GB2574322A

GB2574322A - A sheet construction for folding into a triangular container for receiving at least one triangular sandwich

Info

Publication number: GB2574322A
Application number: GB1906524.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerardo Fasano Giuseppe
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-05-15
Filing date: 2019-05-08
Publication date: 2019-12-04
Also published as: GB201906524D0

Abstract

A prism carton 28 with two right angle triangular faces 66, 70 has a window extending across the two triangular faces and the hypotenuse rectangular face between them. Ideally the carton can contain a sandwich. The carton can be made from a cardboard blank 30 with the window 38 being a cutout covered by transparent sheet material. The other faces 64, 68 of the blank can be arranged end to end or along the sides of a triangular face. The blank can be provided with flaps 72, 74, 76, 80, 82 covered in adhesive to erect the carton. The parts 56, 60 of the window on the triangular faces can be triangular or trapezium shaped. A die can be used for cutting and folding the carton. Alternatively packaging and/or the window can contain a cylindrical roll.

Description

A SHEET CONSTRUCTION FOR

FOLDING INTO A TRIANGULAR CONTAINER FOR

RECEIVING AT LEAST ONE TRIANGULAR SANDWICH

This invention relates to a sheet construction and, more especially, this invention relates to a sheet construction for folding into a triangular container for receiving at least one triangular sandwich.

Sheet constructions are known which fold into a triangular container for receiving at least one triangular sandwich. The triangular container has a window which allows an end consumer to look at the sandwich or sandwiches in the container prior to purchasing. The known sheet constructions are made from cardboard and a cut out portion is required to be cut out in order to create the window. This cut out portion is disposed of, and this amounts to a great wastage of material when multiplied by the thousands of containers that are typically produced in a manufacturing line for daily use.

It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problem.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a sheet construction for folding into a triangular container for receiving at least one triangular sandwich, which sheet construction comprises:

(i) a container portion which is made from a support material and which is for assembling into the triangular container s uch that the container portion forms two sides of the triangular container with the two sides defining a right angle;

(ii) a cut out portion for receiving transparent sheet material such that the transparent sheet material forms a first side window on a first face of the triangular container, a second side window on a second face of the triangular container, and a central window on the hypotenuse side of the triangular container, and wherein:

(iii) the cut out portion has a central part which equates to the central window, a first side part which extends from a first side of the central part and which equates to the first side window, and a second side part which extends from a second and opposite side of the central part and which equates to the second side window;

(iv) the container portion has a first rectangular part which extends along a first side of the first side part;

(v) the container portion has a second rectangular part; and (vi) the cut out portion is at least partially defined by a defining part of the container portion.

The sheet construction of the present invention is advantageous in that it modifies the design of a known triangular container in such a way that it is possible to reuse the cut out portion for the window, rather than simply disposing of this cut out portion. This avoids the above mentioned large wastage of material which occurs with the known sheet constructions producing the known triangular containers. In addition to avoiding the wastage· of material, there is the advantage that manufacturers are able to achieve substantial savings in base material costs. Still further, there is no need for the cut out portion to be disposed of, which avoids damage to the environment and this in turn enables manufacturers to enhance their reputation by offering sandwich packaging that is more environmentally friendly than the known sandwich packaging.

The sheet construction of the present invention may be employed in any required size for folding into a triangular container of any required size for receiving one or more diagonally cut sandwiches. Thus the triangular container may contain, for example, one, two, three, four or more triangular sandwiches.

The sheet construction may be one in which the second rectangular part of the container portion extends along a first side of the first side part.

Alternatively, the sheet construction may be one in which the second rectangular part of the container portion extends from one end of the first rectangular part.

In all embodiments of the invention, the sheet construction may be one in which the cut out portion is of a size which enables the cut out to form a container for a cylindrical roll, with the container being such that it is formed into a tubular shape by a connection of the first side part and the second side part. The cylindrical roll may be a baguette. Alternatively, the cylindrical roll may be a simple roll of cylindrical shape as compared to a simple roll of a round shape.

The sheet construction may include fastener flaps for connecting to parts of the container portion when the sheet construction is folded into the triangular container, and thereby enabling the triangular container to retain its shape when containing the sandwich for display and sale. The fastener flaps may be provided with an adhesive so that the fastener flaps are able to be stuck in position. Fastener means other than adhesives may be employed so that, for example, the fastener flaps may be such that they locate in slots. Where an adhesive is employed, then the adhesive will typically be one that is in current use on known triangular containers for sandwiches, and which has been approved for use in conjunction with food.

The sheet construction may be one in which the cut out portion is fully defined by the defining part of the container portion. Alternatively, the sheet construction may be one in which the cut out portion is only partially defined by the defining part of the container portion.

Preferably, the sheet construction is one in which the first side window is a first triangular or trapezoidal side window, the second side window is a second triangular or trapezoidal side window, the central window is a rectangular central window, the central part is a central rectangular part, the first side part is a first triangular or trapezoidal side part, and the second side part is a second triangular or trapezoidal side part. One or more of these triangles, trapezoids and rectangles may alternatively be in other shapes, and in any combination of shapes.

The support material is preferably cardboard. The support material may alternatively be a plastics material made from an environmentally sustainable material such as vegetable material. A preferred such plastics material is that known as polylactic acid (PLA). Other support materials may be employed.

The sheet construction may include the transparent sheet material. The transparent sheet material with its first and second side windows and its central window enables the sandwich clearly to be seen on three sides. This is advantageous for a purchaser, who is then able to make a good inspection of a choice of sandwiches from a display of sandwiches for sale. The purchaser is then able to select an appropriate packet with a sandwich or sandwich of the purchaser’s choice.

The transparent sheet material may be secured to the support material such that the transparent sheet material extends only over the peripheral defining part of the container portion that defines the cut out portion. The transparent sheet material may alternatively be secured to the container portion such that the transparent sheet material extends over the entire inner face of the container portion. The transparent sheet material may be secured in position, for example, by an adhesive or by heat. The transparent sheet material may be the transparent sheet material that is currently employed for known packets of sandwiches. Alternatively other types of transparent sheet material may be employed.

The present invention also extends to a triangular container when produced from a sheet construction according to the present invention. The triangular container may be such that it is empty or such that it contains the sandwich.

The present invention also extends to a die for cutting and folding a sheet construction of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solelly by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a known triangular container for receiving at least one triangular sandwich, with the known triangular container being shown part-way through being folded into the required triangular container;

Figure 2 is a view like Figure 1 but shows a triangular container able to be produced using a sheet construction of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows the sheet construction in its flat form and prior to being folded to the shape shown in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a plan view like Figure 3 but shows the sheet construction in its flat pre-folded configuration, and such that the continuous dark lines show the shape required for the known packaging shown in Figure I, the lighter diagonal lines show the modification required to obtain the cut out portion for the present invention, and the dotted lines show parts of the known sheet construction that are not required for the sheet construction of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view like Figure 3 but shows the sheet construction prior to removal of the cut out portion;

Figure 6 is a view like Figure 2 and illustrates part of the manufacturing and assembly process which can start by die cutting out the sheet construction shown in Figure 5 and typically simultaneously die cutting out the cut out portion shown in Figure 3, and then commencing folding as shown in Figure 6;

Figure 7 shows a further folding stage and which a pack of four triangular sandwiches having been provided in a container portion of the triangular container;

Figure 8 shows how the transparent sheet material forms a lid which is able to be secured in position by fastener means;

Figure 9 is a view like Figure 8 but without the sandwiches and illustrates how the transparent sheet material has been folded to shape;

Figure 10 is a plan view like Figure 3 but shows a second sheet construction of the present invention;

Figure 11 is a plan view like Figure 10 but shows a third sheet construction of the invention;

Figure 12 is a plan view like Figure 10 but shows a fourth sheet construction of the present invention;

Figure 13 is a plan view like Figure 10 but shows a fifth sheet construction of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a plan view of a cut out portion as removed from a sheet construction of the present invention;

Figure 15 shows how the cut out portion shown in Figure 14 is able to be folded and is of a size to be wrapped to form a container for a cylindrical roll in the form of a baguette;

Figure 16 is a plan view of an alternative cut out portion;

Figure 17 shows how the cut out portion shown in Figure 16 is able to be folded;

Figure 18 shows the folded portion as shown in Figure 17 further folded to form a container for a cylindrical roll in the form of a baguette;

Figure 19 is a plan view like Figure 14 but illustrates the cut out portion with alternative folding positions;

Figure 20 illustrates how the cut out portion shown in Figure 20 is able to be folded along the fold lines shown in Figure 19;

Figure 21 shows how the folded cut out portion shown in Figure 20 is able to form a container for a cylindrical roll in the form of a simple roll rather than a longer baguette;

Figure 22 is a plan view of a sheet construction which is a modification of the sheet construction shown in Figure 3, and illustrates how the sheet construction of Figure 3 is able to be modified;

Figure 23 is a plan view like Figure 22, but shows only the modified sheet construction;

Figure 24 is a plan view like Figure 22 but shows with dots those parts of the sheet material that need to be removed in order to get to the sheet construction shown in Figure 23;

Figure 25 illustrates how the sheet construction of Figure 23 is able to be folded to form a triangular container of the present invention;

Figure 26 is a view from the front and one side of the completed triangular container shown in Figure 25; and

Figure 27 is a view from the rear and one side of the triangular container shown in Figure 26.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a known triangular container 2 having a container portion 4 which is made from cardboard and which has been folded into the shape shown. The container portion 4 forms two sides 6, 8 of the triangular container 2, with the two sides 6, 8 defining a right angle as shown. The side 8 forms a base for the container portion 4. The side 6 upstands from the base 8 and forms a rear wall as shown in Figure 1.

The triangular container 2 also comprises a lid 10 which closes the container portion 4. A pack of triangular sandwiches (not shown) is located in the container portion 4 and is viewable when the lid 10 is closed through a window 12 in the lid 10.

The triangular container 2 is such that there are two triangular side wall portion 14, 16 which are apart when the sheet construction for forming the triangular container 2 is flat and in a pre-folded condition. The triangular side wall portions 14, 16 are joined by gluing a flap 18 on the side wall portion 14 to a flap 20 on the side wall portion 16. This causes the container portion 4 to have a completed triangular side wall 22. This triangular side wall 22 is spaced apart from and opposite to another triangular side wall 24 as shown in Figure

1.

The lid 10 has a flap 26. The flap 26 is secured in position by an adhesive, or other alternative securing means, against the triangular side wall

22. This occurs after the container portion 4 has been provided with a pack of triangular sandwiches, and it is then desired to close the formed triangular container 2. The triangular container 2 with its sandwich pack is then able to be transported to a shelf for display and purchase by an end user.

Figure 2 is a view like Figure 1 but shows a triangular container 28 formed from a sheet construction of the present invention. In Figure 2 it will be seen that the triangular container 28 is for receiving at least one triangular sandwich (not shown). The triangular container 28 shown in Figure 2 is produced using a sheet construction 30 shown in Figure 3. More specifically, it will be seen that the sheet construction 30 shown in Figure 3 is able to be folded into the triangular container 28 shown in Figure 2. The triangular container 28 is for receiving at least one triangular sandwich as mentioned above.

The sheet construction 30 comprises a container portion 32. The sheet construction 30 and therefore the container portion 32 are made from cardboard. The container portion 32 forms two sides 34, 36 of the triangular container 28, with the two sides 34, 36 defining a right angle.

The sheet construction 30 also comprises a cut out portion 38 as shown in Figure 3. The cut out portion 38 is for receiving transparent sheet material 40 as shown in Figure 2. Also as shown in Figure 2, the transparent sheet material 40 forms a first triangular window 42 on a first triangular face 44 of the triangular container 28. The transparent sheet material 40 also forms a second triangular window 46 on a second face 48 of the triangular container 28. The transparent sheet material further forms a rectangular central window 50 on the hypotenuse side 52 of the triangular container 28. The first, second and third windows 42, 46, 50 form an uninterrupted window for enabling the triangular sandwich or sandwiches easily to be inspected prior to being purchased.

As can be seen from Figures 2 and 3, the cut out portion 38 has a central rectangular part 54 which equates to the rectangular window 50 in the transparent sheet material 40. The cut out portion 38 has a first triangular part 56 which extends from a first side 58 of the central rectangular part 54 and which equates to the first triangular window 42 in the transparent sheet material 40. The cut out portion 38 has a second triangular part 60 which extends from a second and opposite said 62 of the central rectangular part 54, and which equates to the second triangular window 46 in the transparent sheet material 40.

As can best be appreciated from Figure 3, the container portion 32 of the sheet construction 30 has a first rectangular part 64 which extends along a first side 66 of the first triangular part 56.

The container portion 32 of the sheet construction 30 has a second rectangular part 68. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the second rectangular part 68 extends along a second side 70 of the first triangular part 56.

The sheet construction 30 shown in Figure 3 is such that the first rectangular part 64 has a flap 72, and the second rectangular part 68 has flaps 74, 76. The flaps 72, 74, 76 are used for securing the various parts of the sheet construction 30 together in order to form the triangular container 28. The flap will usually be secured in position by an adhesive which will be on the flap 74. Other types of securing means may however be employed.

The cut out portion 38 shown in Figure 3 is defined by a defining part 78 of the container portion 32. The defining part 78 forms a peripheral border around the cut out portion 38. The defining part 78 is provided with flaps 80, 82. The flaps 80, 82 are for securing to various parts of the sheet construction 30 in order to enable the sheet construction 30 to be folded and secured into

I the triangular container 28.

Figure 4 shows in plan view and in solid lines the sheet construction 84 required to produce the known triangular container 2 shown in Figure 1. Figure 4 also shown by means of diagonal lines 86, the amendment required to the sheet construction 84 to arrive at the sheet construction 30 for the present invention. The diagonal lines 86 indicate the cut out portion 38 in the sheet construction 30.

Figure 4 also shows by means of dots 88 how a part 90 of the sheet construction 84 is not required for the sheet construction 30. Figure 4 further shows by dots 92 how a further part 94 in the sheet construction 84 is not required for the sheet construction 30 of the present invention. The parts 90, 94 represent saved material in the form of saved cardboard. Bearing in mind that many thousands of sandwich packs are produced each day, the annual saving achievable from requiring the parts 90, 94 is extremely substantial. This represents a material cost saving for manufacturers, and it also means the consumption of less material which is good for the environment.

Figure 4 further illustrates how the sheet construction 84 has a small rectangular window 96 which is formed from transparent sheet material but which only allows the formation of the window 12 along the hypotenuse of the triangular container 2 as shown in Figure 1. The diagonal lines 86 show how the cut out portion 38 is able to be much larger and is able to form not only the rectangular window 50 shown in Figure 2 but also the first triangular window 42 and the second triangular window 46. The three windows 42, 46 and 50 enable the sandwich pack in the container portion 32 to be seen on three sides. This is clearly a superior display and more convenient to the end user than having to view the sandwich pack solely through the window 12 as in the known triangular container 2 shown in Figure 1.

Figure 4 also illustrates how the cut out portion 96 forming the rectangular window 12 in Figure 1 is discarded. Advantageously, the larger cut out portion 38 required by the sheet construction 30 of the present invention is able to be of a size which enables the cut out portion 38 to form a container for a cylindrical roll, as will be referred to herein below.

In subsequent drawings, similar parts as in Figures 1 - 4 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.

Figure 5 shows the sheet construction 30 prior to the formation and removal of the cut out portion 38.

Figure 6 is a view like Figure 5 and illustrates in more detail the triangular sheet material 40. The triangular sheet material 40 is shown as being stuck to the defining part 78, and this is done using a non-toxic food-safe adhesive, for example the same as that employed for the flap 74.

Figure 7 shows the triangular container 28 as shown in Figure 6 having been provided with four sandwiches 98, and then with the transparent sheet material 40 with its defining part 78 being folded along fold lines 100, 102 to form a lid for the container portion 32 and the windows 42, 46, 50.

Figure 8 is a view from the rear and one side of the triangular container 28 shown in Figure 7 and in the next stage of production in accordance with the method of the present invention for producing the triangular container 28. More specifically, Figure 8 shows how fastening tabs 104, 106 are used to secure the formed lid to the container portion 32.

Figure 9 is a view like Figure 8 but from the front and one side. In Figure 9, the pack of sandwiches 98 is not shown in order to illustrate more the construction of the formed lid with the windows 42, 46, 50.

Referring now to Figure 10, there is shown a second sheet construction 102 of the present invention. From a comparison of Figures 3 and 10, it will be seen that the second sheet construction 102 is such that the second rectangular part 68 extends from one end of the first rectangular part 64 and to the left. Additional flaps 104, 106, 108 are provided as shown.

Figure 11 is a plan view of a third sheet construction 110 of the present invention. The third sheet construction 110 is like the second sheet construction 102 shown in Figure 10. However, in the sheet construction 110, it will be seen that the flaps 76, 104 in the sheet construction 102 are omitted, and the sheet construction 110 has additional flaps 112, 114.

Figure 12 shows a fourth sheet construction 116 which has the first and second rectangular parts 64, 68 positioned as shown in Figure 1 but with the first rectangular part 64 having the flaps 106, 108 and also further flaps 118, 120.

Figure 13 is a plan view of a fifth sheet construction 122 in which the first and second rectangular parts 64, 68 are positioned as shown, with the second rectangular part 68 extending in a line from one end 124 of the first rectangular part 64.

Figures 14 and 15 show the cut out portion 38 provided with fold lines 126, 128. Figure 14 shows the cut out portion 38 in plan view. Figure 15 shows the cut out portion 38 is of a size that enables the cut out portion 28 to be folded around a cylindrical roll in the form of a baguette 130. Two apexes 132, 134 on the cut out portion 38 are secured together by fastener means in the form of an adhesive fastener means 136.

Figures 16, 17 and 18 show how the cut out portion 38 may alternatively be provided with a fold line 138, and how a triangular section 140 is able to removed. The cut out portion 38 is then able to be folded to the shape shown in Figure 17. Figure 18 shows the cut out portion 38 folded into a container for a cylindrical roll in the form of the baguette 130. As shown in Figure 18, the cut out portion 38 is secured by the adhesive fastener means 136.

Figures 19, 20 and 21 show how the cut out portion 38 is able to be provided with fold lines 142, 146. In this case, the cut out portion 38 is able to be folded to form the triangular portions 146, 148 shown in Figure 20. The construction shown in Figure 20 is then able to be wrapped around a cylindrical roll in the form of a simple bread roll 150 as compared to a circular bread roll.

The apexes 152, 154 of the triangular portions 146, 148 are secured together by adhesive fastener means 136.

Referring now to Figure 22, there is shown a sheet construction 156 of the present invention. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The sheet construction 156 is shown in a form for comparison with the sheet construction 30 shown in Figure 3. More specifically, in Figure 22, parts of the sheet construction 30 that are removed are shown with crosses, and parts that are added are shown with parallel lines.

It will be seen that the crosses form part of the defining part 78 shown in Figure 3. When the part with the crosses is removed, it will be seen that the remaining defining part 78 only partially defines the cut-out portion 38. This is in contrast to Figure 3 where the cut-out portion 38 is fully defined by the defining part 78 of the container portion 32.

As can be seen from Figure 22, one of the areas that needs to be added in comparison with the sheet construction shown in Figure 3 is an area 158. This area 158 is simply formed by not cutting away that part of the base material for the sheet construction 156. As best seen from Figure 26, the area 158 means that the first triangular window 42 of the sheet construction 30 becomes a first trapezoidal window 160. Similarly, various added parts of the sheet construction combine together to produce an area 162 which is complementary to the area 158 and which enables the formation of a second trapezoidal window 164. The window along the hypotenuse of the formed triangular container 166 is a rectangular window 168 and thus like the rectangular window 50 in the triangular container 28.

Referring to Figures 22 - 27, in assembling the triangular container 166 shown in Figures 26 and 27 from the sheet construction 156 shown in Figure 22, the illustrated flap 170 is glued to the rectangular part 172. Flaps 174,176, 178 and 180 connect as appropriate to give the assembled triangular container 166 stability and strength. The triangular container 166 has reinforced corners which help to hold everything together.

In one embodiment of Figure 23, the transparent plastics material that forms the viewing windows 160, 164, 168 in the triangular container 166 may be cut in the form of a square. This can be done by inexpensive cutting machines. In an alternative embodiment of Figure 23, the transparent plastics material that is used to form the viewing windows 160,164,168 in the triangular container 166 may be cut as a triangular portion of the exact size. Such customised cutting may need to be done by more expensive cutting machines.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the various illustrated sheet constructions of the present invention may be made of different grades of cardboard as may be required. Typically the sheet constructions of the present invention will be made of the same type of cardboard as existing known sheet constructions for producing known triangular containers. Alternatively, the sheet constructions of the present invention may be made of environmentally sustainable materials such for example as polylactic acid. The various parts of the illustrated sheet constructions may be secured together by fastener means other than the flaps having an adhesive. Similarly, fastener means other than the adhesive fastener means 36 may be employed. The illustrated triangular parts of the sheet constructions may be of other shapes. The other shapes may be defined by straight lines or by edges of non-straight formations. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention. The invention also extends to the individual components mentioned and/or shown above, taken singly or in any combination.

Claims

1. A sheet construction for folding into a triangular container for receiving at least one triangular sandwich, which sheet construction comprises:

(i) a container portion which is made from a support material and which is for assembling into the triangular container such that the container portion forms two sides of the triangular container with the two sides defining a right angle;

2. A sheet construction according to claim 1 in which the second rectangular part of the container portion extends along a second side of the first side part.

3. A sheet construction according to claim 1 in which the second rectangular part of the container extends from one end of the first rectangular part.

4. A sheet construction according to any one of the preceding claims in which the cut out portion is of a size which enables the cut out portion to form a container for a cylindrical roll, with the container being such that it is formed into a tubular shape by a connection of the first side part and the second side part.

5. A sheet construction according to any one of the preceding claims and including fastener flaps for connecting to parts of the container portion when the sheet construction is folded into the triangular container, and thereby enabling the triangular container to retain its shape when containing the sandwich for display and sale.

6. A sheet construction according to claim 5 in which the fastener flaps are provided with an adhesive so that the fastener flaps are able to be stuck in position.

7. A sheet construction according to any one of the preceding claims in which the cut out portion is fully defined by the defining part of the container portion.

8. A sheet construction according to any of claims 1 - 6 in which the cut out portion is only partially defined by the defining part of the container portion.

9. A sheet construction according to any one of the preceding claims in which the first side window is a first triangular or trapezoidal side window, the second side window is a second triangular or trapezoidal side window, the central window is a rectangular central window, the central part is a central rectangular part, the first side part is a first triangular or trapezoidal side part, and the second side part is a second triangular or trapezoidal side part.

10. A sheet construction according to any one of the preceding claims in which the support material is cardboard.

11. A sheet construction according to any one of the preceding claims and including the transparent sheet material.

12. A triangular container when produced from a sheet construction according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A triangular container according to claim 12 and including the sandwich.

14. A die for cutting and folding a sheet construction according to any one of claims 1-10.