Hinged clip for gable top carton

Abstract

A closing flap or clip is adapted to cap the edge of a carton in a first position and to free the access to a part of the edge in a second position. The flap passes from the first position to the second position by pivoting around a geometric axis that is perpendicular to the carton edge. The flap is formed from two panels or webs that are configured to fit on each of both sides of the edge when in the first position. First ends of the panels are crossed by the geometric axis. The flap has a hinge linking the two webs and includes means for connecting second ends of the opposing webs to their respective first ends.

1 - 12 . (canceled)  
   
   
       13 . A clip element for closing a package, the package having an upstanding edge, comprising: 
 first and second opposing, facing webs, each of the webs adapted to be disposed on either side of the edge, each of the webs having first and second ends;    means for connecting the webs to one another at their respective second ends;    a flexible hinge joining the webs to one another, the flexible hinge extending substantially between the first and second ends; and    an extension extending from one of the webs in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane of the web, the extension being configured for insertion into a passage formed in the edge, the extension defining a pivot axis, the other of the webs including a receiving element for receiving the projection to secure the first and second webs to one another, wherein the clip is pivotable about the pivot axis, substantially perpendicular to the edge, between a first position in which the clip covers the package edge and a second position in which the clip uncovers the package edge for opening a portion of the package edge, the pivot axis being spaced from the respective second ends of the webs.    
   
   
       14 . The clip element in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the means for connecting the webs to one another includes cooperating shapes engageable with one another.  
   
   
       15 . The clip element in accordance with  claim 14  wherein the cooperating shapes include a projecting element extending from one of the webs and a housing provided on the other of the webs receiving and engaging the projecting element.  
   
   
       16 . The clip element in accordance with  claim 13 , wherein the second ends of the webs have a thickness that is greater than a thickness of a central portion and a longitudinal edge of the webs.  
   
   
       17 . The clip element in accordance with  claim 14  wherein the extension includes a radial projection having a diameter greater than a diameter of the opening.  
   
   
       18 . The clip element in accordance with  claim 13  wherein the clip is formed as a flat, molded element, and wherein the hinge and the formed integral with the webs.  
   
   
       19 . A method for manufacturing a package having an edge that is openable, at least in part, and a clip element for closing the package comprising the steps of: 
 molding the clip in a flat form, having first and second webs, each of the webs having first and second ends and a hinge connecting the webs, the hinge extending substantially along the webs between the first and second ends, the clip being molded having an extension extending from the first web in a direction substantially perpendicular to the edge and a receiving element for receiving the extension, the extension configured to define a pivot axis for pivoting the clip element about the edge;    mounting the clip on the package by introducing, in a passage made in the edge, the extension extending from the first web;    folding the clip along the hinge, bringing the second web toward the edge;    connecting the first and second webs at their respective ends farthest from the extension, such that the webs are in an opposing, facing orientation; and    securing the extension in the receiving element.    
   
   
       20 . The method according to  claim 19 , including the step of connecting the second web and the extension substantially simultaneously with the step of connecting the first and second webs at their respective ends farthest from the extension.