Carton With Locking Features

Abstract

A carton for holding one or more products. The carton can comprise a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton. Further, the carton can comprise a closure for at least partially closing an end of the carton. The closure can comprise locking features and opening features, the locking features being configured to at least partially retain the closure in a closed position when the locking features are in a locked configuration and the opening features being for selectively opening the closure. The opening features can comprise a pull tab and a push tab configured to at least partially open the closure when actuated.

Claims

1. A carton for holding one or more products, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton; a closure for at least partially closing an end of the carton, the closure comprising locking features and opening features, the locking features being configured to at least partially retain the closure in a closed position when the locking features are in a locked configuration and the opening features being for selectively opening the closure, wherein the opening features comprise a pull tab and a push tab configured to at least partially open the closure when actuated.

2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the locking features comprise a retention shoulder extending in the interior of the carton, the closure comprises a locking panel extending in the interior of the carton when the closure is in the closed position, and at least a portion of the locking panel engages under the retention shoulder to at least partially retain the closure in the closed position when the locking features are in the locked configuration.

3. The carton of claim 2, further comprising a side top end structure foldably connected to a side panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the side top end structure extends at least partially in the interior of the carton when the closure is in the closed position, and the side top end structure comprises at least a proximal panel extending from the side panel and an end attachment flap at least partially secured to the side panel, wherein the retention shoulder extends from the proximal panel.

4. The carton of claim 3, wherein the locking panel comprises a locking edge that engages the retention shoulder when the locking features are in the locked configuration, the locking edge is spaced inwardly from a back panel of the plurality of panels, and wherein the pull tab extends from the locking panel and the push tab is located in the back panel for engaging the locking panel opposite to the locking edge.

5. The carton of claim 2, wherein the locking panel comprises a locking edge that engages the retention shoulder when the locking features are in the locked configuration, the locking edge is spaced inwardly from a back panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the pull tab extends from the locking panel past the shoulder, and the push tab is foldably connected to the back panel along a fold line so that the push tab engages the locking panel and pushes the locking panel upwardly when the push tab is pressed into the interior of the carton, pivoting along the fold line.

6. The carton of claim 5, wherein the pull tab is configured to be actuated to move the locking panel out of alignment with the shoulder so that at least the locking panel moves upwardly past the shoulder when the push tab pushes the locking panel.

7. The carton of claim 2, wherein the closure comprises an end panel and a closure panel foldably connected to the end panel, the end panel at least partially closes the end of the carton and the closure panel extends into the interior of the carton from the end panel when the closure is in the closed position, wherein the locking panel is foldably connected to the closure panel opposite to the end panel and the locking panel extends at least partially toward the end panel from the closure panel.

8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the pull tab extends from the locking panel and at least partially through a slot defined in at least the end panel.

9. The carton of claim 7, wherein the retention shoulder extends from a proximal panel foldably connected to a side panel of the plurality of panels, and the end panel at least partially overlaps the proximal panel when the closure is in the closed position.

10. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a side top end structure foldably connected to a side panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the side top end structure comprises at least a proximal panel extending from the side panel, an intermediate panel extending downwardly from the proximal panel opposite to the side panel, a distal panel extending from the intermediate panel toward the side panel, and an end attachment flap in an at least partially overlapping relationship with the side panel, wherein the locking features comprise a retention shoulder extending from the proximal panel.

11. The carton of claim 10, wherein the closure comprises an end panel and a locking panel, the end panel at least partially closes the end of the carton and at least a portion of the locking panel engages the retention shoulder in the interior of the carton to at least partially retain the closure in the closed position when the locking features are in the locked configuration, and wherein the end panel at least partially overlaps the proximal panel.

12. The carton of claim 1, further comprising a first side top end structure foldably connected to a first side panel of the plurality of panels and a second side top end structure foldably connected to a second side panel of the plurality of panels, and wherein the locking features comprise a first retention shoulder and a second retention shoulder extending from the respective first side top end structure and second side top end structure toward a back panel extending from the first side panel to the second side panel.

13. The carton of claim 1, wherein the end is a top end and the closure is a top closure, wherein the carton further comprises a bottom end and a bottom closure for at least partially closing the bottom end of the carton, and wherein the bottom closure comprises bottom locking features configured to at least partially retain the bottom closure in a closed position.

14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the bottom locking features comprise a bottom locking flap of the bottom closure and a retention flap foldably connected to a back panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the bottom locking flap and the retention flap are at least partially aligned so that the retention flap restricts movement of the bottom locking flap in at least one direction when the bottom locking features are in a locked configuration.

15. The carton of claim 14, wherein a partition panel extends along at least a portion of the back panel, and wherein the retention flap and the bottom locking flap extend at least partially in a gap between the partition panel and the back panel when the bottom locking features are in the locked configuration.

16. The carton of claim 15, wherein the bottom closure comprises a bottom end panel foldably connected to a front panel of the plurality of panels and a bottom closure panel foldably connected to the bottom end panel, wherein the bottom locking flap is foldably connected to the bottom closure panel opposite to the bottom end flap, and the bottom closure panel is at least partially disposed in the gap between the partition panel and the back panel in an at least partially overlapping relationship with the bottom locking flap when the bottom closure is in the closed position.

17. The carton of claim 13, wherein the bottom closure is recessed with respect to a bottom edge of the carton.

18. A blank for forming a carton for holding one or more products, the blank comprising: a plurality of panels for extending at least partially around an interior of the carton; a closure for at least partially closing an end of the carton formed from the blank, the closure comprising locking features and opening features, the locking features being configured to at least partially retain the closure in a closed position when the locking features are in a locked configuration and when the carton is formed from the blank, and the opening features being for selectively opening the closure when the carton is formed from the blank, wherein the opening features comprise a pull tab and a push tab configured to be actuated to at least partially open the closure when the carton is formed from the blank.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein the locking features comprise a retention shoulder for extending in the interior of the carton formed from the blank, the closure comprises a locking panel, and, when the carton is formed from the blank, at least a portion of the locking panel is for engaging under the retention shoulder to at least partially retain the closure in the closed position when the locking features are in the locked configuration.

20. The blank of claim 19, further comprising a side top end structure foldably connected to a side panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the side top end structure comprises at least a proximal panel extending from the side panel and an end attachment flap at least partially secured to the side panel, wherein the retention shoulder extends from the proximal panel.

21. The blank of claim 19, wherein the locking panel comprises a locking edge that is for being spaced inwardly from a back panel of the plurality of panels when the carton is formed from the blank, wherein the pull tab extends from the locking edge of the locking panel, and the push tab extends in the back panel at a location for engaging the locking panel when the carton is formed from the blank.

22. The blank of claim 19, wherein the closure comprises an end panel and a closure panel foldably connected to the end panel, the end panel is for at least partially closing the end of the carton formed from the blank, and wherein the locking panel is foldably connected to the closure panel opposite to the end panel.

23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the pull tab extends from the locking panel, and the pull tab is configured for being at least partially received through a slot defined in at least the end panel when the carton is formed from the blank.

24. The blank of claim 22, wherein the retention shoulder extends from a proximal panel foldably connected to a side panel of the plurality of panels, and the end panel at least partially overlaps the proximal panel when the closure is in the closed position when the carton is formed from the blank.

25. The blank of claim 18, further comprising a side top end structure foldably connected to a side panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the side top end structure comprises at least a proximal panel foldably connected to the side panel along a first fold line, an intermediate panel foldably connected to the proximal panel along a second fold line opposite to the side panel, a distal panel foldably connected to the intermediate panel along a third fold line, and an end attachment flap foldably connected to the distal panel along a fourth fold line, and wherein the locking features comprise a retention shoulder extending from the proximal panel.

26. The blank of claim 18, further comprising a first side top end structure foldably connected to a first side panel of the plurality of panels and a second side top end structure foldably connected to a second side panel of the plurality of panels, and wherein the locking features comprise a first retention shoulder and a second retention shoulder extending from the respective first side top end structure and second side top end structure.

27. The blank of claim 18, wherein the closure is a top closure for at least partially closing a top end of the carton formed from the blank, wherein the blank further comprises a bottom closure for at least partially closing a bottom end of the carton formed from the blank, and wherein the bottom closure comprises bottom locking features configured to at least partially retain the bottom closure in a closed position when the carton is formed from the blank.

28. The blank of claim 27, wherein the bottom locking features comprise a bottom locking flap of the bottom closure and a retention flap foldably connected to a back panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the bottom locking flap and the retention flap are for being at least partially engaged with one another to at least partially retain the bottom closure in the closed position when the carton is formed from the blank.

29. The blank of claim 28, wherein a partition panel is foldably connected to the back panel, the partition panel is for being in an at least partially overlapping relationship with the back panel when the carton is formed from the blank, and wherein the retention flap and the bottom locking flap are for extending at least partially in a gap between the partition panel and the back panel when the carton is formed from the blank.

30. The blank of claim 29, wherein the bottom closure comprises a bottom end panel foldably connected to a front panel of the plurality of panels and a bottom closure panel foldably connected to the bottom end panel, wherein the bottom locking flap is foldably connected to the bottom closure panel opposite to the bottom end flap.

31. A method of forming a carton for holding one or more products, the method comprising: obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels and a closure, wherein the closure comprises locking features and opening features; forming a carton by positioning the panels of the plurality of panels to extend at least partially around an interior of the carton; wherein the locking features are configured to at least partially retain the closure in a closed position when the locking features are in a locked configuration and the opening features are for selectively opening the closure; wherein the opening features comprise a pull tab and a push tab configured to be actuated to at least partially open the closure when the carton is formed from the blank.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the locking features comprise a retention shoulder and the closure comprises a locking panel, the method further comprises at least partially closing the end, wherein the closing the end comprises positioning the retention shoulder and the locking panel to extend in the interior of the carton so that at least a portion of the locking panel engages under the retention shoulder to at least partially retain the closure in the closed position when the locking features are in the locked configuration.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the blank further comprises a side top end structure foldably connected to a side panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the closing the end comprises positioning the side top end structure to extend at least partially in the interior of the carton.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the side top end structure comprises at least a proximal panel and an end attachment flap, wherein the retention shoulder extends from the proximal panel, and wherein the forming the carton comprises folding the side top end structure and securing the end attachment flap to the side panel.

35. The method of claim 32, wherein the closure comprises an end panel and a closure panel foldably connected to the end panel, wherein the closing the end comprises positioning the end panel to at least partially close the end of the carton and positioning the closure panel to extend into the interior of the carton from the end panel.

36. The method of claim 35, wherein the locking panel is foldably connected to the closure panel opposite to the end panel and the pull tab extends from the locking panel, wherein the forming the carton comprises folding the locking panel with respect to the closure panel so that the locking panel extends at least partially toward the end panel from the closure panel and positioning the pull tab to extend at least partially through a slot defined in at least the end panel.

37. A carton for holding one or more products, the carton comprising: a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton; a closure for at least partially closing an end of the carton, the closure comprising locking features configured to at least partially retain the closure in a closed position, wherein the locking features are at least partially protected from being accessed when the closure is in the closed position for resisting opening of the closure.

38. The carton of claim 37, wherein the locking features comprise a locking flap of the closure and a retention flap foldably connected to a back panel of the plurality of panels, wherein the locking flap and the retention flap are at least partially aligned so that the retention flap restricts movement of the locking flap in at least one direction when the locking features are in a locked configuration.

39. The carton of claim 38, wherein a partition panel extends along at least a portion of the back panel, and wherein the retention flap and the locking flap extend at least partially in a gap between the partition panel and the back panel when the locking features are in the locked configuration.

40. The carton of claim 39, wherein the closure comprises an end panel foldably connected to a front panel of the plurality of panels and a closure panel foldably connected to the end panel, wherein the locking flap is foldably connected to the closure panel opposite to the end flap, and the closure panel is at least partially disposed in the gap between the partition panel and the back panel in an at least partially overlapping relationship with the locking flap when the closure is in the closed position.

41. The carton of claim 37, wherein the end is a bottom end of the carton, and the closure is recessed with respect to a bottom edge of the carton.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for forming a carton according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 2A is a plan view of a partially formed construct formed from the blank of FIG. 1 according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 2B is a plan view of a carton formed from the partially formed construct of FIG. 2A and/or from the blank of FIG. 1, the carton being in an open and flattened configuration according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] FIGS. 3A and 3B are bottom perspective of the carton of FIG. 2B in an erected configuration and showing the closing of the bottom end of the carton according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the carton of FIGS. 3A and 3B showing the bottom end of the carton in a closed configuration according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a back elevation view of the carton of FIG. 4 showing engaged bottom locking features in hidden lines according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0018] FIGS. 6A and 6B are top perspective views of the carton of FIGS. 3A-5 showing the closing of the top end according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the carton of FIGS. 6A and 6B showing the top of the carton in a closed configuration in the interior of the carton according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective partial breakaway view of the closed top end of the carton showing engaged locking features according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 9A and 9B are top perspective views of the carton of FIG. 8 showing the actuation of opening features and opening of the top of the carton according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9C is a perspective partial breakaway view of the carton of FIG. 9B showing the actuation of opening features and the disengagement of locking features in the interior of the carton according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the carton showing the top end in a partially opened configuration according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0024] Corresponding parts may be designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0025] 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; one or more glass containers; any other suitable product or material; or combinations thereof.

[0026] 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, flaps, folds, cuts, 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.

[0027] 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. 2B-10) for holding one or more products or articles (not shown) according to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure. The carton 105 can have a top end 107 (FIGS. 2B and 6A-10) and a bottom end 109 (FIGS. 2B-5). In embodiments, the carton 105 can include a top closure 111 for at least partially closing the top end 107 and a bottom closure 113 for at least partially closing the bottom end 109. As described in more detail below, the top closure 111 and the bottom closure 113 can include locking features for preventing and/or resisting opening of the respective closures 111, 113 when at least partially locked in a closed configuration.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the blank 103 has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. In the illustrated embodiments, the blank 103 comprises a front panel 121 foldably connected to a first side panel 123 at a first longitudinal fold line 125, a second side panel 127 foldably connected to the front panel 121 at a second longitudinal fold line 129, and a back panel 131 foldably connected to the second side panel 127 at a third longitudinal fold line 133. In embodiments, the blank 103 can include an attachment flap 135 foldably connected to the first side panel 123 at a fourth longitudinal fold line 137. Alternatively, the attachment flap 135 could be foldably connected to the back panel 131 or could be omitted without departing from the disclosure.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, top closure features 138 and bottom closure features 140 can be foldably connected along respective top (first) and bottom (second) marginal portions of the blank 103 for forming the respective top closure 111 and bottom closure 113 in the carton 105. In the illustrated embodiments, the front panel 121 is foldably connected to a top end panel 139 and a bottom end panel 141. The first side panel 123 is foldably connected to a first side top end structure 143 and a first side bottom end flap 145. The second side panel 127 is foldably connected to a second side top end structure 151 and a second side bottom end flap 153. Each of the side top end structures 143, 151 can include a plurality of panels (e.g., a proximal panel, an intermediate panel, and a distal panel) and an end attachment flap foldably connected along respective lateral fold lines. As shown in FIG. 1, the side top end structures 143, 151 can include respective retention shoulders or extensions 155 extending along respective portions of the respective proximal panels. The top end panel 139 and the side top end structures 143, 151 can be foldably connected to the respective front panel 121, first side panel 123, and second side panel 127 along a first laterally extending fold line 162 that extends along at least a portion of the blank 103. The bottom end panel 141 and the bottom end flaps 145, 153 can be foldably connected to the respective panels 121, 123, 127 along a second laterally extending fold line 164 that extends along at least a portion of the blank 103. In embodiments, the lateral fold lines 162, 164 may be, for example, substantially straight, or offset at one or more locations to account for blank thickness or for other factors. In exemplary embodiments, the second laterally extending fold line 164 can include a bottom fold line 164a connecting the bottom end panel 141 to the front panel 121 and bottom fold lines 164b, 164c connecting the side bottom end flaps 145, 153 to the respective side panels 123, 127. The bottom fold line 164a can be recessed in the blank with respect to the bottom fold lines 164b, 164c.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiments, the top closure features 138 can include top locking features for at least partially retaining the top closure 111 formed from the top closure features 138 in a closed configuration (FIGS. 7 and 8) and unlocking/opening features for selectively unlocking the locking features and opening the top closure 111 (FIGS. 9A-10). For example, the top locking features can include a top closure panel 161 foldably connected to the top end panel 139 along a lateral fold line 163, a top locking panel 165 foldably connected to the closure panel 161 along a lateral fold line 167, and a distal spacer flap 169 foldably connected to the top locking panel along a lateral fold line 170. As shown in FIG. 1, the top closure features 138 further can include a back flap 171 foldably connected to the back panel 131 along a lateral fold line 173 extending along the top marginal portion of the blank 103.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiments, the top closure features 138 can include unlocking/opening features, including a pull tab 175 extending from a distal edge of the top locking panel 165 in an opening 176 in the distal spacer flap 169. In embodiments, the lateral fold line 170 can be interrupted by the pull tab 175 and/or the opening 176. As shown in FIG. 1, a slot 177 can extend in the top end panel 139 along at least a portion of the top closure panel 161 for at least partially receiving the pull tab 175 when the top closure 111 is formed from the top closure features 138 (e.g., FIGS. 6B-9C). In embodiments, the unlocking/opening features can include a push tab 179 extending in the back panel 131 and an opening 181 extending in the back flap 171 for providing clearance for the push tab 179 when the push tab 179 is actuated (FIGS. 9B-10). As shown in FIG. 1, the push tab 179 can be foldably connected to the back panel 131 along an arcuate fold line 183 and can be at least partially separable from the back panel 131 along an arcuate cut or tear line 185. Any of the top closure features 138 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the bottom closure features 140 can include bottom locking features for at least partially retaining the bottom closure 113 formed from the bottom closure features 140 in a closed configuration (FIGS. 4 and 5). In the illustrated embodiments, the bottom locking features can include a bottom closure panel 191 foldably connected to the bottom end panel 141 along a lateral fold line 193 and a bottom locking flap 195 foldably connected to the bottom closure panel 191 along a lateral fold line 197. In embodiments, the bottom locking flap 195 can have a distal bottom locking edge 198 opposite to the lateral fold line 197. As shown in FIG. 1, a retention flap 199 can be foldably connected to the back panel 131 along a lateral fold line 201 along the bottom marginal portion of the blank 103, and the retention flap 199 can have a distal bottom retention edge 202 opposite to the lateral fold line 201. In the illustrated embodiments, the lateral fold line 201 can be offset from two bottom edges 203 in a recess 204. The bottom edges 203 can be aligned (e.g., substantially aligned) with the lateral fold lines 164b, 164c. In embodiments, the bottom closure features 140 can include a partition panel 205 foldably connected to the back panel 131 along a longitudinal fold line 207 and a distal attachment flap 209 foldably connected to the partition panel 205 along a longitudinal fold line 211. As shown in FIG. 1, the distal attachment flap 209 can include a recess 213 for at least partially accommodating the bottom locking flap 195 and the retention flap 199, as described in more detail below. Any of the bottom closure features 140 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the side top structures 143, 151 can include a proximal panel 221 foldably connected to the respective side panels 123, 127 along the lateral fold line 162, an intermediate panel 223 foldably connected to the proximal panel 221 along a lateral fold line 225, and a distal panel 227 foldably connected to the intermediate panel 223 along a lateral fold line 229. In the illustrated embodiments, each of the side top structures 143, 151 can include an end attachment flap 231 foldably connected to the respective distal panels 227 along respective lateral fold lines 233. In embodiments, the proximal panels 221 can be separable from the top end panel 139 along respective longitudinal cut or tear lines 235. Alternatively, the at least a portion of the proximal panels 221 can be spaced apart from the top end panel 139. Any portion of the side top structures 143, 151 could be omitted or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure. The blank 103 could be otherwise shaped, arranged, positioned, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

[0034] According to exemplary methods of construction, the carton 105 may be erected by folding and gluing or otherwise securing the blank 103 as shown in FIG. 2A. For example, the blank 103 can be positioned with its interior surface 241 facing up, and the side top structures 143, 151 can be folded along the lateral fold lines 225 to fold the intermediate panels 223, the distal panels 227, and the end attachment flaps 231 to be in an overlapping relationship with the interior surfaces of the respective proximal panels 221 and the respective side panels 123, 127. In embodiments, the end attachment flaps 231 can be attached (e.g., glued and/or otherwise secured) in face-to-face contact with the respective side panels 123, 127. As shown in FIG. 2A, the side bottom end flaps 145, 153 can be folded along the bottom fold lines 164b, 164c to be in an overlapping relationship with the respective side panels 123, 127, and, in embodiments, the bottom end flaps 145, 153 can be attached (e.g., glued and/or otherwise secured) in face-to-face contact with the respective side panels 123, 127. In the illustrated embodiments, the distal spacer flap 169 can be folded along the lateral fold line 170 to be in an overlapping relationship with the top locking panel 165. For example, the distal spacer flap 169 can be attached (e.g., glued and/or otherwise secured) in face-to-face contact with the top locking panel 165. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the edge formed along the lateral fold line 170 can be a top locking edge 243 of the top closure 111.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2A, the back flap 171 and the retention flap 199 can be folded along the respective lateral fold lines 173, 201 to be in an overlapping relationship with the back panel 131. In embodiments, the back flap 171 and the retention flap 199 can be attached (e.g., glued and/or otherwise secured) in face-to-face contact with the back panel 131. In the illustrated embodiments, the distal attachment flap 209 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 211 into overlapping relationship with the partition panel 205 (e.g., in face-to-face contact with the interior surface of the partition panel 205), and, subsequently to the folding of the retention flap 199, the partition panel 205 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 207 into overlapping relationship with the back panel 131 with the distal attachment flap 209 positioned between (e.g., sandwiched between) the partition panel 205 and the back panel 131 (e.g., so that the partition panel 205, the back panel 131, and the distal attachment flap 209 are in an overlapping relationship). In embodiments, the distal attachment flap 209 can be attached (e.g., glued and/or otherwise secured) in face-to-face contact with the back panel 131.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2B, the partially formed construct of FIG. 2A can be folded and glued and/or otherwise secured to at least partially form an open-ended sleeve. For example, the back panel 131 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 133 to be in an overlapping relationship with the second side panel 127 and the front panel 121 and the first side panel 123 can be folded along the longitudinal fold line 125 so that the first side panel 123 is in an overlapping relationship with the front panel 121 and the attachment flap 135 is in an overlapping relationship with the back panel 131. In embodiments, the attachment flap 135 can be attached (e.g., glued and/or otherwise secured) in face-to-face contact with the back panel 131. As shown in FIG. 2B, the open-ended sleeve can be folded flat (e.g., for transportation and/or storage), providing a pre-glued carton 105 that is ready to be erected, packed/loaded, and closed (e.g., by hand and/or by mechanical systems). For example, the carton 105 can be erected from the flattened configuration of FIG. 2B to be configured as an open ended sleeve as shown in FIG. 3A, wherein the carton 105 is folded along the longitudinal fold lines 125, 129, 133, 137 to position the front panel 121 and the back panel 131 to be spaced apart and to be disposed opposite one another and to position the side panels 123, 127 to be spaced apart and to be disposed opposite one another. As shown in FIG. 3A, the plurality of panels including at least the front panel 121, the back panel 131, and the side panels 123, 127 can extend at least partially around an interior 251 of the carton 105. The carton 105 could be otherwise formed and/or erected without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the bottom end 109 can be closed with the bottom closure 113. For example, the bottom locking flap 195 can be folded along the lateral fold line 197 outwardly with respect to the bottom closure panel 191, and both of the bottom closure panel 191 and the bottom locking flap 195 can be folded along the lateral fold line 193 toward the interior 251 of the carton 105 and can be inserted into a gap 253 between the partition panel 205 and the back panel 131. For example, as the bottom end panel 141 is folded over the bottom end 109 of the carto 105 to at least partially close the bottom end 109, the bottom locking flap 195 and the bottom closure panel 191 can be inserted into the gap 253 with the lateral fold line 197 entering the gap 253 first and the bottom closure panel 191 and the bottom locking flap 195 in an at least partially overlapping relationship. Accordingly, the bottom locking flap 195 and the bottom closure panel 191 can be positioned between (e.g., sandwiched between) the partition panel 205 and the retention flap 199 as they are inserted into the gap 253. In embodiments, as the bottom locking flap 195 and the bottom closure panel 191 are moved further into the gap 253, the bottom locking flap 195 can slide along the retention flap 199 until the bottom locking edge 198 slides past the bottom retention edge 202 of the retention flap 199. In the illustrated embodiments, the natural spring back of the blank material can at least partially bias the bottom locking flap 195 outward, away from the bottom closure panel 191 and toward the back panel 131. Accordingly, the bottom locking flap 195 can move (e.g., snap) outwardly against the interior surface of the back panel 131 when the bottom locking edge 198 moves past the retention edge 202. The outward movement of the bottom locking flap 195 can move the bottom locking flap 195 into alignment with the retention flap 199 so that the bottom locking edge 198 and the retention edge 202 are in aligned and opposing relationship with one another.

[0038] As described, the bottom closure 113 can be folded towards the interior 251 of the carton 105 and the bottom locking flap 195 can slide past the retention flap 199 until the bottom locking flap 195 and the retention flap 199 become engaged (e.g., locked). For example, the spring back of the blank material can bias the bottom locking flap 195 outwardly so that the bottom locking flap 195 folds outwardly against the interior surface of the back panel 131 when the bottom locking flap 195 moves past the retention flap 199. Accordingly, the bottom locking edge 198 of the bottom locking flap 195 can engage the retention edge 202 of the retention flap 199 so that the bottom locking edge 198 and the retention edge 202 are at least partially aligned. For example, the bottom locking edge 198 can engage and/or contact the retention edge 202 so that the retention flap 199 blocks the bottom locking flap 195 and prevents the bottom locking flap 195 and the remainder of the bottom closure 113 from moving outwardly (e.g., opening) if a force is applied to the bottom end panel 141 that may otherwise fold the bottom closure 113 outwardly from the interior of the carton 105 (e.g., if one attempts to pull the bottom closure 113 open).

[0039] The closed and locked bottom end 109 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 5 shows the bottom locking features engaged in the interior of the carton 105, for example, with hidden features shown with broken lines. As shown in FIG. 5, the recess 213 in the distal attachment flap 209 can at least partially accommodate the bottom locking flap 195 and the retention flap 199 when the bottom closure 113 is closed and the distal attachment flap 209, the retention flap 199, and the bottom locking flap 195 are at least partially coplanar in the gap 253 between the partition panel 205 and the back panel 131. In embodiments, the closed bottom closure 113 can be at least partially recessed at the bottom 109 (e.g., with respect to the back panel 131 and the side panels 123, 127). For example, the bottom edges 203 of the back panel 131 and the bottom fold lines 164b and 164c can be spaced below the bottom panel 141 and the remainder of the bottom closure 113. In embodiments, the bottom closure 113 also can lack any tabs or other access points so that opening of the bottom closure 113 is difficult or impossible (e.g., without cutting or tearing the carton) once the bottom 109 is closed and locked. The bottom end 109 could be otherwise closed and/or locked without departing from the disclosure.

[0040] In the illustrated embodiments, the top end 107 can be closed and locked as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. For example, the side top end structures 143, 151 can be folded along the lateral fold lines 162 and into the interior 251 of the carton 105 (FIG. 6A). In embodiments, the side top end structures 143, 151 can fold along the fold lines 225, 229, 233 and the distal panels 227 can separate from and be disposed opposite to the respective proximal panels 221 with the intermediate panels 223 extending between the respective proximal panels 221 and distal panels 227 as the side top end structures 143, 151 are folded into the interior 251. As shown in FIG. 6B, the proximal panel 221 of the side top end structure 151 can extend horizontally (e.g., generally and/or substantially horizontally) from the side panel 127 at the top end 107, and, as schematically shown in the partial breakaway view of FIG. 8, the distal panel 227 can extend horizontally (e.g., generally and/or substantially horizontally) from the side panel 127 and the end attachment flap 231 into the interior 251 with the intermediate panel extending vertically (e.g., generally and/or substantially vertically) between the proximal portion 221 and the distal portion 227, in examples. As shown in FIGS. 6B and 8, for example, the retention shoulders 155 can extend outwardly from the proximal panels 221 toward the back panel 131 when the side top end structures 143, 151 are in position in the interior 251 at the top end 107.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 6A, the top locking panel 165 can be folded along the fold line 167 and into overlapping relationship with the top closure panel 161 with the distal spacer flap 169 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the pull tab 175 can be inserted at least partially through the slot 177. As shown in FIG. 6B, the top closure 111 can be folded towards the interior of the carton 105 so that the top end panel 139 at least partially closes the top end 107 and the top locking panel 165 and the top closure panel 161 are inserted between the top side end structures 143, 151 and the back flap 171 (which can be glued in face-to-face contact with the back panel 131). As the top closure 111 is moved to the closed position, the top locking panel 165 can slide along the outer edges of the shoulders 155 until the top locking panel 165 and the top locking edge 243 move past (e.g., below) the shoulders 155, wherein the spring back of the carton material can bias the top locking panel 165 away from the top closure panel 161 into the interior 251 so that the top locking panel 165 and the top locking edge 243 move under the shoulders 155. In the illustrated embodiments, the shoulders 155 can be spaced apart from one another to define a recess or gap therebetween, and the pull tab 175 extending upwardly from the top locking edge 243 can be at least partially received between the shoulders 155 in the recess or gap as the top locking panel 165 moves under the shoulders 155. As schematically shown in FIG. 8, the top locking panel 165 can contact an edge of the intermediate panels 223 and/or the pull tab 175 can contact an edge of the top end panel 139 extending along the slot 177 and/or an edge of the proximal panels 221 to resist and/or prevent further movement of the top locking panel 165 away from the top closure panel 161. The top closure 111 could be otherwise actuated to at least partially close the top end 107 and/or could be otherwise locked without departing from the disclosure. Further, the ends 107, 109 could be closed in any order and carton can be packed/loaded before closing the ends and/or after closing one of the ends.

[0042] The closed and locked top closure 111 is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 with the pull tab 175 extending upwardly through the slot 177 and the unactuated push tab 179 extending in the back panel 131 (FIG. 9A). As schematically shown in the partial breakaway view of FIG. 8, the top locking panel 165 can extend under the shoulders 155 of the top side end structures 143, 151 to lock the top closure 111 in the closed configuration. For example, the spring back of the blank material can bias the top locking panel 165 away from the back flap 171 and the back panel 131. Forces that may tend to move the top closure 111 upwardly away from the interior of the carton 105 can cause the top locking edge 243 of the top locking panel 165 to contact the proximal panels 221 of the side top end structures 141, 151 under the shoulders 155, which can prevent further folding of the top closure 111 and keep the top closure 111 in the closed position.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 9A-10, the top closure 111 selectively can be unlocked and opened by actuating the pull tab 175 and the push tab 179. For example, a user can pull on the pull tab 175 (e.g., in the direction of the arrow A1) to move the pull tab 175 toward the back panel 131 against the bias of the spring back forces of the blank/carton material. In embodiments, this can move the top locking panel 165 toward the back panel 131. As schematically shown in the partial breakaway view of FIG. 9C, the top locking panel 165 and the top locking edge 243 are moved outwardly of the shoulders 155 so that the shoulders 155 do not interfere with the movement of the top locking panel 165 when the pull tab 175 is actuated as shown in FIGS. 9A-9C. In exemplary embodiments, the push tab 179 can be actuated (e.g., pushed inwardly through the opening 181) so that the push tab 179 folds upwardly along the fold line 183 (e.g., as shown by arrow A2) in the interior 251 of the carton 105, at least partially forming an access opening 255 in the back panel 131 (FIGS. 9B and 9C). As schematically shown in the partial breakaway view of FIG. 9C, the actuated push tab 179 can push upwardly in the direction of arrow A3 on the top closure panel 161 and the top locking panel 165 (e.g., pushing on the fold line 167 connecting the top closure panel 161 and the top locking panel 165) to push the top closure 111 so that the top closure 111 folds along the lateral fold line 162 away from the interior of the carton 105 (FIGS. 9B and 9C) to open the top end 107 (FIG. 10). In embodiments, once the top closure edge 243 moves past the shoulders 155, a user can continue to open the top closure 111 by pulling upwardly on the pull tab 175 and/or other portions of the top closure to pivot the top end panel 139 away from the top end 107. Once the top closure 111 is opened, the side top end structures 143, 151 can be pivoted upwardly out of the interior 251 to provide access to the interior 251 of the carton 105 and/or to the contents (not shown) of the carton 105.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiments, the top closure 111 can be reclosed as shown in FIGS. 6A-8 (e.g., as described above). In exemplary embodiments, the locking features can make an audible noise (e.g., a click sound) when the top end 107 is closed and the locking features are engaged to indicate to a user that the carton 105 is locked in the closed configuration. The carton 105 could be otherwise formed and/or closed without departing from the disclosure.

[0045] In embodiments, the top side end structures 143, 151 can help protect the one or more products (e.g., a glass jar or other suitable articles) in the interior of the carton 105 as well as at least partially form an integrated locking mechanism along with a tuck-in flap (e.g., formed by the top locking panel 165 and the top closure panel 161). In embodiments the spring back forces of the blank material can facilitate locking of the top closure 111. As described above, a two-step process can be used to open the top end 107 of the carton 105 by pulling on the pull tab 175 and pushing on the push tab 179. In the illustrated embodiments, the bottom end 109 also can include a locking feature, which is difficult or impossible to be opened once closed and locked due to a lack of access areas, for example. In embodiments, this configuration of the blank 103 and the carton 105 can allow the carton 105 to be erected (e.g., from the pre-glued, open-ended sleeve configuration of FIG. 2B), loaded, and closed without the need for additional glue or machinery. For example, the carton can be filled and closed securely by hand without the need for additional glue. Accordingly, the carton 105 can provide a child-proof and/or child-resistant package that can be filled and closed/locked by hand without the need for additional gluing operations or for investing in machinery, etc.

[0046] 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. Further, the panels, flaps, and/or other features shown and described in conjunction with the blanks, the cartons, and/or the packages of the above embodiments are included by way of example. The closure features and/or other features of the disclosure can alternatively be associated with any suitable carton or blank having any panel and flap configuration.

[0047] The cartons according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from blanks of 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels, flaps, or features, 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.

[0051] 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.