Carton for foam dispensing system

Information

  • Patent Grant
  • 6564973
  • Patent Number
    6,564,973
  • Date Filed
    Friday, November 2, 2001
    22 years ago
  • Date Issued
    Tuesday, May 20, 2003
    21 years ago
Abstract
A carton for a foam dispensing system which includes supply containers, a dispenser and hoses for connecting each container to the dispenser. The carton includes first and second face panels which are interconnected by respective first and second side panels. Bottom panels extend from the first and second face panels to define a bottom of the carton. The cover panel extends from the first face panel to define a cover of the carton. A first flap which is defined in the cover panel, which, in an open position, is disposed at an angle to the cover panel. A handle is connected to the containers for carrying the carton and projects through the first access opening. A second flap is defined in the second face panel and the first reinforcing element. A third flap is defined in the second flap. The hoses extend from the containers, through hose paths associated with the second flap to the dispenser.
Description




BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION




The invention relates generally to an article packaging kit, and in particular to a carton for storing and transporting a polyurethane foam dispensing system for in-situ application of polyurethane foam.




There are numerous applications in which polyurethane foam is used in addition to its traditional use in the building trades as a source of insulation. Polyurethane foam has been used with increasing frequency as a sealant for sealing spaces between window and door frames and the like and as an adhesive for gluing flooring and roof tiles and the like. The polyurethane foam for such in-situ applications is typically supplied as a one-component froth foam or a two-component froth foam. A one-component foam means that the resin or prepolymer and activating agent for the foam is supplied in a single pressurized container and dispensed from the container through a dispenser or gun attached to the container. A two-component foam means that one component is supplied in one pressurized container, typically the “A” container (i.e., polymeric isocyanate, fluorocarbons, etc.) while the resin is supplied in a second pressurized container, typically the “B” container (i.e., polyols, epoxy, polyester, latex, catalyst, flame retardants, etc.). Typically, two-component kits use pressurized cylinders about 7½″ in diameter containing 1-5 gallons (10-50 lbs.) which are connected by hoses to a dispenser.




There are advantages and disadvantages to one-component and two-component foams which are well known in the art. One of the advantages of the two-component system is its relatively fast-curing or catalyzing. Once the two compounds are mixed they rapidly react and cure. Accordingly, spraying on vertical surfaces does not run. This invention is discussed as it relates to two-component foams. However, it will be apparent that the teachings of this invention may be easily applied to systems using one-component foams.




A two-component kit includes two containers or cylinders, the dispenser and hoses connecting the cylinders to the dispenser. Typically, all of these items are packaged in a cardboard container, box or carton and the carton is then used to hand carry the items to the site where the foam is to be dispensed. Occasionally, the considerable length of hose may require that it be shipped separately. The carton typically has an opening for hand carrying the cylinders. Other regulations require the shipping carton to have sufficient strength and rigidity to permit stacking, dropping, etc.




A conventional prior art container for a two-component kit uses a cardboard, fold-out box with a separate cardboard tray. The tray fits over the valved ends of the cylinders to position the cylinders in place in the box during shipment and is integrated into the box such as by folding flaps fitting into tray slots at the box end adjacent the tray. On the top of the tray the hoses are placed in a coiled manner with the dispensing gun. To use, the operator opens the box end adjacent the tray and removes knock-out holes in the front face of the box. The hoses are then placed through the knock-out openings and tightened to the cylinder's valve fitting from above (discarding the protective shipping tubes) and the valves are opened. The cover is then folded back into the box to close the box and hoses extend out of the box. Because the box end adjacent the tray has to be opened and closed to open and close the valves for use of the dispensing gun, the box is usually provided with a strap or handle at the opposite box end which does not open. This results in the box being carried with the cylinders upsidedown. Disadvantages include excessive handling necessary to operate and an increased risk to the operator from having to manipulate the heavy carton.




Different packaging arrangements are used by different manufacturers. Many two-component kit packages use some form of tray with knock-out holes through which the hoses extend after the box is opened and the hoses attached to the cylinder's valved fitting. However, there is at least one two-component polyurethane foam box which utilizes cylinders equipped with “dip tubes” which extend through the outlet valve from the inside bottom of the cylinder. This allows the cylinders to be placed upright in the box instead of upside down. This carton does not use a tray and the hoses extend through the knock-out plugs in the side of the box. The carton is carried by a strap affixed to the top cover. The top cover is a flap which has to be opened and closed to gain access to the cylinder's valve after the hoses are connected to the cylinders. One disadvantage is the complicated setup.




One packaging arrangement has been designed for a particularly unique application for the mining industry trades in which the foam component cylinders are placed upright in the carton as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,868 (HURRAY et al.). This carton also does not use a tray and has the hoses extend out the side of the box through a knockout flap. The improvement in this carton is a top cover flap which extends from one of the front or rear panels for closing the carton and having first and second valve openings to permit the user to open and close the valves on the cylinders. The top cover flap has a partially filled center opening and a strap handle which connects the cylinders and extends through the center opening. This carton further includes a side flap which has a crown opening in registry with a valve opening in the top flap to allow access to a cylinder's valve without opening the carton. One disadvantage of this carton includes the complicated set up and operation must also be removed in order for the invention to operate as taught. Each side flap is folded, when the carton is assembled, to provide two-ply thickness between the top of the crown and the top flap. An outer disposable cover flap must also be removed in order for the invention to operate as taught.




This carton was specifically designed for use where the carton could be opened and assembled and positioned at its intended location in anticipation of some unknown future emergency use. This foam kit was principally intended for use in the mining industry where, in the event of fire in a shaft, the standard procedure is to extinguish the fire by sealing the shaft with a fire “door” and then pumping out air in the shaft sealed by the door in order to extinguish the fire.




Therefore, there is a need for an improved carton for use with a foam dispensing system that is more efficient to use and that is easy to set up.











BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS




The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention, may be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements:





FIG. 1

is a perspective view of a foam kit in the prior art;





FIG. 2

is a perspective view of a carton for a foam kit in the prior art;





FIG. 3

is a plan view of the corrugated cardboard blank from which the carton of the present invention is formed;





FIG. 4

is a perspective view of the corrugated cardboard blank of the present invention folded to form a rectangle opening;





FIG. 5

is a perspective view of the carton of the present invention without the containers loaded;





FIG. 6

is a perspective view of the foam kit of the present invention with the containers loaded and connected to the dispenser via hoses; and,





FIG. 7

is a perspective view of the carton of the present invention ready-to-use with the dispenser at rest in an upright position in dispenser holder opening.











DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION




The carton of the present invention is primarily for use in shipping, storing and using a two-component polyurethane foam dispensing system which includes two pressurized containers, a dispenser and a pair of hoses for connecting each container or to the gun. It will be apparent that the carton may be used in connection with a one-component foam dispensing system. The carton is preferably folded from a single blank into an integral structure. It will be recognized that other constructions may be used, for example, multiple pieces to form an integral structure. Further, the blank may be formed of any suitable material as required, such as cardboard, metal faced plastic fiberboard, laminated plastic, corrugated plastic or used papers.




The first and second face panels are interconnected at their upright edges with first and second side panels to form a rectangular opening when the blank is folded. Bottom panels extend from at least the first and second face panels to form a carton bottom when the blank is folded. The cover panel extends from the first face panel to form a carton top when the blank is folded. It will be apparent that the lines of weakening taught in the present invention are formed as stress risers which allow the blanks to be folded or separated from the blank to facilitate assembly and/or use. Other configurations of the lines of weakening are commonly referred to as score lines or perforation lines. A line of weakening is formed in the cover panel to define a first flap which is movable from a closed position to an open position. In the closed position the flap is coplanar with the cover panel, and in the open position the flap is disposed at an angle relative to the cover panel. The first access opening is revealed in the cover panel when the flap is moved to the open position. A handle is connected to the containers for carrying the carton and projects through the first access opening.




Second and third lines of weakening are formed in the second face panel and the first reinforcing element in a spaced apart relationship to define a second flap. A fourth of weakening is formed in the second flap to define a third flap. The hoses, which connect the cylinders and the dispenser, may be coiled with the gun and positioned between the second face panel and the cylinders when the system is shipped. It is within the teachings of the present invention that other hose positions and configuration, such as shipped separate from the carton, could be utilized with the present invention.





FIG. 1

shows a perspective view of a prior art two-component portable polyurethane foam spray kit that is contained within a carton


10


which has its front flap shown in phantom for clarity. The kit includes two supply cylinders


12


where each cylinder has a valved fitting to which a hose


14


is connected to one end thereof. Each hose is connected at its opposite end to a dispensing gun


15


which is typically a multi-component mixing and metering dispenser molded from plastic. The front panel


16


has a reclosable, punch out front flap which is shown in phantom line


18


for illustration purposes. A strap handle


20


is connected to the cylinders


12


for carrying the carton


10


.





FIG. 2

shows a perspective view of the prior art carton


10


without the foam spray kit. The carton


10


includes a front panel


16


, a right-hand side panel


22


, a top flap section


34


, a removable secondary top flap


46


, and a pair of side flap sections


24


and


26


. A side die cut line


48


is formed in the right-hand side panel


22


to define a handle for the carton. The top flap section


34


further includes a foldable lip section


36


, a tab opening


38


, a top tab section


40


and a pair of rectangular shaped die cut lines or windows


42


,


44


formed in the top flap section


34


in order to define openings by which the cylinder valves may be accessed when the top flap section


34


is in a closed position. The secondary removable top flap


46


further includes a cut line


30


formed therein to define a central tab section


32


. The secondary top flap


46


may be removed from the carton


10


by tearing along the perforated line P. A locking tab section


28


is formed at the top of the front panel for engagement with the tab opening


38


formed in the top flap section


34


for retaining the top flap section


34


in the closed position. The side flap sections


24


and


26


each have openings


50


formed therein such that when the side flap sections


24


and


26


are folded as shown, the cylinder valves may be actuated when the top flap section


34


is closed. The side flap sections


24


and


26


are folded to provide at least twice thickness reinforcement to the top flap section


34


. While the prior art carton structure may provide certain particular advantages for application within the mining industry trades, there is a need for an improved carton for a foam dispensing kit that costs less, is easier to set up and use, and provides novel features advantageous when used by the applicators.





FIGS. 3-7

illustrate the present invention with

FIG. 3

showing a plan view of the blank


100


from which the carton


102


(

FIGS. 4-7

) of the present invention is formed. For consistency between the description and the drawings, solid lines are intended to mean cut lines, and dash-dot lines and dash--lines are intended to mean lines of weakening, i.e., stress risers which allow the blank to be folded (and left in place) or separated from the blank


100


to facilitate assembly and/or use. Occasionally, a line of weakening may be referred to as a fold line if that is the preferred configuration of such line. Further, the words “top”, “bottom”, “side”, “face”, and “vertical”, when used herein are used relatively to orient one carton panel, face, section, element or component from another and are not necessarily used in an absolute directional sense.




Blank


100


has a first face panel


104


, a second face panel


106


, a first side panel


108


, and a second side panel


110


. Each panel


104


,


106


,


108


, and


110


, extends downwardly from a common top horizontal fold line


112


. The first face panel


104


and the second face panel


106


extend upwardly from a common bottom horizontal fold line


114


. The first side panel


108


and the second side panel


110


extend upwardly from a bottom cut line


116


which is coincident with the horizontal fold line


114


. A glue flap


118


extends from the second face panel


106


such that the exterior surface of which is glued to the interior of the first-side panel


108


when the carton


102


is assembled.




Extending downward from the bottom horizontal fold line


114


, in connection with the first face panel


104


, to the bottom edge of blank


100


designated by reference numeral


120


is a first bottom panel


122


having a second reinforcing element


124


and a third reinforcing element


126


extending in opposition from the bottom panel


122


for reinforcing the carton


102


when the blank


100


is folded. Extending downward from the bottom horizontal fold line


114


, in connection with second face panel


106


, to the bottom edge


120


of blank


100


is a second bottom panel


128


. The first and second bottom panels


122


and


128


form a carton bottom when the blank


100


is folded. Extending from top horizontal fold line


112


to the top edge of the blank


100


designated


130


is a fourth reinforcing element


132


extending from the first side panel


108


, a cover panel


134


extending from the first face panel


104


, a fifth reinforcing element


136


extending from the second side panel


110


, and a first reinforcing element


138


extending from the second face panel


106


.




A first line of weakening


140


is formed in the cover panel


134


to define a first flap


142


which is movable from a first closed position where the first flap


142


is disposed substantially coplanar with the cover panel


134


to a second open position, where the first flap


142


is angularly disposed to the cover panel


134


, as best shown in

FIG. 7. A

first access opening


144


, as best shown in

FIG. 7

, for accessing the interior


146


of the carton


102


-when the blank


100


is folded is defined in the cover panel


134


when the first flap


142


is moved from the first closed position to the second open position.




The first flap


142


is further defined by a first fold line


158


extending from a first end


160


of the first line of weakening to a second end


162


of the first line of weakening


140


. The first fold line


158


is substantially coincident with a second fold line


164


and the top horizontal fold line


112


, which are all disposed between the first face panel


104


and the cover panel


134


. A fifth line of weakening adjacent each corner


168


of the cover panel


134


defines a fourth flap


170


which is movable from a first closed position disposed substantially coplanar with the cover panel


134


to a second open position angularly disposed to the cover panel


134


to reveal a dog-eared dispenser holder opening


172


, as shown in FIG.


7


. The fourth flap


170


is also detachable from the cover panel


134


along the fifth line of weakening


166


to form the dispenser holder opening


172


.




The second line of weakening


148


and the third line of weakening


150


are jointly formed in the second face panel


106


and the first reinforcing element


138


in a spaced relationship to define the second flap


152


. A fourth line of weakening


154


is formed in the second flap


152


to define a third flap


156


. The second flap


152


is further defined by a third fold line


174


disposed on the second face panel


106


extending from the second line of weakening


148


to the third line of weakening


150


, and a fourth fold line


176


disposed on the first reinforcing panel


138


extending from the second line of weakening


148


to the third line of weakening


150


. The third flap


156


is further defined by a fifth fold line


178


disposed on the second flap


152


extending from a third end


180


of the fourth line of weakening


154


to a fourth end


182


of the fourth line of weakening


154


. A sixth fold line


184


is formed on the third flap


156


defining an engagement element


186


of the third flap


156


.




Precut openings


188


are formed in the second flap


152


adjacent each intersection of the fourth fold line


176


and the second and third lines of weakening


148


and


150


disposed on the first reinforcing panel


138


. The precut openings


188


are formed in a spaced relationship such that one of the pair of first precut openings


188


is associated with the second line of weakening


148


and another of the pair of precut openings is associated with the third line of weakening


150


.




Knock-outs


190


are formed in the second flap


152


adjacent the third fold line


174


disposed on the second face panel


106


and defined by a portion of the second and third lines of weakening


148


and


150


. The knock-outs


190


are removable from the cardboard blank


100


to form a knock-opening


192


, as best shown in

FIGS. 6 and 7

, for capturing and maintaining the hoses at a particular orientation therein. The pair of first knock-out openings


192


are formed in a spaced relationship, such that one of the pair of first knock-out openings


192


is associated with and defined by the second line of weakening


148


and another of the pair of first knock-out openings


192


is associated with and defined by the third of weakening


150


.




A seventh fold line


194


is formed on the second flap


152


substantially collinear with the sixth fold line


184


and the top horizontal fold line


112


. When the blank


100


is folded the seventh fold line


194


generally bisects the second flaps


152


such that the third and fourth fold lines


174


and


176


are aligned and adjacent to permit the second flap


152


to move from a first closed position disposed substantially coplanar with the second face panel


106


and the first reinforcing element


138


to a second open position, as best shown in

FIG. 6

, angularly disposed to the second face panel


106


and the first reinforcing element


138


. A second access opening


196


is revealed when the second flap


152


is moved about the adjacent third and fold lines


174


and


176


.




A sixth line of weakening


198


is formed in the first side panel


108


to define a fifth flap


200


and a seventh line of weakening


202


is formed in the second side panel


110


define a sixth flap


204


. The fifth and sixth flaps


200


and


204


are movable from a first closed position to a second open position, as best shown in

FIGS. 5 and 6

, extending into the rectangular opening


218


to reveal a first handle opening


206


in the first side panel


108


and a second handle opening


208


in the second side panel


110


. The fourth reinforcing element


132


, extending from the first side panel


108


, includes a second precut opening


210


, and the fifth reinforcing element


136


, extending from the second side panel


110


, includes a third precut opening


212


. The fifth flap


200


projects through the second precut opening


210


, and the sixth flap


204


projects through the third precut opening


212


when the blank


100


is folded.




A fourth precut opening


214


is formed in the first face panel


104


to reveal a thermometer adapted for attachment to one of the containers for indicating optimum operating temperature.





FIG. 4

shows a perspective view of the corrugated cardboard blank of the present invention folded to form a rectangular opening. The first and second face panels


104


and


106


are interconnected at their upright extending ends


216


with the first and second side panels


108


and


110


to form the rectangular opening


218


when-the blank is folded. The carton


102


is assembled as shown by initially folding the blank


100


about vertical fold lines


220


and adhesively securing glue flap


118


to the inside surface of the first side panel


108


. Alternatively, glue flap


118


could extend from the first side panel


108


and be secured to the second face panel


106


. A rectangular enclosure now results having a rectangular opening


218


.




The bottom of the carton


102


is formed by folding the second bottom panel


128


into the rectangular opening


218


so that the second bottom panel


128


is disposed flush against the interior surface of the second face panel


106


. The second and third reinforcing elements


124


and


126


are then folded flush against the first bottom panel


122


such that when the first bottom panel


122


is folded perpendicular to the first face panel


104


in the direction of the rectangular opening


218


, the second and third reinforcing elements


124


and


126


may be unfolded away from the first bottom panel


122


and in the direction of the first and second side panels


108


and


110


.




The second and third reinforcing elements


124


and


126


are disposed flush against the interior surfaces of the first and second side panels


108


and


110


. The second bottom panel


128


may then be moved away from the interior face of the second face panel


106


such that it is disposed flush against the first bottom panel


122


. This construction provides a two-ply bottom thickness formed of the bottom panels


122


and


128


. As a result of this construction, the carton bottom does not require any tape or adhesive to secure the bottom panels together in place. Alternatively, tape or adhesive may be used to provide increased strength.





FIG. 5

shows a perspective view of the carton


102


of the present invention before the cylinders are loaded. The carton


102


is further assembled to this stage by folding the fourth and fifth reinforcing elements


132


and


136


into the rectangular opening


218


such that the second and third reinforcing elements are retained between the fourth and fifth reinforcing elements


132


and


136


and the first and second side panels


108


and


110


, respectively. The first reinforcing element


138


is then folded into the rectangular opening


218


such that it is disposed flush against the interior surface of the second face panel


106


. The fifth flap


200


may be moved through the second precut opening in order to form the first handle opening


206


. The sixth flap may be moved through the third precut opening in order to form the second handle opening


208


. The remainder of the two-component foam kit may now be loaded for shipping, storage or use.





FIG. 6

shows a perspective view of the foam kit


300


of the present invention with the containers loaded and connected to the dispenser via hoses. The portable, two-component polyurethane foam kit


300


includes two pressurized containers


302


, each containing a supply of a different reactive foam component. It will be apparent that it is within the teachings of the present invention that alternate supply container configurations could be utilized. For example, a third supply container for a nucleating or propellant agent may be used for a suitable purpose. A dispenser


304


for mixing the two foam components together to form a foam mixture and for selectively dispensing the mixed foam is connected to the containers by a pair of elongated hoses


306


which convey the foam components to the dispenser


304


at a location remote from the containers. The dispenser


304


has a handle


308


, an actuation lever


310


and a nozzle


312


. A rigid handle


314


is movably connected to the containers such that it may be moved to project through the first access opening


144


for carrying the carton. It is within the teachings of the present invention that other handle configurations, including flexible handles, could be utilized for carrying the carton. The hoses


306


are connected to the containers at the control valves


316


and the dispenser during assembly and then are coiled for installation within the rectangular opening


218


of the carton


102


.




When ready for use, the hoses


306


and dispenser


304


are removed from the carton


102


. The second flap


152


is then moved to the second open position angularly disposed to the second face panel


106


and the first reinforcing element


138


to reveal the second access opening


195


by which the interior of the carton


102


is accessible. The knock-outs formed in the second flap


152


adjacent the third fold line


174


disposed on the second face panel


106


are detachable from the second flap


152


to form the knock-out openings


192


. The knock-out openings


192


and the first precut openings are in registry with one another when the carton


102


is assembled. In order to move the second flap


152


from the first closed position to the second open position, as shown in

FIG. 6

, the second flap


152


is detached along the second and third lines of weakening


148


and


150


. The second flap


152


is now movable about the third and fourth fold lines


174


and


176


. When the second flap


152


is moved to the second open position, the hoses


306


are inserted through the second access opening


196


into the hose paths


220


, which are defined when the knock-out openings


192


and first precut openings


188


are in registry. The hoses


306


disposed within the hose paths


220


permit the second flap


152


to be returned to the first closed position for storage or use. The hoses


306


are captured and maintained within the hose paths


220


at an angular orientation with respect to the second face panel


106


so as to keep the hoses


306


exiting the carton


102


generally transverse to the second face panel


106


so that the hoses


306


will not interfere with the stability of the carton


102


during use of the kit


300


. The hose paths


220


, and therefore the first knock-out openings


192


and the first precut openings


188


, are disposed at the same level in order to prevent twisting of the hoses


306


, and are preferably disposed within approximately two inches of the container valve


316


or connection point on the container.





FIG. 7

shows a perspective view of the carton of the present invention ready-to-use with the dispenser


304


stored in an upright position in a dispenser holder opening


172


. The first flap


142


is partially detachable from the cover panel


134


along the first line of weakening


140


such that it is movable to a second open position as shown. The first access opening


144


is revealed in the cover panel


134


when the first flap


142


is moved to the second open position. The handle


314


is movable to an upright position to project the first access opening


144


when the first flap


142


is in the second open position in order to transport the foam kit


300


. The dispenser handle


308


when not in use may be inserted into the dispenser holder opening


172


which is revealed when the fourth flap


170


is moved to the second open position or detached from the cover panel


134


. The dispenser holder opening


172


, whether dog-eared or open, receives and maintains the dispenser


304


in an upright position.




Thus, the present invention fulfills the need in the prior art for providing a simple, cost effective carton which can be used, in particular with foam dispensing systems.




The invention is not limited to the particular details of the apparatus depicted and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. For example, the knock-out openings may be formed as precut openings. Also, the reinforcing elements formed with the first bottom panel may extend from the first and second side panels. Certain other changes may be made in the above-described apparatus without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention here involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter of the above depiction shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.



Claims
  • 1. A carton for a foam dispensing system which includes at least one foam component supply container, a dispenser and at least one hose for interconnecting the dispenser to each at least one supply container, the carton being formed from a blank, said carton comprising:first and second face panels interconnected by respective first and second side panels to form a rectangular opening when the blank is folded; bottom panels depending from at least the first and second face panels defining a bottom of said carton; a cover panel extending from the first face panel defining a cover of said carton; a first line of weakening defining a first flap in the cover panel which is movable from a first closed position disposed substantially coplanar with the cover panel to a second open position angularly disposed to the cover panel; a first access opening for accessing an interior of the carton defined in the cover panel by the first line of weakening and revealed when the first flap is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; second and third lines of weakening formed in the second face panel and a first reinforcing element in a spaced relationship to define a second flap; a fourth line of weakening formed in the second flap to define a third flap; and a handle movably connected to the containers and projecting through the first access opening for carrying the carton.
  • 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein at least one hose is connected to each at least one container and the dispenser and is coiled with the dispenser in the carton when the kit is shipped.
  • 3. The carton of claim 1, wherein the first flap is further defined by a first fold line extending from a first end of the first line of weakening to a second end of the first line of weakening.
  • 4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the first fold line is substantially coincident with a second fold line disposed between the first face panel and the cover panel.
  • 5. The carton of claim 1, further including at least one fifth line of weakening formed adjacent a comer in the cover panel to define at least one fourth flap which is movable from a first closed position to a second open position to reveal a dispenser holder opening.
  • 6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the fourth flap is detachable from the cover panel along the fifth line of weakening to define the dispenser holder opening.
  • 7. The carton of claim 1, wherein the second flap is further defined by a third fold line disposed on the second face panel extending from the second line of weakening to the third line of weakening and a fourth fold line disposed on the first reinforcing panel extending from the second line of weakening to the third line of weakening.
  • 8. The carton of claim 1, wherein the third flap is further defined by a fifth fold line disposed on the second flap and extending from a third end of the fourth line of weakening to a fourth end of the fourth line of weakening.
  • 9. The carton of claim 8, wherein a sixth fold line is formed on the third flap defining an engagement element of the third flap.
  • 10. The carton of claim 1, further including at least one precut opening formed in the second flap, adjacent a fourth fold line disposed on the first reinforcing panel.
  • 11. The carton of claim 10, wherein a pair of the first precut openings are formed in spaced relationship such that one of the pair of first precut openings is associated with the second line of weakening and another of the pair of first precut openings is associated with the third line of weakening.
  • 12. The carton of claim 1, further including at least one first knock-out formed in the second flap adjacent a third fold line disposed on the second face panel which is removable to form a knock-out opening for capturing and retaining the at least one hose therein.
  • 13. The carton of claim 12, wherein a pair of the first knock-out openings are formed in spaced relationship, such that one of the pair of first knock-out openings is associated with and defined by the second line of weakening and another of the pair of first knock-out openings is associated with and defined by the third line of weakening.
  • 14. The carton of claim 7, wherein a seventh fold line is disposed on the second tab substantially collinear with a sixth fold line such that when the blank is folded the third and fourth fold lines are adjacent so that the second flap is moveable from a first closed position disposed substantially coplanar with the second face panel and the first reinforcing element to a second open position angularly disposed to the second face panel and the first reinforcing element to reveal a second access opening when moved about the third and fourth fold lines.
  • 15. The carton of claim 14, wherein each at least one first precut opening formed in the second flap on the first reinforcing element is in registry with each at least one first knock-out opening formed in the second flap on the second face panel cooperatively defining hose paths which capture and maintain each at least one hose when the second flap is disposed in the first closed position.
  • 16. The carton of claim 15, wherein each at least one hose projects through the hose path at an angular orientation with respect to the second face panel.
  • 17. The carton of claim 1, further including second and third reinforcing elements flanking at least one of the bottom panels for reinforcing the carton when the blank is folded.
  • 18. The carton of claim 1, further including a sixth line of weakening formed in the first side panel to define a fifth flap and a seventh line of weakening formed in the second side panel to define a sixth flap, such that the fifth and sixth flaps are moveable from a first closed position to a second open position extending into the rectangular opening to reveal a first handle opening in the first side panel and a second handle opening in the second side panel.
  • 19. The carton of claim 18, further including a fourth reinforcing element extending from the first side panel including a second precut opening and a fifth reinforcing element extending from the second side panel including a third precut opening.
  • 20. The carton of claim 19, wherein the fifth flap projects through the second precut opening defining a first handle opening, and the sixth flap projects through the third precut opening defining a second handle opening when the blank is folded.
  • 21. The carton of claim 1, wherein the handle is rigid.
  • 22. A kit of parts including at least one foam component supply container, a dispenser for mixing the foam and for selectively dispensing the foam, at least one elongated hose for connecting the dispenser to each at least one foam component supply container for conveying the foam to the dispenser at a location remote from the at least one foam component supply container, and a carton for storing and transporting the at least one foam component supply container, the at least one hose and the dispenser, said carton comprising:first and second face panels interconnected by respective first and second side panels to form a rectangular opening when the blank is folded; bottom panels depending from at least the first and second face panels defining a bottom of said carton; a cover panel extending from the first face panel defining a cover of said carton; a first line of weakening defining a first flap in said cover panel which is movable from a first closed position disposed substantially coplanar with the cover panel to a second open position angularly disposed to the cover panel; a first access opening for accessing the interior of the carton defined in the cover panel by the first line of weakening and revealed in the cover panel when the first flap is moved from the first closed position to the second open position; second and third lines of weakening formed in the second face panel and a first reinforcing element in a spaced relationship to define a second flap; a third fold line disposed on the second face panel extending from the second line of weakening to the third line of weakening; a fourth fold line disposed on the first reinforcing panel extending from the second line of weakening to the third line of weakening; and, a seventh fold line disposed on the second flap such that when the blank is folded about the seventh fold line the third and fourth fold lines are disposed adjacent one another so that the second flap is movable from a first closed position disposed substantially coplanar with the second face panel and the first reinforcing element to a second open position angularly disposed to the second face panel and the first reinforcing element to reveal a second access opening by which the interior of the carton is accessible.
  • 23. The kit of claim 22, further including at least one first knock-out formed in the second flap adjacent the third fold line disposed on the second face panel which is detachable to form at least one knock-out opening within the second flap to capture and retain the at least one hose therein.
  • 24. The kit of claim 23, wherein a pair of the first knock-out openings are formed in spaced relationship, such that one of the pair of first knock-out openings is associated with and defined by the second line of weakening and another of the pair of first knock-out openings is associated with and defined by the third line of weakening, such that each first knock-out opening captures and retains one of the at least one hose therein.
  • 25. The kit of claim 23, wherein each at least one first knock-out opening is disposed at the same level in order to prevent twisting of the hoses.
  • 26. The kit of claim 25, wherein each at least one first knock-out opening is disposed within approximately two inches of connection to the containers.
  • 27. The kit of claim 22, further including at least one fifth line of weakening formed adjacent a corner in the cover panel to define at least one fourth flap.
  • 28. The kit of claim 27, wherein the fourth flap is movable from a first closed position to a second open position revealing a dispenser holder for receiving and maintaining the dispenser in an upright position.
  • 29. The kit of claim 27, wherein the fourth flap is detachable along the fifth line of weakening to define a dispenser holder opening for receiving and maintaining the dispenser in an upright position.
  • 30. The kit of claim 22, wherein the at least one foam component supply containers includes a pair of supply containers of different reactive foam components where one supply container contains a polymer and the other supply container contains a reactive agent.
  • 31. The kit of claim 22, wherein the at least one foam component supply containers includes a propellant.
  • 32. A portable foam dispensing kit comprising:at least one foam supply container; a dispenser for mixing the foam and dispensing the foam, the dispenser including a handle and an actuation lever projecting from the dispenser and spaced apart from each other; at least one elongated hose for connecting the dispenser to each at least one foam supply container in order to convey the foam to the dispenser at a location remote from the at least one foam supply container, a carton for storing and transporting the at least one foam supply container, dispenser and at least one hose as a single unit, said carton including first and second face panels interconnected by respective first and second side panels to define a hollow carton with four distinct sides; bottom panels depending from at least the first and second face panels defining a bottom of said carton; a cover panel extending from the first face panel defining a cover of said carton; a first line of weakening disposed in the cover panel defining a first flap which is movable from a first closed position disposed substantially coplanar with the cover panel to a second open position angularly disposed to the cover panel, said first flap defining a first access opening in the cover panel when the first flap is moved to the second open position; and, at least one additional line of weakening disposed on the cover panel adjacent a corner thereof, that defines at least one flap that is foldable or detachable from the cover in a manner to define a dispenser opening for receiving either of the dispenser handle or actuation lever and maintaining the dispenser in an upright position.
  • 33. The kit of claim 32, wherein the first fold line is substantially coincident with a second fold line disposed between the first face panel and the cover panel.
  • 34. The kit of claim 32, further including second and third reinforcing elements flanking at least one of the bottom panels for reinforcing the carton when the blank is folded.
  • 35. The kit of claim 32, further including a sixth line of weakening formed in the first side panel to define a fifth flap and a seventh line of weakening formed in the second side panel to define a sixth flap, such that the fifth and sixth flaps are moveable from a first closed position to a second open position extending into the rectangular opening to reveal a first handle opening in the first side panel and a second handle opening in the second side panel.
  • 36. The kit of claim 35, further including a fourth reinforcing element extending from the first side panel including a second precut opening and a fifth reinforcing panel extending from the second side panel including a third precut opening.
  • 37. The kit of claim 36, wherein the fifth flap projects through the second precut opening, and the sixth flap projects through the third precut opening when the blank is folded.
  • 38. The kit of claim 32, wherein the fourth flap is detachable along the fifth line of weakening to define a dispenser holder opening for receiving and maintaining the dispenser in an upright position.
  • 39. The kit of claim 32, wherein the at least one foam component supply containers includes a pair of supply containers of different reactive foam components where one supply container contains a polymer and the other supply container contains a reactive agent.
  • 40. A carton for a foam dispensing system which includes at least one foam component supply container, a dispenser and at least one hose for interconnecting the dispenser to each at least one supply container, the carton being formed from a blank, said carton comprising:first and second face panels interconnected by respective first and second side panels to define a hollow carton with four distinct sides; bottom panels depending from at least the first and second face panels defining a bottom of said carton; a cover panel extending from the first face panel defining a cover of said carton; a pair of lines of weakening formed in the second face panel and a first reinforcing element in a spaced relationship to define a flap; a third fold line disposed on the second face panel extending between the spaced lines of weakening; a fourth fold line disposed on the first reinforcing element extending between the spaced lines of weakening; a pair of first knock-out openings formed in a spaced relationship in the second flap on the second face panel adjacent the third fold line, such that one of the pair of first knock-out openings is associated with and defined by one of the lines of weakening and another of the pair of first knock-out openings is associated and defined by the other line of weakening; a pair of first pre-cut openings formed in spaced relationship in the second flap on the first reinforcing element adjacent the fourth fold line, such that one of the pair of first pre-cut openings is associated with one of the lines of weakening and another of the pair of first pre-cut openings is associated with the other line of weakening such that the pair of first pre-cut openings are in registry with the pair of first knock-out openings for cooperatively defining hose paths which capture and maintain the hoses in a particular orientation when the second flap is disposed in a first closed position.
  • 41. The carton of claim 40, wherein the pair of first knock-out openings and the first pre-cut openings are all disposed at the same level in order to prevent twisting of the hoses.
  • 42. The carton of claim 41, wherein the pair of first knock-out openings and the first pre-cut openings are disposed within approximately two inches of connection points on the containers.
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3613956 McCulloch Oct 1971 A
3633795 Brooks Jan 1972 A
3744709 Akkerman Jul 1973 A
4174051 Edwards et al. Nov 1979 A
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5111974 Parker May 1992 A
5195661 Light Mar 1993 A
5344051 Brown Sep 1994 A
5497899 Wuerfel Mar 1996 A
5526957 Brown et al. Jun 1996 A
5657872 Leftwich et al. Aug 1997 A
5765711 Johnson et al. Jun 1998 A
5924599 Brown Jul 1999 A
6182868 Hurray et al. Feb 2001 B1
6283221 Hurray et al. Sep 2001 B2