Container and closure for a container

Abstract

A container having a paperboard carton and a plastic closure is provided. The carton has a bottom and a sidewall extending upward toward an open end. A plurality of flaps extend from the sidewall at the open end. Each flap joins to the sidewall at a hinge and depends downwardly from the sidewall over an end portion of the sidewall. The closure has a base portion and inner and outers walls depending downward from the base portion. The base portion and inner and outer walls define a channel therebetween. The channel receives the flaps of the carton. At least one of the inner and outer walls defines a shoulder that engages the flaps to secure the carton to the closure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention generally relates to containers and more particularly to closable paperboard cartons.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Paperboard cartons of various sizes and shapes are used to store vast quantities of consumer products. Representative consumer products range from the milk to boxes for cake mixes or batters and other foodstuffs to laundry soaps to non-explosive munitions such as BB's and paintballs. The use of paperboard to form the cartons is highly cost effective in comparison to metal containers. Unfortunately, purely paperboard cartons such as the well known gabled top milk cartons do not re-close satisfactorily.[0003]Attempts to add plastic closures to paperboard carton have been made. One attempt is illustrated in WO 03 / 013966 to Cope Allman Plastic Packaging Limited. This closure uses a plurality of ribs that grip the sides of the paperboard carton. However, to gain access to the internal cavity of the paperboard carton, the entire c...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]One aspect of the invention is directed at a practical and inexpensive container having a paperboard carton and an re-closable closure that is not easily removed from the paperboard carton. The container includes a plastic closure that mounts to folded flaps of the open end of the paperboard carton. The connection between the folded over flaps and the closure can preferably be formed without any adhesives (adhesives may be used if desired for enhanced securement or the provision for a seal to prevent leakage). The plastic closure includes a channel that is sized and configured with an engagement shoulder (that may be continuous or discontinuous) that can securely engage the folded over flaps of the carton.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, purely paperboard cartons such as the well known gabled top milk cartons do not re-close satisfactorily.

This design is believed to have drawbacks.

For example, if a user tends to grab the container by the plastic closure rather than container) the closure and carton can separate causing the carton and its contents to fall to the ground and spill.

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