CARRIER FOR CONTAINERS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/708,979 filed on Oct. 18, 2024.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/708,979 which was filed on Oct. 18, 2024, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure pertains to blanks for forming carriers, carriers, and methods for forming the carriers from the blanks. More specifically, the present disclosure pertains to dispensing features such as cut lines extending from an outer edge of a carrier for detaching a container that is retained by the carrier.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Carriers are commonly used to group and transport multiple containers, such as bottles or cans, in a single package. New carriers are needed with features for removing a container from a carrier without compromising the strength of the carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In some embodiments, a carrier for holding a plurality of containers may comprise a main panel. The carrier may comprise a receptacle defined in the main panel for holding a container, the receptacle having a perimeter. The carrier may comprise a dispensing feature comprising a cut line extending from an outer edge of the main panel towards the receptacle to a distal end of the cut line, the distal end spaced apart from the perimeter of the receptacle. In various embodiments, the cut line may include an interruption spaced apart from the outer edge of the main panel. In some embodiments, the interruption may be an uncut portion of the main panel. In various embodiments, the receptacle may include a plurality of tabs extending from the perimeter. In some embodiments, each tab of the plurality of tabs may include a respective tab cut line at the perimeter of the receptacle. In various embodiments, each respective tab may include a perimeter interface region having a first length, wherein the respective tab cut line may have a second length, and wherein the first length may be larger than the second length. In some embodiments, the distal end of the cut line may be proximate a first tab cut line. In various embodiments, the cut line may include a first portion extending from the outer edge to a first end and a second portion having a first region aligned with the first portion and spaced apart from the first end, wherein the second portion may include a second region extending from the first region at an oblique angle.

In some embodiments, a blank may comprise a main panel. The blank may comprise a receptacle defined in the main panel for holding a container, the receptacle having a perimeter. The blank may comprise a plurality of tabs extending from the perimeter. The blank may comprise a first cut line extending from an outer edge of the main panel towards the perimeter to a distal end. The blank may comprise a second cut line spaced apart from the first cut line, the second cut line having a first region aligned with the first cut line and a second region extending from the first region at an oblique angle. In various embodiments, the blank may further comprise a third cut line spaced apart from the second cut line, the third cut line having a third region aligned with the first region and a fourth region extending from the third region at an oblique angle. In some embodiments, each tab may include a respective tab cut line at the perimeter. In various embodiments, the first region may be directed towards a first tab cut line. In some embodiments, each respective tab may include a perimeter interface region having a first length, wherein the respective tab cut line may have a second length, and wherein the first length may be larger than the second length. In various embodiments, the first cut line may be an arcuate cut line. In some embodiments, the first cut line may include an interruption spaced apart from the outer edge of the main panel. In various embodiments, the interruption may be an uncut portion of the main panel.

In some embodiments, a package may comprise a carrier including a main panel, a plurality of receptacles defined in the main panel, and a plurality of dispensing features, each comprising a respective cut line extending from an outer edge of the main panel towards a respective receptacle to a respective distal end, each respective distal end spaced apart from the respective receptacle. The package may comprise a plurality of containers, each at least partially received within a respective receptacle. In various embodiments, each receptacle of the plurality of receptacles may have a perimeter and may include a plurality of tabs extending from the perimeter. In some embodiments, each tab of the plurality of tabs may include a respective tab cut line at the perimeter. In various embodiments, each respective tab may include a perimeter interface region having a first length, wherein the respective tab cut line may have a second length, and wherein the first length may be larger than the second length.

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.

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.

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 construct or carrier for holding a plurality of articles according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 2A-2D are multiple views of a package formed by the carrier holding a plurality of articles according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank including a plurality of carriers that are separable from one another along lines of weakening according to embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a carrier for engaging containers to form a package of a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a blank including a plurality of carriers for forming packages of the second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a carrier for engaging containers to form a package of a third embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a blank including a plurality of carriers for forming packages of the third embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8E are views of the carrier of the first embodiment as a container is dispensed using dispensing features of the carrier.

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure generally relates to various features for cartons, sleeves, wraps, and/or carriers that contain or retain articles such as containers, bottles, jars, cans, etc. The articles can be used for packaging beverage and/or food products, for example. The articles can be made from materials suitable in composition for packaging the particular beverage or food item, and the materials include, but are not limited to, plastics such as PET, LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH, and Nylon; glass; aluminum and/or other metals; and the like, or any combination thereof.

Cartons or carriers according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any suitable shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes beverage and/or food containers (e.g., plastic bottles, such as for beverages, including water, sports drinks, sodas, juices, etc., and/or other suitable beverages and/or foods; glass and/or other bottles; beverage cans; food cans; etc.) as disposed within the carrier embodiments. In this specification, the terms “inner,” “interior,” “outer,” “exterior,” “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons. As described herein, constructs can be formed with multiple walls, panels, portions, tabs, flaps, fold lines, and/or other aspects, which may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in sequential or nonsequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

In the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiment being described.

Techniques disclosed herein relate generally to packaging carriers. More specifically, techniques disclosed herein relate to carriers including multiple dispensing features that can provide container access with both enhanced functionality and improved structural integrity. The carriers may include main panels with receptacles and cut lines that may facilitate selective container removal while maintaining carrier stability. Various embodiments may be described herein, including carriers, blanks, packages, and the like.

The present disclosure relates to packaging systems that may facilitate the convenient dispensing of individual containers from multi-container packages. These packaging systems may include carriers, sleeves, or wraps that can hold multiple beverage containers, food containers, or similar articles in an organized arrangement. The carriers may be constructed from paperboard, cardboard, or other suitable materials that can be formed into structures capable of securely holding and transporting multiple containers while providing access features for individual container removal.

The carriers may incorporate specialized dispensing features that can allow consumers to easily access and remove individual containers without compromising the structural integrity of the remaining package. These dispensing features may include strategically positioned cut lines that extend from outer edges of the carrier toward container-holding receptacles. The cut lines may be designed to create controlled tear paths that can enable selective opening of specific portions of the carrier. This design approach may allow consumers to access containers in a controlled manner while maintaining the carrier's ability to hold and protect the remaining containers.

The receptacles within the carriers may be configured with various retention features that can help secure containers during transport and storage while still permitting easy removal when desired. These retention features may include tabs or flaps that extend from the perimeters of the receptacles and can engage with portions of the containers. The tabs may incorporate partial cut lines that can allow for controlled deformation or separation when containers are removed. The combination of dispensing features and retention elements may provide a packaging solution that balances container security with user convenience, potentially reducing waste and improving the overall consumer experience with multi-container packages.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exterior surface 102 of a construct or carrier 105 for holding a plurality of articles, such as containers C (not shown in FIG. 1), to form a package 107 (shown in FIGS. 2A-2D), according to embodiments of the disclosure. In the illustrated embodiments, the containers C are beverage bottles or other suitable containers (e.g., beverage cans, food containers, etc.), each having a top portion or lid L and a rim or flange F. The carrier 105 can be sized to house six containers C in a single layer in a 2×3 arrangement, but it is understood that the carrier 105 may be sized and shaped to hold containers of a different or same quantity in more than one layer and/or in different row/column arrangements e.g., 1×6, 2×6, 3×2, 3×4, 4×6, 3×8, 2×6×2, 3×4×2, 2×9, 3×6, etc.), or just a single article. In the illustrated embodiments, the containers C can be at least partially retained in a respective container-receiving feature or receptacle 111 at least partially defined in two rows in the carrier 105. As shown in FIG. 1, the carrier 105 can include grasping/carrying features 113 (e.g., FIG. 1 has two grasping features 113) for grasping and/or carrying the package 107. Further, in the illustrated embodiments, the carrier 105 can include a plurality of dispensing features or tear features 115 for facilitating removal of the containers C from the respective receptacles 111 when desired by a user.

As shown in FIG. 1, the carrier 105 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiments, the carrier 105 can include a main or top panel 120 with the receptacles 111 defined within the main panel 120. In some embodiments, each of the receptacles 111 can include a perimeter 129 that is at least partially defined by a plurality of tab cut lines 126, an aperture 122 and a plurality of locking tabs 124 foldably connected to the main panel 120 along the perimeter 129. The perimeter 129 is shown in FIG. 1 as an octagon, but can be any suitable shape (e.g., a circle, polygon, rectangle, square, rhombus, asymmetric shape, amorphous shape, etc.). In some embodiments, each of the locking tabs 124 can be foldably connected to the main panel 120 along the perimeter 129 that includes a respective tab cut line 126 (e.g., a longitudinal cut line, lateral cut line, or oblique cut line, depending on the location of the respective locking tab 124 around the receptacle 111) for each locking tab. The tab cut lines 126 can be formed along the perimeter 129 and can be fully cut lines, partially cut lines, or fold lines. In some embodiments, the locking tabs 124 can be separable from respectively adjacent locking tabs 124 along cut lines 128 (e.g., oblique cut lines). Alternatively, the locking tabs 124 could be separable from one another along other suitable lines of weakening and/or could be spaced apart from one another. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the receptacles 111 includes eight locking tabs 124 arranged along the respective apertures 122. Alternatively, the receptacles 111 could include any suitable number of locking tabs 124. Further, any of the receptacles 111 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

In the illustrated embodiments, the grasping features 113 can each include a finger flap 132 foldably connected to the main panel 120 along a curved fold line 134 or other suitable line of weakening). As shown in FIG. 1, the finger flap 132 can be separable from the main panel 120 along a tear or cut line 136. In some embodiments, the curved fold line 134 and the cut line 136 can define a perimeter of a finger opening 152 (not shown in FIG. 1, see, for example, FIGS. 2A-2D) formed by folding the finger flap 132 and at least partially form a circle or other suitable shape. The finger flaps 132 could be omitted or otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the grasping features 113 can include a relief feature 140 spaced inwardly from and adjacent to the respective finger flap 132, outside of the perimeter formed by fold line 134 and cut line 136. In some embodiments, each of the relief features 140 can include first, second and third relief cuts 142a, 142b, 142c, respectively, that may be arcuate in shape. In some embodiments, the first, second and third relief cuts 142a, 142b, 142c, respectively, can be concentric, for example, and the first and second cuts 142a, 142b, respectively, can be spaced apart segments of the same circle or ellipse, for example. Thus, first and second relief cuts 142a, 142b, respectively, can have the same radius of curvature and can be spaced apart by a gap. The first and second relief cuts 142a, 142b, respectively, can be offset from the perimeter of the finger flap 132 by any suitable distance. Third relief cut 142c can be aligned with the gap and may have a different radius of curvature. The third relief cut 142c can be offset from the perimeter of the finger flap by a distance that is greater than the offset distance associated with first and second relief cuts 142a, 142b, respectively. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the ends of the third relief cut 142c can be connected to respective ends of each of the first and second relief cuts 142a, 142b, respectively, along respective optional creases 144 (e.g., oblique creases or other suitable lines of weakening). The relief features 140 may be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, one or both of the creases 144 could be omitted. For example, the relief cuts could be straight cuts, serpentine, concave curved and/or convex curved cuts, a single arcuate cut or multiple concentric cuts that are offset from one another (e.g., radially and/or circumferentially).

In some embodiments each of the first, second and third relief cuts, 142a, 142b, 142c, respectively, can be formed through an entire thickness of the carrier, however in other embodiments each of the relief cuts may be formed through only a portion of the thickness of the carrier (e.g., through 25 percent or less, through 50 percent or less, through 75 percent or less of the thickness). In further embodiments, each of the first, second and third relief cuts, 142a, 142b, 142c, respectively, may be formed differently, (e.g., the first and second relief cuts 142a, 142b, respectively, may be formed through 50 percent of the thickness and the third relief cut 142c may be formed through 100 percent of the thickness.

As shown in FIG. 1, each of the dispensing features 115 can extend from an outer edge 170 of the main panel 120 and can be configured to direct tearing of the main panel 120 toward a respective receptacle 111 when tearing along the respective dispensing features 115. In some embodiments, each of the dispensing features 115 can include a starting cut 172 extending in the main panel 120 from the outer edge 170 to a first end point 177. The starting cut 172 can be an arcuate cut line (e.g., a cut curved from the outer edge 170 towards an adjacent receptacle 111). In some embodiments, the starting cut 172 can be interrupted by a nick 174 (e.g., an uncut portion of the main panel 120), which can help prevent separation of the portions of the main panel 120 on either side of the starting cut 172 before intended. The nick 174 can be uncut, partially cut, creased or other suitable configuration. The nick 174 can be offset from the outer edge 170 of the main panel 120 so the starting cut 172 can facilitate ease of tearing by a user. As shown in FIG. 1, the starting cut 172 can at least partially define a tear tab 175 in the main panel 120 (e.g., along a concave side of the curved starting cut 172). The tear tab 175 can provide an area for grasping the main panel 120 adjacent the starting cut 172 for initiating tearing of the dispensing feature 115.

In the illustrated embodiments, each of the dispensing features 115 can include a tear line 176 extending from the starting cut 172 toward the respective receptacle 111. As shown in FIG. 1, the tear line 176 can help control tearing of the main panel 120 from the starting cut 172 and direct the tearing toward the respective receptacle 111 when tearing from the starting cut 172 to dispense one of the containers C. For example, the tear line 176 can include two spaced cuts or any suitable number of spaced cuts. A first spaced cut can include a first region 176a that is aligned with the starting cut 172 and a second region 176b that extends from the first region 176a at an oblique angle. Similarly, the second spaced cut can include a third region 176c that is aligned with the first region 176a and/or the starting cut 172 and a fourth region 176d that extends from the third region 176c at an oblique angle. Although two spaced cuts are shown in FIG. 1 any suitable number of spaced cuts can be used including one, three, four or more.

A distal end 178 of the tear line 176 can be spaced apart from the perimeter 129 of a respective receptacle by a distance D. The distance D can be designed to facilitate tearing of the main panel 120 for dispensing a respective container C while maintaining sufficient integrity of the carrier 105 for retaining the containers C in engagement with the carrier 105 until desired removal. In some embodiments D can be 0.1 inches or less, 0.2 inches or less, 0.3 inches or less, 0.4 inches or less, 0.5 inches or less, 0.6 inches or less, 0.7 inches or less, 0.8 inches or less, 0.9 inches or less, or 1.0 inches or less.

The distance D can be defined as a distance from the distal end 178 to a target point 127 on the perimeter 129 of the respective receptacle 111. For example, the distal end 178 can be proximate one of the tab tear cuts 126 and the target point 127 can lie on the tab tear cut. In some embodiments the dispensing features 115 are designed to facilitate tearing of the main panel 120 from the outer edge 170 towards the respective receptacles 111. The distance D of the dispensing features 115 from the receptacles can help the carrier 105 support the containers C in the receptacles 111 under load (e.g., while the package 107 is lifted at the grasping features 113 and/or to help prevent tearing of the carrier 105 during stress testing of the package 107). While the dispensing features 115 of FIG. 1 are depicted as the starting cut 172 and two additional tear lines 176, the dispensing features 115 can include a single cut line with multiple nicks, or a single cut line having multiple segments. The dispensing features 115 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, or configured without departing from the disclosure.

The carrier 105 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, any suitable number of grasping features 113 or dispensing features 115 could be included. In other examples, the carrier 105 could include multiple layers that can be glued together and/or can be foldably connected. In further examples, the carrier 105 could include additional panels and/or flaps, such as side panels and end flaps.

In some embodiments, the carrier 105 can be engaged with the containers C to form the package 107 as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D. For example, each of the containers C can be inserted into the respective receptacles 111 from the bottom of the carrier 105 so that the lid L and the flange F push upwardly through the respective aperture 122, pushing the locking tabs 124 upwardly relative to the main panel 120, folding along the respective fold lines 126. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the locking tabs 124 can engage under the flanges F of the containers C (e.g., at respective distal edges of the locking tabs 124). The package 107 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the grasping features 113 (e.g., forming a handle in the carrier 105) can be engaged to grasp, hold, carry, etc. the package 107. For example, a user can insert a finger/thumb by pushing downwardly on the finger flaps 132 to separate the finger flaps 132 from the main panel 120 along the respective cut lines 136, folding along the respective curved fold lines 134. In some embodiments, the downwardly folded finger flaps 132 can at least partially form respective finger openings 152 in the main panel that the user's fingers can extend into. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2D, the user's fingers can grasp the main panel 120 at the finger holes 152 to lift, hold, carry, etc. the package 107. In some embodiments, the relief features 140 can help avoid or reduce tearing of the main panel 120 due to stress from carrying the package 107 at the finger openings 152. For example, the relief features 140 can result in improved carrier pack strength based on drop-jolt testing of the package 107 compared to a carrier without the relief features.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blank 160 including a plurality of carriers 105 that are separable from one another along lines of weakening, according to embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the blank 160 can include four carriers 105 (e.g., four or any suitable number of carriers 105, including a single carrier 105) that are separable from one another along longitudinal tear lines 162 and lateral tear lines 164 or other suitable lines of weakening (e.g., cut lines with spaced nicks). The blank 160 can be delivered to a package assembly system where the individual carriers 105 can be separated from one another before, during, and/or after engagement with respective sets of the containers C to form the packages 107. The blank 160 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a carrier 305 for engaging containers C to form a package (not shown) of a second embodiment of the disclosure. The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 4 the carrier 305 includes dispensing features 315 with starting cuts 372, which can be longer than the starting cuts 172 of the first embodiment (e.g., the starting cuts 372 can be arcuate cuts that have a longer arclength than the starting cuts 172). Further, starting cuts 372 may include two nicks 374a, 374b (e.g., uncut regions, creased regions, etc.) that are spaced apart from each other. For example, the longer starting cuts can form a larger tear tab 375, which can provide a larger area than that of tear tab 175, for grasping and tearing the main panel 120 at the dispensing feature 315. The distal end 178 of the tear line 176 of the dispensing features 315 can be spaced apart from the perimeter 129 of a respective receptacle by a distance D1. The distance D1 may be 0.1 inches or less, 0.2 inches or less, 0.3 inches or less, 0.4 inches or less, 0.5 inches or less, 0.6 inches or less, 0.7 inches or less, 0.8 inches or less, 0.9 inches or less, or 1.0 inches or less. Any of the dispensing features 315 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example blank 360 that includes a plurality of carriers 305. Each carrier 305 and/or the blank 360 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. The plurality of carriers 305 in the blank 360 could include four or any suitable number of carriers 305 including a single carrier 305 that may be separable from one another along longitudinal tear lines 162 and lateral tear lines 164 or other suitable lines of weakening (e.g., cut lines with spaced nicks).

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a carrier 505 for engaging containers C to form a package (not shown) of a third embodiment of the disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similar to the prior embodiments, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 6, the directionality of the dispensing features 515 is reversed relative to the dispensing features 315 of the embodiment of FIGS. 4-5, which can provide a more convenient tearing motion for individuals with a dominant left hand. The distal end 178 of the tear line 176 of the dispensing features 515 can be spaced apart from the perimeter 129 of a respective receptacle by a distance D2. The distance D2 may be 0.1 inches or less, 0.2 inches or less, 0.3 inches or less, 0.4 inches or less, 0.5 inches or less, 0.6 inches or less, 0.7 inches or less, 0.8 inches or less, 0.9 inches or less, or 1.0 inches or less.

FIG. 7. illustrates a plan view of a blank 560 that includes a plurality of carriers 505. The carriers 505 and/or the blank 560 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A-8E illustrate the carrier 105 shown in FIGS. 1-3 during a dispensing process to remove a container C using dispensing features 115. For example, a user can grasp the main panel 120 on either side of the starting cut 172 as shown in FIG. 8A (e.g., at the tear tab 175 and on the opposite side of the starting cut 172 from the tear tab 175) and can pull upwardly on the tear tab 175 while holding the opposite side of the main panel 120 down to break the nick 174 and to tear the main panel 120 along the tear line 176 as shown in FIG. 8B. The user can continue to pull upwardly on tear tab 175 to continue tearing the main panel 120 from the distal end of the tear line 176 to the receptacle 111 that the tear line 176 is directed towards. Once the tearing reaches the aperture 122 of the respective receptacle 111, the container C that was previously held in the receptacle 111 can be released from the carrier 105 as shown in FIGS. 8C-8E. Accordingly, the individual containers C can be released from the carrier 105 as desired by a user while the remaining containers C remained engaged with the respective receptacles 111. The containers C could be otherwise dispensed from the carrier 105 without departing from the disclosure. Containers C can be dispensed from carrier 305 of the embodiments of FIGS. 4-5 or from carrier 505 of the embodiments of FIGS. 6-7 in a similar manner.

In general, the blank may be constructed from paperboard having a caliper so that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. In some embodiments the paperboard may be between 0.005 inches and 0.075 inches thick, between 0.010 inches and 0.050 inches thick or between 0.020 inches and 0.400 inches thick. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carrier to function at least generally as described above. The blank can be coated with, for example, a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect information printed on the blanks. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blanks. The blanks can also be laminated to or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

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

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

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In general, the blanks according to the present disclosure can 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, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton 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.

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 carton embodiments. The term “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and 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. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.