Easy open self closing outlet for gable-top cartons

Abstract

A manually operated easy to open, squeeze-to-open while lifting for pouring, self-closing spillage-free dispenser for standard gable-top milk cartons, said dispenser made from same polyethylene laminated paperboard used for making standard gable-top milk cartons formed and sealed by standard gable-top milk carton packaging machine with its clamping, compression, heating and sealing jaws, used to form and seal the original ridge line atop the roof of the gable roof portion, modified for forming and sealing the curved quadrant elongated slotted dispenser outlet, with a tamper-evident closure that can be easily removed by the tear-away indents provided.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention's intent is to grab a good portion of the beverage gable-top paperboard carton and/or plastic bottle business, especially milk and gourmet coffee blend mixtures, by offering one pint and smaller conventional gable-top paperboard cartons, provided with this invention's unique easy open, squeeze-to-open, self-closing dispenser, that can be squeezed open while lifting said carton for pouring, using only one hand. For the one pint and smaller cartons, standard unmodified gable-top cartons may be used, whereas, for the larger one quart filled cartons, easily capable of being lifted for pouring using one hand, require major costly changes to the packaging machines, for reshaping the sloping portion of the gable-top cartons, (explained later) until such a time as the smaller one pint squeeze-to-open unit creates public demand for the larger units. Other features that should help promote this invention are: a/ an easy to open tear-away tamper evident seal, that eliminates pull-out tearing of conventional gable-top carton pouring spouts, b/ the amount of squeeze regulates the flow rate, which immediately shuts off upon release of the squeeze effort, c/ said automatic shut off, although better than the plain paperboard pull-out pouring spout, will not protect against accidental spillage such as the new threaded plastic “Spout- Pak” pouring spout often used, therefor if positive protection is desired, a manual reclosable shut-off, such as “Zip-Loc” or equal interlocking joint may be provided, for use at the consumer's discretion, Accidental spillage does not often occur when used by a single consumer, and more often occurs, at multi-group table settings, where spouts or threaded pouring outlets are usually left open. The fact that the self-closing outlet is closed when milk carton is accidentally up-ended should provide ample protection.

[0004] The easy-open self-closing dispenser may be installed as an auxiliary addition, requiring new pre-shaped plastic parts for final forming and sealing within the ridge portion atop the standard unmodified gable-top milk cartons, at low cost when feeding conventional paperboard blanks to a slightly modified gable-top milk carton packaging machine.

[0005] Whereas, a preferred embodiment, herein later described, is to change and reinforce the polyethylene laminated paperboard blanks for solely forming the easy-open self-closing dispenser, without the need of extraneous, or pre-shaped plastic parts.

[0006] The following generally describes the installation of easy-open, self-closing dispenser plastic parts to standard gable-top milk cartons using a slightly modified Evergreen, or equal, gable-top milk carton machine:

[0007] Feed conventional paperboard blanks of laminated paper sheets coated with low density polyethylene, slit and cut to achieve the right size; stamped and die-cut to get the right shape; scored and creased to provide lines to bend thick paperboard for folding, sealing and forming the famous gable-top milk cartons. Said paperboard blanks are fed into special gable-top packaging machines, such as Evergreen or equal, which opens and squares them onto mandrels for forming the bottom flaps which are oven heated, and compressed for maximum closure as the low density polyethylene cools and bonds the flaps in place; cartons are then sterilized internally by blowing 400 degree F. air and the top flaps of the carton are preformed prior to filling. After being filled, with cartons held securely in conveyor pockets, two thermoplastic thin plastic liners, each consisting of a flat portion for later forming of nested male and female elongated quadrant curved outlet, each with bent 45 degree bulge attachment (later explained along with possible alternate), tamper evident seal tabs with reclosable “Zip-Loc” interlocking joints with male and female portions connected for alignment of the assembly when inserted within the open portion of the preformed gable-top carton, immediately prior to entry into the gable-top forming section, whereupon entering, are heated prior to forming and sealing via compression from retrofitted heated and sealing jaws, then water cooled for setting the curved outlet's final shape, with said tamper evident tabs compressed and heated into an easy tear-away tamper evident seal, by the second set of jaws usually used for embossing pull date or alphanumeric coding. Compare the cost of retrofitting the aforementioned heating and forming jaws of the packaging machines versus the cost of the ultrasonic “cool” welding equipment for forming and sealing the easy to open curved outlet, such as used to fasten the famous “Spout-Pak” polypropylene plastic threaded pouring spout to the polyethylene coated gable-top carton's paperboard.

[0008] Simple tests have been made to determine whether the polyethylene laminated paperboard in conventional gable-top milk cartons, can be used solely for forming the easy open self closing dispenser, without extraneous additions, and have sufficient plastic memory, flexibility, resilience and “snap-back” for performing repeated dispenser opening and closing cycles. Gable-top milk cartons, purchased at retail stores were emptied, then used to perform the tests, by inserting and compressing the {fraction (9/16)} inch vertical elongated flat ridge portion atop the roof of the gable-top paperboard carton, into the clamping tool used for making easy open self-closing low density polyethylene pill boxes, per U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,267 (LAVERDURE) in 1990, and heating to a max. 350 degrees F., to form a curved elongated outlet having similar nested arc length with inside radius of ¼ inch on the outer concave male portion of said curved outlet, which corresponds to the dimensions and shape of the aforementioned LDPE plastic pill box, with the exception that the arc length of the male curved portion is ¼ inch shorter than that of its mating female curve. The 350 degree F. temperature much above the melt point of LDPE was used to comply with standard packaging equipment oven temperatures for forming and sealing standard low density polyethylene laminated paperboard milk cartons. Originally, the flat pleated ridge portion atop the gable -top roof, is formed by heating and sealing the four milk carton side walls, with the length of two opposing walls being shorter, by approx. ¼ inch to permit the top of the other two opposing walls to be sealed after the gable-top is formed. For the tests, the easy open self-closing outlet, was formed using only two adjacent flaps pulled apart from the aforementioned {fraction (9/16)} inch tall elongated flat ridge, one being shorter by approx. ¼ inch, making certain that said flaps did not have the carton's vertical corner welded seam portion. The other two originally formed and sealed flaps were also inserted and compressed, along with the other separated flaps into the aforementioned clamping tool for testing its ability to support the nested curved dispenser outlet during the rigors of stacking cartons atop one another when crating and shipping, and also whether a separating agent, such as DOW No. 7 plastic release agent is necessary to keep the two pair of dual flaps from bonding, to permit the squeeze-to-open, and self-closing of the selected formed dual flap. The following are conclusions derived from the tests:

[0009] A1/ Standard gable-top milk carton low density polyethylene laminated paperboard can be compressed, heated and shaped to form an elongated quadrant curved squeeze-to-open outlet, at oven temperature of 350 degrees F. apparently without the curved outlet lips fusing together, probably because of short time exposure. However, the test revealed the curved outlet, upon release of the squeeze-to-open effort, would not completely shut, most likely due to the curved outlet's arc lengths differing, indicating the arc lengths should be the same, and that more elastic plastic memory, “snap-back” and a bulged portion, at the point of squeezing below the neck of said outlet is needed to obtain, an ability to flex and seal for at least the shelf life of product stored, which for milk having a relatively short shelf life, should not be a problem when the laminated paperboard is properly modified. Incidentally, the LDPE plastic pill box, heretofore mentioned is able to close several hundred times without failure.

[0010] From the above it is evident that there are at least two embodiments: for consideration:

[0011] EMBODIMENT No. 1 Add extraneous parts such as new separate flexible and resilient thermoplastic PP or LDPE plastic strips to the standard polyethylene laminated paperboard to form a unified easy open self-closing milk carton dispenser, as previously described using a slightly modified Evergreen, or equal, gable-top milk carton packaging machine.

[0012] EMBODIMENT No. 2 Change and reinforce the standard gable-top milk carton polyethylene laminated paperboard blanks, for solely forming the easy open self-closing dispenser, with an easy tear-away tamper evident closure seal, without extraneous plastic to strips or additions. This is the preferred embodiment and is fully described under

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A2/. As stated above, the outlet opened upon squeezing, but only because of an existing outer bulge in the gable-top carton's sloped roof chamber wall portion, formed by the flap folding crease made in the original laminated paperboard blank. Squeezing, the pint size carton was easily accomplished; using thumb and fingers of the lifting hand, placed at the opposing ends of the outer bulge of the gable sloped roof portion. Whereas, for the heavier one quart carton, the location of the squeeze effort was found to be nearer the mid-point of said carton, for easier lifting and pouring, which means one side of the gable-top roof slope must be made steeper, requiring major costly revisions to the gable-top milk carton machines. The bulge is a necessity, without it, the paperboard will not bend or flex to permit squeezing

[0014] A3/ Polypropylene plastic rather than Low Density Polyethylene may be used for making the curved quadrant elongated squeeze-to-open self-closing outlet, should LDPE not be able to withstand the 400 degrees F. oven temperature in conventional gable-top carton packaging machines, on a short exposure basis without melting or fusing together. Further tests confirmed LDPE laminated paperboard, sandwiched over Polypropylene could be fused together at these temperatures.

[0015] A4/ The thermoplastic flexible and resilient plastic inserts mentioned in A2 above may be profile extruded in the same manner as often used by plastic bag producers to integrally extrude “Zip-Loc” or equal reclosable male and female interlocking joints with the thin gauge plastic film sheets of the plastic bags. There are many ways these items can be profile extruded ,the following is one, which those familiar with profile extrusion art may modify, when using thermoplastic flexible and resilient plastics such as low density polyethylene or polypropylene:

[0016] Extrude two ribbon assemblies, one male the other female, each cut to match the opposing interior walls of the milk carton, which corresponds to the overall length of the elongated easy open self closing dispenser, “Zip-Loc” joint, tamper evident seal, and the 45 degree bent attachment when selected instead of using the milk carton's reinforced laminated paperboard which may be preferred as described in paragraph A2 above. All parts to be in the range of 0.020 to 0.032 inches thick, other than the interlocking “Zip-Loc” joints to be as required, with special attention given to the “V” notched bottom of the tear- away indent being as thin as practical, in the range of 0.002 to 0.004 inches, with the legs of the “V” as close as possible.

[0017] After cutting the male and female ribbons to the desired length, superimpose them together along their corresponding edges, and join them together by pressing the “Zip-Loc” interlocking elements for allignment of the extruded parts and fastening of the superimposed assembly by the thin extruded clip for support within the milk carton for forming and sealing the easy open self-closing dispenser via the retrofitted heating and sealing jaws of the gable-top milk carton machine. For further details refer to Brief

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The aforesaid, in some instances generalizes the construction of the finished product, and depends upon the expertise of people involved in the plastic, paperboard, creasing, forming and sealing beverage packaging industry as well as milk or beverage producers, particularly involved with milk cartons for alterations to materials and standard gable-top milk carton packaging machines.

[0019] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0020] Liquid cartons have dominated the market for many years because of their low cost and consumer appeal. However, they have always suffered the disadvantage that they need some skill to open easily and are not reclosable to prevent spillage. It is acknowledged many efforts have been made to eliminate these problems by even reshaping the conventional gable-top to a flat top carton for the addition of all plastic threaded or clip type pouring spouts. The greatest improvement made to-date, after unsuccessful trial runs for plastic opening tabs, appears to be, an all plastic threaded easy-open, easy-pour, easy-close tamper-evident pouring spout, mounted on one of the sloping roof sides of the conventional gable-top paperboard cartons, under the Trademark name of “Spout-Pak”. However, said spout requires two hands to initially open because of its tightly, factory applied threaded pouring spout cap; does not automatically self-close to prevent spillage when left un-capped, and again difficult to open after cap removal, because of the effort required to pull and remove the tamper-evident plastic pull ring within the pouring spout.

[0021] Whereas, the “Self- Closing Valve With Tamper Evident Lip Seal Tab” U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,267 (LAVERDURE) granted Apr. 17, 1990, discloses “a cylindrical container having a self-closing valve portion thermoformed and shaped by clamping, heating and compressing the container's elongated discharge outlet nozzle until it outwardly tapers to an adjoining widened, flattened, smooth curved quadrant discharge slot, which when manually squeezed laterally, at its thick walled tapered container outlet, opens for dispensing; and upon release self-closes”. Is the basis for forming an all plastic or plastic coated laminated paperboard self-closing dispenser outlet for gable-top milk cartons.

[0022] It is acknowledged, that there are many squeeze-to-open and/or self-closing dispensers, and upon review of a few major closure patents listed below, found that major changes to the gable-top carton had to be made for their installation, which confirms why the manufacturer of the gable-top paperboard cartons, recently selected the famous “Spout-Pak” polypropylene plastic threaded pouring spout, after much research and development.

[0023] The following are briefs from the closure patents reviewed:

[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 3,565,147 (AUSNIT) suggests using stiffeners for thin film plastic bags to make them easier to open.

[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 3,315,849 (HERZIG) discloses a plastic collapsible tube with a bent flat neck outlet with metal clip requires squeezing tube until collapsed for complete discharge.

[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 3,610,477 (HERZIG) discloses a collapsible flexible plastic container with automatic closure with nested curved outlet lips requiring complete collapse for discharge of all product.

[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 4,252,257 (HERZIG) discloses a collapsible plastic container having a pinch-off at its outlet that can be squeezed for dispensing providing there is liquid within the container to-apply pressure for discharging.

[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,686 (DOUGHERTY) discloses a plastic bag type container for discharge og liquid droplets. The container is deformable, and pressure is applied to the container to discharge only liquid droplets.

[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 4,163,509 (AMNEUS) discloses a narrow curled plastic flexible spout having a flat slotted outlet that tapers away from a flexible suspended metering chamber for discharge of liquid when pressure is applied to the tube walls.

[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,233 (SOUZA) discloses a self-closing plastic dispenser designed for discharge of viscous materials by squeezing its flexible container body.

[0031] U.S. Pat. No. 3,342,318 (H. S. RUEKBERG) discloses a rigid plastic container having a slotted outlet with soft rubber gasket for making a self sealing closure used for dispensing dry products only such as pills, vitamins etc. not capable of being used for dispensing liquids.

[0032] U.S. Pat. No. 5,727,593 (DUER)discloses a valve having nested curved quadrant clamps exactly the same as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,267 (LAVERDURE)eight years prior, the difference being that DUER's is designed as a flood gate to prevent back flow of water into city streets from flooded rivers and may be as large as 6 ft. in diameter and therefor not intended to be built as a manual squeeze-to-open dispenser outlet.

[0033] Furthermore, the curved outlet is not made of flexible polyethylene plastic but rather of vulcanized rubber.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0034] The following summarizes this invention's preferred embodiment:

[0035] A smaller than one quart gable-top milk carton, preferably the one pint size, having a squeeze-to-open self- closing dispenser with tamper evident tear-away seal closure is constructed solely from the same conventional polyethylene laminated paperboard used for making gable-top milk cartons, thereby making a homogeneous part thereof, without the need for individual extraneous plastic parts. Refer to drawing FIG. 3 and related descriptions, which shows additions and revisions to the conventional polyethylene laminated paperboard blanks for incorporation of the new dispenser and tamper evident seal closure, within the gable-top portion. Therefor, the drawing only shows the four vertical side walls of the carton, adjacent to one another, with two opposing walls ⅜ inches higher for inclusion of the easy-tear tamper evident seal closure and indents for the tear-away portion, at the dispenser's elongated curved slotted outlet; shaded areas that are to be heat sealed; the additional crease and fold line similar and symmetrical to the existing crease and fold line at the carton's gable-top sloping roof; and an extra coat or laminations of low density polyethylene for an overall thickness of {fraction (1/32)} inches at each of the two sloping sides of the gabled roof portion only; for maintaining the outer bulge, flexibility and resilience required for repeated opening and closing cycles of the squeeze-to-open self-closing paperboard dispenser. The pint size gable-top milk carton outer dimensions will not change except for the additional ⅜ inch height atop the present ridge line, and therefor should cause no problem since the height of heater section of the gable-top packaging machine is adjustable. As previously stated the only change required to the said packaging machine is at its forming, and heat sealing jaws for shaping the curved portion of the new dispenser outlet, and tamper evident closure seal. Other embodiments are offered herein under the Description of the Preferred Embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] FIG. 1 Partial view of top portion conventional Gable-Top milk carton

[0037] FIG. 1A Side elevation of FIG. 1 showing curved quadrant elongated dispenser slot in the closed position.

[0038] FIG. 1B Top elevation of FIG. 1 showing relation to FIG. 3 Paperboard Panel Blank.

[0039] FIG. 1C Is a Blow-Up view showing details of dispenser outlet, tamper-evident tear-away seal closure, shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 1D Shows top elevation of FIG. 1A with curved quadrant elongated dispenser slot opened for discharge of contents.

[0041] FIG. 1E Duplicate Blow-Up of FIG. 1C showing optional method of reinforcing curved outlet by adding guide mouth attachments instead of adding additional polyethylene laminates to conventional paperboard blanks.

[0042] FIG. 2 Shows perspective view of hand lifting while squeezing a Gable-Top milk carton for dispensing product.

[0043] FIG. 3 Shows a typical International Paper Co., or equal, flat polyethylene laminated paperboard template for blanks prior to being formed into typical gable-top milk cartons via packaging machines.

[0044] FIG. 4 Generally the same as FIG. 1 except the curved portions of the quadrant shaped outlet is made of thermoplastic such as Low Density Polyethylene.

[0045] FIG. 4A Shows curved outlet slot in closed position.

[0046] FIG. 4B Top elevation of FIG. 4 showing location of squeeze force

[0047] FIG. 4C Blow-Up view showing male and female curved quadrant portions made of LDPE instead of polyethylene laminated paperboard.

[0048] FIG. 4D Top side elevation of FIG. 4A showing curved quadrant elongated slot opened for discharge of product.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0049] The preferred embodiment is a one pint light weight gable-top milk carton which can easily be lifted and squeezed open for dispensing product using the same hand as shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] The Figures above, offer options which when properly selected by those familiar with gable-top milk cartons, can make the preferred embodiment by incorporating this invention's easy open, manual squeeze-to-open while lifting, self-closing spillage-stopper, curved quadrant elongated slotted outlet dispenser, using flat polyethylene laminated paperboard blanks that are folded, formed and sealed when fed into a gable-top milk carton forming and packaging machine, having its clamping jaws for heating and sealing the ridge line atop the roof portion of the gable-top carton revised for forming the male and female nested curved quadrant elongated slotted dispenser outlet. Whether said polyethylene laminated paperboard blanks should be provided with extra polyethylene laminates or new plastic parts for improving the paperboard's plastic memory, flexibility, resilience and “snap-back” required for repeated opening and closing cycles of the dispenser outlet, is the major option to select. Said new plastic parts are shown in FIG. 1E items 46 and 47 Guide mouth attachments and FIG. 4C items 40′ Female portion of curved quadrant, and attachment 45, item 41′ Male portion of curved quadrant and attachment 44. Whereas, FIG. 3 shows a typical International Paper Co., or equal, polyethylene laminated paperboard blank with the following modifications thereto, for inclusion of the invention specified herein, and, without the need for new plastic parts: item 11 pin-points changes, 12 shows shaded surfaces to be sealed, 13 shows the extra length required for the new tamper evident seal closure, 14 the “V” indents required for tear-away of tamper-evident seal closure, 15 new fold line for outer bulge, 16 crease line for item 15 fold, and 17 the ⅜ inch addition for the tamper-evident seal closure. FIG. 1E shows a Blow-up view of FIG. 1C offering the option of reinforcing the polyethylene laminated paperboard curved female 40 and male 41 portions of the curved quadrant elongated dispenser outlet, or adding items 46 and 47 LDPE, or equal, plastic guide mouth attachments, cut to lengths for a snug fit within the opposing inside ends of the curved outlet's mouth portion thus forming an elliptical shape which presses outwardly to form the chamber wall bulge and maintain closure pressure on the dispenser outlet lips for repeated opening and closing cycles. For the record, the concept of using Guide Mouth Attachments is covered in patent application Ser. No. 10/384,233for quick-easy opening of thin film plastic bags. Whereas, FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D depicts the manner in which this invention can be made using only polyethylene laminated paperboard without the need for new extraneous plastic parts, as follows: Item 10 Upper portion of standard 1 quart and under gable-top milk carton solely made from polyethylene laminated paperboard, 14 “V” indent for tear-away tamper-evident seal closure, 17 tamper-evident seal closure, 21 squeeze force arrows, 22 outer bulge fold lines, 23 Gable-top sloping roof, 31 First panel refers to FIG. 3, 32 Second panel refers to FIG. 3, 33 Third panel refers to FIG. 3, 34 fourth panel refers to FIG. 3, 35 Fifth panel vertical corner seam joint refer to FIG. 3, 40 Female portion of curved quadrant elongated dispenser outlet, 41 Male counterpart portion of 40, 42 Female portion of elongated curve support for dispenser, 43 Male counterpart of 42. Whereas, FIGS. 4, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D depicts the manner in which this invention can be made using a combination of polyethylene laminated paperboard blanks and new thermoplastic parts, such as low density polyethylene, or equal, as follows: Item 10 Upper portion of standard 1 quart and under gable-top milk carton made with polyethylene laminated paperboard curved quadrant elongated slotted dispenser outlet reinforced with items 40′ thermoplastic female curved outlet and associated item 41′ thermoplastic male curved outlet, 22 Outer bulge fold line, 23 Gable-top sloping roof; 35 corner vertical seam panel, all shown in FIGS. 4 and 4C.

[0051] Item 32 shows second panel of dispenser outlet in closed position per FIG. 4A and items 40′ and 41′ plastic dispenser outlet lips in the open for discharge position per FIG. 4D. Blow-Up detail FIG. 4C shows the combination of the plastic curved portions, items 40′ and 41′ within the outer polyethylene laminated paperboard curved portions items 40 and 41 of the curved quadrant elongated dispenser slotted outlet; with items 44 and 45 plastic 45 degree bent bulge attachments extending beyond the curved polyethylene laminated paperboard portions.

Claims

1. Squeeze-to-open curved quadrant elongated dispenser having nested male and female curvilinear elements in contact with one another to form a closure which when manually squeezed laterally opens for dispensing and self-closes upon release of the squeeze effort. Said dispenser made from any flexible resilient thermoplastic material similar to low density polyethylene or a combination thereof with paper which can be formed by clamping, compressing, heating and cooling to set its curvilinear shape.

2 A squeeze-to-open dispenser as in claim 1 provided with tamper-evident closure tab with indents for easy tear away of tamper evident closure tab.

3 A squeeze-to-open dispenser as in claim 1, wherein the elongated curved male and female elements are each extended with bent attachments for forming an elliptical shape when opposing ends are joined together, to create an external bulge within the sloping roof portion of a gable-top milk carton to maintain a built-in pressure required for repeated opening and closing cycles of said dispenser.

4 A squeeze-to-open dispenser as in claim 1, wherein the external bulge within the sloping roof portion of a gable-top milk carton is formed by independent flexible and resilient thermoplastic parts, located within the mouth, adjacent to, but not connected to, the nested curved male and female curvilinear elongated dispenser, are formed into an elliptical shape, whereby, when their opposing ends are joined together, exerts and maintains the built-in pressure required for repeated opening and closing cycles of said dispenser.

5 A squeeze-to-open dispenser as in claim 1, wherein the external bulge within the sloping roof portion of a gable-top milk carton is formed by thickening the polyethylene laminated paperboard with additional flexible and resilient thermoplastic material.

6 Wherein the dispenser in claim 1 is used in conjunction with gable-top milk cartons, formed and sealed in standard Evergreen, or equal, milk carton packaging machines, with standard clamping, compressing, heating, sealing and cooling jaws, normally used for forming and sealing the flat ridge portion atop the standard gable-top roof, are modified for forming and sealing the curved quadrant shaped curvilinear elongated dispenser.

7. Wherein conventional phrase “milk carton” is used, implications are that it is a carton that can be used for dispensing other products besides milk.

8. Wherein, conventional phrase “milk carton” is used, implications are any size capable of being formed by beverage gable-top packaging machines.

9. A squeeze-to-open dispenser as in claim 1, wherein the external bulge within the sloping roof portion is made by making the overall dispenser slotted outlet length shorter, than the width of the milk carton, by outwardly tapering the opposing ends of said outlet symmetrically towards the opposing gable roof eaves