Reclosable carton

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following is a detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to be read with the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the detailed description and drawings are provided for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment and that the invention is capable of numerous modifications and variations apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of a blank forming one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the upper or top portion of the carton with the top flaps partly closed prior to sealing;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the upper or top portion of the carton partly open;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of the carton fully open and in dispensing position;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the carton top reclosed after opening.

In the drawings, FIGURE 1 represents a blank forming an embodiment of the invention from which the carton is formed. The blank comprises end panels 4 and 6 and side panels 8 and 10. End panels 4 and 6 and side panels 8 and 10, as shown, are rectangular in shape, end and side panels being of the same dimenison respectively. The carton blank is advantageously vertically scored in fold lines 12, 14, 16, and 18 and horizontally scored adjacent its lower edge by score line 20 which provides bottom end flaps 22, 24, 26, and 28. Flaps 22, 24, 26, and 28 are preferably rectangular in shape and are separated by cuts 30, 32, and 34 which are extensions of fold lines 12, 14, and 16, respectively. Top end flaps 36 and 38, which are preferably rectangular in shape, are extensions of end panels 4 and 6, respectively. Cuts 40, 42, and 44 are upper extensions of fold lines 12, 14, and 16 and separate the top end flaps 36 and 38. A glue flap 46 extends outwardly from side panel 10.

3,498,522 ³

Extending upwardly from side panel 8 is an inner side flap generally designated as 48. The inner side flap 48 is provided with a segment 50 defined therein with a vertical weakened tear line 52. Segment 58 contains a slot opening 62 with which tab 54 cooperates when the carton is formed and is of greater horizontal dimension than segment 50. It should be understood that although the segments 50 and 58 are defined in a preferred embodiment by weakened tear lines any suitable line means which separate the segments from the remainder of the respective inner and outer side flaps can be used as, for instance, cuts.

The carton may be formed by folding the blank along vertical fold lines 12, 14, and 16 into rectangular form with outer flap 46 glued to the inner surface of end panel 4. Top end flaps 36 and 38 are then folded inwardly into horizontal position. Inner flap 48 is folded inwardly and into a horizontal position overlying the top end flaps 36 and 38 as shown in FIGURE 2. Outer flap 56 is then folded to and adhesively bonded to inner flap 48 to complete closure of the top or upper portiton of the carton. Any suitable adhesive such as varnish can be used for this purpose.

After the top or upper portion of the carton has been seated, merchandise may be placed directly into the carton or into a liner provided the carton and the liner and the bottom of the carton sealed individually in manners well known in the art.

The carton may be easily opened by pulling segment 58 upwardly which breaks the segment clear of the carton top along tear line 60 (FIG. 4). The remainder of the outer side flap remains in horizontal position adhered to the inner side flap. If desired a tab may be provided segment 58 to facilitate the upward pulling of the segment. Next segment 50 is separated from the remainder of inner flap 48 by grasping tab 54 and pulling upwardly thereby tearing segment 50 free along weakened tear line 52. End flap 38 is then pulled up to place the carton in an open, dispensing position. Also, since segment 58 is of greater longitudinal dimension than segment 50 by virtue of the longitudinal displacement of weakened tear line 52 from weakened tear line 60, there is provided an area on the inner side flap 48 between said weakened tear lines as a base support for the segment 58 when the carton is reclosed.

Reclosure of the carton top is accomplished by folding inwardly end flap 38 in a horizontal position, followed by folding segment 58 inwardly in a horizontal position onto base support area 64 (see FIG. 4). Segment 50 is then folded inwardly onto segment 58 and the reclosure completed by inserting tab 54 into slot opening 62 (see FIG. 5).

The preferred construction of the invention has been illustrated and described, but changes and modifications can be made and some features can be used in different combinations without departing from the invention.