Carton With Dispenser Features

Abstract

A carton for holding an article includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels including a front panel, a back panel, and at least one bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps at least partially overlapped to form at least one closed end of the carton, a dispenser having a dispenser opening at least partially defined along the plurality of panels for accessing the article in the interior of the carton, and an article separating member at least partially received in the interior of the carton for at least partially separating a selected portion of the article from a remainder thereof.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/542,809, filed on Oct. 6, 2023, entitled Carton With Dispenser Features, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth in its entirety.

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 dispenser features for selectively dispensing one or more portions of at least one article.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding an article, 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, a back panel, and at least one bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps at least partially overlapped to form at least one closed end of the carton, a dispenser comprising a dispenser opening at least partially defined along the plurality of panels for accessing the article in the interior of the carton; and an article separating member at least partially received in the interior of the carton for at least partially separating a selected portion of the article from a remainder thereof.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton for holding an article, the blank comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps for being at least partially overlapped to form at least one closed end of the carton formed from the blank, dispenser features for at least partially forming a dispenser opening at least partially defined along the plurality of panels for accessing the article in the interior of the carton formed from the blank, and an article separating member for being at least partially received in the interior of the carton formed from the blank for at least partially separating a selected portion of the article from a remainder thereof.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carton for holding an article, the method comprising obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, and dispenser features, obtaining an article separating member, positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, at least partially overlapping the plurality of end flaps to form at least one closed end of the carton formed from the blank, positioning the dispenser features at least partially forming a dispenser opening at least partially defined along the plurality of panel for accessing the article in the interior of the carton, and at least partially positioning the article separating member in the interior of the carton for at least partially separating a selected portion of the article from a remainder thereof.

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 view of a blank for forming a carton and package according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 1A is an enlarged view of an article separating member associated with blanks described herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to one construction of the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the carton and package of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to another construction of the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton and package according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

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

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton and package according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 8 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 8 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton and package according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 11 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view of a carton and package formed from the blank of FIG. 11 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure generally relates to cartons and other constructs for holding one or more articles and selectively dispensing at least a portion of the one or more articles therefrom. In some embodiments, such articles could include a rolled length of material that is generally desired to be metered and selectively dispensed, for example, a roll of adhesive tape. In some embodiments, such articles could include decorative material, for example ribbon, wraps (e.g., for household and/or medical applications), etc. It will be understood that articles other than those described herein can be dispensed from cartons described herein without departing from the disclosure.

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 or constructs that hold one or more 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 constructs and 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 used to form a carton (FIG. 2) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As described further herein, a plurality of panels of the carton 105 can extend at least partially around an interior 107 thereof for at least partially receiving an article A. The blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom can further include dispenser features for forming a dispenser 109 for selectively dispensing one or more portions of the article A. The carton 105 can be provided with one or more articles A as a package 110.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank 103 can have a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around the interior 107 of the carton 105 and can include a back panel 121, a bottom panel 123 foldably connected to the back panel 121 at a lateral fold line 125, a front panel 127 foldably connected to the bottom panel 123 at a lateral fold line 129, a first top panel 131 foldably connected to the front panel 127 at a lateral fold line 133, a second top panel 135 foldably connected to the front panel 127 at a lateral fold line 137, and a handle panel 139 foldably connected to the first top panel 131 at a lateral fold line 141 and foldably connected to the second top panel 135 at a lateral fold line 143.

As shown, the handle panel 139 can include an upper portion 145 and an attachment portion or lower portion 147 extending therefrom between the top panels 131, 135 and so as to interrupt the front panel 127 at a pair of generally longitudinally-extending lines of weakening 149, 151, each having one or more of straight, curved, and/or angled segments.

In some embodiments, the first top panel 131 and the second top panel 135 can be considered a single panel interrupted by a portion of the handle panel 139.

The plurality of panels of the blank 103 and the carton 105 formed therefrom can also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of end flaps can include an end panel 153 foldably connected to the back panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 155, an end flap 157 foldably connected to the bottom panel 123 at a longitudinal fold line 159, an end flap 161 foldably connected to the front panel 127 at a longitudinal fold line 163, and an end flap 165 foldably connected to the top panel 131 at a longitudinal fold line 167.

Similarly, the plurality of end flaps can include an end panel 169 foldably connected to the back panel 121 at a longitudinal fold line 171, an end flap 173 foldably connected to the bottom panel 123 at a longitudinal fold line 175, an end flap 177 foldably connected to the front panel 127 at a longitudinal fold line 179, and an end flap 181 foldably connected to the top panel 131 at a longitudinal fold line 183.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom can further include article positioning features that can include an article positioning flap 185 foldably connected to a lower portion of the back panel 121 at a lateral fold line 187 and positioned extending into a generally semicircular opening 189 (FIG. 3) at least partially defined by the back panel 121, and an article positioning flap 191 foldably connected to the lower portion 147 of the handle panel 139 at a lateral fold line 193. As shown, the article positioning flap 191 can be at least partially separable from the front panel 127 at an at least partially curved line of weakening 194 that can intersect the lines of weakening 149, 151.

The blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom can also include package supporting features that can include a hanger opening 195 in the upper portion of the back panel 121 and a corresponding hanger opening 196 in the upper portion 145 of the handle panel 139. As shown, the hanger openings 195, 196 can have a generally elongate configuration with at least one recessed portion for receiving a hanger member, e.g., a hook, pin, etc., in a retail location.

The blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom can also include article separating features that can include an article separating member 197.

With additional reference to FIG. 1A, the article separating member 197 can have a body 199 that includes a central portion 199a at least partially defined by a plurality of intersecting generally straight edges 199b, 199c, 199d, with the edges 199b, 199d in generally parallel and spaced relation and intersecting respective endpoints of the edge 199c that extends perpendicularly to both of the edges 199b, 199d. The edges 199b, 199d, as shown, can also intersect a cutting edge 199e at least partially defined by a repeating or semi-repeating pattern of spaced protrusions, e.g., teeth. In some embodiments, such protrusions can be at least partially curved, tapered, angled, barbed, etc. for engaging one or more portions of the article A, as described further herein. In this regard, the edge 199e can be a free serrated edge of the body 199 of the article separating member.

It will be understood that the article separating member 197 can be attached, e.g., with an adhesive such as glue, to an interior surface of one of the end flap 169 and the top panel 135 such that at least a portion of the cutting edge 199e protrudes beyond a free edge thereof. The article separating member 197, in some embodiments, can be formed of a material sufficiently rigid for engaging one or more portions of the article A without substantial deformation such as bending, e.g., a polymeric material (for example, an injection molded plastic), or a metallic material. In some embodiments, the article separating member 197 can be formed from a patch of paperboard material, for example, with a serrated edge.

It will be understood that one or more panels, end flaps, and/or features of the blank 103 can be differently arranged and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, formation of the carton 105 from the blank 103 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the blank 103 can be inverted, e.g., such that the exterior surface 101 of the blank 103 can be positioned facing downwardly toward a supporting surface and such that an exterior surface of the blank 103 opposite the exterior surface 101 can be positioned facing upwardly.

The back panel 121 and the front panel 127 can be folded at the respective fold lines 125, 129 into generally upright relation with the bottom panel 123 and such that the top panels 131, 135 and handle panel 139 are carried with the front panel 127.

The top panels 131, 135 can be folded at the respective fold lines 133, 137 into generally perpendicular relation with the front panel 127, and the upper portion 145 of the handle panel 139 can be folded at the respective fold lines 141, 143 into generally upright relation with the top panels 131, 135 and so as to be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with an upper portion of the back panel 121.

Such movement of the handle panel 139 can cause the lower portion 147 thereof to separate from the top panels 131, 135 and the front panel 127 at respective portions of the lines of weakening 149, 151, and can cause the article positioning flap 191 connected thereto to separate from the front panel 127 at the line of weakening 194, such that a dispenser opening 111 is at least partially defined along and between respective portions of the panels 127, 131, 135, 139.

The aforementioned movement of the handle panel 139 can be such that the article positioning flap 191 can be overlapped, e.g., in at least partial face-to-face contact, with the article positioning flap 185.

The end flaps 153, 157, 161, 165 can be folded at the respective fold lines 155, 159, 163, 167 into at least partially overlapping relation to form a first closed end 113 of the carton 105, and the end flaps 169, 173, 177, 181 can be folded at the respective fold lines 171, 175, 179, 183 into at least partially overlapping relation to form a second closed end 115 of the carton 105. Such arrangement of the carton 105 can be at least partially maintained via one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue, though the carton 105 could be erected from the blank 103 without the use of glue without departing from the disclosure.

It will be understood that at least one article A can be at least partially received in the interior 107 of the carton 105 prior to the closure of both ends 113, 115 of the carton 105. As described herein, the article A can be rolled length of material that is generally desired to be metered and selectively dispensed, for example, a roll of adhesive tape, though the article A could be different without departing from the disclosure. In some arrangements, the article A could be rolled such that a generally annular configuration is provided, e.g., with an outer diameter edge, an inner diameter edge, and a central opening around which the length of material extends. In some embodiments, the article A can include an annular substrate about which the length of material is rolled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the article positioning flap 185 can be pressed, e.g., via access through the opening 189, such that the article positioning flap 185 and the article positioning flap 191 overlapped thereupon can be folded at the respective 187, 193 to extend generally inwardly from the back panel 121 into the interior 107 of the carton 105. In some embodiments, such arrangement can position the flaps 185, 191 to extend at least partially through a central opening of the article A, e.g., to at least partially position the article A in a generally stable position in the interior 107 of the carton 105. In some embodiments, one or more of the flaps 185, 189 can contact a portion of the article A, e.g., an edge of the article A extending at least partially around a central opening thereof, to effect such stabilization of the article A in the interior 107 of the carton 105. In some embodiments, the flaps 185, 189 can provide a structure about which the article A can at least partially rotate in the interior 107 of the carton 105.

It will also be understood that the article separating member 197 can be attached to the top panel 135 or the end flap 169 prior to or following final formation of the carton 105. In some embodiments, more than one article separating member 197 can be attached to the carton 105.

It will be understood that the blank 103 and carton 105 can be considered separate from the article separating member 197 such that the carton 105 and article separating member 197 are an assembly of two components, e.g., the blank 103/carton 105 and article separating member 197, though the blank 103/carton 105 can include the article separating member 197 without departing from the disclosure.

As shown, the dispenser opening 111 provides access into the interior 107 of the carton 105 such that the article A can be reached, for example, by a user, by forming equipment, etc. In use, a free end portion of the article A can be unrolled from the remainder of the article A and withdrawn through the dispenser opening 111 so as to extend at least partially over the top panel 135. When it is desired to selectively dispense a withdrawn portion of the article A from the remainder thereof, such portion can be at least partially tensed by a user and contacted on the cutting edge 199e of the article separating member 197 such that one or more of the teeth defined therealong perforate and induce tearing of the article A along a line generally defined by the edge 199e of the article separating member 197.

In this regard, the dispenser features of the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom that form the dispenser 109 can include the dispenser opening 111 (or associated lines of weakening that form the dispenser opening). In some embodiments, the dispenser features of the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom can include the article separating member 197.

With additional reference to FIG. 4, an alternative construction of the blank 103 and the carton 105/package 110 is illustrated in which the article separating member is attached to the end flap 169. The carton 105/package 110 can be formed in a manner substantially similar to that described above, and can be used in a similar manner except that the selected portion of the article A can be further unrolled and extended over the end flap 169 to contact the cutting edge 199e of the article separating member 197 in the manner described above.

In some embodiments, a free end portion of the article A following separation of the selectively dispensed portion thereof can be adhered to the top panel 135 and/or end flap 169 for convenient positioning for subsequent dispensing of portions of the article A in the manner described above.

In view of the foregoing, the carton 105/package 110 is provided such that at least one article A can be held in an interior 107 thereof and selectively dispensed via contact with an article separating member 197 that is attached to the carton 105, generally formed of paperboard, such that the use of materials other than paperboard can be generally minimized, e.g., to streamline the waste stream generated thereby, etc.

The carton 105/package 110 also provides an attractive product that can be displayed, for example, in a retail location to users passing by. As described above, the aligned openings 195, 196 can be positioned to at least partially receive a hook, pin, other hanger structure, etc., from which the carton 105/package 110 can be suspended for conspicuous display. In this regard, the carton 105/package 110 can have a generally upright retail or display orientation, and can be turned on its side for dispensing one or more portions of an article A as described above.

It will be understood that the blank 103 and carton 105/package 110 formed therefrom can have one or more different components in different arrangements without departing from the disclosure.

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 formed therefrom, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The carton 205 can be provided with one or more articles A to form a package 210.

As shown in FIG. 8, the blank 203 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and can include the panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135, 139 and the end flaps 153, 157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 177, 181 and associated features. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper portion 145 of the handle panel 139 can be foldably connected to the lower portion 147 thereof at a lateral fold line 240, and the back panel 121 can be devoid of the upper portion that includes the hanger opening 195.

The blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can also include a second or inner back panel 221 foldably connected to the first or outer back panel 121 at a fold line 222.

As also shown, an article positioning flap 285 can be foldably connected to the back panel 221 at a lateral fold line 287, and can be at least partially separable therefrom at a curved line of weakening 288 that generally extends from one endpoint of the fold line 287 to the other endpoint of the fold line 287.

In addition, a compartment forming flap 253 can be foldably connected to the back panel 221 at a lateral fold line 255 and can be at least partially separable therefrom at a curved cut 257 that extends from an endpoint of the lateral fold line 255 to a free edge of the panel 221. An attachment end flap 259, as shown, can be foldably connected to the compartment forming flap 253 at a lateral fold line 261.

The blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can also include or be provided with article separating features that can include an article separating member 291 for being at least partially received in an interior 207 of the carton 205, as described further herein.

With momentary reference to FIG. 6, the article separating member 291 can have a body 292 at least partially defining an upper cutting edge 293 at least partially defined by a repeating or semi-repeating pattern of spaced protrusions, e.g., teeth. In some embodiments, such protrusions can be at least partially curved, tapered, angled, barbed, etc. for engaging one or more portions of the article A, as described further herein.

The body 292 of the article separating member 291 is shown in a schematic arrangement in the illustrated embodiment, but can have a different configuration presenting an exposed upper cutting edge 293 without departing from the disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the body 292 of the article separating member can be at least partially defined by a lower surface, a front surface and a back surface extending upwardly from the lower surface, and an upper curved surface extending from the front surface to the back surface, the cutting edge 293 positioned extending away from the front surface and the upper surface.

The article separating member 291, in some embodiments, can be formed of a material sufficiently rigid for engaging one or more portions of the article A without substantial deformation such as bending, e.g., a polymeric material (for example, an injection molded plastic). It will be understood that the article separating member 291 can be differently formed without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the carton 205 and package 210 can be formed from the blank 203 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the carton 105 from the blank 103, such that the panels 221, 123, 127, 131, 135, 139 extend at least partially around the interior 207 of the carton 205, such that the end flaps 153, 157, 161, 165 are at least partially overlapped to form the first closed end 113 of the carton 205, and such that the end flaps 169, 173, 177, 181 are at least partially overlapped to form the second closed end 115 of the carton 205.

The compartment forming flap 253 can be at least partially separated from the back panel 221 at the cut 257 and folded at the fold line 255 into generally perpendicular relation with the panels 221, 227. The attachment end flap 259 can be folded at the fold line 261 and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the panel 127.

Such arrangement of the carton 205 can be at least partially maintained with one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue. In some embodiments, the carton 205 can be provided without glue.

The arrangement of the compartment forming flap 253 in the interior 207 of the carton 205 can form a compartment 217 therein that is configured and dimensioned to receive the article separating member 291. In this regard, the article separating member 291 can be at least partially inserted into the compartment 217 such that the cutting edge 293 thereof is exposed along at least a portion of the dispenser opening 111.

The article A can further be received in the interior 207 of the carton 205 in the manner described above with respect to the carton 105. The article positioning flap 285 can thus be pressed to at least partially separate from the panel 221 at the line of weakening 288 and fold at the fold line 287 into the interior 207 of the carton to position and/or engage the article A in a desired location therein.

One or more portions of the article A can thus be withdrawn through the dispenser opening 111 and at least partially separated from the remainder thereof via engagement with the cutting edge 293 of the cutting member 291 such that a dispenser 209 is provided in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the carton 105/package 110, with advantages and functionality similar thereto.

It will be understood that the carton 205 can be considered separate from the article separating member 291 such that the carton 205 and article separating member 291 are an assembly of two components, e.g., the blank 203/carton 205 and the article separating member 291, though the blank 203/carton 205 can include the article separating member 291 without departing from the disclosure.

Turning to FIG. 8, an exterior surface 301 of a blank 303 for forming a carton 305 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 303 and carton 305 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 203 and cartons 105, 205 formed therefrom, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The carton 305 can be provided with one or more articles A to form a package 310.

As shown in FIG. 8, the blank 303 can be generally similar to the blank 203 described above, except that the blank 303 and carton 305 formed therefrom can be configured such that the article separating member 197 is attached to an interior surface of the top panel 135 or the end flap 169 in the manner described above with respect to the blank 103 and carton 105 formed therefrom.

In this regard, the article separating member 197 can be attached, e.g., with an adhesive such as glue, to one of the end flap 169 and the top panel 135 such that at least a portion of the cutting edge 199e protrudes beyond a free edge thereof.

In this regard, and with additional reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the carton 305 and package 310 can be formed from the blank 303 in a manner generally similar to that described above with respect to the carton 205 and package 210, but with article separating features including the article separating member 197 optionally attached to one of the end flap 169 and the top panel 135 to effect at least partial separation of one or more portions of the article A from the remainder thereof in the course of dispensing operations in the manner described above with regard to the carton 105 and package 110 such that a dispenser 309 is provided, with functionality and advantages similar to those described above with respect to the cartons 105, 205 and packages 110, 210.

It will be understood that the carton 305 can be considered separate from the article separating member 197 such that the carton 305 and article separating member 197 are an assembly of two components, e.g., the blank 303/carton 305 and the article separating member 197, though the blank 303/carton 305 can include the article separating member 197 without departing from the disclosure.

Furthermore, the compartment 217 can be at least partially formed by the compartment forming flap 253 such that the carton 305/package 310 is configured to at least partially receive an article separating member 291 in the compartment 217 in addition to or alternatively to the article separating member 193.

Turning to FIG. 11, an exterior surface 401 of a blank 403 for forming a carton 405 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 403 and carton 405 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 203, 303 and cartons 105, 205, 305 formed therefrom, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals. The carton 405 can be provided with one or more articles A to form a package 410.

As shown in FIG. 11, the blank 403 can be generally similar to the blanks 103, 203, 303 described above in including longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, the bottom panel 123, the front panel 127, the top panels 131, 135, and the end flaps 157, 161, 165, 169, 173, 177, 181.

However, and as shown, the blank 403 and carton 405 formed therefrom can include a first back panel or outer back panel 421 foldably connected to the bottom panel 123 at the lateral fold line 125, the panel 421 at least partially defining an opening 195 extending generally in the longitudinal direction L1. The blank 403 and carton 405 formed therefrom can also include the article positioning flap 285 and associated fold line 287 and line of weakening 287. As shown, the end flap 169 can be foldably connected to the back panel 421 at the fold line 171.

A second back panel or inner back panel 423 can be foldably connected to the outer back panel 421 at a longitudinal fold line 425. The inner back panel 423 can at least partially define a generally longitudinally-extending opening 195 along an upper portion thereof, and a compartment forming flap 253 can be foldably connected to the back panel 423 at the lateral fold line 255 and can be at least partially separable therefrom at the curved cut 257. An attachment end flap 259 can be foldably connected to the panel 523 at the lateral fold line 261.

Furthermore, an attachment flap 427 can be foldably connected to the back panel 423 at a lateral fold line 429 and can be at least partially separable therefrom at a longitudinal cut 431 extending from one endpoint of the fold line 429 to a free edge of the panel 423 and a right angle cut 433 extending from the other endpoint of the fold line 439 to a free edge of the panel 423.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, an end flap 441 can be foldably connected to the outer back panel 421 at a lateral fold line 443, and can be configured and positioned for attachment to an article separating member 197 along an interior surface thereof, e.g., such that at least a cutting edge 199e thereof protrudes past a free edge of the end flap 441.

Turning now to FIGS. 12 and 13, formation of the carton 405 and package 410 from the blank 403 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the blank 103 can be inverted, e.g., such that the exterior surface 401 of the blank 403 can be positioned facing downwardly toward a supporting surface and such that an exterior surface of the blank 403 opposite the exterior surface 401 can be positioned facing upwardly.

The back panel 423 can be folded at the fold line 425 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel 421. The aligned and overlapped front panels 421, 423 can be folded at the fold line 125 into generally upright relation with the bottom panel 123. Simultaneously or thereafter, the front panel 127 can be folded at the fold line 129 into generally upright relation with the bottom panel 123.

The top panels 131, 135 can be folded at the respective fold lines 133, 137 into generally perpendicular relation with the front panel 127 to extend toward the front panels 421, 423.

The end flaps 157, 161, 165 can be folded at the respective fold lines 159, 163, 167 into at least partially overlapping relation to form a first closed end 413 of the carton 405. Similarly, the end flaps 169, 173, 177, 181 can be folded at the respective fold lines 171, 175, 179, 183 into at least partially overlapping relation to form a second closed end 415 of the carton 405.

Furthermore, the attachment flap 427 can be separated from the back panel 423 at the cuts 431, 433 and folded at the fold line 429 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the top panel 131.

The compartment forming flap 253 can be separated from the back panel 423 at the cut 257 and folded at the fold line 255 into the interior 407 of the carton 405, with the attachment end flap 259 folded at the fold line 261 into at least partial face-to-face contact with the front panel 127. In this regard, the compartment forming flap 253 can form a compartment 417 in the interior 407 of the carton 405.

In this regard, it will be understood that the carton 405/package 410 is configured to at least partially receive an article separating member 291 in the compartment 417 in addition to or alternatively to the article separating member 193.

Such arrangement of the carton 405 can be at least partially maintained via one or more applications of an adhesive such as glue, though the carton 405 could be erected from the blank 403 without the use of glue without departing from the disclosure.

It will be understood that at least one article A can be at least partially received in the interior 407 of the carton 405 prior to the closure of both ends 413, 415 of the carton 405. In the illustrated embodiment, the article positioning flap 285 can be pressed to separate from the panel 421 at the cut 288 and to fold at the fold line 287 into the interior 407 of the carton 405 to at least partially position the article A in a generally stable position in the interior 407 of the carton 405 as described above with respect to the cartons 205, 305.

It will also be understood that the article separating member 197 can be attached to the end flap 441 prior to or following final formation of the carton 405. In some embodiments, the carton 405 can be considered separate from the article separating member 197 such that the carton 405 and article separating member 197 are an assembly of two components, e.g., the blank 403/carton 405 and the article separating member 197, though the carton 405 can include the article separating member 197 without departing from the disclosure. In some embodiments, an additional or alternative article separating member 291 can be at least partially positioned in the compartment 417 in the interior 407 of the carton 405 to provide article separating features consistent with those described above with respect to the carton 205/package 210.

As shown, a dispenser opening 411 provides access into the interior 407 of the carton 405 such that the article A is at least partially accessible. In use, a free end portion of the article A can be unrolled from the remainder of the article A and withdrawn through the dispenser opening 411 so as to extend at least partially over the end flap 441. When it is desired to selectively dispense a withdrawn portion of the article A from the remainder thereof, such portion can be at least partially tensed by a user and contacted on the cutting edge 199e of the article separating member 197 such that one or more of the teeth defined therealong perforate and induce tearing of the article A along a line generally defined by the edge 199e of the article separating member 197 such that a dispenser 409 is provided.

In some embodiments, a free end portion of the article A following separation of the selectively dispensed portion thereof can be adhered to the end flap 441 for convenient positioning for subsequent dispensing of portions of the article A in the manner described above.

In view of the foregoing, the carton 405/package 410 is provided such that at least one article A can be held in an interior 407 thereof and selectively dispensed via contact with an article separating member 197 that is attached to the carton 405, generally formed of paperboard, such that the use of materials other than paperboard can be generally minimized, e.g., to streamline the waste stream generated thereby, etc.

The carton 405/package 410 also provides an attractive product that can be displayed, for example, in a retail location to users passing by. As described above, the aligned openings 195 can be positioned to at least partially receive a hook, pin, other hanger structure, etc., from which the carton 405/package 410 can be suspended for conspicuous display. In this regard, the carton 405/package 410 can have a generally upright retail or display orientation, and can be turned on its side for dispensing one or more portions of an article A as described above.

It will be understood that the blanks and cartons/packages formed therefrom as described herein can have one or more different components in different arrangements without departing from the disclosure.

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 an article, 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, a back panel, and at least one bottom panel;a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps at least partially overlapped to form at least one closed end of the carton;a dispenser comprising a dispenser opening at least partially defined along the plurality of panels for accessing the article in the interior of the carton; andan article separating member at least partially received in the interior of the carton for at least partially separating a selected portion of the article from a remainder thereof.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels and the plurality of end flaps comprise paperboard.

3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the article separating member comprises a body at least partially defining a cutting edge.

4. The carton of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises at least one top panel foldably connected to the front panel.

5. The carton of claim 3, wherein the article separating member is attached to the at least one top panel such that the cutting edge protrudes past the at least one top panel.

6. The carton of claim 3, wherein the article separating member is attached to an end flap of the plurality of end flaps such that the cutting edge protrudes past the end flap.

7. The carton of claim 4, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a handle panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the handle panel comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion separated from the front panel and the at least one top panel to at least partially define the dispenser opening.

9. The carton of claim 8, wherein the carton comprises package supporting features comprising a hanger opening at least partially defined in the upper portion of the handle panel.

10. The carton of claim 3, wherein the carton further comprises article positioning features, the article positioning features comprising an article positioning flap foldably connected to the back panel and positioned extending into the interior of the carton for at least partially extending through an article.

11. The carton of claim 3, wherein the carton further comprises a compartment forming flap foldably connected to the back panel and positioned extending into the interior of the carton to at least partially define a compartment at least partially receiving the article separating member.

12. The carton of claim 3, wherein the back panel is an outer back panel and the plurality of panels further comprises an inner back panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the outer back panel, the carton further comprises article positioning features, the article positioning features comprising an article positioning flap foldably connected to the outer back panel and positioned extending into the interior of the carton for at least partially extending through an article, and the carton further comprises a compartment forming flap foldably connected to the inner back panel and positioned extending into the interior of the carton to at least partially define a compartment at least partially receiving the article separating member.

13. The carton of claim 3, wherein the carton comprises package supporting features comprising a hanger opening at least partially defined in each of the outer back panel and the inner back panel.

14. A blank for forming a carton for holding an article, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one bottom panel;a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps for being at least partially overlapped to form at least one closed end of the carton formed from the blank;dispenser features for at least partially forming a dispenser opening at least partially defined along the plurality of panels for accessing the article in the interior of the carton formed from the blank; andan article separating member for being at least partially received in the interior of the carton formed from the blank for at least partially separating a selected portion of the article from a remainder thereof.

15. The blank of claim 14, wherein the plurality of panels and the plurality of end flaps comprise paperboard.

16. The blank of claim 15, wherein the article separating member comprises a body at least partially defining a cutting edge.

17. The blank of claim 15, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises at least one top panel foldably connected to the front panel.

18. The blank of claim 16, wherein the article separating member is attached to the at least one top panel such that the cutting edge protrudes past the at least one top panel.

19. The blank of claim 16, wherein the article separating member is attached to an end flap of the plurality of end flaps such that the cutting edge protrudes past the end flap.

20. The blank of claim 17, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a handle panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the handle panel comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion separable from the front panel and the at least one top panel for at least partially defining the dispenser opening when the carton is formed from the blank.

22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the blank comprises package supporting features comprising a hanger opening at least partially defined in the upper portion of the handle panel.

23. The blank of claim 16, wherein the blank further comprises article positioning features, the article positioning features comprising an article positioning flap foldably connected to the back panel and for being positioned extending into the interior of the carton formed from the blank for at least partially extending through an article.

24. The blank of claim 16, wherein the blank further comprises a compartment forming flap foldably connected to the back panel and for being positioned extending into the interior of the carton formed from the blank to at least partially define a compartment for at least partially receiving the article separating member.

25. The blank of claim 16, wherein the back panel is an outer back panel and the plurality of panels further comprises an inner back panel for being positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the outer back panel when the carton is formed from the blank, the blank further comprises article positioning features, the article positioning features comprising an article positioning flap foldably connected to the outer back panel and for being positioned extending into the interior of the carton formed from the blank for at least partially extending through an article, and the blank further comprises a compartment forming flap foldably connected to the inner back panel and for being positioned extending into the interior of the carton formed from the blank to at least partially define a compartment for at least partially receiving the article separating member.

26. The blank of claim 16, wherein the blank comprises package supporting features comprising a hanger opening at least partially defined in each of the outer back panel and the inner back panel.

27. A method of forming a carton for holding an article, the method comprising: obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one bottom panel, a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, and dispenser features;obtaining an article separating member;positioning the plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank;at least partially overlapping the plurality of end flaps to form at least one closed end of the carton formed from the blank;positioning the dispenser features at least partially forming a dispenser opening at least partially defined along the plurality of panel for accessing the article in the interior of the carton; andat least partially positioning the article separating member in the interior of the carton for at least partially separating a selected portion of the article from a remainder thereof.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the plurality of panels and the plurality of end flaps comprise paperboard.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the article separating member comprises a body at least partially defining a cutting edge.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises at least one top panel foldably connected to the front panel.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein at least partially positioning the article separating member in the interior of the carton comprises attaching the article separating member to the at least one top panel such that the cutting edge protrudes past the at least one top panel.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein at least partially positioning the article separating member in the interior of the carton comprises attaching the article separating member to an end flap of the plurality of end flaps such that the cutting edge protrudes past the end flap.

33. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a handle panel foldably connected to the at least one top panel.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the handle panel comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, and positioning the dispenser features comprises at least partially separating the lower portion from the front panel and the at least one top panel to at least partially define the dispenser opening.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the blank comprises package supporting features comprising a hanger opening at least partially defined in the upper portion of the handle panel.

36. The method of claim 29, wherein the blank further comprises article positioning features, the article positioning features comprising an article positioning flap foldably connected to the back panel, and the method further comprises positioning the article positioning flap extending into the interior of the carton for at least partially extending through an article.

37. The method of claim 29, wherein the blank further comprises a compartment forming flap foldably connected to the back panel, and the method further comprises positioning the compartment forming flap extending into the interior of the carton to at least partially define a compartment for at least partially receiving the article separating member.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein at least partially positioning the article separating member in the interior of the carton comprises at least partially positioning the article separating member in the compartment.

39. The method of claim 29, wherein the back panel is an outer back panel and the plurality of panels further comprises an inner back panel, positioning the plurality of panels comprises positioning the inner back panel in at least partial face-to-face contact with the outer back panel, the blank further comprises article positioning features, the article positioning features comprising an article positioning flap foldably connected to the outer back panel, the method further comprises positioning the article positioning flap extending into the interior of the carton for at least partially extending through an article, the blank further comprises a compartment forming flap foldably connected to the inner back panel, and the method further comprises positioning the compartment forming flap extending into the interior of the carton to at least partially define a compartment for at least partially receiving the article separating member.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein at least partially positioning the article separating member in the interior of the carton comprises at least partially positioning the article separating member in the compartment.

41. The method of claim 29, wherein the blank comprises package supporting features comprising a hanger opening at least partially defined in each of the outer back panel and the inner back panel.