Divider Construct For Cartons, Related Systems And Methods

Abstract

A construct for providing divider features in the interior of a carton includes a plurality of panels including at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel, and divider features including a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels forming at least one divider wall of the construct for forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

Description

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosures of each of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/400,925, filed on Aug. 25, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/417,743, filed on Oct. 20, 2022, are incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding at least one article. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to constructs for providing divider features in the interior of a carton for holding at least one article.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a construct for providing divider features in the interior of a carton, the construct comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel, and divider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels forming at least one divider wall of the construct for forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a construct for providing divider features in the interior of a carton, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel, and divider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels for forming at least one divider wall of the construct formed from the blank for forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a construct for providing divider features in the interior of a carton, the method comprising obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the blank further comprising divider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels. The method further comprises positioning the plurality of divider flaps forming at least one divider wall of the construct for forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a system, the system comprising a carton, the carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, and a construct for providing divider features in the interior of the carton, the construct comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel, and divider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels forming at least one divider wall of the construct forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

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. It is within the scope of the present disclosure that the above-discussed aspects be provided both individually and in various combinations.

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 an exterior surface of a blank for forming a construct according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

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

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 3 holding a plurality of containers and at least partially received within a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 to form a system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a breakaway perspective view of a portion of the construct of FIG. 3 positioned in the carton of FIG. 4 according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 3 holding a plurality of containers and received in a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 with a dispenser feature thereof activated according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a construct according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the blank of FIG. 7 according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 8 holding a plurality of containers and at least partially received within a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 to form a system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a construct according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the blank of FIG. 10 according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 11 holding a plurality of containers and at least partially received within a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 to form a system according to the third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a construct according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the blank of FIG. 13 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 14 holding a plurality of containers and at least partially received within a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 to form a system according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a construct according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the blank of FIG. 16 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 17 holding a plurality of containers and at least partially received within a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 to form a system according to the fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a construct according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the blank of FIG. 19 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of a portion of the construct of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 20 holding a plurality of containers and at least partially received within a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 to form a system according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a construct according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a construct formed from the blank of FIG. 23 according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the construct of FIG. 24 holding a plurality of containers and at least partially received within a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 2 to form a system according to the seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Containers and constructs according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” “top,” “front,” and “back” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected containers. As described herein, containers may be formed by multiple overlapping panels, portions, and/or end flaps. Such panels, portions, and/or end flaps may 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.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, FIG. 1 illustrates an exterior surface 101 of a blank 103 for forming a construct 105 (FIG. 3) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The construct 105 can be configured to form a divider insert so as to provide divider features in the interior of another container such as carton or other container. In this regard, the construct 105 can be provided together with a carton or other container to form a system 110 (FIG. 4).

With momentary reference to FIG. 2, the exterior surface 201 of a blank 203 for forming a carton 205 (FIG. 4) for use with the construct 105 according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

The blank 203 can have a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. A plurality of panels of the blank 203 are for being folded at least partially around an interior 207 (FIG. 4) of the carton 205 formed from the blank 203, and a plurality of end flaps can be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

The plurality of panels of the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can include a top panel 221, a front panel 223 foldably connected to the top panel 221 at a lateral fold line 225, a bottom panel 227 foldably connected to the top panel 221 at a lateral fold line 229, and a back panel 231 foldably connected to the bottom panel 227 at a lateral fold line 233.

The plurality of end flaps of the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can include a first top side end flap 235 foldably connected to the top panel 221 at a respective portion of a longitudinal fold line 237, a first front side end flap 239 foldably connected to the front panel 223 at a respective portion of the fold line 237, a first bottom side end flap 241 foldably connected to the bottom panel 227 at a respective portion of the fold line 237, and a first back side end flap 243 foldably connected to the back panel 231 at a respective portion of the fold line 237.

Similarly, the plurality of end flaps can include a second top side end flap 245 foldably connected to the top panel 221 at a respective portion of a longitudinal fold line 247, a second front side end flap 249 foldably connected to the front panel 223 at a respective portion of the fold line 247, a second bottom side end flap 251 foldably connected to the bottom panel 227 at a respective portion of the fold line 247, and a second back side end flap 253 foldably connected to the back panel 231 at a respective portion of the fold line 247.

As shown, the end flaps 235, 239, 241, 243 can be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels at respective portions of the fold line 237 such that the end flaps 235, 239, 241, 243 extend along a first marginal portion of the blank 203, and the end flaps 245, 249, 251, 253 can be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels at respective portions of the fold line 247 such that the end flaps 245, 249, 251, 253 extend along a second marginal portion of the blank 203.

In this regard, the plurality of end flaps 235, 239, 241, 243 can be a first plurality of end flaps for being at least partially overlapped to form a first closed end 209 of the carton 205 formed from the blank 203, and the plurality of end flaps 245, 249, 251, 253 can be a second plurality of end flaps for being at least partially overlapped to form a second closed end 211 of the carton 205 formed from the blank 203.

As also shown, an attachment flap 255 can be foldably connected to the top panel 221 at a lateral fold line 257.

The blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can also include handle features that can include a handle flap 259 foldably connected to the top side end flap 235 at a longitudinal fold line 261 and at least partially separable therefrom at a generally U-shaped cut 263. Similarly, a handle flap 265 can be foldably connected to the top side end flap 245 at a longitudinal fold line 267 and can be at least partially separable therefrom at a generally U-shaped cut 269. As shown, one or both of the handle flaps 259, 265 can have one or more lines of weakening at least partially extending therealong to define respective portions that are foldable/separable relative to each other, e.g., to increase the strength of the respective handle flap, distribute stresses applied to the handle flap, for comfort, etc.

Handle features of the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can also include handle cutouts/handle recesses 271 defined along respective free edges of the respective end flaps 239, 243, 249, 253. As described further herein, each handle cutout 271 is for being at least partially aligned with at least one other handle cutout 271 and with a respective handle flap 259, 265 when the carton 205 is formed from the blank 203.

The blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can further include dispenser features for forming a dispenser of the carton 205. The dispenser features can include a dispenser panel 273 extending in respective portions of the top panel 221 and the front panel 223 so as to be at least partially interrupted by the fold line 225. The dispenser panel 273 can be at least partially foldably connected to the top panel 221 at a lateral fold line 275, and can be at least partially separable from respective portions of the top panel 221 and the front panel 223 at respective tear lines 277, 279 extending from a respective endpoint of the fold line 275 and each having a respective longitudinal portion intersecting a respective oblique portion.

An access tab 281 can be foldably connected to the dispenser panel 273 at a lateral fold line 283 having respective endpoints intersecting the oblique portions of the respective tear lines 277, 279. The access tab 281 can be at least partially separable from the front panel 223 at a generally curved cut 285 for providing access to the dispenser panel 273/dispenser of the carton 205, as described further herein.

It will be understood that one or more of the panels, end flaps, and features of the blank 203 and carton 205 formed therefrom can have a different configuration and/or arrangement without departing from the disclosure.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the blank 103 for forming the construct 105 can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2. A plurality of panels of the blank 103 are provided, and a plurality of flaps can be foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels.

The plurality of panels of the blank 103 and construct 105 formed therefrom can include a first end panel 121, a side panel 123 foldably connected to the first end panel 121 at a lateral fold line 125, and a second end panel 127 foldably connected to the side panel 123 at a lateral fold line 129.

As shown, the lateral fold line 129 can be interrupted by a respective pair of laterally spaced curved cuts 138 to define respective tabs 140 protruding from the end panel 127. Similarly, the lateral fold line 137 can be interrupted by a respective pair of laterally spaced curved cuts 142 to define respective tabs 144 protruding from the end panel 127.

A side panel portion/side panel 131 can also be foldably connected to the end panel 121 at a lateral fold line 133, and a side panel portion/side panel 135 can be foldably connected to the end panel 127 at a lateral fold line 137. As described further herein, the side panels 131, 135 can together form a side panel or side of the construct 105 formed from the blank 103.

As shown, upper portions of the respective end panels 121, 127 can be at least partially separable from the respective side panels 131, 135 at respective longitudinal cuts 122, 128.

As also shown, a divider panel 139 can be foldably connected to the side panel 131 at a lateral fold line 141.

The flaps/end flaps of the blank 103 and construct 105 formed therefrom can include respective end flaps 124, 130 foldably connected to upper portions of the respective end panels 121, 127 at respective portions of the respective fold lines 125, 137. The end flaps 124, 130 can be separable from the respective side panels 123, 135 at respective longitudinal cuts 126, 132 that intersect the respective fold lines 125, 137.

As also shown, a divider flap 143 (broadly, “first divider flap”) can be foldably connected to the side panel 131 at a lateral fold line 145 that is interrupted by a portion of the divider flap 143 extending therebetween. As shown, the divider flap 143 can have a first portion 147 and a second portion 149 at least partially interrupting the end panel 121.

The first portion 147 of the divider flap 143 can be at least partially separable from the side panel 131 at a line of weakening 151 having one or more of straight, curved, and angled portions. The line of weakening 151 can include a first generally lateral segment 151a extending from an endpoint of the fold line 141 to a lateral free edge of the blank 103, a first upper generally longitudinal segment 151b extending from intersecting endpoints of the fold line 141 and the segment 151a to an endpoint of the fold line 145, a second upper generally longitudinal portion 151c extending from a portion of the fold line 145 into the end panel 121 (so as to interrupt the fold line 133), a second generally lateral segment 151d extending from the segment 151c, and a lower generally longitudinal segment 151e extending from the segment 151d to a portion of the fold line 145 so as to interrupt the fold line 133.

A divider flap 153 (broadly, “second divider flap”) can be separably connected to the end panel 121/side panel 123 at a line of weakening 155 that includes a first generally lateral segment 155a interrupting the fold line 125, a generally longitudinal upper segment 155a extending from the segment 155b, a second generally lateral segment 155c extending from the segment 155b, and a generally longitudinal lower segment 155d extending from the segment 155c to the segment 155a.

A divider flap 157 (broadly “second divider flap”) can be separably connected to the side panel 123 at a line of weakening 161 that includes a first generally lateral segment 161a, a generally longitudinal upper segment 161b extending from the segment 161a, a second generally lateral segment 161c extending from the segment 161b, and a generally longitudinal lower segment 161d extending from the segment 161c to the segment 161a.

A divider flap 163 (broadly, “third divider flap”) can be foldably connected to the side panel 123 at a line of weakening 167 that includes a first generally lateral segment 167a, a generally longitudinal upper segment 167b extending from the segment 167a, a second generally lateral segment 167c extending from the segment 167b, and a generally longitudinal lower segment 167d extending from the segment 167c to the segment 167a.

The flaps/end flaps of the blank 103 and construct 105 formed therefrom can also include a divider flap 169 (broadly, “fourth divider flap”) foldably connected to the side panel 135 at a lateral fold line 171 that is interrupted by a portion of the divider flap 169 extending therebetween. As shown, the divider flap 169 can have a first portion 173 and a second portion 175.

The first portion 173 of the divider flap 169 can be at least partially separable from the side panel 135 at a line of weakening 177 having one or more of straight, curved, and angled portions. The line of weakening 177 can include a first generally lateral segment 177a interrupting the fold line 137, a first upper generally longitudinal segment 177b extending from the segment 177a to an endpoint of the fold line 171, a second upper generally longitudinal portion 177c extending from a portion of the fold line 171 (so as to interrupt the fold line 171) to a second generally lateral segment 177d, the segment 177d extending to a lower generally longitudinal segment 177e that intersects an endpoint of the fold line 171, and another lower generally longitudinal segment 177e extending from a portion of the fold line 171 (so as to interrupt the fold line 171) to the segment 177a.

A divider flap 179 (broadly, “fourth divider flap”) can be foldably connected to the side panel 135 at a lateral fold line 181 that is interrupted by respective portions of the divider flaps 169, 179 extending therebetween. The divider flap 179 can be at least partially separable from the side panel 135 at a generally curved cut 183 that intersects the segments 177c, 177d of the line of weakening 177, and a generally longitudinal cut 185 that extends from an endpoint of the fold line 181 to a free edge of the blank 103. The divider flap 179 can be at least partially separable from the divider flap 169 at respective portions of the line of weakening 177.

As described herein, one or more of the divider flaps and divider panels can be divider features of the blank 103 and construct 105 formed therefrom for forming at least one divider wall of the construct 105, the divider features further comprising the at least one divider wall.

The blank 103 and construct 105 formed therefrom can also include handle features for facilitating grasping of the construct 105 and/or one or more containers that at least partially receive the construct 105.

In the illustrated embodiment, the end panels 121, 127 can each include a respective handle opening or handle cutout 187 at least partially formed therein. The respective handle cutouts 187 can extend at least partially into the respective end flaps 124, 130 such that the handle cutouts 187 interrupt the respective fold lines 125, 137.

It will be understood that the blank 103 and construct 105/system 110 formed therefrom can include a different number, arrangement, and/or configuration of panels, end flaps, and/or associated features without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to FIG. 3, formation of the construct 105 from the blank 103 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. It will be understood that intermediate configurations between the blank 103 illustrated in FIG. 1 and the construct 105 illustrated in FIG. 3 can optionally be considered a further folded configuration of the blank 103 or a partially erected configuration of the construct 105.

The blank 103 can be positioned with the exterior surface 101 on a supporting surface and with an interior surface thereof facing upwardly. The side panel 135 and end flap 130 can both be folded at respective portions of the fold line 137 such that the end flap 130 is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with an upper portion of the end panel 127 and such that the side panel 135 is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the end panel 127 and the side panel 123.

Thereafter, the end panel 121 can be folded at the fold line 125 such that the end panel 121 is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the end flap 124 and the side panel 123. The side panel 131 and the divider panel 139 can also be carried during such movement of the end panel 121 such that the side panel 131 is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with a respective portion of the side panel 123 and such that the divider panel 139 is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with respective portions of the divider flap 179/side panel 135.

Such an arrangement can be a collapsed configuration of the construct 105 that has a generally flattened profile, for example, for shipping, storage, stacking, etc., in a minimized or space-saving arrangement. It will be understood that such arrangement can be at least partially maintained with one or more applications of adhesive such as glue.

Accordingly, the divider flap 143 can be at least partially attached to the divider flap 153, the divider flap 179 can be at least partially attached to the divider flap 157, and the divider flap 169 can be at least partially attached to the divider flap 163.

As shown in FIG. 3, the construct 105 can be arranged such that the end panel 131 is folded at the fold line 133 in the direction of the arrow A1 so as to at least partially separate from the end panel 121 at the cut 122, the side panel 123 can be folded at the fold line 125 in the direction of the arrow A2 so as to at least partially separate from the end flap 124 at the cut 126, the side panel 123 can be folded at the fold line 129 in the direction of the arrow A3 so as to at least partially separate from the end panel 127 at the cut 128, and the side panel 135 can be folded at the fold line 137 in the direction of the arrow A4 so as to at least partially separate from the end flap 130 at the cut 132.

In such arrangement, the end panels 121, 127 can be positioned in generally parallel spaced relation, with the side panels 131, 135 in generally planar relation to one another and in generally parallel spaced relation with the end panel 123. The side panels 131, 135 can extend from the end panel 121 to the end panel 127 in generally perpendicular relation thereto, and the side panel 123 can extend from the end panel 121 to the end panel 127 in generally perpendicular relation thereto.

Such movement of the panels of the blank 103/construct 105 can cause the divider flap 143 to separate from the side panel 131 and the end panel 121 at respective portions of the line of weakening 151 and to fold at the fold line 145 in the direction of the arrow A5 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131. The divider flap 153 attached to the divider flap 143 can also be caused to at least partially separate from the side panel 123 at the line of weakening 155 and move in the direction of the arrow A5 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131.

Similarly, the divider flap 169 can at least partially separate from the side panel 135 and from the divider flap 179 at respective portions of the line of weakening 177 and can fold at the fold line 171 in the direction of the arrow A6 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 135. The divider flap 163 attached to the divider flap 169 can at least partially separate from the side panel 123 at respective portions of the line of weakening 167 and can move in the direction of the arrow A6 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 135.

The divider flap 179 can also be at least partially separated from the side panel 135 and the divider flap 169 at respective portions of the lines of weakening 183, 185, 177 and can at least partially fold at the fold line 181 in the direction of the arrow A7 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 135. The divider flap 157 attached to the divider flap 179 can at least partially separate from the side panel 123 at respective portions of the line of weakening 161 and can move in the direction of the arrow A7 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 135.

The divider panel 139 can also be folded at the fold line 141 into generally outward relation with the side panel 131 in the direction of the arrow A8 so as to extend generally away from the divider flap 179 toward and past the side panel 135.

In the illustrated arrangement, the side panel 123 forms a divider wall 188 (broadly, “second divider wall”) of the construct 105, the side panels 131, 135 together form a divider wall 189 (broadly, “third divider wall”) of the construct 105, the divider flaps 143, 153 together form a divider wall 190 (broadly, “first divider wall”) of the construct 105, the divider flaps 179, 157 and the divider panel 139 together form a divider wall 191 (broadly, “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) of the construct 105, and the divider flaps 163, 169 together form a divider wall 192 (broadly, “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) of the construct 105.

Accordingly, a plurality of compartment spaces or container receiving spaces 194 can be formed between respective portions of the divider walls 188, 189, 190, 191, 192 for receiving respective containers C.

In one embodiment, the containers C are illustrated as beverage containers, e.g., bottles formed of metal, glass, plastic, etc., having a body portion with a top portion generally comprising an upper neck portion and a cap, but containers of other sizes, shapes, and configurations can be used with the construct 105 without departing from the disclosure.

In this regard, containers C can be inserted into respective compartment spaces 194 formed by the divider walls of the construct 105 so as to maintain at least partial separation thereof via portions of the respective divider walls positioned therebetween. In one embodiment, a plurality of containers C can be arranged in a desired row and column arrangement, and the construct 105 can be lowered onto the plurality of containers C such that a respective container C is at least partially received in a respective compartment space 194.

With additional reference to FIG. 4, the construct 105 having one or more of the containers C at least partially received in a respective compartment space 194 can be loaded into the interior 207 of a carton 205 to form a system 110.

In one embodiment, the carton 205 can be formed by arranging the top panel 221 and the bottom panel 227 in generally spaced and parallel relation, with each of the front panel 223 and the back panel 231 extending from the top panel 221 to the bottom panel 227 in generally perpendicular relation thereto and with the panels 223, 231 in generally spaced and parallel relation.

Thereafter, the end flaps 235, 239, 241, 243 can be folded at respective portions of the fold line 237 and at least partially overlapped to form the first closed end 209 of the carton 205 and the end flaps 245, 249, 251, 253 can be folded at respective portions of the fold line 247 and at least partially overlapped to form the second closed end 211 of the carton 205.

As also shown in FIG. 5, upon insertion of the construct 105 into the interior 207 of the carton 205, the end panels 121, 127 and respective end flaps 124, 130 and the respective handle cutouts 187 defined therein can be generally aligned with the respective handle recesses 271 and handle flaps 259, 265 to facilitate a customer or other user grasping a cooperating handle structure for lifting, carrying, and/or otherwise engaging the system 110.

In this regard, the construct 105 can be provided separately from cartons 205 or other containers to provide an optional divider insert for an existing supply of cartons or other containers, e.g., for use in situations in which a compartmented interior for a given carton or container is desired. As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 6, in which the dispenser panel 273 is at least partially separated from the top panel 221 and the front panel 223 of the carton 205 at the respective lines of weakening 277, 279, compartment spaces 194 can be defined between respective divider walls of the construct 105 and respective panels of the carton 205.

In some embodiments, the construct(s) 105 can be provided together with cartons 205 or other systems as a kit or package for forming compartmented cartons (e.g., the system 110).

It will be understood that the construct 105, the carton 205, and/or one or more respective features thereof can have a different arrangement or configuration without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to FIG. 7, the exterior surface of a blank 303 for forming a construct 305 according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 303 and the construct 305 can have one or more features similar to those described above with respect to the blank 103 and construct 105 described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 303 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and a configuration generally similar to that described above with regard to the blank 103, with the exception that the handle cutouts 187 have a respective handle flap 387 positioned at least partially therein and foldably connected to the respective end panel 121, 127 at a respective longitudinal fold line 388.

Furthermore, the cut 126 can be omitted such that the end flap 124 is formed as an upper portion of the side panel 123, and the cut 132 can be omitted such that the end flap 130 is formed as an upper portion of the side panel 135. Further still, upper portions of the end panels 121, 127 positioned over the respective side panels 131, 123 can be upper portions of such panels so as to be devoid of the respective cuts 122, 128, and the respective fold lines 133, 129 can extend further upwardly to a free edge of the blank 303.

With additional reference to FIG. 8, the construct 305 can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the construct 105 from the blank 103. The construct 305 can be at least partially received in the interior 207 of the carton 205 or another container to form a system 310. The construct 305 and the system 310 can provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to the construct 105 and the system 110.

The construct 305 can have a different configuration of handle features without departing from the disclosure. For example, the construct 305 can be devoid of the handle flaps 387 without departing from the disclosure.

With additional reference to FIG. 10, the exterior surface 401 of a blank 403 for forming a construct 405 according to a third exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 403 and the construct 405 can have one or more features similar to those described above with respect to the blanks 103, 303 and constructs 105, 305 and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 403 can have the longitudinal axis L1, the lateral axis L2, and a configuration generally similar to that described above with regard to the blanks 103, 303, but can be devoid of the upper portions of the respective end panels 121, 127/side panels 131, 123, 134/end flaps 124, 130 so as to be devoid of handle features.

With additional reference to FIG. 11, the construct 405 can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the formation of the construct 105 from the blank 103 and the formation of the construct 305 from the blank 303. As shown in FIG. 12, the construct 405 can be at least partially received in the interior 207 of the carton 205 or another container to form a system 410. The construct 405 and the system 410 can provide advantages similar to those described above with respect to the constructs 105, 305 and the systems 110, 310.

Turning to FIG. 13, an exterior surface 501 of a blank 503 for forming a construct 505 (FIG. 14) according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 503 and construct 505 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to the blanks 103, 303, 403 and constructs 105, 305, 405 described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 503 can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and includes the divider panel 139, the side panels 123, 131, 135, the end panels 123, 127, the divider flaps 143, 157, 163, 169, 179, and associated features.

In this regard, the blank 503 can have a configuration generally similar to the blank 403 described above, though having a longer length along the longitudinal axis L1. Furthermore, the blank 503 and construct 505 formed therefrom can include an additional divider flap 557 (broadly, “third divider flap”) having a configuration generally similar to the divider flap 163, e.g., at least partially separable from the side panel 123 at a line of weakening 561 that includes a first generally lateral segment 561a, a generally longitudinal upper segment 561b extending from the segment 561a, a second generally lateral segment 561c extending from the segment 561b, and a generally longitudinal lower segment 561d extending from the segment 561c to the segment 561a.

The blank 503 and construct 505 formed therefrom can also include a divider flap 543 (broadly, “first divider flap”) foldably connected to the side panel 131 at a lateral fold line 545 that is interrupted by a portion of the divider flap 143 extending therebetween. As shown, the divider flap 543 can have a first portion 547 and a second portion 549 at least partially interrupting the fold line 133 and the end panel 121.

The first portion 547 of the divider flap 543 can be at least partially separable from the second portion 149 of the divider flap 143 at respective portions of the line of weakening 151. The divider flap 543 can also be at least partially separable from the side panel 131 at a line of weakening 551 having one or more of straight, curved, and angled portions.

The line of weakening 551 can include a first upper generally longitudinal segment 551a extending from a portion of the line of weakening 151 to an endpoint of the fold line 545, a second upper generally longitudinal segment 551b extending from a portion of the fold line 545 (so as to interrupt the fold line 545) to a generally lateral segment 551c, a first lower generally longitudinal segment 551d that extends to a portion of the fold line 545 (so as to interrupt the fold line 545), and a second lower generally longitudinal segment 551e that extends from an endpoint of the fold line 545 to a portion of the line of weakening 151 associated with the divider flap 143.

Turning to FIG. 14, the construct 505 can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the constructs 105, 305, 405, with the end panels 121, 127 positioned in spaced and parallel relation, and the side panels 131, 135 positioned in generally coplanar relation and in spaced parallel relation with the side panel 123.

The divider flap 143 can separate from the side panel 131, the divider flaps 153, 157, 163 can separate from the side panel 123, and the divider flaps 169, 179 can separate from the side panel 135, with the divider flap 143 least partially attached to the divider flap 157 and the divider flap 179 at least partially attached to the divider flap 163. The end panel 139 can also be folded at the fold line 141 outwardly from the side panels as described above.

In this regard, and as described above, the side panel 123 forms a divider wall 188 of the construct 505, the side panels 131, 135 together form a divider wall 189 of the construct 505, the divider flaps 143, 157 together form a divider wall 590 of the construct 505, and the divider flaps 179, 163, and divider panel 139 together form a divider wall 591 (broadly, “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) of the construct 505.

In addition, the divider flap 543 can be separated from the side panel 131 and the end panel 121 along respective segments of the line of weakening 551, and further from the divider flap 543 along respective segments of the line of weakening 151. The divider flap 153 can be attached to the divider flap 543 and separated from the side panel 123 at respective portions of the line of weakening 155. The divider flap 543 can be folded at the fold line 545 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panel 123 and the side panels 131, 135 such that the divider flaps 543, 153 form an additional divider wall 592 (broadly, “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) of the construct 505.

Furthermore, the divider flap 169 can be separated from the side panel 135 at the respective portions of the line of weakening 177 and from the divider flap 179 at the cut 183, and folded at the fold line 171 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131, 135. The divider flap 169 can be attached to the divider flap 557, and such movement of the divider flap 169 can cause the divider flap 557 to separate from the side panel 123 at respective portions of the line of weakening 161 and move into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131, 135 such that the divider flaps 169, 557 together form an additional divider wall 593 (broadly, “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) of the construct 505, and such that container receiving spaces or compartment spaces 594 can be formed between respective portions of the divider walls 188, 189, 590, 591, 592, 593 for receiving respective containers C with the advantages described above with respect to the constructs 105, 305, 405.

As shown in FIG. 15, the construct 505 having one or more of the containers C at least partially received in a respective compartment space 594 can be loaded into the interior 207 of a carton 205 to form a system with the advantages associated with the systems described above. In this regard, compartment spaces 594 can be defined between respective divider walls of the construct 505 and respective panels of the carton 205.

Turning to FIG. 16, an exterior surface 601 of a blank 603 for forming a construct 605 (FIG. 17) according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 603 and construct 605 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to the blanks 103, 303, 403, 503 and constructs 105, 305, 405, 505 described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 603 can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, and includes the divider panel 139, the side panels 123, 131, 135, the end panels 123, 127, the divider flaps 143, 157, 163, 169, 179, 543, 557, and associated features.

In this regard, the blank 603 can have a configuration generally similar to the blank 503 described above, though having a longer length along the longitudinal axis L1. Furthermore, the blank 603 and construct 605 formed therefrom can include an additional divider flap 657 (broadly, “third divider flap”) having a configuration generally similar to the divider flap 157, e.g., at least partially separable from the side panel 123 at a line of weakening 661 that includes a first generally lateral segment 661a, a generally longitudinal upper segment 661b extending from the segment 661a, a second generally lateral segment 661c extending from the segment 661b, and a generally longitudinal lower segment 661d extending from the segment 661c to the segment 661a.

The blank 603 and construct 605 formed therefrom can also include a divider flap 669 (broadly, “fourth divider flap”) positioned between the divider flaps 169, 179 and having a configuration generally similar to that of the divider flap 169. In this regard, the divider flap 669 can be foldably connected to the side panel 135 at a fold line 671 at least partially interrupted by respective portions of the divider flap 169. The divider flap 669 can have a first portion 673 and a second portion 675 at least partially bisected by the fold line 671 and at least partially separable from the divider flap 169 along respective portions of the line of weakening 177 that intersect the divider flap 669.

The divider flap 669 can also be at least partially separable from the side panel 135 at a line of weakening 677 that includes a first upper generally longitudinal segment 677a extending from respective portions of the line of weakening 177 to an endpoint of the fold line 671, a second upper generally longitudinal segment 677b extending from a portion of the fold line 671 (so as to interrupt the fold line 671) to the cut 183, a generally lateral segment 677c extending from the intersection of the segment 677b and the cut 183, a first lower generally longitudinal segment 677d extending from the segment 677c to an endpoint of the fold line 671, and a second lower generally longitudinal segment 677e extending from a portion of the fold line 671 (so as to interrupt the fold line 671) to a respective portion of the line of weakening 177.

Turning to FIG. 17, the construct 605 can be formed in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the constructs 105, 305, 405, 505 with the end panels 121, 127 positioned in spaced and parallel relation, and the side panels 131, 135 positioned in generally coplanar relation and in spaced parallel relation with the side panel 123.

The divider flap 143 can separate from the side panel 131 at respective portions of the line of weakening 151, the divider flap 543 can separate from the side panel 131 and the end panel 121 at respective portions of the line of weakening 551 and further from the divider flap 143 at respective portions of the line of weakening 151, the divider flaps 153, 157, 163, 557 can separate from the side panel 123 at respective portions of the respective lines of weakening 155, 161, 167, 561, and the divider flaps 169, 179 can separate from the side panel 135 at respective portions of the lines of weakening 177 and cuts 183, 185.

The divider flap 143 can be at least partially attached to the divider flap 157, the divider flap 543 can be at least partially attached to the divider flap 153, and the divider flap 179 can be at least partially attached to the divider flap 163. The end panel 139 can also be folded at the fold line 141 outwardly from the side panels as described above.

Further, the divider flap 669 can separate from the end panel 135 at respective portions of the line of weakening 677 and from the divider flaps 168, 179 at respective portions of the respective lines of weakening 177 and cut 183 and can fold at the fold line 671 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131, 135. The divider flap 557 can be attached to the divider flap 669 and separate from the side panel 123 at respective portions of the line of weakening 561 so as to move into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131, 135.

In addition, the divider flap 169 can be attached to the divider flap 657 such that folding of the divider flap 169 at the fold line 171 into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131, 135 can cause the divider flap 657 to separate from the side panel 123 at respective portions of the line of weakening 661 so as to move into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123, 131, 135.

In this regard, and as described above, the side panel 123 forms a divider wall 188 of the construct 605 and the side panels 131, 135 together form a divider wall 189 of the construct 605. The attached divider panels 543, 153 can form a divider wall 690 (broadly, “first divider wall”) of the construct 605, the attached divider panels 143, 157 can form a divider wall 691 (broadly, “first divider wall”) of the construct 605, the attached divider panels 179, 163 and divider panel 139 can together form a divider wall 692 of the construct 605, the attached divider panels 669, 557 can together form a divider wall 693 of the construct 605, and the attached divider panels 169, 657 can together form a divider wall 694 of the construct 605, and such that respective container receiving spaces or compartment spaces 695 can be formed between respective portions of the divider walls 188, 189, 690, 691, 692, 693, 694.

Turning to FIG. 18, the construct 605 having one or more of the containers C at least partially received in a respective compartment space 695 can be loaded into the interior 207 of a carton 205 to form a system with the advantages associated with the systems described above. In this regard, compartment spaces 695 can be defined between respective divider walls of the construct 605 and respective panels of the carton 205.

Turning to FIG. 19, a blank 703 for forming a construct 705 (FIG. 20) according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 703 and construct 705 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to the blanks 103, 303, 403, 503, 603 and constructs 105, 305, 405, 505, 605 described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 703 can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, a front portion 707 for forming a front portion 713 of the construct 705, and a back portion 709 for forming a back portion 715 of the construct 705. The front portion 707 of the blank 703/front portion 713 of the construct 705 is at least partially and at least partially separably connected to the back portion 709 of the blank 703/back portion 715 of the construct 715 at a line of weakening 717 that includes a first cut portion 717a, a central fold line portion 717b, and a second cut portion 717c.

The blank 703 and the construct 705 formed therefrom can include a divider panel 139a, side panels 131a, 123a, 135a, end panels 121a, 127a, divider flaps 143a (broadly, “first divider flap”), 543a (broadly, “first divider flap”), 169a (broadly, “second divider flap”), 669a (broadly, “second divider flap”), and 179a (broadly, “second divider flap”) and associated features generally similar to the respective divider panel 139, side panels 131, 123, 135, end panels 121, 127, divider flaps 143, 543, 169, 669, and 179 described above. In this regard, the features associated with the panels 121a, 123a, 127a, 131a, 135a, 139a and flaps 143a, 169a, 179a, 543a, 669a are the same as those associated with the panels 121, 123, 127, 131, 135, 139 and flaps 143, 169, 179, 543, 669 described above, and provided with an “a” suffix.

However, a lateral end portion of the divider flap 143a can be bisected by a fold line 643a to form an attachment flap 645a foldably connected to the remainder of the divider flap 143a at the fold line 643a. Further, a lateral end portion of the divider flap 543a can be bisected by a fold line 647a to form an attachment flap 649a.

Similarly, a lateral end portion of the divider flap 169a can be bisected by a fold line 670a to form an attachment flap 672a foldably connected to the remainder of the divider flap 169a at the fold line 670a, a lateral end portion of the divider flap 669a can be bisected by a fold line 674a to form an attachment flap 676a foldably connected to the remainder of the divider flap 669a at the fold line 670a, and a lateral end portion of the divider flap 179a can be bisected by a fold line 679a to form an attachment flap 680a foldably connected to the remainder of the divider flap 179a at the fold line 679a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back portion 709 of the blank 703 includes a divider panel 139b, side panels 131b, 123b, 135b, end panels 121b, 127b, divider flaps 143b (broadly, “first divider flap” or “second divider flap”), 543b (broadly, “first divider flap” or “second divider flap”), 169b (broadly, “second divider flap”), 669b (broadly, “second divider flap”), and 179b (broadly, “second divider flap”) and associated features that are generally a mirror-image of the corresponding panels of the front portion 707 of the blank 703. Corresponding components (e.g., panels, flaps, fold lines, cuts, etc.) have been designated by corresponding reference numbers that differ by the “a” or “b” suffix, with the “a” components corresponding to the front portion 707 of the blank 703 and the “b” components corresponding to the back portion 709 of the blank 703.

With additional reference to FIG. 20, according to one embodiment, the blank 703 can be folded about the line of weakening 713 in the direction of the arrow A9 such that the front portion 707 of the blank 703 is positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back portion 709 of the blank 703.

The front end panel 121a can be folded at the fold line 125a in the direction of the arrow A10 into generally perpendicular relation with the front side panel 123a, the side panel 131a can be folded at the fold line 133a in the direction of the arrow A11 into generally perpendicular relation with the front end panel 121a and into generally parallel and spaced relation with the front side panel 123a, the end panel 127a can be folded at the fold line 129a in the direction of the arrow A12 into generally perpendicular relation with the front side panel 123a, the front side panel 135a can be folded at the fold line 137a in the direction of the arrow A13 into generally perpendicular relation with the end panel 127a and into generally parallel and spaced relation with the front side panel 123a, and the front divider panel 139a can be folded at the fold line 141a in the direction of the arrow A14 into generally perpendicular relation with the front side panels 131a, 135a. In the illustrated embodiment, the divider panel 139a can be attached to the divider flap 179a.

The divider flap 143a and attachment flap 645a can be separated from the side panel 131a and the divider flap 543a at respective portions of the line of weakening 151a and folded at the fold line 145a into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123a, 131a, 135a. The attachment flap 645a can be folded at the fold line 645a and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123a.

Similarly, the divider flap 543a and attachment flap 649a can be separated from the side panel 131a and the end panel 121a at respective portions of the line of weakening 551a and folded at the fold line 545a into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123a, 131a, 135a. The attachment flap 649a can be folded at the fold line 647a and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123a

Similarly, the divider flap 543a and attachment flap 649a can be separated from the side panel 131a and the end panel 121a at respective portions of the line of weakening 551a and folded at the fold line 545a into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123a, 131a, 135a. The attachment flap 649a can be folded at the fold line 647a and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123a.

The divider flap 169a and attachment flap 672a can be separated from the side panel 135a at respective portions of the line of weakening 177a and folded at the fold line 171a into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123a, 131a, 135a. The attachment flap 672a can be folded at the fold line 670a and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123a.

The divider flap 669a and attachment flap 676a can be separated from the side panel 135a at respective portions of the line of weakening 677a and folded at the fold line 671a into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123a, 131a, 135a. The attachment flap 676a can be folded at the fold line 674a and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123a.

The divider flap 179a and attachment flap 680a can be separated from the side panel 135a at the respective cuts 183a, 185a and folded at the fold line 181a into generally perpendicular relation with the side panels 123a, 131a, 135a to form a divider wall of the construct 705, as described further below. The attachment flap 680a can be folded at the fold line 679a and positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the side panel 123a to form a divider wall of the construct, as described further below.

The respective panels and divider flaps of the back portion 715 of the construct 705 can be arranged in a fashion similar to that described above with respect to the front portion 713 of the construct 705 to form the back portion 715 of the construct 705.

As best shown in FIG. 21, the arrangement of the end panels 127a, 127b is such that the respective tabs 140a, 142a can be separated from the respective side panels 123a, 135a along the respective cuts 138a, 142a and such that the respective tabs 140b, 142b can be separated from the respective side panels 123b, 135b along the respective cuts 138b, 142b. The position of the tabs 140a, 140b adjacent the side panels 123a, 123b is such that the tabs 140a, 140b can be positioned in an at least partially overlapping relation, with the respective tabs 140a at least partially inserted through openings formed by the respective cuts 138b associated with the tabs 140b, and with the tabs 140b at least partially inserted through openings formed by the respective cuts 138a associated with the tabs 140a. Such an arrangement can provide stiffness to the construct 705 and/or an interfering arrangement that maintains the erected configuration of the construct 705 and resists collapse and/or unwanted deformation of the construct 705. In this regard, at least the tabs 140a, 140b and associated cuts 138a, 138b can be locking features of the blank 703/construct 705 formed therefrom.

In the aforementioned arrangement of the construct 705, the side panels 123a, 123b can together form a divider wall 782 (broadly, “second divider wall”) of the construct 705, the side panels 131a, 135a can together form a divider wall 783 (broadly, “third divider wall”) of the construct 705, the side panels 131b, 135b can together form a divider wall 784 (broadly, “third divider wall”) of the construct 705, the divider flap 543a can form a divider wall 785 of the construct 705, the divider flap 143a can form a divider wall 786 of the construct 705, the divider flap 179a and divider panel 139 can together form a divider wall 787 of the construct 705, the divider flap 669a can form a divider wall 788 (broadly, “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) of the construct 705, the divider flap 169a can form a divider wall 789 (broadly, “fourth divider wall” or “second divider wall”) of the construct 705, the divider flap 543b can form a divider wall 790 of the construct 705, the divider flap 143b can form a divider wall 791 of the construct 705, the divider flap 179b can form a divider wall 792 of the construct 705, the divider flap 669b can form a divider wall 793 of the construct 705, and the divider flap 169b can form a divider wall 794 of the construct 705.

Accordingly, compartment spaces or container receiving spaces 795 can be formed between and adjacent respective portions of the divider walls 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 790, 791, 792, 793 for receiving respective containers C with the advantages described above with respect to the constructs 105, 305, 405, 505, 605.

As shown in FIG. 22, the construct 705 having one or more of the containers C at least partially received in a respective compartment space 795 and the construct 705 can be loaded into the interior 207 of a carton 205 to form a system with the advantages associated with the systems described above. In this regard, compartment spaces 795 can be defined between respective divider walls of the construct 705 and respective panels of the carton 205.

Turning to FIG. 23, a blank 803 for forming a construct 805 (FIG. 24) according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank 803 and construct 805 formed therefrom can have one or more features that are the same or similar to the blanks 103, 303, 403, 503, 603, 703 and constructs 105, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705 described above, and like or similar features are designated with like or similar reference numerals.

As shown, the blank 803 can have the longitudinal axis L1 and the lateral axis L2, a front portion 807 for forming a front portion 813 of the construct 805, and a back portion 809 for forming a back portion 815 of the construct 805. The front portion 807 of the blank 803/front portion 813 of the construct 805 is at least partially and at least partially separably connected to the back portion 809 of the blank 803/back portion 815 of the construct 815 at a line of weakening 817 that includes a first cut portion 817a, a central fold line portion 817b, and a second cut portion 817c.

The blank 803 and the construct 805 formed therefrom can include the divider panels 139a, 139b, the side panels 131a, 131b, 123a, 123b, 135a, 135b, the end panels 121a, 121b, 127a, 127b, the divider flaps 143a, 143b, 543a, 543b, 169a, 169b, 669a, 669b, 179a, and 179b and associated features.

In this regard, the blank 803 and construct 805 therefrom can have a configuration generally similar to that described above with respect to the blank 703 and the construct 705, except that the blank 803/construct 805 can have a generally shorter length in the longitudinal direction L1.

Furthermore, and as shown, the blank 803 and construct 805 formed therefrom can be devoid of the divider flap 543a, 543b, 669a, 669b, and associated features.

In this regard, and with additional reference to FIG. 29, the construct 805 can be formed in a manner generally similar to that described above with respect to the construct 805, without the action of the divider flaps 543a, 543b, 669a, 669b.

Accordingly, the side panels 123a, 123b can together form a divider wall 882 of the construct 805, the side panels 131a, 135a can together form a divider wall 883 of the construct 805, the side panels 131b, 135b can together form a divider wall 884 of the construct 805, the divider flap 143a can form a divider wall 885 of the construct 805, the divider flap 179a and divider panel 139 can together form a divider wall 886 of the construct 805, the divider flap 169a can form a divider wall 887 of the construct 805, the divider flap 143b can form a divider wall 888 of the construct 805, the divider flap 179b can form a divider wall 889 of the construct 805, and the divider flap 169b can form a divider wall 890 of the construct 805.

Accordingly, compartment spaces or container receiving spaces 891 can be formed between and adjacent respective portions of the divider walls 882, 883, 884, 885, 886, 887, 888, 889, 890 for receiving respective containers C with the advantages described above with respect to the constructs 105, 305, 405, 505, 605, 705.

The construct 805 having one or more of the containers C at least partially received in a respective compartment space 891 and the construct 805 can be loaded into the interior 207 of a carton 205 to form a system with the advantages associated with the systems described above. In this regard, compartment spaces 891 can be defined between respective divider walls of the construct 805 and respective panels of the carton 205.

It will be understood that blanks and cartons according to the present disclosure can have a different number, arrangement, and/or configuration of features without departing from the disclosure.

In general, the blanks described herein may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, sheet plastics or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the container to function at least generally as described above. The blanks 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 of 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 therealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing the scope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, such as lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates a crushed or depressed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; a cut that extends partially into a material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness; and various combinations of these features. In situations where cutting is used to create a fold line, typically the cutting will not be overly extensive in a manner that might cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels adhered together by glue during erection of the container embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure container panels in place, and is not intended to exclude heat, chemical, or frequency bonding techniques.

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 construct for providing divider features in the interior of a carton, the construct comprising: a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel; anddivider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels forming at least one divider wall of the construct for forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

2. The construct of claim 1, wherein at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially separably connected to the at least one side panel.

3. The construct of claim 2, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially separated from the at least one end panel.

4. The construct of claim 2, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one side panel.

5. The construct of claim 2, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the at least one end panel is a first end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, and a third side panel foldably connected to the second end panel.

6. The construct of claim 2, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is a first divider flap at least partially separably connected to the second side panel and the plurality of divider flaps further comprises a second divider flap separably connected to the first side panel, the first divider flap and the second divider flap at least partially forming the at least one divider wall of the construct.

7. The construct of claim 6, wherein the first divider flap is attached to the second divider flap.

8. The construct of claim 7, wherein the first divider flap and the second divider flap are in generally coplanar relation.

9. The construct of claim 6, wherein the divider features further comprise a second divider wall at least partially formed by the first side panel.

10. The construct of claim 9, wherein the divider features further comprise a third divider wall at least partially formed by the second side panel and the third side panel.

11. The construct of claim 10, wherein the second divider wall is spaced apart from the third divider wall, and the first divider wall is generally perpendicular to each of the second divider wall and the third divider wall.

12. The construct of claim 11, wherein the divider features further comprise a third divider flap separably connected to the first side panel and a fourth divider flap separably connected to the third side panel, and a fourth divider wall of the construct, the third divider flap and the fourth divider flap at least partially forming the fourth divider wall of the construct.

13. The construct of claim 12, wherein the fourth divider wall is positioned generally parallel to the first divider wall.

14. The construct of claim 13, further comprising handle features comprising a handle opening in at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and for being aligned with a respective handle feature of the carton.

15. The construct of claim 14, wherein the handle features further comprise a handle flap foldably connected to the at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and positioned extending into the handle opening.

16. The construct of claim 5, further comprising an attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one divider flap and attached to the first side panel to at least partially form the at least one divider wall.

17. The construct of claim 16, wherein the first side panel is a first front side panel, the first end panel is a first front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second end panel is a second front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second side panel is a second front side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, the third side panel is a third front side panel foldably connected to the second front end panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a first back side panel foldably connected to the first front side panel and the first front side panel, a first back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the first front end panel, a second back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the second front end panel, a second back side panel foldably connected to the first back end panel and the second front side panel, and a third back side panel foldably connected to the second back end panel and the third front side panel.

18. The construct of claim 16, wherein the at least one divider flap is a first divider flap foldably connected to the second front side panel, the at least one divider wall is a first divider wall, and the divider flaps further comprise a second divider flap foldably connected to the second back side panel, an attachment flap foldably connected to the second divider flap and attached to the first back side panel to form a second divider wall.

19. A blank for forming a construct for providing divider features in the interior of a carton, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel; anddivider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels for forming at least one divider wall of the construct formed from the blank for forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

20. The blank of claim 19, wherein at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially separably connected to the at least one side panel.

21. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially separably connected to the at least one end panel.

22. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one side panel.

23. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the at least one end panel is a first end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, and a third side panel foldably connected to the second end panel.

24. The blank of claim 20, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is a first divider flap at least partially separably connected to the second side panel and the plurality of divider flaps further comprises a second divider flap separably connected to the first side panel, the first divider flap and the second divider flap for at least partially forming the at least one divider wall of the construct formed form the blank.

25. The blank of claim 24, wherein the first divider flap is for being attached to the second divider flap when the construct is formed from the blank.

26. The blank of claim 24, wherein the divider features further comprise a third divider flap separably connected to the first side panel and a fourth divider flap separably connected to the third side panel, the third divider flap and the fourth divider flap for at least partially forming a second divider wall of the construct.

27. The blank of claim 26, further comprising handle features comprising a handle opening in at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and for being aligned with a respective handle feature of the carton when the construct is formed from the blank.

28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the handle features further comprise a handle flap foldably connected to the at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and positioned extending into the handle opening.

29. The blank of claim 23, further comprising an attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one divider flap and for being attached to the first side panel to at least partially form the at least one divider wall of the construct formed from the blank.

30. The blank of claim 29, wherein the first side panel is a first front side panel, the first end panel is a first front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second end panel is a second front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second side panel is a second front side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, the third side panel is a third front side panel foldably connected to the second front end panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a first back side panel foldably connected to the first front side panel and the first front side panel, a first back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the first front end panel, a second back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the second front end panel, a second back side panel foldably connected to the first back end panel and the second front side panel, and a third back side panel foldably connected to the second back end panel and the third front side panel.

31. The blank of claim 29, wherein the at least one divider flap is a first divider flap foldably connected to the second front side panel, and the divider flaps further comprise a second divider flap foldably connected to the second back side panel, an attachment flap foldably connected to the second divider flap and for being attached to the first back side panel to form a second divider wall of the construct formed from the blank.

32. A method of forming a construct for providing divider features in the interior of a carton, the method comprising: obtaining a blank, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel, the blank further comprising divider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels; andpositioning the plurality of divider flaps forming at least one divider wall of the construct for forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially separably connected to the at least one side panel.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein positioning the plurality of divider flaps comprises at least partially separating the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps from the at least one end panel.

35. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one side panel.

36. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the at least one end panel is a first end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, and a third side panel foldably connected to the second end panel.

37. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is a first divider flap at least partially separably connected to the second side panel and the plurality of divider flaps further comprises a second divider flap separably connected to the first side panel, the positioning the plurality of divider flaps comprises positioning the first divider flap and the second divider flap at least partially forming the at least one divider wall of the construct.

38. The method of claim 37, further comprising attaching the first divider flap to the second divider flap.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising positioning the first divider flap and the second divider flap in generally coplanar relation.

40. The method of claim 37, further comprising positioning the first side panel to at least partially form a second divider wall.

41. The method of claim 40, further comprising positioning the second side panel and the third side panel to at least partially form a third divider wall.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising positioning the second divider wall spaced apart from the third divider wall, and positioning the first divider wall generally perpendicular to each of the second divider wall and the third divider wall.

43. The method of claim 42, wherein the divider features further comprise a third divider flap separably connected to the first side panel and a fourth divider flap separably connected to the third side panel, and positioning the third divider flap and the fourth divider flap at least partially forming a fourth divider wall of the construct.

44. The method of claim 43, further comprising positioning the fourth divider wall generally parallel to the first divider wall.

45. The method of claim 44, further comprising handle features comprising a handle opening in at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and for being aligned with a respective handle feature of the carton.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the handle features further comprise a handle flap foldably connected to the at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and positioned extending into the handle opening.

47. The method of claim 36, further comprising an attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one divider flap, and the method further comprising attaching the attachment flap to the first side panel to at least partially form the at least one divider wall.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first side panel is a first front side panel, the first end panel is a first front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second end panel is a second front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second side panel is a second front side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, the third side panel is a third front side panel foldably connected to the second front end panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a first back side panel foldably connected to the first front side panel and the first front side panel, a first back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the first front end panel, a second back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the second front end panel, a second back side panel foldably connected to the first back end panel and the second front side panel, and a third back side panel foldably connected to the second back end panel and the third front side panel.

49. The method of claim 47, wherein the at least one divider flap is a first divider flap foldably connected to the second front side panel, the at least one divider wall is a first divider wall, and the divider flaps further comprise a second divider flap foldably connected to the second back side panel, an attachment flap foldably connected to the second divider flap, and the method further comprises attaching the attachment flap foldably connected to the second divider flap to the first back side panel to form a second divider wall.

50. A system, the system comprising: a carton, the carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton; anda construct for providing divider features in the interior of the carton, the construct comprising: a plurality of panels comprising at least one end panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the at least one end panel; anddivider features comprising a plurality of divider flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels forming at least one divider wall of the construct forming a plurality of container receiving spaces in the interior of the carton.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially separably connected to the at least one side panel.

52. The system of claim 51, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially separated from the at least one end panel.

53. The system of claim 51, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is at least partially foldably connected to the at least one side panel.

54. The system of claim 51, wherein the at least one side panel is a first side panel, the at least one end panel is a first end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a second end panel foldably connected to the first side panel, a second side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, and a third side panel foldably connected to the second end panel.

55. The system of claim 51, wherein the at least one divider flap of the plurality of divider flaps is a first divider flap at least partially separably connected to the second side panel and the plurality of divider flaps further comprises a second divider flap separably connected to the first side panel, the first divider flap and the second divider flap at least partially forming the at least one divider wall of the construct.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein the first divider flap is attached to the second divider flap.

57. The system of claim 56, wherein the first divider flap and the second divider flap are in generally coplanar relation.

58. The system of claim 55, wherein the divider features further comprise a second divider wall at least partially formed by the first side panel.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein the divider features further comprise a third divider wall at least partially formed by the second side panel and the third side panel.

60. The system of claim 59, wherein the second divider wall is spaced apart from the third divider wall, and the first divider wall is generally perpendicular to each of the second divider wall and the third divider wall.

61. The system of claim 60, wherein the divider features further comprise a third divider flap separably connected to the first side panel and a fourth divider flap separably connected to the third side panel, and a fourth divider wall of the construct, the third divider flap and the fourth divider flap at least partially forming the fourth divider wall of the construct.

62. The system of claim 61, wherein the fourth divider wall is positioned generally parallel to the first divider wall.

63. The system of claim 62, further comprising handle features comprising a handle opening in at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and for being aligned with a respective handle feature of the carton.

64. The system of claim 63, wherein the handle features further comprise a handle flap foldably connected to the at least one of the first end panel and the second end panel and positioned extending into the handle opening.

65. The system of claim 54, further comprising an attachment flap foldably connected to the at least one divider flap and attached to the first side panel to at least partially form the at least one divider wall.

66. The system of claim 65, wherein the first side panel is a first front side panel, the first end panel is a first front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second end panel is a second front end panel foldably connected to the first front side panel, the second side panel is a second front side panel foldably connected to the first end panel, the third side panel is a third front side panel foldably connected to the second front end panel, and the plurality of panels further comprises a first back side panel foldably connected to the first front side panel and the first front side panel, a first back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the first front end panel, a second back end panel foldably connected to the first back side panel and the second front end panel, a second back side panel foldably connected to the first back end panel and the second front side panel, and a third back side panel foldably connected to the second back end panel and the third front side panel.

67. The system of claim 65, wherein the at least one divider flap is a first divider flap foldably connected to the second front side panel, the at least one divider wall is a first divider wall, and the divider flaps further comprise a second divider flap foldably connected to the second back side panel, an attachment flap foldably connected to the second divider flap and attached to the first back side panel to form a second divider wall.