Carton With Lid

Abstract

A carton for holding one or more articles. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton, and at least a first lid and a second lid. Each of the first lid and the second lid can be respectively foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels, and at least one of the first lid and the second lid can extend along at least a portion of a top end of the carton when the top end of the carton is closed. The carton can be configurable between a first arrangement and a second arrangement, and the top end of the carton can be wider in the first configuration than in the second configuration.

Claims

1. A carton for holding one or more articles, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton; and at least a first lid and a second lid, each of the first lid and the second lid being respectively foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels, at least one of the first lid and the second lid extending along at least a portion of a top end of the carton when the top end of the carton is closed; wherein the carton is configurable between a first arrangement and a second arrangement, the top end of the carton being wider in the first arrangement than in the second arrangement.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein, when the carton is in the first arrangement, the first lid and the second lid both extend along at least a portion of the top end of the carton to at least partially close the top end, and, when the carton is in the second arrangement, the first lid extends at least downwardly from the top end and the second lid extends along at least a portion of the top end of the carton to at least partially close the top end.

3. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least a front panel and an opposing back panel, the first lid is foldably connected to the back panel, and the second lid is foldably connected to the front panel, and wherein the first lid overlaps the second lid and extends from the back panel to the front panel to at least partially close the top end of the carton in the first arrangement.

4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the first lid comprises a first lid panel and a locking flap foldably connected to the first lid panel, and wherein the locking flap engages a slot when the carton is in the first arrangement and the top end is closed, the slot extending along at least one of the front panel and the second lid.

5. The carton of claim 4, wherein the first lid is folded away from the top end and the second lid extends from the front panel to the back panel to at least partially close the top end in the second arrangement.

6. The carton of claim 3, wherein the second lid comprises a second lid panel that extends from the front panel to the back panel to at least partially close the top end in the second arrangement, and wherein a distal portion of the second lid panel at least partially overlaps the back panel in the second arrangement when the top end is closed.

7. The carton of claim 6, wherein the second lid further comprises a primary locking tab and a secondary locking tab, and wherein the primary locking tab engages a primary locking opening extending in the back panel and the secondary locking tab engages a secondary locking opening extending in the back panel to at least partially secure the second lid in a closed position in the second arrangement.

8. The carton of claim 3, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a side panel extending from the front panel to the back panel, one or more fold lines extending in the side panel, and wherein the side panel is at least partially folded along the one or more fold lines when the carton is in the second arrangement.

9. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, and wherein the first side panel and the second side panel comprise respective adjustment features for facilitating moving the carton between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

10. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a side panel with adjustment features extending in the side panel, and wherein the adjustment features facilitate moving the side panel between different shapes in the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the adjustment features comprise an intermediate fold line extending in the side panel so that an upper portion of the side panel is foldably connected to a lower portion of the side panel along the intermediate fold line, and wherein the upper portion of the side panel is folded inwardly along the intermediate fold line when the carton is in the second arrangement.

12. The carton of claim 11, wherein a gusset panel is defined in the side panel, and the gusset panel is foldably connected to the upper portion of the side panel along a gusset fold line extending in the side panel, and wherein the gusset is folded with respect to the upper portion when the carton is in the second arrangement.

13. The carton of claim 11, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a front panel foldably connected to the side panel and a back panel foldably connected to the side panel opposite to the front panel, wherein the side panel comprises a first gusset panel and a second gusset panel, and each of the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel is foldably connected to the upper portion of the side panel, and wherein the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are in an overlapping relationship with the respective front panel and back panel when the carton is in the second arrangement.

14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel extend away from the respective front panel and back panel when the carton is in the first arrangement.

15. The carton of claim 10, wherein the adjustment features comprise a fold line extending from the top end of the carton, and wherein the side panel is folded along the fold line so that the fold line is moved inwardly toward the interior of the carton when the carton is moved from the first arrangement to the second arrangement.

16. The carton of claim 10, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a front panel foldably connected to the side panel and a back panel foldably connected to the side panel opposite to the front panel, wherein the side panel comprises a first gusset panel and a second gusset panel, and each of the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel is at least partially defined by a respective gusset fold line extending in the side panel, and wherein the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel extend away from the respective front panel and back panel when the carton is in the first arrangement, and the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are in an overlapping relationship with the respective front panel and back panel when the carton is in the second arrangement.

17. The carton of claim 10, further comprising a top end flap foldably connected to the side panel along the top end of the carton, wherein the adjustment features further extend in the top end flap.

18. A blank for forming carton for holding one or more articles, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for being arranged to extend at least partially around an interior of the carton formed from the blank; and at least a first lid and a second lid, each of the first lid and the second lid being respectively foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels, wherein at least one of the first lid and the second lid is for extending along at least a portion of a top end of the carton when the carton is formed from the blank and the top end of the carton formed from the blank is closed; wherein the carton formed from the blank is for being configurable between a first arrangement and a second arrangement, the top end of the carton formed from the blank being wider in the first arrangement than in the second arrangement.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least a front panel and a back panel, the first lid is foldably connected to the back panel, and the second lid is foldably connected to the front panel, and wherein the first lid is for overlapping the second lid and for extending from the back panel to the front panel to at least partially close the top end of the carton in the first arrangement when the carton is formed from the blank.

20. The blank of claim 19, wherein the first lid comprises a first lid panel and a locking flap foldably connected to the first lid panel, and wherein the locking flap is for engaging a slot when the carton formed from the blank is in the first arrangement and the top end of the carton formed from the blank is closed, the slot extending along at least one of the front panel and the second lid.

21. The blank of claim 19, wherein the second lid comprises a second lid panel for extending from the front panel to the back panel when the carton is formed from the blank to at least partially close the top end of the carton formed from the blank in the second arrangement.

22. The blank of claim 21, wherein the second lid further comprises a primary locking tab and a secondary locking tab, and wherein, when the carton is formed from the blank, the primary locking tab is for engaging a primary locking opening extending in the back panel and the secondary locking tab is for engaging a secondary locking opening extending in the back panel to at least partially secure the second lid in a closed position in the second arrangement of the carton formed from the blank.

23. The blank of claim 19, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a side panel for extending from the front panel to the back panel when the carton is formed from the blank, and one or more fold lines extend in the side panel, and wherein the side panel is for being at least partially folded along the one or more fold lines when the carton formed from the blank is in the second arrangement.

24. The blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, and wherein the first side panel and the second side panel comprise respective adjustment features for facilitating moving the carton formed from the blank between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

25. The blank of claim 18, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a side panel with adjustment features extending in the side panel, and wherein the adjustment features are for facilitating moving the side panel between different shapes in the first arrangement and the second arrangement when the carton is formed from the blank.

26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the adjustment features comprise an intermediate fold line extending in the side panel so that an upper portion of the side panel is foldably connected to a lower portion of the side panel along the intermediate fold line, and wherein the upper portion of the side panel is for being folded inwardly along the intermediate fold line when the carton formed from the blank is in the second arrangement.

27. The blank of claim 26, wherein a gusset panel is defined in the side panel, and the gusset panel is foldably connected to the upper portion of the side panel along a gusset fold line extending in the side panel, and wherein the gusset is for being folded with respect to the upper portion when the carton formed from the blank is in the second arrangement.

28. The blank of claim 25, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a front panel foldably connected to the side panel and a back panel foldably connected to the side panel opposite to the front panel, wherein the side panel comprises a first gusset panel and a second gusset panel, and each of the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel is at least partially defined by a respective gusset fold line extending in the side panel, and wherein the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel are foldably connected to the respective front panel and back panel.

29. The blank of claim 25, further comprising a top end flap foldably connected to the side panel along the top end of the carton, wherein the adjustment features further extend in the top end flap.

30. A method of forming a carton for holding one or more articles, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels, a first lid, and a second lid, each of the first lid and the second lid being respectively foldably connected to one or more panels of the plurality of panels; forming a carton by positioning the plurality of panels to extend at least partially around an interior of the carton; closing a top end of the carton by positioning at least one of the first lid and the second lid to extend along at least a portion of the top end of the carton; wherein the closing the top end of the carton comprises arranging the carton in at least one of a first arrangement and a second arrangement, and wherein the top end of the carton is wider in the first arrangement than in the second arrangement.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the closing the top end of the carton in the first arrangement comprises positioning the first lid and the second lid to extend along at least a portion of the top end of the carton, and the closing the top end of the carton in the second arrangement comprises positioning the first lid to extend at least downwardly from the top end and positioning the second lid to extend along at least a portion of the top end of the carton.

32. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of panels comprises at least a front panel and a back panel, the first lid is foldably connected to the back panel, and the second lid is foldably connected to the front panel, and wherein the closing the top end of the carton in the first arrangement comprises positioning the first lid to overlap the second lid and to extend from the back panel to the front panel.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a side panel extending from the front panel to the back panel, and one or more fold lines extend in the side panel, and wherein arranging the carton in the second arrangement comprises folding the side panel along the one or more fold lines.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a first side panel and a second side panel, and wherein the first side panel and the second side panel comprise respective adjustment features for facilitating moving the carton between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a side panel with adjustment features extending in the side panel, and wherein the adjustment features facilitate moving the side panel between different shapes when moving the carton between the first arrangement and the second arrangement.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the adjustment features comprise an intermediate fold line extending in the side panel so that an upper portion of the side panel is foldably connected to a lower portion of the side panel along the intermediate fold line, and wherein arranging the carton in the second arrangement comprises folding the upper portion of the side panel inwardly along the intermediate fold line.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a front panel foldably connected to the side panel and a back panel foldably connected to the side panel opposite to the front panel, wherein the side panel comprises a first gusset panel and a second gusset panel, and each of the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel is at least partially defined by a respective gusset fold line extending in the side panel, and wherein arranging the carton in the first arrangement comprises positioning the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel to extend away from the respective front panel and back panel, and arranging the carton in the second arrangement comprises positioning the first gusset panel and the second gusset panel to be in an overlapping relationship with the respective front panel and back panel.

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] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a flattened construct formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective top view of the carton formed from the flattened construct of FIG. 2 and/or from the blank of FIG. 1 in a first configuration with an at least partially open top end according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of the carton of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carton in the first configuration of FIG. 3 showing the closing of a lid of the carton according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the carton in the first configuration of FIGS. 3 and 5 with a closed top end according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective top view of the carton of FIG. 3 in a second configuration with an at least partially open top end according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the carton in the second configuration of FIG. 7 showing the closing of a lid of the carton according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 9A and 9B are perspective views of the carton in second configuration of FIGS. 7 and 8 with a closed top end according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a blank used to form a carton according to further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a perspective top view of the carton formed from the blank of FIG. 10 with the carton in a first configuration and with a handle actuated in a lid of the carton according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective top view of the carton of FIG. 11 in a second configuration and with a handle actuated in a lid of the carton according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0022] Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The present disclosure generally relates to constructs, boxes, cartons, carriers, trays, containers, or the like, for holding one or more products or articles such as food items (e.g., for display and/or sale, for food service, for storage, etc.) or other articles such as any suitable type of product that can be stored, displayed, served, transported, cooled, frozen, heated, and/or cooked. Some suitable products could include joints of meat, sushi, salad, sandwiches, tacos, desserts, pastries, cookies, chips, hot dogs, French fries, nachos, fruits, vegetables, popcorn, cuts of meat, and/or any other suitable food product or other article. It is understood that food products (and/or non-food products) other than the food products listed herein may be contained in the package. Constructs according to the present disclosure can accommodate products or articles of any shape.

[0024] 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 with multiple walls, panels, portions, tabs, flaps, fold lines, and/or other aspects, which may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., first, second, third, etc., in sequential or nonsequential reference, without departing from the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the exterior side 101 of a blank, generally indicated at 103, used to form a carton 105 (FIGS. 3-9B) according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The carton 105 can be used to can be used to hold one or more food products (not shown), such as joints of meat and/or other suitable food items and/or other suitable products. For example, a raw or prepared food product can be placed on display for sale and/or can be placed in the carton for service to a customer for consumption. The carton 105 can be arranged in at least a first configuration/arrangement 107 (FIGS. 3-6) or a second configuration/arrangement 109 (FIGS. 7-9B), wherein the first configuration 107 and the second configuration 109 can be configured for receiving items having different sizes and/or shapes.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiments, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 extending generally in the direction of the length of the blank and a lateral axis L2 extending generally in the direction of the width of the blank. The blank 103 includes a front panel 123 foldably connected to a first side panel 125 at a lateral fold line 127. A back panel 131 is foldably connected to the first side panel 125 at a lateral fold line 133. A second side panel 135 is foldably connected to front panel 123 at a lateral fold line 137. An attachment flap or panel 139 is foldably connected to the back panel 131 at a lateral fold line 141. Any of the front panel 123, the side panels 125, 135, and/or the back panel 131 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. For example, the attachment flap 139 could be foldably connected to the second side panel 135.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the back panel 131 is foldably connected to a first lid 151 along a first longitudinal fold line 153 and the front panel 123 is foldably connected to a second lid 155 along a second longitudinal fold line 157. In the illustrated embodiments, the first side panel 125 is foldably connected to a first top flap 159 along a longitudinal fold line 161, and the second side panel 135 is foldably connected to a second top flap 163 along a longitudinal fold line 165. The longitudinal fold lines 153, 157, 161, 165 may extend, for example, in a substantially straight line, or may be offset at one or more locations to account for blank thickness and/or for other factors. When the carton 105 is erected, at least one of the lids 151, 155 and at least a portion of each of the top flaps 159, 163 can at least partially close a first (e.g., top) end 177 of the carton (FIGS. 6, 9A, and 9B). Any of the lids 151, 155 and/or the top end flaps 159, 163 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiments, the front panel 123 can be foldably connected to a first or front bottom panel 167, the back panel 131 can be foldably connected to a second or back bottom panel 169, the first side panel 125 can be foldably connected to a third or side bottom panel 171, and the second side panel 135 can be foldably connected to a fourth or side bottom panel 173. In embodiments, the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173 can be foldably connected to the front panel 123, the back panel 131, and the side panels 125, 135 along a longitudinal fold line 175 extending along the length of the blank 103. The longitudinal fold line 175 may be, for example, substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations to account for blank thickness and/or for other factors.

[0029] When the carton 105 is erected, the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173 can at least partially close a second (e.g., bottom) end 179 of the carton (FIGS. 3, 4, and 7). In embodiments, the bottom panels can be foldably connected to attachment flaps and/or other features for securing the bottom panels together to form a bottom wall of the carton 105 and/or for allowing the bottom wall to fold between a collapsed configuration and an erected configuration of the carton. For example, the first bottom panel 167 can be foldably connected to a distal flap 167a along a longitudinal fold line 167b, the second bottom panel 169 can be foldably connected to an attachment flap 169a (e.g., a first attachment flap) along an oblique fold line 169b, and the fourth bottom panel 173 can be foldably connected to an attachment flap 173a (e.g., a second attachment flap) along an oblique fold line 173b. Any of the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173, the flaps 167a, 169a, 173a, and/or the fold lines 175, 167b, 169b, 173b could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. In accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present disclosure, different panel and flap arrangements can be used for at least partially closing the ends 177, 179 of the carton 105.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, a window 180 can extend in at least the front panel 123 for viewing the interior of the carton 105 and any items held therein. In embodiments, the window 180 can include an opening 181 and a window film 183 (e.g., a transparent or translucent film or other suitable liner or covering). The window 180, including the opening 181 and/or the window film 183, could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiments, the first lid 151 can include a first lid panel 185 and a locking flap 187 foldably connected to the first lid panel 185 along a longitudinal fold line 189. In embodiments, the locking flap 187 can be sized and configured for engaging a slot 191 extending along the second lid 155 and the front panel 123 when the carton 105 is in the first configuration 107 and the first lid 151 is in a closed position (FIGS. 5 and 6). As shown in FIG. 1, the locking flap 187 can include two shoulders 187a defined by respective cuts between the locking flap 187 and the first lid panel 185 at respective ends of the fold line 189. In exemplary embodiments, the slot 191 can include two offset end portions 191a that can correspond to the respective shoulders 187a of the locking flap 187 (e.g., the offset ends 191a and the shoulders 187a can be spaced apart by the same or a similar distance).

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the second lid 155 can include a second lid panel 193 and a second lid locking feature 195, which can include a plurality of longitudinal fold lines 196a, 196b extending in the second lid panel 193, a primary locking tab 197, and a secondary locking tab 199. In embodiments, the primary locking tab 197 can be separable from the second lid panel 193 along a cut or tear line 197a and can be foldably connected to the second lid panel 193 along a longitudinal fold line 197b. For example, the fold line 197b can be adjacent and/or collinear with the fold line 196a. In the illustrated embodiments, the secondary locking tab 199 can be foldably connected to the second lid panel 193 along a longitudinal fold line 199a, and the secondary locking tab 199 can include two shoulders 199b extending outwardly from the fold line 199a.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the primary locking tab 197 can be sized and configured for engaging a primary locking opening 201 extending in the back panel 131, and the secondary locking tab 199 can be sized and configured for engaging a secondary locking opening 203 extending in the back panel 131 when the carton 105 is in the second configuration 109 and the second lid 155 is closed (FIGS. 8-9B). As shown in FIG. 1, the secondary locking opening 203 can extend along at least a portion of an expansion flap 205, which can be foldably connected to the back panel 131 along a longitudinal fold line 207. In embodiments, the expansion flap 205 can be at least partially separable from the back panel 131 along at least a portion of two cuts 208 and two tear lines 209. Alternatively, the cuts 208 and/or the tear lines 209 could be any suitable lines of weakening. In the illustrated embodiments, the length (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L1) of the primary locking opening 201 can correspond to and/or can be slightly larger than the length of the primary locking tab 197, and the length (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L1) of the secondary locking opening 203 can correspond to and/or can be slightly larger than the length of the longitudinal fold line 199a along the secondary locking tab 199. In exemplary embodiments, the length (e.g., in the longitudinal direction L1) of the expansion tab 205 (e.g., the spacing between the lateral portions of the cuts 208) can correspond to and/or can be slightly larger than the width (e.g., the maximum width) of the secondary locking tab 199 (e.g., at the shoulders 199b). Accordingly, in embodiments, the expansion flap 205 can be at least partially pulled away from the back panel 131 adjacent the secondary locking opening 203 (e.g., by separation from the back panel 131 along at least a portion of the cuts 208 and/or folding along the fold line 207) to facilitate insertion of the secondary locking tab 199 into the secondary locking opening 203.

[0034] Any of the lid panels 185, 193, the locking flap 187, the slot 191, the second lid locking feature 195, the locking tabs 197, 199, and/or the locking openings 201, 203 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 further can include adjustment features 211 for moving the carton 105 between the first configuration 107 and the second configuration 109. For example, the adjustment features 211 can include a longitudinal intermediate fold line 213 and two curved and/or oblique gusset fold lines 215, 217 extending in each of the side panels 125, 135. Further, the adjustment features 211 can include two lateral tear lines 219, 221 extending in each of the top end flaps 159, 163 from respective ends of the gusset fold lines 215, 217 to respective free edges of the top end flaps. In embodiments, the gusset fold lines 215, 217 can extend from respective ends of the intermediate fold lines 213 in each of the side panels 125, 135. As shown in FIG. 1, the gusset fold lines 215, 217 can at least partially define two gusset panels 223, 225 in each of the side panels 125, 135, wherein the gusset panels 223 are foldably connected to the front panel 123, the gusset panel 225 in the first side panel 125 is foldably connected to the back panel 131, and the gusset panel 225 in the second side panel 135 is for being attached (e.g., glued) to the attachment flap 139 in the erected carton 105 so that the gusset panel 225 in the second side panel 135 is foldably connected to the back panel 131 via the attachment flap 139. In embodiments, the intermediate fold line 213 in the first side panel 125 can at least partially define a lower portion 125a and an upper portion 125b of the first side panel 125, wherein the upper portion 125b is foldably connected to the lower portion 125a along the intermediate fold line 213 and the gusset panels 223, 225 are foldably connected to the upper portion 125b along the respective gusset fold lines 215, 217. Similarly, the intermediate fold line 213 in the second side panel 135 can at least partially define a lower portion 135a and an upper portion 135b of the second side panel 135, wherein the upper portion 135b is foldably connected to the lower portion 135a along the intermediate fold line 213 and the gusset panels 223, 225 are foldably connected to the upper portion 135b along the respective gusset fold lines 215, 217. In the illustrated embodiments, the tear lines 219, 221 can at least partially define three flap sections or tabs 227 in each of the top end flaps 159, 163 so that the tabs 227 are separable from one another along the tear lines 219, 221. Any of the adjustment features 211 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0036] In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, the blank 103 can be erected into the carton 105 by folding the blank 103 along at least the oblique fold lines 169b, 173b, the longitudinal fold line 175, and the lateral fold lines 127, 133, 137, 141 and overlapping the attachment panel 139 with the second side panel 135. In embodiments, the attachment panel 139 can be glued to the second side panel 135 to form an open-ended sleeve. For example, the blank 103 initially can be folded into a flattened construct or flattened carton 229 (FIG. 2), such as by folding the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173 along the longitudinal fold line 175, folding the distal flaps 169a, 173a along the respective oblique fold lines 169b, 173b, folding the back panel 131 along the lateral fold line 133, and folding the second side panel 135 along the lateral fold line 137. In embodiments, the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173 can overlap the respective front panel 123, back panel 131, and side panels 125, 131 when they are folded along the longitudinal fold line 175. As shown in FIG. 2, the back panel 131 is folded over the interior side of the first side panel 125 and the bottom panels 169, 171 extend between the back panel 131 and the first side panel 125 (e.g., the bottom panels 169, 171 are sandwiched between the back panel 131 and the first side panel 125) when the back panel 131 is folded along the lateral fold line 133. Further, the distal flap 169a can be in an overlapping relationship with the back bottom panel 169 and the first side bottom panel 171 (e.g., the distal flap 169a can be in face-to-face contact with each of the bottom panels 169, 171) when the back panel 131 is folded over the first side panel 125. In embodiments, the distal flap 169a can be adhered and/or otherwise secured to the first side bottom flap 171, such as by glue. As shown in FIG. 2, the second side panel 135 can be folded over the interior side of the front panel 123 with the bottom panels 173, 167 extending between the second side panel 135 and the front panel 123 (e.g., the bottom panels 173, 167 can be sandwiched between the second side panel 135 and the front panel 123) when the second side panel 135 is folded along the lateral fold line 137. Further, the distal flap 173a can be in an overlapping relationship with the second side bottom panel 173 and the front bottom panel 167 (e.g., the distal flap 173a can be in face-to-face contact with each of the bottom panels 173, 167) when the second side panel 135 is folded over the front panel 123. In embodiments, the distal flap 173a can be adhered and/or otherwise secured to the front bottom flap 167, such as by glue.

[0037] The flattened construct 229 can be folded along the fold lines 127, 133, 137, 141 to move the front panel 123 and the back panel 131 to be disposed opposite one another and to move the side panels 125, 135 to be disposed opposite one another (FIGS. 3 and 4). In the illustrated embodiments, the bottom end 179 of the carton 105 can be closed by the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173 as the front panel 123, the back panel 131, and the side panels 125, 131 are moved into position (FIGS. 3 and 4). For example, the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173 can be pulled into position closing the bottom end 179 of the carton 105 as the panels 123, 125, 131, 135 are moved into the erected position due to the glued connection between the distal flaps 169a, 173a with the respective first side bottom panel 171 and the front bottom panel 167 (FIG. 4). In the illustrated embodiments, the bottom panels 167, 169, 171, 173 and the distal flaps 169a, 173a can at least partially form a bottom wall 230 at least partially closing the bottom end 179 of the carton 105. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the carton 105 is in an open configuration with the panels 123, 125, 131, 135 and the bottom wall 230 at least partially extending around an interior 231 of the carton 105 and with the top 177 at least partially open. In exemplary embodiments, one or more items can be loaded into and/or removed from the interior 231 of the carton 105 when the carton 105 is in the open configuration. The carton 105 could be otherwise formed without departing from the disclosure.

[0038] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the top end 177 of the carton 105 can be at least partially closed by folding the top end flaps 159, 163 over the open top end 177 (FIG. 3), folding the second lid 155 over the open top end 177 (FIG. 5), and folding the first lid 151 downwardly to at least partially overlap the second lid 155 (FIGS. 5 and 6). As shown in FIG. 5, the locking flap 187 can be folded downwardly with respect to the first lid panel 185 along the fold line 189 and inserted into the slot 191 to at least partially lock the first lid 151 in position with the top end 177 at least partially closed by the lids 151, 155 and with the carton 105 in the first configuration 107. In embodiments, after the locking flap 187 moves through the slot 191 and the shoulders 187a of the locking flap 187 move below the second lid panel 193, the shoulders can engage under the portions of the second lid panel 193 adjacent the offset ends 191a of the slot 191 (e.g., the shoulders 187a can engage the interior surface of the second lid panel 193 adjacent the slot 191). For example, this can help retain the locking flap 187 in engagement with the second lid panel 193 (e.g., within the slot 191) until the first lid 151 is deliberately opened (e.g., folded upwardly) with sufficient force to disengage the shoulders 187a from the second lid panel 193 and pull the locking flap 187 upwardly though the slot 191. The carton 105 could be otherwise closed without departing from the disclosure.

[0039] In embodiments, the carton 105 can be reconfigured/moved from the first configuration 107 to the second configuration 109, such as for accommodating one or more articles having a smaller volume. In the illustrated embodiments, the carton 105 (e.g., with the top end 177 open) can be moved from the first configuration 107 (FIG. 3) to the second configuration 109 (FIG. 7), such as by folding the first lid 151 downwardly into the interior 231 of the carton (e.g., so that the first lid panel 185 and the back panel 131 are in an at least partially overlapping relationship). As shown in FIG. 7, the first lid panel 185 can be folded along an intermediate fold line 233 so that a distal portion of the first lid panel 185 at least partially overlaps the bottom wall 230 of the carton 105. Further, the top end flaps 159, 163 can be torn along the lateral tear lines 219, 221 (e.g., so that the tabs 227 are movable with respect to one another), and the upper portions 125b, 135b of the side panels 125, 135 can be pushed inwardly (FIG. 7), moving the gusset fold lines 215, 217 inwardly into the interior 231 of the carton 105. In embodiments, the side panels 125, 135 have different shapes in the first configuration 107 than in the second configuration 109. For example, each of the side panels 125, 135 can be planar (e.g., generally, substantially, and/or approximately planar) in the first configuration 107, and each of the side panels 125, 135 can be folded so that the respective upper portions 125b, 135b and gusset panels 223, 225 are moved out of the plane of the respective lower portions 125a, 135a in the second configuration 109. In exemplary embodiments, the side panels 125, 135 can fold along the intermediate fold lines 213 and the curved/oblique fold lines 215, 217 as the upper portions 125b, 135b of the side panels are pushed inwardly toward the interior 231 of the carton 105. As shown in FIGS. 7-9B, the front panel 123 and the back panel 131 can be pulled inwardly by the gusset panels 223, 225 as the upper portions 125b, 135b of the side panels 125, 135 are pushed inwardly (e.g., reducing the volume of the interior 231). In exemplary embodiments, the gusset panels 223 can be positioned in an overlapping relationship with the front panel 123 and the gusset panels 225 can be positioned in an overlapping relationship with the back panel 131 when the carton 105 is in the second configuration 109. The carton 105 could be otherwise moved between the configurations 107, 109 without departing from the disclosure.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, the carton 105 in the second configuration 109 can be closed by folding at least the central tabs 227 of the top end flaps 159, 163 over the open top end 177 and folding the second lid 155 over the open top end so that at least a portion of the second lid panel 193 extends over and at least partially closes the top end 177. In embodiments, the second lid panel 193 can be folded along an intermediate fold line 235 so that a distal portion of the second lid panel 193 at least partially overlaps the back panel 131. In exemplary embodiments, the second lid 155 can be secured in the closed position by engaging the primary locking tab 197 with the primary locking opening 201 and engaging the secondary locking tab 199 with the secondary locking opening 203. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the second lid panel 193 can be folded along the lateral fold lines 196a, 197b so that the lid locking feature 195 is moved outwardly, away from the back panel 131, with the primary locking tab 197 moving inwardly, toward the back panel 131. In embodiments, the primary locking tab 197 can at least partially separate from the second lid panel 193 along the cut line 197a, at least partially forming an opening 197c in the second lid panel 193. As shown in FIG. 8, the inwardly extending primary locking tab 197 can be inserted through the primary locking opening 201 and the second lid locking feature 195 can be folded along the lateral fold line 196b to move the secondary locking tab 199 toward the back panel 131. In the illustrated embodiments, the secondary locking tab 199 can be inserted through the secondary locking opening 203 (FIG. 8). In embodiments, the secondary locking opening 203 can be expanded by folding the expansion flap 205 outwardly along at least the lateral fold line 207, at least partially separating the expansion flap 205 from the back panel 131 along at least a portion of the cuts 208 so that the secondary locking tab 199, including the shoulders 199b, can be inserted through the secondary locking opening 203 in the back panel 131. As shown in FIG. 9A, the locking feature 195 is shown as engaged with the locking openings 201, 203. In embodiments, the shoulders 197b can engage the back panel 131 adjacent the cuts 208 to help retain the secondary locking tab 199 in engagement with the secondary locking opening 203. The carton 105 could be otherwise closed without departing from the disclosure.

[0041] Accordingly, in embodiments, the carton 105 can be moved between multiple configurations with different interior sizes and shapes for receiving different articles in the interior 231. In exemplary embodiments, one carton/blank profile can be used to accommodate two or more sizes and/or shapes of products. Accordingly, the carton 105 can hold a product that may differ in size and can increase and/or decrease its internal capacity to suit two or more different volumes from the same carton/blank profile. In embodiments, the carton 105 can include two different closing mechanisms (e.g., lids 151, 155) for closing the top end 177 of the carton 105 in the two configurations 107, 109. In some embodiments, the configuration of the carton 105 can help minimize the appearance of the carton looking overpackaged. In embodiments, the carton 105 can help simplify inventory maintenance and/or packaging storage because one blank 103 or partially-formed, pre-glued, and/or collapsed carton 229 (FIG. 2) can be stored and/or maintained in stock for receiving multiple different product sizes and/or shapes.

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a blank 303 for forming a carton 305 (FIGS. 11 and 12) according to additional embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, like or similar features are indicated with like or similar reference numbers between the embodiments. The second embodiment is generally similar to the first embodiment, except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. As shown in FIG. 10, the blank 303 can include a first handle 441 extending in the first lid panel 185 and a second handle 443 extending in the second lid panel 193. In exemplary embodiments, the first handle 441 can include two opposed, spaced handle flaps 447 that are foldably connected to the first lid panel 185 along respective lateral fold lines 449 and that are at least partially separable from the first lid panel 185 along respective tear or cut lines 451 (e.g., arcuate cuts interrupted by one or more nicks). In embodiments, the second handle 443 can include two opposed, spaced handle flaps 453 that are foldably connected to the second lid panel 193 along respective lateral fold lines 455 and that are at least partially separable from the second lid panel 193 along respective tear or cut lines 457 (e.g., arcuate cuts interrupted by spaced nicks). The first handle 441 and/or the second handle 443 and/or any of the features of the handles 441, 443 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiments, the carton 305 can be formed in a similar manner as discussed above with respect to the prior embodiments. As shown in FIG. 11, the first handle 441 in the first lid 151 is accessible at the closed top 177 of the carton 305 in the first configuration 107. In embodiments, the first handle 441 can be actuated by pressing downwardly on the handle flaps 447 so that the handle flaps 447 separate from the first lid panel 185 along the respective tear lines 451 and fold downwardly with respect to the first lid panel 185 along the respective lateral fold lines 449 to at least partially form respective finger openings 461. In exemplary embodiments, a user can grasp the handle 441 by inserting one or more fingers/thumb of one or more hands in each of the finger openings 461 (e.g., the thumb and the forefinger of one hand can be at least partially inserted into the respective finger openings 461) and engaging (e.g., grasping) at least the portion of the first lid panel 185 extending between the finger openings 461. While grasping the handle 441, the user can lift and/or carry the carton 305.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 12, the second handle 443 can be accessible at the closed top 177 of the carton 305 in the second configuration 109. In embodiments, the second handle 443 can be actuated by pressing downwardly on the handle flaps 453 so that the handle flaps 453 separate from the second lid panel 193 along the respective tear lines 457 and fold downwardly with respect to the second lid panel 193 along the respective lateral fold lines 455 to at least partially form respective finger openings 463 (FIG. 12). In exemplary embodiments, a user can grasp the handle 443 by inserting one or more fingers/thumb of one or more hands in each of the finger openings 463 (e.g., the thumb and the forefinger of one hand can be at least partially inserted into the respective finger openings 463) and engaging (e.g., grasping) at least the portion of the second lid panel 193 extending between the finger openings 463. While grasping the handle 443, the user can lift and/or carry the carton 305. The handles 441, 443 could be otherwise actuated without departing from the present disclosure.

[0045] Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks 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 blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks 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 blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks 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 blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

[0047] In accordance with the above-described 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 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.

[0048] As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partially into the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series of spaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is in the form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completely through the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly so that a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material) is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarily connecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are broken during tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relatively small percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can be omitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is a continuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the present disclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuous slit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit or could be wider than a slit without departing from the present disclosure.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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 that are within the scope of the claims. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only selected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable of use in various other combinations, modifications, and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings, and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore, certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may be selectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.