Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CARTON WITH VENT OPENINGS, BLANK AND FOLDING METHOD
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a carrier or carton with features,
such as ventilation apertures or openings.
BACKGROUND
Cartons, such as paperboard cartons used to hold, carry or dispense
articles are well known. These cartons usually are formed or assembled by
folding a paperboard carton blank that has been cut, perforated, and creased
in
selective areas to achieve desired features and characteristics. These
features
include tear lines, handles, opening features, dispensers and other
attributes. Such
opening features can be formed, for example, in the top panel, side panel(s),
or
other panel, or, alternatively, in an end or ends of the carton.
When fabricating a carrier or carton from the paperboard carton blank,
opposite ends of the blank typically are attached to each other by glue or
other
adhesive, e.g. to form the bottom panel of the carrier. End flaps are included
on
sides of some or all panels and are folded inwardly to close the ends of the
carton
and enclose articles, such as beverage containers, therewithin. These end
flaps
can contain opening or dispensing features or can include handles for carrying
the
carton.
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SUMMARY
The present invention generally relates to a carton with ventilation features
formed in a panel or end wall. These ventilation openings can be an opening or
openings formed in, for example, one end of an enclosed carton, in both ends
of an
enclosed carton, overlapping from the end into a panel, overlapping through
two or
more adjacent panels, or be in only one panel. The vent openings can include a
single
opening formed in any end panel or panels, or multiple openings formed in any
end or
panels, or a combination of these. The vent openings, in general, provide
apertures or
openings that allow exchange of air between the interior and exterior of the
carton to
allow for the products within the carton to be "chilled," "quick chilled,"
"heated," or,
in general, to maintain and encourage a temperature exchange as opposed to a
fully
enclosed carton without the inclusion of such apertures. Such apertures can
provide
temperature exchange of an accelerated nature.
These vent openings can be any shape, such as oval, elliptical, circular,
square,
triangular, rectangular, quadrilateral, having arced portions, in star
formation(s), or
any design, trademarked or otherwise, any writing, trademarked or otherwise,
or any
other shape or design. For example, the carton as detailed herein, could
enclose
circular containers that house a yogurt product with the name of the
manufacturer, for
example, Dannon , embossed or cut through the end flap that forms a part of an
exiting end. The openings forming all or parts of the word Dannon could be
formed
in either end, any end flap, or any panel. As another example, if the carton
as detailed
herein was shaped in size to hold circular cans with a beverage contained
therewithin,
Coca Cola could be embossed or cut through one of the end panel flaps. When
the
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aperture of any size, or the design or lettering, such as for identifying the
product
manufacturer is included as an aperture in a panel or end flap, generally the
opening
can be formed along, between, and/or substantially adjacent the tear line that
is used to
form an opening in the container. The opening or aperture or letters opening
can be in
a side panel end flap to separate the tear line into a discontinuous or non-
continuous
tear line that is spaced apart by the aperture, hole, or opening. Oval or
elliptical
apertures are shown in the figures in first side panel end flaps at the
exiting end, with
one aperture shown along the tear line. The tear line extends from the first
side panel
end flap into and across the first side panel, into and across the top panel,
into and
across a second side panel, and continues into the second side panel's end
flap. The
tear line is shown as continuing on the other side of the aperture to a
peripheral area of
the first side panel end flap.
The present invention can be combined with other carton features, such as
opening features formed to dispense articles from the carton. The opening
shown in
the figures herein generally is formed in a top portion of the carton and can
include a
section of each side panel and a portion of an exiting end. The opening
generally is
formed by separating the tear line to form a remainder carton portion and
detachable
or hinged dispensing flap portion. The side panel end flap portions that
remain after
the opening is created can provide a retention feature for the enclosed carton
to retain
articles therein prior to dispensing-
To dispense from the formed carton, the dispensing flap is separated along a
tear line to form an opening, typically through the initial use of a finger
flap, shown
here in the figures in the top panel. The opening is created along the tear
line in the
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top panel, the side panels, and in portions of the side panel end flaps. The
top panel
end flap generally is removed in its entirety when the opening is created by
separation
at the tear line. The bottom panel end flaps and the remainder portions of the
side
panel end flaps, which were not removed by creating of the opening, can remain
to
form parts or entireties of retention features that retain articles in the
carton prior to
intended dispensing.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton
formed from a blank, the carton comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, a
first side
panel, and a second side panel; a first transverse fold line at a first
peripheral edge at a
first end of the top panel, the first side panel, the second side panel, and
the bottom
panel; a first panel end flap attached to the first peripheral edge of the
first side panel;
a second panel end flap attached to the first peripheral edge of the second
side panel; a
tear line extending across the first panel end flap, the first panel, the top
panel, the
second panel, and the second panel end flap; the tear line separating the
first panel end
flap into a first portion and a second portion; a first aperture formed in the
first panel
end flap; wherein the first aperture separates the tear line into two segments
in the
first panel end flap and the first aperture extends away from the tear line
into the first
portion and away from the tear line into the second portion; a second
transverse fold
line at a second peripheral edge of the first panel, the second side panel,
the top panel,
and the bottom panel, the second peripheral edge disposed at a second end of
the
blank opposite the first peripheral edge; a third panel end flap at the second
peripheral
edge of the first panel; a second aperture formed in the third panel end flap;
the tear
line does not extend into the third panel end flap; and wherein the first
aperture
exposes the containers in the carton to ventilation to allow exchange of air
between
outside the carton and inside the carton.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a blank
comprising a first panel connected to a second panel along a first fold line;
the second
panel connected to a third panel along a second fold line; the third panel
connected to
a fourth panel along a third fold line; a first transverse fold line at a
first peripheral
edge of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the bottom
panel; a first
panel end flap at the first peripheral edge of the first panel; a second panel
end flap at
the first peripheral edge of the second panel; a third panel end flap at the
first
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peripheral edge of the third panel; a tear line extending across the first
panel end flap,
the first panel, the first fold line, the second panel, the second fold line,
the third
panel, and the third panel end flap; the tear line separating the first panel
end flap into
a first portion and a second portion; a first aperture formed in the first
panel end flap;
wherein the tear line into two segments in the first panel end flap and the
first aperture
extends away from the tear line into the first portion and away from the tear
line into
the second portion; a second transverse fold line at a second peripheral edge
of the
first panel, the second panel, the third panel, and the fourth panel, the
second
peripheral edge disposed at a second end of the blank opposite the first
peripheral
edge; a fourth panel end flap at the second peripheral edge of the first
panel; a second
aperture formed in the fourth panel end flap; and the tear line does not
extend into the
fourth panel end flap.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a
method of forming a blank into a carton, wherein the blank comprises a first
panel
connected to a top panel by a first fold line; the top panel connected to a
second panel
by a second fold line; the second panel connected to a bottom panel by a third
fold
line; a first transverse fold line at a first peripheral edge of the first
panel, the top
panel, the second panel, and the bottom panel; a first panel end flap at the
first
peripheral edge of the first panel; a second panel end flap at the first
peripheral edge
of the second panel; a tear line extending across the first panel end flap,
the first
panel, the top panel, the second panel, and the second panel end flap; the
tear line
separating the first panel end flap into a first portion and a second portion;
and a first
aperture formed in the first panel end flap, wherein the first aperture
separates the tear
line into two segments in the first panel end flap and the first aperture
extends away
from the tear line into the first portion and away from the tear line into the
second
portion; a second transverse fold line at a second peripheral edge of the
first panel, the
second panel, the top panel, and the bottom panel, the second peripheral edge
disposed at a second end of the blank opposite the first peripheral edge; a
third panel
end flap at the second peripheral edge of the first panel; a second aperture
formed in
the third panel end flap; the tear line does not extend into the third panel
end flap; and
wherein the first aperture exposes the containers in the carton to ventilation
to allow
exchange of air between outside the carton and inside the carton, the method
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comprising folding the blank to form the carton; filling the carton with
containers; and
closing the first panel end flap and the second panel end flap to at least
partially
enclose the containers in the carton, wherein the first aperture exposes the
containers
in the carton to ventilation to allow exchange of air between outside the
carton and
inside the carton.
The present invention can be used, for example, in dispensing articles, which
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 being
cylindrical, rectangular, parallelepiped, or of any other shape, such as those
used in
packaging food stuffs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank from which a carton can be formed in
accordance with one embodiment.
FIG. 2 shows the blank of FIG. I formed into a sleeve.
FIG. 3 shows the opposite view of the sleeve of FIG. 2 and the apertures in
the
end flaps.
FIG. 4 shows an exiting end with the gusset flaps being closed.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the closed exiting end of the carton.
FIG. 6 shows a front view of the carton of FIG. 5 with vent apertures in the
exiting end and in the non-exiting end.
FIG. 7 shows the finger flap being activated in the top panel.
FIG. 8 shows the removable portion being detached along the tear line.
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FIG. 9 shows the removable portion remaining hingedly attached to the carton.
FIG. 10 shows the removable portion entirely removed from the carton.
FIG. I1 shows an alternate embodiment of a blank that can be formed into a
carton.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
For a more complete understanding, reference should be made to the following
detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein like reference
numerals
designate corresponding parts throughout the figures.
Among other things, a carton blank, such as a paperboard blank, which is cut
to a specific shape, and creased, scored, cut, or perforated in specific areas
is shown.
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
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, a paperboard carton sized and dimensioned to
contain foodstuffs in cylindrical containers is disclosed. The carton of the
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-10 is sized to hold 15 articles in either a
staggered
or a nonstaggered configuration, although the blanks and cartons shown should
not be
limited to any specific size or dimension. For example, blanks and cartons
sized and
shaped to hold articles of other configurations, such as that shown in FIG. 11
which is
sized to hold 24 articles, or other sizes such as those that could hold other
numbers of
articles, such as 6, 8, 10, 21, 30, or more, would work satisfactorily. Blanks
and
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cartons that include various unique features, including opening features that
provide
easy access to the articles, tilt features that position the articles at the
front end of the
carton, handle features, etc. are also within the present scope
Also for purposes of illustration, the blanks and cartons are shown with an
opening(s) that can be formed by non-oblique lines, i.e. lines that are shown
as
perpendicular to some panels and parallel to other panels, and oblique lines.
However, the blanks and cartons should not be limited to any specific size,
dimension,
orientation of the opening features, or opening formed by the opening feature.
For
example, blanks and cartons with an opening feature(s) formed with non-oblique
and/or oblique lines that extend through opposing panels, such as from a top
panel,
through side panels, and that extend to the end panel would work
satisfactorily. In
addition, for purposes of illustration, the blanks and cartons shown herein
include an
end wall configuration that provides an effective barrier to keep the bottles,
cans, or
articles from rolling out of the formed carton.
As shown in FIGS. 2-10, the carton formed from the blank of FIG. I includes
an opening feature at an exiting end and shows four elliptical apertures, two
formed in
each of two opposite side panel end flaps. However, one of ordinary skill in
the art
will understand that the blanks and cartons should not be limited in any
manner to the
use of only one opening feature or the number of apertures shown in the side
panel
end flaps. Additionally, the blanks and cartons should not be limited in any
manner to
the orientation or placement of the aperture or apertures in the side panel
end flaps, as
such could be in any side panel, top panel, bottom panel, end flap, or in any
combination of these. One of ordinary skill in the art will also understand
that the
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carton can be of various sizes depending upon the number, configuration, and
size of
containers or product to be stored, enclosed, or dispensed therewithin.
FIG. 1 illustrates a blank that can be formed into a carton. The blank
generally
is formed into a carton by folding along crease or fold lines to form a carton
sleeve
with a bottom flap overlapping and adhering to another bottom flap, with a top
flap
overlapping and adhering to another top flap, or with an adhesive flap
overlapping and
adhering to a bottom panel, top panel, or side panel. The carton blank shown
in FIG.
1 can be folded in this manner to form the carton shown in FIGS. 2-10. A
securing
means, such as an adhesive or compound generally is applied to secure the
flaps
together to form a sleeve. Once the carton is formed into the sleeve,
articles, such as
bottles, cans, or the like 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 at
the non-exiting end and the end flaps at the exiting end are secured to the
top panel
end flap with the side panel end flaps only at portions above the tear line.
The side
panel end flaps at the dispensing end also can be attached to the bottom panel
end
flap.
FIG. I shows a blank 10 that includes a first side panel 12 connected to a top
panel 16 by a fold line 14. Top panel 16 is connected to a second side panel
20 by a
fold line 18. Second side panel 20 is connected to a bottom panel 24 by a fold
line 22.
Bottom panel 24 is connected to a securing flap 28 by a fold line 26. In one
possible
scenario, generally, the securing flap 28 will receive glue and be folded
upwardly to
be connected to the first side panel 12 or will receive glue on an underside
portion and
overlap onto first side panel 12. In this manner, either the securing flap 28
or the first
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side panel 12 can receive the initial glue for securing the securing flap to
the first side
panel 12.
Along peripheral portions of the panels 12, 16, 20, 24 and separated along
transverse fold lines 21 and 71, end flaps are generally disposed.
Specifically, bottom
panel 24 is connected to bottom panel end flaps 30 and 34 along fold line 21,
second
side panel 20 is connected to second side panel end flaps 42 and 46 along fold
line 21,
top panel end flap 54 is connected to top panel 16 along fold line 21, and
first side
panel end flaps 60 and 64 are connected to first side panel 12 along.fold line
21. On
the opposite side of the blank 10, first side panel end flap 74 is connected
to first side
panel 12 along fold line 71, top panel end flaps 76 and 80 are connected to
top panel
16 along fold line 71, second side panel end flap 88 is connected to second
side panel
along fold line 71, and bottom panel end flaps 96 and 98 are connected to
bottom
panel 24 along fold line 71.
Bottom panel end flaps 30 and 34 are connected along a fold line 32. Bottom
15 panel end flap 34 is connected to gusset panel 38 by fold line 36 and
gusset panel 38
is connected to second side panel end flap 42 along fold line 40. Second side
panel
end flap 46 is connected to gusset panel 50 along fold line 48. Gusset panel
50 is
connected to top panel end flap 54 along a fold line 52. Top panel end flap 54
is
connected to top panel end flap 58 along a fold line 56. First side panel end
flap 60 is
20 connected to first side panel end flap 64 along a tear line 62. Top panel
end flap 76 is
connected to top panel end flap 80 along a fold line 78. Top panel end flap 80
is
connected to gusset panel 84 along a fold line 82. Gusset panel 84 is
connected to
second side panel end flap 88 along a fold line 86. Second side panel end flap
88 is
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connected to gusset panel 92 along a fold line 90. Gusset panel 92 is
connected to
bottom panel 96 along a fold line 94. Bottom panel end flap 96 is connected to
bottom panel end flap 98 along a fold line 97.
Gusset panels 38, 50, 84, and 92 are generally engaged during the construction
process and, along with the respective fold lines, enable inward folding of
the
respective end flaps to create closed ends, which generally occurs once
product has
been inserted into the sleeve formed from the blank 10. To this end, apertures
35, 55,
85, and 95 are formed in the gusset panels between respective fold lines to
enable
folding of the gusset panels to be easier. Specifically, aperture 35 is
created between
bottom panel 24, bottom panel end flap 34, gusset panel 38, second side panel
end
flap 42, and second side panel 20. Aperture 55 is created between top panel
16, top
panel end flap 54, gusset panel 50, second side panel end flap 46, and second
side
panel 20. Aperture 85 is created between top panel 16, top panel end flap 80,
gusset
panel 84, second side panel end flap 88, and second side panel 20. Aperture 95
is
created between second side panel 20, second side panel end flap 88, gusset
panel 92,
bottom panel end flap 96, and bottom panel 24. Alternatively, the gusset
panels 38,
50, 84, 92, and/or associated apertures 35, 55, 85, 95 may be omitted.
A dispensing flap 100 can be created in portions of the blank and is shown
being generally comprised of a continuous, or a series of substantially
continuous, or a
series of substantially aligned tear lines, perforations, cut lines, score
lines, cut score
lines, or any other type of tear line that will enable formation of an
aperture in a fully
constructed sleeve or carton. Generally, the dispenser flap 100 can be
detached at or
along such tear lines to create an opening, can act as a reclosable flap to be
detached
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partially from and remain hingedly attached to the enclosed carton, or can be
removed
entirely from a remainder portion of the carton. As shown in FIG. 1,
dispensing flap
100 includes a tear line 44 between second side panel end flap 42 and second
side
panel end flap 46. The tear line at least partially defining dispensing flap
100
continues from tear line 44 across fold line 21 into second side panel 20 as
tear line
102 and proceeds to a turn in second side panel 20 to continue as tear line
104 to and
across fold line 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the turn from tear line 102 to tear
line 104 is
shown in a general 90-degree orientation, but such tear lines and orientations
should
not be limited to such configuration. The tear line defining the dispensing
flap 100
continues as tear line 106 in top panel 16, which is shown with an arcuate
configuration that bulges in a convex manner in a direction or manner toward
fold line
71 in top panel 16. Tear line 106 continues across top panel 16 to and across
fold line
14 to continue along as tear line 108. The tear line defining the dispensing
flap 100
then turns, in a like manner and shown in a like configuration, though not
limited
thereto, as tear line 110 in first side panel 12 to and across fold line 21
and into first
side panel end flaps to "separate" first side panel end flap 60 from first
side panel end
flap 64 as tear line 62 that extends to a peripheral portion of the first side
panel end
flaps. Generally, the tear line 62 is separated by or at aperture 66 formed in
portions
of first side panel end flaps 60 and 64.
Dispensing flap 100 can include portions or panels or subpanels within or
along the blank as defined by tear lines 44, 102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 62.
Specifically, subpanel 112 is formed as part of second side panel 20, subpanel
114 is
formed as part of top panel 16, and second subpanel 116 is formed as part of
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panel 12, second side panel end flap 46 is formed adjacent second side panel
end flap
42 and first side panel end flap 60 is formed adjacent first side end panel
64.
The dispensing flap 100 can be separated along the tear lines in any known
manner, but detachment typically initially starts at finger flap 118, which is
shown
being formed adjacent, and with a peripheral portion thereof by, tear line
106, and
being bounded at an opposite portion by fold lines 120 and 122. Generally,
fold lines
120 and 122 are shown as substantially concentric arcs formed in blank 10 and
ease
initiation of the finger flap 118 once tear line 106 is separated in top panel
16 to
initiate removal or separation of dispensing flap 100 from the carton.
The blank 10 also includes apertures 66, 68, 70, 72, in first side panel end
flaps 60, 64, and 74. These apertures, 66, 68, 70, and 72 are shown in
elliptical
configurations, but should not be limited in any manner to the size, number,
orientation, or position of such apertures. Generally, aperture 66 is shown as
separating portions of the tear line 62 from one another, portions of first
side panel
end flap 60, and portions of the first side panel end flap 64. Apertures 66
and 68 are
shown in a generally parallel orientation. Apertures 70 and 72 are also shown
in a
generally parallel orientation and are formed in portions of first side panel
end flap 74.
In addition, blank 10 is shown with apertures 66 and 72 parallel to apertures
68 and 70
in reference to fold line 14.
In order to create the opening with the dispensing flap 100, generally, a user
will insert a finger or other object into the finger flap 118 or other opening
starting
feature. Alternative configurations of access opening and access opening
starting
features are contemplated and included herein.
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FIG. 2 shows blank 10 of FIG. I being formed into a carton or sleeve. Second
side panel 20 with corresponding side panel end flaps 42 and 88 are shown in
FIG. 2.
FIG. 3 shows the other side of the formed carton or sleeve of FIG. 2 with the
apertures
66 and 68 in side panel end flaps 60 and 64 and with apertures 70 and 72 in
side panel
end flap 74.
FIG. 4 shows the exiting end being formed by closing the side panel end flaps.
As shown in FIG. 4, side panel end flaps 42 and 46 are closed inwardly with
gusset
panel 50 and top panel end flap 54 folding about fold line 52 with the
cooperation of
aperture 55, and gusset panel 38 and bottom panel end flap 34 folding about
fold line
36 with the cooperation of aperture 35. These flaps and panels are folded
inwardly
until gusset panel 50 and top panel end flap 54, and gusset panel 38 bottom
panel end
flap 54 are adjacent. Generally, during manufacture or prior to folding blank
10, glue
or another adhesive will be placed onto gusset panel 50 or top panel end flap
54 and
onto gusset panel 38 or bottom panel end flap 54 to secure such together at
closing of
the exiting end. Top panel end flap 58 and bottom panel end flap 30 are folded
toward one another before closing the exiting end. Sections of the end flaps
can be
adhered to respective other sections of the other end flaps to create
retention features
to retain the containers within an enclosed carton until dispensing is
desired.
FIG. 5 shows the enclosed carton with all flaps and panels on the exiting end
closed. Following the progression of end flap closing from FIG. 4, first side
panel -end
flaps 60 and 64 are closed over second side panel end flaps 42 and 46, top
panel end
flaps 54 and 58, and bottom panel end flaps 30 and 34 to enclose fully the
exiting end
of the carton. The end flaps of the non-exiting end are closed in
substantially the
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same manner as the end flaps of the exiting end, with gusset panels 84 and 92
and top
end flaps 76 and 80 and bottom panel end flaps 96 and 98 being closable
through
interaction with the gussets. The non-exiting end can also include vent
apertures 70
and 72 in end flap 74 to provide openings to exchange air from the interior of
the
carton to the exterior of the carton in a manner that is substantially similar
to that
provided by apertures 66 and 68 at the exiting end. Optionally, the non-
exiting end
could be modified to be a second exiting end with a second opening area formed
by a
second dispensing flap, similar or dissimilar to the one formed in the non-
exiting end.
Such second exiting end could function in a manner similar to the exiting end
as
detailed hereinabove.
FIG. 6 shows a front view of the carton of FIG. 5 at the exiting end looking
through apertures 66 and 68 through the carton and through apertures 70 and 72
of the
non-exiting end. FIG. 7 shows the finger flap 118 being activated in the top
panel 16.
The finger flap 118 is shown bounded by tear line 106 and fold lines 120 and
122.
FIG. 8 shows the removable portion being detached along the tear lines in the
top
panel 16 and first and second side panels 12 and 20.
FIG. 9 shows the dispensing flap 100 remaining hingedly attached to the
carton at the exiting end. The dispensing flap could be hinged to reclose the
dispensing flap to cover or reclose the carton. Alternatively, the dispensing
flap 100
can be entirely removed from the remainder portion of the carton as shown in
FIG. 10
by detachment along tear line 62 in first side panel end flaps 60 and 64 and
along tear
line 44 in second side panel end flaps 42 and 46.
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FIG. 11. shows an alternate blank embodiment that can be formed into a carton.
The blank generally is formed into a carton by folding along crease or fold
lines to
form a carton sleeve with a bottom flap overlapping and adhering to another
bottom
flap, with a top flap overlapping and adhering to another top flap, or with an
adhesive
flap overlapping and adhering to a bottom panel, top panel, or side panel. A
securing
means, such as an adhesive or compound generally is applied to secure the
flaps
together to form a sleeve. Once the carton is formed into the sleeve,
articles, such as
bottles, cans, or the like 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 at
the non-exiting end and the end flaps at the exiting end are secured to the
top panel
end flap with the side panel end flaps only at portions above the tear line.
The side
panel end flaps at the dispensing end also can be attached to the bottom panel
end
flap.
FIG. 11 shows a blank 210 that includes a first side panel 212 connected to a
top panel 216 by a fold line 214. Top panel 216 is connected to a second side
panel
220 by a fold line 218. Second side panel 220 is connected to a bottom panel
224 by a
fold line 222. Bottom panel 224 is connected to a securing flap 228 by a fold
line
226. In one possible scenario, generally, the securing flap 228 will receive
glue and
be folded upwardly to be connected to the first side panel 212 or will receive
glue on
an underside portion and overlap onto first side panel 212. In this manner,
either the
securing flap 228 or the first side panel 212 can receive the initial glue for
securing the
securing flap to the first side panel 212.
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Along peripheral portions of the panels 212, 216, 220, 224 and separated along
transverse fold lines 221 and 271, end flaps are generally disposed.
Specifically,
bottom panel 224 is connected to bottom panel end flaps 230 and 234 along fold
line
221, second side panel 220 is connected to second side panel end flaps 242 and
246
along fold line 221, top panel end flap 254 is connected to top panel 216
along fold
line 221, and first side panel end flaps 260 and 264 are connected to first
side panel
212 along fold line 221. On the opposite side of the blank 210, first side
panel end
flap 274 is connected to first side panel 21.2 along fold line 271., top panel
end flaps
276 and 280 are connected to top panel 216 along fold line 271, second side
panel end
flap 288 is connected to second side panel 220 along fold line 271, and bottom
panel
end flaps 296 and 298 are connected to bottom panel 224 along fold line 271.
Bottom panel end flaps 230 and 234 are connected along a fold line 232.
Bottom panel end flap 234 is connected to gusset panel 238 by fold line 236
and
gusset panel 238 is connected to second side panel end flap 242 along fold
line 240.
Second side panel end flap 246 is connected to gusset panel 250 along fold
line 248.
Gusset panel 250 is connected to top panel end flap 254 along a fold line 252.
Top
panel end flap 254 is connected to top panel end flap 258 along a fold line
256. First
side panel end flap 260 is connected to first side panel end flap 264 along a
tear line
262. Top panel end flap 276 is connected to top panel end flap 280 along a
fold line
278. Top panel end flap 280 is connected to gusset panel 284 along a fold line
282.
Gusset panel 284 is connected to second side panel end flap 288 along a fold
line 286.
Second side panel end flap 288 is connected to gusset panel 292 along a fold
line 290.
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Gusset panel 292 is connected to bottom panel 296 along a fold line 294.
Bottom
panel end flap 296 is connected to bottom panel end flap 298 along a fold line
297.
Gusset panels 238, 250, 284, and 292 are generally engaged during the
construction process and, along with the respective fold lines, enable inward
folding
of the respective end flaps to create closed ends, which generally occurs once
product
has-been inserted into the sleeve formed from the blank 210. To this end,
apertures
235, 255, 285, and 295 are formed in the gusset panels between respective fold
lines
to enable folding of the gusset panels to be easier. Specifically, aperture
235 is
created between bottom panel 224, bottom panel end flap 234, gusset panel 238,
second side panel end flap 242, and second side panel 220. Aperture 255 is
created
between top panel 216, top panel end flap 254, gusset panel 250, second side
panel
end flap 246, and second side panel 220. Aperture 285 is created between top
panel
216, top panel end flap 280, gusset panel 284, second side panel end flap 288,
and
second side panel 220. Aperture 295 is created between second side panel 220,
second side panel end flap 288, gusset panel 292, bottom panel end flap 296,
and
bottom panel 224. Alternatively, the gusset panels 238, 250, 284, 292 and/or
associated apertures 235, 255, 285, 295 may be omitted.
A dispensing flap 300 can be created in portions of the blank and is shown
being generally comprised of a continuous, or a series of substantially
continuous, or a
series of substantially aligned tear lines, perforations, cut lines, score
lines, cut score
lines, or any other type of tear line that will enable formation of an
aperture in a fully
constructed sleeve or carton. Generally, the dispenser flap 300 can be
detached at or
along such tear lines to create an opening, can act as a reclosable flap to be
detached
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partially from and remain hingedly attached to the enclosed carton, or can be
removed
entirely from a remainder portion of the carton. Dispensing flap 300 includes
a tear
line 244 between second side panel end flap 242 and second side panel end flap
246.
The tear line at least partially defining dispensing flap 300 continues from
tear line
244 across fold line 221 into second side panel 220 as tear line 302 and
proceeds to a
turn in second side panel 220 to continue as tear line 304 to and across fold
line 218.
The turn from tear line 302 to tear line 304 is shown in a general 90-degree
orientation, but such tear lines and orientations should not be limited to
such
configuration. The tear line defining the dispensing flap 300 continues as
tear line
306 in top panel 216, which is shown with an arcuate configuration that bulges
in a
convex manner in a direction or manner toward fold line 271 in top panel 216.
Tear
line 306 continues across top panel 2.16 to and across fold line 214 to
continue along
as tear line 308. The tear line defining the dispensing flap 300 then turns,
in a like
manner and shown in a like configuration, though not limited thereto, as tear
line 310
in first side panel 212 to and across fold line 221 and into first side panel
end flaps to
"separate" first side panel end flap 260 from first side panel end flap 264 as
tear line
262 that extends to a peripheral portion of the first side panel end flaps.
Generally,
the tear line 262 is separated by or at aperture 266 formed in portions of
first side
panel end flaps 260 and 264.
Dispensing flap 300 can include portions or panels or subpanels within or
along the blank as defined by tear lines 244, 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, and
262.
Specifically, subpanel 312 is formed as part of second side panel 220,
subpanel 314 is
formed as part of top panel 216, and second subpanel 316 is formed as part of
first
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side panel 212, second side panel end flap 246 is formed adjacent second side
panel
end flap 242 and first side panel end flap 260 is formed adjacent first side
end panel
264.
The dispensing flap 300 can be separated along the tear lines in any known
manner, but detachment typically initially starts at finger flap 318, which is
shown
being formed adjacent, and with a peripheral portion thereof by, tear line
306, and
being bounded at an opposite portion by fold lines 320 and 322. Generally,
fold lines
320 and 322 are shown as substantially concentric arcs formed in blank 210 and
ease
initiation of the finger flap 318 once tear line 306 is separated in top panel
216 to
initiate removal or separation of dispensing flap 300 from the carton.
The blank 210 also includes apertures 266, 268, 270, and 272 in first side
panel end flaps 260, 264, and 274. These apertures 266, 268, 270, and 272 are
shown
in elliptical configurations, but should not be limited in any manner to the
size,
number, orientation, or position of such apertures. Generally, aperture 266 is
shown
as separating portions of tear line 262, portions of first side panel end flap
260, and
portions of the first side panel end flap 264. Apertures 266 and 268 are shown
in a
generally parallel orientation. Apertures 270 and 272 are also shown in a
generally
parallel orientation and are formed in portions of first side panel end flap
274. In
addition, blank 210 is shown with apertures 266 and 272 parallel to apertures
268 and
270 in reference to fold line 214.
In order to create the opening with the dispensing flap 300, generally, a user
will insert a finger or other object into the finger flap 118 or other opening
starting
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feature. Alternative configurations of access opening and access opening
starting
features are contemplated and included herein.
According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed
herein are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and
elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced. The dimensions provided
on
FIGS. 1 and II are exemplary dimensions that may be altered, for example, to
accommodate various container forms or types, diverse container types or
sizes,
diverse container types or sizes enclosed within a single carton (e.g. large
and small,
short and tall, containers in a single enclosed carton).
The present blanks or cartons can be formed, for example, from coated
paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior
sides of
the blanks or cartons can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may
then be
printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or
images.
The blanks or cartons may then be coated with a varnish to protect any
information
printed on the blanks or cartons. The blanks or cartons may also be coated
with, for
example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks or
cartons.
Further, the blanks or cartons may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper
such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks or
cartons can
also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any
other
material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier package to
function at least
generally as described above. The blanks or cartons can also be laminated to,
or
coated with, one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel
sections.
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The fold or tear lines detailed herein can be any substantially linear,
although
not necessarily straight, form of weakening, such as those that facilitate
folding
therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing scope
thereof,
fold and tear lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt
scoring
knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the
desired line
of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired
line of
weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely
through
the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of
these
features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically
the cutting
will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to
consider
incorrectly the fold line to be a tear line.
The present blanks or cartons may be described as having one or panels
adhered together by glue. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner
of
adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.
The blanks and cartons have been described in terms of configurations and
methodologies considered by the inventors to be the best mode. The embodiments
shown are presented as examples only and should not be construed as limiting
the
scope of the blanks or cartons. A wide variety of additions, deletions, and
modifications to the illustrated and described embodiments might be made by
those of
skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope herein, which is
circumscribed only by the claims.
WCSR 3591116v1
