Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CARTON HAVING IMPROVED OPENING FEATURES
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Serial No. 60/623,497, filed October 29, 2004, and is a continuation-in-part
of
U.S. Nonprovisional Application Serial No. 11/054,629, filed February 9, 2005,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No.
60/543,382, filed December 10, 2004, the entire contents of the applications
being
hereby incorporated by reference as if repeated in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to cartons for holding articles and for
creating openings that allow access to articles stored therewithin. More
specifically, the present invention relates to cartons having opening
features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Enclosed cartons with opening features and cartons with positioning
features for displaying and enhancing dispensing of articles have been used in
the
past. Cartons with positioning features typically require the user to detach a
portion of the carton, to manipulate the carton to assemble the positioning
assembly, and to place the assembly under the carton. Once the positioning
feature is removed from the carton, the user cannot replace the positioning
feature
to reclose the carton. Other cartons include positioning features that require
adhesives to hold the positioning assembly in place or to adhere the
positioning
assembly to the carton itself. Still other cartons require the user to insert
the
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positioning assembly into pre-formed slots in the carton. In many instances,
after
the user engages the positioning assembly, the structural integrity of the
carton is
lessened or destroyed. Additionally, several prior positioning assemblies are
structurally weak and are easily flattened by excessive weight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a carton with an opening feature
that forms an opening to dispense articles from the carton. In accordance with
one
embodiment of the invention, the opening feature can be created by a tear
line, a
series of tear lines, cuts, or nicks, or other lines of disruption that
provide
hingeable or detachable portions of the enclosed cartons that are capable of
creating an opening for removing articles from the carton. The opening created
by
the separation of the tear line can, in one embodiment, include a
substantially
rectangular-shaped opening that extends from a top panel into a side panel and
turns at approximately a 90-degree (90 ) angle to extend into and along an end
panel flap. The tear line generally extends from the top panel into the
opposite
side panels and turns at approximately a 90 angle and extends into and along
the
corresponding side panel end flaps.
Once the blank is formed into an enclosed carton, such as a parallelepiped
or 6-faced polyhedron whose faces are parallelograms lying in pairs of
parallel
planes, the opening can be created by severing the tear line and detaching
portions
of the top panel, side panels, and exiting end panels. The detached portions
can
remain hinged to the cartons for reclosure or can be severed along the tear
line for
removal from the carton.
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In another embodiment, the tear line can extend from the top panel into
each side panel to a first step portion where the tear line extends for a
desired step
run distance, then turns at approximately 90 to extend a desired step rise
distance
to again turn at approximately 90 and thereafter extend into and through the
respective side panel end flaps.
In another embodiment, the tear line can extend into both side panels a
desired distance to a first step portion, where it is turned at approximately
90 and
extends a first step run distance, after which it turns at approximately 90
to
extend a first step rise distance. The tear line can then be further turned at
approximately 90 so as to extend a second step run distance to then turn at
approximately 90 and extend a second step rise distance to turn at
approximately
90 and extend into and through the side panel end flaps. The turns executed
by
the tear line at each step portion can be substantially perpendicular in the
rise and
run distances, but typically will encompass approximate 90-degree angles
within
the range of about 80 to 95 degree turns.
In still another embodiment, the tear line can extend from the top panel
into each side panel to turn at approximately a 90-degree (90 ) angle to
extend
into and through an end panel flap a desired first distance and then can
extend at a
generally oblique angle a desired second distance after which it again turns
and
extends toward the end of the side panel end flaps.
In yet another embodiment, the tear line can extend from the top panel a
distance into one or both of the side panels and turns at an oblique angle so
as to
extend into the side panel end flaps a distance. The tear line then can turn
and
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extend at a steeper oblique angle a desired distance to a point where it turns
and
extends to the end of the side panel end flaps. This, and other embodiments
identified herein, can include positioning features, such as those detailed in
U.S.
Patent Application Serial No. 11/054,629, the disclosure and figures of which
are
incorporated by reference as if repeated in their entirety herein.
The present invention can be used, for example, in dispensing articles that
contain products such as food and beverages. These articles can include
beverage
containers such as cans, bottles and PET containers, as well as other
containers,
preferably which are substantially cylindrical or round in shape, such as
those
used in packaging foodstuffs. In one aspect of the present invention, a carton
is
provided with positioning means that can be easily positioned or oriented
without
the use of adhesives. In another aspect of the present invention, a carton is
provided with positioning means that can be reclosed after engagement of the
positioning means. In a further aspect of the present invention, a carton is
provided with positioning means that does not require the user to detach
and/or
remove a portion of the carton.
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
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton can be formed
according to the present invention.
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Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a sleeve formed from the blank of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an exiting end of an enclosed carton formed
from the sleeve of Fig. 2 with the access port engaged.
Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the carton of Fig. 3 with an opening created
by detachment along the tear line.
Fig. 5 shows the opening feature hinged to reclose the carton of Fig. 3.
Fig. 6 shows the opening feature being disengaged from the enclosed
carton.
Fig. 7 is a plan view of an alternate blank from which a carton can be
formed according to the present invention.
Fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a sleeve formed from the blank of Fig.
7.
Fig. 9 shows an exiting end of a carton formed from the sleeve of Fig. 8.
Fig. 10 shows the access feature being engaged in the carton of Fig. 9.
Fig. 11 shows the opening feature of the carton being hingedly disengaged
from the carton.
Fig. 12 shows the opening feature of the carton being reclosed after a
container has been removed therefrom.
Fig. 13 shows the opening feature being entirely removed from the carton.
Fig. 14 is a plan view of an alternate blank from which a carton can be
formed according to the present invention.
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the sleeve formed from the blank of Fig.
14.
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Fig. 16 shows an enclosed carton formed from the sleeve of Fig. 15.
Fig. 17 shows the access port being engaged.
Fig. 18 shows the opening feature being engaged and removed along the
tear lines to remain hingedly attached to the carton.
Fig. 19 shows the opening feature being reclosed.
Fig. 20 shows the opening feature being entirely disengaged from the
carton along the tear line.
Fig. 21 is a plan view of another alternate blank from which a carton can
be formed according to the present invention.
Fig. 22 is a plan view of still another alternate blank from which a carton
can be formed according to the present invention.
Fig. 23 is a plan view of another alternate blank from which a carton can
be formed according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference
should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying
drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
figures.
The invention also includes a carton blank, such as a paperboard blank,
which is cut to a specific shape, and creased, scored, cut, or perforated in
specific
areas. The carton blank defines elongate panels between the creases or fold
lines,
and includes flaps at the respective ends of the panels. The carton blank is
folded
to form a sleeve when fully assembled, so that when the end flaps are closed,
the
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assembled carton has a front or forward end, a rearward end, and a top wall, a
bottom wall, front and rear walls, and first and second side walls.
For purposes of illustration, the present invention is generally disclosed as
a paperboard carton that is sized and dimensioned to contain beverages in
cans.
The carton illustrated in the drawing figures is sized to hold 12 articles in
a 2x6
configuration, although the present invention is not limited to any specific
size or
dimension. For example, the present invention would work satisfactorily if
sized
and shaped to hold articles in a variety of other packaging configurations,
such as
3x4, 4x3, 2x4, 2x5, 4x6, 4x5, 3x6, 5x6, etc. The present invention can also be
used in cartons that include various unique features, including opening
features
that provide easy access to the articles, and tilt features that position the
articles at
the front end of the carton.
Also for purposes of illustration, the present invention is shown with a
dispenser formed by non-oblique lines, i.e. lines that are shown as
perpendicular
to some panels and parallel to other panels, and by oblique lines. However,
the
present invention is not limited to any specific size, dimension, orientation
of the
dispenser, or opening formed by the dispenser. For example, the present
invention would work satisfactorily if the dispenser is formed with non-
oblique or
oblique lines that extend through opposing panels, such as from a top panel,
through side panels, and extending to the end panel.
Also for purposes of illustration, the containers shown herein generally
include an end wall configuration that provide an effective barrier against at
least
the bottom row of cans or articles from rolling out of the carton. This end
wall
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generally is formed to have a height that is approximately at, less than, or
over
1/16th of the height above the diameter of one can or article width high.
However,
depending upon the orientation and/or configuration of the carton, the end
panel
can be formed higher than the minimum distance required to keep the cans in
the
lowest row from rolling out of the container.
In Figs. 1, 7, 14, 21, 22, and 23, example blanks that can be formed into
cartons according to the principles of the present invention are shown. Each
of
the blanks generally are formed into a carton by folding panels/portions
thereof
along crease or fold lines to form a carton sleeve with a bottom flap
overlapping
and adhering to another bottom flap or with a top flap overlapping and
adhering to
another top flap. The carton blanks shown can be folded in this manner to form
cartons. A securing means, such as an adhesive or compound generally is
applied
to secure the flaps together to form the sleeve. Once the carton is formed
into a
sleeve, articles, such as ca,ns, can be placed into the sleeve and the end
flaps on
both ends can be closed. The end flaps typically are also held together by
glue or
other means.
The blank 1 shown in Fig. 1 includes bottom panel 10, side panel 20, top
panel 30, side panel 40, and adhesive pane150. The bottom panel 10 is
connected
to side panel 20 along a fold line 21. Side panel 20 is connected to top panel
30 at
a fold line 31. Top pane130 is connected to side panel 40 at a fold line 41.
Side
panel 40 is connected to adhesive panel 50 at a fold line 51. The blank 1 of
Fig. 1
also is shown as including a handle 60 with crease lines 62 and an access port
61
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capable of receiving a hand, fingers, or other apparatus to engage the handle
to
allow moveinent or transport of the carton as desired.
Panels 10, 20, 30, and 40 are connected to end flaps, which are separated
therefrom by fold lines 52 and 54, which are substantially perpendicular to
fold
lines 21, 31, 41, and 51. The end flaps extend along a first marginal area 8
of the
blank 1. Specifically, bottom panel 10 is connected along fold line 52 to a
bottom
panel end flap 12 and connected along a fold line 54 to a bottom panel end
flap
14. Side panel 20 is connected along fold line 52 to side panel end flap 22
and is
connected to side panel end flap 24 along fold line 54. Top pane130 is
connected
to top panel end flap 32 along fold line 52 and is connected to top panel end
flap
34 along fold line 54. Side pane140 is connected to side panel end flap 42
along
fold line 52 and is connected to side panel end flap 44 along fold line 54.
A tear line 65 is shown in blank 1 of Fig. 1 and extends through side panel
end flaps 22 and 42, side panels 20 and 40, and top pane130. When the carton
is
formed, the tear line is separable so as to create a detachable portion 70
(Figs. 2-4)
that is openable to create an opening in the enclosed carton that allows
removal of
the containers enclosed therein. The detachable portion can remain hingedly
attached or can be entirely removed from the carton. Along the tear line and
formed in the top pane130 is an access opening 86 formed along the tear line
in
the top panel and defining a perimeter opening at 88.
Generally the tear line 65 (Fig. 1) includes a series of sections or portions
and extends across the top panel at 78 into each side panel a specified
distance, in
side panel 20 along tear line 80 and in side pane140 along tear line 76.
Generally,
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the tear line extends at a non-oblique angle for each of the side panels,
extending
substantially perpendicular, or at an approximately ninety-degree (90 ) angle
to
the top panel, with the tear line proceeding through the side panels, into,
and
through the respective side panel end flaps. Accordingly, the tear line 76
intersects with tear line 74 formed in side pane140 to intersect with fold
line 52
and extend into side panel end flap 42 along a tear line 72 to an outer
periphery
thereof. Similarly, a tear line 80 extends through side panel 20 to tear line
82,
also formed in side panel 20 and which extends to fold line 52 and into side
panel
end flap 22 along a tear line 84 to an outer periphery thereof.
The tear line generally extends in each side pane120 and 40 a distance
capable of forming the detachable portion while still retaining a bottom end
container in the enclosed carton when the opening is created. This distance D
shown in the figures generally can be in the range of 30-200% of the diameter
of
the can in the side panels 20, 40, and can extend from a support surface SS
upon
which the enclosed carton is resting to retain the bottom row container in the
enclosed carton. Distance D can be any distance measured from fold line 21 to
and including fold line 31. Thus, this distance or height of the tear line
into each
side panel can be greater than or less than a diameter of a container in the
enclosed carton or can be a percentage of the diameter of the carton capable
of
retaining the container in the enclosed carton. For example, this height can
be
5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 55%, 65%, 75%, 85%, 95%, or any increment or
range of these percentages. Further, the percentage or range can be greater
than
the diameter of a container C, for example, 105-200% of the diameter of a
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container in the bottom row. If the carton is formed to enclose more than two
rows of containers, such as three or four rows, the height of the tear line in
each
side panel can be greater or lesser than these percentages.
Fig. 2 shows a sleeve formed of the blank of Fig. 1. Generally, the sleeve
is formed by applying adhesive to an adhesive flap, such as adhesive pane150
and
securing the adhesive pane150 to bottom panel 10. The blank 1 shown in Fig. 1
can be formed in a different configuration to provide, for example, a five
panel
blank with two folding panels that become the bottom or top panel when
adhesively secured together.
Fig. 3 shows the sleeve of Fig. 2 with the end panel flaps being closed and
adhesively secured to secure containers in the enclosed carton. These
containers
generally are forced or otherwise placed into the sleeve of Fig. 2 and the end
panel
flaps are closed to secure and create two ends of an enclosed carton, such as
that
shown in Fig. 3. Also shown in Fig. 3, an access opening for the finger flap
86 or
other access feature for the resultant carton generally is created along
perimeter 88
to allow a user to more easily separate along the tear line the detachable
portion of
the exiting end of the carton to create the opening.
Fig. 4 shows the detachable portion 70 being hingedly detached along the
tear line to create an opening to allow removal of containers C from the
carton.
As shown in Fig. 4, the detachable portion can remain hinged along a tear line
formed in the exiting end and is capable of dispensing a container C, such as
from
the top row adjacent the exiting end.
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As shown in Fig. 5, the detachable portion can be hinged to reclose the
carton after the detachable portion is created along the tear line. Fig. 6
shows the
detachable portion being detached along the tear line at the exiting end to be
entirely removed from the carton.
The blank 101 shown in Fig. 7 includes bottom panel 110, side panel 120,
top panel 130, side panel 140, and adhesive panel 150. The bottom panel 110 is
connected to side panel 120 along a fold line 121. Side panel 120 is connected
to
top panel 130 at a fold line 131. Top panel 130 is connected to side panel 140
at a
fold line 141. Side panel 140 is connected to adhesive panel 150 at a fold
line
151. The blank 101 of Fig. 7 is also shown as including a handle 160 with
crease
lines 162 and an access port 161 capable of receiving a hand, fingers, or
other
apparatus to engage the handle to allow movement or transport of the carton as
desired.
Panels 110, 120, 130, and 140 are connected to end flaps, which are
separated therefrom by fold lines 152 and 154, which are arranged
substantially
perpendicular to fold lines 121, 131, 141, and 151. The end flaps extend along
a
first marginal area 108 of the blank 101. Specifically, bottom panel 110 is
connected along fold line 152 to a bottom panel end flap 112 and connected
along
a fold line 154 to a bottom panel end flap 114. Side panel 120 is connected
along
fold line 152 to side panel end flap 122 and is connected to side panel end
flap
124 along fold line 154. Top panel 130 is connected to top panel end flap 132
along fold line 152 and is connected to top panel end flap 134 along fold line
154.
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Side panel 140 is connected to side panel end flap 142 along fold line 152 and
is
connected to side panel end flap 144 along fold line 154.
A tear line 165 is shown in blank 101 of Fig. 7 that extends through side
panel end flaps 122 and 142, side panels 120 and 140, and top panel 130. When
the carton is formed, the tear line can create a detachable portion 170 to
create an
opening in the enclosed carton that allows removal of the containers enclosed
therein. An access opening 186 formed along the tear line in the top panel 130
and defines a perimeter opening indicated at 188.
Generally, the tear line extends in the top panel at 178 into each side panel
a specified or desired distance, extending through side panel 120 along tear
line
180 and through side panel 140 along tear line 176. Generally, the tear line
extends at a non-oblique angle for each of the side panels extending
substantially
perpendicular, or at an approximately ninety-degree (90 ) angle to the top
panel,
with the tear line proceeding through the side panels, into, and through the
respective side panel end flaps. Tear line 176 extends a distance into the
side
panel 140 to a first step portion to turn at approximately 90 to extend a
first step
run distarice 175 then turn at approximately 90 to extend a first step rise
distance
173 then turn at approximately 90 to extend along tear line 174 to intersect
with
fold line 152 and extend into side panel end flap 142 along a tear line 172 to
an
outer periphery thereof. Similarly, a tear line 180 extends through side panel
120
to a first step portion to turn at approximately 90 to extend a first step
run
distance 185 then turn at approximately 90 to extend a first step rise
distance 183
then turn at approximately 90 to extend along tear line 182 to intersect with
fold
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line 152 and into side panel end flap 122 along tear line 184 to an outer
periphery
thereof.
Generally, the stair included in the blank 101 of Fig. 7 assists a user during
removal of the detachable portion 170 to create the opening in an enclosed
carton.
The stair portion can alleviate the forces existent in detachable portions
without a
stair by creating areas of incremental tear line detachment, requiring lower,
incremental forces, to detach the detachable portion to create the opening in
the
enclosed carton.
Fig. 8 shows a sleeve formed of the blank of Fig. 7. Generally, the sleeve
is formed by applying adhesive to an adhesive flap, such as adhesive panel 150
and securing the adhesive panel 150 to bottom panel 110. The blank 101 shown
in Fig. 7 can be formed in a different configuration to, for example, provide
a five
panel blank with two folding panels that become the bottom panel and which are
adhesively secured thereto each other.
Fig. 9 shows the sleeve of Fig. 8 with the end panel flaps being closed and
adhesively secured to secure containers in the enclosed carton. These
containers
generally are inserted into the sleeve of Fig. 8 and the end panel flaps are
closed to
secure and create two ends of an enclosed carton. Fig. 10 shows engagement of
the access opening by a user's finger. The access opening for the finger flap
186
or other access feature for the resultant carton generally is created along
perimeter
188 to allow a user to more easily separate along the tear line the detachable
portion of the exiting end of the carton to create an opening thereof for
removal of
containers C from the enclosed carton.
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Fig. 11 shows the detachable portion 170 being hingedly detached along
the tear line to create an opening to allow removal of containers C from the
carton. As shown in Fig. 11, the detachable portion can remain hinged along a
tear line formed in the exiting end and can receive a container C, from the
top row
adjacent the existing end in the opening feature of the detachable portion.
As shown in Fig. 12, the detachable portion 170 can be hingedly reclosed
to enclose the remaining containers in the enclosed carton after containers
have
been removed therefrom. Fig. 13 shows the detachable portion being detached
along the tear line at the exiting end to create the opening and allow
detachment of
the detachable portion from the enclosed carton.
The blank 201 shown in Fig. 14 includes bottom panel 210, side panel
220, top panel 230, side pane1240, and adhesive pane1250. The bottom panel
210 is connected to side panel 220 along a fold line 221. Side panel 220 is
connected to top pane1230 at a fold line 231. Top panel 230 is connected to
side
panel 240 at a fold line 241. Side panel 240 is connected to adhesive pane1250
at
a fold line 251. The blank 201 of Fig. 14 also is shown as including a handle
260
with crease lines 262 and an access port 261 capable of receiving a hand,
fingers,
or other apparatus to engage the handle to allow movement or transport of the
carton as desired.
Panels 210, 220, 230, and 240 are connected to end flaps, which are
separated therefrom by fold lines 252 and 254, which are substantially
perpendicular to fold lines 221, 231, 241, and 251. The end flaps extend along
a
first marginal area 208 of the blank 201. Specifically, bottom panel 210 is
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connected along fold line 252 to a bottom panel end flap 212 and connected
along
a fold line 254 to a bottom panel end flap 214. Side panel 220 is connected
along
fold line 252 to side panel end flap 222 and is connected to side panel end
flap
224 along fold line 254. Top panel 230 is connected to top panel end flap 232
along fold line 252 and is connected to top panel end flap 234 along fold line
254.
Side panel 240 is connected to side panel end flap 242 along fold line 252 and
is
connected to side panel end flap 244 along fold line 254.
A tear line 265 is shown in blank 201 of Fig. 14 and extends through side
panel end flaps 222 and 242, side panels 220 and 240, and top panel 230. When
the carton is formed, the tear line is separable so as to create a detachable
portion
270 that is openable to create an opening in the enclosed carton that allows
removal of the containers enclosed therein. Along the tear line and formed in
the
top panel 230 is an access opening 286 formed along the tear line in the top
panel
and defining a perimeter opening at 288.
Generally the tear line includes a series of sections or portions and extends
across the top panel at 278 into each side panel a specified distance, in side
panel
220 along tear line 280 and in side panel 240 along tear line 276. Generally,
the
tear line extends at a non-oblique angle for each of the side panels,
extending
substantially perpendicular, or at an approximately ninety-degree (90 ) angle
to
the top panel, with the tear line proceeding through the side panels, into,
and
through the respective side panel end flaps. Tear line 276 extends a distance
into
the side panel 240 to a first step portion to turn at approximately 90 to
extend a
first step run distance 293 then turn at approximately 90 to extend a first
step rise
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distance 291 then turn at approximately 90 to extend a second step run
distance
275 to then turn at approximately 90 and extend a second step rise distance
273
to turn at approximately 90 and to extend along tear line 274 to intersect
with
fold line 252 and extend into side panel end flap 242 along a tear line 272 to
an
outer periphery thereof. Similarly, a tear line 180 extends through side
pane1220
to a first step portion to turn at approximately 90 to extend a first step
run
distance 297 then turn at approximately 90 to extend a first step rise
distance 295
then turn at approximately 90 to extend a second step run distance 285 to
then
turn at approximately 90 and extend a second step rise distance 283 to turn
at
approximately 90 and extend into and through the side panel end flaps to
extend
along tear line 282 to intersect with fold line 252 and into side panel end
flap 222
along tear line 284 to an outer periphery thereof.
A detachable portion 270 is formed by removal at the finger flap 288
formed in the top panel and detaching the detachable portion to create an
opening
in the enclosed carton. The detachable portion can remain hingedly attached
to, or
can be entirely removed from, the formed carton.
Generally, the stairs included in the blank 201 of Fig. 14 assist a user
during removal of the detachable portion 270 to create the opening in an
enclosed
carton. The stair portions can alleviate the forces existent in detachable
portions
without stairs by creating areas of incremental tear line detachment,
requiring
lower, incremental forces, to detach the detachable portion to create the
opening
in the enclosed carton.
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Fig. 15 shows a sleeve formed of the blank of Fig. 14. Generally, the
sleeve is formed by applying adhesive to an adhesive flap, such as adhesive
panel
250 and securing the adhesive panel 250 to bottom pane1210. The blank 201
shown in Fig. 14 can be formed in a different configuration to, for example,
provide a five panel blank with two folding panels that become the bottom
panel
and which are adhesively secured thereto each other.
Fig. 16 shows the sleeve of Fig. 15 with the end panel flaps being closed
and adhesively secured to secure containers in the enclosed carton. These
containers generally are inserted into the sleeve of Fig. 15 and the end panel
flaps
are closed to secure and create two ends of an enclosed carton. Fig. 17 shows
engagement of the access opening by a user's finger. The access opening for
the
finger flap is created along perimeter 288 to allow a user to more easily
separate
along the tear line the detachable portion of the exiting end of the carton to
create
an opening thereof for removal of containers C from the enclosed carton.
Fig. 18 shows the detachable portion being hingedly detached along the
tear line to create an opening to allow removal of containers C from the
carton.
As shown in Fig. 18, the detachable portion can remain hinged along a tear
line
formed in the exiting end and can receive a container C, from the top row
adjacent
the existing end in the opening feature of the detachable portion.
As shown in Fig. 19, the detachable portion can be hingedly reclosed to
enclose the remaining containers in the enclosed carton after containers have
been
removed therefrom. Fig. 20 shows the detachable portion being detached along
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the tear line at the exiting end to create the opening and allow detachment of
the
detachable portion from the enclosed carton.
The blank shown in Fig. 21 is analogous to the blanks shown in Figs. 1, 7,
and 14, with an alternate tear line orientation formed in the side panel end
flaps.
As shown in Fig. 21, the tear line extends from the finger flap 386 in the top
panel
along perimeter 388 into each side panel in a direction substantially
perpendicular
to the top panel to an approximately ninety-degree (90 ) angle turn. The tear
line
then extends into each side panel end flap a distance to an oblique angle to
extend
a distance and turn to extend to a periphery portion of the side panel end
flaps.
The depth D of the cut in the side panel end flaps can be varied as desired,
and
generally includes the substantially similar ranges as provided above.
The blank 301 shown in Fig. 21 includes bottom pane1310, side panel
320, top pane1330, side pane1340, and adhesive pane1350. The bottom panel
310 is connected to side pane1320 along a fold line 321. Side pane1320 is
connected to top pane1330 at a fold line 331. Top panel 330 is connected to
side
pane1340 at a fold line 341. Side pane1340 is connected to adhesive panel 350
at
a fold line 351. The blank 301 of Fig. 21 also is shown as including a handle
360
with crease lines 362 and an access port 361 capable of receiving a hand,
fingers,
or other apparatus to engage the handle to allow movement or transport of the
carton as desired.
Panels 310, 320, 330, and 340 are connected to end flaps, which are
separated therefrom by fold lines 352 and 354, which are substantially
perpendicular to fold lines 321, 331, 341, and 351. The end flaps extend along
a
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first marginal area 308 of the blank 301. Specifically, bottom pane1310 is
connected along fold line 352 to a bottom panel end flap 312 and connected
along
a fold line 354 to a bottom panel end flap 314. Side pane1320 is connected
along
fold line 352 to side panel end flap 322 and is connected to side panel end
flap
324 along fold line 354. Top panel 330 is connected to top panel end flap 332
along fold line 352 and is connected to top panel end flap 334 along fold line
354.
Side panel 340 is connected to side panel end flap 342 along fold line 352 and
is
connected to side panel end flap 344 along fold line 354.
The tear lines 365 shown in Fig. 21 extend from the top panel 330 along
tear line 378 into the side panels through fold lines 331 and 341. In side
panel
320, the tear line extends to the perpendicular angle at 380 to turn and
extend
along tear line 382 across fold line 352 into side panel end flap 322 to
extend
along tear line 384. In side pane1340, the tear line extends from the fold
line 341
along tear line 376 to the approximately 90 turn to extend along tear line
374
through fold line 352 and into side panel end flap 342 to extend along tear
line
372 to extend to a periphery portion of side panel end flap 342.
Fig. 22 shows an alternate blank from which a carton can be formed. The
blank 401 shown in Fig. 22 includes first bottom pane1410, side pane1420, top
pane1430, side pane1440, and second bottom panel 450. The first bottom panel
410 is connected to side pane1420 along a fold line 421. Side pane1420 is
connected to top panel 430 at a fold line 431. Top pane1430 is connected to
side
panel 440 at a fold line 441. Side pane1440 is connected to second bottom
panel
450 at a fold line 451. The blank 401 of Fig. 22 includes a handle 460 with
crease
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lines 462 and an access port 461 capable of receiving a hand, fingers, or
other
apparatus to engage the handle to allow movement or transport of the carton as
desired.
Panels 410, 420, 430, 440, and 450 are connected to end flaps, which are
separated therefrom by fold lines 452 and 454, which are substantially
perpendicular to fold lines 421, 431, 441, and 451. The end flaps extend along
a
first marginal area 408 of the blank 401. Specifically, first bottom pane1410
is
connected along fold line 452 to a bottom panel end flap 412 and connected
along
a fold line 454 to a bottom panel end flap 414. Side pane1420 is connected
along
fold line 452 to side panel end flap 422 and is connected to side panel end
flap
424 along fold line 454. Top pane1430 is connected to top panel end flap 432
along fold line 452 and is connected to top panel end flap 434 along fold line
454.
Side panel 440 is connected to side panel end flap 442 along fold line 452 and
is
connected to side panel end flap 444 along fold line 454. Second bottom panel
450 is connected to bottom panel end flap 456 along fold line 452 and is
connected to bottom panel end flap 458 along fold line 454.
In the blank of Fig. 22, the opening portion 470 defined by a long tear line
465 is substantially similar to the opening portion 370 shown in the blank of
Fig.
21, however, the tear line in the side panels 420 and 440 extend from the tear
line
478 into side panels 420 and 440 then extend along and into the side panel end
flaps 422 and 442. Specifically, the tear line 478 crosses the fold line 431
and
enters the side panel 420 to extend a distance 480 along the tear line to turn
at
oblique angles to extend along a tear line 482 to intersect with the fold line
452 to
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extend a distance to turn at an oblique, steeper angle to extend along tear
line 484
to turn and extend along the tear line 485 to the periphery of the side panel
end
flap 422. In the top pane1430, a finger flap 486 extends along perimeter 388
at
tear line 478. The tear line in side pane1440 continues from the fold line 441
a
distance 476 to turn at an oblique angle and continue along tear line 474 to
intersect with fold line 452 and continue a distance in side panel end flap
442
along tear line 471 to turn at an oblique angle and extend along tear line 472
to
turn and extend along tear line 475 to the periphery of side panel end flap
442.
The distance D of opening feature 470 shown in Fig. 22 can be at the height
analogous to the blanks shown in Figs. 1, 7, 14, and 21 and generally will
keep
containers in the bottom row. Alternate heights are encompassed, such as those
from the embodiments detailed above.
Also shown in the blank 401 of Fig. 22, a positioning feature is included.
The positioning feature can optimally include a tilt or positioning assembly
that
can be engaged to place a rearward or non-exiting end of the carton at a
height
above the frontward or exiting end of the carton to allow cartons to proceed
according to gravity feed toward the exiting end of the carton. As shown in
the
blank 401 of Fig. 22, the positioning feature generally includes two separate,
but
substantially similar fold lines adapted to create the positioning feature for
the
enclosed carton. As shown, the opening feature includes positioning feature
portions 510 and 520 that, when the panels are adhesively connected, form a
unitary positioning assembly or mechanism.
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The positioning feature 510 includes a fold line 501 formed in the bottom
panel 450 and extending toward a tear line 502, that intersects with fold line
451,
and a tear line 504 that is formed in and extends along side panel 440 to
intersect
with fold line 454. The tear line 505 extends from tear line 504 along and
though
side panel end flap 444 to intersect with the tear line 506 that extends to a
periphery of side panel end flap 444. Also included in side panel end flap 444
is a
fold line 507 that enables creation of an access opening to detach the
positioning
feature from the blank or carton to form the positioning feature.
Additionally, a
fold line 503 can be included in bottom panel 450 to assist in the folding of
the
positioning assembly.
Positioning feature 520 as shown in Fig. 22 includes a fold line 511
formed in bottom panel 410 that extends to tear line 512 at an oblique angle
from
fold line 511, to fold line 421 between bottom panel 410 'and side panel 420.
Tear
line 514 extends from fold line 421 to an intersection with fold line 454,
intersecting with flap 424 that extends along a tear line 515 that extends
along at
an oblique angle with respect to tear line 514 to a tear line 516 that extends
along
a periphery of side panel end flap 424. A fold line 517 can be included in
side
panel end flap 424 to allow, in conjunction with fold line 507 and tear lines
506
and 516, creation of an access opening capable of assisting in the detachment
of
the positioning features 510 and 520 to enable formation and use of the
positioning assembly in the enclosed carton. Also included in bottom panel 410
is
a fold line 513 that assists fold lines 503, 510, and 520 to enable folding of
the
positioning feature along the bottom portion of the enclosed carton to place
the
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positioning feature in a position to allow gravity feed of the containers
toward the
exiting end when the enclosed carton is disposed on a supporting surface. An
embossed area 523 is formed in bottom panel end flap 412 and an embossed area
525 is formed in bottom panel end flap 414 to assist in formation of the
carton
from the blank 401. These embossed areas 523, 525 generally are glue assist
areas that are raised slightly higher than areas surrounding embossed areas
523
and 525 in bottom panel end flaps 412 and 414. Embossing or otherwise pressing
the blank 401 onto a raised block can form a slightly raised portion at
approximately the same height of a 2-ply thickness at areas 523 and 525.
The positioning features can be engaged to enable the carton's rearward
end to be elevated above a supporting surface, such as a counter, refrigerator
shelf,
or cabinet or shelf that is supporting the enclosed carton. When the carton is
manually placed in its elevated position, the containers or articles in the
enclosed
carton accordingly will roll forwardly from the rearward end and toward the
front,
or exiting end, by gravity feed. The carton thus can be positioned to allow a
user
to dispense all articles in a front, or exiting end of the carton individually
as they
feed toward the exiting end. Generally, the positioning or tilt assembly can
be
engaged by accessing the access opening by detachment along tear lines 506 and
516 of the positioning features 510 and 520 and folding of the access opening
along fold lines 507 and 517. Engagement of the positioning features typically
includes pushing inwardly and/or pulling outwardly of the positioning feature
to
separate along tear lines. The tear lines 505 and 515 separate along side
panel end
flaps 444 and 424, respectively, with tear lines 504 and 514 further
separating
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along side panels 440 and 420, respectively, to cause tear lines 502 and 512
in
bottom panels 450 and 410, respectively, to also detach. The positioning
features
of the positioning assembly are then folded along fold lines 501, 511, 503,
513 to
fit the positioning features in place. The carton is then elevated from the
support
surface and can be positioned in any manner to place the positioning or
tilting
feature in an operable position to force or otherwise encourage via gravity
feed of
the containers within the carton to proceed to the exiting end.
The blank 601 shown in Fig. 23 includes first bottom panel 610, side panel
620, top pane1630, side panel 640, and second bottom panel 650. The first
bottom pane1610 is connected to side pane1620 along a fold line 621. Side
panel
620 is connected to top panel 630 at a fold line 631. Top panel 630 is
connected
to side panel 640 at a fold line 641. Side panel 640 is connected to second
bottom
panel 650 at a fold line 651. The blank 601 of Fig. 23 also is shown as
including
a handle 660 with crease lines 662 and an access port 661 capable of receiving
a
hand, fingers, or other apparatus to engage the handle to allow movement or
transport of the carton as desired.
Panels 610, 620, 630, 640, and 650 are connected to end flaps, which are
separated therefrom by fold lines 652 and 654, which are substantially
perpendicular to fold lines 621, 631, 641, and 651. The end flaps extend along
a
first marginal area 608 of the blank 601. Specifically, first bottom panel 610
is
connected along fold line 652 to a bottom panel end flap 612 and connected
along
a fold line 654 to a bottom panel end flap 614. Side pane1620 is connected
along
fold line 652 to side panel end flap 622 and is connected to side panel end
flap
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624 along fold line 654. Top panel 630 is connected to top panel end flap 632
along fold line 652 and is connected to top panel end flap 634 along fold line
654.
Side panel 640 is connected to side panel end flap 642 along fold line 652 and
is
connected to side panel end flap 644 along fold line 654. Second bottom panel
650 is connected to bottom panel end flap 656 along fold line 652 and is
connected to bottom panel end flap 658 along fold line 654.
A tear line 665 is shown in blank 601 of Fig. 23 and extends through side
panel end flaps 622 and 642, side panels 620 and 640, and top pane1630. When
the carton is formed, the tear line is separable so as to create a detachable
portion
670 that is openable to create an opening in the enclosed carton that allows
removal of the containers enclosed therein. The detachable portion can remain
hingedly attached or can be entirely removed from the carton. Along the tear
line
and formed in the top pane1630 is an access opening 686 formed along the tear
line in the top panel and defining a perimeter opening at 688.
Generally the tear line 665 includes a series of sections or portions and
extends across the top panel at 678 into each side panel a specified distance,
in
side panel 620 along tear line 680 and in side panel 640 along tear line 676.
Generally, the tear line extends at a non-oblique angle for each of the side
panels,
extending substantially perpendicular, or at an approximately ninety-degree
(90 )
angle to the top panel, with the tear line proceeding through the side panels,
into,
and through the respective side panel end flaps. Accordingly, the tear line
676
intersects with tear line 674 formed in side panel 640 to intersect with fold
line
652 and extend into side panel end flap 642 along a tear line 672 to an outer
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periphery thereof. Similarly, a tear line 680 extends through side panel 620
to tear
line 682, also formed in side panel 620 and which extends to fold line 652 and
into side panel end flap 622 along a tear line 684 to an outer periphery
thereof.
The tear line generally extends in each side panel 620 and 640 a distance
capable of forming the detachable portion while still retaining a bottom end
container in the enclosed carton when the opening is created. This distance D
shown in the figures generally can be in the range of about 105-200%
(excluding
the width of the blank--indicating that the actual height of D from the bottom
panel or a supporting surface upon which the enclosed carton rests can be
slightly
greater than 200% of the diameter of a container and can be disposed, for
example, in an portion, including portions adjacent the top panel, of a tear
line
that extends along fold lines 631, 641) of the diameter of the container in
the side
panels 620, 640, and can extend from a support surface SS upon which the
enclosed carton is resting to retain the bottom row container in the enclosed
carton
(generally at fold line 621). Thus, this distance or height of the tear line
into each
side panel in Fig. 23 is greater than a diameter of a container in the
enclosed
carton and can be greater by a percentage of the diameter of the carton
capable of
retaining the container in the enclosed carton. Distance D can be any distance
measured from fold line 621, up to and including fold lines 631 and 641. For
example, this height can be 105%, 110%, 120%, 130%, 140%, 150%, 155%,
165%, 175%, 185%, 195%, or any increment or range of these percentages,
including 200%. If the carton is formed to enclose more than two rows of
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containers, such as three or four rows, the height of the tear line in each
side panel
can be greater or lesser than these percentages.
The detachable portion 670 can be formed along a tear line substantially in
the top panel, e.g. along the finger flap 686 at perimeter 688 along tear line
678 to,
into, and along fold lines 631 and 641 to fold line 652. The tear line in this
example could then either extend along the fold line 652 to form a detachable
portion defined along tear line 678, a tear line extending along and through
fold
line 631, a tear line extending along and through fold line 641, and a tear
line
extending along and through fold line 652 at its intersection between top
panel
630 and top panel end flap 632. Alternatively, the tear line in this example
could
extend across fold line 652 into the exiting end and into any combination of
portions of side panel end flap 622, top panel end flap 632, and side panel
end flap
642. This alternative could form the detachable portion defined along tear
line
678, a tear line extending along and through fold line 631, a tear line
extending
along and through fold line 641, and into the exiting end in any configuration
therein, including any combination of oblique, non-oblique, deep cut lines
that
extend to the bottom panel(s), or shallow cut lines that extend only partially
into
the exiting end toward the bottom panel(s).
Also shown in the blank 601 of Fig. 23, a positioning feature is included.
The positioning feature, analogous to the positioning feature 510, 520 in Fig.
22,
can optimally include a tilt or positioning assembly that can be engaged to
place a
rearward or non-exiting end of the carton at a height above the frontward or
exiting end of the carton to allow cartons to proceed according to gravity
feed
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toward the exiting end of the carton. As shown in the blank 601 of Fig. 23,
the
positioning feature generally includes two separate, but substantially similar
fold
lines adapted to create the positioning feature for the enclosed carton. As
shown,
the opening feature includes positioning feature portions 710 and 720 that,
when
the panels are adhesively connected, form a unitary positioning assembly or
mechanism.
The positioning feature 710 includes a fold line 701 formed in the bottom
panel 650 and extending toward a tear line 702, that intersects with fold line
651,
and a tear line 704 that is formed in and extends along side pane1640 to
intersect
with fold line 654. The tear line 705 extends from tear line 704 along and
though
side panel end flap 644 to intersect with the tear line 706 that extends to a
periphery of side panel end flap 644. Also included in side panel end flap 644
is a
fold line 707 that enables creation of an access opening to detach the
positioning
feature from the blank or carton to form the positioning feature.
Additionally, a
fold line 703 can be included in bottom panel 650 to assist in the folding of
the
positioning assembly.
Positioning feature 720 as shown in Fig. 23 includes a fold line 711
formed in bottom pane1610 that extends to tear line 712 at an oblique angle
from
fold line 711 to fold line 621 between bottom pane1610 and side panel 620.
Tear
line 714 extends from fold line 621 to an intersection with fold line 654,
intersecting with flap 624 that extends along a tear line 715 that extends
along at
an oblique angle with respect to tear line 714 to a tear line 716 that extends
along
a periphery of side panel end flap 624. A fold line 717 can be included in
side
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panel end flap 624 to allow, in conjunction with fold line 707 and tear lines
706
and 716, creation of an access opening capable of assisting in the detachment
of
the positioning features 710 and 720 to enable formation and use of the
positioning assembly in the enclosed carton. Also included in bottom panel 610
is
a fold line 713 that assists fold lines 703, 710, and 720 to enable folding of
the
positioning feature along the bottom portion of the enclosed carton to place
the
positioning feature in a position to allow gravity feed of the containers
toward the
exiting end when the enclosed carton is disposed on a supporting surface. An
embossed area 723 is formed in bottom panel end flap 612 and an embossed area
725 is formed in bottom panel end flap 614 to assist in formation of the
carton
from the blank 601. These embossed areas 723, 725 generally are glue assist
areas that are raised slightly higher than areas surrounding einbossed areas
723
and 725 in bottom panel end flaps 612 and 614. Embossing or otherwise pressing
the blank 601 onto a raised block can form a slightly raised portion at
approximately the same height of a 2-ply thickness at areas 723 and 725.
The positioning features can be engaged to enable the carton's rearward
end to be elevated above a supporting surface, such as a counter, refrigerator
shelf,
or cabinet or shelf that is supporting the enclosed carton. When the carton is
manually placed in its elevated position, the containers or articles in the
enclosed
carton accordingly will roll forward from the rearward end and toward the
front,
or exiting end, by gravity feed. The carton thus can be positioned to allow a
user
to dispense all articles in a front, or exiting end of the carton individually
as they
feed toward the exiting end. Generally, the positioning or tilt assembly can
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engaged by accessing the access opening by detachment along tear lines 706 and
716 of the positioning features 710 and 720 and folding of the access opening
along fold lines 707 and 717. Engagement of the positioning features typically
includes pushing inwardly and/or pulling outwardly of the positioning feature
to
separate along tear lines. The tear lines 705 and 715 separate along side
panel end
flaps 644 and 624, respectively, with tear lines 704 and 714 further
separating
along side panels 640 and 620, respectively, to cause tear lines 702 and 712
in
bottom panels 650 and 610, respectively, to also detach. The positioning
features
of the positioning assembly are then folded along fold lines 701, 711, 703,
713 to
fit the positioning features in place. The carton is then elevated from the
support
surface and can be positioned in any manner to place the positioning or
tilting
feature in an operable position to force or otherwise encourage via gravity
feed of
the containers within the carton to proceed to the exiting end.
The depth of the detachable portion in the blanks 1, 101, 201, 301, 401,
and 601 of the above embodiments can extend in the formed cartons to allow the
containers C in the upper column or columns of the carton to be accessed. For
example, the depth can be in the range of at 70-130% of the diameter of a
container. Further, the cartons erected from the blanks 1, 101, 201, 301, 401,
and
601 can enclose, for example, twelve 12-ounce containers C, or can be resized
to
enclose any number, variety, or orientation of containers desired.
The carton of the present invention encompasses configurations and
descriptions the cartons commonly owned by the present assignee and
specifically
those detailed in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,715,639; 6,604,677; 6,578,736; and
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6,484,903; and U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 10/789,792; 10/777,614;
10/626,234; and 10/271,447, all of which are incorporated by reference herein
as
if repeated in entirety herein.
The blanks 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 blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay
coating
may then be printed over with product specification, advertising, price
coding, and
other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to
protect any information printed on the blanks. The blanks also may be coated
with, for example, a moisture barrier column, on either or both sides of the
blanks.
In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blanks may be
constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid
than
ordinary paper. The blanks also can be constructed of other materials, such as
cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for
enabling the dispensers to function at least generally as described above. The
blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like
materials at
selected panels or panel sections.
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, the
fold
and/or tear lines used can include: score lines, such as lines formed with a
blunt
scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material
along the
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desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along
the
desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts, nicks, perforations,
indentations,
or other creasing or lines of separation 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.
The above embodiments may be described as having one or panels
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.
The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes the
present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only
selected
embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that 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.
33
