WO2018211330A1

WO2018211330A1 - Carton comprising curved corner panels being formed from a blank and method of assembling the carton

Info

Publication number: WO2018211330A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/000684
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark KANSBURG
Original assignee: Generale Biscuit
Priority date: 2017-05-19
Filing date: 2018-05-11
Publication date: 2018-11-22

Abstract

Cartons manufactured by folding a single blank (10) of a suitable material are described. The cartons comprise a plurality of panels that enclose an interior of the carton and that include one or more curved panels defining one or more curved corners of the carton. The curved panels are interlocked with one or more of the panels to retain the curved panels is in a curved configuration during assembly of the carton.

Description

CARTON COMPRISING CURVED CORNER PANELS BEING FORMED FROM A BLANK

AND METHOD OF ASSEMBLING THE CARTON

Field

[0001] A carton is provided that has one or more curved corner panels. A blank for forming the carton, and a method of assembling the carton using the blank are also provided.

Background

[0002] Rectangular cartons for holding consumer products (e.g., foodstuffs) are commonly used and are routine to assemble from carton blanks. Cardboard and paperboard cartons are typically assembled via an automated folding of the carton blanks and attaching various folded portions of the carton blanks to one another to form the cartons.

[0003] Given the tendency of the cardboard and paperboard material to return or spring back to its original position after being folded, it is often difficult to retain the sections of the carton blank in their desired places during the folding of the carton. As such, unlike rectangular cartons having straight panels folded about their respective fold lines, a carton having one or more curved corner panels presents complications relating to multi-step, automated folding assembly from a carton blank.

Summary

[0004] The cartons described herein can be manufactured from a single blank of a suitable material, for example, paperboard, cardboard, or the like. The blank can include predefined creases or fold lines to facilitate the folding of the blank, or the creases of fold lines can be formed by the folding of the blank to form the carton. The cartons according to the embodiments described herein comprise a plurality of panels that enclose an interior of the carton and that include at least one curved panel defining at least one corner of the carton, with a portion of the at least one curved panel being interlocked with at least one of the other panels to retain the curved panel in a curved configuration during assembly of the carton.

[0005] In some embodiments, a carton includes a plurality of panels defining an interior of the carton. The panels include a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of opposing side panels, a pair of top panels, a pair of bottom panels, and a first curved panel. The first curved panel includes a pair of opposing tabs and one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels includes a pair of first curved panel slots configured to receive one of the opposing tabs when the first curved panel is in a curved configuration in order to hold the first curved panel in the curved configuration during assembly of the carton. A carton blank for forming the carton is also provided in accordance with some embodiments.

[0006] The carton can include a second curved panel having a pair of opposing tabs. One of the pair of the top panels and bottom panels can include a pair of second curved panel slots configured to receive one of the opposing tabs when the second curved panel is in a curved configuration in order to hold the second curved panels in the curved configuration during assembly of the carton. In some embodiments, the first curved panel slots are in one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels and the second curved panel slots are in the other of the pair of top panels and bottom panels. In one aspect, the first curved panel and the second curved panel are diametrically opposed. In some aspects, each of the opposing tabs, when located in a respective slot of the top and bottom panels, provides a mechanical interlock configured to restrict movement of each of the curved panels in at least two directions.

[0007] In some embodiments, the first curved panel of the carton is connected to and detachable from one of the side panels along a line of weakness. In some aspects, the first curved panel includes a reduced width portion formed by a pair of indentations and a free edge at its terminal end such that the pair of opposing tabs is located between the pair of indentations and the free edge. In some configurations, the first curved panel and the second curved panel each include a reduced width portion formed by a pair of indentations and a free edge at its terminal end such that the pair of opposing tabs is located between the pair of indentations and the free edge. In some aspects,_each of the curved panels has a maximum width portion on each side of the reduced width portion, the pair of opposing tabs being disposed in one of the maximum width portions.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first of the top panels includes an opening passing therethrough and distinct from the slot formed in each of the top panels. This opening is at least in part aligned with the slot formed in the first of the top panels. Similarly, a first of the bottom panels includes an opening passing therethrough and distinct from the slot formed in each of the bottom panels. This opening in the first of the bottom panels is at least in part aligned with the slot formed in the first of the bottom panels. In some aspects, a second of the top panels is disposed over the first of the top panels and is attached to a first one of the curved panels via an adhesive located within a perimeter of the opening in the first of the top panels. Similarly, a second of the bottom panels is disposed under the first of the bottom panels and is attached to a second one of the curved panels via an adhesive located within a perimeter of the opening in the first of the bottom panels

[0009] Each of the bottom panels of the carton can include two slits oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a respective fold line about which each of the bottom panels is configured to be folded. Each of the two slits can include a pair of substantially transverse slits extending therefrom toward the respective fold line about which each of the bottom panels is configured to be folded. In some embodiments, portions of each of the bottom panels underlying the two slits are configured to form legs configured to permit the carton to stand upright on a flat surface when each of the bottom panels are folded about their respective lines of weakness to a position where each of the bottom panels is substantially perpendicular to the front panel and to the rear panel of the carton. In some aspects, the pair of opposing side panels includes a first side panel movably attached to the front panel and a second side panel movably attached to both the front panel and the rear panel, and the carton further includes a third side panel movably attached to the rear panel and including an adhesive configured to non-detachably attach the third side panel to the first side panel of the carton

[0010] A method of manufacturing a carton is provided. In some embodiments, the method includes folding the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of opposing side panels into a sleeve; moving the first curved panel into the curved configuration and inserting the tabs into the first curved panel slots to hold the first curved panel in the curved configuration; and sequentially folding the one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels with the first curved panel slots into an overlapping arrangement to at least partially close an end of the carton. In some embodiments, a method of manufacturing the carton includes: folding the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of opposing side panels into a sleeve; moving the first curved panel into the curved configuration and inserting the tabs into the first curved panel slots to hold the first curved panel in the curved configuration; sequentially folding the one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels with the first curved panel slots into an overlapping arrangement to at least partially close a first end of the carton; moving the second curved panel into the curved configuration and inserting the tabs into the second curved panel slots to hold the second curved panel in the curved configuration; and sequentially folding the other of the pair of top panels and bottom panels with the second curved panel slots into an overlapping arrangement to at least partially close a second end of the carton. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank that can be assembled into a carton;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton blank of FIG. 1 partially assembled, showing front, rear, and side panels folded and top, bottom and corner panels unfolded;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton blank of FIG. 1 partially assembled, differing from FIG. 2 in that the bottom corner panel curved panel is folded, but the top corner panel remains unfolded;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton blank of FIG. 1 partially assembled, differing from Figure 3 in that a first of the bottom panels including a square opening is folded and a second of the bottom panels remains unfolded;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carton blank of FIG. 1 partially assembled, differing from FIG. 4 in that both of the bottom flaps are folded to close a bottom end of the carton;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carton assembled from the blank of FIG. 6, showing a pair of curved corner panels;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the carton of FIG. 6;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of the carton of FIG. 6;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a right side elevation view of the carton of FIG. 6;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a left side elevation view of the carton of FIG. 6;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the carton of FIG. 6; and

[0022] FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the carton of FIG. 6.

Detailed Description

[0023] FIG. 1 depicts a blank 10 configured to be folded into a carton that can be used to hold various food products. The blank 10 can be made from materials including paperboard, cardboard, and the like, and is configured such that it can be folded (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2-5) from the planar or flat configuration shown in FIG. 1 into a carton 100 shown, for example, in FIG. 6. The carton 100 is configured with at least one curved panel, preferably two curved panels, that form a corner or corners of the carton. The carton 100 is configured to securely hold the curved panel or panels in place during assembly of the carton. The curved panel or panels can be secured against movement in multiple directions, including both upward and rearward directions. Such an arrangement advantageously provides for securement of the curved panel or panels during assembly, such as prior to gluing of the curved panel or panels.

[0024] The blank 10 of FIG. 1 includes a front panel 12, which is generally rectangular in shape. A first side of the front panel 12 of the blank 10 is defined by a crease or fold line 14 and has a first side panel 16 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the fold line 14. The first side panel 16 has a side free edge 17 and can move relative to the front panel 12 about the fold line 14 from a position where the front panel 12 and the first side panel 16 are co-planar (e.g., lie in a single horizontal plane), as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the first side panel 16 is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 12. Such movement of the first side panel 16 relative to the front panel about the fold line 14 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to a partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0025] A second side of the front panel 12 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 is defined by a crease or fold line 18 and has a second side panel 20 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the crease or fold line 18. The second side panel 20 can move relative to the front panel 12 about the fold line 18 from a position where the front panel 12 and the second side panel 20 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1 , to a position where the second side panel 20 is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 12. Such movement of the second side panel 18 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 from the planar configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0026] In some embodiments, the creases or fold lines 14 and 18, as well as the other creases or fold lines (e.g., 22, 26, 63, 64, 65, 70, etc.) shown in FIG. 1 are made in the blank 10 before the blank 10 is folded from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to form the carton 100 shown in FIG. 6. For example, creases or fold lines can be pre- made in the blank 10, for example, by suitable rollers, lasers, or the like. The fold lines can also be formed of perforations or spaced partial depth cuts, such can be desirable to facilitate folding of thicker gage materials. In some embodiments, the creases or fold lines 14 and 18, as well as the other creases or fold lines (e.g., 22, 26, 63, 64, 65, 70, etc.) shown in FIG. 1 are not pre-made in the blank 10, but are formed in the blank 10 as a result of the blank 10 being folded from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to the formed carton shown in FIG. 6. [0027] With reference to FIG. 1, a third side of the front panel 12 is defined by a crease or fold line 22 and has a bottom major panel 24 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the crease or fold line 22. The bottom major panel 24 of FIG. 1 is generally trapezoid in shape and has a bottom free edge 25 that is opposite and generally parallel to the fold line 22. It will be appreciated that the bottom major panel 24 can be of a shape other than trapezoid, for example, rectangular. In FIG. 1, the bottom major panel 24 has a first side 27 and a second side 29 each extending from the fold line 22 to the bottom free edge 25. The bottom major panel 24 can move relative to the front panel 12 about the fold line 22 from a position where the front panel 12 and the bottom major panel 24 are co-planar (e.g., lie in a horizontal plane), as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the bottom major panel 24 is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 12. Such movement of the bottom major panel 24 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] A fourth side of the front panel 12 is defined by a fold line 26 and has a top major panel 28 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the fold line 26. Similarly to the bottom major panel 24, the top major panel 28 of FIG. 1 is generally trapezoid in shape and has a bottom free edge 27 that is opposite and generally parallel to the fold line 26. It will be appreciated that the top major panel 28 can be of a shape other than trapezoid, for example, rectangular. In FIG. 1, the top major panel 28 has a first side 21 and a second side 23 extending from the fold line 22 to the bottom free edge 27. The top major panel 28 can move relative to the front panel 12 about the fold line 26 from a position where the front panel 12 and the top major panel 28 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the top major panel 28 is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 12. Such movement of the top major panel 28 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to the folded configuration shown in FIG. 6.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the generally rectangular front panel 12 has two diametrically opposed, generally right angle corners and two diametrically opposed, curved corners. A first right angle corner of the front panel 12 is formed by the intersection of the fold line 18 and the fold line 26, and a second right angle corner of the front panel 12 is opposite the first right angle corner and is formed by the intersection of the fold line 14 and the fold line 22. A first curved corner of the front panel 12 is formed by a curved portion 32 interconnecting the fold line 18 and the fold line 22, and a second curved corner of the front panel 12 is opposite the first curved corner and is formed by a curved portion 34 of the front panel 12 interconnecting the fold line 14 and the fold line 26. While the front panel 12 is shown in FIG. 1 as having two curved corners, it will be appreciated that the front panel 12 can be configured in some embodiments in only have one curved corner and three non-curved corners (e.g., right angle corners, acute angle corners, obtuse angle corners, or combinations thereof), three curved corners and one non-curved corner, or a pair of curved corners on the same side and a pair of non-curved corners on an opposite side (as opposed to being diametrically opposed).

[0030] In the blank 10 of FIG. 1, the bottom major panel 24 includes a generally square-shaped opening 30. While the opening 30 is shown as being square-shaped, it will be appreciated that the opening 30 can be of any other shape, for example, rectangular, trapezoid, circular, or the like. As will be described in more detail below, after the bottom major panel 24, the bottom portion 56 (which is folded to form one of the curved panels of the carton 100), and the bottom major panel 66 are folded such that the bottom portion 56 underlies the bottom major panel 24 which in turn underlies the bottom major panel 66 during assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10, an adhesive is applied to the surface of the bottom portion 56 exposed through (i.e., within a perimeter of) the opening 30, thereby enabling attachment of the bottom major panel 66 to the bottom portion 56 via the adhesive.

[0031] The bottom major panel 24 of FIG. 1 further includes two slit-like openings 37 and 39 extending in a direction generally parallel to the fold line 22. Each opening 37 and 39 is positioned adjacent the fold line 22 and has two slits 33a, 33b, and 35a, 35b, respectively, extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom toward the fold line 22. The slits 33a, 33b, 35a, and 35b facilitate the folding of the bottom major panel 24 relative to the front panel 12 about the fold line 22 from a position where the front panel 12 and the bottom major panel 24 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the bottom major panel 24 is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 12 as shown in FIG. 4. In addition, the slits 33a, 33b, 35a, and 35b facilitate formation of legs 90, 92 (that can be used to support the formed carton 100 in an upright orientation) of the carton 100 after the folding of the bottom major panel 24 relative to the front panel 12 about the fold line 22 from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 6.

[0032] The bottom major panel 24 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a generally triangular slot-like opening 36. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one side of the opening 36 is defined by the fold line 22, one side of the opening 36 extends from (and generally perpendicularly to) the fold line 22 in a direction toward the bottom free edge 25 of the bottom major panel 24, and one side of the opening 36 extends from the fold line 22 and interconnects the other two sides of the opening 36. While the opening 36 has been shown in FIG. 1 as triangular in shape, it will be appreciated that the opening 36 can be of another shape, including, but not limited to, a trapezoid, a rectangle, an oval, or the like. As will be described in more detail below, the opening 36 is configured to receive a tab 60a of the bottom portion 56 of the blank 10 during the folding of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 into the carton 100 shown in FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the slotlike opening 36 and the slot-like opening 84 (which will be discussed below) have a triangular shape because the bottom portion 56 and the tabs 60a, 60b of the bottom portion 56 are more likely to be positioned at an angle rather than perfectly perpendicular relative to the fold lines 22, 64 and the openings 36, 84 when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100. In particular, the triangular shape of the openings 36, 84 increases the likelihood that the tabs 60a, 60b of the bottom portion 56 are properly inserted into and retained in their respective openings 36, 84 during assembly of the carton 100. In other words, the triangular shape of the openings 36, 84 enables the tabs 60a, 60b of the bottom portion 56 to engage therewith even when the bottom portion 56 is not placed in an exact final position each time.

[0033] In the blank 10 of FIG. 1, the top major panel 28 includes a generally square-shaped opening 38. While the opening 38 is shown as being square-shaped, it will be appreciated that the opening 38 can be of any other shape, for example, rectangular, circular, or the like. As will be described in more detail below, after the top major panel 28, the top portion 46 (which is folded to form one of the curved panels of the carton 100), and the top major panel 72 are folded such that the top major panel 72 underlies the top portion 46, which in turn underlies the top major panel 28 during assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10, the perimeter of the opening 38 encloses an area, where an adhesive is applied to a surface of the top portion 46 exposed through the opening 38, thereby enabling the attachment of the top major panel 72 to the top portion 46 via the adhesive.

[0034] The top major panel 28 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a generally triangular slot or opening 40. While the opening 40 is shown in FIG. 1 as being substantially identical in size and shape to the slot or opening 36 in the bottom major panel 24, it will be appreciated that the openings 36 and 40 do not have to be identical. In addition, while the opening 40 has been shown in FIG. 1 as triangular in shape, it will be appreciated that the opening 40 can be of another suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a trapezoid, a rectangle, or the like. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one side of the opening 40 is defined by the fold line 26, one side of the opening 40 extends from (and generally perpendicularly to) the fold line 26 in a direction toward a top free edge 27 of the top major panel 28, and one side of the opening 36 extends from the fold line 26 and interconnects the other two sides of the opening 36. As will be described in more detail below, the opening 40 is configured to receive a tab 50b of the top portion 46 of the blank 10 during the folding of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 to form the carton 100 shown in FIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot-like opening 40 and the slot-like opening 86 (which will be discussed below) have a triangular shape because the top portion 46 and the tabs 48a, 48b of the top portion 46 are more likely to be positioned at an angle rather than perfectly perpendicular relative to the fold lines 26, 70 and openings 40, 86 when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100. In particular, the triangular shape of the openings 40, 86 increases the likelihood that the tabs 48a, 48b of the top portion 46 are properly inserted into and retained in their respective openings 40, 86 during assembly of the carton 100. In other words, the triangular shape of the openings 40, 86 enables the tabs 48a, 48b of the top portion 46 to engage therewith even when the top portion 46 is not placed in an exact final position each time.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 1, the first side panel 16 of the blank 10 includes a bottom minor panel 42 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about a fold line 44. The bottom minor panel 42 has a bottom free edge 43 opposite and generally parallel to the fold line 44. The bottom minor panel 42 optionally has a portion having greater width and a portion having a reduced width, with shoulders 45a and 45b serving as transitions between the wider and narrower portions of the bottom minor panel 42.

[0036] The first side panel 16 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 also includes a top portion 46 extending from an intersection of the fold line 14 and the curved portion 34 and terminating in a top free edge 47. In the exemplary blank 10 of FIG. 1, the top free edge 47 of the top portion 46 of the first side panel 16 extends further down past both the top free edge 27 of the top major panel 28 and the top free edge 73 of the top major panel 72. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a maximum width of the top portion 46 is indicated via arrow A and extends from a first side 51a to a second side 51b of the top portion 46, and is greater than a maximum width of the first side panel 16, which is indicated via arrow B and extends from the fold line 14 to the side free edge 17. The top portion 46 of FIG. 1 further includes two indentations 48a and 48b that define a reduced width section indicated via arrow C, and two tabs 50a and 50b having a maximum width of the top portion 46 (indicated via arrow A) therebetween and being located between the indentations 48a, 48b and the top free edge 47 of the first side panel 16. In some aspects, the larger maximum width (arrow A) of the top portion 46 relative to the maximum width (arrow B) of the first side panel 16 enables the top portion 46, when the top portion 46 is moved from its substantially vertical orientation of FIG. 1 to the curved orientation of FIG. 6 during the folding of the carton 100, to substantially underlay and be in direct contact with and/or supported by the curved portions 34 and 76 of the front and rear panels 12 and 62, respectively, which secures the top portion 46 in place and restricts it from moving in a direction toward and/or into the interior of the carton 100, thereby retaining the carton 100 in a sealed condition.

[0037] As will be described below, the tabs 50a, 50b permit the top portion 46 of the first side panel 16 to be secured in place and to be restricted from movement in at least two directions (to prevent the top portion 46 from unintentionally returning to its initial position of FIG. 2 during the folding process) by being inserted into openings 40 and 86 of the top major panels 28 and 72, respectively, during the folding of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 into the carton 100 of FIG. 6. While the top portion 46 has been illustrated in FIG. 1 as being an integral and non-removable part of the first side panel 16, it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the top portion 46 can be coupled to the first side panel 16 via, for example, a line of weakness (akin to the line of weakness 98 described in more detail below) that permits the top portion 46 to be detached from the first side panel 16 (e.g., to form an access opening into an interior of the carton 100). For purposes of this disclosure, "non-detachable" means an attachment that is not meant to be detached during normal operation.

[0038] The second side panel 20 includes a top minor panel 52 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about a fold line 54. The top minor panel 52 has a top free edge 53 opposite and generally parallel to the fold line 54. The top minor panel 52 optionally has a portion of greater width and a portion having a reduced width, with shoulders 55a and 55b serving as the transitions between the wider and narrower portions of the top minor panel 52.

[0039] The second side panel 20 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 includes a bottom portion 56 substantially similar in size and shape to the top portion 46 detachably coupled to and extending from an intersection of the fold line 18 and the curved portion 32 of the front panel 12 and terminating in a bottom free edge 57. The bottom free edge 57 of the bottom portion 56 extends further up past both the bottom free edge 25 of the bottom major panel 24 and the bottom free edge 67 of the bottom major panel 66. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a maximum width of the bottom portion 56 is indicated via arrow A and extends from a first side 59a to a second side 59b of the bottom portion 56, and is greater than a maximum width of the second side panel 20, which is indicated via arrow B and extends from the fold line 18 to the fold line 63. The bottom portion 56 of FIG. 1 further includes two indentations 58a and 58b that define a reduced width section indicated via arrow C, and two tabs 60a and 60b having a maximum width of the bottom portion 56 (indicated via arrow A) therebetween and being located between the indentations 58a, 58b and the bottom free edge 57 of the second side panel 20. In some aspects, the larger maximum width (arrow A) of the bottom portion 56 relative to the maximum width (arrow B) of the second side panel 20 enables the bottom portion 56, when the bottom portion 56 is moved from its substantially vertical orientation of FIG. 1 to the curved orientation of FIG. 3 during the folding of the carton 100, to substantially overlay and be in direct contact with and/or supported by the curved portions 32 and 74 of the front panel 12 and rear panel 62, respectively, which secures the bottom portion 56 in place and restricts it from moving in a direction toward and/or into the interior of the carton 100, thereby retaining the carton 100 in a sealed condition.

[0040] As will be described below, the tabs 60a, 60b permit the bottom portion 56 of the second side panel 20 to be secured in place and to be restricted from movement in at least two directions (to prevent the bottom portion 56 from unintentionally returning to its initial position of FIG. 2 during the folding process) by being inserted into openings 36 and 84 of the bottom major panels 24 and 66, respectively, during the folding of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 into the carton 100 of FIG. 6. While the bottom portion 56 has been illustrated in FIG. 1 as being coupled to the second side panel 20 via a line of weakness 98 that permits the bottom portion 56 to be detached from the second side panel 20 (e.g., to form an access opening into an interior of the carton 100), it will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the bottom portion 56 can be configured as an integral and non-removable part of the second side panel 20.

[0041] The blank 10 of FIG. 1 includes a rear panel 62, which is generally rectangular in shape. A first side of the rear panel 62 of the blank 10 is defined by a fold line 65 and has a third side panel 61 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the fold line 65. The third side panel 61 has a side free edge 71, and can move relative to the rear panel 62 via the fold line 65 from a position where the rear panel 62 and the third side panel 61 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the third side panel 61 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 62. Such movement of the third side panel 61 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100 from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to a partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0042] A second side of the rear panel 62 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 is defined by a fold line 63 and has the second side panel 20 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the fold line 63. The second side panel 20 can move relative to the rear panel 62 via the fold line 63 from a position where the rear panel 62 and the second side panel 20 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1 , to a position where the second side panel 20 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 62. Such movement of the second side panel 20 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded from the planar configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2.

[0043] A third side of the rear panel 62 of the blank 10 is defined by a fold line 64 and has a bottom major panel 66 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the fold line 64. The bottom major panel 66 is generally rectangular in shape and has a bottom free edge 67 that is opposite and generally parallel to the fold line 64. The bottom major panel 66 has a first side 68 and a second side 69 extending perpendicularly from the fold line 64 to the bottom free edge 67. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second side 69 of the bottom major panel 66 is co-linear with the fold line 65 that separates the rear panel 62 and the third side panel 61. The bottom major panel 66 can move relative to the rear panel 62 about the fold line 68 from a position where the rear panel 62 and the bottom major panel 66 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the bottom major panel 66 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 62. Such movement of the bottom major panel 66 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100 from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 5.

[0044] A fourth side of the rear panel 62 is defined by a fold line 70 and has a top major panel 72 connected thereto and movable relative thereto about the fold line 70. Unlike the bottom major panel 66, which is trapezoid in shape as described above, the top major panel 72 of the blank 10 is generally rectangular in shape and has a top free edge 73 that is opposite and generally parallel to the fold line 70. The top major panel 72 has a first side 88 and a second side 89 extending perpendicularly from the fold line 70 to the top free edge 73. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the first side 88 of the top major panel 72 is co-linear with the fold line 63 that separates the rear panel 62 and the second side panel 20. The top major panel 72 can move relative to the rear panel 62 about the fold line 70 from a position where the rear panel 62 and the top major panel 72 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the top major panel 72 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 62. Such movement of the top major panel 72 can occur, for example, when the blank 10 is folded during assembly of the carton 100 from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to the folded configuration shown in FIG. 6.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the generally rectangular rear panel 62 has two generally right angle corners and two curved corners. A first right angle corner of the rear panel 62 is formed by the intersection of the fold line 63 and the fold line 70, and a second right angle corner of the rear panel 62 is opposite the first right angle corner and is formed by the intersection of the fold line 64 and the fold line 65. A first curved corner of the rear panel 62 is formed by a curved portion 74 of the rear panel 62 interconnecting the fold line 64 and the fold line 63, and a second curved corner of the rear panel 62 is opposite the first curved corner and is formed by a curved portion 76 of the rear panel 62 interconnecting the fold line 65 and the fold line 70.

[0046] The bottom major panel 66 of FIG. 1 further includes two slit-like openings 78 and 80 that are substantially similar in size and shape to the openings 37 and 39 described above and that extend in a direction generally parallel to the fold line 64. Each opening 78 and 80 is positioned adjacent the fold line 64 and has two slits 79a, 79b, and 81a, 81b, respectively, extending substantially perpendicularly therefrom toward the fold line 64. The slits 79a, 79b, 81a, and 81b facilitate the folding of the bottom major panel 66 relative to the rear panel 62 about the fold line 64 from a position where the rear panel 62 and the bottom major panel 66 are co-planar, as shown in FIG. 1, to a position where the bottom major panel 66 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 62 as shown in FIG. 5. In addition, the slits 79a, 79b, 81a, and 81b facilitate formation of legs 94 and 96 (that can be used to support the formed carton 100 in an upright orientation) of the carton 100 after the folding of the bottom major panel 66 relative to the rear panel 62 about the fold line 64 from the position of FIG. 1 to the position of FIG. 5.

[0047] The bottom major panel 66 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 further includes a generally triangular slot-like opening 84. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one side of the opening 84 is defined by the fold line 64, one side of the opening 84 extends from (and generally perpendicularly to) the fold line 64 in a direction toward the bottom free edge 67 of the bottom major panel 66, and one side of the opening 84 extends from the fold line 64 and interconnects the other two sides of the opening 84. While the opening 84 has been shown in FIG. 1 as triangular in shape, it will be appreciated that the opening 84 can be of another shape, including, but not limited to, a trapezoid, a rectangle, an oval, or the like. As will be described in more detail below, the opening 84 is configured to receive a tab 60b of the bottom portion 56 (which forms one of the curved panels of the carton 100) during the folding of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 to form the carton 100 shown in FIG. 6.

[0048] The top major panel 72 of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 includes a generally triangular opening 86 substantially identical in size to the opening 84 in the bottom major panel 66. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, one side of the opening 86 is defined by the fold line 70, one side of the opening 86 extends from (and generally perpendicularly to) the fold line 70 in a direction toward a top free edge 73 of the top major panel 72, and one side of the opening 86 extends from the fold line 70 and interconnects the other two sides of the opening 86. While the opening 86 has been shown in FIG. 1 as triangular in shape, it will be appreciated that the opening 86 can be of another suitable shape, including, but not limited to, a trapezoid, a rectangle, an oval, or the like. As will be described in more detail below, the opening 86 is configured to receive a tab 50a of the top portion 46 (which forms one of the curved panels of the carton) during the folding of the blank 10 of FIG. 1 to form the carton 100 shown in FIG. 6.

[0049] The blank 10 of FIG. 1 can be folded from the planar configuration of FIG. 1 to a three- dimensional carton 100 shown in FIG. 6, which can be used for storing and/or dispensing foodstuffs. In one exemplary method of forming a carton 100 from the blank 10 of FIG. 1, the blank 10 can be initially folded such that the second side panel 20 moves relative to (e.g., by pivoting about) the fold line 18 such that the second side panel 20 is brought from a position where it is substantially in one (e.g., horizontal) plane with the front panel 12 to a position where it is substantially perpendicular to (i.e., vertical relative to) the front panel 12 of the blank 10. Simultaneously, or a separate second step, the rear panel 62 of the blank 10 is folded such that it moves relative to (e.g., by pivoting about) the fold line 63 such that the side free edge 71 of the third side panel 61 is brought toward the side free edge 17 of the first side panel 16 until the rear panel 62 substantially overlies and/or is substantially directly opposite to the front panel 12, and the fold line 65 substantially overlies and/or is substantially directly opposite to the fold line 14, and the third side panel 61 partially overlies and/or is substantially directly opposite to the first side panel 16. [0050] Prior to, during, or after the above-described movement of the rear panel 62 about the fold line 63, the third side panel 61 can be folded about the fold line 65 from the position where the third side panel 61 is co-planar with the rear panel 62 to a position where the third side panel 61 is substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 62. Similarly, prior to, or after the above-described folding steps, the first side panel 16 of the blank 10 is moved relative to (e.g., by pivoting about) the fold line 14 such that it is brought to a position where it is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 12, such that the side free edge 17 of the first side panel 16, the first side panel 16, and the fold line 14 are substantially co-planar, and such that the first side panel 16 and the third side panel 61 are positioned to have directly facing surfaces that either directly contact or are in close proximity to each other. Subsequently, the adjacent facing surfaces of the third side panel 61 and the first side panel 16 can be attached via an adhesive, which can be applied (before or after the above-described folding of the first side panel 16 and the third side panel 61) to one or both of the facing surfaces of the third side panel 61 and the first side panel 16. In some embodiments, instead of being attached to each other via an adhesive material, the facing surfaces of the first side panel and the third side panel may be attached to each other via other suitable means, for example, heat sealing, welding, UV-curing, lamination, or the like.

[0051] The above-described folding and attachment steps of the planar blank 10 of FIG. 1 result in a partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2, where the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 20 are attached to each other and positioned generally parallel to each other, and the front panel 12 and the rear panel 62 are positioned opposite to each other, generally parallel to each other, and generally perpendicular to the first side panel 16 and the second side panel 20, thereby forming a generally rectangular enclosure of a hollow interior of the carton 100 to be formed from the blank 10. In the exemplary partially folded configuration of the blank 10 shown in FIG. 2, the bottom minor panel 42 and the top portion 46 are each initially co-planar relative to the first side panel 16 with the bottom free edge 43 of the bottom minor panel 42 facing upward and the top free edge 47 of the top portion 46 facing downward. Similarly, in the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2, the bottom portion 56 and the top minor panel 52 are initially co- planar with the second side panel 20 with the bottom free edge 57 of the bottom portion 46 facing upward and the top free edge 53 of the top minor panel 52 facing downward.

[0052] In the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2, the bottom major panel 24 and the bottom major panel 66 are each positioned substantially vertically such that the bottom major panel 24 is positioned substantially in the same plane as the front panel 12 with the bottom free edge 25 of the bottom major panel 24 facing upward, and such that the bottom major panel 66 is positioned substantially in the same plane as the rear panel 62 with the bottom free edge 67 of the bottom major panel 66 facing upward. Similarly, the top major panel 28 and the top major panel 72 are each positioned substantially vertically such that the top major panel 28 is positioned substantially in the same plane as the front panel 12 with the top free edge 27 of the top major panel 28 facing downward, and such that the top major panel 72 is positioned substantially in the same plane as the rear panel 62 with the top free edge 73 of the top major panel 72 facing downward.

[0053] From the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2, the bottom portion 56 can be folded from its straight configuration shown in FIG. 2 to a curved configuration in order to form a first one of the two curved panels and the first one of the two curved corners of the assembled carton 100. In one aspect, the next step of assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 in the partially folded configuration shown in FIG. 2 includes moving (e.g., pivoting) the bottom portion 56 relative to the second side panel 20 about the line of weakness 98 from a position where the bottom portion 56 is straight and co-planar with the second side panel 20 to a position shown in FIG. 3 where the bottom portion 56 is in a curved configuration and is located substantially between, and substantially co-linearly to, both to the curved portion 32 of the front panel 12 and the curved portion 74 of the rear panel 62, thereby forming a curved panel of the carton 100 and defining and enclosing at least a part of one of the two curved corners of the carton 100. As discussed above, during the folding of the bottom portion 56 from the orientation shown in FIG. 1 to the orientation shown in FIG. 3, the larger maximum width (arrow A) of the bottom portion 56 relative to the maximum width (arrow B) of the second side panel 20 enables the bottom portion 56 to substantially overlay and be in direct contact with and/or be supported by the curved portions 32 and 74 of the front panel 12 and rear panel 62, respectively, which secures the bottom portion 56 in place and restricts movement of the bottom portion 56 in a direction toward and/or into the interior of the carton 100, thereby retaining the carton 100 in a sealed condition.

[0054] In addition, during the movement of the bottom potion 56 into the curved orientation shown in FIG. 3, the tab 60a of the bottom portion 56 passes through the slot-like opening 36 in the bottom major panel 24 and the tab 60b of the bottom portion 56 passes through the slot-like opening 84 in the bottom major panel 66. The insertion of the tabs 60a and 60b into their respective slot-like openings 36 and 84 mechanically interlocks the bottom portion 56 with both the bottom major panel 24 and the bottom major panel 66, thereby advantageously securely retaining the bottom portion 56 in place and restricting the bottom portion 56 from springing back to its initial vertical position of FIG. 2 during the next steps of the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10. The mechanical interlock between the tabs 60a and 60b of the bottom portion 56 with their respective slot-like openings 36 and 84 advantageously restricts movement of the bottom portion 56 in at least two directions. In particular, the bottom portion 56 is restricted from moving upward, i.e., in a direction up and away from the fold line 22 and the fold line 64 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to its initial substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, the bottom portion 56 is restricted from moving backward, i.e., in a direction substantially parallel to the fold line 22 and the fold line 64 toward the second side panel 20 from the position shown in FIG. 3 to its initial substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 2.

[0055] In one aspect, with the bottom portion 56 being retained in the position shown in FIG. 3 by the mechanical interlock caused by the above-described insertion of the tabs 60a and 60b into their respective slot-like openings 36 and 84, the next step of the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 can include moving (e.g., by pivoting) the bottom minor panel 42 about the fold line 44 from a position where the bottom minor panel 42 is substantially planar to the first side panel 16 as shown in FIG. 2 to a position where the bottom minor panel 42 is positioned substantially perpendicularly to the first side panel 16, the rear panel 62, and the front panel 12 as shown in FIG. 3, thereby enclosing one of the corners of the carton 100 and defining at least a part of one of the two right angle corners of the carton 100.

[0056] The next step of the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 can include moving (e.g., by pivoting) the bottom major panel 24 about the fold line 22 from the position where it is substantially vertical and co-planar with the front panel 12 as shown in FIG. 3 to a position where the bottom major panel 24 is positioned substantially perpendicularly to both the rear panel 62 and the front panel 12 as shown in FIG. 4, thereby at least in part enclosing a bottom end of the hollow interior of the carton 100. The movement of the bottom major panel 24 from the substantially vertical position shown in FIG. 3 to the substantially horizontal position shown in FIG. 4 permits the portions of the bottom major panel 24 underlying the slits 37 and 39 to extend past the exterior- facing surface of the top major panel 24, thereby forming a first pair of legs 90, 92 that can be used to support the formed carton 100 in an upright orientation (e.g., on a shelf or another product display location of a retail facility where the carton 100 is offered for sale). [0057] With the bottom major panel 24 being in the position shown in FIG. 4, the downward- facing surface of the bottom major panel 24 overlies, is adjacent to, and/or is in direct contact with both the upper-facing surface of the bottom minor panel 42 and the upper-facing surface of the bottom portion 56. In addition, the opening 30 in the bottom major panel 24 overlies the bottom portion 56 such that a part of the upper-facing surface of the bottom portion 56 is visible and exposed through the opening 30. In one aspect, with the bottom portion 56 being positioned as shown in FIG. 4, an adhesive 99 can be applied to the part of the upper-facing surface of the bottom portion 56 exposed through the opening 30 in the bottom major panel 24. In other words, the adhesive 99 can be applied to the bottom portion 56 within the area enclosed by the perimeter of the opening 30 of the bottom major panel 24.

[0058] After the adhesive 99 is applied as described above, the next step in the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 can include moving (e.g., pivoting) the bottom major panel 66 about the fold line 64 from a position where it is substantially vertical and co-planar with the rear panel 62 as shown in FIG. 3 to a position where it is substantially perpendicular both to the rear panel 62 and the front panel 12 as shown in FIG. 5. With the bottom major panel 66 in the position shown in FIG. 5, the downward-facing surface of the bottom major panel 66 overlies and is adjacent to and/or directly contacts both the upper-facing surface of the bottom major panel 24 and the aforementioned exposed adhesive 99, thereby securely attaching the bottom major panel 66 to the bottom portion 56 and securing the bottom major panel 24 in position by sandwiching the bottom major panel 24 between the bottom major panel 66 and the bottom portion 56, as shown in FIG. 5. In one aspect, the movement of the bottom major panel 66 from the substantially vertical position of FIG. 4 to the substantially horizontal position of FIG. 5 permits portions of the bottom major panel 66 underlying the slits 78 and 80 to extend past the exterior-facing surface of the bottom major panel 66, thereby forming a second pair of legs 94, 96 that can be used to support the formed carton 100 in an upright orientation (e.g., on a shelf or another product display location of a retail facility where the carton 100 is sold).

[0059] With the blank 10 being in the partially folded configuration, where one of the curved corners of the carton 100 is formed and enclosed by the bottom portion 56 as shown in FIG. 5, the top portion 46 of the first side panel 16, the top major panel 28, the top minor panel 52, and the top major panel 72 are is positioned in a substantially vertical orientation such that at least one side of the hollow interior of the carton 100 is not yet enclosed. With the blank 10 being in the partially folded configuration of FIG. 5, the next step of the assembly of the carton 100 can include the folding of the top minor panel 52 about the fold line 54 substantially similarly to the folding of the of the bottom minor panel 42 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 above, such that the top minor panel 52 is moved from a position where it is substantially co-planar with the front panel 12 to a position where it is substantially perpendicular to the front panel 12, the first side panel 16, the second side panel 20, and the rear panel 62, thereby enclosing one of the corners of the carton 100 and defining at least a part of a second right angle corner of the carton 100.

[0060] After the top minor panel 52 is folded, the next step of the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 can include folding the top portion 46 of the first side panel 16 from its substantially vertical orientation shown in FIG. 5 to a curved configuration substantially similarly to the folding of the bottom portion 56 as described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 above from its substantially vertical orientation to a curved configuration to enclose one of the corners of the carton 100 and define at least a part of a second one of the two curved corners of the carton 100. During the movement of the top portion 46 from its substantially vertical position to its curved position, the tab 50a of the top portion 46 passes through the slot-like opening 86 in the top major panel 72 and the tab 50b of the top portion 46 passes through the slot-like opening 40 in the top major panel 28. As discussed above, during the folding of the top portion 46 from the orientation shown in FIG. 1 to the orientation shown in FIG. 6, the larger maximum width (arrow A) of the top portion 46 relative to the maximum width (arrow B) of the first side panel 16 enables the top portion 46 to substantially underlay and be in direct contact with and/or be supported by the curved portions 34 and 76 of the front panel 12 and rear panel 62, respectively, which secures the top portion 46 in place and restricts movement of the top portion 46 in a direction toward and/or into the interior of the carton 100, thereby retaining the carton 100 in a sealed condition. As described above with reference to the bottom portion 56 and its tabs 60a and 60b, the insertion of the tabs 50a and 50b of the top portion 46 into their respective openings 86 and 40 as shown in FIG. 6 mechanically interlocks the top portion 46 with both the top major panel 72 and top major panel 28, thereby advantageously securely retaining the top portion 46 in place and restricting the top portion 46 from springing back to its initial vertical position of FIG. 5 during the next steps of the assembly of the carton 100.

[0061] After the top portion 46 is retained in the position shown in FIG. 6 by the mechanical interlock created by the above-described insertion of the tabs 50a and 50b into their respective slot-like openings 86 and 40, the next step of the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 can include moving (e.g., by pivoting) the top major panel 28 about the fold line 26 from its substantially vertical orientation shown in FIG. 5 to a substantially horizontal position perpendicular to the front panel 12 and the rear panel 62 similarly to the folding of the bottom major panel 24 as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 above. The top major panel 28 is folded such that the upward-facing surface of the top major panel 28 underlies, is adjacent to, and/or is in direct contact with the downward-facing surfaces of both the top minor panel 52 and the top portion 46. With the top major panel 28 being in this position, the opening 38 of the top major panel 28 underlies the top portion 46 such that a part of the downward-facing surface of the top portion 46 is visible and exposed through the opening 38, and the next step in the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 can include an application of an adhesive 99 to the part of the downward-facing surface of the top portion 46 exposed through (within the perimeter of) the opening 38 in the top major panel 28 as described above.

[0062] In one aspect, after the adhesive 99 is applied to the surface of the top portion 46 exposed through the opening 38, the next step in the assembly of the carton 100 from the blank 10 includes moving (e.g., pivoting) the top major panel 72 about the fold line 70 from its substantially vertical orientation shown in FIG. 5 to a substantially horizontal position substantially perpendicular to the rear panel 62 and the front panel 12 similarly to the folding of the bottom major panel 66 described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5 above. In particular, the top major panel 72 is folded such that the upward- facing surface of the top major panel 72 underlies, is adjacent to, and/or directly contacts both the downward-facing surface of the top major panel 28 and the aforementioned exposed adhesive 99, thereby securely attaching the top major panel 72 to the top portion 46 and securing the top major panel 28 in position by sandwiching the top major panel 28 between the top major panel 72 and the top portion 46, and resulting in a formed carton 100, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0063] Various views of the carton 100 are shown in FIGS. 7-12 to provide further structural detail of the carton 100. The carton 100 includes two curved panels forming to curved corners, which may be visually appealing to consumers, and which advantageously provide the carton 100 with a distinctive appearance relative to the conventional rectangular-shaped cartons.

[0064] As discussed above, the carton 100 includes a line of weakness 98. In particular, the line of weakness is formed at the transition between the second side panel 20 and the bottom portion 56 (which becomes a curved corner panel of the carton 100 after it is folded). The line of weakness 98 can be a score line, which can be formed by laser ablation, die-cutting, micro-abrasion, or the like. While the line of weakness 98 has been shown as being curved, the line of weakness 98 may be straight or zig-zagged, for example, or a discontinuous line.

[0065] The carton 100 of FIG. 6 can be opened by separating the bottom portion 56 from the second side panel 20 along the line of weakness 98 to create an access opening that can be used to remove the foodstuffs from the interior of the carton 100. In one aspect, a customer applies a force to the bottom portion 56 and/or the second side panel 20, causing a tear in the line of weakness 98 and causing the bottom portion 56 to separate by tearing from the second side panel 20 along the line of weakness 98. In some embodiments, residual tension between the bottom portion 56 and the line of weakness 98 will cause the bottom portion 56 to be biased toward springing and/or otherwise pivoting toward an open position (i.e., in a direction away from an interior of the carton 100) after a tear is initiated in the line of weakness 98. Since the carton 100 of FIG. 6 cannot be opened without causing a tear in the line of weakness 98, the bottom portion 56 and the line of weakness 98 provide a tamper-evidence feature for the carton 100 in that the absence of, or the partial detachment of the bottom portion 56 from the second side panel 20 along the line of weakness 98 would visually indicate to a consumer that the carton 100 has been previously opened or tampered with.

[0066] Any of the foregoing cartons 100 may be made of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, paper, paperboard, cardboard, metalized or unmetalized polymers, laminates, plastics, and the like, as well as combinations thereof. Any of the foregoing cartons 100 can be hermetically sealed to maintain the freshness of a food or other product contained in the cartons 100 prior to initial opening of the cartons 100. The term "seal" does not necessarily require a perfect, hermetic seal, but can also include other forms of adhesion that do not create a hermetic seal, such as glues and other adhesives, whether cold or heat activated, peelable seals, skip seals and the like. Although certain structures are described as being joined, sealed or attached to each other, it will be understood that this includes both direct and indirect or relative joining, sealing or attaching, e.g., with intermediate structures. In addition, while preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications can be effected within the configurations described herein. It will be understood that many of the described features of the above-described blanks and cartons can be modified to create alternative cartons.

Claims

Claims;

1. A carton comprising a plurality of panels defining an interior of the carton, the panels including a front panel, a rear panel, a pair of opposing side panels, a pair of top panels, a pair of bottom panels, and a first curved panel, wherein the first curved panel includes a pair of opposing tabs, and wherein one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels includes a pair of first curved panel slots with each of the slots being configured to receive one of the opposing tabs when the first curved panel is in a curved configuration in order to hold the first curved panel in the curved configuration during assembly of the carton.

2. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a second curved panel that includes a pair of opposing tabs, and wherein one of the pair of the top panels and bottom panels includes a pair of second curved panel slots with each of the slots being configured to receive one of the opposing tabs when the second curved panel is in a curved configuration in order to hold the second curved panels in the curved configuration during assembly of the carton.

3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the first curved panel slots are in one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels and the second curved panel slots are in the other of the pair of top panels and bottom panels.

4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the first curved panel and the second curved panel are diametrically opposed.

5. The carton of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first curved panel is connected to and detachable from one of the side panels along a line of weakness.

6. The carton of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first curved panel includes a reduced width portion formed by a pair of indentations and a free edge at its terminal end, and wherein the pair of opposing tabs is located between the pair of indentations and the free edge.

7. The carton of any one of claims 2-5, wherein the first curved panel and the second curved panel each include a reduced width portion formed by a pair of indentations and a free edge at its terminal end, and wherein the pair of opposing tabs is located between the pair of indentations and the free edge.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein each of the curved panels has a maximum width portion on each side of the reduced width portion, the pair of opposing tabs being disposed in one of the maximum width portions.

9. The carton of claim 2, wherein a first of the top panels includes an opening passing therethrough and distinct from the slot formed in each of the top panels, the opening in the first of the top panels being at least in part aligned with the slot formed in the first of the top panels; and wherein a first of the bottom panels includes an opening passing therethrough and distinct from the slot formed in each of the bottom panels, the opening in the first of the bottom panels being at least in part aligned with the slot formed in the first of the bottom panels.

10. The carton of claim 9, wherein a second of the top panels is disposed over the first of the top panels and is attached to a first one of the curved panels via an adhesive located within a perimeter of the opening in the first of the top panels; and wherein a second of the bottom panels is disposed under the first of the bottom panels and is attached to a second one of the curved panels via an adhesive located within a perimeter of the opening in the first of the bottom panels.

11. The carton of any one of claims 1-10, wherein each of the bottom panels includes two slits oriented in a direction substantially parallel to a respective fold line about which each of the top panels is configured to be folded, each of the two slits including a pair of substantially transverse slits extending therefrom toward the respective fold line about which each of the bottom panels is configured to be folded.

12. The carton of claim 11, wherein portions of each of the bottom panels underlying the two slits are configured to form legs configured to permit the carton to stand upright on a flat surface when each of the bottom panels are folded about their respective lines of weakness to a position where each of the bottom panels is substantially perpendicular to the front panel and to the rear panel of the carton.

13. The carton of claim 1, wherein the pair of opposing side panels includes a first side panel movably attached to the front panel and a second side panel movably attached to both the front panel and the rear panel, and further comprising a third side panel movably attached to the rear panel and including an adhesive configured to non-detachably attach the third side panel to the first side panel of the carton.

14. The carton of claim 2, wherein each of the opposing tabs, when located in a respective slot of the top and bottom panels, provides a mechanical interlock configured to restrict movement of each of the curved panels in at least two directions.

15. A method of manufacturing the carton of claim 1, the method comprising:

folding the front panel, the rear panel, and the pair of opposing side panels into a sleeve; moving the first curved panel into the curved configuration and inserting the tabs into the first curved panel slots to hold the first curved panel in the curved configuration;

sequentially folding the one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels with the first curved panel slots into an overlapping arrangement to at least partially close an end of the carton.

16. A method of manufacturing the carton of claim 2, the method comprising:

sequentially folding the one of the pair of top panels and bottom panels with the first curved panel slots into an overlapping arrangement to at least partially close a first end of the carton; moving the second curved panel into the curved configuration and inserting the tabs into the second curved panel slots to hold the second curved panel in the curved configuration; and sequentially folding the other of the pair of top panels and bottom panels with the second curved panel slots into an overlapping arrangement to at least partially close a second end of the carton.

17. A carton blank for forming the carton of any one of claims 1-14.