Abstract:
An ice cream carton blank foldable into a flat sleeve for transportation and storage and erectable into a carton which includes a top cover having left and right top cover end flaps hingedly connected thereto, a cover panel extending downwardly from the top cover having left and right cover panel end flaps hingedly connected thereto, a cover panel extending downwardly from the top cover having left and right cover panel end flaps hingedly connected thereto, an in-folding flap folded under and adhesively adhered to the cover panel and left and right junctures connecting the in-folding flap with the left and right cover panel end flaps folded into abutting relation to the left and right cover panel end flaps, the cover panel end flaps being secured in abutting relation to the top cover end flap with the junctures strengthening the corners defined thereby.

Description:
RELATED CASES 
     This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 08/850,378 filed May 2, 1997 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,368. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to folding paperboard cartons and, more particularly, to a carton blank used for assembling a carton having an enhanced appearance and novel reclosure means. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     Folding cartons are well known in the packaging art. These cartons are constructed from flat blanks which are pre-cut and pre-scored on paperboard sheets. Carton blanks have five main panels which are adapted to form the cover, top, rear, bottom and front of an assembled carton. Each panel has a pair of end flaps which are hingedly connected by score lines formed in the paperboard. 
     Carton blanks are typically produced on large paperboard sheets in a multiple configuration. Individual blanks are internally “nested” on three sides to minimize the amount of excess or wasted paperboard. During the blanking operation, score lines are provided to facilitate a pre-selected flap-folding sequence. Perforations are also die-cut in the paperboard to form art-recognized tear-away and breakaway features. Score lines and perforations are created by die-stamping and die-cutting the paperboard blanks in a single, downward direction. 
     The carton blanks are folded over and secured with known adhesives to form carton sleeves which are typically used for packaging semi-solid consumables. During the form-filling operation, packaging machinery is used to form, fill and seal fully assembled cartons according to the prescribed folding sequence and adhesive pattern. 
     Numerous carton designs for packaging ice cream and the like are available. For example, commercial products of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,679,694, 4,712,689, 4,712,730, 4,749,086, 4,756,470, 4,757,902, 4,819,864, 4,826,074, 4,838,432, 4,872,609, 5,033,622, 5,160,082 and Re. 33,204 (incorporated by reference herein) are manufactured and sold by Fold-Pak Corporation, Newark, N.Y. under the HI TECH® trade designation. 
     Additional carton designs are presented in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,288,012, 5,351,881, 5,409,160, 5,411,204, 5,474,231, 5,484,102 and 5,588,584 (all incorporated herein by reference) which describe state-of-the-art blanks used to assemble a rectangular, top opening carton. Containers of the type-described in these patents are manufactured and sold under license from Fold-Pak Corporation. 
     To construct such a carton, first and second ends are closed by folding the bottom panel end flaps first, front panel end flaps second, top panel end flaps third and rear panel end flaps fourth and last. Prior to folding in the fourth down flap, single lines of adhesive are deposited on the previously folded end flaps. All four end flaps are secured by single glue lines to form a smooth, continuous wall at first and second ends of the carton. 
     In the form-filling operation, end flaps disposed adjacent a first end are folded in and adhesively secured to form one end of a carton. A filler head is aligned with the second, open end to dispense ice cream or the like, in a semi-solid state, into the partially constructed carton. Once filled, the end flaps of the open end are closed and adhesively secured to form a sealed carton. 
     To facilitate opening of a sealed carton and subsequent reclosure, a horizontal tear-away strip is die-stamped on the cover panel and breakaway corner tabs are similarly cut on rear panel end flaps during the blanking operation. When the cover panel is glued to the front panel to form a carton sleeve, care is taken to avoid adhesion of the tear-away strip so that it is readily removed by a consumer. During form-filling, care is taken to ensure adhesion of the breakaway corner tabs to corresponding top panel end flaps. 
     A consumer opens a sealed carton by removing the tear-away strip from the cover panel along pre-cut perforations. The carton seal is broken as the lid (comprised of the top and cover panels) is lifted away from the remainder of the carton, and the breakaway corner tabs (adhered to top panel end flaps) are separated from their respective rear panel end flaps. 
     Problems are sometimes encountered because the lid does not provide secure reclosure after the initial opening. With extended freezer storage a gap may develop between the body of the carton and the lid. This gap may lead to “freezer burn” or loss of freshness for a stored food product. In addition, the detached tear-away strip leaves behind two rows of unsightly “sawtooth” edges which do not aid reclosure or contribute aesthetic appeal. 
     Form failure problems can also arise if a partially filled carton collapses because of structural instability. It has been discovered that structural instability is partially caused by attaching the edge of the cover panel to the front panel so that the tear-away strip can be easily removed. And, the frequency of form failure depends on where the tear-away strip is positioned relative to the front panel. 
     The rectangular, top-opening cartons described above are cheaper to produce than bucket or pail-type ice cream barrels. As a result, bucket-type barrels are used to package “premium” or “upscale” products which can absorb the added costs. An advantage of the present invention is a hinged lid with the “look” of more expensive circular lids for bucket-type barrels. 
     This disclosure presents a paperboard blank configured to produce a carton which entirely eliminates the form failure attributed to tear-away strips. It also describes a unique reclosure means for easy handling during end use application of a carton. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a carton for packaging semi-solid consumables such as ice cream and the like. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of interlocking reclosure means for easy opening, improved reclosure, reseal and durable storage of a paperboard carton. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of reclosure means constructed entirely from paperboard which is die-cut during the blanking operation. 
     A further object of the present invention is to provide a blank with unique top panel and rear panel end flaps which cooperate to avoid paperboard buildup in the end walls and facilitate form-filling into a carton. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a rectangular, top opening carton having a hinged lid with an up-scale appearance and the “look” of a separate, premium lid. 
     A still further object is to provide a rectangular, top opening carton having a hinged lid with an up-scale appearance and the “look” of a separate, premium lid with the added benefit of reinforced corner posts. 
     Other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One aspect of the present invention is a foldable blank for assembling a carton. The blank comprises an in-folding flap hingedly connected to a cover panel which is, in turn, hingedly connected to left and right cover panel end flaps. Left and right cover panel end flaps are also referred to as left and right posts, respectively. 
     The left and right junctures further connect the in-folding flap to the left and right cover panel end flaps, respectively. The left juncture is adapted for folding over onto the left cover panel end flap and the right juncture is adapted for folding over onto the right cover panel end flap, when the blank is assembled to form the inventive carton. 
     The left juncture has a first edge, the left cover panel end flap has a second edge, the right juncture has a third edge and the right cover panel end flap has a fourth edge. The first edge is adapted to align with the second edge, and the third edge is adapted to align with the fourth edge, when the blank is assembled to form the carton. 
     The left and right junctures each have a paperboard thickness of one unit, and the left and right cover panel end flaps each has a paperboard thickness of one unit. Each juncture and its corresponding cover panel are adapted to form a thickness of two units when the blank is assembled to form the carton. 
     The blank described above is also formed into the carton via an intermediate sleeve. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows blank A of the first embodiment featuring a locking edge, flange lip and elliptical sealing surfaces in their original condition. 
     FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of sleeve A′. 
     FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of one, open end of partially assembled carton A″ ready for a form-filling operation. 
     FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of fully constructed and. sealed carton A″ with cooperating top panel and rear panel end flaps. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates carton A″ with a flange lip and sealing surfaces in their sheared condition. 
     FIG. 6 displays carton A″ with lid components described as top panel, cover panel and posts. 
     FIG. 7 shows carton A″ with a flange lip and sealing surfaces in their sheared condition. 
     FIG. 8 is a fragmented, side elevational view emphasizing the relationship between the top panel and rear panel end flaps. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 — 9  in FIG. 8 showing the front panel end flap disposed between the bottom panel and rear panel end flaps. 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmented view of carton A″ with its cover panel adhered to its front panel. This figure emphasizes the spatial relationship between an illustrative, elliptical sealing surface and a flange lip which are both shown in phantom lines. 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 — 11  in FIG. 10 showing the flange lip engaged to the locking edge to be described below. 
     FIG. 12 shows blank B of the second embodiment featuring a releasable lock tab and its corresponding anchoring area. 
     FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of sleeve B′. 
     FIG. 14 is a fragmentary perspective view of one, open end of partially assembled carton B″ ready for a form-filling operation. 
     FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of carton B″. 
     FIG. 16 illustrates carton B″ shown in FIG. 15, with its seal broken and lid opened to reveal the releasable lock tab adhered to the front panel. 
     FIG. 17 shows carton B″ featuring the lock tab released from its perforated border and adhered to the front panel. 
     FIG. 18 is a fragmented front view showing the releasable lock tab anchored to the front panel. 
     FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  19 — 19  in FIG. 18 showing the spatial orientation of the lock tab with reference to the cover panel and front panel. 
     FIG. 20 shows blank C of the third embodiment featuring a male tab and its corresponding locking edge. 
     FIG. 21 shows carton C″ with its seal broken and lid opened to display the male tab of the third embodiment as well as sheared sealing surfaces disposed on the front panel. 
     FIG. 22 shows carton C″ with its seal broken and lid opened to display the male tab of the third embodiment as well as sheared sealing surfaces disposed on the front panel and underlying outer surface of the in-folding flap. 
     FIG. 23 is a front fragmented view showing the male tab engaged to the locking edge which are both shown in phantom lines. 
     FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  24 — 24  in FIG. 23 showing the male tab engaged to the locking edge. 
     FIG. 25 shows blank D of the fourth embodiment featuring a plurality of releasable lock tabs and their corresponding anchoring area. 
     FIG. 26 shows carton D″ featuring the lock tabs released from their perforated borders and adhered to the front panel. 
     FIG. 27 is a fragmented front view showing a releasable lock tab of the fourth embodiment adhered to the front panel. 
     FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  28 — 28  in FIG. 27 showing the spatial orientation of a lock tab of the fourth embodiment with reference to the cover panel and front panel. 
     FIG. 29 shows blank E of the fifth embodiment featuring a plurality of male tabs and their corresponding locking edge. 
     FIG. 30 illustrates carton E″ with its seal broken and lid opened to display the male tabs of the fifth embodiment as well as sheared sealing surfaces disposed on the front panel. 
     FIG. 31 illustrates carton E″ with its seal broken and lid opened to display the male tabs of the fifth embodiment as well as sheared sealing surfaces disposed on the front panel and underlying outer surface of the in-folding flap. 
     FIG. 32 shows blank F of the sixth embodiment featuring a die-cut appendage-formed in the score line disposed between the cover panel and in-folding flap. The male tabs and locking edge of the fifth embodiment are also shown. 
     FIG. 33 illustrates carton F″ with its seal broken and lid opened to display the die-cut appendage as well as the male tabs of the fifth embodiment. 
     FIG. 34 illustrates carton F″ with its seal broken and lid opened to display the die-cut appendage as well as a sheared sealing surface disposed on the underlying outer surface of the in-folding flap. 
     FIG. 35 shows blank G of the seventh embodiment featuring junctures which connect the in-folding flap with cover panel end flaps, and which are adapted to be folded into reinforced corner posts. 
     FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of sleeve G′. 
     FIG. 37 is a fragmentary perspective view of one, open end of partially assembled carton G″ ready for a form-filling operation. 
     FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of fully constructed and sealed carton G″ with cooperating top panel and rear panel end flaps. 
     FIG. 39 illustrates carton G″ with its lid open. 
     FIG. 40 shows the interior of the lid to carton G″. 
     FIG. 41 is a fragmented, side elevational view emphasizing the relationship between the in-folding flap, a juncture, the corresponding post and a top panel end flap. 
     FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  42 — 42  in FIG. 41 showing the cross-sectional relationship between a juncture, a post and a top panel end flap. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Carton blank A is comprised of five main panels, cover panel  20 , top panel  30 , rear panel  40 , bottom panel  50  and front panel  60 . Cover panel  20  is hingedly connected by score lines  21  and  29  to cover panel end flaps  22  and  23 , respectively. Cover panel  20  is also hingedly connected by score line  25  to in-folding flap  24 . In-folding flap  24  terminates at locking edge  26 . 
     The plan view surface of blank A shown in FIG. 1 is the outer print side which typically displays colorful graphics identifying the contents of a filled carton. The opposite side (not shown) is the inner unfinished side which constitutes the lining of a form-filled carton. As used herein, the term “in-folding” refers to flap  24  which folds at score line  25  so that the unfinished side of in-folding flap  24  meets the unfinished side of cover panel  20  for adhesive attachment. 
     Top panel  30  is hingedly connected by score lines  31  and  39  to top panel end flaps  32  and  33 , respectively. Top panel end flaps  32  and  33  have smooth edges  34  and  35 . Disposed adjacent smooth edge  34  is relief notch  36 , and adjacent smooth edge  35  is relief notch  37 . Rear panel  40  is hingedly connected by score lines  41  and  49  to rear panel end flaps  42  and  43 . Rear panel end flaps  42  and  43  have smooth edge portions  44  and  45 . 
     Bottom panel  50  is shown hingedly connected by score lines  51  and  59  to respective bottom panel end flaps  52  and  53 . Front panel  60  is shown hingedly connected by score lines  61  and  69  to front panel end flaps  62  and  63 . Front panel  60  is connected to flange lip  66  by joint line  110  formed as a solid score or perforation. Front panel end flaps  62  and  63  are connected with respective joint lines  120  and  130  to lips  64  and  65 . Additionally, front panel  60  is shown with two die-cut sealing surfaces  67  and  68 . 
     FIG. 1 shows five main panels hingedly connected to each other by score lines  70 ,  80 ,  90  and  100  stamped into the paperboard. Each main panel is hingedly connected to end flaps  22 ,  32 ,  42 ,  52  and  62  by score lines  21 ,  31 ,  41 ,  51  and  61 , and end flaps  23 ,  33 ,  43 ,  53  and  63  are hingedly connected to respective main panels by score lines  29 ,  39 ,  49 ,  59  and  69 , similarly stamped into the paperboard. All score lines are formed by die-stamping the blanks in a single, downward direction using scoring rules. Score line  25  connecting in-folding flap  24  to cover panel  20  is also die-stamped in the same direction to allow in-folding of the unfinished inner surface of flap  24  so that it can be glued to the unfinished inner surface of cover panel  20 . 
     Carton blank A has a substantially uniform paperboard thickness. Perforations are formed by die-cutting in the same blanking operation which produces the die-stamped score lines. The perforations are cut through the entire thickness of the paperboard in a pattern having intervening spaces of preselected length, for example, one-eighth of an inch. Sealing surfaces  67  and  68  are also formed in the single blanking operation which produces the score lines and joint lines. But, the die-cuts defining sealing surfaces  67  and  68  have a depth which is approximately one-half the thickness of the paperboard blank. 
     FIG. 2 shows sleeve A′ which is formed by first folding the blank at score line  25  and gluing the unfinished inner surfaces (not shown) of in-folding flap  24  to the unfinished inner surface of cover panel  20 . The blank is next folded at score lines  80  and  100  and lip  66  (shown in FIG. 1) is folded so that its outer print surface joins the outer print surface of front panel  60 . Adhesive is then deposited on sealing surfaces  67  and  68  of front panel  60  and the underlying outer surface of in-folding flap  24  is glued to surfaces  67  and  68  to form sleeve A′. 
     FIG. 10 is a fragmented view of cover panel  20  adhered to front panel  60 . It shows the spatial relationship between sealing surface  68  (shown mostly in phantom lines with a portion displayed by partial cutaway view AA through cover panel  20 ) and lip  66  (shown with phantom lines). 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  11 — 11  in FIG.  10 . This figure emphasizes the engagement of locking edge  26  to flange lip  66 . In-folding flap  24  is folded at score line  25  and the unfinished inner surface of in-folding flap  24  is shown glued to the unfinished inner surface of cover panel  20 . Lip  66  connected to front panel  60  is bent at joint line  110  so that the finished surface of lip  66  joins the outer print surface of front panel  60 . In this configuration, locking edge  26  on in-folding flap  24  substantially engages flange lip  66  connected to front panel  60 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 2, lips  64  and  65  are folded inward along joint lines  120  and  130  and tucked in between the top panel and bottom panel end flaps during a form-filling operation. 
     FIG. 3 shows an open end of a partially constructed carton ready for filling. After filling, the open end is closed by folding bottom panel end flap  52  first, then front panel end flap  62  second with lip  64  bent inward along joint line  120  and over bottom panel end flap  52 . Top panel end flap  32  is folded third so that lip  64  is tucked in between bottom panel end flap  52  and top panel  30 . A single line of adhesive is deposited on the folded end flaps, then rear panel end flap  42  is folded down fourth and last to form a smooth, continuous end wall. 
     FIG. 4 shows a fully sealed carton A″. Relief notch  37  is shown engaged to rear panel end flap  43 . Smooth edge  45  in combination with relief notch  37  against rear panel end flap  43  provides a flat, co-planar end wall with no paperboard build-up or protrusions. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the carton shown in FIG.  4 . The seal is broken and lid  10  is open. To break the seal of carton A″, a consumer inserts a digit under cover panel  20  and lifts it away from front panel  60 . According to the first embodiment, this action shears approximately half a layer of paperboard along the die-cuts defining sealing surfaces  67  and  68 , leaving behind sheared sealing surfaces  67 A and  68 A having depths which are approximately half the thickness of the paperboard stock. 
     The illustrative shape of the ellipse provides for easy opening. The tapered ends are sheared away easily with shear gradually increasing as the wider mid-point of the ellipse is approached. 
     FIG. 7 shows sheared sealing surfaces  67 B and  68 B that are formed during opening. In this example, sheared sealing surfaces  67 B and  68 B are formed from a half layer thickness of paperboard substrate, but one skilled in the art could readily adapt alternative depths to this embodiment of the present invention. 
     Lid  10  is shown in FIG.  6 . It is comprised of cover panel  20  with posts  22  and  23 , as well as top panel  30  with end flaps  32  and  33  and their smooth edges  34  and  35 . FIG. 7 shows that lid  10  is twice the thickness of the paperboard where cover panel  20  is glued to the unfinished inner surface of in-folding flap  24 . As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, lid  10  has the “look” of more expensive circular lids for bucket-type barrels. Aesthetic appeal is created by hinged lid  10  which looks like a separate structure with smooth edges  34  and  35  accentuating the spatial separation from the ends of carton A″. 
     FIG. 6 also shows the relationship between smooth edge  35  and smooth edge portion  45  at one end of open carton A″. FIG. 8 is a fragmented side view showing the relationship between smooth edge  34  and smooth edge portion  44  at the opposite end, of the opened carton. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  9 — 9  in FIG.  8 . It shows front panel end flap  62  disposed between bottom panel end flap  52  and rear panel end flap  42 . Lip  64  is shown folded along joint line  120  and over bottom panel end flap  52 . Top panel  30  is adapted to be lowered so that top panel end flap  32  fits into the pocket between the front panel end flap  62  and rear panel end flap  42  when lid  10  is reclosed. 
     FIG. 7 shows flange lip  66  connected to front panel  60  by means of joint line  110 . Locking edge  26  on in-folding flap  24  is also displayed. As will be appreciated by skilled artisans, flange lip  66  retains its paperboard “memory” from initial manufacture until the seal of the carton is broken. This paperboard memory allows flange lip  66  to provide bias against the underlying outer surface of in-folding flap  24  and to lock against edge  26  on in-folding flap  24 . 
     FIG. 10 shows a fragmented view of locking edge  26  engaged to flange lip  66  in phantom lines beneath cover panel  20 . FIG. 11 shows the cross-sectional view of locking edge  26  on in-folding flap  24  substantially engaged to flange lip  66  which is connected to front panel  60 . The combination of the bias provided by flange lip  66  against the underlying outer surface of in-folding flap  24  and the flange-type locking arrangement between locking edge  26  and flange lip  66  provide one embodiment of the reclosure mechanism of the present invention. 
     The second embodiment of this invention will now be described in connection with FIGS. 12-19. Blank embodiment B shown in FIG. 12 comprises cover panel  20 , top panel  30 , rear panel  40 , bottom panel  50  and front panel  60 . Cover panel  20  is hingedly connected by score line  25  to in-folding flap  24 . On the edge of in-folding flap  24  is releasable lock tab  200  which is formed by perforated border  201 . FIG. 12 shows the outer print surface of blank B. Artwork displayed on this outer surface is ordinarily printed with acrylic pigments. Anchoring area  220  is patterned out of the artwork so that releasable lock tab  200  can be adhesively secured without interference from acrylic pigments. 
     In connection with blank embodiment B, rear panel end flaps  42  and  43  include breakaway tabs  202  and  203  which are formed in the flaps by perforation lines  204  and  205 . Lip  266  is connected to front panel  60  by joint line  210 , while front panel end flaps  62  and  63  are connected to lips  64  and  65  by joint lines  120  and  130 . 
     In-folding flap  24  is bent at score line  25  and the unfinished inner surface of flap  24  is glued to the unfinished inner surface of cover panel  20 , with care being taken to avoid adhesive on the unfinished inside surface of releasable lock tab  200 . Sleeve B′, shown in FIG. 13, is next formed by folding blank B at score lines  80  and  100  and placing adhesive substantially on the outside surface of lock tab  200  with care being taken to avoid adhesive on the remainder of the outer surface of flap  24 , so that only releasable lock tab  200  is glued to the outer print side of front panel  60 . 
     FIG. 18 is a fragmented view showing releasable lock tab  200  (shown in phantom lines) adhered to front panel  60 . FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  19 — 19  in FIG.  18 . FIG. 19 shows releasable lock tab  200  situated between cover panel  20  and front panel  60  in assembled carton B″. The inside surface of releasable lock tab  200  is free of adhesive and rests on the surface of cover panel  20 , while the outside surface of releasable lock tab  200  is glued to the surface of front panel  60 . 
     Referring back to FIG. 12, lips  64 ,  65  and  266  are folded inward along joint lines  120 ,  210  and  130  during the form-filling operation. Lips  64  and  65  are then tucked in between the top panel and bottom panel end flaps, and lip  266  is tucked in between the top and front panels. For example, FIG. 14 shows one open end of partially formed carton B″ ready for filling. The open end is closed by folding bottom panel end flap  52  first, then bending lip  64  inward along joint line  120  and next folding front panel end flap  62  over bottom panel end flap  52  while tucking lip  64  under top panel  30 . Top panel end flap  32  is folded next and adhesive is deposited on the folded flaps. Rear panel end flap  42  is folded down last so that breakaway tab  202  is adhered to top panel end flap  32 . 
     FIG. 15 shows carton B″ with a fully sealed end wherein breakaway tab  203  of rear panel end flap  43  is shown adhered to top panel end flap  33 . To open carton B″, a consumer inserts two digits under cover panel  20  on either side of releasable lock tab  200  and lifts away lid  10 . FIG. 16 shows carton B″ with its seal broken and lid  10  in the open position. In this condition, releasable lock tab  200  is detached from in-folding flap  24  and adhered to front panel  60 . 
     FIG. 17 shows open lid  10  with perforated border  201  on in-folding flap  24  from which releasable lock tab  200  was detached as the seal of carton B″ was broken. On carton B″, perforated border  201  and tab  200  comprise interlocking means. When lid  10  is lowered for resealing, releasable lock tab  200  (now adhered to front panel  60 ) fits tightly into perforated border  201  which acts as a locking edge. 
     The third embodiment of this invention will now be described in connection with FIGS. 20-24. FIG. 20 shows blank embodiment C which has flange lip  366  connected to front panel  60  by joint line  310 . Joint line  310  is shown as a die-cut perforation having a pattern which includes at least one male tab  315 . The perforated pattern is cut through the entire thickness of paperboard with intervening areas of pre-selected lengths including, for example, uncut areas on either side of tab  315 . Alternatively, the depth of the die-cut forming male tab  315  can be less than the entire paperboard thickness, preferably, between about one quarter to about three-quarter deep. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that joint line  310  can be formed as a solid score having within it a die-cut male tab of varying depth. 
     FIG. 20 also shows in-folding flap  24  of blank C terminating at locking edge  226  and front panel  60  having two die-cut sealing surfaces  367  and  368  on its outer print surface. Sealing surfaces  367  and  368  have a depth which is approximately half the thickness of paperboard blank C. 
     Blank C is folded, filled and assembled into carton C″ in the same manner described for blank B and corresponding carton B″—except for the alignment of tab  315  with locking edge  226  and the gluing of sealing surfaces  367  and  368  during sleeve formation. In-folding flap  24  of blank C is bent at score line  25  and the unfinished inner surface of in-folding flap  24  is glued to the unfinished inner surface of cover panel  20 . Intermediate sleeve C′ is next formed by folding blank C at score lines  80  and  100  and placing adhesive on sealing surfaces  367  and  368  while avoiding adhesive deposits on the remainder of the outer surface of front panel  60 , so that only sealing surfaces  367  and  368  are glued to the underlying outer surface of in-folding flap  24 . 
     FIG. 23 is a fragmented view showing cover panel  20  adhered to front panel  60  on carton C″. It shows the spatial relationship between sealing surface  368  (shown partially in phantom lines with a portion displayed by cut-away view CC through cover panel  20 ) and male tab  315  (shown with phantom lines). FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  24 — 24  in FIG.  23 . It emphasizes the engagement of male tab  315  to locking edge  226 . 
     FIG. 21 shows carton C″ with its seal broken and lid  10  open. Lip  366  is connected to front panel  60  by bent, joint line  310 . Male tab  315  is perpendicular to the plane of front panel  60  and positioned to function as a locking tab when lid  10  is lowered for resealing. To break the seal of carton C″, the end-user inserts a digit under cover panel  20  and lifts it away from front panel  60 . As previously explained, this action shears away half a layer of paperboard along die-cuts forming sealing surfaces  367  and  368 , leaving behind sheared sealing surfaces  367 A and  368 A which are half the thickness of the paperboard stock. FIG. 22 shows sheared sealing surfaces  367 B and  368 B now adhered to in-folding flap  24 . By way of illustration, they are formed from the other half thickness of paperboard. 
     FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of locking edge  226  engaged to male tab  315  under top panel  30 . The space between locking edge  226  and top panel  30  provides a slot which is occupied by male tab  315  in the locked position. The bias provided by tab  315  against locking edge  226  as lid  10  is opened and closed provides yet another embodiment of the locking/reseal mechanism of the present invention. 
     It is not necessary to center male tab  315  along joint line  310 . Nor is this embodiment limited to a single male tab. Similar benefits can be achieved using a plurality of male tabs which engage locking edge  226  at pre-selected locations. 
     The fourth embodiment of this invention will now be described in connection with FIGS. 25-28. Blank embodiment D shown in FIG. 25 is similar to embodiment B illustrated by FIG. 12, with the exception of having two releasable lock tabs  300  and  400  on the edge of in-folding flap  24 . Releasable lock tabs  300  and  400  are formed by perforated borders  301  and  401 , respectively. In-folding flap  24  is bent at score line  25  and the unfinished inner surface of in-folding flap  24  is glued to the unfinished inner surface of cover panel  20 , with care being taken to avoid adhesive deposits on the unfinished inner surfaces of releasable lock tabs  300  and  400 . 
     A sleeve is next formed by folding blank D at score lines  80  and  100  and placing adhesive on the outside surfaces of releasable lock tabs  300  and  400  while avoiding adhesive on the remainder of the underlying outer surface of in-folding flap  24 , so that only releasable lock tabs  300  and  400  are glued to the outer print surface.of front panel  60 . 
     FIG. 27 is a fragmented view showing releasable lock tab  300  (in phantom lines) adhered to front panel  60 . FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  28 — 28  in FIG.  27 . FIG. 28 shows releasable lock tab  300  situated between cover panel  20  and front panel  60  in an assembled carton. The inside surface of releasable lock tab  300  is free of glue and rests on the surface of cover panel  20 , while the outside surface of releasable lock tab  300  is secured to the surface of front panel  60 . 
     To open carton D″, a consumer inserts a digit under cover panel  20  on either side of releasable lock tabs  300  and/or  400 . Lid  10  is then lifted away from the receptacle portion or body of the carton. FIG. 22 shows carton D″ with its seal broken, lid  10  in the open position with releasable lock tabs  300  and  400  detached from in-folding flap  24  and now adhered to front panel  60 . Open lid  10  has perforated borders  301  and  401  on in-folding flap  24  from which releasable lock tabs  300  and  400  were detached as the seal of carton D″ was broken. With respect to carton D″, perforated borders  301  and  401 , in conjunction with releasable lock tabs  300  and  400 , comprise the interlocking means. When lid  10  is lowered for resealing, releasable lock tabs  300  and  400  cooperate with perforated borders  301  and  401  to effect a seal. 
     The fifth embodiment of this invention will now be described in connection with FIGS. 29-31. Blank embodiment E shown in FIG. 29 is similar to embodiment C illustrated by FIG. 20, except for the plurality of male tabs  415  and  515 . FIG. 29 shows blank embodiment E with flange lip  466  connected to front panel  60  by joint line  410 . Line  410  is shown as a die-cut perforation having a pattern which includes at least one male tab. 
     In FIG. 29, joint line  410  is cut through the entire thickness of paperboard with intervening areas of pre-selected length (for example, one-eighth of an inch) between cuts. Male tabs  415  and  515  can be formed by die-cuts through the paperboard or by shallow incisions ranging from about one-quarter to about three-quarters of the paperboard thickness. 
     FIG. 29 also shows in-folding flap  24  of blank E terminating at locking edge  226 . Front panel  60  is shown having two die-cut sealing surfaces  367  and  368  on its outer print surface. Sealing surfaces  367  and  368  have depths which are approximately half the thickness of paperboard blank E. The folding sequence of blank E is identical to that of blank C—except for the alignment of male tabs  415  and  515  with locking edge  226 . 
     FIG. 30 shows carton E″ with its seal broken and lid  10  open. Lip  466  is connected to front panel  60  by means of bent joint line  410 . In this configuration, male tabs  415  and  515  are perpendicular to the plane of front panel  60 . They are positioned to function as locking tabs when lid  10  is brought back down for resealing. As on carton C″, a space between locking edge  226  and top panel  30  provides a slot for male tabs  415  and  515  in the locked position. As lid  10  is opened and closed, the bias provided by male tabs  415  and  515  against locking edge  226  constitutes another embodiment of the locking mechanism of the present invention. For additional detail, FIG. 31 shows sheared sealing surfaces  367 B and  368 B attached to in-folding flap  24 . As previously described, they are sheared to a half layer thickness of paperboard when the carton is opened. 
     The sixth embodiment of this invention will now be described in connection with FIGS. 32-34. Referring to FIG. 32, foldable blank F is shown with die-cut appendage  230  formed in score line  25  connecting in-folding flap  24  to cover panel  20 , On blank F, in-folding flap  24  also terminates at locking edge  226 . Male tabs  415 ,  515  and  615  are die-cuts in joint line  410  which connects flange lip  466  to front panel  60 . Line  410  is shown in FIG. 32 as a die-cut perforation having a pattern which includes the male tabs. The depth of the die-cuts forming male tabs  415 ,  515  and  615  can be less than the entire paperboard thickness, preferably between about one quarter to about three-quarters deep. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that joint line  410  can be formed as a solid score having within it die-cut male tabs of varying depth. 
     FIG. 32 also shows front panel  60  having die-cut sealing surface  369  on its outer print surface. Sealing surface  369  has a depth which is approximately half the thickness of paperboard blank F. During sleeve assembly, the underlying outer surface of in-folding flap  24  is glued to sealing surface  369  on front panel  60 . 
     Referring to FIG. 33, carton F″ is shown with its seal broken and lid  10  open. Bent lip  466  is connected to front panel  60  by joint line  410 . In this configuration, male tabs  415 ,  515  and  615  are perpendicular to the plane of front panel  60 . They are positioned to function as reclosure means when lid  10  is lowered. A space between locking edge  226  (not shown in FIG. 33) and top panel  30  provides a slot for male tabs  415 ,  515  and  615  in the closed position. As lid  10  is opened and closed, the bias provided by male tabs  415 ,  515  and  615  against locking edge  226  constitutes another reclosure embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 33 also shows appendage  230  formed in score line  25  connecting in-folding flap  24  (not shown) to cover panel  20  in carton F″. Appendage  230  is shown tangential to the plane of cover panel  20 . It is used by a consumer to lift lid  10  as an aid to breaking the seal of carton F″, leaving behind sheared sealing surface  369 A having a depth approximately half the thickness of the paperboard. FIG. 34 shows sheared sealing surface  369 B now attached to in-folding flap  24 . As previously explained, sheared sealing surface  369 B has a depth which approximates half the paperboard thickness. 
     Referring to FIG. 35, the seventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described. Carton blank G is comprised of five main panels, cover panel  20 , top panel  30 , rear panel  40 , bottom panel  50  and front panel  60 . Cover panel  20  is hingedly connected by score lines  21  and  29  to cover panel end flaps  22  and  23 , respectively. Cover panel end flaps  22  and  23  are also referred to as “posts”  22  and  23 , respectively, throughout this disclosure. With respect to the seventh embodiment, carton G″ (FIGS. 38-42) posts  22  and  23  are also referred to as “reinforced corner posts”  22  and  23 , respectively. Top panel  30  is hingedly connected by score lines  31  and  39  to top panel end flaps  32  and  33 , respectively. Other general features with respect to the blank have been reiterated hereinabove. 
     Carton blank G has a substantially uniform paperboard thickness. When the paperboard is folded over onto itself, a double layer of board is formed which is twice as thick (and strong) as the single layer thickness. Referring again to FIG. 35 with particularity to the seventh embodiment, blank G features junctures  700  and  700 ′ which connect in-folding flap  24  with posts  22  and  23 , respectively, and which features are adapted to be folded into reinforced corner posts. 
     FIG. 36 is a top perspective view of sleeve G′. From this perspective, junctures  700 ′ and  700  cannot be seen as they are beneath posts  23  and  22 , respectively, and were placed there during the formation of sleeve G′ as has been generally reiterated hereinabove for other sleeve embodiments. 
     FIG. 37 is a fragmentary perspective view of one, open end of partially assembled carton G″ ready for a form-filling operation. FIG. 38 is a top perspective view of fully constructed and sealed carton G″ with cooperating top panel and rear panel end flaps. From this perspective also, junctures  700 ′ and  700  cannot be seen. For instance, juncture  700 ′ is now folded and concealed beneath post  23 . 
     FIG. 39 shows carton G″ with lid  10  partially open. FIG. 40 shows lid  10  completely open exposing the interior “underside” of the lid to carton G″. Taking FIGS. 39 and 40 in combination, as lid  10  is opened, posts  23  and  22  are subject to shearing stress as the outward force separating lid  10  from the body of carton G″ pulls on the two junctures formed by the two relevant corners of top panel  30 , top panel end flaps  33  and  32 , and the cover panel  20 . 
     Junctures  700  and  700 ′ have been found to be beneficial in protecting the corner posts′ points of adherence to end flaps  32  and  33  and the overall integrity of lid  10  from the shear stress upon opening. For instance, FIG. 41 is a fragmented, side elevational view emphasizing the relationship between one relevant corner of top panel  30 , in-folding flap  24 , juncture  700 , post  22  and top panel end flap  32 . FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view taken along line  42 - 42  in FIG.  41  and shows the cross-section between juncture  700 , post  22  and top panel end flap  32 . As illustrated, juncture  700  of “one” paperboard thickness is folded over onto post  22  also of “one” paperboard thickness thereby forming a double layer of paperboard which is twice as tick (and strong) as the single layer thickness. 
     The edge of juncture  700  aligns with the edge of top panel end flap  32  as shown in FIG. 42 thereby extending the double layer of paperboard contiguous with top panel end flap  32 . Juncture  700  reinforces corner post  22  so that it is protected from the shear stress which it is subjected to upon opening of lid  10 . 
     Various modifications and alterations to the present invention may be appreciated based on a review of this disclosure. These changes and additions are intended to be within the scope and spirit of this invention as defined by the following claims.