Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CARTON WITH OPENING ACCESS FEATURE
Cross-Reference To Related Applications
[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) of provisional
application serial number 60/721,772, filed on September 28, 2005, and
provisional
application serial number 60/737,134, filed on November 16, 2005.
Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] The invention relates to cartons and more particularly to a carton for
multiple articles
having an opening feature for facilitating removal of individual articles.
Background of the Invention
[0003] Cartons for encasing multiple articles are useful for enabling
consumers to obtain and
transport a desired quantity of individual articles such as bottles or cans of
beer or other
beverages. Once such a multiple-pack of articles is obtained and transported
to, e.g., the
consumer's home, the consumer then desires to remove the articles from the
carton. The
articles may be completely removed at one time, or may be removed in small
groups of
articles, or as individual articles. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would
be desirable to
have a carton with an opening feature that facilitates the removal of articles
from the carton in
these various ways.
Summary of the Invention
[0004] The present invention provides an access opening for a carton that is
comprised of
two or more adjacent portions, one or more of which may be removed to provide
access to
the carton contents.
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[0005] The present invention, in one aspect, provides a carton for packaging a
plurality of
articles, comprising top and bottom panels interconnected by a pair of opposed
side walls to
form a generally tubular structure. An end wall is provided at each end of the
tubular
structure to at least partially close each end. Means for providing access to
the articles
includes a first detachable portion extending across a part of the top panel
and at least a part
of one of the opposed side walls. A second detachable portion is disposed
adjacent to the
first detachable portion and extends across a further part of the top panel
and into a part of
one of the end walls, whereby removal of the first detachable portion and the
second
detachable portion defines an access opening formed from portions of the top
panel, the one
opposed side wall, and the one end wall.
[0006] The access means may further include a third detachable portion
disposed adjacent to
the first detachable portion and extending across at least a portion of the
other end walls, in
which case the access opening is further formed from a portion of the other
end wall.
[0007] The first detachable portion may extend across the top panel at
locations remote from
the end walls. The second and third detachable portions then each extend
across a portion of
the top panel adjacent to the first detachable portion.
[0008] The first detachable portion may further extend at least partially into
the other of the
opposed end walls. The second detachable portion may extend at least partially
into the one
opposed side wall. Removal of either detachable portion defines an access
opening formed
from portions of the top panel, the one or two opposed side walls, and an end
wall. Removal
of both detachable portions then defines an access opening formed from
portions of the top
panel, at least one of the opposed side walls, and both of the end walls.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of
example
only with reference to the acconipanying drawings in which:
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[00010] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a carton blank according to an embodiment of
the
invention;
[00011] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a carton sleeve erected from the blank
of FIG.
1, showing the carton prepared to receive the articles to be packaged;
[00012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the carton in Fig. 2 after loading
with its ends
closed; '
[00013] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the carton in Fig. 3 with a first
access portion
removed;
[00014] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the carton in Fig. 4 with a second
access portion
shown in an opened position;
[00015] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the carton in Fig. 5 with a third
access portion
shown in an opened position; and
[00016] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the carton in Fig. 6 with the second
and third
access portions removed.
[00017] Fig. 8 is a plan view of a carton blank according to another
embodiment of the
invention;
[00018] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a carton sleeve erected from the blank
of FIG.
8, showing the carton prepared to receive the articles to be packaged;
[00019] Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a carton sleeve erected from the
blank of FIG.
8, showing the carton with side end flaps closed;
[00020] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the carton after loading with its
ends closed;
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[00021] Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the carton with a opening feature
access hole;
[00022] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the carton with a first access
portion shown in
an opened position but still attached;
[00023] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the carton with a first access access
portion
detached; and
[00024] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the carton with both the first and
second
access portions removed.
[00025] For convenience of understanding, reference may be made to any of
Figs. 1
through 7 simultaneously, or any of Figs. 8 through 15 simultaneously.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Einbodiments
[00026] Figs. 1 to 7 illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention.
Throughout
these drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or
like features of
the invention.
[00027] Fig. 1 shows a blank 10 from which the carton of Figs. 2-7 is erected.
The
blank 10 is horizontally elongate as viewed in Fig. 1 and is formed, in this
embodiment, of
paperboard. However, the blank maybe formed of other foldable material such as
a plastic
sheet or the like. The blank 10 of this embodiment is designed for packaging
articles of an
identical configuration, such as beverage bottles, arranged in four rows of
six bottles each.
However, the invention may be used for any number of bottles, with the blank
sized
accordingly. In addition, the invention may be used with cartons for packaging
cans or other
articles.
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[00028] Referring to Fig. 1, the blank 10 includes four primary panels for
forming the
carton walls, hingedly connected one to the next. A first side wall panel 12
is hingedly
connected to the top wall panel 14 along fold line 34. The top wall panel 14
is hingedly
connected to a second side wall panel 16 along fold line 36 which is in turn
hingedly
connected to the bottom wall panel 18 along fold line 38. The bottom wall
panel 18 is
hingedly connected to a glue flap 20 along fold line 40.
[00029] Side end flaps 22 and 24 are hingedly connected along fold lines 42
and 44
respectively to first side wall panel 12. Top end flaps 26 and 28 are hingedly
connected
along fold lines 46 and 48 respectively to top wall panel 14. Side end flaps
30 and 32 are
hingedly connected along fold lines 50 and 52 respectively to second side wall
panel 16.
Bottom end flaps 31 and 33 are hingedly connected along fold lines 51 and 53
respectively to
bottom wall panel 18.
[00030] Each of top end flaps 26 and 28 include a hand aperture 54 and 56
respectively
which partially form a handle in each end of the erected carton. Apertures 54
and 56 may
optionally be covered by flaps (not shown) as is conventional in the art. Each
of side end
flaps 22, 24, 30, and 32 include partial apertures 58, 60, 62, and 64,
respectively, that are
aligned with the respective apertures 54 and 56 when the carton is erected and
closed to
further define the handles. Side end flap 22 further includes a reinforcing
flap 66 hingedly
connected along its top edge by fold line 68. Flap 66 may be folded along fold
line 68 and
glued to the inner surface of end flap 22 to provide a handle reinforcement in
the manner
taught in U.S. Patent Application No. 11/320542, filed December 28, 2005 based
on U.S.
Provisional Application 60/690412 filed June 13, 2005. Similar flaps 66 are
connected to
side end flaps 24, 30 and 32.
[00031] To define the access feature in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention, a pair of substantially parallel perforated tear lines 70 and 72
are formed in the top
and side wall panels, each extending coinpletely across the width of top wall
panel 14 and
partially into side wall panels 12 and 16. In wall panel 12, the tear lines 70
and 72 are
connected at their ends by tear line 74, which includes an arcuate cut line 76
disposed
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approximately at its center portion to define a starter tab 78. A cut line 80
extends from the
junction of cut lines 70 and 74 across fold line 42 and across end flap 22 to
its outer edge. A
similar cut line 82 extends from the junction of cut lines 72 and 74 across
fold line 44 and
across end flap 24 to its outer edge. In wall panel 16, the tear lines 70 and
72 are connected
at their ends by tear line 84, with a cut line 86 extending from the junction
of cut lines 70 and
84 across fold line 50 and across end flap 30 to its outer edge. A similar cut
line 88 extends
from the junction of cut lines 72 and 84 across fold line 52 and across end
flap 32 to its outer
edge.
[00032] As will be explained further herein, a first access portion 90 is
defined by the
portion of the blank bounded by tear lines 70, 72, 74, and 84. A second access
portion 92 is
defined by the portion of the blank bounded by tear lines 72, 82, and 88, and
by the
corresponding side edge of the blank 10. A third access portion 94 is defined
by the portion
of the blank bounded by tear lines 70, 80, and 86, and by the corresponding
side edge of the
blank 10.
[00033] Although the tear lines described herein are preferably formed from
perforated
lines, they may alternatively be formed by zippered tear strips, scored lines,
partial cuts, or
other recognized means of facilitating controlled tearing of a package. For
example, each
tear line may be formed of a series of small cut lines and nicks, a line of
short slits, a line of
half cuts, a combination of slits and score lines, and similar arrangements or
combinations
thereof.
[00034] To erect the carton of blank 10, glue is applied to glue flap 20,
which is then
adhered to the inner surface of side wall panel 12 at its outer edge. The
carton may then be
folded along fold lines 34, 36, 38, and 40 to form the open tube shown in Fig.
2. In this
condition, the carton is ready to be loaded with its contents (e.g., bottles)
through one or both
of its open ends. Loading is typically done with high-speed beverage packaging
machinery
as is known in the art.
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[00035] Once loaded, one end of the carton may be closed by first folding
inwardly
end flaps 24 and 32. Glue is applied to the flaps, and bottom end flap 33 is
folded upwardly,
whereafter top end flap 28 is folded downwardly. The folded and glued end
flaps 24, 28, 32,
and 33 together form an end wall for the carton. The opposite end of the
carton is closed by a
similar operation, both of which are typically performed on the carton loading
machinery.
After closure, the carton appears as shown in Fig. 3. In this condition, the
carton may be
delivered to a point of purchase for purchase by a consumer.
[00036] To open the carton, a consumer inserts their finger through opening 76
and
grips access portion 90. By pulling upwardly on portion 90, tear line 74 will
separate.
Further pulling of the portion 90 will cause tearing along tear lines 70 and
72 and portion 90
will separate from side wall panel 12. Further pulling will cause the portion
90 to separate
from top wall panel 14 and then from a portion of opposite side wall panel 16.
Lastly, the
portion 90 is torn from the carton by tearing along tear line 84. Upon removal
of portion 90,
the carton will appear as shown in Fig. 4. As can be seen, the packaged
bottles B are readily
accessible for removal. However, the carton remains essentially intact,
thereby permitting it
to be carried by the handles formed in the carton end walls.
[00037] A less-obstructed access to the bottles may be obtained by opening the
second
access portion 92. Referring to Figs. 4 and 5, the consumer may grasp the
remaining portion
of top wall panel 14 lying adjacent to tear line 70 and pull outwardly. This
will cause tear
lines 82 on wall panel 12 and tear lines 88 on wall panel 16 (not shown in
Figs. 4 and 5) to
separate, whereupon opening access portion 92 may be pivoted outwardly from
the bottles,
exposing the end-most bottles adjacent the end wall as shown in Fig. 5.
[00038] Similarly, the consumer may grasp the remaining portion of top wall
panel 14
lying adjacent to tear line 72 and pull outwardly. This will cause tear lines
80 on wall panel
12 and tear lines 86 on wall panel 16 (not shown in Figs. 4 and 5) to
separate, whereupon the
third opening access portion 94 may be pivoted outwardly from the bottles at
the opposite
end of the carton. When so opened, the carton will appear as shown in Fig. 6.
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[00039] Finally, if desired, the consumer may tear away one or both of the
opening
access portions 92 and 94. The access portions are torn along the portions of
tear lines 80,
82, 86, and 88 lying in end flaps 22, 24, 30, and 32, respectively. The carton
will appear as
shown in Fig. 7.
[00040] Figs. 8 to 15 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention.
In this
embodiment, the central access portion shown as portion 90 in Figsr 1-7 is
eliminated, and the
access opening is provided by two portions, each disposed along an opposite
end of the
carton.
[00041] Fig. 8 shows a blank 110 from which the carton of Figs. 9-15 is
erected. The
blank 110 is horizontally elongate as viewed in Fig. 8 and is fonned, in this
embodiment, of
paperboard. However, the blank maybe formed of other foldable material such as
a plastic
sheet or the like. The blank 110 of this embodiment is designed for packaging
articles of an
identical configuration, such as beverage bottles, arranged in four rows of
five bottles each.
However, the invention may be used for any number of bottles, with the blank
sized
accordingly. In addition, the invention may be used with cartons for packaging
cans or other
articles.
[00042] Referring to Fig. 8, the blank 110 includes four primary panels for
forming the
carton walls, hingedly connected one to the next. A first side wall panel 112
is hingedly
connected to the top wall panel 114 along fold line 134. The top wall panel
114 is hingedly
connected to a second side wall panel 116 along fold line 136. The second side
wall panel
116 is in turn hingedly connected to the bottom wall panel 118 along fold line
138. The
bottom wall panel 118 is hingedly connected to a glue flap 120 along fold line
140.
[00043] Side end flaps 122 and 124 are hingedly connected along fold lines 142
and
144 respectively to first side wall panel 112. Top end flaps 126 and 128 are
hingedly
connected along fold lines 146 and 148 respectively to top wall panel 114.
Side end flaps
130 and 132 are hingedly connected along fold lines 150 and 152 respectively
to second side
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wall panel 116. Bottom end flaps 131 and 133 are hingedly connected along fold
lines 151
and 153 respectively to bottom wall panel 118.
[00044] Each of top end flaps 126 and 128 include a hand aperture 154 and 156
respectively which partially form a handle in each end of the erected carton.
Apertures 154
and 156 may optionally be covered by flaps as is conventional in the art. Each
of side end
flaps 122, 124, 130, and 132 include partial apertures 158, 160, 162, and 164
respectively,
which are aligned with the respective apertures 154 and 156 when the carton is
erected and
closed to further define the handles. Side end flap 122 further includes a
reinforcing flap 166
hingedly connected along its top edge by fold line 168. Flap 166 may be folded
along fold
line 168 and glued to the inner surface of end flap 122 to provide a handle
reinforcement in
the manner taught in the above referenced U.S. Patent Application No.
11/320542, filed
December 28, 2005. Similar flaps 166 are connected to side end flaps 124, 130
and 132.
[00045] To define the access feature in accordance with one embodiment of the
invention, a perforated tear line 170 is formed in the top panel, extending
completely across
the width of top wall panel 114. On one side, perforated tear line 170
continues into side
panel 112 as perforated tear line or lines 174, further extending across side
panel 112 to join
perforated tear lines 180 and 182 which extend out into the side end flaps 122
and 124. On
the opposing side, perforated tear line 170 continues into side panel 116 as
perforated tear
line or lines 184, further extending across side panel 116 to join perforated
tear lines 186 and
188 which extend out into the side end flaps 130 and 132. In top panel 114,
the tear line 170
includes at its center a perforated finger access opening area 175 useful as a
hand hold for
starting a tear.
[00046] Although the tear lines described herein are preferably formed from
perforated
lines, they may alternatively be formed by zippered tear strips, scored lines,
partial cuts, or
other recognized means of facilitating controlled tearing of a package. For
example, each
tear line may be formed of a series of small cut lines and nicks, a line of
short slits, a line of
half cuts, a combination of slits and score lines, and similar arrangements or
combinations
thereof.
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[00047] To erect the carton of blank 110, glue is applied to glue flap 120,
which is then
adhered to the inner surface of side wall panel 112 at its outer edge. The
carton may then be
folded along fold lines 134, 136, 138, and 140 to form the open tube shown in
Fig. 9. In this
condition, the carton is ready to be loaded with its contents (e.g., bottles)
through one or both
of its open ends. Loading is typically done with high-speed beverage packaging
machinery
as is known in the art.
[00048] Fig. 10 shows how, once loaded, one of the ends of the carton may be
closed
by first folding inwardly end flaps 124 and 132. Glue is applied to the flaps,
and bottom end
flap 133 is folded upwardly, whereafter top end flap 128 is folded downwardly.
The folded
and glued end flaps 124, 128, 132, and 133 together form an end wall for the
carton. The
opposite end of the carton is closed by a similar operation, both of which are
typically
performed on the carton loading machinery. After closure, the carton appears
as shown in
Fig. 11. In this condition, the carton may be delivered to a point of purchase
for purchase by
a consumer. In Fig. 11, the access portions 192 and 194 are denoted within
brackets.
[00049] Fig. 12 shows finger access opening 175 which may be easily opened in
order
to start tearing the carton open. Either or both of portions 192 and 194 may
be opened. For
example, pulling upwardly on portion 192 will cause tear line 170 to separate
along top panel
114. Further pulling of the portion 192 will cause tearing along tear lines
174, and then 182
(and 184 and 188, hidden on opposite side), causing portion 192 to separate
from side wall
panels 112 and 116, at which point portion 192 may be folded outward as shown
in Fig. 13.
Note the position of reinforcing flaps 166 that reinforce handle aperture 156.
Portion 192
may be left hingedly attached to the carton, for reclosing, or may be removed
as shown in
Fig. 14. As can be seen, the packaged bottles B are readily accessible for
removal.
[00050] A less-obstructed access to the bottles may be obtained by opening the
second
access portion 194. The consumer may grasp the remaining portion of top wall
panel 114
lying adjacent to tear line 170 and/or at access opening 175, and pull
outwardly. This will
cause any remaining intact portions of tear lines 174 and 184 on the side
panels 112 and 116
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respectively to tear, with the tear propagating into tear lines 180 and 186
respectively on side
end panels 122 and 130. At this point, opening access portion 194 may be
pivoted outwardly
from the bottles, exposing the end-most bottles adjacent the far end wall. The
opening access
portion 194 may be left attached, or torn loose as shown in Fig. 15.
[00051] As a further alternative embodiment, an access opening may be formed
from
adjacent two access portions, wherein the access openings are configured as
shown by
portions 90 and 92 in Figs. 1-7. In this embodiment, the third access portion
94 may be
eliminated.
[00052] Modifications may be made in the foregoing without departing from the
scope
of the claimed invention. It should be also appreciated that as used herein,
directional
references such as "top", "bottom", "end", "side", "upper" and "lower" do not
limit the
respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these
panels from one
another.
[00053] It should be further appreciated that any reference to hinged or
foldable
connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold
line only: indeed,
it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold
lines. In this
application, a "fold line" includes, but is not limited to, a score line, a
perforation, a line of
short slits, a line of half cuts, a combination of slits and score lines, and
similar arrangements,
without departing from the scope of invention.
