A method of manufacturing a dispenser for a product in stick form (50). The dispenser includes an inner tube (12) and a product concealing tube (16) disposed outwardly of the inner tube (12). The product concealing tube (16) is retractable and extendable relative to the inner tube (12) for exposing and covering a product stick (50) extending from a distal end of the inner tube (12) in use. The method includes: providing a first blank of sheet material for providing the inner tube (12) of the dispenser; wrapping the first blank around a mandrel to provide the inner tube (12) of the dispenser; and providing a second blank of sheet material for providing the product concealing tube (16) of the dispenser. The second blank comprises a slot, and a guide element (38) disposed within the slot. The method also includes: applying a bonding agent to the second blank in a region corresponding to a surface of the guide element (38); and wrapping the second blank around the inner tube (12) while the inner tube (12) is held on a mandrel to provide the product concealing tube (16), with the surface of the guide element (38) to which bonding agent has been applied facing the inner tube (12), such that the guide element (38) becomes bonded to an exterior surface of the inner tube (12). The slot provides a recess (24) in the interior surface of the formed product concealing tube (16). In use, the product concealing tube (16) is movable relative to the inner tube (12) with the guide element (38) cooperating with the recess (24) for guiding the movement of the product concealing tube (16) relative to the inner tube (12). There is also provided a dispenser for a product in stick form (50).

A method and system are disclosed for forming a can from a re-configurable blank. A blank is also disclosed that may be a paper based blank and may be of multi-layer construction. The method may comprise: (a) supporting the blank in a first orientation; (b) positioning a first portion of an outward facing surface of a blank support device proximate a first portion of the blank while the blank is in the first orientation; (c) while the first portion of the blank is in the first orientation, rotating a second portion of the blank around a second portion of the outward facing surface of the blank support device; and (d) rotating a third portion of the blank from the first orientation, around a third portion of the outward facing surface of the blank support device. A generally tubular side wall may thus be formed for a can.

A method and system are disclosed for forming a can from a re-configurable blank. A blank is also disclosed that may be a paper based blank and may be of multi-layer construction. The method may comprise: (a) supporting the blank in a first orientation; (b) positioning a first portion of an outward facing surface of a blank support device proximate a first portion of the blank while the blank is in the first orientation; (c) while the first portion of the blank is in the first orientation, rotating a second portion of the blank around a second portion of the outward facing surface of the blank support device; and (d) rotating a third portion of the blank from the first orientation, around a third portion of the outward facing surface of the blank support device. A generally tubular side wall may thus be formed for a can.

A paper cup of a dual structure according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an inner paper part having a plurality of diameter adjusting portions formed at predetermined angle intervals on one surface; a drink receiving part formed extending from one end of the inner paper part and bending formed into the inner portion of the inner paper part; and a drinking part formed at a boundary between the inner paper part and the drink receiving part and curled in a radially outward direction of the drink receiving part.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming containers. The containers may be cans, including composite cans. The apparatus may include a cylindrical mandrel and a blank may be formed into a cylindrical tube around the mandrel. Rotational apparatuses may engage portions of a blank that may be in a flat configuration and may rotate the portions around the outward cylindrical surface of the mandrel. Free edges of the tubular blank may be sealed by a sealing strip that may be T-shaped in cross section. A cup may be installed in an end opening, such as a bottom end, of the cylindrical tube. The cup may be sealed in the end opening by a seaming process using a seaming apparatus.

A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming containers. The containers may be cans, including composite cans. The apparatus may include a cylindrical mandrel and a blank may be formed into a cylindrical tube around the mandrel. Rotational apparatuses may engage portions of a blank that may be in a flat configuration and may rotate the portions around the outward cylindrical surface of the mandrel. Free edges of the tubular blank may be sealed by a sealing strip that may be T-shaped in cross section. A cup may be installed in an end opening, such as a bottom end, of the cylindrical tube. The cup may be sealed in the end opening by a seaming process using a seaming apparatus.

A box suitable for the packaging of a consumer product is formed by helically wrapping an elongated continuous strip of material around a mandrel to form a main body with a plurality of bands. In one embodiment, adjacent bands partially overlie one another to form a multi-paneled main body with an open top end and an open bottom end. An adhesive is disposed within the region of contact between adjacent bands to retain the shape of the main body. First and second sets of slots are formed in the main body to create flaps dimensioned to selectively enclose the open top and bottom ends, respectively. To define the flaps and promote pivotal articulation, the main body is also preferably provided with score lines. By adjusting the configuration of the mandrel, a customized box can be constructed that is sized to receive a consumer product with limited wasted space.

A box suitable for the packaging of a consumer product is formed by helically wrapping an elongated continuous strip of material around a mandrel to form a main body with a plurality of bands. In one embodiment, adjacent bands partially overlie one another to form a multi-paneled main body with an open top end and an open bottom end. An adhesive is disposed within the region of contact between adjacent bands to retain the shape of the main body. First and second sets of slots are formed in the main body to create flaps dimensioned to selectively enclose the open top and bottom ends, respectively. To define the flaps and promote pivotal articulation, the main body is also preferably provided with score lines. By adjusting the configuration of the mandrel, a customized box can be constructed that is sized to receive a consumer product with limited wasted space.

A carton for holding at least one article includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, at least one top end flap foldably connected to a panel of the plurality of panels, and at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to a panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one bottom end flap is for forming a closed bottom of the carton and the at least one top end flap is for forming a closed top of the carton. The closed top of the carton has a square configuration and the closed bottom has a round configuration.

A carton for holding at least one article includes a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, at least one top end flap foldably connected to a panel of the plurality of panels, and at least one bottom end flap foldably connected to a panel of the plurality of panels. The at least one bottom end flap is for forming a closed bottom of the carton and the at least one top end flap is for forming a closed top of the carton. The closed top of the carton has a square configuration and the closed bottom has a round configuration.