Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a cake packaging box that allows the formation of rigid stack with handle at top. Lid and walls are so arranged that a number of boxes can be assembled together in a rigid stack, the topmost box forming a handle. The lid can comprise sections joined to end walls on one side and to handles on the other. The sloping handle sides have slots, by which they engage with others formed between quadrant-shaped cuts in the sidewalls. The sections formed by these cuts engage in other cuts in the sidewalls on stacking.

<CIT> discloses a stackable carrier system that includes a carrier body which defines an interior storage cavity. Opposed cover flaps define an interlock tab. For another carrier body, each of the opposed end walls define a reception slot therein. The interlock tabs interlock within the reception slots formed in the opposed end walls when the carrier bodies are placed on top of each other.

<CIT> discloses a superposable carton box. Two opposite side plates of the box body are respectively provided with at least one through groove and two locking plates. When a plurality of boxes are piled, the locking plates on the lower box can pass through the through groove of the above box container to be fixed on the box body the.

<CIT> discloses a storagable YAKITORI box that comprises cutout members formed by cutting out a part of respective lid plates. A cut portion is formed so that the locking piece can be inserted when stacked.

These prior art cartons, however, still leave room for improvement.

According to various aspects disclosed herein, the invention is generally directed to cartons, blanks, methods, and systems as recited in the independent claims. Further embodiments are recited in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, a carton according to claim <NUM> is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention, a blank according to claim <NUM> is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method according to claim <NUM> is provided.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system according to claim <NUM> is provided.

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.

Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

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

Cartons or packages according to the present invention can accommodate articles of numerous different shapes. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the invention, the following detailed description describes articles such as food products at least partially disposed within the carton embodiments. In this specification, the terms "lower," "bottom," "upper", "top", "front", and "back" indicate orientations determined in relation to fully erected cartons.

As described herein, cartons can be formed by multiple overlapping panels and/or end flaps. Such panels and/or end flaps can be designated in relative terms to one another, e.g., "first", "second", "third", etc., in sequential or non-sequential reference without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

<FIG> is a plan view of the exterior side <NUM> of a blank, generally indicated at <NUM>, that can be obtained and used to form a carton <NUM> (<FIG>) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. As described herein, the carton <NUM> can engage and be secured to at least one other carton <NUM> via locking features <NUM>, <NUM> to form a carton system or system <NUM> (<FIG>) of stacked cartons <NUM>.

As shown, in <FIG>, the blank <NUM> has a longitudinal axis L1 and a lateral axis L2. The blank <NUM> comprises a front panel <NUM> foldably connected to a first side panel <NUM> and a second side panel <NUM> at respective lateral fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>. A back panel <NUM> is foldably connected to the first side panel <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM>, and an attachment flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the back panel <NUM> at a lateral fold line <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, a locking flap <NUM> (broadly, "first locking flap") is foldably connected to the first side panel <NUM> at a fold line <NUM> and is separable from the first side panel <NUM> along a line of weakening <NUM>. Similarly, a locking flap <NUM> (broadly, "second locking flap") is foldably connected to the second side panel <NUM> at a fold line <NUM> and is separable from the second side panel <NUM> along a line of weakening <NUM>. The lines of weakening <NUM>, <NUM> can extend past the respective locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> to form relief tears or relief features in the respective side panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in <FIG>, a first bottom end flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the front panel <NUM> at a portion of a longitudinal fold line <NUM>, a second bottom end flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the first side panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM>, a third bottom end flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the second side panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM>, and a fourth bottom end flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the back panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM>. As shown, marginal tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are foldably connected to the respective bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> at respective oblique fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>. As also shown, respective notches <NUM>, <NUM> are formed along the respective bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, and can facilitate formation of the carton <NUM> (<FIG>), as described further herein.

Still referring to <FIG>, a first top end flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the front panel <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>, a second top end flap <NUM> (broadly, "first top end flap" or "third top end flap") is foldably connected to the first side panel <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>, a third top end flap <NUM> (broadly, "second top end flap" or "fourth top end flap") is foldably connected to the second side panel <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>, and a fourth top end flap <NUM> (broadly, "second top end flap") is foldably connected to the back panel <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>.

As shown, the first top end flap <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> that is foldably connected to the front panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM> and that is foldably connected to a handle portion <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>. Similarly, the fourth top end flap <NUM> includes a base portion <NUM> that is foldably connected to the back panel <NUM> at the longitudinal fold line <NUM> and includes a handle portion <NUM> that is foldably connected to the base portion <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>. As shown, the top end flap <NUM> includes a handle opening <NUM> in portions of the base portion <NUM> and the handle portion <NUM> and which interrupts the fold line <NUM>. Similarly, the top end flap <NUM> includes a handle opening <NUM> in portions of the base portion <NUM> and the handle portion <NUM> and which interrupts the fold line <NUM>. As also shown, the handle portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> each include a respective pair of handle tabs <NUM>, <NUM> at least partially defined by respective notches <NUM>, <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, a respective locking tab <NUM>, <NUM> (broadly, "first locking tab" and "second locking tab", respectively) is foldably connected to the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> at respective longitudinal fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> each have respective flange portions <NUM>, <NUM> that extend laterally away from the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> such that a respective pair of engagement notches <NUM>, <NUM> are formed between the respective locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> and the remainder of the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>. Each top end flap <NUM>, <NUM> also includes a respective aperture <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown. As described further herein, the locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of a carton <NUM> can be inserted into respective openings <NUM> between the respective locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective side panels <NUM>, <NUM> of another carton <NUM> to secure multiple cartons <NUM> to each other in a system <NUM> (<FIG>). In this regard, the locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and associated features form respective locking features <NUM>, <NUM> of the carton <NUM>.

It will be understood that the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or other portions of the blank <NUM> may be otherwise shaped or configured without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Still referring to <FIG>, and referring additionally to <FIG> and <FIG>, erection of the carton <NUM> (<FIG>) from the blank <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. As shown, the attachment flap <NUM> can be positioned into at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel <NUM>, for example, via folding of the first side panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM>, and can be secured thereto with an adhesive such as glue. The front panel <NUM>, the first side panel <NUM>, the second side panel <NUM>, the back panel <NUM>, and the attachment flap <NUM> can be folded at fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the front and back panels <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially parallel to one another and the side panel <NUM> is substantially parallel to the second side panel <NUM> and the attachment flap <NUM>. The end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded at respective portions of the fold line <NUM> in overlapping relation to form a closed bottom <NUM> of the carton <NUM>. In one embodiment, the marginal tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can be provided with adhesive and in at least partial face-to-face contact with the respective bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, and the notches <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> can interengage one another. In such an arrangement, the marginal tabs <NUM>, <NUM> can provide connectivity among the end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the bottom <NUM> is flexibly reconfigurable between a flattened arrangement and the upwardly-folded arrangement illustrated in <FIG>. In the configuration of <FIG>, a top portion <NUM> of the carton <NUM> is shown in an open configuration in which the interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM> is accessible, for example to load the carton <NUM> with one or more articles, for example, one or more food products that can be provided, for example, in an unwrapped configuration or wrapped in a secondary packaging, or to retrieve one or more articles from the carton <NUM>.

Turning additionally to <FIG>, in a first closed configuration of the carton <NUM>, generally designated 5A, the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> toward the interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM> and disposed in overlapping, e.g., generally planar, relation such that a closed top portion 9A of the carton 5A (broadly, "first carton") formed by the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> has a first closed configuration with a substantially flat or low profile configuration, as shown. It will be understood that the carton 5A and the closed top portion 9A will be described herein as one reconfigurable configuration of the carton <NUM> and top portion <NUM>, and that these terms can be used interchangeably. As shown in <FIG>, the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> of the carton 5A are maintained in a generally upright position relative to the remainder of the carton 5A such that a receiving space <NUM> for one or more other cartons is defined on the closed top portion 9A between the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, as described further herein.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the carton <NUM> is shown in a second closed configuration that is generally designated 5B (broadly, "second carton") and having a closed top portion 9B in a second closed configuration. It will be understood that the carton 5B and the closed top portion 9B will be described herein as one reconfigurable configuration of the carton <NUM> and top portion <NUM>, and that these terms can be used interchangeably. It will be understood that the top portion <NUM> is reconfigurable between the first closed configuration 9A and the second closed configuration 9B. In the carton 5B, the base portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> are folded at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> to be obliquely disposed relative to each other and the handle portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> are folded upwardly at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the respective base portions <NUM>, <NUM> such that the handle portions <NUM>, <NUM> are in at least partial face-to-face contact. In one embodiment, the handle portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be obliquely disposed relative to one another. As also shown in <FIG>, the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> are folded at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> so that the respective pairs of handle tabs <NUM>, <NUM> are at least partially inserted through the respective apertures <NUM>, <NUM> such that the portions of the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> surrounding the respective apertures <NUM>, <NUM> are disposed in the respective notches <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, a handle <NUM> is formed by portions of the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and can be at least partially grasped by a user through the aligned handle openings <NUM>, <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, and referring additionally to <FIG>, the carton 5A is shown along with the carton 5B. Turning additionally to <FIG>, the carton 5B having the upright handle <NUM> can be positioned in the receiving space <NUM> of the carton 5A with the substantially flat closed top portion 9A. In such a position, the carton 5B is disposed with its respective side panels <NUM>, <NUM> in facing relation with the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> of the carton 5A, as shown. In this regard, the receiving space <NUM> of the carton 5A provides an at least partial engagement of the carton 5B via the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> when the carton 5B is positioned in the receiving space <NUM> of the carton 5A. As described further herein, the receiving space <NUM> of the carton 5A can alternatively receive another carton 5A.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the respective locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower carton 5A can be inserted through respective openings <NUM> between the respective locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective side panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper carton 5B. In such an arrangement, the locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper carton 5B can be folded interiorly at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> and separated from the respective side panels <NUM>, <NUM> at the respective lines of weakening <NUM>, <NUM>. When inserted through the respective openings <NUM> of the upper carton 5B, the respective flange portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower carton 5A can engage an interior portion of the respective side panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper carton 5B.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the engagement of the respective locking tabs <NUM>, <NUM> of the lower carton 5A with the respective openings <NUM> created by the respective locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper carton 5B forms locking features <NUM>, <NUM> of a system <NUM> that includes two or more stacked cartons 5A/5B engaged and secured to one another through the locking features <NUM>, <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the upper carton 5B provides the handle <NUM> by which the entire system <NUM> can be carried by a user, for example, since the one or more cartons 5A below the upper carton 5B are secured to the upper carton 5B through the locking features <NUM>, <NUM>. In this regard, the system <NUM> typically includes an upper carton 5B providing the handle <NUM>, and one or more lower cartons <NUM> A secured to the upper carton <NUM> and each other through respective locking features <NUM>, <NUM>. In one embodiment, a system can include two or more stacked cartons 5A and secured to each other with respective locking features <NUM>, <NUM>, without a carton 5B. In another embodiment, a carton 5A in the first closed configuration can receive a plurality of smaller cartons 5A/5B in its receiving space <NUM>.

The engagement and securing or locking of multiple cartons <NUM> to one another in the system <NUM> as described herein provides a convenient, unitary structure through which more food products can be stored and carried, for example, as compared to a single carton <NUM>. Further, the reconfiguration of the top portion <NUM> of the carton <NUM> between the first closed configuration (closed top portion 9A of carton 5A) in which the top portion <NUM> is flat and the second closed configuration (closed top portion 9B of carton 5B) in which the handle <NUM> is provided allows each carton <NUM> in the system <NUM> to be selectively reconfigurable as the uppermost or a lower carton <NUM> in the system <NUM>. While the system <NUM> has been described herein as including two cartons <NUM>, in embodiments, more than two cartons <NUM> secured to one another with locking features <NUM>, <NUM><NUM> can form the system <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a blank <NUM> for forming a carton according to a second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is illustrated. The second exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is similar to the first exemplary embodiment except that the front and back panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the blank <NUM> are longer than the front and back panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the blank <NUM>, and like or similar reference numbers are indicated throughout the drawings to indicate like or similar features. In one embodiment, the front and back panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the blank <NUM> have a length of about <NUM>,<NUM> (≅ <NUM> inches) along the longitudinal axis L1, while the front and back panels <NUM>, <NUM> of the blank <NUM> (<FIG>) have a length of about <NUM>,<NUM> (≅ <NUM> inches) along the longitudinal axis L1. Referring additionally to <FIG>, the blank <NUM> can be used to form cartons 205A, 205B (broadly, "first carton" and "second carton", respectively) having similar configurations to the cartons 5A, 5B (<FIG>) of the first embodiment described above, and which can be reconfigured and/or secured to one or more other cartons 205A/205B to form a carton system or system <NUM> similar to the system <NUM> (<FIG>) of the first embodiment described above. It will be understood that the cartons 205A, 205B described herein are different configurations of a carton formed from the blank <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, an exterior surface <NUM> of a blank <NUM> for forming a carton <NUM> (<FIG>) according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The third exemplary embodiment of the invention includes one or more features that are similar to those of the first and second exemplary embodiments of the invention, and similar or identical reference numbers are used to designate identical or similar features. As described herein, the carton <NUM> includes a leak-resistant bottom receptacle <NUM> that is substantially devoid of adhered or otherwise coupled surfaces, openings, or other discontinuities.

As shown, the blank <NUM> includes a bottom panel <NUM> and a front panel <NUM> and a back panel <NUM> foldably connected to the bottom panel <NUM> at respective lateral fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>. The first side panel <NUM> is foldably connected to the bottom panel <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM> and the second side panel <NUM> is foldably connected to the bottom panel <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>. As also shown, the blank <NUM> includes the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> having substantially similar features to those described above with respect to the first and second exemplary embodiments.

The illustrated blank <NUM> also includes a first gusset <NUM> foldably connected to each of the front panel <NUM> and the first side panel <NUM>, a second gusset <NUM> foldably connected to each of the first side panel <NUM> and the back panel <NUM>, a third gusset <NUM> foldably connected to each of the back panel <NUM> and the second side panel <NUM>, and a fourth gusset <NUM> foldably connected to each of the second side panel <NUM> and the front panel <NUM>. The first gusset <NUM> includes a first gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the front panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM> and a second gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the first gusset panel <NUM> at an oblique fold line <NUM> and foldably connected to the first side panel <NUM> at a portion of the lateral fold line <NUM>. The second gusset <NUM> includes a third gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the first side panel <NUM> at a portion of the lateral fold line <NUM> and a fourth gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the third gusset panel <NUM> at an oblique fold line <NUM> and foldably connected to the back panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM>. The third gusset <NUM> includes a fifth gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the second side panel <NUM> at a portion of the lateral fold line <NUM> and a sixth gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the fifth gusset panel <NUM> at an oblique fold line <NUM> and foldaby connected to the back panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM>. The fourth gusset <NUM> includes a seventh gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the front panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM> and an eighth gusset panel <NUM> foldably connected to the seventh gusset panel <NUM> at an oblique fold line <NUM> and foldably connected to the second side panel <NUM> at a portion of the lateral fold line <NUM>.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded upright relative to the bottom panel <NUM> to partially form the interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM>. In one embodiment, the front panel <NUM> is folded at the fold line <NUM> into a generally upright position relative to the bottom panel <NUM>, the back panel <NUM> is folded at the fold line <NUM> into a generally upright position relative to the bottom panel <NUM>, and the respective first and second side panels <NUM>, <NUM> are folded at the respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM> into a generally upright position relative to the bottom panel <NUM>. The first gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the second gusset panel <NUM>, and the second gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the first side panel <NUM>. In such an arrangement of the first gusset <NUM>, folding of the second gusset panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM> can draw the front panel <NUM> into generally intersecting relation with the first side panel <NUM>. The fourth gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the third gusset panel <NUM>, and the third gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the first side panel <NUM>. In such an arrangement of the second gusset <NUM>, folding of the third gusset panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM> can draw the back panel <NUM> into generally intersecting relation with the first side panel <NUM>. The sixth gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the fifth gusset panel <NUM>, and the fifth gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel <NUM>. In such an arrangement of the third gusset <NUM>, folding of the fifth gusset panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM> can draw the back panel <NUM> into generally intersecting relation with the second side panel <NUM>. The seventh gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the eighth gusset panel <NUM>, and the eighth gusset panel <NUM> can be folded at the fold line <NUM> into at least partial face-to-face contact with the second side panel <NUM>. In such an arrangement of the fourth gusset <NUM>, folding of the eighth gusset panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM> can draw the front panel <NUM> into generally intersecting relation with the second side panel <NUM>. The gussets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be maintained in the above-described arrangements with one or more adhesives such as glue.

As shown, the above-described arrangement of the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the gussets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides an open configuration of the carton <NUM> in which the interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM> is accessible. As also shown, the arrangement of the gussets <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> between the respective panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> provides a substantially leak-resistant bottom receptacle <NUM> that is substantially devoid of adhered or otherwise coupled surfaces, openings, or other discontinuities. For example, proceeding in a clockwise order from the perspective of the blank <NUM>, the front panel <NUM>, the first gusset panel <NUM>, the second gusset panel <NUM>, the first side panel <NUM>, the third gusset panel <NUM>, the fourth gusset panel <NUM>, the back panel <NUM>, the sixth gusset panel <NUM>, the fifth gusset panel <NUM>, the second side panel <NUM>, the eighth gusset panel <NUM>, and the seventh gusset panel <NUM> (all of which are foldably connected to the bottom panel <NUM>), provide a substantially continuous surface that at least partially forms the bottom receptacle <NUM> that is joined only by respective fold lines <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> together with the bottom panel <NUM>, can maintain one or more fluids in the bottom receptacle <NUM> and inhibit, minimize, and/or prevent the passage of such one or more fluids from the bottom receptacle <NUM> into the surrounding environment. In this regard, the bottom receptacle <NUM> provides a substantially leak-proof or leak-resistant configuration. In one embodiment, the blank <NUM>/carton <NUM> can be provided with an interior liner suitable for contact with one or more fluids and arranged to inhibit, minimize, and/or prevent the passage of such one more fluids therethrough, for example, a polymeric material. Such material and/or properties can also be applied to the blank <NUM>/carton <NUM> as a surface treatment or coating.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the top portion <NUM> of the carton <NUM> can be closed into respective first and second closed top portions 9A, 9B of respective 305A, 305B (broadly, "first carton" and "second carton", respectively) in the manner described above with respect to the cartons 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B (<FIG>, <FIG>). Accordingly, and as shown in <FIG>, the carton 305A has the receiving space <NUM> to receive another carton 305A or a carton 305B to form a carton system or system <NUM> of cartons 305A, 305B that are engaged with and secured to each other with respective locking features <NUM>, <NUM> similar to the systems <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>) described above with respect to the first and second exemplary embodiments. In this regard, cartons 305A, 305B of the system <NUM> each have a bottom receptacle <NUM> that provides a substantially leak-proof or leak-resistant configuration to each carton <NUM> of the system <NUM>. It will be understood that the cartons 305A, 305B are described herein as different configurations of the carton <NUM> (having respective closed top portions 9A, 9B), and that these terms can be used interchangeably.

Referring to <FIG>, a blank <NUM> for forming a carton <NUM> (<FIG>) according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention includes one or more features that are similar to those of the first, second, and third exemplary embodiments of the invention, and similar or identical reference numbers are used to designate identical or similar features. As described herein, the carton <NUM> includes a divider flap <NUM> that is positionable to partition an interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM>.

The illustrated blank <NUM> includes the first side panel <NUM>, the second side panel <NUM>, the front panel <NUM>, the back panel <NUM>, and the attachment flap <NUM>. As shown, the second side panel <NUM> is foldably connected to the attachment flap <NUM> at the lateral fold line <NUM>, and the front panel <NUM> is disposed along a free edge portion of the blank <NUM>. The blank <NUM> also includes the top end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the locking flaps <NUM>, <NUM> having substantially similar features to those described above with respect to the first, second, and third exemplary embodiments, as well as the bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> and marginal tabs <NUM>, <NUM> having substantially similar features to those described above with respect to the first and second exemplary embodiments.

Still referring to <FIG>, a bottom end flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the first side panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM> and a bottom end flap <NUM> is foldably connected to the second side panel <NUM> at a portion of the longitudinal fold line <NUM>. As shown, the bottom end flap <NUM> includes a proximal section <NUM> foldably connected to the second side panel <NUM> at the longitudinal fold line <NUM> and a distal section <NUM> foldably connected to the proximal section <NUM> at a longitudinal fold line <NUM>.

Still referring to <FIG>, and referring additionally to <FIG> and <FIG>, erection of the carton <NUM> (<FIG>) from the blank <NUM> according to one exemplary embodiment of the invention will be described. As shown, the attachment flap <NUM> can be positioned into at least partial face-to-face contact with the back panel <NUM>, for example, via folding of the back panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM> and folding of the second side panel <NUM> at the fold line <NUM>, and can be secured thereto with an adhesive such as glue. The front panel <NUM>, the first side panel <NUM>, the second side panel <NUM>, the back panel <NUM>, and the attachment flap <NUM> can be folded at fold lines <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> such that the front and back panels <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially parallel to one another and the side panel <NUM> is substantially parallel to the second side panel <NUM> and the attachment flap <NUM>. The bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be folded at respective portions of fold line <NUM> in overlapping relation to form a closed bottom <NUM> of the carton <NUM>. In one embodiment, the notches <NUM>, <NUM> of the respective bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM> interengage one another, the bottom end flap <NUM> overlaps the bottom end flaps <NUM>, <NUM>, and the bottom end flap <NUM> overlaps the bottom end flap <NUM>. In this regard, the closed bottom <NUM> is formed such that the distal section <NUM> of the bottom end flap <NUM> can be folded upwardly at the fold line <NUM> into a generally upright position in the interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM>. In one embodiment, the upright positioning of the distal section <NUM> of the bottom end flap <NUM> can be maintained, for example, through frictional engagement of an edge of the distal section <NUM> with the front panel <NUM> and/or the back panel <NUM>. In this regard, the interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM> can be partitioned by the distal section <NUM> of the bottom end flap <NUM> into a first interior section 11a and a second interior section 11b on either side of the distal section <NUM> of the bottom end flap <NUM>, for example, to provide separation of different food products and/or to apportion one or more food products. In one embodiment, one or both of the first interior section 11a and the second interior section 11b can be used to provide an accessory or condiment for a food product such that one or both of the first interior section 11a and the second interior section 11b can provide a serving tray. In another embodiment, the distal section <NUM> of the bottom end flap <NUM> can optionally be positioned in a substantially flat or planar position relative to the remainder of the closed bottom <NUM> such that no partitioning of the interior <NUM> of the carton <NUM> is provided.

Referring additionally to <FIG>, the top portion <NUM> of the carton <NUM> can be closed into respective first and second closed top portions 9A, 9B of respective cartons 405A, 405B (broadly, "first carton" and "second carton", respectively) in the manner described above with respect to the cartons 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, and 305A, 305B (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>). Accordingly, and as shown, the carton 405A can have the receiving space <NUM> to receive a carton 405B to form a carton system or system <NUM> of cartons 405A, 405B that are secured to each other with respective locking features <NUM>, <NUM> similar to the systems <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>) described above with respect to the first, second, and third exemplary embodiments. It will be understood that the cartons 405A, 405B are described herein as different configurations of the carton <NUM> (having respective closed top portions 9A, 9B), and that these terms can be used interchangeably.

Any of the features of the various embodiments of the disclosure can be combined with, replaced by, or otherwise configured with other features of other embodiments of the disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The cartons according to the present disclosure can be, for example, formed from blanks of coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, the interior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a clay coating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product, advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanks may then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed on the blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisture barrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance with the above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed of paperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid than ordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having properties suitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally as described herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the present invention, 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 invention, 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 invention as defined by the appended claims.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panels, flaps, or features, adhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. The term "glue" is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonly used to secure carton panels in place.

Claim 1:
A carton (<NUM>, 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, <NUM>, 305A, 305B, <NUM>, 405A, 405B) for holding one or more articles, the carton (<NUM>, 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, <NUM>, 305A, 305B, <NUM>, 405A, 405B) comprising:
a plurality of panels extending at least partially around an interior (<NUM>) of the carton (<NUM>, 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, <NUM>, 305A, 305B, <NUM>, 405A, 405B), the plurality of panels comprising a front panel (<NUM>, <NUM>), a back panel (<NUM>, <NUM>), a first side panel (<NUM>), and a second side panel (<NUM>);
a plurality of end flaps foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and forming a closed top portion (<NUM>, 9A, 9B) of the carton (<NUM>, 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, <NUM>, 305A, 305B, <NUM>, 405A, 405B), the plurality of end flaps comprising a first top end flap (<NUM>) foldably connected to the first side panel (<NUM>) and a second top end flap (<NUM>) foldably connected to the second side panel (<NUM>), the closed top portion (<NUM>, 9A, 9B) of the carton (<NUM>, 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, <NUM>, 305A, 305B, <NUM>, 405A, 405B) is reconfigurable between a first configuration having a substantially flat profile and a second configuration forming a handle (<NUM>) of the carton (<NUM>, 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, <NUM>, 305A, 305B, <NUM>, 405A, 405B); and
locking features (<NUM>, <NUM>) for engaging at least one other carton (<NUM>, 5A, 5B, 205A, 205B, <NUM>, 305A, 305B, <NUM>, 405A, 405B), characterised in that the locking features (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprise a first locking tab (<NUM>) foldably connected to the first top end flap (<NUM>), a second locking tab (<NUM>) foldably connected to the second top end flap (<NUM>), a first locking flap (<NUM>) foldably connected to the first side panel (<NUM>), and a second locking flap (<NUM>) foldably connected to the second side panel (<NUM>), wherein each of the first locking tab (<NUM>) and the second locking tab (<NUM>) have respective flange portions (<NUM>, <NUM>) that extend laterally away from respective fold lines (<NUM>, <NUM>) such that a respective pair of engagement notches (<NUM>, <NUM>) is formed between the respective locking tabs (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the remainder of the respective top end flaps (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the locking tabs (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to be insertable into respective openings (<NUM>) between the respective locking flaps (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the respective side panels (<NUM>, <NUM>) of another carton to secure multiple cartons to each other in a system (<NUM>).