Cartons having tilt features
A carton has a dispenser located at an exiting end of the carton. The dispenser can be opened by separating a dispenser flap from the exiting end of the carton, thereby forming a dispenser opening at the exiting end. The dispenser flap is then engaged with a mounting feature at the bottom of the carton to tilt the carton in a manner such that articles are urged toward the exiting end by gravity.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/652,245 filed Feb. 10, 2005, 60/662,426 filed Mar. 16, 2005, and 60/627,221 filed Nov. 12, 2004, the entire contents of these applications being hereby incorporated by reference as if presented herein.
BACKGROUNDEnclosed cartons with positioning features for displaying or dispensing articles have been used in the past. In many instances, use of the positioning features negatively affects the structural integrity of the carton, and may preclude reclosing the carton. Additionally, many conventional carton positioning assemblies are structurally weak and are relatively easily flattened by excessive weight, and/or may not provide a desired degree of stability for a carton.
SUMMARYAccording to a first aspect of the invention, a carton includes a dispenser located at an exiting end of the carton. The dispenser can be opened by separating a dispenser flap from the exiting end of the carton, thereby forming a dispenser opening at the exiting end. The dispenser flap is then engaged with a mounting feature at the bottom rear of the carton to tilt the carton in a manner such that articles within the carton are urged by gravity toward the exiting end.
According to the first aspect of the invention, articles accommodated within the carton are more easily accessible to users through the dispenser opening. Articles may therefore be retrieved from the carton interior without necessitating the user to reach into the carton interior.
Also according to the first aspect of the invention, the dispenser flap can be formed such that it is capable of supporting a relatively large weight without collapsing or deforming significantly. The relatively high strength of the dispenser flap allows heavy articles such as beverage containers to be supported in the carton while in the tilt configuration.
The opened exiting end of the opened carton can have one or more retainer walls so that articles are prevented from inadvertently rolling out of the carton, even when the carton is in the tilt configuration.
Other aspects, features, and details of the present invention can be more completely understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.
According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein like or similar reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the figures.
The present invention generally relates to cartons having tilt features that enhance the dispensing capabilities of the cartons. The tilt features according to present invention can be used, for example, in cartons that contain articles or other items or products such as, for example, food and beverages. The articles can also include beverage containers such as, for example, cans, bottles, PET containers, or other containers such as those used in packaging foodstuffs. For the purposes of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the invention, the following detailed description describes generally cylindrical beverage containers as disposed within the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons.
The first side panel 10 is foldably connected to a first side exiting end flap 12 and a first side end flap 14. The top panel 20 is foldably connected to a top exiting end flap 22 and a top end flap 24. The second side panel 30 is foldably connected to a second side exiting end flap 32 and a second side end flap 34. The bottom panel 40 is foldably connected to a bottom exiting end flap 42 and a bottom end flap 44. The exiting end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 extend along a first marginal area of the blank 8, and may be foldably connected along a first longitudinally extending fold line 62. The end flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 extend along a second marginal area of the blank 8, and may be foldably connected along a second longitudinally extending fold line 64. The longitudinally extending fold lines 62, 64 may be straight fold lines, or, the fold lines 62, 64 may be offset at one or more locations to account for, for example, blank thickness. When the carton 190 is erected, the exiting end flaps 12, 22, 32, 42 close a front or exiting end of the carton 190, and the end flaps 14, 24, 34, 44 close a back end of the carton 190.
A dispenser pattern 100 is formed in the blank 8 and defines a dispenser 150 in the erected carton (
The dispenser pattern 100 comprises a first end tear line 108 that extends through the first side exiting end flap 12, and a second end tear line 128 that extends through the second side exiting end flap 32. The first and second end tear lines 108, 128 have obliquely extending center sections that transition at each end into generally laterally extending sections. The first and second end tear lines 108, 128 define an end retainer wall 125 in the erected carton 190 (
The first end tear line 108 extends to a point at or adjacent to a first side tear line 102 that extends generally obliquely through the first side panel 10. The second end tear line 128 extends to a point at or adjacent to a second side tear line 122 that extends generally obliquely through the second side panel 30. A first generally longitudinally extending tear line 104 extends between a point at or adjacent to the first side tear line 102 and an opening feature 106 in the top panel 20. A second generally longitudinally extending tear line 124 extends between a point at or adjacent to the second side tear line 122 and the opening feature 106. A first tilt fold line 132 extends from the first end tear line 108 to an edge of the first side exiting end flap 12. A second tilt fold line 134 extends from the second end tear line 128 to an edge of the second side exiting end flap 32. In accordance with a first exemplary embodiment, a mounting feature 136 is formed at the fold line 64 between the bottom panel 40 and the bottom end flap 44. The mounting feature 136 cooperates with the dispenser flap 155 to tilt the carton 190 (
Referring again to
As shown in
According to the above embodiment, containers in the rear or back end of the carton 190 are advanced by the action of gravity to a front or exiting end of the carton 190, without necessitating the user to reach into the carton. This provides a user ease of access to articles within the carton. Also according to the above embodiment, the “corner cutout” form of the dispenser flap 155 is capable of supporting a relatively large carton weight without collapsing, and provides a stable tilt platform for the carton.
A dispenser pattern 300 is formed in the blank 8 and defines a dispenser 350 in the erected carton (
The dispenser pattern 300 comprises a first end tear line 308 that extends obliquely through the first side exiting end flap 212, and a second end tear line 328 that extends obliquely through the second side exiting end flap 232. The first and second end tear lines 308, 328 have obliquely extending sections that terminate in generally laterally extending sections. The first and second end tear lines 308, 328 define end retainer walls 325, 327 in the erected carton 390 (
The first end tear line 308 extends to a point at or adjacent to a first side tear line 302 that extends generally laterally through the first side panel 210. The second end tear line 328 extends to a point at or adjacent to a second side tear line 322 that extends generally laterally through the second side panel 230. A first generally longitudinally extending tear line 304 extends between a point at or adjacent to the first side tear line 302 and an opening feature 306 in the top panel 220. A second generally longitudinally extending tear line 324 extends between a point at or adjacent to the second side tear line 322 and the opening feature 306. A first tilt fold line 332 extends from the first end tear line 308 to an edge of the first side exiting end flap 212. A second tilt fold line 334 extends from the second end tear line 328 to an edge of the second side exiting end flap 232. In accordance with the second exemplary embodiment, a mounting feature 336 is formed at the fold line 264 between the bottom panel 240 and the bottom end flap 244.
A tear-away section 322 may be formed in the bottom exiting end flap 240.
The tear away section 322 is shaped to align with the first and second end tear lines 308, 328 in the erected carton 390. The tear-away section 322 in the bottom exiting end flap 242 allows articles in the bottom of the carton 390 to be accessed through the exiting end of the carton 390 when the dispenser flap 155 is removed from the carton 390 (
The tear lines 302, 304, 308, 322, 324, 328 of the dispenser pattern 300 can be formed from continuous or substantially continuous tear lines formed by, for example, scores, creases, cuts, gaps, cut/creases, perforations, offset cuts, and combinations thereof. If cuts are used to form the tear lines 302, 304, 308, 322, 324, 328, the cuts may be, for example, interrupted by breachable nicks. The tilt fold lines 332, 334 can be, for example, creases, cut/creases, scores, or other lines of disruption in the blank 208. The mounting feature 336 can comprise a breachable line of disruption such as, for example, a tear line, a continuous cut, or a cut interrupted by breachable nicks. An elongate aperture can also be used to form the mounting feature 336.
The carton 390 may be placed in the tilt configuration in a manner similar to the carton 190 (illustrated in
The cartons 190, 390 discussed in this specification are designed to accommodate twelve generally cylindrical 12 ounce beverage containers C in two rows (extending horizontally in
In the exemplary embodiments discussed above, the blanks may be formed from materials such as clay coated newsprint (CCN) and solid unbleached sulfate (SUS) board. In general, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard, having a caliper of at least about 14, so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper.
The blanks, and thus the cartons, can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above. The first and second sides of the blanks can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, 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.
A tear line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, line of disruption that facilitates tearing therealong. Specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present invention, tear lines include: a cut that extends partially into the 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, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of cuts that extend completely through the material, with adjacent cuts being spaced apart slightly so that small somewhat bridge-like pieces of the material (e.g., ‘nicks’) are defined between adjacent cuts. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. Such a tear line that includes nicks can also be referred to as a cut line, since the nicks typically are a relatively small in relation to the cuts.
The term “line” as used herein includes not only straight lines, but also other types of lines such as curved, curvilinear or angularly displaced lines.
In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line. In contrast, where nicks are present in a cut line (e.g., tear line), typically the nicks will not be overly large or overly numerous in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the subject cut line to be a fold line.
The above embodiments 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 paperboard carton panels in place.
The foregoing description of the invention illustrates and describes the present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the invention, but it is to be understood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art.
Claims
1. A method of placing a carton in a tilt configuration, comprising:
- providing a carton having a first side panel; a top panel; a second side panel; a bottom panel; an end panel; an exiting end panel; and a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser flap at least in the exiting end panel and in the top panel;
- separating the dispenser flap from a remainder of the carton, wherein separating the dispenser flap forms a dispenser opening at least in the exiting end panel and in the top panel; and
- engaging the dispenser flap with a mounting feature proximate to the end panel, wherein the dispenser flap provides a nonzero angle of orientation of the carton with respect to horizontal.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the dispenser flap comprises a mounting projection.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein engaging the dispenser flap with the mounting feature comprises inserting the mounting projection in the mounting feature.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the mounting feature comprises a breachable line of disruption at or adjacent to the end panel.
5. The method of claim 3, further comprising bending the dispenser flap at the mounting projection before inserting the mounting projection in the mounting feature.
6. The method of claim 3, wherein the dispenser flap further comprises a base that extends substantially perpendicularly to the mounting projection, wherein the base abuts a bottom panel of the carton when the carton is in the tilt configuration.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein separating the dispenser flap further forms the dispenser opening in the first and second side panels.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprising bending the dispenser flap at the mounting projection before engaging the mounting projection with the mounting feature.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein providing a carton further comprises providing a plurality of articles disposed within the carton.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of articles comprise at least one of generally cylindrical beverage containers and petaloid beverage containers.
11. A method of placing a carton in a tilt configuration, comprising:
- providing a parallelepipedal carton having an exiting end panel comprising a plurality of exiting end flaps and a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser flap at an exiting end of the carton;
- separating the dispenser flap from the exiting end of the carton to form a dispenser opening at the exiting end of the carton, the dispenser flap having a mounting projection; and
- inserting the mounting projection in a mounting feature at an end of the carton opposite to the exiting end, wherein the dispenser flap provides a nonzero angle of orientation of the carton with respect to horizontal.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising bending the dispenser flap at the mounting projection before inserting the mounting projection in the mounting feature.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the mounting feature comprises a breachable line of disruption at or adjacent to the end panel.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the dispenser flap further comprises a base that extends substantially perpendicularly to the mounting projection, wherein the base abuts a bottom panel of the carton when the carton is in the tilt configuration.
15. A carton, comprising:
- a first side panel;
- a second side panel;
- a top panel;
- a bottom panel;
- an end panel;
- an exiting end panel that is opposite from the end panel;
- a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser flap at least in the exiting end panel and in the top panel; and
- a mounting feature at or adjacent to the end panel sized to receive at least a portion of the dispenser flap when the dispenser flap is separated from a remainder of the carton.
16. The carton of claim 15, wherein the dispenser flap comprises a mounting projection sized to be received in the mounting feature.
17. The carton of claim 16, wherein the dispenser flap further comprises a base that extends substantially perpendicularly to the mounting projection.
18. The carton of claim 16, wherein the mounting feature comprises a breachable line of disruption proximate to the end panel.
19. The carton of claim 16, wherein the dispenser flap further comprises at least one fold line extending substantially laterally across the exiting end panel.
20. The carton of claim 15, wherein the dispenser pattern further defines the dispenser flap in the first and second side panels.
21. The carton of claim 15, wherein the exiting end panel comprises a plurality of overlapping exiting end flaps.
22. The carton of claim 15, further comprising a handle in the top panel.
23. The carton of claim 15, wherein the carton has the shape of a parallelepiped.
24. In combination, the carton of claim 15 and a plurality of articles disposed within the carton.
25. The combination of claim 24, wherein the plurality of articles comprises at least one of generally cylindrical beverage containers and petaloid beverage containers.
26. A carton blank, comprising:
- a first side panel;
- a second side panel;
- a top panel;
- a bottom panel;
- at least one exiting end flap extending along a first marginal area of the blank;
- at least one end flap extending along a second marginal area of the blank;
- a dispenser pattern defining a dispenser flap at least in the at least one exiting end flap, the top panel, the first side panel, and the second side panel; and
- a mounting feature at or adjacent to the at least one end flap sized to receive at least a portion of the dispenser flap.
27. The blank of claim 26, wherein the at least one exiting end panel comprises a first side exiting end flap connected to the first side panel, and a second side exiting end flap connected to the second side panel, the dispenser pattern extending through the first side exiting end flap and the second side exiting end flap.
28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the dispenser pattern comprises:
- a first fold line extending generally transversely through first side exiting end flap; and
- a second fold line extending generally transversely through the second side exiting end flap.
29. The blank of claim 26, wherein the mounting feature comprises a breachable line of disruption in the blank.
30. The blank of claim 26, wherein the first side panel, the second side panel, the top panel, and the bottom panel are substantially rectangular.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 14, 2005
Publication Date: May 18, 2006
Inventors: Raymond Spivey (Mableton, GA), Jean-Manuel Gomes (Marietta, GA), Graham Hand (Roswell, GA)
Application Number: 11/272,959
International Classification: B65D 5/00 (20060101); B65D 17/00 (20060101);