CARTON, CARTON BLANK AND HANDLE STRUCTURE THEREFOR

Abstract

A carton for packaging one or more articles, the carton including a first end wall and a pair of opposed side walls. The upper portion of the first end wall is hinged to one of the opposed side walls by a first gusset panel. The gusset panel is hinged to a first end edge of the one side wall. The carton includes a dispenser for accessing one or more articles within the carton. The dispenser is formed at least in part from the upper portion of the first end wall. The dispenser includes a first, stowed, position in which the first gusset panel extends inwardly from the first end edge of the one side wall and a second, dispensing, position in which the first gusset panel extends outwardly from the first end edge of the one side wall. The dispenser is moveable between the first and second positions.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/073,828, filed Oct. 31, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a carton and to a blank for forming the carton more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton having a dispensing feature for facilitating access to the contents of the carton.

BACKGROUND

In the field of packaging it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising a plurality of primary product containers such as cans, bottles and the like, grouped together in a carton. Such packages are desirable for shipping and distribution, for customer use, and for the display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, the cartons or carriers used in such packages need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage in the materials from which they are formed as possible. Another consideration is the strength of the package and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

It is desirable to provide a carton having a dispenser in order that an end user can access the contents. It is desirable for the dispenser to be recloseable. It is also desirable for the carton to retain sufficient structural integrity for transporting articles within the carton after first use of the dispenser.

SUMMARY

The various embodiments of the present disclosure seek to overcome or at least mitigate against the shortcomings of the prior art and/or provide an improvement in the field of packaging.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure for which protection is sought, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises opposed first and second side walls, each of the first and second side walls having a first side edge, and a first end wall. An upper portion of the first end wall may be hinged to the first side wall by a first gusset panel. The first gusset panel may be hinged to the first side edge of the first side wall. The carton comprises a dispenser for accessing one or more articles within the carton. The dispenser may be formed at least in part from the upper portion of the first end wall. The dispenser may have a first, stowed, position in which the first gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the first side wall. The dispenser may have a second, dispensing, position in which the first gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the first side wall. The dispenser is moveable between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the upper portion of the first end wall is hinged to the second side wall by a second gusset panel. The second gusset panel may be hinged to the first side edge of the second side wall. The second gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is disposed in the first, stowed, position and the second gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is disposed in the second, dispensing, position.

The carton may comprise a top panel and the first end wall may comprise a free upper end edge.

At least one recess may be struck from the free upper end edge of the first end wall.

In some embodiments, the first end wall comprises a tab extending from the free upper end edge and the top panel comprises an aperture for receiving a portion of the tab.

The top panel may comprise a first inner ply and a second outer ply, the aperture being struck from the first inner ply.

Optionally, the top panel comprises a tear strip for forming an opening at a first end of the carton.

In some embodiments, movement of the dispenser to the second, dispensing, position enlarges the opening in the carton.

Optionally, the first gusset panel is coupled to the first side wall by a first severance line, and the second gusset panel is coupled to the second side wall by a second severance line.

Optionally, the first severance line extends from the first gusset panel so as to couple the first end wall directly to the first side wall, and the second severance line extends from the second gusset panel so as to couple the first end wall directly to the second side wall.

The first end wall may comprise a hinged connection such as a fold line extending substantially between opposed side edges of the first end wall.

Optionally, the hinged connection extends from a first, lower, terminus of the first severance line to a first, lower, terminus of the second severance line.

According to a second aspect of the disclosure for which protection is sought, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles comprising opposed first and second side walls, each of the first and second side walls having a front end edge, and a front end wall. The carton includes a dispenser comprising an upper portion of the front end wall and first and second gusset panels. Each of the first and second gusset panels may be hingedly connected to the upper portion and may be detachably connected to the front end edges of the first and second side walls. The dispenser may comprise a first, initial, position in which at least a part of the upper portion is disposed inwardly with respect to the front end edges of the first and second side walls. The dispenser may comprise a second, dispensing, position in which each of the first and second gusset panels is detachable from the respective first and second side wall such that the dispenser is at least partially detachable from the first and second side walls. The dispenser may comprise a third, stowed, position in which each of the first and second gusset panels is detached from the respective one of the first and second side walls and wherein each of the first and second gusset panels is disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of the respective one of the first and second side walls such that the first and second gusset panels frictionally engage therewith to provide a retention device so as to retain the dispensing feature in the stowed position.

The carton may comprise a top panel and the front end wall may comprise a free upper end edge.

At least one recess may be struck from the free upper end edge of the front end wall.

Optionally, the front end wall comprises a tab extending from the free upper end edge and the top panel comprises an aperture for receiving a portion of the tab.

Optionally, the top panel comprises a first inner ply and a second outer ply, the aperture being struck from the first inner ply.

In some embodiments, a first gusset panel is coupled to the first side wall by a first severance line, and the second gusset panel is coupled to the second side wall by a second severance line.

Optionally, the first severance line extends from the first gusset panel so as to couple the front end wall directly to the first side wall, and the second severance line extends from the second gusset panel so as to couple the front end wall directly to the second side wall.

The front end wall may comprise a hinged connection such as a fold line extending substantially between opposed side edges of the front end wall.

Optionally, the hinged connection extends from a first, lower, terminus of the first severance line to a first, lower, terminus of the second severance line.

According to a third aspect of the disclosure for which protection is sought, there is provided a blank for forming a carton comprising first and second panels for forming first and second opposed side walls of the carton, each of the first and second panels having a first side edge, and a first end panel for forming a first end wall of the carton. An upper portion of the first end wall may be arranged to be hinged to the first side edge of the first side wall by a first gusset panel in a set up condition. The blank comprises components for forming a dispenser for accessing one or more articles within the carton. The dispenser may be formed at least in part from the upper portion of the first end wall. In a set up carton the dispenser has a first, stowed, position in which the first gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the first side wall and a second, dispensing, position in which the first gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the first side wall. The dispenser is moveable between the first and second positions.

In some embodiments, the upper portion of the first end wall is arranged to be hinged to the first side edge of the second side wall by a second gusset panel. In a set up carton the second gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is disposed in the first, stowed, position, and the second gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is disposed in the second, dispensing, position.

According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure for which protection is sought, there is provided a blank for forming a carton comprising first and second side panels, each of the first and second side panels having a front end edge, and a front end panel. The blank has components for forming a dispenser including: an upper portion of the front end panel and first and second gusset panels. Each of the first and second gusset panels may be arranged to be hingedly connected to the upper portion in an assembled carton and may be detachably connected to the respective front end edges of the first and second side panels. The dispenser may be configured to have a first, initial, position in which at least a part of the upper portion is disposed inwardly with respect to the front end edges of the first and second side panels, and a second, dispensing, position in which each of the first and second gusset panels is detachable from the respective first and second side panel such that the dispenser is at least partially detachable from the first and second side panels and that the upper portion is disposed outwardly with respect to the front end edges of the first and second side panels. The dispenser may be further configured to have a third, stowed, position in which each of the first and second gusset panels is detached from the respective first and second side panels and wherein each of the first and second gusset panels is disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of a respective one of the first and second side panels such that the first and second gusset panels frictionally engage therewith to provide a retention device so as to retain the dispensing feature in the stowed position.

Within the scope of this application it is intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be taken independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is incompatibility of features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

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

FIG. 3 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 2 showing a dispenser in a state of partial deployment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 2 showing the dispenser in a deployed condition;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 2 showing the dispenser in a state of partial reclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 2 showing the dispenser in a reclosed condition;

FIG. 7 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 9 showing a dispenser in a state of partial deployment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 9 showing a dispenser in a state of partial deployment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 9 showing the dispenser in a deployed condition; and

FIG. 12 is a perspective view from above of the carton of FIG. 9 showing the dispenser in a reclosed condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the packages, blanks, cartons and dispensers therefor are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the disclosure can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the disclosure may be embodied. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, cartons and dispensers therefor described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimised to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton 90, as shown in FIG. 2. The carton 90 is used for containing a group (one or more) of primary product containers such as, but not limited to, bottles, pouches, brick packs and cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B.

In the embodiments detailed herein, the terms “carton” and “carrier” refer, for the non-limiting purpose of illustrating the various features of the invention, to a container for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as product containers. It is contemplated that the teachings of the disclosure can be applied to various primary product containers, which may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Suitable containers include bottles (for example metallic, glass or plastics bottles), cans (for example aluminium cans), sprayers or fluid dispensers such as perfume bottles, tins, pouches, packets, and the like. It will be appreciated that the carton 90 may be employed, in some applications, to package primary products such as an alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage held within primary product containers. In other embodiments the primary products are for example, but without limitation, electrical goods or other items that may be packaged directly within the carton 90.

The blanks 10, 110 (see FIGS. 1 and 7) shown and described herein are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “suitable substrate” includes all manner of foldable sheet material such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof, and the like. It should be recognized that one or other numbers of blanks may be employed, where suitable, for example, to provide the carton 90 described in more detail below.

In various embodiments, the blanks 10, 110 are configured to form a carton 90, 190 or carrier 90, 190 for packaging an illustrative arrangement of optional articles. In the illustrated embodiments the arrangement is a 2×6 matrix or array of twelve articles B. In other embodiments other arrangements may be employed. The blank can be alternatively configured to form a carton for packaging other types, number and size of article and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels 14, 16, 18, 20 hinged together in a linear series. More specifically, the blank 10 comprises a securing panel 12 hinged to a first end panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 13. The first end panel 14 forms a first end wall of the carton 90. The first end panel 14 is hinged to a first side panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15. The first side panel 16 forms a first side wall of the carton 90. The first side panel 16 is hinged to a second end panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 17. The second end panel 18 forms a second end wall of the carton 90. The second end panel 18 is hinged to a second side panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 19. The second side panel 20 forms a second side wall of the carton 90.

The plurality of main panels 14, 16, 18, 20 forms an open ended tubular structure (not shown) when in a partially set up condition. Each of the ends of the tubular structure is closed by end closure panels 22a, 24a; 22b, 24b. End closure panels 22a, 24a are configured to close a first, upper, end of the tubular structure, and to form a composite top wall of the carton 90. End closure panels 22b, 24b, are configured to close a second, lower, end of the tubular structure and to form a composite base wall of the carton 90. End closure panels 22a, 24a, 22b, 24b form top and base walls of the carton 90 and are also referred to as first top panel 22a, second top panel 24a, first base panel 22b and second base panel 24b.

The first top panel 22a is hinged to a first end of first side panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23a. The second top panel 24a is hinged to a first end of second side panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25a.

The first base panel 22b is hinged to a second end of first side panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23b. The second base panel 24b is hinged to a second end of the second side panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25b.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a hinged connection such as a fold line 27 extending across the first side panel 16; the fold line 27 and the fold line 23b define in part a first bevel panel 26 disposed between the first base panel 22b and the first side panel 16.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a plurality of article receiving apertures A2 struck at least in part from the first bevel panel 26. In the illustrated embodiment three article receiving apertures A2 are provided. Optionally, the article receiving apertures A2 are struck in part from the first side panel 16. Optionally, the article receiving apertures A2 are struck in part from the first base panel 22b. In alternative embodiments in which the first bevel panel 26 is omitted the article receiving apertures A2 are struck in part from the first side panel 16 and optionally from the first base panel 22b.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a hinged connection such as a fold line 29 extending across the second side panel 20; the fold line 29 and the fold line 25b define in part a second bevel panel 28 disposed between the second base panel 24b and the second side panel 20.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a plurality of article receiving apertures A2 struck at least in part from the second bevel panel 28. In the illustrated embodiment three article receiving apertures A2 are provided. Optionally, the article receiving apertures A2 are struck in part from the second side panel 20. Optionally, the article receiving apertures A2 are struck in part from the second base panel 24b. In alternative embodiments in which the second bevel panel 28 is omitted the article receiving apertures A2 are struck in part from the second side panel 20 and optionally from the second base panel 24b.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises one or more complementary locking mechanisms for securing the first base panel 22b and the second base panel 24b together. Optionally, in the present arrangement the first base panel 22b comprises first parts M1, M2 of the complementary locking mechanisms and the second base panel 24b comprises second parts F1, F2 of the complementary locking mechanisms. The first parts M1, M2 of the complementary locking mechanisms are configured to be in vertical registry with a respective one of the second parts F1, F2 of the complementary locking mechanisms. The first parts M1, M2 of the complementary locking mechanisms comprise substantially arrow head shaped tabs struck from first base panel 22b and hinged thereto. The second parts F1, F2 of the complementary locking mechanisms comprise substantially rectangular tabs struck from second base panel 24b and hinged thereto. In alternative embodiments the second parts F1, F2 may comprise an opening or aperture. In further alternative embodiments alternative complementary locking mechanisms having different number, type, size or style of co-operating components may be used. In yet other alternative embodiments, other methods of securing the first and second base panels 22b, 24b may be used such as mechanical fixings or adhesive treatments.

Optionally, the first base panel 22b and the second base panel 24b each comprise a plurality of handling apertures A1. Three handling apertures A1 are struck from the first base panel 22b and three handling apertures A1 are struck from the second base panel 24b. Each of the handling apertures A1 is substantially triangular in shape; in other embodiments other shapes may be employed. The handling apertures A1 facilitate folding of the first and second base panels 22b 24b and/or alignment of the first base panel 22b with respect to the second base panel 24b so as to enable the first parts M1, M2 of the complementary locking mechanisms to be engaged with second parts F1, F2 of the complementary locking mechanisms.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a handle structure formed in part in the first top panel 22a and in part in the second top panel 24a. The handle structure comprises a first opening defined, at least in part, by a first tab 50a. The first tab 50a is struck from the first top panel 22a. The first tab 50a is hinged to the first top panel 22a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 52a. The handle structure comprises a second opening defined, at least in part, by a second tab 50b. The second tab 50b is struck from the first top panel 22a. The second tab 50b is hinged to the first top panel 22a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 52b. Optionally, the first tab 50a comprises a pair of fold lines 53a, 53b arranged divergently with respect to each other. Each of the pair of fold lines 53a, 53b may intersect the fold line 52a. The pair of fold lines 53a, 53b diverge away from each other as they extend away from the fold line 52a. Optionally, the second tab 50b comprises a pair of fold lines 53c, 53d arranged divergently with respect to each other. Each of the pair of fold lines 53c, 53d may intersect the fold line 52b. The pair of fold lines 53c, 53d diverge away from each other as they extend away from the fold line 52b.

The handle structure comprises a third opening defined, at least in part, by a third tab 54a. The third tab 54a is struck from the second top panel 24a. The third tab 54a is hinged to the second top panel 24a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 55a. The handle structure comprises a fourth opening defined, at least in part, by a fourth tab 54b. The fourth tab 54b is struck from the second top panel 24a. The fourth tab 54b is hinged to the second top panel 24a by a hinged connection such as a fold line 55b.

The first, second, third and fourth tabs 50a, 50b, 54a, 54b are optional. Any or all of the first, second, third and fourth tabs 50a, 50b, 54a, 54b may be replaced by an aperture in alternative embodiments.

The handle structure comprises a relief structure for controlling or diverting stress or load forces in the material of the carton 90 when the handle structure is in use. The relief structure comprises first cutline or severance line 57a. The first severance line 57a extends across the first top panel 22a and into the first side panel 16. The first severance line 57a is interrupted by the first opening. The relief structure comprises second cutline or severance line 57b. The first severance line 57b extends across the first top panel 22b and into the first side panel 16. The first severance line 57b is interrupted by the second opening.

The relief structure comprises third cutline or severance line 59a. The third severance line 59a extends across the second top panel 24a and into the second side panel 20. The third severance line 59a is interrupted by the third opening. The relief structure comprises fourth cutline or severance line 59b. The fourth severance line 59b extends across the second top panel 24b and into the second side panel 20. The fourth severance line 59b is interrupted by the fourth opening.

In a set up carton 90 the portion of the first severance line 57a disposed in the first top panel 22a is configured to be in vertical registry with the portion of the fourth severance line 59b disposed in the second top panel 24a. The portion of the second severance line 57b disposed in the first top panel 22a is configured to be in vertical registry with the portion of the third severance line 59a disposed in the second top panel 24a.

The portion of the first severance line 57a disposed in the first side panel 16 is configured to be divergent with respect to the portion of the second severance line 57b disposed in the first side panel 16.

The portion of the third severance line 59a disposed in the second side panel 20 is configured to be divergent with respect to the portion of the fourth severance line 59b disposed in the second side panel 20.

Each of the first, second, third and fourth severance lines 57a, 57b, 59a, 59b terminates in the respective one of the first or second side panels 16, 20 with a “C” or “J” shaped outline.

The blank 10 comprises a plurality of gusset panels 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b which enable the carton 90 to be configured such that the first and second side panels 16, 20 converge towards each other as they approach the composite top wall. In this way, a carton 90 of the “gable” top style is formed.

A first gusset panel 30a is formed in the first end panel 14 and is hinged thereto by a hinged connection such as a fold line 31a. The first gusset panel 30a is substantially triangular in shape and is defined in part by the fold line 13 and in part by the fold line 31a. The fold line 31a intersects with the fold line 13. The fold line 31a is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 13.

A second gusset panel 30b is formed in the first end panel 14 and is hinged thereto by a hinged connection such as a fold line 31b. The first gusset panel 30b is substantially triangular in shape and is defined in part by the fold line 15 and in part by the fold line 31b. The fold line 31b intersects with the fold line 15. The fold line 31b is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 15.

A third gusset panel 32a is formed in the second end panel 18 and is hinged thereto by a hinged connection such as a fold line 33a. The third gusset panel 32a is substantially triangular in shape and is defined in part by the fold line 17 and in part by the fold line 33a. The fold line 33a intersects with the fold line 17. The fold line 33a is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 17.

A fourth gusset panel 32b is formed in the second end panel 18 and is hinged thereto by a hinged connection such as a fold line 33b. The fourth gusset panel 32b is substantially triangular in shape and is defined in part by the fold line 19 and in part by the fold line 33b. The fold line 33b intersects with the fold line 19. The fold line 33b is divergently arranged with respect to the fold line 19.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a first window 40 struck from the first side panel 16. The first window 40 is defined, at least in part, by a pair of tabs 40a, 40b. A first tab 40a is defined in part by a first fold line 41a and in part by a plurality of cutlines 43a, 43b, 43c. A second tab 40b is defined in part by a second fold line 41b and in part by the plurality of cutlines 43a, 43b, 43c. A first cutline 43a is coincident with a portion of the fold line 23a defining an upper edge of each of the first and second tabs 40a, 40b. The first tab 40a is separated from the second tab 40b by a second cutline 43b. A third cutline 43c, which is arcuate or curvilinear in shape, defines at least a portion of a lower edge of each of the first and second tabs 40a, 40b.

Optionally, the blank 10 comprises a second window 42 struck from the second side panel 20. The second window 42 is defined, at least in part, by a pair of tabs 42a, 42b. A third tab 42a is defined in part by a third fold line 45a and in part by a plurality of cutlines 47a, 47b, 47c. A fourth tab 42b is defined in part by a fourth fold line 45b and in part by the plurality of cutlines 47a, 47b, 47c. A fourth cutline 47a is coincident with a portion of the fold line 25a defining an upper edge of each of the third and fourth tabs 42a, 42b. The third tab 42a is separated from the fourth tab 42b by a fifth cutline 47b. A sixth cutline 47c, which is arcuate or curvilinear in shape, defines at least a portion of a lower edge of each of the third and fourth tabs 42a, 42b.

The blank 10 comprises an access device or dispenser (see FIG. 4). The access device comprises a first severance line 17a which is coincident with a portion of the fold line 17 hinging the first side panel 16 to the second end panel 18. The access device comprises a second severance line 19a which is coincident with a portion of the fold line 19 hinging the second side panel 20 to the second end panel 18.

Optionally, the access device may comprise one or more recesses for facilitating deployment of the access device. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises two recesses R1, R2, each of which is struck from a free end edge of the second end panel 18 adjacent to the first severance line 17a and the second severance line 19a.

Optionally, the access device may comprise a tab 60 hinged to the free end edge of second end panel 18 from which the recesses R1, R2 are struck. Optionally, the tab 60 is disposed between a first recess R1 and a second recess R2. The tab 60 is hinged to the free end edge of second end panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 61.

Optionally, the access device may comprise a hinged connection such as a fold line 35 extending across the second end panel 18. The fold line 35 may extend from a lower end of the first severance line 17a to a lower end of the second severance line 19a.

Optionally, the access device may comprise an aperture A4 for securing the tab 60 when reclosing the access device after first use. The aperture A4 may be struck from the first top panel 22a. In other embodiments the second top panel 24a may comprise an aperture in addition, or alternatively, to the first top panel 22a.

Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the blank 10 is folded about the fold line 15 such that the first end panel 14 and the securing panel 12 are disposed in overlying relationship with the first side panel 16.

Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 12. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to corresponding portions of an inner surface of the second side panel 20.

The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 19 such that the second side panel 20 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second end panel 18 and the securing panel 12 and a portion of the first side panel 16. The second side panel 20 is thereby secured to the securing panel 12.

The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a convertor plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into an open ended tubular structure and loaded with articles B.

The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form an open ended tubular structure by unfolding the second side panel 20 with respect to the second end panel 18 such that the second side panel 20 is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the second end panel 18.

The carton 90, in its open ended tubular form, may be loaded with articles B through one or both open ends thereof. That is to say, the carton may be top or bottom loaded by moving the carton 90 with respect to a group of one or more articles B. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments one of the open ends of the carton 90 may be closed before loading the interior with articles B through the remaining open end.

Once the carton 90 has been loaded with articles B the open ends of the carton 90 are closed. The gusset panels 30a, 30b, 32a, 32b are folded about fold lines 31a, 31b, 33a, 33b respectively so as to bend or deform upper portions of the first and second side panels 16, 20 inwardly. In this way the upper portions of the first and second side panels 16, 20 converge towards each other to form a gable top style carton.

A first, upper, end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the first top panel 22a about fold line 23a.

Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the first top panel 22a, or in alternative embodiments to an inner surface of the second top panel 24a.

The second top panel 24a is folded about fold line 25a so as to at least partially overlap with the first top panel 22a. The second top panel 24a overlies the first top panel 22a. The second top panel 24a is secured to the first top panel 22a.

A second, lower, end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second base panel 24b about fold line 25b.

In the illustrated embodiment the first bevel panel 26 and the second bevel panel 28 are folded with respect to the first and second side panels 16, 20 about fold lines 27, 29 respectively. In embodiments in which the first and second bevel panels 26, 28 are omitted, this step is omitted.

The first base panel 22b is folded about fold line 23b so as to at least partially overlap with the second base panel 24b. The second base panel 24b is disposed internally of the first base panel 22b. The first base panel 22b is secured to the second base panel 24b by the complementary locking mechanisms. The male tabs M1, M2 are pressed out of the plane of the first base panel 22b so as to displace the female tabs F1, F2 respectively. The male tabs M1, M2 pass through openings in the second base panel 24b created by displacement of the female tabs F1, F2. The male tabs M1, M2 each comprises shoulders which are larger in dimension than the openings created by displacement of the female tabs F1, F2. In this way, the male tabs M1, M2 interlock the first base panel 22b and the second base panel 24b together.

In other embodiments alternative securing means may be employed to secure the first and second top panels 22a, 24a and/or the first and second bottom panels 22b, 24b for example, but not limited to, employment of mechanical locking devices such as staples. Additionally or alternatively the first and second base panels 22b, 24b may be adhesively secured to each other; the top panels 22a, 24a may be secured by one or more complementary locking mechanisms similar to those employed in the first and second base panels 22b, 24b.

A completed carton 90 is shown in FIG. 2. FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 illustrate the access device in use. The carton 90 comprises an interior volume defined by the main panels 14, 16, 18, 20 forming the tubular structure, and the end closure panels 22a, 24a, 22b; 24b. The interior volume is loaded with articles B. The articles B are arranged in rows. The carton 90 can be carried by using the handle structure which is deployed by folding the first, second, third and fourth tabs 50a, 50b, 54a, 54b inwardly of the composite top wall 22a/24a about fold lines 52a, 52b, 55a, 55b respectively.

In order to dispense the articles B from the carton 90 a user U inserts a finger into one or both recesses R1, R2, as shown in FIG. 3, and pulls an upper portion of the second end panel 18 outwardly. The gusset panels 32a, 32b are folded about fold lines 33a, 33b respectively. The gusset panels 32a, 32b allow the upper portion of the second end panel 18 to be deformed and displaced outwardly so as to create an opening at the upper end of the carton 90. The user U continues to pull the upper portion of the second end panel 18 so as to sever the first severance line 17a and the second severance line 19a. The upper portion of the second end panel 18 can then be folded about fold line 35 to enlarge the opening, thereby facilitating access to the contents of the carton 90, as shown in FIG. 4.

The access device can be reclosed after use, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The user U unfolds the upper portion of the second end panel 18 about the fold line 35. The user U manipulates the upper portion so as to insert said end portion of the second end panel 18 between upper portions of the first and second side panels 16, 20. The third and fourth gusset panels 32a, 32b fold about the fold lines 33a, 33b such that an inner surface of the third gusset panel 32a is substantially in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the first side panel 16. An inner surface of the fourth gusset panel 32b is substantially in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the second side panel 20.

The tab 60 folds about fold line 61. An end of the tab 60 engages with the aperture A4 so as to lock the upper portion of the second end panel 18 in position, as shown in FIG. 6. In some embodiments a portion of the tab 60 may pass through the aperture A4.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 12, there is shown an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. In the second illustrated embodiment, like numerals have, where possible, been used to denote like parts, albeit with the addition of the prefix “100” to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The additional embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6 will be described in detail.

FIG. 7 illustrates a blank 110 for forming a carton 190 as shown in FIG. 8, according to a second illustrated embodiment.

The blank 110 comprises a plurality of main panels 114, 116, 118, 120 hinged together in a linear series. More specifically, the blank 110 comprises a securing panel 112 hinged to a first end panel 114 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 113. The first end panel 114 forms a first end wall of the carton 190. The first end panel 114 is hinged to a first side panel 116 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 115. The first side panel 116 forms a first side wall of the carton 190. The first side panel 116 is hinged to a second end panel 118 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 117. The second end panel 118 forms a second end wall of the carton 190. The second end panel 118 is hinged to a second side panel 120 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 119. The second side panel 210 forms a second side wall of the carton 190.

The plurality of main panels 114, 116, 118, 120 forms an open ended tubular structure (not shown) when in a partially set up condition. Each of the ends of the tubular structure is closed by end closure panels 122a, 124a; 122b, 124b. End closure panels 122a, 124a, are configured to close a first, upper, end of the tubular structure and to form a composite top wall of the carton 190. End closure panels 122b, 124b, are configured to close a second, lower, end of the tubular structure and to form a composite base wall of the carton 190.

A first top panel 122a is hinged to a first end of first side panel 116 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 123a. A second top panel 124a is hinged to a first end of second side panel 120 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 125a.

A first base panel 122b is hinged to a second end of first side panel 116 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 123b. A second base panel 124b is hinged to a second end of the second side panel 120 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 125b.

The blank 110 comprises an access device or dispenser D (see FIG. 8). The access device D comprises detachable portion 180, 182. A first detachable portion or part 180 is defined in the first top panel 122a, and a second detachable portion or part 182 is defined in the second top panel 124a. The first part 180 is defined in part by a first severance line 181a and in part by a second severance line 181b. The first severance line 181a extends transversely across the first top panel 122a. The second severance line 181b is coincident with a portion of the fold line 123a hinging the first top panel 122a to the first side panel 116.

The second part 182 is defined in part by a third severance line 183a and in part by a fourth severance line 183b. The third severance line 183a extends transversely across the second top panel 124a. The fourth severance line 183b is coincident with a portion of the fold line 125a hinging the second top panel 124a to the second side panel 120.

The second and fourth severance lines 181b, 183b may be replaced with fold lines such that the tear strip is partially detachable from the carton 190.

Optionally, the access device D may comprise one or more recesses for facilitating deployment of the access device D. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7 comprises a recess R1 struck from a free end edge of the first end panel 114 adjacent to the first top panel 122a.

The carton 190 can be assembled, erected, loaded and closed in a similar manner to the method of construction previously described in relation to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6. A completed carton 190 is shown in FIG. 8. FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 illustrate the access device in use. The carton 190 comprises an interior volume defined by the main panels 114, 116, 118, 120 forming the tubular structure, and the end closure panels 122a, 124a, 122b; 124b. The interior volume is loaded with articles B. The articles B are arranged in rows.

In order to dispense the articles B from the carton 190 a user U tears away the tear strip 180, 182 so as to create an opening in the top of the carton 190 at one end thereof as shown in FIG. 9. The user then inserts a finger into the recess R1, as shown in FIG. 10, and pulls an upper portion of the first end panel 114 outwardly in direction Dl. The gusset panels 130a, 130b are folded about fold lines 131a, 131b respectively. The gusset panels 130a, 130b allow the upper portion of the second end panel 114 to be deformed and displaced outwardly so as to enlarge the opening at the upper end of the carton 190 and thereby facilitating access to the contents of the carton 190, as shown in FIG. 11.

The access device D can be reclosed after use, as shown in FIG. 12. The user U manipulates the upper portion of the first end panel 114 so as to insert said upper portion of the first end panel 114 between upper portions of the first and second side panels 116, 120. The first and second gusset panels 130a, 130b fold inwardly about the fold lines 131a, 131b respectively such that an inner surface of the first gusset panel 130a is substantially in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the second side panel 120 and/or the securing panel 112. An inner surface of the second gusset panel 130b is substantially in face contacting relationship with an inner surface of the first side panel 116. In this way the opening can be reduced in size.

It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

It will be recognised that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base”, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” each refers to all manner of lines that define hinge features in a substrate of sheet material, for facilitating folding portions of the substrate with respect to one another, or otherwise for indicating optimal folding locations in the substrate. For example, a hinged connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed a hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines. A fold line may be, but not limited to, a single score line, a single half cut, a line of perforations, a line of short slits (i.e., an interrupted slit), a line of half-cuts, a line of cuts (i.e., an interrupted cut line), a series of short score lines (i.e., an interrupted score line), any combination thereof or the like.

As used herein, the term “severance line” refers to all manner of lines formed in a substrate of sheet material, that facilitate separating portions of the substrate from one another, or otherwise indicate optimal separation locations on the substrate. For example, a severance line in a substrate of sheet material is predisposed to allow a tear to propagate there-along. A severance line may be a frangible or otherwise weakened line which includes, but not limited to, a single cut, a single slit, a single half cut, a line of perforations, a line of short slits (i.e., an interrupted slit), a line of half-cuts, a line of cuts (i.e., an interrupted cut line), a series of short score lines (i.e., an interrupted score line), any combination thereof or the like. The elements of a fold line or severance line (such as cuts, scores and half cuts) may be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality.

It should be understood that hinged connections and severance lines, can each include elements that are formed in the substrate of the blank including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a hinged connection such as a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a severable or frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a severance line.

The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels.

For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.

As used herein the term “recess” refers to all manner of shapings, cutaways, apertures, cuts, slots, holes and gaps which may be circular, rectangular, capsule shaped, irregularly shaped and many other shapes that facilitate a user grasping part of the dispenser or access device.

Claims

1. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising:

opposed first and second side walls, each of the side walls having a first side edge;

a first end wall;

wherein an upper portion of the first end wall is hinged to the first side wall by a first gusset panel, the first gusset panel being hinged to the first side edge of the first side wall,

the carton comprising a dispenser for accessing one or more articles within the carton, the dispenser being formed at least in part from the upper portion of the first end wall,

the dispenser having a first, stowed, position in which the first gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the first side wall,

the dispenser having a second, dispensing position in which the first gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the first side wall, the dispenser being moveable between the first and second positions.

2. The carton according to claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the first end wall is hinged to the second side wall by a second gusset panel, the second gusset panel being hinged to the first side edge of the second side wall,

wherein the second gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is disposed in the first, stowed position, and

wherein the second gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is disposed in the second, dispensing position.

3. The carton according to claim 1, wherein the carton comprises a top panel and wherein the first end wall comprises a free upper end edge.

4. The carton according to claim 3, wherein at least one recess is struck from the free upper end edge of the first end wall.

5. The carton according to claim 3, wherein the first end wall comprises a tab extending from the free upper end edge and the top panel comprises an aperture for receiving a portion of the tab.

6. The carton according to claim 3, wherein the top panel comprises a tear strip for forming an opening at a first end of the carton.

7. The carton according to claim 2, wherein the first gusset panel is coupled to the first side wall by a first severance line, and the second gusset panel is coupled to the second side wall by a second severance line.

8. The carton according to claim 7, wherein the first severance line extends from the first gusset panel so as to couple the first end wall directly to the first side wall, and the second severance line extends from the second gusset panel so as to couple the first end wall directly to the second side wall.

9. The carton according to claim 7, wherein the first end wall comprises a hinged connection extending substantially between opposed side edges of the first end wall.

10. The carton according claim 9, wherein the hinged connection extends from a first, lower, terminus of the first severance line to a first, lower, terminus of the second severance line.

11. A carton for packaging one or more articles comprising:

opposed first and second side walls, each of the side walls having a front end edge;

a front end wall;

the carton having a dispenser comprising an upper portion of the front end wall and first and second gusset panels, each of the first and second gusset panels being hingedly connected to the upper portion and being detachably connected to the front end edge of a respective one of the first and second side walls,

the dispenser having a first, initial, position in which at least a part of the upper portion is disposed inwardly with respect to the front end edges of the first and second side walls,

the dispenser having a second, dispensing, position in which each gusset panel is detached from the respective first and second side walls such that the upper portion is disposed outwardly with respect to the front end edges of the first and second side walls.

12. The carton according to claim 11, wherein the dispenser having a third, stowed, position in which each of the first and second gusset panels is detached from the respective one of the first and second side walls and in which each of the first and second gusset panels is disposed in face contacting arrangement with an inside surface of the respective one of the first and second side walls such that the first and second gusset panels frictionally engage with the first and second side walls respectively to provide a retention device so as to retain the dispensing feature in the third, stowed, position, the dispenser being moveable between the second and third positions.

13. The carton according to claim 11, wherein the carton comprises a top panel and wherein the front end wall comprises a free upper end edge.

14. The carton according to claim 13, wherein at least one recess is struck from the free upper end edge of the front end wall.

15. The carton according to claim 13, wherein the front end wall comprises a tab extending from the free upper end edge and the top panel comprises an aperture for receiving at least a portion of the tab.

16. The carton according to claim 15, wherein the top panel comprises a first inner ply and a second outer ply, the aperture being struck from the first inner ply.

17. The carton according to claim 11, wherein the first gusset panel is coupled to the first side wall by a first severance line, and the second gusset panel is coupled to the second side wall by a second severance line.

18. The carton according to claim 16, wherein the first severance line extends from the first gusset panel so as to couple the front end wall directly to the first side wall, and the second severance line extends from the second gusset panel so as to couple the front end wall directly to the second side wall.

19. A blank for forming a carton comprising:

first and second panels for forming first and second opposed side walls of the carton,

each of the first and second panels having a first side edge;

a first end panel for forming a first end wall of the carton;

wherein an upper portion of the first end wall is arranged to be hinged to the first side edge of the first side wall by a first gusset panel in a set up condition,

the blank comprising components for forming a dispenser for accessing one or more articles within the carton, the dispenser being formed at least in part from the upper portion of the first end wall,

wherein in a set up carton the dispenser has a first, stowed, position in which the first gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the first side wall and a second, dispensing, position in which the first gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the first side walls, the dispenser being moveable between the first and second positions.

20. The blank according to claim 19, wherein the upper portion of the first end wall is arranged to be hinged to the first side edge of the second side wall by a second gusset panel,

wherein in a set up carton, the second gusset panel extends inwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is in the first, stowed, position, and the second gusset panel extends outwardly from the first side edge of the second side wall when the dispenser is disposed in the second, dispensing, position.