US20190144184A1 - Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor - Google Patents
Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190144184A1 US20190144184A1 US16/301,868 US201716301868A US2019144184A1 US 20190144184 A1 US20190144184 A1 US 20190144184A1 US 201716301868 A US201716301868 A US 201716301868A US 2019144184 A1 US2019144184 A1 US 2019144184A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- carton
- section
- panel
- tear line
- flap
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000003292 glue Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004026 adhesive bonding Methods 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004411 aluminium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D71/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans or pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D71/06—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers
- B65D71/12—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank
- B65D71/36—Packaging elements holding or encircling completely or almost completely the bundle of articles, e.g. wrappers the packaging elements, e.g. wrappers being formed by folding a single blank having a tubular shape, e.g. tubular wrappers, with end walls
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00129—Wrapper locking means
- B65D2571/00135—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper
- B65D2571/00141—Wrapper locking means integral with the wrapper glued
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00555—Wrapper opening devices
- B65D2571/00561—Lines of weakness
- B65D2571/00574—Lines of weakness whereby contents can still be carried after the line has been torn
- B65D2571/0058—The tear line defining a dispensing aperture provided with means for preventing the articles from freely exiting the wrapper, e.g. by rolling out
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00648—Elements used to form the wrapper
- B65D2571/00654—Blanks
- B65D2571/0066—Blanks formed from one single sheet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2571/00—Bundles of articles held together by packaging elements for convenience of storage or transport, e.g. portable segregating carrier for plural receptacles such as beer cans, pop bottles; Bales of material
- B65D2571/00123—Bundling wrappers or trays
- B65D2571/00709—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element
- B65D2571/00722—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface
- B65D2571/00728—Shape of the formed wrapper, i.e. shape of each formed element if the wrapper is made from more than one element tubular with end walls, e.g. walls not extending on the whole end surface the end walls being closed by gluing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a carton for containing articles, to a blank for forming the carton, and more particularly to a carton having an improved dispensing feature.
- Enclosed cartons with dispensing features have been used in the past. Many of these cartons include article dispensers defined by lines of disruption such as tear lines, cuts, score lines, and fold lines.
- a dispenser may be removable from, or hingedly attached to, a carton to create an opening from which articles can be removed from the carton.
- One problem with many conventional carton dispensers is that they may be difficult for a user to remove.
- the present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.
- a blank for forming a carton for containing a plurality of articles includes a plurality of main panels hinged together in a linear series.
- the main panels are configured to form a tubular structure in a set-up carton.
- the main panels include a bottom panel, a first side panel, a top panel, and a second side panel.
- the blank further includes a plurality of exiting end flaps configured to form a front panel in the set-up carton.
- the front panel is configured to close a front end of the tubular structure.
- the exiting end flaps include a first side exiting end flap hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first marginal area of the blank and a second side exiting end flap hingedly connected to the second side panel along the first marginal area of the blank.
- the blank further includes a dispenser pattern extending through the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel.
- the dispenser pattern defines, in the set-up carton, a removable section that is separable along the dispenser pattern to form an opening into an interior of the set-up carton.
- the dispenser pattern includes a first end tear line formed in the first side exiting end flap and a second end tear line formed in the second side exiting end flap.
- the first end tear line includes a first lower end section and the second end tear line includes a second lower end section. In the set-up carton, the first and second lower end sections diverge away from each other toward the bottom panel to define therebetween a bottom end section of the removable portion.
- the first lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- the first lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- the first end tear line includes a first generally transverse section and the second end tear line comprises a second generally transverse section.
- the first and second generally transverse sections extend toward one another from opposite sides of the front panel in the set-up carton.
- the first end tear line includes a first curved section and the second end tear line includes a second curved section.
- the first curved section is disposed between the first lower end section and the first generally transverse section and the second curved section is disposed between the second lower end section and the second generally transverse section.
- first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of straight-line cuts.
- first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts.
- the dispenser pattern is configured so as to give a user of the set-up carton the option of either partially or completely removing the removable portion from a remaining portion of the set-up carton when the dispenser is fully opened.
- a carton for packaging a plurality of articles includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel coupled to both the top panel and the bottom panel, a second side panel disposed opposite the first side panel and coupled to both the top panel and the bottom panel, a back end panel disposed at a back end of the carton, and a front end panel disposed at a front end of the carton, the front end panel including a first side exiting end flap and a second side exiting end flap.
- the carton further includes a dispenser defined by a dispenser pattern.
- the dispenser pattern defines a removable portion that is separable along the dispenser pattern to form an opening into an interior of the carton.
- the dispenser pattern extends at least through the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front end panel.
- the dispenser pattern includes a first end tear line formed in the first side exiting end flap and a second end tear line formed in the second side exiting end flap.
- the first end tear line includes a first lower end section and the second end tear line includes a second lower end section.
- the first and second lower end sections diverge away from each other toward the bottom panel to define therebetween a bottom end section of the removable portion.
- the first lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- the first lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- the first end tear line includes a first generally transverse section and the second end tear line includes a second generally transverse section.
- the first and second generally transverse sections extend toward one another from opposite sides of the front end panel.
- the first end tear line includes a first curved section and the second end tear line includes a second curved section.
- the first curved section is disposed between the first lower end section and the first generally transverse section and the second curved section is disposed between the second lower end section and the second generally transverse section.
- first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of straight-line cuts.
- first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts.
- the dispenser pattern is configured so as to give a user of the carton the option of either partially or completely removing the removable portion from a remaining portion of the carton when the dispenser is fully opened.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 in a first open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap remains partially connected to the remainder of the carton;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 in a second open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap is completely removed from the remainder of the carton;
- FIG. 5 is a back end view of the carton of FIG. 2 during construction which illustrates how the back end flaps can be adhered to one another;
- FIG. 6 is a front end view of the carton of FIG. 2 during construction which illustrates how the front end flaps can be adhered to one another while preventing the portion of the bottom exiting end flap underlying the removable portion from being adhered to the removable portion;
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7 in a closed configuration
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 8 in a first open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap remains partially connected to the remainder of the carton;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 8 in a second open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap is completely removed from the remainder of the carton.
- the term “carton”, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, refers to a container for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as cans and bottles.
- the teachings of the invention can be applied to various containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical.
- Other exemplary articles include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like.
- the relative terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” may indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons.
- FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank 10 used to form a carton 90 (illustrated in FIGS. 2-4 ) according to a first embodiment of the invention.
- Blank 10 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a plurality of main panels 12 , 14 , 16 , 18 and an adhesive flap 20 hinged together in a linear series.
- Back end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 and front or exiting end flaps 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 are hingedly connected at respective ends of a corresponding one of the main panels.
- the blank 10 includes a bottom panel 12 hinged to a first side panel 14 by a fold line 11 .
- the first side panel 14 is hinged to a top panel 16 by a fold line 13 .
- the top panel 16 is hinged to a second side panel 18 by a fold line 15 .
- the second side panel 18 is foldably connected to an adhesive flap 20 by a fold line 17 .
- the bottom panel 12 is foldably connected to a bottom back end flap 22 and a bottom exiting end flap 30 .
- the first side panel 14 is foldably connected to a first side back end flap 24 and a first side exiting end flap 32 .
- the top panel 16 is foldably connected to a top back end flap 26 and a top exiting end flap 34 .
- the second side panel 18 is foldably connected to a second side back end flap 28 and a second side exiting end flap 36 .
- the back end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 may extend along a first marginal area of the blank 10 and may be foldably connected along a first longitudinally extending fold line 19 .
- the exiting end flaps 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 may extend along a second marginal area of the blank 10 disposed opposite the first marginal area, and may be foldably connected along a second longitudinally extending fold line 21 .
- the longitudinal fold lines 19 , 21 may be straight or substantially straight fold lines, or may be offset at one or more locations to account for, for example, blank thickness.
- Second side back end flap 28 has two generally squared-off outer corners as shown.
- first side back end flap 24 has notched lower and upper outer corners 61 , 63 .
- Notched corners 61 , 63 can be defined by generally square or rectangular-shaped cutouts.
- Second side exiting end flap 36 generally mirrors second side back end flap 28 and thus also includes two generally squared-off corners.
- First side exiting end flap 32 has an upper outer corner 64 that is notched and a lower outer corner 65 that is generally squared-off.
- Notched corner 64 may generally mirror notched corner 63 .
- the carton blank 10 includes a dispenser pattern 40 that defines a dispenser 80 in the erected carton 90 .
- the dispenser pattern 40 includes a top tear line 70 disposed on top panel 16 .
- Top tear line 70 includes a first top section 41 and a second top section 42 .
- First top section 41 extends in a generally longitudinal direction from a point at or adjacent to fold line 13 to a point at or adjacent to an opening feature 66 . Opening feature 66 may be disposed at or near a midpoint of top panel 16 between fold lines 13 and 15 .
- First top section 41 may be angled slightly in the direction of the carton's front or exiting end.
- Second top section 42 may generally mirror first top section 41 .
- Second top section 42 extends in a generally longitudinal direction from a point at or adjacent to fold line 15 to a point at or adjacent to opening feature 66 . Second top section 42 may be angled slightly in the direction of the carton's front or exiting end. Opening feature 66 can be defined by a semi-circular cutout 55 and a fold line 58 that defines an elongated generally rectangular tab 59 .
- Dispenser pattern 40 also includes a first side tear line 44 disposed on first side panel 14 .
- first side tear line 44 is generally V-shaped and consists of a first side first section 47 and a first side second section 48 joined to one another via a rounded or curved section 43 which forms the vertex of the V-shape.
- First side first section 47 extends from a point at or adjacent to fold line 13 that is at or adjacent to first top section 41 to a point at or adjacent to curved section 43 .
- First side tear first line 47 extends in a predominantly longitudinal direction (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90 ), but is also angled toward the back end of the carton 90 .
- First side second section 48 extends from a point at or adjacent to curved section 43 to a point at or adjacent to fold line 21 .
- First side second section 48 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the front end of the constructed carton 90 ) but is also angled toward the top of the carton 90 .
- Dispenser pattern 40 also includes a first end tear line 60 disposed on first side exiting end flap 32 .
- First end tear line 60 includes a first end first section or first generally transverse section 51 .
- First end first section 51 extends from a point at or adjacent to fold line 21 that is at or adjacent to first side second section 48 , to a point at or adjacent to first end second section or first curved section 53 .
- first end first tear line 51 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in a generally straight line.
- First end first section 51 extends in a generally transverse direction (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 90 ).
- First end second section or first curved section 53 is preferably shorter in length than first end first tear line 51 and curves down toward the bottom of the erected carton 90 .
- first end second section 53 consists of a single arcuate cut.
- First end second section 53 extends to a point at or adjacent to first end third section or first lower end section 56 .
- first end third section 56 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in generally straight line.
- First end third section 56 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90 ) and outward (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 90 ) direction.
- First end third line 56 extends to a point at or adjacent to the lower edge of first side exiting end flap 32 .
- Dispenser pattern 40 also includes a second side section 46 disposed on second side panel 18 .
- Second side section 46 may generally mirror first side section 44 .
- second side section 46 is generally V-shaped and consists of a second side first section 49 and a second side second section 50 joined to one another via a curved section 45 which forms the vertex of the V-shape.
- Second side first section 49 extends from a point at or adjacent to fold line 15 that is at or adjacent to second top section 42 to a point at or adjacent to curved section 45 .
- Second side tear first line 49 extends in a predominantly longitudinal direction (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90 ), but is also angled toward the back end of the carton 90 .
- Second side second section 50 extends from a point at or adjacent to curved section 45 to a point at or adjacent to fold line 21 . Second side second section 50 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the front end of the constructed carton 90 ) but is also angled toward the top of the carton 90 .
- Dispenser pattern 40 also includes a second end tear line 62 disposed on second side exiting end flap 36 .
- Second end tear line 62 may generally mirror first end tear line 60 .
- Second end tear line 62 includes a second end first section or a second generally transverse section 52 .
- Second end first section 52 extends from a point at or adjacent to fold line 21 that is at or adjacent to second side second section 50 , to a point at or adjacent to second end second section or second curved section 54 .
- second end first section 52 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in a generally straight line.
- Second end first section 52 extends in a generally transverse direction (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 90 ).
- Second end second section 54 is preferably shorter in length than second end first section 52 and curves down toward the bottom of the erected carton 90 .
- second end second section 54 consists of a single arcuate cut.
- Second end second section 54 extends to a point at or adjacent to second end third section or second lower end section 57 .
- second end third section 57 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in generally straight line.
- Second end third section 57 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90 ) and outward (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 90 ) direction.
- Second end third line 57 extends to a point at or adjacent to the lower edge of second side exiting end flap 36 .
- the dimensions of the blank 10 may be selected to accommodate defining or characteristic dimensions of articles to be accommodated within the carton 90 .
- the top panel 16 and bottom panel 12 can have a width W 1 that generally corresponds to or slightly exceeds a height of containers C or other articles to be accommodated within the carton 90 .
- the first and second side panels 14 , 18 can have, for example, a height H 1 that generally corresponds to or slightly exceeds an integral multiple of a largest or characteristic diameter of the containers C.
- the height H 1 of the carton 90 can be about equal to or slightly greater than twice the containers' C largest or characteristic diameter.
- the carton 90 may be erected from the blank 10 by gluing or otherwise adhering the adhesive flap 20 to the inner side of the bottom panel 12 so that the bottom panel 12 , first side panel 14 , top panel 16 , and second side panel 18 may be opened or set up to form a generally tubular sleeve.
- the ends of the generally tubular sleeve may be closed by folding and adhering the back end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 and the exiting end flaps 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 .
- the exterior surfaces of the bottom and top back end flaps 22 , 26 can be, for example, glued to interior surfaces of the first and second side back end flaps 24 , 28 .
- Containers C can be loaded into the sleeve in a conventional manner at any time before one or both ends of the carton are closed by the end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 , 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 .
- first side back end flap 24 facilitates the secure attachment of back end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 .
- the two minor back end flaps i.e., top back end flap 26 and bottom back end flap 22
- First side back end flap 24 is then folded down so that it overlaps corresponding portions of top back end flap 26 and bottom back end flap 22 .
- glue strip G is placed along the outer edge of the exterior surface of second side back end flap 28 .
- Glue strip G extends at its upper end onto a portion of the exterior surface of top back end flap 26 that is left exposed by notched corner 63 .
- Glue strip G extends at its lower end onto a portion of the exterior surface of bottom back end flap 22 that is left exposed by notched corner 61 .
- Second side back end flap 28 is folded down so that its outermost edge overlies the outermost edge of first side back end flap 24 , including glue strip G, thereby securing second side back end flap 28 to the remaining back end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 .
- Notched corners 61 , 63 thus allow the use of a single glue strip G to secure the four back end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 to one another.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton 90 erected from the blank 10 .
- the back end flaps 22 , 24 , 26 , 28 form a back end panel 82 and the exiting end flaps 30 , 32 , 34 , 36 form a front or exiting end panel 84 .
- the dispenser pattern 40 forms a dispenser 80 having a removable portion 92 that may be partially or completely removed to place the carton 90 in an open or dispensing configuration.
- Opening of the dispenser 80 may be initiated by inserting one or more fingers into the carton 90 through cutout 55 of opening feature 66 .
- the dispenser 80 is fully opened by pulling the removable portion 92 outwardly and downwardly and tearing carton 90 along tear line sections 41 , 42 , 43 , 45 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 56 , 57 .
- the tearing of carton 90 along first and second end tear lines 60 , 62 may be arrested prior to complete removal of removable portion 92 so as to leave the removable portion 92 partially connected to the remainder of the carton 90 .
- FIG. 3 shows carton 90 in a first open or dispensing configuration following partial removal of removable portion 92 . Opening of dispenser 80 may have a tendency to cause a front-most top article C to move into and be received within the interior of the now-inverted removable portion 92 as shown in FIG. 3 , thereby facilitating the dispensing of the first article C.
- the remaining top row of articles C may have a tendency to roll forward such that each of the remaining top row articles C is received within a valley defined by the space between two adjacent lower-row articles C.
- the removable portion 92 may be fully removed by continuing to pull the removable portion 92 in a downward and/or outward direction, thereby tearing first and second end tear lines 60 , 62 completely along first and second end third sections 56 , 57 and separating the removable portion 92 completely from the remainder of the carton 90 .
- FIG. 4 shows carton 90 in a second open or dispensing configuration following the complete separation of removable portion 92 from the remainder of carton 90 .
- first and second end third lines 56 , 57 which are angled so as to diverge away from one another toward the bottom of the carton 90 has been found to facilitate tearing along these lines as the removable portion 92 is rotated out and down in a natural movement by a user.
- the configuration of the first and second end tear lines 60 , 62 also advantageously gives the user greater control over the partial or complete removal of removable portion 92 .
- bottom exiting end flap 30 It is optional to avoid adhering bottom exiting end flap 30 to first side exiting end flap 32 and second side exiting end flap 36 , either altogether, or at least with respect to the portions of bottom exiting end flap 30 that underlie removable portion 92 .
- These portions may include the portion of bottom exiting end flap 30 that underlies the region of exiting end panel 84 extending between first and second end third sections 56 , 57 .
- bottom exiting end flap 30 can be entirely free of adhesive.
- one or more portions of bottom exiting end flap 30 that do not underlie removable portion 92 can be adhered to the first and/or second side exiting end flaps 32 , 36 .
- first side exiting end flap 32 with a generally squared-off lower corner 65 can help prevent unwanted adhesion of bottom exiting end flap 30 .
- the two minor exiting end flaps i.e., top exiting end flap 34 and bottom exiting end flap 32
- First side exiting end flap 32 is then folded down so that it overlaps corresponding portions of top exiting end flap 34 and bottom exiting end flap 30 .
- a glue strip G is placed along the outer edge of the exterior surface of first side exiting end flap 32 .
- Glue strip G extends at its upper end onto a portion of the exterior surface of top exiting end flap 34 that is left exposed by notched corner 64 . However, squared-off corner 65 prevents the lower end of glue strip G from contacting bottom exiting end flap 30 . Second side exiting end flap 36 is folded down so that its outermost edge overlies the outermost edge of first side exiting end flap 32 , including glue strip G, thereby securing second side exiting end flap 36 to first side exiting end flap 32 and top exiting end flap 34 .
- removable portion 92 avoids the use of adhesive on at least the portions of bottom exiting end flap 30 that underlie removable portion 92 advantageously facilitates the partial and/or complete removal of removable portion 92 by avoiding the need to tear through bottom exiting end flap 30 . Accordingly, removable portion 92 can be partially or fully removed while leaving bottom exiting end flap 30 intact.
- FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blank 210 used to form a carton 290 (see FIGS. 8-10 ) according to a second embodiment of the invention.
- Blank 210 and the corresponding carton 290 can be generally similar to the blank 10 and carton 90 discussed above, and like or similar reference numbers in the figures indicate like or similar elements.
- the differences between the first and second embodiments relate primarily to first end tear line 260 disposed on first side exiting end flap 232 and second end tear line 262 disposed on second side exiting end flap 236 .
- First end tear line 260 includes a first end first section or first generally transverse section 283 , a first end second section or first curved section 286 , and a first end third section or first lower end section 288 .
- First end first section 283 extends from a point at or adjacent to fold line 221 that is at or adjacent to first side second section 248 , to a point at or adjacent to a first end second section 286 .
- First end first section 283 preferably consists of a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis. The first leg of the each of the V-shaped cuts is generally coincident with this axis, and the second leg is bent slightly out of axis toward the top of the constructed carton 90 .
- first end first section 283 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 290 ) but is also angled down toward the carton's bottom.
- First end second section 286 is shorter in length than first end first section 283 and curves down toward the bottom of the erected carton 290 .
- first end second section 286 consists of a single arcuate cut.
- First end second section 286 extends to a point at or adjacent to first end third section 288 .
- first end third section 288 consists of two shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis.
- First end third section 288 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 290 ) and outward (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 290 ) direction.
- First end third line 288 extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, the lower edge of first side exiting end flap 232 .
- the terminal end of first end third section 288 is separated from the bottom edge of first side exiting end flap 232 by a region labeled 296 in FIG. 7 , which is free of tear lines.
- Second end tear line 262 may generally mirror first end tear line 260 .
- Second end tear line 262 includes a second end first section or second generally transverse section 285 , a second end second section or second curved section 287 , and a second end third section or second lower end section 289 .
- Second end first section 285 extends from a point at or adjacent to fold line 221 that is at or adjacent to second side second section 250 , to a point at or adjacent to a second end second section 287 .
- Second end first section 285 preferably consists of a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis.
- first leg of the each of the V-shaped cuts is generally coincident with this axis, and the second leg is bent slightly out of axis toward the top of the constructed carton 290 .
- second end first section 285 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 290 ) but is also angled down toward the carton's bottom.
- Second end second section 287 is shorter in length than second end first section 285 and curves down toward the bottom of the erected carton 290 .
- second end second section 287 consists of a single arcuate cut. Second end second section 287 extends to a point at or adjacent to second end third section 289 .
- second end third section 289 consists of two shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis. As illustrated, the spacing between the two shallow V-shaped cuts of second end third section 289 is greater than the spacing between the adjacent shallow V-shaped cuts of second end first section 285 .
- Second end third section 289 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 290 ) and outward (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 290 ) direction.
- Second end third line 289 extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, the lower edge of second side exiting end flap 236 .
- the terminal end of first end third section 289 is separated from the bottom edge of second side exiting end flap 236 by a region labeled 297 in FIG. 7 , which is free of tear lines.
- opening of the dispenser 280 may be initiated by inserting one or more fingers into the carton 290 through cutout 255 of opening feature 266 .
- the dispenser 280 is opened by pulling the removable portion 292 outwardly and tearing carton 290 along tear line sections 241 , 242 , 243 , 245 , 247 , 248 , 249 , 250 , 283 , 285 , 286 , 287 , 288 , 289 .
- the tearing of carton 290 through first and second side exiting end flaps 232 , 236 may be arrested prior to complete removal of removable portion 292 so as to leave the removable portion 292 partially connected to the remainder of the carton 290 (as shown in FIG. 9 ).
- tearing along end tear lines 260 , 262 may be arrested at first and second end second sections 286 , 287 after tearing along first and second end first sections 283 , 285 .
- the change in tearing direction provided by first and second end second sections 286 , 287 may provide a natural stopping point and tactile feedback to a user when it is desired to leave removable portion 292 partially connected.
- tearing through first and second side exiting end flaps 232 , 236 may be arrested by tear line-free regions 296 , 297 after tearing along first and second end third sections 288 , 289 .
- first and second end tear lines 260 , 262 is such that, in the event of such continued application of force, first and second side exiting end flaps 232 , 236 will tend to tear down from the terminal ends of first and second end third sections 288 , 289 through the tear line-free regions 296 , 297 , thereby separating the removable portion 292 completely from the remainder of the carton 290 .
- This tearing through the tear line-free regions 296 , 297 is accomplished without the guide of any tear lines in these regions.
- FIG. 10 shows carton 290 in a second open or dispensing configuration following the complete separation of removable portion 292 from the remainder of carton 290 .
- first and second end third lines 287 , 289 which are angled so as to diverge away from one another toward the bottom of the carton 290 facilitates tearing along these lines as the removable portion 292 is rotated out and down in a natural movement by a user.
- the configuration of the first and second end tear lines 260 , 262 also advantageously gives the user greater control over the partial or complete removal of removable portion 292 .
- bottom exiting end flap 230 that underlies removable portion 292 is not adhered to first side exiting end flap 232 or second side exiting end flap 236 . This advantageously facilitates the partial and/or complete removal of removable portion 293 .
- at least the portion of bottom exiting end flap 230 that underlies the region of exiting end panel 284 extending between first and second end third sections 288 , 289 and between the tear line-free regions 296 , 297 is free of adhesive.
- the size and shape of the panels may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
- directional references such as “top”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.
- Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
- hinged connection and “fold line” each refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank or substrate of sheet material, facilitate folding portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank or substrate of sheet material. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines.
- fold line may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.
- the terms “tear line”, “weakened line of severance”, “severance line” and “frangible line” each may refer to all manner of lines formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate.
- the terms “tear line”, “weakened line of severance”, “severance line” and “frangible line” each may refer to one of the following: a single cut line, a single partial-depth cut line (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slits, a line of short partial-depth cuts (e.g., a line of short half cuts), and any combination of the aforementioned options.
- hinged connections, fold lines, tear lines, weakened lines of severance, frangible lines and severance lines can each includes elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like.
- the elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality.
- a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a frangible line.
- the line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a frangible line.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a carton for containing articles, to a blank for forming the carton, and more particularly to a carton having an improved dispensing feature.
- Enclosed cartons with dispensing features have been used in the past. Many of these cartons include article dispensers defined by lines of disruption such as tear lines, cuts, score lines, and fold lines. A dispenser may be removable from, or hingedly attached to, a carton to create an opening from which articles can be removed from the carton. One problem with many conventional carton dispensers is that they may be difficult for a user to remove. The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.
- According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a blank for forming a carton for containing a plurality of articles. The blank includes a plurality of main panels hinged together in a linear series. The main panels are configured to form a tubular structure in a set-up carton. The main panels include a bottom panel, a first side panel, a top panel, and a second side panel. The blank further includes a plurality of exiting end flaps configured to form a front panel in the set-up carton. The front panel is configured to close a front end of the tubular structure. The exiting end flaps include a first side exiting end flap hingedly connected to the first side panel along a first marginal area of the blank and a second side exiting end flap hingedly connected to the second side panel along the first marginal area of the blank. The blank further includes a dispenser pattern extending through the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front panel. The dispenser pattern defines, in the set-up carton, a removable section that is separable along the dispenser pattern to form an opening into an interior of the set-up carton. The dispenser pattern includes a first end tear line formed in the first side exiting end flap and a second end tear line formed in the second side exiting end flap. The first end tear line includes a first lower end section and the second end tear line includes a second lower end section. In the set-up carton, the first and second lower end sections diverge away from each other toward the bottom panel to define therebetween a bottom end section of the removable portion.
- Optionally, the first lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- Optionally, the first lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- Optionally, the first end tear line includes a first generally transverse section and the second end tear line comprises a second generally transverse section. The first and second generally transverse sections extend toward one another from opposite sides of the front panel in the set-up carton.
- Optionally, the first end tear line includes a first curved section and the second end tear line includes a second curved section. The first curved section is disposed between the first lower end section and the first generally transverse section and the second curved section is disposed between the second lower end section and the second generally transverse section.
- Optionally, the first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of straight-line cuts.
- Optionally, the first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts.
- Optionally, the dispenser pattern is configured so as to give a user of the set-up carton the option of either partially or completely removing the removable portion from a remaining portion of the set-up carton when the dispenser is fully opened.
- According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a carton for packaging a plurality of articles. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel coupled to both the top panel and the bottom panel, a second side panel disposed opposite the first side panel and coupled to both the top panel and the bottom panel, a back end panel disposed at a back end of the carton, and a front end panel disposed at a front end of the carton, the front end panel including a first side exiting end flap and a second side exiting end flap. The carton further includes a dispenser defined by a dispenser pattern. The dispenser pattern defines a removable portion that is separable along the dispenser pattern to form an opening into an interior of the carton. The dispenser pattern extends at least through the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and the front end panel. The dispenser pattern includes a first end tear line formed in the first side exiting end flap and a second end tear line formed in the second side exiting end flap. The first end tear line includes a first lower end section and the second end tear line includes a second lower end section. The first and second lower end sections diverge away from each other toward the bottom panel to define therebetween a bottom end section of the removable portion.
- Optionally, the first lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point that is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- Optionally, the first lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the first side exiting end flap and the second lower end section extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, a bottom edge of the second side exiting end flap.
- Optionally, the first end tear line includes a first generally transverse section and the second end tear line includes a second generally transverse section. The first and second generally transverse sections extend toward one another from opposite sides of the front end panel.
- Optionally, the first end tear line includes a first curved section and the second end tear line includes a second curved section. The first curved section is disposed between the first lower end section and the first generally transverse section and the second curved section is disposed between the second lower end section and the second generally transverse section.
- Optionally, the first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of straight-line cuts.
- Optionally, the first and second generally transverse sections and the first and second lower end sections each include a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts.
- Optionally, the dispenser pattern is configured so as to give a user of the carton the option of either partially or completely removing the removable portion from a remaining portion of the carton when the dispenser is fully opened.
- Within the scope of this application it is envisaged that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.
- Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 1 in a closed configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton ofFIG. 2 in a first open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap remains partially connected to the remainder of the carton; -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton ofFIG. 2 in a second open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap is completely removed from the remainder of the carton; -
FIG. 5 is a back end view of the carton ofFIG. 2 during construction which illustrates how the back end flaps can be adhered to one another; -
FIG. 6 is a front end view of the carton ofFIG. 2 during construction which illustrates how the front end flaps can be adhered to one another while preventing the portion of the bottom exiting end flap underlying the removable portion from being adhered to the removable portion; -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 7 in a closed configuration; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carton ofFIG. 8 in a first open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap remains partially connected to the remainder of the carton; -
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carton ofFIG. 8 in a second open or dispensing configuration in which the dispensing flap is completely removed from the remainder of the carton. - Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.
- In the embodiments detailed herein, the term “carton”, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, refers to a container for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as cans and bottles. However, it is contemplated that the teachings of the invention can be applied to various containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Other exemplary articles include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), tins, pouches, packets and the like. In this specification, the relative terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” may indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons.
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FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank 10 used to form a carton 90 (illustrated inFIGS. 2-4 ) according to a first embodiment of the invention.Blank 10 is generally rectangular in shape and includes a plurality ofmain panels adhesive flap 20 hinged together in a linear series. Back end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 and front or exiting end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 are hingedly connected at respective ends of a corresponding one of the main panels. - The blank 10 includes a
bottom panel 12 hinged to afirst side panel 14 by afold line 11. Thefirst side panel 14 is hinged to atop panel 16 by afold line 13. Thetop panel 16 is hinged to asecond side panel 18 by afold line 15. Thesecond side panel 18 is foldably connected to anadhesive flap 20 by afold line 17. - The
bottom panel 12 is foldably connected to a bottomback end flap 22 and a bottom exitingend flap 30. Thefirst side panel 14 is foldably connected to a first sideback end flap 24 and a first side exitingend flap 32. Thetop panel 16 is foldably connected to a topback end flap 26 and a top exitingend flap 34. Thesecond side panel 18 is foldably connected to a second sideback end flap 28 and a second side exitingend flap 36. The back end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 may extend along a first marginal area of the blank 10 and may be foldably connected along a first longitudinally extendingfold line 19. The exiting end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 may extend along a second marginal area of the blank 10 disposed opposite the first marginal area, and may be foldably connected along a second longitudinally extendingfold line 21. Thelongitudinal fold lines carton 90 is erected, the end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 close a back end of thecarton 90, and the exiting end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 close a front or exiting end of thecarton 90. - Second side
back end flap 28 has two generally squared-off outer corners as shown. In contrast, first sideback end flap 24 has notched lower and upperouter corners corners end flap 36 generally mirrors second sideback end flap 28 and thus also includes two generally squared-off corners. First side exitingend flap 32 has an upperouter corner 64 that is notched and a lowerouter corner 65 that is generally squared-off. Notchedcorner 64 may generally mirror notchedcorner 63. - The carton blank 10 includes a
dispenser pattern 40 that defines adispenser 80 in the erectedcarton 90. Thedispenser pattern 40 includes atop tear line 70 disposed ontop panel 16.Top tear line 70 includes a firsttop section 41 and a secondtop section 42. Firsttop section 41 extends in a generally longitudinal direction from a point at or adjacent to foldline 13 to a point at or adjacent to anopening feature 66. Openingfeature 66 may be disposed at or near a midpoint oftop panel 16 betweenfold lines top section 41 may be angled slightly in the direction of the carton's front or exiting end. Secondtop section 42 may generally mirror firsttop section 41. Secondtop section 42 extends in a generally longitudinal direction from a point at or adjacent to foldline 15 to a point at or adjacent to openingfeature 66. Secondtop section 42 may be angled slightly in the direction of the carton's front or exiting end. Openingfeature 66 can be defined by asemi-circular cutout 55 and afold line 58 that defines an elongated generallyrectangular tab 59. -
Dispenser pattern 40 also includes a firstside tear line 44 disposed onfirst side panel 14. In the illustrated embodiment, firstside tear line 44 is generally V-shaped and consists of a first sidefirst section 47 and a first sidesecond section 48 joined to one another via a rounded orcurved section 43 which forms the vertex of the V-shape. First sidefirst section 47 extends from a point at or adjacent to foldline 13 that is at or adjacent to firsttop section 41 to a point at or adjacent tocurved section 43. First side tearfirst line 47 extends in a predominantly longitudinal direction (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90), but is also angled toward the back end of thecarton 90. First sidesecond section 48 extends from a point at or adjacent tocurved section 43 to a point at or adjacent to foldline 21. First sidesecond section 48 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the front end of the constructed carton 90) but is also angled toward the top of thecarton 90. -
Dispenser pattern 40 also includes a firstend tear line 60 disposed on first side exitingend flap 32. Firstend tear line 60 includes a first end first section or first generallytransverse section 51. First endfirst section 51 extends from a point at or adjacent to foldline 21 that is at or adjacent to first sidesecond section 48, to a point at or adjacent to first end second section or firstcurved section 53. In the illustrated embodiment, first endfirst tear line 51 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in a generally straight line. First endfirst section 51 extends in a generally transverse direction (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 90). First end second section or firstcurved section 53 is preferably shorter in length than first endfirst tear line 51 and curves down toward the bottom of the erectedcarton 90. In the illustrated embodiment, first endsecond section 53 consists of a single arcuate cut. First endsecond section 53 extends to a point at or adjacent to first end third section or firstlower end section 56. In the illustrated embodiment, first endthird section 56 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in generally straight line. First endthird section 56 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90) and outward (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 90) direction. First endthird line 56 extends to a point at or adjacent to the lower edge of first side exitingend flap 32. -
Dispenser pattern 40 also includes asecond side section 46 disposed onsecond side panel 18.Second side section 46 may generally mirrorfirst side section 44. In the illustrated embodiment,second side section 46 is generally V-shaped and consists of a second sidefirst section 49 and a second sidesecond section 50 joined to one another via acurved section 45 which forms the vertex of the V-shape. Second sidefirst section 49 extends from a point at or adjacent to foldline 15 that is at or adjacent to secondtop section 42 to a point at or adjacent tocurved section 45. Second side tearfirst line 49 extends in a predominantly longitudinal direction (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90), but is also angled toward the back end of thecarton 90. Second sidesecond section 50 extends from a point at or adjacent tocurved section 45 to a point at or adjacent to foldline 21. Second sidesecond section 50 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the front end of the constructed carton 90) but is also angled toward the top of thecarton 90. -
Dispenser pattern 40 also includes a second end tear line 62 disposed on second side exitingend flap 36. Second end tear line 62 may generally mirror firstend tear line 60. Second end tear line 62 includes a second end first section or a second generallytransverse section 52. Second endfirst section 52 extends from a point at or adjacent to foldline 21 that is at or adjacent to second sidesecond section 50, to a point at or adjacent to second end second section or secondcurved section 54. In the illustrated embodiment, second endfirst section 52 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in a generally straight line. Second endfirst section 52 extends in a generally transverse direction (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 90). Second endsecond section 54 is preferably shorter in length than second endfirst section 52 and curves down toward the bottom of the erectedcarton 90. In the illustrated embodiment, second endsecond section 54 consists of a single arcuate cut. Second endsecond section 54 extends to a point at or adjacent to second end third section or secondlower end section 57. In the illustrated embodiment, second endthird section 57 consists of a plurality of straight-line cuts disposed in generally straight line. Second endthird section 57 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 90) and outward (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 90) direction. Second endthird line 57 extends to a point at or adjacent to the lower edge of second side exitingend flap 36. - The dimensions of the blank 10 may be selected to accommodate defining or characteristic dimensions of articles to be accommodated within the
carton 90. For example, thetop panel 16 andbottom panel 12 can have a width W1 that generally corresponds to or slightly exceeds a height of containers C or other articles to be accommodated within thecarton 90. When cylindrical or substantially cylindrical containers C are used, the first andsecond side panels carton 90, the height H1 of thecarton 90 can be about equal to or slightly greater than twice the containers' C largest or characteristic diameter. - The
carton 90 may be erected from the blank 10 by gluing or otherwise adhering theadhesive flap 20 to the inner side of thebottom panel 12 so that thebottom panel 12,first side panel 14,top panel 16, andsecond side panel 18 may be opened or set up to form a generally tubular sleeve. The ends of the generally tubular sleeve may be closed by folding and adhering the back end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 and the exiting end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36. The exterior surfaces of the bottom and top back end flaps 22, 26 can be, for example, glued to interior surfaces of the first and second side back end flaps 24, 28. Containers C, or other articles, can be loaded into the sleeve in a conventional manner at any time before one or both ends of the carton are closed by the end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36. - The use of notched
corners back end flap 24 facilitates the secure attachment of back end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28. When thecarton 90 is constructed, and the back end of the tubular sleeve is being closed, the two minor back end flaps (i.e., topback end flap 26 and bottom back end flap 22) are folded down first. First sideback end flap 24 is then folded down so that it overlaps corresponding portions of topback end flap 26 and bottomback end flap 22. As shown inFIG. 5 , glue strip G is placed along the outer edge of the exterior surface of second sideback end flap 28. Glue strip G extends at its upper end onto a portion of the exterior surface of topback end flap 26 that is left exposed by notchedcorner 63. Glue strip G extends at its lower end onto a portion of the exterior surface of bottomback end flap 22 that is left exposed by notchedcorner 61. Second sideback end flap 28 is folded down so that its outermost edge overlies the outermost edge of first sideback end flap 24, including glue strip G, thereby securing second sideback end flap 28 to the remaining back end flaps 22, 24, 26. Notchedcorners -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of thecarton 90 erected from the blank 10. In the erectedcarton 90, the back end flaps 22, 24, 26, 28 form a back end panel 82 and the exiting end flaps 30, 32, 34, 36 form a front or exitingend panel 84. Thedispenser pattern 40 forms adispenser 80 having aremovable portion 92 that may be partially or completely removed to place thecarton 90 in an open or dispensing configuration. - Opening of the
dispenser 80 may be initiated by inserting one or more fingers into thecarton 90 throughcutout 55 of openingfeature 66. Thedispenser 80 is fully opened by pulling theremovable portion 92 outwardly and downwardly and tearingcarton 90 alongtear line sections carton 90 along first and secondend tear lines 60, 62 may be arrested prior to complete removal ofremovable portion 92 so as to leave theremovable portion 92 partially connected to the remainder of thecarton 90. Thus, for example, tearing along first and secondend tear lines 60, 62 may be arrested at first and second endsecond sections first sections second sections removable portion 92 partially connected.FIG. 3 showscarton 90 in a first open or dispensing configuration following partial removal ofremovable portion 92. Opening ofdispenser 80 may have a tendency to cause a front-most top article C to move into and be received within the interior of the now-invertedremovable portion 92 as shown inFIG. 3 , thereby facilitating the dispensing of the first article C. Particularly in the case where articles C are cans or otherwise generally cylindrical in shape, the remaining top row of articles C may have a tendency to roll forward such that each of the remaining top row articles C is received within a valley defined by the space between two adjacent lower-row articles C. - Alternatively, and at a user's option, the
removable portion 92 may be fully removed by continuing to pull theremovable portion 92 in a downward and/or outward direction, thereby tearing first and secondend tear lines 60, 62 completely along first and second endthird sections removable portion 92 completely from the remainder of thecarton 90.FIG. 4 showscarton 90 in a second open or dispensing configuration following the complete separation ofremovable portion 92 from the remainder ofcarton 90. - The configuration of first and second end third lines 56, 57 which are angled so as to diverge away from one another toward the bottom of the
carton 90 has been found to facilitate tearing along these lines as theremovable portion 92 is rotated out and down in a natural movement by a user. The configuration of the first and secondend tear lines 60, 62 also advantageously gives the user greater control over the partial or complete removal ofremovable portion 92. - It is optional to avoid adhering bottom exiting
end flap 30 to first side exitingend flap 32 and second side exitingend flap 36, either altogether, or at least with respect to the portions of bottom exitingend flap 30 that underlieremovable portion 92. These portions may include the portion of bottom exitingend flap 30 that underlies the region of exitingend panel 84 extending between first and second endthird sections end flap 30 can be entirely free of adhesive. In other embodiments, one or more portions of bottom exitingend flap 30 that do not underlieremovable portion 92 can be adhered to the first and/or second side exiting end flaps 32, 36. - The use of a first side exiting
end flap 32 with a generally squared-offlower corner 65 can help prevent unwanted adhesion of bottom exitingend flap 30. When thecarton 90 is constructed, and the exiting end of the tubular sleeve is being closed, the two minor exiting end flaps (i.e., top exitingend flap 34 and bottom exiting end flap 32) are folded down first. First side exitingend flap 32 is then folded down so that it overlaps corresponding portions of top exitingend flap 34 and bottom exitingend flap 30. As shown inFIG. 6 , a glue strip G is placed along the outer edge of the exterior surface of first side exitingend flap 32. Glue strip G extends at its upper end onto a portion of the exterior surface of top exitingend flap 34 that is left exposed by notchedcorner 64. However, squared-off corner 65 prevents the lower end of glue strip G from contacting bottom exitingend flap 30. Second side exitingend flap 36 is folded down so that its outermost edge overlies the outermost edge of first side exitingend flap 32, including glue strip G, thereby securing second side exitingend flap 36 to first side exitingend flap 32 and top exitingend flap 34. - Avoiding the use of adhesive on at least the portions of bottom exiting
end flap 30 that underlieremovable portion 92 advantageously facilitates the partial and/or complete removal ofremovable portion 92 by avoiding the need to tear through bottom exitingend flap 30. Accordingly,removable portion 92 can be partially or fully removed while leaving bottom exitingend flap 30 intact. -
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blank 210 used to form a carton 290 (seeFIGS. 8-10 ) according to a second embodiment of the invention. Blank 210 and thecorresponding carton 290 can be generally similar to the blank 10 andcarton 90 discussed above, and like or similar reference numbers in the figures indicate like or similar elements. The differences between the first and second embodiments relate primarily to firstend tear line 260 disposed on first side exitingend flap 232 and secondend tear line 262 disposed on second side exitingend flap 236. - First
end tear line 260 includes a first end first section or first generallytransverse section 283, a first end second section or firstcurved section 286, and a first end third section or firstlower end section 288. First endfirst section 283 extends from a point at or adjacent to foldline 221 that is at or adjacent to first sidesecond section 248, to a point at or adjacent to a first endsecond section 286. First endfirst section 283 preferably consists of a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis. The first leg of the each of the V-shaped cuts is generally coincident with this axis, and the second leg is bent slightly out of axis toward the top of the constructedcarton 90. In the illustrated embodiment, first endfirst section 283 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 290) but is also angled down toward the carton's bottom. First endsecond section 286 is shorter in length than first endfirst section 283 and curves down toward the bottom of the erectedcarton 290. In the illustrated embodiment, first endsecond section 286 consists of a single arcuate cut. First endsecond section 286 extends to a point at or adjacent to first endthird section 288. In the illustrated embodiment, first endthird section 288 consists of two shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis. As illustrated, the spacing between the two shallow V-shaped cuts of first endthird section 288 is greater than the spacing between the adjacent shallow V-shaped cuts of first endfirst section 283. First endthird section 288 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 290) and outward (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 290) direction. First endthird line 288 extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, the lower edge of first side exitingend flap 232. The terminal end of first endthird section 288 is separated from the bottom edge of first side exitingend flap 232 by a region labeled 296 inFIG. 7 , which is free of tear lines. - Second
end tear line 262 may generally mirror firstend tear line 260. Secondend tear line 262 includes a second end first section or second generallytransverse section 285, a second end second section or secondcurved section 287, and a second end third section or secondlower end section 289. Second endfirst section 285 extends from a point at or adjacent to foldline 221 that is at or adjacent to second side second section 250, to a point at or adjacent to a second endsecond section 287. Second endfirst section 285 preferably consists of a plurality of shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis. The first leg of the each of the V-shaped cuts is generally coincident with this axis, and the second leg is bent slightly out of axis toward the top of the constructedcarton 290. In the illustrated embodiment, second endfirst section 285 extends in a predominantly transverse direction (i.e., toward the first side of the constructed carton 290) but is also angled down toward the carton's bottom. Second endsecond section 287 is shorter in length than second endfirst section 285 and curves down toward the bottom of the erectedcarton 290. In the illustrated embodiment, second endsecond section 287 consists of a single arcuate cut. Second endsecond section 287 extends to a point at or adjacent to second endthird section 289. In the illustrated embodiment, second endthird section 289 consists of two shallow V-shaped cuts disposed in a relatively straight line defining an axis. As illustrated, the spacing between the two shallow V-shaped cuts of second endthird section 289 is greater than the spacing between the adjacent shallow V-shaped cuts of second endfirst section 285. Second endthird section 289 extends obliquely in a downward (i.e., toward the bottom of the constructed carton 290) and outward (i.e., toward the second side of the constructed carton 290) direction. Second endthird line 289 extends to a point in relative proximity to, but spaced apart a distance from, the lower edge of second side exitingend flap 236. The terminal end of first endthird section 289 is separated from the bottom edge of second side exitingend flap 236 by a region labeled 297 inFIG. 7 , which is free of tear lines. - As with the first embodiment, opening of the
dispenser 280 may be initiated by inserting one or more fingers into thecarton 290 throughcutout 255 ofopening feature 266. Thedispenser 280 is opened by pulling theremovable portion 292 outwardly and tearingcarton 290 alongtear line sections carton 290 through first and second side exiting end flaps 232, 236 may be arrested prior to complete removal ofremovable portion 292 so as to leave theremovable portion 292 partially connected to the remainder of the carton 290 (as shown inFIG. 9 ). Thus, for example, tearing alongend tear lines second sections first sections second sections removable portion 292 partially connected. Alternatively, tearing through first and second side exiting end flaps 232, 236 may be arrested by tear line-free regions third sections - Alternatively, and at a user's option, the
removable portion 292 may be fully removed by continuing to pull theremovable portion 292 in a downward and/or outward direction. The configuration of first and secondend tear lines third sections free regions removable portion 292 completely from the remainder of thecarton 290. This tearing through the tear line-free regions FIG. 10 showscarton 290 in a second open or dispensing configuration following the complete separation ofremovable portion 292 from the remainder ofcarton 290. - As with the first embodiment, the configuration of first and second end
third lines carton 290 facilitates tearing along these lines as theremovable portion 292 is rotated out and down in a natural movement by a user. The configuration of the first and secondend tear lines removable portion 292. - As with the first embodiment, at least the portion of bottom exiting
end flap 230 that underliesremovable portion 292 is not adhered to first side exitingend flap 232 or second side exitingend flap 236. This advantageously facilitates the partial and/or complete removal of removable portion 293. Thus, at least the portion of bottom exitingend flap 230 that underlies the region of exitingend panel 284 extending between first and second endthird sections free regions - It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
- It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed it is envisaged that a hinged connection can be formed from one or more of the following: a short slit, a frangible line or a fold line, without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.
- As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” each refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank or substrate of sheet material, facilitate folding portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank or substrate of sheet material. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed a hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines.
- As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.
- As used herein, the terms “tear line”, “weakened line of severance”, “severance line” and “frangible line” each may refer to all manner of lines formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the terms “tear line”, “weakened line of severance”, “severance line” and “frangible line” each may refer to one of the following: a single cut line, a single partial-depth cut line (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slits, a line of short partial-depth cuts (e.g., a line of short half cuts), and any combination of the aforementioned options.
- It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines, tear lines, weakened lines of severance, frangible lines and severance lines can each includes elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a frangible line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a frangible line.
Claims (16)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/301,868 US20190144184A1 (en) | 2016-05-25 | 2017-05-23 | Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662341378P | 2016-05-25 | 2016-05-25 | |
PCT/US2017/033987 WO2017205367A1 (en) | 2016-05-25 | 2017-05-23 | Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor |
US16/301,868 US20190144184A1 (en) | 2016-05-25 | 2017-05-23 | Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20190144184A1 true US20190144184A1 (en) | 2019-05-16 |
Family
ID=58800976
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/301,868 Abandoned US20190144184A1 (en) | 2016-05-25 | 2017-05-23 | Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20190144184A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3464108B1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112018074012B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA3025305A1 (en) |
CL (1) | CL2018003315A1 (en) |
MX (1) | MX2018014408A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2017205367A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11548707B2 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2023-01-10 | Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc | Carton and blank therefor |
USD980069S1 (en) | 2020-07-14 | 2023-03-07 | Ball Corporation | Metallic dispensing lid |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040188277A1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-09-30 | Jean-Michel Auclair | Carton with dispenser |
US20050189405A1 (en) * | 2004-02-27 | 2005-09-01 | Jean-Manuel Gomes | Three by four can package dispensing carton |
US20060102706A1 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2006-05-18 | Spivey Raymond R Sr | Cartons having tilt features |
US20070017966A1 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2007-01-25 | Debusk Patrick J | Carton with opening feature and blank |
US7328798B2 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2008-02-12 | Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc | Carton with two-step opening feature defining yieldable dispenser |
US7614543B1 (en) * | 2005-01-07 | 2009-11-10 | The C. W. Zumbiel Company | Carton with gravity feed dispenser |
WO2012109096A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2012-08-16 | Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc | Fold-resistance reducing mechanism |
EP3241783A1 (en) * | 2016-05-03 | 2017-11-08 | WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC | Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor |
-
2017
- 2017-05-23 CA CA3025305A patent/CA3025305A1/en active Pending
- 2017-05-23 WO PCT/US2017/033987 patent/WO2017205367A1/en unknown
- 2017-05-23 EP EP17726825.7A patent/EP3464108B1/en active Active
- 2017-05-23 BR BR112018074012-8A patent/BR112018074012B1/en active IP Right Grant
- 2017-05-23 MX MX2018014408A patent/MX2018014408A/en unknown
- 2017-05-23 US US16/301,868 patent/US20190144184A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2018
- 2018-11-21 CL CL2018003315A patent/CL2018003315A1/en unknown
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040188277A1 (en) * | 2003-03-26 | 2004-09-30 | Jean-Michel Auclair | Carton with dispenser |
US7328798B2 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2008-02-12 | Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc | Carton with two-step opening feature defining yieldable dispenser |
US20050189405A1 (en) * | 2004-02-27 | 2005-09-01 | Jean-Manuel Gomes | Three by four can package dispensing carton |
US20060102706A1 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2006-05-18 | Spivey Raymond R Sr | Cartons having tilt features |
US7614543B1 (en) * | 2005-01-07 | 2009-11-10 | The C. W. Zumbiel Company | Carton with gravity feed dispenser |
US20070017966A1 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2007-01-25 | Debusk Patrick J | Carton with opening feature and blank |
WO2012109096A1 (en) * | 2011-02-09 | 2012-08-16 | Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems, Llc | Fold-resistance reducing mechanism |
EP3241783A1 (en) * | 2016-05-03 | 2017-11-08 | WestRock Packaging Systems, LLC | Carton having improved dispensing feature and blank therefor |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11548707B2 (en) * | 2018-11-08 | 2023-01-10 | Westrock Packaging Systems, Llc | Carton and blank therefor |
USD980069S1 (en) | 2020-07-14 | 2023-03-07 | Ball Corporation | Metallic dispensing lid |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA3025305A1 (en) | 2017-11-30 |
MX2018014408A (en) | 2019-08-01 |
EP3464108A1 (en) | 2019-04-10 |
WO2017205367A1 (en) | 2017-11-30 |
BR112018074012B1 (en) | 2022-11-29 |
EP3464108B1 (en) | 2021-01-20 |
BR112018074012A2 (en) | 2019-02-26 |
CL2018003315A1 (en) | 2019-03-15 |
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