U.S. patent application number 14/873482 was filed with the patent office on 2016-04-07 for carton for food product.
The applicant listed for this patent is Graphic Packaging International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Karen L. Mills, Felicia A. Pinkstone.
Application Number | 20160096648 14/873482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55631587 |
Filed Date | 2016-04-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160096648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Pinkstone; Felicia A. ; et
al. |
April 7, 2016 |
Carton For Food Product
Abstract
A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton
includes a plurality of panels that at least partially form an
interior of the carton. In a first configuration of the carton, the
carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food
products. The carton has features for converting the carton to a
second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving
tray for serving the plurality of food products.
Inventors: |
Pinkstone; Felicia A.;
(Aston, PA) ; Mills; Karen L.; (Limerick,
PA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graphic Packaging International, Inc. |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55631587 |
Appl. No.: |
14/873482 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62071765 |
Oct 2, 2014 |
|
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62123722 |
Nov 25, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 ;
229/103; 53/397 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/2038 20130101;
B65D 5/241 20130101; B65D 5/60 20130101; B65D 5/2033 20130101; B65D
5/0005 20130101; B65B 11/004 20130101; B65D 5/28 20130101; B65D
5/302 20130101; B65D 5/0209 20130101; B65D 5/2047 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/28 20060101
B65D005/28; B65D 5/355 20060101 B65D005/355; B65B 11/00 20060101
B65B011/00; B65D 5/60 20060101 B65D005/60 |
Claims
1. A carton comprising a plurality of panels that extends at least
partially around an interior of the carton; wherein in a first
configuration of the carton, the carton contains at least one
article containing a plurality of food products; the carton has
features for converting the carton to a second configuration
wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the
plurality of food products.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises
a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the bottom
panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.
3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels further
comprises a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel
and a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.
4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the features comprise at least
one corner flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel
and the second side panel.
5. The carton of claim 3, wherein the features comprise at least
one corner flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and
the back panel.
6. The carton of claim 4, further comprising at least one closure
flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back
panel along a fold line, wherein the first fold line comprises a
cut.
7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the at least one corner flap
comprises a projection for being received in the cut.
8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the at least one corner flap
comprises a first corner flap and a second corner flap, and the
projection comprises a first projection on the first corner flap
and a second projection on the second corner flap.
9. The carton of claim 8, wherein the at least one closure flap
comprises a first closure flap foldably connected to the front
panel at a first fold line having a first cut and a second closure
flap foldably connected to the back panel at a second fold line
having a second cut, the first projection is for being received in
the first cut and the second projection is for being received in
the second cut.
10. The carton of claim 4, wherein the at least one corner flap
comprises a projection and the features comprise a cut in at least
one of the front panel and the back panel, the projection is for
being received in the cut.
11. The carton of claim 2, wherein the front panel is foldably
connected to the bottom panel at a first curved fold line and the
back panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second
curved fold line.
12. The carton of claim 2, wherein the carton further comprises a
first end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a second
end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the first and second
end flap being at least partially overlapped to close a first end
of the carton.
13. The carton of claim 12, wherein the carton further comprises a
third end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a fourth
end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the third and fourth
end flap being at least partially overlapped to close a second end
of the carton.
14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the front panel has a first
free edge and the back panel has a second free edge; and the first
free edge is curved and extends between the first end flap and the
third end flap, and the second free edge is curved and extends
between the second end flap and the fourth end flap.
15. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably
connected to the bottom panel.
16. The carton of claim 15, wherein the bottom panel has eight
sides and the plurality of side panels comprise a respective side
panel foldably connected at each side of the bottom panel.
17. The carton of claim 16, wherein the side panels have an arcuate
shape and are separated by respective cuts.
18. The carton of claim 17, wherein the side panels are for
overlapping engagement in the second configuration of the
carton.
19. The carton of claim 15, further comprises a liner attached to
the interior surface of the carton.
20. A blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming an
interior of a carton formed from the blank; wherein in a first
configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the carton
contains at least one article containing a plurality of food
products; the carton formed from the blank has features for
converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton
is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food
products.
21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the
bottom panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom
panel.
22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the plurality of panels further
comprises a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel
and a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.
23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the features comprise at least
one corner flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel
and the second side panel.
24. The blank of claim 22, wherein the features comprise at least
one corner flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and
the back panel
25. The blank of claim 23, further comprising at least one closure
flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back
panel along a fold line, wherein the first fold line comprises a
cut.
26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the at least one corner flap
comprises a projection for being received in the cut.
27. The blank of claim 26, wherein the at least one corner flap
comprises a first corner flap and a second corner flap, and the
projection comprises a first projection on the first corner flap
and a second projection on the second corner flap.
28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the at least one closure flap
comprises a first closure flap foldably connected to the front
panel at a first fold line having a first cut and a second closure
flap foldably connected to the back panel at a second fold line
having a second cut, the first projection is for being received in
the first cut and the second projection is for being received in
the second cut when the blank is formed into the carton.
29. The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one corner flap
comprises a projection and the features comprise a cut in at least
one of the front panel and the back panel, the projection is for
being received in the cut when the blank is formed into the
carton.
30. The blank of claim 21, wherein the front panel is foldably
connected to the bottom panel at a first curved fold line and the
back panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second
curved fold line.
31. The blank of claim 21, wherein the front panel and the back
panel are foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the blank
further comprises a first end flap foldably connected to the front
panel and a second end flap foldably connected to the back panel,
the first and second end flap are for being at least partially
overlapped to close a first end of the carton when the carton is
formed from the blank.
32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the blank further comprises a
third end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a fourth
end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the third and fourth
end flap are for being at least partially overlapped to close a
second end of the carton when the carton is formed from the
blank.
33. The blank of claim 32, wherein the front panel has a first free
edge and the back panel has a second free edge; and the first free
edge is curved and extends between the first end flap and the third
end flap, and the second free edge is curved and extends between
the second end flap and the fourth end flap.
34. The blank of claim 20, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably
connected to the bottom panel.
35. The blank of claim 34, wherein the bottom panel has eight sides
and the plurality of side panels comprise a respective side panel
foldably connected at each side of the bottom panel.
36. The blank of claim 34, wherein the side panels have an arcuate
shape and are separated by respective cuts.
37. The blank of claim 35, wherein the side panels are for being in
an overlapping engagement in the second configuration of the carton
when the carton is formed from the blank.
38. The blank of claim 34, further comprises a liner attached to
the interior surface of the blank.
39. A method of forming a carton that is positionable between a
first configuration and a second configuration, the method
comprising obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels and
positioning the carton in the first configuration wherein the
plurality of panels extends at least partially around an interior
of the carton; placing at least one article containing a plurality
of food products in the interior of the carton in the first
configuration; activating features of the carton to position the
carton in a second configuration wherein the at least one article
is removed from the interior and the carton is converted to a
serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels further
comprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the
bottom panel, a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel,
a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second
side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one
corner flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel and
the second side panel.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein the carton further comprising
at least one closure flap foldably connected to one of the front
panel and the back panel along a fold line, and at least one corner
flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel and the
second side panel, wherein the first fold line comprises a cut, the
at least one corner flap comprises a first corner flap, a second
corner flap, and a projection for being received in the cut, and
the projection comprises a first projection on the first corner
flap and a second projection on the second corner flap, the at
least one closure flap comprises a first closure flap foldably
connected to the front panel at a first fold line having a first
cut and a second closure flap foldably connected to the back panel
at a second fold line having a second cut; and the method further
comprises positioning the first projection in the first cut and the
second projection in the second cut.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a bottom panel, a front panel is foldably connected to
the bottom panel at a first curved fold line and a back panel is
foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second curved fold
line.
43. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the
bottom panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom
panel, and the carton further comprises a first end flap foldably
connected to the front panel, a second end flap foldably connected
to the back panel, a third end flap foldably connected to the front
panel and a fourth end flap foldably connected to the back panel;
the front panel has a first free edge and the back panel has a
second free edge; and the first free edge is curved and extends
between the first end flap and the third end flap, and the second
free edge is curved and extends between the second end flap and the
fourth end flap and the method further comprises at least partially
overlapping the first and second end flap to close a first end of
the carton and at least partially overlapping the third and fourth
end flap to close a second end of the carton.
44. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a bottom panel, a plurality of side panels foldably
connected to the bottom panel, and a liner attached to the interior
surface of the carton, the bottom panel has eight sides and the
plurality of side panels comprise a respective side panel foldably
connected at each side of the bottom panel, the side panels have an
arcuate shape and are separated by respective cuts; and the method
further comprises positioning the side panels in overlapping
engagement.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/071,765, filed Oct. 2, 2014 and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/123,722, filed Nov. 25,
2014.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
62/071,765, filed Oct. 2, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/123,722, filed Nov. 25, 2014 are hereby
incorporated by reference as if presented herein in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure relates to packages or cartons for
holding and carrying food products or containers holding food
products.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally
directed to a carton for holding a plurality of articles. A carton
comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially
around an interior of the carton. In a first configuration of the
carton, the carton contains at least one article containing a
plurality of food products. The carton has features for converting
the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is
converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food
products.
[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
carton that can be converted from a holder containing the
containers holding the food products, to a serving container for
holding the plurality of food products that have been removed from
the containers.
[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
carton that can hold a plurality of food products and the carton
can be inserted into the container. The carton with the food
products can be removed from the container for serving of the food
products to consumers.
[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
carton that can hold a plurality of food products. The carton has
dispensing features for dispensing the food products from the
carton.
[0008] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of
panels for forming an interior of a carton formed from the blank.
In a first configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the
carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food
products. The carton formed from the blank has features for
converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton
is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food
products.
[0009] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
method of forming a carton that is positionable between a first
configuration and a second configuration. The method comprises
obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels and positioning
the carton in the first configuration wherein the plurality of
panels extends at least partially around an interior of the carton.
The method further comprises placing at least one article
containing a plurality of food products in the interior of the
carton in the first configuration and activating features of the
carton to position the carton in a second configuration wherein the
at least one article is removed from the interior and the carton is
converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food
products.
[0010] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated
advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional
embodiments reading the following detailed description of the
embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.
[0011] According to common practice, the various features of the
drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale.
Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be
expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of
the disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG.
5A.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton in of FIG. 6.
[0020] FIG. 8 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 8.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 8.
[0023] FIG. 11 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 11.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 14 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 14.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 14.
[0029] FIG. 17 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 17.
[0031] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG.
18.
[0032] FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the carton in a
second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 17.
[0033] FIG. 21 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 21.
[0035] FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG.
22
[0036] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 21.
[0037] FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG.
24.
[0038] FIG. 26 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0039] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the two cartons in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 26.
[0040] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 26.
[0041] FIG. 29 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 29.
[0043] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 29.
[0044] FIG. 32 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 33 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 33.
[0047] FIGS. 35-37 are perspective views of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 33.
[0048] FIG. 38 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0049] FIGS. 39-42 illustrate an exemplary method of employing the
carton formed from the blank of FIG. 38.
[0050] FIG. 43 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0051] FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of two cartons formed
from the blank of FIG. 43.
[0052] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of one carton formed from the
blank of FIG. 43 removed from a container.
[0053] FIG. 46 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a fourteenth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 46.
[0055] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 46.
[0056] FIG. 49 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0057] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the
blank of FIG. 49.
[0058] FIG. 51 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a sixteenth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0059] FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the
blank of FIG. 51.
[0060] FIG. 53 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a
carton according to a seventeenth embodiment of the disclosure.
[0061] FIG. 54A is a perspective view of the carton in a first
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 53.
[0062] FIG. 54B is a perspective view of the carton in a second
configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 53.
[0063] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 54A.
[0064] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding
reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0065] Cartons or packages according to the present disclosure can
accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. The present
disclosure generally relates to a carton or container that may
contain products such as food products (e.g., chips) or any other
suitable product. The carton may contain containers (e.g.,
canisters) containing the food products or the carton may contain
the food products. In some embodiment, the carton can contain a
liner containing the food products. In some embodiment, the carton
containing the food products may be placed inside the container
(e.g., canister) used for packaging the food products. In some
embodiment, the carton has dispensing features for dispensing the
food products. For the purpose of illustration and not for the
purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following
detailed description describes articles at least partially disposed
within the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms
"lower," "bottom," "upper", "top", "front", and "back" indicate
orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons. In
one embodiment, the articles held in the carton can be food
products, but the articles could be other nonfood products without
departing from the disclosure.
[0066] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exterior side 1 of a blank 3 for
forming a carton 5 according to a first embodiment of the
disclosure. FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 1 of the
blank 3 used to form the carton 5 (FIG. 2) of one embodiment of the
disclosure. The blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 extending
generally in the direction of the length of the blank and a lateral
axis L2 extending generally in the direction of the width of the
blank. The blank 3 includes a bottom panel 11, a front panel 13
foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 14, a back
panel 15 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 16,
a first side panel 17 foldably connected to the bottom panel along
fold line 18, and a second side panel 19 foldably connected to the
bottom panel along fold line 20. In one embodiment the blank
comprises closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 foldably connected to the
respective panels 13, 15, 17,19 along fold lines 33, 35, 37, 39 and
corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 foldably connected to the respective
panels 13, 15, 17,19 along fold lines 53, 55, 57, 59.
[0067] The closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 and the corner flaps 43,
45, 47, 49 at least partially overlap to form the carton 5 from the
blank 3. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the closure flaps include a fold
line 61. The fold line 61 may define an adhesive (e.g., glue) area
"g", where glue or other adhesive may be applied to hold the
closure flap in the closed position.
[0068] In one embodiment, the corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 includes
a first portion 43a, 45a, 47a, 49a and a second portion 43b, 45b,
47b, 49b foldably connected to the first portion along respective
oblique fold lines 63, 65, 67, 69. Each of corner flaps 43, 45, 47,
49 has an outer free edge 73, 75, 77, 79 that may have a slight
concave curvature with respect to the bottom panel 11. However, the
outer free edges 73, 75, 77, 79 may be substantially straight, have
a convex curvature, or have more or less curvature without
departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, each of the
second portions 43b, 45b, 47b, 49b may include rounded corners 72,
74, 76, 78 adjacent a hook or projection 81 extending outwardly
from the respective outer free edges 73, 75, 77, 79 of the corner
flaps. Further, each of second portions 43b, 45b, 47b, 49b may have
a cutout or indentation 82 adjacent the rounded corner and along
the side edges 83, 85, 87, 89 of the respective corner flaps 43,
45, 47, 49. The cutout 82 may have a semi-circular shape or any
other shape that conforms to the shape of the glue area without
departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, the fold lines
33, 35, 37, 39 may include a cut 33a, 35a, 37a, 39a and when the
carton is positioned to form the serving tray, the projections 81
may extend into the cuts preventing further movement.
[0069] When the carton is formed from the blank, the side panels
17, 19, front panel 13, and back panel 15 are folded relative to
the bottom panel 11 and the corner flaps 43, 47, 45, 49 are
positioned in face-to-face contact with the respective adjacent
panel 19, 17, 13, 15 to form the interior space 36 of the carton 5.
The closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 are folded about fold lines 33,
35, 37, 37 and positioned in face-to-face contact with the interior
of the respective panel 23, 25, 27, 29. In one embodiment, one
container C or canister holding food product is inserted into the
interior space 36 of the carton 5. Further, one or more of the
front panel 13, back panel 15, and side panels 17, 19 can include
indicia such as advertisement or other information.
[0070] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the carton 5 can be an
expandable paperboard bowl capable of expanding by pulling at least
one of the front panel 13, the back panel 15, the first side panel
17 and the second side panel 19 from the first configuration as
illustrated in FIG. 2 to the second configuration as illustrated in
FIG. 3. In the second configuration, the interior space 36 of the
carton is expanded and the carton 5 can be used to serve the food
product F after removal from the containers C. In the second
configuration, the panels 13, 15, 17, 19 are folded outward from
the first configuration and the corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 are
positioned to form a corner of the carton between the panels 13,
15, 17, 19. The blank 3 and carton 5 could have other features and
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without
departing from the disclosure.
[0071] FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 for
forming a carton 105 according to a second embodiment of the
disclosure. The blank 103 includes a bottom panel 111, a front
panel 113 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line
114, a back panel 115 foldably connected to the bottom panel along
fold line 116, a first side panel 117 foldably connected to the
bottom panel along fold line 118, and a second side panel 119
foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 120. In one
embodiment, the edges 113a, 115a, 117a, 119a, 411a, 411b 411c, 411d
of the corresponding respective front panel 113, back panel 115,
first side panel 117, the second side panel 119, and bottom panel
111 have a width "w1". The outer free edges 113b, 115b, 117b, 119b
corresponding to the respective front panel, back panel, first side
panel and the second side panel have a width "w2". In one
embodiment, the width "w1" is greater than the width "w2".
[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the blank 103 may include corner
flaps 143, 145 foldably connected to the first side panel along
respective oblique fold lines 142, 144 and corner flaps 147, 149
are foldably connected to the second side panel along respective
oblique fold lines 146, 148. Each of the corner flaps 143, 145,
147, 149 may include respective gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159
having a first portion 153a, 155a, 157a, 159a foldably connected to
a second portion 153b, 155b, 157b, 159b along a respective oblique
fold line 163, 165, 167, 169. The second portion of the gusset
panels may be foldably connected to an attachment panel 173, 175,
177, 179 along respective oblique fold lines 183, 185, 187, 189. In
one embodiment the corner panels 143, 145, 147, 149 may have a
curved edge 192, 194, 196, 198 without departing for the
disclosure.
[0073] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 103 into a
carton 105, the first side panel 117 and the second side panel 119
are folded with respect to the bottom panel 111 along fold lines
118, 120. The front panel 113 is folded along fold line 114 and
positioned in face-to-face contact with the attachment panels 173,
179 and the back panel 115 is folded along fold line 116 and
positioned in face-to-face contact with the attachment panels 175,
177 to form an interior space 136 of the carton. The gusset panels
153, 155, 157, 159 are folded along fold lines 163, 165, 167, 169
and 183, 185, 187, 189 to form the carton in the first
configuration (FIG. 5) wherein the upper portion 191 of the carton
is narrower than the lower portion 193. A container C may be placed
inside the interior space 136 in the first configuration. In one
embodiment, the gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159 may be adhered to
the respective front or back panels 113, 115 to hold the carton 105
in the first configuration. Alternatively, no adhesive may be used
or the carton 105 may be held in the first configuration by
frictional force or mechanical means including but not limited to
an exterior wrap. The carton 105 can be converted to the second
configuration (FIGS. 6 and 7) where the interior space 136 is
expanded from the first configuration after removing the container,
unfolding the gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159, and positioning the
panel 113, 115, 117, 119 to expand the interior space 136 of the
carton in the second configuration.
[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates an exterior side 201 of a blank 203 for
forming a carton 205, with an interior 236 (FIGS. 9 and 10),
according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The third
embodiment is generally similar to the second embodiment, except
for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical
features of the embodiments have been given like or similar
reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 8, the each of the panels 213,
215, 217, 219 are generally rectangular having a substantially
continuous width "w1" across the entire length "l1" of the panels
213, 215, 217, 219. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the blank 203 has
corner flaps 143, 145 foldably connected to the first side panel
217 along respective fold lines 242, 244 and corner flaps 147, 149
are foldably connected to the second side panel along respective
fold lines 246, 248. When the blank 203 is formed into a carton in
the first configuration (FIG. 9), the upper portion 291 of the
carton has generally the same width as the lower portion of the
carton 293.
[0075] The blank 203 may be formed into a carton 205 in a manner
substantially similar to the blank 103 of the second embodiment and
can be converted from the first configuration (FIG. 9) to the
second configuration (FIG. 10) in a similar manner.
[0076] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an exterior side 301 of a blank 303
for forming a carton 305 of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.
The fourth embodiment is generally similar to the first and third
embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will
be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly,
similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given
like or similar reference numbers. The blank 303 includes a bottom
panel 311, a front panel 313 foldably connected to the bottom panel
along fold line 314, a back panel 315 foldably connected to the
bottom panel along fold line 316, a first side panel 317 foldably
connected to the bottom panel along fold line 318, and a second
side panel 319 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold
line 320. Each of the front panel and the back panel may include an
arcuate fold line 322, 324 beginning and ending at the bottom edges
of the respective panels.
[0077] In one embodiment, the blank 303 has a first closure flap
323 foldably connected to the front panel 313 along fold line 333
and a second closure flap 325 foldably connected to the back panel
315 along fold line 335. The closure flaps 323, 325 may include a
glue area "g" defined by lines of weakening 361. Each of the fold
lines 333, 335 may include two cuts 333a, 335a therealong. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, the blank comprises corner flaps 343, 345
that are foldably connected to the first side panel 317 along
respective longitudinal fold lines 342, 344 and corner flaps 347,
349 are foldably connected to the second side panel 319 along
respective longitudinal fold lines 346, 348.
[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the corner flaps 343,
345, 347, 349 include a first portion 343a, 345a, 347a, 349a
foldably connected to a second portion 343b, 345b, 347b, 349b along
oblique fold lines 363, 365, 367, 369. Each of the second portions
343b, 345b, 347b, 349b of the corner flaps comprises a respective
side edge 383, 385, 387, 389, a top edge 373, 375, 377, 379, and a
rounded corner 372, 374, 376, 378. Each of the side edges 383, 385,
387, 389 may have a cutout 82 adjacent the respective rounded
corner. The top edge 373, 375, 377, 379 may have a protrusion or
hook 81 extending outwardly from the respective top edge and
generally adjacent the respective rounded corner 372, 374, 376,
378.
[0079] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 303 into a
carton 305, the side panels 317, 319 are folded with respect to the
bottom panel 311 along fold lines 318, 320 and the corner flaps
343, 345, 347, 349 are folded approximately 90 degrees along
respective fold lines 342, 344, 346, 348. The front panel 313 and
the back panel 315 are folded along fold lines 314, 316 and
positioned in face-to-face contact with the respective corner flaps
343, 345, 347, 349. The closure flap 323 is folded along fold line
333 to at least partially overlap the corner flaps 343, 349 and the
closure flap 325 is folded along fold line 335 to at least
partially overlap the corner flaps 345, 347 to form the interior
space 336 of the carton 305. Glue may be applied to the glue areas
"g" of the closure flaps 323, 325. In one embodiment, two
containers C or canisters holding food product are inserted into
the interior space 336 of the carton 305. In one embodiment, one or
more of the front panel 313, back panel 315, and side panels 317,
319 includes indicia such as advertisement or other
information.
[0080] In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the carton 305 can be
positioned in a first configuration (FIG. 12) wherein the carton
holds two containers and can be converted to a second or expanded
configuration (FIG. 13) wherein carton 305 is filled with products
F (e.g., chips) and used to serve the food product after removal
from the containers C. The carton 305 may be converted to the
second configuration by applying force to the side panels 317, 319
and sliding them outward until each of the projections or hooks 81
extends through and received by the respective cuts 333a, 335a. The
outward folding of the side panels 317, 319 expands the interior
space 336 of the carton 305 in the second configuration. The blank
303 and carton 305 could have other features and could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0081] FIG. 14 illustrates an exterior side 401 of a blank 403 for
forming a carton 405, with an interior 436 (FIGS. 15-16), according
to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The fifth embodiment is
generally similar to the second and third embodiments, except for
variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical
features of the embodiments have been given like or similar
reference numbers. The blank 403 includes a bottom panel 411, a
front panel 413 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold
line 414, a back panel 415 foldably connected to the bottom panel
along fold line 416, a first side panel 217 foldably connected to
the bottom panel along fold line 118, and a second side panel 219
foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 120. In one
embodiment, the edges 413a, 413b, 415a, 415b, 411a, 411b of the
corresponding respective front panel 113, back panel 115, and
bottom panel 411 have a width "w3". The edges 217a, 217b, 219a,
219b, 411b, 411c of the corresponding respective first side panel
217, second side panel 219, and bottom panel 411 have a width "w1".
In one embodiment, the width "w3" is approximately twice the width
of "w1". In one embodiment, each of the front panel 413 and the
back panel 415 may include a respective arcuate fold line 422, 424
beginning and ending at the outer edges of the edge 413a, 415a of
the respective panels 413, 415.
[0082] In one embodiment the carton 405 of the fifth embodiment may
be formed in a similar method, according to the second embodiment.
As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the carton 405 can be positioned
in a first configuration wherein the carton holds two containers C
and converted to a second or expanded configuration wherein
interior space 436 of the carton 405 is expanded and filled with
products F (e.g., chips) so that that carton is used to serve the
food product after removal from the containers C.
[0083] FIG. 17 illustrates an exterior side 501 of a blank 503 for
forming a carton 505, with an interior 536 (FIGS. 18-20), according
to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure. The sixth embodiment is
generally similar to the second and the fifth embodiments, except
for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical
features of the embodiments have been given like or similar
reference numbers. In one embodiment, the edges 413a, 415a, 411a,
411b of the respective front panel 413, the back panel 415, and the
bottom panel 411 have a width "w3". The outer edges 413b, 415b of
the respective front panel and the back panel have a width "w4".
The width "w3" is greater than the width "w4". Also, the edges
117a, 119a, 411c, 411d of the respective first side panel 117, the
second side panel 119, and bottom panel 411 have a width "w1". The
outer edges 117b, 119b of the respective first side panel and the
second side panel have a width "w2". In one embodiment, the width
"w1" is greater than the width "w2".
[0084] In one embodiment the carton 505 may be formed in a similar
method, according to the exemplary method of the second embodiment.
As illustrated in FIGS. 18-20, the carton 505 can be converted from
a first configuration (FIGS. 18 and 19) wherein the carton holds
two containers C to a second or expanded configuration wherein the
containers C are removed, the interior space 536 of the carton 505
is expanded, and the carton is filled with products F (e.g., chips)
and used to serve the food product F after removal from the
containers C.
[0085] FIGS. 21-25 illustrate an exterior side 601 of a blank 603
for forming a carton 605, with an interior 636 (FIGS. 22-25),
according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 603
includes a bottom panel 611, a front panel 613 foldably connected
to the bottom panel along fold line 614, and a back panel 615
foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 616. A side
panel flap 617 is foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold
line 618 and a side panel 619 is foldably connected to the bottom
panel along fold line 620. In one embodiment, the end flaps 617,
619 comprise a respective fold line 628, 629 and have a distal
portion with respective curved edge 617a, 619a that conforms to the
curved edge of the container C held in the carton. A first
attachment flap (broadly "corner flap") 653 and a second attachment
flap (broadly "corner flap") 655 are foldably connected to the side
panel 617 along respective fold lines 663, 665. A third attachment
flap (broadly "corner flap") 637 and a fourth attachment flap
(broadly "corner flap") 659 are foldably connected to the side
panel 619 along fold lines 667, 669. When the blank is formed into
a carton, the side panel 617 forms a top end 673 of the carton and
the side panel 619 forms a bottom end 675 of the carton in a first
configuration (FIGS. 22 and 23).
[0086] In one embodiment, the front panel 613 and the back panel
615 each have female locking features (i.e. a plurality of cuts
681) and the attachment flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 have male locking
features 682 configured to mate with the female locking features in
the respective front or back panels. The male locking features
include a projection 682a defined by a notch or cutout 683 and edge
of the respective attachment flap 653, 655, 657, 659. As
illustrated in FIG. 21, the notch 683 may be generally near the
respective corner 672, 674, 676, 678 of the flaps 653, 655, 657,
659 and the notch extends diagonally or obliquely into the
attachment flap. In one embodiment, the corners and edges of the
notch may be rounded.
[0087] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 603 into a
carton 605, the front panel 613 and the back panel 615 are folded
with respect to the bottom panel 611 along respective fold lines
614, 616 to for generally a right angle. The side panels 617, 619
are folded with respect to the bottom panel 611 along respective
fold lines 618, 620 to form generally a right angle. The attachment
flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 may be positioned in face-to-face contact
and adhered to the respective front panel 613 and back panel 615 to
form a first configuration of the carton. Alternatively, the male
locking features 682a may be inserted into the female locking
features 681 to form and hold the carton in the first
configuration. A container C may be inserted before or after
closing the ends 673, 675 of the carton 605. The carton 605 may be
converted to the second configuration by moving the attachment
flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 and inserting the male locking features
682a into the female locking features 681. In the second
configuration, the side panels 617, 619 are positioned at an acute
angle .theta. relative to the horizontal axis "z" as shown in FIG.
25 to expand the interior space 636 of the carton 605. In one
embodiment the angle .theta. may range between 15 and 80 degrees,
and preferably between 30 and 60 degrees. Also, after removing the
container C from the carton 605, food products F from the container
C can be arranged in the carton for serving to a consumer, as shown
in FIGS. 24-25.
[0088] FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an exterior side 701 of a blank 703
for forming a carton 705, with an interior 736 (FIGS. 27-28),
according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure. The eighth
embodiment is generally similar to the seventh embodiment, except
for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of
ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical
features of the embodiments have been given like or similar
reference numbers. The blank 703 includes a bottom panel 611, a
front panel 713 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold
line 614, and a back panel 615 foldably connected to the bottom
panel along fold line 616. A side panel 717 is foldably connected
to the bottom panel along fold line 618 and a side panel 719 is
foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 620. In one
embodiment, the side panels 717, 719 comprise a respective fold
line 728, 729 and have a distal portion with a respective curved
edge 717a, 719a that conforms to the curved edge of the container C
held in the carton.
[0089] The blank 703 includes corner flaps 753, 757 foldably
connected to the front panel 713 along respective fold lines 763,
767 and corner flaps 755, 759 are foldably connected to the back
panel 715 along respective fold lines 765, 767. As shown in FIG.
27, in one embodiment, two cartons 705 can be arranged in a
back-to-back configuration with the bottom panel 611 of each carton
in face-to-face contact.
[0090] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 703 into a
carton 705, the front panel 713 and the back panel 715 are folded
with respect to the bottom panel 611 along respective fold lines
614, 616. The side panels 717 and 719 are folded along respective
fold lines 618, 620 and positioned in face-to face contact with the
respective end the end flaps 753, 755, 757, 759 to form the closed
ends 773, 775 of the carton. Adhesive (e.g., glue) may be used to
secure the end flaps together. As shown in FIG. 27, in one
embodiment, a container C can be inserted into the carton. Also,
after removing the container C from the carton, food products F
from the container C can be arranged in the carton for serving to a
consumer, as shown in FIG. 28.
[0091] FIGS. 29-31 illustrate an exterior side 801 of a blank 803
for forming a carton 805, with an interior 836 (FIGS. 30-31),
according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 803
includes a bottom panel 811, a front panel 813 foldably connected
to the bottom panel along fold line 814, and a back panel 815
foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 816. In one
embodiment, the front panel 813 and back panel 815 have respective
curved edges 823, 825. The curved edges include a concave portion
823a, 825a and a convex portion 823b, 825b with respect to the
bottom panel. The concave portion and the convex portion meet at a
point generally indicated by arrows A1 and A2.
[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 29, end flaps 853, 857 are foldably
connected to the front panel 813 along respective fold lines 863,
867 and end flaps 855, 859 are foldably connected to the back panel
815 along respective fold lines 865, 869. The end flaps 857, 859
have a generally straight edge 857a, 859a extending from the edge
of the respective convex portion 823b, 825b to a lateral free edge
857b, 859b. Each of the end flaps 857, 859 have rounded edges 857c
857d, 859c, 859d that generally conform to the curvature of the
containers when the blank is formed into a carton. In one
embodiment, a tab 882 is foldably connected to the end panel 859
along fold lines 879 and the tab extends between the curved edges
859c, 859d. The end flap 857 may have a substantially straight
longitudinal edge 857e extending between the rounded edges 857c,
857d.
[0093] In one embodiment, the end flaps 853, 855 have a generally
oblique edge 853a, 855a extending from the respective edge of the
concave portion 823a, 825a to a lateral free edge 853b, 855b. Each
of the end flaps 853, 855 have rounded edges 853c, 853d and 855c,
855d that generally conform to the curvature of the containers when
the blank is formed into a carton. In one embodiment, a tab 883 is
foldably connected to the end panel 853 along respective fold lines
877 and the tab extends between the curved edges 853c, 853d. The
end flap 855 may have a substantially straight longitudinal edge
855e extending between the rounded edges 855c, 855d.
[0094] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 803 into a
carton 805, the front panel 813 and the back panel 815 are folded
with respect to the bottom panel 811 to form an interior space 836
of the carton. The end flaps 853, 855 cooperated to close a first
end 873 and the end flaps 859, 859 cooperated to close a second end
875. The tabs 882 are folded about fold lines 877, 879 and adhered
to the interior or the exterior of the bottom panel 811. In one
embodiment, adhesive may be applied to the end panels.
[0095] As shown in FIG. 30, two containers C can be inserted into
the interior space 836 of the carton 805 in a first configuration
for shipping and displaying the containers for purchase at a point
of sale location. As shown in FIG. 31, the carton 805 can be
converted to a second configuration with the containers C removed
from the carton and the food products F removed from the containers
and placed in the interior space of the carton 805 for serving to
consumers of the products. In the second configuration, the carton
805 can be oriented to be a serving tray with the bottom panel 811
being supported on a surface and the front panel 813, back panel
815, and the ends 853, 855, 857, 859 extend upwardly from the
bottom panel.
[0096] In the embodiment of FIGS. 29-31, the carton 805 has a flat
bottom or bottom panel 811 for stability, and a curved front panel
813 and back panel 815 that extend from the bottom panel 811. The
front panel 813 and back panel 815 have curved edges 895, 897 that
generally conform to the rounded corners 853c, 853d, 855c, 855d,
857c, 857d, 859c, 859d of the end flaps 853, 855, 857, 859. The
carton 805 and blank 803 could have other features or could be
otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing
from the disclosure.
[0097] FIG. 32 shows a blank 903 used to form a carton (not shown)
of a tenth embodiment of the disclosure. The tenth embodiment is
generally similar to the ninth embodiment, except for variations
noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill
in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the
embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. End
flaps 953, 857 are foldably connected to the front panel 813 along
respective fold lines 863, 867 and end flaps 955, 959 are foldably
connected to the back panel 815 along respective fold lines 865,
869. The end flaps 953, 955 respectively have a generally convex
curved edge 953a, 955a extending from the respective edge of the
concave portion 823a, 825a to a lateral free edge 953b, 955b and
the end flaps 957, 959 have a generally concave curved edge 957a,
959a extending from the respective edge of the concave portion
823b, 825b of the panels 813, 815.
[0098] In one embodiment, the end flaps 955, 959 have rounded edges
955c, 955d and 959c, 959d that generally conform to the curvature
of the containers when the blank is formed into a carton. In one
embodiment, the end flaps 955, 959 may have a substantially
straight longitudinal edge 955e, 959e extending between the
respective rounded edges 955c, 955d and 959c, 959d as shown in FIG.
32.
[0099] In one embodiment, the end panels 955, 959 have a first
portion 956a, 960a foldably connected to a second portion 956b,
960b along respective fold lines 962, 964. In one embodiment, tabs
883, 982 are foldably connected to of the respective end panels
953, 957 along respective longitudinal fold lines 877, 979. Tabs
973, 975, 977, 979 are foldably connected to respective end panels
953, 957 along respective curved fold lines 983, 985, 987, 989. In
one embodiment, an end flap 990 is foldably connected to the end
panel 957 along fold line 991. The end flap 990 may have a convex
curved edge 990a as illustrated in FIG. 32.
[0100] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 803 into a
carton (not shown), the front panel 813 and the back panels 815 are
folded with respect to the bottom panel 811 to form an interior
space of the carton (not shown). The end flaps 953, 9553 cooperated
to close a first end and the end flaps 957, 959 cooperated to close
a second end. The tabs 883, 982 are folded about fold lines 877,
979 and adhered to the bottom panel 811 and tabs 973, 975, 977, 979
may be adhered to respective front panel and back panel. In one
embodiment, adhesive may be applied to the end panels and tabs.
[0101] FIGS. 33-37 show a blank 1003 used to form a carton 1005 of
an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the
blank 1003 comprises a bottom panel 1011 and a plurality of side
panels 1013 respectively foldably connected to the bottom panel at
respective fold lines 1015. In the illustrated embodiment, the
bottom panel 1011 is octagon-shaped and has eight sides, with a
respective fold line 1015 being located at each side connecting a
respective one of the eight side panels. Also, the side panels 1013
are generally arcuate or pedal-shaped and adjacent side panels are
separated by respective cuts 1017, but the side panels 1013 and/or
the bottom panel 1011 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or
configured. The side panels 1013 can be positioned to overlap and
encircle a bottom portion of a container C, when the carton 1005
and the container are in the first or shipping/display
configuration as shown in FIG. 34. When the chips F or other
articles in the container are accessed and desired to be consumed,
the carton 1005 can be converted to a second configuration in the
form of a display tray (FIGS. 36-37) wherein the side panels 1013
are downwardly folded from the shipping/display configuration to
increase the interior space 1021 of the carton. In the second
configuration, the chips F or other articles held in the container
C can be removed from the container and placed in the expanded
interior space 1021 of the carton 1005 for serving and consumption.
The carton 1005 can have other features and be otherwise shaped,
arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.
The carton 1005 is sized to hold a single container C as shown in
FIGS. 34 and 35, but the expandable carton 1005 could be sized to
hold two containers C, such as carton 305 of the fourth embodiment,
or more than two containers, without departing from the
disclosure.
[0102] FIGS. 33-36 show the carton 1005 with an optional inner
liner L attached to the inside surface of the carton. The liner L
may be a film, foil, parchment paper, or any other suitable
material for lining the interior 1021 of the carton 1005 and
holding the food product F. The liner L lines the inside of the
expanded carton 1005 and receives the food products F when the
carton is converted for serving and consumption of the food
product. As shown in FIG. 37, the liner L can be omitted from the
carton 1005 without departing from the disclosure or the liner L.
Also, the liner L and/or the carton 1005 can be otherwise shaped,
arranged, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0103] FIGS. 38-42 show a blank 1103 used to form a carton 1105 of
a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1103 includes a
bottom panel 1111, a front panel 1113 foldably connected to the
bottom panel along fold line 1114, and a back panel 1115 foldably
connected to the bottom panel along fold line 1116. End flaps 1117,
1119 are foldably connected to the bottom panel 1111 along
respective fold lines 1118, 1120. Gusset panels 1133, 1137 are
foldably connected to the front panel 1113 along fold lines 1143,
1147 and the respective end flap 1117, 1119 along arcuate fold
lines 1153, 1157. Gusset panels 1135, 1139 are foldably connected
to the back panel 1115 along fold lines 1145, 1149 and the
respective end flap 1117, 1119 along arcuate fold lines 1155, 1159.
The gusset panels 1133, 1135, 1137, 1139 may include a first
portion 1133a, 1135a, 1137a, 1139a foldably connected to a second
portion 1133b, 1135b, 1137b, 1139b along an oblique fold line 1163,
1165, 1167, 1169. The oblique fold line may have a slight curvature
as illustrated in FIG. 38. In one embodiment, the end flaps 1117,
1119 have a handle opening or aperture 1181 and a curved edge
1117a, 1119a that conforms to the curved edge of the container C.
The fold lines 1153, 1155, 1157, 1159 may also conform to the
curved edge of the end flaps. In one embodiment, the end flap 1117
and gusset panels 1133, 1135 form a first end 1182 of the carton
1105 and the end flap 1119 and gusset panels 1137, 1139 form a
second end 1184 of the carton.
[0104] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1103 into a
carton 1105 according to the twelfth embodiment, the front panel
1113 and the back panel 1115 are folded with respect to the bottom
panel 1111 to form an interior space 1136 of the carton. The end
flap 1117 and the gusset panels cooperate to close a first end 1182
and the end flap 1119 and gusset panels 1167, 1139 cooperate to
close a second end 1184. The carton 1105 may then be filled with
food product F and inserted into or placed inside the container C.
Upon opening the container C, the carton 1105 can be withdrawn and
used as a serving tray to serve the food product without having to
remove the food product and place on a separate tray.
Alternatively, the food product F can be contained in the carton
1105 by an overwrap material (not shown). The carton 1105 and the
blank 1103 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped,
arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure,
for example the front panel 113 and the back panel 1115 may
comprise curved corners or angular corners without departing from
the disclosure.
[0105] FIGS. 43-45 show a blank 1203 used to form a carton 1205 of
a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1203 and
carton 1205 are similar to the blank 1103 and carton 1105 of the
twelfth embodiment and like or similar features have been assigned
like or similar reference numbers. The carton 1205 of the
thirteenth embodiment is shorter than the carton 1105 so that two
of the cartons 1205 fit into a single container C. The carton 1205
and the blank 1203 could have other features or could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0106] FIGS. 46-48 show a blank 1303 used to form a carton 1035 of
a fourteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1303 includes
a front panel 1311, a first side panel 1313 foldably connected to
the front panel along line of weakening 1312, a second side panel
1315 foldably connected to the front panel along line of weakening
1314, a first back panel 1317 foldably connected to the first side
panel along fold line 1316, and a second back panel 1319 foldably
connected to the second side panel along fold line 1318. In one
embodiment, the first side panel 1313 and the second side panel
1315 include a plurality of fold lines 1332 extending along at
least a portion of the length of the panels. End flaps 1340, 1342
are foldably connected to the front panel 1311 along respective
longitudinal fold lines 1339, 1341, end flaps 1344, 1346 are
foldably connected to the first back panel 1317 along respective
longitudinal fold lines 1343, 1345, and end flaps 1348, 1350 are
foldably connected to the second back panel 1319 along respective
longitudinal fold lines 1347, 1349. The end flaps 1340, 1342, 1344,
1346 have generally curved edges 1340a, 1342a, 1344a, 1346a and
1340b, 1342b, 1344b, 1346b with a generally straight edge 1340c,
1342c, 1344c, 1346c between the curved edges. The end flaps 1348,
1350 have a curved edge 1348a, 1350a that is adjacent a generally
straight edge 1348c, 1350c. The edge 1348b, 1350b of the end flaps
1348, 1350 also correspond the free edge 1372 of the blank
1303.
[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, a dispenser panel 1351
defined by tear line 1352 comprises a portion of the front panel
1311, and the side panels 1313, 1315. The blank 1303 may comprise a
tear strip 1355 extending from the free edge 1370 to the opposite
free edge 1372 of the blank. The first back panel 1317 may include
a cutout 1361 having oblique edges 1361a, 1361b and the tear strip
may have a grip portion 1367 at least partially defined in the
cutout. The second back panel 1319 can include oblique fold lines
1371a 1371b that correspond generally to the oblique edges 1361a,
1361b of the cutout 1361. The tear strip 1355 can be used to
initiate separation of the dispenser panel 1351 from the carton
1305, or the dispenser panel 1351 could be otherwise shaped,
arranged, and/or configured. The end flaps 1340, 1344, 1348 close a
top end 1383 of the carton 1305 and the end flaps 1342, 1346, 1350
close a bottom end 1385 of the carton.
[0108] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1303 into a
carton 1305, the blank can be folded about fold lines 1312, 1314,
1315, 1318 so that the first back panel 1316 is positioned in an
overlapped configuration and in face-to-face contact with the
second back panel 1319 to form an interior space 1336 of the carton
1305. The end flaps 1340, 1344, 1348 cooperated to close a first
end 1383 and the end flaps 1342, 1346, 1350 cooperated to close a
second end 1385. As shown in FIGS. 47-48, the carton 1305 can be
formed from the blank 1303 and can be used to hold food products F
in a stacked configuration. The side panels 1313, 1315 may be
curved to conform to the shape of the food product F. The tear
strip 1355 can be removed from the carton 1305 to initiate
separation of the dispenser panel 1351 from the carton. The
dispenser panel 1351 can be removed to allow access to the food
products F. The carton 1305 and the blank 1303 could have other
features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured
without departing from the disclosure.
[0109] FIGS. 49 and 50 show a blank 1403 used to form a carton 1405
of a fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1403 and
carton 1045 are similar to the blank 1303 and carton 1305 of the
fourteenth embodiment and like or similar features have been
assigned like or similar reference numbers. The carton 1405 and
blank 1403 are wider than the fourteenth embodiment, so that the
carton 1405 can accommodate two stacks of food products F. As
illustrated in FIG. 49, the blank 1403 also includes two dispenser
panels 1451a, 1451b defined by tear lines 1452a, 1452b. An
attachment flap 1460 is foldably connected to the second back panel
1319 along lateral fold line 1461. The attachment flap may have a
first portion 1460a foldably connected to a second portion 1460b
along fold line 1466. The fold line 1466 may include two
semicircular cuts 1481. In one embodiment, a flap 1483 may be
foldably connected to the first portion 1460a along longitudinal
fold line 1485. The carton 1405 and the blank 1403 could have other
features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured
without departing from the disclosure.
[0110] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1403 into a
carton 1405, the blank can be folded about fold lines 1312, 1314,
1316, 1461 so that the first back panel 1317 is positioned in an
overlapped configuration and in face-to-face contact with the
second back panel 1319 and attachment flap 1460 to form an interior
space of the carton 1405. The end flaps 1340, 1344, 1348 cooperated
to close a first end 1482 and the end flaps 1342, 1346, 1350
cooperated to close a second end 1484. The tear strip 1355 can be
removed from the carton 1405 to initiate separation of the
dispenser panels 1451a, 1451b from the carton. The dispenser panel
s 1451a, 1451b can be removed to allow access to the food products
F. The carton 1405 and the blank 1403 could have other features or
could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without
departing from the disclosure.
[0111] FIGS. 51 and 52 show a blank 1503 used to form a carton 1505
of a sixteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1503 and
carton 1505 are similar to the blank 1303 and carton 1305 of the
fourteenth embodiment and like or similar features have been
assigned like or similar reference numbers. The carton 1505 and
blank 1503 are shorter than the fourteenth embodiment, so that the
carton 1505 can accommodate a shorter stack of food products F. The
carton 1505 and the blank 1503 could have other features or could
be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing
from the disclosure.
[0112] FIGS. 53-54 show a blank 1603 used to form a carton 1605 of
a seventeenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1603 includes
a top panel 1609, a first front panel 1611 foldably connected to
the top panel along fold line 1612, a back panel 1613 foldably
connected to the top panel along fold line 1614, a bottom panel
1615 foldably connected to the back panel along fold line 1616, and
a second front panel 1617 foldably connected to the bottom panel
along fold line 1618. In one embodiment, the top panel 1609 and the
bottom panel 1615 include a plurality of fold lines 1609a, 1609b
and 1615a, 1615b extending along at least a portion of the length
of the panels. End flaps 1619, 1621 are foldably connected to the
top 1609 along respective fold lines 1620, 1622. End flaps 1623,
1625 are foldably connected to the back panel 1613 along respective
fold lines 1624, 1626. End flaps 1627, 1629 are foldably connected
to the bottom panel 1615 along respective fold lines 1628, 1630 and
end flaps 1631, 1633 are foldably connected to the second front
panel 1617 along respective fold lines 1632, 1634.
[0113] In one embodiment, the end flaps 1619, 1621 have rounded
corners 1619a, 1619b and 1621a, 1621b and straight edges 1619c,
1621c extending between the rounded corners 1619a, 1621a. The end
flaps 1627, 1629 have rounded corners 1627a, 1629a adjacent the
bottom panel 1615 and female locking features (i.e., cuts) 1681.
The end flaps 1623, 1625, 1631, 1633 have male locking features
1682. The male locking features generally have a notch 1683
defining a hook portion 1684, and a rounded protrusion 1686
opposite of the notch. When the blank is formed into a carton, the
female locking features are configured to receive the male locking
features to hold the carton together. Also, the carton has curved
edges 1691, 1692, 1693, 1694 that generally extend from the
respective fold lines 1609a, 1609b, 1615a, 1615b to the fold lines
1612, 1614, 1616, 1618 and conform to the curvature of the edges
1619a, 1619b, 1621a, 1621b, 1627a, 1629a of the end panels 1619,
1921, 1627, 1629.
[0114] In one embodiment, the blank 103 includes features for
forming a dispenser 1651 for allowing access to the food products F
inside the carton. The dispenser features include a tear line 1655
in the top panel 1609 and the first front panel 1611 that define a
dispenser panel 1651. The dispenser features also may include an
access opening 1656 in the first front panel. In one embodiment,
the second front panel 1617 may include a line of weakening 1668
generally corresponding to the portion of the dispenser in the
first front panel. The end flaps 1619, 1623, 1627, 1631 close a
first end 1641 and the end flaps 1621, 1625, 1629, 1633 close a
second end 1643 of the carton 1605.
[0115] In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1603 into a
carton 1605, the blank can be folded about fold lines 1616, 1618
and the male locking features are inserted into the female locking
features to form an interior space 1636 of the carton 1065. The
blank is folded about fold lines 1612, 1614 so that the first front
panel 1611 is positioned in an overlapped configuration and in
face-to-face contact with the second front panel 1617. The end
flaps 1619, 1623, 1627, 1631 cooperated to close a first end 1461
and the end flaps 1621, 1625, 1629, 1633 cooperated to close a
second end 1643. As shown in FIG. 54B, the dispenser 1651 can be
removed from the carton 1605 to access the food products F in the
interior space 1636 of the carton. The carton 1605 has rounded
corners comprising portions of the top panel 1609 and portions of
the bottom panel 1615. In one embodiment, the food products F can
be initially packaged in groups and can be unpackaged and emptied
in the interior space 1636 of the carton 1605 for serving.
Alternatively, the carton 1605 could be configured to contain one
or more containers C such as the containers C shown in the earlier
embodiments. The carton 1605 and the blank 1603 could have other
features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured
without departing from the disclosure.
[0116] The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for
example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For
example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be
coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed
over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information
or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect
any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated
with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both
sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described
embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a
caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper.
The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as
cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties
suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as
described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with
one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel
sections.
[0117] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the
present disclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear,
although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that
facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the
purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold
lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt
scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the
material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends
partially into a material along the desired line of weakness,
and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or
completely through the material along the desired line of weakness;
and various combinations of these features.
[0118] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends
partially into the material along the desired line of weakness,
and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into
and/or completely through the material along the desired line of
weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more
specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of
spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material,
with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick
(e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is
defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily
connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken
during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a
relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the
nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear
line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of
the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced
with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be
a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing
from the present disclosure.
[0119] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more
panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton
embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of
adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.
[0120] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and
describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions,
modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary
embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above
description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected
embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use
in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and
is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the
inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above
teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant
art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each
embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other
illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.
* * * * *