U.S. patent application number 16/515395 was filed with the patent office on 2020-01-23 for carton for containers.
The applicant listed for this patent is Graphic Packaging International, LLC. Invention is credited to Brian Smalley.
Application Number | 20200024045 16/515395 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 69161512 |
Filed Date | 2020-01-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200024045 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smalley; Brian |
January 23, 2020 |
Carton for Containers
Abstract
A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton can
be configurable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that
extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, a top
end having an open width in the open configuration and a closed
width in the closed configuration, and a bottom end disposed
opposite to the top end. The bottom end can have a bottom width. In
the open configuration, the top end can be at least partially open
and the plurality of panels can be positioned so that the open
width of the top end is greater than the bottom width of the bottom
end. In the closed configuration, the top end can be at least
partially closed and the plurality of panels is positioned so that
the closed width is less than the open width.
Inventors: |
Smalley; Brian; (Bristol,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Graphic Packaging International, LLC |
Atlanta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
69161512 |
Appl. No.: |
16/515395 |
Filed: |
July 18, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62700534 |
Jul 19, 2018 |
|
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62727148 |
Sep 5, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/00462
20130101; B65B 43/265 20130101; B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D
2571/00567 20130101; B65B 21/14 20130101; B65D 2571/00469 20130101;
B65D 2571/00543 20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 2571/00728
20130101; B65D 2571/00524 20130101; B65B 43/10 20130101; B65D
2571/00845 20130101; B65D 71/36 20130101; B65B 5/024 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/36 20060101
B65D071/36; B65B 43/10 20060101 B65B043/10; B65B 21/14 20060101
B65B021/14 |
Claims
1. A carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton is
configurable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that
extends at least partially around an interior of the carton; a top
end, the top end having an open width in the open configuration and
a closed width in the closed configuration; a bottom end disposed
opposite to the top end, the bottom end having a bottom width; in
the open configuration, the top end is at least partially open and
the plurality of panels is positioned so that the open width of the
top end is greater than the bottom width of the bottom end; and in
the closed configuration, the top end is at least partially closed
and the plurality of panels is positioned so that the closed width
is less than the open width.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the open width is a first open
width, the bottom width is a first bottom width, the bottom end has
a second bottom width, the top end has a second open width in the
open configuration, the second bottom width and the second open
width are perpendicular to the first bottom width and the first
open width, and the plurality of panels are positioned so that the
second open width of the top end is greater than the second bottom
width of the bottom end in the open configuration.
3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the closed width is a first
closed width, the top end has a second closed width in the closed
configuration, the second closed width is perpendicular to the
first closed width, and the plurality of panels are positioned so
that the first closed width and second closed width of the top end
are less than the respective first bottom width and the second
bottom width of the bottom end in the closed configuration.
4. The carton of claim 2, wherein an arrangement of containers is
positioned in the interior of the carton, the arrangement comprises
a first dimension that is parallel to the first bottom width and a
second dimension that is parallel to the second bottom width, the
first bottom width is less than the first dimension, and the second
bottom width is less than the second dimension.
5. The carton of claim 4, wherein the first dimension of the
arrangement is equal to the first open width of the top end in the
open configuration and the second dimension of the arrangement is
equal to the second open width of the top end in the open
configuration.
6. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises
a first panel foldably connected to a second panel along a lateral
fold line, the bottom end comprises a first bottom end flap
foldably connected to the first panel along a first segment of a
longitudinal fold line and a second bottom end flap foldably
connected to the second panel along a second segment of the
longitudinal fold line, the first segment and the second segment
extend at a respective first angle and second angle with respect to
the lateral fold line, and each of the first angle and the second
angle is greater than 90 degrees in the open configuration.
7. The carton of claim 6, wherein each panel of the plurality of
panels has a grain direction extending vertically between the top
end and the bottom end.
8. The carton of claim 6, wherein the lateral fold line is a first
lateral fold line, the plurality of panels further comprises a
third panel foldably connected to the second panel along a second
lateral fold line, a fourth panel foldably connected to the third
panel along a third lateral fold line, and an attachment panel
foldably connected to the first panel along a fourth lateral fold
line, the second lateral fold line and the fourth lateral fold line
are opposite one another in the carton, and the second lateral fold
line and the fourth lateral fold line are weakened fold lines.
9. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises
a first panel foldably connected to a second panel at a gusset.
10. The carton of claim 9, wherein the first panel and the second
panel are further foldably connected along a lateral fold line
extending from the bottom end to the gusset.
11. The carton of claim 9, wherein the gusset comprises a first
gusset panel foldably connected to a second gusset panel along a
first gusset fold line, the first gusset panel is foldably
connected to the first panel along a second gusset fold line, and
the second gusset panel is foldably connected to the second panel
along a third gusset fold line.
12. The carton of claim 11, wherein the second gusset fold line and
the third gusset fold line are oblique and extend from the top end
of the carton.
13. The carton of claim 11, wherein the gusset comprises a gusset
opening, and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel
extend from the top end of the carton to the gusset opening.
14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the first panel and the second
panel are further foldably connected along a lateral fold line
extending from the bottom end to the gusset opening, and the first
gusset panel and the second gusset panel are spaced from the
lateral fold line by the gusset opening.
15. The carton of claim 11, wherein the second gusset fold line and
the third gusset fold line extend from respective ends of a curved
fold line to the top end of the carton, and the first gusset panel
and the second gusset panel are foldably connected to the
respective first panel and second panel along the curved fold
line.
16. The carton of claim 11, wherein the gusset comprises a one-way
fold feature comprising a tab extending from the first gusset panel
and being separable from the second gusset panel along a cut line,
and the tab at least partially interrupts the first gusset fold
line.
17. The carton of claim 11, wherein the second gusset fold line and
the third gusset fold line extend from respective ends of a curved
cut to the top end of the carton, and the first gusset panel and
the second gusset panel are separable from the respective first
panel and second panel along the curved cut.
18. The carton of claim 9, wherein a tear strip extends at least
partially across the first panel, the tear strip comprises an
access feature for facilitating initial tearing of the tear strip,
the gusset extends from the access feature to the top end of the
carton, and the access feature comprises an aperture in the
carton.
19. The carton of claim 9, wherein the gusset is a first gusset,
the plurality of panels further comprises a third panel foldably
connected to the second panel at a second gusset, a fourth panel
foldably connected to the third panel at a third gusset, and an
attachment panel foldably connected to the first panel at a fourth
gusset, the fourth panel at least partially overlaps the attachment
panel so that the fourth gusset extends between the first panel and
the fourth panel, and each of the first gusset, the second gusset,
the third gusset, and the fourth gusset extends from the top end of
the carton and is spaced from the bottom end of the carton.
20. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a handle in at least
the top end.
21. The carton of claim 20, wherein the top end comprises at least
a top flap foldably connected to a panel of the plurality of
panels, the handle comprises a handle panel extending in the top
flap, a first comfort flap and a second comfort flap foldably
connected to opposite sides of the handle panel, a first tab
foldably connected to the top flap, and a second tab foldably
connected to the top flap, and the first tab and the second tab are
separable from the respective first comfort flap and second comfort
flap along respective tear lines.
22. The carton of claim 20, wherein the top end comprises at least
a first top flap and a second top flap foldably connected to
respective panels of the plurality of panels, the handle comprises
an inner handle panel extending in at least the first top flap and
an outer handle panel extending in at least the second top flap,
and the outer handle panel at least partially overlaps the inner
handle panel in the closed configuration.
23. The carton of claim 22, wherein the inner handle panel is
foldably connected to an inner comfort flap, the outer handle panel
is foldably connected to an outer comfort flap that at least
partially overlaps the inner comfort flap in the closed
configuration, the handle further comprises an inner tab foldably
connected to the first top flap and an outer tab foldably connected
to the second top flap, the outer tab at least partially overlaps
the inner tab in the closed configuration, and the inner tab and
the outer tab are at least partially separable from the respective
inner comfort flap and outer comfort flap along respective tear
lines.
24. The carton of claim 22, wherein the inner handle panel is at
least partially separable from the first top flap along at least an
inner tear line, and the outer handle panel is at least partially
separable from the second top flap along at least an outer tear
line.
25. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are
positioned so that the closed width of the top end is less than the
bottom width of the bottom end in the closed configuration.
26. The carton of claim 1, wherein an arrangement of containers is
positioned in the interior of the carton, the arrangement comprises
a dimension that is parallel to the bottom width of the bottom end,
the bottom width of the bottom end is less than the dimension of
the arrangement, and the open width of the top end is equal to the
dimension of the arrangement in the open configuration.
27. A blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of
containers, the carton being configurable between an open
configuration and a closed configuration, the blank comprising: a
plurality of panels; a top marginal area for forming a top end when
the carton is formed from the blank, the top end having an open
width in the open configuration and a closed width in the closed
configuration when the carton is formed from the blank; a bottom
marginal area for forming a bottom end disposed opposite to the top
end when the carton is formed from the blank, the bottom end having
a bottom width when the carton is formed from the blank; in the
open configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the top end
is at least partially open and the plurality of panels is
positioned so that the open width of the top end is greater than
the bottom width of the bottom end; and in the closed configuration
of the carton formed from the blank, the top end is at least
partially closed and the plurality of panels is positioned so that
the closed width is less than the open width.
28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a first panel foldably connected to a second panel along
a lateral fold line, the blank comprises a first bottom end flap
and a second bottom end flap along the bottom marginal area, the
first bottom end flap is foldably connected to the first panel
along a first segment of a longitudinal fold line, the second
bottom end flap is foldably connected to the second panel along a
second segment of the longitudinal fold line, the first segment and
the second segment extend at a respective first angle and second
angle with respect to the lateral fold line, and each of the first
angle and the second angle is greater than 90 degrees in the open
configuration.
29. The blank of claim 28, wherein each panel of the plurality of
panels has a grain direction extending in a lateral direction
between the top marginal area and the bottom marginal area.
30. The blank of claim 28, wherein the lateral fold line is a first
lateral fold line, the plurality of panels further comprises a
third panel foldably connected to the second panel along a second
lateral fold line, a fourth panel foldably connected to the third
panel along a third lateral fold line, and an attachment panel
foldably connected to the first panel along a fourth lateral fold
line, the second lateral fold line and the fourth lateral fold line
are for being positioned opposite one another in the carton formed
from the blank, and the second lateral fold line and the fourth
lateral fold line are weakened fold lines.
31. The blank of claim 27, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a first panel foldably connected to a second panel at a
gusset.
32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the first panel and the second
panel are further foldably connected along a lateral fold line
extending from the bottom marginal area of the blank to the
gusset.
33. The blank of claim 31, wherein the gusset comprises a first
gusset panel foldably connected to a second gusset panel along a
first gusset fold line, the first gusset panel is foldably
connected to the first panel along a second gusset fold line, and
the second gusset panel is foldably connected to the second panel
along a third gusset fold line.
34. The blank of claim 33, wherein the second gusset fold line and
the third gusset fold line are oblique and extend from the top
marginal area of the blank.
35. The blank of claim 33, wherein the gusset comprises a gusset
opening, and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel
extend from the top marginal area of the blank to the gusset
opening.
36. The blank of claim 35, wherein the first panel and the second
panel are further foldably connected along a lateral fold line
extending from the bottom marginal area of the blank to the gusset
opening, and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are
spaced from the lateral fold line by the gusset opening.
37. The blank of claim 33, wherein the second gusset fold line and
the third gusset fold line extend from respective ends of a curved
fold line to the top marginal area of the blank, and the first
gusset panel and the second gusset panel are foldably connected to
the respective first panel and second panel along the curved fold
line.
38. The blank of claim 33, wherein the gusset comprises a one-way
fold feature comprising a tab extending from the first gusset panel
and being separable from the second gusset panel along a cut line,
and the tab at least partially interrupts the first gusset fold
line.
39. The blank of claim 33, wherein the second gusset fold line and
the third gusset fold line extend from respective ends of a curved
cut to the top marginal area of the blank, and the first gusset
panel and the second gusset panel are separable from the respective
first panel and second panel along the curved cut.
40. The blank of claim 31, wherein a tear strip extends at least
partially across the first panel, the tear strip comprises an
access feature for facilitating initial tearing of the tear strip,
the gusset extends from the access feature to the top marginal area
of the blank, and the access feature comprises an aperture in the
carton.
41. The blank of claim 31, wherein the gusset is a first gusset,
the plurality of panels further comprises a third panel foldably
connected to the second panel at a second gusset, a fourth panel
foldably connected to the third panel at a third gusset, and an
attachment panel foldably connected to the first panel at a fourth
gusset, and each of the first gusset, the second gusset, the third
gusset, and the fourth gusset extends from the top marginal area of
the blank and is spaced from the bottom marginal area of the
blank.
42. The blank of claim 27, further comprising handle features for
at least partially forming a handle in at least the top end of the
carton formed from the blank.
43. The blank of claim 42, wherein the blank comprises at least a
top flap foldably connected to a panel of the plurality of panels
along the top marginal area of the blank, the handle features
comprise a handle panel extending in the top flap, a first comfort
flap and a second comfort flap foldably connected to opposite sides
of the handle panel, a first tab foldably connected to the top
flap, and a second tab foldably connected to the top flap, and the
first tab and the second tab are separable from the respective
first comfort flap and second comfort flap along respective tear
lines.
44. The blank of claim 42, wherein the blank comprises at least a
first top flap and a second top flap foldably connected to
respective panels of the plurality of panels along the top marginal
area of the blank, the handle features comprise an inner handle
panel extending in at least the first top flap and an outer handle
panel extending in at least the second top flap, and the outer
handle panel is for at least partially overlapping the inner handle
panel in the closed configuration of the carton formed from the
blank.
45. The blank of claim 44, wherein the inner handle panel is
foldably connected to an inner comfort flap, the outer handle panel
is foldably connected to an outer comfort flap that is for at least
partially overlapping the inner comfort flap in the closed
configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the handle
features further comprise an inner tab foldably connected to the
first top flap and an outer tab foldably connected to the second
top flap, the outer tab being for at least partially overlapping
the inner tab in the closed configuration of the carton formed from
the blank, and the inner tab and the outer tab are at least
partially separable from the respective inner comfort flap and
outer comfort flap along respective tear lines.
46. The blank of claim 44, wherein the inner handle panel is at
least partially separable from the first top flap along at least an
inner tear line, and the outer handle panel is at least partially
separable from the second top flap along at least an outer tear
line.
47. The blank of claim 27, wherein the plurality of panels are for
being positioned so that, when the carton is formed from the blank,
the closed width of the top end is less than the bottom width of
the bottom end in the closed configuration of the carton formed
from the blank.
48. The blank of claim 27, wherein an arrangement of containers is
for being positioned in the interior of the carton formed from the
blank, the arrangement comprises a dimension that is parallel to
the bottom width of the bottom end when the carton is formed from
the blank, the bottom width of the bottom end of the carton formed
from the blank is for being less than the dimension of the
arrangement, and the open width of the top end of the carton formed
from the blank is for being equal to the dimension of the
arrangement in the open configuration of the carton formed from the
blank.
49. A method for forming a carton for holding a plurality of
containers, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a
plurality of panels; forming a carton from the blank, the forming
the carton comprising folding the plurality of panels to extend at
least partially around an interior of the carton, the carton
comprising a top end and a bottom end disposed opposite to the top
end, the bottom end having a bottom width; configuring the carton
in an open configuration wherein the top end is at least partially
open, the configuring the carton in the open configuration
comprising positioning the plurality of panels so that the top end
has an open width that is greater than the bottom width of the
bottom end; and configuring the carton in a closed configuration by
at least partially closing the top end and positioning the
plurality of panels so that the top end has a closed width that is
less than the open width.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the configuring the carton in
the closed configuration comprises positioning the plurality of
panels so that the closed width of the top end is less than the
bottom width of the bottom.
51. The method of claim 49, further comprising positioning an
arrangement of containers in the interior of the carton prior to
the configuring the carton in the closed configuration, wherein the
arrangement comprises a dimension that is parallel to the bottom
width of the bottom end, the bottom width of the bottom end is less
than the dimension of the arrangement, and the open width of the
top end is equal to the dimension of the arrangement in the open
configuration.
52. The method of claim 49, wherein the plurality of panels
comprises a first panel foldably connected to a second panel at a
gusset.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the first panel and the second
panel are further foldably connected along a lateral fold line
extending from the bottom end to the gusset.
54. The method of claim 52, wherein the gusset comprises a first
gusset panel foldably connected to a second gusset panel along a
first gusset fold line, the first gusset panel is foldably
connected to the first panel along a second gusset fold line, and
the second gusset panel is foldably connected to the second panel
along a third gusset fold line.
55. The method of claim 54, wherein the gusset comprises a gusset
opening, and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel
extend from the top end of the carton to the gusset opening.
56. The method of claim 54, wherein the gusset comprises a one-way
fold feature comprising a tab extending from the first gusset panel
and being separable from the second gusset panel along a cut line,
and the tab at least partially interrupts the first gusset fold
line.
57. The method of claim 52, wherein the gusset is a first gusset,
the plurality of panels further comprises a third panel foldably
connected to the second panel at a second gusset, a fourth panel
foldably connected to the third panel at a third gusset, and an
attachment panel foldably connected to the first panel at a fourth
gusset, and the method further comprises at least partially
overlapping the attachment panel with the fourth panel so that the
fourth gusset extends between the first panel and the fourth panel,
each of the first gusset, the second gusset, the third gusset, and
the fourth gusset extending from the top end of the carton and
being spaced from the bottom end of the carton.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 62/727,148, filed on Sep. 5, 2018, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/700,534, filed on Jul. 19,
2018.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0002] The disclosures of U.S. Design Patent Application No.
29/675,323, filed on Dec. 31, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/727,148, filed on Sep. 5, 2018, and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/700,534, filed on Jul. 19,
2018, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if
presented herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for
holding beverage containers or other types of articles. More
specifically, the present disclosure relates to cartons having a
top-loading configuration with a gusseted top portion and tapered
sides.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a
carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton can be
configurable between an open configuration and a closed
configuration. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that
extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, a top
end having an open width in the open configuration and a closed
width in the closed configuration, and a bottom end disposed
opposite to the top end. The bottom end can have a bottom width. In
the open configuration, the top end can be at least partially open
and the plurality of panels can be positioned so that the open
width of the top end is greater than the bottom width of the bottom
end. In the closed configuration, the top end can be at least
partially closed and the plurality of panels is positioned so that
the closed width is less than the open width.
[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers.
The carton can be configurable between an open configuration and a
closed configuration. The blank can comprise a plurality of panels
and a top marginal area for forming a top end when the carton is
formed from the blank. The top end can have an open width in the
open configuration and a closed width in the closed configuration
when the carton is formed from the blank. The blank further can
comprise a bottom marginal area for forming a bottom end disposed
opposite to the top end when the carton is formed from the blank.
The bottom end can have a bottom width when the carton is formed
from the blank. In the open configuration of the carton formed from
the blank, the top end can be at least partially open and the
plurality of panels can be positioned so that the open width of the
top end is greater than the bottom width of the bottom end. In the
closed configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the top
end can be at least partially closed and the plurality of panels
can be positioned so that the closed width is less than the open
width.
[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a
method of forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers.
The method can comprise obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of
panels and forming a carton from the blank. The forming the carton
can comprise folding the plurality of panels to extend at least
partially around an interior of the carton. The carton can comprise
a top end and a bottom end disposed opposite to the top end, and
the bottom end can have a bottom width. The method further can
comprise configuring the carton in an open configuration wherein
the top end is at least partially open. The configuring the carton
in the open configuration can comprise positioning the plurality of
panels so that the top end has an open width that is greater than
the bottom width of the bottom end. The method also can comprise
configuring the carton in a closed configuration by at least
partially closing the top end and positioning the plurality of
panels so that the top end has a closed width that is less than the
open width.
[0007] 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. It
is within the scope of the present disclosure that the
above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in
various combinations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] 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.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0010] FIGS. 1A and 1B are detail plan views of respective portions
of the blank of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic elevation view of a container
according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of an arrangement of the
containers of FIG. 2 according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a partially-formed carton according
to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the
blank of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to the first
exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective top view of the carton of FIG. 5 in
the open configuration.
[0016] FIGS. 7 and 8 are elevation views of the carton of FIG. 5 in
the open configuration.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carto of FIG. 5 in a
closed configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment of
the disclosure.
[0018] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton
according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0019] FIG. 11 is a detail view of a gusset of the blank of FIG.
10.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a detail view of a carton formed from the blank
of FIG. 10 showing the formed gusset of FIG. 11 according to the
second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton
according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.
[0022] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding
reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons that
contain articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The
articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for
example. The articles can be made from materials suitable in
composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and
the materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and/or
other metals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP,
PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or any combination
thereof.
[0024] Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate
articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for
the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following
detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., glass
beverage bottles) as disposed within the carton embodiments. In
this specification, the terms "inner," "interior," "outer,"
"exterior," "lower," "bottom," "upper," and "top" indicate
orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright
cartons.
[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior side 1 of a blank,
generally indicated at 3, used to form a carton 5 (FIGS. 5-9)
according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The
carton 5 can be used to house a plurality of articles such as
containers C (FIGS. 2 and 3). In one embodiment, the containers are
bottles having a wide bottom portion BP and a narrow top or neck N.
In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 is sized to house
twelve containers C in a single layer in a 3.times.4 arrangement,
but it is understood that the carton 5 may be sized and shaped to
hold containers of a different or same quantity in more than one
layer and/or in different row/column arrangements (e.g., 1.times.6,
2.times.6, 4.times.6, 3.times.8, 2.times.6.times.2,
3.times.4.times.2, 2.times.9, 3.times.6, etc.), or just a single
article. In one embodiment, the carton 5 includes handle features,
generally indicated at 11, for forming a handle 12 (FIG. 9) for
grasping and carrying the carton. In the illustrated embodiment,
the carton 5 is configurable between an open or top-loading
configuration 101 (FIGS. 5-8) and a closed configuration 102 (FIG.
9).
[0026] 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 first side panel 23 foldably connected to a
first end panel 25 at a lateral fold line 27. A second side panel
31 is foldably connected to the first end panel 25 at a lateral
fold line 33. A second end panel 37 is foldably connected to second
side panel 31 at a lateral fold line 39. An attachment panel 41 is
foldably connected to the first side panel 23 at a lateral fold
line 43. Alternatively, the attachment panel 41 could be foldably
connected to the second end panel 37. In the illustrated
embodiment, the lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 extend generally
in the lateral direction L2; however, as described in more detail
below, one or more of the lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 can be
at least partially oblique with respect to the lateral direction
L2.
[0027] As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the first side panel 23 is
further foldably connected to the first end panel 25 by a first
gusset 45, the first end panel 25 is further foldably connected to
the second side panel 31 by a second gusset 47, the second side
panel 31 is further foldably connected to the second end panel 37
by a third gusset 49, and the attachment panel 41 is further
foldably connected to the first side panel 23 by a fourth gusset
51. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the gussets 45, 47, 49,
51 can include a first gusset panel 53 foldably connected to a
second gusset panel 55 along a first gusset fold line 57, which can
be generally collinear with a respective one of the lateral fold
lines 27, 33, 39, 43. In one embodiment, each of the first gusset
panels 53 can be foldably connected to one of the first side panel
23 and the second side panel 31 along a second gusset fold line 59,
and each of the second gusset panels 55 can be foldably connected
to one of the first end panel 25, the second end panel 37, and the
attachment panel 41 along a third gusset fold line 61. In the
illustrated embodiment, the second gusset fold lines 59 and the
third gusset fold lines 61 are oblique with respect to the first
gusset fold lines 57. In an exemplary embodiment, the second gusset
fold lines 59 and the third gusset fold lines 61 can be cut-crease
style fold lines and the first gusset fold lines 57 can include
spaced perforations or cuts so that the first gusset fold lines 57
are weakened with respect to the second gusset fold lines 59 and
the third gusset fold lines 61. In one embodiment, the weakened
first gusset fold lines 57 can be used as tear lines as described
in more detail below.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1, 1A, and 1B, the gussets 45, 49, 51 can
include respective gusset openings 131 defined by edges of the
gusset panels 53, 55 and the respectively adjacent panels 23, 25,
41, 37, 41. In addition, the gusset 47 can include a gusset opening
121 defined by the edges of the gusset panels 53, 55 of the gusset
47 and the panels 25, 31. The gusset opening 121 can be similar to
the gusset openings 131 but is enlarged in the illustrated
embodiment to cooperate with the dispenser features as described in
more detail below. In an alternative embodiment, the gusset opening
121 can be similar or identical to the gusset openings 131 (e.g.,
if the dispenser features are omitted). In the illustrated
embodiment, the gusset panels 53, 55 extend from the gusset
openings 121, 131 to a top edge 132 of the respective gussets at a
top marginal area of the blank 3 and the gusset panels 53, 55 are
spaced apart from the respective lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43
by the gusset openings 121, 131. The gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 could
be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured
without departing from the disclosure. For example, the gusset fold
lines 57, 59, 61 could be any suitable type of fold, score, cut, or
crease.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the first side panel 23 is foldably
connected to a first side top flap 65 and a first side bottom flap
67. The first end panel 25 is foldably connected to a first end top
flap 69 and a first end bottom flap 71. The second side panel 31 is
foldably connected to a second side top flap 73 and a second side
bottom flap 75. The second end panel 37 is foldably connected to a
second end top flap 77 and a second end bottom flap 79. When the
carton 5 is erected, the top flaps 65, 69, 73, 77 close a first
(e.g., top) end 81 of the carton (FIG. 9), and the bottom flaps 67,
71, 75, 79 close a second (e.g., bottom) end 83 of the carton
(FIGS. 5-9). In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the
present disclosure, different panel and flap arrangements can be
used for at least partially closing the ends 81, 83 of the carton
5.
[0030] The top flaps 65, 69, 73, 77 of the top end 81 extend along
a first (e.g., top) marginal area 80 of the blank 3, and are
foldably connected at a first longitudinal fold line 85 that
extends along the length of the blank. The bottom flaps 67, 71, 75,
79 of the bottom end 83 extend along a second (e.g., bottom)
marginal area 82 of the blank 3, and are foldably connected at a
second longitudinal fold line 87 that extends along the length of
the blank. The longitudinal fold lines 85, 87 may be, for example,
substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations to
account for blank thickness or for other factors. For example, the
first longitudinal fold line 85 can be interrupted by the gussets
45, 47, 49 as shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the top marginal
area 80 and the bottom marginal area 82 can form the respective top
end 81 and bottom end 83 when the carton 5 is formed. The flaps 65,
67, 69, 71, 73, 75, 77, 79 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
positioned, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the second longitudinal fold
line 87 can extend generally in the longitudinal direction L1;
however, as shown in FIG. 1, each segment 87a, 87b, 87c, 87d of the
longitudinal fold line 87 can extend at least partially downwardly
(e.g., slightly downwardly) from the respective lateral fold lines
27, 33, 39, 43. For example, the segment 87a and the first lateral
fold line 27 can extend at an angle A1 and the segment 87b and the
first lateral fold line 27 can extend at an angle A2, wherein the
angles Al and A2 are greater than 90 degrees. In one exemplary
embodiment, the angle A1 is approximately 90.45 degrees and the
angle A2 is approximately 90.23 degrees. The lateral fold lines 33,
39, 43 can be similarly or identically configured with respect to
the segments 87b, 87c, 87d, 87a. This configuration of the lateral
fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 and the longitudinal fold line 87 can
result in the carton 5 being wider at its top than at its bottom in
the top-loading configuration 101. For example, the blank 3 can
have a first bottom dimension D1 a at its bottom (e.g., along the
bottom marginal area 82 of the blank 3) and a first top dimension
D1b at its top (e.g., along the top marginal area 80 of the blank
3), wherein the first top dimension D1b is greater than the first
bottom dimension D1a. In one embodiment, the first bottom dimension
D1a can be the spacing between the bottom ends of the lateral fold
lines 27, 43 or the length of the segment 87a of the longitudinal
fold line 87, and the first top dimension D1b can be the spacing
between the first gusset fold lines 57 of the gussets 45, 51.
Similarly, the blank 3 can have a second bottom dimension D2a at
its bottom (e.g., along the bottom marginal area 82 of the blank 3)
and a second top dimension D2b at its top (e.g., along the top
marginal area 80 of the blank 3), wherein the second top dimension
D2b is greater than the second bottom dimension D2a. In one
embodiment, the second bottom dimension D1a can be the spacing
between the bottom ends of the lateral fold lines 27, 33 or the
length of the segment 87b of the longitudinal fold line 87, and the
second top dimension D2b can be the spacing between the first
gusset fold lines 57 of the gussets 45, 47. In one exemplary
embodiment, the first bottom dimension D1 a can be approximately
276.00 millimeters, the first top dimension D1b can be
approximately 280.00 millimeters, the second bottom dimension D2a
can be approximately 207.00 millimeters, and the second top
dimension D2b can be approximately 209.00 millimeters. The blank 3
can have similar dimensions corresponding to the second side panel
31 and the second end panel 37 that can be similarly or identically
configured to the dimensions associated with the respective first
side panel 23 and first end panel 25. Any of the panels 23, 25, 31,
37, 41 and/or the fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43, 85, 87 could be
otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without
departing from the disclosure.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 can include dispenser
features 117 for forming a dispenser in the carton 5. In the
illustrated embodiment, the dispenser features 117 can include a
tear strip 119 (e.g., in at least the second side panel 31) and the
gusset opening 121 of the gusset 47 can act as an access feature at
one end of the tear strip 119. In one embodiment, the gusset
opening 121 acting as the access feature can facilitate initial
tearing of the tear strip 119. In the illustrated embodiment, the
dispenser features 117 further can include at least a portion of
the first gusset fold lines 57 of one or more of the gussets 45,
47, 49, 51, wherein one or more of the first gusset fold lines 57
can be in the form of a perforated tear line. The dispenser
features 117 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped,
arranged, positioned, and configured without departing from the
disclosure. For example, the dispenser features could include
additional tear lines and/or break-away glue features for further
forming the dispenser opening.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 can include a window 123 for
viewing the containers C in the interior of the carton 5. In an
exemplary embodiment, the window 123 can include an aperture in the
second side panel 31. In one embodiment, the window 123 could
remain open or could be at least partially covered by a transparent
or translucent material (not shown). The window could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, positioned, and configured without departing from
the disclosure.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 3 can also include an
intermediate longitudinal fold line 133 extending across the first
side panel 23 and the end panels 25, 37. The fold line 133 can have
portions that are angled with respect to one another similarly to
the fold line 87, as described in more detail above. The fold line
133 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
positioned, and configured without departing from the disclosure.
For example, the fold line 133 could also extend across the second
side panel 31 (e.g., adjacent the dispenser feature 117 or in the
case that the dispenser features 117 are omitted).
[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A, the handle features 11 that form
the handle 12 can include an inner handle panel 135a at least
partially defined by cut or tear lines 137a extending to an edge of
the first side top flap 65 and extending across the fold line 85
and into the first side panel 23. Curved cuts at the ends of the
tear lines 137a in the first side panel 23 can act as tear stops to
help prevent unwanted tearing of the first side panel 23 when the
carton 5 is grasped at the handle 12. In the illustrated
embodiment, inner comfort flaps 139a can be foldably connected to
the inner handle panel 135a along fold lines 141a and inner tabs
143a can be foldably connected to the first side top flap 65 along
fold lines 145a. In one embodiment, the fold lines 141a can include
spaced cuts and a crease at one end and the fold lines 145a can
include spaced cuts as shown in FIGS. 1 and 1A. The inner comfort
flaps 139a can be separable from the first side top flap 65 and the
inner tabs 143a along a cut or tear line 147a and the inner tabs
143a can be separable from the first side top flap 65 along tear or
cut lines 149a, which can include curved tear stops as shown in
FIGS. 1 and 1A. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle features
11 further can include openings 151 on either side of the inner
handle panel 135a and adjacent the inner comfort flaps 139a and
inner tabs 143a.
[0036] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 1B, the handle features 11 also can
include an outer handle panel 135b at least partially defined by
cut or tear lines 137b extending to an edge of the second side top
flap 73 and extending across the fold line 85 and into the second
side panel 31. Curved cuts at the ends of the tear lines 137b in
the second side panel 31 can act as tear stops to help prevent
unwanted tearing of the second side panel 31 when the carton 5 is
grasped at the handle 12. In the illustrated embodiment, outer
comfort flaps 139b can be foldably connected to the outer handle
panel 135b along fold lines 141b and outer tabs 143b can be
foldably connected to the second side top flap 73 along fold lines
145b. In one embodiment, the fold lines 141b can be cut-crease
style fold lines and the fold lines 145b can include spaced cuts as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 1B. The outer comfort flaps 139b can be
separable from the second side top flap 73 and the outer tabs 143b
along a cut or tear line 147b and the outer tabs 143b can be
separable from the second side top flap 73 along tear or cut lines
149b, which can include curved tear stops as shown in FIGS. 1 and
1B. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the outer comfort flaps
139b can include an enlarged portion 153 at least partially defined
by a curved (e.g., arc-shaped) portion of the tear line 147b. Any
of the handle features 11 could be omitted or could be otherwise
shaped, arranged, positioned, and configured without departing from
the disclosure.
[0037] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the blank 3 can
be erected into the carton 5 by folding the blank 3 along fold
lines 27, 33, 39, and 43 and overlapping the attachment panel 41
with the second end panel 37. In one embodiment, the second end
panel 37 can have a cutout or edge configured to extend along the
third gusset fold line 61 of the gusset 51 at the attachment panel
41. As shown in FIG. 4, the blank 3 can be folded along fold lines
27, 39 and along the fold lines 57 of the gussets 45, 49 so that
the first side panel 23 is in an overlapping relationship with at
least a portion of the first end panel 25 and the second side panel
31 and the second end panel 37 is in an overlapping relationship
with at least a portion of the second side panel 31 and the
attachment panel 41, which can be glued to the second end panel 37
to form an open-ended sleeve. The open-ended sleeve can be folded
along the fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 to move the side panels 23, 31
to be disposed opposite one another and the end panels 25, 37 to be
disposed opposite one another, and the bottom end 83 of the carton
5 can be closed by respectively overlapping and adhering the bottom
flaps 67, 71, 75, 79 (FIGS. 5, 6, and 9). The carton 5 having a
closed bottom 83 and open top 81 is in the top-loading
configuration 101 according to one embodiment (e.g., FIGS.
5-8).
[0038] In the top-loading configuration, the carton 5 can be ready
to receive an arrangement 103 of the containers C (FIG. 3). As
shown in FIG. 3, the arrangement 103 can have a first dimension X
and a second dimension Y, wherein the dimension X is generally
equal to the width (e.g., diameter) W of the containers C times the
number of rows of containers and the dimension Y is generally equal
to the width W times the number of columns of containers.
[0039] In one embodiment, the carton 5 can be at least partially
tapered at the side panels 23, 31 and end panels 25, 37 so that the
carton 5 is wider at the top end 81 than at the bottom end 83 in
the top-loading configuration 101. Accordingly, the top flaps 65,
69, 73, 77 can be spaced outwardly at the top end 81 of the carton,
generally out of the way of the loading of the containers C. In the
illustrated embodiment, the first bottom dimension D1a of the blank
3 corresponds to a first bottom width D1a (FIG. 7) of the carton 5
and the first top dimension D1b of the blank 3 corresponds to a
first open width D1b (FIG. 7) of the carton 5 in the top-loading
configuration 101. Similarly, the second bottom dimension D2a of
the blank 3 corresponds to a second bottom width D2a (FIG. 8) of
the carton 5 and the second top dimension D2b of the blank 3
corresponds to a second open width D2b (FIG. 8) of the carton 5 in
the top-loading configuration 101. In one embodiment, the second
open width D2b of the carton 5 includes the first end panel 25 and
its adjoining gusset panels 55 of the gussets 45, 47 and, on the
opposing side of the carton 5, the second open width D2b includes
the second end panel 37, the adjoining gusset panel 55 of the
gusset 49 and the gusset panel 55 of the gusset 51 when the
attachment panel 41 is adhered in face-to-face contact with the
second end panel 37 so that the second open width D2b is the same
at both end panels 25, 37. As shown in the figures, the first
widths D1a, D1b of the carton 5 are longer than the respective
second widths D2a, D2b and the first widths D1a, D1b are
perpendicular to the second widths D2a, D2b. The widths D1a, D2a,
D1b, D2b could be otherwise configured without departing from the
disclosure. For example, the carton 5 could be configured so that
the first widths D1a, D1b are equal to the respective second widths
D2a, D2b or the second widths are longer than the respective first
widths, for example.
[0040] In one embodiment, the first bottom width D1a can be less
than the dimension X and the first open width D1b can be
approximately equal to the dimension X in the top-loading
configuration 101. Similarly, the second bottom width D2a can be
less than the dimension Y and the second open width D2b can be
approximately equal to the dimension Y in the top-loading
configuration 101. Accordingly, the side panels 23, 31 can be
spaced apart by less than the dimension Y (e.g., by the second
bottom width D2a) at the bottom end 83 of the carton 5 and the end
panels 25, 37 can be spaced apart by less than the dimension X
(e.g., by the first bottom width D1a) at the bottom end 83.
Additionally, the side panels 23, 31 can be spaced apart by
approximately the dimension Y (e.g., by the second open width D2b)
at the top end 81 and the end panels 25, 37 can be spaced apart by
approximately the dimension X (e.g., by the first open width D1b)
at the top end 81 in the top-loading configuration 101.
[0041] As the arrangement 103 of containers C is loaded into the
carton 5, the arrangement 103 can move past the first longitudinal
fold line 85 where the first open width D1b and second open width
D2b of the carton 5 are approximately the same as the respective
length X and width Y of the arrangement 103 in the top-loading
configuration 101 so that the containers easily move into the
interior 105 of the carton 5. As the arrangement 103 continues to
move into the interior 105 towards the bottom 83, the side panels
23, 31 and the end panels 25, 37 taper inwardly (e.g., according to
the angles A1, A2 of the lateral fold lines 27, 33, 39, 43 with
respect to the second longitudinal fold line 87) until the
containers C engage the bottom 83 of the carton 5. The dimensions
of the carton at the bottom 83 are smaller than the dimensions of
the arrangement 103 (e.g., the first bottom widths D1a and the
second bottom width D2a are smaller than the respective dimensions
X, Y) so that the carton fits tightly around the arrangement 103.
This configuration can help retain the containers C in the carton 5
and can help limit or eliminate movement of the containers C in the
carton, wherein movement could otherwise result in rattling and/or
breaking of the containers. The tight fit of the carton at its
bottom can also help avoid reorientation (e.g., turning) of the
containers in the carton (e.g., the containers can be orientated so
that the labels are facing a particular direction in the container,
such as to be visible through the window 123 in the carton). The
containers C could be otherwise loaded into the carton 5 without
departing from the disclosure.
[0042] After the containers C are loaded into the carton 5, the
gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 can be folded along the first gusset fold
lines 57 so that the gusset panels 53, 55 of each gusset are
positioned at least partially in face-to-face contact. Further, the
gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 can be folded along the second gusset fold
line 59 or the third gusset fold line 61 against the adjacent side
panel 23, 41 or the adjacent end panel 25, 37 or attachment panel
41. In one embodiment, the gusset panels 53, 55 can be glued
together, the gusset panels 53 can be glued to the side panels 23,
31, and/or the gusset panels 55 can be glued to the end panels 25,
31 or the attachment panel 41 in each of the gussets. The top 81 of
the carton can be closed by respectively overlapping and adhering
the top flaps 65, 67, 73, 77. In one embodiment, the top 81 can be
closed and the gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 can be folded at the same
time or in any suitable sequence. The carton 5 is shown in the
closed configuration 102 having folded gussets and a closed top in
FIG. 9. The carton 5 could be otherwise formed and/or closed
without departing from the disclosure.
[0043] Once the gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 are folded, the side panels
23, 31 and the end panels 25, 37 can extend generally vertically
from the bottom 83 to a point that is generally aligned with the
shoulders S of the containers (FIG. 2) (e.g., proximate to the
lowermost ends of the gussets 45, 47, 49, 51 and/or along the fold
line 133). As shown in FIG. 9, the top wall formed by the top flaps
65, 69, 73, 77 can be smaller than the bottom wall formed from the
bottom flaps 67, 71, 75, 79 and the upper portion of the carton 5
can be tapered inwardly from the shoulders S and/or the fold line
133 to the top wall to fit more tightly around the narrower tops N
of the containers C. Accordingly, in the closed configuration 102
of the carton 5, the panels 23, 25, 31, 37 are positioned so that
the top end 81 has a first closed width D1c and a second closed
width D2c (FIG. 9). In one embodiment, the first closed width D1c
is less than the first open width D1b and the second closed width
D2c is less than the second open width D2b. In addition, as shown
in FIG. 9, the first closed width D1c is less than the first bottom
width D1a and the second closed width D2c is less than the second
bottom width D2a due to the inwardly-tapering upper portions of the
panels. As shown in FIG. 9, the closed widths D1c, D2c are
perpendicular to one another in one embodiment. The closed widths
D1c, D2c of the top end 81 could be otherwise configured without
departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment the bottom widths
D1a, D2a of the carton 5 can remain the same (e.g., substantially
or approximately the same) when the carton is in the top-loading
configuration 101 and in the closed configuration 102.
Alternatively, the bottom widths could change when the carton is
closed.
[0044] In one embodiment, the fold line 133 can be at least
partially aligned with the shoulders S of the containers C (FIG. 2)
so that the fold line 133 forms shoulder creases in each of the
first side panel 23 and end panels 25, 37 that can allow the upper
portions of the panels 23, 25, 37 to fold inwardly with respect to
the lower portions of the respective panels adjacent the shoulders
S of the containers C (FIG. 9). In one embodiment, the upper
portion of the second side panel 31 can also fold inwardly with
respect to its lower portion similarly to panels 23, 25, 37 even
though the fold line 133 does not extend across the second side
panel 31 in the blank 3 illustrated in FIG. 1. The
inwardly-tapering upper portion of the carton 5 can help to retain
or more tightly pack the narrow top portions N of the containers in
the carton and the fold line 133 can help facilitate the folding of
the upper portions of the panels with respect to their lower
portions.
[0045] In one embodiment, portions of the carton 5 can flex and/or
stretch around portions of the containers C. In one embodiment, at
least the lateral fold lines 33, 43 can be weakened fold lines
(e.g., can be cut-crease fold lines as shown in FIG. 1) to
facilitate the reshaping of the carton from the top-loading
configuration 103 with the wider top 81 (FIG. 4) to the fully
closed configuration with the generally vertical lower portions of
the sides and ends (FIG. 9). In addition, in one embodiment, the
grain direction G can be configured to run generally in the lateral
L2 direction in the blank (e.g., vertically in the sides and ends
in the carton) to allow the carton to bow outward and give more
space for product clearance (e.g., to flex around portions of the
containers C). Further, in an exemplary embodiment, the grain
direction G can facilitate the top flaps 65, 69, 73, 77 to bend
inwardly. In an alternative embodiment, one or more of the panels
23, 25, 31, 37 can be generally vertical from the bottom 83 to the
top 81 of the carton 5.
[0046] When the top 81 of the carton 5 is closed, the second side
top flap 73 can overlap the first side top flap 65 so that the
handle features 11 (FIGS. 1-7) form the handle 12 (FIG. 9). In the
illustrated embodiment, the outer handle panel 135b, the outer
comfort flaps 139b, and the outer tabs 143b can at least partially
overlap the respective inner handle panel 135a, inner comfort flaps
139a, and inner tabs 143a, and the enlarged portions 153 of the
outer comfort flaps 139b can be at least partially aligned with the
openings 151 in the first side top flap 65 so that the openings 151
can provide clearance for the enlarged portions 153 to fold
inwardly when the handle is actuated. In one embodiment, at least
the handle panels 135a, 135b can be glued together and portions of
the side top flaps 65, 73 outside the handle features 11 can be
glued together. The handle 12 could be otherwise formed without
departing from the disclosure.
[0047] In one embodiment, the handle 12 can be actuated so that one
can grasp the handle to carry the carton 5 by pushing inwardly on
one or both of the outer comfort flaps 139b and the outer tabs 143b
on one or both sides of the outer handle panel 135b with the
fingers of a hand. The outer comfort flaps 139b and the outer tabs
143b can push inwardly on the inner comfort flaps 139a and the
inner tabs 143a so that the comfort flaps 139b, 139a and the tabs
143b, 143a at least partially separate from one another and from
the side top flaps 73, 65 and fold inwardly along the fold lines
139b, 139a, 145b, 145a. When the tabs 143b, 143a and the comfort
flaps 139b, 139a are folded inwardly, an enlarged opening is formed
in the top flaps 73, 65 for the hand to grasp the handle panels
135b, 135a. After folding the comfort flaps and tabs inwardly, the
hand can grasp the overlapped handle panels 135b, 135a on one or
both sides of the handle panels and pull upwardly, at least
partially separating the handle panels 135b, 135a from the side top
flaps 73, 65 and/or the side panels 31, 23 along the tear lines
137b, 137a while the handle panels 135b, 135a remain attached to at
least the side panels 31, 23 so that the carton 5 can be lifted and
carried by the handle 12. The handle 12 could be otherwise actuated
without departing from the disclosure.
[0048] In one embodiment, the dispenser features 117 can be
actuated in the carton 5 to form a dispenser opening (not shown) in
the carton 5 by tearing the tear strip 119 from the access feature
of the gusset opening 121 across the second side panel 31. The
dispenser features 117 can be further actuated by pulling upwardly
on the dispenser to tear along the weakened first gusset fold lines
57 of one or more of the gussets 45, 47, 49, 51. The dispenser
features 117 could be otherwise actuated without departing from the
disclosure.
[0049] The carton 5 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
positioned, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0050] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface 201 of a blank
203 for forming a carton 205 (FIG. 12) according to a second
embodiment of the disclosure. The second embodiment is generally
similar to the first 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
FIGS. 10 and 11, the blank 203 can include a gusset 245 with a
one-way fold feature 311. In one embodiment, the one-way fold
feature can include a tab 313 that can interrupt the first gusset
fold line 258 of the gusset 245. In the illustrated embodiment, the
tab 313 can be at least partially defined by a cut 315, which can
have a generally vertical portion and curved or angled ends. As
shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the tab 313 extends from the first gusset
panel 53 and is separable from the second gusset panel 55 along the
cut 315. In one embodiment, the tab 313 can be configured to resist
outward folding of the gusset 245 at the first gusset fold line 258
while allowing the gusset 245 to fold inwardly as shown in FIG. 12.
Accordingly, the one-way fold feature 311 can help avoid
undesirable outward folding of the gusset. The gusset 245 could be
otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and configured without
departing from the disclosure. Further, any of the gussets 247,
249, 251 could include a one-way fold feature similar or identical
to the gusset 245.
[0051] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the gussets 245, 249, 251 can
include a curved fold line or tear line 263 extending from the
bottom ends of the gusset fold lines 59, 61 so that the first
gusset panels 53 are foldably connected to the side panels 223, 231
at the curved lines 263 and the second gusset panels 55 are
foldably connected to the end panels 225, 237 at the curved lines
263. In an alternative embodiment, the gusset opening 121 can be
omitted in the gusset 47 and the gusset 47 can include a curved
line 263 extending from the ends of the 59, 61 (e.g., in an
embodiment wherein the dispenser features 117 are omitted).
[0052] In one embodiment, the handle features 211 of the blank 203
can include two handle flaps 289 foldably connected to a handle
grip portion 291 of the top side flap 273 along respective fold
lines 293. The handle flaps 289 can be at least partially separable
from the side top flap 273 along a respective cut or tear line 295.
The handle features 211 further can include two handle openings 297
in the side top flap 265 extending on either side of a handle grip
portion 299 of the side top flap 265 and two inner handle flaps 325
foldably connected to the handle grip portion 299 of the side top
flap 265 adjacent the handle openings 297 along fold lines 327.
When the handle (not shown) is formed from the handle features 211
in the carton 205 (e.g., when the top flaps 265, 273 are overlapped
to at least partially close the top end of the carton 205), the
handle grip portions 291, 299 can be overlapped, the handle flaps
289 can at least partially overlap the inner handle flaps 325, and
the handle flaps 289 can be generally aligned with the respective
handle openings 297. Accordingly, the handle formed from the handle
features 211 can be grasped by folding the handle flaps 289, 325
inwardly and gripping the handle grip portions 291, 299. The handle
features 211 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped,
arranged, positioned, and configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0053] The blank 203 and the carton 205 could be otherwise shaped,
arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0054] FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior surface 401 of a blank
403 for forming a carton (not shown) according to a third
embodiment of the disclosure. The third embodiment is generally
similar to the prior 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. As shown in FIG.
13, the dispenser features 117 and the window 123 are omitted in
the second side panel 431 of the blank 403. In the illustrated
embodiment, the blank 403 can include gussets 445, 447, 449, 451,
wherein the second gusset fold line 59 and the third gusset fold
line 61 in each gusset 445, 447, 449, 451 can be connected at their
lower ends by a respective curved cut 463 so that the second gusset
fold line 59, the third gusset fold line 61, and the cut 463
generally form a U- or V-shaped fold. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the gusset fold lines 57, 59, 61 can be a
cut-crease fold line. The gussets 445, 247, 449, 451 could be
omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and
configured without departing from the disclosure.
[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, the handle features 411 of
the blank 403 can include two handle flaps 489 foldably connected
to a handle grip portion 491 of the top side flap 273 along
respective fold lines 493. The handle flaps 489 can be at least
partially separable from the side top flap 273 along a respective
cut or tear line 495. The handle features 411 further can include
two handle openings 497 in the side top flap 265 extending on
either side of a handle grip portion 499 of the side top flap 265.
When the handle (not shown) is formed from the handle features 411
(e.g., when the top flaps 265, 273 are overlapped to at least
partially close the top end of the carton), the handle grip
portions 491, 499 can be overlapped and the handle flaps 489 can be
generally aligned with the respective handle openings 497.
Accordingly, the handle formed from the handle features 411 can be
grasped by folding the handle flaps 489 inwardly through the handle
openings 497 and gripping the handle grip portions 491, 499. The
handle features 411 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
positioned, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0056] The blank 403 could be otherwise shaped, arranged,
positioned, and/or configured without departing from the
disclosure.
[0057] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the
disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise
configured with other features of other embodiments of the
disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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.
[0062] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and
describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in
the above construction without departing from the 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.
Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various
modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the
above-described embodiments that are within the scope of the
claims. 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.
* * * * *