CARTON WITH HINGE LATCH CLOSURE

• US 3,767,110 A
• Filed: 12/22/1971
• Issued: 10/23/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Wayne Congleton
• Original Assignee: Wayne Congleton
• Inventors: Congleton, Wayne
• Primary Examiner(s): Lowrance, George E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Marcus, Stephen
• Application Number:
  US05/210,995
• Time in Patent Office: 671 Days
• Field of Search: 229/44,45 220/31R,31S,55R,55G,59,6R,4B,4E 206/65R 292/300,DIG.38
• US Class Current: 220/4.23
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2251/1025 Integral locking elements penetrating in an opening, e.g. a flap through a slit, a hook in an opening
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 2251/1058 Latching mechanisms
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 43/162 the container, the lid and the hinge being made of one piece B65D43/161 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 43/164 and connected by interfitting hinge elements integrally with the container and the lid formed respectively

Abstract

A carton is disclosed including a pair of space-defining members, each with a closing edge and further including an integral hinge-latching structure. A tab or flap extends from one of the closing edges to pass beyond the edge of the other member, then extends normally or parallel to the edges, and is received in a locking well that is defined in the second member for mating surface engagement. Cartons are disclosed with the closure structure functioning both as a hinge and a latch.

Claims

1. A carton comprising:

a first space-defining member including a first closing edge;

at least one somewhat flat flap extending from said first member at a location contiguous to said first closing edge, and including a closure holding portion and a locking portion said portions being separated by a hinge line and said locking portion defining at least one keyway;

a second space-defining member including a second closinG edge for engagement with said first closing edge to define a chamber between said members, said second space-defining member defining a locking well including at least one key, for receiving said locking portion of said flap in locked surface facing engagement, whereby said keyway receives said key with said locking portion lying somewhat normal to said closure holding portion, said holding portion extending across said second closing edge to hold said space-defining members together.

2. A carton according to claim 1 wherein said second member defines a locking well having a surface for engagably receiving said locking portion of said flap, which surface is substantially coplanar with said closing edges.

3. A carton according to claim 1 wherein said locking portion of said flap defines keyways including two opposed arcuate indentations.

4. A carton according to claim 1 wherein a section of said first edge is connected to a section of said second edge to provide a hinge between said first and second closure members.

5. A carton according to claim 1 wherein said carton comprises expanded plastic material.

6. A carton according to claim 1 wherein said carton comprises expanded polystyrene.

7. A carton according to claim 1 wherein said flap is integral and co-extensive with said first closing edge.

8. A carton according to claim 7 wherein said second member defines a locking well having a surface for engagably receiving said locking portion of said flap, which surface is substantially coplanar with said closing edges;

wherein said keyway in said locking portion of said flap comprises at least one indentation and wherein said key in said second closure member comprises an extension in said locking well to matingly engage said indentation; and

wherein said carton comprises expanded plastic material.