Carton For Food Product

Abstract

A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels that at least partially form an interior of the carton. In a first configuration of the carton, the carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food products. The carton has features for converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/071,765, filed Oct. 2, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/123,722, filed Nov. 25, 2014.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/071,765, filed Oct. 2, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/123,722, filed Nov. 25, 2014 are hereby incorporated by reference as if presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to packages or cartons for holding and carrying food products or containers holding food products.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding a plurality of articles. A carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. In a first configuration of the carton, the carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food products. The carton has features for converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton that can be converted from a holder containing the containers holding the food products, to a serving container for holding the plurality of food products that have been removed from the containers.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton that can hold a plurality of food products and the carton can be inserted into the container. The carton with the food products can be removed from the container for serving of the food products to consumers.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton that can hold a plurality of food products. The carton has dispensing features for dispensing the food products from the carton.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for forming an interior of a carton formed from the blank. In a first configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food products. The carton formed from the blank has features for converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carton that is positionable between a first configuration and a second configuration. The method comprises obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels and positioning the carton in the first configuration wherein the plurality of panels extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The method further comprises placing at least one article containing a plurality of food products in the interior of the carton in the first configuration and activating features of the carton to position the carton in a second configuration wherein the at least one article is removed from the interior and the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

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

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 disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton in of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 22

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the two cartons in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 33 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 33.

FIGS. 35-37 are perspective views of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 33.

FIG. 38 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 39-42 illustrate an exemplary method of employing the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 38.

FIG. 43 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of two cartons formed from the blank of FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of one carton formed from the blank of FIG. 43 removed from a container.

FIG. 46 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a fourteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a sixteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a seventeenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 54A is a perspective view of the carton in a first configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 53.

FIG. 54B is a perspective view of the carton in a second configuration formed from the blank of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 54A.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Cartons or packages according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. The present disclosure generally relates to a carton or container that may contain products such as food products (e.g., chips) or any other suitable product. The carton may contain containers (e.g., canisters) containing the food products or the carton may contain the food products. In some embodiment, the carton can contain a liner containing the food products. In some embodiment, the carton containing the food products may be placed inside the container (e.g., canister) used for packaging the food products. In some embodiment, the carton has dispensing features for dispensing the food products. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes articles at least partially disposed within the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper”, “top”, “front”, and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons. In one embodiment, the articles held in the carton can be food products, but the articles could be other nonfood products without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exterior side 1 of a blank 3 for forming a carton 5 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 1 of the blank 3 used to form the carton 5 (FIG. 2) of one embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 extending generally in the direction of the length of the blank and a lateral axis L2 extending generally in the direction of the width of the blank. The blank 3 includes a bottom panel 11, a front panel 13 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 14, a back panel 15 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 16, a first side panel 17 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 18, and a second side panel 19 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 20. In one embodiment the blank comprises closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 foldably connected to the respective panels 13, 15, 17,19 along fold lines 33, 35, 37, 39 and corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 foldably connected to the respective panels 13, 15, 17,19 along fold lines 53, 55, 57, 59.

The closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 and the corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 at least partially overlap to form the carton 5 from the blank 3. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the closure flaps include a fold line 61. The fold line 61 may define an adhesive (e.g., glue) area “g”, where glue or other adhesive may be applied to hold the closure flap in the closed position.

In one embodiment, the corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 includes a first portion 43a, 45a, 47a, 49a and a second portion 43b, 45b, 47b, 49b foldably connected to the first portion along respective oblique fold lines 63, 65, 67, 69. Each of corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 has an outer free edge 73, 75, 77, 79 that may have a slight concave curvature with respect to the bottom panel 11. However, the outer free edges 73, 75, 77, 79 may be substantially straight, have a convex curvature, or have more or less curvature without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, each of the second portions 43b, 45b, 47b, 49b may include rounded corners 72, 74, 76, 78 adjacent a hook or projection 81 extending outwardly from the respective outer free edges 73, 75, 77, 79 of the corner flaps. Further, each of second portions 43b, 45b, 47b, 49b may have a cutout or indentation 82 adjacent the rounded corner and along the side edges 83, 85, 87, 89 of the respective corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49. The cutout 82 may have a semi-circular shape or any other shape that conforms to the shape of the glue area without departing from the disclosure. In one embodiment, the fold lines 33, 35, 37, 39 may include a cut 33a, 35a, 37a, 39a and when the carton is positioned to form the serving tray, the projections 81 may extend into the cuts preventing further movement.

When the carton is formed from the blank, the side panels 17, 19, front panel 13, and back panel 15 are folded relative to the bottom panel 11 and the corner flaps 43, 47, 45, 49 are positioned in face-to-face contact with the respective adjacent panel 19, 17, 13, 15 to form the interior space 36 of the carton 5. The closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 are folded about fold lines 33, 35, 37, 37 and positioned in face-to-face contact with the interior of the respective panel 23, 25, 27, 29. In one embodiment, one container C or canister holding food product is inserted into the interior space 36 of the carton 5. Further, one or more of the front panel 13, back panel 15, and side panels 17, 19 can include indicia such as advertisement or other information.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the carton 5 can be an expandable paperboard bowl capable of expanding by pulling at least one of the front panel 13, the back panel 15, the first side panel 17 and the second side panel 19 from the first configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2 to the second configuration as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the second configuration, the interior space 36 of the carton is expanded and the carton 5 can be used to serve the food product F after removal from the containers C. In the second configuration, the panels 13, 15, 17, 19 are folded outward from the first configuration and the corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 are positioned to form a corner of the carton between the panels 13, 15, 17, 19. The blank 3 and carton 5 could have other features and could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 for forming a carton 105 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 103 includes a bottom panel 111, a front panel 113 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 114, a back panel 115 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 116, a first side panel 117 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 118, and a second side panel 119 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 120. In one embodiment, the edges 113a, 115a, 117a, 119a, 411a, 411b 411c, 411d of the corresponding respective front panel 113, back panel 115, first side panel 117, the second side panel 119, and bottom panel 111 have a width “w1”. The outer free edges 113b, 115b, 117b, 119b corresponding to the respective front panel, back panel, first side panel and the second side panel have a width “w2”. In one embodiment, the width “w1” is greater than the width “w2”.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the blank 103 may include corner flaps 143, 145 foldably connected to the first side panel along respective oblique fold lines 142, 144 and corner flaps 147, 149 are foldably connected to the second side panel along respective oblique fold lines 146, 148. Each of the corner flaps 143, 145, 147, 149 may include respective gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159 having a first portion 153a, 155a, 157a, 159a foldably connected to a second portion 153b, 155b, 157b, 159b along a respective oblique fold line 163, 165, 167, 169. The second portion of the gusset panels may be foldably connected to an attachment panel 173, 175, 177, 179 along respective oblique fold lines 183, 185, 187, 189. In one embodiment the corner panels 143, 145, 147, 149 may have a curved edge 192, 194, 196, 198 without departing for the disclosure.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 103 into a carton 105, the first side panel 117 and the second side panel 119 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 111 along fold lines 118, 120. The front panel 113 is folded along fold line 114 and positioned in face-to-face contact with the attachment panels 173, 179 and the back panel 115 is folded along fold line 116 and positioned in face-to-face contact with the attachment panels 175, 177 to form an interior space 136 of the carton. The gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159 are folded along fold lines 163, 165, 167, 169 and 183, 185, 187, 189 to form the carton in the first configuration (FIG. 5) wherein the upper portion 191 of the carton is narrower than the lower portion 193. A container C may be placed inside the interior space 136 in the first configuration. In one embodiment, the gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159 may be adhered to the respective front or back panels 113, 115 to hold the carton 105 in the first configuration. Alternatively, no adhesive may be used or the carton 105 may be held in the first configuration by frictional force or mechanical means including but not limited to an exterior wrap. The carton 105 can be converted to the second configuration (FIGS. 6 and 7) where the interior space 136 is expanded from the first configuration after removing the container, unfolding the gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159, and positioning the panel 113, 115, 117, 119 to expand the interior space 136 of the carton in the second configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exterior side 201 of a blank 203 for forming a carton 205, with an interior 236 (FIGS. 9 and 10), according to a third embodiment of the disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similar to the second embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 8, the each of the panels 213, 215, 217, 219 are generally rectangular having a substantially continuous width “w1” across the entire length “l1” of the panels 213, 215, 217, 219. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the blank 203 has corner flaps 143, 145 foldably connected to the first side panel 217 along respective fold lines 242, 244 and corner flaps 147, 149 are foldably connected to the second side panel along respective fold lines 246, 248. When the blank 203 is formed into a carton in the first configuration (FIG. 9), the upper portion 291 of the carton has generally the same width as the lower portion of the carton 293.

The blank 203 may be formed into a carton 205 in a manner substantially similar to the blank 103 of the second embodiment and can be converted from the first configuration (FIG. 9) to the second configuration (FIG. 10) in a similar manner.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an exterior side 301 of a blank 303 for forming a carton 305 of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. The fourth embodiment is generally similar to the first and third embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. The blank 303 includes a bottom panel 311, a front panel 313 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 314, a back panel 315 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 316, a first side panel 317 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 318, and a second side panel 319 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 320. Each of the front panel and the back panel may include an arcuate fold line 322, 324 beginning and ending at the bottom edges of the respective panels.

In one embodiment, the blank 303 has a first closure flap 323 foldably connected to the front panel 313 along fold line 333 and a second closure flap 325 foldably connected to the back panel 315 along fold line 335. The closure flaps 323, 325 may include a glue area “g” defined by lines of weakening 361. Each of the fold lines 333, 335 may include two cuts 333a, 335a therealong. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the blank comprises corner flaps 343, 345 that are foldably connected to the first side panel 317 along respective longitudinal fold lines 342, 344 and corner flaps 347, 349 are foldably connected to the second side panel 319 along respective longitudinal fold lines 346, 348.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the corner flaps 343, 345, 347, 349 include a first portion 343a, 345a, 347a, 349a foldably connected to a second portion 343b, 345b, 347b, 349b along oblique fold lines 363, 365, 367, 369. Each of the second portions 343b, 345b, 347b, 349b of the corner flaps comprises a respective side edge 383, 385, 387, 389, a top edge 373, 375, 377, 379, and a rounded corner 372, 374, 376, 378. Each of the side edges 383, 385, 387, 389 may have a cutout 82 adjacent the respective rounded corner. The top edge 373, 375, 377, 379 may have a protrusion or hook 81 extending outwardly from the respective top edge and generally adjacent the respective rounded corner 372, 374, 376, 378.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 303 into a carton 305, the side panels 317, 319 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 311 along fold lines 318, 320 and the corner flaps 343, 345, 347, 349 are folded approximately 90 degrees along respective fold lines 342, 344, 346, 348. The front panel 313 and the back panel 315 are folded along fold lines 314, 316 and positioned in face-to-face contact with the respective corner flaps 343, 345, 347, 349. The closure flap 323 is folded along fold line 333 to at least partially overlap the corner flaps 343, 349 and the closure flap 325 is folded along fold line 335 to at least partially overlap the corner flaps 345, 347 to form the interior space 336 of the carton 305. Glue may be applied to the glue areas “g” of the closure flaps 323, 325. In one embodiment, two containers C or canisters holding food product are inserted into the interior space 336 of the carton 305. In one embodiment, one or more of the front panel 313, back panel 315, and side panels 317, 319 includes indicia such as advertisement or other information.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the carton 305 can be positioned in a first configuration (FIG. 12) wherein the carton holds two containers and can be converted to a second or expanded configuration (FIG. 13) wherein carton 305 is filled with products F (e.g., chips) and used to serve the food product after removal from the containers C. The carton 305 may be converted to the second configuration by applying force to the side panels 317, 319 and sliding them outward until each of the projections or hooks 81 extends through and received by the respective cuts 333a, 335a. The outward folding of the side panels 317, 319 expands the interior space 336 of the carton 305 in the second configuration. The blank 303 and carton 305 could have other features and could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exterior side 401 of a blank 403 for forming a carton 405, with an interior 436 (FIGS. 15-16), according to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure. The fifth embodiment is generally similar to the second and third embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. The blank 403 includes a bottom panel 411, a front panel 413 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 414, a back panel 415 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 416, a first side panel 217 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 118, and a second side panel 219 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 120. In one embodiment, the edges 413a, 413b, 415a, 415b, 411a, 411b of the corresponding respective front panel 113, back panel 115, and bottom panel 411 have a width “w3”. The edges 217a, 217b, 219a, 219b, 411b, 411c of the corresponding respective first side panel 217, second side panel 219, and bottom panel 411 have a width “w1”. In one embodiment, the width “w3” is approximately twice the width of “w1”. In one embodiment, each of the front panel 413 and the back panel 415 may include a respective arcuate fold line 422, 424 beginning and ending at the outer edges of the edge 413a, 415a of the respective panels 413, 415.

In one embodiment the carton 405 of the fifth embodiment may be formed in a similar method, according to the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16, the carton 405 can be positioned in a first configuration wherein the carton holds two containers C and converted to a second or expanded configuration wherein interior space 436 of the carton 405 is expanded and filled with products F (e.g., chips) so that that carton is used to serve the food product after removal from the containers C.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exterior side 501 of a blank 503 for forming a carton 505, with an interior 536 (FIGS. 18-20), according to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure. The sixth embodiment is generally similar to the second and the fifth embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. In one embodiment, the edges 413a, 415a, 411a, 411b of the respective front panel 413, the back panel 415, and the bottom panel 411 have a width “w3”. The outer edges 413b, 415b of the respective front panel and the back panel have a width “w4”. The width “w3” is greater than the width “w4”. Also, the edges 117a, 119a, 411c, 411d of the respective first side panel 117, the second side panel 119, and bottom panel 411 have a width “w1”. The outer edges 117b, 119b of the respective first side panel and the second side panel have a width “w2”. In one embodiment, the width “w1” is greater than the width “w2”.

In one embodiment the carton 505 may be formed in a similar method, according to the exemplary method of the second embodiment. As illustrated in FIGS. 18-20, the carton 505 can be converted from a first configuration (FIGS. 18 and 19) wherein the carton holds two containers C to a second or expanded configuration wherein the containers C are removed, the interior space 536 of the carton 505 is expanded, and the carton is filled with products F (e.g., chips) and used to serve the food product F after removal from the containers C.

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate an exterior side 601 of a blank 603 for forming a carton 605, with an interior 636 (FIGS. 22-25), according to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 603 includes a bottom panel 611, a front panel 613 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 614, and a back panel 615 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 616. A side panel flap 617 is foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 618 and a side panel 619 is foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 620. In one embodiment, the end flaps 617, 619 comprise a respective fold line 628, 629 and have a distal portion with respective curved edge 617a, 619a that conforms to the curved edge of the container C held in the carton. A first attachment flap (broadly “corner flap”) 653 and a second attachment flap (broadly “corner flap”) 655 are foldably connected to the side panel 617 along respective fold lines 663, 665. A third attachment flap (broadly “corner flap”) 637 and a fourth attachment flap (broadly “corner flap”) 659 are foldably connected to the side panel 619 along fold lines 667, 669. When the blank is formed into a carton, the side panel 617 forms a top end 673 of the carton and the side panel 619 forms a bottom end 675 of the carton in a first configuration (FIGS. 22 and 23).

In one embodiment, the front panel 613 and the back panel 615 each have female locking features (i.e. a plurality of cuts 681) and the attachment flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 have male locking features 682 configured to mate with the female locking features in the respective front or back panels. The male locking features include a projection 682a defined by a notch or cutout 683 and edge of the respective attachment flap 653, 655, 657, 659. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the notch 683 may be generally near the respective corner 672, 674, 676, 678 of the flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 and the notch extends diagonally or obliquely into the attachment flap. In one embodiment, the corners and edges of the notch may be rounded.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 603 into a carton 605, the front panel 613 and the back panel 615 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 611 along respective fold lines 614, 616 to for generally a right angle. The side panels 617, 619 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 611 along respective fold lines 618, 620 to form generally a right angle. The attachment flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 may be positioned in face-to-face contact and adhered to the respective front panel 613 and back panel 615 to form a first configuration of the carton. Alternatively, the male locking features 682a may be inserted into the female locking features 681 to form and hold the carton in the first configuration. A container C may be inserted before or after closing the ends 673, 675 of the carton 605. The carton 605 may be converted to the second configuration by moving the attachment flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 and inserting the male locking features 682a into the female locking features 681. In the second configuration, the side panels 617, 619 are positioned at an acute angle θ relative to the horizontal axis “z” as shown in FIG. 25 to expand the interior space 636 of the carton 605. In one embodiment the angle θ may range between 15 and 80 degrees, and preferably between 30 and 60 degrees. Also, after removing the container C from the carton 605, food products F from the container C can be arranged in the carton for serving to a consumer, as shown in FIGS. 24-25.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an exterior side 701 of a blank 703 for forming a carton 705, with an interior 736 (FIGS. 27-28), according to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure. The eighth embodiment is generally similar to the seventh embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. The blank 703 includes a bottom panel 611, a front panel 713 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 614, and a back panel 615 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 616. A side panel 717 is foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 618 and a side panel 719 is foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 620. In one embodiment, the side panels 717, 719 comprise a respective fold line 728, 729 and have a distal portion with a respective curved edge 717a, 719a that conforms to the curved edge of the container C held in the carton.

The blank 703 includes corner flaps 753, 757 foldably connected to the front panel 713 along respective fold lines 763, 767 and corner flaps 755, 759 are foldably connected to the back panel 715 along respective fold lines 765, 767. As shown in FIG. 27, in one embodiment, two cartons 705 can be arranged in a back-to-back configuration with the bottom panel 611 of each carton in face-to-face contact.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 703 into a carton 705, the front panel 713 and the back panel 715 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 611 along respective fold lines 614, 616. The side panels 717 and 719 are folded along respective fold lines 618, 620 and positioned in face-to face contact with the respective end the end flaps 753, 755, 757, 759 to form the closed ends 773, 775 of the carton. Adhesive (e.g., glue) may be used to secure the end flaps together. As shown in FIG. 27, in one embodiment, a container C can be inserted into the carton. Also, after removing the container C from the carton, food products F from the container C can be arranged in the carton for serving to a consumer, as shown in FIG. 28.

FIGS. 29-31 illustrate an exterior side 801 of a blank 803 for forming a carton 805, with an interior 836 (FIGS. 30-31), according to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 803 includes a bottom panel 811, a front panel 813 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 814, and a back panel 815 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 816. In one embodiment, the front panel 813 and back panel 815 have respective curved edges 823, 825. The curved edges include a concave portion 823a, 825a and a convex portion 823b, 825b with respect to the bottom panel. The concave portion and the convex portion meet at a point generally indicated by arrows A1 and A2.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, end flaps 853, 857 are foldably connected to the front panel 813 along respective fold lines 863, 867 and end flaps 855, 859 are foldably connected to the back panel 815 along respective fold lines 865, 869. The end flaps 857, 859 have a generally straight edge 857a, 859a extending from the edge of the respective convex portion 823b, 825b to a lateral free edge 857b, 859b. Each of the end flaps 857, 859 have rounded edges 857c 857d, 859c, 859d that generally conform to the curvature of the containers when the blank is formed into a carton. In one embodiment, a tab 882 is foldably connected to the end panel 859 along fold lines 879 and the tab extends between the curved edges 859c, 859d. The end flap 857 may have a substantially straight longitudinal edge 857e extending between the rounded edges 857c, 857d.

In one embodiment, the end flaps 853, 855 have a generally oblique edge 853a, 855a extending from the respective edge of the concave portion 823a, 825a to a lateral free edge 853b, 855b. Each of the end flaps 853, 855 have rounded edges 853c, 853d and 855c, 855d that generally conform to the curvature of the containers when the blank is formed into a carton. In one embodiment, a tab 883 is foldably connected to the end panel 853 along respective fold lines 877 and the tab extends between the curved edges 853c, 853d. The end flap 855 may have a substantially straight longitudinal edge 855e extending between the rounded edges 855c, 855d.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 803 into a carton 805, the front panel 813 and the back panel 815 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 811 to form an interior space 836 of the carton. The end flaps 853, 855 cooperated to close a first end 873 and the end flaps 859, 859 cooperated to close a second end 875. The tabs 882 are folded about fold lines 877, 879 and adhered to the interior or the exterior of the bottom panel 811. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied to the end panels.

As shown in FIG. 30, two containers C can be inserted into the interior space 836 of the carton 805 in a first configuration for shipping and displaying the containers for purchase at a point of sale location. As shown in FIG. 31, the carton 805 can be converted to a second configuration with the containers C removed from the carton and the food products F removed from the containers and placed in the interior space of the carton 805 for serving to consumers of the products. In the second configuration, the carton 805 can be oriented to be a serving tray with the bottom panel 811 being supported on a surface and the front panel 813, back panel 815, and the ends 853, 855, 857, 859 extend upwardly from the bottom panel.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 29-31, the carton 805 has a flat bottom or bottom panel 811 for stability, and a curved front panel 813 and back panel 815 that extend from the bottom panel 811. The front panel 813 and back panel 815 have curved edges 895, 897 that generally conform to the rounded corners 853c, 853d, 855c, 855d, 857c, 857d, 859c, 859d of the end flaps 853, 855, 857, 859. The carton 805 and blank 803 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 32 shows a blank 903 used to form a carton (not shown) of a tenth embodiment of the disclosure. The tenth embodiment is generally similar to the ninth embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. End flaps 953, 857 are foldably connected to the front panel 813 along respective fold lines 863, 867 and end flaps 955, 959 are foldably connected to the back panel 815 along respective fold lines 865, 869. The end flaps 953, 955 respectively have a generally convex curved edge 953a, 955a extending from the respective edge of the concave portion 823a, 825a to a lateral free edge 953b, 955b and the end flaps 957, 959 have a generally concave curved edge 957a, 959a extending from the respective edge of the concave portion 823b, 825b of the panels 813, 815.

In one embodiment, the end flaps 955, 959 have rounded edges 955c, 955d and 959c, 959d that generally conform to the curvature of the containers when the blank is formed into a carton. In one embodiment, the end flaps 955, 959 may have a substantially straight longitudinal edge 955e, 959e extending between the respective rounded edges 955c, 955d and 959c, 959d as shown in FIG. 32.

In one embodiment, the end panels 955, 959 have a first portion 956a, 960a foldably connected to a second portion 956b, 960b along respective fold lines 962, 964. In one embodiment, tabs 883, 982 are foldably connected to of the respective end panels 953, 957 along respective longitudinal fold lines 877, 979. Tabs 973, 975, 977, 979 are foldably connected to respective end panels 953, 957 along respective curved fold lines 983, 985, 987, 989. In one embodiment, an end flap 990 is foldably connected to the end panel 957 along fold line 991. The end flap 990 may have a convex curved edge 990a as illustrated in FIG. 32.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 803 into a carton (not shown), the front panel 813 and the back panels 815 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 811 to form an interior space of the carton (not shown). The end flaps 953, 9553 cooperated to close a first end and the end flaps 957, 959 cooperated to close a second end. The tabs 883, 982 are folded about fold lines 877, 979 and adhered to the bottom panel 811 and tabs 973, 975, 977, 979 may be adhered to respective front panel and back panel. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied to the end panels and tabs.

FIGS. 33-37 show a blank 1003 used to form a carton 1005 of an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the blank 1003 comprises a bottom panel 1011 and a plurality of side panels 1013 respectively foldably connected to the bottom panel at respective fold lines 1015. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel 1011 is octagon-shaped and has eight sides, with a respective fold line 1015 being located at each side connecting a respective one of the eight side panels. Also, the side panels 1013 are generally arcuate or pedal-shaped and adjacent side panels are separated by respective cuts 1017, but the side panels 1013 and/or the bottom panel 1011 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured. The side panels 1013 can be positioned to overlap and encircle a bottom portion of a container C, when the carton 1005 and the container are in the first or shipping/display configuration as shown in FIG. 34. When the chips F or other articles in the container are accessed and desired to be consumed, the carton 1005 can be converted to a second configuration in the form of a display tray (FIGS. 36-37) wherein the side panels 1013 are downwardly folded from the shipping/display configuration to increase the interior space 1021 of the carton. In the second configuration, the chips F or other articles held in the container C can be removed from the container and placed in the expanded interior space 1021 of the carton 1005 for serving and consumption. The carton 1005 can have other features and be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. The carton 1005 is sized to hold a single container C as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, but the expandable carton 1005 could be sized to hold two containers C, such as carton 305 of the fourth embodiment, or more than two containers, without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 33-36 show the carton 1005 with an optional inner liner L attached to the inside surface of the carton. The liner L may be a film, foil, parchment paper, or any other suitable material for lining the interior 1021 of the carton 1005 and holding the food product F. The liner L lines the inside of the expanded carton 1005 and receives the food products F when the carton is converted for serving and consumption of the food product. As shown in FIG. 37, the liner L can be omitted from the carton 1005 without departing from the disclosure or the liner L. Also, the liner L and/or the carton 1005 can be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 38-42 show a blank 1103 used to form a carton 1105 of a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1103 includes a bottom panel 1111, a front panel 1113 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 1114, and a back panel 1115 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 1116. End flaps 1117, 1119 are foldably connected to the bottom panel 1111 along respective fold lines 1118, 1120. Gusset panels 1133, 1137 are foldably connected to the front panel 1113 along fold lines 1143, 1147 and the respective end flap 1117, 1119 along arcuate fold lines 1153, 1157. Gusset panels 1135, 1139 are foldably connected to the back panel 1115 along fold lines 1145, 1149 and the respective end flap 1117, 1119 along arcuate fold lines 1155, 1159. The gusset panels 1133, 1135, 1137, 1139 may include a first portion 1133a, 1135a, 1137a, 1139a foldably connected to a second portion 1133b, 1135b, 1137b, 1139b along an oblique fold line 1163, 1165, 1167, 1169. The oblique fold line may have a slight curvature as illustrated in FIG. 38. In one embodiment, the end flaps 1117, 1119 have a handle opening or aperture 1181 and a curved edge 1117a, 1119a that conforms to the curved edge of the container C. The fold lines 1153, 1155, 1157, 1159 may also conform to the curved edge of the end flaps. In one embodiment, the end flap 1117 and gusset panels 1133, 1135 form a first end 1182 of the carton 1105 and the end flap 1119 and gusset panels 1137, 1139 form a second end 1184 of the carton.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1103 into a carton 1105 according to the twelfth embodiment, the front panel 1113 and the back panel 1115 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 1111 to form an interior space 1136 of the carton. The end flap 1117 and the gusset panels cooperate to close a first end 1182 and the end flap 1119 and gusset panels 1167, 1139 cooperate to close a second end 1184. The carton 1105 may then be filled with food product F and inserted into or placed inside the container C. Upon opening the container C, the carton 1105 can be withdrawn and used as a serving tray to serve the food product without having to remove the food product and place on a separate tray. Alternatively, the food product F can be contained in the carton 1105 by an overwrap material (not shown). The carton 1105 and the blank 1103 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure, for example the front panel 113 and the back panel 1115 may comprise curved corners or angular corners without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 43-45 show a blank 1203 used to form a carton 1205 of a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1203 and carton 1205 are similar to the blank 1103 and carton 1105 of the twelfth embodiment and like or similar features have been assigned like or similar reference numbers. The carton 1205 of the thirteenth embodiment is shorter than the carton 1105 so that two of the cartons 1205 fit into a single container C. The carton 1205 and the blank 1203 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 46-48 show a blank 1303 used to form a carton 1035 of a fourteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1303 includes a front panel 1311, a first side panel 1313 foldably connected to the front panel along line of weakening 1312, a second side panel 1315 foldably connected to the front panel along line of weakening 1314, a first back panel 1317 foldably connected to the first side panel along fold line 1316, and a second back panel 1319 foldably connected to the second side panel along fold line 1318. In one embodiment, the first side panel 1313 and the second side panel 1315 include a plurality of fold lines 1332 extending along at least a portion of the length of the panels. End flaps 1340, 1342 are foldably connected to the front panel 1311 along respective longitudinal fold lines 1339, 1341, end flaps 1344, 1346 are foldably connected to the first back panel 1317 along respective longitudinal fold lines 1343, 1345, and end flaps 1348, 1350 are foldably connected to the second back panel 1319 along respective longitudinal fold lines 1347, 1349. The end flaps 1340, 1342, 1344, 1346 have generally curved edges 1340a, 1342a, 1344a, 1346a and 1340b, 1342b, 1344b, 1346b with a generally straight edge 1340c, 1342c, 1344c, 1346c between the curved edges. The end flaps 1348, 1350 have a curved edge 1348a, 1350a that is adjacent a generally straight edge 1348c, 1350c. The edge 1348b, 1350b of the end flaps 1348, 1350 also correspond the free edge 1372 of the blank 1303.

In the illustrated embodiment, a dispenser panel 1351 defined by tear line 1352 comprises a portion of the front panel 1311, and the side panels 1313, 1315. The blank 1303 may comprise a tear strip 1355 extending from the free edge 1370 to the opposite free edge 1372 of the blank. The first back panel 1317 may include a cutout 1361 having oblique edges 1361a, 1361b and the tear strip may have a grip portion 1367 at least partially defined in the cutout. The second back panel 1319 can include oblique fold lines 1371a 1371b that correspond generally to the oblique edges 1361a, 1361b of the cutout 1361. The tear strip 1355 can be used to initiate separation of the dispenser panel 1351 from the carton 1305, or the dispenser panel 1351 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured. The end flaps 1340, 1344, 1348 close a top end 1383 of the carton 1305 and the end flaps 1342, 1346, 1350 close a bottom end 1385 of the carton.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1303 into a carton 1305, the blank can be folded about fold lines 1312, 1314, 1315, 1318 so that the first back panel 1316 is positioned in an overlapped configuration and in face-to-face contact with the second back panel 1319 to form an interior space 1336 of the carton 1305. The end flaps 1340, 1344, 1348 cooperated to close a first end 1383 and the end flaps 1342, 1346, 1350 cooperated to close a second end 1385. As shown in FIGS. 47-48, the carton 1305 can be formed from the blank 1303 and can be used to hold food products F in a stacked configuration. The side panels 1313, 1315 may be curved to conform to the shape of the food product F. The tear strip 1355 can be removed from the carton 1305 to initiate separation of the dispenser panel 1351 from the carton. The dispenser panel 1351 can be removed to allow access to the food products F. The carton 1305 and the blank 1303 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 49 and 50 show a blank 1403 used to form a carton 1405 of a fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1403 and carton 1045 are similar to the blank 1303 and carton 1305 of the fourteenth embodiment and like or similar features have been assigned like or similar reference numbers. The carton 1405 and blank 1403 are wider than the fourteenth embodiment, so that the carton 1405 can accommodate two stacks of food products F. As illustrated in FIG. 49, the blank 1403 also includes two dispenser panels 1451a, 1451b defined by tear lines 1452a, 1452b. An attachment flap 1460 is foldably connected to the second back panel 1319 along lateral fold line 1461. The attachment flap may have a first portion 1460a foldably connected to a second portion 1460b along fold line 1466. The fold line 1466 may include two semicircular cuts 1481. In one embodiment, a flap 1483 may be foldably connected to the first portion 1460a along longitudinal fold line 1485. The carton 1405 and the blank 1403 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1403 into a carton 1405, the blank can be folded about fold lines 1312, 1314, 1316, 1461 so that the first back panel 1317 is positioned in an overlapped configuration and in face-to-face contact with the second back panel 1319 and attachment flap 1460 to form an interior space of the carton 1405. The end flaps 1340, 1344, 1348 cooperated to close a first end 1482 and the end flaps 1342, 1346, 1350 cooperated to close a second end 1484. The tear strip 1355 can be removed from the carton 1405 to initiate separation of the dispenser panels 1451a, 1451b from the carton. The dispenser panel s 1451a, 1451b can be removed to allow access to the food products F. The carton 1405 and the blank 1403 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 51 and 52 show a blank 1503 used to form a carton 1505 of a sixteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1503 and carton 1505 are similar to the blank 1303 and carton 1305 of the fourteenth embodiment and like or similar features have been assigned like or similar reference numbers. The carton 1505 and blank 1503 are shorter than the fourteenth embodiment, so that the carton 1505 can accommodate a shorter stack of food products F. The carton 1505 and the blank 1503 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 53-54 show a blank 1603 used to form a carton 1605 of a seventeenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1603 includes a top panel 1609, a first front panel 1611 foldably connected to the top panel along fold line 1612, a back panel 1613 foldably connected to the top panel along fold line 1614, a bottom panel 1615 foldably connected to the back panel along fold line 1616, and a second front panel 1617 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 1618. In one embodiment, the top panel 1609 and the bottom panel 1615 include a plurality of fold lines 1609a, 1609b and 1615a, 1615b extending along at least a portion of the length of the panels. End flaps 1619, 1621 are foldably connected to the top 1609 along respective fold lines 1620, 1622. End flaps 1623, 1625 are foldably connected to the back panel 1613 along respective fold lines 1624, 1626. End flaps 1627, 1629 are foldably connected to the bottom panel 1615 along respective fold lines 1628, 1630 and end flaps 1631, 1633 are foldably connected to the second front panel 1617 along respective fold lines 1632, 1634.

In one embodiment, the end flaps 1619, 1621 have rounded corners 1619a, 1619b and 1621a, 1621b and straight edges 1619c, 1621c extending between the rounded corners 1619a, 1621a. The end flaps 1627, 1629 have rounded corners 1627a, 1629a adjacent the bottom panel 1615 and female locking features (i.e., cuts) 1681. The end flaps 1623, 1625, 1631, 1633 have male locking features 1682. The male locking features generally have a notch 1683 defining a hook portion 1684, and a rounded protrusion 1686 opposite of the notch. When the blank is formed into a carton, the female locking features are configured to receive the male locking features to hold the carton together. Also, the carton has curved edges 1691, 1692, 1693, 1694 that generally extend from the respective fold lines 1609a, 1609b, 1615a, 1615b to the fold lines 1612, 1614, 1616, 1618 and conform to the curvature of the edges 1619a, 1619b, 1621a, 1621b, 1627a, 1629a of the end panels 1619, 1921, 1627, 1629.

In one embodiment, the blank 103 includes features for forming a dispenser 1651 for allowing access to the food products F inside the carton. The dispenser features include a tear line 1655 in the top panel 1609 and the first front panel 1611 that define a dispenser panel 1651. The dispenser features also may include an access opening 1656 in the first front panel. In one embodiment, the second front panel 1617 may include a line of weakening 1668 generally corresponding to the portion of the dispenser in the first front panel. The end flaps 1619, 1623, 1627, 1631 close a first end 1641 and the end flaps 1621, 1625, 1629, 1633 close a second end 1643 of the carton 1605.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1603 into a carton 1605, the blank can be folded about fold lines 1616, 1618 and the male locking features are inserted into the female locking features to form an interior space 1636 of the carton 1065. The blank is folded about fold lines 1612, 1614 so that the first front panel 1611 is positioned in an overlapped configuration and in face-to-face contact with the second front panel 1617. The end flaps 1619, 1623, 1627, 1631 cooperated to close a first end 1461 and the end flaps 1621, 1625, 1629, 1633 cooperated to close a second end 1643. As shown in FIG. 54B, the dispenser 1651 can be removed from the carton 1605 to access the food products F in the interior space 1636 of the carton. The carton 1605 has rounded corners comprising portions of the top panel 1609 and portions of the bottom panel 1615. In one embodiment, the food products F can be initially packaged in groups and can be unpackaged and emptied in the interior space 1636 of the carton 1605 for serving. Alternatively, the carton 1605 could be configured to contain one or more containers C such as the containers C shown in the earlier embodiments. The carton 1605 and the blank 1603 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

The blanks according to the present disclosure 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, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blanks can also be laminated 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 disclosure, 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 disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features.

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

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more 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 disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A carton comprising

a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton;

wherein in a first configuration of the carton, the carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food products;

the carton has features for converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.

3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel and a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.

4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the features comprise at least one corner flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel and the second side panel.

5. The carton of claim 3, wherein the features comprise at least one corner flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel.

6. The carton of claim 4, further comprising at least one closure flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel along a fold line, wherein the first fold line comprises a cut.

7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a projection for being received in the cut.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a first corner flap and a second corner flap, and the projection comprises a first projection on the first corner flap and a second projection on the second corner flap.

9. The carton of claim 8, wherein the at least one closure flap comprises a first closure flap foldably connected to the front panel at a first fold line having a first cut and a second closure flap foldably connected to the back panel at a second fold line having a second cut, the first projection is for being received in the first cut and the second projection is for being received in the second cut.

10. The carton of claim 4, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a projection and the features comprise a cut in at least one of the front panel and the back panel, the projection is for being received in the cut.

11. The carton of claim 2, wherein the front panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a first curved fold line and the back panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second curved fold line.

12. The carton of claim 2, wherein the carton further comprises a first end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a second end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the first and second end flap being at least partially overlapped to close a first end of the carton.

13. The carton of claim 12, wherein the carton further comprises a third end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a fourth end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the third and fourth end flap being at least partially overlapped to close a second end of the carton.

14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the front panel has a first free edge and the back panel has a second free edge; and the first free edge is curved and extends between the first end flap and the third end flap, and the second free edge is curved and extends between the second end flap and the fourth end flap.

15. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel.

16. The carton of claim 15, wherein the bottom panel has eight sides and the plurality of side panels comprise a respective side panel foldably connected at each side of the bottom panel.

17. The carton of claim 16, wherein the side panels have an arcuate shape and are separated by respective cuts.

18. The carton of claim 17, wherein the side panels are for overlapping engagement in the second configuration of the carton.

19. The carton of claim 15, further comprises a liner attached to the interior surface of the carton.

20. A blank comprising

a plurality of panels for forming an interior of a carton formed from the blank;

wherein in a first configuration of the carton formed from the blank, the carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food products;

the carton formed from the blank has features for converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.

22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel and a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the features comprise at least one corner flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel and the second side panel.

24. The blank of claim 22, wherein the features comprise at least one corner flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel

25. The blank of claim 23, further comprising at least one closure flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel along a fold line, wherein the first fold line comprises a cut.

26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a projection for being received in the cut.

27. The blank of claim 26, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a first corner flap and a second corner flap, and the projection comprises a first projection on the first corner flap and a second projection on the second corner flap.

28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the at least one closure flap comprises a first closure flap foldably connected to the front panel at a first fold line having a first cut and a second closure flap foldably connected to the back panel at a second fold line having a second cut, the first projection is for being received in the first cut and the second projection is for being received in the second cut when the blank is formed into the carton.

29. The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a projection and the features comprise a cut in at least one of the front panel and the back panel, the projection is for being received in the cut when the blank is formed into the carton.

30. The blank of claim 21, wherein the front panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a first curved fold line and the back panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second curved fold line.

31. The blank of claim 21, wherein the front panel and the back panel are foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the blank further comprises a first end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a second end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the first and second end flap are for being at least partially overlapped to close a first end of the carton when the carton is formed from the blank.

32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the blank further comprises a third end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a fourth end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the third and fourth end flap are for being at least partially overlapped to close a second end of the carton when the carton is formed from the blank.

33. The blank of claim 32, wherein the front panel has a first free edge and the back panel has a second free edge; and the first free edge is curved and extends between the first end flap and the third end flap, and the second free edge is curved and extends between the second end flap and the fourth end flap.

34. The blank of claim 20, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel.

35. The blank of claim 34, wherein the bottom panel has eight sides and the plurality of side panels comprise a respective side panel foldably connected at each side of the bottom panel.

36. The blank of claim 34, wherein the side panels have an arcuate shape and are separated by respective cuts.

37. The blank of claim 35, wherein the side panels are for being in an overlapping engagement in the second configuration of the carton when the carton is formed from the blank.

38. The blank of claim 34, further comprises a liner attached to the interior surface of the blank.

39. A method of forming a carton that is positionable between a first configuration and a second configuration, the method comprising

obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels and positioning the carton in the first configuration wherein the plurality of panels extends at least partially around an interior of the carton;

placing at least one article containing a plurality of food products in the interior of the carton in the first configuration;

activating features of the carton to position the carton in a second configuration wherein the at least one article is removed from the interior and the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a first side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and at least one corner flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel and the second side panel.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the carton further comprising at least one closure flap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel along a fold line, and at least one corner flap foldably connected to one of the first side panel and the second side panel,

wherein the first fold line comprises a cut, the at least one corner flap comprises a first corner flap, a second corner flap, and a projection for being received in the cut, and the projection comprises a first projection on the first corner flap and a second projection on the second corner flap, the at least one closure flap comprises a first closure flap foldably connected to the front panel at a first fold line having a first cut and a second closure flap foldably connected to the back panel at a second fold line having a second cut; and

the method further comprises positioning the first projection in the first cut and the second projection in the second cut.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a front panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a first curved fold line and a back panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second curved fold line.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and the carton further comprises a first end flap foldably connected to the front panel, a second end flap foldably connected to the back panel, a third end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a fourth end flap foldably connected to the back panel; the front panel has a first free edge and the back panel has a second free edge; and the first free edge is curved and extends between the first end flap and the third end flap, and the second free edge is curved and extends between the second end flap and the fourth end flap and

the method further comprises at least partially overlapping the first and second end flap to close a first end of the carton and at least partially overlapping the third and fourth end flap to close a second end of the carton.

44. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a plurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, and a liner attached to the interior surface of the carton, the bottom panel has eight sides and the plurality of side panels comprise a respective side panel foldably connected at each side of the bottom panel, the side panels have an arcuate shape and are separated by respective cuts; and

the method further comprises positioning the side panels in overlapping engagement.