4
is assembled as seen in
FIG. 5
, and serve to maintain top panel
28
of box
4
in its folded state.
Cut outs or apertures
64
are formed in top panel
28
, with each aperture opening into a corresponding slot
62
. Apertures
64
serve to provide access to top tabs
38
when top panel
28
is in its folded state, as seen in
FIG. 5
, allowing an individual to grasp top tabs
38
with a finger and release them from engagement with slots
62
. Such access to top tabs
38
facilitates disassembly of box
4
. In the illustrated embodiment, apertures
64
have a semi-circular shape. Other suitable shapes will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
In certain preferred embodiments, end slits
58
,
60
extend at an angle with respect to top closure flap fold line
54
. In the illustrated embodiment, end slits
58
,
60
are angled outwardly from slit
56
toward top closure flap fold line
54
, such that slot
62
has a generally trapezoidal shape, as seen in FIG.
4
. It is to be appreciated that more than one top tab
38
and corresponding slot
62
may be formed along first wall
6
and top closure flap
52
.
As seen in
FIG. 1
, a triangular end or bottom panel
63
extends along an edge (seen as a lower edge in the illustrated embodiment) of second wall panel
8
, and is demarcated from second wall panel
8
by a bottom fold line
65
extending along the length of the lower edge of second wall panel
8
.
A bottom tab
66
is formed along an edge (seen as a lower edge in the illustrated embodiment) of each of first wall panel
6
and third wall panel
12
. A first portion
68
of top tab
66
is formed by a pair of slits
70
, extending upwardly from the lower edge of the respective wall panel to a first bottom tab fold line
72
about which first portion
68
may be folded. A second portion
74
extends downwardly from the lower edge of its respective wall panel, and is separated or demarcated from first portion
68
by a second bottom tab fold line
76
. Bottom tab fold line
76
preferably extends just above and parallel to the lower edge of its respective wall panel. Slits
70
preferably extend generally parallel to one another and perpendicular to the lower edge of the respective wall panel. In the illustrated embodiment, second portion
74
has rounded or radiused corners
78
that provide for easy insertion of bottom tabs
66
in slots
90
as further described below. In other preferred embodiments, corners
78
may be chamfered or otherwise modified to facilitate insertion of bottom tabs
66
in slots
90
.
A bottom flange or closure flap
80
extends along each side edge of bottom panel
63
, and is similarly separated or demarcated from bottom panel
63
by a bottom closure flap fold line
82
. A slit
84
is formed in bottom closure flap
80
, and extends generally parallel and proximate to bottom closure flap fold line
82
. A first end slit
86
extends from a first end of slit
84
to bottom closure flap fold line
82
. A second end slit
88
extends from a second end of slit
84
to bottom closure flap fold line
82
. Each slit
84
and its corresponding end slits
86
,
88
form a slot
90
, as seen in FIG.
6
. Slots
90
receive bottom tabs
66
when box
4
is assembled, and serve to maintain bottom panel
63
of box
4
in its folded state.
Cut outs or apertures
92
are formed in bottom panel
63
, with each aperture opening into a corresponding slot
90
. Apertures
92
serve to provide access to bottom tabs
66
when bottom panel
63
is in its folded state as seen in
FIG. 6
, allowing an individual to grasp bottom tabs
66
with a finger and release them from engagement with slots
90
. Such access facilitates disassembly of box
4
, allowing an individual to easily access the bottles carried in the box. In the illustrated embodiment, apertures
92
have a semi-circular shape. Other suitable shapes will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
In certain preferred embodiments, end slits
86
,
88
extend at an angle with respect to bottom closure flap fold line
82
. In the illustrated embodiment, end slits
86
,
88
are angled outwardly from slit
84
toward bottom closure flap fold line
82
, such that slot
90
has a generally trapezoidal shape, as seen in FIG.
6
. It is to be appreciated that more than one bottom tab
66
and corresponding slot
90
may be formed along bottom panel
63
and bottom closure flap
80
.
As seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2
, a handle
94
is formed in box
4
. Handle
94
includes a first aperture
96
formed in first wall panel
6
and a second aperture
98
formed in second wall
8
. Apertures
96
and
98
are preferably oval, or racetrack shaped, with semi-circular ends connected by straight sides. A handle flap
100
is positioned within aperture
96
, and is separated or demarcated from first wall panel
6
by a handle flap fold line
102
. Similarly, a handle flap
104
is positioned within aperture
98
, and is separated or demarcated from second wall panel
8
by a handle flap fold line
106
. Handle flaps
100
,
104
have the shape of a half oval, or half racetrack, with a long axis of the racetrack shaped apertures forming the straight sides of the flaps, which are the sides of the flaps remote from the handle flap fold lines
102
,
106
.
When box
4
is in its assembled state, as seen in
FIG. 2
, handle flaps
100
,
104
are bent into the interior of box
4
about handle flap fold lines
102
,
106
, respectively, in overlapping fashion. The handle flaps thus provide a comfortable resting place for an individual's fingers extending through apertures
96
,
98
of handle
94
when carrying box
4
.
As seen in
FIGS. 7-8
, an insert
108
is formed of a sheet of material. Insert
108
may be formed of, for example, corrugated fiberboard, folding carton, chip board, or any other material suitable for providing protection between bottles within the box. Insert
108
includes a first insert panel
110
, and a second insert panel
112
separated or demarcated from first insert panel
110
by an insert panel fold line
114
. A third insert panel
116
is formed as a part of first insert panel
110
by a slit
117
that extends from insert panel fold line
114
through first insert panel
110
and back to insert panel fold line
114
. Slit
117
includes a first portion
118
that is spaced from and generally parallel to insert panel fold line
114
. A second portion
120
extends from a first end of first portion
118
to insert panel fold line
114
. Second portion
120
is joined to first portion
118
by rounded corner
121
. A third portion
122
extends from a second end of first portion
118
to insert panel fold line
114
. Third portion
122
is joined to first portion
118
by rounded corner
124
. In use, insert panels
110
and
112
are folded toward one another until they are approximately 120° apart. Third insert panel is then folded about insert panel fold line
114
away from first panel
110
and toward second panel
112
until it is approximately 120° from first insert panel
110
and second insert panel
112
. Insert
108
fits between three bottles
36
, as seen in
FIG. 9
, providing protection for the bottles from one another as they are carried in box
4
. Notches
126
having rounded corners
128
are formed in the corners of first insert panel
110
and second insert panel
112
, and facilitate the insertion of insert
108
between bottles
36
, or the insertion of bottles
36
into box
4
between the respective panels of insert
108
. Insert
108
is advantageously formed from a single sheet of material, die-cut into its proper shape, thereby easing manufacture of the insert, and, consequently, reducing the costs associated with its manufacture.
As noted above, blank
2
may be formed of corrugated fiberboard. In certain preferred embodiments the direction of the corrugation runs generally perpendicular to wall fold lines
10
and
14
, providing for easier scoring of the wall fold lines. Similarly, in certain preferred embodiments the direction of corrugation of insert
108
is generally perpendicular to insert fold line
114
. However, it is to be appreciated that the direction of corrugation of blank
2
and insert
108
may extend in any direction.
To form box
4
from blank
2
, first wall panel
6
and second panel
8
are folded toward one another about first wall fold line
10
, and third panel
12
and second panel
8
are folded toward one another about second wall fold line
14
. Wall closure flap
16
is then folded in toward first wall panel
6
. Wall tabs
11
are folded in toward wall closure flap
16
and third wall panel
12
and inserted into respective slots
26
. At this point, the three walls of the box have been formed, with adjacent walls spaced apart at an angle of approximately 60°. The engagement of barbs
15
with wall closure flap
16
prevents wall tabs
11
from inadvertently coming out of slots
26
, thereby ensuring that box
4
retains its shape and the bottles remain in the box.
Top closure flaps
52
are then folded inwardly about top closure flap fold lines
54
toward the walls. Top panel
28
is folded downwardly toward the walls about top closure flap fold lines
54
such that top closure flaps
52
are received between the walls, and top closure flap fold lines
54
are adjacent and generally parallel to the top edges of first and third wall panels
6
,
12
. Top tabs
38
are then inserted into slots
62
, thereby retaining top panel
28
in its use position. Three bottles
36
are then placed in box
4
, with necks
34
of bottles
36
protruding through and received by apertures
32
. Insert
108
is positioned between the panels, one of first, second and third panels
110
,
112
,
116
extending between each of adjacent bottles in box
4
. It is to be appreciated that insert
108
can be placed in box
4
before any bottles
36
are placed in the box, or after one or two bottles are placed in the box.
Bottom closure flaps
80
are then folded inwardly about bottom closure flap fold lines
82
toward the walls. Bottom panel
63
is folded upwardly toward the walls about bottom fold line
65
such that bottom closure flaps
80
are received between the walls, and bottom closure flap fold lines
82
are adjacent and generally parallel to the bottom edges of first and third wall panels
6
,
12
. Bottom tabs
66
are then inserted into slots
90
, thereby retaining bottom
63
in its use position. Handle flaps
100
,
104
are then folded in toward the interior of box
4
, and the box can then easily be carried by an individual.
Removal of bottles
36
from box
4
is accomplished by first removing bottom tabs
66
from slots
90
. By inserting a finger into an aperture
92
, an individual can easily grasp a bottom tab
66
and slide it out of a corresponding slot
90
. Once bottom tabs are free of slots
90
, bottom
63
can be unfolded about bottom fold line
63
, allowing access to bottles
36
. Box
4
may then be completely disassembled by removing top tabs
38
from top slots
62
, unfolding top
28
about top fold line
30
, removing wall tabs
11
from wall slots
26
and unfolding the wall panels. Box
4
can be assembled again at any time in the manner described above.
While the invention has been described with respect to specific examples including presently preferred modes of carrying out the invention, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous variations and permutations of the above described systems and techniques that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.
In light of the foregoing, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A blank of foldable material for forming a box, comprising:a first wall panel; a second wall panel foldable about a first wall fold line demarcating the first and second wall panels; a third wall panel foldable about a second wall fold line demarcating the second and third wall panels; a triangular top extending along a top edge of the second wall panel and foldable about a top fold line demarcating the top and the second wall panel; a plurality of apertures formed in the top; a triangular bottom extending along a bottom edge of the second wall panel and foldable about a bottom fold line demarcating the bottom and the second wall panel; and an insert comprising: a first panel; a second panel adjacent the first panel and foldable about an insert panel fold line demarcating the first panel and the second panel; and a slit in the first panel, the slit extending from the insert panel fold line through the first panel and back to the insert panel fold line to form a third panel foldable about the insert panel fold line.
- 2. The blank according to claim 1, further comprising a wall closure flap extending along a side edge of the third wall panel and foldable about a wall closure flap fold line demarcating the wall closure flap and the third wall panel.
- 3. The blank according to claim 2, further comprising:at least one wall tab projecting from a side edge of the first wall panel; and at least one slot extending generally along the wall closure flap fold line, each slot configured to receive a wall tab.
- 4. The blank according to claim 3, wherein each slot is formed by a first slit in the wall closure flap extending generally parallel to and proximate the wall closure flap fold line, a second slit extending from a first end of the first slit to the wall closure flap fold line, and a third slit extending from a second end of the first slit to the wall closure flap fold line.
- 5. The blank according to claim 4, wherein the second and third slits extend at an angle with respect to the wall closure flap fold line such that each slot has a trapezoidal shape when the wall closure flap is folded about the wall closure flap fold line.
- 6. The blank according to claim 1, wherein three apertures are formed in the top.
- 7. The blank according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of top closure flaps, each top closure flap extending along an edge of the top and foldable about a top closure flap fold line demarcating the top closure flap and the top.
- 8. The blank according to claim 7, further comprising:at least one top tab along a top edge of each of the first and third wall panels; and at least one top tab slot extending generally along each top closure flap fold line, each top tab slot configured to receive a top tab.
- 9. The blank according to claim 8, wherein each top tab comprises a first portion formed by a pair of slits extending from a top edge of its respective wall panel to a first top tab fold line about which the first portion is foldable, and a second portion extending outwardly from the top edge of its respective wall panel and foldable about a second top tab fold line demarcating the first portion and the second portion.
- 10. The blank according to claim 8, further comprising at least one top tab aperture, each top tab aperture formed in the top and opening into a corresponding top tab slot.
- 11. The blank according to claim 10, wherein each top tab aperture has a generally semi-circular shape.
- 12. The blank according to claim 8, wherein each top tab slot is formed by a slit in a top closure flap and having a first portion extending along the top closure flap generally parallel to a corresponding top closure flap fold line, a second portion extending from a first end of the first portion to the corresponding top closure flap fold line, and a third portion extending from a second end of the first portion to the corresponding top closure flap fold line.
- 13. The blank according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of bottom closure flaps, each bottom closure flap extending along an edge of the bottom and foldable about a bottom closure flap fold line demarcating the bottom closure flap and the bottom.
- 14. The blank according to claim 13, further comprising:at least one bottom tab along a bottom edge of each of the first and third wall panels; and at least one bottom tab slot extending generally along each bottom closure flap fold line, each bottom tab slot configured to receive a bottom tab.
- 15. The blank according to claim 14, wherein each bottom tab comprises a first portion formed by a pair of slits extending from a bottom edge of its respective wall panel to a first bottom tab fold line about which the first portion is foldable, and a second portion extending outwardly from the bottom edge of its respective wall panel and foldable about a second bottom tab fold line demarcating the first portion and the second portion.
- 16. The blank according to claim 14, further comprising at least one bottom tab aperture, each bottom tap aperture formed in the bottom and opening into a corresponding bottom tab slot.
- 17. The blank according to claim 16, wherein each bottom tab aperture has a generally semi-circular shape.
- 18. The blank according to claim 14, wherein each bottom tab slot is formed by a slit in a bottom closure flap and having a first portion extending along a bottom closure flap generally parallel to a corresponding bottom closure flap fold line, a second portion extending from a first end of the first portion to the corresponding bottom closure flap fold line, and a third portion extending from a second end of the first portion to the corresponding bottom closure flap fold line.
- 19. A blank according to claim 1, wherein the blank is formed of corrugated fiberboard.
- 20. A box formed from a blank of foldable material, said box comprising:a first wall; a second wall adjacent the first wall and folded about a first wall fold line demarcating the first and second walls to form a first box corner; a third wall adjacent the second wall and folded about a second wall fold line demarcating the second and third walls to form a second box corner; a triangular top extending along a top edge of the second wall and folded about a top fold line demarcating the top from the second wall; a triangular bottom extending along a bottom edge of the second wall and folded about a bottom fold line demarcating the bottom from the second wall; a plurality of apertures formed in the top, each aperture configured to receive a neck of a bottle; and an insert having a plurality of panels folded from a sheet of material, the insert being positioned between the first, second and third walls when the walls are folded about the wall fold lines; wherein the insert comprises: a first panel; a second panel adjacent the first panel and folded about a panel fold line demarcating the first panel and the second panel; and a slit in the first panel, the slit extending from the insert panel fold line through the first panel and back to the insert panel fold line to form a third panel folded about the insert panel fold line.
- 21. A blank of foldable material for forming a box, comprising:a first wall panel and a second wall panel foldable about a first wall fold line demarcating the first and second wall panels; a third wall panel foldable about a second wall fold line demarcating the second and third wall panels; a pair of wall tabs extending from a side edge of the first wall panel; a wall closure flap foldable about a wall closure flap fold line demarcating the wall closure flap and the third wall panel; a pair of wall tab slots extending generally along the wall closure flap fold line, each wall tab slot configured to receive a respective wall tab; a triangular top extending along a top edge of the second wall panel and foldable about a top fold line demarcating the top and the second wall panel; a pair of top tabs, a first top tab projecting from a top edge of the first wall panel and a second top tab projecting from a top edge of the third wall panel; a pair of top closure flaps, each top closure flap extending along one side of the top and foldable about a top closure flap fold line demarcating the top closure flap from the top; a pair of top slots, each top slot extending generally along one of the top closure flap fold lines and configured to receive a top tab; a triangular bottom extending along a bottom edge of the second wall panel and foldable about a bottom fold line demarcating the bottom and the second wall panel; a pair of bottom tabs, a first bottom tab projecting from a bottom edge of the first wall panel and a second bottom tab projecting from a bottom edge of the third wall panel; a pair of bottom closure flaps, each bottom closure flap extending along one side of the bottom and foldable about a bottom closure flap fold line demarcating the bottom closure flap from the bottom; a pair of bottom slots, each bottom slot extending generally along one of the bottom closure flap fold lines and configured to receive a bottom tab; and an insert comprising: a first panel; a second panel adjacent the first panel and foldable about an insert panel fold line demarcating the first panel and the second panel; and a slit in the first panel, the slit extending from the insert panel fold line through the first panel and back to the insert panel fold line to form a third panel foldable about the insert panel fold line.
US Referenced Citations (12)
Foreign Referenced Citations (3)
Number |
Date |
Country |
2149016 |
Apr 1973 |
DE |
2663296 |
Jun 1990 |
FR |
1338230 |
Feb 1970 |
GB |