U.S. patent application number 11/845610 was filed with the patent office on 2009-03-05 for carton for dispensing products and method of using the same.
Invention is credited to Angela Elizabeth Learn.
Application Number | 20090057384 11/845610 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40388107 |
Filed Date | 2009-03-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090057384 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Learn; Angela Elizabeth |
March 5, 2009 |
CARTON FOR DISPENSING PRODUCTS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME
Abstract
A carton for packaging containers is provided. The carton
includes a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed
end walls. At least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end.
The carton includes at least one detachable portion to be detached
from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls.
The at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton
defining an opening at the exiting end through which containers may
be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton includes
upper and lower retention portions formed from the end wall at the
exiting end. At least one of the upper and lower retention portions
is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the
bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to
facilitate removal of the containers.
Inventors: |
Learn; Angela Elizabeth;
(Gilbertsville, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WOMBLE CARLYLE SANDRIDGE & RICE, PLLC
ATTN: PATENT DOCKETING 32ND FLOOR, P.O. BOX 7037
ATLANTA
GA
30357-0037
US
|
Family ID: |
40388107 |
Appl. No.: |
11/845610 |
Filed: |
August 27, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
229/117.16 ;
229/122.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/00444
20130101; B65D 2571/00549 20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101; B65D
2571/00728 20130101; B65D 2571/0058 20130101; B65D 2571/0045
20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D
2571/00567 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
229/117.16 ;
229/122.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/72 20060101
B65D005/72; B65D 5/42 20060101 B65D005/42; B65D 5/46 20060101
B65D005/46; B65D 5/54 20060101 B65D005/54 |
Claims
1. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least two
rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton comprising: a
top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls,
at least one of the closed end walls is an exiting end; at least
one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of
one of the end walls and the side walls, the at least one
detachable portion to be detached from the carton to define an
opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be
removed, the exiting end opening having a size; an upper retention
portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the upper
retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to an
upper tear line of the detachable portion; and a lower retention
portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the lower
retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a
lower tear line of the detachable portion, wherein at least one of
the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is
hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom
wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to
facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end
opening.
2. A carton in accordance with claim 1 wherein the lower retention
portion is hingedly connected to the bottom wall for increasing the
size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the
containers through the exiting end opening.
3. A carton in accordance with claim 2 wherein the lower retention
portion further comprises a portion of the end wall at the exiting
end extending upwardly from the bottom wall to the lower tear line
of the detachable portion, a portion of the side walls, and a
portion of the bottom wall.
4. A carton in accordance with claim 2 wherein the lower retention
portion is defined by the lower tear line of the detachable portion
extending substantially horizontally across the exiting end, a
first hinge line extending from the detachable portion away from
the exiting end through a first side wall of the two side walls to
the bottom wall, a second hinge line extending from the detachable
portion away from the exiting end through a second side wall of the
two side walls to the bottom wall, and a portion of the bottom wall
proximate to the exiting end.
5. A carton in accordance with claim 4 wherein the first hinge line
comprises a first curvilinear portion defined within the bottom
wall, the second hinge line comprises a second curvilinear portion
defined within the bottom wall, the first and second curvilinear
portions facilitate rotation of the lower retention portion about
the bottom wall and reduce accidental tearing of the bottom
wall.
6. A carton in accordance with claim 5 wherein the bottom wall
comprises at least one bottom panel and at least one glue panel,
the first curvilinear portion is defined within the at least one
bottom panel and the second curvilinear portion is defined within
the at least one glue flap.
7. A carton in accordance with claim 1 wherein the upper retention
portion is hingedly connected to the top wall for increasing the
size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the
containers through the exiting end opening.
8. A carton in accordance with claim 7 wherein the upper retention
portion further comprises a portion of the end wall at the exiting
end extending downwardly from the top wall to the upper tear line
of the detachable portion, a portion of the side walls, and a
portion of the top wall.
9. A carton in accordance with claim 7 wherein the upper retention
portion is defined by the upper tear line of the detachable portion
extending substantially horizontally across the exiting end, a
first hinge line extending from the detachable portion away from
the exiting end through a first side wall of the two side walls to
the top wall, a second hinge line extending from the detachable
portion away from the exiting end through a second side wall of the
two side walls to the top wall, and a portion of the top wall
proximate to the exiting end.
10. A carton in accordance with claim 9 wherein the first hinge
line comprises a first curvilinear portion defined within the top
wall, the second hinge line comprises a second curvilinear portion
defined within the top wall, the first and second curvilinear
portions to facilitate rotation of the upper retention portion
about the top wall and reduce accidental tearing of the top
wall.
11. A carton in accordance with claim 1 wherein the at least one
detachable portion includes a first arcuate section defined within
a first side wall of the two side walls, a second arcuate section
defined within a second side wall of the two side walls, and a
horizontal section extending between the first and second arcuate
sections.
12. A carton in accordance with claim 11 wherein the at least one
detachable portion further comprises a first insertion flap
adjacent the first arcuate section, and a second insertion flap
adjacent the second arcuate section.
13. A carton in accordance with claim 12 wherein at least one of
the first and second insertion flaps is an opening.
14. A carton in accordance with claim 1 wherein at least one fold
line is defined between the bottom wall and at least one of the two
side walls, at least one retrieval opening is defined along the at
least one fold line.
15. A carton in accordance with claim 1 wherein a tear line defines
a handle within the top wall, the handle extending transversely
across the top wall of the carton.
16. A carton in accordance with claim 1 wherein each of the two
closed end walls comprises two side flaps each side flap attached
along a fold line to one of the two side walls, a top flap attached
along a fold line to the top wall, and a bottom flap attached along
a fold line to the bottom wall.
17. A blank for forming a carton for packaging a plurality of
containers arranged in at least two rows including a top row and a
bottom row, the blank comprising: a sheet of foldable material
having first, second, third and fourth parallel fold lines therein,
defining areas of the sheet corresponding to a top panel, two side
panels and a bottom panel of the carton; at one end of the parallel
fold lines, a fold line transverse to the parallel fold lines, and
a side end flap connected by the transverse fold line to each of
the areas corresponding to the two side panels; a tear line
extending through each of the two side panels and each of the side
end flaps to define a detachable portion, an upper retention
portion, and a lower retention portion at an exiting end of the
carton, wherein the detachable portion may be detached from the
carton to define an opening through which the containers may be
removed, the tear line including first and second arcuate sections
and a horizontal section extending between the arcuate sections; a
pair of hinge lines hingedly connecting at least one of the upper
retention portion and the lower retention portion to at least one
of the top panel and the bottom panel for increasing the size of
the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the containers
through the exiting end opening.
18. A blank in accordance with claim 17 further comprising an
insertion flap in the area corresponding to each of the side
panels, each insertion flap adjacent the arcuate section of the
tear line.
19. A blank in accordance with claim 17 wherein the pair of hinge
lines hingedly connects the upper retention portion to the top
panel.
20. A blank in accordance with claim 17 wherein the pair of hinge
lines hingedly connects the lower retention portion to the bottom
panel.
21. A blank in accordance with claim 17 wherein each hinge line of
the pair of hinge lines extends from the tear line defining the
detachable portion away from the exiting end.
22. A blank in accordance with claim 17 wherein the fold lines of
the sheet of foldable material further define an area corresponding
to a glue flap for attaching to the bottom panel, a first hinge
line of the pair of hinge lines comprises a first curvilinear
portion defined within the bottom panel, a second hinge line of the
pair of hinge lines comprises a second curvilinear portion defined
within the glue flap.
23. A blank in accordance with claim 17 wherein each hinge line of
the pair of hinge lines comprises at least one curvilinear portion
defined within the top panel.
24. A method of opening a carton containing a plurality of
containers arranged in at least two rows including a top row and a
bottom row, the carton having a top wall, two side walls, a bottom
wall, and two closed end walls, at least one of the closed end
walls is an exiting end; at least one detachable portion detachably
formed from at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side
walls; an upper retention portion formed from the end wall
extending downwardly from the top wall to an upper tear line of the
detachable portion; and a lower retention portion formed from the
end wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear
line of the detachable portion, the method comprising: removing the
at least one detachable portion to define an opening at the exiting
end through which the containers may be removed, the exiting end
opening having a size; separating at least one of the upper
retention portion and the lower retention portion along a pair of
hinge lines such that at least one of the upper retention portion
and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least
one of the top wall and the bottom wall; rotating at least one of
the hingedly connected upper retention portion and lower retention
portion for increasing the size of the exiting end opening when
removing the containers from the carton.
25. A method in accordance with claim 24 wherein each of the pair
of hinge lines includes at least one curvilinear portion defined
within the top wall, the method further comprising rotating the
upper retention portion to increase the size of the exiting end
opening wherein each of the curvilinear portions facilitate
rotation of the upper retention portion about the top wall and
reduce accidental tearing of the top wall.
26. A method in accordance with claim 24 wherein each of the pair
of hinge lines includes at least one curvilinear portion defined
within the bottom wall, the method further comprising rotating the
lower retention portion to increase the size of the exiting end
opening wherein each of the curvilinear portions facilitate
rotation of the lower retention portion about the bottom wall and
reduce accidental tearing of the bottom wall.
27. A method in accordance with claim 24 wherein the at least one
detachable portion includes at least one finger flap in the area
corresponding to at least one of the side walls, the method further
comprising removing the at least one detachable portion utilizing
the at least one finger flap.
28. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least
two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton
comprising: a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two
closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an
exiting end; at least one detachable portion detachably formed from
at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the
at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to
define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers
may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size; and an upper
retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the
upper retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to
an upper tear line of the detachable portion; wherein the upper
retention portion is hingedly connected to the top wall for
increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate
removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
29. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least
two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton
comprising: a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two
closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an
exiting end; at least one detachable portion detachably formed from
at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the
at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to
define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers
may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size; and a lower
retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the
lower retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to
a lower tear line of the detachable portion, wherein the lower
retention portion is hingedly connected to the bottom wall for
increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate
removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
30. A carton for packaging a plurality of containers in at least
two rows including a top row and a bottom row, the carton
comprising: a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two
closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an
exiting end; at least one region of weakness detachably formed from
at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the
at least one region of weakness to be detached from the carton to
define an opening at the exiting end through which the containers
may be removed, the exiting end opening having a size; an upper
retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the
upper retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to
an upper tear line of the region of weakness; and a lower retention
portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the lower
retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a
lower tear line of the region of weakness, wherein at least one of
the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is
hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom
wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to
facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end
opening.
31. A carton in accordance with claim 30 wherein the upper tear
line of the region of weakness extends substantially horizontally
across the exiting end, a first hinge line extends from the region
of weakness away from the exiting end through a first side wall of
the two side walls to the top wall, a second hinge line extending
from the region of weakness away from the exiting end through a
second side wall of the two side walls to the top wall, a fold line
extends between the first and second hinge lines across the top
wall to facilitate rotation of the upper retention portion about
the top wall.
32. A carton in accordance with claim 30 wherein the lower tear
line of the region of weakness extends substantially horizontally
across the exiting end, a first hinge line extends from the region
of weakness away from the exiting end through a first side wall of
the two side walls to the bottom wall, a second hinge line
extending from the region of weakness away from the exiting end
through a second side wall of the two side walls to the bottom
wall, a fold line extends between the first and second hinge lines
across the bottom wall to facilitate rotation of the lower
retention portion about the bottom wall.
33. A carton in accordance with claim 30 wherein the at least one
region of weakness is a zipper strip.
34. A carton for packaging a plurality of packages, the carton
comprising: a top wall, two side walls, a bottom wall, and two
closed end walls, at least one of the closed end walls is an
exiting end; at least one detachable portion detachably formed from
at least a portion of one of the end walls and the side walls, the
at least one detachable portion to be detached from the carton to
define an opening at the exiting end through which the packages may
be removed, the exiting end opening having a size; an upper
retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the
upper retention portion extending downwardly from the top wall to
an upper tear line of the detachable portion; and a lower retention
portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end, the lower
retention portion extending upwardly from the bottom wall to a
lower tear line of the detachable portion, wherein at least one of
the upper retention portion and the lower retention portion is
hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and the bottom
wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to
facilitate removal of the packages through the exiting end opening.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to cartons for packaging a
product and, more particularly, to a carton having a closed end and
an exiting end for dispensing containers stored within the carton
and a method for using the carton.
[0002] Cartons are oftentimes used to store, display, dispense
and/or transport a product or a plurality of products, such as
canned goods, pouched goods, or goods in flexible packages. Such
cartons are usually at least partially constructed, filled with the
products, and then sealed closed for transporting the products to a
home, restaurant, or retail store. At least some known cartons are
fashioned from a unitary blank of paperboard and are used by
consumers to store the products either on a shelf, in a
refrigerator, or in a pantry. At least some known cartons include a
tear-away portion that allows a user to remove the tear-away
portion from the carton to gain access to the products within the
carton. These tear-away portions are often detached from the carton
to create an opening within the carton for providing access to the
products.
[0003] In at least some known cartons, after the tear-away portion
is detached and access to the products is provided, the carton is
used to provide storage to the remaining products. In these known
cartons, the size of the access opening must be limited so that the
carton is able to continue to be used to store the remaining
product. Accordingly, these known cartons typically provide
restricted access to the remaining products because of the rigidity
of the carton and because of the limited size of the access
opening.
[0004] Additionally, some known cartons with tear-away portions
include a handle defined within a portion of the carton.
Specifically, these handles allow the cartons to be transportable
and stackable. However, these handles are easily torn or damaged,
leaving the user with limited means to carry the carton.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of
containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom
row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a
bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed
end walls is an exiting end. The carton further includes at least
one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of
one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one
detachable portion is to be detached from the carton to define an
opening at the exiting end through which the containers may be
removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton also
includes an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the
exiting end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from
the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion. The
carton further includes a lower retention portion formed from the
end wall at the exiting end. The lower retention portion extends
upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the
detachable portion. At least one of the upper and lower retention
portions is hingedly connected to at least one of the top wall and
the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end opening
to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end
opening.
[0006] In a further aspect, a blank for forming a carton for
packaging a plurality of containers arranged in at least two rows
including a top row and a bottom row is provided. The blank
includes a sheet of foldable material having first, second, third
and fourth parallel fold lines therein, defining areas of the sheet
corresponding to a top panel, two side panels and a bottom panel of
the carton. At one end of the parallel fold lines, the blank
further includes a fold line transverse to the parallel fold lines,
and a side end flap connected by the transverse fold line to each
of the areas corresponding to the two side panels. The blank also
includes a tear line extending through each of the two side panels
and each of the side end flaps to define a detachable portion, an
upper retention portion, and a lower retention portion at an
exiting end of the carton. The detachable portion may be detached
from the carton to define an opening through which the containers
may be removed. The tear line includes first and second arcuate
sections and a horizontal section extending between the arcuate
sections. The blank further includes a pair of hinge lines hingedly
connecting at least one of the upper retention portion and the
lower retention portion to at least one of the top panel and the
bottom panel for increasing the size of the exiting end opening to
facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting end
opening.
[0007] In another aspect, a method of opening a carton containing a
plurality of containers arranged in at least two rows including a
top row and a bottom row is provided. The carton has a top wall,
two side walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least
one of the closed end walls is an exiting end. At least one
detachable portion is detachably formed from at least a portion of
one of the end walls and the side walls. An upper retention portion
is formed from the end wall extending downwardly from the top wall
to an upper tear line of the detachable portion, and a lower
retention portion is formed from the end wall extending upwardly
from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the detachable
portion. The method includes removing the at least one detachable
portion to define an opening at the exiting end through which the
containers may be removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The
method further includes separating at least one of the upper
retention portion and the lower retention portion along a pair of
hinge lines such that at least one of the upper retention portion
and the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least
one of the top wall and the bottom wall. The method also includes
rotating at least one of the hingedly connected upper retention
portion and lower retention portion for increasing the size of the
exiting end opening when removing the containers from the
carton.
[0008] In a further aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of
containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom
row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a
bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed
end walls is an exiting end. The carton also includes at least one
detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one
of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one detachable
portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the
exiting end through which the containers may be removed. The
exiting end opening has a size. The carton further includes an
upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting
end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from the top
wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion. The upper
retention portion is hingedly connected to the top wall for
increasing the size of the exiting end opening to facilitate
removal of the containers through the exiting end opening.
[0009] In another aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of
containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom
row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a
bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed
end walls is an exiting end. The carton also includes at least one
detachable portion detachably formed from at least a portion of one
of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one detachable
portion to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the
exiting end through which the containers may be removed. The
exiting end opening has a size. The carton further includes a lower
retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting end. The
lower retention portion extends upwardly from the bottom wall to a
lower tear line of the detachable portion. The lower retention
portion is hingedly connected to the bottom wall for increasing the
size of the exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the
containers through the exiting end opening.
[0010] In a further aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of
containers in at least two rows including a top row and a bottom
row is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side walls, a
bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the closed
end walls is an exiting end. The carton further includes at least
one region of weakness detachably formed from at least a portion of
one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least one region of
weakness to be detached from the carton to define an opening at the
exiting end through which the containers may be removed, the
exiting end opening having a size. The carton also includes an
upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the exiting
end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from the top
wall to an upper tear line of the region of weakness. The carton
further includes the lower retention portion formed from the end
wall at the exiting end. The lower retention portion extends
upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the region of
weakness. At least one of the upper retention portion and the lower
retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one of the top
wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the exiting end
opening to facilitate removal of the containers through the exiting
end opening.
[0011] In yet another aspect, a carton for packaging a plurality of
packages is provided. The carton includes a top wall, two side
walls, a bottom wall, and two closed end walls. At least one of the
closed end walls is an exiting end. The carton further includes at
least one detachable portion detachably formed from at least a
portion of one of the end walls and the side walls. The at least
one detachable portion is to be detached from the carton to define
an opening at the exiting end through which the packages may be
removed. The exiting end opening has a size. The carton also
includes an upper retention portion formed from the end wall at the
exiting end. The upper retention portion extends downwardly from
the top wall to an upper tear line of the detachable portion. The
carton further includes a lower retention portion formed from the
end wall at the exiting end. The lower retention portion extends
upwardly from the bottom wall to a lower tear line of the
detachable portion. At least one of the upper retention portion and
the lower retention portion is hingedly connected to at least one
of the top wall and the bottom wall for increasing the size of the
exiting end opening to facilitate removal of the packages through
the exiting end opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for
constructing a carton according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton in a closed
configuration constructed from the blank shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carton in an open
configuration constructed from the blank shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for
constructing a carton according to a first alternative
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carton in a closed
configuration constructed from the blank shown in FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carton in an open
configuration constructed from the blank shown in FIG. 4.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material for
constructing a carton according to a second alternative
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carton in a closed
configuration constructed from the blank shown in FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carton in an open
configuration constructed from the blank shown in FIG. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] The carton described herein includes at least one exiting
end having a dispensing feature. The carton is configured to easily
dispense containers or products stored within the carton. The
containers or products are dispensed one at a time from the carton.
For example, the containers or products may be, but are not limited
to, canned products, products stored in pouches or other flexible
packaging, bottled goods, and the like, and/or any combination
thereof. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art and guided
by the teachings herein provided that the invention is likewise
applicable to any suitable storage and/or display carton including,
without limitation, a container, a tray or a box.
[0022] The present application describes in detail, several
specific embodiments of the carton, with the understanding that the
present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the embodiments illustrated.
[0023] When referring to the plan illustrations of the blanks, the
usual drawing conventions are applied. That is, unless otherwise
noted, broken lines indicate fold lines; scalloped lines indicate
lines of weakness forming a tear strip or similar structure; and
interior solid lines indicate through-cuts. In preferred
embodiments, the blanks are fabricated from paperboard material,
although other materials having similar suitable performance
characteristics may be employed if desired.
[0024] In one embodiment, the carton is fabricated from a
paperboard material. The carton, however, may be fabricated using
any suitable material, and therefore is not limited to a specific
type of material. In alternative embodiments, the carton is
fabricated using cardboard, corrugated board, plastic and/or any
suitable material known to those skilled in the art and guided by
the teachings herein provided.
[0025] The carton may have any suitable size, shape and/or
configuration, i.e. number of sides, whether such sizes, shapes
and/or configurations are described and/or illustrated herein. For
example, in one embodiment, the carton includes a shape that
provides functionality, such as a shape that facilitates
transporting the carton and/or a shape that facilitates stacking
and/or arrangement of a plurality of cartons.
[0026] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrate the formation of one embodiment
of a carton having a dispensing end. Specifically, FIG. 1 is a top
plan view of one embodiment of a blank of sheet material designated
in its entirety by element reference number 10. FIG. 2 is a
perspective view of a carton in a constructed configuration
designated in its entirety by element reference number 11
constructed from blank 10 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective
view of carton 11 in a constructed configuration from blank 10
shown in FIG. 1 with a portion of carton 11 torn away.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, blank 10 is configured to form a carton
11 including at least one perforated line for forming an opening
that allows access to the contents of the carton. In one
embodiment, blank 10 is made of paperboard. In an alternative
embodiment, blank 10 is made of cardboard, corrugated board,
plastic and/or any suitable material.
[0028] Blank 10 has an exterior surface 12 and an opposing interior
surface 14. In one embodiment, blank 10 includes a first bottom
panel 20, a first side panel 22, a top panel 24, a second side
panel 26, and a second bottom panel 28. First bottom panel 20 is
hingedly coupled to first side panel 22 along a fold line 30. In
one embodiment, fold line 30 includes a hinge line and/or a line of
separation, such as a die cut, defined along a portion of fold line
30. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the
teachings herein that fold line 30, as well as other fold lines
described herein, may include any suitable line or lines of
weakening. In one embodiment, at least two openings 32 and 34
formed along fold line 30. Openings 32 and 34 are sized to receive
a user's finger therein. Openings 32 and 34 can be used to retrieve
the carton from a shelf or other storage device when the carton is
packed with at least one side wall exposed to the user. Openings 32
and 34 allow the user to insert a finger inside the carton for ease
of retrieval.
[0029] First bottom panel 20 includes a first end panel 36, and an
opposing second end panel 38. In one embodiment, first and second
end panels 36 and 38 extend outwardly from first bottom panel 20
and are hingedly coupled to first bottom panel 20 along
substantially parallel fold lines 40 and 42, respectively. Fold
lines 40 and 42 are transverse to fold line 30. In one embodiment,
first end panel 36 includes a panel 44 including at least three
edges 46, 48, and 50. Panel 44 is substantially rectangular in
shape including at least three suitable lines of separation, such
as perforated lines, defined along edges 46, 48, and 50. In one
embodiment, edge 48 extends between edges 46 and 50.
[0030] First side panel 22 includes a first end panel 52, and an
opposing second end panel 54. First and second end panels 52 and 54
extend outwardly from first side panel 22 and are hingedly coupled
to first side panel 22 along substantially parallel fold lines 56
and 58, respectively. Fold lines 56 and 58 are transverse to fold
line 30.
[0031] In one embodiment, first side panel 22 further includes a
line of perforation 60 that forms a first tear-away portion or a
detachable portion 61 having an arcuate shape. Line of perforation
60 extends between a first end 62 and a second end 64 wherein first
end 62 and second end 64 are formed along fold line 58. A finger
opening 66 extends outward from line of perforation 60 and is sized
to receive a user's finger therein. Finger opening 66 may include a
panel positioned within the opening. Moreover, two substantially
parallel lines of perforation or tear lines 68 and 70 extend
outwardly from first and second ends 62 and 64, respectively, a
distance D.sub.1 into second end panel 54. Lines of perforation 68
and 70 form a second tear-away portion or a detachable portion 72
within second end panel 54. Furthermore, first side panel 22
includes a line of perforation or a hinge line 74 that extends
outwardly from line of perforation 60 to fold line 30. An angle
.theta. is defined between hinge line 74 and fold line 30. For
example, angle .theta. can range between approximately 90.degree.
and 150.degree.. In a preferred embodiment, angle .theta. is
between approximately 110.degree. and 120.degree.. Angle .theta. is
any suitable angle that enables carton 11 to function as described
herein. Hinge line 74 includes a hook portion or a curvilinear
portion 76 that extends into and is defined within a portion of
first bottom panel 20. Hook portion 76 facilitates rotation of a
portion of carton 11 and prevents excessive tearing of the
panels.
[0032] First side panel 22 is hingedly coupled to top panel 24
along a fold line 78. In one embodiment, top panel 24 includes a
handle 80. Handle 80 includes a first handle panel 82 and an
opposing second handle panel 84 that are separated by a line of
separation 86. In one embodiment, handle 80 is configured to form
an opening 88 (shown in FIG. 6). Opening 88 is defined by lines of
perforation 90 and 92 with lines of separation 94 and 96 extending
between lines of perforation 90 and 92. In one embodiment, line of
perforation 90 extends into a portion first side panel 22, and line
of perforation 92 extends into a portion of second side panel 26 to
prevent tearing of handle 80. Moreover, top panel 24 includes
reinforcing lines 98 and 100 formed at a distance D.sub.2 from
lines of perforation 90 and 92, respectively. In one embodiment,
reinforcing lines 98 and 100 are formed with a slight curvature
wherein reinforcing line 98 extends across top panel 24 and into a
portion of first and second side panels 22 and 26, and reinforcing
line 100 extends across top panel 24 and into a portion of first
and second side panels 22 and 26.
[0033] Top panel 24 further includes a first end panel 102, and an
opposing second end panel 104. In one embodiment, first and second
end panels 102 and 104 extend outwardly from top panel 24 and are
hingedly coupled to top panel 24 along substantially parallel fold
lines 106 and 108, respectively. Fold lines 106 and 108 are
transverse to fold line 78. Handle 80 is positioned between fold
lines 106 and 108. Specifically, in one embodiment, handle 80 is
defined at a distance D.sub.3 from fold line 106, and at a distance
D.sub.4 from fold line 108. Distances D.sub.3 and D.sub.4 are
determined based upon the number of containers, products, or cans
within carton 11. Handle 80 and line of separation 86 are
strategically placed such that line of separation 86 is positioned
between the containers, products, or cans within carton 11.
Specifically, a user may insert their fingers into handle 80 along
line of separation 86 such that their fingers are positioned
between the containers, products, or cans enabling the user to
carry and/or transport carton 11. For example, if carton 11 has a
top row of containers or products including approximately three
containers or products, line of separation 86 may be positioned
between the first and second containers or between the second and
third containers. As such, the position of handle 80 may be
dependent upon the number of containers, products, or cans within
carton 11.
[0034] In one embodiment, first end panel 102 includes a panel 110
including at least three edges 112, 114, and 116. Panel 110 is
substantially rectangular in shape including at least three
suitable lines of separation, such as perforated lines, defined
along edges 112, 114, and 116. In one embodiment, edge 114 extends
between edges 112 and 116.
[0035] Top panel 24 is hingedly coupled to second side panel 26
along a fold line 118. Top panel 24 includes a first end panel 120,
and an opposing second end panel 122. First and second end panels
120 and 122 extend outwardly from second side panel 26 and are
hingedly coupled to second side panel 26 along substantially
parallel fold lines 124 and 126, respectively. Fold lines 124 and
126 are transverse to fold line 118. In one embodiment, first end
panel 120 includes a pair of cut-away corners 128 and 130 to ease
assembly of carton 11.
[0036] Second side panel 26 is hingedly coupled to second bottom
panel 28 along a fold line 131. In one embodiment, second side
panel 26 further includes a line of perforation 132 that is
substantially similar to line of perforation 60. Line of
perforation 132 forms a first tear-away portion or a detachable
portion 133 having an arcuate shape. Line of perforation 132
extends between a first end 134 and a second end 136 wherein first
end 134 and second end 136 are formed along fold line 126. A finger
opening 138, substantially similar to opening 66, extends outward
from line of perforation 132 such that opening 138 is sized to
receive a user's finger therein. Finger opening 138 may include a
starting tab positioned within the opening. Moreover, two
substantially parallel lines of perforation 140 and 142 extend
outwardly from first and second ends 134 and 136, respectively, a
distance D.sub.5 into second end panel 122. Lines of perforation
140 and 142 form a second tear-away portion or a detachable portion
144 within second end panel 122. Furthermore, a line of perforation
or a hinge line 146 extends outward from line of perforation 132 to
fold line 131. Angle .theta. is defined between hinge line 146 and
fold line 131. Hinge line 146 includes a hook portion or a
curvilinear portion 148 that extends into and is defined within a
portion of second bottom panel 28. In one embodiment, hook portion
148 facilitates rotation of a portion of carton 11 and prevents
excessive tearing of the panels. Moreover, in one embodiment,
distances D.sub.1 and D.sub.5 are substantially equal.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of carton 11 constructed from
blank 10 shown in FIG. 1. More specifically, FIG. 2 shows carton 11
in a constructed and closed configuration. Generally, the panels of
blank 10 are folded along respective fold lines towards interior
surface 14 of blank 10. First bottom panel 20, first side panel 22,
top panel 24, second side panel 26, and second bottom panel 28 are
folded along fold lines 30, 78, 118, and 131, respectively, towards
interior surface 14. Exterior surface 12 of second bottom panel 28
is affixed to interior surface 14 of first bottom panel 20 using a
suitable adhesive material. It is apparent to those skilled in the
art and guided by the teachings herein provided that any suitable
material and/or mechanism may be used to affix portions of blank 10
together to form carton 11. In one embodiment, bottom panels 20 and
28 define a bottom wall 135. First side panel 22 defines a first
side wall 137, second side panel 26 defines a second side wall 129,
and top panel 24 defines a top wall 141.
[0038] End panels 36 and 102 are folded along fold lines 40 and
106, respectively, towards interior surface 14. End panels 52 and
120 are then folded along fold lines 56 and 124, respectively,
towards interior surface 14. Interior surface 14 of end panel 120
is affixed to exterior surfaces 12 of end panels 36 and 102, and
interior surface 14 of end panel 52 is affixed to exterior surfaces
12 of end panels 36, 102, and 120. End panels 36, 52, 102, and 120
define an end wall 139. In one embodiment, end wall 139 forms a
closed end 145. Moreover, end panels 38 and 104 are folded along
fold lines 42 and 108, respectively, towards interior surface 14,
and end panels 54 and 122 are folded along fold lines 58 and 126,
respectively, toward interior surface 14. Interior surface 14 of
end panel 122 is affixed to exterior surfaces of end panels 38 and
104, and interior surface 14 of end panel 54 is affixed to exterior
surfaces 12 of end panels 38, 104, and 122 to maintain carton 11 in
a constructed configuration. In one embodiment, in the constructed
configuration, end panel 120 overlaps a portion of end panel 52,
and end panel 54 overlaps a portion of end panel 122. End panels
38, 54, 104, and 122 define an end wall 151. In one embodiment, end
wall 151 forms an exiting end 147. Alternatively, end wall 139
forms an exiting end. In a further alternative embodiment, end wall
139 forms a closed end. Constructed carton 11 is configured to
retain a set of containers or products, such as, for example, at
least two rows of canned goods, pouched goods, or beverage
containers.
[0039] Alternatively, interior surface 14 of end panel 52 is
affixed to exterior surfaces 12 of end panels 36 and 102, and
interior surface 14 of end panel 120 is affixed to exterior
surfaces 12 of end panels 36, 52, and 102 forming closed end 145.
Interior surface 14 of end panel 54 is then affixed to exterior
surfaces of end panels 38 and 104, and interior surface 14 of end
panel 122 is affixed to exterior surfaces 12 of end panels 38, 54,
and 104 to maintain carton 11 in a constructed configuration
forming exiting end 147. In this alternative embodiment, in the
constructed configuration, end panel 52 overlaps a portion of end
panel 120, and end panel 122 overlaps a portion of end panel
54.
[0040] In the constructed configuration, lines of perforation 70
and 140 are coaxial, and lines of perforation 68 and 142 are
coaxial defining a detachable portion or a region of weakness 170.
Detachable portion 170 may be a zipper strip. Detachable portion
170 is defined by portions 61, 72, 133, and 144. Detachable portion
170 is configured to detach from at least one of end walls 139 and
151 and at least one of side walls 129 and 137. Specifically, in
one embodiment, detachable portion 170 includes a horizontal
portion 172. Horizontal portion 172 includes tear-away portions 72
and 144 and extends horizontally across end wall 151. Moreover,
tear-away portion 61 is defined within side wall 137, and tear-away
portion 133 is defined within side wall 129. Alternatively,
detachable portion 170 is defined such that portion 172 extends
across end wall 139.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, constructed carton 11 is shown in a
closed configuration 149. As shown in FIG. 3, constructed carton 11
is shown in an open configuration 150. In use, in one embodiment, a
user detaches detachable portion 170 from carton 11 forming an
opening 152 that allows access to the contents of carton 11. In one
embodiment, opening 152 has a size and is defined within exiting
end 147. Specifically, a user may insert a finger into opening 66
to tear portions 61 and 72 away from carton 11 along lines of
perforation 60, 68 and 70, respectively, in a first direction 153
to form a portion of opening 152. In one embodiment, the user
further forms opening 152 by tearing tear portion 144 in first
direction 153 along lines of perforation 140 and 142, and by
tearing tear portion 133 away from carton 11 along line of
perforation 132.
[0042] Alternatively, a user may insert a finger into opening 138
to tear portions 133 and 144 in a second direction 155, opposite
first direction 153, and away from carton 11 along lines of
perforation 132, 140 and 142, respectively, to form a portion of
opening 152. In one embodiment, the user further forms opening 152
by tearing tear portion 72 in second direction 155 along lines of
perforation 68 and 70, and by tearing portion 61 away from carton
11 along line of perforation 60. In a further alternative
embodiment, a user may insert a finger into opening 66 and insert a
finger into opening 138 to simultaneously tear portions 61 and 72
and portions 133 and 144 away from carton 11 to form opening
152.
[0043] When detachable portion 170 is detached from carton 11, a
first portion or an upper retention portion 154 is formed and a
second portion or a lower retention portion 156 is formed from end
wall 151 at exiting end 147. Alternatively, when portion 172 of
detachable portion 170 extends across end wall 139, first and
second portions 154 and 156 are formed from end wall 139 at closed
end 145. In one embodiment, first portion 154 extends downwardly
from top wall 141 to lines of perforation 70 and 140, and second
portion 156 extends upwardly from bottom wall 135 to lines of
perforation 68 and 142. Portion 154 includes a portion of top wall
141 and a portion of side walls 129 and 137 proximate exiting end
147. Second portion 156 includes a portion of bottom wall 135 and a
portion of side walls 129 and 137 proximate exiting end 147.
[0044] During use, in one embodiment, portion 154 is stationary and
includes an overhang 157 configured to retain the contents of
carton 11. In one embodiment, second portion 156 also includes an
overhang 159 configured to retain the contents of carton 11.
However, in contrast to portion 154, portion 156 is configured to
separate from side wall 137 along hinge line 74 and to separate
from side wall 129 along hinge line 146. Portion 156 is hingedly
connected to bottom wall 135 such that portion 156 rotates outward
from carton 11 while remaining attached to carton 11.
Alternatively, portion 156 separates completely from carton 11. As
portion 156 is rotated outward, size of opening 152 increases to
facilitate removal of the containers or products within carton
11.
[0045] In use, a user removes contents 161 from carton 11 through
opening 152 by rotating second portion 156 outwardly and forming a
first gap 160 between second portion 156 and carton 11 along hinge
line 74 and a second gap (not shown) between second portion 156 and
carton 11 along hinge line 146. In one embodiment, as second
portion 156 is rotated away from carton 11, hook portions 76 and
148 prevent excessive tearing of carton 11 and facilitate the
rotation of second portion 156. Moreover, rotating second portion
156 away from carton 11 eases the removal of contents from carton
11 through opening 152.
[0046] Carton 11 is shaped such that carton 11 may be conveniently
stored on shelves, cupboards, or as is often desired, in a
refrigerator once the carton is purchased. When carton 11 is stored
on a shelf, carton 11 is easily retrieved or removed from the shelf
through use of openings 32 and 34. Specifically, a user may insert
a finger or multiple fingers within opening 32 and/or opening 34 to
remove carton 11 from the shelf by pulling carton 11 towards the
user. Carton 11 optimizes the storage of various contents while
providing easy access to the contents.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material 200
for constructing a carton 201, according to a first alternative
embodiment. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a carton in a
constructed configuration or closed configuration 149 designated in
its entirety by element reference number 201 constructed from blank
200 shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of carton 201 in
an open configuration 151 constructed from blank 200 shown in FIG.
4.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, blank 200 is substantially similar to
blank 10 and like components are identified with like reference
numerals. However, blank 200 does not include hinge lines 74 and
146. Rather, blank 200 includes lines of perforation or hinge lines
210 and 212. Moreover, blank 200 includes starting tabs 266 and 238
positioned within openings 66 and 138. Starting tabs 266 and 238
include lines of separation 240 and 242, respectively, such that a
user may easily penetrate starting tabs 266 and 238 with a
finger.
[0049] In one embodiment, first side panel 22 includes hinge line
210 that extends outward from line of perforation 60 to fold line
78. An angle .phi. is defined between hinge line 210 and fold line
78. For example, angle .phi. can range between approximately
30.degree. and 90.degree.. In a preferred embodiment, angle .phi.
is between approximately 60.degree. and 70.degree.. Angle .phi. is
any suitable angle that enables carton 201 to function as described
herein. Hinge line 210 includes a hook portion or a curvilinear
portion 214, similar to hook portion 76, extending into a portion
of top panel 24. Hook portion 214 prevents excessive tearing of the
panels. Moreover, hinge line 212 extends outward from line of
perforation 132 to fold line 118. An angle .phi. is defined between
hinge line 212 and fold line 118. Hinge line 212 includes a hook
portion 216, similar to hook portion 148, extending into a portion
of top panel 24. Hook portion 216 prevents excessive tearing of the
panels.
[0050] In use, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a user detaches
detachable portion 170 from carton 201 to form opening 152 that
allows access to the contents of carton 201. Specifically, a user
may detach portion 170 from carton 201 by inserting a finger
through starting tab 266 to form opening 66. After forming opening
66, the user may tear portions 61 and 72 along lines of perforation
60, 68, and 70, respectively, in first direction 153 to form a
portion of opening 152. In one embodiment, the user further forms
opening 152 by tearing tear portion 144 in first direction 153
along lines of perforation 140 and 142, and by tearing tear portion
133 away from carton 11 along line of perforation 132.
[0051] Alternatively, a user may penetrate carton 201 by inserting
a finger through starting tab 238 to form opening 138. After
forming opening 138, the user may tear portions 133 and 144 in
second direction 155 away from carton 201 along lines of
perforation 132, 140 and 142, respectively, to form a portion of
opening 152. In one embodiment, the user further forms opening 152
by tearing tear portion 72 in second direction 155 along lines of
perforation 68 and 70, and by tearing portion 61 away from carton
201 along line of perforation 60. In a further alternative
embodiment, a user may insert a finger into starting tab 266
forming opening 66 and insert a finger into starting tab 238
forming opening 138 to simultaneously tear portions 61 and 72 and
portions 133 and 144 away from carton 201 forming opening 152.
[0052] When detachable portion 170 is detached from carton 201,
first portion 254 and second portion 256 are formed. In one
embodiment, first and second portions 254 and 256 are formed from
end wall 151 at exiting end 147. Alternatively, when portion 172 of
detachable portion 170 extends across end wall 139, first and
second portions 254 and 256 are formed from end wall 139 at closed
end 145. In one embodiment, first portion 254 extends downwardly
from top wall 141 to lines of perforation 70 and 140, and second
portion 256 extends upwardly from bottom wall 135 to lines of
perforation 68 and 142. Portion 254 includes a portion of top wall
141 and a portion of side walls 129 and 137 proximate exiting end
147. Portion 256 includes a portion of bottom wall 135 and a
portion of side walls 129 and 137 proximate exiting end 147.
[0053] During use, in one embodiment, portion 256 is stationary and
includes overhang 259 configured to retain the contents of carton
201. In one embodiment, portion 254 includes overhang 257
configured to retain the contents of carton 201. However, in
contrast to portion 256, portion 254 is configured to separate from
side wall 137 along hinge line 210 and to separate from side wall
129 along hinge line 212. Portion 254 is hingedly connected to top
wall 141 such that portion 254 rotates outward from carton 201
while remaining attached to carton 201. Alternatively, portion 254
separates completely from carton 201. As portion 254 is rotated
outward, size of opening 152 increases to facilitate removal of the
containers or products within carton 201.
[0054] In use, the user removes contents 161 from carton 201
through opening 152 by rotating portion 254 outwardly and forming a
first gap 260 between portion 254 and carton 201 along hinge line
210 and a second gap (not shown) between portion 254 and carton 201
along hinge line 212. In one embodiment, as portion 254 is rotated
away from carton 201, hook portions 214 and 216 prevent excessive
tearing of carton 201 and facilitate the rotation of first portion
254. Moreover, rotating portion 254 away from carton 201 eases the
removal of contents from carton 201 through opening 152.
[0055] Carton 201 is shaped such that carton 201 may be
conveniently stored on shelves, cupboards, or as is often desired,
in a refrigerator once the carton is purchased. When carton 201 is
stored on a shelf, carton 201 is easily retrieved or removed from
the shelf through use of openings 32 and 34. Specifically, a user
may insert a finger or multiple fingers within opening 32 and/or
opening 34 to remove carton 201 from the shelf by pulling carton
201 towards the user. Carton 201 optimizes the storage of various
contents while providing easy access to the contents.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a blank of sheet material 300
for constructing a carton 301, according to a second alternative
embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a carton in a
constructed or closed configuration designated in its entirety by
element reference number 301 constructed from blank 300 shown in
FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of carton 301 in an open
configuration constructed from blank 300 shown in FIG. 7. As shown
in FIG. 7, blank 300 is substantially similar to blank 10 and like
components are identified with like reference numerals.
[0057] Blank 300 includes has exterior surface 12 and opposing
interior surface 14. In one embodiment, blank 300 includes first
bottom panel 20, first side panel 22, top panel 24, second side
panel 26, and second bottom panel 28. First bottom panel 20 is
hingedly coupled to first side panel 22 along fold line 30. In one
embodiment, fold line 30 includes a hinge line and/or a line of
separation, such as a die cut, defined along a portion of fold line
30. It is apparent to those skilled in the art and guided by the
teachings herein that fold line 30, as well as other fold lines
described herein, may include any suitable line or lines of
weakening. In one embodiment, at least four openings 31, 32, 33,
and 34 are formed along fold line 30. Openings 31, 32, 33, and 34
are sized to receive a finger therein.
[0058] First bottom panel 20 includes first end panel 36, and
opposing second end panel 38. In one embodiment, first and second
end panels 36 and 38 extend outwardly from first bottom panel 20
and are hingedly coupled to first bottom panel 20 along
substantially parallel fold lines 40 and 42, respectively. Fold
lines 40 and 42 are transverse to fold line 30. In one embodiment,
first and second end panels 36 and 38 include panel 44 including at
least three edges 46, 48, and 50. Panel 44 is substantially
rectangular in shape including at least three suitable lines of
separation, such as perforated lines, defined along edges 46, 48,
and 50. In one embodiment, edge 48 extends between edges 46 and
50.
[0059] First side panel 22 includes first end panel 52, and
opposing second end panel 54. First and second end panels 52 and 54
extend outwardly from first side panel 22 and are hingedly coupled
to first side panel 22 along substantially parallel fold lines 56
and 58, respectively. In one embodiment, first end panel 52 extends
from fold line 56 a length L.sub.2 to an edge 302. Fold lines 56
and 58 are transverse to fold line 30.
[0060] In one embodiment, first side panel 22 further includes an
opening 303 that is sized to receive a finger therein. Opening 303
may include a panel positioned within the opening. A zipper strip,
a region of weakness, or a detachable portion 304 is defined by at
least two substantially parallel lines of perforation or tear lines
306 and 308 that extend from opening 303 a distance D.sub.7 through
fold line 56 to edge 302 of first end panel 52. Furthermore, a line
of perforation or a hinge line 310 extends outward from line of
perforation 308 to fold line 78. An angle .delta. is defined
between hinge line 310 and fold line 78. For example, angle .delta.
can range between approximately 10.degree. and 90.degree.. In a
preferred embodiment, angle .delta. is between approximately
60.degree. and 70.degree.. Angle .delta. is any suitable angle that
enables carton 301 to function as described herein.
[0061] First side panel 22 is hingedly coupled to top panel 24
along fold line 78. Top panel 24 includes handle 80. Handle 80
includes first handle panel 82 and second handle panel 84 that are
separated by line of separation 86. In one embodiment, handle 80 is
configured to form opening 88 (shown in FIG. 3). Opening 88 is
defined by lines of perforation 90 and 92 with lines of separation
94 and 96 extending between lines of perforation 90 and 92. In one
embodiment, line of perforation 90 extends into a portion first
side panel 22 to prevent tearing, and line of perforation 92
extends into a portion of second side panel 26 to prevent tearing.
Moreover, top panel 24 includes reinforcing lines 98 and 100 formed
at distance D.sub.2 from lines of perforation 90 and 92,
respectively. In one embodiment, reinforcing lines 98 and 100 are
formed with a slight curvature wherein reinforcing line 98 extends
across top panel 24 and into a portion of first and second side
panels 22 and 26, and reinforcing line 100 extends across top panel
24 and into a portion of first and second side panels 22 and
26.
[0062] Top panel 24 further includes first end panel 102, and
opposing second end panel 104. In one embodiment, first and second
end panels 102 and 104 extend outwardly from top panel 24 and are
hingedly coupled to top panel 24 along substantially parallel fold
lines 106 and 108, respectively. Fold lines 106 and 108 are
transverse to fold line 78. Handle 80 is positioned between fold
lines 106 and 108. Specifically, in one embodiment, handle 80 is
defined at a distance D.sub.3 from fold line 106, and at a distance
D.sub.4 from fold line 108. Distances D.sub.3 and D.sub.4 are
determined based upon the number of containers, products, or cans
within carton 301. Handle 80 and line of separation 86 are
strategically placed such that line of separation 86 is positioned
between the containers, products, or cans within carton 301.
Specifically, a user may insert their fingers into handle 80 along
line of separation 86 such that their fingers are positioned
between the containers, products, or cans enabling the user to
carry and/or transport carton 301. For example, if carton 301 has a
top row of containers or products including approximately three
containers or products, line of separation 86 may be positioned
between the first and second containers or between the second and
third containers. As such, the position of handle 80 may be
dependent upon the number of containers, products, or cans within
carton 301.
[0063] In one embodiment, first and second end panels 102 and 104
include panel 110 including at least three edges 112, 114, and 116.
Panel 110 is substantially rectangular in shape including at least
three suitable lines of separation, such as perforated lines,
defined along edges 112, 114, and 116. In one embodiment, edge 114
extends between edges 112 and 116.
[0064] Top panel 24 is hingedly coupled to second side panel 26
along fold line 118. Second side panel 26 includes first end panel
120, and opposing second end panel 122. First and second end panels
120 and 122 extend outwardly from second side panel 26 and are
hingedly coupled to second side panel 26 along substantially
parallel fold lines 124 and 126, respectively. Fold lines 124 and
126 are transverse to fold line 118. In one embodiment, first end
panel 120 extends from fold line 124 a length L.sub.2 to an edge
311. Moreover, in one embodiment, each first and second end panel
120 and 122 includes a pair of cut-away corners 128 and 130 to ease
assembly of carton 301.
[0065] Second side panel 26 is hingedly coupled to second bottom
panel 28 along fold line 131. In one embodiment, second side panel
26 further includes an opening 312 that is sized to receive a
finger therein. A zipper strip, a region of weakness, or a
detachable portion 314 is defined by at least two substantially
parallel lines of perforation 316 and 318 that extend from opening
312 a distance D.sub.8 through fold line 124 to edge 311 of first
end panel 120. Furthermore, a line of perforation or a hinge line
320, substantially similar to hinge line 310, extends outward from
line of perforation 316 to fold line 118. Angle .delta. is defined
between hinge line 320 and fold line 118. In one embodiment, top
panel 24 includes a fold line 322 that extends across top panel 24
between hinge lines 310 and 320.
[0066] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of carton 301 constructed from
blank 300 shown in FIG. 7. More specifically, FIG. 8 shows carton
301 in a constructed and closed configuration. Generally, carton
301 is constructed in a similar manner to that of carton 11. The
panels of blank 300 are folded along respective fold lines towards
interior surface 14 of blank 300. First bottom panel 20, first side
panel 22, top panel 24, second side panel 26, and second bottom
panel 28 are folded along fold lines 30, 78, 118, and 131,
respectively, towards interior surface 14. Exterior surface 12 of
second bottom panel 28 is affixed to interior surface 14 of first
bottom panel 20 using a suitable adhesive material. It is apparent
to those skilled in the art and guided by the teachings herein
provided that any suitable material and/or mechanism may be used to
affix portions of blank 300 together to form carton 301. In one
embodiment, bottom panels 20 and 28 define a bottom wall 135. First
side panel 22 defines a first side wall 137, second side panel 26
defines a second side wall 129, and top panel 24 defines a top wall
141.
[0067] End panels 36 and 102 are folded along fold lines 40 and
106, respectively, towards interior surface 14. End panels 52 and
120 are then folded along fold lines 56 and 124, respectively,
towards interior surface 14. Interior surface 14 of end panel 120
is affixed to exterior surfaces 12 of end panels 36 and 102, and
interior surface 14 of end panel 52 is affixed to exterior surfaces
12 of end panels 36, 102, and 120. End panels 36, 52, 102, and 120
define end wall 139 forming exiting end 147. Moreover, end panels
38 and 104 are folded along fold lines 42 and 108, respectively,
towards interior surface 14, and end panels 54 and 122 are folded
along fold lines 58 and 126, respectively, toward interior surface
14. Interior surface 14 of end panel 122 is affixed to exterior
surfaces of end panels 38 and 104, and interior surface 14 of end
panel 54 is affixed to exterior surfaces 12 of end panels 38, 104,
and 122 to maintain carton 301 in a constructed configuration. End
panels 38, 54, 104, and 122 define end wall 151 forming closed end
145. In one embodiment, in the constructed configuration, end panel
52 overlaps a portion of end panel 120, and end panel 54 overlaps a
portion of end panel 122. Furthermore, in the constructed
configuration, lines of perforation 70 and 140 are coaxial, and
lines of perforation 68 and 142 are coaxial. In one embodiment,
constructed carton 301 is configured to retain a set of containers
or products, such as, for example, at least two rows of canned
goods, pouched goods, or beverage containers.
[0068] Alternatively, interior surface 14 of end panel 52 is
affixed to exterior surfaces 12 of end panels 36 and 102, and
interior surface 14 of end panel 120 is affixed to exterior
surfaces 12 of end panels 36, 52, and 102 forming exiting end 147.
Interior surface 14 of end panel 54 is affixed to exterior surfaces
of end panels 38 and 104, and interior surface 14 of end panel 122
is affixed to exterior surfaces 12 of end panels 38, 54, and 104 to
maintain carton 301 in a constructed configuration forming closed
end 145. In this alternative embodiment, in the constructed
configuration, end panel 120 overlaps a portion of end panel 52,
and end panel 122 overlaps a portion of end panel 54.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, constructed carton 301 is shown in
closed position 149. As shown in FIG. 9, constructed carton 301 is
shown in open position 150. In the constructed configuration, lines
of perforation 308 and 316 are coaxial, and lines of perforation
306 and 318 are coaxial defining detachable portion, zipper strip,
or region of weakness 170. Detachable portion 170 is defined by
portions 304 and 314. Detachable portion 170 is configured to
detach from at least one of end walls 139 and 151 and at least one
of side walls 129 and 137. Specifically, in one embodiment,
detachable portion 170 includes a horizontal portion 172.
Horizontal portion 172 includes tear-away portions 304 and 314 and
extends horizontally across end wall 151. Moreover, a portion of
tear-away portion 314 is defined within side wall 137, and a
portion of tear-away portion 304 is defined within side wall 129.
Alternatively, detachable portion 170 is defined such that portion
172 extends across end wall 139.
[0070] In use, in one embodiment, a user tears zipper strips 304
and 314 away from carton 301 forming opening 152 that allows access
to the contents of carton 301. Specifically, a user may insert a
finger into opening 303 to strip 304 away from carton 301 along
lines of perforation 306 and 308 in first direction 153 to form a
portion of opening 152. In one embodiment, the user further forms
opening 152 by tearing strip 314 in first direction 153 along lines
of perforation 316 and 318 towards opening 312. Openings 303 and
312 act as starting tabs to aid in tearing strips 304 and 314 away
from carton 301. In operation, openings 303 and 312 facilitate
forming opening 152 along lines of perforation 306, 308, 316, and
318 for allowing access to the contents stored within carton
301.
[0071] Alternatively, a user may insert a finger into opening 303
to tear strips 304 and 314 in a second direction 155, opposite
first direction 153, and away from carton 301 along lines of
perforation 306, 308, 316, and 318, respectively, to form opening
152. In a further alternative embodiment, a user may insert a
finger into opening 303 and insert a finger into opening 312 to
simultaneously tear strips 304 and 314 away from carton 301 to form
opening 152.
[0072] When detachable portion 170 is detached from carton 301, a
first portion or an upper retention portion 354 is formed and a
second portion or a lower retention portion 356 is formed from end
wall 151 at exiting end 147. Alternatively, when portion 172 of
detachable portion 170 extends across end wall 139, first and
second portions 354 and 356 are formed from end wall 139 at closed
end 145. In one embodiment, first portion 354 extends downwardly
from top wall 141 to lines of perforation 308 and 316, and second
portion 356 extends upwardly from bottom wall 135 to lines of
perforation 306 and 318. Portion 354 includes a portion of top wall
141 and a portion of side walls 129 and 137 proximate exiting end
147. Second portion 356 includes a portion of bottom wall 135 and a
portion of side walls 129 and 137 proximate exiting end 147.
[0073] During use, in one embodiment, portion 356 is stationary and
includes overhang 359 configured to retain the contents of carton
301. In one embodiment, portion 354 includes overhang 357
configured to retain the contents of carton 301. However, in
contrast to portion 356, portion 354 is configured to separate from
side wall 137 along hinge line 310 and to separate from side wall
129 along hinge line 312. Portion 354 is hingedly connected to top
wall 141 such that portion 354 rotates outward from carton 301
while remaining attached to carton 301. Alternatively, portion 354
separates completely from carton 301. As portion 354 is rotated
outward, size of opening 152 increases to facilitate removal of the
containers or products within carton 301.
[0074] In use, the user removes contents 161 from carton 301
through opening 152 by rotating portion 354 outwardly and forming a
first gap 360 between portion 354 and carton 301 along hinge line
310 and a second gap (not shown) between portion 354 and carton 301
along line of perforation 312. In one embodiment, as portion 354 is
rotated away from carton 301, a fold line 322 extending across top
wall 141 is formed. Rotating portion 354 away from carton 301 eases
the removal of contents from carton 301 through opening 152.
[0075] Carton 301 is shaped such that carton 301 may be
conveniently stored on shelves, cupboards, or as is often desired,
in a refrigerator once the carton is purchased. When carton 301 is
stored on a shelf, carton 301 is easily removed from the shelf
through use of openings 31, 32, 33, and 34. Specifically, a user
may insert a finger or multiple fingers within opening 31 and/or
openings 32, 33, and 34 to remove carton 301 from the shelf by
pulling carton 301 towards the user. Carton 301 optimizes the
storage of various contents while also providing easy access to the
contents.
[0076] The above-described carton and method of constructing the
carton allow contents of the carton to be easily stored and removed
using an opening formed in an exiting end of the carton. More
specifically, a detachable portion extending across at least one
end wall and a pair of side walls is detached to form an opening
formed in an exiting end of the carton. By detaching the detachable
portion, an upper retention portion and a lower retention portion
are formed. The retention portions provide for the retention of the
contents. At least one of the retention portions is hingedly
coupled to the exiting end such that at least one retention portion
may be rotated outwardly from the carton increase the size of the
opening. Moreover, the carton includes at least one curvilinear
portion defined within either the top or bottom wall to facilitate
rotation of the at least one retention portion and prevent
excessive tearing of the carton. As such, the opening and the
retention portions provide easy removal of the contents of the
carton by any user. As a result, consumers can store the contents
of the carton within the carton, and remove the contents easily
when so desired.
[0077] Exemplary embodiments of a carton have been described above
in detail. The apparatus is not limited to the specific embodiments
described herein, but rather, components of the carton and/or steps
of the method may be utilized independently and separately from
other components and/or steps described herein. Further, the
described apparatus components and/or method steps can also be
defined in, or used in combination with, other apparatus and/or
methods, and are not limited to practice with only the apparatus
and method as described herein.
[0078] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
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