Abstract:
A closing flap or clip is adapted to cap the edge of a carton in a first position and to free the access to a part of the edge in a second position. The flap passes from the first position to the second position by pivoting around a geometric axis that is perpendicular to the carton edge. The flap is formed from two panels or webs that are configured to fit on each of both sides of the edge when in the first position. First ends of the panels are crossed by the geometric axis. The flap has a hinge linking the two webs and includes means for connecting second ends of the opposing webs to their respective first ends.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention is directed to a closing clip for a carton having with an edge that can be opened, like a paperboard box classically used for the treatment of milk or powdered products. The invention also refers to a carton equipped with a similar panel and to a fabrication process for such a carton.  
           [0002]    The use of a handle is known from Stuart, U.S. Pat. No. 3,361,333, for purposes of keeping the upper multifold edge of a cardboard carton closed. Jackson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,217,967 also shows the use of a metal or plastic flap in the shape of a spout and equipped with ridges intended to create a concentration zone with constraints on an upper edge of a paperboard carton in view of the articulation of this flap on this panel. In the traditional approach, such a flap is obtained by extrusion and cutting. The means by which the flap is affixed to the carton is not secure, and sometimes such a flap can become loose during transport or when the carton is exposed for sale, and subject to petty larceny. Moreover, in order to be rigid enough to maintain the edge of the carton effectively closed, the flap must be of a fairly significant thickness, which complicates its manufacture and increases its final cost.  
           [0003]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a closing flap which can be manufactured using a totally different approach, and which allows the upper multifold edge of a carton to be kept effectively closed.  
         BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    A closing clip or flap for a carton having an edge, is intended to cap this edge in a primary position and to free access to a part of this edge in a secondary position. The flap is also designed to pass from the primary position to the secondary position by pivoting around a geometric axis that is perpendicular to the edge.  
           [0005]    The flap consists of two panels which can be used in position on all sides of the flap and whose first extremity is crossed by the geometric axis. The flap consists of a hinge connecting the two panels and means of interlocking the secondary extremities of the two opposing panels to the respective first extremities.  
           [0006]    The rigidity of the flap is greatly improved by interlocking the ends opposite the area where the pivot is mounted, i.e. the ends closest to the part of the edge most likely to be the pouring edge. The use of a hinge between the two panels of the flap allows a flat molded blank to be considered, before it is enclosed by interlocking the secondary ends of the panels. Such flat molding allows optimization of the thickness of the different parts that constitute the flap, unlike an extrusion process, as had been used in the past.  
           [0007]    Accordingly, flap can include a means for of interlocking the panels by cooperation of shapes. In particular a flange element can be included that extends from the first panel of the flap, and a housing provided in the second panel for receiving and pinching shut the flange element.  
           [0008]    The secondary extremities of the two flaps of the panels can be formed having thicknesses that are greater than those of the main parts or of the longitudinal edges of the panels. This allows the thicknesses of the parts constituting the flap as a function of their mechanical functions, from which an excess of material at the time of manufacture of the flap, in compliance with the invention.  
           [0009]    At the level of its first end, one of the panels of the flap can have an extension extending in the direction that is globally perpendicular to that panel, that is intended to be inserted into a passage of corresponding form provided in the edge of the carton, to form a mechanical articulation axis of the flap on the carton edge. This ensures that the fixation of the flap on the carton is solid, and effectively resists voluntary or involuntary efforts that might loosen the flap from the carton. In such an arrangement, the other panel is advantageously provided with a receptive opening and with a pinching of the extension, which ensures locking the extension within the passage provided in the edge. Specifically, the extension can include a radial flange of a diameter greater than the nominal diameter of the opening.  
           [0010]    The flap can be fabricated as a flat blank, the means for interlocking the secondary ends of the panels and, lacking this, the extension that is intended to be introduced into the passage of the edge, can be cast in one piece with the panels and the hinges. A flap fabricated in this way is particularly economical and solid, and its fabrication tolerances are well maintained.  
           [0011]    Essentially, the clip is pivotally attached to the top fin of the carton by means of, for example, a rivet. The clip is injection molded in a flat state, that is as a flat blank. It is later applied to the top fin as the cartons or packages exit, for example, a filling machine. The part of the clip that protrudes over the top fin is folded down onto the other side of the fin and is snapped closed. Upon reclosing the package, the clip is turned or rotated back down and maintains the package closed by straddling the top fin.  
           [0012]    Interlocking methods can also be provided for passage openings using casting drawers and, lacking this, using the aforementioned extension.  
           [0013]    The invention is further directed to a carton, specifically a box made of paperboard, having a multiple edge suitable for those to be opened, which carton is formed with a flap such as that described above. Such a carton is easier to handle, notably after it has been opened, than traditional cartons.  
           [0014]    The invention is further directed to a carton manufacturing process as described above, that includes steps of: flat molding a closure flap, by forming two panels and a hinge connecting these two panels; mounting the flap on the carton by introducing, in a groove cut into the edge of the carton, an extension that reaches from the first panel of the flap in a direction globally perpendicular to this flap; folding the flap along the hinge by bringing a second panel to the flap; and consolidating or connecting the two panels, at the level of the ends opposite the areas closest to the extension.  
           [0015]    Advantageously, this process can include a step, simultaneous with consolidation or connecting the two panels, that includes consolidating or connecting the second panel and the extension by folding the flap along the hinge, which allows, both at the first and second ends of the panels, a motion which closes the hinge.  
           [0016]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, in conjunction with the appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a flap or clip embodying the principles of the present invention, the flap being shown in a state before it is mounted on the carton;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the first step in mounting the flap of FIG. 1 to a carton;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a view following that of FIG. 2 illustrating the second step in mounting the flap;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a view following that of FIG. 3 in terms of mounting the flap, illustrating the flap in its first utilization position;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a view following that of FIG. 4, showing the flap in its second utilization position;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 illustrated an alternate embodiment of the flap in a position similar to that of FIG. 1; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the flap of FIG. 6, viewed from the opposite side. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0025]    While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.  
         [0026]    It should be further understood that the title of this section of this specification, namely, “Detailed Description Of The Invention”, relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.  
         [0027]    Referring to the figures and in particular FIG. 1, a flap  10  is formed from two panels or webs  11  and  12  connected by a hinge. Flap  10  is molded in the position shown in FIG. 1. The flap is formed as a single block of plastic, e.g. as a unitary element.  
         [0028]    Panel  11  features, at its center, a medium-thickness web  111 . This web  111  is bounded by longitudinal borders  112  of thickness e 1 , which are greater than those of the web  111 . Similarly, a central web  121  of panel  12  is of a relatively small thickness and is bounded by edges  122  of a greater thickness e 2 .  
         [0029]    The hinge  13  is of a thickness e 3  that is less than thicknesses e 1  and e 2  which are identical or similar to each other. The geometric axis, indicated at X-X′ of hinge  13  is indicated here.  
         [0030]    Panel  11  features an extension  113 , cylindrical in form and equipped with a radial flange  113   a  at its free end  113   b . Extension  113  is centered on axis Y-Y′, which is globally perpendicular to the plane of panel  11  and to axis X-X′. The extension  113  extends from the end  114  of panel  11 .  
         [0031]    At the end  115  of web  111 , opposite end  114 , this panel features a projection  116 , of thickness e′ 1 , which is greater than thickness e 1 , from which extends a tab  117 . Tab  117  projects, relative to zone  115 , in the direction Y A -Y′ A  parallel to direction Y-Y′, and reaches longitudinally in direction Z-Z′, which is noticeably perpendicular to axis X-X′ and to direction Y A -Y′ A . Tab  117  features a ridge at its end  117   a , which extends for its whole length.  
         [0032]    Panel  12  is provided, at the level of its first end  124 , with a circular opening  123  of which the diameter d 123  is indicated. This diameter is slightly larger than that of the main portion of extension  113  and less than that of the flange  113   a.    
         [0033]    Panel  12  features, at its secondary end  125  opposite the first end  124 , a projection  126  of thickness e′ 2  which is greater than the thickness e 2  of edges  122 . In this projection  126 , a groove  127  is provided whose dimensions are such that it can receive the tab  117  when the hinge  13  is folded along axis X-X′. The width  1   127  of the groove  127  is greater than the width  1   117  of the tab  117  at its base and less than the width  1   117a  of ridge  117   a . In fact, groove  127  has an internal shape which noticeably complies with, e.g., corresponds to the external form of tab  117  and, on the side of panel  12  that is not visible in FIG. 1 but is visible in FIG. 4, shows a wider part  127   a  to receive tab  117   a . Taking their respective geometries into consideration, tab  117  can be immobilized by cooperation of the shapes in groove  127 . In practice, edge  117  can be caught in groove  127 .  
         [0034]    Mounting the flap  10  on the carton  20  is explicitly referred to in FIGS.  2  to  5 . Carton  20  is of a globally parallelipipedic shape and comprises, at its upper portion, an edge  21  which is formed by two paperboard folds  22  and  23 . As is shown in FIG. 5, folds  22  and  23  can be separated from each other to form a spout V for the product contained in carton  20 .  
         [0035]    Mounting flap  10  on carton  20  is accomplished by introducing extension  113  in a hole  24  formed in edge  21 , as represented by arrow F 1  in FIG. 2. In this step, and in the following steps, axis Y-Y′ is perpendicular to edge  21 . In terms of this introduction, panel  11  adjoins edge  21  of the side of fold  23  and tab  117  reaches this immediate area of a border before  21   a  of edge  21 .  
         [0036]    As such, flap  10  is folded along axis X-X′ of hinge  13 , as represented by arrow F 2  in FIG. 3, which allows the use of opening  123  around extension  113  and groove  127  around tab  117 .  
         [0037]    Introduction of extension  113  into opening  123 , and of tab  117  into groove  127 , takes place by elastic deformation of panel  10 , which is compatible with its constituent material. It is noted here that the movement of folding of flap  10  is a simple movement which can be effected automatically by a robotic manipulator, similar to the movement introducing extension  113  into hole  24  in the direction of arrow F 1 .  
         [0038]    The folding movement in the direction of arrow F 2  allows the position in FIG. 4 to be reached, where flap  10  caps edge  21 ; a tightening motion indicated by arrows F 3  and F′ 3  is exercised by cooperation of flange  113   a  and of opening  123  at the level of the first extremities  114  and  124  of panels  11  and  12 , whereas a second tightening motion, indicated by arrows F 4  and F′ 4  is exercised by cooperation of elements  117  and  127  at the level of secondary ends  115  and  125  of panels  11  and  12 . Groove  127  extends through extension  125 , which allows easy molding of part  127   a  of width  1   127a , which is greater than width  1   127 .  
         [0039]    When the user needs the contents of carton  20 , all s/he has to do is pivot the flap  10  around the geometric axis Y-Y′ of extension  113 , in the direction of arrow F 5  in FIG. 4, which brings flap  10  to the position in FIG. 5 where it does not prevent the separation of folds  22  and  23  to form spout V.  
         [0040]    When the consumer wants to close carton  20 , all s/he has to do is press folds  22  and  23  against each other, in the direction of arrows F 6  and F′ 6  and to put the cap back on edge  21  with flap  10  with a pivoting movement F′ 5  in the opposite direction of the previous movement F 5 . Movements F 3 , F′ 3 , F 4  and F′ 4  allow edge  21  to be kept in a closed configuration, including the time after folds  22  and  23  have been pulled apart.  
         [0041]    Since it is manufactured by a flat blank molding process, flap  10  can be easily adapted, for example as a function of the brand of the product contained in carton  20 . In fact, all that needs to be done is to apply inserts into the flap&#39;s  10  fabrication mold so that they will appear on the external surfaces of panels  11  and  12 , so that surface  128 , which is visible in FIGS. 4 and 5, shows technical or advertising notes relating to this product.  
         [0042]    Moreover, the roughness of surfaces  128  and their equivalent can be modified at will in order to improve the grip on flap  10 .  
         [0043]    The process described above can easily be carried out at the time of manufacture of the product contained in carton  20 . To this end, the hole  24  can be formed in flap  21  immediately before application of extension  113 .  
         [0044]    The second embodiment of the flap and the method for making the flap are illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, in which like elements have like numbers that are increased in increments of 200 from those that correspond to elements of the previous embodiment and method first production. Flap  210  includes two panels  211  and  212  connected to one another by a hinge  213  extending along an axis X-X′.  
         [0045]    At the level of the first end  314 , panel  211  is equipped with an extension  313  which reaches along an axis Y-Y′ which is globally perpendicular to axis X-X′ and to the plane of panel  211 . Extension  313  consists of two parts  3131  and  3132  which are cut into a globally cylindrical envelope surface and separated by a space or gap  3133  which is also inscribed into a cylindrical envelope surface.  
         [0046]    Each part  3131  and  3132  is provided with a portion of the external radial flange  3131   a  and  3132   a , of which the far side of panel  211  is in the shape of a truncated cone and converges opposite this panel. Two openings  3134  and  3135  are provided at the base of parts  3131  and  3132  for the passage of casting drawers for parts  3131  and  3132 .  
         [0047]    An opening  323  is provided at the level of a first end  324  of flap  212  and allows it to receive extension  313  and to lock it into position, in the same way as opening  123  of the first method of production allows extension  113  to be received and locked.  
         [0048]    Edge  323   a  of opening  323  is in the shape of a truncated cone, which eases the introduction of extension  313 .  
         [0049]    Introduction of extension  313  into opening  323  takes place by elastic deformation of parts  3131  and  3132 , which can be brought together by reduction of gap or volume  3133 , when flanges  3131   a  and  3132   a  are passed into opening  323 .  
         [0050]    At end  315  of panel  211 , opposite extension  313 , this panel is provided with a tab  317  which projects, relative to the plane of panel  211  in the direction Y A -Y′ A  parallel to direction Y-Y′. Tab  317  extends longitudinally in a direction Z-Z′ perpendicular to axis X-X′ and to direction Y A -Y′ A .  
         [0051]    Tab  317  is provided with a ridge  317   a  extending from one side, and whose upper surface  317   b  is inclined relative to the plane defined by axis X-X′ from direction Z-Z′. The lower surface  317   c  of ridge  317   a , i.e. the surface facing panel  211 , is perpendicular to direction Y A -Y′ A . An opening  318  is provided at the base of axis  317  for passage of a casting drawer.  
         [0052]    Panel  212  features, at the level of its end  325  opposite end  324 , an extension  326  in which a receiving and pinching groove  327  is provided for tab  317 . Groove  327  is provided with an interior flange  327   b  for engagement by ridge  317   a  of tab  317  to immobilize tab  317  inside groove  327  when flap  210  is folded along hinge  213 .  
         [0053]    Part  327   a  of groove  327 , which is shown more clearly in FIG. 7, is of width  1327   a  greater than width  1327  of groove  327  at the level of flange  327   b . This part  327   a  allows ridge  317   a  of tab  317  to be fitted in a closed configuration of tab  210 , corresponding to the configuration of FIGS. 4 and 5 of tab  10  of the first method of production.  
         [0054]    The flange  327  is defined between an inclined surface, consisting of a ridge introduction ramp  317   a  (this inclined surface is visible in FIG. 6), and a surface that is globally perpendicular to the plane of panel  212  (this surface is visible in FIG. 7).  
         [0055]    Mounting of flap  210  on a package, such as carton  20 , represented in FIGS.  2  to  5 , takes place in a manner similar to that described for the first described embodiment.  
         [0056]    All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated herein by reference, whether or not specifically do so within the text of this disclosure.  
         [0057]    In the present disclosure, the words “a” or “an” are to be taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the singular.  
         [0058]    From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.