CN115413267A

CN115413267A - Packing case (food)

Info

Publication number: CN115413267A
Application number: CN202180029099.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张源心; 黄东坡; G.巴塔查吉; 王增辉; A.A.希恩
Original assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Current assignee: Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date: 2020-04-24
Filing date: 2021-03-16
Publication date: 2022-11-29
Also published as: WO2021213081A1; EP4139217A1; CN213832832U

Abstract

The invention relates to a box (10) for packaging, comprising: a plurality of pairs of opposing sidewalls; a plurality of pairs of opposing top flaps foldably connected to respective side walls; a plurality of pairs of opposing bottom flaps foldably connected to respective sidewalls; a weakened region (52) defined by an outer line of weakness (54) at one of the opposing first side walls, the weakened region (52) including a first segment (52A) and a second segment (52B) divided by an inner line of weakness (56); and an adhesive strip (62) having a strip width and a strip end, and covering an adjacent edge of the opposing second top flap to seal the top of the box, wherein the adhesive strip (62) extends along a portion of one of the opposing first sidewalls in such a manner that: the adhesive strip covers a portion of the second segment (52B) so as not to cover the internal line of weakness (56), wherein the internal line of weakness (56) is angled about a lateral direction of the box, and wherein the weakened area (52) does not extend across the adhesive strip in a width direction of the adhesive strip.

Description

Packing case (food)

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a box sealed with an adhesive tape having an easy opening feature and a blank for manufacturing the box.

Background

To transport products from one location to another, the products are often placed in packaging. One of the most common packages is a corrugated cardboard container or package.

The package is generally rectangular and includes four contiguous vertical sides and two pairs of flaps (commonly referred to as an outer pair of flaps and an inner pair of flaps) on both the top and bottom of the package. Each of these flaps is connected to one of the vertical sides such that when the outer and inner flaps of a pair are folded towards each other and towards the center of the package, at least the edges of the outer flaps meet at or near the center of the top or bottom of the package, effectively creating top and bottom horizontal surfaces of the package and closing the package. The flaps on the package are typically secured in a sealed manner by glue or adhesive tape. The adhesive tape is often applied in a "C-clip" configuration.

The designation of a C-clip is due to the cross-section of the adhesive tape along its length in the shape of the letter "C" when the adhesive tape is applied to the package. In particular, the C-clip of adhesive tape is a continuous length of adhesive tape applied to a portion of one vertical side of the package, across the center of one of the horizontal surfaces of the package to seal adjacent outer flaps together and ultimately to a portion of the opposite vertical side of the package. When the package is closed and sealed with a C-clip of adhesive tape, there is no substantial gap that allows contaminants to reach the product or products enclosed in the package.

To access the product inside, the box needs to be opened. One typical method of removing the adhesive tape may involve cutting the adhesive tape using a sharp instrument such as a knife. However, with this method, the user may cut and damage the product inside with a knife. Another approach is to design a box with an easy opening feature. U.S. patent 9,126,718 discloses a box closed using adhesive strips, wherein the flaps of the wall panels are configured to be hingeably opened parallel to one another, thereby facilitating removal of the adhesive strips from one or more of the securing panels.

It is desirable to provide a case sealed with an adhesive tape that can be easily opened by removing the adhesive tape without using tools.

It is also desirable to provide a tank that can be easily assembled and is resistant to external pressure.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a package of one or more articles, the package comprising: a plurality of pairs of opposing sidewalls; a plurality of pairs of opposing top flaps foldably connected to respective side walls; a plurality of pairs of opposing bottom flaps foldably connected to respective sidewalls; a weakened region defined at one sidewall by an outer line of weakness, the weakened region including a first segment and a second segment divided by an inner line of weakness; and an adhesive strip covering adjacent edges of a pair of opposing top flaps to seal the top of the case. The adhesive tape has a tape width and tape ends and extends along a portion of one of the opposing first sidewalls in such a manner that: the adhesive strip covers a portion of the second section so as not to cover the internal line of weakness. The internal line of weakness is angled about the lateral direction of the box and does not extend across the adhesive strip in its width direction.

For ease of discussion, the box and blank will be discussed with reference to the numbers referenced in these figures. However, unless otherwise explicitly indicated, the drawings and detailed description are not to be considered as limiting the scope of the claims, and the invention disclosed herein is also applicable in a variety of packaging.

Drawings

In the drawings, like reference numerals or other designations refer to like elements throughout the views.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a bin according to the invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the weakened area and adhesive strips in the side walls of the case of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is another exemplary weakened area.

FIG. 4A is an exemplary configuration of a weakened area and adhesive strips in the side walls of a box.

FIG. 4B is another exemplary configuration of a weakened area in the side walls of the case and adhesive strips.

FIG. 4C is another exemplary configuration of a weakened area and adhesive strips in the side walls of the case.

FIG. 4D is another exemplary configuration of a weakened area in the side walls of the case and adhesive strips.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of another tank according to the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a top view of an upright box from which the box of fig. 5 is made.

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a blank of the present invention used to form the box of fig. 1.

Fig. 8 is a plan view of a blank of the present invention used to form the box of fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a plan view of another blank of the invention for forming the box of fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a detailed view of the tab and slot in the blank of fig. 8.

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the carton of FIG. 5 in a flat-folded, packaged condition.

Figure 12 is a plan view of a blank for forming another carton according to the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a top perspective view of another tank according to the present invention.

FIG. 13B is a detailed view of the portion of the case in FIG. 13A having several indicia.

Fig. 14A-14C are top perspective views of other tanks according to the present invention.

Fig. 15A and 15B are exemplary shaped top flaps.

Detailed Description

Various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure will now be described in order to provide a general understanding of the structural principles, functions, manufacture, and use of the case for packaging articles of manufacture. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the tanks described herein and illustrated in the drawings are non-limiting, example forms and that the scope of the various non-limiting forms of the present disclosure is defined solely by the claims. Features shown or described in connection with one non-limiting form may be combined with features of other non-limiting forms. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the term "comprising" refers to various components, ingredients, or steps that may be conjointly employed in practicing the present invention. Thus, the term "comprising" is an open-ended term and includes the more restrictive terms "consisting essentially of and" consisting of "\8230303030303030A".

As used herein, "longitudinal," "transverse," "top," "bottom," and the like when used to describe a box or blank, refer to a box placed in a carrying position with the bottom facing downward and the top facing upward, such as shown.

Box

The present invention relates to a box comprising a top, a bottom and a plurality of pairs of opposing parallel side walls. Each of the top and bottom of the box is closed by a top flap and a bottom flap, respectively. Each of the flaps is foldably connected at one edge to a top edge or a bottom edge of a corresponding side wall along a fold line. The box also includes a weakened area formed at one of the side walls, the weakened area defined by an outer line of weakness. The weakened area includes two segments divided by an inner line of weakness.

Referring to fig. 1 and 7, the tank 10 of the present invention comprises: a pair of opposing

first side walls

11 and 12; a pair of opposing

second side walls

13 and 14; a pair of opposing first

top flaps

21 and 22 foldably connected to the pair of opposing

first side walls

11 and 12; a pair of opposing second

top flaps

23 and 24 foldably connected to the pair of opposing

second side walls

13 and 14; a pair of opposing first bottom flaps 31 and 32 foldably connected to the pair of opposing

first side walls

11 and 12; and a pair of opposing second bottom flaps 33 and 34 foldably connected to the pair of opposing

second side walls

13 and 14. The box 10 has a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T.

The case 10 also includes a weakened area 52 formed at one of the

first sidewalls

11 and 12, and an adhesive strip 62.

Referring to fig. 2 and 3, which illustrate the configuration of an exemplary weakened area 52, the weakened area 52 defined by the outer lines of weakness 54 includes two segments, a first segment 52A and a second segment 52B, divided by an inner line of weakness 56. The outer line of weakness 54 and the inner line of weakness 56 each can be any line of weakness, such as a compression line, a perforation line comprising a plurality of perforations, and combinations thereof. The perforations may be circular, oval or any other shape. The perforations may be slits.

When opening the package, the sections 52A of the weakened area 52 are pushed by applying force, for example with a finger, thereby pushing the first sections 52A inwards. When the first segment 52A is pushed inward, an opening is formed, fingers are inserted into the opening to grip the second segment 52B, and the second segment 52B is pulled outward. When the second segment 52B is pulled outwardly, the end portion of the adhesive tape 62 is also pulled outwardly with the second segment 52B, thereby removing the adhesive tape from the case 10 by continuously pulling the adhesive tape 62 from the case. The outer line of weakness 54 is a distance from the junction of the side wall and the top flap or the side wall and the bottom flap (e.g., the junction between the first side wall forming the weakened area and the first top flap connected to the first side wall) so as not to compromise the structural integrity at that location.

In addition, the openings corresponding to the first and

second sections

52A, 52B remaining after removal of the adhesive tape can serve as handles that allow the user to conveniently carry the case with him or her.

Still referring to fig. 2 and 3, the first segment 52A has a first segment width W1 and an outboard edge having a length L1. The first segment width W1 and the outside edge length L1 may be adjusted to accommodate one or two fingers as appropriate. The inner line of weakness 56 has an inner line of weakness length L2. The inner line of weakness length L2 can be adjusted to accommodate the width of an adult human thumb appropriately, for example, about 2cm to about 4cm, or about 2cm to about 3cm. The internal line of weakness length L2 may be no shorter than the first segment width W1. For configurations of the weakened region 52 where L2 is not shorter than W1, the shape of the first segment 52A facilitates finger orientation and alignment with the feature 52, which is best suited to exert a force (such as puncture or push inward and bend the tab) on the first segment 52A of the feature 52 without sacrificing comfort. In one embodiment, the inner line of weakness length L2 is shorter than the outer edge length L1 of the first segment 52A. This may result in an optimal shape that is widest at the finger cut to facilitate insertion and minimize restriction of movement, but minimal where the second segment 52B overlaps the strap to minimize the amount of perforation that the user must break while lifting the strap 62.

The second segment 52B has a second segment width W2 and an inboard edge having a length L3. Having the tapered configuration of the second segment 52B (such as when L3 is shorter than L2) may reduce the force associated with breaking the outer line of weakness 54 at the junction of the strap 62 where the consumer must also overcome the adhesive force of the strap 62.

The inner line of weakness 56 may be a straight line as shown in figure 2 or it may be a curved line as shown in figure 4C.

The inner line of weakness 56 is angled about the transverse direction T of the box 10. Referring to fig. 4D, where the internal line of weakness 56 is angled about the transverse direction T of the box 10, it is intended to mean that the angle α defined by the imaginary line IL parallel to the transverse direction T of the box 10 and the internal line of weakness 56 is greater than 0 °, and equal to or less than 90 °. Where the internal line of weakness 56 is angled about the transverse direction T of the box 10, it is intended to mean that it does not include the case where the internal line of weakness 56 is parallel to the transverse direction T of the box 10.

The angle α may range from about 10 ° to about 90 °, or from about 45 ° to about 90 °. In one embodiment, the angle α may be about 90 ° such that the inner line of weakness 56 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the box 10, as shown in fig. 1. With regard to the characteristics of the angled weakened region 52, it can balance between good ergonomic or natural finger orientation and lifting force utilization. Without being bound by theory, the most efficient use of force is expected to occur when the force is applied directly in the lifting direction indicated by the belt 62. Perfect alignment between the lifting force and the band 62 comes at the expense of a cumbersome wrist posture or very poor ergonomics, so balance is important. The discomfort may not be easily compensated for and, if excessive, may even completely prevent the use of this feature. Thus, progressively larger angles may be preferred, particularly at least 45 ° or greater, as these configurations make balancing more comfortable.

Referring to figure 4C, when the inner line of weakness 56 is not linear, the direction of the inner line of weakness 56 is determined by the line created by the two bonds connecting the inner line of weakness 56 and the outer line of weakness 54.

As shown in fig. 1 and 4D, the inner line of weakness 56 may not meet the longitudinal centerline LC of the sidewall where the weakened area 52 is located.

When the inner line of weakness 56 comprises perforations, the inner line of weakness 56 comprises perforations of a different length than the perforations comprising the outer line of weakness 54. In one embodiment, referring to FIG. 2, the inner line of weakness 56 includes a length P _L1 Structure of the bookThe length of the perforations such as P being the outer line of weakness 54 _L2 And P _L3 Longer perforations. Perforations in the inner line of weakness 56 having a longer length may serve as a visual cue indicating that the inner line of perforations is a point of fracture initiation.

The bin of the invention further includes adhesive tape 62 that covers the adjacent edges of the opposing top flaps to seal the top of the bin. Referring to fig. 1 and 7, adhesive tape 62 covers the adjacent edges of the second top flaps 23 and 24 to seal the top of the case 10, extending along a portion of the first sidewall 11. Referring to fig. 2, 4C, 4D, the configuration of the weakened area 52 and the adhesive strip 62 is shown, the adhesive strip 62 extending so as to partially traverse the second segment 52B in the transverse direction T. This may ensure that the strip does not cover the inner line of weakness 56 to reduce the risk of the strip breaking when the user breaks the line of weakness. The inner line of weakness 56 may comprise perforations. With respect to the inner line of weakness 56 not covered by the adhesive tape 62, when the opening is formed by pushing the weakened region 52 (particularly the first segment 52A), the adhesive tape end 64 or the side edge of the adhesive tape 62 is difficult to break or stretch apart. When the inner line of weakness 56 extends in the longitudinal direction of the box 10, referring to FIG. 2, the strap end 64 may be at a position below the weakened area 52. The belt end 64 may be located at a position within the weakened area 52 in the longitudinal direction as shown in fig. 4C. The length of the adhesive strip 62 overlapping the weakened region may be shorter than the length of the inner line of weakness L2. Referring to fig. 2, the length a from the lowest point of the weakened area 52 to the end 64 of the adhesive strip 62 may be no more than about 60mm, or no more than about 50mm or no more than about 40mm. Having such a length a may ensure that a user may easily lift the belt end in one continuous motion by grasping and pulling out the second segment 52B.

The bin of the present invention may have a weakened area 52 in each of a pair of opposing first side walls. In one embodiment, referring to fig. 1 and 7, the case 10 includes a weakened area 52 in each of the

first side walls

11 and 12, and each end of the adhesive strip 62 extends along a portion of each opposing

first side wall

11, 12 in such a manner that: the adhesive tape 62 covers a portion of the segment 52B of the weakened area 52 so as not to cover the inner weakened line 56 of the weakened area 52, thereby allowing the adhesive tape 62 to be removed from either or both ends.

The box of the present invention may have at least two weakened areas 52 in at least one of the first side walls to aid in the removal of the adhesive strips 62 from the top and bottom flaps. In one embodiment, referring to fig. 5 and 8, the case 10 includes two weakened areas 52 in each of the

first sidewalls

11 and 12. A strip of adhesive tape 62 covers the adjacent edges of the second top flaps 23 and 24 to seal the top of the case 10 and extends along a portion of the first side wall 11 and a portion of the first side wall 12. Another strip of adhesive tape 62 covers the adjacent edges of the second bottom flaps 33 and 34 to seal the bottom of the case and extends along a portion of the first side wall 11 and a portion of the first side wall 12. The adhesive strip 62 covers a portion of the segment 52B of the weakened area 52 so as not to cover the inner weakened line 56 of the weakened area 52.

It will be appreciated that the above arrangement allows the adhesive strips 62 used to secure each of the top and bottom of the case to be removed from the case 10, which in turn allows the case to be returned to the flat pack arrangement, for example to allow the case to be easily stored or transported after use. In case the adhesive strip, a synthetic plastic, is separated from the tank, this makes the tank ready for recycling and therefore more sustainable.

In one embodiment, referring to fig. 1, the box of the present invention is rectangular in shape with four side walls.

In another embodiment, referring to FIG. 5, the box of the present invention is octagonal in shape with pairs of parallel side walls and four interposed diagonal corner panels. The height to width ratio of the bin may vary depending on the size of the articles contained therein, and this may give the general shape of the bin a cylindrical, rectangular or cubical shape.

The box of the present invention may further comprise a tab on a side edge of the first top flap and a slot at a line connecting the second top flap and the side wall, the tab and slot engaging each other. Referring to fig. 5 and 8, at least one of the first

top flaps

21 and 22 includes at least one tab 42 protruding from a side edge thereof. At least one of the first

top flaps

21 and 22 may include at least one tab 42 in each of its side edges. At least one of the first

top flaps

21 and 22 may have at least one protrusion 42 in at least one side edge. The tab 42 may be located in any portion of the side edge of the first top flap. In one embodiment, as shown in fig. 5 and 8, the protrusion is located at the outermost portion of the side edge of the first top flap. The protrusion may take various shapes. In one embodiment, referring to fig. 10, the projections 42 include hook-shaped ends. The protrusion 42 may have a hook-shaped end on its outer end as shown in fig. 10. A hook-shaped end is intended herein to mean that the end portion of the protrusion 42 has a concave portion 45, see fig. 10. The slot 44 may extend slightly to the top tab and/or the side wall.

Referring to fig. 6, as the first

top flaps

21 and 22 are folded inwardly and the tabs 42 engage the corresponding slots 44, the

first side walls

11 and 12 tend to move inwardly, which may cause the tabs to slide out of the slots. To avoid the protrusion from slipping out of the slot, the hook-like feature ensures that the protrusion remains engaged with the slot and the box is properly assembled. Referring to FIG. 10, the tang 42 has a tang length 42 _L And protrusion thickness (not indicated in the figures), and slot 44 has a slot length 44 _L And slot width 44 _W . Slot length 44 _L May be in the protrusion length 42 _L In the range of 95% -105%. Slot width 44 _W May be in the range of 140% -180% of the thickness of the protrusion. These ranges of slot lengths and slot widths may allow for one-step insertion of the tabs into their corresponding slots and expedite manual assembly of the case. If the slot length or slot width is too wide, an unnecessary open space remains in the slot even after the slot engages the projection, which may cause dust or insect contamination of the product in the bin.

Referring to fig. 13A and 13B, it may be desirable to provide one or more indicia on the package that visually, tactilely, and/or verbally identify the presence of the weakened area 52, and/or the location of the weakened area 52 or a portion of the weakened area 52, such as the internal line of weakness 56. The one or more markers may include, but are not limited to: embossed indicia of a color that visually contrasts with the surrounding package color; a tactilely perceptible indicia; marking characters; other graphical indicia; a letter; a number; or any combination thereof.

The package may include verbal or graphical indicia directing or encouraging the consumer to use the weakened area 52, e.g., to push the first section 52A open by applying force, e.g., with a finger, thereby pushing the first section 52A inward. Additionally or alternatively, commercial artwork, graphics and verbal information printed onto the package may be configured to have a stand-up appearance in some examples.

In one embodiment, the first section 52A and the second section 52B have colors, text, and/or icons to distinguish the first section 52A from the second section 52B. Referring to fig. 13A and 13B, a heart having a number 1 in the first segment 52A and a heart having a number 2 in the second segment 52B may provide guidance to the consumer to first push the first segment 52A to open it, and then grasp and withdraw the second segment 52B to pull the strap 62 with the second segment 52B.

Other characteristics of the tag may vary. For example, the graphic indicia may have different colors, tones, and/or sizes. The tactilely perceptible indicia may have different sizes (e.g., embossing depth), intensities, frequencies, and the like. Such characteristics may vary from step to step or be similar gradually in a gradient pattern.

The box according to the present application may have no substantial gaps other than perforations in the weakened area (if any) to allow contaminants to reach the product or products packaged in the package.

The box may have one or more (e.g., two) handles for convenient transport. This is particularly useful for relatively large bins and/or bins containing relatively heavy items.

The first handle 50 may be provided in one first sidewall 11 and the first handle 51 may be provided in the other first sidewall 12, as illustrated in fig. 12. The handle may be provided as a cut-out section to allow the case to be grasped by sliding one or more fingers of one hand through the first cut-out section and sliding one or more fingers of the other hand through the second cut-out section. The cut is thus ideally large enough to allow one or more fingers to slide conveniently through.

Alternatively or in addition to the cutout segments provided in the

first side walls

11 and 12, the cutout segments may be provided in the

second side walls

13 and 14 as described in the previous paragraph.

Alternatively or additionally, as shown in fig. 14A, a first handle 50 (in this case, a cutout section 50) may be provided in the first sidewall 11 and a second handle 51 (in this case, a cutout section 51) may be provided in the second sidewall 13. The two cutout segments may be adjacent to a vertical fold line between the first and

second side walls

11, 13. The person can slide one or more fingers of one hand through the two cutout sections to grasp the box substantially around the corner formed at the vertical fold line between the first and

second side walls

11, 13. By doing so, the case can be held and carried with only one hand. To achieve an easy grip, the cut-out section should be arranged at a suitable distance from the vertical folding line between the first side wall 11 and the second side wall 13 by sliding one or more fingers of one hand through the two cut-out sections. For example, each cut segment should be 20mm to 40mm, or 25mm to 35mm, from the vertical fold line. Placing the cut segment too close to the vertical fold line may reduce the stability of the box, while placing the cut segment too far from the vertical fold line may make it difficult to properly grasp the box. The cutout segments may have a rectangular, circular, oval or any suitable shape.

Alternatively or in addition to the handles provided in the first and

second side walls

11, 13, the handles 50 and/or 51 (in this case the cut-out sections) may be provided in cut-out sections in the further first side wall 12 and the further second side wall 14, as described in the previous paragraph.

Fig. 14B and 14C are other examples of bins with handles 50 and/or 51 according to the invention.

The case of the present invention, as shown with reference to fig. 15A and 15B, may have a pair of

top flaps

21 and 22 with shaped edges. The edges of the top outer flaps which meet each other and are sealed by the tape are generally straight to allow the user to conveniently cut between the edges to open the box. In the case where the box can be opened by peeling the tape rather than cutting, the outer flap edge of any shape can be designed to enhance the visual aesthetics of the box.

The box of the present invention may comprise corrugated cardboard having sufficient strength to withstand the weight of the contents and to enable a plurality of containers to be stacked on top of one another.

The case of the present invention may contain any product suitable for packaging using the case. In one embodiment, the case of the present invention contains a plurality of absorbent articles.

In some embodiments, at least two of the package, the adhesive tape, and the article have a printed illustration with at least one common element.

The invention also relates to a blank for forming the package of the invention.

Referring to fig. 7, the blank 100 of the present invention comprises: a pair of

first side walls

11 and 12; a pair of

second side walls

13 and 14; a pair of first

top flaps

21 and 22 foldably connected to the pair of

first side walls

11 and 12; a pair of second

top flaps

23 and 24 foldably connected to the pair of

second side walls

13 and 14; a pair of first bottom flaps 31 and 32 foldably connected to the pair of

first side walls

11 and 12; and a pair of second bottom flaps 33 and 34 foldably connected to the pair of opposing

second side walls

13 and 14. The blank 100 also includes a weakened area 52 formed at one of the

first side walls

11 and 12. The blank 100 may also include an end panel 16 connected to one side edge of the blank. The box of the present invention may be assembled from a blank connecting the end panels 16 with the end side walls 14 (thereby forming a rectangular box). For example, referring to fig. 7, the blank 100 is folded over onto itself and end flaps are adhered to the side walls 14 at opposite edges of the blank 100 to form a flattened open configuration as shown in fig. 11.

The case may be stored and shipped in this flat pack state prior to use. In use, the flattened box is opened or unfolded into a tubular configuration and assembled into a box.

The description of the weakened areas shown in relation to the box of the invention applies to the blank of the invention.

The blank of the present invention may also include a gusset between two adjacent side walls. Referring to fig. 8 and 9 (blanks forming the box 10 in fig. 5), the blank 100 of the invention may comprise: a pair of opposing

first side walls

11 and 12; a pair of opposing

second side walls

13 and 14; a pair of opposing first

top flaps

21 and 22 foldably connected to the pair of opposing

first side walls

11 and 12; a pair of opposing second

top flaps

23 and 24 foldably connected to the pair of opposing

second side walls

first side walls

second side walls

13 and 14; and

gussets

15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D between the

side walls

11, 12, 13, and 14. The box may be assembled from the blank by connecting end panel 16 with end side wall 14 (fig. 8) or by connecting end panel 16 with gusset panel 15A (fig. 9) (thereby forming a flat box). The blank 100 may have four

gussets

15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D such that the box formed from the blank 100 is an octagonal box having a pair of opposing first side walls, a pair of opposing second side walls, and four interposed diagonal gussets.

The blank 100 of the present invention may also include a tab on the side edge of the first top flap and a slot at the line connecting the second top flap and the side wall in this manner: the projections and slots engage each other when the blank is assembled into a box. The description of the tabs and slots shown with respect to the box of the present invention applies to the blank of the present invention.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Rather, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40mm" is intended to mean "about 40mm".

Each document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or patent application and any patent application or patent to which this application claims priority or its benefits, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with any disclosure of the invention or the claims herein or that it alone, or in combination with any one or more of the references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton having a top, a bottom, a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction and comprising:

a pair of opposing first sidewalls;

a pair of opposing second sidewalls;

a pair of opposing first top flaps foldably connected to the pair of opposing first side walls;

a pair of opposing second top flaps foldably connected to the pair of opposing second side walls;

a pair of opposing first bottom flaps foldably connected to the pair of opposing first side walls;

a pair of opposing second bottom flaps foldably connected to the pair of opposing second side walls;

a weakened area defined by an outer line of weakness at one of the opposing first side walls, the weakened area including a first segment and a second segment divided by an inner line of weakness; and

an adhesive strip having a strip width and a strip end and covering adjacent edges of the opposing second top flaps to seal the top of the box,

wherein the adhesive tape extends along a portion of the one of the opposing first sidewalls in such a manner that: the adhesive tape covering a portion of the second section so as not to cover the inner line of weakness,

wherein the internal line of weakness is angled about the transverse direction of the box, an

Wherein the weakened area does not extend across the adhesive tape in the width direction of the adhesive tape.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein the box further comprises a gusset between two adjacent side walls.

3. The case of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer line of weakness includes perforations and the inner line of weakness includes perforations of a different length than the perforations of the outer line of weakness.

4. The case of claim 3, wherein the outer line of weakness includes perforations and the inner line of weakness includes perforations of a length longer than the perforated length of the outer line of weakness.

5. A box according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal line of weakness extends in the longitudinal direction of the box.

6. The box according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein said inner line of weakness is laterally angled in such a way that: the angle a determined by the imaginary line parallel to the transverse direction of the box and the inner weakening line is larger than 0 ° and smaller than 90 °.

7. The case according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the length of the adhesive strip overlapping the weakened region is shorter than the length of the internal line of weakness.

8. The case according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the length from the lowest point of the weakened area to the end of the adhesive strip is no more than about 50mm.

9. The box of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner line of weakness is no shorter than a width of the first section.

10. The case according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said first section comprises a non-linear outer line of weakness.

11. The bin of any preceding claim, wherein the bin further comprises at least one handle disposed in at least one of the side walls and the top flap.

12. The case according to claim 11 wherein said handle is a cut-out section capable of sliding one or more fingers of one hand through said cut-out section to grasp said package.

13. The case according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the package further comprises one or more indicia indicating the presence of the weakened area.

14. The case according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the weakened area comprises indicia for instructing how to use the weakened area.

15. The case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section and the second section have mutually different components selected from the group of colors, text, icons, and combinations thereof.

16. The case according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising a tab on a side edge of one of said opposing first top flaps and a slot at a line connecting one of said opposing second top flaps with one side wall, wherein said tab is engaged with said slot.

17. The case according to claim 16, wherein said protrusion comprises a hook-shaped end.

18. The case according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said protrusion comprises a hook-shaped end on its outer end.

19. The case according to claim 16, wherein said protrusion has a protrusion length and said slot has a slot length in the range of 90-110% of said protrusion length.

20. The case according to claim 16, wherein a width of said slot is 140-180% of a thickness of said protrusion.

21. The case according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the case contains a plurality of absorbent articles.