Tab lock closure for a container

Abstract

A container with a tab lock closure is provided. The container may be constructed from a folded blank of material. The container can consist of a front panel, rear panel, two opposing side panels, and first and second ends. The ends include two opposing minor end flaps and two opposing major end flaps. One major end flap includes a tab that is cut from the flap and is foldably connected to the front panel along a common fold line with the major end flap. The other major end flap includes a corresponding aperture. When the end is closed, the minor end flaps are folded inwardly, the major end flap with the tab is folded inwardly while the tab remains upright, and the other major end flap is then folded inwardly. The tab is then folded inwardly and inserted into the aperture thereby locking the container.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 979,593, filed on Apr. 15, 2014, to Phillip Bell, entitled “Push Tab Closure for a Container,” currently pending, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND[0002]Carton and box containers, especially those constructed out of paperboard or similar materials, often have tab closure mechanisms for keeping the ends of the carton or container closed. However, such tab closure mechanisms generally require intricate and complex end configurations in order to effectively lock the container end. These complex tab closures use several cuts, apertures, protrusions, tabs, notches, etc. in order to create a closure mechanism that effectively locks the container. Additionally, tab closure mechanisms typically require folding of components and extreme bending that causes the closure mechanism to tear and quickly wear out. Containers wit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a durable and efficient tab lock closure for cartons or containers. The closure is simple to lock and unlock, and can be easily formed from a single unitary foldable blank. The tab extends slightly beyond the locking edge of the aperture, allowing it to be snapped past the locking edge and remain in place to lock the end construction of the container. This closure design ensures a durable and efficient lock for the end of the container.

Problems solved by technology

However, such tab closure mechanisms generally require intricate and complex end configurations in order to effectively lock the container end.

Additionally, tab closure mechanisms typically require folding of components and extreme bending that causes the closure mechanism to tear and quickly wear out.

Containers with tab closure mechanisms have also failed to allow for economic and efficient use of material when the container is formed from a pre-cut blank of material due to the complex formation of the tab closure mechanisms.

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