Abstract: A carton having a dispensing feature adapted for permitting the removal of articles from within the carton. Top and bottom opposed walls are interconnected by a pair of side walls to form a tubular body. An article dispenser is provided by a removable portion defined by an opening in the carton for exposing articles for removal. The removable portion is at least partially defined by a frangible line extending across each side wall to opposite side edges of the bottom wall. A portion of the frangible line extends at least partially along the adjacent end edge of the bottom wall and then extends to the opposite side edges of the bottom wall. A buttress arrangement for enhancing the stacking strength of the carton is formed from the distal portion of at least one side end flap.

Abstract: A carton for dispensing and retaining articles such as cans or bottles is opened by at least partially removing a first detachable portion and then by at least partially detaching a second detachable portion. Removal of the first detachable portion defines an opening for dispensing articles, and defines means for retaining articles in the carton after one or both of the detachable portions have been removed, such as a stopper wall. Removal of the first detachable portion provides access to the second detachable portion to facilitate subsequent and at least partial detachment thereof. The second detachable portion may be yieldable so as to variably and reversibly redefine or reconfigure the opening to enlarge the opening to facilitate removal of articles that are being dispensed, and to reduce the opening to retain articles in the carton that are not being dispensed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles such as pouches which do not have rigid structures. The method includes the steps of placing first and second sets of the articles onto spaced apart loading panels of a carton blank so that the article sets are spaced apart with an unloaded further panel of the blank disposed between the article sets, raising the spaced loading panels together with the respective sets of articles to transfer the sets of articles to the unloaded further panel so that the unloaded further panel becomes the loaded base of the carton and the loading panels become opposed side panels of the carton.

Abstract: A carton having a mechanism for securely closing and locking the end of said carton by a locking tab without the use of adhesive.

Abstract: The carton is convertible into two display trays on which tapered articles may be displayed. The trays can be pivoted about a fold line without disturbing each row of articles in the carton. The fold line is formed in the base of the carton whereas lines of weakening are formed in the top, front and rear. The top of the carton is provided with a pair of parallel weakened or tear lines that are parallel to the fold line in the base. The tear lines in the top extend all the way across the top to define between themselves a removable portion. The distance between the fold line and either tear line of the top is dimensioned such that the two rows of articles may be efficiently separated or uninterleaved from each other while held respectively in the two trays when the two trays are pivoted about the fold line.

Abstract: A paperboard multiple compartment tray-type container erectable from a blank, having a product dividing keel which provides structure as well as flexibility to the container. The container may have tapered or vertical sides. The container is formed from a die-cut and scored blank of paperboard or other sheet material, and includes locking devices which allow for mechanical forming of a multiple compartment tray without the need for adhesives.

Abstract: A paperboard carton of multiple compartments and leakproofness for packaging separate food items is provided. Adjacent side panels and bottom panels merge to form the corners. Diagonal divider panels extend from the corners to the opposite side panel and along the bottom panels. A pair of gusset panels are provided to reinforce the corners and to connect the side panels. Each gusset panel extends from a side panel and the adjacent divider panel. The gusset panels are overlapped and folded around the corner and sealed with thermoplastic adhesive against the adjacent side panel. The divider panel is doubled forming an inverted V. The two divider panels provide miror image triangular compartments and a trapezoidal central compartment. A cover hinged along the side panel of the central compartment between the reinforced corners is sealed to the carton along sealing flanges to close and complete the carton.

Abstract: A folding container such as a tray, carton or the like constructed of paperboard includes an interior end panel articulated to a bottom wall panel and including a relief slit to ensure full engagement of a thread and punch lock on first and second end panels articulated to opposite sidewall panels. The first locking end panel includes a locking assembly comprising a tongue and cooperating locking tab. The second locking end panel includes a receipt aperture for the lock assembly. When locked in overlapping relation, the tongue and tab are respectively threaded and snapped into the receipt aperture to provide secure engagement. The relief slit is substantially U-shaped with the open end of the U directed toward the lock assembly receipt aperture when the end panels are in overlapping relation. The relief slit extends substantially around the tab engaging edge of the lock assembly receipt aperture so as to provide sufficient relief for the full and complete engagement of the locking tab.