Abstract:
A carton for packaging a plurality of articles includes top and bottom panels interconnected by a pair of opposed side walls to form a generally tubular structure. An end wall is provided at each end of the tubular structure to at least partially close each end. An access opening includes a first detachable portion extending across a part of the top panel and at least a part of one of the opposed side walls. A second detachable portion is disposed adjacent to the first detachable portion and extends across a further part of the top panel and into a part of one of the end walls, whereby removal of the first detachable portion and the second detachable portion defines an access opening formed from portions of the top panel, the one opposed side wall, and the one end wall. A third portion may be provided extending across a further portion of the top panel and into the other of the end walls.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of provisional application Ser. No. 60/721,772, filed on Sep. 28, 2005, and provisional application Ser. No. 60/737,134, filed on Nov. 16, 2005. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The invention relates to cartons and more particularly to a carton for multiple articles having an opening feature for facilitating removal of individual articles.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Cartons for encasing multiple articles are useful for enabling consumers to obtain and transport a desired quantity of individual articles such as bottles or cans of beer or other beverages. Once such a multiple-pack of articles is obtained and transported to, e.g., the consumer&#39;s home, the consumer then desires to remove the articles from the carton. The articles may be completely removed at one time, or may be removed in small groups of articles, or as individual articles. Thus, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have a carton with an opening feature that facilitates the removal of articles from the carton in these various ways.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The present invention provides an access opening for a carton that is comprised of two or more adjacent portions, one or more of which may be removed to provide access to the carton contents.  
         [0005]     The present invention, in one aspect, provides a carton for packaging a plurality of articles, comprising top and bottom panels interconnected by a pair of opposed side walls to form a generally tubular structure. An end wall is provided at each end of the tubular structure to at least partially close each end. Means for providing access to the articles includes a first detachable portion extending across a part of the top panel and at least a part of one of the opposed side walls. A second detachable portion is disposed adjacent to the first detachable portion and extends across a further part of the top panel and into a part of one of the end walls, whereby removal of the first detachable portion and the second detachable portion defines an access opening formed from portions of the top panel, the one opposed side wall, and the one end wall.  
         [0006]     The access means may farther include a third detachable portion disposed adjacent to the first detachable portion and extending across at least a portion of the other end walls, in which case the access opening is further formed from a portion of the other end wall.  
         [0007]     The first detachable portion may extend across the top panel at locations remote from the end walls. The second and third detachable portions then each extend across a portion of the top panel adjacent to the first detachable portion.  
         [0008]     The first detachable portion may further extend at least partially into the other of the opposed end walls. The second detachable portion may extend at least partially into the one opposed side wall. Removal of either detachable portion defines an access opening formed from portions of the top panel, the one or two opposed side walls, and an end wall. Removal of both detachable portions then defines an access opening formed from portions of the top panel, at least one of the opposed side walls, and both of the end walls. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a carton blank according to an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a carton sleeve erected from the blank of  FIG. 1 , showing the carton prepared to receive the articles to be packaged;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the carton in  FIG. 2  after loading with its ends closed;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the carton in  FIG. 3  with a first access portion removed;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the carton in  FIG. 4  with a second access portion shown in an opened position;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the carton in  FIG. 5  with a third access portion shown in an opened position; and  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the carton in  FIG. 6  with the second and third access portions removed.  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is a plan view of a carton blank according to another embodiment of the invention,  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a carton sleeve erected from the blank of  FIG. 8 , showing the carton prepared to receive the articles to be packaged;  
         [0019]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a carton sleeve erected from the blank of  FIG. 8 , showing the carton with side end flaps closed;  
         [0020]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the carton after loading with its ends closed;  
         [0021]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the carton with a opening feature access hole;  
         [0022]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the carton with a first access portion shown in an opened position but still attached;  
         [0023]      FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the carton with a first access access portion detached; and  
         [0024]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view of the carton with both the first and second access portions removed. 
     
    
       [0025]     For convenience of understanding, reference may be made to any of  FIGS. 1 through 7  simultaneously, or any of  FIGS. 8 through 15  simultaneously.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0026]     FIGS.  1  to  7  illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention. Throughout these drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or like features of the invention.  
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a blank  10  from which the carton of  FIGS. 2-7  is erected. The blank  10  is horizontally elongate as viewed in  FIG. 1  and is formed, in this embodiment, of paperboard. However, the blank maybe formed of other foldable material such as a plastic sheet or the like. The blank  10  of this embodiment is designed for packaging articles of an identical configuration, such as beverage bottles, arranged in four rows of six bottles each. However, the invention may be used for any number of bottles, with the blank sized accordingly. In addition, the invention may be used with cartons for packaging cans or other articles.  
         [0028]     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the blank  10  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, hingedly connected one to the next. A first side wall panel  12  is hingedly connected to the top wall panel  14  along fold line  34 . The top wall panel  14  is hingedly connected to a second side wall panel  16  along fold line  36  which is in turn hingedly connected to the bottom wall panel  18  along fold line  38 . The bottom wall panel  18  is hingedly connected to a glue flap  20  along fold line  40 .  
         [0029]     Side end flaps  22  and  24  are hingedly connected along fold lines  42  and  44  respectively to first side wall panel  12 . Top end flaps  26  and  28  are hingedly connected along fold lines  46  and  48  respectively to top wall panel  14 . Side end flaps  30  and  32  are hingedly connected along fold lines  50  and  52  respectively to second side wall panel  16 . Bottom end flaps  31  and  33  are hingedly connected along fold lines  51  and  53  respectively to bottom wall panel  18 .  
         [0030]     Each of top end flaps  26  and  28  include a hand aperture  54  and  56  respectively which partially form a handle in each end of the erected carton. Apertures  54  and  56  may optionally be covered by flaps (not shown) as is conventional in the art. Each of side end flaps  22 ,  24 ,  30 , and  32  include partial apertures  58 ,  60 ,  62 , and  64 , respectively, that are aligned with the respective apertures  54  and  56  when the carton is erected and closed to further define the handles. Side end flap  22  further includes a reinforcing flap  66  hingedly connected along its top edge by fold line  68 . Flap  66  may be folded along fold line  68  and glued to the inner surface of end flap  22  to provide a handle reinforcement in the manner taught in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/320542, filed Dec. 28, 2005 based on U.S. Provisional Application 60/690412 filed Jun. 13, 2005. Similar flaps  66  are connected to side end flaps  24 ,  30  and  32 .  
         [0031]     To define the access feature in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a pair of substantially parallel perforated tear lines  70  and  72  are formed in the top and side wall panels, each extending completely across the width of top wall panel  14  and partially into side wall panels  12  and  16 . In wall panel  12 , the tear lines  70  and  72  are connected at their ends by tear line  74 , which includes an arcuate cut line  76  disposed approximately at its center portion to define a starter tab  78 . A cut line  80  extends from the junction of cut lines  70  and  74  across fold line  42  and across end flap  22  to its outer edge. A similar cut line  82  extends from the junction of cut lines  72  and  74  across fold line  44  and across end flap  24  to its outer edge. In wall panel  16 , the tear lines  70  and  72  are connected at their ends by tear line  84 , with a cut line  86  extending from the junction of cut lines  70  and  84  across fold line  50  and across end flap  30  to its outer edge. A similar cut line  88  extends from the junction of cut lines  72  and  84  across fold line  52  and across end flap  32  to its outer edge.  
         [0032]     As will be explained further herein, a first access portion  90  is defined by the portion of the blank bounded by tear lines  70 ,  72 ,  74 , and  84 . A second access portion  92  is defined by the portion of the blank bounded by tear lines  72 ,  82 , and  88 , and by the corresponding side edge of the blank  10 . A third access portion  94  is defined by the portion of the blank bounded by tear lines  70 ,  80 , and  86 , and by the corresponding side edge of the blank  10 .  
         [0033]     Although the tear lines described herein are preferably formed from perforated lines, they may alternatively be formed by zippered tear strips, scored lines, partial cuts, or other recognized means of facilitating controlled tearing of a package. For example, each tear line may be formed of a series of small cut lines and nicks, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a combination of slits and score lines, and similar arrangements or combinations thereof.  
         [0034]     To erect the carton of blank  10 , glue is applied to glue flap  20 , which is then adhered to the inner surface of side wall panel  12  at its outer edge. The carton may then be folded along fold lines  34 ,  36 ,  38 , and  40  to form the open tube shown in  FIG. 2 . In this condition, the carton is ready to be loaded with its contents (e.g., bottles) through one or both of its open ends. Loading is typically done with high-speed beverage packaging machinery as is known in the art.  
         [0035]     Once loaded, one end of the carton may be closed by first folding inwardly end flaps  24  and  32 . Glue is applied to the flaps, and bottom end flap  33  is folded upwardly, whereafter top end flap  28  is folded downwardly. The folded and glued end flaps  24 ,  28 ,  32 , and  33  together form an end wall for the carton. The opposite end of the carton is closed by a similar operation, both of which are typically performed on the carton loading machinery. After closure, the carton appears as shown in  FIG. 3 . In this condition, the carton may be delivered to a point of purchase for purchase by a consumer.  
         [0036]     To open the carton, a consumer inserts their finger through opening  76  and grips access portion  90 . By pulling upwardly on portion  90 , tear line  74  will separate. Further pulling of the portion  90  will cause tearing along tear lines  70  and  72  and portion  90  will separate from side wall panel  12 . Further pulling will cause the portion  90  to separate from top wall panel  14  and then from a portion of opposite side wall panel  16 . Lastly, the portion  90  is tom from the carton by tearing along tear line  84 . Upon removal of portion  90 , the carton will appear as shown in  FIG. 4 . As can be seen, the packaged bottles B are readily accessible for removal. However, the carton remains essentially intact, thereby permitting it to be carried by the handles formed in the carton end walls.  
         [0037]     A less-obstructed access to the bottles may be obtained by opening the second access portion  92 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the consumer may grasp the remaining portion of top wall panel  14  lying adjacent to tear line  70  and pull outwardly. This will cause tear lines  82  on wall panel  12  and tear lines  88  on wall panel  16  (not shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to separate, whereupon opening access portion  92  may be pivoted outwardly from the bottles, exposing the end-most bottles adjacent the end wall as shown in  FIG. 5 .  
         [0038]     Similarly, the consumer may grasp the remaining portion of top wall panel  14  lying adjacent to tear line  72  and pull outwardly. This will cause tear lines  80  on wall panel  12  and tear lines  86  on wall panel  16  (not shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) to separate, whereupon the third opening access portion  94  may be pivoted outwardly from the bottles at the opposite end of the carton. When so opened, the carton will appear as shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0039]     Finally, if desired, the consumer may tear away one or both of the opening access portions  92  and  94 . The access portions are torn along the portions of tear lines  80 ,  82 ,  86 , and  88  lying in end flaps  22 ,  24 ,  30 , and  32 , respectively. The carton will appear as shown in  FIG. 7 .  
         [0040]     FIGS.  8  to  15  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the central access portion shown as portion  90  in  FIGS. 1-7  is eliminated, and the access opening is provided by two portions, each disposed along an opposite end of the carton.  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  shows a blank  110  from which the carton of  FIGS. 9-15  is erected. The blank  110  is horizontally elongate as viewed in  FIG. 8  and is formed, in this embodiment, of paperboard. However, the blank maybe formed of other foldable material such as a plastic sheet or the like. The blank  110  of this embodiment is designed for packaging articles of an identical configuration, such as beverage bottles, arranged in four rows of five bottles each. However, the invention may be used for any number of bottles, with the blank sized accordingly. In addition, the invention may be used with cartons for packaging cans or other articles.  
         [0042]     Referring to  FIG. 8 , the blank  110  includes four primary panels for forming the carton walls, hingedly connected one to the next. A first side wall panel  112  is hingedly connected to the top wall panel  114  along fold line  134 . The top wall panel  114  is hingedly connected to a second side wall panel  116  along fold line  136 . The second side wall panel  116  is in turn hingedly connected to the bottom wall panel  118  along fold line  138 . The bottom wall panel  118  is hingedly connected to a glue flap  120  along fold line  140 .  
         [0043]     Side end flaps  122  and  124  are hingedly connected along fold lines  142  and  144  respectively to first side wall panel  112 . Top end flaps  126  and  128  are hingedly connected along fold lines  146  and  148  respectively to top wall panel  114 . Side end flaps  130  and  132  are hingedly connected along fold lines  150  and  152  respectively to second side wall panel  116 . Bottom end flaps  131  and  133  are hingedly connected along fold lines  151  and  153  respectively to bottom wall panel  118 .  
         [0044]     Each of top end flaps  126  and  128  include a hand aperture  154  and  156  respectively which partially form a handle in each end of the erected carton. Apertures  154  and  156  may optionally be covered by flaps as is conventional in the art. Each of side end flaps  122 ,  124 ,  130 , and  132  include partial apertures  158 ,  160 ,  162 , and  164  respectively, which are aligned with the respective apertures  154  and  156  when the carton is erected and closed to further define the handles. Side end flap  122  further includes a reinforcing flap  166  hingedly connected along its top edge by fold line  168 . Flap  166  may be folded along fold line  168  and glued to the inner surface of end flap  122  to provide a handle reinforcement in the manner taught in the above referenced U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/320542, filed Dec. 28, 2005. Similar flaps  166  are connected to side end flaps  124 ,  130  and  132 .  
         [0045]     To define the access feature in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a perforated tear line  170  is formed in the top panel, extending completely across the width of top wall panel  114 . On one side, perforated tear line  170  continues into side panel  112  as perforated tear line or lines  174 , further extending across side panel  112  to join perforated tear lines  180  and  182  which extend out into the side end flaps  122  and  124 . On the opposing side, perforated tear line  170  continues into side panel  116  as perforated tear line or lines  184 , further extending across side panel  116  to join perforated tear lines  186  and  188  which extend out into the side end flaps  130  and  132 . In top panel  114 , the tear line  170  includes at its center a perforated finger access opening area  175  useful as a hand hold for starting a tear.  
         [0046]     Although the tear lines described herein are preferably formed from perforated lines, they may alternatively be formed by zippered tear strips, scored lines, partial cuts, or other recognized means of facilitating controlled tearing of a package. For example, each tear line may be formed of a series of small cut lines and nicks, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a combination of slits and score lines, and similar arrangements or combinations thereof.  
         [0047]     To erect the carton of blank  110 , glue is applied to glue flap  120 , which is then adhered to the inner surface of side wall panel  112  at its outer edge. The carton may then be folded along fold lines  134 ,  136 ,  138 , and  140  to form the open tube shown in  FIG. 9 . In this condition, the carton is ready to be loaded with its contents (e.g., bottles) through one or both of its open ends. Loading is typically done with high-speed beverage packaging machinery as is known in the art.  
         [0048]      FIG. 10  shows how, once loaded, one of the ends of the carton may be closed by first folding inwardly end flaps  124  and  132 . Glue is applied to the flaps, and bottom end flap  133  is folded upwardly, whereafter top end flap  128  is folded downwardly. The folded and glued end flaps  124 ,  128 ,  132 , and  133  together form an end wall for the carton. The opposite end of the carton is closed by a similar operation, both of which are typically performed on the carton loading machinery. After closure, the carton appears as shown in  FIG. 11 . In this condition, the carton may be delivered to a point of purchase for purchase by a consumer. In  FIG. 11 , the access portions  192  and  194  are denoted within brackets.  
         [0049]      FIG. 12  shows finger access opening  175  which may be easily opened in order to start tearing the carton open. Either or both of portions  192  and  194  may be opened. For example, pulling upwardly on portion  192  will cause tear line  170  to separate along top panel  114 . Further pulling of the portion  192  will cause tearing along tear lines  174 , and then  182  (and  184  and  188 , hidden on opposite side), causing portion  192  to separate from side wall panels  112  and  116 , at which point portion  192  may be folded outward as shown in  FIG. 13 . Note the position of reinforcing flaps  166  that reinforce handle aperture  156 . Portion  192  may be left hingedly attached to the carton, for reclosing, or may be removed as shown in  FIG. 14 . As can be seen, the packaged bottles B are readily accessible for removal.  
         [0050]     A less-obstructed access to the bottles may be obtained by opening the second access portion  194 . The consumer may grasp the remaining portion of top wall panel  114  lying adjacent to tear line  170  and/or at access opening  175 , and pull outwardly. This will cause any remaining intact portions of tear lines  174  and  184  on the side panels  112  and  116  respectively to tear, with the tear propagating into tear lines  180  and  186  respectively on side end panels  122  and  130 . At this point, opening access portion  194  may be pivoted outwardly from the bottles, exposing the end-most bottles adjacent the far end wall. The opening access portion  194  may be left attached, or torn loose as shown in  FIG. 15 .  
         [0051]     As a further alternative embodiment, an access opening may be formed from adjacent two access portions, wherein the access openings are configured as shown by portions  90  and  92  in  FIGS. 1-7 . In this embodiment, the third access portion  94  may be eliminated.  
         [0052]     Modifications may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. It should be also appreciated that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “end”, “side”, “upper” and “lower” do not limit the respective panels to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.  
         [0053]     It should be further appreciated that any reference to hinged or foldable connection should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only: indeed, it is envisaged that hinged connection can be formed from one or more fold lines. In this application, a “fold line” includes, but is not limited to, a score line, a perforation, a line of short slits, a line of half cuts, a combination of slits and score lines, and similar arrangements, without departing from the scope of invention.