Patent Grant
7677434
The present invention relates to a container made of a flexible material, erected from a unitary paperboard blank, for the holding, stacking and transporting of various items such as agricultural produce. In particular, the present invention relates to a container having tapered opposing walls and tapered stacking tabs extending from and coplanar with the tapered walls, locks scored and cut in a base panel of the container for accepting and securing the tapered stacking tabs of an adjacently stacked container, a partial reinforcing top structure, and corner posts.
Corrugated paperboard is typically used in many different applications, for example, to form containers, boxes, cartons, or dividers for holding, storing, stacking or shipping various items such as agricultural produce.
Typically, such containers have a bottom and four sidewalls, and are formed from a blank scored with score lines or cut lines. The blanks are most often formed by automated machines in a continuous in-line process involving cutting, scoring and molding continuous sheets of paperboard. The paperboard is then folded along the score lines or cut lines to form a container. The blanks may be folded into a container by an automated machine or by a consumer.
During use, containers are often stacked on top of one another for ease of shipping and for optimum use of space. In these circumstances, it is possible for containers to have stacking tabs extending upward from the top edge of the container's sidewalls. These stacking tabs often fit into corresponding notches cut into an adjacently stacked container to help secure the stack. Since containers are usually stacked on top of like sized containers, the stacking tabs that extend upward from a lower container's sidewalls position directly into the sidewalls of a higher, adjacent container. Thus, to accommodate the lower container's tabs, a complementary notch must be cut out of the higher container's sidewalls. However, a notch in a sidewall is problematic in that it does not secure the stacking tab on all four sides. Thus, these sidewall notches do not fully prevent side-to-side movement, subjecting the stack to potential toppling. This is sometimes circumvented by having a multi-ply or multi-layer sidewall, wherein a stacking tab extends upwards from an inner layer of the sidewall, thereby aligning the stacking tabs with the bottom panel of an adjacent container as opposed to the sidewall. This, however, requires excess paperboard to be used to create the multi-layer sidewall, and results in related increased costs.
Further, it is easy to misalign a container during stacking such that a higher container falls into a lower container, usually on an angle, potentially damaging the contents of the lower container. To solve this, several prior art patents have devised tapered sidewalls, wherein the distance between the opposing top edges of the sidewalls is less than the distance between the opposing lower edges of the sidewalls. This eases stacking by severely limiting the probability of the higher container falling into a lower container, since the narrower upper portion creates a more functional ledge for the base of the higher container to rest on.
Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a paperboard container with a stacking structure that has tapered sidewalls and stacking tabs, resulting in a narrower top footprint than the bottom footprint, and wherein the stacking tabs are secured on all four sides by an adjacently stacked container.
Still further, diagonally extending reinforcing corner panels are sometimes provided on conventional containers to reinforce the container and assist in preventing an upper container from falling into a lower container when they are stacked. The diagonal corner panels or posts in these containers extend the full height of the container, and therefore require additional material and concomitant increased cost to form.
Accordingly, it is a further object of this invention to provide reinforcing structure at the top edges of the container, using a minimum amount of material, and defining panels extending diagonally across only an upper portion of the corners of the container to reinforce it and provide structure that assists in preventing an upper container from falling into a lower container when they are stacked.
The present invention comprises a container that may be used for transporting food items, wherein the container has a bottom or base panel, two opposing sidewalls, two opposing end walls, and stacking tabs extending upwardly from either the end walls or the sidewalls, co-planar to the side or end walls. The container's sidewalls or end walls are inwardly inclined or tapered, such that the angle between the sidewalls or end walls and the base panel is less than 90°. As a result, the tabs that extend co-planar from the end or sidewalls are likewise tapered at the same angle. The container further has locks formed by slots or openings scored and cut in the base panel of the container, wherein the tapered stacking tabs of the container extend through the cut-out slots in the bottom of an adjacently stacked container.
The tapered side or end walls of the container and the corresponding tapered stacking tabs ensure that the stacking tabs fit into slots cut from the base panel, and not the side or end walls, of an adjacent stacking container, thereby capturing the tabs in the slots and allowing the containers to securely stack without requiring excess paperboard material. Further, the tapered sidewalls lessen the distance between the top edges of opposed side or end walls relative to the distance between their bottom edges, thereby preventing unwanted slippage of an upper container into a lower container by providing a better supporting ledge for a container when it is stacked on top of another like container. The combination of these features results in containers that are easy to stack and container stacks that are not prone to toppling, without using excess paperboard.
One embodiment of the invention includes locks, comprising a cut-out slot coupled with a flap, wherein the flap can bend upwards, thereby better accommodating a tapered stacking tab. Further, as stacking of adjacent containers is only possible if the pattern of the cut-out slots is configured in the same pattern as the stacking tabs, the locks are positioned to engage and lock the stacking tabs in a specific configuration. Therefore, the locks of the present invention can be scored and cut in any arrangement to fit on various arrangements of stacking tabs. For example, the base panel may contain four locks in a particular arrangement to accommodate four stacking tabs of a particular arrangement. Similarly, the locks may be inwardly spaced at different distances from an outer edge of the base panel to accept stacking tabs that are tapered at various angles.
Other embodiments include containers with reinforcement flaps made of flexible material such as paperboard to create a partial top structure or ledge in the upper part of the container walls to help prevent bulging of the walls. The reinforcement flaps lie flush against the upper sides of the container, thereby increasing the thickness of the upper sides and any stacking tabs extending upwardly therefrom. The reinforcement flap may also create a supporting gusset or corner post in the corners of the container. The corner posts and increased thickness of the stacking tabs further increases the strength of a stack and reduces the likelihood of a higher container falling into a lower container in the stack.
Other objects, embodiments, features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent when the description of preferred embodiments of the invention are considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings, which should be construed in an illustrative and not limiting sense.
A paper or paperboard blank scored in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown in
Base panel 12 is a substantially rectangular panel bordered by end fold lines 14 and side fold lines 16. End panels 18 foldably connect to base panel 12 along fold lines 14, and side panels 20 foldably connect to base panel 12 along fold lines 16. The base, end and side panels correspond to the bottom (or base), end, and sidewalls of a container erected from the blank. As such, the terms “panel” and “wall” are used interchangeably herein. Holes 22 are provided alongside fold lines 16 to provide breathing holes and access for an automated machine to manipulate and fold the blank into a fully erected container. Locks 24 are cut and scored in the base panel and may be adjacent fold line 14 as shown in
End panels 18 are generally rectangular panels that form end walls when the container is fully erected. Accordingly, the length of end panels 18 in blank 10 corresponds to the height of the end wall 18 in an erected container. In the present example, the length (distance between the fold line 14 and free edge of the panel) of the end panel is 4¼ inches. However, the length of the panel, and corresponding height of the erected container, can vary widely within the scope of the invention. Each end panel 18 is bordered on four sides by an upper edge 26, fold line 14, and two outer fold lines 28. End flaps 30 foldably attach to each end of each end panel along fold lines 28. Stacking tab 32 extend outwardly from upper edge 26, coplanar to side panel 18.
End flaps 30 are substantially rectangular panels bordered on four sides by top edge 64, end edge 66, bottom edge 50, and fold line 28, wherein the bottom edge 50 of the flap extends upwardly toward the top edge 64 at a slight angle relative to the bottom edge of the end panel 18 as defined by the fold line 14, thereby causing the end panel 18 to taper or lean in at its top when the panel is erected. The angle can vary greatly, depending on how much of a taper is ultimately desired in the end panel. In this embodiment, an angle of 1-5° is preferable. Similarly, top edge 64 extends at a slight angle relative to edge 26, and generally parallel to edge 50. The angle of divergence of the top edge is ideally the same as the angle of divergence of the bottom edge. For example, if bottom edge 50 diverges from fold line 14 at an angle of 3°, top edge 64 diverges from upper edge 26 at an angle of 3°. The equivalent angle of divergence allows upper edge 26 and top edge 64 to create a flat, even top corner even as the end panel is tapered.
Each lock 24 on base panel 12 has a cut-out slot 52 coupled with a bendable flap 54, wherein the slot is designed to engage and secure stacking tabs 32 of an adjacent container. To fully engage and accept a stacking tab that enters through cut slot 52 on an angle, flap 54 has the ability to bend upwards along a back cut line 56. Flap 54 has a length, width and thickness, wherein the thickness is equal to the thickness of the base panel 12, and the length and width can vary within the scope of the invention as long as the flap sufficiently engages a stacking tab to frictionally hold it in the slot 52. The flap is bordered by contact edge 58, back cut line 56, and side cut lines 60 and 62. Contact edge 58 is the part of the flap that engages and holds secure stacking tabs 32 by rubbing against the tabs and holding them secure with a frictional force. Back cut line 56 is preferably a small cut line upon which flap 54 can pivot, and extends parallel to contact edge 58 and perpendicular to side cuts 60 and 62. However, the back cut line does not run the full length of contact edge 58, but is located intermediate and spaced from the side cuts 60 and 62. In alternate embodiments, the back cut line is a perforated cut line that runs between side cuts 60 and 62.
Cut lines 60 and 62 are incisions that extend laterally from the back of flap 54 to the fold line 14, parallel to each other and downwardly though the entire thickness of the panel 12. The cut lines enable the flap to extend upward about the back cut line without encountering undue resistance from the part of base panel 12 that borders flap 54.
Contact edge 58 extends from cut line 60 to cut line 62 parallel to fold line 14, and engages tab 32 when it is inserted through slot 52, holding the tab securely in place. In the present embodiment, the contact edge extends in a straight line. However, the shape of the contact edge may be altered in other embodiments. For example, as shown in
Cut-out slot 52 lies between flap 54 and fold line 14, and is further bordered by side cuts 60 and 62. The slot's width is great enough so that stacking tabs 32 can extend through the slot between the side cuts. However, the length between contact edge 58 and fold line 14 may be less than the thickness of the stacking tabs, enabling the tabs to press against a portion of flap 54, causing the flap to bend upwards to accommodate the tab.
Each slot 52 is aligned to accept a stacking tab on a slight taper. If the degree of taper changes, the alignment can change accordingly. For example, if sidewalls 18 taper a higher degree than shown in
Side panels 20 are generally rectangular panels each bordered on four sides by an upper edge 34, side fold line 16, and side edges 42. The side panels 20 may have a recess 36 to provide visibility of the items inside the container. Side panels 20 form the sidewalls when the container is fully erected. Accordingly, the length of side panels 20 (i.e., the distance from fold line 16 to upper edge 34) in blank 10 corresponds to the height of the sidewalls of the erected container in
The container is erected either manually or by an automated machine. Generally it is done with an automated machine, wherein base panel 12 is pushed downward, forcing end panels 18 and side panels 20 to simultaneously fold upwards along fold lines 14 and 16, respectively. End flaps 30 are then folded along fold lines 28 and are adhered to the outer surface of side panels 20 with a hot melt adhesive. When this happens, bottom edge 50 aligns with fold line 16, pulling down end flaps 30 at an angle, thereby causing a taper in end panel 18. The taper of the end panel may be slight, preferably between 1-5°, although this can vary widely within the scope of the invention depending on the angle of divergence of bottom edge 50. The result of the taper is that the end panel 18 subtends an acute angle, i.e., less than 90°, with the base panel 12. The corresponding angle of the stacking tabs relative to the base panel is therefore also less than 90° due to their extending coplanar with the end panels. In alternate embodiments, the end flaps can be adhered to the outer surface with another means, such as staples.
Side panel 78 is a generally rectangular panel that corresponds to at least one sidewall when the container is fully erected. Accordingly, the length of side panels 78 in blank 70 corresponds to the height of the sidewall when the container is erected. In the present example, the length of the side panel is 9 11/16 inches, but the exact length can vary widely within the spirit of the invention. Each side panel 78 is bordered on four sides by an upper edge 104, side fold line 100, and two opposing side panel fold lines 106. Side flaps 82 foldably attach to each side panel along fold lines 106. One or multiple stacking tabs 80 extend outwardly from upper edge 104, coplanar to side panel 78.
Side flaps 82 function in largely the same manner as end flaps 30 on blank 10 in
In
End panels 72 are generally rectangular panels that correspond to the end walls when the container is fully erected. Accordingly, the length of end panels 72 corresponds to the height of the end walls of the erected container. Ideally the height of end panels 72 is similar to that of sidewalls 78 and 94, although not necessarily identical. In the present example, the height is 9¾ inches. End panels 72 further comprise stacking tabs 74 extending co-planar with the end wall. The bottoms of end panels 72 contain notches 76, proportioned and positioned to engage and hold a stacking tab 74 of an adjacently stacked container. Neither end panels 72 nor the stacking tabs 74 are tapered in the example shown.
Locks 102 in
Locks can be scored on one or both opposing sides of base panel 68.
Sidewall 78 may further include a crushed area 92 that borders cut-out slot 88 across fold line 100, wherein the crushed area comprises a section of the sidewall that is pressed to a point wherein the thickness of the crushed area is less than the thickness of the sidewall. The crushed area allows easier access of a stacking tab 80 of an adjacently stacked container into the slot 88 in embodiments where the taper of sidewall 78 is very slight.
Blank 70 is preferably erected in the same manner as blank 10, through use of an automated machine that folds end panels 72 and side panels 78 and 94 upwards along fold lines 98 and 100, respectively, and adhering side panel flaps 82 and 96 to the outer side of end panels 72 with a hot melt adhesive or other adhering means, such that bottom edges 110 and 118 align with fold line 98, causing a taper in the sidewalls.
A third embodiment of the container is seen in
Reinforcement tabs 142 foldably connect to the top edge of stacking tabs 140 along fold line 162. When the container is erected, side panel 128 is folded upwards along fold line 124. Reinforcement flap 138 is then folded downward along fold line 162 until the face of the reinforcement flap is flush against the top of the inner surface of panel 128, as seen in
The combination of stacking tab 140 and reinforcement tab 142 is a larger, thicker tapered stacking tab extending from the upper side of the tapered sidewall. To account for this additional thickness, the cut-out slot 148 is wider to accommodate the larger, reinforced tab. The partial top created by reinforcement flap 138 provides bulge resistance to the sidewall 128. Also, since the reinforcement flap has a smaller length (i.e., height) than the sidewall 128, less material is required and there is slightly more usable interior space in the container as compared to using a reinforcement flap having the same width (i.e., height) as the sidewall. The remainder of the container blank in
Side flaps 154 may also contain a lengthened area 170, which is a small extension of paperboard extending from top edge 178, coplanar to flap 154, and defines an aligning tab. The lengthened area or tab 170 fits into a corresponding aligning notch 168 of an adjacently stacked container, as seen in
In alternative embodiments, the sidewall 130 may be replaced with a sidewall similar to the sidewall 128 of
Other embodiments are shown, for example, in
The partial top structure of the present invention adds bulge resistance, improves stacking tab integrity, and creates a small gusset/corner-post tray support to the units stacked above, while using minimum material. The stackable tapered tray can be machine or hand formed and made in various sizes (footprints) to accommodate a multiple of stacking tabs per side/end panels. Display windows can also be formed on either the side or end panels.
The designs shown in
The designs shown in
The designs shown in
Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications are possible in light of the above disclosure. For example, the stacking tabs extending co-planar from the tapered end walls and sidewalls may be different shapes than the tabs depicted in the drawings without departing from the spirit of the invention. Further, although the embodiments in
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/392,035, filed Mar. 19, 2003, now abandoned which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. Nos. 60/365,481 filed Mar. 19, 2002, and 60/414,099 filed Sep. 27, 2002, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| Parent | 10392035 | Mar 2003 | US |
| Child | 11303898 | US |
