Identification button for paperboard container

• US 5,826,781 A
• Filed: 06/26/1997
• Issued: 10/27/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: International Paper Company
• Original Assignee: International Paper Company
• Inventors: Jensen, Kurt D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Elkins, Gary E.
• Application Number:
  US08/883,426
• Time in Patent Office: 488 Days
• Field of Search: 229/114, 229/116.1, 229/902, 229/906, 40/312, 206/459.1, 206/459.5
• US Class Current: 229/114
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/4216 Cards, coupons or the like formed integrally with, or printed directly on, the container or lid
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 5/667 Lids in the form of an inverted tray
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 229/902 Box for prepared or processed food

Abstract

An identification button construction for a paperboard clamshell carton or container. An edge of the carton lid, such as a horizontal edge, is provided with a plurality of cuts or scores which form the periphery of individual identification buttons. Such buttons are used to indicate the presence or absence of an ingredient or garnish for a hot food item such as a hamburger sandwich. The peripheral scores or lines of the button are cut about half way through the paperboard from the outer carton surface towards the carton interior. An elongated Z shaped cut, completely through the paperboard, bisects the button, at a right angle to the crown edge. The crown edge also bisects the button. While a diamond shape button is illustrated, round, oval, or other polygonal shapes may be employed. In use, a button is finger pressed toward the carton interior and assumes a depressed configuration, different from its original configuration, thus indicating the presence or absence of a garnish or other ingredient for the packaged food item.

Claims

1. A paperboard carton construction of the type having a pair of intersecting, exterior panels whose intersection defines an edge of the container, a contents indicating button intersected by said edge, said button having a periphery defined by a plurality of fold lines each of which is partially cut through said intersecting paperboard panels, said button including a full cut line extending completely through said intersecting paperboard panels.

2. The carton of claim 1 wherein said fold lines are partially cut through an outer container surface towards an inner container surface.

3. The carton of claim 1 wherein said full cut line is Z-shaped.

4. The carton of claim 1 wherein said button is diamond shaped.

5. The carton of claim 1 wherein said button is substantially longitudinally bisected by said edge.

6. The carton of claim 1 wherein said fold lines are defined by a series of small cuts extending completely through said paperboard.

7. The carton of claim 1 wherein said fold lines are in the form of a bar score or crease lines.

8. The carton of claim 1 wherein said full cut line substantially bisects said button.

9. The carton of claim 1 wherein said full cut line is substantially at right angles to said edge.