Carton With Dispensing Feature

Abstract

A carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least one top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of the carton. The carton comprises a handle in the top panel and a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/273,487, filed Aug. 5, 2009.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/273,487, which was filed on Aug. 5, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding beverage containers or other types of articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cartons having at least one dispensing feature.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is directed to a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least one top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of the carton. The carton comprises a handle in the top panel and a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The dispenser panel extends from the handle in the at least one top panel and comprises at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel.

In another aspect the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels comprising at least one top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps are for being overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of a carton formed from the blank. The blank comprises a handle in the at least one top panel and a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton formed from the blank. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the blank and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The dispenser panel extends from the handle in the at least one top panel and comprises at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel.

In another aspect the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carton. The method comprises obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least one top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of the carton. The carton comprises a handle in the at least one top panel and a dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton. The dispenser panel extends from the handle in the at least one top panel and comprises at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel. The method further comprises at least further opening a dispenser opening by at least partially removing the dispenser panel from the carton, and removing at least one article from the carton through the dispenser opening.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding a plurality of containers. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least three end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least three end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The at least three end flaps comprise at least a first top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, a second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel, and a bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The carton comprises a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The dispenser panel comprises at least a portion of the first top end flap, the second top end flap, and the bottom end flap.

In another aspect the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least three end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least three end flaps are for being overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of a carton formed from the blank. The at least three end flaps comprises at least a first top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, a second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel, and a bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel. The blank further comprises a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton formed from the blank. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the blank and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening. The dispenser panel comprises at least a portion of the first top end flap, the second top end flap, and the bottom end flap.

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 a plan view of the exterior side of a blank according to a first embodiment.

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

FIGS. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the carton of FIG. 2 showing an initial opening of the dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 with a dispenser panel of the dispenser in the open position.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 2 with the dispenser panel in the closed position.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the exterior side of a blank according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 7 showing an initial opening of the dispenser.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 7 with the dispenser panel in the open position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 7 with the dispenser panel in the closed position.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of the exterior side of a blank according to a third embodiment.

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

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 12 showing an initial opening of the dispenser.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 12 with the dispenser panel in the open position.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 12 with the dispenser panel in the closed position.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons that contain articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc. The articles can be used for packaging food and beverage products, for example. The articles can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular food or beverage item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum and/or other metals; glass; plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; and the like, or any combination thereof.

Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage containers (e.g., glass beverage bottles or aluminum cans) 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.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior side 1 of a blank, generally indicated at 3, used to form a carton 5 (FIG. 2) according to one exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carton 5 can be used to house a plurality of articles such as containers C1 (FIG. 5). In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 is sized to house twelve containers C1 in a single layer in a 3×4 arrangement, but it is understood that the carton 5 may be sized and shaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in more than one layer and/or in different row/column arrangements (e.g., 1×6, 3×6, 2×6×2, 3×3×2, 4×5, 3×5, 2×9, 2×6, 3×4, etc.). In one embodiment, the carton 5 has a dispenser 7 for accessing the containers C1 in the carton. In the illustrated embodiment, the carton 5 includes a handle, generally indicated at 9, for grasping and carrying the carton. As will be discussed below in more detail, the dispenser 7 can be positioned to an open position (FIG. 4) for accessing the containers C1 and can be returned to the closed position (FIG. 5) to retain the containers in the carton 5.

In one embodiment, the carton blank 3 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 comprises a first top panel 11 foldably connected to a first side panel 13 at a first lateral fold line 15. A bottom panel 17 is foldably connected to the first side panel 13 at a second lateral fold line 19. A second side panel 21 is foldably connected to the bottom panel 17 at a third lateral fold line 23. A second top panel 25 is foldably connected to the second side panel 21 at a fourth lateral fold line 27. In the illustrated embodiment, the blank 3 includes an reinforcing handle flap 29 foldably connected to the second top panel 25 at a fourth lateral fold line 31. In alternative embodiments, the blank 3 can have alternative panel and/or flap arrangements.

The first top panel 11 is foldably connected to a first top end flap 35 and a second top end flap 37. The first side panel 13 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 39 and a second side end flap 41. The bottom panel 17 is foldably connected to a first bottom end flap 43 and a second bottom end flap 45. The second side panel 21 is foldably connected to a first side end flap 47 and a second side end flap 49. The second top panel 25 is foldably connected to a first top end flap 51 and a second top end flap 53. When the carton 5 is erected, the top end flaps 35, 51, bottom end flap 43, and side end flaps 39, 47 close a first end 55 of the carton, and the top end flaps 37, 53, bottom end flap 45, and side end flaps 41, 49 close a second end 57 of the carton. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, different flap arrangements can be used for at least partially closing the ends 55, 57 of the carton 5.

The top end flaps 35, 51, bottom end flap 43, and side end flaps 39, 47 extend along a first marginal area of the blank 3, and are foldably connected at a first longitudinal fold line 61 that extends along the length of the blank. The top end flaps 37, 53, bottom end flap 45, and side end flaps 41, 49 extend along a second marginal area of the blank 3, and are foldably connected at a second longitudinal fold line 63 that also extends along the length of the blank. The longitudinal fold lines 61, 63 may be, for example, substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations to account for blank thickness, varying width of the blank panels, or for other factors.

In the illustrated embodiment, the carton blank 3 includes features to form the carton 5 having tapered ends 55, 57. That is, the blank 3 includes diamond corner panels 67, 69 that connect respective side end flaps 47, 49, 39, 41 to a respective one of the second side panel 21 and the first side panel 13. Also, the blank has respective lateral fold lines 71, 73 that extend across the width of the blank. The lateral fold line 71 extends across the side end flap 39, the first side panel 13, and the side end flap 41. The lateral fold line 73 extends across the side end flap 47, the second side panel 21, and the second side end flap 49. The diamond corner panels 67, 69 and the lateral fold lines 71, 73 are configured to allow the ends 55, 57 of the carton 5 to taper inwardly from the fold lines 71, 73 to the top of the carton. Also, the portions of the lateral fold lines 71, 73 in the first and second side panels 13, 21 allow the side panels to taper inwardly from the lateral fold lines 71, 73 to the top of the carton. Each of the top panels 11, 25 can be shorter than the bottom panel 17 in the lateral direction L2, and the top of the carton formed from the partially overlapped top panels 11, 25 can be narrower than the bottom panel 17 in the longitudinal direction L1. The tapered upper portions of the side panels 13, 21 and the ends 55, 57 are for accommodating containers C1 that have a wide bottom portion B and a narrow top portion T (FIG. 5). Alternatively, the ends 55, 57 and the sides 13, 21 can taper inwardly from the bottom to the top of the carton. The containers C1 having a wide bottom B and narrow top T can be tightly held in the carton with the narrow tops of the containers located adjacent to the ends 55, 57 being located in close proximity to the portions of the fold lines 62, 64 connecting the top end flaps 35, 37, 51, 53 to the respective top panels 11, 25. Also, the containers C1 located adjacent the first and second side panels 13, 21 can have the narrow tops of the containers located in close proximity to the fold lines 15, 27 to further enhance the tightness of the packing of the containers in the carton 5. In alternative embodiments, the carton 5 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured.

As shown in FIG. 1, the features that form the handle 9 of the carton 5 include a first elongate handle flap 77 foldably connected to a first handle panel 78 extending in the first top panel 11 at a lateral fold line 79, and a second elongate handle flap 81 foldably connected to a second handle panel 80 extending in the second top panel 25 at a lateral fold line 83. In one embodiment, the handle 9 includes oblique fold lines 85, 87 in the first top panel 11 and oblique fold lines 89, 91 in the second top panel 25. The handle flaps 77, 81 can be respectively at least partially defined by tear lines 93, 95 in a respective top panel 13, 25. The handle 9 may be otherwise shaped and located in the carton 5 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In the first embodiment, the dispenser 7 comprises a dispenser panel 101 that is at least partially defined by a tear line 103. The dispenser panel 101 includes a first portion 105 in the first top panel 11, a second portion 107 in the first side panel 13, and a third portion 109 in the bottom panel 17. The first portion 105 of the dispenser panel 101 is adjacent the handle flap 77 and is defined by two portions 111, 113 of the tear line 103 that extend in the longitudinal direction L1 from the tear line 93 defining the handle flap 77 to the lateral fold line 15. The second portion 107 of the dispenser panel 101 extends across the first side panel 13 from the lateral fold line 15 to the lateral fold line 19 and is defined by two portions 115, 117 of the tear line 103 that are generally mirror images of each other. Each portion 115, 117 of the tear line includes a respective oblique segment 115a, 117a extending from the lateral fold line 15 to a respective longitudinal segment 115b, 117b. The oblique segments 115a, 117a can each comprise one or more oblique lines. Alternatively, curved segments can be used in place of the oblique segments. Each longitudinal segment 115b, 117b extends to a respective second curved segment 115c, 117c adjacent the lateral fold line 71 and extending to the lateral fold line 19. The third portion 109 of the dispenser panel 101 is defined by two portions 121, 123 of the tear line 103 that extend in the longitudinal direction L1 from the lateral fold line 19 to a lateral fold line 125 in the bottom panel 17.

In one embodiment, each of the curved segments 115c, 117c of the tear line 103 includes a respective semi-circular portion 127, 129 that is adjacent the respective longitudinal segments 115b, 117b. The semi-circular portions 127, 129 of the tear line 103 form respective retention tabs 131, 133 in the first side panel 13. Further, the curved segments 115c, 117c form retainer portions 118, 119 in the first side panel 13 for at least partially retaining the containers C1 in the carton after the dispenser opening is formed as described below. The dispenser panel 101, and/or tear line 103 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from this disclosure.

In one exemplary embodiment, the carton 5 can be assembled by initially folding the reinforcing handle flap 29 along the lateral fold line 31 adhering the reinforcing handle flap 29 to the interior surface of the second top panel 25. The reinforcing handle flap 29 can then be adhered to the exterior surface of the first top panel 11, partially overlapping the first top panel and the second top panel 25. When the first and second top panels 11, 25 are overlapped, the handle 9 comprises the two handle flaps 77, 81 and the overlapped first and second handle panels 78, 80 and reinforcing handle flap 29, which form a three-ply handle. The top end flaps 51, 53 can be partially overlapped with and adhered to the respective top end flaps 35, 37. The side panels 13, 21 can then be positioned relative to the top panels 11, 25 and the bottom panel 17 to form a generally open-ended tubular sleeve (not shown). The partially formed carton 5 can be filled with containers C1 (FIG. 5) prior to closing the ends 55, 57 of the carton, or one of the ends can be closed prior to loading the containers. Once the containers C1 are loaded, the ends 55, 57 of the carton can be closed, as illustrated by FIG. 2, by at least partially overlapping the end flaps 35, 39, 43, 47, 51 to close the first end, and at least partially overlapping the end flaps 37, 41, 45, 49, 53 to close the second end. The carton 5 can be assembled and loaded by other positioning steps without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 4, the dispenser 7 can be opened by grasping the first portion 105 of the dispenser panel 101 at the edge formed at the separation of the handle flap 77 from the first top panel 11 at the tear line 93. In other words, the handle flap 77 can act as an access flap, wherein the handle flap 77 is separated from the first top panel 11 along the tear line 93 by folding the handle flap 77 inwardly about the fold line 79. The first portion 105 of the dispenser panel 101 can then be easily grasped. The dispenser panel 101 is separated from the carton 5 by tearing along the tear line 103 to form a dispenser opening 141 in the carton (FIGS. 3A and 3B). In opening the dispenser 7, the tear line 103 can be torn along the portions 111, 113, 115, 117 in the respective first top panel 11 and first side panel 13 to form the dispenser opening 141. Optionally, the tear line 103 can be further torn along portions 121, 123 to partially separate the third portion 109 of the dispenser panel 101 from the bottom panel 17. Alternatively, the third portion 109 of the dispenser panel 101 can be left intact until closing the dispenser opening 141. When the dispenser opening 141 is formed (FIG. 4), one or more containers C1 can be removed from the carton 5 through the dispenser opening. The retainer portions 118, 119 at least partially prevent one or more of the containers C1 from falling out of the carton 5. The dispenser 7 can be opened by other steps without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 5, the dispenser opening 141 can be closed by folding the dispenser panel 101 upwardly about fold line 125 in the bottom panel 17, tearing along portions 121, 123 of the tear line 103 if the portions 121, 123 have been left intact during the initial opening of the dispenser 7. When the dispenser panel 101 is closed, the dispenser panel is folded upwardly about to fold line 125 so that the recesses or notches 127′, 129′ of the dispenser panel are out of registration with the respective retention tabs 131, 133 in the first side panel 13 to retain the dispenser panel 101 in the closed position. While the first portion 105 of the dispenser panel 101 is shown extending upwardly from the top of the carton in FIG. 5, the first portion 105 can optionally be folded downwardly about lateral fold line 15 to cover at least a portion of the dispenser opening in the first top panel 11. The dispenser 7 can be closed by other steps without departing from the disclosure.

After closing the dispenser opening 141 in the carton 5 by upwardly positioning the dispenser panel 101, the carton can be reopened by downwardly folding the dispenser panel about fold line 19, fold line 125, or both. Alternatively, the fold line 125 can be a tear line to allow complete removal of the dispenser panel 101 from the carton.

FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a second embodiment of the disclosure, including a blank 203 for forming a carton 205 having similar features of the first embodiment. Accordingly, like or similar features can be indicated with like or similar reference numbers in the drawings. In the second embodiment, the carton 205 houses eighteen containers C2 (e.g., generally cylindrical cans) in 3×3×2 arrangement (e.g., two stacked layers of nine containers each). An optional insert 206 can be included between the stacked layers of containers C2 (FIG. 9). The carton 205 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured to hold containers having other shapes or other quantities and arrangement of containers.

As shown in FIG. 6, the blank 203 comprises a first top panel 211, a first side panel 213, a bottom panel 217, a second side panel 221, and a second top panel 225. The blank 203 can include features to form the carton 205 having angled corners. That is, the blank 3 includes angled corner panels 267, 269 that connect respective side end flaps 247, 249, 239, 241 to a respective one of the second side panel 221 and the first side panel 213. The bottom panel 217 can have angled corners extending from the lateral fold lines 219, 223 to the longitudinal fold lines 261, 263 connecting the respective bottom end flaps 243, 245 to the bottom panel 217. Similarly, the top end flaps 211, 225 can each have oblique corners extending from the lateral fold lines 215, 227 to the longitudinal fold lines 261, 263 connecting the top end flaps 235, 237, 251, 253 to the respective top panels 211, 225.

The handle 209 of the second embodiment comprises a first handle panel 277 in the first top panel 211, a second handle panel 281 in the second top panel, and a reinforcing handle panel 282 that folds over and overlaps the second handle panel. The handle 209 comprises three layers of material (e.g., the first handle panel 277, the second handle panel 281, and the reinforcing handle panel 282). The first handle panel 277 is adjacent an opening 284 in the first top panel 211, and the second handle panel 281 is adjacent an opening 286 in the second top panel 225. Curved cut lines 287 can extend from the handle openings 284, 286 adjacent the respective handle panels 277, 281 for controlling or preventing unwanted tearing of the top panels 211, 225. Further, an arcuate comfort flap 288 can be foldably connected to each of the handle panels 277, 281 so that the comfort flaps 288 extend into the respective handle openings 284, 286.

In the illustrated embodiment, the reinforcing handle panel 282 is foldably connected to the second handle panel 281 at a lateral fold line 231a and is further defined by curved cut lines 231b extending from the respective ends of the fold line 231a. Further, reinforcing handle end flaps 251′, 253′ can be foldably connected to the reinforcing handle panel 282 and the respective top end flaps 251, 253 for reinforcing the top end flaps 251, 253 adjacent the handle 209. In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcing handle panel 282 can be foldably connected to the first top panel 211 instead of the second top panel 225. The handle 209 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In the second embodiment, the dispenser panel 301 is defined by a tear line 303. The dispenser panel 301 comprises a first portion 305 in the second top panel 225 and a second portion 307 in the second side panel 321. The portions 311, 313 of the tear line 303 forming the first portion 305 of the dispenser panel are adjacent the opening 286 of the handle 109 in the second top panel 225. The portions 315, 317 of the tear line 303 that from the second portion 307 of the dispenser panel extend from the lateral fold line 227 to a point in the second side panel 221 adjacent the lateral fold line 223. Alternatively, the dispenser panel 301 could include a third portion in the bottom panel 217 or the second portion 307 could extend to the lateral fold line 223 without departing from the disclosure. Each portion 315, 317 of the tear line includes a respective oblique segment 315a, 317a extending from the lateral fold line 227 to a respective first longitudinal segment 315b, 317b. The oblique segments 315a, 317a can each comprise one or more oblique lines. Alternatively, curved segments can be used in place of the oblique segments. Each first longitudinal segment 315b, 317b extends to a respective curved segment 315c, 317c, and each curved segment 315c, 317c extends to a respective second longitudinal segment 315d, 317d. The curved segments 315c, 317c and the second longitudinal segments 315d, 317d form respective retainer portions 318, 319 in the second side panel 221.

The carton 205 can be formed (FIG. 7) and opened (FIGS. 8 and 9) in a similar manner as the first embodiment. The dispenser panel 301 can be separated from the carton at the tear line 303 to form the dispenser opening 341 (FIGS. 8 and 9) and the dispenser panel 301 can be closed after one or more containers C2 are removed (FIG. 10).

In an alternative embodiment, the dispenser 207 and/or the handle 209 can be combined with the blank 3 and carton 5 of the first embodiment so that the dispenser 207 and/or the handle 209 of the second embodiment extend in a carton with tapered side panels and ends. Similarly, the dispenser 7 and/or the handle 9 of the first embodiment can be combined with the blank 203 and carton 205 of the second embodiment so that the dispenser 7 and/or the handle 9 extend in a carton with generally vertical ends and sides and with angled corners.

FIGS. 11-15 illustrate a third embodiment of the disclosure, including a blank 403 for forming a carton 405 having similar features as the first and second embodiments. The blank 403 has substantially identical panel and end flap arrangements as the bank 3 of the first embodiment, and corresponding panels and flaps have been indicated by corresponding reference numbers in the first and third embodiments. Alternatively, the blank 403 could have substantially identical panel and flap arrangements as the blank 203 of the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the dispenser 407 is formed in the second end 57 of the carton 405.

The dispenser 407 comprises a dispenser panel 501 (FIG. 12) that comprises a first portion 505 defined by a tear line 507 in the first top end flap 37, a second portion 509 defined by a tear line 511 in the second top end flap 53, and a third portion 513 defined by a tear line 515 in the bottom end flap 45. The first and second portions 505, 509 each comprise a curved fold line 517, 519 that defines an access flap 521, 523 in a respective portion of the dispenser panel 501.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tear line 507 comprises a lateral segment 507a extending from a longitudinally-extending edge 527 of the first top panel 37, a curved segment 507b extending from the lateral segment 507a, and a longitudinal segment 507c extending from the curved segment to a laterally-extending edge 529 of the blank. As shown in FIG. 11, the tear line 511 includes segments 511a, 511b, 511c that are generally similar in shape as the respective segments 507a, 507b, 507c of the tear line 507. The top end flap 53 comprises a longitudinally-extending edge 531 and a laterally-extending edge 533 of the blank 403. The fold lines 517, 519 each have two ends that intersect respective curved segments 507b, 511b of the tear lines 507, 511.

In one embodiment, the tear line 515 in the bottom end flap 45 includes two lateral portions 515a, 515b defining the third portion 513 of the dispenser panel 501. The lateral portions 515a, 515b extend from a longitudinally-extending edge 537 of the blank 403 to a location adjacent to and spaced from the longitudinal fold line 63. Alternatively, the lateral portions 515a, 515b could extend into the bottom panel 17 without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiment, the lateral portions 515a, 515b of the tear line 515 form respective retainer portions 518a, 519a in the bottom end flap 45. The lateral segment 507a and the curved segment 507b of the tear line 507 form a retainer portion 519b in the first top end flap 37, and the lateral segment 511a and the curved segment 511b of the tear line 511 form a retainer portion 518b in the second top end flap 53.

The dispenser panel 501 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the side end flaps 41, 49 could be alternatively shaped and the dispenser panel 501 could comprise portions of the side end flaps.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the dispenser panel 501 can be separated from the carton 405 to form a dispenser opening 541 of the dispenser 407 in a similar manner as the previous embodiments. In one embodiment, the two opening flaps 521, 523 can be folded inwardly and separated from the carton 405, tearing along the curved segments 507b, 511b of the respective tear lines 507, 511, so that the dispenser panel 501 can be easily grasped (FIG. 13). The dispenser panel 501 is grasped and separated from the end flaps 37, 53, 45 and top panels 11, 25 by tearing along the tear lines 507, 511, 515. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a container C1 can be removed through the dispenser opening 541 and the dispenser 407 can be closed by returning the dispenser panel 501 to the closed position (FIG. 15). The carton 405 can be formed, opened, and/or closed by other steps 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 embodiments. As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the 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. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described embodiments that are within the scope of the claims. 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 for holding a plurality of containers, the carton comprising:

a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising at least one top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;

at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the at least two end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of the carton;

a handle in the at least one top panel; and

a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton, the dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening, the dispenser panel extending from the handle in the at least one top panel and comprising at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the tear line extends in at least the top panel and at least one of the first and second side panels, the tear line further defining at least one retainer portion in at least one of the first and second side panels.

3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the tear line comprises at least one side portion extending in the first side panel, the at least one side portion comprising at least one generally longitudinal segment and a curved segment, the retainer portion of the first side panel being defined at least partially by the curved segment.

4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the at least one longitudinal segment comprises a first longitudinal segment and a second longitudinal segment, and the curved segment extends between respective ends of the first and second longitudinal segments, wherein the retainer portion of the first side panel is further defined by at least the second longitudinal segment.

5. The carton of claim 3, wherein the at least one side portion of the tear line further comprises at least one oblique segment extending from the at least one longitudinal segment, the tear line further comprising at least one top portion extending generally longitudinally between the at least one oblique segment and the handle in the at least one top panel.

6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the at least one top portion of the tear line comprises a first top portion and a second top portion, and the at least one side portion of the tear line comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, the second side portion being generally a mirror image of the first side portion.

7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the handle comprises at least one handle flap in the at least one top panel, and the first and second top portions of the tear line extend from the handle flap.

8. The carton of claim 6, wherein the handle defines at least one handle opening in the at least one top panel, and the first and second top portions of the tear line extend from the handle opening.

9. The carton of claim 1, wherein the dispenser panel further comprises at least a portion of the bottom panel.

10. The carton of claim 9, wherein the dispenser panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a fold line, the tear line comprises two spaced-apart bottom portions in the bottom panel, and the fold line is a lateral fold line extending between the bottom portions.

11. The carton of claim 9, wherein the at least one side portion of the tear line comprises at least one semi-circular portion defining at least one retention tab in the first side panel for at least partially retaining the dispenser panel in a closed position after the tear line is torn.

12. The carton of claim 1, wherein the at least one top panel comprises a first top panel at least partially overlapping a second top panel, the handle comprising handle features in each of the first and second top panels, and the tear line extending from the handle in the first top panel.

13. The carton of claim 12, wherein the handle comprises a first handle panel extending in the first top panel and a second handle panel extending in the second top panel, the first handle panel being at least partially overlapped with the second handle panel.

14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the handle further comprises a reinforcing handle panel foldably connected to at least one of the first and second handle panels, the reinforcing handle panel at least partially overlapping the first and second handle panels.

15. The carton of claim 14, wherein the at least two end flaps comprise at least a first top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, a second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel, and a reinforcing handle end flap foldably connected to at least the reinforcing handle panel, the first and second top end flaps and the reinforcing handle end flap being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form the at least one closed end of the carton.

16. The carton of claim 13, wherein the handle comprises a first handle opening adjacent the first handle panel extending in the first top panel and a second handle opening adjacent the second handle panel extending in the second top panel.

17. The carton of claim 16, wherein the tear line is adjacent the first handle opening in the first top panel.

18. The carton of claim 1, wherein the at least two end flaps comprise at least a first side end flap foldably connected to the first side panel and a second side end flap foldably connected to the second side panel, a first lateral fold line extending at least partially across the first side panel and the first side end flap and a second lateral fold line extending at least partially across the second side panel and the second side end flap so that respective upper portions of the first and second side panels and first and second side end flaps extend at an angle with respect to respective lower portions of the first and second side panels and first and second side end flaps.

19. The carton of claim 18, further comprising a diamond corner panel extending between each of the first and second side end flaps and the respective first and second side panels.

20. A blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising:

a plurality of panels comprising at least one top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;

at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the at least two end flaps are for being overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of a carton formed from the blank;

a handle in the at least one top panel; and

a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton formed from the blank, the dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the blank and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening, the dispenser panel extending from the handle in the at least one top panel and comprising at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the tear line extends in at least the top panel and at least one of the first and second side panels, the tear line further defining at least one retainer portion in at least one of the first and second side panels.

22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the tear line comprises at least one side portion extending in the first side panel, the at least one side portion comprising at least one generally longitudinal segment and a curved segment, the retainer portion of the first side panel being defined at least partially by the curved segment.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the at least one longitudinal segment comprises a first longitudinal segment and a second longitudinal segment, and the curved segment extends between respective ends of the first and second longitudinal segments, wherein the retainer portion of the first side panel is further defined by at least the second longitudinal segment.

24. The blank of claim 22, wherein the at least one side portion of the tear line further comprises at least one oblique segment extending from the at least one longitudinal segment, the tear line further comprising at least one top portion extending generally longitudinally between the at least one oblique segment and the handle in the at least one top panel.

25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the at least one top portion of the tear line comprises a first top portion and a second top portion, and the at least one side portion of the tear line comprises a first side portion and a second side portion, the second side portion being generally a mirror image of the first side portion.

26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the handle comprises at least one handle flap in the at least one top panel, and the first and second top portions of the tear line extend from the handle flap.

27. The blank of claim 25, wherein the handle defines at least one handle opening in the at least one top panel, and the first and second top portions of the tear line extend from the handle opening.

28. The blank of claim 20, wherein the dispenser panel further comprises at least a portion of the bottom panel.

29. The blank of claim 28, wherein the dispenser panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a fold line, the tear line comprises two spaced-apart bottom portions in the bottom panel, and the fold line is a lateral fold line extending between the bottom portions.

30. The blank of claim 28, wherein the at least one side portion of the tear line comprises at least one semi-circular portion defining at least one retention tab in the first side panel for at least partially retaining the dispenser panel in a closed position after the tear line is torn.

31. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one top panel comprises a first top panel for being at least partially overlapped with a second top panel when the carton is formed from the blank, the handle comprising handle features in each of the first and second top panels, and the tear line extending from the handle in the first top panel.

32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the handle comprises a first handle panel extending in the first top panel, a second handle panel extending in the second top panel, and a reinforcing handle panel foldably connected to at least one of the first and second handle panels, the reinforcing handle panel for being at least partially overlapped with the first handle panel and the second handle panel when the carton is formed from the blank.

33. The blank of claim 32, wherein the at least two end flaps comprise at least a first top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, a second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel, and a reinforcing handle end flap foldably connected to at least the reinforcing handle panel, the first and second top end flaps and the reinforcing handle end flap for being at least partially overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form the at least one closed end of the carton.

34. The blank of claim 32, wherein the handle comprises a first handle opening adjacent the first handle panel extending in the first top panel and a second handle opening adjacent the second handle panel extending in the second top panel, the tear line being adjacent the first handle opening in the first top panel.

35. A method of opening a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the method comprising:

obtaining a carton comprising a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising at least one top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel, at least two end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the at least two end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of the carton, a handle in the at least one top panel, and a dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton, the dispenser panel extending from the handle in the at least one top panel and comprising at least a portion of the at least one top panel and at least a portion of at least one of the first side panel and the second side panel;

at least further opening a dispenser opening by at least partially removing the dispenser panel from the carton; and

removing at least one article from the carton through the dispenser opening.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising positioning the dispenser panel to at least partially close the dispenser opening.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the tear line comprises two spaced-apart top portions extending generally longitudinally from the handle in the at least one top panel and two spaced-apart side portions extending in the first side panel, the side portions each comprising at least one generally longitudinal segment and a curved segment, each curved segment at least partially defining a retainer portion in the first side panel, and each retainer portion at least partially retaining at least one article in the carton after the at least partially removing the dispenser panel.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the handle comprises at least one handle opening in the at least one top flap, the top portions of the tear line extend from the at least one handle opening, and the at least further opening the dispenser opening comprises grasping the dispenser panel adjacent the at least one handle opening and tearing the tear line along at least the top portions and the side portions.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the handle comprises at least one handle panel extending in the at least one top panel and at least one handle flap foldably connected to the at least one handle panel, and the method further comprises forming the at least one handle opening by inwardly folding the at least one handle flap at least partially into the carton.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the dispenser panel comprises at least a portion of the bottom panel and is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a fold line, the tear line comprises two spaced-apart bottom portions in the bottom panel, the fold line is a lateral fold line extending between the bottom portion of the tear line, and the at least partially removing the dispenser panel further comprises tearing the tear line along the bottom portions and folding the dispenser panel about the fold line.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein each of the side portions of the tear line comprises a semi-circular portion defining a retention tab in the first side panel and a recess in the dispenser panel, and the method further comprises positioning the dispenser panel to at least partially close the dispenser opening by folding the dispenser panel upwardly about the fold line in the bottom panel so that the recesses in the dispenser panel are positioned above the respective retention tabs in the first side panel.

42. A carton for holding a plurality of containers, the carton comprising;

a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;

at least three end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the at least three end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form a closed end of the carton, the at least three end flaps comprising at least a first top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, a second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel, and a bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel; and

a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton, the dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening, the dispenser panel comprising at least a portion of the first top end flap, the second top end flap, and the bottom end flap.

43. The carton of claim 42, wherein the dispenser panel comprises a first access flap in the first top end flap and a second access flap in the second top end flap.

44. The carton of claim 43, wherein the tear line comprises at least a first portion extending in the first top end flap and a second portion extending in the second top flap.

45. The carton of claim 44, wherein the first access flap is at least partially defined by the first portion of the tear line and a first curved fold line extending in the first top end flap, and the second access flap is at least partially defined by the second portion of the tear line and a second curved fold line extending in the second top end flap.

46. The carton of claim 45, wherein the tear line comprises two spaced apart bottom portions extending in the bottom end flap.

47. The carton of claim 46, wherein each of the first and second portions of the tear line comprises at least one lateral segment extending from a respective longitudinally-extending edge of the respective first and second top end flap, at least one curved segment extending from the at least one lateral segment, and at least one longitudinal segment extending from the at least one curved segment to a respective laterally-extending edge of the respective first and second top end flap.

48. A blank for forming a carton for holding a plurality of containers, the blank comprising;

a plurality of panels comprising a first top panel, a second top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel;

at least three end flaps respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels, wherein the at least three end flaps are for being overlapped with respect to one another to thereby at least partially form a closed end of a carton formed from the blank, the at least three end flaps comprising at least a first top end flap foldably connected to the first top panel, a second top end flap foldably connected to the second top panel, and a bottom end flap foldably connected to the bottom panel; and

a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton formed from the blank, the dispenser comprising a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the blank and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening, the dispenser panel comprising at least a portion of the first top end flap, the second top end flap, and the bottom end flap.

49. The blank of claim 48, wherein the tear line comprises at least a first portion extending in the first top end flap and a second portion extending in the second top flap.

50. The blank of claim 49, wherein the dispenser panel comprises a first access flap in the first top end flap and a second access flap in the second top end flap, the first access flap being at least partially defined by the first portion of the tear line and a first curved fold line extending in the first top end flap, and the second access flap being at least partially defined by the second portion of the tear line and a second curved fold line extending in the second top end flap.

51. The blank of claim 50, wherein the tear line comprises two spaced apart bottom portions extending in the bottom end flap, and each of the first and second portions of the tear line comprises at least one lateral segment extending from a respective longitudinally-extending edge of the respective first and second top end flap, at least one curved segment extending from the at least one lateral segment, and at least one longitudinal segment extending from the at least one curved segment to a respective laterally-extending edge of the respective first and second top end flap.