U.S. patent application number 11/419443 was filed with the patent office on 2006-11-23 for carton with detachable portion.
Invention is credited to John M. JR. Holley.
Application Number | 20060261140 11/419443 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36954623 |
Filed Date | 2006-11-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060261140 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Holley; John M. JR. |
November 23, 2006 |
CARTON WITH DETACHABLE PORTION
Abstract
A carton (200) including a top wall (214), a bottom wall (218),
opposing side walls (212, 216), and first and second end walls
(220, 222). A detachable portion (210) of the carton (200) is
defined by a severance line (180) to include at least a portion of
the top wall (214) and a portion of the side walls (212, 216). The
top wall portion (182) of the severance line (180) is spaced apart
from the second end wall (222) by a certain distance D1 such that a
portion of the top wall (214) remains to provide structural
integrity to the carton (200) after the detachable portion (210) is
detached. The distance (D1) is also determined such that articles
(B) in the carton (200) are viewable and easily accessed. The
minimum distance (D1) between a top wall portion (182) of the
severance line (180) and the second end wall (222) is no greater
than half of the distance between the first and second end walls
(220, 222).
Inventors: |
Holley; John M. JR.;
(Lawrenceville, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PARKS KNOWLTON LLC
1117 PERIMETER CENTER WEST
SUITE E402
ATLANTA
GA
30338
US
|
Family ID: |
36954623 |
Appl. No.: |
11/419443 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60683010 |
May 19, 2005 |
|
|
|
60722854 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
|
|
|
60724599 |
Oct 6, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
229/242 ;
229/122 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/0066 20130101;
B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D 2571/00574 20130101; B65D 2571/00524
20130101; B65D 2571/0045 20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101; B65D
2571/00561 20130101; B65D 2571/00728 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/242 ;
229/122 |
International
Class: |
B65D 17/00 20060101
B65D017/00 |
Claims
1. A carton for enclosing a plurality of articles, comprising: a
tubular structure comprising a top wall hingedly connected to
opposing side walls; first and second end walls enclosing ends of
said tubular structure, each end wall being hingedly connected to
said top wall and said side walls; and a detachable portion defined
by a severance line extending across at least a portion of said top
wall, at least a portion of said side walls, and a least a portion
of said first end wall, the detachable portion being at least
partially removable to form a dispenser for removing articles from
said carton; wherein the minimum distance between a top wall
portion of said severance line and said second end wall is no
greater than half of the distance between the first and second end
walls.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the top wall portion of said
severance line is substantially closer to said second end wall than
to said first end wall.
3. The carton of claim 1, including a tear initiation arrangement
that is hingedly connected to said top wall, and that is at least
partially defined by said top wall portion of said severance
line.
4. The carton of claim 3, wherein said tear initiation arrangement
is located between said top wall portion of said severance line and
said second end wall.
5. The carton of claim 1, wherein the minimum distance between at
least one of the side wall portions of said severance line and the
second end wall is no greater than half of the distance between the
first and second end walls.
6. The carton of claim 5, wherein: said tubular structure further
comprises a bottom wall that is connected to said opposing side
walls, said bottom wall opposing said top wall; and the minimum
distance between at least one of the side wall portions of said
severance line and said bottom wall is no greater than half of the
height of the carton.
7. The carton of claim 1, wherein said severance line extending at
least partially across said end wall is severable to define the
upper edge of a stopper wall, said stopper wall being for retaining
articles in said carton upon removal of said detachable
portion.
8. The carton of claim 6, wherein the maximum distance between said
bottom wall and said upper edge of said stopper wall is greater
than said minimum distance between said at least one of the side
wall portions of said severance line and said bottom wall.
9. A carton for enclosing a plurality of articles, comprising: a
tubular structure comprising a top wall hingedly connected to
opposing side walls; first and second end walls enclosing ends of
said tubular structure, each end wall being hingedly connected to
said top wall and said side walls; and a detachable portion defined
by a severance line extending across at least a portion of said top
wall, across at least a portion of said side walls, and generally
along at least a portion of the hinged connection between said top
wall and said first end wall, the detachable portion being at least
partially removable to form a dispenser for removing articles from
said carton; wherein the minimum distance between a top wall
portion of said severance line and said second end wall is no
greater than half of the distance between the first and second end
walls; and wherein removal of said detachable portion along said
hinged connection between said top wall and said first end wall
defines the upper edge of a stopper wall that is for retaining
articles in said carton.
10. The carton of claim 9, wherein: said tubular structure further
comprises a bottom wall that is connected to said opposing side
walls, said bottom wall opposing said top wall; the minimum
distance between at least one of the side wall portions of said
severance line and the second end wall is no greater than half of
the distance between the first and second end walls; and the
minimum distance between at least one of the side wall portions of
said severance line and said bottom wall is no greater than half of
the height of the carton.
11. A package, comprising: a plurality of substantially identical
and substantially cylindrical articles arranged in an array having
a plurality of rows; a carton for enclosing said articles, said
carton comprising: a tubular structure comprising a top wall and an
opposed bottom wall, each being hingedly connected to opposing side
walls; first and second end walls enclosing ends of said tubular
structure, each end wall being hingedly connected to each of said
top wall, bottom wall, and said side walls; and a detachable
portion defined by a severance line extending across at least a
portion of said top wall, at least a portion of said side walls,
and a least a portion of said first end wall, the detachable
portion being at least partially removable to form a dispenser for
selectively removing said articles from said carton; wherein the
minimum distance between a top wall portion of said severance line
and said second end wall is no greater than half of the distance
between the first and second end walls.
12. The package of claim 11, wherein said minimum distance between
said top wall portion of said severance line and said second end
wall is at least half the diameter of one of said articles.
13. The package of claim 11, wherein removal of said detachable
portion no more than partially exposes the rearmost row of articles
disposed along said second end wall.
14. The package of claim 11, wherein said articles are disposed on
bottoms thereof atop the bottom wall of said carton, with said rows
being aligned with said first and second end walls.
15. The package of claim 11, wherein: said articles are disposed on
sides thereof in at least one tier extending along the bottom wall
of said carton, with ends thereof being disposed said first and
second end walls; and the minimum distance between at least one of
the side wall portions of said severance line and the bottom wall
is no greater than half the diameter of one of said articles.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application No.
60/683,010, filed May 19, 2005, U.S. Application No. 60/722,854,
filed Sep. 30, 2005, and U.S. Application No. 60/724,599, filed
Oct. 6, 2005, the entirety of the aforementioned applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to cartons, and more particularly, to
a carton for enclosing multiple articles that includes a detachable
portion for facilitating removal of the articles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Cartons for encasing multiple articles are useful for
enabling consumers to obtain and transport a desired quantity of
individual articles such as soft drinks or other beverages. When
such a package of articles is obtained, a consumer frequently
desires to remove one article from the carton at a time. It is
known to provide a carton having a detachable portion for removing
articles, which is provided when part of the carton is
substantially detached or torn away from the carton to expose
articles for removal.
[0004] A problem associated with such cartons is that a user can
have difficulty in accessing articles through an opening provided
by the detachable portion of the carton. Furthermore it can be
difficult to see how many articles remain within the carton and
such a carton is only suitable for dispensing the end most
articles, which may not be desirable for use with cartons
containing a variety of items.
[0005] It is also known to provide a carton for displaying articles
where the entire top wall of the carton and significant portions of
the side walls are removed for displaying the articles. A problem
associated with such cartons is that the structural integrity of
the carton is compromised because the whole of the top panel is
left fully opened.
[0006] Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed exists to address the
aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The various embodiments of the present invention overcome
the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a carton with a
detachable portion. The detachable portion can be detached to
provide an access opening that facilitates visibility of and
accessibility to articles within the carton without compromising
the structural integrity of the carton.
[0008] The carton includes a tubular structure including a top
wall, a bottom wall, and opposing side walls. First and second end
walls are formed at the open ends of the tubular structure such
that the end walls are connected to the top wall, the bottom wall,
and the side walls. A detachable portion of the carton is defined
by a severance line to include at least a portion of the top wall,
at least a portion of the first end wall, and a portion of the side
walls. The top wall portion of the severance line is offset from
the second end wall by a certain distance such that a portion of
the top wall of the carton remains to provide structural integrity
after the detachable portion is removed. The offset distance is
also determined such that articles in the carton are viewable and
easily accessed. The minimum distance between a top wall portion of
the severance line and the second end wall is no greater than half
of the distance between the first and second end walls.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the top wall portion of the
severance line is substantially closer to the second end wall than
to the first end wall. The top wall portion of the severance line
may be curved or otherwise contoured, in which case, the minimum
distance between the top wall portion of the severance line and the
second end wall is less than the distance between the first and
second end walls.
[0010] In certain embodiments, the carton includes a tear
initiation feature that is at least partially defined by the top
wall portion of the severance line. The tear initiation feature can
be located between the top wall portion of the severance line and
either the first end wall or the second end wall. The tear
inititation feature facilitates breaking the severance line to
detach the detachable portion.
[0011] Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the
present invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill
in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed
description. All such additional systems, methods, features, and
advantages are included within the scope of the present teaching
and are protected by the accompanying claims.
[0012] The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and
features of the present invention, which should be construed to be
merely illustrative of various potential applications of the
invention. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the
disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various
aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects
and a more comprehensive understanding of the invention may be
obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary
embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in
addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank
for forming a carton, according to the present invention.
[0014] FIGS. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a partially erected
carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1, showing steps for forming
the end closure structures of the carton.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fully erected carton
formed from the blank of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 4 showing
a tear initiation tab being displaced into the carton.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 4 showing
the detachable portion being partially detached from the
carton.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 8 showing
the detachable portion being fully detached from the carton.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
a carton including a detachable portion, according to the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of a carton including a detachable portion, according to
the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of a
blank for forming a carton, according to the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a carton formed from the
blank of FIG. 10.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 11,
showing a detachable portion being partially detached.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 11,
showing the detachable portion being fully detached.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention
are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed
embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may be
embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations
thereof. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively
to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens,
models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and
some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of
particular components. In other instances, well-known components,
systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in
order to avoid obscuring the present invention. Therefore, specific
structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be
interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the present invention.
[0026] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals
indicate like elements throughout the several views, the drawings
illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments
of a carton including a detachable portion to facilitate the
removal of articles from the carton. The carton is defined by a top
wall, a bottom wall, side walls, and first and second end walls.
The detachable portion is defined by a severance line that extends
across at least the side walls, top wall, and first end wall of the
carton. The top wall portion of the severance line is spaced apart
from the second end wall by a minimum distance that is no greater
than half the distance between the first end wall and the second
end wall.
[0027] Referring to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1,
a blank 100, which is preferably a single sheet of suitable
substrate, is shown that can be folded and secured to form the
carton 200 (shown in FIG. 4). It is to be understood that, as used
herein the term "suitable substrate" includes all manner of
foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board,
plastic, or the like. The terms "fold line" and "severance line"
refer to all manner of printed lines indicating optimal fold or cut
locations, frangible or otherwise weakened lines, perforations, a
line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a
single half-cut, a cut line, scored lines, slits, the path of a
tear strip, any combination thereof, and the like.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the blank 100 includes four primary
panels which are hingedly connected one to the next along fold
lines. The primary panels define the walls of a tubular structure
portion of the carton 200 and include a first side wall panel 112,
a top wall panel 114, a second side wall panel 116, and a bottom
wall panel 118. The first side wall panel 112 is hingedly connected
to the top wall panel 114 along fold line 122, the top wall panel
114 is hingedly connected to the second side wall panel 116 along
fold line 124, and the second side wall panel 116 is hingedly
connected to the bottom wall panel 118 along fold line 126. A glue
flap 120 is hingedly connected to the bottom wall panel 118 along
fold line 128.
[0029] End flaps are hingedly connected to opposite ends of each
primary panel. The end flaps form end closure structures at
respective open ends of the tubular structure portion of the carton
200. The blank 100 is substantially symmetric such that end flaps
that are hingedly connected to opposite ends of each primary panel
are substantially similar. Accordingly, the end closure structures
of the carton 200 are substantially identical and like references
have been used with a suffix "a" or "b" affixed to distinguish one
end of the carton from the other. Thus, the description of an
element or group of elements having a suffix "a" is suitable for a
like-numbered element or group of elements having a suffix "b". In
certain instances, for clarity, only one of the like elements may
be described unless a description of the other or both of the like
elements is necessary for understanding the invention.
[0030] A side end flap 132a is hingedly connected to the first side
wall panel 112 along fold line 142a. A top end flap 134a is
hingedly connected to the top wall panel 114 along fold line 144a.
A side end flap 136a is hingedly connected to the second side wall
panel 116 along fold line 146a. A bottom end flap 138a is hingedly
connected to the bottom wall panel 118 along fold line 148a.
[0031] The top end flap 134a includes a handle aperture 150a and a
handle flap 152a. The handle flap 152a is hingedly connected to the
top end flap 134a along a fold line 154a. Each of the side end
flaps 132a, 136a include partial apertures or cutouts 156a, 158a,
respectively, that align with the handle aperture 150a when the end
closure structure of the carton 200 is formed. The blank 100
further includes reinforcing flaps 160a, 162a that are hingedly
connected to the upper edge of the side flaps 132a, 136a along fold
lines 164a, 166a, respectively. The reinforcing flaps 160a, 162a
are further defined by cut lines 168a, 170a and by apertures A. The
reinforcing flaps 160a, 162 are folded along the fold lines 164a,
166a to reinforce the handles of the carton 200.
[0032] The blank 100 further includes a continuous severance line
180 which defines a detachable portion 210 (shown in FIG. 6) when
the blank 100 is erected to form the carton 200. The severance line
180 includes a top wall portion 182, side wall portions 184, 186,
and end wall portions 188, 190. The top wall portion 182 of the
severance line 180 extends across the top wall panel 114 between
the fold lines 122, 124 and is substantially parallel to the fold
line 144b. Further, the top wall portion 182 of the severance line
180 is spaced apart from the fold line 144b by a distance D1, as
described in further detail below.
[0033] The side wall portions 184, 186 of the severance line 180
extend at least partially or across at least a portion of the side
wall panels 112, 116 between the fold lines 122, 124 and the fold
lines 142a, 146a, respectively, or otherwise connect the top wall
portion 182 to the end wall portions 188, 190. The end wall
portions 188, 190 of the severance line 180 extend across the side
end flaps 132a, 136a between the fold lines 142a, 146a and the edge
of the blank 100, respectively. When the blank 100 is erected to
form the carton 200, the end wall portions 188, 190 of the
severance line 180 align to form a substantially continuous
severance line, as described in further detail below.
[0034] The blank 100 includes a tear initiation arrangement
including a tear initiation tab 192. The tear initiation tab 192 is
defined by a segment of the top wall portion 182 of the severance
line 180, a fold line 194, and a pair of severance lines 196. The
fold line 194 is spaced apart from the top wall portion 182 and the
severance lines 196 extend from opposite ends of the fold line 194
to meet or intersect the top wall portion 182 of the severance line
180. In the exemplary embodiment, the tear initiation tab 192 is
disposed between the top wall portion 182 of the severance line 180
and the fold line 144a. However, in alternative embodiments, the
tear initiation tab 192 may be disposed between the top wall
portion 182 of the severance line 180 and the fold line 144b.
[0035] A non-limiting method for forming the carton 200 from the
blank 100 is now described. The bottom wall panel 118 is folded
along the fold line 126 such that the inside surface of the bottom
wall panel 118 is in flat face contact with the inside surface of
the second side wall panel 116. Glue or other adhesive is applied
to the glue flap 120 before folding the first side wall panel 112
along the fold line 122 such that the inside surface of the first
side wall panel 112 is in flat face contact with the top wall panel
114 and the outside surface of the glue flap 120 is secured to the
inside surface of the first side wall panel 112. Thereby, a
collapsed tubular structure is formed. The collapsed tubular
structure is erected into the open ended tubular structure shown in
FIG. 2. Articles are loaded through one or both of the open ends of
the tubular structure before folding the end flaps to form end
closure structures.
[0036] The carton 200 is designed to package cylindrical articles
that are typically arranged in columns and rows. It should be
understood that the carton 200 can be designed to accommodate
different numbers, shapes, sizes, or arrangements of articles as is
not limited to the designs described herein. The carton may be used
to package articles such as cans, bottles, pouches, brick-shaped
containers, and the like.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the side end flaps 132a,
136a are folded along fold lines 142a, 146a to be substantially
coplanar such that the end wall portions 188, 190 of the severance
line 180 substantially align. The top and bottom end flaps 134a,
138a are folded along fold lines 144a, 148a to overlap, and are
secured to, the side end flaps 132a, 136a to form an end closure
structure of the carton 200, as shown in FIG. 4. The top end flap
134a overlaps the upper portion of the side end flaps 132a, 136a
such that the handle aperture 150a aligns with the cutouts 156a,
158a to define a reinforced handle.
[0038] In this embodiment, the top and bottom end flaps 134a, 138a
are designed such that they do not overlap the end wall portions
188, 190 of the severance line 180 or otherwise do not obstruct the
detachment of the detachable portion of the carton 200 along the
end wall portions 188, 190 of the severance line 180. In
alternative embodiments, where one or both of the top and bottom
end flaps 134a, 138a overlap the end wall portions 188, 190 of the
severance line 180, severance lines are included in the top and/or
bottom end flaps 134a, 138a to facilitate detachment of the
detachable portion of the carton. In this case, severance lines in
the top and/or bottom end flaps 134a, 138a align with the end wall
portions 188, 190 of the severance line 180 and additionally define
the detachable portion of the carton.
[0039] When the blank 100 is folded and secured to form the carton
200, the primary panels and the end closure structures define the
walls of the carton 200. The first side wall panel 112 defines a
first side wall 212, the top wall panel 114 defines a top wall 214,
the second side wall panel 116 defines a second side wall 216, and
the bottom wall panel 118 defines a bottom wall 218. The end
closure structures define first and second end walls 220, 222.
[0040] In this embodiment, the carton 200 encloses bottles B. The
bottles B are arranged in rows and columns and the base of each is
disposed on the inside surface of the bottom wall 218. In the
embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the bottles B are are arranged in five
rows and four columns. The columns of bottles B align or extend
between the end walls 220, 222. The foremost row of articles B is
closest to the first end wall 220 and the rearmost row of articles
B is closest to the second end wall 222.
[0041] The detachable portion 210 of the carton 200 is defined by
the severance line 180 to include portions of the top wall 214, the
side walls 212, 216, and the first end wall 220. Referring to FIG.
4, the top wall portion 182 is spaced apart from the second end
wall 222 by a distance D1 such that a portion of the top wall 214
remains after the detachable portion 210 of the carton 200 is
detached. Similarly, the side wall portions 184, 186 of the
severance line 180 are spaced apart from the second end wall 222 by
a minimum distance D3 and the side wall portions 184, 186 of the
severance line 180 are spaced apart from the bottom wall 118 by a
minimum distance D4. In the exemplary embodiment, the distances D1,
D3 are substantially the same and the distance D4 is no greater
than half the height of the carton 200. Thereby, after the
detachable portion 210 is detached, articles are accessible and
portions of the top wall 214, the side walls 212, 216, and the
first end wall 220 remain to preserve the structural integrity of
the carton 200. It should be noted that the distance D4 is
optionally greater than half the height of the carton 200.
[0042] A non-limiting method for detaching the detachable portion
210 from the carton 200 is now described. The tear initiation tab
192 is displaced into the carton 200 to allow a user to grasp the
detachable portion 210 and detach it from the carton 200, as shown
in FIG. 5. The tear initiation tab 192 is displaced into the carton
200 by applying a force on the tear initiation tab 192 that is
sufficient to break the segment of the top wall portion 182 of the
severance line 180 and the severance lines 196. The tear initiation
tab 192 is positioned relative to the arrangement of articles in
the carton 200 such that the tab 192 can be rotated along the fold
line 194 into a space in the carton, for example, between two rows
of articles. In other words, the tear initiation tab 192 is
positioned so that the tops of the articles will not impede
displacement of the tear initiation tab 192.
[0043] In the exemplary embodiment, the initiation tab 192 is
positioned to be disposed between the two rows of bottles B which
are closest to the second end wall 222. To position the tear
initiation tab 192 between the rows of bottles B which are closest
to the second end wall 222, the distance D1 may be approximately
equal to the diameter of a bottle B. It should be noted that the
tear initiation tab 192 may be positioned between other rows of
bottles B so long as the distance D1 is no greater than half the
distance between the end walls 220, 222. For example, the distance
D1 may be approximately equal to two times the diameter of a bottle
B for the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, which includes five rows of
bottles B. In embodiments which include an alternative number of
rows of articles, the distance D1 may be adjusted accordingly to
position the tear initiation tab between two rows of bottles B. For
example, for six rows of articles, the distance D1 may be one, two,
or three times the diameter of an article.
[0044] The detachable portion 210 is at least partially detached
along the severance line 180 to provide an access opening 230 in
the carton 200. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the detachable portion
210 is detached along the top wall portion 182 and the side wall
portions 184, 186 of the severance line 180 and remains attached
along the end wall portions 188, 190 of the severance line 180.
Referring to FIG. 7, the detachable portion 210 is fully detached
along the top, side, and end wall portions of the severance line
180. A portion of the top wall 214 remains with the carton 200 when
the detachable portion 210 is removed to provide structural
integrity for the carton 200. The remaining portion of the top wall
214 extends between the side walls 212, 216.
[0045] In this embodiment, when the detachable portion 210 is
partially or fully detached, the lower portion of the first end
wall 220 forms a stopper wall 720 that extends between the side
walls 212, 216 to confine the bottles B within the opened carton
200. The upper edge of the stopper wall 720 is defined by the end
wall portions 188, 190 of the severance line 180. The end wall
portions 188, 190 are spaced apart from the bottom wall at a
distance H that is substantially equal to half the height of the
carton 200. When the access opening 230 is provided in the carton
200, the bottles B in the row adjacent the stopper wall 720 extend
above the upper edge of the stopper wall so that they are visible
and easily accessible. The bottles B in the other rows are also
visible and accessible through the opening 230.
[0046] Modifications can be made to the foregoing embodiment
without departing from the scope and spirit of the claimed
invention. For example, in alternative embodiments, the carton 200
may not include a stopper wall 720. In such embodiments, the end
wall portions 188, 190 of the severance line 180 extend along the
fold line 148a and the side wall portions 184, 186 of the severance
line 180 extend from the top wall portion 182 to the lower corners
of the side walls 212, 216 which are defined by the bottom wall 218
and the first end wall 220.
[0047] It should be noted that the shape and/or location of the
severance line may be modified from that shown in the previous
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of a
carton 800 is shown which is somewhat similar to the carton 200
with the exception of the shape or location of the severance line
which defines the detachable portion of the carton 800.
Specifically, the carton 800 includes a detachable portion 810
defined by a severance line 880. The severance line 880 includes a
top wall portion 882, side wall portions 884, 886 and end wall
portions 888, 890. In this embodiment, the top wall portion 882 is
curved or arcuate. A point P1 on the top wall portion 882 of the
severance line 880 is defined as that which is closest to the
second end wall 882. The minimum distance D1 between the top wall
portion 882 and a second end wall 822 is equal to the distance
between the point P1 and the second end wall 822. Points P2 on the
top wall portion 882 of the severance line 880 are defined as those
which are furthest from the second end wall 882. In the exemplary
embodiment, the points P2 are located where the top wall portion
882 of the severance line 880 meets or intersects edges E of the
carton 800, which are defined by top wall 814 and a respective side
wall 812, 816. The maximum distance D2 between the second end wall
822 and the top wall portion 882 of the severance line 880 is the
distance between each point P2 and the second end wall 822 of the
carton 800. In this embodiment, the distance D2 is greater than the
distance D1. It should be noted that the points P2 may not be
located on the edge E and that there may be a single point P2.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 9, an alternative embodiment of a carton
900 is shown which is somewhat similar to the carton 200 with the
exception of the shape of the severance line which defines the
detachable portion of the carton 900. The carton 900 includes a
detachable portion 910 defined by a severance line 980. The
severance line 980 includes a top wall portion 982, edge portions
983, 985, side wall portions 984, 986, and end wall portions 988,
990. In this embodiment, edges E are defined by top wall 914 and a
respective side wall 912, 916. The edge portions 983, 985 extend
along a segment of an edge E, respectively, between points P2 and
P3. Points P2 on the top wall portion 982 of the severance line 980
are defined as those which are furthest from the second end wall
922. In this embodiment, the points P2 are located where the top
wall portion 982 of the severance line 980 meets or intersects
edges E. Points P3 on the side wall portions 984, 986 of the
severance line 980 are defined as those which are closest to the
second end wall 922. In this embodiment, the points P3 are located
where each of the side wall portions 984, 986 of the severance line
980 meet or intersect an edge E. Accordingly, the edge portions
983, 985 of the severance line 980 extend between an end of the top
wall portion 982 and an end of a respective side wall portion 984,
986.
[0049] The distance between the points P2 and the second end wall
922 is the maximum distance D2 between the second end wall 922 and
the top wall portion 982 of the severance line 980. The distance
between the points P3 and the second end wall 933 is a minimum
distance D3 between the second end wall 922 and respective side
wall portions 984, 986 of the severance line 980. In this
embodiment, the distance D3 is greater than the distance D2.
[0050] Points P4 on the side wall portions 984, 986 of the
severance line 980 are defined as those which are closest to the
bottom wall 918. The distance between the points P4 and the bottom
wall 918 is the minimum distance D4 between the side wall portions
984, 986 of the severance line 980 and the bottom wall 918. In the
embodiment, the point P4 is located at a point where the side wall
portions 984, 986 of the severance line 980 meet or intersect edges
that are defined by the first end wall 920 and a respective side
wall 912, 916.
[0051] In an alternative embodiment shown in FIGS. 10-13, a blank
1000 can be folded and secured to form a carton 1100. The blank
1000 includes five primary panels for forming the walls of a
tubular structure portion of the carton 1100. The primary panels
include a first bottom wall panel 1019, a first side wall panel
1012, a top wall panel 1014, second side wall panel 1016, and a
second bottom wall panel 1018 which are foldably connected one to
the next along fold lines 1022, 1024, 1026, and 1028.
[0052] End flaps are hingedly connected to opposite ends of each
primary panel. The end flaps form end closure structures at
respective open ends of the tubular structure portion of the carton
1100. The blank 1000 is substantially symmetric such that end flaps
that are hingedly connected to opposite ends of each primary panel
are substantially similar. Accordingly, the end closure structures
of the carton 1100 are substantially identical and like references
have been used with a suffix "a" or "b" affixed to distinguish one
end of the carton 1100 from the other. Thus, the description of an
element or group of elements having a suffix "a" is suitable for a
like-numbered element or group of elements having a suffix "b". In
certain instances, for clarity, only one of the like elements may
be described unless a description of the other or both of the like
elements is necessary for understanding the invention. The end
flaps of the blank 1000 include side end flaps 1032a, 1036a, top
end flap 1034a, and bottom end flaps 1038a, 1039a which are
hingedly connected to respective primary panels along fold lines
1042a, 1044a, 1046a, 1048a, 1049a.
[0053] The blank 1000 further includes a continuous severance line
1080 which defines a detachable portion 1110 when the blank 1000 is
erected to form the carton 1100. The severance line 1080 includes a
top wall portion 1082, side wall portions 1084, 1086, and end wall
portions 1088, 1090. The top wall portion 1082 of the severance
line 1080 extends across the top wall panel 1014 between the fold
lines 1022, 1024 and is spaced apart from the fold line 1044b.
[0054] The side wall portions 1084, 1086 of the severance line 1080
extend across the side wall panels 1012, 1016 between the fold
lines 1022, 1024 and the fold lines 1042a, 1046a, respectively, or
otherwise connect the top wall portion 1082 to the end wall
portions 1088, 1090. The end wall portions 1088, 1090 of the
severance line 1080 extend across the side end flaps 1032a, 1036a
between the fold lines 1042a, 1046a and the edge of the blank 1000,
respectively. When the blank 1000 is erected to form the carton
1100, the end wall portions 1088, 1090 of the severance line 1080
align to form a substantially continuous severance line, as
described in further detail below.
[0055] A slot handle L, which is known in the art, is formed in top
wall panel 1014 for carrying purposes. It should be clear to a
person skilled in the art that any type of handle could be used and
the handle could be located in any wall without departing from the
scope of the invention including, for example, a strap handle.
[0056] A non-limiting method of forming the carton 1100 from the
blank 1000 is now described. To form an erected carton 1100 from
the blank 1000, the first bottom wall panel 1019 is folded along
the fold line 1028 to be in flat face contact with the first side
wall panel 1012. Glue or other adhesive is applied to the outermost
edge of the first bottom wall panel 1019 and the second side wall
panel 1016 is folded along the fold line 1024 to be in flat face
contact with the top wall panel 1014. Thereby, the second bottom
wall panel 1018 is secured to the first bottom wall panel 1019 to
form a collapsed tubular structure. The collapsed tubular structure
is then erected to form the open-ended tubular structure portion of
the carton 1100 which defines a top wall 1114, side walls 1112,
1116, and a bottom wall 1118. After articles are loaded through one
or both of the open ends of the carton 1100, the end flaps are
folded and secured to form end closure structures, which define
first and second end walls 1120, 1122, respectively, and thereby
close the open ends of the tubular structure portion of the carton
1100.
[0057] In this embodiment, an end closure structure is formed by
folding the top and bottom end flaps 1034a, 1038a/1039a along the
fold lines 1044a, 1048a/1049a. Glue is applied to the outside faces
of the top and bottom end flaps 1034a, 1038a/1039a and the side end
flaps 1032a, 1036a are folded along fold lines 1042a, 1046a to
thereby secure the side end flaps 1032a, 1036a to the top and
bottom end flaps 1034a, 1038a/1039a. In this embodiment, the side
end flaps 1032a, 1036a overlap and are secured to one another. It
should be clear to someone skilled in art that there are many ways
to construct the end walls 1120, 1122 of the carton 1100 including
by securing only the side end flaps 1032a, 1036a together.
[0058] The carton 1100 encloses cans C that are arranged in a
6.times.2 array. Specifically, the cans C are arranged into two
tiers and each tier includes six cans C. The cans C are disposed on
their sides in a side by side parallel fashion such that the ends
of the cans C abut the side walls 1112, 1116 of the carton 1100. It
should be understood that other configurations of cans or other
articles are possible without departing from the scope of the
invention.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 11, the carton 1100 includes a detachable
portion 1110 defined by the severance line 1080. A tear initiation
tab 1092 is defined in the top wall 1114 by a segment of the top
wall portion 1082 of the severance line 1080 and a severance line
1096. The tear initiation tab 1092 can be displaced such that the
detachable portion 1110 can be grasped and pulled away to provide
an access opening 1130.
[0060] The detachable portion 1110 is formed from a portion of the
top wall 1114, a portion of the side panels 1112, 1116, and a
portion of the first end wall 1120. In this embodiment, the
detachable portion 1110 also comprises the slot handle L, although
the slot handle L may be located in any wall.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 12, the detachable portion 1110 is
partially detached from the carton 1100. The detachable portion
1110 is detached from the top wall 1114 and side walls 1112, 1116
and remains hingedly attached to the first end wall 1120 along the
end wall portions 1088, 1090 of the severance line 1080. The
detachable portion 1110 may be partially or fully detached, as
shown in FIG. 13, to provide the access opening 1130 through which
the cans C are accessible. The detachable portion 1110 is typically
detached from the carton 1100 along end wall portions 1088, 1090 of
the severance line 1080. If the detachable portion 1110 remains
hingedly attached to the carton 1100 along the end wall portions
1088, 1090, the detachable portion 1100 can receive an article.
[0062] When the detachable portion 1110 is partially or completely
detached, the lower portion of the first end wall 1120 forms a
stopper wall 1320 that extends between the side walls 1112, 1116 to
prevent the cans C from inadvertently exiting the carton 1100. In
this embodiment, the upper edge of the stopper wall 1320 arches
upwardly to maximize the retaining ability. The upper edge of the
stopper wall 1320 is defined by the end wall portions 1088, 1090 of
the severance line 1080 such that it is generally parallel to the
cylindrical axis X-X of the endmost lower tier can C that is
adjacent the stopper wall 1320. The height H of the stopper wall
1320 is defined as the maximum distance at which the end wall
portions 1088, 1090 of the severance line 1080 are spaced apart
from the bottom wall 1118. In this embodiment, the distance is less
than the diameter of the cans C such that the contents of the
carton 1100 are easily viewed through the opening 1130. In other
words, all of the points along the upper edge of the stopper wall
1320 are less than the diameter from the bottom wall 1118. The
stopper wall 1320 prevents the cans C from inadvertently exiting
the carton 1100.
[0063] It is envisaged that the height of the stopper wall 1320
could be lesser or greater. For example, the height H of the
stopper wall 1320 could be equal to that of the first end wall
1120. A taller stopper wall 1320 may be required, for example, to
restrain articles contained in the upper tiers or uppermost rows of
the carton 1100. Articles in the upper tiers may need to be
restrained if greater than two tiers of articles are contained in
the carton 1100. In this case, the severance line 1080 may extend
along the edge defined by the top wall 1114 and the first end wall
1120. In this case, the detachable portion 1110 is formed from a
portion of the top wall 1114 and a portion of the side panels 1112,
1116 such that the first end wall 1120 remains integral to the
carton 1100. Alternatively, the height H of the stopper wall 1320
may be determined such that it is greater than the height of the
number of tiers that need to be restrained minus the height of one
tier.
[0064] It is also envisaged that, in certain embodiments, the
stopper wall 1320 may be omitted if it is not needed to constrain
articles in the carton 1100. In this case, the end wall portions
1088, 1099 of the severance line 1080 extend along an edge defined
by the bottom wall 1118 and the first end wall 1120. The detachable
portion 1110 is thereby formed from a portion of the top wall 1114,
a portion of the side walls 1112, 1116, and the first end wall
1120.
[0065] In certain embodiments, the minimum distance D4 between the
side wall portions 1084, 1086 of the severance line 1080 and the
bottom wall 1118 is less than the diameter of a can C to provide
accessibility to the bottom tier of cans C. For example, referring
to FIG. 11, the minimum distance D4 between an arcuate segment of
each of the side wall portions 1084, 1086 of the severance line
1080 is less than the diameter of the cans C such that the opposite
ends of a lower tier can C are partially exposed. Specifically, the
arcuate segments are disposed adjacent to the first end wall 1120
such that a user can easily grasp the endmost can C on the lower
tier by its opposite ends.
[0066] In this embodiment, the arcuate segments allow access to
only the endmost can C on the lower tier. After the endmost can C
on the lower tier is removed, the cans C shift such that another
can is forced against the stopper wall 1320 to become the endmost
can C on the lower tier. Until all of the cans C in the upper tier
are removed and at least one of the cans C in the bottom tier is
removed, an endmost can C will be forced against the stopper wall
1320 for easy dispensing. In alternative embodiments, segments of
the side wall portions 1084, 1086 of the severance line 1080 may be
less than the diameter of cans C to expose any other lower tier
cans C or multiple lower tier cans C.
[0067] The minimum distance D4 defines the minimum height of at
least a portion of the side walls 1112, 1116 of the carton 1100
such that certain articles can be grasped without compromising the
integrity of the stopper wall 1320. In certain embodiments, the
distance D4 is less that the height H of the stopper wall 1320 such
that the stopping ability of the stopper wall 1320 is optimized
without inhibiting access to the cans C via the sidewalls 1112,
1116 of the carton 1100.
[0068] The side wall portions 1084, 1086 of the severance line 1080
facilitate accessing, as well as retaining, the upper tier of cans
C. Specifically, referring to FIG. 11, a segment of each of the
side wall portions 1084, 1086 is spaced apart from the top wall
1114 by a substantially constant distance D5. The distance D5 is
determined such that a portion of the side walls 1112, 1116 are
removed with the detachable portion 1110 to expose at least a
portion of the ends of cans C in the upper tier. The distance D5 is
also determined such that the ends of the upper tier of cans C are
partially covered by the remaining portion of the side walls 1112,
1116 to retain the top tier of cans in the carton 1100. In
addition, the minimum distance D3 between the side wall portions
1084, 1086 of the severance line 1080 and the second end wall 1122
is less than the diameter of a can C to provide accessibility to
the rearmost can C in the upper tier without compromising the
structural integrity of the carton 1100.
[0069] In any case, the detachable portion 1110 is formed from at
least a portion of the top wall panel 1114 and a portion of the
side panels 1112, 1116 such that the articles on the lower tier can
be easily accessed without compromising the structural integrity of
the carton 1110. The invention serves as a useful dispensing carton
that can be placed upon a surface or within a compartment such as a
refrigerator or pantry.
[0070] Modifications may be made in the foregoing without departing
from the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. For example,
the dispenser may be formed at either end of the carton according
to the invention. It should be also appreciated that as used
herein, directional references such as "top", "bottom", "end",
"side", "upper" and "lower" do not limit the respective panels to
such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from
one another.
[0071] It should be further appreciated that any reference to
hinged or foldable connection should not be construed as
necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed, it is
envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more of
one of the following, a score line, a severance line or a fold
line, without departing from the scope of invention.
[0072] The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary
illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear
understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations,
modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All
such variations, modifications, and combinations are included
herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following
claims.
* * * * *