Folded food carton

Abstract

A folded food carton comprises a bottom panel 12, two opposing end panels 14, two opposing side panels 16, four gussets 18, and a top panel 20. Each adjoining pair of end and side panels 14, 16 is hingedly interconnected by one of the gussets 18 each of which includes first and second gusset panels 30, 32. In a fully folded carton configuration, the upper portion 50 of the first gusset panel 30 extends above the upper edge 52 of the second gusset panel 32 and is heat sealed to the inside surface of one of the end panels 14 such that the folded carton presents exterior panel surfaces unbroken by gussets. The top panel 20 folds over the cavity C of the folded carton and is secured in closed position by a tuck flap 42 having slot mechanisms 46 which engage with the upward-extending tabs 64 of flap mechanisms 48.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates to food cartons, particularly folded food cartons formed from a unitary carton blank into a recloseable portable food carton appropriate for temporary food storage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART[0002]Folded food cartons are familiar fixtures in the “take-out” food industry. A number of folded food carton designs have been developed that can be easily and economically manufactured from treated paper. Such cartons have the significant advantage that their contents can be reheated in a microwave oven in a very short amount of time. Probably the most ubiquitous folded carton design has a deep, narrow configuration and is constructed at the manufacturing plant by folding a precut blank and fastening gussets between adjoining walls with an adhesive or by using metallic wire. Sloped walls allow them to be nested and stacked for convenient storage. They are simple to use, fairly good at preventing leaks, and are excellent for storing si...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005]An improved folded food carton comprises a bottom panel extending from which are a pair of opposing end panels and a pair of opposing side panels. A plurality of foldable gussets hingedly connects the end panels with the side panels to form the bottom, end, and side panels into a carton configuration. The gussets are fastened to the inside surfaces of the end panels giving the end and side panels a smooth uninterrupted exterior surface. The gussets each comprise first and second gusset panels which are folded into an overlapping configuration when forming the panels in a carton configuration interposing the second gus

Problems solved by technology

Configuring the gussets on the outside surfaces of the panel walls of the carton, while functional, can present a somewhat awkward or crude appearance.

This creates extra manufacturing steps and adds unwanted adhesive and bulkiness to the inside corners of the container.

Further, although when constructing the prior art carton wherein the gussets are fastened to the outside surface of the panel walls the adhesive is applied to the outside surfaces of the container, any time adhesive is used in a food carton the specter of contaminating the food contents of the container is present to some degree.

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