Abstract:
A carton for holding containers is disclosed. The carton can be converted from a first configuration for storing and shipping containers therein to a second configuration in which the carton forms an open-top cooler for chilling and serving the containers. According to an embodiment, a handle is formed in a top panel and end panels of the carton in the first configuration. Conversion of the carton from the first configuration to the second configuration can be accomplished by detaching the handle from the top panel and folding open portions of the top panel and end panels.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/109,648, filed Oct. 30, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     It is often desirable to serve a large quantity of containers, such as beverage and foodstuff containers, in a chilled condition. It may be desirable or necessary to chill such containers at locations or events for which there is little or no access to refrigerators or freezers, or at events for which it is not desirable to use refrigerators or freezers. For example, a large quantity of beverage and foodstuff containers may be served at parties, cookouts, picnics or vacation spots where it is desired to chill the containers for an extended period of time. In such cases, it is customary to place the containers in a cooler containing ice, which often requires the containers to be removed from their original packaging. In some cases, it would be advantageous to be able to chill containers in their original packaging without having to provide a separate cooler. 
     In view of the above, it is desirable to provide a carton that is convertible from a first configuration for holding containers during storage and/or transport to a second configuration in which the carton forms a cooler configured to receive ice for chilling and serving the containers. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosure is directed to a carton suitable for holding a plurality of containers and convertible to a configuration suitable for functioning as a cooler. 
     According to an embodiment, a carton can be converted from a first configuration, in which the carton is a substantially parallelepipedal structure, to a second configuration, in which the carton forms an open-top structure. When the carton is in the first configuration, the carton can comprise a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a bottom panel, a top panel, a first end panel, and a second end panel opposite the first end panel. The top panel can comprise a first outer top panel section foldably connected to the first side panel, a second outer top panel section foldably connected to the second side panel, and at least one central top panel section extending between and detachably connected to the first outer top panel section and the second outer top panel section. When the carton is in the second configuration, the at least one central top panel section is detached from the first outer top panel section and the second outer top panel section and forms a handle configured for carrying the carton. In the second configuration, the first outer top panel section and the second outer top panel section can be folded outwardly to extend upwardly from the first side panel and the second side panel, respectively, thereby forming an open top of the carton, with the handle extending across the open top. 
     According to an embodiment, a carton can comprise a first side panel, a second side panel opposite the first side panel, a bottom panel, a top panel, a first end panel, and a second end panel opposite the first end panel. The first end panel can include a first upper end closure flap overlapping a first lower end closure flap. The second end panel can include a second upper end closure flap overlapping a second lower end closure flap. A handle can extend in the top panel and can include first and second end portions in the first and second upper end closure flaps, respectively. The handle can be detachable from the top panel, and the first and second end portions of the handle can be at least partially detachable from the first and second upper end closure flaps, respectively. 
     A blank for forming a carton is also disclosed. 
     Other features, aspects, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and accompanying figures. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of a carton blank according to an embodiment of this disclosure, with an outer or print side of the blank facing upwardly. 
         FIG. 2  shows the carton blank of  FIG. 1  with its inner side facing upwardly (outer or print side facing downwardly). 
         FIGS. 3-15  illustrate, in one form, a series of steps carried out in erecting a carton from the blank of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 16  shows the carton fully erected in a first configuration. 
         FIGS. 17-19  illustrate, in one form, a series of steps carried out in opening the erected carton and converting the carton to a second configuration forming a cooler for chilling and dispensing containers. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The disclosure generally relates to cartons suitable for storing and dispensing articles such as, for example, beverage containers, and methods of erecting such cartons from a carton blank. Articles that can be contained by such cartons include, but are not limited to, petaloid bottle containers, beverage cans, glass or plastic bottles, or other containers such as those used in the packaging of juices and other foodstuffs. For purposes of illustration and not limitation, the detailed description below describes one embodiment of the invention within the context of a carton for beverage cans. However, any other appropriate containers or articles might be substituted for the beverage cans within the scope of the invention. Further, references herein to “end,” “side,” “bottom,” and “top” refer to orientations or positions of elements when the carton is erected and disposed in an upright orientation. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “lateral,” and “oblique,” and any variations thereof, generally refer to the location and/or orientation of an element or line with respect to a drawing figure in which it appears. 
     Referring now in more detail to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a carton blank  1  from which a carton  400  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ) can be erected. The blank  1  is shown with its outside or print side up in  FIG. 1 , and with its inner side facing up in  FIG. 2 . The blank  1  includes a bottom panel  10 , a first side panel  20 , a second side panel  30 , a first outer top panel section  40 , a second outer top panel section  50 , a first central top panel section, or handle panel section  60 , and a second central top panel section  70 . Horizontal fold lines  16 ,  18  form front and rear edges, respectively, of the panels  10 ,  20 ,  30  and the panel sections  40 ,  50 ,  60  and  70 . The first and second side panels  20 ,  30  are foldably connected to opposite sides of the bottom panel  10  along vertical fold lines  12 ,  14 , respectively. The first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50  are connected to the first and second side panels  20 ,  30 , respectively, by vertical fold lines  22 ,  32 . The first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50  include respective handle access panels  80 ,  90  defined by arcuate tear lines  82 ,  92 . The handle access panels  80 ,  90  include respective finger tabs  84 ,  94  defined by arcuate tear lines  86 ,  96  which have endpoints intersecting the arcuate tear lines  82 ,  92 , respectively. The first and second central top panels  60 ,  70  are connected to the first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50 , respectively by tear lines  42 ,  52 , which extend transversely to the fold lines  16 ,  18 . 
     The panels  10 ,  20 ,  30  and the panel sections  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  are substantially rectangular in shape. However, the first and second outer top panels  40 ,  50  and the first and second central top panel sections  60 ,  70  are not perfectly rectangular, due to the pattern of the tear lines  42 ,  52  and exterior side edges  62 ,  72  of the first and second central top panel sections  60 ,  70 . Specifically, the tear lines  42 ,  52  include vertically extending central segments  42   a ,  52   a , obliquely extending first end segments  42   b ,  52   b  and obliquely extending second end segments  42   c ,  52   c . Similarly, the edges  62 ,  72  include vertically extending central segments  62   a ,  72   a , obliquely extending first end segments  62   b ,  72   b  and obliquely extending second end segments  62   c ,  72   c . The tear line  42  and the outer edge  62  are spaced apart in the first central top panel section  60 , with the first end segments  42   b ,  62   b  diverging from each other and the second end segments  42   c ,  62   c  diverging from each other. Similarly, the tear line  52  and the outer edge  72  are spaced apart in the second central top panel  70 , with the first end segments  52   b ,  72   b  diverging from each other and the second end segments  52   c ,  72   c  diverging from each other. Thus, the end portions of the central top panel sections  60 ,  70  are wider than the central portions of the central top panels  60 ,  70 . 
     The blank  1  includes a first bottom end panel  100  foldably connected to a first end of the bottom panel  10  along the fold line  16  and a second bottom end panel  110  foldably connected to a second end of the bottom panel  10  along the fold line  18 . The first and second bottom end panels  100 ,  110  can be rectangular in shape. A first lower gusset  120  is foldably connected to a first side of the first bottom end panel  100  along the fold line  12 , and a second lower gusset  140  is foldably connected to a second side of the first bottom end panel  100  along the fold line  14 . A third lower gusset  130  is foldably connected to a first side of the second bottom end panel  110  along the fold line  12 , and a fourth lower gusset  150  is foldably connected to a second side of the second bottom end panel  110  along the fold line  14 . In the embodiment shown, the gussets  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150  are substantially triangular in shape. 
     A first bottom end flap  320  is foldably connected to the first bottom end panel  100  along a horizontal fold line  106 . A second bottom end flap  330  is foldably connected to the second bottom end panel  110  along a horizontal fold line  116 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the first and second bottom end flaps  320 ,  330  can be rectangular in shape. 
     The blank  1  further includes a first side end flap  160 , a second side end flap  180 , a third side end flap  170 , and a fourth side end flap  190 . The first and third side end flaps  160 ,  170  are foldably connected to opposite ends of the first side panel  20  along the fold lines  16 ,  18 , respectively. The second and fourth side end flaps  180 ,  190  are foldably connected to opposite ends of the second side panel  30  along the fold lines  16 ,  18 , respectively. 
     The first side end flap  160  includes two flap sections  160   a ,  160   b  connected by a fold line  161  extending collinearly from the fold line  22 . The second side end flap  180  includes two flap sections  180   a ,  180   b  connected by a fold line  181  extending collinearly from the fold line  32 . The third side end flap  170  includes two flap sections  170   a ,  170   b  connected by a fold line  171  extending collinearly from the fold line  22 . The fourth side end flap  190  includes two flap sections  190   a ,  190   b  connected by a fold line  191  extending collinearly from the fold line  32 . The flap sections  160   a ,  170   a ,  180   a ,  190   a  are foldably connected to respective lower gussets  120 ,  130 ,  140 ,  150  by oblique fold lines  122 ,  132 ,  142 ,  152 . 
     The blank  1  includes a first upper gusset  200 , a second upper gusset  220 , a third upper gusset  210 , and a fourth upper gusset  230 . The first and third upper gussets  200 ,  210  are foldably connected to opposite ends of the first outer top panel  40  along the fold lines  16 ,  18 , and are foldably connected to respective flap sections  160   b ,  170   b  of the first and third side end flaps  160 ,  170  along oblique fold lines  162 ,  172 . The second and fourth upper gussets  220 ,  230  are foldably connected to opposite ends of the second outer top panel  50  along the fold lines  16 ,  18 , and are foldably connected to respective panel sections  180   b ,  190   b  of the second and fourth side end flaps  180 ,  190  along oblique fold lines  182 ,  192 . 
     First and second top attachment panels  240 ,  260  are foldably connected to first ends of the first and second central top panel sections  60 ,  70 , respectively, along the fold line  16 . The first and second top attachment panels  240 ,  260  are foldably connected to the first and second upper gussets  200 ,  220  along respective fold-and-tear lines  202 ,  222 , which extend collinearly from the tear lines  42 ,  52 , respectively. First and second top attachment flaps  280 ,  300  are foldably connected to the first and second top attachment panels  240 ,  260 , respectively, along horizontal fold lines  242 ,  262 . The first top attachment panel  240  and the second top attachment flap  300  can include respective adhesive regions  244 ,  302  on the outer surface of the blank  1 . 
     Third and fourth top attachment panels  250 ,  270  are foldably connected to second ends of first and second central top panel sections  60 ,  70  along the fold line  18 , and are foldably connected to the third and fourth upper gussets  210 ,  230  along fold-and-tear lines  212 ,  232 , which extend collinearly from the tear lines  42 ,  52 , respectively. Third and fourth top attachment flaps  290 ,  310  are foldably connected to the third and fourth top attachment panel  250 ,  270 , respectively, along horizontal fold lines  252 ,  272 . The third top attachment panel  250  and the fourth top attachment flap  310  can include adhesive regions  254 ,  312  on the outer surface of the blank  1 . 
       FIGS. 3-16  illustrate an example of a suitable method of erecting a carton  400  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ). Referring to  FIG. 3 , the first and third top attachment flaps  280 ,  290  are folded inwardly along respective fold lines  242 ,  252  into a substantially flat orientation against the first and third top attachment panels  240 ,  250 , respectively, such that the inner surfaces of the first and third top attachment flaps  280 ,  290  face the inner surfaces of the first and third top attachment panels  240 ,  250 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the blank  1  is then folded along the fold line  22  such that the first outer top panel section  40  and the first central top panel section  60  lie substantially flat against a remainder of the blank  1 , and the outer surfaces of the first outer top panel section  40  and the first central top panel section  60  face outwardly and the inner surfaces of the first outer top panel section  40  and the first central top panel section  60  face the inner surface of the remainder of the blank  1 . 
     Thereafter, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the second central top panel section  70 , the second outer top panel section  50  and the second side panel  30  are folded inwardly along the fold line  14  into a substantially flat orientation such that the second central top panel section  70  is aligned with the first central top panel section  60 , and the inner surface of the second central top panel section  70  faces the outer surface of the first central top panel section  60 . In this configuration, the second and fourth top attachment panels  260 ,  270  are aligned with the first and third top attachment panels  240 ,  250 , respectively. The inner surface of the second top attachment panel  260  is adhesively attached to the outer surface of the first top attachment panel  240  via the adhesive region  244 , and the inner surface of the fourth top attachment panel  270  is adhesively attached to the outer surface of the third top attachment panel  250  via the adhesive region  254 . 
     Next, as show in  FIGS. 6 and 11 , the blank is “opened” into a substantially rectangular tube  2 . The tube  2  is formed by folding the blank along the fold lines  12 ,  14 ,  22 ,  32  such that the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  extend substantially parallel to each other and the top panel sections  40 ,  50 ,  60 ,  70  form a top panel  360  extending substantially parallel to the bottom panel  10 , with the top panel  360  and the bottom panel  10  extending substantially perpendicularly to the first and second side panels  20 ,  30 . A plurality of containers C can be loaded into the interior I of the tube  2 . The containers C can be cylindrical cans, bottles or other types of containers. 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the first side end flap  160  is folded inwardly towards the interior I of the tube  2  along the fold lines  16 ,  122 ,  162  so as to extend transversely with respect to the first and second side panels  20 ,  30 . The second side end flap  180  is folded inwardly towards the interior I of the tube  2  along the fold lines  16 ,  142 ,  182  so as to extend transversely with respect to the first and second side panels  20 ,  30 . The first and second side end flaps  160 ,  180  also fold slightly along their respective fold lines  161  and  181  during this step. As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the first and second lower gussets  120 ,  140  are folded inwardly and downwardly about the fold lines  12 ,  122  and the fold lines  14 ,  142 , respectively, such that the inner surfaces of the first and second lower gussets  120 ,  140  lie substantially flat, facing the inner surface of the first bottom end panel  100 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the first bottom end panel  100  and the first bottom end flap  320  are folded inwardly and upwardly about the fold line  16  with respect to the bottom panel  10  such that the first bottom end panel  100  and the first bottom end flap  320  extend transversely between the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  and the top and bottom panels  10 ,  360 . The first and second lower gussets  120 ,  140  are simultaneously folded upwardly about respective fold lines  122 ,  142  and are thereby respectively tucked between the flap section  160   a  and the first bottom end panel  100 , and the flap section  180   a  and the first bottom end panel  100 . The first bottom end flap  320  can then be adhesively attached to the flap sections  160   a ,  180   a  such that the first bottom end flap  320  overlies the flap sections  160   a ,  180   a  of the first and second side end flaps  160 ,  180 , respectively, and a laterally extending free edge  322  of the first bottom end flap  320  is aligned with the fold lines  161 ,  181  in the first and second side end flaps,  160 ,  180 . The first bottom end panel  100 , the first bottom end flap  320 , and the first and second lower gussets  120 ,  140  thereby form a first lower end closure flap  340 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 9 , the flap sections  160   b ,  190   b  are folded upwardly along the fold lines  161 ,  181 , respectively, as the first and second upper gussets  200 ,  220  and the second top attachment panel  240  are folded upwardly about the fold line  16 . The second top attachment flap  300  is then folded over the flap sections  160   b ,  180   b  along the fold line  262  such that the inner surface of the second top attachment flap  300  contacts the outer surfaces of the flap sections  160   b ,  190   b , and a free lateral edge  304  of the second top attachment flap  300  is aligned with the fold lines  161 ,  181 . The flap sections  160   b ,  180   b  are thereby engaged between the second top attachment flap  300  and the first top attachment flap  280  ( FIG. 8 ). The flap sections  160   b ,  180   b  can be adhesively attached to the first and second top attachment flaps  280 ,  300 . Thus, the flap sections  160   b ,  180   b , the first and second top attachment panels  240 ,  260 , the first and second top attachment flaps  280 ,  300  and the first and second upper gussets  200 ,  220  form a first upper end closure flap  342 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , after completing the steps illustrate in  FIG. 9 , the first upper end closure flap  342  is folded inwardly and downwardly about the fold line  16  so as to extend transversely between the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  and the top and bottom panels  10 ,  360 . During this folding step, the respective flap sections  160   b ,  180   b  of the first and second side end flaps  160 ,  180  are folded inwardly and downwardly about their respective fold lines  161 ,  181 , and the outer surface of the second top attachment flap  300  is placed against the outer surface of the first lower end closure flap  340 . The first upper end closure flap  342  is secured to the first lower end closure flap  340  by adhesive attachment of the second top attachment flap  300  to the first lower end closure flap  340  at the adhesive region  302 . Thus, the first upper end closure flap  342  overlaps the first lower end closure flap  340 , and the first upper end closure flap  342  and the first lower end closure flap  340  combine to form a first end panel  344  extending transversely between the first and second side panels  20 ,  30 , and the top and bottom panels  360 ,  10 . 
     The steps illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10  are repeated for the opposite end of the tube  2 , as will now be described in detail with respect to  FIGS. 12-15 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the third side end flap  170  is folded inwardly towards the interior I of the tube  2  along the fold lines  18 ,  132 ,  172  so as to extend transversely with respect to the first and second side panels  20 ,  30 . The fourth side end flap  190  is folded inwardly towards the interior I of the tube  2  along the fold lines  18 ,  152 ,  192  so as to extend transversely with respect to the first and second side panels  20 ,  30 . The third and fourth side end flaps  170 ,  190  also fold slightly along their respective fold lines  171  and  191  during this step. As illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the third and fourth lower gussets  130 ,  150  are folded inwardly and downwardly about the fold lines  12 ,  132  and the fold lines  12 ,  152 , respectively, such that the inner surfaces of the third and fourth lower gussets  130 ,  150  lie substantially flat, facing the inner surface of the second bottom end panel  110 . 
     Thereafter, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the second bottom end panel  110  and the second bottom end flap  330  are folded inwardly and upwardly about the fold line  18  with respect to the bottom panel  10  such that the second bottom end panel  110  and the second bottom end flap  330  extend transversely between the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  and the top and bottom panels  10 ,  360 . The third and fourth lower gussets  130 ,  150  are simultaneously folded upwardly about respective fold lines  132 ,  152  and are thereby respectively tucked between the third side end flap  170  and the second bottom end panel  110 , and the fourth side end flap  190  and the second bottom end panel  110 . The second bottom end flap  330  can then be adhesively attached to the flap sections  170   a ,  190   a  such that the second bottom end flap  330  overlies the flap sections  170   a ,  190   a  and a laterally extending free edge  332  of the second bottom end flap  330  is aligned with the fold lines  171 ,  191  in the third and fourth side end flaps,  170 ,  190 . A second lower end closure flap  350  is thereby formed by the second bottom end panel  110 , the second bottom end flap  330 , and the second and fourth lower gussets  130 ,  150 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 14 , the flap sections  170   b ,  190   b  are folded upwardly along the fold lines  171 ,  191 , respectively, as the third and fourth upper gussets  210 ,  230  and the fourth top attachment panel  270  are folded upwardly about the fold line  18 . The fourth top attachment flap  310  is then folded over the flap sections  170   b ,  190   b  along the fold line  272  such that the inner surface of the fourth top attachment flap  310  contacts the outer surfaces of the flap sections  170   b ,  190   b , and a free lateral edge  314  of the fourth top attachment flap  310  is aligned with the fold lines  171 ,  191 . The flap sections  170   b ,  190   b  are thereby engaged between the fourth top attachment flap  310  and the third top attachment flap  290  ( FIG. 13 ). The flap sections  170   b ,  190   b  can be adhesively attached to the third and fourth top attachment flaps  290 ,  310 . Thus, a second upper end closure flap  352  is formed by the flap sections  170   b ,  190   b , the third and fourth top attachment panels  250 ,  270 , the third and fourth top attachment flaps  290 ,  310  and the third and fourth upper gussets  210 ,  230 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 15 , the second upper end closure flap  352  is then folded inwardly and downwardly about the fold line  18  so as to extend transversely between the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  and the top and bottom panels  10 ,  360 . During this folding step, the respective flap sections  170   b ,  190   b  of the third and fourth side end flaps  170 ,  190  are folded inwardly and downwardly about their respective fold lines  171 ,  191 , and the outer surface of the fourth top attachment flap  310  is placed against the outer surface of the second lower end closure flap  350 . The second upper end closure flap  352  is secured to the second lower end closure flap  350  by adhesive attachment of the fourth top attachment flap  310  to the second lower end closure flap  350  at the adhesive region  312 . As a result, the second upper end closure flap  352  overlaps the second lower end closure flap  350 , and the second upper end closure flap  352  and the second lower end closure flap  350  combine to form a second end panel  354  extending transversely between the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  and the top and bottom panels  360 ,  10 . 
       FIG. 16  shows the fully erected carton  400 . In this configuration, the carton  400  is generally suitable for storing and shipping the containers C. The carton  400  is parallelpipedal and includes the top panel  360 , the bottom panel  10  (see  FIGS. 7 and 12 ), the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  extending substantially perpendicularly to the top and bottom panels  360 ,  10 , and the first and second end panels  344 ,  354  extending substantially perpendicularly to the first and second side panels  20 ,  30  and the top and bottom panels  360 ,  10 . The carton  400  includes a central handle  370  having a central gripping portion  372  extending longitudinally across the top panel  360 , a first end portion  374  in the first top end flap  342 , and a second end portion  376  in the second top end flap  352  (see  FIG. 15 ). The central gripping portion  372  of the handle  370  is formed by the second center top panel section  70  and the first center top panel section  60  underlying the second center top panel section  70 . The first end portion  372  is formed by the second top attachment panel  260  and the first top attachment panel  240 , which is positioned behind the second top attachment panel  260 . The second end portion  374  is formed by the fourth top attachment panel  270  and the third top attachment panel  250 , which is positioned behind the fourth top attachment panel  270 . The first and second handle access panels  80 ,  90  are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the central gripping portion  372  of the handle  370 . 
       FIGS. 17-19  illustrate an example of a suitable procedure for converting the carton  400  to an open-top basket or cooler  500  that is fillable with ice for chilling the containers C therein. Referring to  FIG. 17 , a person can at least partially separate the finger tabs  84 ,  94  from the respective handle access panels  80 ,  90  along the tear lines  86 ,  96  and/or the tear line segments  42   a ,  52   a  of the tear lines  42 ,  52  using fingers or thumbs, and then grip the handle access panels  80 ,  90  and at least partially separate the handle access panels  80 ,  90  from the first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50 , respectively, along the respective arcuate tear lines  82 ,  92  and/or tear line segments  42   a ,  52   a . Separation of the handle access panels  80 ,  90  from the first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50  leaves respective openings  85 ,  95  in the first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50  providing access to the handle  370 . The openings  85 ,  95  are illustrated as being substantially semi-circular, however, other shapes are possible by altering the shape of the tear lines  82 ,  92 , for example. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 17 , the handle  370  can be separated from the first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50  along the end segments  42   b ,  42   c  of the tear line  42  and the end segments  52   b ,  52   c  of the tear line  52 . The first and second top end flaps  342 ,  352  can be separated from the first and second bottom end flaps  340 ,  350  and folded upwardly by breaking the bonds formed at the adhesive regions  302 ,  312 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 18 and 19 , the first and second upper gussets  200 ,  220  can be detached from the first and second top attachment panels  240 ,  260 , respectively. Similarly, the third and fourth upper gussets  210 ,  230  can be detached from the third and fourth top attachment panels  250 ,  270  respectively. Thus, the handle  370  is separated from portions of the first and second upper closure panels  342 ,  352  (upper gussets  200 ,  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ), thereby allowing the first and second outer top panel sections  40 ,  50 , and the upper gussets  200 ,  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240  to be rotated outwardly towards the respective side panels  20 ,  30  to provide an open top T exposing all of the interior I and containers C therethrough. The first and second top attachment flaps  280 ,  300  remain adhesively attached to the flap sections  160   b ,  180   b  of the first and second side end flaps  160 ,  180 , and the third and fourth top attachment flaps  290 ,  310  remain adhesively attached to the flap sections  170   b ,  190   b  of the third and fourth side end flaps  170 ,  190 . As a result, in the configuration of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , a cooler  500  for chilling and serving the containers C is formed. The cooler  500  includes a substantially flat first side wall  420 , a substantially flat second side wall  430  extending substantially parallel to the first side wall  420 , a substantially flat first end wall  440  extending substantially perpendicularly to the first and second side walls  420 ,  430 , a substantially flat second end wall  450  extending substantially parallel to the first end wall  440 , the bottom panel  10 , and the handle  370  extending between the first and second end walls  440 ,  450  across the open top T. 
     The first side wall  420  is formed by the first side panel  20  and the first outer top panel section  40  extending substantially vertically above and substantially coplanar with the first side panel  20 . The second side panel  30  and the second outer top panel section  50 , which extends substantially vertically above and substantially coplanar with the first side panel  30 , constitute the second side wall  430 . The first end wall  440  is formed by the first lower end closure flap  340 , the first and second side end flaps  160 ,  180 , and a portion of the first upper end closure flap  342  (the first and second upper gussets  200 ,  220  and the first and second top attachment flaps  260 ,  280 ). The first and second upper gussets  200 ,  220 , the flap sections  160   b ,  180   b , and the first and second top attachment flaps  260 ,  280  extend substantially vertically above and substantially coplanar with the first lower end closure flap  340  in the first end wall  440 . Similarly, the second end wall  450  is formed by the second bottom end flap  350 , the third and fourth side end flaps  170 ,  190  and a portion of the second upper end closure flap  352  (the third and fourth upper gussets  210 ,  230  and the third and fourth top attachment flaps  290 ,  310 ). The third and fourth upper gussets  210 ,  230 , the flap sections  170   b ,  180   b , and the third and fourth top attachment flaps  290 ,  310  extend substantially vertically above and substantially coplanar with the second lower end closure flap  350 . 
     The side walls  420 ,  430  and end walls  440 ,  450  of the cooler  500  are taller than the side panels  20 ,  30  and end panels  344 ,  354  of the carton  400 . The interior of the cooler therefore has a depth such that the cooler  500  can be loaded with ice or the like through the open top T for chilling the containers C therein. In order to prevent degradation of the cooler  500  due to the melting of ice contained therein, the inner surface of the blank  1  ( FIG. 2 ), and therefore the inner surfaces of the carton  400 /cooler  500 , can be coated with a water-proof or water-resistant coating, or my be covered with a water-proof or water-resistant film in a known manner. 
     Furthermore, the overlapping arrangement of the top panel sections  60 ,  70  and the attachment of the first and third top attachment panels  240 ,  250  to the second and fourth top attachment panels  260 ,  270 , respectively, provide the handle  370  with a durable construction. Secure and durable attachment of the handle  370  to the end walls  440 ,  450  of the cooler  500  is provided by the attachment of the first and second top attachment flaps  280 ,  300  to the first and second side end flaps  160 ,  180 , and the attachment of the third and fourth top attachment flaps  290 ,  310  to the third and fourth side end flaps  170 ,  190 . 
     The containers C illustrated and described herein are cylindrical cans, and are loaded in the carton  400  and cooler  500  in a four-by-five configuration, with each container C resting on its bottom. However, it should be understood that different types of containers can be stored in the carton  400 /cooler  500 , and different numbers and configurations of containers are possible. Additionally, each of the above described embodiments, which include gussets at the bottom corners that are folded upon forming the carton, are configured to hold liquids, such as water melting from ice used to chill containers C and to keep those liquids from leaking around the gusseted corners. More specifically, these lower gussets ensure that there is a continuous band or strip of paperboard material extending completely around the bottom portion of the cooler that is uninterrupted by discontinuities or glued areas in the paperboard. Employing gussets in this manner is thus useful in keeping water from leaking from the corners of the carton. Further, the interior surfaces of the cooler may be coated with a material that renders the paperboard resistant to absorption of water at least for a reasonable length of time so that water contained in the cooler is not prone to leak through the paperboard during average use. 
     The foregoing disclosure provides illustrative embodiments of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. As understood by those of skill in the art, the overall invention encompasses other embodiments not specifically enumerated herein. For example, although the carton  400  is shown in the form of a parallelpipedal box, it can alternatively be shaped differently, and likewise the various detachable sections, panel sections, panels and flaps described herein can be shaped and arranged differently.