Carton Tray

Abstract

Several embodiments of cartons are provided. In one embodiment, a blank forms a carton with a substantially continuous ledge along the exterior rim of the carton. In other embodiments, a blank forms a carton with two adjacent compartments that are coverable with a hinged, attached lid. The lid is separable from the lower compartment portion of the carton by detachment along a tear strip. In still other embodiments, the blank forms two adjacent compartments that are not covered by an attached lid. The orientation of at least some of the carton embodiments allow orientation of the carton formed in a number of configurations, such as resting on a side panel.

Description

BACKGROUND

Cartons are useful for holding and transporting articles. In order to facilitate dispensing of articles from a carton, it can be beneficial to form a dispenser with a portion of the carton.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates to blanks, packages, or cartons for holding and/or dispensing products, such as food items, cans, rolls, bottles, and various other articles including pre-packaged items.

In one aspect, the present invention includes a blank that includes a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, and the second side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion. A first end flap is connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap is connected at the first end of the bottom panel, and a third end flap is connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank. A fourth end flap is connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap is connected at the second end of the bottom panel, and a sixth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank. A third ledge portion is connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion is connected to the fifth end flap.

Optionally, the first end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the first end, with a seventh end flap connected to the first side panel at the first end. Optionally, the third end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the first end, and, an eighth end flap can be connected to the second side panel at the first end. Optionally, the fourth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the second end, and, a ninth end flap can be connected to the first side panel at the second end. Optionally, the sixth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the second end, with a tenth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end. Generally, the second end flap, the fifth end flap, and the bottom panel are arranged in a substantially hourglass shape. Also, generally, the first ledge portion, the second ledge portion, the third ledge portion, and the fourth ledge portion are foldable to form a substantially continuous lip or circumferentially extending ledge around a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

In another aspect, the invention includes a package that comprises at least one article and a carton receiving the at least one article. The carton is formed from a blank that includes a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, which in turn is foldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, and the second side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion. A first end flap is connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap is connected at the first end of the bottom panel, and a third end flap is connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank. A fourth end flap is connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap is connected at the second end of the bottom panel, and a sixth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank. A third ledge portion is connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion is connected to the fifth end flap.

Optionally, the first end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the first end, with a seventh end flap connected to the first side panel at the first end. Optionally, the third end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the first end, and, an eighth end flap can be connected to the second side panel at the first end. Optionally, the fourth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the second end, and, a ninth end flap can be connected to the first side panel at the second end. Optionally, the sixth end flap can cover less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the second end, with a tenth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end. Generally, the second end flap, the fifth end flap, and the bottom panel are arranged in a substantially hourglass shape. Also, generally, the first ledge portion, the second ledge portion, the third ledge portion, and the fourth ledge portion are foldable to form a substantially continuous lip or circumferentially extending ledge around a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a carton including a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line. The first compartment and the second compartment are capable of being covered by a lid. The lid is capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position. The lid can include a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

In another embodiment, the invention includes a package including at least one article and a carton, the carton including a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line. The first compartment and the second compartment are capable of being covered by a lid, and the lid is capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position. The lid can include a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments upon reading the following detailed description of the exemplary 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 illustrate more clearly the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a carton blank according to a first embodiment.

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

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B shows a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 6A with the lid opened.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7.

FIG. 8B shows a top view of the carton of FIG. 8A.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure generally relates to cartons suitable for storing and dispensing contents or articles, methods of erecting such cartons from a carton blank, methods of dispensing from the formed carton, and a carton for and methods for slanting or tilting product within the carton toward a rear portion of the carton. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the detailed description below describes several embodiments of the invention within the context of a carton with an opener for dispensing contents or articles from the carton. Further, references herein to “end,” “side,” “front,” “rear,” “bottom,” and “top” generally refer to orientations and positions of elements when the carton is erected and/or disposed in an upright orientation. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and “oblique,” and any variations thereof, generally refer to the location and/or orientation of an element or line with respect to a drawing figure in which it appears. Reference characters shared among the various embodiments disclosed herein include similar parts.

The present invention relates to a tray, carton, or package for items. The present embodiments are intended to replace, for example, thermoform/plastic trays, such as those that hold a variety of common products (such as, cookies, crackers, lunch meats, bread products, etc.), with sustainable trays and tray packages that utilize paperboard. Generally, the present embodiments provide, cradle hammock shaped or otherwise similarly shaped compartments, which, among other benefits, provide strength for shipping and product protection. The present embodiments provide compartmental, somewhat curved paperboard tray(s), which could be formed in any desired shape, size, or orientation to accommodate any number of items. Generally, the present tray(s)/carton(s) are filled with items, such as cookies, crackers, lunch meats, bread products, etc. for example, to form a package. Generally, the items are contained in the package for shipping to a point-of-sale vendor (e.g., grocery store). Optionally, the point-of-sale vendor can convert the package to a display unit for displaying items to consumers.

FIG. 1 illustrates an outer facing surface 1 of a carton blank 5 from which a carton 1000 (FIG. 2) can be erected. The blank 5 (FIG. 1) includes a first end 4, second end 6, and a first panel 10, a second panel 20, a third panel 30, a fourth panel 40, and a fifth panel 50. Panel 10 is foldably connected along fold line 11 to panel 20, panel 20 is foldably connected along fold line 21 to panel 30, panel 30 is foldably connected along fold line 31 to panel 40, and panel 40 is foldably connected along fold line 41 to panel 50. Panel 10 and panel 50 include ledge extensions that extend toward a periphery 8 of the blank 5 at lengths greater than the lengths of panels 20, 30, and 40. Panel 10 includes ledge portion 12 at first end 4 and ledge portion 14 at second end 6. Panel 50 similarly includes ledge portion 52 at first end 4 and ledge portion 54 at second end 6.

Blank 5 includes end flaps, including end flaps 22, 26, 32, 42, and 46, at the first end 4 and 24, 28, 34, 44, and 48 at the second end 6. End flap 22 is foldably connected along a fold line 23 at the first end 4 of panel 20. End flap 24 is foldably connected along a fold line 25 at the second end 6 of panel 20. End flap 26 is foldably connected along fold line 27 at the first end 4 of panel 20. End flap 28 is foldably connected along fold line 29 at the second end 6 of panel 20. End flap 32 is foldably connected along fold line 33 at the first end 4 of panel 30. End flap 34 is foldably connected along fold line 35 at second end 6 to panel 30. End flap 46 is foldably connected along fold line 47 at the first end 4 of panel 40. End flap 42 is foldably connected along fold line 43 to panel 40. End flap 48 is foldably connected along fold line 49 at the second end 6 of panel 40. End flap 44 is foldably connected along fold line 45 at the second end 6 of panel 40. A first end ledge panel 36 is connected to end flap 32 along fold lines 37, 57, and 67, while a second end ledge panel 38 is connected to end flap 34 along fold lines 39, 59, and 69.

As shown in FIG. 1, fold lines 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, 35, 43, 45, 47, and 49 generally extend transverse to fold lines 11, 21, 31, and 41. One or more of fold lines 23, 27, 33, 43, 47 also could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at 53, while one or more of fold lines 25, 29, 35, 45, 49 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at 55. End flaps 22, 24, 26, 28, 32, 34, 42, 44, 46, and 48 generally extend in a direction away from respective fold lines 23, 25, 27, 29, 33, 35, 43, 45, 47, and 49 toward the periphery 8 of the blank 5. Further, in view of “panels,” the surfaces of carton 1000 (FIG. 2) formed from the blank 5 can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still, the panels 20, 30, 40 can be referred to as the surfaces they form when constructed in the form of a carton, such as the carton shown in FIG. 2. For example, panel 30 can be referenced as bottom panel, panel 20 can be referenced as a first side panel, and panel 40 can be referenced as a second side panel. Additionally, end flaps 22, 26, 32, 42, 46 (FIG. 1) can be closed to form a first carton end, and end flaps 24, 28, 34, 44, 48 can be closed to form a second carton end as indicated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a carton 1000 formed from the blank of FIG. 1. The blank 5 may be folded from the configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the configuration shown in FIG. 2 by folding the blank along fold lines 11, 21, 31, and 41. During a folding sequence, the end flaps are folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps at the first end 4 or the end flaps at the second end 6 folded inward first. At the first end 4, end flaps 22, 26, 42, and 46 can be folded inwardly along fold lines 23, 27, 43, and 47, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 30. Next, end flap 32 is folded inwardly along fold line 33 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 30. At end 6, end flaps 24, 28, 44, and 48 are folded inwardly along fold lines 25, 29, 45, and 49, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 30. Next, end flap 34 is folded inwardly along fold line 35 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 30. Generally, end flaps 22, 26, 32, 42, and 46 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a first end 1004 (FIG. 2) of carton 1000, and end flaps 24, 28, 34, 44, and 48 (FIG. 1) are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a second end 1006 (FIG. 2) of carton 1000.

To form the circumferential ledge or lip 1060 that extends along and around an upper portion of the carton 1000 as shown in FIG. 2, once the end flaps are folded inwardly, panel 10 and panel 50 can be folded outwardly along respective fold lines 11 and 41, and ledges portions 36 and 38 are folded along respective fold lines 37, 57, 67 and 39, 59, 69. In this manner, the ledges portions 36 and 38 and panels 10 and 50 generally are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a substantially continuous ledge or lip 1060 surrounding the upper periphery of the carton 1000 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a second embodiment, illustrating an outer facing surface 101 of a carton blank 105 from which a carton 1100 (FIG. 3) can be erected. The blank 105 includes first and second sides 104/106, an adhesive panel 107, a first panel 110, a second panel 120, a third panel 130, a fourth 180. Panel 180 is separated by a tear strip 190 into first panel portion 184 and second panel portion 194. The tear strip 190 includes a tear strip panel 182 defined between tear lines 181 and 183, includes a tear strip starting flap 188 (which is shown with a bulbous shape to allow ease of gripping of the tear strip 190), and includes an opening feature, finger flap, or opening 186 defined along tear line 181 between lines of disruption 185 and 187.

Adhesive flap 107 is foldably connected along fold line 109 to panel 110, panel 110 is foldably connected along fold line 111 to panel 120, panel 120 is foldably connected along fold line 121 to panel 130, panel 130 is foldably connected along fold line 131 to panel 140, panel 140 is foldably connected along fold line 141 to panel 150, panel 150 is foldably connected along fold line 151 to panel 160, panel 160 is foldably connected along fold line 161 to panel 170, and panel 170 is foldably connected along fold line 171 to panel 180.

Blank 105 includes end flaps disposed along a first end 104 and along the second side 106 of the blank. End flap 112 is connected along a fold line 113 along the first side 104 of the blank to panel 110, and end flap 114 is foldably connected along a fold line 115 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 110. End flap 122 is foldably connected along a fold line 123 to panel 120, while end flap portion 126 is connected to end flap 122 along fold line 127. End flap 124 is foldably connected along a fold line 125 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 120. An end flap portion 128 is connected to end flap 124 along fold line 129. End flap 132 is foldably connected along a fold line 133 along the first side 104 of the blank to panel 130. End flap 134 is foldably connected along fold line 135 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 130.

End flap 142 is foldably connected along fold line 143 to panel 140. End flaps 132 and 142 are connected along fold line 137. End flap 144 is foldably connected along fold line 145 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 140, and end flaps 134 and 144 are connected along fold line 139. End flap 152 is foldably connected along a fold line 153 to panel 150. An end flap portion 156 is connected to end flap 152 along fold line 157. End flap 152 also is shown in FIG. 3 with a glue locator 166 defined by a line 167. End flap 154 is foldably connected along a fold line 155 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 150. An end flap portion 158 is connected to end flap 154 along fold line 159. End flap 154 also is shown in FIG. 3 with a glue locator 168 defined by a line 169. End flap 162 is foldably connected along a fold line 163 along the first side 104 of the blank to panel 160. End flap 164 is foldably connected along fold line 165 along second side 106 to the blank to panel 160. End flap 172 is foldably connected along fold line 173 to panel 170. An end flap portion 176 is foldably connected along fold line 177 to end flap 172. End flap 174 is foldably connected along fold line 175 along the second side 106 of the blank to panel 170. An end flap portion 178 is foldably connected along fold line 179 to end flap 174.

Fold lines 113, 115, 123, 125, 133, 135, 143, 145, 153, 155, 163, 165, 173, and 175 are generally transverse to fold lines 109, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161, and 171. One or more of fold lines 113, 123, 133, 143, 153, 163, 173 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at 193. One or more of fold lines 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, 175 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at 195. End flaps 112, 114, 122, 124, 132, 134, 142, 144, 152, 154, 162, 164, 172, and 174 generally extend in a direction away from respective fold lines 113, 115, 123, 125, 133, 135, 143, 145, 153, 155, 163, 165, 173, 175 toward periphery 108 of blank 105. Further, the panels forming the surfaces of a carton 1100 (FIG. 4) formed from the blank 105 can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still, the panels 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 can be referred to as the surfaces they forms when constructed in the form of a carton, such as the carton shown in FIG. 4. For example, panel 110 can be referenced as first side panel, panel 120 can be referenced as first bottom panel, panel 130 can be referenced as second side panel, panel 140 can be referenced as third side panel, panel 150 can be referenced as second bottom panel, panel 160 can be referenced as fourth side panel, panel 170 can be referenced as lid panel, and panel 180 can be referenced as lip panel. Additionally, end flaps 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172 (FIG. 3) can be closed to form a first carton end 1104 (FIG. 4), and end flaps 114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164, 174 (FIG. 3) can be closed to form a second carton end 1106 (FIG. 4).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a carton 1100 formed from the blank of FIG. 3. The blank 105 may be folded from the configuration shown in FIG. 3 to the configuration shown in FIG. 4 by folding the blank along fold lines 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161, and 171. During a folding sequence, the end flaps are folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps along the first side 104 or the end flaps along the second side 106 folded inwardly first. End flaps 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, and 172 are folded inwardly along fold lines 113, 123, 133, 143, 153, 163, and 173, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 120. Next, end flaps 122 and 152 are folded inwardly along respective fold lines 123 and 153 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 120. Along side 106, end flaps 114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164, and 174 are folded inwardly along fold lines 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, and 175, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 120, after which end flaps 124 and 154 are folded inwardly along respective fold lines 125 and 155 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 120. Generally, end flaps 112, 122, 132, 142, 152, 162, 172 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a first end 1104 of carton 1100, and end flaps 114, 124, 134, 144, 154, 164, 174 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a second end 1106 of carton 1100. As shown in FIG. 7, the lip panel 194 of panel 180 can be hinged upwardly to dispose the lid portion in an open configuration. First, the tear panel 182 of tear strip 190 is detached along tear lines 181 and 183 and the panel 170 is hinged upward along fold line 161 to expose product P in the interior of the carton 1100. Products P then can be dispensed from the carton 1100.

FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a carton blank according to a third embodiment. The blank 205 of FIG. 5 is similar to the blank 105 of FIG. 3. One difference between blanks 105 and 205 is the inclusion of two additional panels (220 and 270) that allow the compartments of the carton 1200 formed from blank 205 to have a more hexagonal shape as desired than the carton 1100 formed from blank 105. This hexagonal design will more easily allow the carton 1200 formed from the blank 205 to be disposed in a desired orientation, such as on a side to allow stacking or alignment on a display shelf, for example. Another difference between blank 105 and blank 205 is the shape of the end flaps 232, 234, 262, and 264, which can have more of an hourglass or rounded shape in blank 205 to compensate for the additional panels 220 and 270. Other similarities and differences can be discovered by detailed comparison of blanks 105 and 205.

FIG. 6A shows a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 5. FIG. 6B shows the carton of FIG. 6A with the lid opened. The carton 1200 of FIGS. 6A and 6B are similar to the carton 1100 shown in FIG. 4. Other similarities and differences can be discovered by detailed comparison of cartons 1100 and 1200.

FIG. 7 shows a plan view of a carton blank 405 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates an outer facing surface 401 of the carton blank 405 from which a carton 1400 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) can be erected. The blank 405 includes a first side 404, a second side 406, a first ledge panel 407, a first panel 410, a second panel 420, a third panel 430, a fourth panel 440, a fifth panel 450, a sixth panel 460, and a second ledge panel 470. Panel 407 is foldably connected along fold line 409 to panel 410, panel 410 is foldably connected along fold line 411 to panel 420, panel 420 is foldably connected along fold line 421 to panel 430, panel 430 is foldably connected along fold line 431 to panel 440, panel 440 is foldably connected along fold line 441 to panel 450, panel 450 is foldably connected along fold line 451 to panel 460, panel 460 is foldably connected along fold line 461 to panel 470.

Blank 405 further includes end flaps, including end flaps 412, 414, 416, 418, 422, 424, 432, 434, 436, 438, 442, 444, 446, 448, 452, 454, 462, 464, 466, 468. End flap 412 is foldably connected along a fold line 413 along the first side 404 of the carton, and end flap 416 is foldably connected along a fold line 417 to panel 410. Similarly, end flap 414 is foldably connected to panel 410 along a fold line 415 along the second side 406 of the blank, while end flap 418 is foldably connected along a fold line 419 to panel 410. End flap 422 is foldably connected along a fold line 423 to panel 420, and end flap 424 is foldably connected to panel 420 along a fold line 425 along the second side 406 of the blank 405. End flap 432 is foldably connected along fold line 433 along the first side 404 of the blank 405 to panel 430, with end flap 436 foldably connected along fold line 437 to panel 430. End flap 434 is foldably connected along fold line 435 at the second side 406 of panel 430, and end flap 438 is foldably connected along fold line 439 along the second side 406 of the blank to panel 430. End flap 442 is foldably connected along fold line 443 along the first side 404 of the blank to panel 440, with end flap 446 foldably connected along fold line 447 to panel 440. Additionally, end flaps 444 and 448 are foldably connected to panel 440 along fold lines 445 and 449 along the second side 406 of the blank. End flaps 432 and 442 are connected along a fold line 427, and end flaps 434 and 444 are connected along a fold line 429. End flap 452 is foldably connected to panel 450 along a fold line 453 extending along the first side 404 of the blank, and end flap 454 is foldably connected along a fold line 455 extending along the second side 406 of the blank to panel 450. End flaps 462 and 466 are foldably connected to panel 460 along fold lines 463 and 467 and extending along the first side 404 of the blank. End flaps and 466 are foldably connected to panel 460 along fold lines 465 and 469 along the second side 406 of the blank. End flap 422 includes an extended flap portion 426, end flap 424 includes an extended flap portion 428, end flap 452 includes an extended flap portion 456, and end flap 454 includes an extended flap portion 458.

Fold lines 413, 415, 417, 419, 423, 425, 433, 435; 437, 439, 443, 445, 447, 449, 453, 455, 463, 465, 467, 469 are generally transverse to fold lines 409, 411, 421, 431, 441, 451, and 461. One or more of fold lines 413, 417, 423, 433, 437, 443, 447, 453, 463, 467 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at 473. One or more of fold lines 415, 419, 425, 435, 439, 445, 449, 454, 465, 469 could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at 475. End flaps 412, 414, 416, 418, 422, 424, 432, 434, 436, 438, 442, 444, 446, 448, 452, 454, 462, 464, 466, 468 generally extend in a direction away from respective fold lines 413, 415, 417, 419, 423, 425, 433, 435, 437, 439, 443, 445, 447, 449, 453, 455, 463, 465, 467, 469 toward periphery 408 of blank 405. Further, the panels defining the surfaces of carton 1400 formed from the blank 405 also can be referred to as “walls” or “sides.” Further still, the panels 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460 can be referred to as the surfaces they forms when constructed in the form of a carton, such as the carton shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. For example, panel 420 can be referenced as first bottom panel, panel 410 can be referenced as first side panel, panel 430 can be referenced as second side panel, panel 440 can be referenced as third side panel, panel 450 can be referenced as second bottom panel, and panel 460 can be referenced as fourth side panel. Additionally, end flaps 412, 416, 422, 432, 436, 442, 446, 452, 462, and 466 can be closed to form a first carton end 1404, and end flaps 414, 418, 424, 434, 438, 444, 448, 454, 464, and 468 can be closed to form a second carton end 1406.

FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 7. FIG. 8B shows a top view of the carton of FIG. 8A. The blank 405 may be folded from the configuration shown in FIG. 7 to the configurations shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B by folding the blank 405 along fold lines 409, 411, 421, 431, 441, 451, and 461. During a folding sequence, the end flaps are folded toward the interior, with either the end flaps at the first end 404 or the end flaps at the second end 406 folded inward first. At end 404, end flaps 412, 416, 422, 432, 436, 442, 446, 452, 462, 466 are folded inwardly along fold lines 413, 417, 423, 433, 437, 443, 447, 453, 463, 467, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 420. Next, end flaps 422 and 454 are folded inwardly along respective fold lines 423 and 453 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 420. At end 406, end flaps 414, 418, 424, 434, 438, 444, 448, 454, 464, 468 are folded inwardly along fold lines 415, 419, 425, 435, 439, 445, 449, 454, 465, 469, respectively, so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 420. Next, end flaps 424 and 454 are folded inwardly along respective fold lines 425 and 455 so as to extend substantially perpendicular to panel 420. Generally, end flaps 412, 416, 422, 432, 436, 442, 446, 452, 462, and 466 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a first end 1404 of carton 1400, and end flaps 414, 418, 424, 434, 438, 444, 448, 454, 464, and 468 are adhered, such as by an adhesive such as glue, to form a second end 1406 of carton 1400.

Panels 407 and 470 are folded inwardly to form a ledge or lip over each compartment that extends inwardly along and around an upper portion of the carton 1400 as shown in FIG. 8B.

The flaps and panels detailed herein generally are secured to form a package, or carton. It is understood that forming the carton, packing the carton, and/or loading the carton and methods that differ than the forming, packing, and/or loading configurations discussed herein are within the scope of the disclosure.

In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper of at least about 13, for example, so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described above.

The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or panels adhered together by glue. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure paperboard or carton panels in place, and the adhesive material can be replaced by, or supplemented with any suitable fastening devices.

The term “line” as used herein includes not only straight lines, but also other types of lines such as curved, curvilinear or angularly displaced lines. In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed 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. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

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, cut line, 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.

Any dimensions shown in the figures are exemplary only and can be expanded or contracted, such as to accommodate items of different sizes, configurations, or dimensions. These dimensions should not be construed as limiting in any manner.

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 blank comprising: a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, the first side panel foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, the bottom panel foldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, the second side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion;a first end flap connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap connected at the first end of the bottom panel, a third end flap connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank;a fourth end flap connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap connected at the second end of the bottom panel, a sixth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank; and,a third ledge portion connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion connected to the fifth end flap.

2. The blank of claim 1 wherein the first end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the first end.

3. The blank of claim 2 wherein a seventh end flap is connected to the first side panel at the first end.

4. The blank of claim 1 wherein the third end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the first end.

5. The blank of claim 4 wherein an eighth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the first end.

6. The blank of claim 1 wherein the fourth end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the first side panel at the second end.

7. The blank of claim 6 wherein a ninth end flap is connected to the first side panel at the second end.

8. The blank of claim 1 wherein the sixth end flap covers less than the entirety of a periphery of the second side panel at the second end.

9. The blank of claim 8 wherein a tenth end flap is connected to the second side panel at the second end.

10. The blank of claim 1 wherein the second end flap, the fifth end flap, and the bottom panel are arranged in a substantially hourglass shape.

11. The blank of claim 1, wherein the first ledge, the second ledge, the third ledge, and the fourth ledge are foldable to form a substantially continuous lip extending along a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

12. A package comprising: at least one article and a carton receiving the at least one article;the carton being formed from a blank, the blank comprising: a first ledge portion foldably connected along a first fold line to a first side panel, the first side panel foldably connected along a second fold line to a bottom panel, the bottom panel foldably connected along a third fold line to a second side panel, the second side panel foldably connected along a fourth fold line to a second ledge portion;at least a first end flap connected to the first side panel at a first end of the blank, a second end flap connected at the first end of the bottom panel, at least a third end flap connected to the second side panel at the first end of the blank;at least a fourth end flap connected to the first side panel at a second end of the blank, a fifth end flap connected at the second end of the bottom panel, at least a sixth end flap connected to the second side panel at the second end of the blank; and,a third ledge portion connected to the second end flap and a fourth ledge portion connected to the fifth end flap.

13. The package of claim 12 wherein the first ledge, the second ledge, the third ledge, and the fourth ledge are foldable to form a substantially continuous circumferential ledge extending along a periphery of a carton formed from the blank.

14. A carton comprising: a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line;the first compartment and the second compartment capable of being covered by a lid;the lid being capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position;the lid including a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.

15. A package comprising: a carton;at least one article received within the carton; and,the carton comprising: a first compartment connected to a second compartment along a first fold line;the first compartment and the second compartment capable of being covered by a lid;the lid being capable of being hinged between and open position and a closed position, with the first compartment and the second compartment being accessible when the lid is in the open position; and,the lid including a tear strip that is removable from the carton to allow the lid to move from the closed position to the open position.