CARTON AND CARTON BLANK

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001]The present invention relates to a carton and blank for forming the same more specifically, but not exclusively, to a carton comprising an access device or dispenser for facilitating access to the contents of the carton.

BACKGROUND

[0002]In the field of packaging, it is often required to provide consumers with a package comprising multiple primary product containers. Such multi-packs are desirable for shipping and distribution purposes and for the display of promotional information. For cost and environmental considerations, such cartons or carriers need to be formed from as little material as possible and cause as little wastage as possible in the materials from which they are formed. Another consideration is the strength of the packaging and its suitability for holding and transporting large weights of articles.

[0003]It is desirable to provide a carton comprising an access device or dispenser for facilitating access to the contents of the carton.

[0004]The present invention seeks to overcome or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0005]According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a tubular structure and end walls closing opposite ends of the tubular structure. The tubular structure comprises a plurality of tube walls including a primary tube wall and the other tube walls. The carton comprises an access device for facilitating access to the carton contents. The access device comprises a plurality of frangible lines in the tubular structure. The frangible lines extending in the other tube walls such that the carton is splitable along the frangible lines into at least three sections each hingedly connected to the primary tube wall. The at least three sections includes at least one tear strip and a pair of troughs. The at least one tear strip is foldable into a planar condition with the primary tube wall. Each of the troughs includes a respective one of the end walls and is foldable to bring the respective end walls into a planar condition with the primary tube wall.

[0006]Optionally, the end walls are hingedly connected to the primary tube wall in opposition to each other.

[0007]Optionally, the access device comprises a tear initiation device provided in one or more of the other tube walls.

[0008]Optionally, the at least one tear strip comprises two tear strips configured to be severed from the carton and wherein each tear strip is hingedly connected to the primary tube wall.

[0009]Optionally, a first one of the tear strips is configured to be severed from the carton in opposition to the other one of the tear strips.

[0010]Optionally, the other tube walls of the tubular structure comprises a first tube wall, and wherein the two tear strips each is formed in part from the first tube wall.

[0011]Optionally, the other tube walls of the tubular structure further comprises a pair of second and third opposed tube walls adjacent to the first tube wall, each of the tear strip is formed at least in part from a respective one of the second and third tube walls.

[0012]Optionally, the primary tube wall opposes the first tube wall.

[0013]Optionally, a first part of one of the tear strips is formed from the first tube wall and is hingedly connected to a second part of the one tear strip that is formed from the second tube wall. A first part of the other tear strip is formed from the first tube wall and is hingedly connected, and/or adhesively secured, to a second part of the other tear strip that is formed from the third tube wall.

[0014]Optionally, each of the troughs further includes at least two adjacently disposed trough walls which are hingedly connected to a respective one of the end walls of the carton.

[0015]Optionally, the at least two adjacently disposed trough walls of each trough are formed from respective portions of at least two of the other tube walls of the tubular structure.

[0016]According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a tubular structure including a top wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base wall. The carton comprises a pair of deployment panels detachably connected to one another by a tear initiation device. Each deployment panel is defined at least in part by at least two tear lines each emanating from the tear initiation device and extending toward a respective one of corners of the base wall. The tear initiation device is formed in at least one of the first side wall, the top wall, and the second side wall.

[0017]Optionally, the tear initiation device comprises at least one tear initiation tab.

[0018]Optionally, the at least one tear initiation tab comprises first and second tear initiation tabs detachably connected to one another.

[0019]According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of tube panels for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of tube panels include a primary tube panel and the other tube panels. The blank further comprises at least two deployment panels detachably connected to one another by a tear initiation device. Each of the at least two deployment panels is defined at least in part by at least two tear lines each emanating from the tear initiation device and extending toward a respective one of corners of the primary tube panel. The tear initiation device is formed in at least one of the other tube panels.

[0020]According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a blank for forming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of tube panels for forming a tubular structure and a plurality of end closure flaps each hingedly connected to a respective one of the tube panels. The plurality of tube panels includes a primary tube panel and the other tube panels. The plurality of end closure flaps include a pair of primary end closure flaps and the other end closure flaps. The primary end closure flaps are hingedly connected to the primary tube panel. The blank further comprises a plurality of tear lines each extending in the other tube panels such that when the tear lines are torn the other end closure flaps are separable from the blank.

[0021]According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a tubular structure and end closure walls closing opposed ends of the tubular structure. The tubular structure comprises a plurality of tube walls which include a primary tube wall and the other tube wall. The end closure walls are hingedly connected to the primary tube wall of the tubular structure. The carton comprises an access device for facilitating access to the carton contents. The access device comprises a plurality of frangible lines in the other tube walls defining at least one tear strip formed from part of the other tube walls. The at least one tear strip is configured to be severed partially from the tubular structure along the frangible lines and is hingedly connected to the primary tube wall such that the at least one tear strip is foldable into a planar condition with the primary tube wall. Each of the frangible lines extends from a proximity of a respective one of corners of the primary tube wall such that when the frangible lines are torn, the end closure walls are foldable into a planar condition with the primary tube wall.

[0022]According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a carton comprising a plurality of carton walls including a pair of top and base opposed walls, a pair of opposed side walls and a pair of opposed end walls. The carton further comprises an access device for splitting the carton into a plurality of sections which include a pair of troughs. Each of the troughs comprises a respective one of the end walls and at least two trough walls hingedly connected to one another and to the respective end wall. Each of the end walls is hingedly connected to the base wall by a trough fold line. The access device comprises a plurality of frangible lines extending in at least three of the plurality of carton walls such that when the carton is torn along the frangible lines, each of the troughs becomes foldable about a respective one of the trough fold lines.

[0023]Optionally, the trough fold lines are disposed in a plane of the base wall. The troughs are foldable respectively about the trough fold lines to bring the respective end walls into a planar condition with the base wall when the carton is torn along the frangible lines.

[0024]Optionally, the at least two trough walls of each of the troughs are formed from respective portions of at least two of the top wall and the side walls.

[0025]Optionally, the plurality of sections further include at least one tear strip hingedly connected to the base wall by at least one strip fold line, wherein the at least one tear strip is detachably connected to the toughs by the frangible lines such that when the carton is torn along the frangible lines, the at least one tear strip becomes foldable about the at least one strip fold line into a planar condition with the base wall.

[0026]Further features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and discussed below.

[0027]Within the scope of this application, it is envisaged or intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, features and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings may be considered or taken independently or in any combination thereof.

[0028]Features or elements described in connection with, or relation to, one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless there is an incompatibility of features. One or more features or elements from one embodiment may be incorporated into, or combined with, any of the other embodiments disclosed herein, said features or elements extracted from said one embodiment may be included in addition to, or in replacement of one or more features or elements of said other embodiment.

[0029]A feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment disclosed herein may be extracted in isolation from other features of that embodiment. Alternatively, a feature, or combination of features, of an embodiment may be omitted from that embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031]FIG. 1 is a plan view from above of a blank for forming a carton according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0032]FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a carton formed from the blank of FIG. 1;

[0033]FIGS. 3 and 4 show perspective views of the carton of FIG. 2 in stages of deployment of an access device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0034]Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments of the package, blanks and cartons are disclosed herein. It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the way in which certain aspects of the invention can be implemented and do not represent an exhaustive list of all of the ways the invention may be embodied. Indeed, it will be understood that the packages, blanks, and cartons described herein may be embodied in various and alternative forms. The Figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. Well-known components, materials or methods are not necessarily described in great detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Any specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the invention.

[0035]Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown a blank 10 for forming a carton 90 capable of accepting an input of primary products such as, but not limited to, bottles or cans, hereinafter referred to as articles B.

[0036]The blank 10 comprises a plurality of main panels (or tube panels) 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, hinged one to the next in a linear series. A top panel (or first tube panel) 14 is hinged to a first side wall panel (second tube panel) 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 15. The first side wall panel 16 is hinged to base panel (or primary tube panel) 18 by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 17. The base panel 18 is hinged to a second side wall panel (third tube panel) 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 19. A securing panel 12 is hinged to the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 13.

[0037]The plurality of main panels 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 of the blank 10 form tube walls of an open-ended tubular structure in a set-up condition. The tubular structure is at least partially closed by end closure walls. The tubular structure has a tubular axis defining a longitudinal direction of the carton 90.

[0038]Each of the ends of the tubular structure is at least partially closed by the respective one of the end closure walls. In the illustrated embodiment, the ends of the tubular structure are fully closed by the end closure walls each formed from a respective set of end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B which are secured together to provide the respective end closure wall.

[0039]A first set of end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A are configured to form a first end closure wall for closing, at least partially, a first end of the tubular structure, and a second set of end closure flaps 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B are configured to form a second end closure wall for closing, at least partially, a second end of the tubular structure.

[0040]The first end of the tubular structure is closed by the first end closure flap 22A, a second end closure flap 24A, a third end closure flap 26A, and a fourth end closure flap 28A. The first end closure flap 22A is hinged to a first end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 21A. The second end closure flap 24A is hinged to the first side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23A. The fold line 23A may be nonlinear, and may comprise at least two linear sections arranged continuously or contiguously with each other and divergently with respect to each other. The third end closure flap (or primary end closure flap) 26A is hinged to a first end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25A. The fourth end closure flap 28A is hinged to a first end of the second side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27A.

[0041]The second end of the tubular structure is closed by a fifth end closure flap 22B, sixth end closure flap 24B, seventh end closure flap 26B, and an eighth end closure flap 28B. The fifth end closure flap 22B is hinged to a second, opposing, end of the top panel 14 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 21B. The sixth end closure flap 24B is hinged to the first side wall panel 16 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 23B. The fold line 23A may be nonlinear, and may comprise at least two linear sections arranged continuously or contiguously with each other and divergently with respect to each other. The seventh end closure flap (or another primary end closure flap) 26B is hinged to a second, opposing, end of the base panel 18 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 25B. The eighth end closure flap 28B is hinged to a second, opposing, end of the second side wall panel 20 by a hinged connection such as a fold line 27B.

[0042]The second end closure flap 24A and the eighth end closure flap 24B each form a side end closure flap at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The fifth end closure flap 30A and the eleventh end closure flap 30B each form a side end closure flap at opposing ends of the tubular structure.

[0043]The first end closure flap 22A and the fifth end closure flap 22B each form top end closure flaps at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The third end closure flap 26A and the seventh end closure flap 26B each form bottom end closure flaps at opposing ends of the tubular structure. The first end closure flap 22A and the third end closure flap 22B each form major end closure flaps at the first end of the tubular structure. The fifth end closure flap 22B and the seventh end closure flap 26B each form major end closure flaps at the second end of the tubular structure.

[0044]The second end closure flap 24A and the fourth end closure flap 28A each form a side end closure flaps (also referred to herein as minor end closure flaps or dust flaps) at the first end of the tubular structure. The sixth end closure flap 24B and the eighth end closure flap 28B each form a side end closure flaps (also referred to herein as minor end closure flaps or dust flaps) at the second end of the tubular structure.

[0045]Optionally, the first side wall panel 16 comprises a first fold line 23C extending between a first point and a second point. The first point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 15) between the top panel 14 and the first side wall panel 16 and the hinged connection (fold line 23A) between the second end closure flap 24A and the first side wall panel 16. The second point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 17) between the base panel 18 and the first side wall panel 16 and the hinged connection (fold line 23A) between the second end closure flap 24A and the first side wall panel 16.

[0046]The first fold line 23C may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, first fold line 23C comprises two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 23A, between the second end closure flap 24A and the first side wall panel 16 may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 23A, between the second end closure flap 24A and the first side wall panel 16 may comprise two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other.

[0047]The first fold line 23C and the hinged connection, fold line 23A, between the second end closure flap 24A and the first side wall panel 16 define a first portion of the first side wall panel 16. The first portion of the first side wall panel 16 may be diamond or kite shaped.

[0048]Optionally, the first side wall panel 16 comprises a second fold line 23D extending between a first point and a second point. The first point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 15) between the top panel 14 and the first side wall panel 16 and the hinged connection (fold line 23B) between the sixth end closure flap 24B and the first side wall panel 16. The second point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 17) between the base panel 18 and the first side wall panel 16 and the hinged connection (fold line 23B) between the sixth end closure flap 24B and the first side wall panel 16.

[0049]The second fold line 23D may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, second fold line 23D comprises two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 23B, between the sixth end closure flap 24B and the first side wall panel 16 may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 23B, between the sixth end closure flap 24B and the first side wall panel 16 may comprise two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other.

[0050]The second fold line 23D and the hinged connection, fold line 23B, between the sixth end closure flap 24B and the first side wall panel 16 define a second portion of the first side wall panel 16. The second portion of the first side wall panel 16 may be diamond or kite shaped.

[0051]Optionally, the second side wall panel 20 comprises a third fold line 27C extending between a first point and a second point. The first point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 27A) between the fourth end closure flap 28A and the second side wall panel 20 and the free side edge of the second side wall panel 20. The second point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 19) between the base panel 18 and the second side wall panel 20 and the hinged connection (fold line 27A) between the fourth end closure flap 28A and the second side wall panel 20.

[0052]The third fold line 27C may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, third fold line 27C comprises two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 27A, between the fourth end closure flap 28A and the second side wall panel 20 may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 27A, between the fourth end closure flap 28A and the second side wall panel 20 may comprise two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other.

[0053]The third fold line 27C and the hinged connection, fold line 27A, between the fourth end closure flap 28A and the second side wall panel 20 define a first portion of the second side wall panel 20. The first portion of the second side wall panel 20 may be diamond or kite shaped.

[0054]Optionally, the second side wall panel 20 comprises a fourth fold line 27D extending between a first point and a second point. The first point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 27B) between the eighth end closure flap 28B and the second side wall panel 20 and the free side edge of the second side wall panel 20. The second point is defined by the vertex or intersection between the hinged connection (fold line 19) between the base panel 18 and the second side wall panel 20 and the hinged connection (fold line 27B) between the eighth end closure flap 28B and the second side wall panel 20.

[0055]The fourth fold line 27D may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, fourth fold line 27D comprises two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 27B, between the eighth end closure flap 28B and the second side wall panel 20 may be non-linear and may comprise at least two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other. The hinged connection, fold line 27B, between the eighth end closure flap 28B and the second side wall panel 20 may comprise two linear portions arranged divergently with respect to each other.

[0056]The fourth fold line 27D and the hinged connection, fold line 27B, between the eighth end closure flap 28B and the second side wall panel 20 define a second portion of the second side wall panel 20. The second portion of the second side wall panel 20 may be diamond or kite shaped.

[0057]Optionally, the second end closure flap 24A comprises a fold line 29A extending from the hinged connection, fold line 23A, between the second end closure flap 24A and the first side wall panel 16 to a free end edge of the second end closure flap 24A. The fold line 29A may be parallel to the hinged connection (fold line 17) between the base panel 18 and the first side wall panel 16.

[0058]Optionally, the sixth end closure flap 24B comprises a fold line 29B extending from the hinged connection, fold line 23B, between the sixth end closure flap 24B and the first side wall panel 16 to a free end edge of the sixth end closure flap 24B. The fold line 29B may be parallel to the hinged connection (fold line 17) between the base panel 18 and the first side wall panel 16.

[0059]The fourth end closure flap 28A may comprise a fold line 31A extending from the hinged connection, fold line 27A, between the fourth end closure flap 28A and the second side wall panel 20 to a free end edge of the fourth end closure flap 28A. The fold line 31A may be parallel to the hinged connection (fold line 19) between the base panel 18 and the second side wall panel 20.

[0060]Optionally, the eighth end closure flap 28B comprises a fold line 31B extending from the hinged connection, fold line 27B, between the eighth end closure flap 28B and the second side wall panel 20 to a free end edge of the eighth end closure flap 28B. The fold line 31B may be parallel to the hinged connection (fold line 19) between the base panel 18 and the second side wall panel 20.

[0061]The blank 10 may comprise a carrying handle H defined in at least one end wall. The illustrated embodiment comprises carrying handle H defined in each end wall.

[0062]Each carrying handle H comprises a handle opening defined in one of the end closure flaps. In the illustrated embodiment, a handle opening may be defined in one or both of the top end closure flaps 22A, 22B.

[0063]Each handle opening may be defined, at least in part, by a handle flap 60 struck from, or defined within, a top end closure flap 22A, 22B and hingedly connected thereto by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 61.

[0064]The handle flap 60 may comprise a pair of fold lines extending from the hinged connection (fold line 61) to the top end closure flap 22A, 22B to an opposing free (unhinged or disconnected) edge of the handle flap 60. The pair of fold lines may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The pair of fold lines may diverge towards the hinged connection (fold line 61) to the top end closure flap 22A, 22B.

[0065]The second, fourth, sixth, and eighth end closure flaps 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B may comprise a recess configured to be disposed in registry with at least a portion of the handle opening in a respective one of the first and second top end closure flaps 22A, 22B.

[0066]The blank 10 may comprise an access device or opening feature for providing access to the contents of the package. The plurality of tube panels for forming the tubular structure include the base panel (or primary tube panel) 18 and the other tube panels such as tube panels 12, 14, 16, 20. The access device comprises a plurality of tear or frangible lines extending in the other tube panels 12, 14, 16, 20. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a plurality of pairs of the frangible lines 78A, 78B; 70, 72; 80, 82; 84, 86; and 74, 76 extend in the other tube panels 12, 14, 16, 20 and define in those panels 12, 14, 16, 20 three tear strips including a full tear trip T2/T3 and two partial tear strips T1 and T4. The base panel 18 is free from tear or frangible lines and is configured to remain intact when the access device or opening feature is deployed. The articles B rest upon the base panel 18 when the access device is deployed.

[0067]The top panel 14 comprises a first one T1 of the partial tear strips T1, T4 (also referred to herein as a deployment panel) extending or emanating from a tear initiation device I towards the securing panel 12.

[0068]The top panel 14 comprises a first portion T2 of the full tear strip T2/T3 (also referred to herein as a deployment panel) extending from the tear initiation device I towards the first side wall panel 16.

[0069]The first side wall panel 16 comprises a second portion T3 of the full tear strip T2/T3 (also referred to herein as a deployment panel) extending thereacross, from the top panel 14 to the base panel 18. The second portion T3 of the full tear strip T2/T3 is continuous or contiguously arranged with the first portion T2 of the full tear strip T2/T3 and hingedly connected thereto by the fold line 15.

[0070]The second side wall panel 20 comprises a second partial tear strip T4 (also referred to herein as a deployment panel) extending thereacross, from the base panel 18 to an opposed free side edge thereof.

[0071]The securing panel 12 comprises a pair of tear line segments 78A, 78B arranged to form a removable or detachable section which is continuous or contiguously arranged with the first partial tear strip T1 and is arranged to be in an overlapping relationship with at least a portion of the second partial tear strip T4 in the second side wall panel 20 in a setup carton 90. In this way, the second partial tear strip T4 and first partial tear strip T1 are contiguously arranged and coupled to each other by a severable portion of the securing panel 12 so that the first and second partial tear strips together provide a second full tear strip T1/T4.

[0072]The top panel 14 comprises a tear initiation device I; the initiation device I comprises a flap 62 formed from the top panel 14 (or struck from the first portion T2 of the full tear strip) and hingedly connected to the first portion T2 of the full tear strip by a hinged connection in the form of a fold line 63. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinged connection takes the form of a pair of parallel, spaced apart fold lines 63. The flap 62 is defined, at least in part, by a tear line 65 by which the tear initiation flap 62 is detachably connected to the first partial tear strip T1. Stated differently, the first partial tear strip T1 is detachably connected to the first portion T2 of the full tear strip via the tear initiation device “I”. The tear line 65 is readily broken by a user to create an opening in the top panel 14. The user may employ the opening to engage one or more of his/her finger with the first partial tear strip T1 and/or the first portion T2 of the full tear strip T2/T3 to grasp the same and sever the or each full tear strip T1/T4, T2/T3 from the carton, as shown in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the flap 62 remains hingedly attached to the first portion T2 of the full tear strip T2/T3. In some embodiments, the tear initiation device I may comprise a pair of flaps 62 wherein the flaps 62 are hingedly connected to the first partial tear strip T1 and the first portion T2 of the full tear strip, respectively.

[0073]Referring to FIG. 1, the flap 62 may comprise a pair of fold lines extending from the hinged connection 63 to the distal end edge defined by the tear line 65. The pair of fold lines of the flap 62 may be divergently arranged with respect to each other. The pair of fold lines may divergently extend from the tear line 65 towards the hinged connection 63.

[0074]The first partial tear strip T1 is defined by a pair of first and second tear lines (or frangible line) 70, 72. The first tear line 70 extends from one end of the flap 62 to the hinged connection (fold line 13) between the top panel 14 and the securing panel 12. The first tear line 70, in the illustrated embodiment, is provided by a partial cut line in an outer surface of the substrate forming the blank 10 and by series of perforations (or V-shaped cuts) 71 disposed along the partial cut line. The partial cut line may extend through up to 50% of the of the thickness of the substrate. Each perforation or cut 71 may be non-linear in shape if not generally “V” shaped. When V-shaped, each cut t may comprise a pair of linear segments arranged continuously and divergently with respect to each other.

[0075]The second tear line 72 of the first partial tear strip T1 extends from a second, opposing, end of the flap 62 to the hinged connection 13 between the top panel 14 and the securing panel 12. The second tear line 72 may be provided by a combination of a partial cut line and a series of cuts or perforations 73. In other words, the line components of the second tear line 72, or how the second tear line 72 is provided on the paperboard substrate, may be the same as, or different from, those of the first tear line 70 or how the first tear line 70 is provided on the substrate. The line components of each of the other tear lines which are described in the present disclosure may be the same as, or different from, those of the first tear line 70 or how the first tear line 70 is provided on the substrate.

[0076]The first portion T2 of the full tear strip T2/T3 is defined by a pair of third and fourth tear lines 80, 82. The third tear line 80 extends from one end of the flap 62 to the hinged connection 15 between the top panel 14 and the first side wall panel 16. The third tear line 80, in the illustrated embodiment, may be provided by a combination of a partial cut line and a series of cuts or perforations 81.

[0077]The third tear line 80 may or may not be continuous or contiguous with the first tear line 70.

[0078]The fourth tear line 82 of the first portion T2 of the full tear strip extends from a second, opposing, end of the flap 62 to the hinged connection 15 between the top panel 14 and the first side wall panel 16. The fourth tear line 82 may be provided by a partial cut line and by a series of cuts or perforations 83.

[0079]The fourth tear line 82 may or may not be continuous or contiguous with the second tear line 72.

[0081]The fifth tear line 84 may or may not be continuous or contiguous with the third tear line 80.

[0082]The sixth tear line 86 of the second portion T3 of the full tear strip T2/T3 extends from the hinged connection 15 between the top panel 14 and the first side wall panel 16 towards a second corner (or its proximity) of the base panel 18 adjacent the first side panel 16. The sixth tear line, in the illustrated embodiment, may be provided by a partial cut line and a series of perforations or cuts 87.

[0083]The sixth tear line may or may not be continuous or contiguous with the fourth tear line 82.

[0084]The second partial tear strip T4 is defined by a pair of seventh and eighth tear lines 74, 76. The seventh tear line 74 extends from the free end edge of the second side wall 20 toward a third corner (or its proximity) of the base panel 18 adjacent the second side panel 20. The seventh tear line 74, in the illustrated embodiment, may be provided by a partial cut line and a series of perforations or cuts 75..

[0085]The eighth tear line 76 of the second partial tear strip T4 extends from the free end edge of the second side panel 20 toward a fourth corner (or its proximity) of the base panel 18 adjacent the second side panel 20. The eighth tear line 76, in the illustrated embodiment, may be provided by a partial cut line and a series of perforations or cuts 77.

[0086]In other embodiments, the tear lines may take different forms or configurations, and may comprise a different arrangement of perforations; for example, in one embodiment the partial depth cuts may be omitted. In another embodiment, the plurality of spaced cuts may comprise a plurality of linear cuts or other weakening of the substrate.

[0087]The tear strips T1, T2/T3, T4 may be arranged to extend generally in a direction parallel to the grain direction or machine direction GD of the substrate material from which the blank 10 is formed. The blank 10 may be formed from a material having a grain or machine direction GD, the grain direction GD extends longitudinally of the blank 10, as indicated in FIG. 1. When the material is paper or paperboard, fibers (such as cellulose fibers) tend to be aligned during to the manufacturing process, this alignment defines the grain direction GD. The material is anisotropic, physical properties of the material are directionally dependent. For example, but not limited to, tear strength, fold endurance and stiffness are greater or higher across or transverse to the grain direction GD, tensile strength is greater along the grain or machine direction GD. In alternative implementations, the grain direction GD may extend in a direction substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the blank 10.

[0088]Referring to FIG. 2, the carton 90 can be formed by a series of sequential folding operations in a straight-line machine so that the carton 90 may not be required to be rotated or inverted to complete its construction. The folding process is not limited to that described below and may be altered according to particular manufacturing requirements. During loading and assembly of the carton 90, the carton 90 may be orientated such that the base panel 18 (i.e., the primary tube panel) forms a loading surface. The bottom or bottoms of one or more articles B may be in sliding contact with the loading surface when being inserted into the carton 90. The articles B each may be substantially cylindrical in shape and may have a cylindrical axis. The cylindrical axis is orientated perpendicularly to the base panel 18 and may also be orientated substantially vertically.

[0089]The tube panel 14 forms the top panel (top wall) 14 when the handle structure H is in use as a carrying handle by a user and this top panel 14 is optionally disposed adjacent to the tops of the articles.

[0090]The primary tube panel 18 forms the base panel 18 when the handle structure H is in use as a carrying handle by a user. The primary tube panel 18 may also form the base panel 18 when the articles are being removed from the carton 90 or when the carton 90 is at rest upon a surface such as a floor of the repackaging facility. As such, it will be understood that descriptive terms “top”, “base”, and “side” do not necessarily limit the carton 90 to adopting a particular orientation but serve to distinguish those panels from one another.

[0091]Turning to the construction of the carton 90 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the blank 10 is folded about the fold line 15 such that the top panel 14 is disposed in overlying relationship with the first side panel 16 and such that the securing panel 12 is disposed in face contacting relationship with the base panel 18.

[0092]Glue G or other adhesive treatment is applied to an outer surface of the securing panel 12. Alternatively, glue G or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding edge portion of an inner surface of the second side panel 20.

[0093]The blank 10 is folded about the fold line 19 such that the second side panel 20 is disposed in an overlying relationship with the securing panel 12 and the base panel 18. The second side panel 20 is brought into face-contacting relationship with the securing panel 12. The second side panel 20 is thereby secured to the securing panel 12.

[0094]The blank 10 is thus formed into a flat collapsed tubular structure which can be readily shipped or distributed to a converter plant, at which the flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected into an open-ended tubular structure and loaded with articles.

[0095]The flat collapsed tubular structure may be erected to form an open-ended tubular structure by unfolding the first side panel 16 with respect to the base panel 18 such that the first side panel 16 is disposed substantially perpendicularly with respect to the base panel 18.

[0096]The carton 90, in its open-ended tubular form, may be loaded with articles B through one or both open ends thereof. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments one of the open ends of the carton 90 may be closed before loading the interior with articles B through the remaining open end. In one embodiment, the carton 90 may be loaded with, for example, twenty articles B arranged in a 4×5 matrix or array, the articles B may, for example, be 355 ml bottles.

[0097]Once the carton 90 has been loaded with articles B, the open ends of the carton 90 are closed.

[0098]A first end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second end closure flap 24A about fold line 23A and by folding the fourth end closure flap 28A about fold line 27A.

[0099]Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the second end closure flap 24A. In alternative embodiments, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of third end closure flap 26A and/or first end closure flap 22A.

[0100]Glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to an outer surface of the fourth end closure flap 28A. In alternative embodiments, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a corresponding portion of an inner surface of third end closure flap 26A and/or first end closure flap 22A.

[0101]The third end closure flap 26A is then folded about the fold line 25A to be brought into contact with the second and fourth end closure flaps 24A, 28A. The third end closure flap 26A may be secured to each of the second and fourth end closure flaps 24A, 28A.

[0102]Glue or other adhesive treatment is applied to a portion of an outer surface of the third end closure flap 26A. In alternative embodiments, glue or other adhesive treatment may be applied to a portion of an inner surface of the first end closure flap 22A.

[0103]The first end closure flap 22A is then folded about the fold line 21A to be brought into contact with the third end closure flap 26A and optionally into contact with the second and fourth end closure flaps 24A, 28A.

[0104]The first end closure flap 22A is secured to the third end closure flap 26A. The sixth end closure flap 22A may be secured to the second and fourth end closure flaps 24A, 28A, for example by glue or other adhesive treatment.

[0105]In alternative embodiments, the third end closure flap 26A may be folded about fold line 25A after folding the first end closure flap 22A about fold line 21A. It will be appreciated that in such embodiments the third end closure flap 26A is disposed outermost.

[0106]In other embodiments alternative securing means may be employed to secure the end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A for example, but not limited to, mechanical locking devices such as staples or punch locks integrally formed within the end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A.

[0107]A second end of the tubular structure is closed by folding the second end closure structure in a manner similar to that described in the foregoing paragraphs in relation to the first end closure structure.

[0108]The assembled carton 90 is shown in FIG. 2. The contents of the carton 90 could be accessed by opening the dispensing feature/access device. FIG. 3 shows a stage of opening the dispensing feature of the carton 90. The first portion T1 of the second full tear strip T1/T4 has been severed from the top panel 14, tearing along frangible lines 70, 72. The first portion T2 of the first full tear strip T2/T3 has been severed from the top panel 14, tearing along frangible lines 80, 82. The user initiates the tear by pressing the flap 62 inwardly of the interior of the carton 90. The tear line 65 having a lower tear resistance than the frangible lines 70, 72, 80, 82. The opening in the top panel 14 created by pressing the flap 62 inwardly enables the user to readily grasp the second full tear strip T1/T4 and the first full tear strip T2/T3.

[0109]At least some of the articles B in the carton 90 are accessible through the opening created by tearing one or both of first portions T1, T2 of the first and second full tear strips T2/T3, T1/T4.

[0110]The carton 90 is further opened by tearing the respective second portions T3, T4 of the first and second full tear strips out of the respective first and second side panels 16, 20.

[0111]The second full tear strip T2/T3 is hingedly connected to the base panel 18 by the fold line 17. The second full tear strip T1/T4 is hingedly connected to the base panel 18 by the fold line 19.

[0112]The first full tear strip T2/T3 is folded into a flat, planar, condition with the base panel 18. The second full tear strip T1/T4 along with the first full tear strip T2/T3 is folded into a flat, planar, condition with the base panel 18, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0113]A first end wall formed from end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A are unfolded into a flat, planar, condition with the base panel 18. Respective portions of the first and second side panels 16, 20 and the top panel 14 form upstanding trough walls extending from the first end wall to create a first trough.

[0114]A second end wall formed from end closure flaps 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B can be unfolded into a flat, planar, condition with the base panel 18. Respective portions of the first and second side panels 16, 20 and the top panel 14 form upstanding trough walls extending from the second end wall to create a second trough. The second trough opposes the first trough.

[0115]The first and second troughs may stabilize the group of articles B, particularly the articles B disposed at the corners of the group, whilst the first and second full tear strips T2/T3, T1/T4 are severed from the side panels 16, 20 prior to being unfolded about fold lines 25A, 25B.

[0116]The present disclosure provides a carton for packaging one or more articles. The carton comprises a tubular structure and end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B closing the opposite ends of the tubular structure. The tubular structure comprises a plurality of tube walls 14, 16, 18, 20 including a primary tube wall 18 and the other tube walls 14, 16, 20. The carton comprises an access device for facilitating access to the carton contents such as bottles B. The access device comprises a plurality of frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 in the tubular structure. The frangible lines extending in the other tube walls 14, 16, 20 such that the carton 90 is splitable along the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 into at least three sections--- such as those four sections shown in FIG. 4 as being laid around the base panel (or primary tube wall) 18 on which the bottles B are placed - - - each section being hingedly connected to the primary tube wall 18. The at least three sections include at least one tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 and a pair of troughs TR1, TR2 (shown in FIG. 4). The at least one tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 is foldable into a planar condition with the primary tube wall 18. Each of the troughs TR1, TR2 includes a respective one of the end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B and is foldable to bring the respective end wall 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B into a planar condition with the primary tube wall 18.

[0117]The end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B may be hingedly connected to the primary tube wall 18 in opposition to each other.

[0118]The access device may comprise a tear initiation device “I” provided in one or more of the other tube walls 14, 16, 20.

[0119]The at least one tear strip may comprise two tear strips T2/T3, T1/T4 configured to be severed from the carton 90, and each tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 may be hingedly connected to the primary tube wall 18.

[0120]A first tear strip T2/T3 may be configured to be severed from the carton 90 in opposition to the other tear strip T1/T4.

[0121]The other tube walls 14, 16, 20 of the tubular structure may comprise a first tube wall 14, and the two tear strips T2/T3, T1/T4 each may be formed in part from the first tube wall 14.

[0122]The other tube walls 14, 16, 20 of the tubular structure may further comprise a pair of second and third opposed tube walls 16, 20 adjacent to the first tube wall 14. Each of the tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 may be formed at least in part from a respective one of the second and third tube walls 16, 20.

[0123]The primary tube wall 18 may oppose the first tube wall 14.

[0124]A first part T2 of one T2/T3 of the tear strips may be formed from the first tube wall 14 and may be hingedly connected to a second part T3 of the one tear strip T2/T3 that may be formed from the second tube wall 16. A first part T1 of the other tear strip T1/T4 may be formed from the first tube wall 14 and may be hingedly connected, and/or adhesively secured, to a second part T4 of the other tear strip T1/T4 that may be formed from the third tube wall 20.

[0125]Each of the troughs TR1, TR2 may further include at least two adjacently disposed trough walls 14, 16, 20 (FIG. 4) which are hingedly connected to a respective one of the end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B of the carton 90.

[0126]The at least two adjacently disposed trough walls 14, 16, 20 (FIG. 4) of each trough TR1, TR2 may be formed from respective portions of at least two of the other tube walls 14, 16, 20 of the tubular structure.

[0127]The present disclosure also provides a carton 90 which comprises a tubular structure including a top wall 14, a first side wall 16, a second side wall 20, and a base wall 18. The carton 90 further comprises a pair of deployment panels T2/T3, T1/T4 detachably connected to one another by a tear initiation device “I”. Each deployment panel T2/T3, T1/T4 is defined at least in part by at least two tear lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 each emanating from the tear initiation device “I” and extending toward a respective one of the corners of the base wall 18. The tear initiation device “I” is formed in at least one of the first side wall 16, the top wall 14, and the second side wall 20.

[0128]The tear initiation device “I” may comprise at least one tear initiation tab 62.

[0129]The at least one tear initiation tab 62 may comprise first and second tear initiation tabs detachably connected to one another.

[0130]The present disclosure also provides a blank 10 for forming a carton 90. The blank comprises a plurality of tube panels 14, 16, 18, 20 for forming a tubular structure. The plurality of tube panels include a primary tube panel 18 and the other tube panels 14, 16, 20. The blank further comprises at least two deployment panels T2/T3, T1/T4 detachably connected to one another by a tear initiation device “I”. Each of the at least two deployment panels T2/T3, T1/T4 is defined at least in part by at least two tear lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 each emanating from the tear initiation device “I” and extending toward a respective one of the corners of the primary tube panel 18. The tear initiation device “I” is formed in at least one of the other tube panels 14, 16, 20.

[0131]The present disclosure further provides a blank 10 for forming a carton 90. The blank 10 comprises a plurality of tube panels 14, 16, 18, 20 for forming a tubular structure and a plurality of end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B each hingedly connected to a respective one of the tube panels 14, 16, 18, 20. The plurality of tube panels includes a primary tube panel 14 and the other tube panels 14, 16, 20. The plurality of end closure flaps 22A, 24A, 26A, 28A, 22B, 24B, 26B, 28B include a pair of primary end closure flaps 26A, 26B and the other end closure flaps 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B, the primary end closure flaps 26A, 26B being hingedly connected to the primary tube panel 18. The blank 10 further comprises a plurality of tear lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 each extending in the other tube panels 14, 16, 20 such that when the tear lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 are torn, the other end closure flaps 22A, 22B, 24A, 24B, 28A, 28B are separable from the blank 10.

[0132]The present disclosure further provides a carton 90 which comprises a tubular structure and end closure walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B closing opposed ends of the tubular structure. The tubular structure comprises a plurality of tube walls which include a primary tube wall 18 and the other tube walls 14, 16, 20. The end closure walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B are hingedly connected to the primary tube wall 18 of the tubular structure. The carton 90 comprises an access device for facilitating access to the carton contents. The access device comprises a plurality of frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 in the other tube walls 14, 16, 20 defining at least one tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 formed from part of the other tube walls 14, 16, 20. The at least one tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 is configured to be severed partially from the tubular structure along the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 and is hingedly connected to the primary tube wall 18 such that the at least one tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 is foldable into a planar condition with the primary tube wall 18. Each of the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 extends from a proximity of a respective one of the corners of the primary tube wall 18 such that when the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 are torn, the end closure walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B are foldable into a planar condition with the primary tube wall 18.

[0133]The present disclosure further provides a carton 90 comprising a plurality of carton walls 14, 16, 18, 20, 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B including a pair of top and base opposed walls 14, 18, a pair of opposed side walls 16, 20 and a pair of opposed end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B. The carton further comprises an access device for splitting the carton 90 into a plurality of sections which include a pair of troughs TR1, TR2. Each of the troughs TR1, TR2 comprises a respective one of the end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B and at least two trough walls 14, 16, 20 hingedly connected to one another and to the respective end wall 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B. Each of the end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B is hingedly connected to the base wall 18 by a trough fold line 25A, 25B. The access device comprises a plurality of frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 extending in at least three 14, 16, 20 of the plurality of carton walls such that when the carton is torn along the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76, each of the troughs TR1, TR2 becomes foldable about a respective one of the trough fold lines 25A, 25B.

[0134]The trough fold lines 25A, 25B may be disposed in a plane of the base wall 18. The troughs TR1, TR2 may be foldable respectively about the trough fold lines 25A, 25B to bring the respective end walls 22A/24A/26A/28A, 22B/24B/26B/28B into a planar condition with the base wall 18 when the carton 90 is torn along the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76.

[0135]The at least two trough walls of each of the troughs may be formed from respective portions of at least two of the top wall 14 and the side walls 16, 20.

[0136]The plurality of sections may further include at least one tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 hingedly connected to the base wall 18 by at least one strip fold line 17, 19, wherein the at least one tear strip T2/T3, T1/T4 may be detachably connected to the toughs TR1, TR2 by the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76 such that when the carton is torn along the frangible lines 80/84, 82/86; 70/74, 72/76, the at least one tear strip T 2/T3, T 1/T4 becomes foldable about the at least one strip fold line 17, 19 into a planar condition with the base wall 18.

[0137]It can be appreciated that various changes may be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, the size and shape of the panels and apertures may be adjusted to accommodate articles of differing size or shape.

[0138]Whilst the foregoing embodiments have been described with reference to a fully enclosed carton it is envisaged that the dispenser may be employed in cartons of alternative design such as, but not limited to, wraparound style cartons, basket carries and top gripping clips.

[0139]It will be recognized that as used herein, directional references such as “top”, “bottom”, “base, “front”, “back”, “end”, “side”, “inner”, “outer”, “upper” and “lower” do not necessarily limit the respective panels to such orientation, but may merely serve to distinguish these panels from one another.

[0140]As used herein, the terms “hinged connection” and “fold line” refer to all manner of lines that define hinge features of the blank, facilitate folding portions of the blank with respect to one another, or otherwise indicate optimal panel folding locations for the blank. Any reference to “hinged connection” should not be construed as necessarily referring to a single fold line only; indeed, a hinged connection can be formed from two or more fold lines wherein each of the two or more fold lines may be either straight/linear or curved/curvilinear in shape. When linear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may be disposed parallel with each other or be slightly angled with respect to each other. When curvilinear fold lines form a hinged connection, they may intersect each other to define a shaped panel within the area surrounded by the curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a pair of arched or arcuate fold lines intersecting at two points such that they define an elliptical panel therebetween. A hinged connection may be formed from one or more linear fold lines and one or more curvilinear fold lines. A typical example of such a hinged connection may comprise a combination of a linear fold line and an arched or arcuate fold line which intersect at two points such that they define a half-moon shaped panel therebetween.

[0141]As used herein, the term “cutaway” may refer to one of the following: a recess, a notch, a slot, an opening, a cutline, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cut line, aligned slits, a line of short scores and any combination of the aforesaid options, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0142]As used herein, the terms “severance line”, “tear line”, “frangible line” may refer to all manner of lines formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material that facilitate separating portions of the blank or substrate of sheet material from one another, or otherwise that indicate optimal separation locations on the blank or substrate. As used herein, the terms “severance line”, “tear line”, “frangible line” may refer to one of the following: a single cut line, a single partial-depth cut line (e.g., a single half-cut line), an interrupted cut line, a score line, an interrupted score line, a line of perforations, a line of short cuts, a line of short slits, a line of short partial-depth cuts (e.g., a line of short half cuts), and any combination of the aforementioned options.

[0143]It should be understood that hinged connections, fold lines and severance lines (tear lines or frangible lines) can each include elements that are formed in the blank or substrate of sheet material, including perforations, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, a cut line, an interrupted cut line, slits, scores, any combination thereof, and the like. The elements can be dimensioned and arranged to provide the desired functionality. For example, a line of perforations can be dimensioned or designed with degrees of weakness to define a fold line and/or a severance line. The line of perforations can be designed to facilitate folding and resist breaking to provide a fold line, to facilitate folding and facilitate breaking with more effort to provide a frangible fold line, or to facilitate breaking with little effort to provide a severance line.

[0144]As used herein, the term “fold line” may refer to one of the following: a scored line, an embossed line, a debossed line, a line of perforations, a line of short slits, a line of half-cuts, a single half-cut, an interrupted cutline, a line of aligned slits, a line of scores and any combination of the aforementioned options.

[0145]The phrase “in registry with” as used herein refers to the alignment of two or more elements in an erected carton, such as an aperture formed in a first of two overlapping panels and a second aperture formed in a second of two overlapping panels. Those elements in registry with each other may be aligned with each other in the direction of the thickness of the overlapping panels. For example, when an aperture in a first panel is “in registry with” a second aperture in a second panel that is placed in an overlapping arrangement with the first panel, an edge of the aperture may extend along at least a portion of an edge of the second aperture and may be aligned, in the direction of the thickness of the first and second panels, with the second aperture.