WO2012061682A2

WO2012061682A2 - Carton with handle

Info

Publication number: WO2012061682A2
Application number: PCT/US2011/059284
Authority: WO
Inventors: Allen M. Brandenburger
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Priority date: 2010-11-05
Filing date: 2011-11-04
Publication date: 2012-05-10
Also published as: WO2012061682A3

Abstract

A carton for containing and dispensing flowable materials. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. At least two top flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The top flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed top end of the carton. A dispenser for allowing access to the interior of the carton extends in at least a portion of a front panel and at least a portion of the top end at a corner of the carton. A handle extends in at least the top end. At least a portion of the handle extends in a second portion of the top end that is adjacent the first portion of the top end.

Description

CARTON WITH HANDLE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

61/456,395, filed November 5, 2010.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/456,395, which was filed on November 5, 2010, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding and dispensing contents such as powders, granular materials, and other flowable materials. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cartons having a handle and a dispenser in at least the top end of the carton.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a carton for containing and dispensing flowable materials. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two top flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The top flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed top end of the carton. A dispenser for allowing access to the interior of the carton extends in at least a portion of the front panel and at least a portion of the top end at a corner of the carton. A handle extends in at least the top end. At least a portion of the handle extends in a second portion of the top end that is adjacent the first portion of the top end.

[0005] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton for containing and dispensing flowable materials. The blank can comprise a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two top flaps can be respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two top flaps can be at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form a closed top end of the carton formed from the blank. Dispenser features can extend in at least a portion of the front panel and at least a first portion of the at least two top flaps. The dispenser features can be for forming a dispenser at a corner of the carton formed from the blank for allowing access to the interior of the carton formed from the blank. Handle features can extend in the at least two top flaps for forming a handle extending in at least the top end of the carton formed from the blank. At least a portion of the handle can extend in a second portion of the at least two top flaps that is adjacent the first portion of the at least two top flaps in the carton formed from the blank.

[0006] In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of assembling a carton.

The method can comprise obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, at least two top flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, dispenser features extending in at least a portion of the front panel and at least a first portion of the at least two top flaps, and handle features extending in at least a second portion of the at least two top flaps. The method can further comprise forming an interior of the carton at least partially defined by the plurality of panels. The forming the interior of the carton comprises forming an open-ended sleeve. The method can further comprise positioning the at least two top flaps to be at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially close a top end of the open-ended sleeve. The positioning the at least two top flaps comprises positioning the dispenser features to form a dispenser at a corner of the carton and positioning the handle features to form a handle in the top end of the carton. At least a portion of the handle can extend in the second portion of the at least two top flaps that is adjacent the first portion of the at least two top flaps.

[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.

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 an exterior plan view of a carton blank used to form a carton in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. [0010] Fig. 2 is a plan view of an insert blank used to form an optional reinforcing insert for the carton in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] Fig. 3 is an interior plan view of the insert blank overlaid on the carton blank in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing an interior of the carton in a partially assembled configuration in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 5 is a plan view showing a partially-assembled handle of the carton in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the top of the carton partially closed in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the assembled carton in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the carton in an opened configuration in accordance with the embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present disclosure generally relates to cartons with features for containing and facilitating dispensing articles such as flowable materials, liquids, powders, etc. The articles can include, but are not limited to, particulates, granular materials, powders, and the like, or any combination thereof. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to, rice, beans, sugar, flour and other flowable solid products, such as soaps and detergents. In this specification, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper" and "top" indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a plan view of the exterior side 1 of a blank, generally indicated at 3, used to form a carton 5 (Fig. 7) according to the exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carton 5 can be used to house articles such as flowable materials. The carton 5 has a dispenser, generally indicated at 7 (Figs. 7 and 8), formed in the carton at a dispensing corner 9 for allowing access to the flowable materials. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 is sized to contain 11 liters of flowable material, but it is understood that the carton 5 may be sized and shaped to hold contents of a different quantity. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 includes a handle, generally indicated at 11, for grasping and carrying the carton at a top end 51 of the carton (Figs. 7 and 8). As will be discussed below in more detail, the handle 11 is formed from various features in the blank 3.

[0020] The carton blank 3 has a longitudinal axis LI and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 comprises a front panel 10 foldably connected to a first side panel 20 at a first lateral fold line 21. A back panel 30 is foldably connected to the first side panel 20 at a second lateral fold line 31. A second side panel 40 is foldably connected to the front panel 10 at a third lateral fold line 41. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 includes an attachment flap 50 foldably connected to the second side panel 40 at a fourth lateral fold line 52. Alternatively, the attachment flap 50 could be foldably connected to the back panel 30 or omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] The front panel 10 is foldably connected to a front top flap 12 and a front bottom flap 14.

The first side panel 20 is foldably connected to a first side top flap 22 and a first side bottom flap 24. The back panel 30 is foldably connected to a back top flap 32 and a back bottom flap 34. The second side panel 40 is foldably connected to a second side top flap 42 and a second side bottom flap 44. When the carton 5 is erected, the front and back top flaps 12, 32 and side top flaps 22, 42 close a first (e.g., top) end 51 of the carton, and the front and back bottom flaps 14, 34 and side bottom flaps 24, 44 close a second (e.g., bottom) end 53 of the carton (Fig. 7). In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, different flap arrangements can be used for at least partially closing the top and bottom ends 51, 53 of the carton 5.

[0022] The front and back top flaps 12, 32 and side top flaps 22, 42 extend along a first marginal area of the blank 3, and are foldably connected at a first longitudinal fold line 62 that extends along the length of the blank. The front and back bottom flaps 14, 34 and side bottom flaps 24, 44 extend along a second marginal area of the blank 3, and are foldably connected at a second longitudinal fold line 64 that also extends along the length of the blank. The longitudinal fold lines 62, 64 may be, for example, substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations to account for blank thickness or for other factors. [0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 7 includes a dispenser panel 87 formed in the front panel 10, the side panels 20, 40, the front top flap 12, and the side top flaps 22, 42. The dispenser panel 87 is at least partially separable from the carton 5 along a tear feature, generally indicated at 89, to form a dispenser opening 171 (Fig. 8) in the carton. In the illustrated embodiment, the tear feature 89 includes a first tear strip 93 extending in the front panel 10 and the second side panel 40 in the longitudinal direction LI and a second tear strip 95 extending in the first side panel 20 in the longitudinal direction LI . The tear strips 93, 95 can comprise two spaced apart tear lines or other forms of weakening. The tear feature 89 can include a first tear line 97 extending obliquely in the second side panel 40 from the first tear strip 93 to the first longitudinal fold line 62 and a second tear line 99 extending obliquely in the first side panel 20 from the second tear strip 95 to the first longitudinal fold line 62. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first and second tear strips 93, 95 can terminate at a respective cut 101a, 101b in the respective side panels 40, 20. Each of the first and second tear lines 97, 99 can extend from an end of the respective cuts 101 a, 101b.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiments, each of the first and second tear strips 93, 95 comprises a respective first finger panel 102 and second finger panel 104. The first and second finger panels 102, 104 are each adjacent the lateral fold line 21 and are separated at an opening or cut line 103. The cut line 103 can be curved or offset so that a tab portion 102a of the first finger panel 102 extends past the lateral fold line 21 toward the first side panel 20 and a tab portion 104a of the second finger panel 104 extends past the lateral fold line 21 toward the front panel 10. In one embodiment, the cut line 103 can include two generally lateral segments connected by an oblique segment so that the upper lateral segment of the cut line 103 is generally disposed on the first side panel 20 side of the lateral fold line 21 and the lower lateral segment of the cut line 103 is generally disposed on the front panel 10 side of the lateral fold line 21. In the erected carton, one or both of the tab portions 102a, 104a can provide a ridge that a user can engage with a finger to begin tearing the respective tear strip 93, 95 at the respective finger panel 102, 104. The tear strips 93, 95, and the tear lines 97, 99, or other portions, of the tear feature 89 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and positioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, a single tear strip can extend across the first side panel 20, the front panel 10, and the second side panel 40.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser panel 87 is further defined by a first dispenser fold line 105 extending in the first side top flap 22 and a second dispenser fold line 107 extending in the second side top flap 42. The dispenser fold lines 105, 107 are disposed so that the dispenser fold lines are generally aligned and overlapped when the top end 51 is closed (Fig. 7). Accordingly, a first top dispenser portion 157 of the dispenser panel 87 is generally defined between the dispenser fold line 105 and a front edge 159 of the first side top flap 22, and a second top dispenser portion 158 of the dispenser panel 87 is generally defined between the dispenser fold line 107 and a front edge 161 of the second side top flap 42. The first top dispenser portions 157, 158 of the dispenser panel 87 can extend in a first portion (e.g., a dispenser portion) of the side top flaps 22, 42, which forms a first portion (e.g., a dispenser portion) 162 (Fig. 7) of the top end 51 when the carton 5 is formed. A second portion of the side top flaps 22, 42 (e.g., the remainder of the side top flaps 22, 42 defined between the respective dispenser fold lines 105, 107 and respective back edges 163, 164) can form a second portion 165 (Fig. 7) of the top end 51 when the carton 5 is formed.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the second side top flap 42 is interior to the first side top flap 22 and the first dispenser fold line 105, comprising a crease line, overlays the second dispenser fold line 107, comprising a cut-crease-style line. Alternatively, the top end 51 can be configured so that the second dispenser fold line 107 overlays the first dispenser fold line 105, and the dispenser fold lines can comprise the same or different style of fold lines. Further, one or both of the dispenser fold lines 105, 107 can be omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Also, one or both of the dispenser fold lines 105, 107 could at least partially comprise one or more tear lines or tear features.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the dispenser 7 can also include an optional tear tape 156 applied to the interior side of at least a portion of the back panel 30, the first side panel 20, the front panel 10, and the second side panel 40. The tear tape 156 is drawn in phantom in Fig. 1, since Fig. 1 is a view of the exterior of the blank 3. The tear tape 156 can be aligned with the first and second tear strips 93, 97. The tear tape 156 can be alternatively configured or omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] The dispenser 7 may be otherwise sized, shaped, and/or located in the carton 5 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the dispenser panel 87 might extend in only one of the first and second side panels 20, 40, only partially across the front panel 10 in the longitudinal direction LI, or a combination thereof. Further, the dispenser 7 may be omitted from the carton 5 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. [0029] As shown in Fig. 1, the features that form the handle 11 of the carton 5 include an elongate, generally rectangular first handle opening 131 formed in the first side top flap 22 and an elongate, generally rectangular second handle opening 133 formed in the second side top flap 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the features of the handle 11 include curved portions 136 for allowing finger access to a handle strip 140. The handle features further include a handle panel 138, which can be secured to the interior surface of the second side top flap 42 (Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 5, the handle strip 140 can be secured to the handle panel 138 at each end of the handle strip 140. In a particular embodiment, the handle panel 138 can be two-ply so that the ends 142 of the handle strip 140 extend through respective openings in the upper ply of the handle panel 138. Accordingly, the ends are secured between the two plies of the handle panel. A central portion 144 of the handle strip 140 can include two or more creases 145 so that the central portion 144 can lay generally flat against the upper ply of the handle panel until activated by a user. When the top end 51 of the carton 5 is closed, the central portion 144 of the handle strip 140 extends longitudinally within the handle openings 131, 133, and the central portion 144 is shaped for insertion of a user's fingers during grasping of the handle 1 1.

[0030] The handle 1 1 can be otherwise shaped and located in the carton 5 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the handle openings 131, 133 and the handle strip 140 can extend laterally or obliquely in the side top flaps 22, 42. Further, the handle panel 138 can be secured to either of the side top flaps 22, 42, and it can be secured to the innermost surface or the outermost surface of the top end 51. Alternatively, the handle panel 138 can be disposed between the overlapping side top flaps 22, 42.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 1, the first dispenser fold line 105 comprises a first segment 106a extending obliquely from the first longitudinal fold line 62 to an end of the first handle opening 131 and a second segment 106b extending from the end of the handle opening to a free edge 150 of the first side top flap 22 that extends in the longitudinal direction LI of the blank 3. Similarly, the second dispenser fold line 107 comprises a first segment 108a extending obliquely from the first longitudinal fold line 62 to an end of the second handle opening 133 and a second segment 108b extending from the end of the handle opening to a free edge 152 of the second side top flap 42 that extends in the longitudinal direction LI of the blank 3. The first segments 106a, 108a of the respective first and second dispenser fold lines 105, 107 can extend from the first longitudinal fold line where it intersects the respective second tear line 99 and first tear line 97. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser fold lines 105, 107 can extend laterally across the respective side top flaps 22, 42 from the first longitudinal fold line 62 to the respective free edge 150, 152. Further, the handle openings 131, 133 can be spaced apart from the respective dispenser fold lines 105, 107 in the respective side top flaps 22, 42 so that the handle 11 is spaced apart from the dispenser 7 and proximate the back panel 30 in the erected carton 5.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser panel 87 can include two oblique force- directing creases 109 extending from the handle opening 131 to respective corners of the first side top panel 22, and two oblique force-directing creases 110 extending from the handle opening 133 to respective corners of the second side top panel 42. When the top end 51 is closed (Fig. 7), the force-directing creases 109, 110 are aligned so that the creases are generally overlapped. In one embodiment, the force-directing creases 109 comprise crease lines, and the force-directing creases 1 10 comprise cut-crease-style lines. In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser panel 87 can include more or fewer force-directing creases 109, 110, or the creases can be omitted. Further, the force-directing creases can extend in panels and flaps outside the dispenser panel, and the creases 109, 1 10 could be any style of crease line or other form of weakening.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, an optional reinforcement tape 154 can be applied to the interior side of at least a portion of the back top flap 32, the first side top flap 22, the front top flap 12, and the second side top flap 42. The reinforcement tape 154 is drawn in phantom in Fig. 1, since Fig. 1 is a view of the exterior of the blank 3. The reinforcement tape 154 can be generally positioned to reinforce the edges of the top end 51 of the carton 5 proximate the longitudinal fold line 62. The reinforcement tape 154 can be alternatively configured or omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment, an optional second handle can be formed in the bottom end

53 or one of the panels 10, 20, 30, 40 from features that are substantially similar to the features that form the first handle 11. The second handle could also have different features than the first handle without departing from the disclosure.

[0035] Fig. 2 illustrates an exterior side 201 of an insert blank 203 used to form a reinforcing insert 205 (Figs. 4 and 8) for use in the carton 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the insert blank 203 includes a reinforcement front panel 210, a first reinforcement side panel 220 connected to the reinforcement front panel 210 at a transverse fold line 221, a first reinforcement back panel 230 connected to the first reinforcement side panel 220 at a transverse fold line 231, a second reinforcement side panel 240 connected to the reinforcement front panel 210 at a transverse fold line 241, and a second reinforcement back panel 250 connected to the second reinforcement side panel 240 at a transverse fold line 252. In an alternative embodiment, the insert blank 203 could be otherwise configured or omitted without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the insert blank could include more panels to form a multi-ply insert, or fewer panels to extend around only a portion of the interior of the carton 5. Further, the insert blank could include one or more end flaps for reinforcing the top end 51 , the bottom end 53, or both.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 3, the carton 5 can be assembled by initially adhering the insert blank

203 to the interior surface of the carton blank 3. The insert blank 203 is positioned on the carton blank 3 so that reinforcement front panel 210 and the reinforcement side panels 220, 240 overlap the respective front panel 10 and side panels 20, 40. The first reinforcement back panel 230 at least partially overlaps the back panel 30, and the second reinforcement back panel 250 at least partially overlaps the attachment flap 50. The transverse fold lines 221, 231, 241, 252 of the insert blank 203 generally overlap the respective transverse fold lines 21, 31, 41, 52 of the carton blank 3. In an alternative embodiment, the transverse fold lines 221, 231, 241, 252 of the insert blank 203 could be replaced by areas of weakening or other features for foldably connecting panels.

[0037] The reinforcement panels 210, 220, 230, 240, 250 can be adhered to one or all of the respective front panel 10, first side panel 20, back panel 30, second side panel 40, and attachment flap 50. In one embodiment, however, the portions of the front reinforcement panel 210 and the side reinforcement panels 220, 240 overlapping the portions of the dispenser panel 87 in the front panel 10 and the side panels 20, 40 are not glued to the dispenser panel 87. In an alternative embodiment, the portions of the insert blank 203 overlapping the dispenser panel 87 can be omitted. Stated another way, the insert blank 203 could include a cutout (not shown) with edges that overlay or are proximate the tear lines 97, 99 and the tear strips 93, 95 in the carton blank 3. In a further alternative embodiment, the insert blank 203 can include a dispenser panel (not shown) overlaying the dispenser panel 87, wherein the dispenser panel of the insert could be adhered to and opened with the dispenser panel 87.

[0038] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the carton blank 3 with insert blank 203 can be further erected into the carton 5 by folding the carton blank 3 along fold lines 21, 31, 41 , and 52 and the insert blank 203 along fold lines 221, 231, 241, 252. The attachment flap 50 can be adhered to the back panel 30 and the second reinforcement back panel 250 can be overlapped with and adhered to an interior surface of the first reinforcement back panel 230 to form a sleeve 160 with the reinforcing insert 205 disposed therein (Fig. 4). The bottom end 53 of the sleeve 160 can be closed by respectively overlapping and adhering the front and back bottom flaps 14, 34 and side bottom flaps 24, 44. The carton blank 3 may be otherwise configured to have multiple front panels, multiple back panels, multiple side panels, or combinations thereof without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] The top end 51 can be closed and the handle 1 1 can be formed by adhering the handle panel 138 to the interior surface of the second side top flap 42 (Fig. 4) so that the handle strip 140 extends through the handle opening 133 (Figs. 5 and 6). The front and back top flaps 12, 32 and the second side top flap 42 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 62 and the second side top flap 42 can be positioned to overlap the front and back top flaps 12, 32 (Fig. 6). In the illustrated embodiment, substantially all of the front top flap 12 is overlapped by the portion of the dispenser panel 87 in the second side top flap 42. The first side top flap 22 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 62 to be in face-to-face contact with the second side top flap 42 with the first handle opening 131 of the first side top flap 22 generally aligned with the second handle opening 133 of the second side top flap 42 (Fig. 7). Accordingly, the handle strip 140 can be pulled upwardly through both of the handle openings 131, 133. Further, the first dispenser fold line 105 and the force-directing creases 109 of the first side top flap 22 generally overlap the respective second dispenser fold line 107 and force-directing creases 110 of the second side top flap 42. It should be understood that either the top end 51 or the bottom end 53 can be assembled first, leaving the other end open so that the contents of the carton 5 may be introduced into the container. The open end can then be closed after the contents are loaded into the carton 5.

[0040] The assembled carton 5, with the handle 11 in the top end 51 and the dispenser 7 disposed at the dispensing corner 9, is shown in Fig. 7. The handle 1 1 is generally disposed in the second portion 165 of the top end 51, which is adjacent the first portion 162 of the top end 51, including the top portion of the dispenser 7. As shown in Fig. 7, a portion of the handle openings 131, 133 can extend into the first portion 162 of the top end 51. Alternatively, the handle 1 1 can be spaced apart from the first portion 162 into the second portion 165 of the top end 51. Alternative assembling, loading, and closing steps may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] The handle 1 1 can be used to grasp the carton 5 by grasping the handle strip 140 and pulling it upwardly through the handle openings 133, 131. As it is pulled upwardly, the central portion 144 of the handle strip 140 can unfold and expand at the creases 145 so that a user can easily grasp the central portion 144. It is understood that the carton 5 can have more than one handle or no handles or that the handle 11 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or located without departing from the disclosure. [0042] As shown in Fig. 8, the carton 5 can be opened by actuating the dispenser 7 to create a dispenser opening 171 in the dispensing corner 9 of the carton. The dispenser 7 is opened by first grasping the tab portion 102a of the first finger panel 102 and pulling to tear the first tear strip 93 from the front panel 10 and the second side panel 40 to the cut 101a. The second tear strip 95 is removed by grasping the tab portion 104a of the second finger panel 104 and pulling to tear the second tear strip 95 from the first side panel 20 to the cut 101b. Alternatively, the second tear strip 95 is removed before the first tear strip 93, or both tear strips are removed at substantially the same time. The dispenser panel 87, including the front top flap 12 and portions of the front panel 10, side panels 20, 40, and the side top flaps 22, 42, is pivoted upwardly along the overlapping dispenser fold lines 105, 107 in the respective side top flaps 22, 42 to form the dispenser opening 171. The pivoting of the dispenser flap 87 tears the tear lines 97, 99 in the respective side panels 40, 20. Other opening arrangements for the dispenser 7 can be provided.

[0043] The dispenser panel 87 extends laterally across the side top flaps 22, 42 and longitudinally to the handle openings 131, 133 to provide a convenient opener cavity at the dispenser opening 171 for access to the contents of the carton 5 without requiring tipping of the carton for pouring. Such access to the contents of the carton can include scooping, for example. In one embodiment, the dispenser panel 87 can extend generally between one quarter and one third the length of the top end 51. In other words, the overlapped dispenser fold lines 105, 107 can be spaced apart from the respective front edges 157, 158 of the respective side top flaps 22, 42 generally one quarter to one third the distance between the front edges 157, 158 and the respective back edges 163, 164 of the respective side top flaps 22, 42. Alternatively, the dispenser fold lines 105, 107 can be spaced apart generally any distance from the front edges 157, 158 of the respective side top flaps 22, 42. A user can also tip the carton 5 to pour contents through the dispenser opening 171 , as desired.

[0044] The handle 1 1 remains intact in the top end 51 when the dispenser 7 is opened at the dispensing corner 9 so that the carton 5 can be easily carried even after the initial opening of the dispenser. In one embodiment, the handle 11 can be offset from the dispenser 7 in the top end 51, wherein the handle openings 131, 133 are spaced apart from the respective dispenser fold lines 105, 107, closer to the back panel 30 in the carton 5. Alternatively, the handle openings 131, 133 can extend laterally in the respective side top flaps 22, 42. [0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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. [0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A carton for containing and dispensing flowable materials, the carton comprising a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;

at least two top flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the at least two top flaps being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form a closed top end of the carton;

a dispenser for allowing access to the interior of the carton, the dispenser extending in at least a portion of the front panel and at least a first portion of the top end at a corner of the carton; and

a handle extending in at least the top end, at least a portion of the handle extending in a second portion of the top end that is adjacent the first portion of the top end.

2. The carton of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser comprises a tear feature extending in at least the front panel, at least one dispenser fold line extending in at least one flap of the at least two top flaps, and a dispenser panel at least partially defined by the at least one dispenser fold line and the tear feature.

3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the tear feature comprises a tear strip extending in at least the front panel, the tear strip comprising at least two spaced apart tear lines and a finger panel, the finger panel comprising a tab portion at least partially defined by at least a portion of a cut line, the cut line comprising a first segment connected to a second segment by an oblique segment, the first segment being generally offset from the second segment.

4. The carton of claim 2, wherein the tear feature comprises a first tear strip extending in at least the front panel and a second tear strip extending in at least the first side panel, the first tear strip being separable from the second tear strip along a cut line.

5. The carton of claim 4, wherein:

the first tear strip comprises a first finger panel at least partially defined by the cut line and the second tear strip comprises a second finger panel at least partially defined by the cut line; and

the first side panel is foldably connected to the front panel along a lateral fold line, the cut line being generally aligned with the lateral fold line.

6. The carton of claim 5, wherein:

the first tear strip further extends in the second side panel;

the tear feature further comprises a first tear line and a second tear line, the first tear line extending from an end of the first tear strip in the second side panel and the second tear line extending from an end of the second tear strip in the first side panel; and

the at least one dispenser fold line extending from a respective end of at least one of the first tear line and the second tear line.

7. The carton of claim 6, wherein:

the at least two top flaps comprise a first side top flap foldably connected to the first side panel and a second side top flap foldably connected to the second side panel, the first side top flap and the second side top flap being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form the closed top end; and

the at least one dispenser fold line comprises a first dispenser fold line extending in the first side top flap and a second dispenser fold line extending in the second side top flap, the first dispenser fold line being generally aligned with the second dispenser fold line, the first dispenser fold line extending from an end of the second tear line and the second dispenser fold line extending from an end of the first tear line.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein:

the dispenser panel comprises a first top dispenser portion in the first side top flap and a second top dispenser portion in the second side top flap, the first top dispenser portion and the second top dispenser portion being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another; the first top dispenser portion of the dispenser panel is at least partially defined by the first dispenser fold line and a first free edge of the first side top flap, the first free edge of the first side top flap being generally adjacent the front panel; and the second top dispenser portion of the dispenser panel is at least partially defined by the second dispenser fold line and a second free edge of the second side top flap, the second free edge of the second side top flap being generally adjacent the front panel.

9. The carton of claim 8, wherein each of the first dispenser fold line and the second dispenser fold line is spaced apart from the front panel a distance that is at least one quarter the length of the top end of the carton.

10. The carton of claim 8, wherein:

the first portion of the top end is a dispenser portion of the top end, the dispenser portion of the top end comprising at least the first top dispenser portion of the dispenser panel and the second top dispenser portion of the dispenser panel; and

the second portion of the top panel comprises a remainder of the top end at least partially defined by the first dispenser fold line and the second dispenser fold line.

1 1. The carton of claim 7, wherein:

the at least two top flaps further comprise a front top flap foldably connected to the front panel and a back top flap foldably connected to the back panel;

the carton further comprises a reinforcement tape affixed to at least a portion of the first side top flap, the front top flap, the second side top flap, and the back top flap; and

each of the first top dispenser portion and the second top dispenser portion of the dispenser panel comprises two oblique force-directing creases.

12. The carton of claim 4, further comprising a tear tape affixed to at least a portion of the plurality of panels, the tear tape being affixed to at least a portion of the first tear strip and at least a portion of the second tear strip.

13. The carton of claim 2, wherein the handle comprises a handle panel, a handle strap extending from the handle panel, and at least one handle opening extending in at least one flap of the at least two top flaps, at least a portion of the handle strap being generally aligned with the at least one handle opening.

14. A blank for forming a carton for containing and dispensing flowable materials, the blank comprising

a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;

at least two top flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, the at least two top flaps for being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form a closed top end of the carton formed from the blank;

dispenser features extending in at least a portion of the front panel and at least a first portion of the at least two top flaps for forming a dispenser at a corner of the carton formed from the blank for allowing access to the interior of the carton formed from the blank; and

handle features extending in the at least two top flaps for forming a handle extending in at least the top end of the carton formed from the blank, at least a portion of the handle extending in a second portion of the at least two top flaps that is adjacent the first portion of the at least two top flaps in the carton formed from the blank.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the dispenser features comprise a tear feature extending in at least the front panel, at least one dispenser fold line extending in at least one flap of the at least two top flaps, and a dispenser panel at least partially defined by the at least one dispenser fold line and the tear feature.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the tear feature comprises a tear strip extending in at least the front panel, the tear strip comprising at least two spaced apart tear lines and a finger panel, the finger panel comprising a tab portion at least partially defined by at least a portion of a cut line, the cut line comprising a first segment connected to a second segment by an oblique segment, the first segment being generally offset from the second segment.

17. The blank of claim 15, wherein the tear feature comprises a first tear strip extending in at least the front panel and a second tear strip extending in at least the first side panel, the first tear strip being separable from the second tear strip along a cut line.

18. The blank of claim 17, wherein:

the first tear strip comprises a first finger panel at least partially defined by the cut line and the second tear strip comprises a second finger panel at least partially defined by the cut line; and the first side panel is foldably connected to the front panel along a lateral fold line, the cut line being generally aligned with the lateral fold line.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein:

the first tear strip further extends in the second side panel;

20. The blank of claim 19, wherein:

the at least two top flaps comprise a first side top flap foldably connected to the first side panel and a second side top flap foldably connected to the second side panel, the first side top flap and the second side top flap for being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially form the closed top end when the carton is formed from the blank; and

the at least one dispenser fold line comprises a first dispenser fold line extending in the first side top flap and a second dispenser fold line extending in the second side top flap, the first dispenser fold line extending from an end of the second tear line and the second dispenser fold line extending from an end of the first tear line, the first dispenser fold line for being generally aligned with the second dispenser fold line when the carton is formed from the blank.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein:

the dispenser panel comprises a first top dispenser portion in the first side top flap and a second top dispenser portion in the second side top flap;

the first top dispenser portion of the dispenser panel is at least partially defined by the first dispenser fold line and a first free edge of the first side top flap, the first free edge of the first side top flap for being positioned generally adjacent the front panel when the carton is formed from the blank; and

the second top dispenser portion of the dispenser panel is at least partially defined by the second dispenser fold line and a second free edge of the second side top flap, the second free edge of the second side top flap for being positioned generally adjacent the front panel when the carton is formed from the blank.

22. The blank of claim 21 , wherein each of the first dispenser fold line and the second dispenser fold line is spaced apart from the respective first free edge and second free edge a distance that is at least one quarter the length of the respective first side top flap and second side top flap.

23. The blank of claim 20, wherein:

the blank further comprises a reinforcement tape affixed to at least a portion of the first side top flap, the front top flap, the second side top flap, and the back top flap; and

24. The blank of claim 17, further comprising a tear tape affixed to at least a portion of the plurality of panels, the tear tape being affixed to at least a portion of the first tear strip and at least a portion of the second tear strip.

25. The blank of claim 15, wherein the handle comprises a handle panel, a handle strap extending from the handle panel, and at least one handle opening extending in at least one flap of the at least two top flaps, at least a portion of the handle strap being generally aligned with the at least one handle opening.

26. A method of forming a carton comprising:

obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, at least two top flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, dispenser features extending in at least a portion of the front panel and at least a first portion of the at least two top flaps, and handle features extending in at least a second portion of the at least two top flaps;

forming an interior of the carton at least partially defined by the plurality of panels, the forming the interior of the carton comprising forming an open-ended sleeve;

positioning the at least two top flaps to be at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to at least partially close a top end of the open-ended sleeve, the positioning the at least two top flaps comprising positioning the dispenser features to form a dispenser at a corner of the carton and positioning the handle features to form a handle in the top end of the carton, at least a portion of the handle extending in the second portion of the at least two top flaps that is adjacent the first portion of the at least two top flaps.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the dispenser features comprise a tear feature extending in at least the front panel, at least one dispenser fold line extending in at least one flap of the at least two top flaps, and a dispenser panel at least partially defined by the at least one dispenser fold line and the tear feature.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the tear feature comprises a first tear strip extending in at least the front panel and a second tear strip extending in at least the first side panel, the first tear strip being separable from the second tear strip along a cut line, each of the first tear strip and the second tear strip comprising a respective first finger panel and second finger panel at least partially defined by the cut line.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein:

the at least two top flaps comprise a first side top flap foldably connected to the first side panel and a second side top flap foldably connected to the second side panel;

the at least one dispenser fold line comprises a first dispenser fold line extending in the first side top flap and a second dispenser fold line extending in the second side top flap; and

the positioning the at least two top flaps comprises at least partially overlapping the first side top flap and the second side top flap with respect to one another to at least partially form the closed top end so that the first dispenser fold line is generally aligned with the second dispenser fold line.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein:

the dispenser panel comprises a first top dispenser portion in the first side top flap and a second top dispenser portion in the second side top flap, the first top dispenser portion being at least partially defined by the first dispenser fold line and a first free edge of the first side top flap, the second top dispenser portion being at least partially defined by the second dispenser fold line and a second free edge of the second side top flap;

the positioning the dispenser features to form the dispenser comprises at least partially overlapping the first top dispenser portion and the second top dispenser portion with respect to one another; and the positioning the at least two top flaps comprises disposing the first free edge of the first side top flap and the second free edge of the second side top flap generally adjacent the front panel.