LIQUID CONTAINER WITH STRAW OPENING MEANS

Abstract: Gable top type liquid carrying paperboard carton (10) having straw opening means formed in a side panel of the gable top closure structure. The straw opening means includes a tear strip (112) formed by cuts (100) at least half way through the carton wall beginning at the score line (32) formed at the edge of the side panel adjacent the usual underlying side seam flap. In an alternate embodiment wherein the side seam flap is formed on the reverse end (120) of the carton blank, a tab (116) is formed from material available from the adjacent blank during the scoring and cutting process, and serves as an extension of the tear strip beyond the edge of the gable top side panel.

Description: Description LIQUID CONTAINER WITH STRAW OPENING MEANS Technical Field This invention relates generally to liquid proof, paperboard cartons or containers, and, more particularly, to such containers provided with improved means for readily forming an opening for a straw therein. It is essential that liquid carrying paperboard contain¬ ers reach the consumer in a convenient, safe and sanitary condition, and also be capable of retaining such sanitary condition while being handled, and the contents thereof consumed, by school children and adults alike. Where straw opening means are provided on such containers, such means must also measure up to the convenient, safe and sanitary requirements . Background Art U.S. Patent No. 3,770,185 provided for a straw opening means wherein parallel score lines are cut from one side and a circular score line is cut from the opposite side of one vertical wall above the gable, each to a depth of from 40 to 75 percent of the wall thickness. Such score lines form a tear strip extending from the upper vertical edge, along the width of the vertical wall and onto one gable. A "thumb notch" is formed on the uppermost edge of the other vertical wall to facilitate the opening process. Once the tear strip is torn away along the lines defined by the parallel score lines, a plug of material encompassed by the circular score line remains intact with the tear stria to exoose a hole for receiving a straw. Disclosure of Invention Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provid an improved liquid carrying container including means for readily forming a sanitary straw opening therein without having to open the conventional pouring spout. Another object of the invention is to provide a liqu carrying, paperboard container including an improved stra opening means associated with a supported portion of a ga top roof panel. A further object of the invention is to provide a liquid proof, thermoplastic coated- " paperboard container including a tear strip formed integral with a roof panel adjacent the edge thereof which overlies the upper extens of a conventional side seam flap. Still another object of the invention is to provide plastic coated, gable top type container including straw opening means consisting of a tear strip formed on the si seam- supported end of one roof panel by spaced laterally extending die cuts formed through the outer plastic layer and from one half to all the way through the paperboard layer, and extending from a side edge of the roof panel, across the width of the underlying side seam, and a pre- determined distance beyond the free edge of the side seam defining a flexible hinge between the distal ends thereof when the tear strip is pealed back from the edge of the r panel, whereupon the clean, weakened area thus uncovered be penetrated by manually pressing a straw thereagainst. A still further object of the invention is to provid container with such straw opening means and, additionally including a pair of crossed lines formed by die cuts thro the inner plastic layer and from one half to all the way through the paperboard layer, thereby providing easy acce for the insertion of a straw once the tear strip is peal back to the flexible hinge. These and other objects and advantages of the inven will be apparent when reference is made to the following description and accompanying drawings: Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a fragmentary, rear perspective view of a closed and sealed paperboard container embodying the inventio Figure 2 is a layout view of a blank from which the container in Figure 1 is erected and showing the inside surface thereof; Figure 3 is a fragmentary front perspective view of the container in Figure 1, with the pouring spout in its extended position; Figures 4 and 5 are enlarged, fragmentary views of portions of the Figure 1 container " with the tear strip shown in different operational conditions. Figure 6 is a fragmentary, rear perspective view of a closed and sealed paperboard container illustrating an alternate embodiment of the invention; and Figure 7 is a layout view of a blank from which the container in Figure 3 is erected and illustrating its relationship to adjacent blanks in the cut-off operation:. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, Figure illustrates a container 10. The container is formed from kraft paperboard and is self-sustaining in shape. To render the paperboard fluid-tight and capable of holding such acidic liquids as milk, the paperboard is covered on both sides with a suitable thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. The container 10 includes a tubular body 12 which, in the present instance, is substantially square in cross section. At its base the body 12 is provided with a suit¬ able bottom closure 14. The upper end of the body 12 terminates in what will be recognized as the familiar gable top end closure 16 which is surmounted by a central laminar rib or truss 18. The top end closure has incorporated therein an extensible spout (Figure 3) for dispensing the contents of the container. The container 10 is formed from a flat blank 20 (Fig 2) of high-grade paperboard coated with outer and inner layers of polyethylene thermoplastic material. By means an appropriate pattern of score lines, the blank 20 is divided into a plurality of panels and sections which are utilized for the walls of the container and the closure parts when the container is erected. The central and maj area of the blank becomes the body 12 of the container an is defined by spaced apart transverse score lines 22 and running in substantially parallel relation across the fac of the blank. Intersecting the lines 22 and 24 at spaced intervals therealong are a series of perpendicular score lines 26, 28, 30 and 32, which define, in the central and major area of the blank, side panels 34, 36, 38 and 40 together with a fractional side panel or side seam flap 4 sometimes referred to as the "fifth panel". When the container is erected the latter is adhesively secured in overlying relation with the side panel 34. It should be noted that the transverse score lines 2 and 24 are not continuous but are formed in staggered por interrupted by the perpendicular score lines 26, 28, 30 a 32. The purpose of this staggered scoring is to accommod the thickness of the paper as the paper is bent along the score lines when the container is erected and thus preven crowding of the paper at the various junctions of the sco lines. This not only enhances the strength and appearanc of the finished container but facilitates its erection an closure by automatic machinery. Integral with the upper ends of the side panels, but separated therefrom by the transverse score line 22, are plurality of panel extensions which give the top of the container 10 its characteristic gable shape. These areas include a transverse score line 44 disposed generally parallel to the score line 22 and spaced between the lat and the top edge of the blank 20. The areas below the l 44 define the roof panels and end panels of the top clos while the areas above the line 44 define the parts of th central laminar rib 18. The score line 44 is not a stra line but includes staggered portions 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d corresponding respectively to the panels 34, 36, 38 and 40, for accommodating the thickness of the paper when the contain¬ er closure is folded. Alternate side panels 36 and 40 have respectively connected therewith inclined roof panels 46 and 48. The latter, in turn, are connected with outer rib panels 50 and 52 terminating, respectively, in sealing flaps 54 and 56 integral therewith. Similarly, alternate side panels 34 and 38 have connected therewith along the staggered transverse score line 22 triangular end panels 58 and 60. The triangu¬ lar end panel 58 is flanked by triangular fold-back panels 62 and 64 connected along converging score lines 66 and 68. The latter start at the intersections of the score line 22 and the right-hand edge 69 of the blank 20 (as shown in Fig. 2) and the perpendicular score line 26, respectively, and converge upwardly, intersecting at the approximate midpoint of transverse score line 44a. A pair of inner rib panels 70 and 72 are connected to the panels 62 and 64, along the score line 44a and are connected to each other along a short vertical score line 74, which runs from the apex of the end panel 58 to the top edge of the blank. By the same token, end panel 60 is flanked by fold-back panels 76 and 78, connected along converging score lines 80 and 82. Fold-back panels 76 and 78 are connected to another pair of inner rib panels 84 and 86 along the score line 44c, the panels 84 and 86 being connected with each other along a score line 88. A panel extension 90 is formed as an upper extension of the side seam flap 42, connected therewith along the score line 22, and connected to the roof-panel 48 along the score line 32. A further panel extension 92 is, in turn, formed as an upper extension of the panel extension 90, connected therewith along the score line 44, and connected to the outer rib panel 52, along the score line 32. When the container 10 is erected, the extensions 90 and 92 overlie the inner surfaces of the marginal edge portions of the triangular fold-back panel 62 and the inner rib panel 70, respectively, causing the edge 69 of the blank 20 to be positioned adjacent the score line 32, with the panel ext sion 90 serving as an inner layer support means for the adjacent end portion of the roof panel 48. The blank 20 is transformed into a completed contain as illustrated in Figure 1, by first folding it upon itse to form a flat tube and adhesively securing the side seam flap 42 and its extensions 90 and 92 to the inside faces panels 34, 62 and 70. The flattened blank tube is then erected into a tube substantially square cross section (Figure 6) and the bot closure is completed in a manner disclosed " and described U.S. Patent No. 3,120,335. To seal the container top closure, the parts thereof are infolded into gable form. During the course of such action the triangular panel crease lines 66, 68, 80 and 8 are broken by infolding the triangular end panels 58 and toward each other. The inner and outer rib panels and sealing flaps.54 and 56 are then heated on both sides, to adhesively activate the polyethylene thermoplastic coati The container may then be closed by passing its top rib portion between a pair of converging rails, forcing adhes ly activated rib panels and sealing flaps together to co the gable top structure. The rib panels and sealing fla are thereupon subjected to a predetermined sealing press in a conventional manner, leaving the top closure in a sealed condition as illustrated in Figure 1. As shown particular in Figure 3, an extensible, san tarily protected pouring spout 94 of pitcherlike form is incorporated into the top closure of the container 10 an rendered accessible as a result of partial disassembly o the central laminar rib 18. This is accomplished in lar measure by taking advantage of the angular arrangement o score lines defining the triangular end panels and fold- panels of the top closure. The pouring spout 94 accordi comprises the triangular end panel 60, the triangular fo back panels 76 and 78, the rib panels 84 and 86, adjacen portions of the outer rib panels 50 and 52, and adjacent portions of the inclined roof panels 46 and 48. The rib OM panels 84 and 86 provide the spout 94 with a free upper edge 96 which is traversed by fluid poured ' from the container 10. This edge 96 serves as a pouring lip and affords excellent pouring and cut off characteristics. Prior to being opened, the pouring edge 96 and its adjacent areas on the inner rib panels 84 and 86 are completely and sanitarily sealed within the structure of the laminar top rib 18 and the spout is enclosed with complete sanitary protection. Referring once again to Figure 1, it may be noted that, in addition to containing a conventional pouring spout arrangement, provision is also made for the sanitary use of a drinking straw without having to open the pouring spout. As shown in Figure 2, a die cut 100 'is made in the outer or top surface of the roof panel 48, cooperating with the edge thereof formed by the score line 32. The die cut includes parallel lines 102 which extend laterally from a vertical line 104 formed substantially along the center of the score line 32. The length of the line 104 is approximately one third the height of the roof panel 48 and the lengths of the lines 102 are equivalent to at least the width of the panel extension 90. At the inner' ends of the lines 102, oppositely disposed arcuate shaped lines 106 are connected thereto, forming a partial circle and adapted to provide a hinge, represented by the dash line 108, intermediate the distal ends of the arcuate shaped lines 106, as will be . explained. The depth of the die cut 100 is controlled so as to extend through the outer layer of polyethylene on the roof panel 48, and from halfway to all the way through the paper- boad layer, but not into the inner layer of polyethylene. The roof panel 48 is supported along the end portion thereof beneath the lines 102 by the panel extension 90, once the latter is folded and sealed to the adjacent inner surfaces of the fold-back panel 62 and the triangular end panel 58, and the gable top formed, providing a double layer support means beneath the die cut lines 102 in the roof panel 48. If desired, a +-shaped die cut 110 may be made in the inner or back surface of the roof panel 48 (Figures 4 and 5) at approximately the center of the partial circle formed by O'IP the arcuate shaped outer lines 106. The die cut 110, if used, is made so as to extend at least through the inner layer of polyethylene and up to halfway through the paper board, to align with or extend past the depth of the oute die cut 100. It should be noted that, once the container 10 is folded and sealed, the die cut 100 forms a tear strip 112 (Figure 5) which may be used in lieu of the pouring spout to provide a -sanitary straw hole. This is accomplished b virtue of the cut line 104 providing an exposed edge once the score line 32 has been folded to form the container 1 The resultant edge may be readily engaged by one's finger nail, whereupon the tear strip 112. may then be pealed off the inclined roof panel 48 along the lengths of " the later and arcuate shaped lines, to thereby render the hinge 108 operative. A straw (not shown) may then be inserted thro the ÷-shaped die cut 110, in communication with the liqui contents within the container 10. If the ÷-shaped die cu has not been included, the typical straw may be forced through the remaining paperboard thickness and the inner layer of polyethylene at approximately the center of the edges of the partial circle formed by the arcuate lines 1 the adjacent portion of the roof panel 48 being supported the inner panel extension 90 during the insertion process By referring now to Figures 6 and 7, it may be noted that the fractional side panel or "fifth panel" 42a is formed on the opposite end of the blank 20a as compared t the panel 42 on the blank 20. It's apparent from Figure that the parallel lines 102a terminate at a free edge 114 the blank 20a, rather than at a score line defining adjac panels, such as the score line 32 of Figure 2. As such, tab 116 may be formed as an integral part of the edge 114 adjacent the space between the parallel lines 102a. The material for the tab 116 is available from the panel exte sion 90a of the adjacent blank 20a on a roll of paperboar which is first scored in the conventional manner and then cut apart into separate blanks including the five (5) pan shown in solid lines in Figure 7. This results in a notch 118 adjacent the free edge 120 of the side seam flap or fifth ' panel 42a of each blank 20a. It should be apparent from Figure 6 that, once the gable top end closure 16a of the container 10a is formed, the panel extension 90a still serves as a support means beneath the roof panel 48a in the area of the parallel lines 102a, now being sealed to the inside surface of the edge portion of the roof panel 48a. The tab 116 provides a convenient and efficient means for pealing the tear strip 112a off the inclined roof panel 48a along the lengths of the laterial and arcuate shaped lines 102a and 106a, providing access for the insertion of a straw as discussed above. Industrial Applicability It should be apparent that the invention provides a novel, efficient and sanitary means for facilitating the use of a straw with a liquid carrying carton, without having to open the conventional pouring spout thereof. The above described arrangements would be applicable to blanks which are mirror images of-the blanks 20 and 20a. It should be noted that such straw opening means would also be applicable to a flat top type of liquid carrying container, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,085,885, for example. While but two embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, other modifications thereof are possibl

Claims: AMENDED CLAIMS (received by the International Bureau on 6 November 1980 (06.11.80)) 1. In a liquid proof, paperboard container coated on the outside and inside with a thermoplastic material that serves as a barrier and becomes an adhesive when subjected to heat, and including a tubular body having one side panel thereof overlapping a side seam flap and a bottom closure thereon, a pair of opposed roof panels extended toward each other and overlying said body such that one end portion of one of said roof panels overlaps and is supported by a panel extension of said side seam flap, a pair of opposed triangu¬ lar end panels infolded between said roof panels from opposite gable ends, two pairs of triangular fold-back panels, each pair being integral with a respective one of said infolded triangular end panels along fold lines under¬ lying said roof panels, said fold-back panels being folded along fold lines formed at the lateral ends of respective roof panels, an outer rib panel surmounting each roof panel, a pair of inner rib panels joined by a fold line and sur- mounting each pair of triangular fold-back panels and ad¬ joining end panel, and a sealing flap integral with each one of said outer rib panels, each of said sealing flaps having a marginal sealing area defined thereon, said rib panels and said marginal sealing areas being sealed together into a top closure rib, the improvement comprising means for forming a straw opening therein including a tear strip formed by cuts through the outer thermoplastic material and at least half way through one of said roof panels along a pair of spaced apart lines beginning at the edge thereof adjacent said underlying, supporting panel extension, said cuts stopping short of the inner thermoplastic material, and extending in a predetermined configuration a predetermined distance beyond the free edge of said underlying panel extension, with the inner ends of said pair of spaced apart lines defining a flexible hinge therebetween when said tear strip is peeled from said one of said roof panels, thereby un¬ covering a clean, weakened area beyond said free edge, said weakened area being adapted to being penetrated by the pressing of a straw thereagainst. 2. The improvement in a liquid proof, paperboard container described in claim 1, and a pair of crossed lin formed by cuts through the inner thermoplastic material a at least halfway through said one roof panel and crossing a point substantially at the center of said pair of space apart lines in the area beyond the free edge of said pane extension, to thereby provide easy access for the inserti of a straw once said tear strip is peeled back to said flexible hinge. 3. In a liquid proof, paperboard container coated o the outside and inside with a thermoplastic material that serves as a barrier and becomes an adhesive when subjecte to heat, and including a tubular body having one side pan thereof overlapping a side seam flap and a bottom closure thereon, a pair of opposed roof panels extended toward ea other and overlying said body such that one end portion o one of said roof panels overlaps and is supported by a pa extension of said side seam flap, a pair of opposed trian lar end panels infolded between said roof panels from opp site ends, two pairs of triangular fold-back panels, each pair being integral with a respective one of said infolde triangular end panels along fold lines underlying said ro panels, said fold-back panels being folded along fold lin formed at the lateral ends of respective roof panels, an outer rib panel surmounting each roof panel, a pair of in rib panels joined by a fold line and surmounting each pai of triangular fold-back panels and adjoining end panel, a a sealing flap integral with each one of said outer rib panels, each of said sealing flaps having a marginal seal area defined thereon, said rib panels and said marginal sealing areas being sealed together into a top closure ri the improvement comprising a tear strip formed by a die c having penetrated one of said roof panels through said ou thermoplastic material and at least half way through the paperboard, said die cut stopping short of the inner thermo¬ plastic material, said tear strip including two spaced, parallel lines extending from the center of the fold line defining the edge of said roof panel adjacent said under¬ lying supporting panel extension, and extending for a length equal to at least the width of said underlying, supporting panel extension, and two arcuate shaped lines extending from the respective inner ends of said two parallel lines away from said underlying, supporting panel extension to form 'an area within a partial circle, with the innermost ends of said arcuate shaped lines defining a flexible hinge there¬ between when said tear strip is peeled from said one of said roof panels, and the area defined by said partial circle being adapted to being penetrated by the pressing of a straw thereagains . 4. The improvement in a liquid proof, paperboard container described in claim 3, and a pair of crossed lines formed by cuts through the inner thermoplastic material and at least halfway through said one roof panel and crossing at a point substantially at the center of said partial circle to thereby provide easy access for the insertion of a straw once said tear strip is peeled back to said flexible hinge. 5. In a liquid proof, paperboard container coated on the outside and inside with a thermoplastic material that serves as a barrier and becomes an adhesive when subjected to heat, and including a tubular body having one side panel thereof overlapping a side seam flap and a bottom closure thereon, a pair of opposed roof panels extended toward each other and overlying said body such that one end portion of one of said roof panels overlaps and is supported by a panel extension of said side seam flap, a pair of opposed triangu- iar end panels infolded between said roof panels from opposite ends, two pairs of triangular fold-back panels, each pair being integral with a respective one of said infolded tri¬ angular end panels along fold lines underlying said roof panels, said fold-back panels being folded along fold lin formed at the lateral ends of respective roof panels, an outer rib panel surmounting each roof panel, a pair of in rib panels joined by a fold line and surmounting each pai b of triangular fold-back panels and adjoining end panel, a a sealing flap integral with each one of said outer rib panels, each of said sealing flaps having a marginal seal area defined thereon, said rib panels and said marginal sealing areas being sealed together into a top closure ri 0 the improvement comprising means for forming a straw open therein including a tear strip formed by cuts through the outer thermoplastic material and at least half way throug one of said roof panels along a pair of spaced apart line beginning at the edge thereof adjacent said underlying, 5 supporting panel extension and extending in a predetermin configuration a predetermined distance beyond the free ed of said underlying panel extension, said cuts stopping sh of the inner thermoplastic material, and including a tab extending beyond said edge of said roof panel as an exten 0 sion of said tear strip, with the inner ends of said pair spaced apart lines defining a flexible hinge therebetween when said tear strip is peeled from said one of said roof panels, thereby exposing a weakened area beyond said free edge of said underlying panel extension, said weakened ar being adapted to being penetrated by the pressing of a st thereagainst. 6. The improvement in a liquid proof, paperboard container described in claim 5, and a pair of crossed line formed by cuts through the inner thermoplastic material and at least halfway through said one roof panel and cross ing at a point substantially at the center of said pair of spaced apart lines in the area beyond the free edge of sai panel extension, to thereby provide easy access for the insertion of a straw once said tear strip is peeled back t said flexible hinge. 7. A method of forming paperboard blanks suitable fo liquid carrying containers, said method including the following steps: (a) scoring a sheet of paperboard with a network of score lines so as to form a plurality of panels suitable for forming the sides, top and bottom of said containers, (b) cutting off individual blanks from the scored sheet such that each blank includes serially aligned first side, front, second side and rear container panels, and a side seam flap adjacent the edge of said first side panel, and (c) forming a tear strip in said first side panel by cutting at least halfway through said first side panel along a pair of spaced apart lines beginning at the center of the score line between said first side panel and said side seam flap and extending along said first side panel a distance a predetermined amount greater than the overall width of said side seam flap for providing a weakened area in said first side panel when said tear strip is peeled away from said first side panel. 8 and 9 (Cancelled)

Inventors: WISE D
Applicants: EX CELL O CORP
Application year: 1980
Main classification: B65D5
IPC codes: B65D5