WO2007146804A1

WO2007146804A1 - Expandable carton

Info

Publication number: WO2007146804A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/070760
Authority: WO
Inventors: John M Holley, Jr
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Packaging Systems LLC
Current assignee: WestRock Packaging Systems LLC
Priority date: 2006-06-09
Filing date: 2007-06-08
Publication date: 2007-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2008-12-09

Abstract

A leak resistant expandable carton (600) is end-loadable and expandable to retain ice or other matter above a compartment loaded with articles (C) such as cans or bottles. The carton (600) is expanded by separating its top wall (612) with a tear strip (190) and then by raising composite top end flaps (432a; 432b), which are hingedly connected to the top wall (612) and to the end walls (618, 620) of the carton (600). As the composite top end flaps (432a; 432b) are raised, the top wall sections (192; 194) are raised to be side extensions (X1; X2) that are coplanar with and to extend above a pair of side walls (610; 614). At the same time, the composite top end flaps (432a; 432b) unfold and are raised to be end extensions (X3, X4) that are coplanar with and to extend above the pair of end walls (618, 620). The side and end extensions (X1, X2, X3, X4) are substantially continuously interconnected so that the expanded portion of the carton (600) is relatively rigid and contiguous.

Description

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This application claims prloniy Io U.S. Application No, 60/80« .393, filed June 9_: 200o, the entirety ol^' which is incorporated herein by reference.

This invention rebates generally Io cartons and, more specifically, to cartons thai ore expandable Io a iarqer volume

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cartons that are expandable to increase their volume or capacity are known in the an., and are useful to allow a consumer Ic₁ for example, add ice to a carton that is iiiii of leverage cans or bottles. These cartons are often also designed to retain liquid as she see melts.

Eome such cartons are made expandable Py the addition of extension panels and gusset parvus, which must be stowed until the carton Is expanded, and thus often inhibϋ machine loading of articles into the cartons. Specifically, the extension panels and gusset panels obstruct an open end of the canon when the canon ss arranged as a tubular structure for end loading, thereby preventing smooth mechanical loading To overcome rhss obstruchon, these expandable cartons must be hand loaded, which is much less eflioent compared to the output of contemporary high speed packaging automated processes Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists ^;n the industry ?o address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. What is needed Is an expandable carton that easily can be mechanically loaded or lhai otherwise includes extension panels and gusset panels thaϊ do no! obstruct loading of articles into me open ends of the carton when me carton is arranqed as a tubular structure. DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 & a plan view of an exemplary blank For forming an expandable carton, according Io an embodiment ol^' the present Invention.

RGs.. 2-5 are perspective end partial perspective views that illustrate steps for erecting the expandable canon from the blank of RG. 1

FIG- 6 \s a perspective view of a fully erected expandable carton formed from the blank of RG. 1

FfG. 7 is an end elevaϋonal view o\ an end closure structure of the expandable carton of FIG. 6.

RGs, 8-13 are perspective and partial perspective views rhat Illustrate steps for opensng the expandable carton of FIG, 6

SUMMARY OF THE IHVEMTf

The present invention addresses the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an end loadable carton that rs expandable to include a chimney lhat Increases the voh.; me of the carton so lhat see or other matter can be placed In dose proximity to the original contents of the carton Advantageously, the loaded carton becomes a package rhat Is easy o carry and ki open, and the process of opening the package substantially automat caily creates the chimney, thereby readying the package for unioadino or for addii on of ice. Ideally the carton Is formed from a unstarv blank. further facilitating erecting the carton by automated process.

Generally described, the carton Is erected into a tubular, sleeve-like configuration deisned by a top wail, side walls, a bottom wall and end closures that define end walls at the open ends of the tubular structure The lop wall Is divisible origsfudsnaiiy info two sections The end closures include a composite top end flap haϊ Ie hinged! y connected to rhe top wail and to a respective end wail More specifically, the lop end flap Is hsngediy connected along end edges of each of the top waii sections and ss hingedly connected along ϊh% upper edges of a pair of side end [laps that are included in the respective end closure

According to one aspect of certain exemplary embodiments of invention, the carton is expanded by operating a tear stnp thai extends between the top wall seouons. The sections a?e liberated from one another, but remain hingediy connected to each composite top end flap, and thus to the end closures. The top end flap is pulled outwardly and upward: y away from the remainder of the end closure. The composite top end flap includes end extension panels and gusset panels which allow the separated sections of the top wall to then become substantially coplanar With respective side wails arid the extension panels and gusset panels to become substantially coplanar with respec^tive end walls Thereby, a chimney of me carbon is formed to increase the capacity of the carton. in certain embodiment, the composite top end flap is stowed as en exposed layer of the end closure by being at least partially overlapped by a bottom end flap. A sear away tab may he provided in the overlapping portion of the bottom end flap as an easiiy accessible band hold thai & secured to the composite top end flap and that detaches from the remainder of the bottom end flap as the chimney ss erected. However, it is contemplated thai the composite top end Hap may s;mρiy be tacked down or reieasabiy glued sn place

Thus, one aspect of the invention ss an expandable carton that includes a top wall a bottom wail, a first side wail, and a second side wail that are binqedly connected to one another to form a tubular sleeve-like structure. Each open end of the tubular structure is enclosed by a first end wail and a second end wall. Articles such as cans or bottles loaded through the open ends of the tubular structure are enclosed sr> the resulting compartment that is subsequently enclosed by end walls.

Each end wail ss a composite end closure made up of several elements, including the composite top end flap, a pair of side end flaps, and a bottom end flap, the composite top end flap being hingedly connected to the top wail and to each of the pair of Side end flaps, the sloe end flaps being hingedly connected to the first Side wail and to the second ssde waii. respectively. .. 4 .

The lop wall Is divisible to define and separate at least a first and a second section thereof, wherein after being separated, the hrst and second section can be ■ ai&ed tc form extensions of the first and second side walls as the composite top end Hap is raised away tom the end wall and toward the top waii. During this same mouon. tπe composite top end flap unfolds and separates In part to reveal its constituent parts as it is saisee to form an extension of the end wall, in this fashion, the side extensions and the end extensions define th^« periphery of an expanded portion oi^' the carton.

More specifically, the composite top end flap includes a pair of extension panels and a pair of gusset panels, each of the extension panels being connected to one of ?he Side end flaps by one of the gusset panels. Each extens-on panel is hsrsgediy connected io one of the top waii sections. The extension panels of each composite end flap are initially connected to one another along a severance line that extends from one end of the tear stnp; the extension panels are separated along this severance sine, which breaks as the composite end Hap is raised Together, the extension panels and gusset panels cooperate to form a web that encloses an end of me expanded portion

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, She bottom end flap serves to detachably secure the composite end flap prior to expanding the canon To thai end, the bottom end flap overlaps the composite top end flap at least partially, with the overlapping portion including a tear away tab. The tear away tab ss preferably the only portion of the bottom end flap that -s glued or otherwise secured ?o the composite top end flap, and is defined at least sn part by a severance tine, the ends of which lie closer than its middle The severance line that defines the fab is in registry vvπh a dsstai edge of the composite top end flap so tha? a user can insert a finger to grasp the tear away tab, which also engages the composite too end flap ?o which tiie tab ss directly secured. Once grasped, the tea? away tab can be lifted to sever its connection to the bottom end flap and thereby to liberate the underlying distal end of the composite top end Rap The tear away tab may be secured to both gusset panels so as to hold the gusset panels together as the carton is expanded. The separated ?oρ wall sections can be raised Io be substantially copianar vvi Ih i espective side walls, and the compose top end flap can Pe raised and arranged such that the extension panels and the gusset panels are substantially copϊaπar vvsth the side end Haps. In effect, therefore, the original Side walls and end walls are Simply extended in hesght to achieve expansion of the canon. The ssde and end extensions are substantially continuously interconnected so thai the expanded portion of the carton Is relatively rigid and contiguous.

According to another aspect of the invention, the expandable carton is formed from a unitary blank, which greatly simplifies Its construction The Plank Includes major panels that become the top. botrorr*, and side walls, these major panels besng connected ;n series along transversa edges in any sequence that yseids the desired configurator;. For example, the first panel in the series may be a first partial Side panel that Is hingedly connected along Its side edge to a top panel, which Is hingedly connected along its side edge to a second Side panel which ss hingedly connected along its Side edge to a bottom panel that is connected along its side edge to a second partial side panel. Together the fsrst and second partial side panels form a composite s^;de wail to which nrst and second partial side end flans are connected to form a composite side end flap. Alternatively, an edge i^'iap may allow interconnection of (he bottom panel to the first side panel Those skiiied in the ad Will r&adliy appreciate the ability to shift the sequence panel Py panel to alter rhe design without escaping the scope of the invention.

The top panel includes a tear strip tha* extends between its end edges, and a severance line extends from each eod of the tear strip to define abutting edges of a pair of extension panels that are hingedly connected along each end edge of the ;oρ panel, A gusset panel interconnects each of the extension panels and an adjacent full or partial Side end flap. A notch or gap may remain between the two gusset panels to ensure that the upper edge of the expanded portion of the carton Is level, or the gusset panels may abut one another as weii

Bottom end flaps are hingedly connected along the end edges of the bottom panel Each bottom end flap is hingedly connected by a web panel to a side end flap ^■ S) ^•■

and the sower part of the compose side end Hap. In this fashion, leak resistant boUom corners are formed when the carton is erected. Toward me αistai end of each bottom end Hap. a severance iine defines the tear away lab. in the embodiments described herein, the severance line is somewhat arcuate with Us distal ends being closer to the άhial end of the bottom end Hap than its mediai seci-on.

The foregoing has broadiy outlined some of the aspects and features of rhe present invention, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications of the invention Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information ;n a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding of the inversion may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with [he accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the

,.: ..-j ^; ! ! ;«, .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed here;! ), Ii must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention that may De embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word "exemplary" >s used expansively to reisi to embodiments that serve as Illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures a?e not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to snow delays of particular components, in other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail In order to avoid obscuring me present invention. Therefore, specif ^■: struc ural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be lnteroreted as lirr a basis _^or tne chasms and as a representative basis for teaching c ne skiϋed m the art to variously empiov the present invention, Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate hke elements, ihiouqhout the several views, the drawings illustrate certain of the various aspects of exemplary embodiments of en expandable canon. In describing the expandable cai ton. the ioϋowing terms, among others, will be used.

The ;erm ^"fold line^" is used herein to refer to ail manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another or otherwise indicate optimal panes folding locations for the blank. A fold sine ;s typically a scored hne, an embossed line, or a debossed line

The term ^"severance hne^" refers to all manner of lines that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another or that indicate optimal separation

I ^{; *}: O n I, : O i i S

Severance lines and fold hnes can each include elements thai are formed in or through the substrate of me blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a hue oi sho; ; suis a line of half- cuts, a single half- cut, a out line, an interrupted cut ϋus, slits, scores, combinations thereof, and the like. The elements cars be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality

Reiernng to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FfG. 1. an expandable coiioi : 600 (shown sn FIG. 6} is formed from a blank 100, which is preferably a single sheet of suitable substrate, it is to be understood that, as used herein the term 'suitable substrate" includes all manner of foidable sheet material such as papo? board, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, or the like. The carton may include a water s esihent coating on at least one surface, m the exemplary embodiment, the blank ss designed for packaging beverage cans. It is envisaged that oi her ahicies and/o? different arrangements of articles may be contained within the canon and that the blank may therefore be sized accordingly.

As used bere^;n, the terms fold hne^" and ^"severance hne^" reler to ail manner oi punted iines indicating optima! fold or cut locations, frangible or otherwise weakened hnes. perforations, a line of perforations, a line oi short slits, a line of half- cuss, a single naif-cut, a cut hne, scored lines, slits, any combination thereof, and the like The blarik 100 includes a senes of primary panels which deHrse the wails of a tubdar sUucisj"e T of she expandable carton 600 shown sn FfG. 6. Specifically, the blank 100 includes hrst side panels 110. 1111 a top panes 112, a second side panel 114. and a bottom panel I IS. The primary panels are hingediy connected one to the next transversely aiong fold lines. First side panel 110 ss hingediy connected to the top panel 1 12 along a fold line 120_: the top panel 112 is hingediy connected to the second Side panel 114 aiong a fold line 122, the second side panel 114 is hingediy connected Io the bottom panel 118 along fold line 124_; and she ooUoni panel 116 ss hingediy connected to first side panel I IS along a fold line 126. m addsϋoπ, a handle reinforcing flap 119 is hingediy connected to first side panel 118 aiong a fold line 128 in the exemplary embodiment the first side panel 110 includes an optional handle H and the fold line 128 is interrupted by a handle aperture A. Those skilled In the ah WiH recognize that the handle is most useful sn applications where liquid retention Is not needed, or a liner is provided to prevent leakage of \\qu\d

End flaps are hingediy connected to opposite ends of each primary panel along (old lines The end flaps are configured and arranged Io form end closure structures at respective open ends of the tubular structure T of the expandable Casio! ! 600 and thereby define the end walls of the expandable carton 600. The blank loo Is substantially symmetnc such (hat the end Haps that are hsngedly connected to opposite ends of each primary panel are substantially similar Accordingly, the end closure structures of the carton 600 are substantially identical and like ielerencos have been used with a suffix ^:'a" or "b^': affixed Io distinguish one end oi the carton trom me other Thus_* the description of an element or group of elements having a suffsx V Is generally applicable to a like-numbered element or group of elements having a suffix "b\ In certain instances, for ciarity, only one of the like elements may be described unless a description of the other or both of the like elements Is useful for understanding the invention.

First side end flaps 130a, 138a are hingediy connected to first side panels 110, 118 along fold lsnes 14Oa₁ 148a, respectively, top end flap 132a ss hingediy connected to top panel 112 aiong a fold hne 142a_: second side end flap 134a is hiπgecily connected to second side panel 114 along a fold line 144a_: and bottom end flap 13Sa is hsπgedly connected to bottom panel 116 along a fold line 146a. The top end flap 132a is divisible to define first and second extension panels 1?0a, 172a which ore detachably connected to one another along a severance line 164a.

The top and bottom end Haps are connected to adjacent side end flaps by a gusset panel. The top end fiap 132a is connected Io the side end flaps 130a_: 134a DV gusset panels 174a. 178a. respectively. The bottom end Hap 136a is connected to the side end flaps 134a, 133a by web panels 171a, 173a, respectively. The exemplary extension panels I TOa₁ 172a, web panels 171a, 173a, and gusset panels 1 ?4a, 176a are shown as individual panels, although in practice, a gusset panel may consiss of several Infer connected possibly fokJable sec^ons. and an extension panel can similarly include multiple sections.

The extension panels 1?0a\ 172a are iimgedly connected Io the gusset panels 174a 1 ?6a along fold lines 178a, 180a_; respectively, and are partially separated from the gusset panels 174a, 176a along severance lines 182a_: 184a, respectively. Eacn of the severance lines 182a, 184a extends between an end of a respective fold line 178a, 180a and a notch 166a, which is a void between the distal edges E3_: E4 of the gusset panels 174a. 176a and the distal edge ES of the top end flap 132a. The gusset panels 174a, 17Sa include dismal edges EI , E2, respectively The gυaset panels 174a, 176a are Further hingedly connected to the side end flaps 130a, 134a along fold lines I SOa, 152a, respectively.

The sloe end flaps 134a. 138a are hsngediy connected to the web panels 171 a, 173a along a fold line 175a, 177a. respectively The web panels 171 a, 173s are further hingedly connected to the bottom end flaps 136a, 13§a along fold lines 154a 156a, respectively

Glue receiving portions G of the gusse* panels 174a, 176a are provided near the diόtai edges E3 E4 of the gusset panels for the application of glue or other nαhesives. as wiii be described below The bottom end fiap 13δa includes a severance lme 179a that ai leas' partially defines a tear away tab P. The tsar away rah P ol the bottom end flap 136a will align with the glue receiving portions G of the I U -

gusset penels 174a, 1 ?δs. when the carton 600 ss erected, as descnbed in further detail below.

The top panel 1 12 includes a tear strip ISO which defines fsrst and second top wall sections 192, 194 that are formed by separating the top pane! 112 along ?he tear sU'ψ 190 The tear strip 190 aligns with arsd extends between inner ends of the sevemnce lines. 164a. 164b and between (old lines 142a, 142b. The opposing dsstai ends of the severance ϋnes 164a, 164b extend to ihe notches 16Sa, 1S6b, respectively. The extension panels 170a. 1 ?2a are hingedly connected to respective portions 192. 194 or rhe top pane! 112 along foid line 142a.

Erecting she car ten SOO irom the blank 100 may be accomplished with ihe folding operations as described herein The operations can be performed entirely or in part by automatic erecting machinery or manually. The method of performing the ^reeling process is net limited to the exemplary method described, Particularly, the ordos of ihe s^eps can be altered according to manufacturing requirements, steps may be added or omitted, and the means for securing components to one another may vasy. The surfaces of sheet matenal may be secured together by suitable means for securing, including tape, staples, interlocking folds, slits, or notches, VEbCFtO^'"^' . glue or other adnesives. and the like.

In rhe exemplary embodiments, gk.se ss applied to the snside surface of the handle reinforcing Hap 119, end the handle reinforcing flap 119 Is folded along fold line 128 such that the inside surface of the handle reinforcing flap 119 is secured to she inside surface of the ilrsl side panel 118. Thereby, the continuous edge of the aperiure A ss doubled over to define a handle cutout (not shown). The tubular structure T of the carton 600 is formed by securing rhe first side panels 110, 118 to one another to form a composite first side panel 110^118. Specifically, glue is applied to a ponion of me outside surface of the first side panel 118, which is secured io a portion of the inside surface of first ssde panel 110 such that the handle cutout m Uie lsrst side panel 118 substantially aligns with the handle H. in addition, she first side end Haps 130a, 138a are secured to one another to ^orm a composite fust side end flap 130a/138a. As shown si^"! FIG. 2. a! this stage, the end flaps extend outwardly to be copla nar with a respective wall of the tubular structure T of the carton 600 to facsikate automatic loading. Accordingly articles such as cane C {shown in FIG, 13) can be easily end loaded into the carton 600 because the extension panels and the gusset panels cio not obsiruct the opening of the tubular structure T.

Referring to Flβs. 3-7. the end closures of the carton 600 are formed by folding the end flaps as described herein. Generally speaking, the various elements oi each end closure are arranged such that one folding step causes one or more oiher folds to occur simultaneously or subsequently. Each folding step may be performed automatically or manually. The first and second side end flaps I 3θa/138a. 134a are folded inwardly ws?h respect to i.he interior of the tubular structure T and along fold lines 140a'148a, 144a to be substantially copianar with one another,

This folding operation causes the web panels 1?1a. 173a to draw the bottom end flap 136a at least partially upward and inward toward the infenor of the tubular structure T The outside surfaces of the web panels 171a, ITSa are simultaneously folded toward the outside surface of Side end flaps 134a, 130a/13Sa along fold lines 1?5a, 1??a, respectively. The bottom end flap 13Sa is folded along fold line 146® and rhn inside surfaces of the web panels 1?1a, 1?3a are folded toward the inside surfaces of me bottom ersd flap 136a along fold hne 154a, 15βa. respectively. The web panels ITIa. 173a are configured such that the bottom flap 136a is automatically positioned at an acute angle relative to the plane defined by the side snσ Haps 134a_; 130a/138a_: when the side end Haps 134a_: 13øa/138a are folded inwardly so as to be copianar.

The same folding operation forms the composite top end flap 432a. As shown so H<3, 4, Ins top end flap 132a is folded outwardly and sway from the opening ol the tubular portion of the carton 6QO along the fold line 142a and lhe iuside surfaces of the gusset panels 174a. 1?0a are folded inwardly along fold lines 1 ?8a, 180a to be in a face contacting relationship with the inside surface of e <!ensiθn panels 1?0a, 172a, respectively. Thereby, the edges E1. B2 are brought together substantially to abut one another and align With the severance line 184a. The edges E3. E4 substantially align with one another to create a substantially continuous edge, and the fold hr-.βs. ISQa, 152a substantially align wsth the sold hne 142a. in the exemplary embodiment, the length of each of the edges EI , E2 is greater than Hie length of Hie severance lsne 164a such that inside surfaces of the glue receiving portions G of the gusset panels 1?4a, 1?6a extend beyond an edge BS oi the fop Hap 132a (shown in FIG. 5).

As sπown sr^; FIGs, 4 and S, a second folding operation Is performed. The composite top end flap 432a is folded toward the side end flaps 13ϋa/138a, 134a such thai the outside surfaces of the gusset panels 174a, 176a are In a face contacting relationship with the outside surface of me side end flaps 13θs/138a, 134a Adhesive is applied to the side end Haps 130a/138a, 134a and the composite : op end flap 432a to secure the inside surface of a? leas* a portion of the bottom end ϋap 138, including the tear away portion F. A typical automatic packaging machine then employs a static guide to complete the folding operation that positions the DoisOiTi end flap 136a at vertical orientation overlapping the distal edge E5 of the top end ϋap 132a. The bottom end Hop 136a is folded to be in a face contacting un angement w>th me Side end flaps 130a/138a_; 134a and me glue receiving portions G ol the gusset panels 1?4a 176a. Specifically, the tear away tab P of the bottom flap 138a >s secured to the glue receiving portions G of the gusset panels 174a, 176a io ueiachably secure a free end of me composite lop end flap 432a to the bottom end flap 136. Edges E4, £5 of the gusset panels 1?4a, 176 may thereby align with, O? be olfset from, me severance line 179a, as best shown in FIG. 7.

Thereby, the end closure structures of the canon §00 are formed, as shown In FiGs, β and 7. and the carton 6GO is fully erected. The primary panels thai define ihe mbulnr structure T and the end closure structures define the wails of the carton 600 The top panel 112 defines s top wall 612, the Side panels 110/118, 114 define side walls 610, 614 the bottom panel 118 defines a bottom wall 616, and the end closure str uctures define end walls 618. 620. respectively .. ] ^ -

Formation of the expanded portion or chimney Os the carton 600 may be accomplished as follows *o provide access to articles enclosed wsthsn and to increase the volume and capacity of the carton 600. Referring to PIGs. S and 8, the ^■ear strip 190 is operated to separate the portions 192, 194 of the top wall 612. Referring Io FiG. 9- a use? can access the drstai edge of ine flap defined by the severance line 173a to engage the tear away tab P and the underlying glue receiving portions G mat are integral to the composite top end flap 432a. Referring to RGs, 9 and 10, the fear away tab P ss deiacned from the bottom end flap 136a as the composite top end flap 43Sa Is engaged, and pivoted outwardly from >he plane of ine end wall 618, it is contemplated that, in place of the fear strip 190, the sections 192, 194 can be directly connected to one another along an severance line (not shown) that can Pe manually broken or can De extensively weakened so that it is aυ!o:τahcaih/ brokers by raising \he composite top end flap 432a.

Referring to FlGs. 11 -13, as !he composite top end fiap 4323 is pivoted or Joidod along fold line 142a toward the top wail 612, the extension panels 1?0a, 172a are separaiod along the severance line 164a and fold Outwardly and upwardly loiative to she gusset panels 174a, 176a. respectively, until the gusset panels 174a, 1 ?6a and ^;he extension panels ITOa, 172a are substantially copianar with one another and With the end wall 618. Thereby, the gusset panels 174a, 1?δa are in a sense unfolded along the fold lines 150a, 152a.

When ?he extension panels 170a, 172a are separated along the severance line 164a_; the sections 132, 194 thai were integral to the fop wall 612 can pivot outwardly frosn the plane defined hy the top wail 612 of the carton 600. Specifically. ine extension panels 1?0a, 172a act as gusset panels between the gusset panels 174a. 176a and she sections 132. 194 of ihe lop wall 612 such that, as the gusset panels 1 ?4a. 17βa are unioided, the extension panels 170a. 1?2a facilitate upward and outward pivoting of rhe sections 192, 194 out of the plane of the ?op wall 612 Accordingly, when the gusset panels 174a. 176a are unfolded ?o be substantially copianar with the end walls 618. 620 the sections 192, 104 of the top wail 612 are roiled *o be suhs^anύaily copianar with the side wails 610, 614, respectively. Thereby. the carton SOO is arranged Lo include an expanded portion, hereinafter referred to as a chimney, as shown in FIG. 13. Specifically, the iop wail sec^ons 1S2. 194 form extensions XI , X2 of the first and second ssde walls 610. 61* and the unfurled composite top end flaps 432a, 432b form extensions X3. X.4 ef respective end walls 61 S 620 The Side extensions XI , X2 and the end extensions X3, X4 define the oenpherv of the car [on it should be understood thai the chimney is at least partially formed from the end closure structures oi the carton 600.

The present invention has been illustrated in relation to a particular embodiment which ;s intended m ail respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled sn the art will recognize that the present invention is capable o? many modifications and variations without departing from the scope of the invention. For ONampie. as used herein, directional references such as ^"top", "base", "bottom". "end", ^"s:de". "inner", "outer", "upper, "middle", "lower¹, "front" and "rear" do ^ot limit she iespective wails of the carton to such ohenta^om hut merely serve to distinguish these walis from one another.

Any reference to hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily ■ eierrinq to a junction including a single hinge only: indeed, it is envisaged that hinqeci connection can be formed trom one or more potentially disparate means for hinqediy connecting materials

The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary iliuslraiions oi implementations set iorth for a clear understanding of the principles oRhe invention. Venations, rnodiiicaboπs, and combinations may be mace to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. AH such variations, rnodsfications, and combinations are included hesesn by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

1 Art expandable carton, comprising- o iop wail a bottom waii. a first side wail and a second side wall hingediy connected io one another so form a tυbuiar structure; and a fu st end wall and a second end wall each enclosing an open end of said lobular structure, each comprising. a composite lop end flap and a pair of Side end flaps, said composite top end flap bemg hingediy connected to said top wall, said side end Haps Doing hϊngod^y connected to said first side wall and to said second side wail respectively. w hereirv said top walϊ >s divisible to separate at leas! a first section of said top welϊ from 8 second secuoπ of sasd top waii; said iirsi and second sections, when separated, are movable to respective raised positions \o form side extensions of said first and second side wsiis Dy raising said composite top end flaps toward said top waii U) respective unfolded possuons- and each sasd composite top end flap, when Ir; said uπfoidecs position ihereoL forms an end extension of a respective one of sasd end waiis_: said Side extensions and said end extensions defining a periphery of an exoande cort^on of said carton.

2 The carton of ofem 1 , wherein each of said first end waii and said second er waii further composes a bottom end flap, and said composite top end flap of said eaon end waii is detachablv seouiad m place by said bottom end Oaρ.

3. The car-or_: of claim ^* - wherein said composite top end flap of sasd each end wnϊi coirspnses a pair of extension panels and a pair of gusset panels - i 0 -

4 The carton of claim 3, wherein each of said pair of extension panels Is h noediv connected to one of said oair of ousset panels.

^■5 The carton of claim 2. wherein said bottom end flap of said each end waϋ composes a tear away tab that is secured to at ieas! one of said pair of gusset panels of a respective composite lop end flap to detachably secure said respective composite iop end flap to said bottom end flap,

6. The carton of claim 3, wherein each of said pair of extension panels are detaehnbiy connected to the o*her along a severance line.

7 The cahon of claim G\ wherein said severance h^-e is capable of breaking as s^d oon;posite top end flap is raised to said unfolded position thereof to detach each os sasd pair of extension panels from the other and to enable raising the said first and second sections

8 The carton of claim 1 _: wherein sasd fins! and second sections of said top wall are defined with respect to one another by one of a tear strip and a severance liπs.

9 The cadon oϊ claim 5, wherein said bottom end fϊap at teas! partsaiiy overlaps said composite iop end flap, and said tear away tab is defined at least in pad by a severance line that is In regjsϊry with a distal edge of said composite top end flap

10 The carton of claim 1 . wherein said first and second sections, when in said raised positions, are substantially copianar with said Side walls i-espeo^iveϊy, and s each composite top end flap, when In said unfolded position thereof, is arranged WO 2007/146804

such that said pa^;-^' of extens-on panels and sa;d pair of gusset panels are substantially coptenar with said side end flaps.

1 1 A blank for forming an expandable carton, comprising. a iop pane! that ss divisible to define a first section and a second section, a first extension panel hingediy connected to søid first section and a second extension panel hlngsdiy connected to said second section; a first side panel hlogeoiy connected to said first βecison and a second side panel hingediy connected to said second section; a first side end flap hingediy connected to said first side panel and a second Side end flap hingediy connected to said second side panel; a first guss-et panel hingediy connected to said first extension panel, and a second gusset panel ningecϋy connected to said second extension panel.

12. The blank of claim 11 , further comprising; a bottom penal hingediy connected to said second side panel; a bottom end flap hingediy connected to said bottom panel; and a tear away tab formed sn said bottom end flap and defined by a severance line se-aced apart from the distal edαe of said bottom end flap

13. T^'he blank of claim 12, further comprising a par of weo panels interconnecting said bottom end flap with said second side end Hap and wi?h a third

14 The blank of claim 11 _: wherein said first extension panel and said second extension panel are connected to one another along a severance isne 1 S ■

15 The blank of daim 11₁ fuu'iisr comprising a tear r>t np expending between said first section and said second section.

16 A package, comprising: at least one article; a carton enclosing said as feast one aitioie. said carton composing a tabular stmctυre W;?h a lop wall, a pair of side walls, and a βoUom ^aH; and an end wall Tor dosing an end of said tubdar structure, said end vval! compass?^"^ ^ composite top end flap that ss stowed as an exposed poison of said

wherein: said iop vvaϋ Is divisible Io form at least a first section and a seooιχ.1 section. said fii^'si and second sections, when divided, are capable of being raised to form side extensions of said first and second side walls;

said oornposϋe top end flap is capable of being raised and config jreci ?o form sn end extension of said end wail, said side ex?-sn^« 'ions and sasd end extensions defining an expanded portion thai e^-enc i above said at ieasi one article.

1 ?. The carton of claim 1 , wheroln sasd composite top end flap ;s hmαedly connected io said side end flaps. - ! C" ■

16. The blank o? claim 11, said first gusset panel is Nngedly connected to iOid first Side end flap, and &asd second gusset panes is hingedly connected to sa;d second side end flap.