Patent Publication Number: US-2011049229-A1

Title: Carton with Dispensing and Reinforcing Features

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/275,878, which was filed on Sep. 3, 2009. 
    
    
     INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/275,878, which was filed on Sep. 3, 2009, is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as if presented herein in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Cartons are useful for holding and transporting articles. In order to facilitate dispensing of articles from a carton, it is beneficial to form a dispenser with a portion of the carton. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect, the present invention includes a combination blank that includes a first blank attached to a second blank by an adhesive. The first blank includes at least a first panel connected to a second panel along a first fold line. The second panel is connected to a third panel along a second fold line. The third panel is connected to a fourth panel along a third fold line. The fourth panel is connected to a fifth panel along a fourth fold line. The first blank includes first end flaps disposed along a first transverse fold line and second end flaps disposed along a second transverse fold line. The first transverse fold line and the second transverse fold line are transverse to the first fold line, the second fold line, the third fold line, and the fourth fold line. The first transverse fold line is spaced a first distance from the second transverse fold line. The first blank includes a dispensing flap pattern. The second blank includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a fourth panel, and a fifth panel, with each of the first panel, the second panel, the third panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel having a width less than the first distance. 
     The combination blank includes a first combination panel that includes the first panel of the first blank and the first panel of the second blank; a second combination panel that includes the second panel of the first blank and the second panel of the second blank; a third combination panel that includes the third panel of the first blank and the third panel of the second blank; a fourth combination panel that includes the fourth panel of the first blank and the fourth panel of the second blank; and a fifth combination panel that includes the fifth panel of the first blank and the fifth panel of the second blank. An adhesive is applied to either the first blank or the second blank to attach the first blank to the second blank to form the combination blank. However, the adhesive generally is not applied to the dispensing flap pattern. Further, the first blank can include a tear strip, and the tear strip can be adjacent the dispensing flap pattern. Generally, the adhesive also is not applied to the tear strip. Further still, the dispensing flap pattern can be defined at least partially by at least one tear line, and the at least one tear line can include a tear line pattern. In another embodiment, the first blank can include a sift pocket formation. Generally, the adhesive is not applied to the sift pocket formation. Further, the first blank can include a tear string, and the tear string can be positioned between the sift pocket formation and the dispensing flap pattern. 
     In a second aspect, the present invention provides a carton formed from a combination blank. The combination blank includes a first blank attached to a second blank by an adhesive. The first blank generally includes a first panel connected to a second panel along a first fold line. The second panel is connected to a third panel along a second fold line. The third panel is connected to a fourth panel along a third fold line. The fourth panel is connected to a fifth panel along a fourth fold line. The first blank includes first end flaps disposed along a first transverse fold line and second end flaps disposed along a second transverse fold line. The first transverse fold line and the second transverse fold line are transverse to the first fold line, the second fold line, the third fold line, and the fourth fold line. The first transverse fold line is spaced a first distance from the second transverse fold line. The first blank includes a dispensing flap pattern. The second blank includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a fourth panel, and a fifth panel. The first panel, the second panel, the third panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel of the second blank each have a width less than the first distance. An adhesive is applied to either the first blank or the second blank. The adhesive generally is not applied to the dispensing flap pattern. 
     The combination blank has a first combination panel that includes the first panel of the first blank and the first panel of the second blank; a second combination panel that includes the second panel of the first blank and the second panel of the second blank; a third combination panel that includes the third panel of the first blank and the third panel of the second blank; a fourth combination panel that includes the fourth panel of the first blank and the fourth panel of the second blank; and a fifth combination panel that includes the fifth panel of the first blank and the fifth panel of the second blank. The carton includes a first side formed from the first combination panel and the fifth combination panel. The first combination panel and the fifth combination panel are attached together. The carton further includes a second side formed from the second combination panel, a third side formed from the third combination panel, a fourth side formed from the fourth combination panel, a first end formed from the first end flaps, and a second end formed from the second end flaps. Further, the first blank can include a tear strip, and the tear strip can be adjacent the dispensing flap pattern. Generally, the adhesive is not applied to the tear strip. Further still, the dispensing flap pattern can be defined at least partially by at least one tear line, and the at least one tear line can include a tear line pattern. In another embodiment, the first blank can include a sift pocket formation. Generally, the adhesive is not applied to the sift pocket formation. Further, the first blank can include a tear string, and the tear string can be positioned between the sift pocket formation and the dispensing flap pattern. 
     In a third aspect, the present invention includes a method of forming a carton from a combination blank. The method includes: providing a first blank having at least a first panel connected to a second panel along a first fold line, the second panel is connected to a third panel along a second fold line, the third panel is connected to a fourth panel along a third fold line, and the fourth panel is connected to a fifth panel along a fourth fold line. The first blank includes first end flaps disposed along a first transverse fold line and second end flaps disposed along a second transverse fold line. The first transverse fold line and the second transverse fold line are transverse to the first fold line, the second fold line, the third fold line, and the fourth fold line. The first transverse fold line is spaced a first distance from the second transverse fold line. The first blank includes a dispensing flap pattern. 
     The method further includes: providing a second blank that includes a first panel, a second panel, a third panel, a fourth panel, and a fifth panel. The first panel, the second panel, the third panel, the fourth panel, and the fifth panel of the second blank each have a width less than the first distance. The method also generally includes: applying an adhesive to either the first blank or the second blank, and forming the combination blank by attaching the first blank to the second blank along the adhesive. The combination blank can include a first combination panel that includes the first panel of the first blank and the first panel of the second blank; a second combination panel that includes the second panel of the first blank and the second panel of the second blank; a third combination panel that includes the third panel of the first blank and the third panel of the second blank; a fourth combination panel that includes the fourth panel of the first blank and the fourth panel of the second blank; and a fifth combination panel that includes the fifth panel of the first blank and the fifth panel of the second blank. The adhesive generally is not applied to the dispensing flap pattern in the combination blank. 
     Further, the first blank can include a tear strip, and the tear strip can be adjacent the dispensing flap pattern. Generally, the adhesive is not applied to the tear strip. Further still, the dispensing flap pattern can be defined at least partially by at least one tear line, and the at least one tear line can include a tear line pattern. In another embodiment, the first blank can include a sift pocket formation. Generally, the adhesive is not applied to the sift pocket formation. Further, the first blank can include a tear string, and the tear string can be positioned between the sift pocket formation and the dispensing flap pattern. 
     In a fourth aspect, a reinforced carton as described herein can be formed by a method such as the following: (1) forwarding a web of paperboard that receives a tear string applied thereto, the tear string being adhered to the web by an adhesive on an interior surface of the web, (2) applying and adhering a reinforcing ribbon over the tear string to the interior surface of the web (the adhesive being applied to either the web or the reinforcing ribbon, and the adhesive not being applied to certain areas of the web or reinforcing ribbon such as a section above the tear string to the periphery of the ribbon), (3) cutting a blank from the web, (4) diagonally cutting from the exterior side of the web or blank approximately through the areas not receiving adhesive, with the cuts extending through the blank and through the tear string but not through the reinforcing ribbon, and (5) forming a carton from the blank. Alternatively, steps (3) and (4) can be performed simultaneously. Alternatively still, in lieu of forwarding a paperboard web, a blank can be pre-cut from the web prior to application of the ribbon. In a further alternative, the tear string can be applied to the blank after the blank has been cut from the web. In yet a further alternative, the web with tear string applied can be cut to form a blank prior to the application of the reinforcing ribbon. In still another alternative, the diagonal cuts can be replaced with any other angle or design of such cuts, such as perpendicular to the tear string, as long as the cuts extend through the blank and the tear string. In any of the descriptions or alternatives detailed above, it should be understood that although only one ribbon is discussed, more than one reinforcing ribbon further can be included along the web, blank, sleeve, or carton. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments reading the following detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the below-listed drawing figures. 
     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 interior side of a first blank with one embodiment of a glue pattern indicated thereon. 
         FIG. 2  is a view the first blank of  FIG. 1  with a second blank applied over the glue pattern. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a carton formed from the blank of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the lid open. 
         FIG. 4  is a view of an alternate embodiment of a carton blank with an alternate glue pattern and with a sift pocket formation. 
     
    
    
     Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbers throughout the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure generally relates to cartons that contain articles such as containers, bottles, cans, detergent, foodstuffs, etc. Cartons according to the present disclosure can accommodate articles of any shape. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed description describes cartons that can enclose food stuffs, detergents, or other household products or the like. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,” “upper,” and “top” indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected and upright cartons. 
     Referring now in more detail to the drawings,  FIG. 1  is a view of an interior side of a carton blank  5  with a glue pattern  60  applied thereto.  FIG. 1  shows an inside facing surface  1  of carton blank  5  from which a carton  200  ( FIG. 3 ) can be erected. The blank  5  includes a first panel  10  connected to a second panel  20  along a fold line  11 . Second panel  20  is connected along a fold line  21  to a third panel  30 . Third panel  30  is connected along a fold line  31  to a fourth panel  40 . Fourth panel  40  is connected along a fold line  41  to an adhesive flap or panel  50 . Along a first end  4  of blank  5 , end flap  12  is connected to panel  10  along fold line  13 . End flap  14  is connected along a fold line  15  at a second end  6  of panel  10 . End flap  22  is connected along a fold line  23  to the first end  4  of panel  20 . End flap  24  is connected along a fold line  25  at the second end  6  of panel  20 . End flap  32  is connected along a fold line  33  to the first end  4  of panel  30 . End flap  34  is connected along a fold line  35  to the second end  6  of panel  30 . End flap  42  is connected along a fold line  43  to the first end  4  of panel  40 . End flap  44  is connected along a fold line  45  to the second end  6  of panel  40 . 
     Fold lines  13 ,  15 ,  23 ,  25 ,  33 ,  35 ,  43 ,  45  are generally transverse to fold lines  11 ,  21 ,  31 ,  41 . One or more of fold lines  13 ,  23 ,  33 ,  43  could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at  53 , and one or more fold lines  15 ,  25 ,  35 ,  45  could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at  55 . End flaps  12 ,  14 ,  22 ,  24 ,  32 ,  34 ,  42 ,  44  generally extend in a direction away from respective fold lines  13 ,  15 ,  23 ,  25 ,  33 ,  35 ,  43 ,  45  toward periphery  8  of the blank  5 . In lieu of “panels,” the surfaces of carton  200  formed from the blank  5  can be referred throughout the several views to as “sides.” An adhesive or glue is shown applied to blank  5  in a pattern  60 . The pattern  60  extends across portions of panels  10 ,  20 ,  30 ,  40 , and adhesive flap  50 . While the type, size, orientation, continuousness, and placement of glue pattern  60  can vary depending on the size, orientation, and type of blank the pattern  60  is applied to, generally, glue pattern  60  will be applied to blank  5 , or to second blank  105  ( FIG. 2 ) to allow registration or alignment of blank  105  ( FIG. 2 ) with blank  5 . 
     The blank  5  generally includes a dispensing feature  70 , shown in  FIG. 1  as defined by a pattern of tear lines that extend into and/or through portions of at least panels  10 ,  20 , and  30 . The dispensing feature  70  includes at least two portions, with a first portion defining a tear tape, string, or strip, indicated at  72 , and a second portion formed or defined as sections indicated at  16 ,  26 , and  36  of respective panels  10 ,  20 , and  30  where adhesive is not applied. As shown in  FIG. 1 , tear strip  72  does not receive adhesive therealong. Tear strip  72  generally is defined or bounded by tear lines  84  and  94  that extend from the periphery  8  of panel  10  across panel  10  to the intersection with fold line  11 . Tear strip  72  is defined in panel  20  between fold lines  11  and  21  and between tear lines  86  and  96 . Tear strip  72  is defined at least partially in panel  30  as extending from fold line  21  into panel  30  between tear lines  88  and  98 . Thus, tear strip  72  includes three segments that extend in a generally continuous manner from the blank periphery  8  through panel  10 , through panel  20 , and into panel  30 . 
     Tear strip  72  can include an initiation feature, tab, or another type of opening assist feature  71  to help begin removal of tear strip  72  from the carton by separating along the tear lines by separating the segments  74 ,  76 ,  78  along the tear lines  84 ,  94 ,  86 ,  96  and  88 ,  98 . Tab  71  can extend from the periphery of panel  10  and generally is coextensive with tear strip  72 . The tear strip  72  also can be detached along the tear lines to create a lid, as shown in  FIG. 3 . The lid feature includes segment  16  in panel  10 , portion  26  in panel  20 , and segment  36  is in panel  30 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , tear line segments  81  and  82  are disposed in generally diagonal orientations, but do not necessarily have to be disposed in such oblique fashion, with other orientations being within the understanding of those of ordinary skill in the art. As also shown in  FIG. 1 , glue pattern  60  extends from tear line  81  to the periphery of panel  10 , and between fold line  15  and tear line segment  84  in panel  10 . The tear line segments  82 ,  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  94 ,  96 ,  98  can be generally referred to as tear line pattern  80 , which generally defines both dispensing feature  70  and tear strip  72 . Additional segments of tear lines further can be included to allow the dispensing flap  70  to perform the features as detailed herein. 
       FIG. 2  shows blank  5  of  FIG. 1  with a second blank  105  applied thereover. Generally, blank  105  is sized to be substantially similar in length to panels  10 ,  20 ,  30 ,  40 , and adhesive flap  50  of blank  5  as shown in  FIG. 1  and as detailed above. However, to enable a carton, such as the carton  200  shown in  FIG. 3 , to be formed, the second blank  105  as shown in  FIG. 2  can be sized slightly smaller in width than blank  5  to the distance between fold lines  53  and  55 . The width or sizing of second blank  105 , when attached to first blank  5  to form combination blank  205 , generally will enable the end flaps  12 ,  22 ,  32 ,  42  at the first end  204  and end flaps  14 ,  24 ,  34 ,  44  at the second end  206  to be more easily folded to create a top and bottom closure of the carton  200  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , blank  105  is applied onto adhesive or glue pattern  60  over blank  5  and typically covers a dispensing flap or portion  70  defined therealong. Blank  105  is generally not adhered to blank  5  along tear strip  72  or along dispensing portion  70 . As a result, a combination blank  205  is formed with the overlapping blank  105  defining a reinforcing ribbon  115  or area for the blank  205  by providing an area of increased thickness and support to the carton formed from the blank. This can enable easier and efficient formation of a reinforced carton without necessarily requiring further specialty manufacturing operations. 
     To form the combination blank  205  into carton  200  ( FIG. 3 ), panels  210 ,  220 ,  230 ,  240 ,  250  generally are folded about fold lines  211 ,  221 ,  231 ,  241  to form a sleeve. Fold lines  211 ,  221 ,  231 ,  241  generally are foamed by aligning fold lines of blank  105  with fold lines  11 ,  21 ,  31 , and  41  of blank  5 . Next, the end flaps are folded toward the interior of the sleeve to close both ends of the carton. Either the top end flaps or the base end flaps can be enclosed first. For example, to form the combination blank  205  into carton  200  ( FIG. 3 ), the top end flaps  14 ,  24 ,  34  and  44  can be folded inward. For example, generally, end flaps  14  and  34  will be folded inwardly prior to folding end flaps  24  and  44  inward. In this scenario, an adhesive can be applied to either the exterior surfaces of end flaps  14  and  34 , which will be adhered to interior surfaces of end flaps  24  and  44 . Similarly, for example, end flaps  12  and  32  generally will be folded inwardly prior to folding of end flaps  22  and  42  to form the bottom end of carton  200 . An adhesive can be applied at least to sections of exterior surfaces of end flaps  12  and  32 , which can be received by interior surfaces of end flaps  22  and  42  when folded to foam the bottom end of carton  200 . 
       FIG. 3  shows carton  200  erected from combination blank  205  ( FIG. 2 ). An exemplary method of forming the carton can include folding combination panels  210  and  230  along fold lines  211  and  221  so as to extend perpendicularly from combination panel  220 . Combination panel  240  can then be folded along combination fold line  231  and combination adhesive flap  250  can be folded along combination fold line  241  to extend combination panels  240  and  220  generally parallel to one another and combination panels  210 ,  240  and combination adhesive flap  250  generally parallel to one another. An adhesive then can be applied to adhesive flap or panel  250 , which generally is received along an exterior surface of blank  205  at combination panel  210 . The adhesive can be applied to an exterior surface of blank  205  at adhesive flap  250  to be received along the interior of combination flap  210 . In this orientation, combination flap  250  and combination panel  210  are generally parallel and coextensive therealong the length of combination panel  250  with combination panels  210  and  230  being parallel and substantially perpendicular to combination panels  220  and  240 . Then, as described in the example above, end flaps  14  and  34  are folded inwardly, and end flaps  24  and  44  are folded inwardly to form a top end. At the bottom end, end flaps  12  and  32  are generally folded inward initially and end flaps  22  and  42  are folded inwardly to close the bottom of the carton. 
     When it is desired to open the carton  200 , the tear strip  72  generally is detached along tear line  80 . In one exemplary method, tear strip  72  is initially detached by gripping initiation flap  71  and detaching the tear strip  72  along tear line segments  84  and  94 . Detachment along the tear lines continues into combination panel  220  along tear lines  86  and  96 , and then continues along tear line segments  88  and  98  into combination panel  230 , until separation of tear strip  72  is complete. Tear strip  72  typically can be entirely removed from carton  200 , but, as desired, tear strip  72  also could remain attached to carton  200 . 
     To operate dispensing flap  70  (which generally forms the lid) once the tear strip  72  has been detached, generally the dispensing flap  70  is activated by separating the flap along tear line segments  81  and  82  and then hinging the flap  70  or lid upward to expose opening  300  of carton  200  as shown in  FIG. 3 . Segments  16 ,  26 ,  36  of dispensing flap  70  form depending lips that generally are sized to interest with upstanding wall segments  116 ,  126 , and  136  of blank  105  to create an interference fit. These upstanding wall segments  116 ,  126 , and  136  of blank  105  form an interference or retention surface  275  capable of allowing the dispensing flap  70  to be held in a closed arrangement without the use of additional means, such as locks, flaps, etc. Generally, the dispensing flap  70  or lid is foldable or hingable along fold line  45  to allow reclosing of the dispensing flap  70  to block or occlude opening  300 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , upstanding portions  116 ,  126 , and  136  extend deeply into the carton  200 , with the deep extension contributing to the interference fit. Prior to closing the top end of the carton  200 , the interior of the combination blank, once formed into a construct that allows receipt of product, may be loaded with desired contents or articles. 
       FIG. 4  shows a configuration of an alternate embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , blank  405  has substantially similar, corresponding features to blank  5  of  FIG. 1 , but includes a different adhesive pattern  460  that creates a sift pocket formation in certain areas of panels  410 ,  420 , and  430 . Briefly described, blank  405  includes a first end  404  and a second end  406 , with panels  410 ,  420 ,  430 ,  440 , and an adhesive flap  450 . Panel  410  is connected along a fold line  411  to panel  420 , panel  420  is connected along a fold line  421  to panel  430 , panel  430  is connected along a fold line  431  to panel  440 , and panel  440  is connected along a fold line  441  to adhesive flap  450 . 
     At the first end  404 , an end flap  412  is connected along a fold line  413  to panel  410 , at the second end, and end flap  414  is connected along a fold line  415  to panel  410 . An end flap  422  also is connected along a fold line  423  to panel  420  at the first end  404 , and at the second end  406 , an end flap  424  is connected along a fold line  425  to panel  420 . At the first end  404 , an end flap  432  is connected along a fold line  433  to panel  430 , and at the second end  406 , an end flap  434  is connected along fold line  435  to panel  430 . At the first end  404 , an end flap  442  is connected along a fold line  443  to panel  440 , and at the second end  406 , an end flap  444  is connected along a fold line  445  to panel  440 . Fold lines  413 ,  415 ,  423 ,  425 ,  433 ,  435 ,  443 ,  445  are generally transverse to fold lines  411 ,  421 ,  431 ,  441 . One or more of fold lines  413 ,  423 ,  433 ,  443  could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at  453 , and one or more of fold lines  415 ,  425 ,  435 ,  445  could be replaced by a single fold line, such as indicated at  455 . End flaps  412 ,  414 ,  422 ,  424 ,  432 ,  434 ,  442 ,  444  generally extend in a direction away from respective fold lines  413 ,  415 ,  423 ,  425 ,  433 ,  435 ,  443 ,  445  toward periphery  408  of blank  405 . 
     A dispensing feature  470  is shown in  FIG. 4 , and generally is defined by a series of tear lines  480 . Tear strip  472  includes an initiation flap  471  that extends from the periphery of panel  410 . Tear strip  472  extends from initiation flap  471  through panel  410  to fold line  411  between tear line segments  484  and  494 . Tear strip  472  extends between fold lines  411  and  421  along tear line segments  486  and  496  in panel  420 . Tear strip  472  extends from fold line  421  into panel  430  between tear line segments  488  and  498  to tear line segment  482 . Tear line segment  481  extends from tear line segment  494  to fold line  415 . Tear line segment  482  extends from an end point of tear line segment  498 , to an end line segment of tear line segment  488 , and then to fold line  435 . The tear line segments  481  and  482  are shown as extending in a generally diagonal or oblique direction in respective panels  410  and  430 , but could extend in other orientations. Thus, tear strip or flap  472  includes a segment  474  in panel  410  as defined between tear line segments  481 ,  484 ,  494 , and fold line  411 . Tear line segment  474  is defined at its perimeter by a segment of fold lines  411  and  421  and between tear line segments  486  and  496 . Tear strip segment  478  of tear strip  472  is defined in panel  430  between tear line segments  482 ,  488 ,  498 , and a segment of fold line  421 . Accordingly, tear strip  472  extends generally from tear line portion  471 ,  474 ,  476 ,  478  in a generally continuous manner thereof. Dispensing flap  470  includes portions  416 ,  426 ,  436  in panels  410 ,  420 ,  430 , respectively at the second end  406  of blank  405  adjacent fold line  455 . 
     As also shown in  FIG. 4 , a sift pocket  500  can be formed in blank  405 . Generally, sift pocket  500  can be formed by omission of adhesive portions  460  along segments of panels  410 ,  420 ,  430  of blank  405 . Sift pocket  500  includes a segment  502  formed in panel  410 , a segment  504  formed in panel  420 , and a segment  506  formed in panel  430 . This omission of glue in segments  502 ,  504 ,  506  creates the opening feature and forms a “sift” pocket. Glue pattern  460  extends in substantially similar areas to glue pattern  60  ( FIG. 1 ), however, glue is omitted above the tear strip  472  at segments  502 ,  504 ,  506  to form “sift” pocket  500  in blank  405 . 
     The present disclosure describes a tear string or strip utilized in a reinforced carton formed from a paperboard blank or sleeve. The tear string placement and the adhesive allow registration of reinforcing ribbon(s) in place in a reinforced blank to form a carton. The present disclosure also describes a glue system that allows such registration that does not provide glue in an unglued portion above the tear strip and in certain areas adjacent and above the tear strip. 
     The machinery used to form the present cartons can utilize a registration system, such as one using UPC codes to register the web, blank, tear string, reinforcing ribbon(s), or any or all combinations of these or others to dispose accurately the ribbons on the blank or web. 
     The cartons formed from the reinforced blanks described herein generally provide a lid formed by removal of a tear string from the carton. Although the invention should not be limited to the arrangement shown in the figures, the lid is shown formed along the areas defined by the diagonal cuts and tear string. As shown, the lid includes three depending lips formed from areas that did not receive adhesive when applying the reinforcing ribbon(s). The diagonal cuts generally are deep enough into the center portion (as measured from the fold lines separating the panels from the end flaps) of the blank or web to provide an interference fit for the lid. Specifically, the diagonal cuts extend away from the fold lines separating the panels from the end flaps deeply enough to allow the lid to provide a friction fit to restrict dislodgement of the lid once closed, at least until product dispensing is desired. Once the tear string is removed, the lid is opened by moving the lid upward with enough force to overcome the friction provided by the interference fit with the upstanding sections of the reinforcing ribbon. 
     The cut and scored carton blanks may be palletized and shipped to packagers, where the blanks are converted into cartons and packed with articles such as, for example, beverage containers or food items. When converted to cartons, the previously positioned and applied paperboard reinforcing ribbons form multiple layers or laminations of paperboard in selected portions of the cartons such as, for example, in their sides, where enhanced structural integrity is required. By appropriately selecting, sizing, and positioning the reinforcing ribbons, paperboard cartons having strength and rigidity comparable or superior to that provided by cartons made of micro-flute are obtained. 
     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 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. 
     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. 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 can 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 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.