WO2008086272A1

WO2008086272A1 - Carton with dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2008086272A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/050377
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven Manuel Oliveira; Jeffrey Thayer Wright
Original assignee: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-01-05
Filing date: 2008-01-07
Publication date: 2008-07-17

Abstract

A carton (3) having a dispenser (5) with reclosable features. The carton (3) comprises a resilient element (66) for biasing a dispenser panel (87) of the dispenser to a closed position.

Description

CARTON WITH DISPENSER

Cross-Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.

60/884,332, which was filed on January 10, 2007, and 60/883,662, which was filed on January 5, 2007. The entire contents of the above-referenced provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to cartons for holding and dispensing dispensable materials. More specifically, the present invention relates to cartons having a recloseable dispenser.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one aspect, the invention is generally directed to a carton for containing a dispensable material. The carton comprises a dispenser for allowing removal of the dispensable material that includes a dispenser panel and a resilient element for biasing the dispenser panel to a closed position.

[0004] In another aspect, the invention is generally directed to a carton for containing a dispensable material. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and a dispenser in at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The dispenser is for allowing removal of the dispensable material from the carton. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is moveable between a closed position preventing the removal of dispensable material form the carton and an open position allowing the removal of dispensable material through a dispenser opening in the carton. The dispenser comprises a resilient element attached to the at least one panel. The resilient element comprises a moveable panel at least partially defined by a cut line and a hinge. The moveable panel is pivotable at the hinge to bias the dispenser panel to the closed position. [0005] In another aspect, the invention is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton for containing a dispensable material. The blank comprises a plurality of panels comprising at least two side panels and at least one end panel and dispenser features comprising a dispenser panel in at least one panel of the plurality of panels. The dispenser panel is at least partially defined by a tear line in the at least one panel for at least partially separating the dispenser panel from the blank. The dispenser panel is moveable between a closed position wherein the dispenser panel is generally coplanar with the at least one panel and an open position where in the dispenser panel is at least partially separated from the at least one panel. The dispenser features comprise a resilient element attached to the at least one panel, the resilient element comprising a moveable panel at least partially defined by a cut line and a hinge. The moveable panel is pivotable at the hinge to bias the dispenser panel to the closed position.

[0006] In another aspect, the invention is generally directed to a carton for containing a dispensable material. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least two side panels and at least one end panel and a dispenser in at least one panel of the plurality of panels for allowing removal of the dispensable material from the carton. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is moveable between a closed position preventing the removal of dispensable material form the carton and an open position allowing the removal of dispensable material through a dispenser opening in the carton. The dispenser panel is foldably attached to the at least one panel at a fold line and is pivotable about the fold line between the open position and the closed position. The fold line being offset from a centerline of the dispenser panel. The dispenser comprises a resilient element attached to the at least one panel. The resilient element comprises a moveable panel that is pivotable to bias the dispenser panel to the closed position.

[0007] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

[0008] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0009] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art dosing system.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0011] Fig. 2A is a perspective of a carton formed from the blank of Fig. 2.

[0012] Fig. 3 is an enlarged portion of the blank of Fig. 2.

[0013] Fig. 4 is a plan view of a resilient element removed from the blank of Fig. 2.

[0014] Fig. 5 is an enlarged portion of a blank used to form a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a plan view of a resilient element removed from the blank of Fig. 5.

[0016] Fig. 7 is an enlarged portion of a blank used to form a carton according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a resilient element removed from the blank of Fig. 7.

[0018] Fig. 9 is an enlarged portion of a blank used to form a carton according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Fig. 10 is a plan view of a resilient element removed from the blank of Fig. 9.

[0020] Fig. 1 1 in an enlarged portion of a blank used to form a carton according to a fifth embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 12 is a plan view of a resilient element removed from the blank of Fig. 11. [0022] Fig. 13 is an enlarged portion of a blank used to form a carton according to a sixth embodiment of the invention.

[0023] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments

[0024] The present invention generally relates to a dispenser for a carton. The present invention can be used, for example, in cartons that contain food or beverage ingredients (e.g., tea, coffee, etc.) or any other dispensable material. In this specification, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper" and "top" indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art tea dosing system S of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0210120, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. As shown in Fig. 1, the dosing system S includes two apertures A for the flow of tea or other dispensable material into the dosing system. Each aperture A may have a nozzle N (one of which is shown in Fig. 1) that is generally conical-shaped. The nozzle N penetrates a carton (not shown) mounted on the dosing system S to allow tea to be dispensed into the dosing system. When a different type or flavor of tea or other ingredient is desired, the carton can be removed from the dosing system and replaced with a carton having the desired ingredient.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the exterior side 2 of a blank, generally indicated at 1, used to form a carton 3 (Fig. 2A) according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention. The carton 3 formed from the blank 1 can be used to hold and dispense a dispensable material used to prepare a beverage (e.g., tea or coffee) or any other dispensable material of substance. In one embodiment, the carton 3 can be installed on a doser system such as the doser system S shown in Fig. 1. The carton 3 formed from the blank 1 has a dispenser, generally indicated at 5, formed in the carton for allowing the material within the container to be selectively dispensed. In one embodiment, the dispenser 5 is activated by insertion of the nozzle N of the doser system S, or other device, appendage, etc., into the dispenser. As discussed in more detail below, the dispenser 5 is biased to reclose the carton 3 after the contents of the carton have been selectively dispensed and the nozzle N, or other device, has been removed from the dispenser.

[0027] The blank 1 has a longitudinal axis Ll and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 1 comprises a first side panel 10 foldably connected to a first end panel 20 at a first transverse fold line 21, a second side panel 30 foldably connected to the first end panel 20 at a second transverse fold line 31, and a second end panel 40 foldably connected to the second side panel 30 at a third transverse fold line 41. An adhesive flap 50 may be foldably connected to the first side panel 10 at a fourth transverse fold line 51.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the first side panel 10 is foldably connected to a top end flap 12 and a bottom end flap 14. The first end panel 20 is foldably connected to a top end flap 22 and a bottom end flap 24. The second side panel 30 is foldably connected to a top end flap 32 and a bottom end flap 34. The second end panel 40 is foldably connected to a top end flap 42 and a bottom end flap 44. The top end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 extend along a top or first marginal area of the blank 1, and may be foldably connected along a first generally longitudinally extending fold line 62. The bottom end flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 extend along a bottom or second marginal area of the blank 8, and may be foldably connected along a second generally longitudinally extending fold line 64. In the embodiment of Figs. 2-4, the first end panel 20 includes a longitudinal score line 56 laterally spaced from the longitudinal fold line 64. In the illustrated embodiment, the score line 56 has endpoints longitudinally spaced from the lateral fold lines 21, 31, but the score line 56 could be otherwise shaped and arranged, or omitted from the blank 1, without departing from the invention.

[0029] When the carton is erected from the blank 1, the top end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 at least partially overlap and close a top end 57 of the carton, and the bottom flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 at least partially overlap and close a bottom end 59 of the carton. As shown in Fig. 2A, the end 57 is a top end, the end 59 is a bottom end, and the end panels 20, 30 form respective front and back ends of the carton. The carton 3 may be otherwise arranged such that the top, bottom, front, and back ends correspond to other orientations of the carton. For example, the end panel 20 could comprise a bottom end of the carton that is supported on the doser system S. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 3 formed from the blank 1 is generally parallelepiped in shape having four corners, but the carton could be otherwise shaped to have more or less than four corners without departing from the invention. Also, the blank may be otherwise shaped and arranged and may include other features (e.g., a engageable flap reclosure) without departing from the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 5 comprises features that include a resilient element 66 adhesively attached to the first end panel 20. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the resilient element 66 is in the form of a generally square-shaped insert (e.g., patch) comprised of plastic (e.g., polycarbonate) or other resilient material. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the resilient element 66 has a moveable panel 69 defined by a partially circular cut line 71. In one embodiment, the cut line 71 has three nicks, or gaps of uncut material, 73, that are substantially free of a line of weakening (e.g., score line, tear line, cut line, etc). But the cut line 71 could be continuous or be otherwise shaped without departing from the invention. The cut line 71 includes two, spaced-apart end points 75, 77 that are respectively spaced inward from a peripheral edge of the resilient element 66. The distance between the end points 75, 77 of the cut line 77 defines a hinge line 79 about which the moveable panel 69 pivots upon actuation of the dispenser 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge line 79 is generally oblique relative to the longitudinal and lateral axis Ll, L2 of the blank 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the hinge line 79 is spaced from a centerline Cl of the resilient element. The resilient element 66 includes a v-shaped notch 81 at an upper peripheral edge of the resilient element. The v-shaped notch 81 aids in positioning the resilient element 66 in the correct orientation during attachment to the first end panel 20 by providing a unique physical identifier that identifies the top edge 82 (e.g., the edge located adjacent to line of weakening 56 of the end panel 20) of the resilient element. The resilient element 66 optionally has a plurality of circular glue targets 83 schematically shown in the illustrated embodiments as locations for placement of glue or other adhesive. Alternatively, the resilient element 66 may be attached to the first end panel 20 by other suitable means. [0031] The dispenser 5 comprises features that include a dispenser panel 87 in the blank 1 that is moveable from a closed position (Fig. 2) to an open position (not shown) by pressing the dispenser panel inward to create a dispenser opening in the carton 3. In the closed position of the dispenser 5, the dispenser panel 87 is generally coplanar with the end panel 20 to prevent the flow of dispensable material from the carton 3. In the open position, the dispenser panel 87 is separate from and pivoted relative to the end panel 20 to create an opening for the removal of the dispensable material from the carton. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser panel 87 is at least partially defined by a curved tear line 88 having two end points 84, 86. In the illustrated embodiment, a fold line 89 further defines the dispenser panel 87 and is located generally between the end points 84, 86 of the tear line 88. In the embodiment of Figs. 2-4, the fold line 89 is generally oblique relative to the longitudinal and lateral axis Ll, L2 of the blank 2. As shown in Figs. 2-4, the tear line 88 is partially circular and extends between end points of the fold line 89 so as to form an incomplete circle with a flat, oblique side, but the tear line could have other shapes or be otherwise arranged without departing from the invention. The fold line 89 acts as a hinge to allow the dispenser panel 87 to pivot relative to the first end panel 20 of the blank 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser panel 87 is sized to be slightly smaller than the moveable panel 69 of the resilient element 66. In other embodiments, the moveable panel 69 of the resilient element can be smaller than the dispenser panel 87.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser panel 87 includes a centerline C2 that is generally aligned with a centerline of the end panel 20. The fold line 89 is offset and spaced apart from the centerline C2 of the dispenser panel 87. As shown in Fig. 3, the fold line 89 is located above a bottom edge 92 of the dispenser panel 87. The dispenser panel 87, fold line 89, and/or tear line 88 could be otherwise shaped, arranged and/or located without departing from the invention.

[0033] As shown in Figs. 2-4, the resilient element 66 is attached to the inside surface of the blank 1 by adhesive such as glue. The glue may correspond with the location of the glue targets 83 on the resilient element 66 or the glue may be otherwise located. In some embodiments, the moveable panel 69 can be adhesively attached to the dispenser panel 87. But the moveable panel 69 and dispenser panel 87 can be free from adhesive attachment without departing from the invention. The resilient element 66 is attached to the blank 1 so that the moveable panel 69 and the dispenser panel 87 are in a generally face-to-face relationship. In the embodiment of Figs. 2-4, the resilient element 66 is positioned on the inside surface of the first end panel 20 and is located in the lateral direction L2 generally between the longitudinal fold line 64 and the score line 56 and in the longitudinal direction Ll generally between the lateral fold lines 21, 31. The resilient element 66 and/or dispenser panel 87 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or located without departing from the invention.

[0034] When the dispenser 5 is actuated, the dispenser panel 87 is pressed inwardly

(e.g., by contact with nozzle N) to the open position. The dispenser panel 87 is separated from the first end panel 20 by tearing along tear line 88 and pivoting the dispenser panel inwardly about fold line 89 to create the dispenser opening. The dispenser panel 87 is pressed against the moveable panel 69 of the resilient element 66 to pivot the moveable panel inwardly about the hinge line 79 against the biasing force of the resilient element. The nozzle N can be further inserted through the dispenser opening created from the pivoting movement of the dispenser panel 87 and the moveable panel 69 so that material can be selectively removed from the carton 3.

[0035] When the carton 3 is removed from the doser system S, the nozzle N is withdrawn from the dispenser opening in the carton 1. Upon removal of the nozzle N, the moveable panel 69 of the resilient element 66 urges the dispenser panel 87 to the closed position preventing the removal of dispensable material from the carton 3. The resilient element 66 applies a biasing force to the dispenser panel 87 so as to urge the dispenser panel to the closed position while the carton 3 with dispensable material is stored for later use. In the closed position of the dispenser 5, the dispenser panel 87 is in a generally (e.g., substantially) planar relationship with the first end panel 20 to prevent the discharge of the remaining material in the carton from the dispenser and to provide a seal to preserve the remaining contents in the carton for storage. In one embodiment, the moveable panel 69 is sufficiently resilient so the panel retains a generally (e.g., substantially) planar relationship when the nozzle N is removed from the dispenser 5. The resilient element 66 and/or moveable panel 69 may comprise other materials and have other properties than listed herein without departing from the invention.

[0036] In one embodiment, the fold line 89 of the dispenser panel 87 and the hinge line 79 of the moveable panel 69 are respectively offset from centerlines C2, Cl so as to create a dispenser opening that promotes the removal of a greater amount of dispensable material from the carton when the entire contents of a carton are consumed in the doser system S. In the illustrated embodiment, the tear line 88 and the cut line 71 are generally concentric with the tear line being spaced radially inward from the cut line. The tear line 88 and/or cut line 71 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or located without departing from the invention.

[0037] Figs. 5 and 6 illustrate a blank 101 used to form a carton of a second embodiment of the invention. Like or similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar or identical components as the previous embodiment. The second embodiment is like the first embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The blank 101 includes a dispenser 105 similar to the dispenser 5 of the first embodiment. The dispenser 105 has a resilient element 166 attached to the first end panel 120 with a moveable panel 169 defined by a partially circular cut line 171 and a hinge line 179. As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the dispenser 105 includes a dispenser panel 187 defined by a partially circular tear line 188 and an oblique fold line 189 between the end points of the tear line.

[0038] In the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6, the dispenser panel 187 includes three fold lines 191 spaced in from the tear line 188. The fold lines 191 extend radially from a center point 193 of the dispenser panel 187. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjacent fold lines 191 are angularly spaced at equal angles A (e.g., approximately 120 degrees), but the fold lines could be otherwise located without departing from the invention. In the embodiment of Figs. 5 and 6, the cut line 171 is a continuous cut line extending between end points 175 and 177. The fold lines 191 facilitate the inward folding of the dispenser panel 187 when the nozzle N or other dispensing apparatus is pressed against the dispenser panel 187.

[0039] Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate a blank 201 used to form a carton of a third embodiment of the invention. Like or similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar or identical components as the previous embodiments. The third embodiment is like the previously described embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In this embodiment, the blank 201 includes a dispenser 205 having a resilient element 266 with three moveable panels 269a, 269b, 269c. As shown in Fig. 8, the moveable panels 269a, 269b, 269c are respectively defined by the generally T-shaped cut lines 271a, 271b, 271c and hinge lines 279a, 279b, 279c.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, the dispenser 205 includes three dispenser panels 287a,

287b, 287c at least partially defined by three generally T-shaped cut lines 288a, 288b, 288c. The three dispenser panels 287a, 287b, 287c are respectively foldable at fold lines 289a, 289b, 289c that respectively extend between the end points of adjacent cut lines 288a, 288b, 288c that at least partially define the dispenser panels. One of the dispenser panels 287a includes two oblique fold lines 191a, 191b. The fold lines 191a, 191b facilitate inward folding of the dispenser panel 287a when the panel is contacted by the nozzle N or other dispensing apparatus.

[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal fold line 289a connecting the bottom dispenser panel 287a to the panel 220 is a lateral fold line passing through the centerline C2 of the dispenser 205 and the fold lines 289b, 289c are oblique fold lines spaced apart from the centerline of the dispenser. In other embodiments, the dispenser 205 could be rotated in either direction by an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) such that one of the fold lines 289b, 289 is generally in the lateral direction and passes through the centerline of the dispenser 5 and the other two fold lines are oblique fold lines spaced apart from the centerline C2 of the dispenser. The dispenser panels 287a, 287b, 287c, could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or located without departing from the invention. [0042] Figs. 9 and 10 illustrate a blank 301 used to form a carton of a fourth embodiment of the invention. Like or similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar or identical components as the previous embodiments. The fourth embodiment is like the previously described embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In this embodiment, the blank 301 includes a dispenser 305 having a resilient element 366 with two moveable panels 369a, 369b. The moveable panels are at least partially defined by a curved cut line 371a generally aligned with the centerline Cl of the resilient element 366, an upper longitudinal cut line 371b, a lower longitudinal cut line 371c, and respective hinge lines 379a, 379b. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge lines 379a, 379b extend in the longitudinal direction between the lateral cut lines 371b, 371c. The moveable panels 369a, 369b could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or located without departing form the invention. For example, the hinge lines 379a, 379b could be oblique or curved without departing from the invention.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 9, the dispenser 305 includes two dispenser panels 387a,

387b each at least partially defined by a curved tear line 388a generally aligned with the centerline C2 of the dispenser panel, an upper arcuate tear line 388b, a lower arcuate tear line 388c, and lateral fold lines 389a, 389b respectively between the end points of the upper and lower tear lines. In the illustrated embodiment, the curved tear line 388a generally overlays at least a portion of the curved cut line 371a at least partially defining the moveable panels 369a, 369b of the resilient element. As with the other embodiments, the dispenser panels 387a, 387b and/or the resilient element 366 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and or located without departing from the invention.

[0044] Figs. 1 1 and 12 illustrates a blank 401 used to form a carton according to a fifth embodiment of the invention. Like or similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar or identical components as the previous embodiments. The fifth embodiment is like the previously described embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in that a single dispenser panel 487 is hingedly attached to the end panel 420 at a fold line 489. In the embodiment, of Figs. 11 and 12, the fold line 489 generally extends in the longitudinal direction Ll of the blank 401. Also, the hinge line 479 of the resilient element 466 generally extends in the longitudinal direction Ll . In this embodiment, the dispenser panel 487 is opened by folding the dispenser panel and moveable panel 469 downward relative to the longitudinal fold line 489 and longitudinal hinge line 479. As shown in Fig. 12, the resilient element 466 includes upper and lower locations 483a, 483b for the placement of glue to attach the resilient element to the blank 402. Further, the moveable panel 469 includes a location 483c for the placement of glue to attach the moveable panel to the dispenser panel 487. As with the other embodiments, the dispenser panel 487 and/or the resilient element 466 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and or located without departing from the invention.

[0045] Fig. 13 illustrates a blank 501 used to form a carton according to a sixth embodiment of the invention. Like or similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar or identical components as the previous embodiments. The sixth embodiment is like the previously described embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. This embodiment is generally similar to the previous embodiments except the dispenser panel 587 is defined by a circular tear line 588 and includes concentric, generally circular fold lines 589 radially spaced from the center of the dispenser panel 587. In the illustrated embodiment, the tear line 588 is generally concentric with the fold lines 589 but the dispenser panel 587 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and located without departing from the invention. The resilient element 566 of the embodiment of Fig. 13 is substantially similar to the resilient element 466 shown in Fig. 12 for the previous embodiment. The resilient element 566 includes a moveable panel 569 that is adhesively attached to the dispenser panel 587 so that the dispenser panel pivots with the moveable panel.

[0046] When a nozzle N or other apparatus initiates the dispenser opening of the dispenser 505, the dispenser panel 587 is separated from the end panel 520 along the tear line 588. The circular fold lines 589 facilitate inward folding of the dispenser panel 587 when the panel is contacted by the nozzle N or other dispensing apparatus. As with the other embodiments, the dispenser panel 587 and/or the resilient element 566 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and or located without departing from the invention.

[0047] The present invention can be used in cartons that include various features, including additional opening features that provide easy access to the materials, and tilt features that position the material towards the front or rear end of the carton. Also, the carton formed from the blanks disclosed herein can include a liner for containing the material to be dispensed therefrom with the liner having an opening for receiving the dispensing nozzle N or other dispensing apparatus.

[0048] The blank according to the present invention can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above. The blank can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0049] In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present invention, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line or other line of disruption.

[0050] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present invention for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, cut line, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present invention.

[0051] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels and/or components adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

[0052] The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present invention. As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the invention, but the invention is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A carton for containing a dispensable material, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton; and a dispenser in at least one panel of the plurality of panels for allowing removal of the dispensable material from the carton, the dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is moveable between a closed position preventing the removal of dispensable material form the carton and an open position allowing the removal of dispensable material through a dispenser opening in the carton, the dispenser comprising a resilient element attached to the at least one panel, the resilient element comprising a moveable panel at least partially defined by a cut line and a hinge, the moveable panel being pivotable at the hinge to bias the dispenser panel to the closed position.

2. The carton of claim 1 wherein the moveable panel is in generally face-to- face relation with the dispenser panel.

3. The carton of claim 1 wherein the moveable panel is adhesively attached to the dispenser panel.

4. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispenser panel is foldably attached to the at least one panel at a fold line, the dispenser panel being pivotable about the fold line between the open position and the closed position.

5. The carton of claim 4 wherein the fold line is an oblique fold line.

6. The carton of claim 5 wherein the fold line is offset from a centerline of the dispenser panel.

7. The carton of claim 5 wherein the tear line is curved and has two end points in the at least one panel, the fold line extending between the two end points to at least partially define the dispenser panel.

8. The carton of claim 7 wherein the tear line is at least partially circular- shaped.

9. The carton of claim 7 wherein the dispenser panel comprise at least two fold lines extending radially from a center point of the dispenser panel.

10. The carton of claim 1 wherein the cut line is curved and has two end points, the hinge comprising a hinge line generally extending between the two end points of the cut line.

11. The carton of claim 10 wherein the cut line is at least partially circular- shaped.

12. The carton of claim 10 wherein the cut line comprises at least two arcuate portions, the arcuate portions being spaced apart and separated by a portion of resilient material that is substantially free of a line of weakening.

13. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispenser panel comprises two dispenser panels respectively foldably attached to the at least one panel at respective fold lines.

14. The carton of claim 13 wherein the fold lines are longitudinal fold lines.

15. The carton of claim 13 wherein the moveable panel comprises two moveable panels for respectively biasing the two dispenser panels to the closed position.

16. The carton of claim 15 wherein the moveable panels are for pivoting about respective longitudinal hinge lines.

17. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispenser panel comprises three dispenser panels respectively foldably attached to the at least one panel at respective fold lines.

18. The carton of claim 17 wherein the moveable panel comprises three moveable panels respectively biasing the three dispenser panels to the closed position.

19. The carton of claim 1 wherein the dispenser panel comprises concentric fold lines radially spaced from a center of the dispenser panel.

20. A blank for forming a carton for containing a dispensable material, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels comprising at least two side panels and at least one end panel; and dispenser features comprising a dispenser panel in at least one panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the dispenser panel is at least partially defined by a tear line in the at least one panel for at least partially separating the dispenser panel from the blank, the dispenser panel being moveable between a closed position wherein the dispenser panel is generally coplanar with the at least one panel and an open position where in the dispenser panel is at least partially separated from the at least one panel, the dispenser features comprising a resilient element attached to the at least one panel, the resilient element comprising a moveable panel at least partially defined by a cut line and a hinge, the moveable panel being pivotable at the hinge to bias the dispenser panel to the closed position.

21. The blank of claim 20 wherein the moveable panel is in generally face-to- face relation with the dispenser panel.

22. The blank of claim 20 wherein the moveable panel is adhesively attached to the dispenser panel.

23. The blank of claim 20 wherein the dispenser panel is foldably attached to the at least one panel at a fold line, the dispenser panel being pivotable about the fold line between the open position and the closed position.

24. The blank of claim 23 wherein the fold line is an oblique fold line and is offset from a centerline of the dispenser panel.

25. The blank of claim 24 wherein the tear line is curved and has two end points in the at least one panel, the fold line extending between the two end points to at least partially define the dispenser panel.

26. The blank of claim 20 wherein the cut line is curved and has two end points, the hinge comprising a hinge line generally extending between the two end points of the cut line.

27. The blank of claim 20 wherein the dispenser panel comprises two dispenser panels respectively foldably attached to the at least one panel at respective longitudinal fold lines and the moveable panel comprises two moveable panels for respectively biasing the two dispenser panels to the closed position.

28. The blank of claim 20 wherein the dispenser panel comprises three dispenser panels respectively foldably attached to the at least one panel at respective fold lines, and the moveable panel comprises three moveable panels respectively biasing the three dispenser panels to the closed position.

29. A carton for containing a dispensable material, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprises at least two side panels and at least one end panel; and a dispenser in at least one panel of the plurality of panels for allowing removal of the dispensable material from the carton, the dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is moveable between a closed position preventing the removal of dispensable material form the carton and an open position allowing the removal of dispensable material through a dispenser opening in the carton, the dispenser panel being foldably attached to the at least one panel at a fold line and being pivotable about the fold line between the open position and the closed position, the fold line being offset from a centerline of the dispenser panel, the dispenser comprising a resilient element attached to the at least one panel, the resilient element comprising a moveable panel being pivotable to bias the dispenser panel to the closed position.

30. The carton of claim 29 wherein the fold line is an oblique fold line spaced apart from a bottom edge of the dispenser panel.

31. The carton of claim 29 wherein the moveable panel is at least partially defined by a cut line and a hinge, the moveable panel being pivotable at the hinge.

32. The carton of claim 31 wherein the hinge is offset from a centerline of the moveable panel and is generally parallel to the fold line.

33. The carton of claim 31 wherein the tear line and the cut line are generally concentric.