Carton With Locking Features
20240067392 ยท 2024-02-29
Inventors
Cpc classification
B65D5/20
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D2215/02
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D5/321
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D5/685
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
B65D2215/06
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
International classification
B65D5/20
PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
Abstract
A carton comprising an inner construct comprising a plurality of inner panels extending at least partially around a first interior, an inner locking tab foldably connected to at least one inner panel, and at least one inner locking flap foldably connected to the at least one inner panel. An outer construct can comprise a plurality of outer panels extending at least partially around a second interior. The outer construct can comprise an outer locking tab foldably connected to at least one outer panel, and the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap cooperate with the outer locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct and the outer construct at a locked position. The inner locking flap being moveable relative to the at least one inner panel to create an audible locking sound upon positioning the inner construct to the locked position.
Claims
1. A carton comprising: an inner construct comprising a plurality of inner panels extending at least partially around a first interior of the inner construct, wherein the inner construct comprises an inner locking tab foldably connected to at least one inner panel of the plurality of inner panels and an inner locking flap foldably connected to the at least one inner panel of the plurality of inner panels; an outer construct comprising a plurality of outer panels extending at least partially around a second interior of the outer construct, the inner construct being at least partially received in the second interior of the outer construct and positionable to a locked position wherein movement of the inner construct relative to the outer construct is restricted, the outer construct comprises an outer locking tab foldably connected to at least one outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, and the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap cooperate with the outer locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct and the outer construct at the locked position; and an engagement feature extending in the at least one outer panel of the outer construct, the engagement feature comprising an engagement hole in the at least one outer panel, at least one of the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap of the inner construct are adjacent the engagement feature in the outer construct at the locked position so that the at least one of the inner locking tab and the inner locking is positioned for disengagement with the outer locking tab via the engagement hole for facilitating movement of the inner construct and the outer construct relative to one another from the locked position to an open position wherein the first interior of the inner construct is accessible, the inner locking flap being moveable relative to the at least one inner panel to create an audible locking sound upon positioning the inner construct to the locked position.
2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the inner locking tab is attached to the at least one inner panel.
3. The carton of claim 2, wherein the inner locking tab is a first inner locking tab and the carton comprises a second inner locking tab attached to the at least one inner panel.
4. The carton of claim 2, wherein the inner locking flap is adjacent and spaced apart from each of the first inner locking tab and the second inner locking tab.
5. The carton of claim 4, wherein the inner locking flap is folded against the at least one inner panel and free from attachment to the at least one inner panel.
6. The carton of claim 1, wherein the at least one inner panel is accessible via the engagement hole and pressed inwardly to facilitate disengagement of the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap from the outer locking tab.
7. The carton of claim 1, further comprising an engagement recess extending in the outer construct, wherein at least a portion of the inner construct extends along at least a portion of the engagement recess in the outer construct so that the inner construct can be gripped via at least the engagement recess in the outer construct.
8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the engagement recess extends along at least a portion of the outer locking tab and the at least one outer panel.
9. The carton of claim 7, wherein the plurality of outer panels of the outer construct comprises a top panel foldably connected to the at least one outer panel, the outer construct comprises an opening opposite to the top panel, the inner construct being selectively movable through the opening, and wherein the engagement feature is closer to the top panel than the opening and the engagement recess extends along the opening.
10. The carton of claim 1, wherein the inner locking tab is a first inner locking tab, the inner locking flap is a first inner locking flap, the at least one inner panel comprises a first inner panel, the outer locking tab is a first outer locking tab, the at least one outer panel comprises a first outer panel, and the engagement feature is a first engagement feature, wherein the inner construct further comprises a second inner locking tab foldably connected to a second inner panel of the plurality of inner panels and a second inner locking flap foldably connected to the second inner panel of the plurality of inner panels, the outer construct further comprises a second outer locking tab foldably connected to a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a second engagement feature extending in the second outer panel, and the second inner locking tab and the second inner locking flap cooperate with the second outer locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct and the outer construct at the locked position, the second inner locking flap being moveable relative to the second inner panel to cooperate with the first inner locking flap to create an audible locking sound upon positioning the inner construct to the locked position.
11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the engagement hole is a first engagement hole, the second engagement feature comprises a second engagement hole, and at least one of the second inner locking tab and the second inner locking flap is positioned for disengagement with the second outer locking tab via the second engagement hole for facilitating movement of the inner construct and the outer construct relative to one another from the locked position to the open position.
12. The carton of claim 11, wherein each of the first inner locking tab and the second inner locking tab has a first locking edge and each of the first outer locking tab and the second outer locking tab has a second locking edge facing the respective first locking edge for limiting movement between the inner construct and the outer construct at the locked position.
13. The carton of claim 12, wherein each of the first inner locking flap and the second inner locking flap has a distal edge, the distal edge of the first inner locking flap and the second inner locking flap being positioned for engagement with the second locking edge of a respective first outer locking tab and second outer locking tab to cooperate with the first inner locking tab and the second inner locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct and the outer construct at the locked position.
14. The carton of claim 1, wherein the inner construct comprises an opening for inserting and/or removing items from the first interior, the opening in the inner construct being at least partially enclosed by the outer construct.
15. In combination, a first blank and a second blank for cooperating to at least partially form a carton, the first blank comprising a plurality of inner panels, an inner locking tab foldably connected to at least one inner panel of the plurality of inner panels, and an inner locking flap foldably connected to the at least one inner panel of the plurality of inner panels, wherein the first blank is for forming an inner construct; the second blank comprising a plurality of outer panels and an outer locking tab foldably connected to at least one outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, wherein the second blank is for forming an outer construct for at least partially receiving the inner construct formed from the first blank when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, and wherein the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap cooperate with the outer locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct formed from the first blank and the outer construct formed from the second blank in a locked position of the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank; and an engagement feature extending in the at least one outer panel of the second blank, the engagement feature comprising an engagement hole in the at least one outer panel, wherein the engagement feature is for accessing at least one of the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap for disengagement with the outer locking tab via the engagement hole for facilitating movement of the inner construct and the outer construct relative to one another from the locked position to an open position of the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank, the inner locking flap being moveable relative to the at least one inner panel to create an audible locking sound upon positioning the inner construct to locked position in the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank.
16. The combination of claim 15, wherein the inner locking tab is a first inner locking tab for being attached to the at least one inner panel, the first blank comprises a second inner locking tab for being attached to the at least one inner panel, the inner locking flap is adjacent and spaced apart from each of the first inner locking tab and the second inner locking tab.
17. The combination of claim 15, further comprising an engagement opening extending in the second blank for forming an engagement recess when the outer construct is formed from the second blank for facilitating gripping of the inner construct formed from the first blank when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank.
18. The combination of claim 17, wherein the outer locking tab is foldably connected to the at least one outer panel along a fold line, and the engagement opening extends in at least a portion of the outer locking tab and the at least one outer panel along the fold line.
19. The combination of claim 16, wherein the plurality of outer panels of the second blank comprises a top panel foldably connected to the at least one outer panel opposite to the outer locking tab, and wherein the engagement feature is closer to the top panel than the outer locking tab and the engagement opening extends in the at least one outer panel and the outer locking tab.
20. The combination of claim 15, wherein the inner locking tab is a first inner locking tab, the inner locking flap is a first inner locking flap, the at least one inner panel comprises a first inner panel, the outer locking tab is a first outer locking tab, the at least one outer panel comprises a first outer panel, and the engagement feature is a first engagement feature, wherein the first blank further comprises a second locking tab foldably connected to a second inner panel of the plurality of inner panels and a second inner locking flap foldably connected to the second inner panel of the plurality of inner panels, the second blank further comprises a second outer locking tab foldably connected to a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a second engagement feature extending in the second outer panel, and the second inner locking tab and the second inner locking flap cooperate with the second outer locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct formed from the first blank and the outer construct formed from the second blank at the locked position when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, the second inner locking flap being moveable relative to the second inner panel to cooperate with the first inner locking flap to create an audible locking sound upon positioning the inner construct to the locked position in the carton formed from the first blank and the second blank.
21. The combination of claim 20, wherein the engagement hole is a first engagement hole, wherein the second engagement feature comprises a second engagement hole in the second outer panel.
22. A method of forming a carton, the method comprising: obtaining a first blank comprising a plurality of inner panels, an inner locking tab foldably connected to at least one inner panel of the plurality of inner panels, and an inner locking flap foldably connected to the at least one inner panel of the plurality of inner panels; forming an inner construct from the first blank by folding the plurality of inner panels at least partially around a first interior of the inner construct; obtaining a second blank comprising a plurality of outer panels and an outer locking tab foldably connected to at least one outer panel of the plurality of outer panels, an engagement feature extending in the at least one outer panel, the engagement feature comprising an engagement hole in the at least one outer panel; forming an outer construct from the second blank by folding the plurality of outer panels at least partially around a second interior of the outer construct; moving at least one of the inner construct and the outer construct relative to the other to assemble the carton with the inner construct at least partially received in the second interior of the outer construct and in a locked position, wherein the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap cooperate with the outer locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct and the outer construct at the locked position; at least one of the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap is accessible via the engagement hole for disengagement with the outer locking tab for facilitating movement of the inner construct and the outer construct relative to one another from the locked position to an open position, the moving the at least one of the inner construct and the outer construct relative to each other comprises the inner locking flap moving relative to the at least one inner panel to create an audible locking sound when the inner construct is moved to the locked position.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the inner locking tab is a first inner locking, the first blank comprises a second inner locking tab, the inner locking flap is adjacent and spaced apart from each of the first inner locking tab and the second inner locking tab, the forming the inner construct comprises folding the first inner locking tab and second inner locking tab and attaching each of the first inner locking tab and the second inner locking tab to the at least one inner panel.
24. The method of claim 22, further comprising an engagement opening extending along at least a portion of the outer locking tab and the at least one outer panel in the second blank, wherein the forming the outer construct comprises folding the outer locking tab into an overlapping relationship with the at least one outer panel, which forms the engagement opening into an engagement recess of the outer construct for facilitating gripping the inner construct.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising disengaging the at least one of the inner locking tab and the inner locking flap from the outer locking tab via the engagement hole, gripping the inner construct via the engagement recess, and moving the inner construct relative to the outer construct to the open position allowing access to the first interior of the inner construct.
26. The method of claim 22, wherein the inner locking tab is a first inner locking tab, the inner locking flap is a first inner locking flap, the at least one inner panel comprises a first inner panel, the outer locking tab is a first outer locking tab, the at least one outer panel comprises a first outer panel, and the engagement feature is a first engagement feature, wherein the first blank further comprises a second locking tab foldably connected to a second inner panel of the plurality of inner panels and a second inner locking flap foldably connected to the second inner panel of the plurality of inner panels, the second blank further comprises a second outer locking tab foldably connected to a second outer panel of the plurality of outer panels and a second engagement feature extending in the second outer panel, and the second inner locking tab and the second inner locking flap cooperate with the second outer locking tab to limit movement between the inner construct formed from the first blank and the outer construct formed from the second blank at the locked position when the carton is formed from the first blank and the second blank, the moving the at least one of the inner construct and the outer construct relative to each other comprises the first inner locking flap moving relative to the first inner panel and the second inner locking flap moving relative to the second inner panel to create an audible locking sound when the inner construct is moved to the locked position.
27. The method of claim 22, wherein the inner construct comprises an opening for inserting and removing items from the first interior, the opening in the inner construct being at least partially enclosed by the outer construct in the closed position and being accessible in the open position.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] 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.
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0019] The present disclosure generally relates to constructs, boxes, cartons, carriers, trays, or the like, and packages for holding one or more products or articles such as those that should be kept out of the hands of children (e.g., for safety reasons). The product or products can be cleaning products such as dishwashing agents, household cleaners, soaps, and the like; medicines; cosmetics; candles; tobacco; objects that may pose a choking hazard; any other suitable product or material; or combinations thereof.
[0020] Constructs according to the present disclosure can accommodate product or articles of any shape. In this specification, the terms inner, interior, outer, exterior, lower, bottom, upper, and top indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright constructs and cartons. As described herein, constructs can be formed from blanks by being glued with multiple panels, portions, tabs, and/or flaps, 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.
[0021] According to
[0022] As shown in
[0023] In the illustrated embodiments, the inner side panel 3 can be foldably connected to first or inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2 at respective lateral fold lines 7.1, 7.2. Similarly, the inner side panel 5 can be foldably connected to first or inner locking tabs 10.1, 10.2 at respective lateral fold lines 8.1, 8.2. As shown in
[0024] As shown in
[0025] As shown in
[0026] The blank 1 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.
[0027] In a first processing step for forming the inner construct 61 from the first blank 1, the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 can be folded against and secured (e.g., adhesively attached) to the outer sides of the respective inner side panels 3, 5 (
[0028] As shown in
[0029] The inner construct 61 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.
[0030] As shown in
[0031] In the illustrated embodiments, the first outer side panel 27 can be foldably connected to respective outer dust flaps or outer side end flaps 46, 47 along respective longitudinal fold lines 27.1, 27.2. Similarly, the second outer side panel 29 can be foldably connected to respective outer dust flaps or outer side end flaps 48, 49 along respective longitudinal fold lines 29.1, 29.2. Any of the outer side end flaps 46, 47, 48, 49 and/or the outer side panels 27, 29 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.
[0032] As shown in
[0033] In the illustrated embodiments, the second blank 25 can include engagement devices or features 50, 51 extending in the respective outer side panels 27, 29. As shown in
[0034] As shown in
[0035] The blank 25 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.
[0036] In a first processing step for forming the outer construct 60 (
[0037] As shown in
[0038]
[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner locking flaps 19, 20 are moveable relative to the respective inner side panels 3, 5 of the inner construct 61 to create an audible sound upon positioning the inner construct 61 to the locked position of the carton 68 wherein the inner construct is received in the outer construct 60. The locking flaps 19, 20 are spaced apart from respective adjacent locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 that are attached to the respective inner side panels 3, 5. As shown in
[0040] In addition, when the outer construct 60 and the inner construct 61 are pushed together, the inner locking flaps 19, 20 produces a clearly perceptible sound which clearly signals to a user that the carton 68 is locked. The sound can be referred to in this application as a locking sound and can be a clicking sound or a tapping sound. The locking sound is caused by the movement of the inner locking flaps 19, 20 against the inner surface of the outer side panels when the inner construct 61 is received in the outer construct 60. As the inner locking flaps 19, 20 no longer contact the outer locking tabs 35, 36, there is a gap between the inner locking flap 19, 20 and a respective outer side wall 27, 29. The biasing force of each of the inner locking flaps 19, 20 causes the inner locking flaps to move away from the inner side panels 3, 5 and move into the gap between the inner locking flaps 19, 20 and the outer side walls 27, 29 and contact the outer side walls thus generating the audible locking sound.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiments, the carton 68 can be locked in its closed configuration (e.g., due to the position of the second locking edges 45.1, 45.2 below the first locking edges 13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2). For example, the second locking edges 45.1, 45.2 can face the first locking edges 13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2 and so that attempting to move the constructs 60, 61 relative to one another can cause the first locking edges 13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2 and the respective outer locking edges 45.1, 45.2 to engage (e.g., contact, abut, interact, etc.). In embodiments, the abutment of the first locking edges 13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2 against the respective second locking edges 45.1, 45.2 can limit or prevent relative movement between the constructs 60, 61 to limit or prevent undesired extraction of the inner construct 61 from the opening 62 of the outer construct 60. Accordingly, in embodiments, the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 can engage the respective outer locking tabs 35, 36 (e.g., along the respective locking edges 13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2 and 45.1, 45.2) so that the locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 cooperate to limit movement of the inner construct 61 relative to the outer construct 60. Furthermore, the distal edges 19.1, 20.1 of the inner locking flaps 19, 20 also interfere/contact the second locking edges 45.1 to prevent movement of the inner construct 61 relative to the outer construct 60 in the locked position of the carton 68. The carton 55 could be otherwise formed and/or erected without departing from the disclosure.
[0042] In exemplary embodiments, the carton 68 can be manipulated to overcome the locking engagement of the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 and inner locking flaps 19, 20 with the outer locking tabs 35, 36 so that the inner construct 61 can be moved from the first (e.g., closed or locked) position (e.g., wherein the inner construct 61 is partially or fully contained within the outer construct 60 with the first opening 65 covered by the outer construct 60) to the second (e.g., open) position (e.g., wherein the inner construct 61 is removed from the outer construct 60 through the opening 62 so that the first opening 65 is accessible). For example, the covers 54, 55 of the engagement devices 50, 51 are separated from the respective outer side panels 27, 29 along the respective weakening lines 52, 53 (e.g., by grasping the covers 54, 55 at the access openings 56, 57). In embodiments, the removal of the covers 54, 55 can provide a first opening protection for the carton 68. In the illustrated embodiments, the removal of the covers 54, 55 can form engagement holes 51.1, 51.2 (
[0043] While pressing the inner side panels 3, 5 inwardly and engaging the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 and the inner locking flaps 19, 20 via the openings formed by the engagement devices 50, 51, the user can grip the inner construct 61 via the engagement recesses 58, 59 in the outer construct 60 (e.g., with the thumb and index finger of the other hand). The user can pull the constructs 60, 61 apart with both hands while pressing inwardly on the side panels 3, 5 via the openings formed in the outer construct 60 by the engagement devices 50, 51 causing the inner locking flaps 19, 20 and the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 to disengage with the locking edges 45.1, 45.2 and by pulling on the inner construct 61 via the engagement recesses 58, 59 in the outer construct 60. In embodiments, it is difficult or impossible for a child to carry out the unlocking and opening operation (e.g., due to limitations in hand size and/or dexterity).
[0044] In the illustrated embodiments, once the constructs 60, 61 are separated (e.g., similar as shown in
[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the shortest distance of the engagement features 50, 51 and/or the engagement recesses 58, 59 from each other along the outer sides of the carton 68 in its closed configuration is dimensioned such that it is difficult or impossible for a child (e.g., with an age of up to three years, of up to four years, of up to five years, of up to six years, etc.) to unlock the carton 68, and it is difficult or impossible to pull the outer construct 60 and inner construct 61 apart when in the locked configuration. In embodiments, this dimensioning is based on average body measurements of a child, regardless of gender, in the respective age group, in the EU or in North America, depending on the region for which the everted box is intended. In examples, the distance between the outer sides of the second side walls can be about 50 to about 120 mm, about 70 to about 100 mm, about 60 to about 90 mm, about 80 to about 90 mm, or about 70 to about 80 mm. This can help ensure that a child's hands cannot engage in all the engagement holes simultaneously in order to unlock the folding carton, while an adult (e.g., who may have larger hands) is able to reach the locking features to unlock and open the carton 68.
[0046] In the carton 68 according to the present disclosure, the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 and the inner locking flaps 19, 20 and the outer locking tabs 35, 36 form an interlock when the inner construct 61 is moved into the outer construct 60. This is because the inner locking edges 13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2 and distal edges 19.1, 19.2 can bear against the outer locking edges 45.1, 45.2 so that they prevent the inner construct 61 from being pulled out of the outer construct 60. Pulling the inner construct 61 out of the outer construct 60 can require, for example, that the interlock between the outer part and the inner part be released. To do this, the user can use the thumb and index finger of one hand to engage the engagement openings of the access features 50, 51 and compress the inner side panels 3, 5 inwardly and engaging the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 and the inner locking flaps 19, 20 via the openings formed by the engagement devices 50, 51, so that the outer locking edges 45.1, 45.2 no longer block the path of the inner locking edges 13.1, 13.2, 14.1, 14.2 and distal edges 19.1, 20.1. With the thumb and index finger of the other hand, the user can grip a portion of the inner construct 61 (e.g., along or adjacent the bottom panel 2) through the second engagement openings/recesses 58, 59 and pull the inner construct 61 and outer construct 60 apart. In doing so, the inner locking flaps 19, 20 and the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 slide past the user's thumb and index finger that engage the engagement apertures of the access features 50, 51 and compress the inner locking flaps 19, 20 and the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 slightly. Unlocking by a child may be prevented or made difficult by sizing the carton 68 so that the child, due to the comparatively small size of the child's hands, is not able to engage in the engagement openings of the access features 50, 51 in the manner described. Unlocking can require, for example, a certain understanding of the function of the latch, which is usually not yet present in a child up to the age of six, for example. As a result, a child is prevented from unlocking the carton 68 according to the disclosure and is protected from the associated dangers. In addition, the carton 68 is protected against unintentional opening, which can occur with an everting carton that does not include the locking features, for example, if it is lifted at the outer construct without supporting the inner construct so that the inner construct slips out of the outer construct in the absence of the locking features.
[0047] In exemplary embodiments, the carton 68 may have tolerances in its formation, for example, when the constructs 60, 61 are formed from the flat, glued blanks 1, 25 by a packager. These tolerances may lead to small variations in the relative sizes of the constructs 60, 61. However, the two layers of thickness of the inner locking tabs 9.1, 9.2, 10.1, 10.2 and of the outer locking tabs 45.1, 45.2 (e.g., where their respective proximal and distal portions are in overlapping relationships) can help compensate for such tolerances and variations that can occur during the production of the blanks and the erection and bonding of the inner construct and/or the outer construct. This can be advantageous for secure locking of the carton despite the tolerances.
[0048] The blanks according to any of the embodiments of the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blank can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blank may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blank may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blank may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blank can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blank can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.
[0049] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, 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.
[0050] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type of tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.
[0051] 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.
[0052] The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various embodiments. As various changes could be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure covers various modifications, combinations, alterations, etc., of the above-described embodiments. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments, but various other combinations, modifications, and environments are within the scope of the disclosure as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.