Envelopes – wrappers – and paperboard boxes – Paperboard box – Lifting or suspending element
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-20
2001-10-23
Elkins, Gary E. (Department: 3727)
Envelopes, wrappers, and paperboard boxes
Paperboard box
Lifting or suspending element
C206S806000, C229S117240, C493S162000, C493S909000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305597
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to improvements in folding cartons, and particularly to advantageous aspects of a folding carton having a built-in, sliding hang tab.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Certain retail goods, such as cosmetics, are packaged in small cartons that are typically fabricated from a sheet of cardboard or plastic that has been cut into a predetermined shape, folded, and then glued. There are two basic modes for displaying these goods in a retail store. In a first “counter display” mode, the cartons are stacked on a flat surface, such as a counter or a shelf. In a second “hang display” mode, the cartons are hung on posts extending horizontally outward from a pegboard or other vertical surface. In a hang display, the upper portion of each carton is typically provided with a tab or flap having a hole or slot that slides over the post.
The choice of display mode is governed by two major considerations: the attractiveness of the display, and the efficient use of retail space. A counter display is typically more attractive than a hang display and is therefore chosen for higher-end products. Further, a hang tab or flap on a carton can be unsightly and interfere with the esthetic design of the carton. However, a counter display typically does not use retail space as efficiently as a hang display, in which several different items can be spaced closely together in both a vertical and a horizontal direction.
It may be desired for a number of reasons to use a counter display for a particular product in one retail setting, but to use a hang display for the same product in a different retail setting. It is desirable for reasons of economy and efficiently to use the same carton for both a counter display and a hang display. However, because of esthetic considerations, it is desirable for the hang tab to be hidden from view in a counter display and yet easily accessible for use in a hang display. Further, it desirable for such a hang tab to be manufactured as economically as possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, the invention provides a folding carton having a hang tab that is slidable between a first, retracted position in which the hang tab is tucked behind a first carton panel, and a second, extended position in which the hang tab extends out of the carton for hanging the carton on a display. The carton further includes a hang tab restraint for preventing the hang tab from being pulled entirely out of the carton. The hang tab is initially held in its first position by breakaway nicks that attach the hang tab to the carton. According to further aspects of the invention, the hang tab restraint comprises a yoke flap folded over the hang tab or, alternatively, a tongue member that fits into a central slot of the hang tab.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3074614 (1963-01-01), Moffat
patent: 3587837 (1971-06-01), Smith et al.
patent: 3820710 (1974-06-01), Burgess et al.
patent: 4020947 (1977-05-01), Roccaforte
patent: 4106615 (1978-08-01), Hiroshi
patent: 4230259 (1980-10-01), Herzog
patent: 4279376 (1981-07-01), Roccaforte
patent: 4291807 (1981-09-01), Giordano et al.
patent: 4457431 (1984-07-01), Lundquist et al.
patent: 5020718 (1991-06-01), Zimmermann
patent: 5458233 (1995-10-01), Herrin
patent: 5566831 (1996-10-01), Swenson
patent: 6145659 (2000-11-01), Fairdoth et al.
Donegan Barbara Vollmer
Mazurek Richard
Elkins Gary E.
IMPAC Group, Inc.
Priest & Goldstein PLLC
LandOfFree
One-piece folding carton with integrally formed sliding... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with One-piece folding carton with integrally formed sliding..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and One-piece folding carton with integrally formed sliding... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2610457