US3701466A - Shipping container with emptying chute - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a corrugated shipping container which is provided with a dispensing spout. The shipping container is formed of an outer container having the interior thereof divided into a plurality of adjacent compartments by internal liners. Adjacent portions of liners defining adjacent compartments are provided with dispensing opening defining flaps, which in turn, are aligned with a dispensing opening defining flap in a wall of the outer container. The flaps open in opposite directions both to facilitate the dispensing of material through the openings defined thereby and to reinforce one another against accidental opening. In addition, upstanding liner walls are disposed intermediate the ends of the flap of the outer container so as to reinforce the flap against inward deformation.

Description

United States Patent Woodrow et al.

SHIPPING com/Arman wmr EMPTYING (2mm:

inventors: James R. Woodrow; Robert R. Lynski, both of Chicago, Ill.

Assignee: Continental Can Company, Inc.,

New York, NY.

Filed: April 12, 1971 Appl. No.: 132,986

U.S. CI. ..229/l7 B, 229/15, 221/302, 221/305, 222/183, 222/485 Int. Cl. ..B65d 5/72, B65d'5/48 Field of Search ..222/54l, 485, 502, 183;

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS [IS/1| 3,701,466 51 Oct. 31, 1972 3,066,842 12/1962 Croley ..229/7 R 3 3,207,380 9/1965 Hennessey ..222/ 183 X 3,228,573 1/1966 Nerenberg et a1 ..222/485 Primary Examiner-Davis T. Moorhead Attorney-Diner, Brown, Ramik & Holt [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure relates to a corrugated shipping eontainer which is provided with a dispensing spout. The shipping container is formed of an outer container having the interior thereof divided into a plurality of adjacent compartments by internal liners. Adjacent portions of liners defining adjacent compartments are provided with dispensing opening defining flaps, which in turn, are aligned with a dispensing opening defining flap in a wall of the outer container. The flaps open in opposite directions both to facilitate the dispensing of material through the openings defined thereby and to reinforce one another against accidental opening. In addition, upstanding liner walls are disposed intermediate the ends of the flap of the outer container so as to reinforce the flap against inward deformation.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures SHIPPING CONTAINER WITH EMPTYING CI'IUTE This invention relates in general to new and useful improvements in shipping containers, and more par- 'ticularly to a shipping container having means for defining a dispensing spout whereby products shipped within the container may be readily dispensed therefrom.

. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known to construct corrugated shipping containerswithmeans tofacilitate the dispensing of the contents thereof, including spouts. Typical of the patents having dispensing openings are the patents to closed in the patent to WilsonU.S.Pat. No. 2,005,924

granted June 25, 1935.

It is further well known to provide shipping and dispensing containerswhich include an outer container having liners disposed within the interior thereof defining a plurality of individual compartments, and :further the container havingspout forming meanswhereby the contents of the compartments may be selectively dispensed, either individually or simultaneously. The patent to Croley U.S. Pat. No. 3,066,842'granted Dec. 4, 1962, discloses such a structure. However, prior containers including that of the Croley patent have certain deficiencies such as cost, stability, accidental opening, etc. which are undesirable. For example, inthe Croley structure a special pallet is required and the dispensing is from the bottom whereby it isnecessary that the con tainer be elevated by suitable means, such as a lift truck, to facilitate the dispensing of the contents thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention, there has been provided a combined shipping and dispensing container which may be readily handled in the normal manner and which is so constructed whereby the contents thereof may be readily dispensed through suitable dispensing openings formed therein while the container is seated flat either on the floor, on a pallet, on another container or on a suitable support.

Another feature of the container of this disclosure is that while the contents of the severalcompartments of the container may be selectively singly or commonly dispensed, the dispensing takes place through a single opening formed in the container exterior wall whereby all of the dispensing may take place at the same point.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a combined shipping and dispensing container wherein there is provided an outer container having liners disposed therein with the liners and the other container each having a. dispensing opening forming flap defined therein and wherein the flaps open in opposite directions so as to facilitate the flow of material from the container and at the same time the flaps reinforce one another against accidental opening.

Another feature of the carton is that the dispensing openings in the liners are disposed immediately adjacent adjacent walls of the liners which extend transversely of the outer container with the dispensing opening defining flap of the outer container overlapping the flaps of the liners and bridging the transverse walls of the liners whereby the transverse walls of the liners serve to back up the flaps of the outercontainer and reinforce the same against accidental inward deformation.

A still further feature of the shipping container of this disclosure is the provision of the dispensing opening defining flaps in the opposite side walls of the container adjacent the bottom thereof whereby the contents of the container may be readily dispensed from either side or both sides of thecontainerand does not require the container to be elevated in overlying relation to thereceptacle forthe contents thereof.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description, the appended claims and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings:

IN THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a plan view of the liner blanks and shows the general outline thereof.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the blanks for forming the outer container and shows generally the outline thereof.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shipping container open, but with the upper portions of the liners partially closed to the positions they will assume after the container has been filled, parts being broken away and shown in section for purposes of clarity.

. FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view taken through the closed container generally through the central portion generally identified by thenumeral 10 and illustrated in FIG. 1, and a pair of outer container blanks, generally identified by the numeral 11 and illustrated in FIG. 2. The outer container blanks 1 1 will be described first.

The outer container, which is identified in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5 by thenumeral 12, is defined by two identical blanks 11 which are generally rectangular in outline. Each blank 11 includes aside panel 13 and anend panel 14 which are hingedly connected together by ahinge line 15. Abottom closureflap 16 is hingedly connected to the lower edge of theside panel 13 along a hinge orfold line 17 while a further bottom closure panel orflap 18 is hingedly connected to the lower edge of theend panel 14 along afold line 20. The flaps orpanels 16 are separated by anarrow slit 21 which is in alignment with and functions as a continuation of thefold line 15.

Each blank 11 also includes anupper closure flap 22, which may be identical to thebottom closure flap 16 3 and which is hingedly connected to theside panel 13 along afold line 23. In a like manner, anupper closure flap 24, corresponding to thebottom closure flap 18, is hingedly connected to the upper edge of theend panel 14 along afold line 25. Theflaps 22 and 24 are separated from one another by a narrow slit or cutout 26 which is aligned with thefold line 15.

Each blank 11 is further provided with a dispensingopening defining flap 27 which is an integral part of theside panel 13 thereof. Eachflap 27 is preferably generally rectangular in outline and is defined by a central portion of thefold line 17 and a plurality of aligned and spaced apartcut lines 28. Thecut lines 28 include a centrally located arcuatecut line portion 30 which opposes and is spaced from thefold line 17 and which is intended to define a finger receiving opening ornotch 31 in theflap 27, as is best shown in FIG. 6.

With particular reference to FIG. 5, it is to be understood that the two blanks 11 are joined together along the free edges of thepanels 13 and 14 to define corners by means oftape 32. After the two blanks 11 have been so joined together, theouter container 12 may be partially formed by first folding inwardly the closure flaps l8 and then folding inwardly the-closure flaps 16 and adhesively securing theclosure flaps 16 to theclosure flaps 18 to form a substantially sealedbottom 33 of theouter container 12, as is clearly shown in FIGS. 3 and 5.

Returning now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that each liner blank 10 is of an elongated rectangular configuration and includes a partialtransverse panel 34 which is hingedly connected along ahinge line 35 to aside panel 36 which, in turn, is hingedly connected along afold line 37 to a centrally positionedend panel 38. Aside panel 40 is hingedly connected to theend panel 38 along the opposite edge thereof by means of afold line 41 and theside panel 40, in turn, has hingedly connected thereto along afold line 42, a partialtransverse panel 43, the combined widths of thepanels 34 and 43 corresponding to the width of theend panel 38.

Along the upper edge of the liner blank l isa plurality of reinforcing flaps which include apartial flap 44 which is hingedly connected to thepanel 34 along afold line 45, afiap 46, which is hingedly connected to thepanel 36 along afold line 47, aflap 48 which is hingedly connected to thepanel 38 along a fold line 50, aflap 51 which is hingedly connected to thepanel 40 along a fold line 52 and aflap 53 which is hingedly connected to thepanel 43 along a fold line54. The flaps are separated from one another with there being aslit 55 between theflaps 44 and 46, aslit 56 between theflaps 46 and 48, aslit 57 between theflaps 48 and 51, and aslit 58 between theflaps 51 and 53.

In addition, each liner blank is provided with a pair of dispensing opening definingflaps 60 and 61 which are formed in thepanels 36 and 40 and which are intended to be disposed in oppositely directed relation in the assembled liner. Theflap 60 is disposed in the lower corner of thepanel 36 along thefold line 35 and is defined by a plurality of closely spacedshort cut lines 62. The lower edge of theflap 60 is common with the lower edge of thepanel 36 except that theflap 60 has a finger receiving cut out 63 formed therein.

Theflap 61 is disposed in a lower corner of thepanel 40 along thefold line 42 and has a lower edge common with the lower edge of thepanel 40. Theflap 61 is defined by a series of closely spaced and relativelyshort cut lines 64 and is provided in the lower edge thereof with afinger defining cutout 65.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 5, it'will be seen that theliner blanks 10 are assembled to generally rectangular cross section to defineliners 67 and 68 which are generally rectangular in cross section and wherein thepartial panels 34 and 43 of theliner 67 are joined together by a strip oftape 70 in edge abutting relation. In a like manner, thepartial panels 34 and 43 of theliner 68 are joined together in edge abutting relation by means of a strip of tape 71.

Theliners 67 and 68 are disposed within theouter container 12 in a manner wherein the joined together partial transverse panels thereof are disposed in faceto face relation and with thetapes 70 and 71 offset from one another whereby the partial panels of the two liners reinforce one another.

It is to be noted that theliner 67 defines acompartment 72 while theliner 68 defines acompartment 73 and these two compartments each constitute substantially one half of the volume of the shipping container, which shipping container is identified by the numeral 74. It is also to be noted that theliners 67 and 68 are so related to one another whereby at each of the two opposite sides of the outer container l2,there is one each of theflaps 60,61 and these flaps are disposed in immediately adjacent relation and in alignment with arespective flap 27 of theouter container 12. A

After theliners 67,68 have been assembled within the partially formedouter container 12, thecompartments 72 and 73 of the still openouter container 12 may be readily filled from the top of theouter container 12. After the filling operation has been completed, theflaps 44, 46, 48, 51 and 53 of eachliner 67, 68 are than folded inwardly to a generally horizontal position, as is shown in FIG. 3. Thereafter the closure flaps 24 are folded inwardly into overlying relation to the liner flaps, followed by the inward folding of theflaps 22 into position overlying theflaps 24 and with theflaps 22 being sealed relative to theflaps 22 to complete theshipping container 74.

It is to be noted that it is virtually impossible for there to be an accidental rupture of theshipping container 74 in the area of theflaps 27, 60 and 61 due to the relative configurations of the flaps. Any inner force within thecompartments 72,73 tending to rupture theflaps 60 ,61 is resisted by not only the bridging material between the flap and the panels from which they are formed, but also by the hinge connection of the flaps to the respective panels. Furthermore, since normally there would be a progressive opening of theflaps 60,61 the tendency would be for the free edges of theflaps 60,61 to move outwardly first. These free edges of theflaps 60,61 are engaged by that portion of therespective flap 27 which is permanently secured to therespective panel 13. I

Inward deformation of theflaps 27,60 and 61 is resisted primarily by the transverse panels of theliners 67,68 which are in direct alignment with the central portion of theflap 27. Thus, it is virtually impossible to deform theflaps 27 inwardly of theshipping container 74.

It is also to be noted that the finger receiving cut-outs 63 and 65 of theflaps 60,61 are disposed remote from thefinger receiving cutout 31 of theflap 27 so that a sealed container is maintained until the same is opened.

With particular reference to FIG. 6, when it is desired to dispense the contents of one of thecompartments 72,73, theflaps 27 at a convenient side of theshipping container 74 are torn to an open position where it depends outwardly and generally downwardly to define a dispensing sheet. Thereafter, the associated flap of the compartment which is to be emptied is torn upwardly in the manner illustrated with respect to theflap 60. The thus folded outwardly flap combines with theflap 27 to define a dispensing chute.

lf desired, bothcompartments 72,73 may be simultaneously emptied by pulling open both of theflaps 60,61 aligned with theparticular flap 27. Furthermore, under certain conditions, theshipping container 74 may be emptied from opposite sides thereof by opening both of theflaps 27 and therespective flaps 60,61.

It is also to be noted that if only a portion of the content of theshipping container 74 is to be dispensed at one time, the same may be conveniently closed by returning the respective one of theflaps 60,61 to its proper position and then folding the associatedflap 27 upwardly. NOrmally, the frictional interlock of the flaps with respect to the associated panels will be sufficient to hold the flaps in their closed positions. Of course, if desired, a slight amount of tape may be utilized to hold theflap 27 in its closed position.

It will be readily apparent that theshipping container 74 is of a simple construction, but at the same time provides for the convenient dispensing of the contents thereof without the use of any special equipment and without the special elevating thereof so as to overlie the material receiving hopper or other receptacle normally utilized in receiving the contents of the container.

It is also readily apparent that the container construction is such that the blanks thereof may be readily handled in a flat state and readily assembled when the container is to be used. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the container is reuseable within limits.

Although only a preferred embodiment of container construction has been specifically illustrated and described herein, it is to be understood that minor variations may be made in the shipping container and emptying chute or spout without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A combined shipping and dispensing container assembly comprising an outer container and inner liners dividing the interior of said outer container into at least two adjacent compartments, a dispensing opening defining flap in a wall of said outer container bridging outer container flap is hialFedly connect d to tom and opens downwar y and outwar ly to as a chute for material being dispensed.

4. The container assembly of claim 3 wherein said liner flaps open upwardly and outwardly tofacilitate material flow in cooperationwith said outer container flap.

5. The container assembly of claim 3 wherein said outer container flap and said liner flaps have remote hingeswhereby said flaps open in opposite directions and said flaps reinforce one another against accidental opening.

6. The container assembly of claim 5 wherein each of said flaps is defined by cut lines and has a finger receiving cut-out to facilitate the tearing loose thereof, and said finger receiving cut-outs are disposed remote from one another whereby said carton assembly remains sealed until said flaps are loosened.

7. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said outer container flap and said liner flaps have remote hinges whereby said flaps open in opposite directions and said flaps reinforce one another against accidental opening.

8. The container assembly of claim 7 wherein each of said flaps is defined by cut lines and has a finger receiving cut-out to facilitate the tearing loose thereof, and said finger receiving cut-outs are disposed remote from one another whereby said carton assembly remains sealed until said flaps are loosened.

9. .The container assembly of claim 1 wherein each of unction 'said flaps is defined by cut lines and has a finger receiving cut-out to facilitate the tearing loose thereof, and said finger receiving cut-outs are disposed remote from one another whereby said carton assembly remains sealed until said flaps are loosened.

10. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said flaps are formed in oppositely disposed walls of both said outer container and said liners whereby alignment of said liner flaps with outer container flaps is assured.

11 The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said liners are disposed in upstanding positions and said outer container flap is disposed normal to and in generally abutting relation to adjacent walls of said liner wherein said outer container flap is reinforced against inward deflection.

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Claims (11)

1. A combined shipping and dispensing container assembly comprising an outer container and inner liners dividing the interior of said outer container into at least two adjacent compartments, a dispensing opening defining flap in a wall of said outer container bridging said compartments, and a dispensing opening defining flap in adjacent portions of said liners in alignment with said outer container flap for selectively dispensing the contents of one or both of said compartments.

2. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said outer container includes a bottom, said outer container wall is an upstanding wall, and said outer container flap is disposed adjacent said bottom.

3. The container assembly of claim 2 wherein said outer container flap is hingedly connected to said bottom and opens downwardly and outwardly to function as a chute for material being dispensed.

4. The container assembly of claim 3 wherein said liner flaps open upwardly and outwardly to facilitate material flow in cooperation with said outer container flap.

5. The container assembly of claim 3 wherein said outer container flap and said liner flaps have remote hinges whereby said flaps open in opposite directions and said flaps reinforce one another against accidental opening.

6. The container assembly of claim 5 wherein each of said flaps is defined by cut lines and has a finger receiving cut-out to facilitate the tearing loose thereof, and said finger receiving cut-outs are disposed remote from one another whereby said carton assembly remains sealed until said flaps are loosened.

7. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said outer container flap and said liner flaps have remote hinges whereby said flaps open in opposite directions and said flaps reinforce one another against accidental opening.

8. The container assembly of claim 7 wherein each of said flaps is defined by cut lines and has a finger receiving cut-out to facilitate the tearing loose thereof, and said finger receiving cut-outs are disposed remote from one another whereby said carton assembly remains sealed until said flaps are loosened.

9. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein each of said flaps is defined by cut lines and has a finger receiving cut-out to facilitate the tearing loose thereof, and said finger receiving cut-outs are disposed remote from one another whereby said carton assembly remains sealed until said flaps are loosened.

10. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said flaps are formed in oppositely disposed walls of both said outer container and said liners whereby alignment of said liner flaps with outer container flaps is assured.

11. The container assembly of claim 1 wherein said liners are disposed in upstanding positions and said outer container flap is disposed normal to and in generally abutting relation to adjacent walls of said liner wherein said outer container flap is reinforced against inward deflection.

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