HK40081591A - Carton and blank thereof - Google Patents

Description

Carton and blank therefor

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a carton and a blank for forming a carton, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a carton and a blank therefor including a dispenser for facilitating access to the contents of the carton.

Background

In the field of packaging, it is often desirable to provide a consumer with a package comprising a plurality of articles. Such packaging is desirable for shipping and distribution purposes as well as for displaying promotional information. For cost and environmental reasons, it is desirable to form such cartons or carriers from as little material as possible so as to minimize waste of the material from which the carton or carrier is formed.

Furthermore, it is contemplated that with such packages, the consumer typically does not desire to remove all of the articles from the carton at one time, but rather removes one article at a time from the carton in most cases. Accordingly, a carton having a dispenser that facilitates removal of articles from the carton and prevents articles from rolling out of the carton is desired. Another consideration is the ease of assembly and environmental protection of the package. The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton blank comprising: a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure; a first end closure structure for closing the first end of the tubular structure; a second end closure structure for closing the second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a distribution portion pattern. The plurality of panels comprises a first main panel, a second main panel, a third main panel, a fourth main panel and a securing panel connected in series via longitudinal fold lines, wherein the second main panel and the fourth main panel are opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton. The first end closure structure comprises at least first and second end closure panels hingedly connected to different main panels, respectively, via fold lines, the different main panels being opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton. Interlocking means are provided for securing the first and second end closure panels together when the carton blank is erected into a carton. The interlock device includes: two or more first locking elements associated with the first end closure panel; and two or more second locking elements associated with the second end closure panel, wherein the two or more first locking elements and the two or more second locking elements are sized and configured such that the first locking elements are engageable with the second locking elements, respectively, to secure the first and second end closure panels together. The dispenser pattern comprises at least a first break line extending longitudinally across the entire first end closure panel, wherein at least a first one of the first locking elements is disposed on one side of the first break line and at least a second one of the first locking elements is disposed on the other side of the first break line. Alternatively, the dispenser pattern defines a removable access panel such that the access panel is removable along the dispenser pattern when the carton blank is erected into a carton, and wherein the at least one first locking element is provided on the access panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging articles comprising: a tubular structure; a first composite end panel located at a first end of the tubular structure; a second composite end panel located at a second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a removable dispensing portion for forming a dispensing opening. The tubular structure is formed at least from a plurality of panels connected together via fold lines. The plurality of panels comprises a first main panel, a second main panel, a third main panel, a fourth main panel and a securing panel connected in series via longitudinal fold lines, wherein the second main panel and the fourth main panel are opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton. The first composite end panel comprises at least a first end closure panel and a second end closure panel secured together by interlocking means, the first and second end closure panels being respectively hingedly connected to different main panels opposite each other. The interlock device includes: two or more first locking elements associated with the first end closure panel; and two or more second locking elements associated with the second end closure panel. The two or more first and second locking elements are sized and configured such that the first locking element is engageable with the second locking element, respectively, to secure the first and second end closure panels together. The dispenser is defined by a dispenser pattern extending across the entire first composite end panel and including at least a first severance line extending across the entire first end closure panel, wherein at least a first one of the first locking elements is disposed on one side of the first severance line and at least a second one of the first locking elements is disposed on the other side of the first severance line. Alternatively, the dispenser comprises an access panel defined by a dispenser pattern such that the access panel is removable along the dispenser pattern, and wherein the at least one first locking element is provided on the access panel.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a carton blank comprising: a plurality of main panels for forming a tubular structure; a first end closure structure for closing the first end of the tubular structure; a second end closure structure for closing the second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a distribution portion pattern. The first end closure structure comprises at least a first end closure panel and a second end closure panel hingedly connected to different main panels, respectively, via fold lines, wherein the different main panels are opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton. Interlocking means are provided for securing the first and second end closure panels together when the carton blank is erected into a carton. The interlock device includes: a first locking element associated with the first end closure panel; and a second locking element associated with the second end closure panel, wherein the first and second locking elements are sized and configured such that the first locking element is engageable with the second locking element to secure the first and second end closure panels together. The dispenser pattern defines a removable access panel and comprises at least a first line of severance extending longitudinally across the entire first end closure panel such that the access panel is removable along the dispenser pattern when the carton blank is erected into a carton, and wherein the first locking element is not disposed on the access panel.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first locking element is a locking tab having a main body and two foldable parts, each at an end of the locking tab in the length direction, the main body being dimensioned to fit the second locking element.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there is provided a carton for packaging articles comprising: a tubular structure; a first composite end panel located at a first end of the tubular structure; a second composite end panel located at a second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a removable dispensing portion for forming a dispensing opening. The tubular structure is formed at least by a plurality of main panels connected together via fold lines. The first composite end panel includes at least first and second end closure panels secured together by interlocking means. An interlocking device: comprising a first locking element associated with the first end closure panel; and a second locking element associated with the second end closure panel, wherein the first and second locking elements are sized and configured such that the first and second locking elements are engageable to secure the first and second end closure panels together and, after removal of the dispensing portion associated with the first and second end closure panels, at least portions of the first and second end closure panels remain secured together by at least one pair of the first and second locking elements, forming a stop wall that prevents articles in the carton from rolling out.

Within the scope of the present application, it is contemplated that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set forth in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims, and/or in the following description and drawings may be employed independently or in any combination thereof. For example, features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of the features.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a first embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 is a first perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of fig. 1, showing an end including a dispenser;

fig. 3 is a second perspective view of the carton formed from the blank of fig. 1, showing the ends of the dispenser removed to form a dispensing opening;

fig. 4 and 5 illustrate a carton constructed from the blank of fig. 1 in a flat folded configuration;

fig. 6 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to a second embodiment of the invention;

fig. 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of a first locking element of an interlock device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

figure 8 shows a diagrammatic representation of a first locking element of an interlock device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 9 shows a diagrammatic representation of a first locking element of an interlock device according to a third embodiment of the invention.

Like reference numerals refer to like features throughout the several views.

Detailed Description

Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of packages, blanks, and cartons are disclosed herein. It is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the ways in which certain aspects of the invention may be practiced and are not representative of all ways in which the invention may be practiced. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used broadly to refer to an embodiment that is used as a drawing, specimen, model or pattern. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein can be embodied in various and optional forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Therefore, the specific and relative dimensions shown in the drawings are not to be construed as limiting. Well-known components, materials or methods have not necessarily been described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows a plan view of a blank 10 capable of forming a carton 90 (see fig. 2 and 3) having a dispenser D according to a first embodiment of the invention. The carton can be formed into a secondary package to be used to package and contain a group of primary product containers or packages, such as, but not limited to, cans.

In the embodiments described in detail herein, for non-limiting purposes of illustrating various features of the invention, the terms "carton" and "carrier" refer to containers for engaging, carrying, and/or dispensing articles, such as primary product containers. It is envisioned that the teachings of the present invention are applicable to a variety of product containers that may or may not be tapered and/or cylindrical. Exemplary containers include bottles (e.g., metal, glass, or plastic bottles), cans (e.g., aluminum cans), tins, bags, sachets, and the like.

The blanks described herein are formed from a sheet of suitable substrate. It will be understood that, as used herein, the term "suitable substrate" includes a wide variety of foldable sheets such as paperboard, corrugated board, cardboard, plastic, combinations thereof and the like. It will be appreciated that one or more blanks may be employed, for example, where appropriate, to provide a carton or carrier structure described in more detail below.

The substrate may be made of or coated with a particular material to increase its strength. One surface of the substrate may have different characteristics than the other surface. For example, the surface of the substrate used to form the outside of the packaging structure may be particularly smooth and may have a coating (such as a clay coating) or be subjected to other surface treatment measures to provide good printability. On the other hand, the inward-facing surface of the substrate may be provided with a coating, cladding, surface treatment, or otherwise prepared to provide desired properties, such as tear resistance, good adhesion, heat sealability, or one or more other desired functional properties.

In an exemplary embodiment, the blank 10 is configured to form a carton 90 for packaging articles. The carton 90 can be sized and shaped, for example, for packaging cans arranged in a 2 x 6 matrix, among other things. It should be noted that the blank can be configured as desired to form a carton for packaging any other type, number, and size of articles and/or for packaging articles in a different arrangement or configuration.

Fig. 1 is illustrated with the exterior surface of a blank 10. The blank 10 comprises a multi-major panel, a first end closure structure, a second end closure structure, an interlock, and a dispenser pattern 70. The plurality of panels includes: a first main panel 20, a second main panel 22, a third main panel 24, a fourth main panel 26 and a fixing panel 28 connected in series, which are hinged one to the next in series by a longitudinally extending first, second, third and fourth fold line 21, 23, 25, 27, respectively. Securing panel 28 may be coated with glue or other adhesive to adhere to first main panel 20 such that second main panel 22 and fourth main panel 26 are arranged opposite each other to form a tubular structure. Alternatively, the retainer panel 28 may take other shapes, such as a serrated shape, to reduce the amount of glue or other adhesive used. Alternatively, the securing panel may be secured to the first main panel 20 by staples to avoid the use of glue or other adhesives.

In the illustrated embodiment, the third main panel 24 defines a generally triangular opening H. Through which product information provided on the surface of the articles loaded in the carton, such as expiration dates or bar codes, which are typically printed on the outer surface of the articles, as well as any other desired information, can be read from outside the carton. In the illustrated embodiment, an opening H is provided in the bottom surface of the carton 90 to enable product information on the bottom of an article, such as a can, to be viewed. It is understood that the openings H can be provided on any main panel and have different numbers (e.g., two or more), different shapes (e.g., rectangular, circular, diamond, octagonal, irregular, etc.), in different locations (e.g., in the middle of the main panel, near the edges of the main panel), etc., as desired.

In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth main panel 26 has two cutouts W formed therein, each of which includes a rectangular opening and a circular opening aligned therewith. The cut-outs W may constitute part of a pattern printed on the respective main panel. The cut-out W may also be used to enable at least a portion of at least one article disposed adjacent the cut-out W to be visible from outside the carton through the cut-out W when the article is loaded into the carton. Advantageously, the at least one article can be placed in a desired orientation relative to its corresponding cut-out W such that at least a portion of the outer surface of the at least one article cooperates with the pattern printed on the outer surface of the respective main panel of the carton 90 to collectively provide a desired visual effect.

Preferably, the cuts W can be provided in different numbers, in different shapes, in different positions, etc., as desired.

Preferably, the display window W and the opening H can be sealed by a clear plastic film or any other suitable material to prevent dust and moisture from entering the carton 90.

Glue or other adhesive may be applied to the outer surface of the securing panel 28 and/or to a corresponding area of the inner surface of the first main panel 20 when assembling the carton 90. The carton 90 is erected to form a tubular structure having a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape by securing the first main panel 20 to the securing panel 28 with the corresponding region of the first main panel 20 in face contacting relationship with the securing panel 28, with the second and fourth main panels being disposed opposite one another, as shown in figures 2 and 3.

The first and second ends of the tubular structure can be completely closed with a first end closure structure and a second end closure structure, respectively.

The first end closure structure is configured to close a first end of the tubular structure and includes: a first end closure panel 12 hingedly connected to a first end of the first main panel 20 by a fifth fold line 13 a; a first support panel 14 hingedly connected to a first end of the second main panel 22 by a sixth fold line 15 a; a second end closure panel 16 hingedly connected to a first end of the third main panel 24 by a seventh fold line 17 a; a second support panel 18 hingedly connected to a first end of the fourth main panel 26 by an eighth fold line 19 a. In use, the first and second support panels 14, 18 engage and support the first and second end closure panels 12, 16.

The second end closure structure is configured to close the second end of the tubular structure and includes: a third end closure panel 2 hingedly connected to the second end of the first main panel 20 by a ninth fold line 13b and having a first interlocking notch N1 and a first securing tab 2a hingedly connected thereto by a thirteenth fold line 3; a fourth end closure panel 4 hingedly connected to a second end of the second main panel 22 by a tenth fold line 15 b; a fifth end closure panel 6 hingedly connected to the second end of the third main panel 24 by an eleventh fold line 17b and having the same structure as the third end closure panel 2, namely having a second interlocking notch N2 and a second securing tab 6a hingedly connected thereto by a fourteenth fold line 7; and a sixth end closure panel 8 hingedly connected to a second end of the fourth main panel 26 by a twelfth fold line 19 b.

The interlocking means comprises a first locking element associated with the first end closure panel 12; and a second locking element associated with the second end closure panel 16. In the embodiment shown, the first locking element comprises a first and a second locking tab 32a, 32b, which are hingedly connected, by a fifteenth and a sixteenth fold line 33a, 33b respectively, to the first end closure panel 12 in the vicinity of the free end opposite to the first main panel and which extend to project from the first end closure panel 12. The second locking element comprises a first and a second locking slit 42a, 42b, which are arranged along the seventh fold line 17a between the third main panel 24 and the second end closure panel 16. The first and second locking tabs 32a, 32b have seventeenth and eighteenth fold lines 35a, 35b, respectively, generally flush with the free edge 29 of the first end closure panel 12 for ease of folding, but it will be appreciated that these fold lines 35a, 35b may be absent. Preferably, three or more locking protrusions and corresponding locking slits may be provided to enhance the locking ability.

By interlocking means, the first composite end panel can be formed without the use of glue or other adhesives so that the carton can be conveniently and quickly closed after loading of the articles without the need for additional ancillary equipment.

The blank 10 is typically formed into a flat folded tubular configuration for shipping or distribution and is converted into a tubular configuration when it is desired to load the article. The flat-folded tubular structure may be formed by a series of successive folding operations in a linear machine so that rotation or inversion of the carton 90 is not required to complete. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may vary depending on the particular manufacturing requirements.

Take the blank shown in fig. 1 as an example, where the outer surface of the blank is seen. Glue G or other adhesive may be applied to at least partial areas of the outer surface of the securing panel 28, the outer surface of the fourth end closure panel 4 and the outer surface of the sixth end closure panel 8, respectively. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive may be applied to a portion of the inner surface of the first main panel 20 and a portion of the inner surfaces of the first and second fixing tabs 2a, 6 a.

The third, fourth, fifth and sixth end closure panels 2, 4, 6, 8 are folded inwardly about ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth fold lines 13b, 15b, 17b and 19 b. The first securing tab 2a is then folded outwardly about the thirteenth fold line 3 into overlying relationship with part of the third end closure panel 2 and the second securing tab 6a is folded outwardly about the fourteenth fold line 7 into overlying relationship with part of the fifth end closure panel 6. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the fourth main panel 26 is folded inwardly about the third fold line 25 such that the fourth main panel 26 is disposed in overlying relationship with the third main panel 24 and the outer surface of the sixth end closure panel 8 is bonded to the inner surface of the second securing tab 6 a. The first main panel 20 is then folded inwardly about the first fold line 21 so that the first main panel 20 is disposed in overlying relationship with the second main panel 24 and the securing panel 28 and the third closure panel is disposed beneath the securing panel 28, whereby the first main panel 20 is bonded to the securing panel 28 and the outer surface of the fourth end closure panel 4 is bonded to the inner surface of the first securing tab 2 a. The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat folded tubular structure (as shown in fig. 5) that can be easily transported or distributed to a converting facility.

The flat folded tubular structure may be erected into a tubular structure having a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape at the converting apparatus for loading the articles. The first main panel 20 may be spaced from the third main panel 24 by displacing or translating the first main panel 20 relative to the third main panel 24. In doing so, the bonded third and fourth end closure panels 2, 4 and the bonded fifth and sixth end closure panels 6, 8 can be automatically erected and moved toward each other until the first and second interlocking notches N1, N2 snap into each other, forming a second composite end panel closing the second end of the tubular structure. At this point, the flat folded blank is erected into a tubular structure.

After the flat folded blank is erected into a tubular structure, the first and second end closure panels 12, 16 are secured together by inserting the first and second locking tabs 32a, 32b into the first and second locking slits 42b, 42a, respectively, so that the first end closure panel 12, the first support panel 14, the second end closure panel 16, and the second support panel 18 together form a first composite end panel to close the first end of the tubular structure. The first end closure panel 12 completely covers the width of the second main panel 22 and remains intact, making it easier to pattern the desired spray on the first end closure panel and exhibiting good integrity.

Referring again to fig. 1, the blank 10 includes a dispenser pattern 70 for forming a dispenser D for facilitating access to articles within the carton 90 that includes a plurality of severance lines, namely first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh severance lines 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, to define a removable access panel 60. The access panel 60 includes: a first distribution panel 12a delimited in the first end closure panel 12 by a first break line 53; a second distribution panel 62 collectively defined by second, third, fifth, sixth severance lines 55, 57, 61, 63 in the first, second and third main panels 20, 22, 24; a third distribution panel 16a, delimited in the second end closure panel 16 by a seventh break line 65; and a tear initiation 64 defined in the second main panel 22 by the fourth break line 59 and hingedly connected to the second dispensing panel 62 by a nineteenth fold line 67. In the presently illustrated arrangement, the break lines 53, 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65 are individually marked to help describe these break lines, but they may also be considered a single break line.

The fourth break line 59 is generally "U" shaped and includes a first end and a second end, each adjacent or connected to a respective one of the ends of the nineteenth fold line 67. Alternatively, the fourth break line 59 may be of a suitable shape such as triangular, rectangular, etc. Preferably, the fourth break line 59 may have a weaker strength than the other break lines 53, 55, 57, 61, 63, 65, so that it can break with less applied force.

In the illustrated embodiment, the smoothly joined second and third break lines 55, 57 and the smoothly joined fifth and sixth break lines 61, 63 are symmetrical about the centerline of the nineteenth fold line 67 and curve at least partially inwardly concavely away from both ends of the fourth break line 59, respectively, with respect to a straight line along the fold line 15a (which may also be said to be the first end of the blank), extending in a direction generally toward the free edge of the first main panel 20 and the third fold line 25. The second break line 55 does not meet the free edge of the first panel but is bent towards the first break line 53 and is connected to the first break line 53 at the fifth fold line 13 a. The sixth break line 63 does not meet the third break line 25, but is bent toward the seventh break line 65 and connected to the seventh break line 65 at the seventh fold line 17 a. The outwardly diverging concavely curved shape smoothes the transition between the third and fourth break lines 57, 59 and between the fifth and fourth break lines 61, 59, respectively, at their first ends, thereby avoiding stress concentration points. An advantage of diverging outwardly in an inwardly concavely curved shape is that the inward curvature promotes a tear initiated at the tear initiation 64 to progress smoothly and correctly along, for example, the break lines 57 and 55, thereby reducing the likelihood of the tear deviating from the break lines 55 and 57 to prevent tearing of other parts of the carton. It will be understood that both the second and third break lines 55, 57 and both the fifth and sixth break lines 61, 63 may be arranged asymmetrically.

The first severance line 53 extends across the entire longitudinal length of the first end closure panel 12 dividing the first end closure panel 12 into a first dispensing panel 12a and a first stop panel 12b, wherein the first dispensing panel 12a is contiguous with the second dispensing panel 62 and the first locking tab 32a is located on one side of the first severance line 53 and the second locking tab 32b is located on the other side of the first severance line 53. The seventh break line 65 extends across the entire longitudinal length of the second end closure panel 16, dividing the second end closure panel 16 into a third dispensing panel 16a and a second stop panel 16b, wherein the third dispensing panel 16a is contiguous with the second dispensing panel 62 and the first locking slit 42a is on one side of the seventh break line 65 and the second locking slit 42b is on the other side of the seventh break line 65. Advantageously, the profile of the first break line 53 coincides with the profile of the seventh break line 65 when the first end closure panel 12 is applied to the second end closure panel 16, so that, after removal of the access panel 60, the first stop panel 12b and the second stop panel 16b have overlapping free edges, enhancing the aesthetic appearance. In addition, since the first end closure panel 12 and the second end closure panel 16 are secured together by interlocking means, i.e., the two panels are not bonded together, a single layer removal is still possible at the time of tearing. The user is able to remove the panel with less force than a conventional double panel glued together, which is easier to handle.

In the carton 90 shown in fig. 2, the user can push the tear initiation 64 inwardly so that it is severed from the second main panel 22 along the fourth line of severance 59 and is folded inwardly along the nineteenth fold line 67 to form a tear in the second main panel 22 which permits access by the user's fingers to grasp a portion of the access panel 60. Once the tear initiation 64 has been recessed and pulled outwardly towards the access panel 60, the third and fifth break lines 57, 61 may be broken, then broken along the second and sixth break lines 55, 63 respectively, and finally broken along the first and seventh break lines 53, 65, respectively, thereby removing the access panel 60, forming a dispensing opening in the carton, as shown in fig. 3. Alternatively, the nineteenth fold line 67 may be a break line, the tear initiation 64 dropping from the second main panel 22 to form a tear when the tear initiation 64 is pushed inwardly.

Upon removal of the access panel 60, the first and second stop panels 12b, 16b remain locked by the engagement between the first and second locking tabs 32a, 42b, forming a stop wall that prevents articles in the carton 90 from sliding off. Preferably, in the case where there are three or more first locking elements (e.g. locking projections) and second locking elements (e.g. locking slits), the plurality of first locking elements and the plurality of second locking elements are still distributed on either side of the first and seventh break lines, respectively, so that upon removal of the access panel 60, the first stop panel 12b and the second stop panel 16b can maintain the locked condition by cooperation of at least one pair of first and second locking elements of the interlock. Preferably, the height of the stop wall is no greater than the diameter of the articles within the carton so that the stop wall can both inhibit the underlying articles from inadvertently exiting the carton prior to intended removal and enable the articles within the carton to be viewed through the dispensing opening.

Fig. 2 and 3 illustrate an assembled carton 90 having a dispenser D, with: a tubular structure formed of a first main panel 20, a second main panel 22, a third main panel 24, a fourth main panel 26 and a fixing panel 28 connected together in series; a first composite end panel at a first end of the tubular structure; a second composite end panel at the second end of the tubular structure; and a dispenser D including a dispenser pattern 70 and an access panel 60 defined by the dispenser pattern 70.

The first composite end panel is formed from first and second support panels 14, 18 and first and second end closure panels 12, 16 secured together by interlocking means, wherein the first end closure panel 12, first support panel 14, second end closure panel 16 and second support panel 18 are hingedly connected to first main panel 20, second main panel 22, third main panel 24 and fourth main panel 26 by fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth fold lines 13a, 15a, 17a and 19a respectively.

The second composite end panel is formed from third, fourth, fifth and sixth end closure panels 2, 4, 6, 8 hingedly connected to first, second, third and fourth main panels 20, 22, 24 and 26 by ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth fold lines 13b, 15b, 17b and 19b respectively.

The interlock device includes: first and second locking tabs 32a, 32b, respectively, hingedly connected to the first end closure panel 12 adjacent and extending beyond the free end opposite the first main panel 20; and first and second locking slits 42a, 42b provided along a seventh fold line 17a between the third main panel 24 and the second end closure panel 16.

The access panel 60 of the dispenser D may be fully disengaged from the carton 90 to provide a dispensing opening for removing articles from the carton 90. To remove the access panel 60, the tear initiation 64 is broken by pressing inwards in the region of the break line 59. The user can then grasp a portion of the access panel 60 and peel the access panel 60 upward.

Upon removal of the access panel 60, the first stop panel 12b of the first end closure panel 12 and the second stop panel 16b of the second end closure panel 16 remain locked by the interlock, forming a stop wall that prevents articles in the carton 90 from sliding off.

Fig. 6 shows a plan view of a blank 100 capable of forming a carton or carrier having a dispenser D according to a second embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated second embodiment, like numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like parts, except that the suffix "0" has been added to indicate that these features belong to the second embodiment. The second embodiment shares many common features with the first embodiment and therefore only the differences from the embodiment illustrated in fig. 1 to 5 will be described in any more detail.

Referring to fig. 6, similar to the blank 10, the blank 100 includes a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure, a first end closure structure, a second end closure structure, an interlock, and a dispenser pattern 700. The plurality of panels includes: first main panel 200, second main panel 220, third main panel 240, fourth main panel 260 and securing panel 280 connected in series are respectively hinged one to the next in series by longitudinally extending fold lines. The securing panel 280 will be secured to the first main panel 200 such that the second main panel 220 and the fourth main panel 260 are arranged opposite each other to form a tubular structure.

The first and second ends of the tubular structure can be completely closed with a first end closure structure and a second end closure structure, respectively.

The first end closure structure is configured to close a first end of the tubular structure and includes: a first end closure panel 120, a first support panel 140, a second end closure panel 160 and a second support panel 180 are hingedly connected to a first end of the first, second, third and fourth main panels 200, 220, 240, 260, respectively, by fold lines.

The second end closure structure is configured to close the second end of the tubular structure and is identical in structure to the second end closure structure of the first example blank 10.

The interlocking means comprises a first locking element associated with the first end closure panel 120; and a second locking element associated with the second end closure panel 160. In the embodiment shown, the first locking element is a locking tab 320 hingedly connected by a fold line 330 to and extending beyond the free end of the first end closure panel 120 opposite the first main panel. The second locking element is a locking slot 420 provided along the fold line between the third main panel 240 and the second end closure panel 160. The first locking tab 320 has a fold line 350 that is generally flush with the free edge of the free end of the first end closure panel 120 for easy folding, but it will be appreciated that the fold line may be absent. Preferably, the length of the locking tab 320 is in the range of 50% to 70% of the length of the first end closure panel 120 in the direction of said free edge of the first end closure panel 120 to enhance the locking capability.

The dispenser pattern 700 is arranged similarly to the dispenser pattern 70 in the first example blank 10, with the break line 530 of the dispenser pattern 700 extending across the entire longitudinal length of the first end closure panel 120, thereby dividing the first end closure panel 120 into a first dispensing panel 120a and a first stop panel 120b, and with one locking tab 320 located on the side of the break line 530 remote from the first dispensing panel 120a, i.e., associated with the first stop panel 120 b. The break line 650 of the dispenser pattern 700 extends across the entire longitudinal length of the second end closure panel 160, dividing the second end closure panel 160 into a third dispensing panel 160a and a second stop panel 160b, and one locking slit 420 is located on the side of the break line 650 remote from the third dispensing panel 160a, i.e. in association with the second stop panel 160 b. The first end closure panel 120 and the second end closure panel 160 are secured together by inserting the locking tab 320 into the locking slot 420 as the first end closure panel 120 is overlaid onto the second end closure panel 160.

Similar to the carton formed from the blank 10 of the first embodiment, on the carton formed from the blank 100 of the second embodiment, the user can push the tear initiation 640 inwardly to break it along the break line from the second main panel 220 and bend it inwardly along the fold line 670 to form a tear in the second main panel 220 which permits the user to grasp a portion of the access panel 600. Once the tear initiation 640 has been invaginated and pulled outward toward the access panel 600, the other severance lines may be broken down to severance lines 530 and 650, thereby removing the access panel 600 and forming a dispensing opening in the carton. Upon removal of the access panel 600, the first and second stop panels 120b, 160b remain locked by the engagement between the lock tab 320 and the lock slot 420, forming a stop wall that prevents articles in the carton 90 from sliding off.

Fig. 7 shows a first embodiment of a first locking element of the interlocking device. As an example, the first locking element may be a locking tab 300 comprising a semi-circular head 301 protruding from the free edge 29 of the first end closure panel 12 and a handle 302 integrally formed therewith and hingedly connected to the first end closure panel 12 by a fold line 305, wherein the handle 302 has a width w1 less than a lower width w2 of the head 301, thereby forming a shoulder 303 between the head and the handle. The lower width w2 of the head 301 is larger than the length of the corresponding locking slit, preferably the lower width of the head 301 is 1.1-1.4 times, such as 1.2 times, the length of the corresponding locking slit, so that after the locking tab 300 is inserted into the corresponding locking slit, the shoulder 303 will prevent the head 301 of the locking tab from coming out of the locking slit, thereby securely fixing the first and second end closure panels together. In the example shown, the head 301 is spaced a distance from the free edge 29 of the first end closure panel. It will be appreciated that this distance is greater than the thickness of the carton so that the head can fully enter the locking slot and cause the shoulder to abut the inner surface of the carton. Alternatively, the head 301 may have other shapes, such as triangular, tapered polygonal, etc. The tapered head facilitates insertion of a locking tab having a dimension slightly larger than the locking slot into the locking slot. Alternatively, there is no shoulder between the tapered head of the locking tab and the shank. In this case, the locking tab and the locking slot are sized to form an interference fit therebetween to prevent the locking tab from being removed from the locking slot. Where the first locking element is a locking tab 32a, 32b, 300, the first end closure panel 12 with which it is associated can still present a complete panel after being secured to the second end closure panel 16, enabling the design of promotional, advertising and the like information intended to be printed on the panel without the need to take into account that certain portions of the panel may be missing after assembly.

Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of the first locking element of the interlocking device. As an example, the first locking element may be a locking insert 400 stamped from first end closure panel 12 inside free edge 29 of first end closure panel 12 and hingedly connected to first end closure panel 12 by a fold line. Advantageously, the locking insert 400 is disposed adjacent the free edge 29. The width w3 of the lock insert 400 is greater than the length of the corresponding lock slot, preferably 1.1-1.4 times the length of the corresponding lock slot, such that after the lock insert 400 is inserted into the corresponding lock slot, the lock insert 400 is prevented from coming out of the lock slot, thereby securely fixing the first and second end closure panels together. Alternatively, the locking insert 400 may have the configuration of the locking tab 300 to securely hold the first and second end closure panels together by the shoulder.

Fig. 9 shows a third embodiment of the first locking element of the interlocking device. As an example, the first locking element may be a locking tab 500 comprising a main body 501 protruding from the free edge 29 of the first end closure panel 12 and tapering and a foldable portion 502 hingedly coupled to the main body by a fold line 503. The maximum width w4 of the body 501 is arranged to fit the length of the second locking element (e.g. locking slit). Before the locking tab 500 is inserted into the locking slit, the foldable portion 502 is folded and after the locking tab 500 is fully inserted into the locking slit, it will automatically unfold at least to some extent towards the unfolded state due to the absence of pressure exerted on the foldable portion 502, thereby securely fixing the first and second end closure panels together. In the example shown, there is a transition of slightly smaller width that is not connected to the foldable portion 502 and that spaces the widest portion of the main body 501 a distance from the first end closure panel. It will be appreciated that this distance is slightly greater than the paperboard thickness of the carton to enable the portion of the main body with the foldable portion 502 to be fully inserted into the locking slot and to enable the foldable portion to be at least partially unfolded. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the locking tab 320 may be foldable at each end in a direction along its length. Also, the third embodiment of the first locking element ensures the integrity of the first end closure panel, enabling the design of promotional, advertising and like information intended to be printed on the panel without the need to consider that certain portions of the panel will be missing after assembly.

It will be understood that where two or more first locking elements are present, they may be of different sizes and forms, or may be identical.

It will be appreciated that various changes can be made within the scope of the invention. For example, the position of both the first end closure panel and the second end closure panel may be reversed, the dispenser pattern may be placed across the second, third, fourth main panels and the position of the first end closure panel and the second end closure panel adjusted accordingly, the size and shape of each panel, the arrangement of the interlocking devices, and the size and shape of the access panels may be adjusted, etc. to accommodate and remove different sizes or shapes of articles.

It will be appreciated that, as used herein, directional references such as "top," "bottom," "base," "front," "back," "end," "side," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientations, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another. As used herein, numerical descriptions such as "first," "second," "third," etc. for various terms such as "polyline" are for purposes of distinction only and are not intended to be limiting in any way.

As used herein, "line of weakness" refers to any line defining a line of separation in a foldable sheet (such as paperboard) that serves to facilitate separation of portions of a blank formed from the sheet from one another, or otherwise indicate an optimal separation location on the blank. The line of weakness can be formed by a single cut line, a single half cut line, a perforated line, a cut line, a slit cut line, a half cut line, any combination thereof, and the like.

As used herein, the term "hinged" refers to all manner of attachment provided by one or more fold lines defining the hinged features of the sheet or substrate of the blank. Such one or more fold lines facilitate folding respective portions of the blank or substrate relative to one another, or otherwise indicate an optimal fold location for the blank or substrate. Any reference to "hinged" should not be construed as necessarily referring to a connection provided by only a single fold line; in practice, "hinged" may refer to a connection formed by two or more fold lines.

The term "fold line" as used herein refers to any line defining a hinge line in a foldable substrate (such as paperboard) for facilitating folding of portions of the substrate or blank relative to one another, or otherwise indicating an optimal folding location on the substrate or blank. The fold line may be formed by a single indentation, a single half-cut line, a perforated line, a cut line, a short slit cut crease line, a half-cut line, a crease line, and the like, any combination thereof, and the like.

It should be understood that the elements of the fold lines or cut lines, such as cut lines, indentations, half-cuts, seam cuts, perforations, etc., may be sized to provide the desired functionality. For example, the perforation lines can be sized or designed to be weaker to define fold lines and/or severance lines. Perforated lines can be designed to promote folding and prevent breakage, to promote folding and promote breakage with more force, or to promote breakage with less force.

Claims (18)

1. A carton blank, comprising: a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure; a first end closure structure for closing a first end of the tubular structure; a second end closure structure for closing the second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a distribution portion pattern (70);

the plurality of panels comprising a first main panel (20), a second main panel (22), a third main panel (24), a fourth main panel (26) and a securing panel (28) connected in series via longitudinal fold lines, wherein the second and fourth main panels are opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton,

the first end closure structure comprises at least first (12) and second (16) end closure panels hingedly connected to different main panels, respectively, via fold lines, the different main panels being opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton;

said interlocking means being for securing together said first end closure panel (12) and said second end closure panel (16) when the carton blank is erected into a carton,

the interlock device includes: two or more first locking elements (32 a, 32 b) associated with the first end closure panel (12); and two or more second locking elements (42 a, 42 b) associated with the second end closure panel (16), wherein the two or more first locking elements and the two or more second locking elements are sized and configured such that the two or more first locking elements are engageable with the two or more second locking elements, respectively, to secure the first end closure panel (12) and the second end closure panel (16) together;

wherein the dispenser pattern (70) comprises at least a first break line (53) extending longitudinally across the entire first end closure panel (12), wherein at least a first one of the two or more first locking elements is disposed on one side of the first break line (53) and at least a second one of the two or more first locking elements is disposed on the other side of the first break line (53).

2. A carton blank, comprising: a plurality of panels for forming a tubular structure; a first end closure structure for closing a first end of the tubular structure; a second end closure structure for closing the second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a distribution portion pattern (70);

the plurality of panels comprising a first main panel (20), a second main panel (22), a third main panel (24), a fourth main panel (26) and a securing panel (28) connected in series via longitudinal fold lines, wherein the second and fourth main panels are opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton,

the first end closure structure comprises at least first (12) and second (16) end closure panels hingedly connected to different main panels, respectively, via fold lines, the different main panels being opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton;

said interlocking means being for securing together said first end closure panel (12) and said second end closure panel (16) when the carton blank is erected into a carton,

the interlock device includes: two or more first locking elements (32 a, 32 b) associated with the first end closure panel (12); and two or more second locking elements (42 a, 42 b) associated with the second end closure panel (16), wherein the two or more first locking elements and the two or more second locking elements are sized and configured such that the two or more first locking elements are engageable with the two or more second locking elements, respectively, to secure the first end closure panel (12) and the second end closure panel (16) together;

wherein the dispenser pattern (70) defines a removable access panel (60) such that the access panel (60) is removable along the dispenser pattern (70) when the carton blank is erected into a carton, and wherein at least one of the first locking elements is provided on the access panel (60).

3. A carton blank according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the two or more first locking elements are provided at a free end of the first end closure panel opposite the fold line at which the respective one of the different main panels is connected to the first end closure panel; and the two or more second locking elements are disposed proximate to the fold line at which the second end closure panel is connected to a respective one of the different main panels.

4. A carton blank according to claim 3, wherein the first locking element is a locking tab (300) or a locking insert (400) or a combination thereof and the second locking element is a locking slit, wherein the locking tab is provided with a shoulder dimensioned larger than the locking slit and the locking insert is dimensioned to form an interference fit with the corresponding locking slit.

5. A carton blank according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a break line (65) formed in the second end closure panel, wherein at least a first of the two or more second locking elements is provided on one side of the break line (65) in the second end closure panel, and wherein at least a second of the two or more second locking elements is provided on the other side of the break line (65) in the second end closure panel.

6. A carton blank according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a plurality of severance lines extending smoothly in a plurality of the main panels which are at least partially concavely curved relative to the first end closure structure.

7. A carton blank according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the dispenser pattern comprises a severance line (59) defining a tear initiation (64), the tear initiation (64) being provided on the main panel between the first and second end closure panels.

8. A carton blank according to claim 1 wherein the first line of severance (53) defines a boundary between a first portion (12 a) and a second portion (12 b) of the first end closure panel (12), wherein a first of the two or more first locking elements is connected to the first portion (12 a) and a second of the two or more first locking elements is connected to the second portion (12 b).

9. A carton blank according to claim 3 wherein the first locking element is a locking tab (500) projecting from the free end and the second locking element is a locking slit, wherein the locking tab has a main body (501) dimensioned to fit the locking slit and a foldable portion (502),

wherein the foldable portion is folded during insertion of the locking tab into the corresponding locking slit and partially unfolded after the locking tab is fully inserted into the corresponding locking slit.

10. A carton for packaging articles, comprising: a tubular structure; a first composite end panel located at a first end of the tubular structure; a second composite end panel located at a second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a removable dispensing portion (D) for forming a dispensing opening,

the tubular structure is formed at least by a plurality of main panels (20, 22, 24, 26) connected together via fold lines,

said first composite end panel comprising at least a first end closure panel (12) and a second end closure panel (16) secured together by said interlocking means, said first and second end closure panels being respectively hingedly connected to different main panels opposite one another;

the interlock device includes: two or more first locking elements (32 a, 32 b) associated with the first end closure panel (12); and two or more second locking elements (42 a, 42 b) associated with the second end closure panel (16), wherein the two or more first locking elements and the two or more second locking elements are sized and configured such that the two or more first locking elements are engageable with the two or more second locking elements, respectively, to secure the first end closure panel (12) and the second end closure panel (16) together;

wherein the dispenser (D) is defined by a dispenser pattern (70) extending across the entire first composite end panel and comprising at least a first line of severance (53) extending across the entire first end closure panel (12), wherein at least a first of the two or more first locking elements is disposed on one side of the first line of severance (53) and at least a second of the two or more first locking elements is disposed on the other side of the first line of severance (53).

11. A carton for packaging articles, comprising: a tubular structure; a first composite end panel located at a first end of the tubular structure; a second composite end panel located at a second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a removable dispensing portion (D) for forming a dispensing opening,

the tubular structure is formed at least by a plurality of main panels (20, 22, 24, 26) connected together via fold lines,

said first composite end panel comprising at least a first end closure panel (12) and a second end closure panel (16) secured together by said interlocking means, said first and second end closure panels being respectively hingedly connected to different main panels opposite one another;

the interlock device includes: two or more first locking elements (32 a, 32 b) associated with the first end closure panel (12); and two or more second locking elements (42 a, 42 b) associated with the second end closure panel (16), wherein the two or more first locking elements and the two or more second locking elements are sized and configured such that the two or more first locking elements are engageable with the two or more second locking elements, respectively, to secure the first end closure panel (12) and the second end closure panel (16) together;

wherein the dispenser (D) comprises an access panel (60) defined by a dispenser pattern (70) such that the access panel (60) is removable along the dispenser pattern (70), and wherein at least one of the first locking elements is provided on the access panel (60).

12. A carton according to claim 10 or 11 wherein at least part of the first end closure panel and at least part of the second end closure panel remain secured together by at least one pair of first and second locking elements after removal of the dispenser to form a stop wall preventing articles in the carton from rolling out.

13. A carton according to claim 10 or 11 wherein at least one of the plurality of main panels (20, 22, 24, 26) has an opening (H) cut therein such that when articles are loaded into the carton indicia on at least one of the articles disposed adjacent the opening is visible from outside the carton through the opening.

14. A carton according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the dispenser has a tear initiation (64) provided on one of the main panels between the first and second end closure panels, the tear initiation being at least partially detached from said one of the main panels to form a tear when pressed inwardly.

15. A carton blank, comprising: a plurality of main panels (200, 220, 240, 260) for forming a tubular structure; a first end closure structure for closing a first end of the tubular structure; a second end closure structure for closing the second end of the tubular structure; an interlock device; and a dispenser pattern (700);

the first end closure structure comprises at least a first end closure panel (120) and a second end closure panel (160) hingedly connected to different main panels (200, 240) respectively via fold lines, wherein the different main panels are opposed to each other when the carton blank is erected into a carton;

said interlocking means for securing said first end closure panel (120) and said second end closure panel (160) together when the carton blank is erected into a carton,

the interlock device includes: a first locking element (320) associated with said first end closure panel (120); and a second locking element (420) associated with the second end closure panel (160), wherein the first and second locking elements are sized and configured such that the first locking element is engageable with the second locking element to secure the first and second end closure panels (120, 160) together;

wherein the dispenser pattern (700) defines a removable access panel (600) and comprises at least a first line of severance (530) extending longitudinally across the entirety of the first end closure panel (120) such that the access panel (600) is removable along the dispenser pattern (700) when the carton blank is erected into a carton, and wherein a first locking element (320) is not provided on the access panel (600).

16. A carton blank as claimed in claim 15 wherein the first locking element (320) is provided at a free end of the first end closure panel (120) opposite the fold line at which the respective one (200) of the different main panels is connected to the first end closure panel; and the length of the first locking element is 50-70% of the length of the first end closure panel.

17. A carton blank according to claim 16 wherein the first locking element is a locking tab projecting from the free end and the second locking element is a locking slit, wherein the locking tab has a main body and two foldable portions, each at an end of the locking tab in the length direction, the main body being dimensioned to fit the locking slit.

18. A carton for packaging articles made from the carton blank of any of claims 15 to 17.