Multi-product container

• US 20040222109A1
• Filed: 05/09/2003
• Published: 11/11/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: International Paper Company
• Original Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company (Weyerhauser)
• Inventors: Bevier, Alex D., Pucillo, Robert J.
• Granted Patent: US 7,004,314 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 206/216
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/2057 Inter-engaging self-locking flaps B65D5/4254 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/305 combined with a slot provided at the fold line between an adjacent side wall and a lateral extension thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/48018 formed by folding extensions of side panels of a "cross-like" body blank B65D5/4801 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/5021 Integral elements for containers formed by folding-up portions connected to a central panel from all sides

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a multi-product container and container blank. In accordance with the present invention, a single sheet of foldable material is cut and scored to define a container blank. The blank includes a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, opposed side panels and a plurality of corner panels. Also, a top panel is attached to the back panel opposite said bottom panel. A fold over divider panel assembly that includes a cup panel attached to the front panel opposite said bottom panel and a divider panel attached to said cup panel opposite said front panel. A cup receptacle formed in said cup panel. The divider panel includes a divider panel slot positioned opposite the cup panel. Also, a side panel slot is formed in each of the side panels at a location opposite the bottom panel. As formed, the front panel, back panel opposed side panels and plurality of corner panels are hingedly attached to said bottom panel via unperforated score lines.

Claims

1. A single sheet of foldable material cut and scored to define a container blank comprising:

a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, opposed side panels and a plurality of corner panels;

a top panel attached to said back panel opposite said bottom panel;

a fold over divider panel assembly having a cup panel attached to said front panel opposite said bottom panel and a divider panel attached to said cup panel, opposite said front panel;

a cup receptacle formed in said cup panel;

a divider panel slot formed in said divider panel opposite said cup panel;

a side panel slot formed in each of said side panels opposite said bottom panel;

wherein said front panel, said back panel and said opposed side panels are hingedly attached to said bottom panel via unperforated score lines.

2. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a side panel flap attached to said side panel, opposite said bottom panel.

3. The blank of claim 2, wherein said side panel flaps extend substantially the distance of the side panel measured from the back panel to the side panel slots

4. The blank of claim 1, further comprising a locking panel attached to said back panel.

5. The blank of claim 1, wherein the blank is constructed from at least one of a containerboard, paperboard, fiberboard, corrugated containerboard, plastics or combinations thereof.

6. A container comprising:

opposed bottom and top panels;

opposed front and back panels;

opposed side panels;

a side panel slot formed in each of said side panels opposite said bottom panel;

a fold over divider assembly including;

a cup panel attached to said front panel;

a cup receptacle formed in said cup panel;

a divider panel attached to said cup panel opposite said front panel; and

at least two divider panel slots formed in said divider panel opposite said cup panel,

wherein said divider panel lies in a plane substantially parallel to said front panel and intersects said side panels at said side panel slots such that said divider panel slot and said side panel slots interact.

7. The container of claim 6, further comprising a side flap attached to each of said side panels opposite said bottom panel.

8. The container of claim 6, wherein said top panel is sized to completely cover the container.

9. The container of claim 8, further comprising a top tab configured to lock said top panel to the fold over divider assembly.

10. The container of claim 6, wherein the container is constructed from at least one of a containerboard, paperboard, fiberboard, corrugated containerboard, plastics or combinations thereof.