Patent Publication Number: US-11661230-B2

Title: Stackable cartons, system, and methods of using the same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/937,960, filed on Nov. 20, 2019. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The disclosures of each of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/281,434, filed on Feb. 21, 2019 (now published as U.S. Publication No. 2019/0256241) and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/937,960, filed on Nov. 20, 2019, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in their entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to stackable cartons, systems of stackable cartons, blanks for forming stackable cartons, and methods associated with cartons that are stackable. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to one aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton for holding at least one article, the carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the carton, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The at least one top end flap is upwardly folded relative to the top panel to at least partially maintain a closed configuration of the carton in which the top panel is recessed below a portion of each of the front panel, the back panel, and the at least one side panel to form a recessed top portion for receiving a portion of a vertically adjacent carton. 
     According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank for forming a carton for holding at least one article, the blank comprising a plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The at least one top end flap is for being upwardly folded to at least partially maintain a closed configuration of the carton formed from the blank in which the top panel is recessed below a portion of each of the front panel, the back panel, and the at least one side panel to form a recessed top portion for receiving a portion of a vertically adjacent carton when the carton is formed from the blank. 
     According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method of forming a carton for holding at least one article, the method comprising obtaining a blank comprising a plurality of panels and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, and the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The method further comprises folding the plurality of panels at least partially around the interior of the carton, and forming a closed configuration of the carton in which the top panel is recessed below a portion of each of the front panel, the back panel, and the at least one side panel to form a recessed top portion for receiving a portion of a vertically adjacent carton, the forming the closed configuration of the carton comprising upwardly folding the at least one top end flap to at least partially maintain the closed configuration of the carton. 
     According to another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a system of cartons for holding at least one article, the system comprising a first carton, the first carton comprising a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior of the first carton, the plurality of panels comprising a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and at least one side panel, and a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to a respective panel of the plurality of panels, the plurality of end flaps comprising at least one top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. The at least one top end flap is upwardly folded to at least partially maintain a closed configuration of the first carton in which the top panel is recessed below a portion of each of the front panel, the back panel, and the at least one side panel to form a recessed top portion. The system further comprises a second carton at least partially received in the recessed top positron of the first carton. 
     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. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of  FIG.  1    and in an open configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of the carton of  FIG.  2    in a closed configuration. 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a system including a pair of the cartons of  FIG.  3    in a stacked configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a plan view of an exterior surface of a blank for forming a carton according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of  FIG.  5    and in an open configuration according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the carton of  FIG.  6    in a closed configuration. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a system including a pair of the cartons of  FIG.  7    in a stacked configuration according to the second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The containers of the present disclosure can be useful in supporting/containing a food product or other article such as any suitable type of food product. For example, the food product could include frozen food products or non-frozen food products. Some suitable food products could include such as French fries, chicken nuggets, chicken legs, chicken wings, drumsticks, chicken strips, fish sticks, mozzarella sticks, pizza, French bread pizza, sandwiches, calzones, turnovers, burritos, vegetables, popcorn, or any other suitable food product, any of which can be provided as a frozen or unfrozen food product. It will be understood that food products other than the food products listed herein may be contained in the disclosed packages and/or containers. Further, food products disclosed herein can be generally rectangular, triangular, round, square, irregular, or any other shape. 
     In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright containers. As described herein, containers can be formed from blanks by overlapping multiple portions, components, and/or elements thereof. Such portions, components, and/or elements may be designated herein in terms relative to one another, e.g., “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference, without departing from the disclosure. 
       FIG.  1    is a plan view of an exterior surface  101  of a carton blank  103  that can be obtained for forming a carton  105  ( FIG.  2   ) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. The carton  105  is provided to extend at least partially around an interior  107  of the carton  105  for holding at least one article contained therein, for example, a food or beverage product or related packaging, and, as shown in  FIG.  3   , is provided with a recessed top portion  108  that receives a portion of another vertically stacked carton to form a system of multiple stacked cartons. 
     The blank  103 , as shown, has a longitudinal axis L 1  and a lateral axis L 2 . The illustrated blank  103  has a tray portion  109  for forming a tray  113  of the carton  105 , and the tray portion  109  includes a bottom panel  125 , a front panel  127  foldably connected to the bottom panel  125  at a lateral fold line  129 , a back panel  131  foldably connected to the bottom panel  125  at a lateral fold line  133 , a first side panel  135  foldably connected to the bottom panel  125  at a longitudinal fold line  137 , and a second side panel  139  foldably connected to the bottom panel  25  at a longitudinal fold line  141 . 
     The blank  103  can also include a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels, and can include a first front end flap  143  and a second front end flap  145  that are foldably connected to the front panel  127  at respective oblique fold lines  147 ,  149 , and that are separated from the respective first side panel  135  and second side panel  139  at respective oblique cuts  151 ,  153 . 
     Similarly, a first back end flap  155  and a second back end flap  157  can be foldably connected to the back panel  131  at respective oblique fold lines  159 ,  161 , and can be separated from the respective first side panel  135  and second side panel  139  at respective oblique cuts  163 ,  165 . A notch or recess  166  can be defined along a free edge of the front panel  127  for receiving a portion of the lid portion  111 /lid  115 . 
     As described further herein, the carton  105  assembled from the blank  103  has a tapered configuration, with a free edge or top edge of each of the front panel  127  and the back panel  131  defining a first lateral length D 1  that is greater than a second lateral length D 2  that is defined by each of the fold lines  129 ,  133 . Similarly, a free edge or top edge of each of the first side panel  135  and the second side panel  139  define a first longitudinal length  103  that is greater than a second longitudinal length D 4  defined by each of the fold lines  137 ,  141 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  1   , the blank  103  also includes a lid portion  111  for forming a lid  115  of the carton  105 . The lid portion  111  of the blank  103  includes a top panel  167 , a hinge panel  169  foldably connected to the top panel  167  at a longitudinal fold line  171 , a first top end flap  173  foldably connected to the top panel  167  at a longitudinal fold line  175 , and a second top end flap  179  foldably connected to the top panel  167  at a longitudinal fold line  181 . A handle/locking tab  183  protrudes from the top panel  167 , and is at least partially defined by a pair of laterally-spaced notches  185 . 
     As also shown, the hinge panel  169  is foldably connected to the back panel  131  at a lateral fold line  174 . In this regard, the hinge panel  169  is defined between the fold lines  171 ,  174  so as to foldably connect the lid portion  111 /lid  115  to the tray portion  109 /tray  113  at the fold line  174 . In one embodiment, the blank  103  can be devoid of a hinge panel  169  and the top panel  167  can be foldably connected to the back panel  131  at the fold line  174 . 
     As shown, a window  187  is defined in the top panel  167 , and as described further herein, can allow a user or customer to view the interior  107  of the carton  105  through the top panel  167 , e.g., to inspect or identify a food product therein. In this regard, a liner  189  can be applied, e.g., adhered, laminated, heat sealed, etc., to at least a portion of the top panel  167  so as to overlie an opening  190  in the top panel  167  to form the window  187 , for example, to maintain a desired condition (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) of food products in the interior  107  of the carton  105  and/or to inhibit the passage of debris or pests through the window  187 . 
     The liner  189  can be formed of a polymeric material such as PET, cellophane, plastic, etc. The liner  189  may be at least partially transparent to enhance visibility through the window  187  to the interior  107  of the carton  105 . The liner  189  can be selected with other properties, for example, moisture resistance or an anti-fog treatment to minimize the development of steam or condensation across the window  187 . In one embodiment, the liner  189  can be applied to the interior surface of the top panel  167 . The carton  105  can be devoid of a window  187 , opening  190 , and/or liner  189  without departing from the disclosure. 
     It will be understood that one or more of the panels, end flaps, window, and associated features can have a different size, shape, and/or configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , the blank  103  can be formed into the carton  105 , in one embodiment, by forming the tray  113  by folding/raising the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  at the respective fold lines  129 ,  133 ,  137 ,  141  to raise upwardly from the bottom panel  125  and to at least partially extend around the interior  107  of the carton  105 . In addition, the end flaps  143 ,  145 ,  155 ,  517  can be folded at the respective fold lines  147 ,  149  and fold lines  159 ,  161  such that the end flaps  143 ,  155  are positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the first side panel  135  and such that the end flaps  145 ,  157  are positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel  139 . Such an arrangement of the tray  113  of the carton  105  can be maintained, for example, with an adhesive such as glue. 
     The carton  105  is provided with an openable configuration in which the lid  115  is hingeably attached to the tray  113  and positionable between a closed position wherein the lid  115  at least partially closes the interior  107  of the carton  105  and an open position wherein the lid  115  is raised to provide access to the interior  107 . 
     In this regard, the positioning of the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  is such to be tapered or angled outwardly relative to the bottom panel  125  to position the respective top edges of the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 /fold line  174 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  in a manner to allow the top panel  167  to fit within the top opening defined by the respective top edges. Accordingly, such top opening is larger than the bottom panel  125 . 
     The angled position of the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  and the wider opening formed by the top edges of the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 /fold line  174 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  allows the top panel  167  to be received through the wide top opening and positioned below the respective top edges of the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 /fold line  174 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  to close the carton  105  and to form a recessed top portion  108  of the carton  105 . 
     In addition, the oblique configuration of the fold lines  147 ,  149 ,  159 ,  161  also facilitates the positioning of the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  at respective oblique angles relative to the bottom panel  125  such that the carton  105  has a tapered configuration that facilitates nesting and/or stacking, as described further herein. The front panel  127 , the back panel  131 , the first side panel  135 , and the second side panel  139  could be otherwise positioned (e.g., tapered or angled more or less than shown) without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG.  3   , in order to transition the carton  105  from the open configuration illustrated in  FIG.  2    to the closed configuration illustrated in  FIG.  3   , the top panel  167  and/or hinge panel  169  can be folded downwardly at the respective fold lines  171 ,  174  toward the interior  107  of the carton  105  such that the handle tab  183  enters the recess  166  in the front panel  127  and such that the end flaps  173 ,  179  engage the top edges of the side panels  135 ,  139  and at least partially fold upwardly at the respective fold lines  175 ,  181 . In one embodiment, the hinge panel  169  can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel  131 . 
     The top panel  167  can be lowered at least partially below the top edges of the side panels  135 ,  139  to a generally planar arrangement with and spaced above the bottom panel  125  so as to form a top recessed portion  108  between the top panel  167  and the upper edges of the panels  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 . 
     In such a closed configuration of the carton  105 , the upwardly folded end flaps  173 ,  179  can be positioned in at least partial face-to-face contact with upper portions of the side panels  135 ,  139 , and the handle/locking tab  183  can be positioned extending at least partially through the recess  166  in the front panel  127 , with the notches  185  of the handle tab  183  generally aligned with lateral edges of the front panel  127  adjacent the recess  166 , for example, to inhibit inadvertent opening or shifting of the lid  115 . The presence of the handle tab  183  through the notch  166  as well as the position of the upwardly folded end flaps  173 ,  179  of the lid  115  engaging/contacting the interior surfaces of the side panels  135 ,  139  of the tray  113  can minimize, inhibit, and/or prevent the top panel  167  from being lowered too far into the interior of the tray  113  (e.g., past a parallel configuration with the bottom panel  125 ) when the lid  115  is closed. 
     The engagement/contact of the upwardly folded end flaps  173 ,  179  with the respective side panels  135 ,  139  can at least partially maintain the closed configuration of the carton  105 , e.g., via frictional and/or interfering engagement with the respective side panels  135 ,  139 . Furthermore, the position of the handle tab  183  extending at least partially through the recess  166  can at least partially maintain the closed configuration of the carton  105 , e.g., via frictional and/or interfering engagement of the notches  185  with edges of the front panel  127 . 
     It will be understood that the carton  105  can be transitioned from the closed configuration to the open configuration, for example, by grasping or lifting the handle tab  183  to raise the top panel  167  and/or the hinge panel  169  upwardly at the respective fold lines  171 ,  174  such that the interior  107  of the carton  105  is accessible. In one embodiment, the presence of the hinge panel  169  can allow the lid  115  to be further articulable, for example, by allowing the hinge panel  169  to tilt away from the back panel  131  to provide freedom of movement of the lid  115  in the longitudinal direction L 1  as the lid  115  is raised and lowered. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG.  4   , a pair stacked cartons  105  is illustrated, with each carton  105  positioned to receive and support a portion of a vertically-adjacent carton  105  in a respective top recessed portion  108 . In one embodiment, the bottom carton  105  can be a first carton, and the vertically-adjacent carton  105  can be considered a second carton. In addition to the support provided by the top panel  167  of the lower carton  105 , the upper portions of the panels  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 ,  169  and end flaps  173 ,  179  that extend above the recessed top panel  167  of the lower carton  105  provide front-to-back and side-to-side stability, e.g., by engaging lower portions, for example, bottom corners and edges, of the upper carton  105  to inhibit slidable movement thereof. 
     In this regard, a system  117  of stacked cartons  105  is provided wherein the cartons  105  are interlocked or stabilized by the engagement of the bottom portion of a respective carton  105  with the respective recessed top portion  108  of a respective carton  105  therebelow. It will be understood that in an open configuration of the carton  105 , e.g., with the lid  115  raised relative to the remainder of the carton  105 , a carton  105  can be nested within the interior  107  of a carton  105  therebelow, for example, to reduce space and/or to facilitate loading of the cartons  105 . While a system  117  of two stacked cartons  105  is illustrated, more than two cartons  105  can be stacked in this manner without departing from the disclosure. 
     Turning to  FIG.  5   , a plan view of an exterior surface  201  of a blank  203  for forming a carton  205  according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The blank  203 /carton  205  can have one or more features that are substantially similar to those of the blank  103 /carton  105  described above, and like or similar reference numerals are used to designate like or similar features. 
     As shown, the blank  203  has the longitudinal axis L 1 , the lateral axis L 2 , and includes a tray portion  209  for forming a tray  213  of the carton  205 , and includes the bottom panel  135 , the front panel  127 , the back panel  131 , the first side panel  135 , the second side panel  139 , and the end flaps  143 ,  145 ,  159 , and  157 . As also shown, the fold lines  147 ,  149  that foldably connect the respective end flaps  143 ,  145  to the front panel  127  are interrupted by respective locking openings  248 , e.g., female locking features, for receiving respective male locking features of the lid portion  211  of the blank  203 /lid  215  of the carton  205 . In the illustrated embodiment, each locking opening  248  can extend at least partially into the front panel  127 . 
     Still referring to  FIG.  5   , the lid portion  211 /lid  215  can include the hinge panel  169  foldably connected to the back panel  131  at the lateral fold line  174 , and a top panel  267  foldably connected to the hinge panel  169  at the lateral fold line  171 . 
     The top panel  267  includes a window  287 , and a liner  289  can be applied, e.g., adhered, laminated, heat sealed, etc., to at least a portion of the top panel  267  so as to overlie an opening  290  defined in the top panel  267  to form the window  287 . The opening  290 , as shown, can have a three-sided e.g., triangular profile, though the opening  290  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. The liner  289  can have a configuration similar to the liner  189  described above and can be sized and/or shaped to correspond to the opening  290 , though the liner  289  can have a different configuration without departing from the disclosure. The carton  205  can be devoid of a window  287 , opening  290 , and/or liner  289  without departing from the disclosure. 
     It will be understood that one or more of the panels, end flaps, window, and associated features can have a different size, shape, and/or configuration without departing from the disclosure. 
     As shown, a first top end flap  273  is foldably connected to the top panel  267  at the longitudinal fold line  175 , and a second top end flap  279  is foldably connected to the top panel  267  at the longitudinal fold line  181 . A lateral free edge of the top end flaps  273 ,  279  can define a respective locking tab  280  extending therefrom, e.g., a protruding or notched feature having one or more straight, curved, and/or angled portions. As described further herein, the locking tabs  280  can be male locking features for at least partially being received in the respective locking openings  248 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG.  6   , the carton  205  can be formed in a substantially similar manner as described above with regard to the carton  105 , and is illustrated in an open configuration. 
     Turning to  FIG.  7   , in order to transition the carton  205  from the open configuration to a closed configuration, similar to the carton  105  described above, the top panel  267  and/or hinge panel  169  can be folded downwardly at the respective fold lines  171 ,  174  toward the interior  207  of the carton  205  such that the handle tab  183  enters the recess  166  in the front panel  127  and such that the end flaps  273 ,  279  engage the top edges of the side panels  135 ,  139  and at least partially fold upwardly at the respective fold lines  175 ,  181 . The top panel  267  can be lowered at least partially below the top edges of the side panels  135 ,  139  to a generally planar arrangement with and spaced above the bottom panel  125  so as to form a top recessed portion  208  between the top panel  267  and the upper edges of the panels  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 . It will be understood that articulation of the top panel  267  can be provided by the hinge panel  169 , e.g., such that the hinge panel  169  can be movable relative to one or both of the top panel  267  and the back panel  131 . 
     As the lid  215  is closed over the tray  213  as described above, the locking tabs  280  protruding from the top end flaps  273 ,  279  are positioned to at least partially extend through the respective locking openings  248  to provide a lock/secure closure of the carton  205 , e.g., to maintain the carton  205  in the closed configuration, to minimize, inhibit, and/or prevent inadvertent opening, etc. In this regard, in order to open the carton  205 , the locking tabs  280  can be disengaged from the respective locking openings  248  before reversing the closure steps outlined above and as described above with regard to the carton  105 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIG.  8   , a pair stacked cartons  205  is illustrated, with each carton  205  positioned to receive and support a portion of a vertically-adjacent carton  205  in a respective top recessed portion  208 . In one embodiment, the bottom carton  205  can be a first carton, and the vertically-adjacent carton  205  can be considered a second carton. In addition to the support provided by the top panel  267  of the lower carton  205 , the upper portions of the panels  127 ,  131 ,  135 ,  139 ,  169  and end flaps  273 ,  279  that extend above the recessed top panel  167  of the lower carton  205  provide front-to-back and side-to-side stability, e.g., by engaging lower portions, for example, bottom corners and edges, of the upper carton  205  to inhibit slidable movement thereof. 
     In this regard, a system  217  of stacked cartons  205  is provided wherein the cartons  205  are interlocked or stabilized by the engagement of the bottom portion of a respective carton  205  with the respective recessed top portion  208  of a respective carton  205  therebelow. It will be understood that in an open configuration of the carton  205 , e.g., with the lid  215  raised relative to the remainder of the carton  205 , one or more cartons  205  can be nested within the interior  207  of a carton  205  therebelow. While a system  217  of two stacked cartons  205  is illustrated, more than two cartons  205  can be stacked in this manner without departing from the disclosure. 
     In the foregoing embodiments, systems of cartons are provided with two or more generally similar cartons provided in a stacked configuration. However, it will be understood that a system of cartons can include two or more stacked cartons in which at least one of the cartons has a different configuration. 
     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. 
     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 there along. 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. 
     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. 
     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. 
     The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describes various exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications, changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and 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. 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.