Carton With Article Retention Features

Abstract

A carton for holding one or more articles, the carton includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel, article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton to secure one or more articles to the carton, and access features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton, the access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/468,914, filed on May 25, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/565,615, filed on Mar. 15, 2024, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons for holding one or more articles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to cartons for holding one or more articles and that include retention features for holding the one or more articles.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding one or more articles, the carton comprises a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel, article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton to secure one or more articles to the carton, and access features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton, the access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton for holding one or more articles, the blank comprising a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel, article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton formed from the blank to secure one or more articles to the carton formed from the blank, and access features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton formed from the blank, the access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carton for holding one or more articles, the blank comprising obtaining a blank comprising plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel, the blank further comprising article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, and access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel, positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, arranging the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton to secure one or more articles to the carton, and positioning the access features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a package, the package comprising one or more articles, and a carton holding the one or more articles, the carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel, article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton to secure the one or more articles to the carton, and access features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton, the access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan schematic view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a pair of containers suitable for engagement with cartons according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the carton and package of FIG. 3 in a partially opened configuration.

FIG. 5 is a plan schematic view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 5 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton and package of FIG. 6 in a partially opened configuration.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to constructs, cartons, carriers, clips, sleeves, or the like, and packages for shipping and dispensing articles such as containers, cartons, constructs, sleeves, etc. that hold one or more articles such as household consumer products (e.g., air freshener, cleaners, cosmetic products, gardening products, insect repellent or insect remediation products, bug sprays, sunscreen, etc.), food products, or other articles. As described herein, such articles can be provided within a dedicated packaging, or the cartons described herein can be configured to directly hold the material associated with such products. In some embodiments, articles described herein can be generally cylindrical containers for dispensing fluids, e.g., aerosol cans or other pressurized fluid delivery systems.

Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes cartons for holding fluid dispensing articles. In this specification, the terms “inner,” “interior,” “outer,” “exterior,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons.

As described herein, cartons may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of blanks. Such panels, end flaps, and/or other portions of the blank can be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 that can be obtained to form a carton 105 and package (FIG. 3) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

As shown, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can include a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around in interior 107 of the carton 105 formed from the blank 103 for at least partially holding one or more articles A (FIG. 2). It will be understood that the carton 105 can be provided with one or more articles A to provide a package 110 (FIG. 3).

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can include a front panel 121, a first back panel 123 (broadly, “second back panel”) foldably connected to the front panel 121 at a lateral fold line 125, a second back panel 127 (broadly, “first back panel”) foldably connected to the front panel 121 at a lateral fold line 129, a first top panel 131 foldably connected to the front panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 133, a second top panel 135 foldably connected to the first back panel 123 at a portion of a longitudinal fold line 137, and a third top panel 139 foldably connected to the second back panel 127 at a portion of a longitudinal fold line 141.

As shown, the second top panel 135 can include a base portion 143 foldably connected to the back panel 123 at the respective portion of the fold line 137, and a distal portion 145 foldably connected to the base portion 143 at a longitudinal fold line 147. Similarly, the third top panel 139 can include a base portion 149 foldably connected to the back panel 127 at the respective portion of the fold line 141, and a distal portion 151 foldably connected to the base portion 149 at a longitudinal fold line 152.

It will be understood that, in some embodiments, the respective portions of one or both of the top panels 135, 139 can be considered separate panels. In some embodiments, one or more of the top panels 131, 135, 139 and/or portions thereof can be considered end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom.

The blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom can also include article retention features for being at least partially positioned in the interior 107 of the carton 105 and at least partially engaging a respective article when the carton 105 is formed from the blank 103.

In the illustrated embodiment, the article retention features can include a pair of article retention tabs 153 (broadly, “first article retention tabs”) that include a respective base portion 154 and a respective distal portion 156 foldably connected to the respective base portion 154 at a respective oblique fold line 158.

Each article retention tab 153, as shown, can be at least partially foldably connected to the front panel at a respective curved fold line 160, and can be at least partially separable from the front panel 121 and the top panel 131 at a respective generally hook-shaped cut 162 having an endpoint that intersects the respective fold line 160 and which interrupts a respective portion of the fold line 133.

The article retention features of the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can also include an article retention tab 161 (broadly, “second article retention tab”) formed in each back panel 123, 127, with one article retention tab 161 foldably connected to the back panel 123 and/or the top panel 135 at a respective portion of the fold line 137, and the other article retention tab 161 foldably connected to the back panel 127 and/or the top panel 139 at a respective portion of the fold line 141.

Each article retention tab 161, as shown, can be at least partially foldably connected to the respective back panel 123, 127 at a respective generally hook-shaped fold line 163 that intersects the respective fold line 137, 141 and a respective adjacent tear line, as described further herein.

It will be understood that the article retention features of the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can include less than all of the features described above, or a different arrangement of features, without departing from the disclosure.

The blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can also include access features for facilitating access to one or more articles held in the interior 107 of the carton 105. In some embodiments, such access features can be or can include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom.

In the illustrated embodiment the access features can include an access end flap 165 foldably and separably connected to the back panel 123 at a lateral tear line 167 that intersects the fold line 163 associated with the adjacent article retention tab 161. As shown, the access end flap 165 can include an upper portion 169 foldably connected to the top panel 135 at a respective portion of the fold line 137, and a lower portion 171 foldably connected to the upper portion 169 at a longitudinal fold line 173 that intersects the tear line 167.

Similarly, the access features can include an access end flap 175 foldably and separably connected to the back panel 127 at a lateral tear line 177 that intersects the fold line 163 associated with the adjacent article retention tab 161. As shown, the access end flap 175 can include an upper portion 179 foldably connected to the top panel 135 at a respective portion of the fold line 141, and a lower portion 181 foldably connected to the upper portion 179 at a longitudinal fold line 183 that intersects the tear line 177.

Furthermore, an access tab 185 can be foldably connected to the lower portion 181 of the access end flap 175 at a generally curved fold line 187. While the access tab 185 is illustrated having a generally circular configuration, it will be understood that the access tab 185 can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

With momentary reference to FIG. 2, a pair of articles A suitable for being held in the interior 107 of the carton 105 and/or for being engaged by the carton 105 is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the articles A can be household consumer products such as generally cylindrical containers for dispensing fluids, e.g., aerosol cans or other pressurized fluid delivery systems, though it will be understood that the carton 105 can be used with different articles without departing from the disclosure.

In this regard, the articles A can each have a generally closed bottom portion B, a generally cylindrical central portion C that is configured to hold one or more fluids therein, and a generally tapered top portion T configured to dispense fluids held in the central portion C. In the illustrated embodiment, the top portion T can have a generally frustoconical configuration that narrows from a point of intersection to the central portion C, and which can include a dispenser feature D. In some embodiments, the dispenser feature D can be a nozzle, outlet, or other point of egress for fluids from the article A, and which can be at least partially recessed within the outer profile of the top portion T of the article A. In some embodiments, the top portion T of the respective articles A can include one or more actuator mechanisms, e.g., buttons or triggers that act as valve or barrier releases, to permit fluids from the central portion C to travel up to the top portion T and through the dispenser feature D to exit the article A. It will be understood that the article A can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to FIGS. 3-4, formation of the carton 105 from the blank 103 and use thereof will be described according to some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

An interior surface of the blank 103, e.g., a surface opposite the exterior surface 101, can be positioned facing a pair of articles A. The front panel 121 can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the articles A, and the back panels 123, 127 can be folded at the respective fold lines 125, 129 in the direction of the respective arrows A1, A2 to at least partially extend around side and/or back portions of the articles A.

In such arrangement, the access end flap 165 can be at least partially overlapped and in at least partial face-to-face contact with the access end flap 175 such that the access tab 185 protrudes downwardly below the bottom portion 171 of the access end flap 165. In such an arrangement, the top panel 135 can be at least partially overlapped and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 139.

The base portions 143, 149 of the respective top panels 135, 139 can be folded at the aligned respective fold lines 137, 141 in the direction of the arrow A3 into a generally oblique arrangement with the back panels 123, 127 along a sloped or angled top portion T of the respective articles A.

The distal portions 145, 151 of the respective top panels 135, 139 can be folded at the respective aligned fold lines 147, 152 in the direction of the arrow A4 into generally planar relation with a top surface of the top portions T of the articles A. Thereafter, the top panel 131 can be folded at the fold line 133 in the direction of the arrow A5 into at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the distal portions 145, 151 of the respective top panels 135, 139 such that the second top panel 135 is in at least partial face-to-face contact with each of the first top panel 131 and the third top panel 139.

The aforementioned arrangement of the carton 105 can be at least partially maintained with one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue. It will be understood that the carton 105 can be formed in an order different described above.

As shown in FIG. 4, when it is desired by a user to engage the carton 105, the user can press his or her fingers against one or both of the article retention tabs 153 to cause at least partial separation thereof from the front panel 121 at the respective cuts 162, and to cause at least partial movement thereof into the interior 107 of the carton 105 via folding at the respective fold line 160.

In some embodiments, one or both of the article retention tabs 153 can move into a recessed space along the profile of a top portion T of a respective article A provided by a respective dispenser feature D. Such movement can include at least partial movement of a respective distal portion 156 of a respective article retention tab 153 relative to a respective base portion 154 thereof at a respective fold line 158.

Similarly, a user can press his or her fingers against one or both of the article retention tabs 161 to cause at least partial separation thereof from a respective back panel 123 at a respective portion of a respective tear lines 167, 177, and at least partial movement into the interior 107 of the carton 105 via folding at the respective fold lines 137, 141, 163.

In some embodiments, one or both of the article retention flaps 161 can move into another recessed portion along the profile of a top portion T of a respective article A provided by a respective actuation feature, e.g., a trigger, button, ergonomic grip, etc.

As shown, at least partial separation of a respective article retention tab 153 from the front panel 121 of the carton 105 can expose a handle opening 122 in the front panel 121 through which a user may engage a free edge and/or underside of the top panel 131.

Similarly, at least partial separation of a respective article retention tab 161 from a respective back panel 123, 127 can expose a respective handle opening 124 therein. Accordingly, a user's finger(s) can be at least partially inserted into the interior 107 of the carton 105 through a respective handle opening 122, 124, via which one or more interior surfaces of the carton 105 can be engaged to lift, carry, and/or otherwise move the carton 105 and the articles A held therein.

In this regard, in some embodiments, the article retention tabs 153, 161 can additionally be considered handle features of the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom. In some embodiments, the handle openings 122, 124 exposed by the respective article retention tabs 153, 161 can be considered handle features of the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned movement of one or more of the article retention tabs 153, 161 can be effected prior to providing the carton 105/package 110 to a user or prior to placement in a retail location.

As shown in FIG. 4, in some embodiments, when it is desired to access one or more of the articles A held in the interior 107 of the carton 105, a user can grasp the access tab 185 and pull upwardly and/or outwardly thereon to at least partially tear the respective overlapped access end flaps 165, 175 from the respective back panels 127, 123 at the respective tear lines 167, 177. In some embodiments, tearing of the upper portions 169, 179 of the respective access end flaps 165, 175 can be at least partially facilitated by the presence of the respective fold lines 173, 183, which can guide propagation of respective tears along the respective tear lines 167, 177 at such portions of the access end flaps 165, 175.

Upon at least partial separation of the access end flaps 165, 175 from the respective back panels 123, 127, the back panels 127, 123 can be at least partially free to move apart such that one or more articles A can be withdrawn from the interior 107 of the carton 105.

The aforementioned blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom can provide a secure engagement with one or more articles A via the container retention features described herein, and can facilitate convenient and efficient withdrawal of the articles A therefrom via the respective access features described herein.

Turning to FIG. 5, an exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 for forming a carton 205 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 and carton 105, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 203 has the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2. The blank 203 and the carton 205 an include a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior 207 of the carton 205 formed from the blank 203 for at least partially holding one or more articles A. It will be understood that the carton 205 can be provided with one or more articles A to provide a package 210 (FIG. 6).

In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of panels of the blank 203 and the carton 205 formed therefrom can include the front panel 121, the first back panel 123, the second back panel 127, the second top panel 135, the third top panel 139, the access end flap 165, the access end flap 175, and associated features.

In some embodiments, and as shown, the portions 169 and 143 and the fold lines 173, 137 can be bisected by the tear line 167. Similarly, the portions 179 and 149 and the fold lines 183, 141 can be bisected by the tear line 177

As shown, the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can include article retention tabs 253 foldably connected to the front panel 121 at respective curved fold lines 262 and separably connected thereto at respective cuts 264 extending from one endpoint of a respective curved fold line 262 to another endpoint of a respective curved fold line 262. In some embodiments, the respective cuts 264 can at least partially define a recessed or concave portion therealong. However, and as shown, the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can be devoid of the article retention tabs 161.

Furthermore, the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can include a first top panel 231 foldably connected to the front panel 121 at the longitudinal fold line 133 that includes a lower portion or base portion 232 and an upper portion or distal portion 234 foldably connected to the base portion 232 at a longitudinal fold line 236.

The blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can additionally include a locking panel 271 foldably connected to the front panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 272 and that includes a base portion 273 and a distal portion or locking portion 275 foldably connected to the base portion 273 at a longitudinal fold line 277.

The locking portion 275 of the locking panel 271 can include a pair of longitudinally spaced apart recessed notches 279 at least partially defined along a free edge thereof, and oblique fold lines 281 intersecting the respective notches 279 to at least partially define corner portions 283 of the locking panel 271 foldably connected to the remainder thereof at the respective fold lines 281.

With continued reference to FIG. 5, the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can also include an article retention flap 285 foldably connected to the front panel 121 at a curved fold line 287, and an article retention tab 289 foldably connected to the article retention flap 285 at a curved fold line 291.

Similarly, another article retention flap 293 can be foldably connected to the front panel 121 at a curved fold line 295, and an article retention tab 297 foldably connected to the article retention flap 295 at a curved fold line 299.

As described herein, the article retention features of the blank 203 and the carton 205 formed therefrom can include one or more of the article retention flaps 285, 293, the article retention tabs 253, 289, 297, the locking panel 271, and associated features, though the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can include a different arrangement of article retention features without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to FIGS. 6-7, formation of the carton 205 from the blank 203 and use thereof will be described according to some exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

An interior surface of the blank 203, e.g., a surface opposite the exterior surface 201, can be positioned facing a pair of articles A. The locking panel 271 can be folded at the fold line 272 such that the base portion 273 thereof is carried into at least partial face-to-face contact with an interior surface of the front panel 121, which can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the articles A such that the locking portion 275 can extend upwardly away from the base portion 273 in the interior 207 of the carton 205.

The back panels 123, 127 can be folded at the respective fold lines 125, 129 in the direction of the respective arrows A6, A7 to at least partially extend around side and/or back portions of the articles A.

In such arrangement, the access end flap 165 can be at least partially overlapped and in at least partial face-to-face contact with the access end flap 175 such that the access tab 185 protrudes downwardly below the bottom portion 171 of the access end flap 165. In such an arrangement, the top panel 135 can be at least partially overlapped and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 139.

The base portions 143, 149 of the respective top panels 135, 139 can be folded at the aligned respective fold lines 137, 141 in the direction of the arrow A8 into a generally oblique arrangement with the back panels 123, 127. Similarly, the base portion 232 of the top panel 231 can be folded at the fold line 133 into generally oblique relation with the front panel 121.

In such an arrangement, the distal portions 145, 151 of the respective top panels 135, 139 can be folded at the respective aligned fold lines 147, 152 and the distal portion 234 of the top panel 231 can be folded at the fold line 236 such that the distal portions 145, 151 of the top panels 135, 139 are positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the distal portion 234 of the top panel 231 and extending upwardly from the respective base portions 145, 149, 232 to form a handle 209 of the carton 205 by which the carton 205 can be grasped by a user. In such an arrangement, the second top panel 135 can be in at least partial face-to-face contact with each of the first top panel 231 and the third top panel 139

The article retention flaps 285, 293 can be folded at least partially into the interior 207 of the carton 205 at the respective fold lines 287, 295 such that the article retention flaps 285, 293 at least partially contact the respective articles A. Upon such contact with the articles A, the article retention tabs 289, 297 can fold at least partially back (e.g., obliquely) relative to the respective article retention flaps 285, 293 at the respective fold lines 291, 299.

Accordingly, the article retention flaps 285, 293 can extend from the front panel 121 to the articles A, for example, in a bracing relationship such that the carton 205 is at least partially secured to the articles A thereby.

The aforementioned arrangement of the carton 205 can be at least partially maintained with one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue. It will be understood that the carton 105 can be formed in an order different described above.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, when it is desired by a user to engage the carton 105, the user can press his or her fingers against one or both of the article retention tabs 253 to cause at least partial separation thereof from the front panel 121 at the respective cuts 264, and to cause at least partial movement thereof into the interior 207 of the carton 205 via folding at the respective fold line 262.

In some embodiments, one or both of the article retention tabs 253 can move into a recessed portion along the profile of a top portion T of a respective article A provided by a respective dispenser feature D.

Further movement of the article retention tabs 253 can engage the recessed notches 279 such that the article retention tabs 253 are at least partially received in the locking panel 271. Such arrangement can at least partially maintain the position of the article retention tabs 253 tilted toward and contacting the articles A to contribute to a secure engagement between the carton 205 and the articles A.

In some embodiments, the corner portions 283 of the locking panel 271 can at least partially fold at the respective fold lines 281 relative to the remainder thereof to facilitate the engagement of the article retention tabs 253 and the recessed notches 279.

As shown, at least partial separation of a respective article retention tab 253 from the front panel 121 of the carton 205 can expose a handle opening 222 in the front panel. Accordingly, a user's finger(s) can be at least partially inserted into the interior 207 of the carton 205 through a respective handle opening 222, via which one or more interior surfaces of the carton 205 can be engaged to lift, carry, and/or otherwise move the carton 205 and the articles A held therein.

In this regard, in some embodiments, the article retention tabs 253 and/or handle openings 222 formed thereby can additionally be considered handle features of the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom in addition to or alternative to the handle 209 of the carton 205.

In some embodiments, the aforementioned movement of the article retention tabs 253 can be effected prior to providing the carton 205/package 210 to a user or prior to placement in a retail location.

As shown, in some embodiments, when it is desired to access one or more of the articles A held in the interior 207 of the carton 205, a user can grasp the access tab 185 and pull upwardly and/or outwardly thereon to at least partially tear the respective overlapped access end flaps 175, 165 from the respective back panels 127, 123 at the respective tear lines 177, 167. In some embodiments, tearing of the upper portions 179, 169 of the respective access end flaps 175, 165 can be at least partially facilitated by the presence of the respective fold lines 183, 173, which can guide propagation of respective tears along the respective tear lines 177, 167 at such portions of the access end flaps 175, 165.

Upon at least partial separation of the access end flaps 181, 171 from the respective back panels 127, 123, the back panels 127, 123 can be at least partially free to move apart such that one or more articles A can be withdrawn from the interior 207 of the carton 205.

The aforementioned blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can provide a secure engagement with one or more articles A via the container retention features described herein, and can facilitate convenient and efficient withdrawal of the articles A therefrom via the respective access features described herein.

In general, the blanks of the present disclosure may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper 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.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiments, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding there along. 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.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described embodiments. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the disclosure as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A carton for holding one or more articles, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel;article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton to secure one or more articles to the carton; andaccess features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton, the access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the at least one article retention tab is at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and is at least partially separably connected to the front panel.

3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the at least one article retention tab is for being at least partially received in a recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton.

4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the at least one article retention tab is a first article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and at least partially separably connected to the front panel, and the article retention features further comprise a second article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the at least one back panel and at least partially separably connected to the at least one back panel for being at least partially received in another recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton.

5. The carton of claim 4, wherein the article retention features further comprise a locking panel foldably connected to the front panel and positioned in the interior of the carton, the locking panel comprising at least one recessed notch for at least partially receiving the first article retention tab.

6. The carton of claim 3, wherein the article retention features further comprise at least one article retention flap foldably connected to the front panel and positioned extending into the interior of the carton for contacting a respective article.

7. The carton of claim 3, wherein the at least one back panel is a first back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the at least one access end flap is separably connected to the first back panel, and the access features further comprise a second access end flap separably connected to the second back panel.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the first access end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second access end flap.

9. The carton of claim 8, further comprising an access tab foldably connected to the second access end flap, the access tab positioned protruding downwardly from the first access end flap.

10. The carton of claim 8, wherein the at least one top panel is a first top panel foldably connected to the front panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, the first top panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second top panel.

11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a third top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, the first top panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with each of the first top panel and the second top panel.

12. The carton of claim 11, wherein each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel comprise a respective base portion and a respective distal portion foldably connected to the respective base portion, the distal portion of each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel extending upwardly from the base portion thereof to form a handle of the carton.

13. A blank for forming a carton for holding one or more articles, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel;article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton formed from the blank to secure one or more articles to the carton formed from the blank; andaccess features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton formed from the blank, the access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel.

14. The blank of claim 13, wherein the at least one article retention tab is at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and is at least partially separably connected to the front panel.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the at least one article retention tab is for being at least partially received in a recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton formed from the blank.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one article retention tab is a first article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and at least partially separably connected to the front panel, and the article retention features further comprise a second article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the at least one back panel and at least partially separably connected to the at least one back panel for being at least partially received in another recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton formed from the blank.

17. The blank of claim 16, wherein the article retention features further comprise a locking panel foldably connected to the front panel and for being positioned in the interior of the carton formed from the blank, the locking panel comprising at least one recessed notch for at least partially receiving the first article retention tab when the carton is formed from the blank.

18. The blank of claim 15, wherein the article retention features further comprise at least one article retention flap foldably connected to the front panel and for being positioned extending into the interior of the carton for contacting a respective article when the carton is formed from the blank.

19. The blank of claim 15, wherein the at least one back panel is a first back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the at least one access end flap is separably connected to the first back panel, and the access features further comprise a second access end flap separably connected to the second back panel.

20. The blank of claim 19, further comprising an access tab foldably connected to the second access end flap, the access tab for being positioned protruding downwardly from the first access end flap when the carton is formed from the blank.

21. The blank of claim 19, wherein the at least one top panel is a first top panel foldably connected to the front panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, the first top panel for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second top panel when the carton is formed from the blank.

22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a third top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, the first top panel for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with each of the first top panel and the second top panel when the carton is formed from the blank.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel comprise a respective base portion and a respective distal portion foldably connected to the respective base portion, the distal portion of each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel for being positioned extending upwardly from the base portion thereof to form a handle of the carton formed from the blank.

24. A method of forming a carton for holding one or more articles, the blank comprising: obtaining a blank comprising plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel, the blank further comprising article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, and access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel;positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton;arranging the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton to secure one or more articles to the carton; andpositioning the access features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the at least one article retention tab is at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and is at least partially separably connected to the front panel.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the at least one article retention tab is for being at least partially received in a recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one article retention tab is a first article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and at least partially separably connected to the front panel, and the article retention features further comprise a second article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the at least one back panel and at least partially separably connected to the at least one back panel for being at least partially received in another recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the article retention features further comprise a locking panel foldably connected to the front panel, the locking panel comprising at least one recessed notch for at least partially receiving the first article retention tab, and the method further comprises positioning the locking panel in the interior of the carton.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the article retention features further comprise at least one article retention flap foldably connected to the front panel, and the method further comprises positioning the at least one article retention flap extending into the interior of the carton for contacting a respective article.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the at least one back panel is a first back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the at least one access end flap is separably connected to the first back panel, and the access features further comprise a second access end flap separably connected to the second back panel.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the method comprises positioning the first access end flap in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second access end flap.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the blank further comprises an access tab foldably connected to the second access end flap, and the method further comprises positioning the access tab protruding downwardly from the first access end flap.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the at least one top panel is a first top panel foldably connected to the front panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, and the method further comprises positioning the first top panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second top panel.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a third top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, and the method comprises positioning the first top panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with each of the first top panel and the second top panel.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel comprise a respective base portion and a respective distal portion foldably connected to the respective base portion, and the method comprises positioning the distal portion of each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel extending upwardly from the base portion thereof to form a handle of the carton.

36. The method of claim 26, further comprising positioning one or more articles in the interior of the carton.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising at least partially positioning the at least one article retention tab in a recessed top portion of a respective article in the interior of the carton.

38. A package, the package comprising: one or more articles; anda carton holding the one or more articles, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, at least one back panel, and at least one top panel;article retention features comprising at least one article retention tab foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the at least one article retention tab for being positioned at least partially in the interior of the carton to secure the one or more articles to the carton; andaccess features for facilitating access to the interior of the carton, the access features comprising at least one access end flap separably connected to the at least one back panel.

39. The package of claim 38, wherein the at least one article retention tab is at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and is at least partially separably connected to the front panel.

40. The package of claim 39, wherein the at least one article retention tab is for being at least partially received in a recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton.

41. The package of claim 40, wherein the at least one article retention tab is a first article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the front panel and at least partially separably connected to the front panel, and the article retention features further comprise a second article retention tab at least partially foldably connected to the at least one back panel and at least partially separably connected to the at least one back panel for being at least partially received in another recessed portion of a top portion of an article in the interior of the carton.

42. The package of claim 41, wherein the article retention features further comprise a locking panel foldably connected to the front panel and positioned in the interior of the carton, the locking panel comprising at least one recessed notch for at least partially receiving the first article retention tab.

43. The package of claim 40, wherein the article retention features further comprise at least one article retention flap foldably connected to the front panel and positioned extending into the interior of the carton contacting a respective article.

44. The package of claim 40, wherein the at least one back panel is a first back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the plurality of panels further comprises a second back panel foldably connected to the front panel, the at least one access end flap is separably connected to the first back panel, and the access features further comprise a second access end flap separably connected to the second back panel.

45. The package of claim 44, wherein the first access end flap is in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second access end flap.

46. The package of claim 45, further comprising an access tab foldably connected to the second access end flap, the access tab positioned protruding downwardly from the first access end flap.

47. The package of claim 45, wherein the at least one top panel is a first top panel foldably connected to the front panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, the first top panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second top panel.

48. The package of claim 47, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a third top panel foldably connected to the second back panel, the first top panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with each of the first top panel and the second top panel.

49. The package of claim 48, wherein each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel comprise a respective base portion and a respective distal portion foldably connected to the respective base portion, the distal portion of each of the first top panel, the second top panel, and the third top panel extending upwardly from the base portion thereof to form a handle of the carton.