Abstract A disposable carton formed of low cost material and adapted for the packaging of eggs and the like is formed with coacting elements of a cover and latching flap which, in combination, afford rigidity to those elements, guide the coacting elements on closure and provide for a secure latching susceptible of easy opening. Recesses are provided in cover and latching flap for guidance and rigidity. Latching is accomplished by a recess extending inwardly from the cover front wall to engage the underside of a latching bar of the flap, which is positioned above a substantially rectangular shaped recess in the latching flap. The carton is particularly characterized in that it exhibits improved resistance to crushing when other cartons are stacked upon it. This crush resistance is imparted to the carton by employing integrally molded cover support ribs which are positioned immediately above and adjacent to the locking recesses on the latching flap. Such an arrangement allows the upper edge of the locking aperture on the carton front wall to bear against the cover support ribs for additional support and to withstand crushing forces which may be applied to the carton cover.
In a carton adapted for the packaging of eggs and the like having (1) a bottom tray formed to define a plurality of cells for reception of packaged articles and of a depth such that said articles are enclosed thereby for a portion less than their vertical dimension as packaged, (2) a dished or cover resiliently hinged to the rear upper edge of said tray and having a front wall, a back wall, and end walls fixed to each other and to a top for said cover, all of such dimensions that the packaged articles are substantially enclosed within the edges of said tray, said front wall lying primarily in a plane sloping inwardly toward said top, and (3) a latching flap hinged to the front upper edge of said tray by resilient means biasing said flap toward a position outward of vertical from said front edge; said cover and said flap having coacting means associated therewith capable of engagement upon closure of the carton in a manner to maintain such closure; the improvement which comprises cover support ribs integrally molded on said latching flap whereby when said carton is in a closed position said ribs are in restraining contact with said carton cover front wall; said support ribs being further characterized in that they are positioned at spaced apart locations along said latching flap hinge, and along the upper edge of said latching flap adjacent said coacting means on said latching flap, whereby said support ribs support said cover and resist compressive forces applied to said carton cover and tray.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
261 words
In a carton adapted for the packaging of eggs and the like having (1) a bottom tray formed to define a plurality of cells for reception of packaged articles and of a depth such that said articles are enclosed thereby for a portion less than their vertical dimension as packaged, (2) a dished or cover resiliently hinged to the rear upper edge of said tray and having a front wall, a back wall, and end walls fixed to each other and to a top for said cover, all of such dimensions that the packaged articles are substantially enclosed within the edges of said tray, said front wall lying primarily in a plane sloping inwardly toward said top, and (3) a latching flap hinged to the front upper edge of said tray by resilient means biasing said flap toward a position outward of vertical from said front edge; said cover and said flap having coacting means associated therewith capable of engagement upon closure of the carton in a manner to maintain such closure; the improvement which comprises cover support ribs integrally molded on said latching flap whereby when said carton is in a closed position said ribs are in restraining contact with said carton cover front wall; said support ribs being further characterized in that they are positioned at spaced apart locations along said latching flap hinge, and along the upper edge of said latching flap adjacent said coacting means on said latching flap, whereby said support ribs support said cover and resist compressive forces applied to said carton cover and tray.