CN117897342A

CN117897342A - Carton with integrated lid closure system

Info

Publication number: CN117897342A
Application number: CN202280058928.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: N·坎道斯; D·T·金
Original assignee: Blue Buffalo Enterprises Inc
Current assignee: Blue Buffalo Enterprises Inc
Priority date: 2021-09-01
Filing date: 2022-08-09
Publication date: 2024-04-16
Also published as: AU2022339216A1; TW202311120A; WO2023033996A1; CA3230710A1; KR20240046611A

Abstract

The carton (5) includes a first body panel (60), the first body panel (60) being spaced apart from the second body panel (100) by first and second side panels (78, 134) and connected to the second body panel (15) by a connector strip (25). With the tear strip (24) removed, the connector strip (25) releases the cover (20) of the first body panel (60) so that an access opening to the interior storage area can be exposed. To close the carton (5), a lower top flap (106) of the second body (100) is pivoted across the access opening, automatically causing a plurality of flap extensions (82, 87, 141, 146) of the side panels (78, 134) to fold under the lower top flap (106). Thereafter, the lid (20) is pivoted atop the lower top flap (106), and the tab (22) of the lid (20) is received in the slot (112), the slot (112) being formed at the juncture of the remaining portion of the second body panel (100) and the lower top flap (106).

Description

Carton with integrated lid closure system

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to packaging products, particularly food products, in cartons, and more particularly to a carton that is not only easy to initially open, but also the carton opening can automatically form a lid and closure system so that the carton can be easily and repeatedly opened and closed in a convenient and efficient manner throughout its useful life.

Background

In connection with transporting products, such as food products, from a manufacturer to a retailer, it is known to package the products in cartons, seal the cartons, and transport the cartons to the designated retailer. Although various materials may be used in making the cartons, the most commonly used material is paperboard. Typically, the paperboard is provided in the form of blanks that can be conveniently stored in a flat configuration, but can be readily erected by a simple folding operation to form open ended cartons that can be filled and sealed, typically in an automated process. These cartons are not only light weight and very strong, but also the paperboard is advantageously recyclable.

In some cases, cartons are designed with a closure system that enables the carton to be opened and closed multiple times before the product therein is depleted. For example, it is known to package cereal and other food products in end-loaded cartons and provide the cartons with a closure system that operates between upper and lower flaps at the top of the cartons. Top-loaded cartons are commonly used for food and other products, except for end-loaded cartons. For example, donuts and other food products are typically packaged in top-loaded cartons, each of which includes a lid extending across the entire open top of the carton, the lid being hinged to enable selective, repeated access to the product storage area of the carton.

Each of these known carton types has been used to store and dispense animal food. Indeed, at least for dry dog and cat foods, there is a trend to shift from large food bags, which can still be found in many retail feed and grocery stores, to carton containers. As an example, it has been previously proposed to provide a carton having a reclosable top that can be opened to expose an interior pouch in which dry pet food is stored. These storage cartons have a number of advantages over large food bags. In particular, by re-closing the interior of the pouch and closing the exterior of the carton, the ability to inhibit the escape of odors from the carton and effectively prevent animals from approaching food between feeds is greatly enhanced. The carton also advantageously provides a storage advantage over large food bags in that the carton can be easily stacked with similar cartons or other packaged products, while large pet food bags do not provide such benefits.

Even with the above-mentioned advantages, known carton designs employed in the industry suffer from certain drawbacks. For example, the mechanism for opening such cartons may be difficult to actuate. As an example, it is known to provide a tear strip for at least partially separating the lids of the cartons. However, if not clearly marked, known tear strip arrangements may be overlooked by the consumer, causing the carton to open in another manner and lose the reclosing feature. In addition, even the use of a tear strip often results in the carton being damaged to the extent that it is limited in its ability to adequately cover the open portion of the carton between uses. Handles provided in the side walls of the carton for carrying the carton may be damaged if the damage includes tearing off the larger carton strip. In addition, the cartons of dry pet foods present unique problems that result in the need for a strong closure structure to prevent odors from escaping and to prevent pets from accessing the foods. Moreover, because the bulk distribution of individual dried food pieces can be messy, there is a particular need in the art for a carton that better retains the product. Based on the foregoing, it is believed that there is a need in the art (particularly in the field of cartons for dry pet foods) for a carton that includes an easily identifiable tear strip for forming a lid for an access opening of the carton while the carton is open, wherein the lid includes a robust closure mechanism, and wherein the structure of the carton is specifically designed to reduce accidental loss or spillage of food pieces during a dispensing operation.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a package or carton, preferably formed from blanks forming first and second body panels and first and second side panels, which are erected by interconnecting the first and second body panels, which are spaced apart by the side panels, directly by a connector strip. The connector strip is formed as part of the first body panel and is spaced apart from the tongue or tab portion of the closure system by a tear strip having opposed starting strip portions. The connector strip is adhesively secured to the second body panel when the erected carton is initially sealed. When the carton is initially opened by removing the tear strip, a pivotable lid or cover is formed with the tab portion attached to the lid along the fold line. The lid, which is part of the first body panel, forms an upper top flap of the carton, while the lower top flap is part of and is attached to the panel portion of the second body panel. At the junction between the lower top flap and the panel portion, a slot is formed. After initial opening, the carton can be selectively closed by folding the lid over the lower top flap and inserting the tab portion into the slot.

Since the present invention is specifically designed for storing and dispensing dry pet (e.g., cat or dog) food, the carton also preferably incorporates other improvements. In particular, each of the side panels interconnecting the body portions includes an extension flap that automatically folds over one another when the lower top flap is lowered, thereby further sealing the carton. Accordingly, the extension flaps serve as extensions of the sides of the carton when the lid and lower top flaps are opened to expose the interior storage area of the carton. These extensions are particularly advantageous in accommodating small pieces when using cartons to store and dispense dry pet food. The carton may include an interior pouch in which the dry pet food is directly stored. The inner pouch may be opened along the seam of the top and wrapped or otherwise sealed closed between uses to further prevent the odor of the pet food from escaping from the carton. Additionally, one or more side carton handles may be provided to assist in carrying the carton, wherein each handle is formed as a complete cut-out or by partially punching out side portions of the carton, which may be pivoted inwardly to enable the insertion of a user's fingers to lift the carton.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an upper portion of a carton constructed in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a lower portion of the carton of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a paperboard blank from which the carton of fig. 1 and 2 is erected.

Fig. 4 illustrates the carton of the present invention in an initial open stage.

Fig. 5 shows the tear strip of the carton in a partially torn state.

Fig. 6 shows the tear strip completely removed from the remainder of the carton.

Fig. 7 shows the lid of the carton pivoted toward the open condition.

Fig. 8 shows the lid and carton in a closed condition.

Fig. 9 shows the carton in a fully opened condition.

Detailed Description

Referring first to fig. 1 and 2, a carton constructed in accordance with the present invention is generally indicated at 5. The carton 5 includes first and second opposed major sides 8, 9 (also referred to as first and second major face body portions), a top side 10, a bottom side 12, and opposed sides 14, 15. To facilitate handling of the carton 5, each of the opposing sides 14 and 15 is preferably formed with cut-out portions, one of which is marked 17 on the side 14, thereby defining a handle (note that the other handle is shown at 18 in fig. 3). As best shown in fig. 1, the top side 10 includes an upper top flap or lid 20, and a tab 22 connected to a tear strip 24 and a connector strip 25 extends from the upper top flap or lid 20, the connector strip 25 being adhesively secured to the second major side 9. On the other hand, referring specifically to fig. 2, the bottom side 12 includes inwardly folded side flaps 31 and 32, and an interlocking primary flap 34 or bottom flap 35. As will be described in more detail below, the primary flap 34 includes a tongue member 37, which tongue member 37 is received in a recess 38 of the primary flap 35. Circles 42 and 43 represent push areas on the side flaps 31 and 32 to facilitate disassembly of the carton 5 for recycling purposes after the carton 5 is fully used. Further details of tear strip 24 are provided prior to exiting fig. 1 and 2. More particularly, tear strip 24 includes end starter strip portions 47 and 48 interconnected by a central tear strip portion 50. Each of the starting strip portions 47 and 48 forms an enlarged gripping tab at a respective end of the tear strip 24. As will be described more fully below with reference to fig. 4-6, a selected one of the starting strip portions 47 and 48 is intended to be grasped by a user to enable removal of the tear strip 45 upon initial opening of the carton 5. In this regard, it should be noted that the use of terms such as upper, lower, inner, outer, front, rear, side, and the like are used only for reference purposes in describing exemplary forms of the invention as set forth herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, these terms should not be construed as limiting the overall invention.

According to a preferred embodiment, the carton 5 is formed from a blank 56 as shown in fig. 3. The blank 56 may be made from a variety of materials, particularly paperboard, which is well known for use in the food industry to form various types of food cartons. In any event, the blank 56 is stamped from a single sheet to form a first opposing major side 8 defined by a first body panel 60. The first body panel 60 includes an upper connecting fold line 66 leading to the cover 20 and a lower connecting fold line 68 leading to the interlocking major flap 35. As shown, the primary flap 35 includes spaced apart extensions 71 and 72 extending on either side of the recessed portion 38. Side 15 is connected to first body portion 8 along fold line 76, side 15 forming part of first side panel 78. The first side panel 78 includes an upper connecting fold line 80 leading to a first extension flap 82. On the other hand, the first extension flap 82 is connected to the second extension flap 87 along a second fold line 85, the second extension flap 87 having a third fold line 89 associated therewith. The first side panel 78 also has a side 15 that is connected to the side flap 32 along a lower fold line 91. In the illustrated embodiment, the side flap 32 includes a first inwardly extending angled side edge 92, the first inwardly extending angled side edge 92 leading to a second outwardly extending angled side edge 93, the first inwardly extending angled side edge 92 and the second outwardly extending angled side edge 93 together forming an interlock tab 95.

Side 15 is connected along fold line 98 to a second main body panel 100 defined in part by second main face body portion 9. The second main body panel 100 has an associated lower top flap 106 connected to the second major face body portion 9 along an upper connecting fold line 109. Thus, the fold line 109 defines a junction between the second major face body portion 9 of the second main body panel 100 and the lower top flap 106. At this juncture, an elongated slot 112 is formed. As shown, the lower top flap 106 includes spaced apart ear portions 115 and 116 joined by a transverse body portion 118. One edge of the ear portion 115 and the lateral body portion 118 are connected to the second extension flap 87 along a third fold line 89. The second body panel 100 is also provided with a lower connecting fold line 121 leading to the interlocking primary flap 34. The primary flap 34 is shown as including inwardly angled, opposed side edges 124 and 125, with the side edges 124 and 125 leading to the tongue member 37.

The carton 5 further comprises a second side panel 134 connected to the second body panel 100 along a fold line 136. The second side panel 134 has an upper connecting fold line 138, the upper connecting fold line 138 engaging the side 14 with a first extension flap 141, the first extension flap 141 being connected to a second extension flap 146 along fold line 144 in a manner similar to the extension flap 82. The second extension flap 146 is in turn connected to the lower top flap 106 along a fold line 148. More particularly, similar to the second extension flap 87, the second extension flap 146 is directly attached to a portion of the lateral body portion 118 and the ear portion 116 of the lower top flap 106. The second side panel 134 is also connected to the inwardly folded side flap 31 along a lower connecting fold line 153. Side flap 31 is substantially a mirror image of side flap 32 and thus includes a first angled side edge 157, with first angled side edge 157 leading to a second angled side edge 158 to define an interlock tab 161. Finally, the blank 56 includes a fold line 167 between the second side panel 134 and the attachment flap 170.

Upon assembly of the blank 56 of fig. 3 into the carton 5 of fig. 1 and 2, the individual panels are folded along lines 76, 98, 136 and 167, with the attachment flap 170 secured to the first body panel 60 by adhesive (not shown) to form a four sided case. Thereafter, the inwardly folded side flaps 31 and 32 are folded along the lower connecting fold line 153 and the lower connecting fold line 91, respectively, with the tabs 95 and 161 interlocked. The primary flaps 34 and 35 are then folded along the lower connecting fold line 121 and the lower connecting fold line 68, respectively, and the tongue 37 is inserted into the recess 38 to obtain the assembled bottom side 22 shown in fig. 2. The lower top flap 106 is folded along fold line 109 when closing the remainder of the carton 5. Based on the interconnection to each of the second extension flaps 87 and 146, the folding of the lower top flap 106 automatically causes the first and second extension flaps 82 and 87 and the first and second extension flaps 141 and 146 to fold over one another beneath the lower top flap 106. More particularly, as will be described in further detail below with reference to fig. 9, each of the first extension flaps 82 and 141 and the second extension flaps 87 and 146 are disposed substantially perpendicular to the lower top flap 106 when the lower top flap 106 is fully opened or extended. In any event, each of the extension flaps 82, 87, 141 and 146 is automatically oriented substantially parallel to the lower top flap 106 when the lower top flap 106 is pivoted about the axis defined by the fold line 109 to its fully lowered or closed position. Finally, the lid 20 is folded along fold line 66 to be placed over the lower top flap 106 and each of the tab 22, tear strip 24 and connector strip 25 is pivoted into juxtaposition with the second major side or second major face body portion 9, with the connector strip 25 being secured directly to the second major side 9, for example with an adhesive (not shown) to obtain the arrangement shown in fig. 1. Obviously, at this point, the carton 5 should already be filled with the articles it is intended to store or protect.

The manner in which the carton 5 is initially opened will now be described with reference to fig. 4-6. Referring first to fig. 4, the user has selected to use the starting strip portion 47 to remove the tear strip 24. To this end, the starting strip portion 47 has been physically separated from the connector strip 25 (note that there is no direct connection between the starting strip portion 47 and the tab 22, which tends to separate the starting strip portion 47 as shown). In fig. 5, the starting strip portion 47 has been pulled such that the central tear strip portion 50 of the tear strip 24 has extended across a majority of the path of the major side 9. As shown in fig. 6, with continued pulling of the starting strip portion 47 (grip tab), the central tear strip portion 50 is completely removed from the cross-over major side 9. With the tear strip 24 completely removed, the adhesively secured connector strip 25 remains attached to the second major face body portion 9 and the upper top flap or lid 20 is now free to pivot about the hinge axis defined by the fold line 66 while the tab 22 remains at an angle (generally perpendicular) to the plane of the lid 20, as shown in fig. 6.

Fig. 7 shows the lid 20 initially pivoted relative to the remainder of the carton 5. Here, the slot 112 can be seen. If it is desired to place the carton 5 in a closed condition after initial opening, it is only necessary to lower the lid 20 while guiding the tab 22 into the elongate slot 112. This closed state is shown in fig. 8. On the other hand, if the lid 20 continues in the direction of the arrow in fig. 7 to obtain a carton that assumes the fully open condition of fig. 9, the lid 20 is moved so as to be fully removed from over the inner top flap 106 and the inner top flap 106 can then be lifted by grasping the transverse body segment 118 between the ear portions 115 and 116. As described above, the raising or lowering of the inner top flap 106 automatically extends or deploys the side extensions 82, 87, 141, and 146 to achieve the open condition shown in fig. 9. That is, the side extensions 82, 87, 141 and 146 automatically move from an orientation substantially parallel to the upper top flap 106 and below the upper top flap 106 when the carton 5 is in the closed position of fig. 8 to an orientation substantially perpendicular to the upper top flap 106 when the carton 5 is in the open position of fig. 9. This arrangement is considered to be very advantageous. That is, while the carton 5 may be used to store and access a wide range of products, the most preferred use of the carton 5 is to package dry pet food, particularly for dogs or cats. In one form, the carton 5 made in accordance with the present invention preferably defines a 10lb to 30lb box for storing dry pet food that may be dispensed for feeding purposes over an extended period of time. In connection therewith, the carton 5 may contain a pouch 180 containing pet food, wherein the pouch 180 is rolled or otherwise sealed to retain the scent while closing the lid 20 between feeds. By the simultaneous upright arrangement of the upper top flap 106 and the side extensions 82, 87, 141 and 146, even an open bag 180 does not cause spillage and these upright walls help to contain the small pieces, particularly during dispensing operations, as in the case of dry pet food or other small solid storage pieces.

In this regard, it should be noted again that terms like "upper", "lower", "front", "rear" and "side" are used only with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings for the purpose of explaining the present invention. Thus, by way of example, the carton may be rotated such that either side of the carton is "front" or "rear" without departing from this invention. In the preferred embodiment, the first major face body portion 8 is for the front of the carton as it has a smooth, unobstructed surface for the clear display of product labels, logos and the like. In any event, it should be apparent that the present invention provides a carton that facilitates initial opening, is advantageously unfolded upon opening, and has a simple and easy to use closure system. In any event, while the present invention has been disclosed with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention. Rather, the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claim (modification according to treaty 19)

1. A carton, the carton comprising:

a first main body panel comprising a first major face body portion, a first bottom flap, and a lid;

a second main body panel comprising a second major face body portion, a second bottom flap, and a lower top flap;

first and second side panels connecting the first and second body panels in a spaced relationship to form an interior storage area of the carton, wherein the carton has an access opening into the interior storage area, wherein each of the first and second side panels comprises a side panel portion and first and second extension flaps, wherein the first extension flap is directly connected to the respective side panel portion along a first fold line and the second extension flap is directly connected to the first extension flap along a second fold line and to the lower top flap along a third fold line; and

a closure system for selectively closing the access opening, the closure system comprising a tab formed with the lid and a slot disposed at a junction between the lower top flap and the second major face body portion, wherein the tab is configured to be received in the slot when the lid is pivoted over the access opening.

2. The carton of claim 1, the carton further comprising:

a tear strip attached directly to the tab of the lid; and

a connector portion attached to the tear strip and the second major face body portion.

3. The carton of claim 2 wherein the tear strips comprise spaced apart end starter strips joined by a connector strip, the starter strips being enlarged relative to the connector strip to improve gripping of a selected one of the starter strips for removal of the tear strips.

4. The carton of claim 1, wherein one of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a recess and the other of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a tongue member, wherein the tongue member is received in the recess to interlock the first bottom flap with the second bottom flap.

5. The carton of claim 1, wherein the carton is capable of assuming a closed position in which the lid extends beyond the lower top flap and the tab is received in the slot and an open position in which each of the first side extension and the second side extension extends substantially perpendicular to the lower top flap.

6. The carton of claim 5, wherein each of the first side extension and the second side extension extends substantially parallel to the lower top flap when the carton is in the closed position.

7. The carton of claim 6, wherein each of the first side extension and the second side extension is located below the lower top flap when the carton is in the closed position.

8. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a handle disposed in each of the first side panel and the second side panel.

9. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a pocket in the interior storage area of the carton.

10. The carton of claim 9, further comprising a dry pet food in the pouch.

11. A unitary blank for forming a reclosable packaging carton, the blank comprising:

a first main body panel comprising a first major face body portion connected to the first bottom flap along a bottom fold line and to the lid along a second fold line, the lid comprising a tab portion connected to the tear strip and the connector strip;

a second body panel comprising a second major face body portion connected to a second bottom flap along a lower fold line and to a lower top flap along an upper fold line, the second body panel comprising a slot at a junction between the second major face body portion and the lower top flap; and

a first side panel and a second side panel, each of the first side panel and the second side panel comprising a side panel portion and a first extension flap and a second extension flap, wherein the first extension flap is directly connected to the respective side panel portion along a first fold line, the second extension flap is directly connected to the first extension flap along a second fold line and to the lower top flap along a third fold line.

12. The unitary blank of claim 11, wherein one of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a recessed portion and the other of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a tongue member, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the tongue member.

13. The unitary blank of claim 12, further comprising a handle disposed in the side panel portion of each of the first side panel and the second side panel.

14. A method of opening and closing an openable top portion of a carton, the carton comprising first and second main body panels spaced apart by opposing side body panels and connected together by a connector strip, each side body panel comprising a first extension flap and a second extension flap, the method comprising:

the carton is initially opened by: grasping and removing a tear strip formed as part of the first body panel and attached to the second body panel by the connector strip, wherein removing the tear strip forms a lid comprising a tab portion; pivoting the lid from atop the access opening of the carton; and pivoting a lower top flap of the second body panel to expose the access opening; and

closing the openable top portion by: pivoting the lower top flap of the second body panel across the access opening, wherein upon pivoting the lower top flap of the second body panel, the first and second extension flaps fold over one another and automatically over the access opening; pivoting the lid over the lower top flap; and inserting the tab portion of the lid into a slot provided at a junction between the lower top flap and a panel portion of the second body panel.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first and second extension flaps are substantially parallel to each other when pivoting the lower top flap of the second body panel across the access opening.

16. The method of claim 14, the method further comprising: the carton is reopened by: removing the tab portion from the slot; pivoting the cover across the access opening; and unfolding each of the extension flaps while pivoting the lower top flap across the access opening.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first and second extension flaps are substantially perpendicular to the lower top flap upon pivoting the lower top flap entirely across the access opening.

Claims

1. A carton, the carton comprising:

a first side panel and a second side panel connecting the first body panel and the second body panel in a spaced relationship to form an interior storage area of the carton, wherein the carton has an access opening into the interior storage area; and

2. The carton of claim 1, the carton further comprising:

a tear strip attached directly to the tab of the lid; and

3. The carton of claim 1, wherein the tear strips comprise spaced apart end starter strips joined by a connector strip, the starter strips being enlarged relative to the connector strip to improve gripping of a selected one of the starter strips for removal of the tear strips.

4. The carton of claim 1, wherein each of the first side panel and the second side panel comprises a side panel portion and first and second extension flaps, wherein the first extension flap is directly connected to the respective side panel portion along a first fold line and the second extension flap is directly connected to the first extension flap along a second fold line and to the lower top flap along a third fold line.

5. The carton of claim 4, wherein one of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a recess and the other of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a tongue member, wherein the tongue member is received in the recess to interlock the first bottom flap with the second bottom flap.

6. The carton of claim 4, wherein the carton is capable of assuming a closed position in which the lid extends beyond the lower top flap and the tab is received in the slot and an open position in which each of the first side extension and the second side extension extends substantially perpendicular to the lower top flap.

7. The carton of claim 6, wherein each of the first side extension and the second side extension extends substantially parallel to the lower top flap when the carton is in the closed position.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein each of the first side extension and the second side extension is located below the lower top flap when the carton is in the closed position.

9. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a handle disposed in each of the first side panel and the second side panel.

10. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a pocket in the interior storage area of the carton.

11. The carton of claim 10, further comprising a dry pet food in the pouch.

12. A unitary blank for forming a reclosable packaging carton, the blank comprising:

13. The unitary blank of claim 12, wherein one of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a recessed portion and the other of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap comprises a tongue member, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the tongue member.

14. The unitary blank of claim 13, further comprising a handle disposed in the side panel portion of each of the first side panel and the second side panel.

15. A method of opening and closing an openable top portion of a carton comprising first and second body panels spaced apart by opposing side body panels and connected together by a connector strip, the method comprising:

the carton is initially opened by: grasping and removing a tear strip formed as part of the first body panel and attached to the second body panel by the connector strip, wherein removing the tear strip forms a lid comprising a tab portion; pivoting the lid from atop the access opening of the carton; and pivoting an inner top flap of the second body panel to expose the access opening; and

closing the openable top portion by: pivoting a lower top flap of the second body panel across the access opening; pivoting the lid over the lower top flap; and inserting the tab portion of the lid into a slot provided at a junction between the lower top flap and a panel portion of the second body panel.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the extension flap of the side body panel is automatically folded over the access opening upon pivoting the lower top flap of the second body panel.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein each side body panel comprises a first extension flap and a second extension flap, wherein the first extension flap and the second extension flap are folded over one another when pivoting the lower top flap of the second body panel across the access opening.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first and second extension flaps are substantially parallel to each other when pivoting the lower top flap of the second body panel across the access opening.

19. The method of claim 17, the method further comprising: the carton is reopened by: removing the tab portion from the slot; pivoting the cover across the access opening; and unfolding each of the extension flaps while pivoting the lower top flap across the access opening.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first and second extension flaps are substantially perpendicular to the lower top flap upon pivoting the lower top flap entirely across the access opening.